Within Enclosure Patents (Class 53/86)
  • Publication number: 20150135640
    Abstract: The utility model discloses a cavity-type vacuum sealing machine, comprising a machine body and a cover which covers the machine body. The machine body is internally provided with a tray; an airtight cavity for holding packaging bags is formed between the tray and the cover; the cavity is internally provided with a hot-pressing bar and a heating and sealing component for sealing the packaging bags; the machine body is internally provided with a vacuum pump set for vacuumization; and the suction ports of the vacuum pump set communicate with the airtight cavity for holding the packaging bags via tubes. The cavity-type vacuum machine disclosed by the utility model has the advantages of smaller volume and small occupied space.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 19, 2014
    Publication date: May 21, 2015
    Inventors: Zhihe HU, Xinzhai ZHENG
  • Publication number: 20150135641
    Abstract: The utility model discloses a cavity-type vacuum sealing machine, comprising a machine body and a cover which covers the machine body. The machine body is internally provided with a tray; an airtight cavity for holding packaging bags is formed between the tray and the cover; the cavity is internally provided with a hot-pressing bar and a heating and sealing component for sealing the packaging bags; the machine body is internally provided with a vacuum pump set for vacuumization; and the suction ports of the vacuum pump set communicate with the airtight cavity for holding the packaging bags via tubes. The cavity-type vacuum machine disclosed by the utility model has the advantages of smaller volume and small occupied space.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 19, 2014
    Publication date: May 21, 2015
    Inventors: Zhihe HU, Xinzhai ZHENG
  • Publication number: 20150052850
    Abstract: A combination chamber and external suction vacuum packaging machine is operable to evacuate a vacuum bag and seal closed an open margin of the bag. The vacuum packaging machine includes a base and a lid that define a vacuum chamber operable for use in a chamber packaging operation, where the bag is entirely received within the vacuum chamber, and an external packaging operation, where only part of the bag is received within the vacuum chamber.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 26, 2014
    Publication date: February 26, 2015
    Applicant: HANTOVER, INC.
    Inventors: David A. Rausch, Bernard G. Huff
  • Publication number: 20150040517
    Abstract: The invention provides a vacuum packaging method and a vacuum packaging apparatus that can sufficiently degasify the inside of a packaging bag without any trouble and in which bubbles are less likely to remain inside the packaging bag after vacuum packaging, even if a liquid is included in a packaged object.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 21, 2013
    Publication date: February 12, 2015
    Applicant: TOSEI CORPORATION
    Inventors: Yoshiaki Furuse, Tatsuya Asari, Toshitaka Fukase
  • Patent number: 8915049
    Abstract: A packaging machine and a method for packaging of products in bags, respectively, comprises a lid (5) forming a chamber (4) together with a chamber bottom (6). The object of the invention is to provide an improved device and method for evacuating the chamber (4) of a packaging machine. For this purpose a suction device (100) is provided in the chamber bottom (6), the suction device being designed such that gas can be sucked and the chamber (4) can be closed gas tight, wherein at least a closing element (8, 8?) is provided which can be moved from a first raised position into a second lowered position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 8, 2009
    Date of Patent: December 23, 2014
    Assignee: Multivac Sepp Haggenmueller GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventor: Rainer Haering
  • Publication number: 20140202115
    Abstract: A sealing module of a vacuum packing machine includes a base, a sealing bar, an air bag, and two guide posts. The sealing bar is mounted on the guide posts which are secured on the base. The sealing bar has a bottom provided with a substantially inverted T-shaped mounting groove. The air bag is mounted in the mounting groove. The mounting groove has two opposite sides each provided with an arcuate positioning recess. Thus, the sealing bar is located between the guide posts by the mounting groove and the arcuate positioning recess, so that the sealing bar is locked onto and detached from the base easily and quickly. In addition, the sealing bar can be detached from the guide posts easily and quickly, so that the sealing module is disassembled quickly and can be cleaned easily.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 22, 2013
    Publication date: July 24, 2014
    Inventor: Sheng-Nan Kuo
  • Publication number: 20140123599
    Abstract: A packaging apparatus (1) comprises: a housing (11); an actuator (12) configured to move the housing between a first position, in which a package (22) is unconstrained by the housing, and a second position, in which the housing houses the package (22); and a gas blower (13) configured to introduce a flow of gas into the housing via a gas inlet (15), wherein the gas blower comprises a fan.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 12, 2012
    Publication date: May 8, 2014
    Inventors: Thomas Gustafsson, Petersen Jorgen, Jesper Rasmussen, Michelangelo Bulgarelli
  • Patent number: 8484933
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for packing a material in a packing container. The method includes the steps of providing a gaseous atmosphere with superheated steam in a housing; supplying a material to the gaseous atmosphere and delivering a packing container to the gaseous atmosphere. Thereafter, the material is filled into the packing container, the packing container is sealed inside the gaseous atmosphere, and filled packing container is moved out of the gaseous atmosphere.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 5, 2008
    Date of Patent: July 16, 2013
    Assignee: Mars, Inc.
    Inventors: Siegfried Schmidt, Johannes P. Schlebusch
  • Patent number: 8484932
    Abstract: A method for establishing a vacuum in a container includes the following steps. The container having an exhaust through hole defined therein is provided. A sealing cover including a connecting material located on the periphery of the sealing cover is provided. The sealing cover is spaced from the exhaust through hole for form at least gaps between the sealing cover and the exhaust through hole. A vacuum is established in the container. The connecting material is heated. The sealing cover covers the exhaust through hole and the connecting material is cooled. After that the container is packaged.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 7, 2009
    Date of Patent: July 16, 2013
    Assignees: Tsinghua University, Hon Hai Precision Industry Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Peng Liu, Pi-jin Chen, Cai-Lin Guo, Bing-chu Du, Liang Liu, Shou-Shan Fan
  • Patent number: 8397475
    Abstract: A packaging machine for producing closed packages includes a chamber that can be sealed in an airtight manner around one or a plurality of packages, a gas flushing unit for flushing with a gas the at least one package contained in the chamber, at least one gas line leading into the chamber or out of the chamber as well as a measuring device for determining a concentration of the gas. The measuring device comprises a measuring head for reading, through the use of electromagnetic radiation, an indicator for the concentration of the gas. The indicator is arranged in an interior of the chamber, in an interior of a package and/or in an interior the at least one gas line.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 25, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 19, 2013
    Assignee: Multivac Sepp Haggenmueller GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventors: Hans-Joachim Boekstegers, Tobias Richter
  • Patent number: 8381493
    Abstract: Affords a compound semiconductor substrate packaging method for preventing oxidation of the surface of compound semiconductor substrates.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 27, 2009
    Date of Patent: February 26, 2013
    Assignee: Sumitomo Electric Industries, Ltd.
    Inventors: Takayuki Nishiura, Yoshio Mezaki, Yoshiki Yabuhara
  • Patent number: 8327606
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for sterilization in which items to be sterilized are placed in an impervious sealable package and the sterilization process is carried out within the package. The apparatus (10) includes a cabinet (18) in which a package (P) preferably with a carrier (11) located within, can be positioned. A snorkel (17) is inserted into the package (P) and via connector (23) vacuum, pressure and sterilant can be applied to the interior of the package (P). A sealing arrangement (14b, 22b) can seal the package closed after the sterilization process has been completed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 20, 2006
    Date of Patent: December 11, 2012
    Assignee: Mercer Technologies Limited
    Inventors: Terry Dean Kemp, Christo Andre De Klerk
  • Patent number: 8281558
    Abstract: The invention relates to a method for producing an especially panel-shaped vacuum insulation element which is wrapped in a film and is filled with a powder. According to the method, the unmolded, loose powder is filled, particularly poured, into the opening of a bag which is formed from a high-barrier film and is open on one side. A filter material that is permeable to air and impermeable to powder dust is fixed to the internal face of the film bag in the area of the opening of the filled film bag such that the interior of the bag is closed in a dust-tight manner while air can still be discharged. The interior of the dust-tightly closed film bag is then evacuated and the evacuated film bag is air-tightly closed in a vacuum.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 22, 2006
    Date of Patent: October 9, 2012
    Assignee: VA-Q-TEC AG
    Inventors: Jochen Hiemeyer, Roland Caps
  • Patent number: 8176711
    Abstract: Machine for manufacturing flexible sheet material packagings, including an area for feeding a continuous web of flexible sheet material, a preforming area including an area for folding a bottom wall of the packaging, a welding area, an area for filling the packagings, an area for outputting the packagings, a first chemical decontamination treatment area using a gas, arranged between the preforming area and the filling area, and an outside chamber that surrounds the machine at least partially and is depressed atmospherically with respect to the first area. The outside chamber acts as an additional barrier between the first area and the outside.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 23, 2009
    Date of Patent: May 15, 2012
    Assignee: Proaseptic Technologies S.L.U.
    Inventor: Josep Fonte-Ruíz
  • Patent number: 8069637
    Abstract: A system for sealing thermoplastic film includes one or more bag sealing units, each comprising a lower vacuum platen and a vacuum chamber cover adapted for sealing engagement on the platen to form a vacuum chamber. A sealing bar assembly includes a sealing bar designed for constant heated operation and a pair of cooling plates which function as heat sinks. The sealing bar assembly is pneumatically reciprocated between a raised, disengaged position and a lowered position with the sealing bar engaging the neck of a bag for hermetically sealing same. The cooling plates clamp the bag neck against a sealing support assembly. A method of sealing a thermoplastic film bag includes the steps of placing a packaging object in a thermoplastic bag and placing the bag on a cradle with the bag neck extending over a bag support assembly. A. vacuum chamber cover is placed on the platen and evacuated to form a vacuum chamber. A sealing bar assembly melds the thermoplastic to form a sealed area across the bag neck.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 22, 2011
    Date of Patent: December 6, 2011
    Inventors: Mark W. Taylor, Sr., Mark W. Taylor, Jr.
  • Patent number: 8042319
    Abstract: A vacuum packaging system includes a vacuum room, a delivery apparatus, a discharge device, a second heating apparatus. The delivery apparatus transport the pre-packaged container into the vacuum room. The discharge device discharges a sealing material to seal an exhaust through hole of the pre-packaged container. The discharge device includes a vessel configured for containing sealing material, a transport pipeline, a first heating, and a controlling element. The first heating apparatus softens the sealing material into viscous liquid. The second heating apparatus is mounted on the inner wall of the vacuum room between the second hatch and the transport pipeline.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 21, 2009
    Date of Patent: October 25, 2011
    Assignees: Tsinghua University, Hon Hai Precision Industry Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Peng Liu, Pi-Jin Chen, Bing-Chu Du, Cai-Lin Guo, Liang Liu, Shou-Shan Fan
  • Publication number: 20110247299
    Abstract: The RE-VAC invention is a housing, open on one end with an embedded sealing ring, and a port on the other end. The port allows insertion of a nipple and tube that is attached to a vacuum device. Or a housing, open on both ends with sealing rings embedded on each, and flanged ported lid. When the sealing ring on the open end of the housing is placed on a clean, hard, smooth non-porous surface, and firm pressure applied to the ported end, a vacuum chamber is created upon activation of the vacuum device. Air will be evacuated from any container with a lid, that was placed inside the housing. Releasing the chamber vacuum will not release the container vacuum.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 9, 2010
    Publication date: October 13, 2011
    Inventor: Charles Scott
  • Patent number: 7966787
    Abstract: A method for packaging the vacuum device includes providing a pre-packaged container having an exhaust through hole defined therein and a sealing element placed into the exhaust through hole, pumping the pre-packaged container to create a vacuum, heating and softening the sealing element to seal the exhaust through hole, and cooling the melted low-melting glass to package the pre-packaged container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 8, 2009
    Date of Patent: June 28, 2011
    Assignees: Tsinghua University, Hon Hai Precision Industry Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Cai-Lin Guo, Peng Liu, Pi-Jin Chen, Bing-Chu Du, Liang Liu, Shou-Shan Fan
  • Publication number: 20110094190
    Abstract: The present invention features an apparatus for storing, preserving and dispensing perishable and degradable food and goods. A housing is provided, in which at least one modular unit is disposed. Physically removed from the modular unit is a vacuum pump for creating a partial vacuum therein. Optionally provided are a temperature control device to create and maintain a range of temperatures; a humidity control device to create and maintain a humidity range; and, a gas sourcing system to create and maintain various gas environments within the modular unit(s). The modular unit can be a slidable drawer. Moreover, more than one drawer can be provided, each drawer stacked above one another, with or without a housing, and all of the drawers being operatively connected to the vacuum pump, and optionally connected to the temperature control unit (only provided for the closed housing), the gas sourcing system and the humidity control device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 6, 2011
    Publication date: April 28, 2011
    Inventor: Edward P. Espinosa
  • Patent number: 7913475
    Abstract: According to one embodiment, an integrated multi-stage end-to-end cytotoxin handling system includes a first stage for receiving a cytotoxin drug and for preparation of a dose of the cytotoxin drug; a second stage in selective communication with the first stage for further processing the prepared dose; and a third stage in selective communication with the second stage for further processing of the prepared dose. The third stage includes an automated apparatus for sealing the prepared dose in an enclosure. During the entire time from reception into the first stage for drug preparation thereof and to produce a cytotoxin dose to being scaled in the enclosure, the cytotoxin drug remains in a controlled, sealed environment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 3, 2008
    Date of Patent: March 29, 2011
    Assignee: FHT, Inc.
    Inventors: Abdul Wahid Khan, Dennis Tribble, Dennis Schneider, Morris W. Wallace
  • Publication number: 20100293899
    Abstract: A packaging machine for producing closed packages (21) includes a chamber (17) that can be sealed in an airtight manner around one or a plurality of packages, a gas flushing unit (34) for flushing with a gas the at least one package (21) contained in the chamber (17), at least one gas line (32, 33) leading into the chamber (17) or out of the chamber (17) as well as a measuring device (35) for determining a concentration of the gas. The measuring device (35) comprises a measuring head (37) for reading, by means of electromagnetic radiation, an indicator (39) for the concentration of the gas. The indicator is arranged in an interior of the chamber (17), in an interior of a package (21) and/or in an interior the at least one gas line (32, 33).
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 25, 2010
    Publication date: November 25, 2010
    Applicant: MULTIVAC SEPP HAGGENMULLER GMBH & CO. KG
    Inventors: Hans-Joachim Boekstegers, Tobias Richter
  • Publication number: 20100218460
    Abstract: Process for the continuous vacuum prepacking of food products that can be pasteurized and/or sterilized in a container closed by a cover that has no hooking element and is equipped with an elastic seal maintained by a forced vacuum, and the cover is opened by a vacuum-breaking system. During the placing under vacuum, the cover is kept apart from the previously filled container, superheated vapor is injected at a temperature, a flow rate and/or a time that allow the sterilization of the cover and the head space of the container by expelling air and incondensable products, in particular oxygen; the container is then pressed against the cover or vice versa, and a jet of cold water is sent onto the cover, which causes rapid cooling of the cover, the immediate condensation of the vapor phase in the head space of the container that allows the placing under deep vacuum.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 11, 2010
    Publication date: September 2, 2010
    Applicant: SODETECH SARL
    Inventors: Suzanne LE GOFF-LARROCHE, Brigitte LARROCHE
  • Publication number: 20100212260
    Abstract: This invention relates to a method and to a capping or closing machine for the capping or closing of bottles or similar containers filled with an oxygen-sensitive product.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 8, 2007
    Publication date: August 26, 2010
    Inventor: Ludwig Clüsserath
  • Publication number: 20100132309
    Abstract: A valve (20) is provided for sealing an evacuation port (16) in a port area (18) of a wall structure (12) of a container. The valve (20) comprises a casing (22) having a shell portion (30) which is deformable from an open condition, whereat the shell portion (30) forms a chamber (32) over the port area (18), and a closed condition, whereat the shell portion (30) contacts the port area (18). When the shell portion (30) is in its open condition, gas exits from the chamber (32) through gas-releasing holes (24) in the casing (22). When the shell portion (30) is deformed to its closed condition, a port-sealing adhesive (26) adheres to the port area (18) to thereby seal the evacuation port (16).
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 10, 2010
    Publication date: June 3, 2010
    Applicant: AVERY DENNISON CORPORATION
    Inventors: Ronald NEWRONES, Richard L. SANDT, Ronald F. SIELOFF
  • Patent number: 7726104
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a vacuum packaging system having an automatic bag cutter. The vacuum packaging system includes a housing constructed to sealingly engage a platen. A vacuum system is constructed to remove the gas from a container, or bag, placed between the housing and the platen. A blade is operable to sever excess material of the bag whereupon the bag is evacuated by the vacuum system, and a seal bar seals the severed end area of the bag.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 21, 2007
    Date of Patent: June 1, 2010
    Assignee: CP Packaging, Inc.
    Inventors: Raymond G. Buchko, Dwayne C. Long
  • Publication number: 20090260325
    Abstract: A packaging machine and a method for packaging of products in bags, respectively, comprises a lid (5) forming a chamber (4) together with a chamber bottom (6). The object of the invention is to provide an improved device and method for evacuating the chamber (4) of a packaging machine. For this purpose a suction device (100) is provided in the chamber bottom (6), the suction device being designed such that gas can be sucked and the chamber (4) can be closed gas tight, wherein at least a closing element (8, 8?) is provided which can be moved from a first raised position into a second lowered position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 8, 2009
    Publication date: October 22, 2009
    Applicant: MULTIVAC Sepp Haggenmueller GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventor: Rainer Haering
  • Publication number: 20090260320
    Abstract: A workstation of a packaging machine comprises a lifting device (100) which is configured such that it is able to convert a rotary motion of a motor (8) into a translatory motion of the workstation by means of a lever device (6). It is the object of the present invention to provide in improved lifting device. The stroke of the lifting device (100) is performable for this purpose by a pivotable lever (61) and a roller (32) which cooperates with an upper roller limit (33).
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 6, 2009
    Publication date: October 22, 2009
    Applicant: MULTIVAC Sepp Haggenmueller GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventors: Dietmar Miller, Konrad Moessnang
  • Publication number: 20090229222
    Abstract: An appliance system including a module removably mounted to an appliance, one or more removable gas canisters operably connected to the module, and a food retaining enclosed space operably connected to the module. The one or more gas canisters supply a modified atmosphere in the food retaining enclosed space to produce a modified atmosphere that enhances preservation of the food contained in the food retaining enclosed space.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 24, 2008
    Publication date: September 17, 2009
    Applicant: Whirlpool corporation
    Inventors: CAROLINA BIOTTI, CLAUDIO CIVANELLI, ANDREA OLIVANI, ANDREW MICHAEL TENBARGE
  • Publication number: 20090217626
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for sterilization in which items to be sterilized are placed in an impervious sealable package and the sterilization process is carried out within the package. The apparatus (10) includes a cabinet (18) in which a package (P) preferably with a carrier (11) located within, can be positioned. A snorkel (17) is inserted into the package (P) and via connector (23) vacuum, pressure and sterilant can be applied to the interior of the package (P). A sealing arrangement (14b, 22b) can seal the package closed after the sterilization process has been completed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 20, 2006
    Publication date: September 3, 2009
    Inventors: Terry Dean Kemp, Christo Andre De Klerk
  • Patent number: 7568326
    Abstract: An apparatus and method for vacuum sealing a food item package. Compressed air forces air out of a food item package such that there is substantially no air within the package after it is sealed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 9, 2007
    Date of Patent: August 4, 2009
    Inventors: Emanuele Terminella, Frank Terminella, Joseph Terminella
  • Patent number: 7568324
    Abstract: The package is made of cardboard with one or more plastic envelopes laminated to at least the side walls of the package. The envelopes are inflated from without the carton via a hollow needle that passes through a side wall of the package and a glue spot adhering the envelope in place. Air, nitrogen, foamable material or polystyrene beads may pass through the hollow needle to inflate the envelope(s).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 24, 2004
    Date of Patent: August 4, 2009
    Inventors: Buddy Harry Bussey, III, Harry Bussey, Jr.
  • Patent number: 7516594
    Abstract: An apparatus and method for vacuum sealing a food item package. Compressed air forces air out of a food item package such that there is substantially no air within the package after it is sealed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 21, 2005
    Date of Patent: April 14, 2009
    Inventors: Emanuele Terminella, Frank Terminella, Joseph Terminella
  • Patent number: 7328556
    Abstract: A system for sealing thermoplastic film includes one or more bag sealing units, each comprising a lower vacuum platen and a vacuum chamber cover adapted for sealing engagement on the platen to form a vacuum chamber. A sealing bar assembly includes a sealing bar designed for constant heated operation and a pair of cooling plates which function as heat sinks. The sealing bar assembly is pneumatically reciprocated between a raised, disengaged position and a lowered position with the sealing bar engaging the neck of a bag for hermetically sealing same. The cooling plates clamp the bag neck against a sealing support assembly. A method of sealing a thermoplastic film bag includes the steps of placing a packaging object in a thermoplastic bag and placing the bag on a cradle with the bag neck extending over a bag support assembly. Avacuum chamber cover is placed on the platen and evacuated to form a vacuum chamber. A sealing bar assembly melds the thermoplastic to form a sealed area across the bag neck.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 7, 2005
    Date of Patent: February 12, 2008
    Inventor: Mark W. Taylor, Sr.
  • Patent number: 7200974
    Abstract: A lidless vacuum packaging appliance whereby the number of movable parts is reduced is disclosed. A lidless appliance effectively reduces wear and tear of the appliance. Further, the lidless design allows for convenient placement in the operational environment of the appliance.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 30, 2004
    Date of Patent: April 10, 2007
    Assignee: Sunbeam Products, Inc.
    Inventors: Landen Higer, Charles Wade Albritton
  • Patent number: 7162851
    Abstract: A stopper change device (10) includes an airtight chamber body (21) detachably mountable on a head of a bottle, a gas supply port (19) for supplying N gas to the chamber body, an air vent valve (57) for discharging air from the chamber body, a first supporting structure (28) movable upward and downward for supporting a corkscrew, and a second supporting structure (34) movable upward and downward for containing a substitute stopper. The first and second supporting structures are mutually position changeable, and one of them is selectively placed above an opening of the bottle. When the first supporting structure (28) is placed above the opening, a bottle stopper can be pulled in N gas atmosphere. On the other hand, when the second supporting structure (34) is placed above the opening, the substitute stopper is mountable on the head of the bottle in N gas atmosphere.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 10, 2005
    Date of Patent: January 16, 2007
    Assignee: Eiji Yoshida
    Inventors: Eiji Yoshida, Keiichi Yahagi, Hiroyuki Matsunaga, Satoshi Otake, Hiroki Matsumoto, Tatsuro Ishimatsu, Yusuke Yoshida, Kagenori Nagao, Satomi Kudo, Eri Kawaguchi, Ikuo Andreas Nakayama, Yuta Ogino, Syotaro Nakajima
  • Patent number: 7150138
    Abstract: Methods for filling and sealing containers having one or more flexible sides. Non-standard containers for holding fluid are releasably supported during the filling and sealing process. Both the interior and exterior of the filled container are subjected to an environment of reduced pressure to minimize the headspace and sealed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 22, 2006
    Date of Patent: December 19, 2006
    Assignee: Becton, Dickinson and Company
    Inventors: Kenneth G. Powell, Carl Sahi, Charles Shermer, John Polidoro, Chad C. Smutney
  • Patent number: 7032364
    Abstract: A stopper change device (10) includes an airtight chamber body (21) detachably mountable on a head of a bottle, a gas supply port (19) for supplying N gas to the chamber body, an air vent valve (57) for discharging air from the chamber body, a first supporting structure (28) movable upward and downward for supporting a corkscrew, and a second supporting structure (34) movable upward and downward for containing a substitute stopper. The first and second supporting structures are mutually position changeable, and one of them is selectively placed above an opening of the bottle. When the first supporting structure (28) is placed above the opening, a bottle stopper can be pulled in N gas atmosphere. On the other hand, when the second supporting structure (34) is placed above the opening, the substitute stopper is mountable on the head of the bottle in N gas atmosphere.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 23, 2003
    Date of Patent: April 25, 2006
    Inventors: Eiji Yoshida, Keiichi Yahagi, Hiroyuki Matsunaga, Satoshi Otake, Hiroki Matsumoto, Tatsuro Ishimatsu, Yusuke Yoshida, Kagenori Nagao, Satomi Kudo, Eri Kawaguchi, Ikuo Andreas Nakayama, Yuta Ogino, Syotaro Nakajima
  • Patent number: 7024836
    Abstract: Methods for filling and sealing containers having one or more flexible sides. Non-standard containers for holding fluid are releasably supported during the filling and sealing process. Both the interior and exterior of the filled container are subjected to an environment of reduced pressure to minimize the headspace and sealed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 7, 2003
    Date of Patent: April 11, 2006
    Assignee: Becton, Dickinson and Company
    Inventors: Kenneth G. Powell, Carl Sahi, Charles Shermer, John Polidoro, Chad C. Smutney
  • Patent number: 6862867
    Abstract: A system for sealing thermoplastic film includes one or more bag sealing units, each comprising a lower vacuum platen and a vacuum chamber cover adapted for sealing engagement on the platen to form a vacuum chamber. A sealing bar assembly includes a sealing bar designed for constant heated operation and a pair of cooling plates which function as heat sinks. The sealing bar assembly is pneumatically reciprocated between a raised, disengaged position and a lowered position with the sealing bar engaging the neck of a bag for hermetically sealing same. The cooling plates clamp the bag neck against a sealing support assembly. A method of sealing a thermoplastic film bag includes the steps of placing a packaging object in a thermoplastic bag and placing the bag on a cradle with the bag neck extending over a bag support assembly. A vacuum chamber cover is placed on the platen and evacuated to form a vacuum chamber. A sealing bar assembly melds the thermoplastic to form a sealed area across the bag neck.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 16, 2003
    Date of Patent: March 8, 2005
    Assignee: Pack-Tech, L.L.C.
    Inventors: Derril R. Cady, Mark W. Taylor, Sr., Theodore A. Balek
  • Patent number: 6742320
    Abstract: An automatic packing machine for conditioning bags under conditioned atmosphere, in which the sealing operation of the bags occurs inside a pneumatically insulated space that is composed by a conditioning chamber which contains the already conditioned bag, and by a sealing chamber which contains the sealing equipment, after that the chambers have been put in communication through the opening of the lid of the conditioning chamber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 19, 2002
    Date of Patent: June 1, 2004
    Inventor: Ulisse Rapparini
  • Patent number: 6012265
    Abstract: A portable vacuum apparatus comprises a vacuum chamber to be filled with lidded jars, bottles or other containers containing foodstuff or other products for the purpose of storing the contents under vacuum. The vacuum chamber is composed of a platform covered by a layer of a resilient material serving as a seal, and of a removable cover seated on the platform. The chamber is pipe-connected to an electrically operated vacuum pump and to an automatic valve connecting the chamber with the atmosphere in open state. To evacuate the chamber and the jars the valve is manually closed and the pump is started exhausting air from the chamber and the jars. The valve is adapted to open automatically as soon as the required vacuum has been reached and to interrupt the electric supply to the pump motor. The valve is designed to open a wide passageway to the chamber causing the air to rush in and to create a shock wave.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 8, 1998
    Date of Patent: January 11, 2000
    Inventor: Roni (Aharon) Ady
  • Patent number: 5885640
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a package which contains a food product and an aromatized headspace. The headspace includes an aromatised food-acceptable inert gas and food-acceptable protective gas. The invention also relates to a process and an apparatus for introducing an aroma into the headspace of a package containing a food product during the gas packing of the food product by introducing a modified atmosphere into the headspace, and introducing a food-acceptable aroma dissolved in or mixed with a gaseous food-acceptable inert gas into the headspace of the package.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 12, 1997
    Date of Patent: March 23, 1999
    Assignee: Nestec S.A.
    Inventor: Bo Andersson
  • Patent number: 5623975
    Abstract: A cylindrical plug made of elastomeric material is introduced into a cylindrical cartridge. The rim of the cartridge is swagged-in to reduce the diameter of its opening to one-third of the cartridge internal diameter and of the closely matching plug external diameter. The cartridge is held in a chamber. A tube slidingly passing through the wall of the chamber comes in contact with the plug, and holds it within the container while the chamber is filled with a highly pressurized fluid. As the cartridge is filled with the pressurized fluid the plug is tightly held against the internal end of the tube. The tube is partially withdrawn drawing the plug against the swagged opening of the cartridge. As the tube continues to be withdrawn its internal open end is separated from the plug, and pressurized fluid begins escaping through the tube indicating that the cartridge is filled. The pressurized fluid can now be evacuated from the chamber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 30, 1995
    Date of Patent: April 29, 1997
    Inventor: Anton K. Simson
  • Patent number: 5531055
    Abstract: An assembly for refilling a printer cartridge includes a base that receives the printer cartridge to be refilled. A lid is located on the base and includes separate stations that sequentially open a refill opening, provide a predetermined amount of air to an equalize opening of the cartridge, dispense ink through the refill opening into the cartridge, and seal the refill opening. In a preferred embodiment, the four stations are mounted on the lid that is rotatable about an axis. The lid forms a seal with the printer cartridge so that air flow to an internal chamber of the cartridge is controlled during the refill process. The base contains any spills, mess, or the like, overcoming the types of problems associated with other ink refill processes and provides an accurate, dependable refill of ink to the printer cartridge.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 1994
    Date of Patent: July 2, 1996
    Assignee: Nu-Kote International, Inc.
    Inventors: Ryan M. Sell, Christopher L. Allgeier, Sr., Martin A. Carpenter, Mordechai Lev, William T. Kearney, III, William G. Goff, III, Joseph E. Domhoff, Jonathan K. Voet
  • Patent number: 5347793
    Abstract: A vacuum filling machine and method are provided for use in filling a porous pouch with microporous powder. The machine has a housing sealable in an air tight manner. A pair of substantially parallel plates are positioned within said housing, one of the plates having a plurality of perforations therethrough extending from facing front sides of that plate to back side of that plate. The housing is openable to receive the porous pouch between the facing front sides of the plates. A nozzle provides a communication path between the pouch and a source of microporous powder. A vacuum source communicates with an interior of the housing and the back side of the plate with perforations through a vacuum shroud. Preferably, a heat sealing device is positioned within the housing for sealing an edge of the pouch after filling with microporous powder.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 23, 1993
    Date of Patent: September 20, 1994
    Assignee: Whirlpool Corporation
    Inventors: Nihat O. Cur, Richard W. Kruck, Martin P. Immoos, Mohamed E. Higazy
  • Patent number: 5224324
    Abstract: A flexible package (7) for rescue equipment and specially adapted to be mounted on the exterior of a craft of submarine type, the package being compressible round its contents so that it will take up a minimum volume. The method of compressing the package is performed in a pressure vessel (1) containing fluid (5) in which the package is immersed. The package has a connection with a nonreturn valve (9) which is connected to a tube (8) communicating with the surrounding atmosphere. Pressurizing of the package takes place through a three way valve (4), when the air contained in the package is pressed out through the conduit. On evacuation of the pressure vessel the nonreturn valve will close and the compressed volume of the package will remain.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 21, 1992
    Date of Patent: July 6, 1993
    Inventor: Claes Granfelt
  • Patent number: 5220768
    Abstract: The invention relates to a method for making a vacuum-package filled with granular material. In this method, the package filled with granular material and made from a thin-walled and flexible packaging foil is placed in a holder surrounding the bottom and sidewalls of the package and comprising flat, parallel walls, and a vacuum is applied to the contents of the package and the package is subsequently vacuum-sealed hermetically. According to the invention, the contents of the package, during at least a part of the evacuation step, are compressed by moving the flat and parallel walls of at least one pair of opposite sidewalls of the holder toward each other in mutually parallel manner against the package. The invention further relates to an apparatus for use in the invention.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 3, 1991
    Date of Patent: June 22, 1993
    Assignee: Sara Lee/DE N.V.
    Inventor: Mathias L. C. Aarts
  • Patent number: 5175014
    Abstract: Blocks of natural cheese (11) are packed in layers in an open-ended upright container (17), for maturing by depositing each layer of cheese blocks (11) on an elevator (18) within the container (17) and lowering the elevator (18) as successive layers of cheese blocks (11) are fed into the top of container (17). The cheese blocks (11) for each layer are assembled on a platform (52) which is moved into a position above the container (17) and the cheese blocks (11) slid off the platform (52) to drop into the container (17). The cheese blocks (11) are freshly made and at a temperature between 24.degree. 32.degree. C. so that the cheese blocks (11) fuse together in the container (17) to form a homogeneous mass of cheese in the container (17).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 5, 1990
    Date of Patent: December 29, 1992
    Assignee: Alfa-Laval Cheese Systems Limited
    Inventors: Ian P. Brockwell, Herbert W. Hancock, deceased
  • Patent number: 5155969
    Abstract: A food product packaging apparatus for a conveyor environment, and having a vacuum chamber operatively associated with the conveyor, which vacuum chamber is selectively moved into and out of a position in sealing engagement relative to the conveyor. A manifold, a vacuum source and conduit structure are included, the conduit structure connecting the manifold structure to the vacuum source and the vacuum chamber so that the vacuum source is selectively operable to draw a vacuum in the vacuum chamber through the manifold structure. A shuttle includes frame structure and drive structure for the frame structure so that the frame structure is movable in the direction of conveyor movement and, after a predetermined increment of movement, the frame structure shuttles opposite the direction of conveyor movement to a position to repeat movement in the direction of conveyor movement for a subsequent movement for the predetermined increment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 20, 1991
    Date of Patent: October 20, 1992
    Assignee: Oscar Mayer Foods Corporation
    Inventor: David F. Kuethe
  • Patent number: 5088267
    Abstract: An apparatus for use in placing an object inside an inflated balloon is disclosed as comprising a housing forming a first chamber and a second chamber. The housing has a lid with an orifice therein which communicates with the first chamber, and a flexible diaphragm having a hole therethrough is positioned in the orifice. At least three rams are positioned on the lid of the housing so as to substantially surround the diaphragm, and a substantially L-shaped finger is attached to the actuating rod of each ram, the fingers lying adjacent one another when the actuating rods of the rams are in an unretracted position with each finger extending through the hole through the diaphragm. After the neck of a balloon is placed around the fingers, the actuating rods of the rams may be retracted, thereby enlarging the neck of the balloon and forming a substantially air-tight seal between the neck of the balloon and the flexible diaphragm.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 25, 1989
    Date of Patent: February 18, 1992
    Inventor: Anthony L. Gee