Method for providing an inert sterile atmosphere in an aseptic packaging machine
US4391080A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Sep 20, 1979 |
| Grant date | Jul 5, 1983 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Sep 20, 1999 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC B)Performing Operations; Transporting
- CPC primaryB65B55/025
- WIPO fieldHandling
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
The invention relates to a method for providing a sterile inert atmosphere in an aseptic packaging machine wherein an inert gas is passed through a microbiological filter and then sparged through a bath of hot sterilizing liquid into the interior of the machine. A portion of the sterile inert gas is withdrawn from the machine interior by means of a suitable pump or blower, and separated into three parts; the first part being passed through a heater and then over the flange areas of containers passing through the machine to dry same prior to heat sealing operations, the second part being directed to the machine filler means to provide a back-up microbiological barrier for the filler, and the third part being passed through jets aligned on either side of a web of cover material as said cover material emerges from a sterilizing bath, said jets being arranged to blow off liquid sterilant adhering thereto.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.