Patent ID: 6032438
Filing Date: 2000-03-07
Classification: B65B

Abstract:
An apparatus for replacing the existing gaseous environment from open containers moving along a conveyer comprising:a rail having a length and a width positioned along the conveyer;an inlet in the rail for receiving controlled environment gas from a source;a distribution manifold formed in a bottom portion of the rail, the manifold having a length and a width, the manifold longitudinally extending along the length of the rail, the manifold including at least one longitudinally oriented region of flow resistance, the region of flow resistance having a length, a width, and a plurality of openings to allow a controlled environment gas stream to pass through the openings and penetrate into the container and maintain a substantially consistent flow pattern so that an outflowing gas stream is continually replaced by the incoming gas stream while preventing outside environment from contaminating the container, the manifold having a width less than the width of the container opening.