GB1232485A - - Google Patents

Abstract

1,232,485. Packaging under an inert atmosphere. FR. HESSER MASCHINENFABRIK A.G. 23 Sept., 1968 [23 Sept., 1967], No. 45054/68. Heading B8C. A granular, lumpy or pulverulent commodity is packed so that there is a low oxygen content in the container by conducting the commodity through a flushing gas while it is being filled into the container and drawing part or substantially all of the gas in the container off before the container is sealed. Preferably the flushing gas flows in the opposite direction to the commodity. As shown, the flushing gas is fed from container 8 through tube 2 and emerges inside hollow mandrel 1 from bores 10. A hollow evacuating needle 3 passes concentrically inside tube 2, between clamping jaws 4 which have cooperating recesses to accommodate it, between clamping jaws 6 with resilient faces and into the container P. The container P comprises a tubular film S which passes over the mandrel 1, and is transversely sealed at its base Q. Pulverulent material is supplied down the mandrel to fill the container P and the air in the material is substantially removed by the upward flow of flushing gas from nozzles 10. When the container is full, the jaws 4 are closed and clamp the film, forming a seal around the needle 3. Jaws 6 are also clamped around the tube and needle. The mixture of air and flushing gas is exhausted from the container through hollow needle P, the jaws 4, 5 and 6 are moved downwards until the sealing jaws 5 are free from the end of needle 3 and the container P is then sealed and severed by knife 11. Before sealing, flushing gas may be fed momentarily into the container to remove wrinkles formed in the film by evacuation.