PT783433E - GAS CONDUCTOR. - Google Patents

Abstract

A gas actuator assembly for supplying a compressed gas to a container. The assembly includes a self-contained supply of compressed gas, preferably in the form of a cartridge (9) of compressed gas which is transmitted through a tube (15) to below the level of a liquid contained in a vessel such as a wine bottle or into a resealable container such as for the storage of food, an evacuation tube (18) that is provided to remove air from the vessel and an activating device (4, 5) for simultaneously activating the flow of compressed gas and the evacuation of air.

Description

Τ-23Η33

" GAS DRIVE ASSEMBLY "

Field of the Invention The present invention is directed to a gas drive assembly for the injection of a compressed gas into a sealed container and the evacuation of air contained therein for the carbonation of liquids in open containers and and for the controlled release of gas from a compressed source.

BACKGROUND ART The present invention serves as a multi-purpose portable tool with three primary applications: maintaining the quality inside a container containing wine or other partially consumed oxidizable liquid, allowing simplified carbonation or refueling of non-alcoholic beverages , effervescent waters or other beverages and serve as a conventional portable tool for withdrawing air or other gases from inside bottles, mugs or other enclosed containers, especially those containing food. The prior art includes devices intended for each specific task, but does not include devices with a similar combined use. Therefore, this device provides unique efficacy and functionality. Furthermore, this device provides substantial and unique improvements to the performance of each of the above-mentioned primary applications. It is well known to most tasters and other wine drinkers that the quality of the wine, which remains in a container after its contents have been partially poured, deteriorates rapidly. This is due to chemical reactions recorded between the wine and air molecules that come in contact with it. The chemistry of wine is very complex and its ingredients and aromatics can be counted for more than a thousand. It is known that wine is very sensitive: slight changes in

only a few of these ingredients can dramatically alter the palate and the quality of the wine. Oxygen is perhaps the greatest enemy of wine, although it is thought that other ingredients contained in the air may react with wine. Oxygen causes oxidation of many of the major components of the wine, which in turn causes chain reactions, which can dramatically alter the taste of the open wine container after only a few days. This problem is particularly acute with many red wines, which connoisseurs often find impossible to drink after more than a day of exposure to air. Almost all wines become impossible to drink after a few days of exposure to air.

In fact, this problem has confused wine producers for many years. In the cellars expensive, large and elaborate devices are used to create powerful vacuums, which are designed to eliminate air or use complex systems of inert gases to isolate the wine from the air. However, this problem has not been sufficiently addressed at the consumer level. This has had a profound sociological effect: individuals who might want only one or two glasses of wine with a meal or an appetizer may find it uneconomic to satisfy their desires, for doing so would involve the waste of much of a bottle of wine. Gradually increasing wine prices make these economic considerations even more pertinent. In addition, this problem has taken the fruition of exotic wines, such as the first quality wines of Bordeaux, economically unattainable for those whose means do not allow them to easily face the consumption of a bottle of wine, possibly costing a few thousand escudos, on a single occasion . Such an individual might perhaps find it easier to taste a bottle of such wine if it could extend its fruition for a longer period of time. The present invention would also allow smaller restaurants to offer a larger list of wines by the glass or the jug, since the waste of the unfinished wine bottles would no longer be a cause for concern, thus allowing people of medium means to occasionally experience good wines without having to carry out an uncomfortably high expenditure on an entire bottle. Prior to the invention, such opportunities did not exist. A lot of wine has been tossed out and much potential demand for wine has ceased to be satisfied. 3

The prior art forms for the consumer to reduce the damage caused by air to the wine have ranged from re-capping the bottle to the absurd: inserting flasks into the bottles to help dislodge some of the air (US Pat. No. 3,343,701) . The first is ineffective because it does not draw the air under the cork, which has replaced the consumed wine and the latter, impractical and ineffective, since the balloon is subject to rupture, can not displace all the air and tends to deteriorate the aroma of wine by virtue of their direct contact. Other approaches have included consumer devices intended to create voids in wine bottles (U.S. Patent Nos. 4,763,803 and 4,911,314). Such devices are ineffective for several reasons: first, they do not create strong enough voids to eliminate all air. Doing so would make the seals extremely difficult to open by the consumer and would tend to cause problems because the wine could possibly be drawn into the sealing pump during the suction application. There is also the problem of the risk of disparities in pressure causing the bottle to crack. Placing the plug firmly during suctioning would also be very problematic for most consumers. In addition, the slit valves used in the current designs tend to, over time, allow air to pass and are not consistent with maintaining a strong vacuum. The nature of the movable parts, particularly the pump mechanism, also contributes to a limited life of the device: it is known that the seals and springs in such air pumps degrade over time.

Food packaging industry technicians have used non-reactive gases to move the air in food and beverage seals. Examples of such use are exemplified in U.S. Patents 586 632.1 263 278, 2 204 833, 2 333 898, 2 705 578, 2 758 766, 2 862 528, 3 212 537, 3 406 079, 3 556 174, 3 804 133, 3 837 137 and 4 312 171. However, such patents are directed to the sealing of a filled container and not to the particular problems with which consumers are confronted, when they open sealed containers and wish to close them again, particularly when the its content has only been partially cleared.

Two devices, which utilize inert gases to assist in preserving wine, which have been opened and partially consumed, are described in U.S. Patents 4,475,576 and 4,44

477 477. However, both of these patents use designs and methods inferior to those proposed in this patent application. Pat. U.S. 4 475 576 discloses a capping device, which provides multiple corks, which are designed to have the "inert gas application head" directly inserted into the stopper. The device makes use of bypass valves in the stopper to seal the point of contact of the injection device and the evacuation port. Typically, such a stopper would take the form of a rubber stopper sunk with shaped rebound valves, described as "a tubular elastic sleeve with a tight end downstream that only allows the passage of gases from inside the tube through the tight end ". Such tight rebound valves (similar to those of U.S. Patents 4,763,803 and 4,911,314) are subject to degradation, since they are of a very fragile design and tend to deteriorate with repeated use. These valves are also subject to blockages and leaks, since small particles that stick inside the tight area can easily break the seal, admitting air. It is also likely that the wine will splash into this area and create a deposit, which can cause a seal or failure in the seal. Such a design also forces the consumer to face the complicated task of carefully cleaning each stopper, before and after each use, in order to avoid such accumulation in the valves. Such necessary cleaning can also damage these valves. Such tight valves, as they rest on an elastic seat, are also capable of deforming through repeated use, as the stopper flexes with repeated insertion into the bottles. These overflow valves, which allow them to pass "slightly above an atmosphere of pressure", are liable to rupture their seals if the gases within the bottle expand or contract due to significant temperature differences.

Such defects in the sealing mechanism, while constituting an improvement over prior devices, are disadvantageous because the valves deteriorate over time and are not suitable for storing wine for periods longer than a couple of weeks. The drawing also presumes the need for an inert gas applicator head and is lower because it is not readily transportable. In addition, the stopper seat for "the inert gas enginer" application head is capable of being stretched and deformed with repeated use, thereby decreasing the life span. The design for this type of sealing head may also be problematic for many consumers, particularly those who have arthritis or who see poorly, as it requires that the inert gas applicator head be properly aligned and sealed with the stopper, all in a space of very small area (the cork of a bottle). The cork, due to its small surface can also be difficult to remove, since it does not allow a hand to grip sufficiently and thus achieve sufficient lever action. This problem will be particularly acute with narrow bottleneck bottles. Finally, this device is limited to use with wine and can not be easily used with open containers of sauces, food, or for other applications. U.S. Patent 4,477,477 discloses a method and system for preserving wine, which includes a source of pressurized inert gas and a dispensing device for a bottle. The device includes numerous exposed parts and connections and is cumbersome to use and carry and is easily susceptible to malfunction. The device needs several phases to operate, which would be undesirable for consumers without mechanical inclinations. The device includes an inert gas source, a valve, a connecting tube connected to the valve which in turn is connected to an adjustable nozzle, which in turn is connected to a straight stopper-like mounting device , within which its height is adjustable by sliding the nozzle, up or down, and by tightening with positioning means. It is necessary that the nozzle be positioned directly above the surface of the wine. This mounting device is held in its place in the bottle by "mounting means comprising a plurality of supports, projecting in a relation spaced from each other about the perimeter of said mounting means". The spaces between these mounting means are intended to allow the exhaust air to escape. And the device is supposed to be used to put an inert gas cover over the wine and then remove the device and re-stop the container. 6

This device according to the prior art has several undesirable characteristics. The piping connecting the valve from the gas source to the adjustable nozzle tends to break, pour and rot upon drying. This may shorten the life of the device and may allow some air to be sucked into the injection tube and into the bottle. Such tubing also has a tendency to slip out of both the valve and the adjustable nozzle, causing the device to collapse. The device also requires the nozzle to be adjusted, up and down, inside the stopper (mounting device). This is undesirable since it tends to create leakage over time as the nozzle and plug stop becomes less tight due to repeated nozzle movement. The use of a thread to relieve the nozzle would tend to create a shorter life for the device since the pin is likely to be lost or the threads will wear out due to repeated use. Such a pin would also damage the nozzle. It would also require several unnecessary steps to adjust the nozzle height. The device is also intended to position the injection nozzle over the surface of the wine. This method also does not provide the benefits of inserting the nozzle below the surface of the wine, allowing the gas to bubble up. Such a method would allow the inert gas not only to move the air present in the bottle more reliably, ensuring a better filling of the space above the surface, but would also allow much of the air dissolved in the wine to be displaced by the inert gas.

The brackets that surround and support the "mounting means" and create spaces for exhaust air to escape are not only cumbersome and time-consuming to put into position, but also do not solve the problem posed by bottles with different neck sizes. A wide neck would mean that these brackets would fail or that the stopper would only loosely fit the bottle. A small bottleneck could prevent these supports from nesting or could cause the stopper to be so compressed against the supports that many of the ventilation spaces would be closed, leading to the development of dangerous pressure levels inside the bottle as it was injected compressed gas. These spaces also do not allow the bottle to develop a true seal when the stopper is placed, nor is this the intention of the device. In fact, the design is such that the user is supposed to remove the entire device and then install a cork stopper or other sealing means over the inert gas cover. This method allows the air to be trapped above the inert gas and down the cork stopper. This air beneath the cork stopper still allows the wine to be somewhat compromised by the effects of oxidation. Convection and human shaking of the bottle are likely to allow air to contact the wine directly, even in the presence of an inert gas mantle. The cork, due to its small surface area, can also be difficult to remove, since it does not allow a hand to grip enough to allow a good leverage effect. This problem would be particularly serious with bottles having narrow bottlenecks. This device is also limited to use with wine and can not be easily used to preserve open containers from sauces, food or other applications.

A second primary use for the present device is in the carbonation of beverages, including water for effervescent water, and juices for making more nutritious gaseous. The device would also allow non-alcoholic beverages that have become "gas-free" to be easily refilled. It would also allow previously opened containers of non-alcoholic beverages to be closed, preventing decarbonation and waste.

Devices for the carbonation of beverages, for professional use and in mass production, and for carbonating beverages for domestic use have been manufactured. Prominent examples are described in U.S. Patents 2,593,770, 4,298,551 and 5,031,799. However, most of these devices are not readily transportable, difficult to clean and are only dedicated to carbonation. Portable carbonators tend to be from the variety of effervescent water bottles exemplified in U.S. Patent 2,805,846. Such devices are intended to carbonate entire containers and are not generally designed to enable the consumer to quickly and easily carbonate a single glass of orange juice or other beverage which is not necessarily in a bottle or an enclosed container. 8

Most carbonators of the portable variety, carbonate the contents of a single bottle specifically designed for this carbonator. They also tend to be difficult to clean and maintain. They also fail to provide utility beyond carbonation. In addition most of the existing devices are closed systems, which allow the creation of dangerous pressure levels inside the bottles, requiring therefore that the bottles be reinforced with metal or wire netting, to avoid the explosion when the gas is injected.

A third primary use for the present device is the removal of air from inside bottles, mugs and other closed containers. Food packaging industry technicians have long been familiar with the use of various non-reactive gases to displace the air when food and beverage are sealed. Examples of such use are exemplified by U.S. Patents 586 632, 1 263 278, 2 204 833, 2 333 898, 2 705 578, 2 758 766, 2 862 528, 3 212 537, 3 406 079, 3 556 174, 3 804 133, 3 837 137 and 4 312 171. These patents are directed to the sealing of a filled container and not to the particular problems confronting the consumers who open sealed containers and wish to close them again, particularly when the contents have been partially dumped.

Every year, huge amounts of food are wasted when consumers do not fully consume the food they buy. Many discard any food that remains after a meal, as they know that even with refrigeration, food will deteriorate quickly. Most of the deterioration is caused by the direct oxidation of food through the air and the destruction caused by bacteria, which often feed on food and air. Dehydration is also a contributory factor. Experts have long recognized that food is kept longer if it is kept in sealed and / or refrigerated containers. Efforts to delay waste by reducing air exposure range from wrapping food into waxed paper or foil and placing it in a covered container such as a Tupperware® or other container with lids that fit tightly. This can increase the shelf life of most 9 9

food for up to a few days. However, eventually, oxidation and bacteria charge their price by taking inedible food. Most of the foregoing devices tend to attack the problem by reducing the amount of air present in the sealed containers, making the containers better suited to the shape of the food or perishable within them. Container manufacturers offer containers of various sizes in an effort to provide one that more closely matches the need in hand. The problem with containers with a lid is that their inherent stiffness does not allow them to conform very closely to non-liquid foods. As a result, much air tends to remain below the lid. Most of the recent advances have been made in the design of closed plastic bags with sliding type fasteners (US Patents 4 212 337, 4,353,345, 4,829,641, 4,907,321), which allow the flexible membrane of the wall of the bag is pressed against the food leaving little space for air. The partially airtight zip closure helps keep moisture inside and most of the air out.

However, even these methods are imperfect, since enough air is kept in the sacs to cause significant damage to food. Likewise, watertight zippers tend to open quite easily and the bags are generally not intended for prolonged use. Plastic bags are also not compatible with sealing still hot foods or foods that are too sticky. Food is also more difficult to extract from plastic bags than from containers with lid. It would therefore be a significant advance in the art of storing food, including beverages such as wine, to provide a device which preserves food with an inert gas such that little, if any, air will remain in contact with the food during storage and is also capable of carbonating beverages. U.S. Patent No. 4,702,396 describes a wine preservation and delivery device on which the preamble of claim 1 is based.

It is an object of the present invention to provide an improved beverage preservation device in which the risks associated with known systems including the possibility of splintering the container due to the presence of high pressures are eliminated. U.S. Patent No. 4,323,090 discloses a carbonation machine for the production of carbonated beverages. The machine is a countertop model designed to carbonate entire containers of non-alcoholic beverages and the machine can not individually carbonate beverage cups or smaller containers, nor does it allow the consumer to quickly and easily carbonate a single glass of a non-alcoholic beverage, which is not necessarily in a bottle or in an enclosed container. In addition, the machine comprises a high pressure system, which can allow pressures in excess of 1.2 MPa (175 ppq) thereby necessitating a special wrapping in the event of bottle collapse which would otherwise cause bodily injury in the operator. This known machine is more cumbersome to operate than the present invention because it requires the user to open the casing in order to load the container to be carbonated. Furthermore, the present invention does not allow a high pressure environment to occur within the bottle and therefore eliminates the need for reinforcement. The present invention is directed to a gas drive assembly for applying compressed gas to a vessel, the assembly comprising: (a) a housing; (b) a source of pressurized gas; (c) a compressed gas supply pipe; (d) a first attachment means for connecting the gas source to the compressed gas supply pipe for delivering the compressed gas to a vessel; (e) an evacuation tube for extension into the vessel; (F) a second attachment means for connecting the evacuation tube to an outlet port in the housing for evacuating the air contained within the vessel; and (g) actuating means operably connected to the first and second attachment means, to control the flow of compressed gas and air. The assembly is characterized in that the drive means is adapted to simultaneously enable the compressed gas to move from the source of gas through the compressed gas supply pipe into the vessel and that the air moves out of the vessel through said evacuation pipe including a capped portion which receives the gas source. The present invention is also directed to the use of said gas actuator in combination with a food storage container as defined in claim 20.

Brief Description of Drawings

The following drawings, in which like reference characters indicate like parts, are illustrative embodiments of the invention and are not intended to limit the invention as encompassed by the claims which form part of the application. Fig. 1 is a side view of a drive assembly for gases according to the present invention; Fig. 2 is a side view of a bottle injection and sealing device according to the present invention, shown placed in a bottle; 3 is a side view of an extension tube for connection to the gas drive assembly for use in carbonation, or to the bottle injection and sealing device for use in preserving bottled liquids; Fig. Figs Figs Figs Figs Figs Figs Figs Figs Figs Figs Figs Figs Figs Figs Figs Figs Figs Figs Figs Figs Figs Figs Figs Figs Figs Figs Figs Figs Figs Figs Figs Figs Figs Figs Fig. for gas shown in Fig. 1, attached to a bottle injection and sealing device as shown in Figure 2 is a side view of the system of Figure 4, which includes an extension tube connected to the bottle injection and sealing device; is a side view of the gas drive assembly, which includes an extension tube, which is inserted into a beaker of a carbonated beverage; is a side view of a container for preserving food or other perishables, connected to the gas drive assembly; is a side view of another container connected to a gas drive assembly; is a side view of a lid of a food container connected to a gas drive assembly; is a top view of the gas drive assembly shown in Figure 1, modified for multiple gas sources; is a side view of the container of Figure 7, modified by a source of compressed gas directly attached thereto; is a side view of the container of Figure 8 modified by a source of compressed gas directly attached thereto and is a side view of the injection and sealing device of the bottle of Figure 2 modified by a source of compressed gas directly attached thereto.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION Fig. 1 shows a typical embodiment of a source gas-actuator assembly. The assembly is intended to serve as the main component of the preservation / carbonation system of the present invention to which attachments may be attached. The bulk of this device is housed inside an outer shell (1). Said housing serves to protect and position internal components and the gas source, while serving as a simple means for holding and positioning said actuator. A preferred embodiment of the outer casing (1) includes a handle for positioning the index finger (2) and a handle (8) for positioning the third, fourth and fifth fingers of the operator's hand and for housing a gas cartridge siphon or other source of gas (9). The handle (8) is provided with threads or other means for securing a positioning cap (10) for the installation and removal of the gas cartridge (9). There is also provided an aperture for a large thumb-activated button (5), an opening for a pressure relief emergency valve (14), an opening for an evacuated air exhaust pipe (3), openings for a pressure pipe (15) and a component connecting pipe of the air exhaust (17). The casing is typically constructed of a durable rigid material, such as plastic or metal. The casing preferably has the approximate size of an adult human hand.

Contained in the housing 1 is a positioning guide of the cartridge 11 connected by means of a screw or other means to the screw cap 10. When the threaded cap 10 is tightened, the positioning guide of the cartridge 11 contacts the rear end of the gas cartridge 9, pushing the gas cartridge 9 toward a hollow connecting pin 7 ). Continued tightening of the cap causes the hollow attachment pin (7) to pierce the end of the neck of the gas cartridge (9) thereby causing the gas to flow out of the gas cartridge (9), through the pin (7) and the gas transport tube (6B) to a control valve of the gas source actuator (12), which prevents the passage of further gas flow unless the button (5) is depressed . A malleable seal 6A, similar to a rubber washer, is attached to the gas transport tube 6B, surrounding the base of the connecting pin 7. When the screw cap 10 is completely threaded, the pressurized gas cartridge 9 is pressed firmly against the malleable seal 6A, thereby sealing the mouth of the pressurized gas cartridge 9 to prevent leakage of any gas from the connection and to prevent air from escaping into the connection. The actuator button 5 is connected to the valve actuators 4 of the actuator control valves 12 and 13. Pressing said button causes both valve actuators (4) to open the valves (12) and (13) in tandem. The opening of the control valve 12 for the gas source allows the source gas to pass the gas transport tube 6B through the control valve 12 into a gas conducting tube of the driver source (15), which directs the gas flow downward, to a peripheral connection as described below. A pressure relief valve (14), which will vent the gas from the conduit (15) to the outside of the housing (1), is located in the conduit of the gas source in the event that the blocking of the gas flow causes the development of dangerous pressure levels in the driver tube (15). Said emergency reduction valve (14) preferably opens only under conditions where the pressure in the lead pipe greatly exceeds an atmosphere, where such pressure, if not vented, may endanger the system operator or integrity of the system itself. Simultaneous opening of the central air exhaust valve (13) allows the exhaust air to pass upwardly from an exhaust conduit of the actuator (18) through the air exhaust control valve (13) and through of the exhaust vent (3). Releasing the knob 5 causes both the control valves of the actuator 12 and 13 to close. At the bottom of both the source gas conduit tube 15 and the source gas conduit tube 18 are the unions 16 and 17, which allow the said conduit pipes to be easily connected peripheral accessories described below. In a preferred embodiment, the unions 16 and 17 are small tubes, having diameters sufficiently larger than the diameters of the conductive tubes 15 and 18 and of the tubes of the peripheral devices to which the conductive tubes must connected. One end of each joint is permanently attached and sealed with its respective lead pipe 15 or 18. The interior of each of the unions 16 or 17 is coated with a malleable material such as rubber or polytetrafluoroethylene to improve the air tightness of the sealings of the unions when the tubes of the peripheral devices are introduced into the unions.

Figures 2-9 disclose devices which may be connected to the gas drive assembly according to the present invention. Referring to Figure 2, there is shown a preferred embodiment for a bottle injection and sealing device (bottle injector), which functions as a peripheral attachment of the device of Figure 1. For purposes of clarification, the device is shown inserted on the neck 25 of a wine bottle 27 or other liquid 31. As shown, the primary gas injection tip and a union 32 have been immersed below the surface 30 of the wine or other liquid (31). The device has an outer casing (21), which serves to position and protect the components of the valve (22) the exhaust pipe of the bottle injector (19) and the gas-conducting tube of the bottle injector (20), at the same which serves as a convenient handle for the operator to insert and withdraw the device to and from a bottle (27). The outer casing (21) is made of a solid material, such as metal or plastic. Connected to an outer shell 21, thereby forming an integral unit, there is a tapered interface for tumbling bottles 24, made of or covered by a pliable material, such as rubber. Said stopper interface is tapered downwards, with its upper portion wider than the neck of most possible wine bottles, and the bottom portion sufficiently narrow to engage most of the narrow neck wine bottles. This taper allows the device to be easily inserted tightly into bottlenecks varying in size from very wide to very narrow. The pliable, elastic material of the stopper interface 24 causes said interface to fit tightly against the inner wall of the neck of a bottle 25, thereby creating an airtight seal between the stopper interface (24) and the neck of the bottle (25).

A gas conductive pipe 20 extends from above the outer shell, then through the shell, into an inner sealing valve 22. At the bottom of said valve, the flow passage continues into a lower gas conduction tube (29) extending into the bottle (27).

Similarly, an exhaust pipe for the bottle nozzle 19 extends from above the outer shell, then through the shell, into an inner sealing valve 22. At the bottom of said valve, the flow passage continues into a lower exhaust pipe of the injector, which terminates in an exhaust port 26 which is at the same level as the bottom of the tapered interface for capping bottles 24, . The exhaust port 26 is thus positioned within 16 / <f. bottle as high as possible. High positioning of the exhaust port 26 serves three advantages: (a) if an inert gas with a molecular weight greater than that of oxygen (eg argon) is used, the heavier inert gas would naturally pushing the lighter gas 28 (air or oxygen) upwards, it is therefore desirable to ventilate the system at the highest point, (b) to position the exhaust port (26) away from the injection tip (32), and high position ensures that the air is initially vented as the pressure of the incoming gas and upward pressure tends to force the air upwardly into the upper space above the wine (or other liquid), (c) positioning the exhaust port as high as possible minimizes the possibility of the wine escaping, splashing or being propelled into the bottle injection and sealing device. The top of the gas-conducting tube of the bottle injector 20 is connected to the component gas source union 16 of Fig. 1. Similarly, the top of an exhaust pipe of a bottle injector 19) is connected to the air exhaust component union (17) of Fig. 1, thereby providing a complete circuit for injecting an inert gas and removing the air contained within the bottle.

Connected to the bottom of the gas-conductive lower tube of the injector 29 is a joint 32 similar to the unions 16 and 17. The joint 32 may be provided with small holes 50 through the lower portion of the walls of the joint. The holes (50) allow gas bubbles to pass through the sides of the joint, to facilitate injection of the inert gas into a bottle. Positioning the holes 50 in the lower sides of the joint will not interfere with the creation of an airtight seal if an extension tube 52 as shown in Fig. 3 is inserted into the joint, since there will be a contact surface sufficiently above the holes to allow such a seal. The sealing valve 22 simultaneously opens and closes both passages of the gas conduits 20 and 29 and the air exhaust ports 19 and 23. In this way, when the valve 22 is closed, the contents of the bottle are effectively sealed relative to the outside. In contrast, when the valve (22) is open, the bottle is not 17

is sealed, allowing gas to be injected through passages 20 and 29 and air is evacuated through passages 23 and 19.

While it is not necessary for the injection tip 32 to be immersed in the wine (or other liquid) for the device to function properly in evacuating the air from a bottle, it will generally be preferred to assist in displacing air that has dissolved in the liquid, as well as air in the space above the liquid. Nitrogen gas is a bit soluble in wine. Accordingly, if it is to be used, it may be desired to position the injection nozzle (32) above the wine. However, it should be noted that even if some nitrogen is dissolved in the wine does not change its quality.

Referring again to Fig. 3, the extension tube 52 is designed to engage the primary injection tip and the union 32 of the injection and sealing device of Fig. 2. Such unions allow the injection in the event of using a tall bottle and / or a bottle with a very small amount of wine. Such unions can also be connected in series, one to the other, in order to further lengthen the gas conducting tube (29). The extension tube 52 connects directly to the component member of the gas source 16 for use in the carbonation of beverages as described below. The extension tube 52 includes a shaft 33 and a gas injection tip and connection 34 for drawing and connecting similar to those of the injection tip 32. The shaft 33 is a tube of similar design and diameter to the tubing used throughout the system and will fit tightly within the unions 16 for use in carbonation or in the unions 32 and (34) for use in bottle injection. The extension tube 52 may also be provided with small holes 54 in the side of the joint 34 to allow gas bubbles to pass therethrough.

Figures 4 and 5 illustrate how the components would appear if they were connected to each other for the preservation of a wine bottle or other liquid. In order to seal a wine bottle, the drive assembly of Fig. 1 is provided with a cartridge (9) of a non-reactive or inert pressurized gas source, such as nitrogen, argon, or helium. There is shown the drive assembly shown in Fig. 1, suitably connected to a bottle injection and sealing device 18 shown in Fig. 2, which has been tightly placed in a wine bottle or other liquid. When the sealing valve 22 of the bottle sealing and injection device is open and the button depressed, gas will flow from the pressurized gas cartridge 9 into the bottle through the gas injection tip 32, . The air present inside the bottle will be expelled through the exhaust port (26) and eventually out through the exhaust pipe (3) of the actuator. Preferably, the pressure relief valve 14 (see Figure 1) is provided in the event that the operator accidentally fails to open the injector seal valve 22 before pressing the button 5. In that case the gas pressure will increase unacceptably between the sealing valve 22 and the cartridge 9. This danger is eliminated by the inclusion of an emergency reduction valve (14), which provides the gas with a controlled means of escape. The valve 14 may be designed to emit a signal (eg whistling sound) if it is activated to alert the operator that the opening of the sealing valve 22 has failed. Fig. 5 provides an extension tube (52) for attachment to the primary injection tip and to the union (32) of a bottle injection and sealing device. The extension tube 52 allows the injector to be adapted to operatively attach to higher bottles.

The devices shown in Fig. 4 and Fig. 5 may also be used to carbonate a bottle of liquid. In this embodiment of the invention, a compressed carbon dioxide gas cartridge is used as the gas source (9) in the drive assembly. Bubbling carbon dioxide gas through a liquid causes, for most applications, the occurrence of carbonation within 5-10 seconds. Fig. 6 shows an embodiment of the invention, adapted to carbonation of a beverage contained in a beaker. The actuator of Fig. 1 is connected to an extension tube of Fig. 3, to the primary gas injection tip and to the union (32). The gas injecting tip of the extension tube 34 is introduced into the beverage 36 contained in a cup or other container 35. For this embodiment, the gas source 9 should be compressed carbon dioxide, for which a carbon dioxide cartridge should be inserted into the driver, as described in the discussion of Fig. 1. The compression of the button (5) will cause the carbon dioxide gas from the cartridge (9) to flow into the actuator through the shaft of the extension tube (33) through the gas injection tip of the extension tube (34) and into the interior of the drink. Carbon dioxide, vigorously injected into the beverage in the method described, will, for most applications, result in the beverage being carbonated well after 5-10 seconds. 7 illustrates a specialized container and cap assembly for preserving food, beverages or other perishables 43 to be used in conjunction with an actuator assembly of the type shown in Fig. 1. The container and cap assembly includes a storage vessel with walls (42) having an air impermeable cap (38) and with attachment means for a gas actuator in the cap. The preferred embodiment should have a sealing valve similar to the injector seal valve 22 which simultaneously opens and closes an injection tube of the cap 41 and the exhaust pipe of the cap 40, in a manner comparable to that of the opening and closing of the driver tube of the cylinder injector 20 and the cylinder injector exhaust pipe 19 of Fig. 2, as previously described. Similar to the arrangement shown in Fig. 2, the exhaust pipe of the cap 40 has its lower aperture situated at the same level as the cap 38 of the container. The injection tube of the cap 41 is pre-dimensioned to elongate close to the bottom of the vessel. The application of the actuator and the use of the cap closing valve (39) are identical to the method described in Figs. 2-3, with the comparable valve (22) of the bottle injection and sealing device. The injection tube of the cap 41 is designed to fit tightly into the component gas source connector 16 of the actuator. The exhaust pipe of the cap 40 is designed to closely engage the component exhaust union of the air 17 of the actuator. The cap 38 is attached to the container 42 in an air impermeable manner at points of contact 37 located all around the perimeter of the cap. The particular type of closure is well known in the art, which includes screw caps and snap closures. The height and shape of the wall (42) of the specialized container may vary. Both the lid 38 and the container walls 42 are typically made of a solid substance such as plastic. The preferred design for such a container would place the gas injection tube as close to the container wall 42 as possible so as to maximize storage capacity. Fig. 8 shows a specialized container identical to that shown in Fig. 7, except that the connection to the gas actuator is located in the wall of the container b, rather than in the cap 44. The valve exhaust pipe 47 is typically installed as high as possible on the side of the vessel without interfering with the cap closure for the same reasons as discussed in the discussion of Fig. 2. The gas injection tube curves and follows the wall of the container (42) to near the bottom to maximize the capacity. Fig. 9 is an illustration of a multi-application lid (38) containing a means for attaching an actuator of the type shown in Fig. 1. The lid is intended to be placed on original food containers, thereby eliminating the need to decant the open containers, into specialized vessels such as those of Figs. 7 and 8. The cap is comparable to that shown in Fig. 7, with two major differences: (a) intended to engage a variety of containers, rather than in a single type of container, and (b) gas of the specialized cap 41 has therein a junction and gas injection tip 48 of the type shown in Fig. 2. This allows the extension tube 33 (shown in Fig. 33) to be connected in a similar manner to that of the embodiment of the invention shown in Fig. 5. Such connection will permit dimensioning of the injection tip to the height of the container, in a manner comparable to that described with respect to b.

Various methods could be used to properly dimension such a cap so that it fit into an original container. For example, a multi-size cap assembly could be created to fit most large bottle nozzles or jugs. In addition, an elastic side wall may be provided, which enables a cap to fit into bottle nozzles or jars of different sizes. 21

10 is an illustration of a drive assembly of a gas source comparable to the type shown in Fig. 1, with a modification that allows the housing to simultaneously contain two gas cartridges (9), in a manner similar to that of the assembly A gas source selection switch 58 allows the operator to select one of the gas cartridges as the source of gas for injection. This eliminates the need to remove a gas cartridge in the event that the operator wishes to switch from the use of one type of gas to the use of another. 11 is an illustration of a specialized container identical to that shown in Fig. 7, except that the inert gas cartridge 9 is enclosed in a housing similar to that of the handle 8 shown in Fig. 1, which Fig. is operably connected to the lid (38) of the container. The gas cartridge is operably connected to the lid sealing valve 39 in a manner similar to that shown in Fig. 1. Activation of the sealing valve 39 will cause the gas to flow from the cartridge 9 through of the gas injection tube (41) and into the container, while the air inside the container is simultaneously let out through the exhaust pipe (40). The closure of the valve (39) will stop the flow of gas from the cartridge. The use of a valve 39 eliminates the need for a valve-type pressure relief valve 14, since the flow of gas into the vessel is unobstructed. Placing the gas source directly into the vessel (as opposed to the embodiment shown in Fig. 1), reduces the number of steps the operator is required to perform to expel the air from the interior and takes on the more compact embodiment. 12 is an illustration of a specialized container identical to that shown in Fig. 8 except that the inert gas cartridge 9 is enclosed in a housing similar to that of the handle 8 shown in Fig. 1, which is shown in Fig. operatively attached to the side wall (42) of the container. The gas cartridge is operably connected to the side wall sealing valve 45, in a manner similar to that shown in Fig. 1. Activation of the sealing valve 45 will cause the gas to flow from the cartridge 9, through the gas injection tube (46) and into the container, while the air inside the container is simultaneously allowed to exit through the container (22).

/ exhaust pipe (47). The closure of the valve (45) will stop the flow of gas from the cartridge. The use of a valve 45 eliminates the need for a valve-type pressure relief valve 14, since the flow of gas into the vessel is unobstructed. Placing the gas source directly into the vessel (as opposed to the embodiment shown in Fig. 1), reduces the number of steps that the operator needs to perform to expel air from the interior and takes on the more compact embodiment. 13 is an illustration of an injector and sealing device for bottles identical to that of Fig. 2, except that an inert gas cartridge 9 is enclosed within a housing similar to that of the handle 8, shown in Fig. 1, which is operatively connected to the injector seal valve 21, in a manner similar to that shown in Fig. 1. Activation of the sealing valve 22 will cause the gas to flow from the cartridge (9) through the gas injection tube (20) and into the bottle, while the air inside the bottle is simultaneously allowed to escape through the exhaust pipes (23, 19). The closure of the valve (22) will stop the flow of gas from the cartridge. The use of a valve 22 eliminates the need for a pressure relief valve 14 since the flow of gas into the bottle is unobstructed below the valve. Placement of the gas source directly into the injector and bottle sealing apparatus (unlike the embodiment shown in Fig. 1) reduces the number of steps the operator is required to perform to expel the air from inside the bottle and take the embodiment is more compact.

Example 1

Firstly, if one is not already installed, the user must install an inert gas or non-reactive gas cartridge pressurized in the gas drive assembly described in Fig. 1. This is done by unscrewing the screw cap ( 10) in the handle (8) of the gas drive assembly. Any empty cartridge (9) in it should be removed. Once the screw cap is removed, any cartridge installed inside the handle (8) should be easily accessible and removable by anyone's fingers. After removal of the cartridge (9), 23

If any, a new inert or non-reactive gas cartridge (9) is slid into the handle (8), making sure that the neck portion of the cartridge is first inserted. Further pressure will be felt as soon as the cartridge neck comes into contact with the hollow connecting pin (7). The screw cap is then reinstalled and tightened. When the screw cap is completely tightened the cartridge has been pushed by the positioning guide 11 onto the attachment pin 7 which will break the metal foil seal on the cartridge neck allowing the pressurized gas to enter the (6B), thereby making the gas actuator ready to be used.

An injection and sealing device for bottles shown in b is installed in the bottle (27) with or without one or more extension tubes as required. Generally, better results are obtained if the user ensures that the gas conducting tube 29 is submerged so that the injector tip 32 is approximately 1-3 cm from the bottom of the bottle. If this is not the case, an extension tube 52 of the type of Fig. 3 should be connected to the primary gas injection tip 32 so that the nozzle tip of the extension tube 34 ) is 1-3 cm away from the bottom of the bottle. The device will continue to operate, even if the injection tube is farther from the bottom of the bottle than the recommended distance. The distance is recommended to maximize the displacement of any air that is dissolved in the wine or other liquid.

After the bottle injection and sealing device has been properly sized, it should be inserted into the bottle (27). This is easily accomplished by gripping the handle (21) and twisting the handle, while pushing down. This will position and lower the sunken interface to bottle bottles (24) into the bottle neck. When substantial resistance is encountered to both the downward and lateral movements, this will indicate that the sunken bottle capper interface 24 is securely engaged in the bottle neck. The injector sealing valve 22 is then opened and the bottle injection and sealing device is ready to be connected to the gas drive assembly. The gas drive assembly of Fig. 1 is connected to the bottle injection and sealing device of Fig. 2, while aligning the component gas source union of the actuator (16) above the gas injector tube of the bottle injector (20) and the air exhaust member union of the actuator (17), above the exhaust pipe of the bottle injector (19) and then pushing down the drive assembly. The exhaust pipe of the cylinder injector 19 slides tightly inside the air exhaust component union 17 and the gas injector tube 20 for the bottles 20 slides tightly into the component member source of gas (16). The actuator is now turned on and the internal system completely sealed. The gas actuator knob 5 is actuated for most applications for 5-10 seconds, which will open the sealed system, allowing the compressed gas to enter the bottle and the displaced air existing within the bottle to escape. After the interval of 5-10 seconds, button (5) is released, which re-seals the system that has just run out of air. The next step is to close the valve (22) in the bottle injector device. This seals the bottle system if you choose to remove the actuator. While the system is on, the valves (12) and (13) serve to seal the system.

Once the valve (22) of the bottle injector is closed, it is safe to remove the gas actuator by pulling up the actuator, while holding the injector firmly by its handle (21) with the other hand. The gas injector will be left in the bottle acting as a seal. To open a resealed bottle the injector is withdrawn from the bottle by means of the handle (21).

The process of carbonating or recharging a liquid contained in a bottle is essentially the same as for preserving a bottle of wine or other perishable liquids described above in Example 1, with the sole exception of having to use the cartridge 9 ) of compressed carbon dioxide gas instead of an inert or non-reactive gas cartridge (9). 25

Example 3 The procedure for carbonating an open container with a liquid requires the drive assembly to contain a compressed carbon dioxide gas cartridge (9). An extension tube of the type shown in Fig. 3 is attached to the gas source component union 16 of the drive assembly of Fig. 1, according to the method previously described. The gas injecting tip of the extension tube 34 is inserted into the beverage or other liquid and the system thereby remembers the one shown in Fig.

For most applications the push-button (5) is pressed for 2-5 seconds, while the drink is shaken with the extension tube immersed. The carbon dioxide gas bubbles vigorously out of the gas injecting tip of the extension tube (34). After 2-5 seconds the button (5) is released and the assembly is removed from the liquid.

Example 4 The preservation of food or other perishables within a container is performed as follows. The food or other perishable articles (43) are placed in the body of a container (42) and the lid is attached thereto. The actuator is provided with an inert or non-reactive gas source cartridge (9) as described in Example 1. The actuator is connected to the inlet and exhaust pipes in the same manner as described in Example 1. As an example, for a container of the type 7, wherein the valve assembly is in the cap 38, the actuator should be positioned over the valve assembly, so that the component gas source union 16 of the actuator is positioned by (41) and the exhaust air joint (17) is positioned over the specialized exhaust pipe (40). For a container of the type of Fig. 8, wherein the valve assembly is in the container (42), the actuator is aligned with the valve assembly, so that the component gas source union of the actuator (16) is positioned adjacent the gas injection tube of the valve vessel 46 and the air exhaust component port 17 is positioned adjacent the air exhaust pipe of the valve vessel 47. Applying pressure on the actuator towards the tubes 40 and 41 to a container of the type of Fig. 7, or toward the tubes 46 and 47 to a container of the type of Fig. tubes in the container or container lid will fit tightly into the component fittings b. The next step is to open the specialized cap seal valve 39 on the container of the type shown in Fig. 7 or the specialized container seal valve 45 to a container of the type shown in Fig. ) of the actuator is pressed for 5-10 seconds. This causes the air contained in the container to be replaced by inert or non-reactive gas used to preserve the wine. After 5-10 seconds the knob (5) is released to close the sealing valve (39 or 45) and remove the actuator. The container is then sealed and can be safely stored.

Example 5 Preservation of food or other perishables in an original container by the use of a specialized cap is performed in the following manner. The cap (38) is engaged in the mouth of the original container. Once the cap is securely attached to the original container, the actuator, provided with an inert or non-reactive gas source cartridge (9) in the manner described in Example 1, is connected to the gas injection tube of the specialized cap (41) and to the exhaust pipe of the specialized cap (40). Specifically, the actuator is positioned above the valve assembly so that the component gas source union 16 is positioned over the specialized gas injection pipe 41 and the air exhaust member 17 positioned above the exhaust pipe of the specialized cap (40). Applying pressure on the actuator towards the tubes 40 and 41 the tubes of the container lid will fit tightly into the component unions 16 and 17. The specialized cap seal valve (39) is then opened. The actuator button (5) is pressed for 5-10 seconds. This causes the air contained in the container to be replaced by inert or non-reactive gas, similar to the procedure used to preserve the wine. After 5-10 seconds the knob (5) is released to close the sealing valve (39) and remove the actuator. The container is now sealed and can be safely stored.

Example 6 Preservation of food or other perishables in a container of the type shown in Figs. 11 or 12 is carried out in the following manner. A non-reactive or inert gas cartridge 9 is installed in the housing 60 in a manner similar to that described in Example 1. The food or other perishable articles 43 are placed within the container body 42 and the lid is attached to it. The sealing valve (39 or 45) is opened for 5-10 seconds. This allows the gas from the source to invade the inside of the container and the air to be expelled. After 5-10 seconds the sealing valve (39 or 45) is closed and the container is then sealed and stored safely.

Example 7 Preservation of wine or other perishable liquids within a bottle by use of an injection device for bottles of the type illustrated in Fig. 13 is performed in the following manner. A non-reactive or inert gas cartridge 9 is installed in the housing 21 in a manner similar to that described with respect to the actuator of Example 1. The nozzle is then dimensioned to the height of the bottle by means of extension tubes 52 ) and inserted into the bottle in the manner described in Example 1. The sealing valve (22) is opened for 5-10 seconds. This allows the gas from the source to invade the inside of the bottle and the air to be expelled. After 5-10 seconds the sealing valve (22) is closed and the bottle is then sealed and can be safely stored. The procedure for using a gas injection device of the type illustrated in Fig. 13 for the carbonation or re-charge of bottled liquids is the same, except that the inert or non-reactive gas cartridge 9 has to be replaced by a cartridge (9) with carbon dioxide gas.

Example 8 The procedure for the use of a gas actuator of the type shown in Fig. 10 is essentially the same as that described for Example 1. The two embodiments differ primarily in that the actuator of Fig. 10 allows two gas cartridges 9 are housed simultaneously while the actuator of Fig. 1 described in Example 1 only allows one cartridge 9. A cartridge is installed in either or both of the handle tubes in the same manner as described in Example 1. Before operating the button (5) the operator must switch the selector switch (58) thereby selecting the gas source which should be used for the given application. All other steps in the use of the actuator of Fig. 10 are identical to those of the actuator of Fig. 1. The main advantage of the dual cartridge configuration is that it does not require the operator to remove (and often waste) a cartridge by changing from an inert gas for carbon dioxide and vice versa. This also doubles the capacity of the trigger gas source if the operator uses two cartridges of the same gas type. The present invention provides a very useful, inexpensive and portable means for solving numerous problems encountered by today's consumers in the area of food and liquid preservation. Obvious modifications to the present invention will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art and are within the purview of the claimed invention. The actuator and its accessories may, for example, have a plurality of injection passages or exhaust passages. They may also be provided with a plurality of valves used to open and close the passageways. Similarly, the pipes need not be made of stainless steel or plastic, and may be made of other metals or organic materials. The actuator may also contain several types of sources at the same time, thus eliminating the need to remove cartridges when switching from an application that uses one type of gas to an application using another type of gas. Fig. 10 illustrates a preferred embodiment of this concept. The actuator can have a variety of shapes and the button (5) can be replaced by a valve torsion. Similarly, the control valves (22, 39, 45) do not need to be torsionally activated, but can be activated by means of a knob or the like. The connecting tubes (15 and 18) may be flexible rather than rigid. In addition, one or more unidirectional valves, either in the passageway (19) or in the passageway (18), which open at suitable pressures above an atmosphere, allowing air to escape only during injection, may also replace the type valves (22) which control the injection tubes in the gas injector shown in Fig. 2, such that said valve only opens at suitable pressures above a pressure atmosphere, allowing the gas to be injected only during injection deliberate It is not necessary for the bottle injector or the food container to require a separate gas actuator. A gas source 9 in particular in the form of a cartridge can be easily installed directly above the injection valve of the bottle injector of Fig. 2 with accessory means similar to those found in the actuator 6A, 6B 7, 10, 11). Examples of this concept are shown in Figures 11, 12 and 13. This concept may extend in a similar manner to other accessories.

Other connections to the actuator include, but are not limited to, an accessory for filling party balloons (if using helium as a gas source), an accessory for filling bicycle tires, a brush attachment to be used for remove dust from camera lenses or glasses or an accessory to whip cream. Also possible to include injection and exhaust means similar to those shown in Figs. 7, 8, 9 in the original containers from food, cosmetic or other perishable manufacturers, with the intention of the consumer connecting them to a gas actuator similar to that of Fig. 1 for air movement to prolong life in warehouse of products. Finally, the present device can be constructed as a bench model.

Lisbon

Claims (18)

A gas drive assembly comprising: (a) a housing (1); (b) a pressurized gas source (9); (c) a compressed gas supply pipe (15); (d) first connecting means (12) for attaching the gas source (9) to the compressed gas supply pipe (15) for delivering compressed gas to a vessel; (e) an evacuation tube (16) for extension into the vessel; (f) second attachment means (13) for attaching the evacuation tube (18) to an outlet opening (3) of the housing (1), for evacuating the air contained within the vessel and (g) actuating means (5) operably connected to the first (12) and second (13) connecting means for controlling the flow of compressed gas and air, characterized in that the drive means (5) are adapted to simultaneously allow the compressed gas to move from the source of gas (9) through the compressed gas supply pipe (15) into the vessel and air is displaced from the vessel through the evacuation pipe (18), said shell (1) includes a portion (7, 8), which receives the gas source (9), with a cap (10). A gas drive assembly according to claim 1, which comprises a cartridge (9) which contains the compressed gas and means for exposing the cartridge contained in the housing and thus allowing replacement of the cartridge therein, when the compressed gas contained in the cartridge cartridge has been consumed. A gas drive assembly according to claim 1, further comprising a pressure relief valve (14) operatively attached to the compressed gas supply pipe (15). 2 A gas drive assembly according to claim 1, characterized in that the drive means (5) comprises a button positioned on the housing, having a contact bottom surface for simultaneously contacting the first (12) and second (13 ) connecting means for releasing the compressed gas and evacuating the air from the interior of the vessel. A gas drive assembly according to claim 1, characterized in that the compressed gas supply pipe (15) and the evacuation pipe (18) each have an end extending outwardly from the housing, comprising (16, 17) adapted to engage removably in an extension device to thereby lengthen the length of the compressed gas supply tube (15) and the evacuation tube (18). A gas drive assembly according to claim 1, characterized in that the compressed gas is carbon dioxide. A gas drive assembly according to claim 1, further comprising air-impermeable sealing means for sealing the housing (1) of the gas drive assembly against the vessel. A gas drive assembly according to claim 7, characterized in that the vessel is a bottle containing a liquid (27). A gas drive assembly according to claim 8, characterized in that the compressed gas supply pipe (15) extends into the liquid contained in the bottle (27). A gas drive assembly according to claim 7, characterized in that the air-impermeable sealing means comprises a tapered stopper (24) covered by a flexible, elastic material. 3 A gas drive assembly according to claim 1, further comprising sealing means (24) for engaging in the vessel, in a sealing relationship, a first expansion pipe (20), which passes through the sealing device and is operatively connected to a compressed gas supply pipe (15) and a second extension tube (19), which passes through the sealing device and is operatively connected to the evacuation pipe (18), said supply pipe elongate gas into the vessel 27 below the level of the liquid therein, and a sealing valve 22 located within the sealing means 24, adapted to simultaneously open the elongated delivery tube 20 and the elongated evacuation tube (19) to allow the compressed gas to enter the vessel and the air to escape from the vessel. A gas drive assembly according to claim 11, characterized in that the elongated delivery tube comprises a plurality of apertures (50) for emitting gas bubbles escaping therethrough. A gas drive assembly according to claim 12, characterized in that the plurality of apertures (50) is located at one end of the elongated delivery tube. A gas drive assembly according to claim 1 further comprising a first extension tube (41) operably connected to the compressed gas supply pipe (15) a second extension tube (40) operatively connected to the evacuation tube (18) and a valve (39) for opening and closing the first (41) and second (40) tubes, said set of extension tubes operatively connected to a container comprising a container body and a removable cap impermeable to (38). A gas drive assembly according to claim 14, characterized in that the extension tube assembly is operatively connected to the container cap (38). A gas drive assembly according to claim 14, characterized in that the extension tube assembly is operably connected to the container body. A gas drive assembly according to claim 1, characterized in that the pressurized gas source comprises two or more compressed gas-containing cartridges (9) operably connected to a switching valve which allows the passage of compressed gas from one of said cartridges, at the same time sealing the other said cartridges, said switching valve being operably connected to the first attachment means. A gas drive assembly according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that a substantial part of the pressurized gas source (9) is contained within the housing (1). A drive assembly for gases according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the receiving part (7, 5) is provided with a helical thread for said cap (10). Use of the drive assembly according to any one of the preceding claims 1-6, in combination with a food storage container, which comprises a storage compartment and a lid, which can be repeatedly sealed in an air impermeable manner against said storage compartment with an aperture provided with valves in said container, adapted for injecting a non-reactive gas through said delivery tube, and a valve opening in said container, adapted for the delivery of the air, past the said evacuation tube. The use according to claim 20, characterized in that said container is made of plastic. Lisbon, Lisbon, Portugal. Maria Maria Fernandes, Director of the University of São Paulo. &gt; 13p-1 - &gt; 30A-2i] 50