US20200087012A1 - Method and apparatus to perform quick vacuum evacuation from universal sealable vacuum containers or wine bottles - Google Patents

Method and apparatus to perform quick vacuum evacuation from universal sealable vacuum containers or wine bottles Download PDF

Info

Publication number
US20200087012A1
US20200087012A1 US16/136,122 US201816136122A US2020087012A1 US 20200087012 A1 US20200087012 A1 US 20200087012A1 US 201816136122 A US201816136122 A US 201816136122A US 2020087012 A1 US2020087012 A1 US 2020087012A1
Authority
US
United States
Prior art keywords
vacuum
vacuum chamber
sealable
food
chamber
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Pending
Application number
US16/136,122
Inventor
Tony Triet Nguyen
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
Lin Chen-Chi
Original Assignee
Individual
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Individual filed Critical Individual
Priority to US16/136,122 priority Critical patent/US20200087012A1/en
Publication of US20200087012A1 publication Critical patent/US20200087012A1/en
Assigned to Nguyen, Tony Triet, LIN, CHEN-CHI reassignment Nguyen, Tony Triet ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNORS INTEREST (SEE DOCUMENT FOR DETAILS). Assignors: Nguyen, Tony Triet
Assigned to LIN, CHEN-CHI reassignment LIN, CHEN-CHI ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNORS INTEREST (SEE DOCUMENT FOR DETAILS). Assignors: Nguyen, Tony Triet
Pending legal-status Critical Current

Links

Images

Classifications

    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
    • B65B—MACHINES, APPARATUS OR DEVICES FOR, OR METHODS OF, PACKAGING ARTICLES OR MATERIALS; UNPACKING
    • B65B31/00—Packaging articles or materials under special atmospheric or gaseous conditions; Adding propellants to aerosol containers
    • B65B31/04—Evacuating, pressurising or gasifying filled containers or wrappers by means of nozzles through which air or other gas, e.g. an inert gas, is withdrawn or supplied
    • B65B31/043—Evacuating, pressurising or gasifying filled containers or wrappers by means of nozzles through which air or other gas, e.g. an inert gas, is withdrawn or supplied the nozzles acting horizontally between an upper and a lower part of the container or wrapper, e.g. between container and lid
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A23—FOODS OR FOODSTUFFS; TREATMENT THEREOF, NOT COVERED BY OTHER CLASSES
    • A23L—FOODS, FOODSTUFFS, OR NON-ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGES, NOT COVERED BY SUBCLASSES A21D OR A23B-A23J; THEIR PREPARATION OR TREATMENT, e.g. COOKING, MODIFICATION OF NUTRITIVE QUALITIES, PHYSICAL TREATMENT; PRESERVATION OF FOODS OR FOODSTUFFS, IN GENERAL
    • A23L3/00—Preservation of foods or foodstuffs, in general, e.g. pasteurising, sterilising, specially adapted for foods or foodstuffs
    • A23L3/015—Preservation of foods or foodstuffs, in general, e.g. pasteurising, sterilising, specially adapted for foods or foodstuffs by treatment with pressure variation, shock, acceleration or shear stress or cavitation
    • A23L3/0155—Preservation of foods or foodstuffs, in general, e.g. pasteurising, sterilising, specially adapted for foods or foodstuffs by treatment with pressure variation, shock, acceleration or shear stress or cavitation using sub- or super-atmospheric pressures, or pressure variations transmitted by a liquid or gas
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A23—FOODS OR FOODSTUFFS; TREATMENT THEREOF, NOT COVERED BY OTHER CLASSES
    • A23L—FOODS, FOODSTUFFS, OR NON-ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGES, NOT COVERED BY SUBCLASSES A21D OR A23B-A23J; THEIR PREPARATION OR TREATMENT, e.g. COOKING, MODIFICATION OF NUTRITIVE QUALITIES, PHYSICAL TREATMENT; PRESERVATION OF FOODS OR FOODSTUFFS, IN GENERAL
    • A23L13/00—Meat products; Meat meal; Preparation or treatment thereof
    • A23L13/70—Tenderised or flavoured meat pieces; Macerating or marinating solutions specially adapted therefor
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
    • B65B—MACHINES, APPARATUS OR DEVICES FOR, OR METHODS OF, PACKAGING ARTICLES OR MATERIALS; UNPACKING
    • B65B31/00—Packaging articles or materials under special atmospheric or gaseous conditions; Adding propellants to aerosol containers
    • B65B31/02—Filling, closing, or filling and closing, containers or wrappers in chambers maintained under vacuum or superatmospheric pressure or containing a special atmosphere, e.g. of inert gas
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
    • B65B—MACHINES, APPARATUS OR DEVICES FOR, OR METHODS OF, PACKAGING ARTICLES OR MATERIALS; UNPACKING
    • B65B31/00—Packaging articles or materials under special atmospheric or gaseous conditions; Adding propellants to aerosol containers
    • B65B31/02—Filling, closing, or filling and closing, containers or wrappers in chambers maintained under vacuum or superatmospheric pressure or containing a special atmosphere, e.g. of inert gas
    • B65B31/025—Filling, closing, or filling and closing, containers or wrappers in chambers maintained under vacuum or superatmospheric pressure or containing a special atmosphere, e.g. of inert gas specially adapted for rigid or semi-rigid containers
    • C—CHEMISTRY; METALLURGY
    • C12—BIOCHEMISTRY; BEER; SPIRITS; WINE; VINEGAR; MICROBIOLOGY; ENZYMOLOGY; MUTATION OR GENETIC ENGINEERING
    • C12H—PASTEURISATION, STERILISATION, PRESERVATION, PURIFICATION, CLARIFICATION OR AGEING OF ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGES; METHODS FOR ALTERING THE ALCOHOL CONTENT OF FERMENTED SOLUTIONS OR ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGES
    • C12H1/00—Pasteurisation, sterilisation, preservation, purification, clarification, or ageing of alcoholic beverages
    • C12H1/12—Pasteurisation, sterilisation, preservation, purification, clarification, or ageing of alcoholic beverages without precipitation
    • C12H1/14—Pasteurisation, sterilisation, preservation, purification, clarification, or ageing of alcoholic beverages without precipitation with non-precipitating compounds, e.g. sulfiting; Sequestration, e.g. with chelate-producing compounds
    • C—CHEMISTRY; METALLURGY
    • C12—BIOCHEMISTRY; BEER; SPIRITS; WINE; VINEGAR; MICROBIOLOGY; ENZYMOLOGY; MUTATION OR GENETIC ENGINEERING
    • C12H—PASTEURISATION, STERILISATION, PRESERVATION, PURIFICATION, CLARIFICATION OR AGEING OF ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGES; METHODS FOR ALTERING THE ALCOHOL CONTENT OF FERMENTED SOLUTIONS OR ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGES
    • C12H1/00—Pasteurisation, sterilisation, preservation, purification, clarification, or ageing of alcoholic beverages
    • C12H1/22—Ageing or ripening by storing, e.g. lagering of beer
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A47—FURNITURE; DOMESTIC ARTICLES OR APPLIANCES; COFFEE MILLS; SPICE MILLS; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
    • A47J—KITCHEN EQUIPMENT; COFFEE MILLS; SPICE MILLS; APPARATUS FOR MAKING BEVERAGES
    • A47J47/00—Kitchen containers, stands or the like, not provided for in other groups of this subclass; Cutting-boards, e.g. for bread
    • A47J47/02—Closed containers for foodstuffs
    • A47J47/08—Closed containers for foodstuffs for non-granulated foodstuffs
    • A47J47/10—Closed containers for foodstuffs for non-granulated foodstuffs with arrangements for keeping fresh
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
    • B65D—CONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
    • B65D81/00—Containers, packaging elements, or packages, for contents presenting particular transport or storage problems, or adapted to be used for non-packaging purposes after removal of contents
    • B65D81/18—Containers, packaging elements, or packages, for contents presenting particular transport or storage problems, or adapted to be used for non-packaging purposes after removal of contents providing specific environment for contents, e.g. temperature above or below ambient
    • B65D81/20—Containers, packaging elements, or packages, for contents presenting particular transport or storage problems, or adapted to be used for non-packaging purposes after removal of contents providing specific environment for contents, e.g. temperature above or below ambient under vacuum or superatmospheric pressure, or in a special atmosphere, e.g. of inert gas
    • B65D81/2007—Containers, packaging elements, or packages, for contents presenting particular transport or storage problems, or adapted to be used for non-packaging purposes after removal of contents providing specific environment for contents, e.g. temperature above or below ambient under vacuum or superatmospheric pressure, or in a special atmosphere, e.g. of inert gas under vacuum
    • B65D81/2038—Containers, packaging elements, or packages, for contents presenting particular transport or storage problems, or adapted to be used for non-packaging purposes after removal of contents providing specific environment for contents, e.g. temperature above or below ambient under vacuum or superatmospheric pressure, or in a special atmosphere, e.g. of inert gas under vacuum with means for establishing or improving vacuum

Definitions

  • This invention relates to a method and apparatus to perform effortless vacuum evacuation on universal food sealable vacuum containers or wine bottles for food preserving and meat marinating.
  • Sealable vacuum containers are characterized as those are equipped with a valve that only allows air to go in one direction. Air is extracted from the container through this valve using vacuum pump. Sealable vacuum containers are also equipped with a release valve that allows the air to fill back into the container at the end of the storage period to recover the preserved food.
  • Vacuum operation can also be utilized to aid the meat marinating process as it can speed it up.
  • Most vacuum appliances in the market now can be used for this purpose.
  • each vacuum appliance also requires its proprietary sealable vacuum container.
  • tubing has to be used between the vacuum appliance and the sealable vacuum container.
  • the system used for evacuating air from the sealable vacuum containers comprised of a vacuum chamber that is large enough to enclose a sealable vacuum container or multiple of them.
  • This vacuum chamber in effect, is a large-size vacuum container that has a vacuum port.
  • the vacuum chamber is of circular shape to better withstand the negative pressure.
  • the vacuum chambers are formed by a dome as the top part and the base unit as the bottom part. Between the top part and the bottom part is an airtight element.
  • the vacuum port is on the base unit.
  • the other aspect of the invention is a system of tubing, vacuum pump, release valve, vacuum switch, microchip control board, and operation switches.
  • This system is connected to the vacuum chamber to control the vacuum condition inside the vacuum chamber and the food sealable vacuum container.
  • Another aspect yet of the invention is the vacuum extracting and quick releasing process that allows the operation to work with any food sealable vacuum container found on the market.
  • FIG. 1 shows the vacuuming process in action.
  • FIG. 2 shows the de-vacuuming process in action.
  • FIG. 3 is the perspective view of the food vacuum appliance with a food sealable vacuum container in open position.
  • FIG. 4 is the perspective view of the food vacuum appliance with a food sealable vacuum container in closed, operating, position.
  • FIG. 5 is the perspective view of the wine vacuum appliance with a wine bottle in open position.
  • FIG. 6 is the perspective view of the wine vacuum appliance with a wine bottle in closed, operating, position.
  • FIG. 7 is the operating flow chart of the vacuuming and de-vacuuming process.
  • FIG. 1 and FIG. 2 show the vacuum evacuation operations on a vacuum chamber.
  • FIG. 1 and FIG. 2 show the vacuum evacuation operations on a vacuum chamber.
  • FIG. 1 and FIG. 2 show the vacuum evacuation operations on a vacuum chamber.
  • FIG. 1 and FIG. 2 show the vacuum evacuation operations on a vacuum chamber.
  • FIG. 1 shows the vacuum evacuation process
  • FIG. 2 shows the de-vacuuming process.
  • FIG. 3 shows the perspective view of the food vacuum chamber, with a sealable vacuum container, in open position
  • FIG. 4 shows the perspective view of the food vacuum chamber, with a sealable vacuum container, in close or operating position.
  • FIG. 5 shows the perspective view of the wine vacuum chamber, with a wine bottle, in open position
  • FIG. 6 shows the perspective view of the wine vacuum chamber, with a wine bottle, in close or operating position
  • FIG. 7 shows the flow chart of the operating processes.
  • the key of the invention that makes this vacuum appliance novel and different than the existing ones is the quick de-vacuuming process. This allows the food sealable vacuum container to remain vacuumed after the process. The basis of the vacuum and de-vacuum process is as followed.
  • FIG. 1 shows the vacuum evacuation process in action.
  • the food vacuum chamber 1 is used, as shown in its sectional view.
  • a food sealable vacuum container 2 is also shown placed inside the vacuum chamber.
  • the vacuum operation is the same for all vacuum chambers, food or wine.
  • These vacuum chambers are shown in FIG. 3 , FIG. 4 , FIG. 5 , and FIG. 6 .
  • the food vacuum chamber comprises of a dome 1 and the base unit.
  • a vacuum port, 16 , on the base unit is connected to the vacuuming system, which comprises of tubing 15 , vacuum pump 5 , vacuum switch 4 , release valve 3 , control circuit 11 , and operating switches 7 - 10 .
  • the vacuum pump, vacuum switch, and the release valve are connected to the control circuit by electric wirings 12 - 14 , same as the operating switches 7 - 10 .
  • Vacuum pump 5 is a commercially-off-the shelve (COTS) one and is of reciprocating type, which has a piston that moves inside a cylinder.
  • the vacuum pump cylinder is equipped with a one-way valve that only allows the air to go one way.
  • Vacuum switch 4 is a COTS vacuum sensor that acts as an electrical switch, which is triggered by the sensed vacuum level.
  • the vacuum switch used in this application is a normally-open one, meaning its electric switch is in opened position when the sensed vacuum level is less than the preset threshold. When the sensed vacuum level crosses a preset value, the vacuum switch will close its electrical switch.
  • the release valve 3 is a normally-closed on-off solenoid valve, which can be controlled electronically.
  • Control circuit 11 comprises of programmable microchip controller and circuitry for power supply and for powering up the pump, valve, lights . . . .
  • FIG. 3 and FIG. 4 show the perspective view of the food vacuum appliance.
  • a food sealable vacuum container is also shown placed inside the vacuum appliance.
  • This food sealable vacuum container can be of any brand on the market.
  • these food sealable vacuum containers are equipped with a vacuuming one-way valve 4 a and a release valve 4 b .
  • the base unit 2 houses the pump, valve, and the control unit.
  • the airtight dome is secured on top of the base unit by its own weight. Rubbery material is used for the seal between the dome and the base unit.
  • the buttons 2 a , 2 b , 2 c , and 2 d are for vacuum, cancel, marinate 1, and marinate 2 enabling.
  • the vacuum port 2 d is also shown in FIG. 3 .
  • FIG. 5 and FIG. 6 show the wine vacuum appliance.
  • Wine vacuum appliance comprises of top part 2 , which is of one opened-end cylinder shape and secured on top of base unit 1 by its own weight. A rubbery seal is in between the two units.
  • the control panel is on the side of the base unit.
  • Button 1 a and 1 b are for vacuum and cancel enabling.
  • Shown inside the vacuum chamber is a wine bottle 4 , which is sported with a vacuum stopper 5 .
  • FIG. 6 also shows the internal view of the wine vacuum appliance; where pump, valve, and control unit 1 c are shown.
  • the user first places a food sealable vacuum container inside the vacuum chamber and close the vacuum chamber lid down.
  • the vacuum switch 7 When the vacuum switch 7 is pressed by the user, which responses to the “vacuum switch on” on the operating flow chart in FIG. 7 , the vacuum pump 5 will be turned on to extract air from the vacuum chamber.
  • the vacuum switch 4 Since the vacuum switch 4 is also connected in-line with the air tubing 15 , it can sense the air pressure inside the tubing and therefore the vacuum chamber itself. Since the food sealable vacuum container is inside the vacuum chamber, air is also extracted from it.
  • the food sealable vacuum container is equipped with a one-way valve. The pressure imbalance between the vacuum chamber and the food sealable vacuum container when the vacuum evacuation in action will also cause the air to escape the food sealable vacuum container through its valve.
  • the vacuum level in the tubing hit the preset vacuum threshold set on the vacuum switch, it sends signal to the microchip controller to turn off the vacuum pump and open up the release valve to let the air into the vacuum chamber to de-vacuum it instantaneously, as shown in FIG. 2 .
  • the air flow is in the direction of the shown arrows along the tubing.
  • the food sealable vacuum container because of its one-way valve, preventing the air from getting back into it, and therefore remains vacuumed after this process, even after the pressure inside the vacuum chamber has become that of the ambient.
  • the release valve used is a high-flowrate one that allows instantaneous de-vacuuming, and this is key of this invention.
  • the one-way valve on the food sealable vacuum container only works if the differential pressure, inside vs. outside of the container, is large enough. A slow de-vacuuming process would cause a low differential pressure, and the air will find it way back into the food sealable vacuum container. Following the de-vacuuming process, a 3-second delay is allowed before the microchip controller will send a signal to close the release valve and to set the system back to the standby mode, getting ready for the next command. The user now can open the vacuum chamber to retrieve the food sealable vacuum container to store it somewhere else. When needed, the user can press the release valve on the food sealable vacuum container to de-vacuum it and retrieve the food inside.
  • the vacuum operation on the wine bottle follows the exact procedure as in the vacuuming the food sealable vacuum container.
  • the air now is extracted from the wine bottles themselves.
  • the wine bottle vacuuming process is made possible with the use of wine bottle vacuum stopper, which are readily available on the market. These stoppers act as a one-way valve and release valve combined.
  • the user just plugs a vacuum stopper into the wine bottle and place it in the wine vacuum appliance and turn the vacuum switch on to start the vacuuming process.
  • the vacuum pressure has reached the preset value
  • the wine vacuum appliance will go into the de-vacuuming cycle, while the wine bottle still remains vacuumed.
  • the user now can retrieve the vacuumed wine bottle from the wine vacuum appliance. When needed, the user can press the vacuum stopper to de-vacuum the bottle.
  • FIG. 7 shows the operation procedure of this mode, starting with “marinating 1 switch on” block.
  • the user can use any open container for meat and marinating recipes, as opposed to a proprietary one of closed type. Trays, bowls . . . can be used for this purpose.
  • Prior art systems require that meat and marinating recipes be placed in a specially designed, sealable container.
  • the user first place meat and marinating recipes container inside the vacuum chamber and press mal button 9 to start this marinating mode.
  • the vacuum pump 5 will turn on to start pumping air out of the vacuum chamber.
  • Marinating Mode 1 consists of five vacuuming cycles as described above and totals about 30 minutes.
  • Marinating Mode 2 logics are shown on FIG. 7 , starting with “marinating 2 switch on” block. The user will press the mat button 9 on FIG. 1 to start this mode. Marinating Mode 2 is similar to marinating Mode 1, except the delay period is 30 minutes instead of 5 minutes. Also, there is no repeat of the vacuuming cycle as in Mode 1.

Landscapes

  • Chemical & Material Sciences (AREA)
  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Food Science & Technology (AREA)
  • Health & Medical Sciences (AREA)
  • Life Sciences & Earth Sciences (AREA)
  • Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
  • Dispersion Chemistry (AREA)
  • Organic Chemistry (AREA)
  • Polymers & Plastics (AREA)
  • Nutrition Science (AREA)
  • General Health & Medical Sciences (AREA)
  • Wood Science & Technology (AREA)
  • Zoology (AREA)
  • Genetics & Genomics (AREA)
  • General Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Bioinformatics & Cheminformatics (AREA)
  • Biochemistry (AREA)
  • Vacuum Packaging (AREA)

Abstract

A method and apparatus to perform effortless vacuum evacuation for food and wine preserving and meat marinating purpose. The vacuum method allows the apparatus to work with any food sealable vacuum container and wine bottle found on the market. The method also conveniently allows vacuum operation without using tubing to connect between sealable vacuum container and vacuum source. The food and wine vacuuming apparatus are of circular shape, which include vacuum chamber, vacuum source, control circuitry, vacuum switch, and solenoid release valve.

Description

    FIELD OF INVENTION
  • This invention relates to a method and apparatus to perform effortless vacuum evacuation on universal food sealable vacuum containers or wine bottles for food preserving and meat marinating.
    • BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
  • Storing and preserving food in vacuum environment has been proven to prolong the life of food significantly. Currently, there are many types of appliances that can be found in the market to perform vacuum evacuation from sealable vacuum containers, which are typically made of plastic or glass. Sealable vacuum containers are characterized as those are equipped with a valve that only allows air to go in one direction. Air is extracted from the container through this valve using vacuum pump. Sealable vacuum containers are also equipped with a release valve that allows the air to fill back into the container at the end of the storage period to recover the preserved food.
  • Almost all sealable vacuum containers (i.e U.S. Pat. No. 6,619,493) found on the market nowadays are proprietarily designed to only work with their compatible vacuum appliances. This fact can add to the cost of owning vacuum operation at home.
  • Another shortcoming of prior art systems is that it takes a great deal of efforts to operate vacuum evacuation on sealable vacuum containers. As for all existing vacuum appliances (i.e. FoodSaver® Vacuum Sealer), in order to extract air from a sealable vacuum container, the user has to use a tubing extended from the vacuum appliance and insert it into the sealable vacuum container extract valve. After the vacuum operation is done, the user has to store the tubing back into the vacuum appliance.
  • Current vacuum appliances on the market can only perform vacuum extraction from a sealable vacuum container, one at a time. The user has to repeat the tubing inserting and air extracting process multiple times if he/she has multiple sealable vacuum containers that need to be vacuumed. This can increase the time and effort to perform vacuum operation significantly.
  • Vacuum operation can also be utilized to aid the meat marinating process as it can speed it up. Most vacuum appliances in the market now can be used for this purpose. However, each vacuum appliance also requires its proprietary sealable vacuum container. Furthermore, tubing has to be used between the vacuum appliance and the sealable vacuum container.
  • Furthermore, a market research has found that none of the existing vacuum appliances can be used to extract air from universal wine bottles to preserve wine. Since wine bottles are not proprietarily designed to work with current vacuum appliances, they cannot be used with them. The only device that can be used for this purpose is the vacuum hand pump that works with its proprietarily designed bottle vacuum stopper.
    • BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
  • The above shortcomings and others are addressed in one or more preferred embodiments and vacuum process of the invention described herein. In one aspect of the invention, the system used for evacuating air from the sealable vacuum containers comprised of a vacuum chamber that is large enough to enclose a sealable vacuum container or multiple of them. This vacuum chamber, in effect, is a large-size vacuum container that has a vacuum port. The vacuum chamber is of circular shape to better withstand the negative pressure. The vacuum chambers are formed by a dome as the top part and the base unit as the bottom part. Between the top part and the bottom part is an airtight element. The vacuum port is on the base unit.
  • The other aspect of the invention is a system of tubing, vacuum pump, release valve, vacuum switch, microchip control board, and operation switches. This system is connected to the vacuum chamber to control the vacuum condition inside the vacuum chamber and the food sealable vacuum container.
  • Another aspect yet of the invention is the vacuum extracting and quick releasing process that allows the operation to work with any food sealable vacuum container found on the market.
    • BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS
  • FIG. 1 shows the vacuuming process in action.
  • FIG. 2 shows the de-vacuuming process in action.
  • FIG. 3 is the perspective view of the food vacuum appliance with a food sealable vacuum container in open position.
  • FIG. 4 is the perspective view of the food vacuum appliance with a food sealable vacuum container in closed, operating, position.
  • FIG. 5 is the perspective view of the wine vacuum appliance with a wine bottle in open position.
  • FIG. 6 is the perspective view of the wine vacuum appliance with a wine bottle in closed, operating, position.
  • FIG. 7 is the operating flow chart of the vacuuming and de-vacuuming process.
    •  DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
  • This invention relates to apparatuses and method to perform vacuum evacuation from universal food sealable vacuum containers or wine bottles for food and wine preserving. The invention also relates to a vacuum evacuation method for meat marinating. FIG. 1 and FIG. 2 show the vacuum evacuation operations on a vacuum chamber. There are two types of vacuum chambers presented in this invention: food and wine vacuum chambers. Without losing the generality, only the food vacuum chamber is presented in FIG. 1 and FIG. 2, where the vacuum operations are presented. FIG. 1 shows the vacuum evacuation process, and FIG. 2 shows the de-vacuuming process. FIG. 3 shows the perspective view of the food vacuum chamber, with a sealable vacuum container, in open position, FIG. 4 shows the perspective view of the food vacuum chamber, with a sealable vacuum container, in close or operating position. FIG. 5 shows the perspective view of the wine vacuum chamber, with a wine bottle, in open position, and FIG. 6 shows the perspective view of the wine vacuum chamber, with a wine bottle, in close or operating position. FIG. 7 shows the flow chart of the operating processes. The key of the invention that makes this vacuum appliance novel and different than the existing ones is the quick de-vacuuming process. This allows the food sealable vacuum container to remain vacuumed after the process. The basis of the vacuum and de-vacuum process is as followed.
  • FIG. 1 shows the vacuum evacuation process in action. In this figure, the food vacuum chamber 1 is used, as shown in its sectional view. For illustration purpose (not part of this invention), a food sealable vacuum container 2 is also shown placed inside the vacuum chamber. For the purpose of simplicity and without losing generality, only the food vacuum chamber is shown in this figure. The vacuum operation is the same for all vacuum chambers, food or wine. These vacuum chambers are shown in FIG. 3, FIG. 4, FIG. 5, and FIG. 6. Back to FIG. 1, the food vacuum chamber comprises of a dome 1 and the base unit. A vacuum port, 16, on the base unit is connected to the vacuuming system, which comprises of tubing 15, vacuum pump 5, vacuum switch 4, release valve 3, control circuit 11, and operating switches 7-10. The vacuum pump, vacuum switch, and the release valve are connected to the control circuit by electric wirings 12-14, same as the operating switches 7-10. Vacuum pump 5 is a commercially-off-the shelve (COTS) one and is of reciprocating type, which has a piston that moves inside a cylinder. The vacuum pump cylinder is equipped with a one-way valve that only allows the air to go one way. The vacuum pump piston is driven by an electric motor in such a way that it moves in a reciprocating pattern and draw air from the cylinder, which in turn will extract air from the vacuum chamber. Vacuum switch 4 is a COTS vacuum sensor that acts as an electrical switch, which is triggered by the sensed vacuum level. The vacuum switch used in this application is a normally-open one, meaning its electric switch is in opened position when the sensed vacuum level is less than the preset threshold. When the sensed vacuum level crosses a preset value, the vacuum switch will close its electrical switch. The release valve 3 is a normally-closed on-off solenoid valve, which can be controlled electronically. The release valve used for this application is of a high-flowrate one to allow an almost instantaneous de-vacuuming process, and this is what makes this invention novel. Control circuit 11 comprises of programmable microchip controller and circuitry for power supply and for powering up the pump, valve, lights . . . .
  • FIG. 3 and FIG. 4 show the perspective view of the food vacuum appliance. A food sealable vacuum container is also shown placed inside the vacuum appliance. This food sealable vacuum container can be of any brand on the market. Typically, these food sealable vacuum containers are equipped with a vacuuming one-way valve 4 a and a release valve 4 b. The base unit 2 houses the pump, valve, and the control unit. The airtight dome is secured on top of the base unit by its own weight. Rubbery material is used for the seal between the dome and the base unit. The buttons 2 a, 2 b, 2 c, and 2 d are for vacuum, cancel, marinate 1, and marinate 2 enabling. The vacuum port 2 d is also shown in FIG. 3.
  • FIG. 5 and FIG. 6 show the wine vacuum appliance. Wine vacuum appliance comprises of top part 2, which is of one opened-end cylinder shape and secured on top of base unit 1 by its own weight. A rubbery seal is in between the two units. The control panel is on the side of the base unit. Button 1 a and 1 b are for vacuum and cancel enabling. Shown inside the vacuum chamber is a wine bottle 4, which is sported with a vacuum stopper 5. FIG. 6 also shows the internal view of the wine vacuum appliance; where pump, valve, and control unit 1 c are shown.
  • Starting with the vacuum operation, as shown in FIG. 7 for control logics and FIG. 1 for actual system, the user first places a food sealable vacuum container inside the vacuum chamber and close the vacuum chamber lid down. When the vacuum switch 7 is pressed by the user, which responses to the “vacuum switch on” on the operating flow chart in FIG. 7, the vacuum pump 5 will be turned on to extract air from the vacuum chamber. Since the vacuum switch 4 is also connected in-line with the air tubing 15, it can sense the air pressure inside the tubing and therefore the vacuum chamber itself. Since the food sealable vacuum container is inside the vacuum chamber, air is also extracted from it. As mentioned earlier, the food sealable vacuum container is equipped with a one-way valve. The pressure imbalance between the vacuum chamber and the food sealable vacuum container when the vacuum evacuation in action will also cause the air to escape the food sealable vacuum container through its valve.
  • When the vacuum level in the tubing hit the preset vacuum threshold set on the vacuum switch, it sends signal to the microchip controller to turn off the vacuum pump and open up the release valve to let the air into the vacuum chamber to de-vacuum it instantaneously, as shown in FIG. 2. The air flow is in the direction of the shown arrows along the tubing. The food sealable vacuum container, because of its one-way valve, preventing the air from getting back into it, and therefore remains vacuumed after this process, even after the pressure inside the vacuum chamber has become that of the ambient. As mentioned earlier, the release valve used is a high-flowrate one that allows instantaneous de-vacuuming, and this is key of this invention. If a low-flowrate valve were used and the de-vacuuming process were not quick enough, the air would leak back into the food sealable vacuum container. The one-way valve on the food sealable vacuum container only works if the differential pressure, inside vs. outside of the container, is large enough. A slow de-vacuuming process would cause a low differential pressure, and the air will find it way back into the food sealable vacuum container. Following the de-vacuuming process, a 3-second delay is allowed before the microchip controller will send a signal to close the release valve and to set the system back to the standby mode, getting ready for the next command. The user now can open the vacuum chamber to retrieve the food sealable vacuum container to store it somewhere else. When needed, the user can press the release valve on the food sealable vacuum container to de-vacuum it and retrieve the food inside.
  • For the wine vacuum appliance, the vacuum operation on the wine bottle follows the exact procedure as in the vacuuming the food sealable vacuum container. However, instead of extracting the air from the sealable vacuum container, the air now is extracted from the wine bottles themselves. The wine bottle vacuuming process is made possible with the use of wine bottle vacuum stopper, which are readily available on the market. These stoppers act as a one-way valve and release valve combined. The user just plugs a vacuum stopper into the wine bottle and place it in the wine vacuum appliance and turn the vacuum switch on to start the vacuuming process. When the vacuum pressure has reached the preset value, the wine vacuum appliance will go into the de-vacuuming cycle, while the wine bottle still remains vacuumed. The user now can retrieve the vacuumed wine bottle from the wine vacuum appliance. When needed, the user can press the vacuum stopper to de-vacuum the bottle.
  • For the food vacuuming appliance, the next available operation is meat marinating Mode 1. FIG. 7 shows the operation procedure of this mode, starting with “marinating 1 switch on” block. To marinate meat, unlike with prior art systems, the user can use any open container for meat and marinating recipes, as opposed to a proprietary one of closed type. Trays, bowls . . . can be used for this purpose. Prior art systems require that meat and marinating recipes be placed in a specially designed, sealable container. Back to FIG. 1, the user first place meat and marinating recipes container inside the vacuum chamber and press mal button 9 to start this marinating mode. The vacuum pump 5 will turn on to start pumping air out of the vacuum chamber. When the vacuum level sensed by vacuum switch 3 reaches the preset threshold, the vacuum switch 3 will send a signal to the microchip controller to stop the vacuum pump 5. A 6-minute delay will follow to allow the marinating recipes to soak into the meat. Following this 6-minute delay, the microchip controller will open the release valve 3 to de-vacuum the sealable vacuum container. After a 3-second delay, the release valve 3 is closed again by the microchip controller, getting ready for the next vacuuming cycle, which will start immediately by turning on the vacuum pump. The next vacuuming cycle will end at the end of the 3-second delay mentioned above. In summary, Marinating Mode 1 consists of five vacuuming cycles as described above and totals about 30 minutes.
  • Marinating Mode 2 logics are shown on FIG. 7, starting with “marinating 2 switch on” block. The user will press the mat button 9 on FIG. 1 to start this mode. Marinating Mode 2 is similar to marinating Mode 1, except the delay period is 30 minutes instead of 5 minutes. Also, there is no repeat of the vacuuming cycle as in Mode 1.
  • At any time into an operation, when cancel button 8 is pressed, the vacuum pump 5 will stop and release valve 3 will open to bring the pressure inside the vacuum chamber to that of the ambient.
  • While the preferred embodiments of the invention have been described, modifications may be made without departing from the invention. The scope of the invention is defined by the appended claims, and all devices that come within the meaning of the claims, either literally or by equivalence, are intended to be embraced therein.

Claims (5)

What is claimed is:
1. An appliance for vacuum evacuating operation on universal food sealable vacuum container, said appliance comprising:
a vacuum chamber, said vacuum chamber is either in rectangular shape or circular shape, said circular vacuum chamber is made out of glass;
a vacuum chamber enclosure, said vacuum chamber enclosure is either an airtight door that is hingeably mounted at the front of the said rectangular vacuum chamber or an airtight lid that is removable from the top of the said circular vacuum chamber;
a vacuum source and control unit, said vacuum source and control unit is mounted at the back of said rectangular vacuum chamber on the top of said circular vacuum chamber;
a control panel, said control panel comprising operation buttons and indicating lights, said control panel is mounted at the front of the said rectangular vacuum chamber or on the top of said circular vacuum chamber.
2. An appliance for vacuum evacuating wine bottle, said appliance comprising:
a vacuum chamber, said vacuum chamber is of cylinder shape with one end opened and one end closed and made out of plexiglass;
a base unit, said base unit is airtight against the said vacuum chamber sitting above it and comprising vacuum source, control unit, and control panel.
3. A method for vacuum evacuating universal food sealable vacuum container, said method comprising the steps of:
turning the said vacuum source on;
monitoring vacuum level in the said vacuum chamber;
turning the said vacuum source off when vacuum level meets threshold;
quickly de-vacuuming said vacuum chamber to retain the food sealable vacuum container in vacuum state.
4. A method for vacuum evacuating wine bottle, said method comprising the steps of:
turning the said vacuum source on;
monitoring vacuum level in the said vacuum chamber;
turning the said vacuum source off when vacuum level meets threshold;
quickly de-vacuuming said vacuum chamber to retain the wine bottle in vacuum state.
5. A method for vacuum evacuating that aid the meat marinating process, said method comprising the steps of:
turning the said vacuum source on;
monitoring vacuum level in the said vacuum chamber;
turning the said vacuum source off when vacuum level meets threshold;
keeping the meat under vacuum state for a period of time;
De-vacuuming said vacuum chamber;
Repeat that vacuuming and de-vacuuming cycle few times for marinating Mode 1 and no repeat for marinating Mode 2.
US16/136,122 2018-09-19 2018-09-19 Method and apparatus to perform quick vacuum evacuation from universal sealable vacuum containers or wine bottles Pending US20200087012A1 (en)

Priority Applications (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
US16/136,122 US20200087012A1 (en) 2018-09-19 2018-09-19 Method and apparatus to perform quick vacuum evacuation from universal sealable vacuum containers or wine bottles

Applications Claiming Priority (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
US16/136,122 US20200087012A1 (en) 2018-09-19 2018-09-19 Method and apparatus to perform quick vacuum evacuation from universal sealable vacuum containers or wine bottles

Publications (1)

Publication Number Publication Date
US20200087012A1 true US20200087012A1 (en) 2020-03-19

Family

ID=69774761

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
US16/136,122 Pending US20200087012A1 (en) 2018-09-19 2018-09-19 Method and apparatus to perform quick vacuum evacuation from universal sealable vacuum containers or wine bottles

Country Status (1)

Country Link
US (1) US20200087012A1 (en)

Cited By (2)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US20220411116A1 (en) * 2021-06-25 2022-12-29 Thrivo Technologies Inc. Systems and methods of preserving customized cosmetic products
US11603251B2 (en) * 2020-03-04 2023-03-14 Erika Bamonte Vacuum sealed container for perishable and non-perishable goods

Citations (19)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US1594512A (en) * 1924-06-23 1926-08-03 Lippe-Lipski Elaine Von Der Apparatus for preserving foods
US1801062A (en) * 1928-02-17 1931-04-14 White Cap Co Package exhausting and sealing machine
US1940635A (en) * 1933-12-19 Apparatus for vacuumizing and sealing jars
US4478025A (en) * 1981-08-31 1984-10-23 Scanlan Gregory P Vacuum packing device
US4512251A (en) * 1982-10-01 1985-04-23 Kenneth Green Rapid breathing, degassing and storage device for wine
US4713925A (en) * 1985-04-01 1987-12-22 Kafkis N H Method and apparatus for filling a plurality of flexible pipette type vessels
US4744199A (en) * 1985-02-12 1988-05-17 Fgl Projects Limited Vacuum packaging
US5778763A (en) * 1996-11-18 1998-07-14 Ford, Sr.; Clifton K. Apparatus and process for treating bottled liquor
US5964255A (en) * 1997-10-24 1999-10-12 M. Kamenstein, Inc. Vacuum sealed apparatus for storing foodstuffs
US6012265A (en) * 1997-05-01 2000-01-11 Ady; Roni (Aharon) Apparatus for quick evacuating and closing lidded jars and vessels containing foodstuff and other products
USD431146S (en) * 1999-07-29 2000-09-26 Ford Sr Clifton K Liquor treating apparatus
US20030131566A1 (en) * 2002-01-11 2003-07-17 Glucksman Dov Z. Appliance for storing articles in an evacuated container
US6862867B2 (en) * 2003-01-16 2005-03-08 Pack-Tech, L.L.C. Bag sealing system and method
US20080000204A1 (en) * 2006-06-28 2008-01-03 S.C. Johnson Home Storage, Inc. Vacuum sealer apparatus and a film cartridge for a vacuum sealer and a means of operating the vacuum sealer and the film cartridge
US20090211202A1 (en) * 2008-02-27 2009-08-27 Lemme Anthony R Vacuum or pressure storage system for food or beverage containers
US20090236368A1 (en) * 2006-06-30 2009-09-24 Coon Christopher E Systems and Methods for Protecting Alcoholic Beverages in Containers from Deterioration
US20140284239A1 (en) * 2013-03-19 2014-09-25 Jeffrey S. Melcher Method for perishable food or item in a container with a container storage technology
US20180093814A1 (en) * 2016-03-01 2018-04-05 Jeffrey S. Melcher Multi-function compact appliance and methods for a food or item in a container with a container storage technology
US20180162569A1 (en) * 2015-06-05 2018-06-14 Sunbeam Products, Inc. Food storage appliance

Patent Citations (19)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US1940635A (en) * 1933-12-19 Apparatus for vacuumizing and sealing jars
US1594512A (en) * 1924-06-23 1926-08-03 Lippe-Lipski Elaine Von Der Apparatus for preserving foods
US1801062A (en) * 1928-02-17 1931-04-14 White Cap Co Package exhausting and sealing machine
US4478025A (en) * 1981-08-31 1984-10-23 Scanlan Gregory P Vacuum packing device
US4512251A (en) * 1982-10-01 1985-04-23 Kenneth Green Rapid breathing, degassing and storage device for wine
US4744199A (en) * 1985-02-12 1988-05-17 Fgl Projects Limited Vacuum packaging
US4713925A (en) * 1985-04-01 1987-12-22 Kafkis N H Method and apparatus for filling a plurality of flexible pipette type vessels
US5778763A (en) * 1996-11-18 1998-07-14 Ford, Sr.; Clifton K. Apparatus and process for treating bottled liquor
US6012265A (en) * 1997-05-01 2000-01-11 Ady; Roni (Aharon) Apparatus for quick evacuating and closing lidded jars and vessels containing foodstuff and other products
US5964255A (en) * 1997-10-24 1999-10-12 M. Kamenstein, Inc. Vacuum sealed apparatus for storing foodstuffs
USD431146S (en) * 1999-07-29 2000-09-26 Ford Sr Clifton K Liquor treating apparatus
US20030131566A1 (en) * 2002-01-11 2003-07-17 Glucksman Dov Z. Appliance for storing articles in an evacuated container
US6862867B2 (en) * 2003-01-16 2005-03-08 Pack-Tech, L.L.C. Bag sealing system and method
US20080000204A1 (en) * 2006-06-28 2008-01-03 S.C. Johnson Home Storage, Inc. Vacuum sealer apparatus and a film cartridge for a vacuum sealer and a means of operating the vacuum sealer and the film cartridge
US20090236368A1 (en) * 2006-06-30 2009-09-24 Coon Christopher E Systems and Methods for Protecting Alcoholic Beverages in Containers from Deterioration
US20090211202A1 (en) * 2008-02-27 2009-08-27 Lemme Anthony R Vacuum or pressure storage system for food or beverage containers
US20140284239A1 (en) * 2013-03-19 2014-09-25 Jeffrey S. Melcher Method for perishable food or item in a container with a container storage technology
US20180162569A1 (en) * 2015-06-05 2018-06-14 Sunbeam Products, Inc. Food storage appliance
US20180093814A1 (en) * 2016-03-01 2018-04-05 Jeffrey S. Melcher Multi-function compact appliance and methods for a food or item in a container with a container storage technology

Cited By (2)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US11603251B2 (en) * 2020-03-04 2023-03-14 Erika Bamonte Vacuum sealed container for perishable and non-perishable goods
US20220411116A1 (en) * 2021-06-25 2022-12-29 Thrivo Technologies Inc. Systems and methods of preserving customized cosmetic products

Similar Documents

Publication Publication Date Title
CN100582612C (en) Refrigerator with vacuum fresh-keeping system and controlling method thereof
US20180360271A1 (en) Cooking device
US8438870B2 (en) Refrigerator door vacuum preservation system
US20200087012A1 (en) Method and apparatus to perform quick vacuum evacuation from universal sealable vacuum containers or wine bottles
CN203116405U (en) Vacuum preservation device for refrigerator
CN107848645B (en) Food storage device
CN202175311U (en) Movable vacuum fresh-keeping box and vacuum fresh-keeping refrigerator
US20160106141A1 (en) Multi-function machine for washing fruits and vegetables and keeping them fresh
CN103017441B (en) Refrigerator with vacuumizing device and control method thereof
CN111114970B (en) Automatic vacuumizing food preservation device and using method thereof
CN105650990A (en) Vacuumizing device for refrigerator storage box and refrigerator
US6012265A (en) Apparatus for quick evacuating and closing lidded jars and vessels containing foodstuff and other products
RU2402430C2 (en) Refrigerator with sealed container
CN210921908U (en) Vacuum storage box with refrigeration function
CN101957119A (en) Electric refrigerator with vacuum refreshing system and vacuum refreshing box
CN110671854A (en) Vacuum storage box with refrigeration function
CN210276899U (en) Water dispenser device with vacuum storage function
CN213263651U (en) Cover assembly and vacuum storage device
CN113915814B (en) Refrigerator and vacuum packaging method thereof
CN218949602U (en) Air extraction equipment for meat can production
US20190091359A1 (en) Vacuum sterilization device
CN218120301U (en) Refrigerator with a door
CN113915816B (en) Refrigerator and vacuum packaging method thereof
JPS60237975A (en) Vacuum storer for food products
WO2022142560A1 (en) Refrigerator and vacuum packaging method therefor

Legal Events

Date Code Title Description
STPP Information on status: patent application and granting procedure in general

Free format text: NON FINAL ACTION MAILED

STPP Information on status: patent application and granting procedure in general

Free format text: RESPONSE TO NON-FINAL OFFICE ACTION ENTERED AND FORWARDED TO EXAMINER

STPP Information on status: patent application and granting procedure in general

Free format text: RESPONSE TO NON-FINAL OFFICE ACTION ENTERED AND FORWARDED TO EXAMINER

STPP Information on status: patent application and granting procedure in general

Free format text: FINAL REJECTION MAILED

AS Assignment

Owner name: LIN, CHEN-CHI, CALIFORNIA

Free format text: ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNORS INTEREST;ASSIGNOR:NGUYEN, TONY TRIET;REEL/FRAME:055692/0426

Effective date: 20210323

Owner name: NGUYEN, TONY TRIET, CALIFORNIA

Free format text: ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNORS INTEREST;ASSIGNOR:NGUYEN, TONY TRIET;REEL/FRAME:055692/0426

Effective date: 20210323

STCV Information on status: appeal procedure

Free format text: APPEAL BRIEF (OR SUPPLEMENTAL BRIEF) ENTERED AND FORWARDED TO EXAMINER

STPP Information on status: patent application and granting procedure in general

Free format text: NON FINAL ACTION MAILED

STPP Information on status: patent application and granting procedure in general

Free format text: RESPONSE TO NON-FINAL OFFICE ACTION ENTERED AND FORWARDED TO EXAMINER

STPP Information on status: patent application and granting procedure in general

Free format text: NON FINAL ACTION MAILED

STPP Information on status: patent application and granting procedure in general

Free format text: RESPONSE TO NON-FINAL OFFICE ACTION ENTERED AND FORWARDED TO EXAMINER

STPP Information on status: patent application and granting procedure in general

Free format text: FINAL REJECTION MAILED

STPP Information on status: patent application and granting procedure in general

Free format text: ADVISORY ACTION MAILED

STCV Information on status: appeal procedure

Free format text: APPEAL BRIEF (OR SUPPLEMENTAL BRIEF) ENTERED AND FORWARDED TO EXAMINER

STCV Information on status: appeal procedure

Free format text: ON APPEAL -- AWAITING DECISION BY THE BOARD OF APPEALS

STCV Information on status: appeal procedure

Free format text: BOARD OF APPEALS DECISION RENDERED

STCV Information on status: appeal procedure

Free format text: REQUEST RECONSIDERATION AFTER BOARD OF APPEALS DECISION

STCV Information on status: appeal procedure

Free format text: BOARD OF APPEALS DECISION RENDERED AFTER REQUEST FOR RECONSIDERATION

STPP Information on status: patent application and granting procedure in general

Free format text: DOCKETED NEW CASE - READY FOR EXAMINATION

STPP Information on status: patent application and granting procedure in general

Free format text: NON FINAL ACTION MAILED

AS Assignment

Owner name: LIN, CHEN-CHI, CALIFORNIA

Free format text: ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNORS INTEREST;ASSIGNOR:NGUYEN, TONY TRIET;REEL/FRAME:065239/0077

Effective date: 20231014

STPP Information on status: patent application and granting procedure in general

Free format text: RESPONSE TO NON-FINAL OFFICE ACTION ENTERED AND FORWARDED TO EXAMINER

STPP Information on status: patent application and granting procedure in general

Free format text: FINAL REJECTION MAILED

STPP Information on status: patent application and granting procedure in general

Free format text: RESPONSE AFTER FINAL ACTION FORWARDED TO EXAMINER

STPP Information on status: patent application and granting procedure in general

Free format text: ADVISORY ACTION MAILED

STCV Information on status: appeal procedure

Free format text: NOTICE OF APPEAL FILED