Hybrid method for processing containers

Abstract

One embodiment of the present invention provides a method for processing plastic containers within an open aseptic converter chamber comprising a sanitized environment, a supply line, a sanitizer device, a perforator device, a sealing device, and a conveyer. During operation, the method includes: providing and filling a container with heated or heatable liquid including water; sealing the container with a seal or cap; cooling the container to create a first headspace pressure; enclosing the container within the chamber; creating an opening in the seal or cap within a sanitized environment of the perforator device; increasing the first headspace pressure to a second headspace pressure by introduction of a sanitized fluid; resealing the container within a sanitized environment of the sealing device; and, transporting or conveying the sealed container away from the chamber.

1 . A method for processing plastic containers comprising:
 i. providing a container suitable for hot-filling;   ii. filling the container with heated or heatable liquid including water;   iii. sealing the container with a seal or cap to close the container;   iv. cooling the liquid in the sealed container to create a first headspace pressure within the container;   v. enclosing the cooled and sealed container within an open aseptic converter chamber, wherein the converter chamber comprises:
 1. a sanitized environment; 
 2. means for maintaining the sanitized environment; 
 3. means for maintaining the sanitization of the container within the converter chamber; 
 4. means for perforating or opening the cap or seal of the container within the converter chamber; 
 5. means for sealing the opening or perforation within the converter chamber; and 
 6. means for transporting or conveying multiple containers within the converter chamber; 
   vi. creating an opening in the seal or cap of the container within a sanitized environment of a perforator means or device for creating an opening in the seal or cap;   vii. increasing the first headspace pressure to a second headspace pressure within the container by the introduction of a sanitized fluid to the headspace of the container;   viii. resealing the container within a sanitized environment of a sealing means or device; and   ix. transporting or conveying the sealed container from the sanitized environment of the converter chamber.   
     
     
         2 - 25 . (canceled)