US2126942A - Vacuum sealing machine - Google Patents

Description

Aug. 1,6, 1938. H. A. BARNBY VACUUM SEALINQ MACHINE Filed sept. 2o, 1934 5 Sheets-Sheet l INVENTOR.

ATTORNEY l Aug- 16, 1938- H. A. BARNBY 2,126,942

VACUM SEALING MACHINE Filed Sept. 20, 1934 5 Sheets-Sheet 2 1 I uhm I l! lllllllmQj-lllmllllll I IN VEN TOR.

VAGUU SEALING MACHINE H. A. BARNBY VACUUM SEALING MACHINE Aug. 16, 1938.

5 Sheets-Sheet 4 Filed Sept. 20, 1954 m... .mi

INI/EN ATTORNEY Aug. 16, 1938. H, AF BARNBY 2,126,942

VACUUM SEALING MACHINE Filed Sept. 20, 1934 l '5 Sheets-Shee't 5 A TTORNEY Patented Aug. 1e, 193s UNITED STATES PATENT oFFIca VACUUM SEALING MACHINE Herbert A. Bambi, Toledo, Ohio, signor to Owens-Illinois Glass Company. a corporation of Ohio Application september zo, 1934, seria N9. '144.351

` 1e claims. (ci. zza-sz) My invention relates to improvements in vacv tice in vacuumizing and sealing conta.iners.moreV especially glass jars, to place them in their entirety within a vacuum chamber and thereafter quickly exhaust the air from said chamber and container by instantaneous application of the highest available vacuum. This procedure is objectionable for two reasons, first. because it necessitates vacuumizing an unnecessarily large space to create a vacuum in the containers and, second, because the rapid exhaustion of air from the containers, where the contents are in powdered form, tends to and generally does draw some of the contents between the sealing gasket and sealing surface of the jar where they become lodged and prevent effective sealing engagement between the gasket and jar.

This latter phenomenon is especially true in the packaging of granulated 'coffee wherein the container or jar employed is provided with a relatively large orifice, and the correspondingly large closure or lid is loosely positioned` on the jar preparatory to the vacuumizing and lidtightening operation. A It has been found that a sudden application of a high vacuum causes the lid to raise from the jar with an accompanying sudden exit or leaping out of the coffee through the larger orifice which the lid affords between its inner lining and the sealing surface of the lar.

An object of the present invention is to avoid the first of the above noted objections by materially reducing the volume from which the air must be exhausted in order to vacuumize the containers, and the'second thereof by controlling the application of vacuum in a fashion to prevent undue agitation of the contents and escape of such contents through a passageway which is created by lifting of the closure under influence of the vacuum applied. To this end the vacuum chambers which are individual to thev containers being vacuumized, are of such area that they may accommodate only the neck of the jars and closures together with a device for rotating and thereby tightening the clomn'es. Moreover, .the means for controlling the application of vacuum is such that a very low vacuum is applied at the beginning of the vacuumizing operation, the degree being gradually and progressively increased as the vacuumizing operation progresses with,Y

out equalization of the vacuum applied to the several heads or chambers. I am aware that in the vacuumizing and sealing of narrow neck containers wherein the closure or cap is crimped to the container closely enough that the problem 5 of leakage by dusting of the product does not occur, a two-stage method of vacuumizing is sometimes employed. In such cases, however, the two stages of vacuum are employed merely in the attainment of a very high vacuum and 10 not for the purpose of preventing leaping out of the product dust.

Because of the fact that there is no equalization between the vacuum applied to the several heads or chambers, the tendency of the high 15 degree of vacuum created in the jars about to leave the apparatus to become "diluted" by the presence of air in the jars entering the apparatus, is eliminated.

Another object is the provision in apparatus 20 of the above character of means whereby the vacuum chamber and jar to be vacuumized cooperate with eaoh other in sealing the chamber preparatory' to the removal of air therefrom and in which such cooperation of the chamber and 25 jar effectively holds the jar against rotation about its own axis and thereby facilitates application and tightening of the jar closure. To this end the vacuum chamber consists of an inverted Y cup-like element having a sealing gasket of rubber or other suitable material about its lower margin in position to be forced into sealing contact with the shoulder or other desired surface of the iar. Y

A further object is the provision in apparatus as of the above character of a closure apDlyinB and tightening device disposed within a vacuum chamber such as that just referred to and operated by mechanism including means which will automatically render said ineffective 40 after the closure has been completely applied and sufficiently tightened.

Other objects will be in part apparent and in part pointed out herein.

In the drawings: 45.

Fig. 1 is a vertical central sectional view with parts in elevation.

Fig. 2 is a detail front elevational view of one of the heads of the machine.

rigisaviewsimilartollig. 2showingparts 50 broken away and in section and the closure applying device disengaged from the( closure.

Fig. 3A is a sectional elevation taken along the line IIIA-IIIA of Fig. 3.

^ Fig. 4 is a detail vertical sectional view taken as stantially along the line V-V of Fig. 4.

Figs. 6, '7, and 8 are sectional elevational views illustrating the successive operations involved in vacuumizing and sealing a container. Fig. 6

' shows the jar and closure immediately upon being placed in the machine prior to upward movement relative to the vacuum chamber. Fig. 'l shows the upper end of the jar cooperating with the vacuum chamber in sealing the latter. 8 is a view similar to Fig. 7 showing the closure applying device in engagement with the closure.

Fig. 9 is a detail vertical sectional view with parts in section of another form of vacuum distributing head.

Fig. 10 is a fragmentary horizontal sectional view taken along the line X-X of Fig. 9..

Fig. 11 is a diagrammatic plan view illustrating the relation between the vacuum sealing machine and conveyors associated therewith.

Fig. 12 is a detail vertical sectional View with parts in elevation showing a closure applying and tightening device including a plain resilient disk designed to engage a closure having an unbroken top surface or button.

In more or less general terms my invention comprises an annular series of vacuumizing and sealing units each in itself a complete vacuum sealing device and including a vacuum chamber formed and adapted to enclose only the filling opening and a minor portion of the adjacent surfaces of the containerand a closure for said opening. Provision is' made whereby progressively increasing degrees of vacuum may be applied to the containers. Within each vacuum chamber is a closure applying device which, in the illustrated embodiment of the invention, assumes the form of a constantly rotating head connected to means for rotating it and periodically bringing it into operative engagement with a closure. Additionally, there is included means for soy adjusting the vacuumizing and sealing units that containers varying in height and diameter may be accommodated.

'Ihc present machine (Fig. 1l) is shown in conjunction with a conveyor system designed to deliver containers such as glass jars to the machine for vacuumizing and sealing and removing thev vacuumized and sealed containers therefrom and transferring them to 4a packing room or other destination. This conveyor system includes a continuously moving horizontal conveyor 20 extending alongside of the machine. A star wheel 2i and guard rails 22 direct the containers to --the machine while a star wheel 23 and guard rails 24 function to move the vacuumized and sealed containers from the machine to the conveyor 20.k

The machine, according to the present disclosure consists of a rotary carrier 25 for the vacuum sealing units 26 which are arranged in an annular series on said carrier, the latter being mounted upon a stationary vertical central column 21 rising from a stationary base 28. This base includesr a motor and gear housing 29 in the form of a vertical cylinder, the upper end of which is closed by a cap plate 3D. A sleeve 3i formed integral with the plate 3B supports the central column 21 which is of tubular form and, as will be. apparent hereinafter, incidentally constitutes part of the vacuum piping system. An annular exterior shoulder 32 on the column 2l rests upon Fig.

carries an annular series of container supports.

3l which correspond in number to that of the vacuum sealing units and are mounted for vertical reciprocating movement independently of each other and the base plate. Each of these supports consists' of a horizontal disk 38 attached to the upper end of a vertical push rod 39 which is slidingly fitted in and splined to a sleeve 40 depending from a marginal portion of thebase plate 34. A cam roller 4l at the lower end of the push rod rides upon a stationary cam 42 which encircles the sleeve-like housing 29 ofthe base and -is shaped to impart vertical movement to the series of container supports in synchronism with the operations of other parts of the machine.

Rotation of the base plate 34, and consequently the carrier 25, is obtained by mechanism including a ring gear 43 attached to the lower side of the base plate and running in mesh with a pinion 44, the latter being secured to the upper end of a shaft 45. This 'shaft 45 is journaled in bearings 46 and carries a worm gear 41 meshing with a worm 48, the latter carried by a horizontal shaft 49 suitably journaled in bearings in the end walls of a gear housing 5D.` This shaft 49 is driven by an electric motor 5I operating through pulleys 52 and a belt 53 or the like which is trained over said pulleys. of the vertical shaft may be connected to the conveyor system in order to effect synchronized operation of the vacuum sealing machine and said conveyor system.

A sleeve 55 rises from the center of the base plate 34 and encloses a portion of the central column about which it is adapted to rotate, said l container supports 38 to the end that containers of different height may be accommodated. The construction providing for such adjustment may consist of a collar 58 threaded vupon the lower portion of the sleeve 55 and rotativelyconnected at its upper end to said lower spider 35 by means of a ange 59 and ring'60. A hand wheel l6I carried by said collar 58 facilitates rotation of the latter and consequent vertical adjustment of the lower spider on said sleeve. The upper spider .35 is rotatively mounted upon a stationary bearing 62 which is provided at the upper end of a sleeve 63, the latter being secured by a key 64 or spline to a tube 65, and said tube in turn being secured to the central column 21 by means of a pin 6B. The lower and upper spiders 35 and 36 are rigidly connected together by tie-bolts 67 and together with a ring gear 68 and cam, the latter carried by the sleeve 63, are adapted for unitary vertical adjustment by means of said hand wheel 5l. .The ring gear is mounted be- A spur gear 54 at the lower end tween the hub 56 and sleeve 63Y and is rigidly and nonrotatively connected to the. latter by means of the .key 6I referred to above.

' Each vacuum sealing unit 26 includes a vacuum chamber 51, a closure applying device` within the chamber, and means arranged above the chamber for operating the closure applying device. The vacuum chamber 51 includes a sleevelike housing 10, the bore of .which is of slightly greater diameter thanthe neck N and cap C or closure, of the jar J which is to be vacuumized and sealed. Moreover, the lower end of the bore may be and preferably is tapered so that when the chamber is brought into operative position with respect to the jar said tapered walls if necessary will center the jar relative to the axis of the chamber with the neck portion of the bottle extending into the chamber. Atthe bottom end of the chamber is arranged a combined sealing and gripping ring1i, this ring being preformed to substantially conform to the contour of the surface to be engaged thereby. This ring is attached to the lower end of the vacuum chamber by means of a anged collar 12 and performs the two-fold function of creating an effective seal between the shoulder portions of the jar and the adjacent end of the vacuum chamber and so eilectively gripping the jar and cooperating with the jar supporting disk 30 that the jar is held' against rotation during the application of the cap or closure C. Moreover, the creation of a subatmospheric condition within the chamber operates to eiect rm engagement between the jar and chamber and prevent relative rotation of the jar and chamber during tightening of the closure. This also lessens the pressure on the jar support and decreases crushing pressure on the jar shoulder. It will be observed that, the vacuum chamber (Fig. 2) includes an attaching flange 13 which is secured to the lower side of the lower spider 35 by bolts 1l or like fasteners. In one wall of this vacuum chamber there is provided a vacuum port 15 connected through a. hand valve 16 to a supply pipe 11 which extends upwardly and radially inward to a vacuum distributing head 18, which, as has been stated rather generally heretofore, is so constructed that it causes application of vacuum to the chamber and jar in progressively increasing degrees. Thus by applying a. comparatively low vacuum at the outset and stepping it up by degrees, undue agitation of the contents and the consequent objectionable results pointed out heretofore are avoided.

The vacuum distributing head includes a drumlike chamber 19 threaded upon the upper end of the central column 21 and communicating with the interior of the latter which in turn is connected at its lower end to a vacuum supply pipe B0. A series of circumferentially spaced vacuum ports 8| (Fig. 5) graduated in size and increasing in diameter in the direction of travel of the carrier 25, are formed in the wall 62 of the chamber 19, said ports opening into the interior of the chamber and providing communication between the latter and a series of chambers 63, which one at a time, register with ports 64 in a rotary cap 85, said cap being rotatively telescoped over the chamber and said ports 64 in the cap connected to said vacuum pipes 11. The chamber and cap are connected together by a stub shaft, rising from the chamber and projecting upwardly through an opening in said cap. A spring 9| encireies the shaft and is heid-thereon by a nut s2.

An elongated arcuate channel 86 is provided in the exterior surface lof the chamber 19, one

end of said channel being disposed in proximity to the largest of the series of graduated ports 8i. This channel has independent direct connection to a vacuum supply pipe 81 by way of pipes 86, one of which extends completely and longitudinally through the central'column 21. Anair admission port 60 (Figs. 1 and 5) is formed in the wall 62 of the chamber 15 and operates` to open the vacuum pipes 11 one at a time to the atmosphere for the purpose of breaking the vacuum in the chambers 51. Thus it may be seenthat rotation of the carrier 25 and said cap 65 in a clockwise direction relative tothe chamber 19 brings the ports 64 one at a time into register with the graduated ports and eifects applicationof vacuum to the chamber 51 and thereafter into communication with the channel 86 and nally into com. munication with the port 89.

Such operation eiects application of vacuum to the chambers in gradually increasing degrees and finally .through the channel 86 the application of the highest available vacuum. Upon completion of the vacuumizing operation the ports 84 are brought one at a time into register with the port 89 through which air enters to fill the vacuum chambers. Prior to reaching the point at which the pipes 11 register with the port 69, the closures C are completely applied and tightened to the jar, it being understood that these closures are loosely attached to the jar necks whiie moving along the conveyor 20 'or prior to being placed thereon.

Incidentally the upper spider 36 carries a post 93 (Figs.v 1 and 5) which engages an adjustable set screw 9| on an arm 05 extending radially from the cap 85.

Each closure applying mechanism, in the event it is being used to tighten closures having a knife channel K or groove in their upper side, (substantally as shown in Carvalho Patent #1.912,969

dated June 6. 1933) consists of a rotary headrss which is larranged in the upper portion of the corresponding vacuum chamber 51. gasket 99 disposed within the upper end of the chamber and contacting the rotary head 08 prevents leakage of vacuum at this point. Attached to the lower side of the rotary head 96 (Figs. 3 and 3A) and telescoped therein is a hanged disk |00 formed on its lower side with a pair of bosses 0| designed for'engagement with the grooved closure. Such engagement involves projection of the bosses into the channel K and is obtained by lowering of the head 08 under iniiuence of the cam 69. This disk i's splined to the head 98 and yieldingly connected thereto by means of a screw f |02 and coil spring |03A encircling said screw.

Thus the disk is free to move vertically upward relativeto the head upon application of a predetermined top pressure to the latter.

This head 66 and the disk |00 are rotated continuously by mechanism including a shaft |041 which is secured at-its lower end to said head 98 and has its upper end journaled in a bearing.

|06 forming a part of a cross head |06. Within vthis bearing |06 and interposed between the latter and said shaft |00 isa-sleeve |01 which carries one disk |00 of a friction clutch |60. A nut |04! on the upper end of the shaft |04 and a collar |01* just below said nut and carried by the sleeve |01 assist in holding-the parts 9,5- sembled. A key I0 connects said sleeve |01 and shaft |04 sothat they rotate together. The other clutch member I|| is provided with a hub ||2 freely rotatable on the shaft |04. said hub assuming the form of a spur gear meshing with the ring gear 68. This ring gear as will be understood closure. The mechanism for effecting such movement of the head 93 consists of.a cam roller lll attached to the inner side of the cross head |09 in position for engagement with the cam 99, said cam being shaped to move the head 90 downwardly through yielding connectors consisting of a coil spring ||5 encircling the shaft |04 between upper and lower collars H8 and H1 respectively, the former being loosely mounted upon the shaft while the latter is threaded thereon. An antifriction bearing ||8 is interposed between the upper collar ||6 and said hub H2.

Return movement of the head 98 to its uppermostposition is eilected by mechanism including guide rods H9 attached to the opposite ends of the cross head |06, said rods having their opposite ends slidingly engaged in guide openings |20 in-the upper and lower spiders and having coilspring |2| encircling the lower portions loetween collars |22 and the lower spider 35.

In operation, the carrier 25 is rotated continuously in a clockwise direction. Containers such for example as jars, are placed upon the supports 31 by means of the star wheel 2|. At a predetermined point in the travel oi' the carrier the supports are moved vertically upward bringing the Jars thereon into iirm sealing contact with the combined sealing and gripping ring 1| the pressure of the latter upon the jar being sufficient to prevent rotation of the jar on its support and relative to the vacuum chamber 51 during vthe closure applying operation. Vacuum is applied to the vacuum chamber 51 and interior of the iaw by way of said series of graduated ports 8| and the pipes 11. The highest available vacuum is then applied to said chamber and jar by way of the channel 86 and the ports 84, this taking place during the tightening oi' the closure C. At this point the cam 69 operates through the cam roller lid to bring the continuously rotating head et into engagement with the closure. When the closure has been tightened to the necessary degree the friction clutch |09 slips and automatically breaks driving connection between said head 98 and the ring gear 68. Following this operation the closure applying head 98 is released and allowed to move upwardly under influence of the coil springs 2| Air enters the vacuum chamber by way of the port 89 and the correspending vacuum pipe 11.

In another form of vacuum distributing head (Figs. 9 and 10) the construction includes a pair of upper and lower disks |23 and |24 respectively, the latter designed for attachment to the upper end of the central column in the same fashion as is the chamber 19. In this lower disk there is formed a series of circumierentially spaced graduated ports which establish communication between the interior of the central coliunn and a series of chambers |26 which open through the upper side of said lower disk and are adapted for register with ports |21 in the upper disk. These ports |21 correspond in number to that of thepipes 11 which lead to the vacuum chambers 51. The full available vacuum is applied. to` the chambers by way of a passageway |28 which is connected to a vacuum pipe |29 corresponding to the pipe 88 in the previously described formA of head. The two disks are connected together by means including a stub shaft |30 rising from the center of the lower disk and projecting through an opening |3| in the upper disk. A coil spring |32 encircles the shaft |30 between an antifriction bearing |33 and a lock nut |34, said spring yieldingly holding the disks in snug engagement with eachother. An oil cup |35 or other similar device may be mounted upon the upper disk for the purpose of lubricating the contacting faces of said disk.

In Fig. 12 I have shown: a slightly modiiied form' of closure applying device -Wherein the flanged disk |00, instead of being provided with bosses'on its lower face, carries a friction gripping disk |36 which may be formed of rubber or any equivalent composition. These two disks |00 and |38 are secured together by screws |31 or the like fasteners. This form of closure applying device is particularly adaptable for tightening closures which I are not p rovided with grooves, bosses or the like on their upper surface and wherein friction alone must be relied upon to eect driving engagement between the head and closure. Y

Modifications may be resorted to within the spirit and scope of the appended claims.

What I claim is:

1. In a vacuum sealing machine, a support for a container to be vacuumized and sealed, an inverted cup-like vacuum chamber adapted to enclose a portionof the container, a sealing ring at the lower margin of the chamber, means for effecting relative vertical movement between said support and chamber to thereby bring the sealing ring and container into engagement with each other, a continuously rotating device within the chamber for applying a closure to the container, means for bringing said device into engagement with the closure, means for applying progressively increasing degrees of vacuum to thc container and chamber and means for rotating the closure applying device including a friction clutch operating torender the closure rotating means ineffective upon completion of the closure applying operation.

2. In a vacuum sealing machine, a support for a container having a filling opening at its upper end, an inverted cup-like vacuum chamber adapted to enclose the iilling opening and a closure for said opening, a sealing ring at the lower margin of said chamber, means for effecting relative vertical movement between said support and chamber to thereby bring the ring and container into sealing engagement with each other, means within said chamber for applying the closure to the container, means for applying progressively increasing degrees of vacuum to the container and chamber, said closure applying means including a continuously rotating device adapted for engagement with the closure, and means including a friction clutch for rotating said device.

3. In a vacuum sealing machine, a Support for a container to be vacuumized and sealed, said container having a filling opening at its upper end and a closure partially applied thereto, a vacuum chamberadapted to enclose said filling opening and closure and .have sealing engagement with portions of the container about the opening, means within said chamber for completing application of the closure tothe container, means for exhausting the air from said chamber and container, said closure applying means including the closure, means for bringing said head into contact with the closure, and means providing vertically yielding connection between the 4head and rotating means.

4. ln'a.` vacuum sealing machine, a carrier mounted for rotation about a vertical axis, an

annular series of container supports thereon,

vacuum chambers individual to and spaced above said supports, said chambers adapted to enclose only a portion of the containers on said supports, means for bringing the chambers and containers into cooperative relation to eachother, means for exhausting the air from the chambers and containers during a portion of each revolution of the carrier, means within the chambers for applying closures to the containers. each of said closure applying means including a head arranged within the corresponding vacuum chamber, means for imparting continuous rotary movement to the head, and means for bringing the head into opl erative engagement with a closure on a container and means providing vertically yielding connection between the head and rotating means therefor.

5. In a. vacuum sealing machine, a carrier mounted for rotation about a vertical axis, an annular series of4 container supports thereon, vacuum chambers individual to and spaced above said supports, said chambers adapted to enclose a. minor portion only o! containers arranged upon said supports, means for bringing the chambers and containers into cooperative relation to each other, means for exhausting the air from the chambers and containers during movement of the carrier, means. within the chambers for applying closures to the containers, each of said closure applying means including a head arranged within the corresponding vacuum chamber,l means for imparting continuous rotary movement to the head, means for bringing the Y head into operative engagement with a closure on a container, and a friction clutch constituting part of the head rotating means and operating to render the latter ineilective upon completion of the closure applying operation.

6.. In a vacuum sealing machine, a vacuum chamber adapted to enclose the iilling opening and at least a portion oi theadjacent surface of a container to be vacuumized and sealed, means ior'applying progressively increasing degrees of vacuum to the chamber and container, a closure applying device within the vacuum chamber including a rotary head, means for bringing the head into engagement with a closure on the conrainer, a container support below the vacuum chamber, a combined sealing and gripping ring carried by the vacuum chamber adapted -to cooperate with said support in holding the 4container against rotary movement relative to the vacuum chamber, means for continuously rotating said head, and a vertically yielding connector between said head and its rotating means.

7. In a vacuum sealing machine, a vacuum chamber adapted to enclose the illling opening and at least a portion o! the adjacent surface o! a container to be vacuumized and sealed, means for applying vacuum to the chamber and container, a closure applying device within the vacuum chamber including a rotary head. means for bringing the head into engagement with a closure on the container, a container support below the vacuum chamber, a combined sealing and gripping ring carried by the vacuum chamber and adapted to cooperatewith said supportln holding the container against rotary movement relative to the vacuum chamber, means for continuously rotating said head and a vertically yielding connector between said head and its rotating means.

8. In a vacuum sealing machine, a support for a container to be vacuumized and sealed, an inverted cup-like vacuum chamber adapted to enclose a portion of the container, a sealing ring at the lower margin ,of the chamber, means for moving the container support vertically upward to thereby bring the sealing ring and container into engagement with each other, a rotatable device within the chamber for tightening a threaded closure upon the container, means for bringing said device into engagement with the closure, means for applying progressively increasing degrees of vacuum tothe container and chamber, a vertically yielding connector between the closure applying device and the means for bringing it into engagement with the closure, and means for rotating said device.

9. In a vacuum sealing machine, a support for a container to be vacuumized and sealed, an inverted cup-like vacuum chamber adapted to enclose a portion of the container, a sealing ring at the lower margin of the chamber, means for effecting relative vertical movement between said support and chamber to thereby bring the sealing ring and container into engagement with each other, a device within the chamber for tightening a closure to the container, `means for bringing said device into engagement with the closure, means for exhausting the air from said container and chamber, a vertically yielding connector between the closure applying device and the means iorbringing it into engagement with the closure, and means for rotating the device including a friction clutch operable to render the yrotating means ineffective upon completion of the closure applying operation.

10. In a vacuum sealing machine, a support for a container to be vacuumized and sealed, an inverted cup-like vacuum chamber adapted to enclose a portion of the container, a sealing ring at the lower margin of the chamber, means for effecting relative vertical movement between said support and chamber to thereby bring the sealing ring and container into engagement with each other, a device within the chamber for tightening a closure to the container, means for bringing said device into engagement with the closure. means for applying progressively increasing degrees oi vacuum to the container and chamber, a

vertically yielding connector between the closure container, a closure applying device within the vacuum chamber including a rotary head. means forbringing the head into engagement with a closure on the container, a container support below the vacuum chamber, a combined sealing and gripping ring carried bythe vacuum chamber and adapted to cooperate with said support in holding the container against rotary movement relative to the vacuum chamber. means for rotating said head including a pinion individual thereto and clutch means for eiTecting driving connection between the pinion andhead at intervals and means for rotating the pinion.

12. In a vacuum sealing machine for vacuumizing containers and tightening threaded closures thereon, the combination of an annular series oi container supports mounted for rotation about a. vertical axis, inverted cup-like vacuum chambers individual to said supports and arranged thereabove and in alignment therewith, a combined I sealing and gripping ring at the lower margin of by is tightened on its respective container, and

means for exhausting air from said chambers.

13. In a vacuum sealing machine, a vacuum chamber adapted to enclose the filling opening and at least a portion of the adjacent surface of a container to be vacuumized and sealed, means for applying vacuum to the chamber and container, a closure applying device within the vacuum chamf' ber including a rotary head, means for bringing the head into engagement with a closure on the container, a container support below the vacuum chamber, a combined sealing and gripping ring carried by the vacuum chamber and adapted to cooperate with said support in holding the container against rotary movement relative to the vacuum chamber, means for rotating said head including a vertical spindle carrying said head. a pinion mounted for free rotation on said spindle, clutch means for effecting a driving connection between said pinion and spindle at intervals, and a ring gear meshing with said pinion.

14. In a vacuum sealing machine, a. stationary base, a vertically extending central column projecting upwardly from said base, a. rotary carrier mountedon said column, a plurality of vacuum sealing units mounted on said carrier, each unit including a chamber for vacuumizing a con tainer, an annular vacuum distributing head providing a vacuum chamber mounted on said column, means connecting said chamber with a source of relatively low vacuum, there being a plurality of circumierentially spaced vacuum ports extending through said head and communicating with the interior of said chamber, said ports being graduated in size and increasing in diameter in the direction of travel of said rotary carrier, there being an elongated arcuate vacuum channel formed in said head, means connecting said channel with a source of relatively high vacuum, a cap mounted on said head for rotation with said carrier, said cap having a plurality o1' ports therein communicating with the vacuum chambers oi' said sealing units and adapted first to successively register with said vacuum ports and inally with said vacuum channel, and means for rotating said carrier.

l5. In a vacuum sealing machine, a stationary base, a vertically extending central column projecting upwardly from said base,'a rotary carrier mounted on said column, a plurality of vacuum sealing units mounted on said carrier, each unit including a chambervfor vacuumizing a container, an annular vacuum distributing head providing a vacuum chamber mounted on said column, means connecting said vacuum chamber with a source of relatively low vacuum, said head having a plurality of` circumferentially spaced vacuum ports extending therethrough and communicating with the interior of said vacuum chamber, said ports being graduated in size and increasing in diameter in the direction of travel 'of said rotary carrier, there being an elongated arcuate vacuum channel formed in said head, means connecting said channel ywith a source of relatively high vacuum, there being an air admission port in said head, a cap mounted on said head for rotation with said carrier, said cap having a plu rality oi ports therein communicating with the vacuum chambersoi said sealing units and adapted first to register successively with said vacuum ports, secondly with said vacuum channel, and lastly with said air admission port.

16. In a vacuum sealing machine, a stationary base, a vertically extending central column projecting upwardly from said base, a rotary carrier mounted on said column, a plurality of vacuum sealing units mounted on said carrier, each unit including a chamber for vacuumizing a container, an annular vacuum distributing head providing a vacuum chamber mounted on said column, means connecting said vacuum chamber with a source oi vacuum, said head having a plurality of circumferentially spaced vacuum ports extending therethrough and communicating with the interior oi said vacuum chamber, said ports being graduated in size and increasing in diameter in the direction of travel of said rotary carrier, there being an elongated arcuate vacuum channel formed in said head, means connecting said channel with a separate source of vacuum, there being an air admission port in said head, a cap mounted on said head for rotation with said carrier, said cap having a plurality of ports therein communicating with the vacuum chambers of said sealing units and adapted first to register successively with said vacuum ports, secondly with said vacuum channel, and lastly with said air admission port.

HERBERT A. BARNBY.

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