Packaging apparatus, such as a tray sealer, with a gas supply arrangement enabling a flushing gas to be conducted between a flushing gas outlet (26) and a flushing gas inlet (14) which are relatively moveable. The flushing gas inlet is positioned above the flushing gas outlet. The gas supply arrangement includes a barrel (20) connected to the inlet (14) and sliding in a sleeve connected to the outlet (26). In a first predetermined relative position of the flushing gas outlet and flushing gas inlet a fluid flow connection is established between the flushing gas outlet and flushing gas inlet. In a second predetermined relative position the flushing gas inlet and flushing gas outlet are disconnected and liquid may drain from the barrel (20).

Methods, apparatus, and system for storing perishable products in a vacuum container. An atmosphere control system is coupled to the vacuum container for measuring and maintaining controlled atmospheric conditions within the vacuum container. The atmosphere control system includes a plurality of monitors configured to monitor atmospheric conditions within the vacuum container. The atmosphere control system further includes a vacuum pump configured to reduce total absolute pressure in the vacuum chamber to below a total gas pressure limit, an ozone generator configured to generate gaseous ozone, and an inlet valve coupled to the ozone generator and configured to admit an ozone-containing gas into the vacuum container.

Food products can be stored and sold in packaging. For example, a perishable food product can be stored in a first compartment of a packaging, and a second food product can be stored in a second compartment. The first compartment can include a modified atmosphere to increase the shelf life of the food product in the first compartment. The second compartment can be under normal atmosphere. This allows a more perishable food product to be stored in the first compartment, and a prepackaged, or otherwise less perishable food product to be separately stored in the second compartment, while extending the shelf life of the food products. The first product could be a sandwich, and the second product be one or more condiments for the sandwich.

The present invention relates generally to the field of food packaging and packaged foods. In particular, the present invention relates to cellulose-based food packaging. One embodiment of the present invention relates to a food packaging comprising a thermoformed cellulose-based container element, a biodegradable lining inside the container element and a recyclable lid element, wherein the lid element comprises a multi-layer metallized paper-based packaging material comprising a paper layer, a pre metallization coating layer, a metallized layer, and at least one post metallization coating layer, wherein the post metallization coating layer comprises a post-metallization tie layer coating comprising an ethylene acrylic acid copolymer dispersion, or another polyolefin dispersion functionalized with methacrylic and/or carboxyl acid groups and wherein the container element has a shape adapted to the shape of the food to be packaged in the food packaging. One advantage of the subject matter of the present invention is that it allows it to package food with a headspace of less than about 10 vol.-% without the application of a vacuum.

The present disclosure provides systems and methods for storing, transporting, and using hydrogen. In some embodiments, the method may comprise (a) storing hydrogen fuel in one or more fuel storage modules; (b) transporting the one or more fuel storage modules to a vehicle fueling site, wherein one or more hydrogen fuel compatible vehicles are located at or near the vehicle fueling site; (c) loading the one or more fuel storage modules into the one or more hydrogen fuel compatible vehicles, wherein the one or more fuel storage modules are configured to be releasably coupled to the one or more hydrogen fuel compatible vehicles; and (d) decoupling the one or more fuel storage modules from the one or more hydrogen fuel compatible vehicles after the one or more fuel storage modules are depleted or partially depleted.

The present disclosure provides systems and methods for producing a hydrogen storage vessel that is lightweight. The hydrogen storage vessel may comprise an inner body and an outer body structured as concentric rings with a conic interface. The vessel may have four material layers, including a barrier layer, an insulation layer, a fiber knit, and an abrasion layer. The fiber knit may be braided to trap the hydrogen, as the barrier layer may not be completely impermeable. Additionally, the fiber braid may be clamped to the outer body, enabling pressure pushing on the inner body to wedge and seal the storage vessel.

A vacuum chamber system comprising a housing defining therein a chamber cavity, and an opening in the housing leading to the chamber cavity; The housing has a sealing rim extending around the opening; The vacuum chamber system also comprises a container configured for being accommodated within the housing and comprising a panel formed with a sealing area corresponding in size and shape to the sealing rim; The container is configured for transposing at least between a first, closed position in which the container is received within the housing and the sealing area thereof is juxtaposed against the sealing rim, and a second, open position in which the container at least partially protrudes from the housing and the sealing area is spaced from the sealing rim; The vacuum chamber system also comprises a pressure mechanism configured for withdrawing air from the chamber cavity at least when the container is in its first, closed position, thereby creating an under pressure within the chamber cavity and a sealing between the sealing rim and the sealing area, thereby defining a third, sealed position of the container.

An apparatus (100) for manufacturing capsules (10) under vacuum for preparing beverages is described, comprising: a plurality of support elements (105) and a driving system (120) adapted to move said support elements (105) and stop them in a plurality of operative stations, wherein each support element (105) comprises a row of housing seats (115), wherein the operative stations comprise at least: a loading station (145) for inserting into the housing seats (115) a glass-shaped body (15), a filling station (150) for filling glass-shaped bodies (15) with a food substance adapted to produce a beverage, a covering station (155) for applying and fixing on the glass/shaped bodies (15) a closing film (45), and a sealing station (160) for placing under vacuum the inner volume of the glass-shaped bodies (15) and for sealing the closing film (45) and wherein said sealing station (160) comprises: a plurality of bell-shaped members (280), each of which is adapted to overlay to one respective housing seat (115) and has mouthpiece directed downward, a movement apparatus (300) for moving each bell-shaped member (280) in vertical direction between a raised position to a lowered position, a vacuum generating apparatus (340) to reduce the inner volume of bell-shaped members (280), and a plurality of welding elements (390), each of which is contained inside a respective bell-shaped member (280) for airtightly welding the closing film (45) on the glass-shaped body (15) contained in the housing seat (115).

An apparatus for making a canned food product in a can, the food product including a first composition and a second composition, and the apparatus includes a filling head including a first channel and a second channel for respectively directing the first composition and the second composition into the can. A first supply assembly includes a first supply container containing the first composition, and the first supply container is connected to the first channel; and a second supply assembly. The second supply assembly includes a second supply container containing the second composition; a dosing piston connected to the second supply container through a third channel; a hose connecting the dosing piston to the second channel; and one or more rotary valves between the dosing piston and the filling head.

One embodiment of the present invention provides a method for processing plastic containers within an open aseptic converter chamber comprising a sanitized environment, a supply line, a sanitizer device, a perforator device, a sealing device, and a conveyer. During operation, the method includes: providing and filling a container with heated or heatable liquid including water; sealing the container with a seal or cap; cooling the container to create a first headspace pressure; enclosing the container within the chamber; creating an opening in the seal or cap within a sanitized environment of the perforator device; increasing the first headspace pressure to a second headspace pressure by introduction of a sanitized fluid; resealing the container within a sanitized environment of the sealing device; and, transporting or conveying the sealed container away from the chamber.