Apparatus and method for providing container lidding and sealing in an aseptic processing apparatus

Abstract

A method and apparatus is disclosed providing a container lidding and sealing apparatus in an aseptic processing apparatus. A lid sterilization apparatus supplies sterilized lids in a daisy chain to each bottle top. A heat sealing apparatus seals each lid to each bottle top.

I/we claim:  
     
         1 . Apparatus comprising: 
 a continuous chain of lids;    a bath of sterilant for covering the chain of lids with the sterilant;    a drier for heating and drying the sterilant on the chain of lids; and    a guide for positioning each lid over a container opening.    
     
     
         2 . The apparatus of    claim 1   , further including a sealing apparatus for heat sealing each lid onto the container opening.  
     
     
         3 . The apparatus of    claim 1   , further including a gripper apparatus for gripping and lifting each container to the sealing apparatus.  
     
     
         4 . The apparatus of    claim 1   , wherein the continuous chain of lids include a plurality of openings for receiving a plurality of protrusions on a drive sprocket.  
     
     
         5 . The apparatus of    claim 1   , wherein the sterilant is hydrogen peroxide.  
     
     
         6 . The apparatus of    claim 1   , wherein the lids are foil.  
     
     
         7 . The apparatus of    claim 1   , wherein the lids are plastic.  
     
     
         8 . The apparatus of    claim 1   , wherein the drier includes a plurality of hot air knives and a plurality of heated platens for activating and drying the sterilant.  
     
     
         9 . The apparatus of    claim 1   , wherein after drying the lids retain a concentration of hydrogen peroxide less than 0.5 PPM.  
     
     
         10 . The apparatus of    claim 1   , wherein the apparatus opens into a sterile tunnel for surrounding a plurality of containers with sterile air.  
     
     
         11 . The apparatus of    claim 1   , wherein the containers are bottles.  
     
     
         12 . The apparatus of    claim 1   , wherein each lid remains in the bath of sterilant for at least about 6 seconds.  
     
     
         13 . A method for lidding aseptically sterilized foodstuffs comprising the steps of: 
 providing a chain of lids;    providing a bath of sterilant for covering the chain of lids with the sterilant;    providing a drier for heating and drying the sterilant on the chain of lids; and    providing a guide for positioning each lid over a container opening.    
     
     
         14 . The method of    claim 13   , further including the step of providing a sealing apparatus for heat sealing each lid onto the container opening.  
     
     
         15 . The method of    claim 13   , wherein the step of providing a chain of lids further includes the step of providing the chain of lids including a plurality of openings for receiving a plurality of protrusions on a drive sprocket.  
     
     
         16 . Apparatus comprising: 
 means for providing a continuous chain of lids;    means for providing a sterilant for covering the chain of lids with the sterilant;    means for providing a drier for heating and drying the sterilant on the chain of lids; and    means for positioning each lid over a container opening.    
     
     
         17 . The apparatus of    claim 16   , further including means for providing a sealing apparatus for heat sealing each lid onto the container opening.