US2432373A - System for filling containers - Google Patents

Description

Dec. 9, 1947. E. w. BLEAM ET Al. 2,432,373

SYSTEM FOR FILLING CONTAINERS 6 Smets-sneek 1 4Filed Aug. 8, 1945 voo, s w 1 j, Bm n W 8 TWA N N y R E ww o Q @Mmmm 7am o a @M/ Em j nO\0/. w w 2 O 0V 2l 0^ 6 6. 1 w fz 6 o w@ wg w 7U o I Q O .W M O 7 @o O lq Dec. 9, 1947. E. w.B| l-:AM Er AL 2,432,373l

SYSTEM FOR FILLING CONTAINERS i Filed Aug. 8, 1945 6 Sheets-Sheet 2 ATTORNEY Dec. 9, 1947. E. w. BLEAM ET Ax. v

SYSTEM FOR FILLING CONTAINERS Filed Aug. 8, 1945 6 sheets-sheet a' lllllllllllllll INVENTCRS` EDGAR WBLEAM JONATHAN YALBE'RTSON Dec. 9, 1947.

E. w. BLEAM Er A1. 2,432,373

- SYSTEM FOR FILLING CONTAINERS Fliledug. 8,' 1945 J 6 sheets-sheet 4f INVENTORS ATroRNEY Dec. 9, 1947. E. W. BLEAM ET'AL n y 2,432,373

SYSTEM FOR FILLING CONTAINERS Filed Aug. 8, 1945 sheets-sheet 5 lll" alg. je?.

rilill' INVENTORS EDGAR W BLE/4M JONATJJM YALBE'RTSQA- i ATTORNEY Dec. 9, 1947. E. w. BLEAM ET A4.

SYSTEM FOR FILLING CONTAINERS Filed Aug. 8, 1945 n@ OQO 1.8] r- Zazak gf INVENTORS ATTORNEY Patented Dec. 9, 1947 TD ST .ES-

SYSTEM .FR FILLING` .CONTAINERS Edgar W.Blean. Philadelphia; and-Jonathanl Y. Albertson, WillowV Grove, YPai;-A assignors to Stokes and Smith Company. llhilladelphia,` Pai.; a corporation of :Pennsylvania 'li Application August 8, 1945, SerialgNogOSZwly 33' Claims.

i i This invention relates to systems for making,` filling and sealing containers of sheetv material, particularly thermoplastic web material, andhas for an object the provision of methods and means for applying vacuumto the containers to assist yin the lling thereof.

Over a period of years, systems for making,`

tems of this type have proved highly satisfactory and are in wide use, they leave something to'- be desired where the container is to berfllled with.

a material which does not readily flow underthe influence of gravity. Even where an auger feed is utilized, powdered material suchv as cocoa, tal-y cum, ilour,A and powdered materials including milk, soap; and the like,"occupy farmore space Y inthe` container than is desired due to the air which is` occluded within'the material;

In accordance with-theinvention, and in order to insure compactnessand dense packing of suchpowdered materialn in 'the container, a vacuum is applied thereto .priorto discharge ofthe material into the container. In this manner, not only isV the filling of thefcontainer l facilitated, lout. theilling or charge-is dense and compact. Morei material may be introduced into a container vof given :size-'ora container, of lesssize. may beutiliZed-by filling under a partialvacuum than by filling without the vacuum. The resultant packages. orv containers, .compactly filled/over` a pe-4 riod 'of time maintain a better appearance and.;l never. have `a slack-filled.. appearance, which.

would otherwise result.`

Further inaccordance with .the ,.invention,. a,

substantial. saving results inthe. amountof ,thermoplastic web material,..requirednfor a; given number of Ibags `or .containers.. Moreover, the

bags or `containers are .filled 4at yhiglmratesof4 speed, with .the time requiredwfor ,producinga partial vvacuum minimized..

For; a .more complete ,understandingof the` in-l vention and for furtherobjects and advantages, 1

thereof, reference should be had tothe following j description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which:

Fig. 1 is a front elevational view,with parts fbroken away, of a machine for` making, fillingr under vacuum, and sealing containers;

Fig. 2 is -a side elevation, with parts broken away, ofthe machine of Fig. `1;`

Fig.- 3 is a fragmentary view, partly in section, showing `the gripping and suction-applying 'l mechanism in its uppermost position;

Fig. 4 is a fragmentary view-partly in section, showing the suction mechanisminan intermediate position;

Fig. 5 is a fragmentary view, `partly-insection, showing `the suction-and gripping mechanismgin its lowermost position;v

Fig. l6 is a fractional plan-view with certain,A

parts omitted, `to illustrate the operating mechanisrn4 forV the gripping .and suction-applying mechanism, `withthe parts in the,engagingposi-V ..y

tions;

,Fig-7 is a fractional plan view similarto Fig. 6 but with the parts inthe disengaged orretracted position;

Fig. 8 is a perspective View, partly in section,.of A oneelement of the `suctionand gripping mechanim:

Fig. 9 is a perspectiveview, palt1y`1I1SeCt10I1,

ofthe other element of the suction, and gripping" mechanism;vl

Fig.- lois a perspective view ofthe ,sealing element .partly shown in liig.V 9;V

Fig. ills a perspective view of the seahngele- `ment partly shown in Fig. 8;V i

Fig. ,12, is a front elevation, ,l View of a modified fo-rm, of,tl'1eL driving mechanism illustrated` 1n Figi withjcertain of the parts omitted;-

Fig. 13 is a side elevational view of the modiied mechanisnrpf Fig. A12;

Fig. ,14`is a sectional elevation of a modiiiedform of the gripping, sealing, `and suction-applying means;-

Fig. 15 is a fragmentary-view illustrating a seci *ond position of the mechanism of Fig. 14;

Y Fig. 16 is a fractional sectional elevation show-.l`

ing theparts of Fig. 14 in a third position;

Fig. 17 is a fractional plan view, partly in secV tion, .of themechanism of Fig. `16; and

Figl 1B"is an 'enlarged fractional sectional-views .tained during the filling of the bag.

.abovethe forming element I5.

3 of the lower end of the auger feed, shown in Fig. 4, and utilized in all illustrated forms of the invention.

Referring to Figs. 1-7 illustrative of the method of anda machine for making, filling and sealing containers in accordance with the invention, there is shown a machine generally of the type described in Sonneborn U'. S. Patent No. 2,200,- 971. Briefly, Fig. 2, web material Il] is fed from a roll II over idler rollers I2-I4 and is shaped into tubular form by a tube-forming element I5. As shown in Fig. 1, the machine is of the duplex type; i. e., two webs are simultaneously fed around tube-forming elements I5. Obviously, the machine may be constructed for use with a single web of material or any selected number of units may be assembled together in the manner illustrated by the duplex unit of Fig. 1. To simplify the presentation of the invention, the description will be largely in terms of one of the duplex assemblies. Since both function in identical manner, the same reference characters Will be iapplied to large degree to like parts of the two un s.

'I'he web I0 after passing around the forming element I5 is so shaped that it descends as a tube encircling a hollow tubular guide i6. The web overlaps slightly and is sealed longitudinally of the tube by a sealing device or roll Il' shown in Figs. 1 5. The webs I0 are formed into containers or packages filled with any desired material. 'The material itself may be stored in a hopper I8 provided with auger feeding devices, one of which, the auger I9, is shown in detail in Figs. 4 and 18. After a bag has been filled and sealed it is separated from the preceding bag by a suitable severing mechanism 29. The iilled bags or containers then drop onto chutes 2| for discharge from the machine.

Heretofore it has not been deemed possible to apply suction to produce a partial vacuum to assist in the filling of bags formed in the foregoing manner. However, it has been proposed to exhaust the air from the packages after they have been filled. This has been done by puncturing a wall, applying suction through the puncture, and thereafter sealing the puncture.

The difficulties in filling under a partial vacuum bags or' containers made from a Ycontinuous web of material are as follows: The application of vacuum or suction to the interior of the bag will tend to collapse it. In order for a suction means to be effective, an air-tight seal must be provided for the walls forming the upper end of the bag. The vacuum must be main- In accordance with the invention, the tubular guidel forms the inner element of a sealing means for each bag. Disposed within the guide I6 is the auger feed which comprises an auger, I9 and an enclosing tube I3a. The space between the tubular guide I6 and the inner tube I9a. forms a passage extending to a pipe 22 through which suction may be applied. The pipe 22 is located The upper end of the tubular guide I 6 is provided with a closure member 23, Fig. 4, which forms an air-tight connection with the tube i3d. v As best shown in Fig. 18, the lower end of the Aguide I5 carries a suction head comprising an annular opening in which there is disposed an annular' screen 2d. This screen or filter 24 is to prevent withdrawal of powdered material from the container during application of suction thereto. The Screen.

24 may be readily replaced by unscrewing an'. outer cap 25 and an inner cap 26, respectively.v

-provided with lips which engage sealing gaskets.`

Like gaskets are provided on the opposite side of' the screen to form air-tight seals against the: cooperating threaded sections.

It will be observed that the suction head includes a separate member 21 to provide a slight taper for the wall, which taper is continued byf the member 26 to the open end of the suction. head and around the lower end of the auger. Byv

gradually decreasing the cross-sectional area of' the opening at the exit end thereof, the material' fed by the auger is not only compacted to at greater degree than it otherwise would be but it is also better retained in -position during the timer the auger I9 is at standstill. By increasing the? compactness of the material around the lower' end of the auger there is in effect formed an air-- tight seal by the compacted material.

lter 24 is effective in producing a partial vacuum within each bag. The material so compacted will i and 32. One-half of one enclosure or suction box is illustrated in the perspective view of Fig. 8. It consists of a rear wall 33 formed by the web of channel member 32 and having an opening 34 connected by a pipe 35, Figs. 3 5, to suctionproducing apparatus, later to be described. The upper side wall, Fig. 8, has a semi-circular opening lined with a soft rubber gasket 36 which, it will be observed, extends along the inner edges of the side and bottom walls of one section of the enclosure or box 39. The semi-circular opening in the upper wall has the same radius as, or slightly less than that of, the tubular guide I6. The other half of the suction box, Fig. 9, is of like construction but without the exhaust opening, and is provided with a similar rubber gasket 37. One section of the box 30 carries a sealing element 38 mounted for slidable movement by ymeans of two guide rods 39 and dll, Fig. 11, which are slidably mounted in openings extending through the rear wall 33. It will be seen in Figs. 3-5, and 8, that the lower portion 33a of the wall 33 is of greater thickness to provide the requisite bearing surface for the rods 39 and di). In Fig. 3 the rod 39 has been shown while in Fig. 5 the rod 'i has been shown. There is also provided a rod 4I, Fig.I 11, for supporting a spring 42. As best shown in Fig. 4, one end of the spring l2 bears against the sealing element 38 while the opposite end bears against the rear wall 33a. A collar 43 is secured to the end of the rod 4I which extends outwardly of the wall 33a in such a position that the spring 42 is under compression. The outer ends of the rods 39 and 6U, and the collar 43, are enclosed in an air-tight cap 43a secured by suitable means, such as bolts and a gasket, to the member 32. A cooperating sealing element 44 is rigidly secured to the rear wall of the section of the box 30, shown in Fig. 9, as

Hence,. the application of suction through the screen orl asse-,ese

by` screws extending: into. the. threaded-.-A openings 45': and; Al; one of; which, the. screw 41 may be seem ,inf` Fig'. 9'. The sealing. elements: areA heated heaterV elements: carried in. openings 418i. A thermostat; (not shown) is. mounted inV each of the additional openings 9. The. suction box 38 is carried byy the channel-sha-ped members 3| and 32; whichV are.l supported, Fig. 1, by means of four collars: EIL-52.'. The collars 5|s andt 52 are secured as by pinsV to a, vertical shaft. 55, while the collars 53' and 54. are: secured to a vertical shaft 56.. Each collar is provided with operating links tovmove the members 3| and 3-2` toward and away" from each other.; Since the construction is identical, only the links 55|. and' 58 associated with thecollar 5| will be described in. detail.

As best shown in Figs. 6 and 7, the link 5l is pivoted atvone end to the member 3| and at its other end to thecollar' 5|. The link 58. is pvoted at one end. to the member 32 and at its other end' to. the collar 5|. If a clockwise movement ofthe shait 55 is assumed, as viewed in Fig'. 7; it, will 'be observed the links 51' and 58 will be moved in a direction to pull members 3| and '32 toward each other. The fully closed position is shown in Fig. 6. By rotating the shaft 55 in a counterclockwise direction, as viewed in` Fig 6, the members 3|' and 32 will be moved away from each other. To assist in guiding the members 3| and' 32 and to insure parallel' movement thereof, guiding means such as rods 59 and. 6G, Figs. 1 and 7, may be provided near the outer ends of members 3i! and 32. The vertical shafts 55 and '5E have elongated gears 6| and 52 secured thereto near the lower ends thereof. These shafts `55 and 56 are guided in frame members 464 and 65. They are vertically reciprocated by a cam EB carried on a drive shaft 51 through a driving lconnection which includes a cam roller 58 carried by a link B9 which actuates a crank arm lil. To the end of the crank arm is secured a cam roller 1| which bears against a cam plate 12 -secured to a vertical shaft 13 which shaft, at its upper end, carries a bracket 14 on which rest the elongated gears 6| and B2. As shown in Figs.

1 and 2, the bracket 14 is in its uppermost position. Accordingly, the channel members 3| and 32 and the traveling enclosures or suction boxes formed therein are in their uppermost positions.

As has already been explained, the members 3| and 32 are moved toward and away from each other upon rotation of the shafts 5.5 and 55. These shafts are rotated by means of a raokgear 16 driven by a lever 11, the lower end of' which carries a cam roller ,18 engaging an actuating been filled with la powdered material and that the parts are in the positions illustrated in Figs. 1-3 at the moment the motor 85 is energized. It will be observed that the 'sealing element 38 is biased by the spring s2 into rclamping engage-` ment with the web material l0 disposed between it and the cooperating sealing element lill, The spring has sufficient force to insure that the ele? ments 38 and 44 will hold the webmaterial se.- curely enough for thepulling of the webmate.- rialdownwardly to form anew bag'orecontainer.

Asithemotor .86: rotates, it moves the earn 6.6 in. acounterclockwise direction, as viewed in Fig. 2;. whereupon the4 cam follower or roller 58. is freef to. more tothe right for a distance determined. by thecurvature of the cam. The crank arm lill thereby rotates in aA counterclockwise direction to more downwardly the cam plate 12, the Verncalzshaft 13 and the bracket 114, rllhis movement isl insured by the weight of thev descending parts. En this: manner, the gears` 5| and 62 which rest on the bracket 14. and the suction box and elements` 3.8 and 44 move vertically downward. The result is that enough of the web material I ispulled from the supplyroll I I' to formthemajor partoi'a container. During this downward movement the sealing roller which is electrically heated',Y applies heat and pressure to seal the edges of the. web material- The, material itself may .be either thermoplastic, in, character or it mayA be coated with a thermoplastic or thermos active material which will formV theV sea-,1s `upon application. of; heat` and pressure.

' When the parts rea-oh the position illustrated in, Eig. `htlie cam 6;-6; provides f or a dwell., durf ing which time other operations ooour- As, the roller or cam follower 68 approaches the position of dwell; on cam 66, the cam 19 has been rotated in a counterclockwise direction as viewed in Fig, l until the roller or cam follower 18 is released for movement of the lever 11 ina clockwise direc.- tion about its pivot pin 85. The rotation of lever 11;,V under the influence of a spring 8|, moves the rack gear 16 to the right to rotate the elongated gears 6| and 62 and the vertically-extending shafts 5,5 and 5G.

It will be observed, Fig. 1, that the upper ends of the shafts are provided with elongated slots into which rest a pair of wheels 90 and 9| carried by a` bracket S2V which also supports the sealing rollers i1, .only one of which is shown. Thus, as the shafts and 56 are rotated, the wheels 9B and 9| are lifted against the opposition of spring 9 3, Fig. 2, out of the slots to move the sealing roller 1|'| away from contact with the longitudinal seam ofthe web material ||l.

'The` 4rot-ation of v.the shafts y55 and 56 also r0.- tates the collars `die-.54 to move the Amember-s 3| and from the `positions shown in Fig. '1 toward Y the positions shown in Fie. 6. As the respective Ihalves of the suction boxes approach each other the `Sealing material or gaskets 36 and $1 engage each other and the web material around tho oy- ;llndrical-guide IS to forman air-tight seal around the entire gasket surface. The movement ofthe .members 3| and 32 to their sealing positions irl.- oreases the pressure applied to that portion of the web disposed `between the 'sealing elements 3,8 and 44. Thus, the spring 42 is not only oompressodhut eventually the sealing element 38 is moved against 'the inner wall oi the thickened section 33a, for application of the maximum prese sure `developed bythe spring 8|, This pressure :isfadoquato-to insure. the production of a osrfeot seal (of tho Web material disposed between the sealing elements. `It'will be recalled that these elements aroprovidod Withheatirlg elements and thermstats. ,may here be obsorvodthatsinoo the sealingel nests and stroma-in sont ot with the web for an intervalof, time, ,the to reiateregtheroof is so controlled esto prod s amendment-sealing temperature at tho imam pressure is applied thereto,

'the web is sealed. and astho suotioubox '3.0 .is-made air-tight, a .oem 2&5, oarriedonza shaft .55 driven through .sl .and folotol-i :member- fs 98 and 99 carried by the shaft 61, has been rotated to a position to operate a suction-applying valve |00. Suction is thereby appliedthrough a pipe I| which is connected to a suitable vacuum pump, not shown, for exhaustion of air from the suction box 30. The opening of the valve |00 applies suction by way of a pipe |02 and the pipe 22 to the annular space leading to the interior of the container. Suction is also applied by Way of the pipe |02 and a flexible hose |03 to the pipe 35 which leads to the suction box 30 for removal of air from around the outside of each bag or container. Since suction is applied to the inside and the outside of each bag, there is no tendency for it to collapse. After suction has been applied for a time interval adequate for production of a partial vacuum or suitably thereafter, the cam 95 closes the vacuum-applying valve |00.

During this time, an adjustable cam |05, carried by a shaft 96 through linkage |06, actuates a crank arm |01 and a link |08 connected to another crank arm |09 to engage clutch members ||0 to start the operation of the auger I9. As shown, a separate motor I|2 is utilized to rotate the driving element of the clutch I I0. This mechanism need not be described in detail since any suitable mechanism may be utilized therefor, such for example, as the mechanism shown and described in Bleam Patent No. 2,330,862. The auger I9 thereupon feeds or discharges material into the interior of the bag or container. When a suitable or predetermined quantity of material has been discharged by the auger I9, Fig. 4, the cam |95 is rotated to the position shown in Fig. 1 for actuation of a braking device ||4, quickly to bring the auger I9 to standstill. Since there is a partial vacuum within the container, the material, regardless of its original flufliness, is deposited therein with substantially the same compactness it had after compression by the auger I9. It is characterized by the absence of occluded air and flufness.

As the auger I9 is braked to a standstill, the cam I I5 operates a valve H6 to connect the pipe |02 to atmosphere. In consequence, air rushes through the pipe and into the interior and exterior of the bag. The rapid ow of air through the'screen 24 cleans or removes any material which may have lodged against or in it.

As the valve II6 opens, the cam 19 will have progressed in its counterclockwise movement to a' position where the cam roller 18 is moved to the right, as viewed in Fig. 1. This movement rotates the shafts 55 and 56 for operation of the members 3| and 32 to the same positions with respect to each other as shown in Fig. 3; i. e., .to break the airtight seal formed between the gaskets or sealing elements 36 and 31. At the same time, the sealing roller I1 is again moved into Contact with the longitudinal seam of the web' material I0.

has been broken, the cam 66 operates to release the cam follower- 68 for its final movement to the right, as viewed in Fig. 2. Accordingly, the shafts 55 and56 are moved to their lowermost positions. During'this movement the sealing elements 38 and 44, which have remained in contact with the web material l0, draw an additional length of material downwardly over the tubular guide I6 substantially to complete'the formation of the container, as shown in Fig. 5. In accordance with the invention, it will be observed that the last length of material drawn from the tubular guide I6 is free .of material or lling delivered by As soon as the air-tight seal of the suction boxV the auger 9. This feature is highly desirable where the filling is of a character to interfere with the sealing of the upper end of the bag. It insures that no material of any kind will be dis,- posed between the surfaces joined or sealed together by the elements 38 and 44.

The cam 19, Fig. 1, will now move its outermost crest against the cam follower 18 to move the members 3| and 32 outwardly or away from each other until the sealing members 38 and 44 are spaced apart a greater distance than the diameter of the tubular guide I6. With all parts associated with the suction box 30 clear of the bag, the cam 66 then engages the cam follower 68 to elevate the shafts 55 and 56 and the suction box 30 to its uppermost position shown in Figs. 1-3. Thereafter, the cam 'I9 moves to the position shown in Fig. 1 for actuation of the lever 11 to rotate the rods 55 and 5B, partially to close the suction box 30, as shown in Figs. 1-3.

A complete cycle of operations has now been described. The cycle will be repeated continuously and rapidly to form and ll bags or containers under a partial vacuum. The bags may be delivered to the chutes 2| without severing the seal therebetween. However, it is preferred that the severing mechanism 20 be actuated to deliver the bags in succession thereto. Accordingly, the severing mechanism is operated, as indicated in Fig. 5, to sever the lowermost bag when the suction box 30 is in its lowermost position.

vFor convenience, in starting up the machine, a starting lever |20, Fig. 1, is provided for manual control of the clutch member 99. If the lever |20 is moved in a clockwise direction'as viewed in Fig. 1, it moves the driving clutch member 99 out of engagement with the driven clutch member 98. Accordingly, the chain 91 and the shaft 95 remain at standstill. However, when the lever |20 is moved to its illustrated position the shaft S5 is driven to initiate operation of the Valves |09 and I I6 and the auger feeding mechanism.

In filling bags or containers with certain types of material, and particularly when filling bags of substantial size, the time required for operation of the auger |9 to deliver the requisite amount'of material will be increased beyond that permitted by the normal cycle of operations of the mechanisrn above described. In this connection, it will be understood that bags of larger diameter may be made by increasing the diameter of the tubular guide IS or bags of greater length and volume may be formed by increasing the travel of the Webfeeding mechanism. For bags of large capacity. the system of Figs. 12 and 13 is particularly ap# plicable. Where the parts perform functions like those of Figs. 1-11, the same reference characters have been utilized. In fact, the apparatus of Figs. 1-'11 will be the same except for the changes illustrated in Figs. l2 and 13.

In accordance with the mcdied form ofthe invention, a bag of any desired size is formed in the manner already described.v However, the operation of the lling apparatus is differently' controlled so that the auger feeding means may operate for a period adequatel to iill the bags of larger size. During such operation of the auger feeding mechanism, the other parts remain at standstill. Synchronized operation is resumed at the conclusion ofthe filling operation. This is accomplished by several relatively simple, though important, changes in the mechanism of Fig. l. For example, the driving connection between the shafts Gland 93, in accordance with the modifi.

@atenei rieeiz. eee .1.3; nenees. e. meerderen having a driving member. 1.2.5 driven by a Chain .8.a and a 'driven member '112.6 seeuredfte .the sheitl biasjedto the engaged position.' As shown, itA isheld in ,the""disengaged'position by` a latching member. |32... ltwili be recalled that .the Shaft 96, alsocarries the cams 9.5 liliana-l l which Control the'operatien .0f the .auger feeding meen.- anism andthe application or suction. to the in-` teriorand yenterica' of the bags. In order that the auger. feeding mechanism may be operated for any desired time interval, a .variable speed drive. .is ,interppsei between: .the driving member 28eme .the driving ...eileii .83., .rerri .which power ieierivedibereieri. Aieheiii. |3515 .carried by a Spreeket. i355 .which .is .eer-fied. bribe .Seine Vheb were .as the .large ebrbeliet fer the chemie These @We .epreelete are formed .ritegrellr .with @be entitle .eiilieh member .1.2.5 andthe hub er Whiebihe en.. .e Sbeit .bereagiib?elpberentirem Fie iaibeebe1e|1e eleeeeilfie breepreeket les deported .en el shaft "les e Fig. 12,"i's 'infront ovfshaft ,5. eeiiieee bulletfliiiwm f ju 'table,asto'radius'unler the control ol abranl Ais v'th'eadedfover a yinw/jes, shaft |45. 29" complete the tl'1 r the ratiobeii iji. 1S lVen.

known to Athoseskilled in the art and' tion here' "need Tnot be Afurther elab siiikcieirt `to r4say that 'the 4-haidvvl'i l- J'usfted Asfo that'lthe augerJ feeding mechanism will be "operated 'for the periodi' eeeuiree te nu the bags then being made by the inaoliirie.r`v` In operation, the apparatus asia"L tv-hole Afunctions a's described in connectionivvithFigs. '1-'11 until :a 'bag has been moved" tothe lling' 'position asshownin Fig. 4. Prior to arrival at' thefllling position, a cam |50, Fig;` 12', carried by the shaft Slfoperates a'ro'd liltfactuate a crank arm |52 to'release' `the latch |32 Whichf'has' restrained the the descriped. "It is d'ogl 31| Iin'its disengagedposition.` With1 a control handle |53 in the position illustrated, the dofg' |3l willbe moved by tsbiasing 'spring to"complete adrivng' connection betvveerithedrivng and driven members |28iandi|3|rofthe` clutch. The

shaft "95" is thereuponrotated'at a'speed de-v pendent uponfthe setting'ofthe Wheel' HL2. .The cam" 15, Fig-s. '1 andr12;'thereupon actuates the valve' .iil toL applysuction to the interior and eX`- terior Vof ,the bag. The "application of suction to the pipe |2is "eiective through theppeconnection15i5. to' aotuate a switch '15S tobomplete an energizing ciroui'tfor an electromagnet |51 which` vthereupon rotates allatching memberl into the are. el peri feifeiefceeiv.

h, as seen in l leeteeeedty a' tiene' neel itz; The may ne tnenendwneeii be Changed' the' 'sha-rif se *'viiible Speed drives of uns type Yare well` eneteeeeibe emi. .ef tbe. ietebirie member. ieit,

breaks the'lrivine cenneetien betweenthedriv.- ine and ehfven,rrlernbersv l-\2.5an`d `I fit. Thus, the

Shaft 6.1..;i'emeins. 'at stendstilbuniii the ddeh |21;

After appl-ieee@ of .suenen by the valve m9,.

the cam 5initiates operation of the auger feed-` ing mechanism;'asdescribed in connection with Fles. V1-1-1.-V The auger Awill,'.eeiitirliie t0 feed .ma-

teiial'inte. the bee 'or bees yduririee time interval which'will depend upon :the setting of the handfwheellili.. vThe slower the Shaft 96. is retatedftbe longer will lee-that timeinterval.n 'Afterthe auger feed has: been operetedio lflfthe bee With-thedesired quantity .0f materieiLibe eeme.. .isretated t9 a position to `close the valve IQILan-d the cam-- Il causes opening? ot the valve Hl to connect the pipe 4llzytc; atmosphere. y"The pressurere.- Spensive switch. liathereupen Opens-the energize ing circuit to the electromagnet TIS?! and 4its "operetes te withdrew tbe-latenine member |58..

Thereuponthe dog |2l-isj moved'to thedrivingv position,V illustrated in Figs. l2; and 13,--for Kre"h sumption of rotation ofi-thejshaftA 61.y The. .Operaf tions heretofore described f connection f-with Figs. 1-,11 are thencarried vouifgin suceessionuntil such, time as "a newiba'g larrivesl atits dill-ingV 'posi-'f tion, Fig. 4, at Which time the mechanism clfiliigs.V 12jand 13 againf-functionsto operate the-auger feeding mechanism for the-time-interval'deterl` mined bye-the settingof the handwleel |42.\- l' `The manual-lyperable" handleor lever |53 normallyisiriy the illustrated "po'sitionf It may be rotatedY ink a counterclockwise *direction from the pesitien'showniin"Figlia until the Eenden; me

disengaged position: it win' be evident femmmes;

le isi previeeeseee .Father "iii eeeerefeiee vjiiil' wie inveniiee it es 'deseable reeel eeeh esterne iide'v .iliimleririeeinefeeseei deel ble alfterllmg to su plywalgasofga character w ich Will-be bne'cial. 'to t e `contents .of 0r .eeetebereeeerfiieely, Liri the medieetien illustrated ,ieeV :14:17I bees-'0r Containers,

mede. .in accordance with the modineetion ef; Figs; 1,- 11, or in accordance withelligs. 12 and 1 3, may `b e-sealed either under'vacuum; or with` gas of' suitable characterWithinY eachbagv .orV container. Thus, a valve |65; FigflZ, connectedAVV in a A'pipe leading to the valve' |16l may bemoved' to its' illustrated position for flow *ofasuitable gas to the container, orit may connect the valve 6j to atmosphere, `as ralready described: When the bags, after lining, aretov be'seale'dfwitha" gastheren, `additional Cams and valvesl 4may be provided so that as the suction valve I is closed, the hose |63 will be connected to atmosphere while the pipe 22 will be connected to a source of a suitable gas or atmosphere. When the bags are to be sealed under a vacuum the apparatus of Figs. 1-11 and/or Figs. 12 and 13, may be utilized with the suction box and sealing means changed in manner now to be described.

In Fig. 14, there have been added to the members 3| and 32, and within the suction box, additional sealing elements |75 and |76 actuated by levers |77 and I 78. The lever I 77 is secured at one end to a shaft |79. The opposite end of the lever carries a roller |86 which rides in a track |8| provided in the sealing element |75. When the shaft |79 is rotated in a counterclockwise direction, from the position shown in Fig. 14, the roller |80 moves the sealing element |75 to the right. Similarly, the lever |78 is secured to a shaft |82. The opposite end of lever |78 carries a roller |83 disposed in a track |84 provided in the sealing element |76. Clockwise rotation of the shaft |82 moves the sealing element |76 to the left as viewed in Fig. 14. The sealing members |75 and |76 are in other respects similar in construction to those described at length in connection with Figs. 8-11, two of the guide rods 39 being shown in Fig. 14. Additional guide rods are-also provided, but the spring 42 and the guide rod 6| are preferably omitted. The sealing elements S8 and 44 are identical in construction with those shown in Figs. 8-11. Y

.The rods |79 and |82 extend outwardly through the respective end walls of the suction boxes, through suitable air-tight packing glands. They are also journaled in the ends 3Ia and 32a of the channels 3| and 32. On one or both ends of rods |79 and |82 are secured levers |86 and |87. On the respective free ends thereof there are secured cam rollers |88 and |86 disposed adjacent each other for engagement by a thrust cam |98. The cam |96 is carried by a rod`|8| actuated by a crank arm |92 pivoted at |93 and having a cam roller |94 engaging a cam |55 secured to the shaft 96. To brace the rod |9I and to provide parallel motion thereof, a link |66 may be pivoted at |97 from the frame of the machine.

The positions of the parts in Fig. 14 in general correspond with the positions of the parts in Figs. 1-3. The web I0 is to be pulled downwardly by movement of the suction box 30 and the sealing elements 38, 417 which, it will be observed, are in clamping engagement with the web. The suction box 3|] moves downwardly in manner already described in connection with Figs. 1-11. However, in accordance with the modification of Figs. 14-17, the cam 66 has a shape such that the box 3D and the sealing and gripping elements 38 and 44 after moving downwardly a distance corresponding with Fig. 5, are moved upwardly a slight amount to providey slack for the subsequent iilling operation.

More specifically, the lowermost position of the suction box 36 is shown in the fractional View of Fig. 15 where, it will be observed, the upper end of the element 3| of the suction box has been moved downwardly just below the lower end of the tubular guide I6. In the nal position. Fig. 16, the suction box 3D has been moved upwardly until the sealing elements or gaskets 36 and 37 are disposed in positions for engagement with the lower end of the guide I6.

The sequence of operation is as follows: With the parts in the positions illustrated in Fig. 14, the suction box 30 is lowered to withdraw a suitable length rof webbing to form a bag or container. The suction box 3i! is then moved upwardly from its position in Fig. 15 to that shown in Fig. 16. At this time, the vertical rods 55 and 56, Figs. l, 2 and 7, are actuated to move the members 3| and 32 towards each other to seal the container within the suction box 36. Thereafter, suction is applied as previously described and` the auger feeding mechanism functions to ll the bag.

After the feeding mechanism has completed its cycle of operations, the cam engages the cam roller |94 for actuation of the sealing elements |75 and |76. They are moved together to seal the upper end of the bag. Thus, it will be observed, the bag is filled and sealed while subject to application offsuction or while a partial Vacuum exists interiorly and exteriorly thereof. The valve operating cams 95 and ||5 provide for any desired sequence of operations of the valves which control the application of suction and the ow of gas or air to each container. It will be obvious that after the auger feeding mechanism has lled the bag, gas may be admitted to the interior thereof by way of the flow passage provided between the tubular guide I6 and the auger casing ISa. 'At the same time, or before, depending upon the setting of the cams 95 and II5, ther suction box 3i] may be connected to atmosphere by a valve controlling the application of suction and flow of air thereto. When this is done the bag or container will be sealed while a differential of pressure exists between the exterior and interior thereof.

Where gas is admitted to the bag, its ilow through the screen 24, Fig. 18, of the lling head will clean it. Where the bag is sealed under partial vacuum, the cleaning is delayed until after the sealing operation. Thus, after the sealing elements |75 and |76 have completed the sealing operation they are withdrawn and, at the same time, the cam ||5 may operate the valve IIS to admit the atmosphere to the pipe |02. The flow of air downwardly through the screen 24 cleans it and the material which may have lodged therein falls into the lower end of what will be the next bag.

While preferred embodiments of the invention have been described, it will be understood that further modifications may be made within the spirit and scope of the invention asset forth in the appended claims.

What is claimed is:

l. The method which comprises making containers in succession from a continuous web of sheet material, before separation of a container therefrom simultaneously producing a partial vacuum within said container and externally thereof, during production of said partial vacuum filling said container, and thereafter sealing said container.

2. The method which comprises making containers in succession from a continuous web of sheet material, before separation of a container therefrom withdrawing air from around the outside of said container and from within said container by applying suction interiorly and exteriorly thereof, filling the container during application of said suction, and thereafter sealing said container under atmospheric pressure.

3. The method of making containers in succession from a continuous web of sheet material which comprises forming the sheet material into a tube, sealing the endl and the side thereof,

`enclosed section iby applying suction thereto,

withdrawing 1 air from within :the :tube lby iapply.- ing :suction tthereto, ,during application Lof :said

suctionillingethe container, andzthereafterfsealingithe .'container.

.n.ti'he method of forming :in .succession a series lof :containers :from a fcontinuous melo of sheet imaterial, #which comprises forming the sheet `.material into a tube, sealing .the lon itudinal ,seam tthereof, intermittently forming sealsialongftlieilengthof theitube therebyto-form individual .containers :after :sealing 'one lend dof each container enclosing .it, .withdrawingair from around :the :outside `of lthe ienclosed .container :by applying :suction ithgereto, withdrawing air `from within L.the :enclosed :container 'by applying fsuc.- tion .ttheretd during .application of said suction llin-g :said Lcon'tainer through the ,opposite A.end thereof, and thereafter ,sealing said lopposite end.`

:5. The cnet-nod .which .comprises 4making con.- tainers in ysuccession :from Aa :continuous `.web J:of sheetlmateria'l whichcomprisesformingzthe sheet material into a tube with the edges :overlapping to iform-karlongitudinal seam, appl-ying `.heat and pressure ito produce a continuousseal along said longitudinal seam, sealing said :tube etransversely of the length thereof, .forming ran `enclosure around fa :predetermined flengt'h lof said -tube located above :said seal, withdrawing air from the interior and ,exterior .of vsaid length ,of tube by applying suction ithereto, Iduring application of said Asuction iilling :said Ipredetermined :length of said tube, :thereafter :forming fa seal :transversely .of the itube ,and across a portion thereof which Mlaslocatedaboverthe;pointof entry of the filling for said length of tube.

.6 I'A coninuous Vrileihol l0f making containers inem za continuous Aweb 1 of sheet ,material `which comprisesefonmingfthe sheetfmaterial into a tube withtthe edges gthereoffoverlapping, sealing said edges to fiorini a :longitudinal seam, sealing .said tube [tra sverselygof the lengththereof, forming an Lenclosure Laround a predetermined length 44of tube located above `said seal, withdrawing an from theinterior andexteriorof saidlen-gth of e byapplying suction .thereto,.during,applica'mon ,of ysaids :uction introducing material into sait1 Lube iat a .point a predetermined distance above said seal, and after introduction of said material ,forming a ,second seal transversely of said tubeatasuhstantially greater distance from Iinuous methode-f making containers in Vsuccession from a continuous web of sheet material which comprises forming thesheet material into a tube, applying heat and pressure to forni a seal transversely thereof, forming an enclosure "around apredeterminedlength of said tube located Yalt'iove said seal, withdrawing air from 'the interior land exterior of said length of tube Yby applying suction thereto, during application'of said `suction `introducing material "into said tube Jfrom fa predetermined distance from the sealed endithereo'f and'later forming -a transverse seal uncontaminated by material introduced during the filling 'thereof by applying heat and pressure to saidtube Vat a point removed from the point of admission `of material thereto.

#8, ln a machine-for making containers from Web'material, the combination of a hollow tube forming element, r'means associated therewith to forni-insuccession'from-said material a plurality of A'contamers which l:in turn are disposed adjacent vfthe fendfof .fsaidelement,V :an enclosure form.- ing an air-tight sealaround.saidelement andtthe container adjacent the -end ithereof, `means for applying suction unteriorly and exteriorlyof the enclosed container, .and imeans `:for flling said container throughsaid 4element during application of suction ithereto.

.9. In a .machine .for making `containers from web material, the-combination .of a tube-forming element, means .associated therewith `to lform in :succession a .pluralityof containers .which in turn Aare A.disposed :below nsaid element, a suction box formed in at least two parts, Vmeans for movingsaidiparts towardleach Aother to form aniairtight enclosure around the lower end of said tube-forming element and around the container then `disposed .therebelow, means for applying suctioninteriorly andexteriorly :of the container, and fmeansfor filling saidlcontainerduring application of suction thereto.

10. A system of forming .-andlling freceptacles from sheet material comprising `a forming tube, lling means .disposed within said tube, Ameans for drawing vlengths `of sheet Vmaterial fromz-the end of said forming tube to lform a receptacle, means .for ysealing one end of said receptacle, means :for :enclosing .said receptacle, imeans associated with fsaid kforming `ttube if or `exhausting .air from Within ,the receptacle, means .associated with said :enclosing .means for exhausting `air frornfaround theioutside of saidareceptaclaseal.- irrg :means for-ming .an air-tight `.seal .on .one f end of asaid .'receptacle, means Afor .operating said ll ing rnea-ns lto '-i'lll said yreceptacle `during -exhaustion of :air therefrom, and `means rfor thereafter sealing fthe .other end .of said receptacle.

f1'=1. lin -a-inachine fior making :containers from web material, the combinationof a hollow-tubeforming element,an enclosing mean-s, `of Vgreater length than va container, forming an airtig ht sea-l aroundaportion'ofsaid `eletjn-eni'. `and forming an airetizg'ht `chamber adjacent the end of said element, means `disposed within s aid charnber forp-ulling sheet material from around said f element to form a container therein, means for applyriesugiipn interiorly and .exteriorly of the enclosed centaines .and means for llins said Container th Quell said .element ,during application yof suction thereto.

L12- .,In a machine for making ,containers from web material, v,the combination .of aLhollow tu 1e.- forining element, :an enclosing means, of V.greater length than a container, ,forming an air-.tight sealaround-a portion ,of said element sand form.- ingr an air=ti:ght .chamber adjacent the end of said element, Isealing means .disposed .Within `said chamber ,f or pulling,sheet `material from around said .element and -for forming transverse seals to form .a .container therein, means 4,for applying suction interiorlyfand-exteriorly of theenclosed container, and Vmeans ifor filling said container thmuehsaidtelement dunne-application of suc.- tion thereto- 13- lin machine for making and mung containers Yin succession from Aweb material, the combination of a hgllow Atuloe.forming element aroundiwhich ksaid material is shaped into a'tUbe, gripping means movable lengthwise of `saidelement Afor pulling therefrom a. predetermined length of said tube, means for introducing a filling into said length of `said tube rthrough said element, xmeans operable after introduction of said :filling rfor moving 'said gripping Ameans to pllll a further length io said atube Yfrom said tele.-

ment, and means forming a transverse seal across said further length of said tube.

14. Apparatus for forming containers from a tube of webbing and for filling said containers under a partial v-acuum comprising means for transversely sealing said tube at intervals to dene containers, means for forming an airtight enclosure around a container after sealing of one end thereof, means for applying suction to the interior and exterior of said one container and means for introducing filling into said one container during application of said suction.

l5. In an apparatus for forming containers from a tube of webbing, the combination of a suction box Iformed by at least two parts, said parts having resilient means adapted to form an air-tight seal therebetween, means for moving said parts into and out of air-tight engagement to form an air-tight seal therebetween, sealing means carried by said parts for transversely sealing said tube when said air-tight seal is formed, means :for moving said parts a predetermined distance one from the other and spring means for maintaining said sealing means in gripping engagement with said tube while said parts are spaced apart by said predetermined distance.

16. In a machine for making containers from web material, the combination of a hollow tubeforming element, a suction box disposed adjacent one end of said element, sealing means carried by said suction box operable to form an airtight seal around said element, sealing tools carried by said suction box and movable into and out of transverse sealing engagement with one end of a container, means for moving said box and said tools lengthwise of said element to draw web material therefrom and for returning said box to its first position with said tools clear of said container, means rfor rendering said sealing means eiective to form said air-tight seal, means for applying suction to said suction box and to the interior of said container, means'for introducing lling into said container through said element, and means for operating said tools to seal the opposite end of said container.

17. Apparatus for forming containers from a tube of webbing comprising a tubular element for supporting said tube, tube-enclosing walls movable toward each other, said walls having opposing surfaces of shape complementary to each other and to said tubular element to form an airtight enclosure extending about the length of a container from the end of said element, tools movable with said walls transversely to seal the tube for closure of one end of said container, means for applying suction to said enclosure and through said element to the interior of said container, means for delivering through said element filling for said container, and means for sealing said opposite end of said container.

18. Apparatus for forming containers from a,V

tube of webbing comprising a tubular element for supporting said tube, tube-enclosing walls movable toward each other, said wallshaving opposing surfaces Yof shape complementary to each other and to said tubular element to form an airtight enclosure extending about the length of a container from the end of said element, tools movable with said walls transversely to seal the tube for closure of one end of said container,-v

means for applying suction to said enclosure and through said element to the interior of said container, means for delivering through said element iilling for said container, and means for moving said walls and said tools laterally and ping means, means for moving said walls and 16 longitudinally of said element to seal the opposite end of said container.

19. Apparatus for forming containers from a tube ofY webbing comprising a tubular element for supporting said tube, gripping means movable transversely of said tube adjacent the end of said element to flatten said tube and to form a driving engagement therewith, complementary enclosing walls respectively supporting said gripping means, means for moving said walls and gripping means away from the end of said element to draw a length of said tube therefrom, means for moving said walls together to form an air-tight enclosure around the end of said element and around said withdrawn length of said tube, means operableby said walls for applying a sealing pressure to said gripping means to seal one end of said length of said tube thereby to define one end of a container, means for applying suction to the interior and exterior of said container, means for delivering filling to said container through the end of said element, and means for moving said Walls and gripping means away from each other to clear said container and i thereafter toward the end of said element and then toward each other again to atten and transversely to seal said tube to define the opposite end of said container.

20. Apparatus for forming containers from a tube of webbing comprising a tubular element for supporting said tube, gripping means movable transversely of said tube adjacent the end of said element to iiatten said tube and to form a driving engagement therewith, complementary enclosing walls respectively supporting said gripgripping means away from the end of said element to draw a length of said tube therefrom, means for moving said walls together to form an air-tight enclosure around the end of said element and around said withdrawn length of said' tube, means operable by said walls fork applying a sealing pressure to said gripping means to seal one end of said length of said tube thereby to define one end of a container, means for applying suction to the interior and exterior of said container, means for delivering filling to said container through the end of said element comprising a screw-conveyor disposed within said element for delivering a predetermined quantity of llin-g to said container, and means for moving said walls and gripping means away from each other to clear said container and thereafter toward the end of said element and then toward each other again to flatten and transversely to seal said tube to define the opposite end of said container.

21. Apparatus for forming containers from a tube of webbing comprising a tubular element for supporting said tube, gripping means movable transversely of said tube adjacent the end of said element to flatten said tube and to form a driving engagement therewith, complementary enclosing walls respectively supporting said gripping means, means for moving said walls and gripping means away from the end of said element to draw a length of said tube therefrom, means for moving said walls together to form an air-tight enclosure around the end of said element and around said withdrawn length of said tube, means operable by said walls for applying a sealing pressure to said gripping means to seal one end of said length of said tube thereby to define one end ofa container, means for applylingfsu'ction to the interior andexteri'or "of said container, means for delivering `filling to 'said fromeach other entirely to clear said container,

then toward the end of said element, and then toward each other to flatten and to seal said further length of said tube.

22. The method of making containers `insuc- 'fcession from a continuous web of sheet matefrial which comprises forming thesheet material into a tube, sealing the end and the side thereof, enclosing a section of the tube above the sealed end thereof, withdrawing air from around the enclosed section by applying suction thereto, withdrawing air from within the tube by applying suction thereto, and during application of said suction, filling and sealing said container.

23. The method of making a plurality of containers which comprises forming them oneafter the other from a continuous tube of web material, before separation of a container therefrom simultaneously producing a partial vacuum within said container and externally thereof, and during production of said partial vacuum filling and sealing said container.

24. The method of forming in succession a series of containers from a continuous web of sheet material, which comprises forming the sheet material into a tube, sealing the longitudinal seam thereof, intermittently forming seals along the length of the tube thereby to denne individual containers, after sealing one end of each container enclosing it, withdrawing air from around the outside of the enclosed container by applying suction thereto, withdrawing air from within the enclosed container by applying suction thereto, during application of said suction filling said container through the opposite end thereof, and during application of suction thereafter sealing said opposite end.

25. In a machine for making containers from web material, the combination of a hollow tubeforming element, means associated therewith to form in succession from said material a plurality of containers which in turn are disposed adjacent the end of said element, an enclosure forming an air-tight seal around said element and the container adjacent the end thereof, means for applying suction interiorly and exteriorly of the enclosed container, means for lling said container through said element during application of suction thereto and sealing means disposed within said enclosure for sealing said container after the filling thereof.

26. In a machine for making containers from web material, the combination of a hollow tubeforming element, means associated therewith to form in succession from said material a plurality of containers which in turn are disposed adjacent the end of said element, an enclosure forming an air-tight seal around said element and the container adjacent the end thereof, means for applying suction interiorly and exteriorly of the enclosed container, sealing means located within said enclosure and adjacent the respective ends of the container enclosed thereby, means for actuating one sealing means to seal one end of said container, means for introducing filling into the container through its opposite end and through said tube forming element, and means Cil 18 forlthereaft'er actuatingsaid other sealing means Lto 'seal theopposit'eiendof said container.

$27. yIna system for :makin-ga plurality of containers fromal continuous webof material by forming the materialfarmind aftubular element, "the combination fof fa-suction boxhaving a length 'adatlted "to `receive a lcontainer 'extending below "said elementg-saidbox having means movable into fand'iout-ofair-tight engagement with said'tubular lelement yand .th'e material encircling it, means Adisposed `Within said box for sealingone end of y,said container "leavingopen the opposite end ad- `-jacent said element, means `forintr'oducing ll- -ing `into` saidcon-tainer, andisealing meansdisposed wit-hinsaidboxiadjacent saidoppos'ite end for sealing said container after introduction of said filling.

28. In a system for making a plurality of containers from a continuous web of material by forming the material around a tubular element, the combination of a suction box having a length adapted to receive a container extending below said element, said'box having means movable into and out of air-tight engagement with said tubular element and the material encircling it,

means disposed within said box for sealing one end of said container leaving open the opposite end adjacent said element, means for applying suction interiorly and exteriorly of said container, means for introducing lling into said container, and sealing means disposed within said box adjacent said opposite end for sealing said container after introduction of said filling.

29. Apparatus for making containers from a tube of web material comprising a suction box for enclosing each container, means including a lling means for applying suction to the interior of said container, means operable through a cycle of operations to form a container sealed at one end and disposed within said suction box, means for applying suction to the exterior and interior of said container, means responsive to the application of said suction for interrupting said cycle of operations, means for rendering said lling means effective to introduce filling into said container through the open unsealed end thereof, means for restoring normal pressure within and without said container, said means responsive to suction thereupon rendering effective said means operable through a cycle of operations to seal the open opposite end of said container.

30. The combination set forth in claim 29 in which said last-named means seals said opposite end of said container from a part of said tube previously disposed outside of said suction box.

31. In a system for makinga series of containers from a tube of web material, the combination of filling means disposed within said tube, sealing means for forming a transverse seal across said tube to define the lower end of a container, a suction box enclosing the major part of said partially defined container, means rendering said filling means effective to introduce filling into said container while disposed within said box, and means for producing a transverse seal across a part of the tube which during the lling was located outside of said box thereby to define the other end of said container.

32. The method of making a plurality of containers which comprises forming them one after the other from a continuous tube of web material, before separation of a container therefrom simultaneously producing a partial vacuum Within said container and externally thereof, during produc- 19 tion of said partial vacuum introducing filling into said container, and sealing said container during application of a differential pressure between the exterior and interior thereof.

to dene an air-tight enclosure about said end l5 2,292,295

20 and about that part of said container disposed beyond said end during introduction of lling material therein.

EDGAR W. BLEAM. JONATHAN Y. ALBERTSON.

REFERENCES CITED The following references are of record in the le of this patent:

UNITED STATES PATENTS Name Date Zwoyer Jan. 1, 1935 Royal Aug. 4, 1942 Number

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