Patent ID: 6571534
Filing Date: 2003-06-03
Classification: B29C,B29L,B65B

Abstract:
A sealing apparatus, comprising:a frame including a base and an actuator support extending upward from the base; a container support including a container receiver; a heater platen suspended from the actuator support above the container support, the heater platen shiftable between a load/unload position wherein a container can be loaded into and unloaded from within the contain receiver and an associated lid can be positioned over the container, and a sealing position wherein the heater platen presses the container and the lid on the container support; and an actuator that includes a support structure pivotally attached to the frame and supporting the heater platen; an L-shaped handle having a first end, a second end, and a pivot point located between the first end and the second end, the handle pivotable between a first position wherein the heater platen is in the load/unload position, and a second position wherein the heater platen is in the sealing position; and at least one pivot arm pivotally linked to the second end of the handle and pivotally linked to the support structure such that rotating the handle with respect to the frame shifts the heater platen between the load/unload position and the sealing position.