초록 ▼

A method and apparatus for excluding a noncondensible gas from voids in a particulate product and thereafter filling the degassed product into a container. If the product includes only entrapped voids, a liquid is directed upwardly through the product in a degassing chamber to purge noncondensible g

A method and apparatus for excluding a noncondensible gas from voids in a particulate product and thereafter filling the degassed product into a container. If the product includes only entrapped voids, a liquid is directed upwardly through the product in a degassing chamber to purge noncondensible gases from the voids. The upper end of the chamber is then closed at a point below the liquid level and the lower end of the chamber is opened to discharge the degassed product and liquid into a separating mechanism which causes the product to gravitate into the container and the liquid to be collected in a sump for recirculation. If the product is a low free liquid porous food product that includes both entrapped and occluded voids, the degassing chamber is first closed and vacuumized. The liquid is then directed upwardly through the product in the degassing chamber while vacuumization continues. The degassing chamber subsequently returns to atmospheric pressure at which time liquid enters the occluded voids and substantially all noncondensible gas is withdrawn from the degassing chamber. The lower end of the chamber is then opened to discharge the degassed product and liquid as above described. The resulting filled and sealed container comprises an article of manufacture in the nature of a sealed container with the noncondensible gas removed from the occluded voids being replaced by a liquid.

대표청구항 ▼

A method of displacing a noncondensible gas from a particulate product in a degassing chamber and thereafter packaging the product comprising the steps of: moving a liquid through the product and through at least a portion of the degassing chamber to displace a noncondensible gas from the voids betw

A method of displacing a noncondensible gas from a particulate product in a degassing chamber and thereafter packaging the product comprising the steps of: moving a liquid through the product and through at least a portion of the degassing chamber to displace a noncondensible gas from the voids between particles of the product, precluding the reentry of noncondensible gases into said voids, draining the liquid from the product, and loading the product into a substantially air-free container.