(12) United States Patent ao) Patent No.: us 6,378,272 Bi
Archibald et al. (45) Date of Patent: Apr. 30,2002
The present invention is a container for storing fine particles in a sealed packaging, wherein air in the container can be evacuated through compression or vacuum without removing the fine particles. The container comprises a main body enclosing a pouch, terminating in a principal opening, a sealing mechanism attached to the pouch for sealing the pouch, at least one exit port extending through the wall of the pouch, and a porosity mechanism adjacent the exit port, wherein the porosity mechanism permits air to exit through the exit port, but prevents the fine particles from escaping through the exit port.
14 Claims, 8 Drawing Sheets