Container stopper and opener

A method of sealing a container, the method comprising:

• inserting a cylindrical plug into a mouth of the container;
• inserting a stopper into the cylindrical plug, the stopper comprising a knob, a threaded bolt, a tapered guide having a center axis, and a nut;
• wherein the knob is coupled to the threaded bolt that is able to engage the nut such that the nut is moved along the center axis when the knob is rotated about the center axis;
• and
• rotating the knob in a first direction such that the nut is moved along the center axis of the tapered guide and a specified sealing pressure is attained,
• wherein the stopper further comprises a set screw that secures the knob relative to the tapered guide such that the tapered guide and the knob move together as a rigid body along the center axis.

A mechanical container stopper comprising:

• a cylindrical plug able to engage a mouth of a container, the cylindrical plug having a center axis;
• a tapered guide that fits within the cylindrical plug;
• a cylindrical nut that is able to move along the center axis;
• a knob coupled to a threaded bolt that is able to engage the cylindrical nut;
• and
• a pair of set screws that engage a collar of the threaded bolt in order to prevent the knob from moving along the center axis.