Device and method for sterilisation, filling and sealing of a package

Abstract

The present invention relates to a device for sealing a package, and a method for sterilization, filling and sealing of the package. The device comprises a peripheral part adapted to be mechanically connected to the package round an opening in the package, said peripheral part comprising a passage for internal sterilization of the package and filling of the package with a product after connecting the peripheral part t the package. The device further comprises a separate upper part for permanent gas-tight sealing of the passage, said upper part being adapted to fit tightly against and form a unit with the peripheral part.

1 - 9 . (canceled) 
   
   
       10 . A method for sterilization, filling and sealing of a package, comprising the steps of connecting a peripheral part of a sealing device to the package round an opening in the package, sterilizing said package internally through a passage in said peripheral part, filling the package with a product through the passage, and sealing the package in a gas-tight manner by sealing the passage permanently by means of a separate upper part for said sealing device. 
   
   
       11 . A method as claimed in  claim 10 , wherein said step of sterilizing said package further comprises the steps of introducing a sterilizing gas into the package through said passage, and extracting the sterilizing gas by introducing a heavier extraction gas through the passage. 
   
   
       12 . A method as claimed in  claim 11 , further comprising the step of letting said sterilizing gas act for a predetermined time in said package. 
   
   
       13 . A method as claimed in  claim 12 , wherein said predetermined time is between one and ten seconds for a package volume up to ten litres. 
   
   
       14 . A method as claimed in  claim 11 , further comprising the step of giving said sterilizing gas an overpressure in said package relative to the ambient gas pressure. 
   
   
       15 . A method as claimed in of  claim 11 , wherein said sterilizing gas contains ozone and/or hydrogen peroxide. 
   
   
       16 . A method as claimed in of  claim 11 , further comprising the step of giving said extraction gas an overpressure in said package relative to the ambient gas pressure. 
   
   
       17 . A method as claimed in  claim 11 , wherein said extraction gas is an inert gas. 
   
   
       18 . A method as claimed in  claim 10 , wherein said extraction gas comprises nitrogen gas. 
   
   
       19 . A method as claimed in of  claim 10 , further comprising the step of closing said passage temporarily and partially during said step of internally sterilizing said package. 
   
   
       20 . A method as claimed in  claim 10 , further comprising the step of sterilizing said upper part separately before said step of sealing the package in a gas-tight manner. 
   
   
       21 . A method as claimed in  claim 20 , wherein said step of sterilizing the upper part separately comprises sterilization of the upper part by means of ozone and/or hydrogen peroxide. 
   
   
       22 . (canceled)