Packaging apparatus

Abstract

Accordingly in a first aspect the invention consists in a packaging apparatus for sealing products or case ready product in a package in vacuum-gas packaging or thermoforming machines, the apparatus includes a first chamber chamber for housing the product or packaged product and at least one second chamber, the first chamber has entry or exit elements, the second chamber is at least attachedly covering the entry or exit elements such that any leakage or change in pressure is detected in the second chamber during gas injection or before sealing. The apparatus is particularly useful for detecting leaks prior to sealing in vacuum packaging for modified or controlled atmosphere preservation systems.

1 . A packaging apparatus for sealing product(s) in a package in vacuum-gas packaging or thermoforming machines, the apparatus includes a first chamber for housing the product and at least one second chamber, the first chamber has entry or exit means, the second chamber is at least covering the entry or exit means such that any leakage or change in pressure is detected in the second chamber, during gas injection or before sealing.  
     
     
         2 . A packaging apparatus as claimed in  claim 1  wherein the second chamber has fluid detection means.  
     
     
         3 . A packaging apparatus as claimed in  claim 2  wherein the second chamber includes at least an upper and lower chamber.  
     
     
         4 . A packaging apparatus as claimed in  claim 3  wherein there are at least two lower chambers.  
     
     
         5 . A packaging apparatus as claimed in  claim 4  wherein one lower chamber substantially overlies the other lower chamber.  
     
     
         6 . A packaging apparatus as claimed in  claim 5  wherein the first chamber has a fluid detection means.  
     
     
         7 . A packaging apparatus as claimed in  claim 6  wherein the product is a perishable product.  
     
     
         8 . A packaging apparatus as claimed in  claim 5  wherein the product comprises a product in a covered or lidded or over-wrapped tray.  
     
     
         9 . A packaging apparatus as claimed in  claim 8  wherein the package comprises a barrier tray-like container having a cover or lid.  
     
     
         10 . A packaging apparatus as claimed in  claim 8  wherein the package comprises a barrier bag.  
     
     
         11 . A packaging apparatus as claimed in any one of claims  9  or  10  wherein the first chamber is made up of two parts.  
     
     
         12 . A packaging apparatus as claimed in  claim 11  wherein one part is situated above the lid.  
     
     
         13 . A packaging apparatus as claimed in  claim 12  wherein the one part is situated below the lid.  
     
     
         14 . A packaging apparatus as claimed in  claim 13  wherein the lid is separated from the tray by spacers.  
     
     
         15 . A packaging apparatus as claimed in  claim 14  wherein the fluid detection means is a sensor.  
     
     
         16 . A packaging apparatus as claimed in  claim 15  wherein the sensor is a pressure sensor.  
     
     
         17 . A packaging apparatus as claimed in  claim 16  wherein there are at least two upper vacuum chambers.  
     
     
         18 . A packaging apparatus as claimed in  claim 17  wherein the apparatus has sealing means.  
     
     
         19 . A packaging apparatus as claimed in  claim 18  wherein the fluid is air.  
     
     
         20 . A packaging apparatus as claimed in  claim 18  wherein the fluid is an inert gas.