초록 ▼

An apparatus and method 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

An apparatus and method 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 permanent seal is to be formed. A pair of lower jaws 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.

대표청구항 ▼

1. A method of evacuating and sealing a bag containing a charge of flowable product and formed from a sealable material so as to form a sealed package, comprising the steps of:(i) positioning a bag containing a charge of said flowable product and formed from a sealable material with its open end aro

1. A method of evacuating and sealing a bag containing a charge of flowable product and formed from a sealable material so as to form a sealed package, comprising the steps of:(i) positioning a bag containing a charge of said flowable product and formed from a sealable material with its open end around a vacuum probe member and with said member extending into the bag to a first position; (ii) forming a temporary seal at the open end of the bag around the probe member; (iii) evacuating gas from the bag through the probe member so as to produce a first pressure in the bag; (iv) causing relative movement of the bag and said probe member so that said probe member is retracted relative to the bag and extends into the bag to a second position between said temporary seal and the charge; (v) maintaining a predetermined pressure which is higher than said first pressure in said probe member so that a predetermined small quantity of gas flows from said probe member into said bag, thereby to dislodge said flowable product from said probe member back into the bag and raise the pressure in the bag to a second reduced pressure; (vi) forming a permanent seal in the bag at the open end of the bag in a position between the charge and the probe member in said second position; and (vii) releasing the temporary seal to allow release of the bag following completion of the permanent seal.