Vacuum processing machine and method

A vacuum processing machine for use in assembling a vacuum insulation panel from a gas impermeable bag and a gas porous pouch filled with a microporous powder comprising:

• a housing sealable in an air tight manner;
• a pair of substantially parallel support members with facing front sides positioned within an interior of said housing;
• said housing being openable to receive said bag between said facing front sides of said members;
• means for communicating a vacuum source with said interior of said housing;
• and
• heat sealing means positioned within said housing for sealing an edge of said bag after evacuation of gases from said bag and pouch.

A vacuum processing machine for use in assembling a vacuum insulation panel from a gas impermeable bag and a gas porous pouch filled with a microporous powder comprising:

• a housing sealable in an air tight manner;
• a pair of substantially parallel plates oriented horizontally within said housing;
• said housing being openable to receive said bag between said facing front sides of said plates;
• a vacuum source communicatable with an interior of said housing for evacuating gases from said bag and pouch;
• heat sealing means positioned within said housing for sealing an edge of said bag after evacuation of said gases from said bag and pouch;
• means for moving said plates toward one another to press against said bag after it has been evacuated and sealed;
• and
• means for injecting a trace amount of helium into said bag after it has been evacuated and before it has been sealed.

A method for assembling a vacuum insulation panel from a gas impermeable bag and a gas porous pouch filled with a microporous powder comprising:

• placing a barrier bag within a housing sealable in an air tight manner;
• inserting a pouch filled with microporous powder insulation into said bag;
• sealing said housing;
• forming a communication path between a vacuum source and an interior of said housing to evacuate gases from said bag and pouch;
• and
• sealing said bag after evacuation of said gases.