Vacuum sealing systems

Abstract

A vacuum sealer for sealing a container may include a housing, a pump, a vacuum chamber in the housing and in fluid communication with the pump, a seal bar within the vacuum chamber, and a sloped surface between the heat-sealing bar and a perimeter of the vacuum chamber. The vacuum sealer may be used in one or more techniques or methods for sealing a container when the container contains liquid. The vacuum sealer may include one or more liquid modes that when selected may initiate the methods for sealing the container containing liquid. The vacuum sealer may include a non-transitory computer readable medium storing instructions thereon that are executable by a processor to seal a container containing liquid.

Description

VACUUM SEALING SYSTEMS AND METHODS OF USE AND OPERATIONCROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] This application claims the benefit of U.S. Patent Application Serial No. 63 / 565,944 filed on March 15, 2024, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference.TECHNICAL FIELD

[0002] The present disclosure pertains to vacuum sealing devices, systems, and methods. More specifically, the present disclosure relates to vacuum sealing devices, systems, and methods configured to seal containers containing liquids.BACKGROUND

[0003] A wide variety of vacuum sealing devices, systems, and methods have been developed for sealing goods in containers. These devices and systems are manufactured by any one of a variety of different manufacturing methods and may be used according to any one of a variety of methods. Of the known vacuum sealing devices, systems, and methods, each has certain advantages and disadvantages. There is an ongoing need to provide alternative vacuum sealing devices and systems as well as alternative methods for manufacturing and using vacuum sealing devices and systems.BRIEF SUMMARY

[0004] This disclosure provides design, material, manufacturing method, and use alternatives for vacuum sealing devices and systems.

[0005] In a first example, a device for vacuum sealing a container may include a housing, a pump, a vacuum chamber in the housing and in fluid communication with the pump, a seal bar within the vacuum chamber, and a sloped surface between the seal bar and a perimeter of the vacuum chamber.

[0006] Alternatively or additionally to any of the examples above, the sloped surface may have a first portion with a first grade and a second portion extending fromthe first portion and having a second grade, the second grade may be steeper than the first grade.

[0007] Alternatively or additionally to any of the examples above, the sloped surface may have a third portion extending from the second portion and the third portion may define a curve terminating at a lip.

[0008] Alternatively or additionally to any of the examples above, the seal bar is configured to be heated.

[0009] Alternatively or additionally to any of the examples above, the device may further include a pressure sensor in fluid communication with the vacuum chamber, and a controller in communication with the pump and the pressure sensor, and wherein the controller may be configured to control operation of the pump based on one or more signals received from the pressure sensor.

[0010] Alternatively or additionally to any of the examples above, the device may further include a valve in fluid communication with the vacuum chamber, and wherein the controller may be configured to control operation of the pump and the valve based on the one or more signals received from the pressure sensor.

[0011] Alternatively or additionally to any of the examples above, the device may further include a user interface configured to receive a user interaction to set the device in a liquid mode and a controller in communication with the pump, wherein the pump is configured to control operation of the pump based on a control protocol associated with the liquid mode.

[0012] Alternatively or additionally to any of the examples above, the seal bar may be a first seal bar and the device further comprises a second seal bar.

[0013] Alternatively or additionally to any of the examples above, the vacuum chamber may be defined by a first vacuum seal and a second vacuum seal configured to mate with the first vacuum seal.

[0014] In a further example, a method of sealing a container containing a liquid using a vacuum sealer may include comparing a measure related to pressure in a vacuum chamber to a threshold value, when the measure related to pressure in the vacuum chamber has reached or gone beyond the threshold value stopping a pump configured tocreate a vacuum pressure in the vacuum chamber, reducing a vacuum pressure in the vacuum chamber, and sealing the container.

[0015] Alternatively or additionally to any of the examples above, the measure related to pressure in the vacuum chamber may be a change in pressure over a pre-set period of time and the threshold value is a change in pressure value.

[0016] Alternatively or additionally to any of the examples above, the method may further comprise waiting a pre-set time period after reducing the vacuum pressure in the vacuum chamber and before sealing the container.

[0017] Alternatively or additionally to any of the examples above, when the measure related to pressure in the vacuum chamber has reached or gone beyond the threshold value, the method may further include heating a seal bar of the vacuum sealer to a first temperature to evaporate liquid in the container at or proximate the seal bar, and sealing the container may include heating the seal bar to a second temperature greater than the first temperature.

[0018] Alternatively or additionally to any of the examples above, reducing the vacuum pressure in the vacuum chamber may include opening a valve in fluid communication with the vacuum chamber to provide gas to the vacuum chamber.

[0019] In a further example, a method of sealing a container containing a liquid using a vacuum sealer may include comparing a measure related to pressure in a vacuum chamber to a first threshold value, when the measure related to pressure in the vacuum chamber has reached or gone beyond the first threshold value, slowing a pump configured to create a vacuum pressure in the vacuum chamber from a first pump rate to a second pump rate, comparing the measure related to pressure in the vacuum chamber to a second threshold value, when the measure related to pressure in the vacuum chamber has reached or gone beyond the second threshold value stopping the pump, reducing a vacuum pressure in the vacuum chamber, and sealing the container.

[0020] Alternatively or additionally to any of the examples above, the measure related to pressure in the vacuum chamber may be a change in pressure over a pre-set period of time and the first threshold value is a first change in pressure value and the second threshold value is a second change in pressure value.

[0021] Alternatively or additionally to any of the examples above, the method may further include waiting a pre-set time period after reducing the vacuum pressure in the vacuum chamber and before sealing the container.

[0022] Alternatively or additionally to any of the examples above, when the measure related to pressure in the vacuum chamber has reached or gone beyond the second threshold value, the method may further include heating a seal bar of the vacuum sealer to a first temperature to evaporate liquid in the container at or proximate the seal bar, and sealing the container comprises heating the seal bar to a second temperature greater than the first temperature.

[0023] Alternatively or additionally to any of the examples above, reducing the vacuum pressure in the vacuum chamber may include opening a valve in fluid communication with the vacuum chamber to provide gas to the vacuum chamber.

[0024] In a further example, a method of sealing a container containing a liquid using a vacuum sealer may include comparing a measure related to pressure in a vacuum chamber to a threshold value, when the measure related to pressure in the vacuum chamber has reached or gone beyond the threshold value slowing a pump configured to create a vacuum pressure in the vacuum chamber from a first pump rate to a second pump rate, heating a seal bar to a first temperature, stopping the pump, and heating the seal bar to a second temperature to seal the container.

[0025] Alternatively or additionally to any of the examples above, the measure related to pressure in the vacuum chamber may be a change in pressure over a pre-set period of time and the threshold value is a change in pressure value.

[0026] Alternatively or additionally to any of the examples above, the method may further include waiting a pre-set time period after heating the seal bar to the first temperature to stop the pump.

[0027] Alternatively or additionally to any of the examples above, the method may further include waiting a pre-set time period after heating the seal bar to the first temperature to heat the seal bar to the second temperature.

[0028] Alternatively or additionally to any of the examples above, the method may further include when the measure related to pressure in the vacuum chamber hasreached or gone beyond the threshold value, reducing a vacuum pressure in the vacuum chamber.

[0029] Alternatively or additionally to any of the examples above, reducing the vacuum pressure in the vacuum chamber may include opening a valve in fluid communication with the vacuum chamber to provide gas to the vacuum chamber.

[0030] In a further example, a non-transitory computer readable medium having instructions stored thereon that when executed by a processor cause the processor to perform any method recited herein.

[0031] In a further example, a vacuum sealing system may include a housing, a pump, a vacuum chamber in the housing and in fluid communication with the pump, a seal bar within the vacuum chamber, a sloped surface between the seal bar and a perimeter of the vacuum chamber, and a container having a first flexible sheet coupled with a second flexible sheet, the container having an open end to be sealed, and wherein the container may comprise channels on an interior surface of each of the first flexible sheet and the second flexible sheet.

[0032] Alternatively or additionally to any of the examples above, the seal bar may be configured to seal the open end of the container by sealing the first flexible sheet to the second flexible sheet at a location extending along the channels of the first flexible sheet and the second flexible sheet.

[0033] The above summary of some embodiments is not intended to describe each disclosed embodiment or every implementation of the present disclosure. The Figures, and Detailed Description, which follow, more particularly exemplify some of these embodiments.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0034] The disclosure may be more completely understood in consideration of the following detailed description in connection with the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0035] FIG. l is a schematic top view of an illustrative vacuum sealer;

[0036] FIG. 2 is a schematic front view of the illustrative vacuum sealer depicted in FIG. 1;

[0037] FIG. 3 is a schematic back view of the illustrative vacuum sealer depicted in FIG. 1;

[0038] FIG. 4 is a schematic right-side view of the illustrative vacuum sealer depicted in FIG. 1;

[0039] FIG. 5 is a schematic left-side view of the illustrative vacuum sealer depicted in FIG. 1;

[0040] FIG. 6 is a schematic front perspective view of the illustrative vacuum sealer depicted in FIG. 1, with the housing in an opened position;

[0041] FIG. 7 is a schematic side perspective view of the illustrative vacuum sealer depicted in FIG. 1, with the housing in an opened position;

[0042] FIG. 8 is a schematic side view of the illustrative vacuum sealer depicted in FIG. 1, with the housing in an opened position;

[0043] FIG. 9 is a schematic interior view of a cover of the illustrative vacuum sealer depicted in FIG. 1;

[0044] FIG. 10 is a schematic side perspective view of an interior of the cover depicted in FIG. 9;

[0045] FIG. 11 is a schematic side perspective view of a portion of a vacuum chamber of the illustrative vacuum sealer depicted in FIG. 1;

[0046] FIG. 12 is a schematic perspective view of an illustrative vacuum sealer;

[0047] FIG. 13 is a schematic perspective view of an illustrative vacuum sealer;

[0048] FIG. 14 is a schematic view of an illustrative container;

[0049] FIG. 15 is a schematic diagram of an illustrative vacuum sealer;

[0050] FIG. 16 is a schematic diagram of an illustrative method of sealing a container containing liquid;

[0051] FIG. 17 is a schematic diagram of an illustrative method of sealing a container containing liquid;

[0052] FIG. 18 is a schematic diagram of an illustrative method of sealing a container containing liquid;

[0053] FIG. 19 is a schematic diagram depicting vacuum pressure versus time charts for use in sealing a container containing liquid; and

[0054] FIG. 20 is a schematic diagram depicting illustrative product specifications for a vacuum sealer device.

[0055] While the disclosure is amenable to various modifications and alternative forms, specifics thereof have been shown by way of example in the drawings and will be described in detail. It should be understood, however, that the intention is not to limit the disclosure to the particular embodiments described. On the contrary, the intention is to cover all modifications, equivalents, and alternatives falling within the spirit and scope of the disclosure.DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0056] For the following defined terms, these definitions shall be applied, unless a different definition is given in the claims or elsewhere in this specification.

[0057] All numeric values are herein assumed to be modified by the term “about,” whether or not explicitly indicated. The term “about” generally refers to a range of numbers that one of skill in the art would consider equivalent to the recited value (i.e., having the same function or result). In many instances, the term “about” may include numbers that are rounded to the nearest significant figure.

[0058] The recitation of numerical ranges by endpoints includes all numbers within that range (e.g., 1 to 5 includes 1 , 1.5, 2, 2.75, 3, 3.80, 4, and 5).

[0059] As used in this specification and the appended claims, the singular forms “a”, “an”, and “the” include plural referents unless the content clearly dictates otherwise. As used in this specification and the appended claims, the term “or” is generally employed in its sense including “and / or” unless the content clearly dictates otherwise.

[0060] It is noted that references in the specification to “a configuration”, “some configurations”, “other configurations”, etc., indicate that the configuration described may include one or more particular features, structures, and / or characteristics. However, such recitations do not necessarily mean that all configiurations include the particular features, structures, and / or characteristics. Additionally, when particular features, structures, and / or characteristics are described in connection with one configuration, it should be understood that such features, structures, and / or characteristics may also beused in connection with other configurations whether or not explicitly described unless clearly stated to the contrary.

[0061] The following detailed description should be read with reference to the drawings in which similar structures in different drawings are numbered the same. The drawings, which are not necessarily to scale, depict illustrative embodiments and are not intended to limit the scope of the disclosure. Additionally, it is noted that in any given figure, some features may not be shown, or may be shown schematically, for clarity and / or simplicity. Additional details regarding some components and / or method steps may be illustrated in other figures in greater detail. The devices and / or methods disclosed herein may provide a number of desirable features and benefits as described in more detail below.

[0062] Vacuum sealers for use in storing goods are well-known. When storing liquids (e.g., soup, paint, etc.) in a container using a vacuum sealer, it can be difficult to remove a sufficient amount of gas from the container while maintaining the liquid in the container and creating a desired seal of the container. The concepts discussed herein provide concepts for vacuum sealing containers containing a liquid and / or other relatively low-viscous products or materials that address the noted issues and / or other issues existing vacuum sealers have when sealing containers containing liquids and / or other relatively low-viscous products or materials.

[0063] FIG. 1 is a schematic top view of an illustrative vacuum sealer 10 configured to facilitate sealing a container containing liquids and / or other relatively low- viscous products or materials. As depicted in FIG. 1, the vacuum sealer 10 may include a housing 12, a handle 13 extending from the housing 12, and a user interface 14.

[0064] The housing 12 may include one or more portions. In one example, the housing 12 may include a first portion 12a and a second portion (not depicted in FIG. 1) that may be coupled to one another with a hinge in a clamshell arrangement, but other suitable configurations are contemplated. In some examples, the first portion 12a of the housing 12 may be a cover and the second portion of the housing 12 may be a base, where the handle 13 may be coupled to the first portion 12a to facilitate opening the housing 12. A force may be applied to and / or removed from the handle 13 to adjust thefirst portion 12a of the housing 12 relative to the second portion and as a result open and / or close the housing 12.

[0065] The user interface 14 may include one or more user input devices or features and / or user output devices or features. In some examples, user input devices or features may include physical or virtual buttons that may be selected by users, which may include, but are not limited to, a canister button 18, a marinate button 20, a normal button 22, a liquid button 24, a normal button 26, a gentle button 28, a vacuum & seal / cancel button 30, a seal button 32, a pulse button 34, and / or one or more other suitable buttons and / or user input devices or features. In some examples, user output devices or features may include, but are not limited to, an indicator light 16, an electronic display 36, tactile feedback components, speakers, and / or other suitable user output devices or features.

[0066] FIG. 2 is a schematic front view of the illustrative vacuum sealer 10 depicted in FIG. 1. As depicted in FIG. 2, the housing 12 may include the first portion 12a and the second portion 12b (e.g., a base of the vacuum sealer 10). Although other configurations are contemplated, the second portion 12b of the housing 12 may be supported on a surface by one or more feet 38. In some examples, the handle 13 may be grasped by a user and lifted to separate the first portion 12a from the second portion 12b (e.g., to open the housing 12 and the vacuum sealer 10).

[0067] FIG. 3 is a schematic back view of the illustrative vacuum sealer 10 depicted in FIG. 1. In some examples, a cord 40 (e.g., a power cord) may extend from the back of the second portion 12b of the housing 12, where the cord 40 may be configured to be plugged into a power source to power the vacuum sealer 10.Additionally or alternatively, the cord 40 may be omitted and the vacuum sealer 10 may be powered in one or more other suitable manners (e.g., via battery power, solar power, etc.) and / or the vacuum sealer 10 may include other suitable types of cords / ports (e.g., ethernet cords / ports, coaxial cables / ports, etc.)

[0068] As discussed with respect to FIG. 2, the vacuum sealer 10 may be supported by one or more feet 38. In some examples the vacuum sealer 10 may include two front feet 38 (e.g., as depicted in FIG. 2) and two back feet 38 (e.g., as depicted in FIG. 3) for a total of four feet 38, but other suitable numbers of feet are contemplated.

[0069] FIG. 4 is a schematic right-side view of the illustrative vacuum sealer 10 depicted in FIG. 1. The first portion 12a and the second portion 12b of the housing 12 may be coupled to each other at a connector 42, which may be a location at which the first portion 12a and the second portion 12b of the housing 12 may pivot relative to one another. In some examples, the connector 42 may be a hinged connection or other suitable pivoting or rotating connection between the first portion 12a and the second portion 12b of the housing 12.

[0070] As depicted in FIG. 4, surfaces of the first portion 12a and the second portion 12b of the housing 12 that face each other may generally slope vertically downward from the back of the vacuum sealer 10 to the front of the vacuum sealer 10. In some examples, the surfaces of the first portion 12a and the second portion 12b of the housing 12 that face each other may be curved. Other suitable configurations are contemplated.

[0071] FIG. 5 is a schematic left-side view of the illustrative vacuum sealer 10 depicted in FIG. 1. The left-side view of the vacuum sealer 10 may be a mirrored configuration of the right-side view of the vacuum sealer 10 depicted in FIG. 4, and as such, similar features of the vacuum sealer 10 are not re-described. Other suitable configurations of the left-side and / or the right-side of the vacuum sealer 10 are contemplated such that the left-side and the right-side configurations may differ from one another.

[0072] FIG. 6 is a schematic front perspective view of the illustrative vacuum sealer 10, with the first portion 12a of the housing 12 pivoted away from the second portion 12b such that the housing 12 is in an opened position. Although other suitable configurations are contemplated, an interior of the first portion 12a of the housing 12 may define and / or include a first seal bar 44, a first vacuum seal 46, and / or other suitable components. An interior of the second portion 12b of the housing 12 may define and / or include a tray 48 configured to receive a roll of sealable material for creating containers (e.g., bags) having a closed end and an opened end, a second vacuum seal 50, a drip tray 52, a second seal bar 54, a sloped surface 56, vacuum port(s) 58, and / or other suitable components. Other suitable configurations of the interior of the second portion 12b of the housing 12 are contemplated.

[0073] The first seal bar 44 and the second seal bar 54 may have any suitable configuration and may be aligned with one another such that when a container to be sealed is inserted within the housing 12 and the housing 12 is in a closed position, the first seal bar 44 and the second seal bar 54 work together to seal the container. One or both of the first seal bar 44 and the second seal bar 54 may include heating elements configured to receive power and heat and seal the container when the container is positioned between the first seal bar 44 and the second seal bar 54. In one example, the first seal bar 44 may be configured to apply a force or pressure on the container and the second seal bar 54 may be configured to apply heat to the container to seal the container at a location between and / or proximate the first seal bar 44 and the second seal bar 54.

[0074] The first vacuum seal 46 and the second vacuum seal 50 may be aligned with one another such that the first vacuum seal 46 and the second vacuum seal 50 engage one another when the housing 12 is in a closed position or configuration (e.g., as depicted in FIGS. 1-5). When the first vacuum seal 46 and the second vacuum seal 50 engage one another, the first vacuum seal 46 and the second vacuum seal 50 may define an outer perimeter of a vacuum chamber 60 within the housing 12.

[0075] The first vacuum seal 46 and the second vacuum seal 50 may be formed from any suitable materials. Example suitable materials for the first vacuum seal 46 and the second vacuum seal 50 may include, but are not limited to, rigid materials, flexible materials, soft materials, hard materials, resilient materials, foam, polymers, metals, and / or other suitable materials. In some examples, the first vacuum seal 46 and the second vacuum seal 50 may be formed from a same or similar foam material. Alternatively, the first vacuum seal 46 may be formed from a different material than a material of the second vacuum seal 50.

[0076] As discussed, when the housing 12 is in the closed position, the first vacuum seal 46 and the second vacuum seal 50 may mate and form the vacuum chamber 60. In some examples, the drip tray 52, the second seal bar 54, the sloped surface 56, and the vacuum ports 58 may be positioned within the second vacuum seal 50 and configured to be within the vacuum chamber 60 when the housing 12 is in the closed position. Other suitable configurations are contemplated.

[0077] In some configurations, the sloped surface 56 being positioned on the second portion 12b of the housing 12 within a perimeter defined by the second vacuum seal 50 and between the second seal bar 54 and a portion of the second vacuum seal 50 proximate the front of the housing 12 facilitates allowing liquid to move away from a portion of the container containing the liquid that is located at the second seal bar 54 for sealing. Further, the sloped surface 56 of the first portion of the housing 12 may be configured to create a space within the first portion 12a of the housing 12 and within the vacuum chamber 60 for receiving liquid within the container prior to sealing the container when the housing is in the closed position.

[0078] FIG. 7 is a schematic side perspective view of the illustrative vacuum sealer 10 depicted in FIG. 1, with the first portion 12a of the housing 12 pivoted away from the second portion 12b such that the housing 12 and the vacuum sealer 10 is in an opened position. As depicted in FIG. 6, in at least some example configurations, the drip tray 52, the second seal bar 54, the sloped surface 56, and the vacuum port(s) 58 may be positioned within a perimeter defined by the second vacuum seal 50.

[0079] FIG. 8 is a schematic side view of the illustrative vacuum sealer 10 depicted in FIG. 1, with the first portion 12a of the housing 12 pivoted away from the second portion 12b such that the housing 12 and the vacuum sealer 10 is in an opened position. As depicted in FIG. 8, the second seal bar 54 and the sloped surface 56 within the second vacuum seal 50 slope vertically downward toward the front of the vacuum sealer 10.

[0080] FIG. 9 is a schematic interior view of the first portion 12a of the housing 12 of the illustrative vacuum sealer 10 depicted in FIG. 1. As depicted in FIG. 9, the first seal bar 44 may be located within a perimeter defined by the first vacuum seal 46.

[0081] FIG. 10 is a schematic side perspective view of the interior of the first portion 12a of the housing 12 of the illustrative vacuum sealer 10 depicted in FIG. 1. As depicted in FIG. 10, the first seal bar 44 may be located within a perimeter defined by the first vacuum seal 46. Further, the first portion 12a of the housing 12 may include a recessed portion 62 within the perimeter defined by the first vacuum seal 46 and between the first seal bar 44 and a portion of the first vacuum seal 46 positioned proximate the front of the housing 12. In some examples, the recessed portion 62 may be aligned withthe sloped surface 56 to form a space for receiving liquid within the container to be sealed when the housing 12 is in the closed position.

[0082] FIG. 11 is a schematic side perspective view of the illustrative vacuum sealer 10 depicted in FIG. 1, depicting a portion of the interior of the second portion 12b of the housing 12 that is defined by the second vacuum seal 50. As discussed, the drip tray 52, the second seal bar 54, the sloped surface 56, and the vacuum port(s) 58 may be positioned within the perimeter defined by the second vacuum seal 50.

[0083] The sloped surface 56 may extend in a direction back-to-front from a location proximate the second seal bar 54 to a location proximate a front portion of the second vacuum seal 50. Generally, the sloped surface 56 may slope vertically downward in the back to front direction.

[0084] The sloped surface 56 may have any suitable configuration. In some examples, the sloped surface 56 may be a single surface extending along a width of the second seal bar 54 (e.g., as depicted in FIG. 11) and / or may be a plurality of surfaces spaced width-wise from one another. The sloped surface 56 may have a single grade and / or may have portions that slope downwards back-to-front in different manners. In one example and as depicted in FIG. 11, the sloped surface 56 may have a first portion 56a proximate the second seal bar 54 that has a first grade, a second portion 56b extending toward the front of the vacuum sealer 10 from the first portion 56a that has a second grade that is steeper relative to a surface on which the vacuum sealer 10 rests than the first grade, and a third portion 56c extending toward the front of the vacuum sealer 10 from the second portion 56b that has a rounded surface terminating at a lip 56d and configured to collect fluid within the container to be sealed. Other suitable configurations of the sloped surface 56 are contemplated.

[0085] FIG. 12 schematically depicts a perspective view of an illustrative configuration of the vacuum sealer 10. As depicted in FIG. 12 the vacuum sealer 10 may include the first portion 12a and the second portion 12b of the housing 12, the handle 13, and the user interface 14. In some examples, the handle may be adjusted to adjust a relative position of the first portion 12a and the second portion 12b of the housing 12.

[0086] The configuration of the vacuum sealer 10 depicted in FIG. 12 may operate in a manner similar to how the vacuum sealer 10 depicted in FIG. 1 operates, butthis is not required. In some examples, the vacuum sealer 10 may include 6 custom settings or modes (e.g., dry, moist, gentle, normal, canister, marinate, pulse, and / or other suitable settings or modes). Further, the vacuum sealer 10 may include 2.5 mm double seal bars (e.g., the first seal bar 44 and the second seal bar 54 or other suitable seal bars), a 20 liter (L)Zminute pump capacity, a removable drip tray 52, a built-in container-bag- roll storage tray (e.g., the tray 48), a bag cutter, a digital display (e.g., the display 36), an extra wide, easy to load vacuum channel or chamber, a foldable handle (e.g., the handle 13) configured to be operated with one hand. In some configurations, the vacuum sealer 10 may be configured to operate using 220 watt (W) power.

[0087] FIG. 13 schematically depicts a top view of an illustrative vacuum sealer 10. The user interface 14 of the vacuum sealer 10 may have similar components to those depicted in and discussed with respect to the configuration of the vacuum sealer 10 depicted in FIG. 1.

[0088] FIG. 14 schematically depicts a container 64. The container 64 may be formed from a flexible polymer and may be in the form of a bag. Although the container 64 may have any suitable number of sheets defining an interior of the container 64, the container 64 depicted in FIG. 14 may have a first sheet 64a and a second sheet 64b defining the interior of the container 64.

[0089] The containers 64 may have any suitable sizes and shapes. For example, the containers 64 may have sizes and / or shapes including, but not limited to, rolls of container material with 11 inch by 20 foot dimensions, rolls of container material with 8 inch by 20 foot dimensions, 1 -quart containers 64, 1 -gallon containers 64, 1 -quart containers 64 with a zipper close feature, 1 -gallon containers 64 with a zipper close feature, 1 -quart standup containers 64, 1 -gallon standup containers 64, and / or other suitably sized and / or shaped containers 64.

[0090] In some configurations of the container 64, an interior surface of one or both of the sheets 64a, 64b may include channels 66. In some examples, when the channels 66 are included on the interior surface of both of the sheets 64a, 64b, the channels 66 on the respective sheets 64a, 64b may overlap and appear to form squares from exterior of the container 64 (e.g., when the container 64 is transparent or see- through), as depicted for example FIG. 14, but other suitable configurations arecontemplated. When the channels 66 are included on one or both of the sheets 64a, 64b and the container includes a liquid to be vacuum sealed with the vacuum sealer 10, the channels 66 may facilitate liquid that may have been vacuumed to a location to be sealed draining away from the location to be sealed when a vacuum pressure or pump speed is reduced in the vacuum chamber 60 prior to sealing the container 64. In some example, the channels 66 on the interior surface of the first sheet 64a and the second sheet 64b may facilitate improving the draining of liquids from the location to be sealed better than when the channels 66 are only on one of the first sheet 64a and the second sheet 64b and the other sheet has a smooth surface. Further, utilizing the channels 66 and the sloped surface 56 of the vacuum sealer 10 may ensure the sealing location is sufficiently dry to create a seal at the location to be sealed.

[0091] FIG. 15 depicts a schematic diagram of the vacuum sealer 10. As depicted in FIG. 15, the vacuum sealer 10 may include the user interface 14, the vacuum chamber 60 having the seal bar(s) 44, 54 and the sloped surface 56 therein, a controller 67, a pump 69, one or more pressure sensors 68, a vacuum pressure release valve (PRV) 70, and / or other suitable components. Additionally or alternatively, the vacuum sealer 10 may include one or more humidity sensors, temperature sensors, timers, locks, and / or other suitable sensors or electronic components in communication with the controller 67.

[0092] In operation, the pressure sensors 68 may monitor a pressure in or in communication with the vacuum chamber 60 and relay those pressures to the controller 67 and / or a pressure condition to the controller 67. The pressure sensors 68 may be any suitable type of pressure sensors. Example suitable pressure sensors may include, but are not limited to, absolute pressure sensors, differential pressure sensors, pressure switches, and / or other suitable types of pressure sensors. In one example, the vacuum sealer 10 may include two pressure switches, each of which may be set to a different pressure threshold, and when the pressure switch is activated due to a sensed pressure reaching the threshold, a signal may be sent to the controller 67. In another example, the vacuum sealer 10 may include a pressure sensor 68 that continuously senses pressure and relays measures related to sensed pressure to the controller 67 for analysis. Other suitable uses and / or configurations of the pressure sensors 68 are contemplated. In some cases, theuser interface 14 may display a measure of pressure or other suitable indication of pressure in the vacuum chamber 60.

[0093] The pump 69 may be in fluid communication with the vacuum chamber 60. In some examples, the pump 69 may be configured to create a vacuum to remove gas from a container with an open end in the vacuum chamber 60. Any suitable type of pump for creating the vacuum pressure in the vacuum chamber 60 may be utilized.

[0094] The PRV 70 may be any suitable valve in fluid communication with the vacuum chamber 60 that may be actuated to provide fluid from atmosphere to the vacuum chamber 60 for the purpose of relieving a vacuum pressure in the vacuum chamber 60. In some examples, the PRV 70 may be in fluid communication with the vacuum chamber 60 via a fluid path traveling through the pump 69, but other suitable configurations are contemplated. The PRV 70 may by any suitable valve configured to be controlled by the controller 67 in response to detection of pressures within the vacuum chamber 60, one or more timers reaching a threshold, one or more humidity sensors in a fluid path in communication with the vacuum chamber 60 reaching a threshold, one or more temperature sensors proximate the seal bar(s) 44, 54 reaching a threshold, and / or one or more other suitable types of sensors reaching a threshold. In one example, the PRV 70 may be a solenoid valve, but other suitable PRV 70 configurations are contemplated.

[0095] Illustratively, the controller 67 may be and / or may include any suitable computing device configured to process data of or for the vacuum sealer 10 (e.g., of or from the pump 69, the pressure sensor(s) 68 and / or other sensors, the PRV 70, the user interface 14, timers, etc.) In some cases, one or more components of the vacuum sealer 10 may be incorporated into the controller 67 and / or the user interface 14. Further, one or more components of the vacuum sealer 10 may incorporate one or more computing devices similar to or having components similar to the controller 67 and / or the user interface 14.

[0096] The controller 67 may be configured to facilitate operation of the vacuum sealer 10. The controller 67, in some cases, may be configured to control operation of the pump 69, the pressure sensor 68, the user interface 14, the seal bar(s) 44, 54, the PRV 70, and / or other suitable electronic components by establishing and / or outputting controlsignals to these components. When the controller 67, or at least a part of the controller 67, is a component separate from a structure of the pump 69, the pressure sensor 68, the user interface 14, the seal bar(s) 44, 54, and / or the PRV 70, the controller 67 may communicate with electronic components of the vacuum sealer 10 over one or more wired or wireless connections or networks (e.g., LANs and / or WANs).

[0097] The controller 67 may be, may include, or may be included in one or more Field Programmable Gate Arrays (FPGAs), one or more Programmable Logic Devices (PLDs), one or more Complex PLDs (CPLDs), one or more custom Application Specific Integrated Circuits (ASICs), one or more dedicated processors (e.g., microprocessors), one or more Central Processing Units (CPUs), software, hardware, firmware, or any combination of these and / or other components. Although the controller 67 may be referred to herein in the singular, the controller 67 may be implemented in multiple instances, distributed across multiple computing devices, instantiated within multiple virtual machines, and / or the like.

[0098] The illustrative controller 67 may include, among other suitable components, one or more processors 72, memory 74, and / or one or more I / O units 76. Example other suitable components of the controller 67 that are not specifically depicted in FIG. 15 may include, but are not limited to, communication components, a touch screen, selectable buttons, a housing, and / or other suitable components of a controller. As discussed above, one or more components of the controller 67 may be separate from the components of the vacuum sealer 10 and / or incorporated into the components of the vacuum sealer 10.

[0099] The controller 67 may include and / or be in communication with a variety of sub-controllers. Example sub-controllers that may be included in or in communication with the controller 67 may include, but are not limited to, a pump sub-controller, a PRV sub-controller, a pressure sub-controller, a heating sub -controller, and / or other suitable sub-controllers.

[0100] The processor 72 of the controller 67 may include a single processor or more than one processor working individually or with one another. The processor 72 may be configured to receive and execute instructions, including instructions that may be loaded into the memory 74 and / or other suitable memory. Example components of theprocessor 72 may include, but are not limited to, central processing units, microprocessors, microcontrollers, multi-core processors, graphical processing units, digital signal processors, application specific integrated circuits (ASICs), artificial intelligence accelerators, field programmable gate arrays (FPGAs), discrete circuitry, and / or other suitable types of data processing devices.

[0101] The memory 74 of the controller 67 may include a single memory component or more than one memory component each working individually or with one another. Example types of memory 74 may include random access memory (RAM), EEPROM, flash, suitable volatile storage devices, suitable non-volatile storage devices, persistent memory (e.g., read only memory (ROM), hard drive, flash memory, optical disc memory, and / or other suitable persistent memory) and / or other suitable types of memory. The memory 74 may be or may include a non-transitory or transitory computer readable medium. The memory 74 may include instructions stored in transitory and / or non-transitory state on a computer readable medium that may be executable by the processor 72 to cause the processor to perform one or more of the methods and / or techniques described herein.

[0102] The I / O units 76 of the controller 67 may include a single I / O component or more than one VO component each working individually or with one another.Example I / O units 76 may be or may include any suitable types of communication hardware and / or software including, but not limited to, communication ports configured to communicate with electronic components of the vacuum sealer 10 and / or with other suitable computing devices or systems. Example types of I / O units 76 may include, but are not limited to, wired communication components (e.g., HDMI components, Ethernet components, VGA components, serial communication components, parallel communication components, component video ports, S-video components, composite audio / video components, DVI components, USB components, optical communication components, and / or other suitable wired communication components), wireless communication components (e.g., radio frequency (RF) components, Low-Energy BLUETOOTH protocol components, BLUETOOTH protocol components, Near-Field Communication (NFC) protocol components, WI-FI protocol components, opticalcommunication components, ZIGBEE protocol components, and / or other suitable wireless communication components), and / or other suitable I / O units 76.

[0103] The controller 67 may be configured to send control signals to the pump 69, the seal bars 44, 54, the user interface 14, the PRV 70, and / or other suitable electronic components of the vacuum sealer 10. In some examples, the control signals may be determined and sent by the controller 67 based on signals or measures from the pressure sensor(s) 68 and / or one or more control protocols stored in the memory 74 (e.g., a transitory or non-transitory computer readable medium) and accessed or executed by the processor 72.

[0104] FIG. 16 depicts a schematic box diagram of an illustrative method 100 for sealing a container containing a liquid using a vacuum sealer (e.g., a vacuum sealer as described herein or otherwise). In some examples, the vacuum sealer may be set to a liquid mode when vacuum sealing a container containing a liquid and / or other suitable low-viscous material, but this is not required.

[0105] The method 100 may include monitoring 102 a measure, M, related to a pressure in a vacuum chamber of the vacuum sealer. Monitoring 102 the measure, M, may include sensing pressure or the measure, M, related to pressure in the vacuum chamber. In some examples, the measure, M, may be a pressure in the vacuum chamber, a pressure in a fluid path in fluid communication with the vacuum chamber, a differential pressure over a pre-set time period based on a sensed pressure at or in fluid communication with the vacuum chamber, an electrical current related to pressure in the vacuum chamber, and / or other suitable measure indicative of a pressure in the vacuum chamber. In one example, the measure, M, may be a differential pressure over a pre-set time period based on a sensed pressure at or in fluid communication with the vacuum chamber.

[0106] The method 100 may include comparing 104 the measure, M, related to the pressure in the vacuum chamber to a threshold value, Mth. The measure, M, related to the pressure in the vacuum chamber may be compared to the threshold value, Mth, in any suitable manner including, but not limited to, by using a pressure switch, comparing sensed values of pressure to the threshold value, Mth, comparing a difference of sensed values of pressure to the threshold value, Mth, and / or comparing one or more othersuitable value to the threshold value, Mth. In one example, the measure, M, may be comparted to the threshold value, Mth, using a pressure switch that sends a signal to a controller in response to the monitored measure, M, reaching or going beyond the threshold value, Mth. In another example, a pressure may be continuously sensed and a controller of the vacuum sealer may continuously determine a change in the sensed pressure over a pre-set time period and compare the determined change in the sensed pressure to the threshold value, Mth. The threshold value, Mth, may be any suitable value including, but not limited to, a pressure value, a change in pressure, a slope of pressure, an electrical current value, and / or other suitable value. Utilizing a change in pressure or other value (e.g., a slope of a value measured continuously over time) as the monitored measure and / or the threshold value may facilitate monitoring for liquid proximate the seal bar(s) in a manner that is independent of tolerances of the vacuum sealer and / or environmental conditions.

[0107] When the monitored measure, M, has not reached the threshold value, Mth, the method 100 may return to monitoring 102 the measure, M, related to the pressure in the vacuum chamber relative to the threshold value, Mth. When the monitored measure, M, has reached the threshold value, Mth, the method 100 may include stopping 106 the pump that is establishing the vacuum pressure in the vacuum chamber 60, reducing 108 a vacuum pressure in the vacuum chamber by providing gas from atmosphere to the vacuum chamber (e.g., by opening a pressure release valve (e.g., a solenoid valve)), and sealing 110 the container (e.g., by heating the seal bar(s)). In some examples, a preset time period may elapse between reducing 108 vacuum pressure in the vacuum chamber and sealing 110 the container to allow for liquid, if any, at the location of the container to be sealed to drip along the sloped surface of the vacuum sealer and farther into the container.

[0108] FIG. 17 depicts a schematic box diagram of an illustrative method 200 for sealing a container containing liquid using a vacuum sealer (e.g., a vacuum sealer as described herein or otherwise). In some examples, the vacuum sealer may be set to a liquid mode when the vacuum sealer is to seal a container containing a liquid, but this is not required.

[0109] The method 200 may include monitoring 202 a measure, M, related to a pressure in a vacuum chamber of the vacuum sealer. Monitoring 202 the measure, M, may include sensing pressure or the measure, M, related to pressure in the vacuum chamber. In some examples, the measure, M, may be a pressure in the vacuum chamber, a pressure in a fluid path in fluid communication with the vacuum chamber, a differential pressure over a pre-set time period based on a sensed pressure at or in fluid communication with the vacuum chamber, an electrical current related to pressure in the vacuum chamber, and / or other suitable measure indicative of a pressure in the vacuum chamber. In one example, the measure, M, may be a differential pressure over a pre-set time period based on a sensed pressure at or in fluid communication with the vacuum chamber.

[0110] The method 200 may include comparing 204 the measure, M, related to the pressure in the vacuum chamber to a first threshold value, Mthi. The measure, M, related to the pressure in the vacuum chamber may be compared to the first threshold value, Mthi, in any suitable manner including, but not limited to, by using a pressure switch, comparing sensed values of pressure to the first threshold value, Mthi, comparing a difference of sensed values of pressure to the first threshold value, Mthi, and / or comparing one or more other suitable values to the first threshold value, Mthi. In one example, the measure, M, may be comparted to the first threshold value, Mthi, using a pressure switch that sends a signal to a controller in response to the monitored measure, M, reaching or going beyond the first threshold value, Mth. In another example, a pressure may be continuously sensed and a controller of the vacuum sealer may continuously determine a change in the sensed pressure over a pre-set time period and compare the determined change in the sensed pressure to the first threshold value, Mthi. The first threshold value, Mthi, may be any suitable value including, but not limited to, a pressure value, a change in pressure, a slope of pressure, an electrical current value, and / or other suitable value.

[0111] When the monitored measure, M, has not reached the first threshold value, Mthi, the method 200 may return to monitoring 202 the measure, M, related to the pressure in the vacuum chamber relative to the first threshold value, Mthi. When the monitored measure, M, has reached the first threshold value, Mthi, the pump of thevacuum sealer vacuuming gas out of the vacuum chamber and the container may be slowed 206 from a first pump rate to a second pump rate (e.g., the pump rate may be a motor speed, a flow rate, etc.). In some configurations, slowing the pump may facilitate allowing liquid at a location of the container to be sealed to drip within the container along the sloped surface of the vacuum sealer farther into the container.

[0112] After slowing the pump, the method 200 may include continuing to monitor 208 the measure, M, related to the pressure in the vacuum chamber and comparing 210 the measure, M, to a second threshold value, Mth2. In some examples, the second threshold value, Mth2, may be greater than the first threshold value, Mthi, but other suitable configurations are contemplated and the second threshold value, Mth2, may be less than the first threshold value, Mthi.

[0113] When the monitored measure, M, has not reached the second threshold value, Mtii2, the method 200 may return to monitoring 208 the measure, M, related to the pressure in the vacuum chamber relative to the second threshold value, Mth2. When the monitored measure, M, has reached the second threshold value, Mth2, the method 100 may include stopping 212 the pump, reducing 214 a vacuum pressure in the vacuum chamber by providing gas from atmosphere to the vacuum chamber (e.g., by opening a vacuum pressure release valve (e.g., a solenoid valve)), and sealing 216 the container (e.g., via heating the seal bar(s) of the vacuum sealer). In some examples, a preset time period may elapse between reducing 214 vacuum pressure in the vacuum chamber and sealing 216 the container to allow for liquid, if any, at the location of the container to be sealed to drip along the sloped surface of the vacuum sealer and farther into the container.

[0114] In an additional or alternative step of the method 200, after the pump is slowed 206, a timer may be initiated. After a pre-set time period configured to allow time for liquid, if any, at the location of the container to be sealed to drip along the sloped surface of the vacuum sealer and farther into the container, the pump may be stopped, the vacuum pressure in the vacuum chamber may be reduced, and the container may be sealed.

[0115] FIG. 18 depicts a schematic box diagram of an illustrative method 300 for sealing a container containing liquid using a vacuum sealer (e.g., a vacuum sealer as described herein or otherwise). In some examples, the vacuum sealer may be set to aliquid mode when the vacuum sealer is to seal a container containing liquid, but this is not required.

[0116] The method 300 may include monitoring 302 a measure, M, related to a pressure in a vacuum chamber of the vacuum sealer. Monitoring 302 the measure, M, may include sensing pressure or the measure, M, related to pressure in the vacuum chamber. In some examples, the measure, M, may be a pressure in the vacuum chamber, a pressure in a fluid path in fluid communication with the vacuum chamber, a differential pressure over a pre-set time period based on a sensed pressure at or in fluid communication with the vacuum chamber, an electrical current related to pressure in the vacuum chamber, and / or other suitable measure indicative of a pressure in the vacuum chamber.

[0117] The method 300 may include comparing 304 the measure, M, related to the pressure in the vacuum chamber to a threshold value, Mth. The measure, M, related to the pressure in the vacuum chamber may be compared to the threshold value, Mth, in any suitable manner including, but not limited to, by using a pressure switch, comparing sensed values of pressure to the threshold value, Mth, comparing a difference to of sensed values of pressure to the threshold value, Mth, and / or comparing one or more other suitable value to the threshold value, Mth. In one example, the measure, M, may be comparted to the threshold value, Mth, using a pressure switch that sends a signal to a controller in response to the monitored measure, M, reaching or going beyond the threshold value, Mth. In another example, a pressure may be continuously sensed and a controller of the vacuum sealer may continuously determine a change in the sensed pressure over a pre-set time period and compare the determined change in the sensed pressure to the threshold value, Mth. The threshold value, Mth, may be any suitable value including, but not limited to, a pressure value, a change in pressure, a slope of pressure, an electrical current value, and / or other suitable value.

[0118] When the monitored measure, M, has not reached the threshold value, Mth, the method 300 may return to monitoring 302 the measure, M, related to the pressure in the vacuum chamber relative to the threshold value, Mth. When the monitored measure, M, has reached the threshold value, Mth, the pump of the vacuum sealer vacuuming gas out of the vacuum chamber and the container may be slowed 306 from a first pump rateto a second pump rate (e g., the pump rate may be a motor speed, a flow rate, etc.). In some configurations, slowing the pump may facilitate allowing liquid at a location of the container to be sealed to drip within the container along the sloped surface of the vacuum sealer farther into the container.

[0119] The method 300 may include heating 308 one or more seal bars to a first temperature, Ti. The first temperature, Ti, may be associated with a temperature that facilitates evaporating a liquid from a location along the container proximate the seal bar(s), which facilitates creating a dry surface at a location on the container for a seal (e.g., a location at or proximate the seal bars). In some examples, a preset time period may elapse between heating 308 the seal bar(s) to the first temperature, Ti, and stopping 310 the pump of the vacuum sealer to allow for liquid, if any, at the location of the container to be sealed to drip along the sloped surface of the vacuum sealer and farther into the container.

[0120] The pump of the vacuum sealer may be stopped 310 and the seal bar(s) may be heated to a second temperature, T2. The second temperature, T2, may be a higher temperature than the first temperature, Ti, and may be configured to create a seal in the container located at or proximate the seal bar(s).

[0121] Additionally or alternatively, after stopping 310 the pump, a vacuum pressure in the vacuum chamber may be reduced by providing gas from atmosphere to the vacuum chamber (e.g., by opening a vacuum pressure release valve (e g., a solenoid valve)) prior to raising the temperature at the seal bar(s) to the second temperature, T2, and sealing the container. In some examples, a preset time period may elapse between reducing vacuum pressure in the vacuum chamber and increasing the temperature at the seal bar(s) to allow for any remaining liquid at the location of the container to drip along the sloped surface of the vacuum sealer and farther into the container.

[0122] Although the methods of operating the vacuum sealer are described herein, other suitable configurations are contemplated. For example, unless expressly indicated otherwise, features or steps of one method described herein may be utilized in other methods described herein. In some examples, different techniques or methods for vacuum sealing containers containing liquid may be associated with different modes of the vacuum sealer, but this is not required.

[0123] FIG. 19 is a schematic diagram that includes charts of vacuum pressure versus time for the vacuum sealers described herein. In some examples during operation of the vacuum sealers, a change in vacuum pressure may be continuously monitored.

[0124] Chart 400 in FIG. 19 schematically depicts a vacuum pressure in a vacuum chamber over time that may be associated with the method 200 described with respect to FIG. 17. As depicted in FIG.19, the chart 400 depicts time, t, on the x-axis and vacuum pressure, V, on the y-axis, with points, p, representing vacuum pressure V at a time, t. On the chart 400, a first point pl may represent a sample of vacuum pressure that has not reached a first threshold, Mno . A second point p2 may represent a vacuum pressure that has reached or gone beyond the first threshold, Mun, and at that time, the pump is slowed. A third point p3 may represent a sample of vacuum pressure at a time between the vacuum pressure reaching or going beyond the first threshold, Mun, and not reaching or going beyond a second threshold, M . A fourth point p4 may represent a sample of vacuum pressure at a time at which the vacuum pressure has reached or gone beyond the second threshold value, MTM. Once the vacuum pressure has reached or gone beyond the second threshold value, Mih2, the pump may be stopped, the vacuum pressure in the vacuum chamber may be reduced (e.g., via opening a pressure release valve, etc.), and the container may be sealed, as discussed with respect to FIG. 17.

[0125] Chart 500 in FIG. 19 schematically depicts a vacuum pressure in a vacuum chamber over time that may be associated with the method 100 described with respect to FIG. 16. As depicted in FIG.19, the chart 50 depicts time, t, on the x-axis and vacuum pressure, V, on the y-axis, with points, p, representing vacuum pressure V at a time, t. On the chart 500, a first point pl ' may represent a sample of vacuum pressure that has not reached a threshold, Mui. A second point p2' may represent a vacuum pressure that has reached or gone beyond the first threshold, MTH, and at that time, the pump is stopped, vacuum pressure in the vacuum chamber may be reduced (e.g., via opening a pressure release valve, etc ), and a container is sealed, as discussed with respect to FIG. 16.

[0126] It should be understood that this disclosure is, in many respects, only illustrative. Changes may be made in details, particularly in matters of shape, size, and arrangement of steps without exceeding the scope of the disclosure. This may include, tothe extent that it is appropriate, the use of any of the features of one example embodiment being used in other embodiments. The scope of the disclosure is, of course, defined in the language in which the appended claims are expressed.

Claims

CLAIMSWhat is claimed is:

1. A device for vacuum sealing a container, the device comprising: a housing; a pump; a vacuum chamber in the housing and in fluid communication with the pump; one or more seal bars within the vacuum chamber; and a sloped surface between a seal bar of the one or more seal bars and a perimeter of the vacuum chamber.

2. The device of claim 1, wherein the sloped surface has a first portion with a first grade and a second portion extending from the first portion and having a second grade, the second grade is steeper than the first grade.

3. The device of claim 2, wherein the sloped surface has a third portion extending from the second portion and the third portion defines a curve terminating at a lip.

4. The device of any one of claims 1-3, wherein the seal bar is configured to be heated.

5. The device of any one of claims 1-4, further comprising: a pressure sensor in fluid communication with the vacuum chamber; and a controller in communication with the pump and the pressure sensor, and wherein the controller is configured to control operation of the pump based on one or more signals received from the pressure sensor.

6. The device of claim 5, further comprising: a valve in fluid communication with the vacuum chamber, and wherein the controller is configured to control operation of the pump and the valve based on the one or more signals received from the pressure sensor.

7. The device of any one of claims 1-6, further comprising: a user interface configured to receive a user interaction to set the device in a liquid mode; and a controller in communication with the pump, wherein the pump is configured to control operation of the pump based on a control protocol associated with the liquid mode.

8. The device of any one of claims 1-7, wherein the seal bar is a first seal bar and the one or more seal bars include the first seal bar and a second seal bar.

9. The device of claim 1, wherein the vacuum chamber is defined by a first vacuum seal and a second vacuum seal configured to mate with the first vacuum seal.

10. A method of sealing a container containing a liquid using a vacuum sealer, the method comprising: comparing a measure related to pressure in a vacuum chamber to a threshold value; when the measure related to pressure in the vacuum chamber has reached or gone beyond the threshold value: stopping a pump configured to create a vacuum pressure in the vacuum chamber; reducing a vacuum pressure in the vacuum chamber; and sealing the container.

11. The method of claim 10, wherein the measure related to pressure in the vacuum chamber is a change in pressure over a pre-set period of time and the threshold value is a change in pressure value.

12. The method of claim 10 or claim 11, further comprising: waiting a pre-set time period after reducing the vacuum pressure in the vacuum chamber and before sealing the container.

13. The method of any one of claims 10-12, wherein: when the measure related to pressure in the vacuum chamber has reached or gone beyond the threshold value, heating a seal bar of the vacuum sealer to a first temperature to evaporate liquid in the container at or proximate the seal bar, and sealing the container comprises heating the seal bar to a second temperature greater than the first temperature.

14. The method of any one of claims 10-13, wherein reducing the vacuum pressure in the vacuum chamber includes opening a valve in fluid communication with the vacuum chamber to provide gas to the vacuum chamber.

15. A method of sealing a container containing a liquid using a vacuum sealer, the method comprising: comparing a measure related to pressure in a vacuum chamber to a first threshold value; when the measure related to pressure in the vacuum chamber has reached or gone beyond the first threshold value, slowing a pump configured to create a vacuum pressure in the vacuum chamber from a first pump rate to a second pump rate; comparing the measure related to pressure in the vacuum chamber to a second threshold value; when the measure related to pressure in the vacuum chamber has reached or gone beyond the second threshold value: stopping the pump; reducing a vacuum pressure in the vacuum chamber; and sealing the container.

16. The method of claim 15, wherein the measure related to pressure in the vacuum chamber is a change in pressure over a pre-set period of time and the first threshold value is a first change in pressure value and the second threshold value is a second change in pressure value.

17. The method of claim 15 or claim 16, further comprising: waiting a pre-set time period after reducing the vacuum pressure in the vacuum chamber and before sealing the container.

18. The method of any one of claims 15-17, wherein: when the measure related to pressure in the vacuum chamber has reached or gone beyond the second threshold value, heating a seal bar of the vacuum sealer to a first temperature to evaporate liquid in the container at or proximate the seal bar, and sealing the container comprises heating the seal bar to a second temperature greater than the first temperature.

19. The method of any one of claims 15-18, wherein reducing the vacuum pressure in the vacuum chamber includes opening a valve in fluid communication with the vacuum chamber to provide gas to the vacuum chamber.

20. A method of sealing a container containing a liquid using a vacuum sealer, the method comprising: comparing a measure related to pressure in a vacuum chamber to a threshold value; when the measure related to pressure in the vacuum chamber has reached or gone beyond the threshold value: slowing a pump configured to create a vacuum pressure in the vacuum chamber from a first pump rate to a second pump rate; heating a seal bar to a first temperature; stopping the pump; and heating the seal bar to a second temperature to seal the container.

21. The method of claim 20, wherein the measure related to pressure in the vacuum chamber is a change in pressure over a pre-set period of time and the threshold value is a change in pressure value.

22. The method of claim 20 or claim 21, further comprising: waiting a pre-set time period after heating the seal bar to the first temperature to stop the pump.

23. The method of any one of claims 20-22, further comprising: waiting a pre-set time period after heating the seal bar to the first temperature to heat the seal bar to the second temperature.

24. The method of any one of claims 20-23, further comprising: when the measure related to pressure in the vacuum chamber has reached or gone beyond the threshold value, reducing a vacuum pressure in the vacuum chamber.

25. The method of claim 24, wherein reducing the vacuum pressure in the vacuum chamber includes opening a valve in fluid communication with the vacuum chamber to provide gas to the vacuum chamber.

26. A non-transitory computer readable medium having instructions stored thereon that when executed by a processor cause the processor to perform the method recited in any one of claims 10-14.

27. A non-transitory computer readable medium having instructions stored thereon that when executed by a processor cause the processor to perform the method recited in any one of claims 1 -19.

28. A non-transitory computer readable medium having instructions stored thereon that when executed by a processor cause the processor to perform the method recited in any one of claims 20-25.

29. A vacuum sealing system, the system comprising: a housing; a pump;a vacuum chamber in the housing and in fluid communication with the pump; a seal bar within the vacuum chamber; a sloped surface between the seal bar and a perimeter of the vacuum chamber; and a container having a first flexible sheet coupled with a second flexible sheet, the container having an open end to be sealed, and wherein the container comprises channels on an interior surface of each of the first flexible sheet and the second flexible sheet.

30. The system of claim 29, wherein the seal bar is configured to seal the open end of the container by sealing the first flexible sheet to the second flexible sheet at a location extending along the channels of the first flexible sheet and the second flexible sheet.

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