Method and apparatus for inserting an oxygen scavenger into a modified atmosphere package
US6321509A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Jun 11, 1999 |
| Grant date | Nov 27, 2001 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jun 11, 2019 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC B)Performing Operations; Transporting
- CPC primaryB65B61/20
- WIPO fieldHandling
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
A unique method and apparatus for inserting an oxygen scavenger into a modified atmosphere package for extending the shelf life of food, especially raw meats. A scavenger feeder feeds a chain of interconnected oxygen scavengers. A separator separates the oxygen scavenger located at an exposed end of the chain of interconnected oxygen scavengers from the chain of interconnected oxygen scavengers. An adhesive applicator applies adhesive to the oxygen scavenger which has been separated from the chain of interconnected oxygen scavengers. A conveyor conveys the separated oxygen scavenger to a position which is adjacent to a film layer which is used to form an outer package of the modified atmosphere package so that the oxygen scavenger is attached to a surface of the film layer by the adhesive. The film layer is subsequently formed into the outer package so that the oxygen scavenger that is attached to the film layer is contained within the outer package. Optionally, an injector injects the oxygen scavenger at the exposed end of the chain of interconnected oxygen scavengers with an oxygen uptake accelerator to activate the oxygen scavenger prior to separating the oxygen scavenger from t…
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.