| Method and appratus for vacuum sealing -> Monitor Keywords |
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Method and appratus for vacuum sealingRelated Patent Categories: Package Making, With Contents Treating, Vacuum Or Inert AtmosphereMethod and appratus for vacuum sealing description/claimsThe Patent Description & Claims data below is from USPTO Patent Application 20070186516, Method and appratus for vacuum sealing. Brief Patent Description - Full Patent Description - Patent Application Claims
RELATED APPLICATIONS [0001] This application is a divisional of and claims priority benefit under 35 U.S.C. .sctn. 120 from U.S. Patent Application No. 10/990,792, filed on Nov. 17, 2004, which claims the priority benefit under 35 U.S.C. .sctn. 119(e) of U.S. Provisional Application No. 60/520,351, filed on Nov. 17, 2003, and entitled "RECLOSABLE BAG VACUUM SYSTEM," and U.S. Provisional Application No. 60/576,980, filed on Jun. 4, 2004, and entitled "VACUUM APPARATUS FOR BUILT IN VACUUM SUCTION SYSTEMS TO EVACUATE AIR FROM RECLOSABLE FOOD STORAGE SYSTEM," each of which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION [0002] 1. Field of the Invention [0003] The present invention generally relates to vacuum sealing. More particularly, the present invention relates to using a vacuum source for removing air from a container. [0004] 2. Description of the Related Art [0005] Vacuum sealing of containers is a widely used technique for food preservation and storage. In general, food or other articles are placed within a specialized container from which air is evacuated through a vacuum sealing system. Conventional vacuum sealing systems generally include a vacuum source and a container sealing device, such as a bag welder. These systems also generally include a one-way valve usable with the container such that air may be removed from the container without the air flowing back in. [0006] Many conventional vacuum sealing systems are bulky and complex and require the purchase of specialized equipment and/or proprietary containers. For example, many vacuum sealing systems function only with specialized containers, such as customized jars or single-use plastic bags. When using the single-use bags, the vacuum sealing system often uses a heating portion to weld the bag opening shut. After the bags are opened, they can no longer be reused for vacuum sealing and are usually discarded. The repeated purchase of these customized containers can be expensive and burdensome for the user. Thus, there is room for improvement in vacuum sealing technology useful for those who desire an apparatus that has a more straightforward manner of use and that does not require the use of customized containers. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION [0007] Accordingly, one aspect of the present invention involves a device for facilitating vacuum sealing using a central in-house vacuum system. The device comprises an elongated air inlet nozzle having a tubular end configured to be inserted into a resealable container. The device further comprises a hollow intermediate section having a first port for communicating with a central in-house vacuum system and a second port for communicating with the nozzle. The device also includes an inline contamination filter located between the nozzle end and the first port of the intermediate section. The contamination filter generally permits air flow through the nozzle and the intermediate section but greatly reduces the likelihood of contaminants from entering the central in-house vacuum system through the nozzle end. [0008] Another aspect of the present invention involves a device for use in vacuum sealing a resealable container. The device comprises a cover plate generally adapted to attach to a wall port of a central vacuum system. The device further comprises an intermediate portion having an inlet port and an outlet port that communicates with the cover plate. The device also comprises an elongated air inlet portion having a tubular end, a connector end and a lumen. The connector end is moveably attached to the intermediate portion, and the lumen communicates with the inlet port. A contamination filter is located in at least one of the cover plate, the intermediate portion and the air inlet portion. The device also comprises an actuator generally configured to activate the central vacuum system such that air is drawn in through the air inlet portion when the tapered end of the inlet portion is moved in a substantially downward direction. [0009] Another aspect of the present invention involves an apparatus for use in vacuum sealing a resealable container. The apparatus comprises a vacuum source and an intermediate portion having a first port in communication with the vacuum source. The intermediate portion further comprises a second port. The apparatus also comprises an elongated air inlet portion having a tapered end, a connector end and a lumen extending between the tapered end and the connector end. The connector end couples to the intermediate portion such that the lumen communicates with the second port. The tapered end of the inlet portion is oriented in a downward direction such that the tapered end is vertically lower than the connector end when the apparatus is in use. A contamination filter is disposed in at least one of the intermediate portion and the air inlet portion. [0010] Another aspect of the present invention involves a device for facilitating vacuum sealing using a central in-house vacuum system. The device comprises an elongated air inlet portion having a tubular end configured to be inserted into a resealable container. The device also includes an intermediate section having a first port adapted to communicate with the central in-house vacuum system and a second port in communication with the inlet portion. A collection chamber is generally disposed between the first port and the second port. The intermediate portion further comprises a mounting plate configured to attach to a substantially planar surface. [0011] Another aspect of the present invention involves a method for vacuum sealing an article in a flexible, resealable container. The method includes placing an article within a flexible, resealable container having an opening. An elongated air inlet portion, which communicates with a central in-house vacuum, is inserted into the opening. The opening is then substantially sealed around the inlet portion. The method further includes triggering the central in-house vacuum system to withdraw air from the flexible, resealable container through the inlet portion. The inlet portion is then removed from the flexible, resealable container. The flexible, resealable container is then substantially sealed with the article contained therein. [0012] Another aspect of the present invention involves an apparatus for use in vacuum sealing a resealable container. The apparatus comprises means for accessing the interior of a flexible, resealable container. The apparatus further includes means for communicating with a wall port of a central vacuum system and means for coupling the accessing means to the communicating means such that air is drawn through the accessing means when the central vacuum system is active. The apparatus also includes means for substantially impeding contaminants from entering the central vacuum system through the accessing means and the communicating means. The substantially impeding means is disposed in at least one of the accessing means, the communicating means and the coupling means. The apparatus also comprises means for activating the central vacuum system in response to a particular movement of the accessing means. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS [0013] These and other features, aspects and advantages of the present invention will now be described with reference to the drawings of several preferred embodiments, which embodiments are intended to illustrate and not to limit the invention. The drawings comprise 14 figures. [0014] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a vacuum sealing apparatus arranged and configured in accordance with certain features, aspects and advantages of the present invention. The vacuum sealing apparatus is shown with an inlet portion in a generally vertical position. [0015] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the vacuum sealing apparatus of FIG. 1 with the inlet portion in a generally horizontal position. [0016] FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the inlet portion and a chamber body of the intermediate portion of the vacuum sealing apparatus of FIG. 1. [0017] FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the vacuum sealing apparatus of FIG. 1 having an access cap removed from the chamber body. [0018] FIG. 5 is a side view of the inlet portion and the chamber body of the vacuum sealing apparatus of FIG. 1. [0019] FIG. 6 is a side cross-sectional view of the inlet portion and the chamber body of the vacuum sealing apparatus of FIG. 1. [0020] FIGS. 7 and 8 are perspective and exploded views respectively of a cover plate of the vacuum sealing apparatus of FIG. 1. Continue reading about Method and appratus for vacuum sealing... Full patent description for Method and appratus for vacuum sealing Brief Patent Description - Full Patent Description - Patent Application Claims Click on the above for other options relating to this Method and appratus for vacuum sealing patent application. ###  How KEYWORD MONITOR works... a FREE service from FreshPatents1. Sign up (takes 30 seconds). 2. Fill in the keywords to be monitored. 3. Each week you receive an email with patent applications related to your keywords. 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