Tray sealing and gas flush apparatus

Apparatus for atmosphere modifying and sealing trays of the type having continuous peripheral edges, the apparatus comprising:

• means for continuously advancing the trays past said sealing station;
• film supply means;
• means positioned at said sealing station for receiving film from said film supply means and for disposing said received film to cover the trays including the edges, said film receiving and disposing means with the respective tray defining a nip region through which said film passes to cover the tray;
• gas flushing means including means for injecting a preselected gas into the trays through said nip region and between said film and the trays, said gas flushing means not including a vacuum/gas chamber;
• and
• means for sealing said disposed film to the edges of the gas flushed trays, said sealing means being positioned proximate and downstream of said film receiving and disposing means relative to the advancing direction.

Apparatus for atmosphere modifying and sealing trays of the type having continuous peripheral edges, the apparatus comprising:

• a sealing station;
• means for advancing the trays past said sealing station;
• film supply means;
• means positioned at said sealing station for receiving film from said film supply means and for disposing said received film to cover the trays including the edges, said film receiving and disposing means with the respective tray defining a nip region through which said film passes to cover the tray;
• gas flushing means including a first gas injection means for injecting a preselected gas into the trays through said nip region and between said film and the trays, and a second gas injection means for flowing across the leading portion of the edges of the advancing trays, said second gas injection means having a gas injection opening positioned proximate and downstream of said film receiving and disposing means relative to the advancing direction;
• and
• means for sealing said disposed film to the edges of the gas flushed trays, said sealing means being positioned proximate and downstream of said film receiving and disposing means relative to the advancing direction.