Title:
APPARATUS AND METHOD FOR FORMATION OF SEALED PACKAGES
Document Type and Number:
WIPO Patent Application WO1998012110
Kind Code:
A8
Abstract:
An apparatus and method are disclosed for evacuating and sealing a bag (133) made of a sealable material and containing a charge (134) of a comminuted or other flowable product, such as roasted and ground coffee. The bag (133) is positioned with its open upper end around a sleeve (12) through which a hollow probe (14) can be extended. A pair of upper jaw members (UJ) close to form an outer temporary seal about an upper region of the bag above an intermediate region of the bag which is also above the level of the surface of the charge (134) in the bag (133) where a permanet seal is to be formed. A pair of lower jaw members (LJ) close to form an inner temporary seal about a lower region of the bag below the upper and intermediate regions and above the surface of the charge (134) in the bag (133). With the probe (14) extended through the sleeve (12) into the bag (133), the bag (133) is evacuated through the probe (14). After evacuation is completed and after withdrawal of the hollow probe (14), a pair of sealing members (HJ) close against the intermediate region of the bag (133) in order to form a permanent seal for the bag (133). Provision may be made for bleed back into the bag (133), after evacuation thereof, of a small amount of a desirable material such as an aroma fraction or an inert gas such as CO2 or N2. In a variation of the method of the invention, full bleed back to atmospheric pressure, or to near atmospheric pressure, with air or an inert gas, such as CO2 or N2, is practised, after evacuation, in order to yield a soft gas-flushed package. The bag (133) can be lifted, prior to forming the permanent seal, in order to press the charge (134) and bag material against the underside of the lower jaw members (LJ) to form a neatly squared off top to the package.
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Inventors:
SEAWARD DAVID ROBERT (GB)
CAHILL MICHAEL JOHN (GB)
HINKLEY ADRIAN MARK (GB)
MITCHELL RODERICK LESLIE (GB)
CAHILL MICHAEL JOHN (GB)
HINKLEY ADRIAN MARK (GB)
MITCHELL RODERICK LESLIE (GB)
Application Number:
PCT/GB1997/002397
Publication Date:
May 14, 1999
Filing Date:
September 05, 1997
Export Citation:
Assignee:
KRAFT FOODS INC (US)
MOLINS PLC (GB)
SEAWARD DAVID ROBERT (GB)
CAHILL MICHAEL JOHN (GB)
HINKLEY ADRIAN MARK (GB)
MITCHELL RODERICK LESLIE (GB)
MOLINS PLC (GB)
SEAWARD DAVID ROBERT (GB)
CAHILL MICHAEL JOHN (GB)
HINKLEY ADRIAN MARK (GB)
MITCHELL RODERICK LESLIE (GB)
International Classes:
B65B31/06; H04M1/725; (IPC1-7): B65B31/06
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