Method for the application of pressure relief valves

A method for applying a pressure relief valve to packaging during the packaging process comprising the steps of:

• peeling a pressure relief valve from a liner of pressure relief valves;
• piercing a package with a punch in a first pivotal position, in register with where the pressure relief valve is to be applied to the packaging, to make an opening in a package;
• picking the peeled pressure relief valve with an applicator vacuum head with an operating vacuum in a second pivotal position, for receiving the pressure relief valve to be applied to the packaging, while the punch is in the first pivotal position;
• pivoting the punch from the first pivotal position and into a third pivotal position, away from the packaging, and simultaneously pivoting the applicator vacuum head from the second pivotal position into the first pivotal position, in register with where the pressure relief valve is to be applied to the packaging;
• and
• putting the pressure relief valve on the package over, and in register with, the opening pierced in the package when the applicator vacuum head is in the first pivotal position.