초록 ▼

A technique is described by which a predetermined amount by weight of ground coffee can be packaged into a container while the coffee density may vary within a range. The amount of ground coffee is supplied into a container along a feed path to fill the container and form a column that extends above

A technique is described by which a predetermined amount by weight of ground coffee can be packaged into a container while the coffee density may vary within a range. The amount of ground coffee is supplied into a container along a feed path to fill the container and form a column that extends above the upper rim of the container. The ground coffee is compressed to a predetermined head level by compressing a region around the feed path while leaving a small column of uncompressed coffee. In another embodiment, the volume of the container is expanded during compression by outwardly deforming a container end. This enables the stiffening of the ground coffee to support a smooth unbeaded outer wall after vacuum packing without paneling effects.

대표청구항 ▼

A method for placing a predetermined amount by weight of ground coffee into an open-ended container that is sized to hold such amount for subsequent vacuum packing, comprising the steps of: supplying prior to said vacuum packing, along a feed path, the open end of the container with said predetermin

A method for placing a predetermined amount by weight of ground coffee into an open-ended container that is sized to hold such amount for subsequent vacuum packing, comprising the steps of: supplying prior to said vacuum packing, along a feed path, the open end of the container with said predetermined amount by weight of ground coffee whose density may be at any value within a predetermined density range and storing part of said predetermined amount of ground coffee outside the container in a column that rests upon the ground coffee inside the container; compressing the ground coffee that is in the column to a predetermined head level in the container; and during this compressing step, expanding the volume of the container to accommodate a wide range of different ground coffee densities.