Larry H Layton

US Patent:

20010052222, Dec 20, 2001

Filed:

Apr 2, 1999

Appl. No.:

09/285548

Inventors:

BERNARD M. COLLETT - RIFLE CO, US
ROBERT M. COLLETT - GRANADA HILLS CA, US
LARRY H. LAYTON JR. - ACTON CA, US
DONALD P. SHEA - ACTON CA, US

International Classification:

B65B031/02

US Classification:

053/432000

Abstract:

An improved method of packaging compositions susceptible to degradation by oxygen comprises: (1) providing a composition to be comminuted in premixed form in a first vessel; (2) transferring the premixed composition through a hollow first transfer means from the first vessel to a second vessel; (3) comminuting the composition in the second vessel, the second vessel including at least two sets of multiple spaced inlets for inert gas such that the inert gas backflows into at least the hollow first transfer means, and such that the first set of spaced inlets is located closest to the hollow first transfer means; (4) transferring the comminuted composition to a second transfer means, the second transfer means including an inlet for an inert gas so that inert gas permeates the second transfer means and the comminuted composition within the second transfer means; (5) transferring the comminuted composition from the second transfer means to an opaque, oxygen impermeable pouch; (6) expelling oxygen from the pouch by introducing an inert gas from an inlet for an inert gas in communication with the pouch; and (7) sealing the pouch. The inert gas is typically nitrogen. A variety of compositions can be packaged, including foodstuffs.