U.S. patent application number 09/838392 was filed with the patent office on 2002-10-24 for apparatus and method for preparing an evacuated container.
Invention is credited to Paul, Zbigniew R., Sabin, Cullen M., Sabin, Martin W..
Application Number | 20020152724 09/838392 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 25277000 |
Filed Date | 2002-10-24 |
United States Patent
Application |
20020152724 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Paul, Zbigniew R. ; et
al. |
October 24, 2002 |
Apparatus and method for preparing an evacuated container
Abstract
An apparatus for vacuum sealing a container is disclosed that
includes a vacuum chamber in communication with a vacuum source,
the vacuum chamber having at least a first port and an internal
pressure, a securing device adapted to secure an open end of the
container to the first port of the vacuum chamber; and a heating
member at least a portion of which is located inside the vacuum
chamber, the heating member is adapted to apply heat to a
heat-activated sealant material positioned to cover at least the
open end of the container.
Inventors: |
Paul, Zbigniew R.;
(University Park, FL) ; Sabin, Martin W.;
(Sarasota, FL) ; Sabin, Cullen M.; (Cortez,
FL) |
Correspondence
Address: |
WILLIAM J. HONE
Fish & Richardson P.C.
45 Rockefeller Plaza, Suite 2800
New York
NY
10111
US
|
Family ID: |
25277000 |
Appl. No.: |
09/838392 |
Filed: |
April 19, 2001 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
53/432 ;
53/329.2; 53/478; 53/510 |
Current CPC
Class: |
B65B 31/028
20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
53/432 ; 53/510;
53/478; 53/329.2 |
International
Class: |
B65B 031/04 |
Claims
What is claimed is:
1. An apparatus for vacuum sealing a container, the apparatus
comprising: a vacuum chamber in communication with a vacuum source,
the vacuum chamber having at least a first port and an internal
pressure; a securing device adapted to secure an open end of the
container to the first port of the vacuum chamber; and a heating
member at least a portion of which is located inside the vacuum
chamber, the heating member is adapted to apply heat to a
heat-activated sealant material positioned to cover at least the
open end of the container.
2. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the securing device comprises a
piston assembly adapted to impart a force against the
container.
3. The apparatus of claim 2 wherein the piston assembly enables
mating of the open end of the container to the first port on the
vacuum chamber.
4. The apparatus of claim 1 further comprising a sealant material
feeding device adapted to position the sealant material to cover at
least the open end of the container.
5. The apparatus of claim 4 wherein the sealant material feeding
device is further adapted to operate automatically.
6. The apparatus of claim 1 further comprising a sealant material
cutting member at least a portion of which is located inside the
vacuum chamber, the sealant material cutting member is adapted to
cut the sealant material to a size that covers at least the open
end of the container.
7. The apparatus of claim 6 wherein the sealant material cutting
member is mounted to the heating member by a spring-loaded
connection.
8. The apparatus of claim 6 wherein the sealant material cutting
member is further adapted to operate automatically.
9. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the heating member comprises a
surface adapted to mate with a portion of the sealant material, the
portion of sealant material is positioned proximate a surface of
the container at least partially surrounding the open end of the
container.
10. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the heating member is further
adapted to heat the sealant material to a temperature that is
between approximately 300.degree. F. and approximately 800.degree.
F.
11. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the heating member is further
adapted to apply pressure to the sealant material, and the pressure
is between approximately 150 pounds per square inch and
approximately 600 pounds per square inch.
12. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the vacuum source is adapted
to create an internal pressure in the vacuum chamber that is
between approximately 1 torr and approximately 60 torr.
13. The apparatus of claim 1 further comprising: a controller with
at least one input terminal and at least one output terminal; at
least one sensor connected to the at least one input terminal, at
least one of the sensors adapted to sense the internal pressure of
the vacuum chamber; at least one actuating device connected to the
at least one output terminal, at least one of the actuating devices
adapted to actuate the vacuum source; wherein the controller is
adapted to receive an input signal from the at least one sensor
through the at least one input terminal, process the input signal,
and transmit an output signal responsive to the input signal
through the at least one output terminal to the at least one
actuating device.
14. The apparatus of claim 13 wherein the controller is further
adapted to cause at least one of the actuating devices to perform
at least one action selected from a group consisting of: securing
the open end of the container to the port on the vacuum chamber,
actuating the vacuum source to create an internal pressure in the
vacuum chamber, positioning the sealant material to cover at least
the open end of the container, and applying heat and pressure to
the sealant material proximate a surface at least partially
surrounding the open end of the container.
15. An apparatus for vacuum sealing and filling a container, the
apparatus comprising: a vacuum chamber in communication with a
vacuum source, the vacuum chamber having at least a first port and
an internal pressure; a securing device adapted to secure an open
end of the container to the first port of the vacuum chamber; a
heating member at least a portion of which is located inside the
vacuum chamber, the heating member is adapted to apply heat to a
heat-activated sealant material positioned to cover at least the
open end of the container; and a hollow feed tube at least a
portion of which is located inside the vacuum chamber.
16. The apparatus of claim 15 wherein the heating member comprises
an internal passage, the hollow feed tube has an open end that can
be in communication with the vacuum source and at least a portion
of the hollow feed tube passes through the internal passage of the
heating member.
17. The apparatus of claim 15 wherein the hollow feed tube is
adapted to load a material into the container through the open end
of the container.
18. The apparatus of claim 15 wherein the hollow feed tube
comprises an open end and the hollow feed tube can be positioned so
that the open end of the hollow feed tube is isolated from the
vacuum source.
19. The apparatus of claim 18 wherein the open end of the hollow
feed tube can be isolated from the vacuum source by mating the open
end of the hollow feed tube with a recessed sealing area inside the
vacuum chamber.
20. The apparatus of claim 15 wherein the vacuum source is adapted
to create a pressure inside the vacuum chamber that is between
approximately 1 millitorr and approximately 1000 millitorr.
21. The apparatus of claim 15 wherein the securing device comprises
a piston assembly adapted to impart a force against the
container.
22. The apparatus of claim 21 wherein the piston assembly enables
mating of the open end of the container to the first port on the
vacuum chamber.
23. The apparatus of claim 15 further comprising a sealant material
feeding device adapted to position the sealant material to cover at
least the open end of the container.
24. The apparatus of claim 23 wherein the sealant material feeding
device is further adapted to operate automatically.
25. The apparatus of claim 15 further comprising a sealant material
cutting member at least a portion of which is located inside the
vacuum chamber and the sealant material cutting member is adapted
to cut the sealant material to a size that covers at least the open
end of the container.
26. The apparatus of claim 25 wherein the sealant material cutting
member is mounted to the heating member by a spring-loaded
connection.
27. The apparatus of claim 25 wherein the sealant material cutting
member is adapted to operate automatically.
28. The apparatus of claim 15 wherein the heating member comprises
a surface adapted to mate with a portion of the sealant material
positioned proximate a surface of the container, the surface at
least partially surrounding the open end of the container.
29. The apparatus of claim 15 wherein the heating member is further
adapted to heat the sealant material to a temperature that is
between approximately 300.degree. F. and approximately 800.degree.
F.
30. The apparatus of claim 15 wherein the heating member is further
adapted to apply pressure to the sealant material, and the pressure
is between approximately 150 pounds per square inch and
approximately 600 pounds per square inch.
31. The apparatus of claim 15 wherein the vacuum source is adapted
to create a pressure inside the vacuum chamber that is between
approximately 1 torr and approximately 60 torr.
32. The apparatus of claim 15 further comprising: a controller with
at least one input terminal and at least one output terminal; at
least one sensor connected to the at least one input terminal, at
least one of the sensors adapted to sense the internal pressure of
the vacuum chamber; at least one actuating device connected to the
at least one output terminal, at least one of the actuating devices
adapted to actuate the vacuum source; wherein the controller is
adapted to receive an input signal from the at least one sensor
through the at least one input terminal, process the input signal,
and transmit an output signal responsive to the input signal
through the at least one output terminal to the at least one
actuating device.
33. The apparatus of claim 32 wherein the controller is further
adapted to cause at least one of the actuating devices to perform
at least one action selected from a group consisting of: securing
the open end of the container to the port on the vacuum chamber,
actuating the vacuum source to create an internal pressure in the
vacuum chamber, feeding a material into the container through the
open end of the container, positioning the sealant material to
cover at least the open end of the container, and applying heat and
pressure to the sealant material proximate a surface at least
partially surrounding the open end of the container.
34. A method of preparing a container comprising: securing an open
end of the container to a port on a vacuum chamber, the open end
having a surface at least partially surrounding the open end;
actuating a vacuum source in communication with the vacuum chamber
to at least partially evacuate the vacuum chamber; positioning a
sealant material to cover at least the open end of the container
and a portion of the surface at least partially surrounding the
open end of the container; and attaching the sealant material to
the surface at least partially surrounding the open end of the
container to cover at least the open end of the container.
35. The method of claim 34 wherein securing the open end of the
container to the port on the vacuum chamber comprises applying a
seating force with a movable assembly.
36. The method of claim 34 wherein actuating the vacuum source to
at least partially evacuate the vacuum chamber results in a
pressure inside the vacuum chamber that is between approximately 1
torr and approximately 60 torr.
37. The method of claim 34 wherein actuating the vacuum source to
at least partially evacuate the vacuum chamber results in a
pressure inside the vacuum chamber that is between approximately 1
millitorr and approximately 1000 millitorr.
38. The method of claim 34 wherein positioning the sealant material
comprises using an automatic sealant feeding mechanism.
39. The method of claim 34 wherein attaching the sealant material
comprises applying heat and pressure to at least a portion of the
sealant material proximate the surface at least partially
surrounding the open end of the container.
40. The method of claim 34 further comprising introducing a
material into the container through the open end of the container
before positioning the sealant material.
41. The method of claim 40 wherein the material comprises a
desiccant.
42. The method of claim 34 further adapted to be automatically
repeated.
43. A container prepared according to the method of claim 34.
44. A container prepared according to the method of claim 40.
Description
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0001] The invention relates to sealing, or filling and sealing,
evacuated containers. Specifically, the invention relates to
evacuating, and vacuum sealing evaporator units and evacuating,
vacuum filling, and vacuum sealing absorber units in
self-refrigerating devices.
BACKGROUND
[0002] Self-refrigerating devices are known in the art. They are
designed to provide cooling without resorting to external sources
of cooling such as electricity, ice and the like. Conveniently,
these devices can be highly portable. They also typically deliver
cooling on a single-use basis, and may therefore be disposable.
[0003] There are many foods and beverages that can be stored almost
indefinitely at an average ambient temperature of approximately
20.degree. C.-25.degree. C. but that have more favorable properties
when cold than when at ambient temperature. Electrically powered
refrigeration units can cool these foods and beverages. The use of
these units to cool foods and beverages may not always be practical
because the units require a source of electricity, are not usually
portable, and may not cool foods and beverages quickly.
[0004] Alternatively, phase change materials such as ice can cool
foods and beverages. Such phase change materials may not always be
available, and may not cool food or beverages sufficiently quickly.
Using ice to cool foods or beverages may be undesirable because ice
can be stored for only limited times at temperatures above
0.degree. C. Additionally, a beverage can be undesirably diluted by
ice that melts while cooling the beverage.
[0005] An alternate method for providing cooled food or beverages
on demand is to use portable insulated containers. These containers
typically only function to maintain the temperature of the food or
beverage placed inside them and usually require ice to achieve a
cooling effect. These containers can be bulky and heavier than the
food or beverage being cooled, especially when used in conjunction
with ice. Moreover, ice may not be readily available when a cooling
effect is desired.
[0006] In addition to cooling food and beverages, there are other
applications for which portable cooling devices may be desirable.
These include: medical applications, such as cooling of tissues or
organs, preparing cold compresses, and cryogenically destroying
tissues as part of surgical procedures; industrial applications,
such as producing cold water or other cold liquids upon demand,
preserving biological specimens, cooling protective clothing; and
various cosmetic applications. A portable cooling apparatus could
have widespread utility in all these areas.
[0007] A method known in the art for providing a cooling effect in
a portable device, for example, a beverage can is to evaporate
refrigerant in a first chamber and absorb or adsorb the resultant
refrigerant vapor in a second chamber. In such a system, liquid
refrigerant boils under reduced pressure in the first chamber,
absorbing heat from its surroundings. The vapor generated from the
boiling liquid is discharged into the second chamber, which
contains a desiccant that absorbs the vapor and the heat.
[0008] A particular self-refrigerating device that can be used in
conjunction with the present invention includes three basic
sections: an evaporator initially containing a refrigerant, an
absorber initially containing a desiccant, and a means to prevent
the inadvertent flow of refrigerant vapor between the evaporator
and the absorber. This flow-preventing means is also adapted to
allow the flow of refrigerant vapor between the evaporator and
absorber when, for example, the device is in operation. The
functional relationships between these sections have been described
in U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,197,302 and 5,048,301, which are incorporated
by reference in their entirety.
[0009] The inventive techniques, methods, and apparatus described
herein may be utilized in the production of, for example,
evaporators and absorbers of these self-refrigerating devices.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0010] Various embodiments may include one or more of the following
features.
[0011] In a first broad aspect, an apparatus is disclosed for
vacuum sealing a container. The apparatus includes a vacuum chamber
having at least a first port and an internal pressure. The vacuum
chamber is in communication with a vacuum source. A securing device
is adapted to secure an open end of the container to the first port
of the vacuum chamber and a heating member, at least a portion of
which is located inside the vacuum chamber, is adapted to apply
heat to a heat-activated sealant material positioned to cover at
least the open end of the container. The securing device can
include a piston assembly adapted to impart a force against the
container. The piston assembly may enable mating of the open end of
the container to the first port on the vacuum chamber. The
apparatus can further include a sealant material feeding device,
which may operate automatically, adapted to position the sealant
material to cover at least the open end of the container. The
apparatus can also include a sealant material cutting member at
least a portion of which is located inside the vacuum chamber. The
sealant material cutting member may be adapted to cut the sealant
material to a size that covers at least the open end of the
container. The sealant material cutting member may be mounted to
the heating member by a spring-loaded connection and may be adapted
to operate automatically. The heating member of the apparatus may
include a surface adapted to mate with a portion of the sealant
material, and the portion of sealant material may be positioned
proximate a surface of the container that at least partially
surrounds the open end of the container. The heating member of the
apparatus may be adapted to heat the sealant material to a
temperature that is between approximately 300.degree. F. and
approximately 800.degree. F., and may be further adapted to apply a
pressure between approximately 150 pounds per square inch and
approximately 600 pounds per square inch to the sealant material.
The vacuum source of the apparatus may be adapted to create an
internal pressure in the vacuum chamber that is between
approximately 1 torr and approximately 60 torr. The apparatus of
claim 1 can further include a controller with at least one input
terminal and at least one output terminal, at least one sensor,
adapted to sense the internal pressure of the vacuum chamber,
connected to an input terminal, and at least one actuating device,
adapted to actuate the vacuum source, connected to at least one of
the output terminals. The controller can be adapted to receive an
input signal from the sensor through the input terminal, process
the input signal, and transmit an output signal responsive to the
input signal through the output terminal and to the actuating
device. The controller can be further adapted to cause at least one
of the actuating devices to perform at least one action selected
from a group consisting of: securing the open end of the container
to the port on the vacuum chamber, actuating the vacuum source to
create an internal pressure in the vacuum chamber, positioning the
sealant material to cover at least the open end of the container,
and applying heat and pressure to the sealant material proximate a
surface at least partially surrounding the open end of the
container.
[0012] In a second broad aspect, an apparatus is disclosed for
vacuum sealing and filling a container, including a vacuum chamber,
having at least a first port and an internal pressure, in
communication with a vacuum source, a securing device adapted to
secure an open end of the container to the first port of the vacuum
chamber, a heating member, at least a portion of which is located
inside the vacuum chamber, the heating member being adapted to
apply heat to a heat-activated sealant material positioned to cover
at least the open end of the container, and a hollow feed tube at
least a portion of which is located inside the vacuum chamber. The
heating member can include an internal passage, the hollow feed
tube having an open end that can be in communication with the
vacuum source and at least a portion of the hollow feed tube
passing through the internal passage of the heating member. The
hollow feed tube may be adapted to load a material into the
container through the open end of the container. The hollow feed
tube can include an open end and the hollow feed tube can be
positioned so that the open end of the hollow feed tube is isolated
from the vacuum source. The open end of the hollow feed tube can
also be isolated from the vacuum source by mating it with a
recessed sealing area inside the vacuum chamber. The vacuum source
can be adapted to create a pressure inside the vacuum chamber that
is between approximately 1 millitorr and 1000 millitorr. The
securing device can include a piston assembly, which can enable
mating of the open end of the container to the first port on the
vacuum chamber, adapted to impart a force against the container.
The apparatus can also include a sealant material feeding device
adapted to position the sealant material to cover at least the open
end of the container and which may operate automatically. The
apparatus can include a sealant material cutting member at least a
portion of which is located inside the vacuum chamber that is
adapted to cut the sealant material to a size to cover at least the
open end of the container. The sealant material cutting member can
be mounted to the heating member by a spring-loaded connection and
can also be adapted to operate automatically. The heating member
can include a surface adapted to mate with a portion of the sealant
material positioned proximate a surface of the container, and the
surface may at least partially surrounding the open end of the
container. The heating member can be further adapted to heat the
sealant material to a temperature that is between approximately
300.degree. F. and 800.degree. F. The heating member can be adapted
to apply a pressure between approximately 150 pounds per square
inch and 600 pounds per square inch to the sealant material. The
vacuum source can be adapted to create a pressure inside the vacuum
chamber that is between approximately 1 torr and 60 torr. The
apparatus can also include a controller with at least one input
terminal and at least one output terminal, at least one sensor
connected to the at least one input terminal, at least one of the
sensors adapted to sense the internal pressure of the vacuum
chamber, and at least one actuating device connected to the at
least one output terminal, at least one of the actuating devices
adapted to actuate the vacuum source. The controller can be adapted
to receive an input signal from one of the sensors through one of
the input terminals, process the input signal, and transmit an
output signal responsive to the input signal through one of the
output terminals to one of the actuating devices. The controller
can also the actuating devices to perform at least one action
selected from a group consisting of: securing the open end of the
container to the port on the vacuum chamber, actuating the vacuum
source to create an internal pressure in the vacuum chamber,
feeding a material into the container through the open end of the
container, positioning the sealant material to cover at least the
open end of the container, and applying heat and pressure to the
sealant material proximate a surface at least partially surrounding
the open end of the container.
[0013] In a third broad aspect, a method of preparing a container
is disclosed, including securing an open end of the container to a
port on a vacuum chamber, the open end having a surface at least
partially surrounding the open end, actuating a vacuum source in
communication with the vacuum chamber to at least partially
evacuate the vacuum chamber, positioning a sealant material to
cover at least the open end of the container and a portion of the
surface at least partially surrounding the open end of the
container, and attaching the sealant material to the surface at
least partially surrounding the open end of the container to cover
at least the open end of the container. Securing the open end of
the container to the port on the vacuum chamber can include
applying a seating force with a movable assembly. Actuating the
vacuum source to at least partially evacuate the vacuum chamber may
result in a pressure inside the vacuum chamber that is between
approximately 1 torr and 60 torr. Actuating the vacuum source to at
least partially evacuate the vacuum chamber can result in a
pressure inside the vacuum chamber that is between approximately 1
millitorr and 1000 millitorr. Positioning the sealant material can
include using an automatic sealant feeding mechanism. Attaching the
sealant material can include applying heat and pressure to at least
a portion of the sealant material proximate the surface at least
partially surrounding the open end of the container. The method can
also include introducing a material, for example, a desiccant into
the container through the open end of the container before
positioning the sealant material. The method can be automatically
repeated.
[0014] In still other broad aspects, containers prepared according
to the methods described above are disclosed.
[0015] As used herein, the term "heat activated" refers to
substances having particular properties that can be activated by
heat. The term "partially evacuating" and derivatives of that term
refer to applying a pressure to a space lower than a pressure that
previously existed in that space. The phrase "in communication
with" is used to identify areas between which fluids or vapors can
flow freely. The term "spring loaded" refers to any arrangement
that utilizes a spring for connecting, securing, or attaching one
or more objects to another object.
[0016] The invention is related to inventions described in and
claimed by U.S. application Ser. No. 60/121,744--Dispersion of
Refrigerant Materials, filed Feb. 26, 1999, U.S. application Ser.
No. 60/121,761--Preparation of Refrigerant Materials, filed on Feb.
26, 1999, and U.S. application Ser. No. 60/121,762 Preparation of
Heat Sink Materials, filed Feb. 26, 1999, which are incorporated by
reference in their entirety.
[0017] All publications, patent applications, patents, and other
references mentioned herein are incorporated by reference in their
entirety. In case of conflict, the present specification will
control. In addition, the apparatus, methods, and techniques
described herein are illustrative only and are not intended to be
limiting. Other features and advantages of the invention will be
apparent from the following detailed description and from the
claims.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0018] FIG. 1 is a schematic representation of a self-refrigerating
device.
[0019] FIGS. 2A and 2B are an elevation view and a partial
elevation view of a vacuum sealing apparatus according to a
particular embodiment of the invention.
[0020] FIGS. 3A and 3B are alternate views of a portion of a vacuum
sealing apparatus according to a particular embodiment of the
invention.
[0021] FIG. 4 is an elevation view of a portion of a vacuum sealing
apparatus according to a particular embodiment of the
invention.
[0022] FIG. 5 is a flowchart according to a particular embodiment
of the invention.
[0023] FIG. 6 is an elevation view of a vacuum filling and sealing
apparatus according to a particular embodiment of the
invention.
[0024] FIG. 7 is a partial elevation view of a vacuum filling and
sealing apparatus according to a particular embodiment of the
invention.
[0025] FIG. 8 is a partial elevation view of a vacuum filling and
sealing apparatus according to a particular embodiment of the
invention.
[0026] FIG. 9 is a flowchart according to a particular embodiment
of the invention.
[0027] FIG. 10 is a vacuum filling and sealing apparatus with an
automated control system according to a particular embodiment of
the invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0028] FIG. 1 is a schematic representation of an example of a
refrigeration device 20 that may be produced by employing the
techniques, methods, and apparatus described herein. Product 22,
which is to be cooled, is in thermal contact with evaporator 24.
Evaporator 24 comprises a chamber within which evaporation of a
refrigerant takes place. This preferably involves desorption of a
refrigerant from inner surface 28 of evaporator 24 during the
operation of the device. Before the device is activated, the
refrigerant is present in evaporator 24, in both a liquid and, less
desirably, in a vapor state.
[0029] In the particular embodiment shown in FIG. 1, the desorption
process is driven by a pressure differential which is manifested
when flow-preventing device 26 is activated. Activation of device
26 permits refrigerant vapor to flow from evaporator 24 to absorber
32. As desorption takes place from the refrigerant on inner surface
28 of evaporator 24, outer surface 30 of evaporator 24 becomes
cold. This, in turn cools product 22 that is in thermal contact
with outer surface 30 of evaporator 24.
[0030] Absorber 32 includes desiccant 34 distributed throughout its
interior. Heat sink 38 is also shown. Upon activation of
flow-preventing device 26, evaporating refrigerant moves from
evaporator 24 into absorber 32 carrying heat. This heat is
deposited into finite capacity desiccant 34 and further transferred
to finite capacity heat sink 38.
[0031] Evaporator 24 and absorber 32 may be manufactured
independently. The two components may then be mated to each other
to create a finished assembly. Generally, independent manufacturing
of an evaporator 24 requires evacuating the space inside the
evaporator and sealing the evacuated space. Independent
manufacturing of an absorber 32 requires evacuating the space
inside the absorber, inserting a desiccant 34, and sealing the
evacuated and filled space. The techniques, methods, and apparatus
described herein may be used to accomplish these tasks.
[0032] Actual physical embodiments of the refrigeration device 20
may include elements that differ from what is represented in FIG.
1. For example, the internal passages and shape of evaporator 24
and absorber 32 may differ. Absorber 32 may not be completely
filled with desiccant 34, and various types of desiccant 34 may be
used. Flow preventing means 26 may be actuated in any suitable
manner. Various types of refrigerant may be used in refrigeration
device 20.
[0033] Referring to FIGS. 2A and 2B, a particular embodiment of a
vacuum sealing apparatus 50 is shown. Beverage can assembly 72
having bottom surface 73 and integral evaporator 24 is mounted in
vacuum sealing apparatus 50. Assembly 72, and evaporator 24 are
mounted in the apparatus upside down. However, any convenient
orientation can be used. Alternatively, evaporator 24 may be
mounted in vacuum sealing apparatus 50 without a corresponding
beverage can assembly 72.
[0034] Vacuum sealing apparatus 50 includes vertical frames 52 and
54, horizontal top end frame 56, horizontal center frame 58 and
horizontal bottom end frame 60. Frames 52, 54, 56, 58 and 60 are
connected together in a manner intended to provide structural
support for the other components of vacuum sealing apparatus 50.
The arrangement of structural support members is not critical and
other arrangements will be apparent to persons skilled in the
art.
[0035] Support piston assembly 62 is mounted on bottom end frame
60. Support piston assembly 62 is a moveable, heavy piston assembly
designed to support evaporator 24 and beverage can assembly 72 in
place, as shown in FIGS. 2A and 2B. Support piston assembly 62
includes support piston 63, support piston cylinder 61 and support
piston shaft 65. Support piston shaft 65 and support piston 63
translate axially, which in the depicted embodiment is up and down.
Support piston shaft 65 and support piston 63 are illustrated in
the raised position. Evaporator 24 and beverage can assembly 72 are
removably inserted into vacuum sealing apparatus 50 when support
piston shaft 65 and support piston 63 are in a lowered
position.
[0036] Support piston shaft 65 and support piston 63 can be driven
by any convenient means, for example, by pneumatic actuation.
Forcing compressed air into the space underneath support piston 63
inside support piston cylinder 61 causes support piston shaft 65
and support piston 63 to move in an engaging direction, in this
embodiment upwardly. Conversely, releasing compressed air from the
space underneath support piston 63 inside support piston cylinder
61 allows support piston shaft 65 and support piston 63 to move in
a downward direction. When support piston shaft 65 and support
piston 63 are raised, evaporator 24 and beverage can assembly 72
are held securely in place inside vacuum sealing apparatus 50. The
positions of support piston shaft 65 and support piston 63 can be
adjusted either manually, by using support piston position
controller 122, or automatically. The support piston may be
designed to operate using a different actuating medium, such as,
hydraulics, or electricity.
[0037] Lower alignment coupling 64 is mounted on support piston
shaft 65. Lower alignment coupling 64 is optionally and desirably
adapted to mate with a recess in evaporator support plug 74.
Evaporator support plug 74 is optionally and desirably adapted to
fit snugly into the contours of evaporator 24.
[0038] Evaporator 24 is secured to beverage can assembly 72. Any
convenient method can be used to secure the evaporator 24. For
example, evaporator 24 may be welded to beverage can assembly 72 or
it may be secured with an adhesive material. Bottom 73 of beverage
can assembly 72 includes a hole. This hole lines up with another
hole in evaporator 24 when the latter is secured in place thereby
creating an opening 75 at the bottom of beverage can assembly 72
into the interior of evaporator 24.
[0039] Vacuum sealing apparatus 50 includes vacuum chamber 80 in
communication with vacuum source 85. Upper flange 82, lower flange
70, viewing cylinder 76, and implosion shield 78 enclose vacuum
chamber 80. Upper flange 82 is mounted to horizontal center frame
58. Viewing cylinder 76 and implosion shield 78 mate with both
upper flange 82 and lower flange 70. Vacuum source 85 may include
any convenient device capable of creating a low pressure in vacuum
chamber 80, for example, a vacuum pump or a device implementing a
venturi effect.
[0040] Viewing cylinder 76 and implosion shield 78 may be
constructed, if desired, so that at least a portion of each is
substantially transparent to permit an operator to inspect
operations inside vacuum chamber 80. The size of vacuum chamber 80
may be smaller than the one illustrated in FIG. 2. A small vacuum
chamber 80 is desirable because less volume requires shorter
pump-down times during evacuation.
[0041] Beverage can assembly 72 is mated to lower surface 68 of
lower vacuum chamber flange 70. Beverage can assembly 72 is
arranged so that air and vapor might flow freely from the inside of
the evaporator 24, through bottom opening 75 and port 77 in lower
vacuum chamber flange 70 to vacuum chamber 80. Beverage can
assembly 72 and lower surface 68 form an airtight seal at their
mating surface. A ring base edge on bottom 73 of the beverage can
assembly 72 can mate directly with lower surface 68. Alternatively,
inserting either a flat gasket or an o-ring between a sloped face
on bottom 73 of beverage can assembly 72 and lower surface 68 might
provide an airtight seal.
[0042] Referring to FIGS. 3A and 3B, upper flange 82 is typically
adapted to include several ports 83A, 83B . . . 83K that connect
the inside of vacuum chamber 80 to the outside. Ports 83A, 83B . .
. 83K might be adapted to provide connections to, for example, a
vacuum source, a low pressure vacuum gauge, and a high pressure
vacuum gauge or any other connection that might need to pass into
vacuum chamber 80. Passage 92 is also provided in upper vacuum
chamber flange 82 through which sealer assembly shaft 96 can
pass.
[0043] Referring again to FIGS. 2A and 2B, sealer assembly 94
includes shaft 96, heatable sealing head 98, removable shaft
coupling end 100, and holes 102 for thermocouple leads, cartridge
heater leads, and an optional cooling tube. Sealer assembly 94 is
connected by means of upper alignment coupling 114 to sealer head
drive piston assembly 116 and is axially translatable, which is up
or down as illustrated. Sealer assembly 94 is illustrated in a
lowered position. Heatable sealing head 98 may be any convenient
type of heating member. In the position shown, sealer head 98
passes through port 77 in lower vacuum chamber flange 70 and
applies heat and force directly to sealant material 139 on an area
surrounding opening 75 in bottom 73 of beverage can assembly 72.
Sealant material 139 can be positioned over at least opening 75 by
sealant feeding device 138.
[0044] Sealant material 139 is desirably metallic foil with a heat
activated adhesive on one side that can secure sealant material 139
to the area surrounding opening 75 in bottom 73 of beverage can
assembly 72. Sealant material 139 may be, for example, aluminum,
aluminized Mylar, or copper. Preferably, the adhesive is non-porous
and has a low diffusion coefficient.
[0045] Support piston assembly 62 is designed to counteract the
force applied by sealer head drive piston assembly 116 and maintain
a seal between lower surface 68 and beverage can assembly 72.
[0046] Referring now to FIG. 4, sealer assembly 94 includes sealer
head 98, and sealer shaft 96. Sealer head 98 is typically
manufactured using a heat conductive material, for example, copper.
Sealer head 98 includes large bore 110 and small bore 112. Large
bore 110 is configured to house heating element 111. Heating
element 111 may be configured to operate continuously in a heating
mode or arranged to cycle on and off. Heating element 111 may be a
lightweight impulse type heater or any other convenient type of
heater. Small bore 112 is configured to house temperature sensor
113. Passage 102 is machined into sealer shaft 96 for routing leads
to heating element 111 and temperature sensor 113.
[0047] Turning again to FIGS. 2A and 2B, sealer shaft coupling end
100 is adapted to receive upper alignment coupling 114, which is
connected to sealer head drive piston assembly 116. Other
techniques for connecting sealer shaft coupling end 100 may be
used. Sealer head drive piston assembly 116 is mounted to
horizontal top end frame 56 and comprises cylinder 117, piston 119
and shaft 118. Sealer head drive piston assembly 116 is designed to
impart a sealing force through heated sealer head 98 onto sealant
material 139 on the area surrounding opening 75 in bottom 73.
[0048] The area surrounding opening 75 may be, for example,
tin-plated steel, aluminum, or lacquered aluminum.
[0049] Shaft 118 and piston 119 can move in an axial direction,
which in the embodiment illustrated is up and down. Shaft 118 and
piston 119 are illustrated in their lowered position. Shaft 118 and
piston 119 can be driven by any convenient means, for example, by
pneumatic actuation. Forcing compressed air into the space beneath
piston 119 inside cylinder 117 causes shaft 118 and piston 119 to
move in an upward direction. Conversely, releasing air from the
space underneath piston 119 inside allows shaft 118 and piston 119
to move downwardly. When shaft 118 and piston 119 are in a raised
position, sealer assembly 94 is not touching beverage can assembly
72. The positions of shaft 118 and piston 119 may be adjusted
either manually, by using sealer head drive piston position
controller 120, or automatically.
[0050] FIG. 5 provides a flowchart identifying particular steps of
a preferred method for preparing an evaporator 24. Specifically,
the flowchart describes a technique for vacuum sealing an
evaporator 24 attached to the inside of a beverage can 72. The
techniques described may be utilized to vacuum seal evaporator 24
attached to other types of containers or an evaporator 24 not
attached to any container.
[0051] In step 200, evaporator 24, containing a refrigerant, for
example, water gel is mounted in vacuum sealing apparatus 50.
Support piston assembly 62 supports evaporator 24 and beverage can
72. Since a vacuum will have to be maintained in vacuum chamber 80,
the force applied by support piston assembly 62 must be sufficient
to maintain an airtight seal between evaporator 24 and vacuum
chamber 80. The force applied by support piston assembly 62 is
typically set slightly higher than the force applied by sealer head
drive piston assembly 116. The maximum pressure applied by sealer
head drive piston assembly 116 ranges from approximately 150 psi to
approximately 600 psi, and the pressure applied by support piston
assembly 62 is greater than the pressure applied by the sealer head
drive piston assembly for at least the time that sealer head drive
piston assembly 116 is applying that pressure.
[0052] After evaporator 24 and beverage can 72 are in place, vacuum
chamber 80 is evacuated in step 202. During evacuation, the
pressure inside vacuum chamber 80 will depend on the vapor pressure
of the particular refrigerant to be used, but typically ranges from
atmospheric pressure to between approximately 1 torr and
approximately 60 torr. When water gel is used as the refrigerant,
evaporator 24 is typically evacuated until the water evaporating
from the water gel clears the air from evaporator 24. The
evacuation may be accomplished at pressures slightly below or equal
to the vapor pressure of the refrigerant at the temperature that
the evacuation is carried out. The evacuation serves to sweep
contaminants, such as air, wash solvents, and non-condensable gases
from evaporator 24. The presence of non-condensable gases should be
minimized everywhere in the system. Non-condensable gases can form
a barrier through which refrigerant vapor must diffuse before it
can condense. If such gases are present to an appreciable degree,
the refrigeration device might operate at a rate that is
undesirably limited.
[0053] When appropriate gauge readings are obtained, for example,
approximately 10 torr for approximately 10 seconds, sealant
material 139 is positioned over at least opening 75 in bottom 73 in
step 204. This may be accomplished in any of several different
ways. Evaporator 24 may have been initially mounted inside vacuum
sealing apparatus 50 with a piece of sealant material 139 in place
and tacked at one edge, but curled to allow passage of the vapor
out of evaporator 24. Alternatively, evaporator 24, when mounted
inside vacuum sealing apparatus 50, may have had a disk of sealant
material 139 tack welded at a single point to the evaporator
opening and oriented in a partially vertical plane. Sealing head 98
may be used to manipulate sealant material 139 into place. In
another variation, a sealant-feeding device may be used to position
sealant material 139.
[0054] Once sealant material 139 is in place, sealer head 98 is
positioned in step 206. Movement of sealer head drive piston
assembly 116 may position sealer head 98.
[0055] Sealing head 98 welds sealant material 139 into place in
step 208 by applying heat and pressure to at least the portion of
sealant material 139 that covers the area surrounding opening 75.
Sealing head 98 typically heats up to a temperature ranging from
approximately 300.degree. F. to approximately 800.degree. F. and
can thus heat sealant material 139 to a temperature ranging between
approximately 300.degree. F. and 800.degree. F. The pressure
applied ranges from approximately 150 psi to approximately 600
psi.
[0056] Once sealant material 139 is welded into place, sealing head
98 is withdrawn in step 210. Sealer head drive piston assembly 116
moves to a raised position, and sealing head 98 is lifted off of
the portion of sealant material 139 that covers the area
surrounding opening 75.
[0057] After sealant material 139 is allowed to cool, vacuum
chamber 80 is pressurized in step 212 to approximately atmospheric
pressure. Providing appropriate heat conduction paths away from the
area of sealant material 139 may minimize the time required for
cooling sealant material 139. Finally, evaporator 24 is removed
from vacuum sealing apparatus 50 in step 214.
[0058] FIGS. 6-8, illustrate a vacuum filling and sealing apparatus
250, and variations thereof, according to particular embodiments of
the invention. Apparatus 250 is a actually variation of the vacuum
sealing device 50 discussed above, further including additional
elements which enable the introduction of desiccant (or other
material) into a container, for example, an absorber while it is
being evacuated, but before it is sealed. The vacuum filling and
sealing apparatus 250 may be used to prepare absorbers 32 for use
in a refrigeration device, such as refrigeration device 20
represented in FIG. 1. It should be noted that the vacuum filling
and sealing apparatus 250 is also capable of preparing an
evaporator 24 for use in a refrigeration device, such as
refrigeration device 20.
[0059] Many elements and components in vacuum filling and sealing
apparatus 250 are identical to elements and components described
above with reference to vacuum sealing apparatus 50 of FIG. 2 and
are so indicated by use of the same reference numbers. Descriptions
of these elements and components will not be repeated.
[0060] FIG. 6 illustrates absorber 32 mounted in vacuum filling and
sealing apparatus 250. Absorber 32 includes neck 126 and collar
132. Absorber neck 126 includes an opening at its top. Absorber 32
as depicted is mounted in apparatus 250 upright with respect to
normal use position. However, any convenient orientation can be
used.
[0061] Support shaft 65 and support piston 63 of support piston
assembly 62 are shown in a lowered position. Lower vacuum chamber
flange 124 is designed to mate with absorber neck 126 and collar
132. Support yoke 128 is provided to mate with absorber neck 126
and collar 132 and to provide a means to support absorber 32.
Absorber neck 126 passes through an opening in the top of support
yoke 128. Absorber 32 is supported by collar 132, which rests on
top of support yoke 128. An o-ring may be mounted in the lower bore
of the lower flange to facilitate sealing the joint where absorber
neck 126 mates with vacuum chamber 80. Alternatively, an o-ring can
be slipped around absorber neck 126 and rest on top of collar
132.
[0062] When compressed air is forced into the space beneath support
piston 63 inside support piston cylinder 61, absorber 32 is pushed
upwards so that absorber neck 126, collar 132 and o-ring mate with
lower vacuum chamber flange 124. In order to avoid applying a large
load (as required for maintaining a seal on the vacuum chamber 80)
directly onto the o-ring and possibly over-compressing it, collar
132 typically seats on lower vacuum chamber flange 124 allowing
space for a standard o-ring to be placed around absorber neck 126
and between collar 132 and lower vacuum chamber flange 124. See
FIG. 8 for a detailed view.
[0063] Referring again to FIG. 6, vacuum filling and sealing
apparatus 250 includes desiccant feed tube 136 that originates at
desiccant hopper 290, which may be located on top of apparatus 250.
Desiccant hopper 290 may be heated and may also include provisions
for degassing and preparing the desiccant. Desiccant feed tube 136
passes downwardly through horizontal top end frame 56, horizontal
center frame 58, upper flange 82 and into vacuum chamber 80.
Desiccant feed tube 136 may be routed other ways, but at least a
portion of it should be located inside vacuum chamber 80. Desiccant
feed tube 136 is movable vertically and is also rotatable around a
vertical axis that passes through the center point of port 134.
Depending on the specific arrangement, desiccant feed tube 136 may
realize freedom of movement in other directions as well. It must be
movable such that an opening at the bottom of desiccant feed tube
136 can be positioned just inside or near the opening in absorber
neck 126. Desiccant feed tube 136 may include a desiccant flow
control device 292. Control device 292 may be, for example, a
valve. Desiccant feed tube 136 may also include a flow metering or
volume-measuring device 294.
[0064] Referring now to FIG. 7, absorber neck 126 is shown mated to
and partially passing through lower flange 124. Foil seal 138 is
secured to the top of absorber neck 126 and oriented in a
substantially vertical direction, as shown. Foil seal 138 is
desirably metallic foil with a heat-activated adhesive on one side
that can secure foil seal 138 to the area surrounding the open of
absorber neck 126. Foil seal 138 may be, for example, aluminum,
aluminized Mylar, or copper. Preferably, the adhesive is non-porous
and has a low diffusion coefficient. Tack welding or any other
convenient method may also be used to secure foil seal 138 to the
top of absorber neck 126. The particular embodiment shown does not
include a sealant-feeding device. Using such an arrangement, foil
seal 138 can be attached to absorber neck 126 prior to inserting
absorber 32 into vacuum filling and sealing apparatus 250 and
either desiccant feed tube 136 or sealer head 98 can be used to
maneuver foil seal 138 to a substantially horizontal orientation so
that it can be welded to the top of absorber neck 126 by sealer
head 98.
[0065] Dashed lines illustrate desiccant feed tube 136 positioned
so that the open end of tube 136 is seated and sealed in recessed
area 133 machined into lower vacuum chamber flange 124. Desiccant
feed tube 136 can be moved to this position to isolate the
desiccant feed system from atmospheric contamination when vacuum
chamber 80 is pressurized. Tube 136 is typically only removed from
recessed area 133 after vacuum chamber 80 has been evacuated to a
pressure between approximately 1 millitorr and 1000 millitorr. Side
seal 135 and bottom seal 137 maintain an airtight seal, as
shown.
[0066] FIG. 8 illustrates a partial view of an alternate embodiment
of a vacuum filling and sealing apparatus 250. In this embodiment
heating element 99, which is only required to seal a circular
pattern of sealant material 139, is hollow. Sealer assembly 94 is
also hollow. Desiccant feed tube 136 is situated inside sealer
assembly 94 and heating element 99 and is movable axially up and
down independently from the motion of sealer assembly 94.
[0067] Punch die 140 is installed outside sealer assembly 94. Punch
die 140 is arranged so that it when it is lowered, it cuts sealant
material 139 to a size that covers at least the opening in the top
of absorber neck 126. Punch die 140 is connected to sealer assembly
94 through spring 142, but may be connected by any other convenient
means. Alternately, punch die 140 may be configured to move
independently from the motion of sealer assembly 94.
[0068] Sealant material 139 may be automatically advanced over the
opening on absorber neck 126. This can be accomplished by any
convenient automatic sealant feeding means, for example, by cams or
levers, which are driven by the motion of desiccant feed tube 136
or by the motion of sealer assembly 94. Alternatively, automatic
sealant feeding could be accomplished through independent
synchronization with the movement of desiccant feed tube 136 or
sealer assembly 94.
[0069] FIG. 9 provides a flowchart identifying steps used to
prepare an absorber 32 according to the invention. Specifically,
FIG. 9 describes steps for evacuating an absorber, filling it with
desiccant, and vacuum sealing it. The absorber 32 is first mounted
in vacuum filling and sealing apparatus 250 in step 300. Vacuum
chamber 80 must be sealed at the mating joint between absorber neck
126, collar 132 and lower vacuum chamber flange 124. This sealing
may be accomplished, for example, by inserting an o-ring around
absorber neck 126 and above collar 132.
[0070] Vacuum chamber 80 is then evacuated in step 302. Evacuation
pressures used during processes involving absorbers 32 typically
range from approximately 1 to 1000 millitorr. Absorber 32 is
desirably made as free of condensable gases as possible during the
evacuation process.
[0071] If provisions for adding desiccant are not included in the
vacuum sealing apparatus, then absorber 32 is filled with
desiccant, prior to being inserted into the vacuum sealing
apparatus. Otherwise, desiccant feed tube 136 is positioned either
near or inside absorber neck 126 in step 304 and desiccant, for
example, molecular sieve is added in step 306 to absorber 32. A
desiccant feed control system may control the flow of desiccant
through desiccant feed tube 136 and into absorber 32. Materials
that may be suitable desiccants are those that have aggressive
refrigerant vapor-binding properties, low chemical reaction heats,
and are not explosive, flammable or toxic. These materials are
available in a variety of forms, including flakes, powders,
granules, as well as supported on inert shapes or bound within
clays. It is desirable that the material has sufficient vapor flow
passages through it so that refrigeration performance is not
limited by the passage of refrigerant vapor through the desiccant.
Additionally, the desiccant should be able to transfer heat to the
heat sink material, and thus be in good thermal contact with the
inner surface of absorber 32.
[0072] After the amount of desiccant required for the cooling
operation has been added to absorber 32, desiccant feed tube 136 is
withdrawn in step 308.
[0073] Sealant material 139 is then positioned over the opening in
absorber neck 126 in step 310. This may be accomplished in any
convenient way, for example, by automatically feeding sealant
material 139 to an area between sealing head 98 and absorber neck
126. An appropriately sized piece of sealant material 139 may then
be cut to fit over the opening in absorber neck 126.
[0074] After sealant material 139 is in place, sealer assembly 94
is positioned in step 312 to weld sealant material 139 so that it
covers the opening in the top of absorber 32. Sealer head 98
applies heat and pressure to sealant material 139 in step 314.
These pressures and temperatures may be identical to those
described above regarding sealing evaporator 24.
[0075] After sealant material 139 is secured to absorber 32, sealer
94 is withdrawn in step 316 and sealant material 139 is allowed to
cool. When sealant material 139 is sufficiently cooled, vacuum
chamber 80 is pressurized in step 318 to approximately atmospheric
pressure. Absorber 32 is then removed from the vacuum filling and
sealing apparatus in step 320.
[0076] After vacuum sealing evaporator 24 and vacuum filling and
sealing absorber 32, the two components may be mated together by
bonding sealant material 139 on each component together. Sealant
material 139 provides a means to prevent the inadvertent flow of
refrigerant vapor between evaporator 24 and absorber 32. Sealant
material 139 may also form a seal around the joint during
actuation, when the joint between evaporator 24 and absorber 32
might otherwise provide a leakage path from the outside.
[0077] As illustrated in FIG. 10, the techniques described herein
may be suitable for automation. FIG. 10 illustrates vacuum filling
and sealing apparatus 250 incorporating a system for controlling
the techniques described herein. Controller 252, for example, a
computer including processor 254 and memory storage unit 256, is
connected to receive various input signals from various sensors
located throughout apparatus 250. Processor 254 is configured for
processing various input signals, and for timing of all events.
Memory storage unit 256 is configured to store various information
related to the operation of vacuum filling and sealing apparatus
250. Controller 252 is connected to transmit signals to various
control devices, which interface with vacuum filling and sealing
apparatus 250.
[0078] Controller 252 can be adapted to fully automate the
operations described herein including automatically securing an
open end of a container to a port on the vacuum chamber, applying a
low pressure to the vacuum chamber, positioning sealant material to
cover at least the open end of the container and a portion of a
surface surrounding the open end, and attaching the sealant
material to the surface surrounding the open end of the container
so that it covers the over the open end of the first container.
Controller 252 can also be adapted to introduce a substance, for
example, a desiccant into the container before positioning the
sealant material. Controller 252 can also be adapted to
automatically insert and remove containers into and out of vacuum
filling and sealing apparatus 250.
[0079] It should be understood that similar principles described
with reference to FIG. 10 could be applied to provide control to a
vacuum sealing apparatus 50 and that such a control system would
actually be simpler, because of the fewer sensing points needed and
the fewer control points needed.
[0080] The inputs to controller 252 include signals received from
sealer head drive piston assembly position sensor 258, desiccant
flow metering device 260, sealer head temperature sensor 262,
vacuum chamber pressure sensor 264, and support piston position
sensor 266. The outputs transmitted by controller 252 include
signals sent to sealer head temperature controller 270, vacuum
chamber suction device 272, sealant material feeder driver device
274, desiccant feed tube positioning device 276, desiccant flow
control device 278, sealer head drive piston assembly position
controller 120, support piston position controller 122, and
container replacement mechanism controller 280.
[0081] Container replacement mechanism 280 may include any device
or combination of devices adapted to automatically remove a vacuum
filled and sealed container from vacuum filling and sealing
apparatus 250 and to place a new container in apparatus 250. Such
an action may be accomplished, for example, by using a robotic arm
configured to move containers to and from automatically operated
conveyer belts. Output signals transmitted by controller 252 are
responsive to input signals received from the sensors.
[0082] Controller 252 is also connected to a workstation computer
282. An operator may access various data, including control system
parameters at workstation computer 282. The operator may input
additional parameters, delete existing parameters, or modify
existing parameters. The operator may also use workstation computer
282 to access historical system operational data stored in memory
storage unit 256 by processor 254.
[0083] It is to be understood that while the invention has been
described in conjunction with the detailed description thereof, the
foregoing description is intended to illustrate and not limit the
scope of the invention, which is defined by the scope of the
appended claims. Other aspects, advantages, and modifications are
within the scope of the following claims.
* * * * *