One embodiment of the present invention provides an apparatus for processing sealed plastic containers having a first headspace pressure. The apparatus may include: an open entry port or tunnel for continuously receiving containers; a sanitizer configured to sanitize outside surfaces of the received containers; a perforator configured to perforate or open a cap or seal of the containers within the apparatus; a sealer configured to seal the perforation or opening formed in the cap or seal of the containers; an open exit port of tunnel for continuously exiting the processed containers; and a conveyor system configured to transporting or convey the containers from the open entry port or tunnel, through and within the apparatus, to the open exit port or tunnel and away from the sanitized environment of the apparatus. The apparatus may be further configured to maintain a sanitized environment within the apparatus, perforator, and/or sealer.

The present invention discloses a vacuum packaging device having a hollow area on the shell that allows garbage bags pass through vertically. The clamping portion of the fixture partially closes and clamps the garbage bag located in the hollow area through a closing action, and the poking portion on the inner side of the clamping portion pokes out an air hole in the locale; after the vacuum pumping mechanism vacuums the garbage bag containing waste cat litter through the air hole, so that the garbage bag containing waste cat litter is vacuum sealed and packaged. the present invention having a simple structure can automatically implement vacuum packaging to isolate waste cat litter from the outside and effectively address the pollution caused by bacterial growth and fermentation after long-term storage of waste cat litter.

A method and system of transferring matter through a sealed container during a bottling process are provided. The method includes accessing a headspace of the filled and sealed container by creating at least one opening. An inert gas is provided within the headspace while allowing O.sub.2 to exit from the headspace until substantially all of the O.sub.2 has been flushed out of the headspace. The headspace is then pressurized by continuing to direct the inert gas into the headspace after it has been flushed of O.sub.2. The at least one opening of the container is then sealed while the headspace is under pressure. The filled and sealed container can be a hot-filled container.

A method and system of transferring matter through a sealed container during a bottling process are provided. The method includes accessing a headspace of the filled and sealed container by creating at least one opening. An inert gas is provided within the headspace while allowing O.sub.2 to exit from the headspace until substantially all of the O.sub.2 has been flushed out of the headspace. The headspace is then pressurized by continuing to direct the inert gas into the headspace after it has been flushed of O.sub.2. The at least one opening of the container is then sealed while the headspace is under pressure. The filled and sealed container can be a hot-filled container.

Systems, methods, and apparatuses for treating and sealing perishable products in bulk bins and large bulk open top packaging are included. A modified atmosphere of industrial gas (i.e., nitrogen) and product specific treatments are injected within the contents of the liner bag or bin enclosure at the conclusion of the cooling cycle, in conjunction with or just after as the liner bag or open top bin enclosure is sealed. The methods and apparatuses provide alternative processes that can be applied manually or automated to seal of the bin liner bag or bin enclosure and then independently or in conjunction with cooling provide for the controlled and contained injection of modified atmosphere industrial gas treatments (i.e., nitrogen), sanitizer, and/or other functional substances to protect, preserve, or enhance the quality of the perishable product.

Systems, methods, and apparatuses for treating and sealing perishable products in bulk bins and large bulk open top packaging are included. A modified atmosphere of industrial gas (i.e., nitrogen) and product specific treatments are injected within the contents of the liner bag or bin enclosure at the conclusion of the cooling cycle, in conjunction with or just after as the liner bag or open top bin enclosure is sealed. The methods and apparatuses provide alternative processes that can be applied manually or automated to seal of the bin liner bag or bin enclosure and then independently or in conjunction with cooling provide for the controlled and contained injection of modified atmosphere industrial gas treatments (i.e., nitrogen), sanitizer, and/or other functional substances to protect, preserve, or enhance the quality of the perishable product.

One embodiment of the present invention provides an apparatus for processing sealed plastic containers having a first headspace pressure. The apparatus may include: an open entry port or tunnel for continuously receiving containers; a sanitizer configured to sanitize outside surfaces of the received containers; a perforator configured to perforate or open a cap or seal of the containers within the apparatus; a sealer configured to seal the perforation or opening formed in the cap or seal of the containers; an open exit port of tunnel for continuously exiting the processed containers; and a conveyor system configured to transporting or convey the containers from the open entry port or tunnel, through and within the apparatus, to the open exit port or tunnel and away from the sanitized environment of the apparatus. The apparatus may be further configured to maintain a sanitized environment within the apparatus, perforator, and/or sealer.

One embodiment of the present invention provides an apparatus for processing sealed plastic containers having a first headspace pressure. The apparatus may include: an open entry port or tunnel for continuously receiving containers; a sanitizer configured to sanitize outside surfaces of the received containers; a perforator configured to perforate or open a cap or seal of the containers within the apparatus; a sealer configured to seal the perforation or opening formed in the cap or seal of the containers; an open exit port of tunnel for continuously exiting the processed containers; and a conveyor system configured to transporting or convey the containers from the open entry port or tunnel, through and within the apparatus, to the open exit port or tunnel and away from the sanitized environment of the apparatus. The apparatus may be further configured to maintain a sanitized environment within the apparatus, perforator, and/or sealer.

A system for sealing a bin includes a movable conveyor for moving one or more bins, a protective racking system for stacking one or more bins into the movable shuttle or conveyor, and a vacuum cooling tube. The one or more bins have an open top or vented bin lid configured to cool a product within the bin and protect the product from falling debris and cross contamination during vacuum cooling, gas flushing, substance treatments, further handling, or the covering, closing, and/or sealing of the bins.

A system for sealing a bin includes a movable conveyor for moving one or more bins, a protective racking system for stacking one or more bins into the movable shuttle or conveyor, and a vacuum cooling tube. The one or more bins have an open top or vented bin lid configured to cool a product within the bin and protect the product from falling debris and cross contamination during vacuum cooling, gas flushing, substance treatments, further handling, or the covering, closing, and/or sealing of the bins.