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:
Dec. 03, 2013
Filed:
Aug. 05, 2010
Paul E. Doll, Madison, WI (US);
Timothy E. Coulson, Madison, WI (US);
Ronald E. Ballen, Fitchburg, WI (US);
Paul E. Doll, Madison, WI (US);
Timothy E. Coulson, Madison, WI (US);
Ronald E. Ballen, Fitchburg, WI (US);
Kraft Foods Group Brands LLC, Northfield, IL (US);
Abstract
A method and packaging system for forming a sealed vacuum package having minimal residual air remaining. At least one vacuum lance is provided in the interior of a partially-formed package to withdraw the air, the package being closed on three sides and having a fourth side open for insertion of the vacuum lance. An air restriction can be provided along the fourth side to form a closed edge that prevents ingress of air into the package interior after the evacuation of air. In one aspect, the air restriction may comprise a pair of pinch rollers that compress the package at the fourth side edge to form a pinch seal that provides a relatively airtight air chamber inside of the package prior to and during sealing of the package. In another aspect, the air restriction may comprise a partial seal formed around the lances to prevent or minimize air from reentering the package. In yet another aspect, the air restriction may comprise a compressed air seal formed by an air compression device that keeps the ends of the film pressed together.