The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document.
The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge covers the following: Patent number, Date patent was issued, Date patent was filed, Title of the patent, Applicant, Inventor, Assignee, Attorney firm, Primary examiner, Assistant examiner, CPCs, and Abstract. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document (in Adobe Acrobat format, aka pdf). To download or print any patent click here.
Patent No.:
Date of Patent:
Jul. 10, 2001
Filed:
Apr. 13, 1999
Hanns J. Kristen, San Anselmo, CA (US);
Tilia International, Kowloon, HK;
Abstract
A vacuum packaging apparatus is disclosed having a novel vacuum sensor system. The vacuum sensor system includes first and second sensors in communication with a control circuit, which sensors are provided to detect first and second preset vacuum levels as a container is being evacuated. The control circuit further includes a timer for measuring the elapsed time between detection of the first and second preset vacuum levels. The control circuit computes an additional time period necessary to reach a target vacuum level after reaching the second preset vacuum level by multiplying the elapsed time between the first and second preset vacuum levels by an algorithmic factor stored in the control circuit. The algorithmic factor is a numerical constant that is derived for a particular pump type, and is based on the pump characteristics and selected values for the first and second preset vacuum levels and the target vacuum level. The control of the vacuum level is self regulating, and compensates for atmospheric conditions, altitudes or pumping capacities.