SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR THE APPLICATION AND SEALING OF END CLOSURES ON CONTAINERS

Abstract

The invention relates to a system (100) and method for sealing a closure to a container comprising a die assembly (300), a mandrel assembly (200), and a gas evacuation assembly (400); the mandrel assembly comprises an outer mandrel (210) and an inner mandrel (220); the outer mandrel is configured to move vertically and constrain a closure in position; the gas evacuation assembly, comprising at least one hollow channel (430) within the die and one or more channel openings (440) inside the die, draws gas from inside an aligned container when the closure is constrained in position; the inner mandrel moves vertically to insert the closure into the container, and a sealing member (40) seals the closure in place.

Description

This application claims priority from U.S. Patent Application No. 63 / 071,069 filed on August 27, 2020, which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. FIELD OF INVENTION The present invention relates in general to systems and methods for forming and sealing containers with closures. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION This disclosure relates generally to containers and methods of sealing such containers. Paper-based or composite containers are often used for snacks and similar products. Such containers often have a separable / removable membrane sealed to a top edge of the container, a removable / replaceable top or end cap covering the membrane, and a metal closure welded to a bottom edge of the container. Typically, the membrane is first sealed to the top edge. The container is then filled with the product through the open bottom end, and the metal closure is welded to the bottom edge. The procedure described above, using metal bottom ends, interferes with the container's recyclability, as welding the metal closure to the bottom of the container makes it very difficult to separate the metal closure from the container itself after use. Without the ability to separate the paper-based body of the container from the metal bottom, the container assembly cannot enter the recycling stream for either paper or metal. This can result in unnecessary waste and negative environmental impacts. There is a need for recyclable containers to increase the sustainability of the final product. One solution to the recycling capacity need is to produce containers with paper-based end closures instead of metal ones. However, existing equipment for welding metal ends to containers is specifically designed for metal ends, and simply swapping the metal closures for paper-based end closures would solve this problem. Paper-based closures are incompatible with the current metal end welding procedure, as paper-based end closures introduce unique challenges not present with metal ends (e.g., closure flexibility, separation of closures from a closure stack, closure feeding, closure folding, fusion of non-metallic closures). Through ingenuity and hard work, the inventors have not only developed systems and methods for applying paper-based end closures to containers, but they have also developed systems and methods that operate at high speeds (e.g., over 250 containers per minute). BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION In one embodiment, the invention comprises a sealing system for sealing a closure to a container, comprising a die assembly, a mandrel assembly, and a gas evacuation assembly. The die assembly may comprise a die having a positioning portion configured to retain a disc and a die opening adjacent to the positioning portion, and at least one sealing member configured to provide heat for sealing the disc to the container.The mandrel assembly may have a depressed position and an extended position and may comprise: an outer mandrel comprising an extendable portion sized to fit within an inner circumference of the positioning portion in its extended position, adjacent to a peripheral portion of the retained disk; an inner mandrel configured to travel through an inner circumference of the extendable portion of the outer mandrel and the die opening in its extended position, wherein the sealing member is disposed opposite the mandrel assembly when the mandrel assembly is in its retracted position.The gas evacuation assembly may comprise at least one hollow channel arranged at least partially circumferentially within the die; at least one channel opening arranged in the die connecting the at least one channel to an interior of the die, wherein the at least one channel opening is arranged between the positioning portion of the die and the sealing member; and a means for sucking gas from the interior of the die, the at least one channel opening, and the at least one channel to an exterior of the die. In certain methods of the invention, the method may comprise positioning the disc in the positioning portion of the die; axially aligning the container with the positioning portion of the die; positioning the container so that a peripheral flange of the container is in contact with a lower surface of the die; moving the outer mandrel so that it constrains the disc in the positioning portion of the die; drawing gas from an interior of the container, the at least one channel opening, and the at least one channel to a QQCznn / eznz / E / YiAi exterior of the die; move the inner mandrel so that it pushes the disc into the container and deforms the disc to one end of the container; and seal the end of the container to the container. In some embodiments, the system comprises a plurality of channel openings. In some embodiments, the system comprises at least one valve arranged within the die, connecting the at least one channel to the outside of the die. In some embodiments, the system further comprises at least one tube connecting the at least one valve to the gas suction means. In some embodiments, the gas suction means comprises a side channel pump or a vacuum pump. In some embodiments, the system comprises a plurality of valves arranged within the die, connecting the at least one channel to the outside of the die. In some embodiments, the channel openings are arranged between the retained disc and the container to be sealed. In some embodiments, the vertically extendable portion of the outer mandrel has a circumference larger than that of the die opening.In some configurations, the vertically extendable portion of the outer mandrel restricts the disc in the positioning portion of the die. In some embodiments of the method, when the outer mandrel restricts the disc in the positioning portion of the die, the interior of the container is sealed from atmospheric access. In some embodiments of the method, the suction step and the step of vertically moving the inner mandrel occur simultaneously or nearly simultaneously. In one mode, the outer chuck, inner chuck, and ejectors extend, translate, and retract parallel to each other. In another mode, the outer chuck extends and retracts vertically, the inner chuck translates and retracts vertically, and the ejector translates and retracts vertically. The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and form a part of this specification, illustrate one or more embodiments of the invention and, together with the description, serve to explain the principles of the invention. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS The specification establishes a complete and enabling disclosure of the present invention, including the best embodiment thereof, addressed to a person skilled in the art, which refers to the accompanying drawings, in which: Figure 1 illustrates a cross-section of an exemplary sealing system according to an embodiment of the invention; Figure 2 illustrates a cross-section of an exemplary sealing system of QQCznn / eznz / E / YiAi in accordance with a modality of the invention; Figure 3 illustrates a section in accordance with an embodiment of the invention; Figure 4 illustrates a section in accordance with one embodiment of the invention; Figure 5 illustrates a section in accordance with an embodiment of the invention; Figure 6 illustrates a section in accordance with one embodiment of the invention; Figure 7 illustrates a section in accordance with an embodiment of the invention; Figure 8 illustrates a section in accordance with one embodiment of the invention; Figure 9 illustrates a section in accordance with one embodiment of the invention; Figure 10 illustrates a section in accordance with an embodiment of the invention; Figure 11 illustrates a section in accordance with one embodiment of the invention; Figure 12 illustrates a section in accordance with one embodiment of the invention; Figure 13 illustrates a section in accordance with an embodiment of the invention; transverse transverse transverse transverse transverse transverse of of of of of of of of of a transverse transverse transverse a a a a a a a a of a system system system system system system system system system of ... Figure 14 illustrates a cross-section of an exemplary die and gas evacuation system in accordance with an embodiment of the invention; Figure 15 illustrates a system in accordance with one embodiment of the invention; Figure 16 illustrates a system in accordance with one embodiment of the invention; The Figure modality of the invention; The Figure modality of the invention; The Figure modality of the invention; of of illustrates illustrates a a a system system of of die die sealing sealing sealing and evacuation and evacuation exemplary exemplary exemplary exemplary of of of of gas exemplary of of gas exemplary of conformity conformity conformity conformity with a with a with a QQCznn / eznz / E / YiAi Figure 20 illustrates an exemplary sealing system in accordance with one embodiment of the invention; Figure 21 illustrates an exemplary sealing system in accordance with one embodiment of the invention; Figure 22 illustrates an exemplary die and gas evacuation system in accordance with one embodiment of the invention; Figure 23 illustrates an exemplary die and gas evacuation system in accordance with one embodiment of the invention; Figures 24 to 31 illustrate an exemplary die and gas evacuation system in accordance with one embodiment of the invention; Figures 32A to 32F illustrate an exemplary die and gas evacuation system in accordance with one embodiment of the invention; Figure 33 illustrates an exemplary die and gas evacuation system in accordance with one embodiment of the invention; and Figure 34 illustrates a comparison chart of leakage detection in inventive paper bottom closures versus metal bottom closures. The repeated use of reference characters in this specification and the drawings is intended to represent the same or analogous features or elements of the invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION Reference will now be made in detail to the embodiments of the invention, one or more examples of which are illustrated in the accompanying drawings. Each example is provided by way of illustrative of the invention, not as a limitation thereof. In fact, it will be evident to persons skilled in the art that modifications and variations may be made to the present invention without departing from its scope or essence. For example, features illustrated or described as part of one embodiment may be used in another embodiment to produce yet another embodiment. Thus, the present invention is intended to encompass such modifications and variations so that they are within the scope of the appended claims and their equivalents. In one embodiment, the invention comprises a device and method for manufacturing high-barrier packaging for perishable products, such as hermetically sealed containers for packaging solid food products sensitive to moisture and oxygen. The containers produced according to the devices and methods described herein may be capable of withstanding a variety of atmospheric conditions when filled. QQCznn / eznz / E / YiAi and close. More specifically, hermetically sealed containers may be suitable for maintaining the freshness of crunchy food products such as, for example, potato chips, processed potato snacks, nuts, and the like. As used herein, the term hermetic refers to the property of maintaining a level of oxygen (Oz) with a barrier such as, for example, a seal, a surface, or a container. In one embodiment, the systems and methods described herein can produce hermetically sealed containers having a bottom entirely of paper, paper-based, or composite material (although the methods described herein should not be limited to this and may be applied to bottoms of polymeric, metallic, or other types known in the art) that is profiled and / or sealed (for example, via a hot pressing tool) without causing pitting, creasing, cutting, or cracking of the barrier layer, the closed container, and / or the bottom. In one embodiment, the systems and methods described herein can produce hermetically sealed containers having a paper-based composite bottom that is inserted into a composite container and sealed in a depressed position without causing dome formation at the membrane seal (i.e., at the top end). In a typical insertion procedure that results in a depressed bottom, the increased pressure inside the container, caused by the insertion procedure itself, causes the membrane closures to expand outward or dome. That is, when the end closure is inserted and sealed in place, it forces air into the container into a smaller space to accommodate the depressed end closure. This increased pressure expands outward in the more flexible component, which is typically the membrane lid. The domed membrane lid is aesthetically unappealing and also causes certain manufacturing problems. For example, the domed membrane creates instability—the container cannot stand stably on its membrane end (turned upside down) as it is transported to a downstream packaging process (i.e., from the sealing machine to the case packer). Furthermore, a top lid may not fit snugly over the container if the membrane lid is domed, rendering the package unsuitable for sale. Thus, the inventive systems and methods provide a mechanism for applying a depressed paper-based bottom seal to a paper-based container without an unacceptable level of dome formation of the flexible membrane seal. More particularly, the invention allows for gas evacuation simultaneously with or just before the sealing procedure occurs. In one embodiment, the inventive method and systems allow for an adjustablely defined volume of gas to be evacuated from the container. In some embodiments, this defined volume of gas is directly correlated to the depth of the end seal. QQCznn / eznz / E / YiAi depressed, avoiding an over-pressure situation inside the container. Furthermore, such hermetically sealed containers can be transported worldwide via, for example, sea freight, air freight, or rail transport, subjected to varying atmospheric conditions (e.g., those caused by variations in temperature, humidity, and altitude) without unacceptable dome formation of the membrane lid. As is understood in the art, such conditions can lead to a significant pressure differential between the inside and outside of the hermetically sealed container. Moreover, atmospheric conditions can cycle between relatively high and relatively low values.The systems and methods for producing hermetically sealed containers described herein can provide a container that can be transported and / or stored under widely varying climatic conditions (i.e., temperature, humidity, and / or pressure) without unacceptable dome formation of the membrane lid. Furthermore, in the embodiments established herein, the hermetically sealed containers can be formed from material that has sufficient strength, surface friction, and thermal stability for rapid manufacturing (i.e., high-cycle output machine types and / or production lines). As indicated, the hermetically sealed containers produced using the systems and methods described herein may include a paper-based composite bottom. Similarly, the container body may comprise a paper-based composite material, allowing the entire container to be recycled in a single stream (unlike similar containers with metal bottoms, for example). The bottoms and / or bodies of the containers of the invention may comprise any paper known in the art, such as, for example, a fiber- and / or pulp-based material, such as cardboard, paperboard, plate-making board, cup-making board, lithographic paper, or even molded fiber. In some embodiments, the bottoms and / or bodies of the containers of the invention may be 100% paper. In some embodiments, the container assembly may have approximately 90% or more paper content by mass.In some embodiments, the container assembly may have approximately 95% or more paper content by mass. These paper content percentages may advantageously qualify the container assemblies as mono-material in certain countries, allowing them to be accepted into recycling streams in most countries globally. In some embodiments, the term mono-material includes any material that can be collected and enters a waste management stream to obtain raw material from a residue for a different application. In other embodiments, the bottoms and / or bodies of the containers of the invention may be composite materials. QQCznn / eznz / E / YiAi The Sealing System Referring to Figures 1 to 11, the containers described herein can be formed using the following sealing systems 100 and / or according to the following methods. In one embodiment, the paper-based bottom may start as a sheet or a disc. Although the paper bottom discussed herein is referred to as being round or a disc, the invention is not to be limited to this. The paper bottom may comprise any shape known in the art and may correspond to the shape of the container. For example, if the container has a square, rectangular, triangular, or irregular cross-section, the paper bottom may have a corresponding shape (square, rectangular, triangular, or irregular). For example, a paper-based composite sheet or disc 50 can be formed to fit a composite container body 60 via a mandrel assembly 200, a die assembly 300, and a container support assembly (not shown) working in cooperation. The mandrel assembly 200 can be used to stamp or press a paper-based disc 50 to form it as a composite bottom 51 (shown in FIGS. 10 to 11). The mandrel assembly 200 may include an outer mandrel 210 (sometimes referred to as a steel clamping ring because of its purpose of clamping the disk 50 downward against the die assembly 300) and an inner mandrel 220 (sometimes referred to as a sealing punch because of its purpose of punching by pushing the disk 50 into a container 60 and sealing the disk 50 against the side wall of the container 60). Each of the outer mandrel 210 and the inner mandrel 220 can move along the Y-axis independently of each other. The inner mandrel 220 can be moved relative to the outer mandrel 210 to form a paper-based disc 50 in a bottom closure 51. In addition, the die assembly 300 can cooperate with the mandrel assembly 200 to profile the paper-based disc 50 in the bottom closure 51, simultaneously or almost simultaneously inserting the closure 51 into the bottom end 62 of a composite body 60.The die assembly 300 may generally comprise a die 80 having a top surface 97, a positioning portion 90, a die opening 98, and sealing member(s) 40, also known as the die bushing ring. The tube assembly may be configured to retain and move the composite body 60 with respect to the mandrel assembly 200 and the die assembly 300. For example, the tube assembly may move the composite body laterally to align the axis of the container body 60 with the axis of the mandrel assembly 200 and the die assembly 300, and / or vertically along the axis of the mandrel assembly 200 and the die assembly 300. In one embodiment, the mandrel assembly 200, the die assembly 300, and the container support assembly can be aligned along the Y-axis, at least during the methods described herein, so that a paper-based disk 50 can be QQCznn / eznz / E / YiAi pushed through die opening 98 by inner mandrel 220 and inserted into bottom end 62 of a composite body 60 held by tube support member. Die Assembly The die assembly 300 can be configured to receive and retain the paper-based disc 50 before the disc 50 is inserted through the die opening 98 and into the container body 60. In some embodiments, the disc 50 is received from a separate disc feed assembly (not shown). In one embodiment, the die assembly 300 can be configured to match or otherwise align with the feed assembly. For example, the die 80 can comprise notches, edges, or other alignment features 302 at its upper end (see FIG. 27) that enable it to engage with, align with, or receive a corresponding mechanical element of the feed assembly. This allows for the proper positioning of the disc 50 within the die 80. More specifically, the die assembly 300 may comprise a die 80 (i.e., die bushing ring) having a positioning portion 90 (i.e., crimp seat) configured to accept and align a paper-based disc 50 within the die 80 before forming the disc 50 as a depressed end 51. The positioning portion 90 may be arranged adjacent to the die opening 98 to align a paper-based disc 50 with the die opening 98. The positioning portion 90 may comprise an inclined surface 96 connecting an upper surface 97 of the die 80 to a side wall 94 of the positioning portion 90. The inclined surface 96 may be inclined downwards towards the die opening 98 and axis of the die assembly 300. In one embodiment, the inclined surface 96 may allow the disk 50 to be guided in the positioning portion 90. The side wall 94 of the positioning portion 90 may be vertical or substantially vertical in one embodiment. The side wall 94 of the positioning portion 90 may be longer than the thickness of the disc 50 in one embodiment. The outside diameter of the side wall 94 of the positioning portion 90 may be substantially similar to the diameter of the disc 50 in one embodiment. In another embodiment, the outside diameter of the side wall 94 of the positioning portion 90 may be slightly larger than the diameter of the disc 50. In one embodiment, the inclined surface 96 of the positioning portion 90 may have a larger perimeter closer to the top surface 97 of the die 80 and a smaller perimeter closer to the side wall 94. In some embodiments, the circumference of the outer flange of the inclined surface 96 of the positioning portion 90 may be larger than the paper-based disk 50. The inclined surface 96 may be tapered downward to allow gravitational assistance for aligning the paper-based disk 50 within the positioning portion 90. Once seated, the paper-based disk 50 may be positioned adjacent to the disk support surface 92 and the side wall 94 of the positioning portion 90. In one embodiment, the disk support surface 92 and the side wall 94 of the positioning portion 90 are connected at a ninety-degree angle or substantially at a ninety-degree angle.In one embodiment, the bearing surface of the disc 92 can be horizontal or substantially horizontal. In one embodiment, the seated disc 50 is positioned so that its lower surface 54 (see Fig. 2) is adjacent to (i.e., seated on top of) the bearing surface of the disc 92. In one embodiment, the seated disc 50 is positioned so that its thickness is adjacent to the side wall 94 of the positioning portion 90. In one embodiment, the inner circumference of the bearing surface of disc 92 is smaller than the circumference of disc 50. In one embodiment, the inner circumference of the bearing surface of disc 92 is adjacent to the die opening 98. In one embodiment, the bearing surface of disc 92 is arranged adjacent to an inner surface of the die opening 99. The inner surface of the die opening 99 may be vertical or substantially vertical in one embodiment. In one embodiment, the bearing surface of disc 92 is arranged at a right angle or a nearly right angle to the inner surface of the die opening 99. In use, a disc 50 is inserted into the die assembly 300, positioned within the positioning portion 90, and seated on the support surface of the disc 92. In one embodiment, vacuum pressure can be applied to the paper-based disc 50, from below, to align it within the positioning portion 90 of the die 80. Although die opening 98 is depicted as having a substantially circular cross-section, die opening 98 may have a cross-section that is substantially circular, triangular, rectangular, quadrangular, pentagonal, hexagonal, or elliptical. In one embodiment, die opening 98 may be configured to accept inner mandrel 220, discussed later. In one embodiment, die opening 98 may have a cross-section substantially similar to that of inner mandrel 220. The Gas Evacuation Assembly In one embodiment, a gas evacuation assembly 400 is included in the present system. In one embodiment, the gas evacuation assembly 400 is disposed at least partially within the die assembly 300. The gas evacuation assembly 400 can be designed to draw or vacuum a defined volume of gas out of the space of the Qorznn / Qznz / e / YiAi inner container before or simultaneously with the insertion of disk 50 into container 60. The gas evacuation assembly 400 may comprise one or more valves 420 that are integral to the die assembly 300. In one embodiment, the valves 420 are arranged within the die 80. More particularly, there may be a port or bore 82 through the interior of the die 80 connecting the outer surface of the die 89 to an internal channel 430. The valve 420 may be arranged within such port or bore 82. The port or bore 82 may connect the internal channel 430 to a top surface of the die, a bottom surface of the die, or a side / lateral surface of the die. That is, the valve(s) 420 may extend laterally within the die and / or may extend vertically upward or downward within the die. In one embodiment, the bore 82 may generally be configured horizontally within the die 80. In one embodiment, the perforation 82 may be arranged in an upper section 87 of the die 80. In one embodiment, at least a portion of the perforation 82 and the valve 420 may be arranged above the channel 430. In one embodiment, the valve 420 may have an opening directed downwards, within the perforation 82, towards the channel 430. That is, there may be direct gas communication between the valve 420 and the channel 430. In one embodiment, air may be drawn from the channel 430 via the valve 420. In one embodiment, the valve 420 may comprise any suction or vacuum valve known in the art. In one embodiment, the valve 420 may have an open position and a closed position. In the open position, the valve 420 may permit gas exchange, and in the closed position, the valve 420 may not permit gas exchange. In one embodiment, the valve 420 may comprise an elongated tube or pipe extending generally horizontally or vertically through the upper section 87 of the die 80 with a through-hole 422 disposed at its proximal end (with reference to the inside of the die 80). In this embodiment, the through-hole 422 may be disposed adjacent to the internal channel 430. In some embodiments, a manifold connection 426 may connect the bore 82 and the channel 430.In one particular embodiment, the through-hole 422 may be disposed directly above at least a portion of the internal canal 430. In one embodiment, the through-hole 422 may connect and communicate with the internal canal 430. The through-hole 422 may have any shape known in the art. In one exemplary embodiment, the through-hole 422 is circular, but it may be oval, square, rectangular, or any other shape known in the art. The internal channel 430 may be hollow in one embodiment. The channel 430 may be profiled or configured as desired, but in one embodiment, it may be square, rectangular, circular, or semi-circular in cross-section. The channel 430 may be arranged circumferentially or partially circumferentially within die 80 in one embodiment. Qorznn / Qznz / e / YiAi In one particular embodiment, the channel 430 may comprise a depressed portion of the upper section 87 of the die 80. In this embodiment, the channel 430 may comprise at least one side wall 432. In one embodiment, the channel 430 may comprise two opposing side walls 432, 434 and one top wall 436. In one embodiment, the bottom wall of the channel 430 may comprise the upper surface 42 of the sealing member(s) 40. That is, if the upper section 87 of the die 80 were separated from the sealing member(s) 40, the channel 430 could have an open-bottom end. Channel 430 may have one or more channel 440 openings arranged between channel 430 and the inner surface of die opening 99. In one embodiment, the channel 440 openings are arranged laterally inward toward the inside of channel 430, closer to the centerline of the container 60 to be sealed. In one embodiment, the channel 440 openings may connect channel 430 to the inside of die 80 so that gas exchange is possible between them. That is, the channel 440 openings may provide gas communication between channel 430 and the inside of die 80. The channel 440 openings may be profiled as desired, but in one embodiment, they may be square, rectangular, circular, oval, or semicircular in cross-section. In a particular embodiment, the channel 440 openings inside die 80 may be square or rectangular.The number, size, and arrangement of the 440 channel openings may vary based on the amount of gas that needs to be evacuated. In an embodiment shown in FIGS. 22 and 23, channel 430 may comprise a single channel opening 440. The channel opening 440 may extend circumferentially between channel 430 and the inner surface of die opening 99. In one embodiment, the channel opening 440 may extend partially or completely circumferentially near die 80. In other embodiments, channel 430 may comprise a plurality of channel openings 440 (see FIGS. 14, 25). For example, six channel openings 440 are shown in FIG. 25. The channel openings 440 may vary in size from one another. The channel openings 440 may be spaced equidistantly from one another or may be dispersed in any other manner known in the art. In one embodiment, the channel openings 440 may be arranged on only one side of the die assembly. In one embodiment, the channel openings 440 can be arranged below the positioning portion 90 of the die 80. More particularly, the channel openings 440 can be arranged below the bearing surface of the disc 92 of the positioning portion 90. As such, when the disc 50 is in position, prior to insertion into the container 60, the channel openings 440 can be arranged below the disc 50 (see FIG. 33). In one embodiment, the channel openings 440 can be arranged within the Qorznn / Qznz / B / YiAi inner surface of die opening 99. In one embodiment, channel 430 and channel openings 440 can be arranged adjacent to the lower surface 85 of the upper section 87 of die 80. In one embodiment, channel 430 is completely circumferential within die 80. In another embodiment, channel 430 is partially circumferential within die 80. In one embodiment, channel 430 comprises a plurality of discontinuous channels within die 80. In one embodiment, channel 430 can be sealed from atmospheric access when disc 50 is positioned within the positioning portion 90 of die 80. In another embodiment, the vertically extendable portion 212 of the outer mandrel 210 (discussed later) restricts the paper-based disc 50 (see Fig. 4) during bottom-end forming. In yet another embodiment, the pressure exerted by the vertically extendable portion 212 of the outer mandrel 210 on the paper-based disc 50 can seal channel 430 from atmospheric access. At this point, the gas evacuation assembly 400 can draw or vacuum the gas from inside the container, as will be further explained herein. In one embodiment, the valves 420 can be connected via piping or tubing 424 (see Fig. 31) to a side-channel pump, blower, or fan, or a vacuum pump (not shown). Any side-channel pump, vacuum pump, or other suction device known in the art may be used. The valves 420 can be connected to the tubing via a coupling connection 410. The coupling connection 410 can be integral to the die 80. Alternatively, the coupling connection 410 can be screwed into the die 80. That is, there can be threads on at least a portion of the inner surface of the bore 82 that can be aligned and interconnected with threads on an outer surface of the coupling connection 410. The 410 coupling connection may have a distal end 412 configured to connect to a hose or tube. The connection may be a press fit, twist fit, or any other configuration known in the art. In one embodiment, the 410 coupling connection may include an elbow joint, allowing the tubes to be joined and suspended in a vertical, horizontal, or any other position. In one embodiment, the 410 coupling connection may rotate about its axis to prevent tangling of the tubes. In one embodiment, the evacuation assembly 400 comprises a plurality of valves 420, coupling connections 410, and pipes. In a particular embodiment, the evacuation assembly 400 comprises three valves 420 and three corresponding coupling connections 410 and pipes. In one embodiment, the number of valves 420 corresponds to the number of sealing members 40 (discussed later). In this embodiment, if there are three sealing members 40, there are three valves 420, each arranged on one of the sealing members 40. In other In certain embodiments, the number of valves 420 may be greater than the number of sealing members 40. For example, a sealing member 40 may comprise a single, unitary sealing member 40 but may have two or three valves 420 arranged therein. In one embodiment, a certain number of channel openings 440 are arranged in each valve section 414, 416, 418. For example, three, four, five, or six channel openings 440 may be arranged in each valve section. In one configuration, the gas evacuation mechanism is operated in a depressurized vacuum chamber. In another configuration, however, the gas evacuation mechanism is operated under standard atmospheric conditions, without the use of a vacuum chamber. The Mandrel Assembly As previously stated, the chuck assembly 200 may comprise an inner chuck 220 and an outer chuck 210. The inner chuck 220 and the outer chuck 210 may be moved vertically, independently of each other. In one embodiment, the inner chuck 220 and the outer chuck 210 are moved parallel to each other, which may be vertical but does not necessarily have to be. For example, the system may provide an inner chuck 220 and an outer chuck 210 that are moved horizontally or angularly. In one embodiment, the inner mandrel 220 can move a first distance and the outer mandrel 210 can move a second distance, where the first and second distances are different from each other. Similarly, the inner mandrel 220 can move in a first beat and the outer mandrel 210 can move in a second beat, where the first and second beats are different from each other. In one embodiment, the inner mandrel 220 and the outer mandrel 210 can move in unison during a first beat. In one embodiment, the inner mandrel 220 can have a first extension length and the outer mandrel 210 can have a second extension length, where the first and second extension lengths are different from each other.In one mode, the outer mandrel 210 can move in unison with both the inner mandrel 210 and the ejector 30 until the moment the mandrel assembly 200 makes contact with the die assembly 300. Each of the outer mandrel 210, the inner mandrel 210, and the ejector 30 can make contact with the die assembly 300 simultaneously in one mode. The external mandrel 210 can generally be cylindrical, in one configuration. In this configuration, the container can be cylindrical. However, if the container is not cylindrical (i.e., it has a square, triangular, rectangular, irregular cross-section, etc.), the external mandrel 210 can have a shape and configuration that corresponds to that of the container. In another embodiment, the outer mandrel 210 may comprise a vertically extending (i.e. downward) portion 212 and a radially downward directed flange 214. QQCznn / eznz / E / YiAi The flange 214 may not be present in some embodiments (see Fig. 19). The vertically extendable portion 212, in one embodiment, may be perforated and / or may have through holes 216 arranged therein. In one embodiment, the vertically extendable portion 212 and the radially directed outward flange 214 may be joined at a right angle or a near-right angle. In one embodiment, the vertically extendable portion 212 of the outer mandrel 210 can be sized to fit within the circumference of the positioning portion 90. In another embodiment, the vertically extendable portion 212 of the outer mandrel 210 has a circumference larger than that of the die opening 98, so that the vertically extendable portion 212 of the outer mandrel 210 cannot extend into the die opening. More specifically, the vertically extendable portion 212 of the outer mandrel 210 can be sized and / or configured so that, when fully extended, it is positioned adjacent to the side wall of the positioning portion 94 and the bearing surface of the disc 92 of the positioning portion 90.In one embodiment, the vertically extendable portion 212 of the outer mandrel 210 can be extended after the disc 50 is sealed inside the positioning portion 90 and can be configured to secure the disc 50 in place (see Fig. 4). As shown in Fig. 12, the inner mandrel 220 can generally be cylindrical. As mentioned earlier regarding the outer mandrel, the inner mandrel 220 can be profiled and configured to correspond to the shape and configuration of the container. For example, if a container has a square cross-section, the inner mandrel 220 can also have a square shape and configuration. In one embodiment, the inner mandrel 220 can be sized to fit within the inner circumference of the vertically extendable portion 212 of the outer mandrel 210. In another embodiment, the inner mandrel 220 can be configured to extend vertically lower than the vertically extendable portion 212 of the outer mandrel 210. In this embodiment, once the disk 50 seats within the positioning portion 90 and is constrained by the fully extended vertically extendable portion 212 of the outer mandrel 210, the inner mandrel 220 can continue to move vertically downward, extending beyond the base of the vertically extendable portion 212 of the outer mandrel 210, and pushing / placing the disk 50 into the open end 62 of the container 60 (see Fig. 6). The inner mandrel 220 may comprise a first mandrel surface 222 adjacent to a second mandrel surface 224, the two configured together to insert and form a paper-based disc 50 (see Fig. 12). In one embodiment, the first mandrel surface 222 may be joined to the second mandrel surface 224 at an angle of between approximately 92° and 94°. Qorznn / Qznz / B / YiAi In one embodiment, the first mandrel surface 222 may be horizontal or substantially horizontal and may be arranged adjacent to the top surface of the disk 50 when fully extended. In one embodiment, the second mandrel surface 224 may be vertical or substantially vertical and may be configured to be adjacent to an inner surface of the vertically extendable portion 212 of the outer mandrel 210 as the inner mandrel 220 passes through the outer mandrel 210. That is, the circumference of the second mandrel surface 224 may be smaller than the inner circumference of the vertically extendable portion 212 of the outer mandrel 210. In one embodiment, the second mandrel surface 224 is parallel to the inner surface of the vertically extendable portion 212 of the outer mandrel 210. It is apparent that although the first mandrel surface 222 and the second mandrel surface 224 are represented in the Figures as being substantially flat (horizontal and vertical), the first mandrel surface 222 and the second mandrel surface 224 may be curved, contoured, or profiled. The inner mandrel 220 may further comprise a profiled portion disposed between the first mandrel surface 222 and the second mandrel surface 224. The profiled portion may be curved, chamfered, or comprise any other contour. It is apparent that, although the inner mandrel 220 is represented as having a substantially circular cross-section, the inner mandrel 220 may have a cross-section that is substantially circular, triangular, rectangular, quadrangular, pentagonal, hexagonal, or elliptical. As the inner mandrel 220 pushes the disc 50 into the container 60 (see Figs. 5 to 6), the disc is released from between the outer mandrel 210 and the positioning portion 90 of the die assembly 300. The center portion 56 of the disc 50 can be pushed down, through the die opening 98, into the open end 62 of the container 60, so that the center portion 56 (the first deformed surface 53) remains flat or substantially flat (i.e., horizontal). During the insertion of the disc 50 into the container 60, in one embodiment, the peripheral portion 58 of the disc 50 can be bent to a right angle or a near-right angle, shown as the second deformed surface 55 in Fig. 11. In this embodiment, the peripheral portion 58 of the disc 50 (which becomes the second deformed surface 55) can be forced adjacent to the second mandrel surface 224, passing through the die opening 98.The resulting second deformed surface 55 (previously the peripheral portion 58) of the disk 50 may be arranged vertically or almost vertically, adjacent to the inner side wall 66 of the container 60, at the open end 62. The disc 50 can be pushed into the container 60 any distance that might be practical in the technique. In one embodiment, the disc 50 becomes a depressed composite bottom 51 (Fig. 11). In one embodiment, the peripheral rim 57 of the disc 50 is level with the rim of the side wall of the container 60. In another embodiment, the peripheral rim 57 of the disc 50 is QQCznn / eznz / E / YiAi arranged inwards, with respect to container 60, from the flange of the side wall of container 60. In one embodiment, the first deformed surface 53 and the second deformed surface 55 are joined at a right angle or a nearly right angle, within the body of container 60. In one embodiment, a mandrel heater can be configured to heat the first mandrel surface 222 and / or the second mandrel surface 224 of the inner mandrel 220. In one embodiment, the mandrel heater can be disposed within the inner mandrel 220. The inner mandrel 220 can, in one embodiment, further comprise an insulated portion formed of a heat-insulating material configured to mitigate heat transfer. The Sealing Members The sealing member(s) 40 can be configured to provide heat and pressure for heat sealing. The sealing member(s) 40 can be positioned between a sealing position (FIGS. 1 to 6) and an open position (FIGS. 7 to 11). When in the sealing position, the sealing member(s) 40 are in contact with the outer surface 64 of the container 60, and when in the open position, the sealing member(s) 40 are not in contact with the container 60. In one embodiment, the sealing member(s) 40 comprise segmented clamping clips (see FIGS. 1 to 16 in general). In other embodiments, the sealing member 40 comprises a non-segmented retaining ring (see Figures 17 to 33). Figure 17 illustrates the inventive system with a non-segmented retaining ring, where the system is in its initial state. In Figure 18, the system is moved into position with a disc held in place. In Figure 19, the system is moved into the sealing position. Figure 20 illustrates the removal of the sealing punch while the ejector supports the paper bottom in place. Finally, Figure 21 illustrates the ejector moving away from the container. Figures 17 to 23 further illustrate the connections to the evacuation line. In this embodiment, the sealing member may comprise a static die bushing ring. This type of sealing member can be particularly useful in ready-to-eat food processing equipment, which has a high focus on food safety. In one embodiment, for example a segmented clamping embodiment, the sealing member(s) 40 can be rotatably coupled to the die assembly 300. The sealing member(s) 40 can be formed complementarily to each other so that, when the sealing member(s) 40 are in the sealing position, the sealing member(s) 40 substantially surround the workpiece in a manner such as QQCznn / eznz / E / YiAi puzzle. In other embodiments, the sealing member 40 may comprise a single, unitary member (i.e., a closed ring) surrounding the container body 60 when the container is in position. When a paper-based disc 50 is sealed to a composite body 60, the sealing member(s) 40 can compress the bottom end 62 of the composite body 60 along a substantially complete perimeter of the outer surface 64. When the composite body 60 has a substantially circular cross-section, a circumference of the composite body 60 can be substantially and uniformly compressed by the sealing member(s) 40. In one embodiment, three sealing member(s) 40 are present. In other embodiments, one sealing member 40 (i.e., a non-segmented clamping ring) is present. It is appreciated, however, that any number of sealing members 40 may be used.For example, the sealing system may comprise from about one to about ten sealing members 40. Furthermore, each of the sealing member(s) 40 may cover substantially equal segments of the composite body or may cover substantially non-equal segments. The sealing member(s) 40 can be used to compress and heat a workpiece to perform a heat-sealing operation. Each sealing member 40 can provide conductive heating to a container up to approximately 300°C. Furthermore, the sealing member(s) 40 can apply a pressure of up to approximately 30 MPa to a container. The sealing member(s) 40 can be adjacent to each other. As the sealing member(s) 40 make contact with the outer surface 64 of the container body 60, the container body 60 and the composite closure 51 can be compressed between the second mandrel surface 224 and the sealing member(s) 40. After compression and after heat has been applied for a sufficient rest time, the sealing member(s) 40 can be moved away from the bottom end 62 of the container body 60 so that the sealing member(s) 40 are not in contact with the container body 60 (FIG. 7) after the rest time is over. Ejector Once the sealing procedure is completed, in one embodiment, the mandrel assembly 200 is removed from the container body 60. In one embodiment, the outer mandrel 210 is released and moved away from the die assembly 300 before the movement of the inner mandrel 220. In other embodiments, the outer mandrel 210 and the inner mandrel 220 are released simultaneously and moved away from the die assembly 300. In one embodiment, an ejector 30 is disposed inside the inner mandrel 220 to assist in the removal of the mandrel assembly 200 from the container 60. The ejector 30 can QQCznn / rznz / E / YiAi may be spring-loaded in one configuration. In other configurations, the ejector 30 may not be spring-loaded. In some configurations, the inner chuck 220 may or may not be spring-loaded. In an additional configuration, the outer chuck 210 may or may not be spring-loaded. In one particular configuration, only the outer chuck 210 is spring-loaded. The ejector 30 may have a circumference at its lower end 32 that is smaller than the circumference of the inner mandrel 220. In this respect, the ejector 30 can be fitted within the inner circumference of the inner mandrel 220 in its retracted position (shown in Fig. 12, for example). In one embodiment, the base of the ejector 30 may comprise a cylindrical pyramid. In such an embodiment, the interior of the inner mandrel 220 may comprise a cylindrically pyramidal depression, so that the ejector 30 can be fitted into the inner mandrel 220. In one embodiment, the ejector 30 may be perforated and / or have through-holes arranged therein, as shown in Figs. 20 and 28. In another embodiment, the base of the ejector 30 may comprise a plurality of disc contact sections, each making contact with the bottom seal 51, but separated from each other. For example, the ejector may comprise three or four teeth that are flattened on the contact surface with the seal 51, to prevent damage to the seal 51. In one embodiment, the ejector has a lower surface 34 designed to make contact with the bottom closure 51. The ejector 30 may be solid through its lower surface 34, from one side of the diameter to the other, in one embodiment. In another embodiment, the ejector 30 may have a hollow inner portion, as shown in the Figures. In this embodiment, the lower contact surface 34 may be circular in cross-section. In either embodiment, the lower surface 34 of the ejector 30 may make contact with at least a portion of the first deformed surface 53 of the composite closure 51. In one embodiment, the first deformed surface 53 of the closure 51 may comprise a countersunk portion of the closure 51. In a particular embodiment, the lower surface 34 of the ejector 30 is circumferential and is positioned close to the second deformed surface 55 of the composite closure 51 when it is in its extended position (shown in Fig.13, for example). In one embodiment, the lower surface 34 of the ejector 30 can be level with the first (lower) surface 222 of the inner mandrel 220 when the ejector 30 is in its depressed position (shown, for example, in Fig. 12). In another embodiment, the ejector 30 can be slightly depressed within the inner mandrel 220 so that the lower surface 34 of the ejector 30 is larger than the first (lower) surface 222 of the inner mandrel 220 when the ejector is in its depressed position. In one configuration, each ejector 30 and inner chuck 220 (and / or outer chuck 210) can be moved vertically, independently of each other. That is, the inner chuck The chuck 220 can move a first distance and the ejector 30 can move a second distance, where the first and second distances are different from each other. Similarly, the inner chuck 220 can move in a first phase and the ejector 30 can move in a second phase, where the first and second phases are different from each other. In one mode, the inner chuck 220 and the ejector 30 can move in unison during a first phase. In another mode, the inner chuck 220 can have a first extension length and the ejector 30 can have a second extension length, where the first and second extension lengths are different from each other. In one particular embodiment, the inner mandrel 220 (and / or outer mandrel 210) is initially retracted vertically from the container 60, while the ejector 30 remains positioned adjacent to the compound closure 51 (shown in Figs. 8 and 13), retaining the position of the paper-based closure 51 within the container 60. In this embodiment, a gap may be provided between the outer circumference of the lower end 32 of the ejector 30 and the deformed portion 55 of the closure 51. This position (Figs. 8 and 13) may be referred to as the extended position of the ejector 30. In this embodiment, once the inner mandrel 220 is retracted beyond the peripheral flange of the container 60, the ejector 30 is then retracted vertically upward, back into the inner mandrel 220. In another embodiment (see Fig. 28), after the sealing procedure is complete, the ejector 30 can extend further downward than it did during the sealing procedure to assist in removing the container 60 from the die assembly 300. That is, the ejector 30 can push the container 60 downward via pressure on the closure 51. Alternatively, the ejector 30 may not apply pressure to the closure 51 but can move downward with the container 60 and closure 51, relative to the movement of the container assembly. In this embodiment, the ejector 30 can then retract from contact with the closure 51 and retract into the mandrel assembly 200. In one embodiment, the ejector 30 comprises a means for supplying a controlled jet of air directed towards the closure 51 concurrent with or just before the retraction of the ejector 30 from the closure 51. In one embodiment, the pressurized air supply may comprise a spray head mechanism disposed within the ejector 30. In one embodiment, the mandrel assembly 200 comprises an ejector coupling 201 and a mandrel or sealing head coupling 202 (see Fig. 19). The ejector 30 of the invention avoids the problem caused by a standard mandrel retraction procedure. That is, a standard mandrel retraction involves pulling the mandrel out of the container (or vice versa), causing friction between the mandrel and the paper-based closure. As the mandrel and container separate, any relative movement of the The paper-based closure QQCznn / eznz / E / YiAi can cause creases, wrinkles, and / or bubbles to form in the seal, reducing or destroying the container's airtightness. The ejector 30 of the present invention stabilizes the position of the paper-based closure within the container body during the mandrel removal procedure (i.e., during ejection). The ejector 30 helps ensure the airtight seal between the closure 51 and the container 60 throughout the entire paper-bottom sealing process. After retraction of both the inner mandrel 220 and the ejector 30, the container can be removed from the die assembly 300 and the mandrel assembly 200, optionally in a downward vertical manner (Fig. 10). In one embodiment, the movement of the inner mandrel 220, the ejector 30, and the container can be synchronous. In another embodiment, the inner mandrel 220 and the outer mandrel 210 can then be fully retracted vertically upward from the die assembly 300, optionally in a unitary manner (Fig. 11). In another embodiment, the mandrel assembly 200 and the die assembly 300 are then positioned for another insertion, bottom closure formation, and sealing procedure. Container Support Assembly The container support assembly can be configured to retrieve and / or retain a composite body 60 and hold the composite body 60 in a desired location. The container support assembly can comprise a tube support member that is profiled to accept the composite body 60. In one embodiment, the tube support member can raise the container 60 vertically upward to meet the die assembly 300 and the mandrel assembly 200. In one embodiment, the container 60 is inserted into the die assembly by being lifted upwards and is secured in the vertical position within the die assembly by bringing the edge or flange of the container 60 into contact with the lower surface of the die opening 98 (see Fig. 2 to 3). The container 60 is held in a secured position to prevent relative vertical movement of the container 60 while the inner mandrel 220 moves in and out of the container assembly. Closing As shown in Fig. 2, in one embodiment, the paper-based disc 50 may have an upper surface 52 and a lower surface 54 that define a sheet thickness. The paper-based disc 50 may comprise a layered structure in one embodiment, namely, a fiber layer, an oxygen barrier layer, and a sealant layer. The paper-based disc 50 may Qorznn / Qznz / B / YiAi comprises a central portion 56 and a peripheral portion 58. The central portion 56 and the peripheral portion 58 can be substantially flat, in one modality. For example, the paper-based disk 50 can be cut or profiled into a circular disk. In other examples, the paper-based disk 50 can be cut or formed into a dome-shaped disk (not shown) such that the central portion 56 is offset along the Y-axis from the peripheral portion 58. After forming, the paper-based disc 50 becomes a bottom closure 51 (Fig. 11). The bottom closure 51 may have a first deformed surface 53 and a second deformed surface 55. The first deformed surface 53 may be substantially horizontal in one embodiment. In one embodiment, the first deformed surface 53 comprises the central portion 56 of the paper-based disc. In another embodiment, the second deformed surface 55 may be substantially vertical and / or may comprise the peripheral portion 58 of the paper-based disc. In one embodiment, the first deformed surface 53 may be adjacent to the inner cavity of the container 60, and the second deformed surface 55 may be adjacent to the inner surface 66 of the side wall of the container 60. Methods In use, the sealing system 100 accepts a disc 50 and seats the disc 50 within the positioning portion 90 of the die assembly 300, optionally using vacuum pressure to properly seat the disc. In one embodiment, a container 60 is then lifted via lifting plates toward the die assembly 300 until the peripheral flange of the container 60 makes contact with the lower surface of the die 80. In this embodiment, the inner side wall of the container 66 can be level with the die opening 98. The outer mandrel 210, in one embodiment, is then moved vertically downward toward the disc 50 until the outer mandrel 210 makes contact with the peripheral portion 58 of the disc 50, restraining it in place. More particularly, the vertically extendable portion 212 of the outer mandrel 210 can be configured to secure the disc 50 in place (see Fig. 4). Once the disc 50 is secured in place via the outer mandrel 210 (i.e., its vertically extendable portion 212), the open end (bottom) of the container 60 is isolated from the surrounding atmosphere. The force of the outer mandrel 210 against the disc 50 can create an airtight or near-airtight condition inside the container 60, between the container 60 and the disc 50. The gas valves are then opened, if necessary, and the vacuum air is drawn from the inner container through the channel openings 440 and 430, thus creating a negative pressure condition inside the container 60. More specifically, the side channel pump or vacuum pump can be designed to draw a defined volume of gas from inside the container. The defined volume of gas can be related to the size and volume Qorznn / Qznz / B / YiAi of container 60 and the depth to which disc 50 is to be inserted into container 60 for sealing. More specifically, the defined gas volume can be defined as the insertion depth of the paper bottom multiplied by the internal volume of the container. In any embodiment, the volume of gas evacuated must be less than that which could cause container 60 to collapse. In some embodiments, the rate at which the gas is evacuated from the container can be adjusted. For example, some containers, such as those with a large internal volume, may have a higher risk of collapsing using a high-speed gas evacuation procedure. In some cases, the vacuum level can be adjusted. For example, a procedure using a higher vacuum pressure may require a lower flow rate for the gas evacuation procedure.A procedure using a lower vacuum pressure may require a higher flow rate for gas evacuation. Someone experienced in the technique would understand these variations. In some modes, the gas evacuation procedure can occur in approximately 60 ms or less. In other modes, the gas evacuation procedure can occur in approximately 40 ms to 50 ms. In some modes, the gas evacuation procedure can occur in approximately 200 ms or less. When the side channel pump or vacuum pump is activated, air from the tubes, connector 410, and valve 420 can be drawn into the side channel pump or vacuum pump. Additionally, air from channel 430, channel openings 440, and the inside of the container can be drawn into the side channel pump or vacuum pump. Without releasing the pressure between the outer mandrel 210 and the disc 50, the paper disc 50 is then immediately inserted into (or pierced into) the container 60 in a depressed manner via the inner mandrel 220. The suction and insertion steps can occur simultaneously or nearly simultaneously. That is, air can be drawn from inside the container a fraction of a second before the insertion of the disc 50 into the container 60. In one embodiment, the insertion of the disc 50 into the container 60 is effected via the inner mandrel 220. In this embodiment, the inner mandrel 220 and the ejector 30 can continue to move vertically downwards towards the disc 50. The inner mandrel 220 and the ejector can then make contact with the disc 50 and push the disc 50 downwards, through the die opening 98, until the disc 50 becomes deformed so that it has a flat central portion and a deformed side wall 55 adjacent to the inner side wall 66 of the container 60. In one embodiment, pressure can be applied to the disc by the first mandrel surface 222 and / or the second mandrel surface 224 of the inner mandrel 220 (for example, by actuating the inner mandrel 220 along the Y direction). QQCznn / eznz / E / YiAi The deformed composite closure 51 can then be hermetically sealed to the container body 60. In one embodiment, this occurs without the release of the inner mandrel and the die pressures that maintain the negative pressure condition inside the container. Compression and heat can be applied to the deformed composite closure 51 and / or the container body 60 so that their respective sealing layers form a hermetic seal. In one embodiment, heat is supplied via at least the sealing members 40. Similarly, the sealing members 40 and the second mandrel surface 224 of the inner mandrel 220 can provide opposing pressure to the outer surface 64 of the container 60 and / or to the deformed side wall 55 of the closure 51. Hermetic seals, according to this disclosure, can be formed by the sealing members 40 at a temperature greater than about 90°C, such as, for example, from 120°C to about 280°C or from about 140°C to about 260°C. Suitable hermetic seals can be formed by holding the sealing member(s) 40 in contact with the bottom end 62 of the composite body 60 for any waiting time sufficient to heat a sealing layer to a temperature suitable for forming a hermetic seal, such as, for example, less than about 5 seconds, from about 0.8 seconds to about 5.0 seconds, or from about 1 second to about 4 seconds. The bottom closure 51 and the bottom end 62 of the composite body 60 can be compressed between the sealing members 40 and the inner mandrel 220 with any pressure less than about 30 MPa, such as a pressure from about 1 MPa to about 22 MPa. After compression and / or heat has been applied for a sufficient holding time, the sealing members 40 can be moved away from the bottom end 62 of the container 60 so that the sealing members 40 are no longer in contact with the composite body 10 (FIG. 7) after the holding time is complete. The inner mandrel 220 can then be retracted from the closure 51, while the ejector 30 remains in place. Once the inner mandrel 220 clears at least the peripheral flange of the container 60, the ejector 30 is then retracted, optionally accompanied by a jet of pressurized air to aid in a smoother retraction procedure. The ejector 30 is then fully retracted inside the inner mandrel 220.Container 60 is then moved away from die assembly 300 and mandrel assembly 200, before, during, or after the complete retraction of mandrel assembly 200 from die assembly 300. In one embodiment, the systems and methods described herein can produce hermetically sealed containers having a paper-based composite bottom, which is inserted into a composite container and sealed in a depressed position without causing the formation of a membrane seal dome (i.e., the membrane seal at the upper end) due to QQCznn / eznz / E / YiAi overpressure inside the container. Since the top sealing membrane is not dome-shaped, there are no instability issues. The container can rest stably on its membrane end (upside down) as it is conveyed to a downstream packaging process (i.e., from the sealing machine to the case packer). Furthermore, a top lid will easily fit over the container if there is a membrane lid because the membrane lid is not dome-shaped. Furthermore, the hermetically sealed containers of the invention can be transported worldwide via, for example, shipping, air transport, or rail, subjected to varying atmospheric conditions (for example, caused by variations in temperature, variations in humidity, and variations in altitude), without the unacceptable formation of a membrane lid dome. In certain embodiments, a plurality of composite containers can be formed by a system or device suitable for processing multiple paper-based discs, bottom closures, and composite containers in a synchronized manner. For example, a manufacturing system may include a plurality of mandrel assemblies, a plurality of die assemblies, a plurality of gas evacuation assemblies, and a plurality of tube support assemblies operating in a coordinated manner. Specifically, a turret device with a plurality of sub-assemblies, where each sub-assembly comprises a mandrel assembly, a die assembly, a gas evacuation assembly, and a tube assembly, can accept discs and process them simultaneously or synchronously. Depending on the complexity of the turret device, hundreds of separate composite containers can be manufactured per cycle in a coordinated manner.Thus, any of the procedures described herein may be performed concurrently. For example, when each subassembly operates synchronously, each of the following may be performed concurrently: a first paper-based disc may be positioned above a die opening; a second paper-based disc may be constrained between a mandrel assembly and a die assembly; a third paper-based disc may be formed into a first bottom closure via insertion into a first composite body; and a third bottom closure may be hermetically sealed to a second composite body. Alternatively, any of the operations described herein may be performed simultaneously, such as, for example, by a device having a plurality of subassemblies. In one embodiment, the systems and methods of the present invention enable the sealing system to operate at high speeds (e.g., up to 300 containers per minute). In another embodiment, the systems and methods of the present invention enable the sealing system QQCznn / eznz / E / YiAi operate at a speed of at least 400 containers per minute. In yet another embodiment, the systems and methods of the present invention allow the sealing system to operate at a speed of at least 500 containers per minute. It should be noted that this disclosure provides hermetically sealed containers for packaging moisture-sensitive or oxygen-sensitive solid food products such as, for example, carbohydrate-based crunchy foods, savory foods, crispy foods, potato chips, processed potato snacks, nuts, and the like. Such hermetically sealed containers can provide an airtight seal under highly variable climatic conditions of high and low temperature, high and low humidity, and high and low pressure. Furthermore, the hermetically sealed containers can be manufactured according to the methods described herein via procedures involving conductive heating technology with relatively low environmental impact. The hermetically sealed containers described herein can have high structural stability at low weight and are suitable for recycling. EXAMPLES In the following examples, paper-bottom containers of the invention (composite container, paper bottom, membrane cover, and top lid) were tested for various characteristics. The paper bottom of the tested containers comprised flexible cardboard (i.e., cupboard) as the paper layer (195 g / m² (0.3 mm thick)), a binding layer, aluminum foil (8 µm) as a barrier layer, and an ionomer layer (32 g / m²) as a sealing layer. In some containers, a PET layer was included to protect the aluminum barrier layer. In other embodiments, an aluminum barrier layer was not included. All versions passed the test, as described below. EXAMPLE 1 In the high-altitude test, the inventive containers were placed in a sealed chamber, and the pressure inside the chamber was increased to at least 37.25 kPa (11 inHg) for a period of approximately 10 minutes. If the containers could withstand up to 33.86 kPa (10 inHg) (simulating atmospheric pressure as the containers travel over the Rocky Mountains) for at least 10 minutes, the containers passed the test. If not, the containers were recorded as lost. As used herein, Observed Protruding Bottoms means that during vacuum chamber confinement, the membrane and / or bottom of QQCznn / eznz / E / YiAi The paper formed a dome due to overpressure conditions, which is normal under such conditions. After removal from the container, the dome formation returned to neutral. The dome formation may consist of the membrane or paper bottom moving outward from the inside of the container so that it extends beyond the relevant cut flange of the container. A loss or failure includes leakage, separation of the membrane or paper bottom, distortion retained after pressure release, splitting or delamination of a weld, bursting of a membrane or paper bottom, and / or other failure that could prevent the container from meeting airtightness standards. If a membrane or paper bottom forms an inward dome within the can upon pressure release, this may indicate a leakage failure. The test results are set out below. QQCznn / eznz / E / YiAi TABLE 1A High Altitude Test (HAT) Results Batch # Batch Size HAT (33.86kPa (10 Hg) / 10 min) Observed Bulging Bottom 1 1027 containers 0 lost ~ -37.25kPa (-11 inHq) 2 558 containers 0 lost ~ -37.25kPa (-11 inHq) 3 435 containers 0 lost ~ -37.25kPa (-11 inHq) 4 550 containers 0 lost ~ -37.25kPa (-11 inHq) 5 232 containers 7 lost ~ -37.25kPa (-11 inHq) 6 258 containers 1 lost ~ -37.25kPa (-11 inHq) 7 1667 containers 16 lost ~ -37.25kPa (-11 inHq) 8 193 containers, 5 lost ~ -37.25kPa (-11 inHq) The tests indicated a success rate of 99.4% for paper funds as described herein, which is acceptable. TABLE IB High Altitude Test Results Lot # Lot Size HAT Failure Protruding Bottom Observed Standard Laminates 1 20 containers 0 lost Failure at -53.49 kPa (15.8 in Hq) ~ -44.01 kPa (-13 inHg) 2 20 containers 0 lost Failure at -52.14 kPa (15.4 in Hq) -44.01 to -47.40 kPa (-13 to -14 inHg) 3 25 containers 1 lost Failure at -49.09 kPa (14.5 in Hg) n / a 4 25 containers 2 lost n / a Failure at -45.71 kPa (13.5 in Hg) 5 25 containers 0 lost Failure at -50.11 kPa (14.8 in Hg) -40.63 to -44.01 kPa (12 to -13 inHg) 6 25 containers 0 lost Failure at -50.11 kPa (14.8 in Hq) -44.01 a -47.40 kPa (-13 to -14 inHg) 7 10 containers 0 lost Failure at -49.09 kPa (14.5 inHg) -39.27 kPa (11.6 inHg) AVG 8 10 containers 0 lost Failure at -53.16 kPa (15.7 inHg) -38.60 kPa (-11.4 inHg) PROM Light Weight Laminates 11 10 12 containers lost. Failure at -54.85 kPa (16.2 in Hq) -33.18 kPa (-9.8 inHg) 12 containers lost. Failure at -55.53 kPa (16.4 in Hg) -32.16 kPa (-9.5 inHg) 13 containers lost. Failure at -49.77 kPa (14.7 in Hg) -32.16 kPa (-9.5 inHg) 14 containers lost. Failure at -46.72 kPa (13.8 in Hq) -29.79 kPa (-8.8 inHg) QQCznn / eznz / E / YiAi The tests indicated a 98% success rate for standard laminates and a 100% success rate for lightweight paper backgrounds as described herein, which is acceptable. EXAMPLE 2 In this example, the inventive containers were subjected to helium leakage testing. Helium can be used as a tracer gas to detect leaks because it constitutes only about 5 ppm in the atmosphere, so background levels are very low. Helium also has a relatively low mass, making it mobile and completely inert / non-reactive. The sealed inventive containers were placed in a sealed vacuum chamber, and the vacuum chamber was then flooded with helium at 13 kPa (130 mbar). An odor / leak detector was connected to the container so that a gas sample from inside the container could be extracted and passed through a mass spectrometer to read increases above the background reading of the helium levels in the container. In this example, the helium leakage limit was 2.3 x 10⁵ kPa*L / s (2.3 x 10⁴ mbar*L / s). A success rate of 99.8% was observed. This result is acceptable. QQCznn / eznz / E / YiAi TABLE 2 Results of the Helium Filtration Test (fHLT) Batch # Batch Size HLT (13 kPa (130 mbar)); limit: 2.3*10 5kPa*l / sec (2.3*10 4 mbar*l / sec) Protruding Bottom Observed 1 1027 containers 2 lost None 2 558 containers 2 lost None EXAMPLE 3 In this example, the inventive containers were subjected to container integrity testing. The containers were placed under a pressure of 20 kPa (200 mbar) in a vacuum chamber, and the vacuum decay was measured over a period of 20 seconds. The method uses a pressure change measurement to indirectly determine the flow rate of the container in the fixed-volume chamber. The mass extraction variant measures the flow rate required to maintain the vacuum at a fixed level (ASTM F2338 and ASTM F 3287). If the container has a leak, it will reduce the expected vacuum within the vacuum chamber. The vacuum drop or decay was measured per second. The success / failure threshold was set at 42 Pa / s. A success rate of 98.6% was observed. This result is acceptable. TABLE 3 Results of the fCIT Container Integrity Test Batch # Batch Size CIT (20 kPa (200 mbar), 20 sec) Observed Protruding Bottom Failure Type 1 10 containers 0 lost none none 2 10 containers 0 lost none none 3 14 containers 0 lost none none 4 14 containers 0 lost none none 5 60 containers 2 lost none none 6 35 containers 0 lost none none 7 3247 containers 44 lost none none EXAMPLE 4 In this example, the inventive containers were subjected to the Periodic Container Test Interval (PTI). The containers were placed under a pressure of 20 kPa (700 mbar) in a vacuum chamber, and the vacuum decay was measured over a period of 20 seconds. The vacuum drop or decay was measured per second. The success / failure threshold was set at 20 Pa / s. A success rate of 96% was observed. This result is acceptable. QQCznn / eznz / E / YiAi TABLE 4 PTI Test Results Batch # Batch Size PTI (20 kPa (700 mbar), 20 sec) Observed Protruding Bottom Failure Type 1 26 containers 1 lost none none 2 25 containers 1 lost none none EXAMPLE 5 In this example, the inventors analyzed the simulated shelf life of the inventive containers. The containers were filled, sealed, and stored with a residual oxygen level of 0.0%. The containers were then tested for residual oxygen levels after 6 and 9 months. The success / failure threshold was set at less than or equal to 2.0% residual oxygen during these time periods (a threshold of 4.0%–4.5% may be acceptable after approximately 18 months). A success rate of 92% was observed. This result is acceptable. TABLE 5 Simulated Shelf Life Results Container Age Batch Size Residual Oxygen Measured in Passing Containers Failures 6 months 19 containers Between 0.32% and 0.34% 3 lost (due to mechanical damage to the container) 6 months 39 containers 0.0% 4 lost 9 months 39 containers 0.0% 1 lost EXAMPLE 6 In this example, the inventors compared the leakage of containers with the inventive paper-bottom closures to containers with a metal-bottom closure 5 using the vacuum decay methods described herein. The pressure drop was measured in Pa / s for the cans. The blue and green cans are paper-bottom containers, while the Reference with metal end comprises metal-bottom containers. As can be seen, the paper-bottom containers generally have less pressure drop during vacuum decay than the metal-bottom containers 10. Figure 34 illustrates a graph of the results. Overall, the paper bottoms of the invention outperformed the metal bottoms in terms of consistent leakage prevention.

Claims

1. A sealing system for sealing a closure to a container comprising: a die assembly comprising: a die having a positioning portion configured to retain a disc and a die opening adjacent to the positioning portion; and at least one sealing member configured to provide heat for sealing the disc to the container; and a mandrel assembly having a depressed position and an extended position and comprising: an outer mandrel comprising an extendable portion sized to fit within an inner circumference of the positioning portion in its extended position, adjacent to a peripheral portion of the retained disc;an inner mandrel configured to travel through an inner circumference of the extendable portion of the outer mandrel and the die opening to its extended position, wherein the sealing member is disposed opposite the mandrel assembly when the mandrel assembly is in its retracted position; and a gas evacuation assembly comprising: at least one hollow channel disposed at least partially circumferentially within the die; at least one channel opening disposed in the die connecting the at least one channel to an interior of the die, wherein the at least one channel opening is disposed between the positioning portion of the die and the sealing member; and a means for sucking gas from the interior of the die, the at least one channel opening, and the at least one channel to an exterior of the die.

2. The system according to claim 1, further characterized in that it comprises a plurality of channel openings.

3. The system according to claim 1, further characterized in that it additionally comprises at least one valve disposed within the die, which connects the at least one channel to the outside of the die.

4. The system according to claim 3, further characterized in that it additionally comprises at least one tube connecting the at least one valve to the gas suction medium.

5. The system according to claim 1, further characterized in that the means for sucking gas comprises a side channel pump.

6. The system according to claim 1, further characterized in that it additionally comprises a plurality of valves arranged within the die, connecting at least one channel to the outside of the die.

7. The system according to claim 1, further characterized in that the channel openings are arranged between the retained disc and the container to be sealed.

8. The system according to claim 1, further characterized in that the extendable portion of the outer mandrel has a circumference larger than that of the die opening.

9. The system according to claim 1, further characterized in that the extendable portion of the outer mandrel restricts the disc in the positioning portion of the die.

10. The system according to claim 1, further characterized in that the at least one channel opening is arranged vertically between the positioning portion of the die and the sealing member.

11. The system according to claim 1, further characterized in that the outer mandrel, the inner mandrel, and the ejectors extend, translate, and retract in parallel with each other.

12. The system according to claim 1, further characterized in that: the outer mandrel extends vertically; the inner mandrel moves vertically; and the ejector moves vertically.

13. The system according to claim 1, further characterized in that the closure is paper-based.

14. A method for sealing a closure to a container comprising: providing a die assembly comprising: a die having a positioning portion configured to retain a disc and a die opening adjacent to the positioning portion; and at least one sealing member configured to provide heat for sealing the disc to the container; and providing a mandrel assembly having a depressed position and an extended position and comprising: an outer mandrel comprising an extendable portion sized to fit within an inner circumference of the positioning portion in its extended position, adjacent to a peripheral portion of the retained disc;an inner mandrel configured to travel through an inner circumference of the extendable portion of the outer mandrel and the die opening to its extended position, wherein the sealing member is disposed opposite the mandrel assembly when the mandrel assembly is in its retracted position; and providing a gas evacuation assembly comprising: at least one hollow channel disposed at least partially circumferentially within the die; at least one channel opening disposed in the die connecting the at least one channel to an interior of the die, wherein the at least one channel opening is disposed between the positioning portion of the die and the sealing member; and a means for drawing gas from the interior of the die, the at least one channel opening, and the at least one channel to an exterior of the die; positioning the disc in the positioning portion of the die;axially align the container with the positioning portion of the die; position the container so that a peripheral flange of the container is in contact with a lower surface of the die; move the outer mandrel so that it constrains the disc in the positioning portion of the die; draw gas from an inside of the container, the at least one channel opening, and the at least one channel to an outside of the die; move the inner mandrel so that it pushes the disc into the container and deforms the disc at one end of the container; and seal the end of the container to the container.

15. The method according to claim 14, further characterized in that when the outer mandrel restricts the disc in the positioning portion of the die, the inside of the container is sealed from access to the atmosphere.

16. The method according to claim 14, further characterized in that the suction step and the transfer step of the inner mandrel occur simultaneously.

17. The method according to claim 14, further characterized in that the suction step and the transfer step of the inner mandrel occur almost simultaneously.

18. The method according to claim 14, further characterized in that it comprises a plurality of channel openings.

19. The method according to claim 14, further characterized in that it additionally comprises at least one valve disposed within the die, which connects the at least one channel to the outside of the die.

20. The method according to claim 19, further characterized in that it additionally comprises at least one tube connecting the at least one valve to the gas suction medium.

21. The method according to claim 14, further characterized in that the gas suction means comprises a side channel pump.

22. The method according to claim 14, further characterized in that it additionally comprises a plurality of valves arranged within the die, connecting at least one channel to the outside of the die.

23. The method according to claim 14, further characterized in that the channel openings are arranged between the retained disc and the container to be sealed.

24. The method according to claim 14, further characterized in that the extendable portion of the outer mandrel has a circumference larger than that of the die opening. QQCznn / eznz / E / YiAi 25. The method according to claim 14, further characterized in that the outer mandrel, the inner mandrel, and the ejectors extend, translate, and retract in parallel with each other.

26. The method according to claim 14, further characterized in that: the outer mandrel extends vertically; the inner mandrel moves vertically; and the ejector moves vertically.

27. The method according to claim 14, further characterized in that the sealing member is arranged vertically opposite the mandrel assembly when the mandrel assembly is in its retracted position. 10 28. The method according to claim 14, further characterized in that the at least one channel opening is arranged vertically between the positioning portion of the die and the sealing member.

29. The method according to claim 14, further characterized in that the closure is paper-based.

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