Patent ID: 6481185
Filing Date: 2002-11-19
Classification: B65B,B65D

Abstract:
A gas atmosphere modification system for a package including a receptacle defining an interior and having a sealing area, and further including a film sealed to the sealing area for closing the package to maintain a first gas atmosphere within the package interior, comprising:a severing member for severing a portion of the receptacle sealing area and the film sealed thereto from the remainder of the receptacle sealing area and film, wherein severing of the portion of the receptacle sealing area and the film sealed thereto is operable to form an opening between the film and the remainder of the receptacle sealing area; a pressurized gas introduction system including a gas injection port, wherein the package is adapted for positioning after operation of the severing member such that the opening is located adjacent the gas injection port, wherein the pressurized gas introduction system is operable to discharge a gas from the gas injection port through the opening into the package interior to modify the atmosphere therewithin, wherein at least a portion of the first gas atmosphere escapes from the package interior through the opening upon passage of gas from the gas injection port through the opening into the package interior to create a second gas atmosphere therewithin; and a sealing member for sealing the film to the receptacle sealing area at the opening to close the package and to maintain the second gas atmosphere within the package interior.