CPC F16K 51/02 (2013.01) [B29C 65/223 (2013.01); B29C 65/224 (2013.01); B29C 65/38 (2013.01); B29C 65/7451 (2013.01); B29C 65/7885 (2013.01); B29C 66/00145 (2013.01); B29C 66/1122 (2013.01); B29C 66/244 (2013.01); B29C 66/2442 (2013.01); B29C 66/30621 (2013.01); B29C 66/43121 (2013.01); B29C 66/73921 (2013.01); B29C 66/82421 (2013.01); B29C 66/8322 (2013.01); B29C 66/849 (2013.01); B65B 25/067 (2013.01); B65B 25/068 (2013.01); B65B 31/022 (2013.01); B65B 51/146 (2013.01); F16K 3/029 (2013.01); F16K 3/0254 (2013.01); F16K 3/184 (2013.01); B29C 66/71 (2013.01); B29C 66/723 (2013.01); B29C 66/7234 (2013.01); B29C 66/72341 (2013.01); B29L 2031/7128 (2013.01); B65B 31/024 (2013.01); G01F 17/00 (2013.01); G01F 22/00 (2013.01)] | 10 Claims |
1. An apparatus for vacuumizing and sealing one or more packages, the apparatus comprising:
a plurality of platens operably secured to a rotating carousel configured to rotate about a single axis of rotation, wherein the plurality of platens are configured to travel along a platen travel path comprising an angular portion of the platen travel path and one or more linear portions of the platen travel path around the single axis of rotation and wherein each of the plurality of platens is operably secured to the carousel by a linear motion mechanism configured to enable each of the platens to travel in a linear direction during at least one portion of the angular platen travel path;
a plurality of vacuum chambers configured to selectably engage a corresponding platen to form an air-tight enclosure therebetween and operably secured to the rotating carousel such that the plurality of vacuum chambers travel along an angular chamber travel path synchronously with the plurality of platens such that each vacuum chamber is aligned with the corresponding platen relative to the single axis of rotation;
an automated loading system configured to convey packages in a linear direction parallel to one of the one or more linear portions of the platen travel path toward the plurality of platens, wherein the automated loading system is configured to load at least one package onto a top surface of a platen of the plurality of platens while the platen is travelling along the one of the one or more linear portions of the platen travel path; and
a vacuumization and sealing system configured to evacuate air from within the packages to form a vacuum therein and to seal the packages to maintain the vacuum within the packages.
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