US2412167A - Method and means for vacuumizing and gassing filled containers - Google Patents

Description

Dec. 3, 1946. H, MAKER 2,412,167

METHOD AND MEANS FOR VACUUMIZING AND GASSING FILLED CONTAINERS Filed April 1'7, 1944 4 Sheets-Sheet 1 r; m I v 2 a 29 3 L 3 J 17 .24 ea J6 HLMnahen B: t BJM Dec. 3, 1946.

H. L. MINAKER 2,412,167

METHOD AND MEANS FOR VACUUMIZING AND GASSING FILLED CONTAINERS Filed April 17, 1944 4 Sheets-Sheet 3 awuq/wtom JLLMinaRer.

- 7%, 65122;; Am a Dec. 3, 1946. WNAKER 2,412,167

METHOD AND MEANS FOR VACUUMIZING AND GASSING FILLED CONTAINERS Filed April 17, 1944 4 Sheets-Sheet 4 J(, L. Minafcer WMKAQILWFI.

Patented Dec. 3, 1946 METHOD AND. MEANS FOR VACUUIVIIZING AND GASSING FILLED CONTAINERS Herbert L. Minaker, Syracuse, N. Y., assignor to Continental Can Company, Inc., New York, N. Y., a corporation of New York Application April 17, 1944, Serial No. 531,526

23 Claims. 1

This invention relates to improvements in the method of vacuumizing and gassing containers filled with dehydrated foods or other products prior to scaling the containers. and to means for practicing said method.

It is common practice in treating canned dehydrated foods prior to sealing the cans, to place the filled can or container in a chamber and after sealing the chamber to draw ofi the air until the desired vacuum has been produced, then admitting an inert gas until the desired relieving of the vacuum in the can by introduction of the inert gas thereinto is attained.

In some instances a closure for the can or container is supported above the can during the vacuumizing and gassing periods and then placed on the can prior to opening the chamber and sealing the can. With this method some success is obtainable When the material within the can is coarse and heavy; but with light and finely comminuted material, the expansion of the contained air, as the vacuum is being produced, causes more or less violent agitation of the material and loss of considerable portions thereof mm the containers.

In another method the closure has been clinched to the can before it is placed in the chamber. With this method the vacuumizing can be satisfactorily accomplished, but when the gas is admitted to the chamber, the can collapses as the gas cannot enter the can fast enough due to the vacuum holding the lid tightly on the can.

In other devices the closures are not placed within the chamber with the cans but are applied as the can is removed from. the chamber after treatment, but with this method there is the same loss of material from excessive agitation as mentioned in connection with the first described method, and furthermore it is practically impossible to prevent air from entering the cans before the closures are applied, and in such quantities as to preclude proper preservation of the food.

An object of the present invention is to provide a method of vacuumizing and gassing dehydrated products in the containers whereby even the lightest and most finely comminuted material will be completely retained within the container during the vacuumizing period. the gas permitted to freely enter the container preferably but not necessarily under pressure during the gassing period to prevent collapsing or distortion of the container, and the can closed against free admission of air prior to removal of the container from the treating chamber.

A further object of the invention is to provide means for vacuumizing and gassing filled containers comprising a treating chamber equipped with means whereby the lid or closure of the container will be manipulated within the chamber to prevent the escape of material from the container during the vacuumizing period, then partially opened to freely admit the gas, and then closed to prevent free entry of air to the container when the chamber is opened and the container is removed to the double seamer for sealing.

A further object of the invention is to provide a treating chamber as mentioned equipped to accommodate a plurality of filled containers, and provided with means for manipulating all of the closures simultaneously, in the manner above stated.

Other objects willappear hereinafter.

With these objects in view this invention comprises a method consisting in placing a filled container and its closure or lid within a treating chamber, holding the.closure in position, creating a vacuum within thechamber, partially opening the closure, admitting gas to the chamber at the desired pressure, replacing the closure and removing the container from the chamber to transfer the same to the sealing device, such as a double seamer.

The invention further consists in a method as above stated in which the closure is held in position during the yacuumizing period by applying pressure. to diametrically opposite points on the edge of the closure, and thereafter releasing the pressure at one of the points of application, whereby the pressure which is maintained at the opposite portion of the closure will tilt the closure for admitting gas during the gassing period.

The invention further consists in a vacuumizing and gassing apparatus comprising a treating chamber to receive a filled receptacle having a flanged neck, with the lid or closure for the same resting on the flange of said neck, means for sealing said chamber, means for creating a vacuum within said chamber, a valve for controlling the same, valved means for injecting gas into said chamber, pressure members adapted to engage the closure at diametrically opposite sides of the edge thereof, means for actuating said pressure members from without the chamber whereby the pressure may be applied to the lid by both pressure members during the vacuumizing period and then to retract one of said members whereby the pressure of the other memher will tilt the closure to slightly elevate the opposite edge, a bar in the chamber having a bevelled nose to move beneath said elevated edge to further tilt the closure, and means for actuating said bar to insert the same under the closure for the gassing period and to thereafter retract the same and for lowering the retracted pressure member sufficiently to assist in seating the closure and serve as a guide to keep the closure seated on the flanged neck as the containers are pushed out of the chamber.

The invention further consists in providing the treating chamber with a single port, preferably in the bottom thereof, and from which extends a valved pipe communicating with an air pump or other vacuum producing means, the port being also connected through a valved pipe with a gas tank, so that by manipulating the valves, the vacuumizing and gassing may be controlled as desired.

With the above and other objects in view that will hereinafter appear, the nature of the invention will be more clearly understood by reference to the following detailed description. the appended claims, and the several views illustrated in the accompanying drawings.

In the drawings:

Figure 1 is a. plan view of a vacuumizing and gassing device embodying the invention.

Figure 2 is a vertical transverse section of the same taken on the line 22 of Figure 1.

Figure 3 is a similar view of the upper portion of thedevice upon an enlarged scale.

Figure 4 is a diagrammatic view illustrating the connections between the treating tank and the gas tank and air pump.

Figure 5 is an enlarged detail section of the upper end of a can with the closure in the position in which it is placed when inserting the can into the treating chamber and when being removed therefrom.

Figure 6 is a similar view with the pressure member in the position for holding the closure during the vacuum period.

Figure '1 is a similar view with the parts in the positions for holding the closures during the gassing period.

Referring to the drawin s. in indicates the treating chamber which consists of an elongated rectan ular box member, open at both ends. and formed of side walls II and I2. a bottom l3 and top wall It. The sides, top and bottom are pref erablv of integral construction. Each end is provided with a closure l5 pivotally mounte at one of its lower corners as indicated at to swing in a plane parallel with the end o the chamber. and adapted to rest upon a supporting bracket I1 when in open position. A knob or handle I8 is provided on each door for manipulating the same. Each end of the chamber is rovided with an annular gasket l9 which is preferably mounted in a corresponding groove formed in the outer edges of the chamber walls, to tightly seal the doors when closed and fastened. As the gasket and the groove for the same is of ordinary construction the details thereof are not illustrated. To hold each door tightly closed against its gasket 09, a transverse presser bar is provided having a boss 2i which engages.

a bOSs 22 formed centrally on the door. The bar 20 is pivoted at one end 23 upon a pin 24 which is hinged between a pair of lugs 25 on a side of the chamber adjacent the end. The opposite end of the bar 20 is provided with a handwheel 26 and screw 21 for tightening the door against the gaskets l9.

Although the invention is not limited to any particular size or capacity of the chamber, it is preferably constructed to accommodate three, five pound square cans. These are inserted successiveiy into the chamber Hi through one end thereof, and are removed through the other end as will be more fully described hereinafter. To facilitate sliding the cans through the chamber, tracks or ways 28 are provided which extend from end to end of the bottom of the chamber. The cans are maintained in proper position in the chamber for manipulation of the tops or closures, by guides 29 formed on the inner faces of the side walls as illustrated in Figure 2 of the drawings. These guides are spaced above the ways 28 a sufficient distance to provide a space 30 to accommodate the bottom seams of the cans.

The chamber ID is provided with base flanges 3| which rest upon and are secured to a table top or frame 32 supported upon legs 33. Supported beneath the top frame 32 is a gas tank 34 to contain the inert gas under suitable pressure. This tank is supplied with gas through a feed pipe 35 in which is located a pressure gauge 36 and safety valve 31. Leading from the tank 34 to the bottom of the chamber 10 is a pipe 38 provided with a valve 39 which is actuated by a hand lever 40. The pipe 38 is provided with a T-connection 4| directly beneath the center of the bottom l3, to which it is connected by a nipple 42 tapped into a vertical bore forming a port 43 therein. In order to prevent a superposed can from interfering with a free and uniform distribution of the gas, the upper end of the bore is preferably enlarged as at 44, and a tapered groove 45 is extended longitudinally, a suitable distance toward each end of the chamber.

Connected to the opposite arm of the T from that to which the pipe 38 is connected, is a pipe 46 leading to an air pump 41 or other means for exhausting the air in the tank. A valve 48 is arranged in the pipe 46 and provided with a lever 49 for manually operating the same. By having the air withdrawn from the bottom of the chamber, as shown, the agitation of the material during the vacuumizing period is greatly reduced.

In operating the device one of the doors I5 is opened and the filled cans, with the lids resting on the flanged necks as illustrated in Figure 6, are pushed into the chamber In, after which the door is closed and sealed. The valve 48 is then opened causing the air in the chamber to be exhausted until it is lowered to the desired pressure, and the valve is closed. Then the gas valve 39 is opened, admitting gas to the chamber until the desired pressure is attained. The valve 39 is then closed and both doors it are opened and the cans removed for immediate sealing, as by the usual double seamer.

When the cans are placed in the chamber, air under normal atmospheric pressure fills the interstices between the particles of material in the cans, so that as the air is exhausted, the air in said interstices expands. With coarse material in the can this expansion causes but little agitation of the material, but when the cans are filled with finely comminuted or powdered products. this rapid expansion of the air causes violent agitation of the contents and a resulting tendency to eject a portion of the material from the can. It is therefore desirable to firmly but yieldingly hold the lids in closed position on the cans during the vacuumizing period, there being suiii- .acient. leakage of air between the lid and, the neck flange during this period 'to 'permit vacuumizing,

usual type, .having the outwardly extending peripheral flange, 55 terminating in the inturned flange 56 for interlocking with the outwardly flared flange on the neck to seal thecan.

To hold the lids during the vacuumizing period as stated, means are provided for engaging the lids at diametrically opposite points on the flanged edges with sufiicient pressure to maintain, them in closed but not air sealed position. This comprises a presser bar 51 extending longitudinally of the chamberv above the points of application on one side of the lids and of suflicient length to engage the several lids, and a plurality of plungers 58, one for each can, arranged in a row parallel with the bar 51 to engage the edges of the lids at diametrically opposite points from the bar 51.

The lungers 58 are each formed with a bevelled underface 59 sloping outwardly and downwardly for a purpose hereinafter described; and with an upwardly extending stem 60 which projects through an air-tight packing gland 6| in the top of the chamber. The stems also extend loosely through a horizontal, longitudinally disposed bar 62, and are provided on their upper ends with adjusting nuts 83 and lock nuts Interposed between the bar 62 and a collar on each of the stems is a spring 65 for yieldingly holding the respective plungers on the edge of the can lid. The bar 62 is supported by a pair of levers 65 having bifurcated ends 61 to receive the bar. The opposite ends 68 of the levers 65 are mounted on a shaft 69 supported in brackets 19. The levers 65 are so spaced as to engage the bar 62 approximately midway between adjacent plungers to equalize the pressure of the several plungers when applied to the can lids.

The plungers are actuated by a hand lever 1| comprising a pair of lever bars 12 pivotally mounted on a shaft 13 supported by brackets M, and are connected at their outer ends by a handle bar 15. The lever bars 12 each have a short angularly disposed leg 16 which is connected by a drag link 11 to the respective lever 66. When the hand lever H is in the position illustrated in Figur 2. the plungers 58 are retracted. By moving the lever 1| to the position illustrated in fulllines in Figure 3. the plungers are lowered to engage the edges of the can lids, and through the medium of the spring 65 are held in firm but yielding engagement therewith.

To the presser bar 51 are fixed a pair of vertical rods 18 which extend through packing glands 19 in the top of the chamber. and the upper ends of these rods are connected as at 80 to horizontal arms ill of bell-crank levers 82. which levers are mounted on the shaft 69. The depending arms 83 of the levers 82 are each connected by a link 84 with side bars 85 of a hand lever as. The lever bars 35 are connected at their upper ends by a handle bar 81 and are mounted at their lower ends on brackets 88 on a side of the chamber. It is evident that by moving the handle bar 81 outwardly the bar 51 will be lowered into position to engage the can lids as above stated, and that by moving the handle bar inwardly said bar will be raised.

(ill

6 When said bar is raised from the lids while the plungers'fill are pressing on the opposite side of the lids, said lids will be tilted upwardly as illustrated in Figure 8, which is the position of the lids while gassing.

The bevelled under face -59 of the plunger 58 will assist materially in tilting the lid and holding the same in tilted position, but it is, preferabl to provide means for positively holding the lids after they have been tilted, so that the gas entering the chamber will not forcibly close the lids, and crush or disturb the cans before the vacuum therein can be overcome. To this end a cover support bar 39 is provided which is of sufficient length to simultaneously engage under all of the tilted lids in the chamber. Said bar 89 is formed with a bevelled forward edge or nose 90, and is supported upon a pair of rods 9| which are fixed thereto and extend laterally through packing glands 82 in the side of the chamber. The rods 9| are connected to the lever bars 86 so that as the lever is actuated to raise the bar 51, with consequent tipping 0f the lids, the bar 89 will be moved inwardly with its bevelled edge or nose wedging in between the lid and the neck of the can, and the bar will then support the lids during the gassing period, and until it is withdrawn as the bar 51 is lowered to assist in reseating the lids.

The bar 51 has three distinct positions during the processing. First, the initial position while the cans are being placed within the chamber, which is close abovethe lids to prevent them from becoming displaced, but not pressing thereon. This is with the lever in the so-called new tral position. Second, in the lowermost position to firmly presson the lids to hold them during the vacuumizina period. Third, when raised to the highest position where it remains during the gassing period. In order that the operator may know when the bar is in the correct position at each stage, means are provided for this pur ose. Although various means may be employed. a simple form as shown in the drawing's is the provision of a detent on the lever 85 adapted to en a e a. notched bar 94 fixed to a wall of the chamber.

The operation of the device is as follows: Before placing the containers in the chamber 10, the levers 1| and 85 are positioned as illustrated in Figure 2, that is, with the pluncers 5B raised and the presser bar 51 lowered to just clear the lids of'the cans. The cans, packed to the desired capacity, and with the lids resting on the flange of the collar 53, as shown in Figure 6, are then pushed successively into the chamber by sliding them along the track-ways 28. As before stated, the presser bar 51 is so positioned that the cans with their lids will slide freely beneath it, at the same time the bar will prevent accidental displacement oi the lids. After the cans are in place, the door is closed and clamped in position to render the chamber air tight. The lever 1| is then raised, lowering the plungers 58 into engagement with the lids. This is a yielding pressure through the medium of the spring 65, and tipping of the lids is prevented due to the position of the bar 51 in close proximity to the lids. The lever 85 is then moved outwardly forcing the bar 51 firmly onto the lids. Although the bar and the plungers 58 hold the lids firmly in position they do not hold the lid so as to seal the same, but will permit the air to escape as soon as the pressure outside of the can is lowered belo-w'that of the air-con.

tamed within the can. This is due partly to the normal unevennesses in the contact lines of the lid on the neck of the can. Also, as the pressure is applied only at diametrically opposite points on the large diameter rim of the lid, a slight fiexure is permitted at the other portions of the rim, due to the unbalanced pressure and the flexibility of the relatively large closure. In other words, the lids are held in closed but not air sealed position, because, due to the normal unevenness of the contact lines of the lid and the can neck and the flexibility of the closure as aforesaid, sufficient crevices between the lid and the can neck inherently exist and permit the air to escape.

The valve 48 is then opened to vacuumize the chamber, the air in the cans escapin between the lids and the can neck flanges. However, irrespective of any agitation of the material within the cans, the contents are retained therein. After the air has been exhausted to the desired amount as indicated by a vacuum gauge 95, the valve 48 is closed, and the lever 85 moved inwardly, raising the bar 51. As the bar 51 rises the lids are tilted upwardly under the bar due to the pressure of the bevelled faces 59 of the plungers 58. As the lids rise with the bar 51, the bar 89 is simultaneously moved inwardly, the bevelled nose 9!! thereof pushing under the lids to further raise them and hold them in raised position during the gassing period.

The valve 39 is next opened, admitting the inert gas, preferably but not necessarily under pressure. When the gas is admitted under pressure its introduction is continued until the pressure within the chamber has risen to the desired degree as indicated by a pressure gauge 98, and the valve is then closed. The supporting bar, by keeping the top of the cans open during the gassing, prevents uneven pressure inside and outside the cans thereby avoiding crushing or distortion of the cans by the pressure of the gas.

It also permits the inert gas to freely enter and relieve the evacuated condition in the cans and dilute any residual air left after the vacuumizing. All the interstices between the particles of the contents of the cans, and the space above the same is now completely filled with the gas. The levers II and 85 are now returned to neutral position, raising the plungers 58, retracting the bar 89 to drop the lids into closed position, and. lowering the bar 51 to assist in seating the lids and to serve as a guide to prevent displacement of the lids in removing the cans from the device.

Both doors l are opened and the cans removed and passed to a double seamer for tightly sealing the same. As the gas which now fills the cans is at full atmospheric pressure, or greater, and there being no greater pressure of air at the minute crevices between the lid and the neck of the can than the pressure within, there is no tendency for the air to force its way into the can, particularly in the short space of time required to move the cans from the chamber to the double seamer for sealing the lids in place. In removing the cans, they should be pushed at the bottom so as not to disturb the can or displace the lids.

While I prefer in most instances to raise the as pressure slightly above atmospheric pressure, this is not necessary as the high vacuum in the cans will cause the gas to freely enter and relieve or replace the previously existing evacuated condition in the cans and sumciently dilute any residual air that may remain after vacuumizing. It is also to be understood that while I have described the invention as used with a heavier-than-air. gas, a lighter-than-air gas may be employed, depending upon the nature of the material in the cans, and that such lighter gas may be used at any desired pressure.

While one form of the invention has been shown for purposes of illustration, it is to be clearly understood that various changes in the details of construction and arrangement of parts may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention as defined in the appended claims.

I claim:

I. A method of treating canned material prior to sealing the can comprising, subjecting the filled can to a vacuum while the lid is held in a closed but not air sealed position, then introducing an inert gas into the can with the lid thereon partly raised, and then returning the lid to said closed position.

2. A method of treating canned material prior to sealing the can comprising, subjecting the filled can to a vacuum while the lid is yieldingly held in a closed but not air sealed position, then subjecting the can to an inert gas under pressure with the -lid partly raised, and then returning the lid to said closed position.

3. A method of treating canned material prior to sealing the can comprising, subjecting the filled can to a vacuum while the lid is held in a closed but not air sealed position, then subjecting the can to an inert heavier than air gas under pressure with the lid partly raised, and then returning the lid to said closed position.

4. A method of treating canned material prior to sealing the can comprising, subjecting the filled can to a Vacuum while the lid is yieldingly held in a closed but not air sealed position, then subjecting the can to an inert heavier than air gas under pressure with the lid partly raised, and then returning the lid to said closed position.

5. A method of treating canned material prior to sealing the can comprising, subjecting the filled can to a vacuum while the 11d of the can is held in a closed but not air sealed position, and thereafter relieving the evacuated condition in the can with an inert gas and thereby diluting any residual air in said can.

6. A method of treating canned material prior to sealing the can comprising, subjecting the filled can to a vacuum while the lid of the can is held in a closed but not air sealed position, partially lifting the lid, thereafter relieving the evacuated condition in the can with an inert gas while said lid is lifted and thereby diluting any residual air in said can, and then returning the lid to said closed position.

7. A method of treating canned material prior to scaling the can comprising, placing the can with its lid in closed position thereon, in a chamber, sealing the chamber, vacuumizing the chamber while holding the lid in closed position, par tially lifting the lid and admitting an inert gas to the vacuumized chamber while the lid is lifted, to relieve the evacuated condition therein and dilute any residual air in the can, and then returning the lid to said closed position while the chamber is still sealed.

8. The method of treating canned material prior to sealing the can, consisting in placing the container with its lid resting in position to close the container, within a chamber, tightly sealing said chamber, exerting pressure on the lid to hold the same in a closed but not air sealed p0- s t ng acuumizm said h ee isi' oot des re de ree re easin the reseason id a d. a lly pen a hcsame. ad rltt ea e inert gas to said chamber andthen rerli lacing thejlid" nsa d q e ms iioi w l cham e t l metrically po ite. oints; n. e. edge. i I he;

lid to hold the same in a closed but notairsealed s ion w m zi said h n ll he s: sired degree, e sina hen sss r a hs idet. one of said points and partially opening the me, admitting n na t es c aid s am lesndies, l ci t e-l n a di p si i n while the chamber is stillsealegl,

9 me of rea eecaan d mat r ln ie to a n h an wmnri sa ectin he filled cans o a acuwnwlii e is ri ldiliely. held in a s d but t al ealed qs m. h y. replacing, the vacuum the can with aninert a hile the d s it y, ra d. a d hen ein the d to aid o ed s t n hi e he chamber is still sealed.

11. In a device of the class described, a 097437 h d pted to. receive, a. receptacle ntain n a st e to e eated wi hacl sure tenths, receptacle resting, in positi n thereon, means for vacuumizing sa d cham e means or. nt odu ing an inert gas into said; chamber, means for controlling said vfilql l mizing means, means for controlling said gas introducing means, means engageable withsaid closure for applying pres: sure thereto to hold the same, firmly in a closed but not air sealed position during the vacuumizing period, means engageable with said clo sure for partially raising the same after the vacuumizing period, and means engageable with said closure for holding the same in partially raised position during the gassing period and disengageable from said closure-for restoring the same to said closed position.

12. In a device ofthe class described; a chamber adapted to receive acan containing a substance to be treated with the lid for said can resting in place thereon, a plungeradapted to be moved into engagement with said lid and,

normally tending to tilt the lid while in engage,- ment therewith, a vertically reoiprocable presser bar adapted when in lowermost position to assist said plunger in holding the lid in a closed but not air sealed position on the can and when raised to permit the plunger to tilt the lid, and a laterally reciprocable member adapted to be inserted beneath the uplifted edge of the tilted lid as the presser bar is raised, and retracted as the presser bar is lowered.

13. In a device of the class described a chamber adapted to receive a can containing a substance to be treated with the lid for said can resting in place thereon, a plunger having a bevelled face adapted to be moved into engagement with said lid and normally tending to tilt the lid while in engagement therewith, a vertically reciprocablc presscr bar adapted when in lowermost position to assist said plunger in holding the lid in a closed but not air sealed position on the can and when raised to permit the plunger to tilt the lid and a laterally i'eciprocable memher adapted to be inserted beneath the uplifted edge of the tilted lid as the presser bar is raised. and retracted as th presser bar is lowered.

14, In a device for valc'uumizing and gassing filled containers prior to scaling, comprising a chamberfadapt d tblfeceivea' plurality of filled cansjin ap ra ser -each can having its lid rest i "15 tr es thereon, a'siinilar number of plfgfgjei's to be moved simultaneossly into engagemeiit' 'with said lids and each normally to, tiltthe lidsirespectiv ely while in engage me itwher'with, a vertically reciprocable pressei-fbar e itending'longitudinally of the chambe ffaiid V n sthesia lowermost position to eng'ageach 6flsaid lids and assist the plungers in'l'ioldin'g the lids in a closed but not air sealed position on the cans, and when raised to permit the several plungers to tilt the respective'dids, and alatei all'v reciproca'ble supporting bar adapted, to ""fd'er seen of said lids as the edge is u'pli ftd 'up'on raising the presser bar, and to befretracteda's the pressenis' lowered,

15. In a iievic for vacuumizing and'gassing filledcontainers 'prior to scaling, comprising a chamber aliaptedto receive a plurality offilled cans zi'alinear'series, each can havingits lid restinglixi Place thereon, a similar number of plungrs' adapted to be moved simultaneously into engagement with said lids and each normally tending, to, on the lids respectively while in engagement therewith, a vertically reciprocable presseg har eigtending longitudinally of the chamher and; adapted; when in lowermost position to engage each of said lids andiassist the plungers in holding the lids in a closed but not air sealed position on the cans, and when raised to permit the several lplungers to tilt the respective lids, a laterally reciprocable, supporting bar adapted to engage under each of said lids as the edge is uplifted upon; raising the presser bar, and to be retracted asthe presser bar is lowered, and a single manually operable member for simultaneously actuating said presser bar and said supporting bar.

16. In a device of the class described a chamber including side walls a, top and a bottom, and adapted to receive a. ipluralityof cans in align ment, said, cans each having a lid resting in closing position, slideways forsupporting the cans above the bottom, a port, in said bottom, vacuumizing means, a sourceof inert gas supply, pipes connecting said vacuur'nizing means and said sourc ofjEa-s supply to said chamber through said port, a valve in each of said pipes, means for holding the ,lids in closed but not air sealed positionionlthe cans when the valve to the vacuumizingj means isopen, means for tilting the lids after said valve 'is closed, and means for maintaining said lids in tilted position when the valve in the gas supply pipe is open.

17. In a device of the class described a chamher having side walls, a top and a bottom, and open at the end, means for closing and sealing said ends, track-Ways extending longitudinally through said chamber to receive a plurality of filled cans and hold the same elevated above the floor, each of said cans being provided with 7 a lid resting loosely in closing position, vacuumizing and gassing means communicating with said chamber through said floor, a plurality of plungers adapted to individually engage said lids respectively and having stems extending through said top, a bar above said top through which said stems loosely extend, a stop on each of the stems above said her, a collar on each stem, a spring interposed between said bar and each of said collars, a pair of supporting levers pivotally mounted above said chamber and having bifur- 11* cated ends in which said bar is held, a hand lever, and draglinks between said hand lever and said supporting levers whereby said hand lever may be actuated to lower-said plungers into yielding engagement with said can lids, a vertically reciprocable presser bar extending longitudinally of the chamber, and means for actuat'ing said bar to lower the same into engagement with the lids to assist said plungers in holding the lids 'in closed'bfut not air sealed position during the vacuumlzing periodand to raise said bar to permit the plunger-s to tilt the lids for the gassing period.

18. in a device of the class described, a chamber adapted to receive a can containing a substance to be treated with the flanged lid of the can resting in place thereon, a member having a bevelled face adapted to be moved into engagement with a portion of the peripheral flange of said lid and exert yielding pressure thereon, and a vertically reciprocable presser member adapted to engage said flange at a diametrically opposite portion than that engaged by the first said member, said bevelled face being bevelled upwardly towardsaid presser member, and means operable at times for holding the bevelled face member and the presser member against the lid for holding it in place on the can and at other times for holding the bevelled face member against the lid and lifting the presser member away to cause the lid to be tilted upwardly by the bevelled face member.

19. In a device for vacuumizing and gassing filled cans with the covers resting on said cans, a chamber into which the cans are to be placed, means for sealing said chamber, means for tilting the can lids and a laterally movable member within said chamber having a bevelled nose to wedge beneath the lids to raise and support one side thereof, and means actuated from without said chamber for operating said laterally movable member.

20. In a device of the class described a chamber adapted to receive a can containing a substance to be treated with the lid for said can resting in place thereon, a plunger adapted to be moved into engagement; with said lid and normally tending to tilt the lid while in engagement therewith, a vertically reciprocable presser bar adapted when in a lowered position to assist said plunger in holding the lid in a closed but not air sealed position on the can and when raised to permit the plunger to tilt the lid, and means for raising and lowering the plunger and bar, said bar being so disposed in the chamber and 01 such length as to 12 be eifdtlve is a guide to prevent displacement of the narrow-a can during movement of said can along said chamber incidental to withdrawal thereof from the chamber.

21. In a device for vacuumizing and gassing cans of commodities with the lids resting thereon, a chamber, means for air sealing said chamber; ways in said chamber upon which the cans are slid into and out of said chamber, a bar in said chamber parallel with said ways and means operable from without the sealed chamber for actuating said bar to hold the lids in place during the vacuumizing period and also to position the said bar to prevent displacement of the lids while moving the cans from the chamber afte treatment.

22. In a device for vacuumizing and gassing cans of commodities with the lids resting in place thereon, a chamber open at both ends and adapted to hold a plurality of cans, means for air sealing both ends of said chamber, ways in said chamber upon which the cans are slid into and out of said chamber, a bar supported in the upper portion of said chamber above the can lids, and parallel with said ways, and means operable from without the sealed chamber for actuating said bar to firmly engage said lids during the vacuumizing period and also to position said bar to prevent displacement of the lids while moving the cans into and out of the chamber.

23. In a device for vacuumizing and gassing cans of commodities with the lids resting thereon, an elongated chamber adapted to hold a plurality of cans, said chamber being open at both ends, means for air sealing said open ends, ways extending longitudinally through said chamber upon which the cans are slid into and out of said chamber, a longitudinally disposed bar supported in the upper portion of said chamber and parallel with said clamping and tilting means for exerting yielding pressure on the edges of the lids at one side thereof during the vacuumizing and gassing periods, means operable from without said chamber for raising and lowering said clamping and tilting means, and means also operable from without said sealed chamber for actuating said bar to firmly engage the edges of the lids at points diametrically opposite from the clamping and tilting means during the vacuumlzing period, to raise the bar at the beginning of the gassing period and to lower the bar into position prior to unseallng the chamber, to prevent displacement of the lid when the cans are being removed from the device,

HERBERT L. MINAKER.

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