Abstract: Affords a compound semiconductor substrate packaging method for preventing oxidation of the surface of compound semiconductor substrates.

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.

Abstract: A transfer valve assembly (10) for use as a feed valve or a discharge valve includes a series of open-faced pockets (46) biased by leaf springs (48) off of a central hub (44) and an arcuate saddle piece (22) mounted at an opening (14) of a sterilizer vessel (12) for transferring containers from an infeed conveyor (34) onto an interior reel (18). The engagement of open-faced pockets (46) with saddle (22) creates a seal to prevent the escape of steam, but gaps are provided between pockets (46) which allow for a controlled escape of steam in a manner that allows the pressure within the sterilizer vessel to be maintained at a slightly elevated level.

Abstract: An apparatus for providing a container with a controlled environment utilizes a first flow system for applying a first source of environment to the interior of the container, a second flow system for applying a second source of environment to the interior of the container, and means for controlling application of the individual sources of environment such that the first and second sources of environment are applied simultaneously for at least some period of time. The apparatus is useful, for example, in food packaging applications whereby oxygen is removed from the food containers and replaced with a substantially inert environment prior to sealing the containers. In a preferred embodiment, a rotary drum-type apparatus is employed for exposing containers in a continuous sequence to the individual sources of controlled environment.

Abstract: A high speed evacuation chamber packaging machine (10) and method is provided. The machine (10) includes a frame (12) which carries a plurality of stations (18). Each station (18) includes a platen (32) which faces upwardly and carries the bagged product during the evacuation operations. A hood (34) is associated with each platen and is selectively operable between an open position for loading and unloading the bag product and a closed position which defines an evacuation chamber (34) with the platen. Means are provided for selectively evacuating and reducing the vacuum level within the chamber (36) containing the bagged product and for selectively evacuating the bag itself to a preselected level which has a lower pressure than the pressure within the chamber. A device (84) for sealing and trimming the bag subsequent to the evacuation is also provided and carried along a path of travel similar to the travel of the bag position on a station platen.