Abstract: An assembly for transferring solid particulate matter has a pressurized vessel for retaining a pre-determined quantity of the solid material. A transfer conduit connected to the vessel carries the solid material to a loading vessel, be it a processing tank, a storage vessel, or any other similar container. A discharge nozzle carried by a distant end of the transfer conduit has a plurality of perforations that allow removal of the dust particles by suction from the discharge nozzle. A separate dust removal conduit is secured immediately adjacent to the discharge nozzle for removal of the dust particles away from the discharge nozzle.

Abstract: A sterile filling machine and related method are provided for sterile filling a container with a substance. The container includes a heat resealable stopper and a chamber for receiving the substance therein. The sealed, empty containers are subjected to radiation capable of penetrating through the stopper and chamber for sterilizing the container. The previously sterilized containers are then transported through another sterilizing chamber, such as an e-beam chamber, to sterilize the penetrable surface. A needle is moved into engagement with the stopper to pierce the sterilized penetrable surface of the stopper and inject the substance through the needle and into the chamber of the container. Laser energy is then transmitted onto the penetrated surface of the stopper to fuse the stopper material and hermetically re-seal the stopper.

Abstract: An oral feeding bottle includes a feed container with an open end and surfaces adapted to come into contact with a liquid feed in the container, a teat releasably connected to the open end and adapted to contact both the liquid feed and a person or animal feeding from the bottle, and a cap with two modes of operation, where in the first mode, the teat is connected to the container and the cap is adapted to fit over, enclose the teat, and be releaseably connected to the feed container, and where in the second mode, the cap includes a means for stowing the teat in a non-dispensing position spaced from the container, where the teat and the surfaces that contact the liquid feed are in fluid communication so that the teat and the feed container are sterilized with a fluid sterilizing medium disposed in the container.

Abstract: A pasteurization station for pasteurizing a product in containers having a tunnel housing that is formed in a modular configuration from any desired number of flexible, exchangeable segments, each of which is interchangeable with at least one other of said segments and comprises a portion of the housing, a container conveyor, and liquid dispensers.

Abstract: A self sanitizing bottle filler supplying filtered water. The bottle filler utilizes UV light to create ozone in a sealed dispensing chamber after each use. The UV light and ozone sanitize the interior surfaces of the dispensing mechanism and water delivery components. The bottle filler encloses the outlet spout after each use to prevent airborne contamination. The water stream may be illuminated helping users to position a container, preventing spills and splash back.

Abstract: A liquid dispensing vending system that includes a closed, integrated system of bottles and dispensing machines. The bottles used with the instant dispensing system are designed to minimize the growth of mold, mildew, bacteria and other harmful micro organisms. The vending system may be used to dispense water, soft drinks, coffee, tea, water with nutrients, and/or antioxidants, into containers such as rugged bottles capable of being reused many times. The bottles are designed to be refilled by the dispensing machines, and therefore are tampered resistant. The bottles are made of an antimicrobial plastic and their contents are stored under pressure to discourage bacterial and organic growth inside the bottle.

Abstract: Described herein are fuel cell system refueling devices and related systems and methods. In one embodiment, a refueling device includes a fuel handling unit that includes a fuel port and a fuel conveyance unit to convey fuel to a fuel cell system. The refueling device also includes a waste handling unit that includes a waste port and a waste conveyance unit to convey waste from the fuel cell system. The refueling device further includes a communication port and a refueling device controller to establish a communication link with the fuel cell system, such that the fuel cell system directs operation of the fuel handling unit and the waste handling unit.

Abstract: Freeze protection of an on-board emissions treatment substance storage and distribution system in a vehicle includes moving the emissions treatment substance away from a primary fuel/vapor area after filling of the emissions treatment system. In one embodiment an on-board emissions treatment system has a fill tube with a portion extending into a primary fuel fill pipe to facilitate co-fueling of the primary fuel and emissions treatment substance. A pressure differential or vacuum is created in the emissions treatment fill tube after filling to move the emissions treatment substance away from a check valve disposed at the terminal end of the fill tube to prevent freezing of the check valve after filling. The emissions treatment substance may be moved out of the co-located portion of the fill tube to an area where passive or active heating of the fill tube may be applied.

Abstract: A sterile filling machine and related method are provided for sterile filling a container with a substance. The container includes a heat resealable stopper and a chamber for receiving the substance therein. The sealed, empty containers are subjected to radiation capable of penetrating through the stopper and chamber for sterilizing the container. The previously sterilized containers are then transported through another sterilizing chamber, such as an e-beam chamber, to sterilize the penetrable surface. A needle is moved into engagement with the stopper to pierce the sterilized penetrable surface of the stopper and inject the substance through the needle and into the chamber of the container. Laser energy is then transmitted onto the penetrated surface of the stopper to fuse the stopper material and hermetically re-seal the stopper.

Abstract: In order to easily and surely remove contaminants or the like from wafers stored in a pod (FOUP), a gas supply pipe is located above an opening portion in a FIMS system. A clean gas is blown to the upper surfaces of the wafers stored in the inner portion of the pod through the gas supply pipe to remove the contaminants or the like from wafers.

Abstract: A drinking water pitcher is provided including an upper reservoir and a lower reservoir, and preferably a filter or filter housing. The upper and lower reservoirs are removably mated with one another. The interface between the upper and lower reservoirs restricts or prevents water flow from the upper reservoir to the lower reservoir unless the reservoirs are properly mated/seated together, such as by a water restriction means in the upper reservoir. In another aspect, a drinking water purification system is provided including a base unit and a drinking water pitcher. The drinking water pitcher includes an upper reservoir, a lower reservoir and preferably a filter or a filter housing. The base unit can include a sanitization means. The upper and lower reservoirs are removably mated with one another, and the upper reservoir can be removably mated with the base unit. A method of purifying water is also described.

Abstract: The present application is directed at a cement slurry collection chute basin that incorporates a leak proof means, no matter what the size or condition of the end of the concrete flop chute. By using a forward angled entry trough with a square large basin area having the attachment hooks in a forward position, the weight is put in the rear and the forward edge of the device is held forward of the end flange and tight against the lower surface of the concrete chute. A screen separates the aggregate from the cement slurry, which flows out a drain orifice in the bottom. An alternate embodiment is constructed from “half-pipe” housing. This alternate embodiment cement slurry collection chute basin will be much more efficient and economical to manufacture because of the “half-pipe” construction and the ease with which it could he welded and fabricated into form.

Abstract: A facility for manufacturing, assembling, and filling a fluid dispenser device comprising a fluid reservoir (10) and a dispensing member (20), such as a pump or a valve, said facility being characterized in that it comprises a manufacturing unit for manufacturing a reservoir, a filling unit for filling said reservoir, and a fixing unit for fixing said dispensing member to said reservoir, said units operating continuously in a controlled atmosphere.

Abstract: A device and method are provided for needle penetrating and filling a chamber with a predetermined substance, and laser resealing a resulting needle hole in the device. A needle penetrable and laser resealable portion of the device is pierceable with a needle to form a needle aperture therethrough to fill the chamber through the needle, and is laser resealable to hermetically seal the needle aperture by applying laser radiation at a predetermined wavelength and power thereto. The needle penetrable and laser resealable portion defines a predetermined wall thickness in an axial direction thereof, and includes a thermoplastic that substantially prevents the formation of particles released into the chamber from the needle penetrable and laser resealable portion during penetration by and withdrawal of the needle.

Abstract: A device defining a chamber for receiving a substance and a thermoplastic portion in fluid communication with the chamber is provided along with a method of filling and sealing the substance within the chamber. The thermoplastic portion defines a penetrable region that is penetrable by a filling member and is heat resealable to hermetically seal an aperture therein by applying laser radiation at a predetermined wavelength and power. The thermoplastic portion comprises a thermoplastic body defining a predetermined wall thickness and includes a styrene block copolymer, an olefin and a predetermined amount of pigment allowing the body to absorb laser radiation at the predetermined wavelength, substantially prevent the passage of radiation through the predetermined wall thickness, and hermetically seal the aperture in the penetrable region in a predetermined time period.

Abstract: Apparatus (20) for filling cartons (22) in a sterile, contaminant-free environment comprises an enclosure (26) which at least partially surrounds a carton filler nozzle (24). A carton opening (32) formed in the bottom of the enclosure (26) is shaped to receive an open-ended carton (22) into a position for filling. Guides (44) machined into interior surfaces of the enclosure (26) guide the motion of the carton (22) into the enclosure (26) for filling. A port formed in the enclosure (26) admits sterile fluid to flush the interior of the enclosure (26). The port and the nozzle (24) are connectible into a cleaning solution circuit with the port providing an outlet for cleaning solution that has entered the enclosure (26) through the nozzle (24). The nozzle (24) and the interior of the enclosure (26) may be cleaned by sealing the enclosure (26) from the ambient atmosphere and then flushing the enclosure (26) with the cleaning solution.

Abstract: Device and method for needle penetrating and filling a chamber with a predetermined substance, and laser resealing a resulting needle hole in the device. A needle penetrable and laser resealable portion is pierceable with a needle to form a needle aperture therethrough to fill the chamber, and is laser resealable to hermetically seal the needle aperture by applying laser radiation. The needle penetrable and laser resealable portion defines a predetermined wall thickness in an axial direction thereof, and includes a thermoplastic that substantially prevents the formation of particles released into the chamber during penetration by and withdrawal of the needle.

Abstract: A vacuum line connected to a robotic device is run into a reactor vessel. The robotic device has a rotating body, a cleaning arm, and stabilizing arms to stabilize the robotic device within the reactor vessel. The robotic device may be controlled/monitored from a remote control station in communication with the robotic device.

Abstract: The transport container serves for transporting sterile products, for example caps or stoppers for pharmaceutical purposes, from a sterilization facility to a downstream facility, for example a filling plant. It has two connecting devices which are arranged opposite one another and one of which is equipped with a rapid transfer port for docking the transport container with the downstream facility and the other is a filling device. The rapid transfer port is equipped with a cover which is provided with an opening device for opening the port cover. In addition, the rapid transfer port is preferably provided with a medium outlet through which cleaning and sterilization media can be discharged when the port cover is opened.

Abstract: Apparatus for introducing a medicament into containers, especially vials, in which the containers are passed through an enclosure and exposed therein to a sterilising electron beam. The containers are then conveyed to a filling station situated outside the enclosure at which a wall part of the container is punctured with a filling needle and medicament introduced into the container via the needle then withdrawing the needle. Preferred apparatus also includes means for heat sealing the puncture site. A corresponding process is disclosed.

Abstract: Equipment for treating open beverage containers (3), e.g. by filling or closing, comprising: a treatment site (1), to which a container (3) can be delivered for treatment, and at which a treatment element (2) is situated that acts upon the mouth (6) of the container (3) from above, and slit nozzles (4), which are situated to the side of the treatment site (1), and discharge clean gas, and which are designed for producing a gas curtain that protects the area of the mouth (6) of the container (3). The invention is characterized in that the slit nozzles (4) are placed in, in essence, oppositely oriented jet directions whereby between the slit nozzles (4), a pressure flow is produced having flow components exiting upward and downward from the area of the slit nozzles (4) perpendicular to the plane of symmetry (S).

Abstract: A SMIF type mini-environment (1) can be connected onto a purge station (2). The purge station comprises a leaktight purge compartment (2b) whose top face includes a closable transfer passage (2c) facing the bottom face (1b) of the mini-environment pod (1). An elevator (4) is suitable for vertically displacing the bottom wall (1b) of the mini-environment pod (1) when coupled thereto, simultaneously moving the stack (3) of substrate wafers carried by the bottom wall (1c) so as to introduce them together into the leaktight purge compartment (2b). The stack (3) of substrate wafers is then purged inside a leaktight purge compartment (2b) of the purge station (2), while simultaneously purging the mini-environment pod (1). This provides purging that is much more effective and much faster, thus encouraging the use of SMIF mini-environment pods in microelectronic processes.

Abstract: Machine for the aseptic treatment of containers (10) in bottling plant, of the rotary type provided with a plurality of stations (9) for treating the containers and so shaped as to cause the treatment of the containers to take place under substantially sterile conditions, is characterised in that it comprises sealing means that separate a non sterile area (11) of the machine from an area (12) maintained under sterile conditions and in which the treated containers (10) transit, said means comprising a fixed annular channel (15) at least partially filled with liquid in which slides a concentric annular element (16) associated with the rotating part (11).

Abstract: A device to prevent the exsiccation of fluid products in a delivery head of a dispensing machine for said fluid products. The device comprises a first element able to generate a flow of air mixed with steam or with at least a solvent, and a second element able to convey the flow towards a zone underneath the delivery nozzles of the delivery head and to create in said zone a determinate atmosphere, different from the atmosphere in the environment where the dispensing machine is to be found during use. The device also comprises detection elements arranged in proximity with the delivery head and able to detect one or more significant parameters of said determinate atmosphere, and a regulation circuit able to regulate one or more characteristics of said flow according to the values detected by the detection elements in order to maintain the significant parameters of the determinate atmosphere within a set of pre-determined values.

Abstract: The subject invention discloses a variety of different maintenance devices for use with a filling valve apparatus. The maintenance devices each include a movable component and a locking mechanism. An actuator of the locking mechanism is coupled to a caming section of the movable component for moving the movable component between a release position with a rim of the movable component spaced from fingers of the locking mechanism and an engaged position with the rim abutting the fingers. The fingers are wedged between the movable component and the filling valve apparatus when the movable component is in the engaged position for securing the device to the filling valve apparatus.

Abstract: A liquid germicide is measured; the measured liquid germicide is injected into hollows of concave articles (1); the more or less of volume of the liquid germicide is discriminated from the injected liquid germicide; only concave articles (1) which each have a proper volume of the liquid germicide attached thereto are stored into a storage (6); thereafter the storage is closed, and the concave articles are left to stand in the closed storage for a prescribed period of time. Since the liquid germicide is injected into the hollow of the concave article (1) after measuring, and the more or less of volume of volume of the solution is discriminated from the injected liquid germicide as described above, it is possible to attach a proper amount of liquid germicide to concave article (1) such as vessel or preform, and hence to accomplish efficient sterilization in the storage (6), without the risk of the defective sterilization.

Abstract: An automatic cleaning apparatus and/or method for periodically cleaning a filling machine during a filling cycle without the need for human interaction to initiate the cleaning process. In some embodiments, a controller automatically initiates a cleaning sequence at predetermined intervals. The predetermined intervals can be a time interval, such as every thirty minutes for example, or based upon filling characteristics, such as after a predetermined number of containers are filled or a predetermined amount of product has flowed through the filling machine. In some embodiments, the controller performs many operations during the cleaning process. For example, the controller can prevent containers from entering the filling machine and control the operation of a cleaning manifold. Upon completion of the cleaning operation, the controller waits a predetermined period while filing operations commence before automatically initiating the next cleaning operation.

Abstract: A container for use in a processing chamber to lessen the amount of contaminant particles found within the chamber after processing. The container fits closely within the chamber and includes ports for a gas conduit and a vacuum conduit. The container may be locked to the chamber through a locking mechanism and a recess in the container. The container may be guided into the chamber with a plurality of chamfers. The container may be used in inductively coupled plasma chambers, electron cyclotron resonance chambers, and chambers capable of receiving microwaves.

Abstract: A sterile filling machine and related method are provided for sterile filling a container with a substance. The container includes a heat resealable stopper and a chamber for receiving the substance therein. The sealed, empty containers are subjected to radiation capable of penetrating through the stopper and chamber for sterilizing the container. The previously sterilized containers are then transported through an e-beam chamber, wherein an electron beam is directed onto a penetrable surface of the stopper to sterilize the penetrable surface. A needle is mounted within the e-beam chamber and moved into engagement with the stopper to pierce the sterilized penetrable surface of the stopper and inject the substance through the needle and into the chamber of the container. The needle is then withdrawn from the stopper and the filled container is transported outside of the e-beam chamber.

Abstract: The present invention is related to an apparatus and method for irradiating a product package, comprising a radiation source directing a radiation beam along a beam direction towards said product package, conveying means for transporting said product package past said radiation source along a transport path, and reflecting means located on at least one side of the plane formed by said beam direction and said transport path. By adjusting the distance and angle of the reflecting means to the conveyor and beam, and improved dose uniformity ratio is obtained.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for prevention of corrosion with the cooling system of an internal combustion engine is disclosed. The apparatus includes a pressurized inert gas source and a fluid delivery system whereby the gas is dispersed within the cooling system to expel corrosion inducing fluids such as oxygen and water vapor. Methods of use are also disclosed.

Abstract: A resealable cap (110, 210) for a medicament vial (114, 214) has a base portion (112, 212) formed of vulcanized rubber or like material known for providing a stable environment for the medicament contained within the vial, and a resealable portion (126, 226) overlying the base portion. The resealable portion (126, 226) is made of low-density polyethylene or like material, and can be punctured by a needle or like injection member (140, 282) for dispensing medicament into the vial (114, 214). Prior to filling, the cap (110, 210) is assembled to the vial (114, 214) and the cap/vial assembly is sterilized. Then, a needle (140, 282) is inserted through the cap (110, 210) and medicament is introduced through the needle and into the vial. Upon withdrawal of the needle (140, 282), the penetrated region of the cap (248) is fused by laser (276) or direct heat sealing (264) to hermetically seal the needle hole (294) in the cap.

Abstract: Installation for filling aerosol receptacles comprising a filling station for aerosol receptacles, having a frame, a cylinder whose lower portion is adapted to come into engagement with the valve of an aerosol receptacle. The cylinder is mounted removably on the frame of the filling station, in a position located above the position for receiving the aerosol receptacle, by a jack driving a piston with recipricatory movement in the cylinder to cause liquid contained in the cylinder to pass through the valve in engagement with the cylinder. The filling station extends above a washing and drying station having at least one reservoir of washing fluid provided in its upper portion, extending above the maximum level of the fluid in the reservoir, with elements for suspending the cylinder so as to ensure draining.

Abstract: An improved method and apparatus for a liquid filling system is herein disclosed incorporating means for generating greater overall production rate efficiencies (i.e. number of filled containers per minute per filling station) for automatic systems utilizing diverter valve and/or walking beam (i.e. continuous-motion) filling technologies with, for example, non-traditional ratios between the number of filling stations and the number of filling nozzles. The methods/apparatus disclosed herein also incorporate means to more efficiently changeover and clean up, in either a clean-in-place (CIP) or clean-out-of-place (COP) configuration, the product contact parts that become “dirty” when used in a production environment. Finally, an improved method and apparatus designed to provide a means for priming and air purging the product contact path of liquid filling machinery, a fill volume calibration procedure, and a fill weight verification cycle is also herein described.

Abstract: A sterile filling machine and related method are provided for sterile filling a container with a substance. The container includes a heat resealable stopper and a chamber for receiving the substance therein. The sealed, empty containers are subjected to radiation capable of penetrating through the stopper and chamber for sterilizing the container. The previously sterilized containers are then transported through an e-beam chamber, wherein an electron beam is directed onto a penetrable surface of the stopper to sterilize the penetrable surface. A needle is mounted within the e-beam chamber and moved into engagement with the stopper to pierce the sterilized penetrable surface of the stopper and inject the substance through the needle and into the chamber of the container. The needle is then withdrawn from the stopper and the filled container is transported outside of the e-beam chamber.

Abstract: A beverage bottling plant for filling bottles with a liquid beverage filling material, and an easily cleaned lifting device in a beverage bottling plant. The abstract of the disclosure is submitted herewith as required by 37 C.F.R. §1.72(b). As stated in 37 C.F.R. §1.72(b): A brief abstract of the technical disclosure in the specification must commence on a separate sheet, preferably following the claims, under the heading “Abstract of the Disclosure.” The purpose of the abstract is to enable the Patent and Trademark Office and the public generally to determine quickly from a cursory inspection the nature and gist of the technical disclosure. The abstract shall not be used for interpreting the scope of the claims. Therefore, any statements made relating to the abstract are not intended to limit the claims in any manner and should not be interpreted as limiting the claims in any manner.

Abstract: A front opening unified pod (FOUP) used for temporarily and portably storing semiconductor wafers between processing steps includes a manifold for uniformly distributing a purge gas in the FOUP during a purging process between wafer processing steps. The manifold can be a variety of shapes, and can be located in a number of appropriate locations within the FOUP. The manifold generally extends the full height of the FOUP and includes a plurality of openings configured to direct a flow of purge gas above and below each wafer held by the FOUP.

Abstract: A hydraulic drive system that does not cause a decrease in efficiency of actuators, does not hinder an optimal action of devices such as flow adjustment valves, and does not cause any corrosion of water acting as an operating fluid. The system uses water as an operating fluid. The system includes a hydraulic generation apparatus 40 including, a main tank 41, a return path 52, an accessory tank 54, and a water disposal apparatus 56 disposed in a path 57. The operating fluid from structuring devices of the processing apparatuses 10, 20 and 30 flows through the return path 52. The operating fluid flows from the accessory tank 54 to the main tank 41 through the path 57 and the water disposal apparatus 56.

Abstract: A liquid-dispensing nozzle has a system for blowing air for a period of time through the nozzle's spout after the liquid valve closes. The flow of air purges and expels most of the liquid adhering to the interior surface of the spout, preventing this residual liquid from contaminating either the ground on which it may fall when the spout is withdrawn from a filler pipe or the air through evaporation. The invention applies particularly well to dispensing of liquid fuels such as gasoline.

Abstract: A method for filling a container involves supplying a barrier layer to the inside of a container and irradiating the inside with a high energy ray to form a barrier layer on the inner surface of the container and simultaneously sterilizing the inside and discharging a residual barrier material precursor gas and a by-product gas from the container before or during the filling of liquid food into the container. The method allows the formation of a continuous barrier layer covering edges, gloves, clearances and gaps inside the container. Automatic and effective discharge of a residual barrier material precursor gas and a by-product gas from the container through the filling of liquid food is allowed. The method avoids the necessity of chemical disinfectants through sterilization of the inside of a container by irradiation with a high energy ray and thereafter filling a liquid food in an aseptic state.

Abstract: An object is to provide a liquid-removing apparatus capable of sufficiently removing liquid adhering to packaging material (11). The liquid-removing apparatus includes a packaging material (11) having a projection formed at a predetermined position; first and second squeeze rollers (23, 33) which form a squeeze portion (P1) for removing liquid adhering to the packaging material (11); and an elastic body. The second squeeze roller (33) has main roller portions (53, 54) and a retractable roller portion (55) which retracts when the projection reaches the squeeze portion (P1). The elastic body urges a tubular sleeve (64) provided on the retractable roller portion (55) toward the packaging material (11). When the projection reaches the squeeze portion (P1) during transportation of the packaging material (11), the sleeve (64) is pushed by the projection and thereby decentered, so that the retractable roller portion (55) is retracted.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a connector assembly (3) for connection to a container (1) for sterilising goods, preferably for pharmaceutical applications, and a releasable connector port (5) for releasably connecting said connector assembly (3) to a treatment station (1) for the goods that is contained in said container (1). Said connector assembly (3) further includes a second port that initially is provided with a detachable rapid transfer port cap (4), which cap (4) corresponds to a rapid transfer port means (15) that is provided at a goods transfer station (12). The connector port (5) and the rapid transfer port cap (4) are in fluid connection via a good stopper means (7). The invention also relates to a multi-treatment sterilising system and to a method for transferring sterilised goods from a multi-purpose container using a system according to the invention.

Abstract: A rotary processing machine for beverage containers (1), including a carousel (7, 8) that revolves about a vertical axis (5) and is fitted with peripherally spaced processing sites (12) receiving the containers. The processing sites are configured in a sealed space that may be charged with a special atmosphere. The stationary surfaces (14, 15, 16) of the space are traversed by entry and exit conveyor elements (19, 22). The space assumes the shape of an annular tunnel (7, 8, 14, 15, 16) surrounding the carousel (7, 8) and is enclosed, on one hand, by the closed carousel surfaces (7, 8) and, on the other hand, by the stationary surfaces (14, 15, 16). The carousel surfaces and stationary surfaces subtending the tunnel seal each other off by two seals (17, 18) concentric with the axis (5).

Abstract: A fluid supplying system for LCD manufacturing equipment and a wet processing bath therefor are provided. The fluid supplying system includes a bath united with storage tank in which a fluid collection bath is united with a fluid storage tank. The storage tank having a small size is individually provided to each bath. Further, the body of the wet processing bath is made of a durable material with a chemical resistive material coated thereon. Therefore, the wet processing unit can be widely used regardless of the different types of chemical fluid.

Abstract: A resealable cap for a medicament vial has a base portion formed of vulcanized rubber or like material known for providing a stable environment for the medicament contained within the vial, and a resealable portion overlying the base portion. The resealable portion is made of low-density polyethylene or like material, and can be punctured by a needle or like injection member for dispensing medicament into the vial. Prior to filling, the cap is assembled to the vial and the cap/vial assembly is sterilized. Then, a needle is inserted through the cap and medicament is introduced through the needle and into the vial. Upon withdrawal of the needle, the penetrated region of the cap is fused by laser or direct heat sealing to hermetically seal the needle hole in the cap.

Abstract: A filling apparatus may include a conveyor for transporting the vials in an aseptic zone and a vial filler including a dispenser, for example, a filling needle, connected to a fluid supply. The vial filler may be disposed in the aseptic zone. The apparatus may also comprise a drive disposed in a non-aseptic zone, operatively connected to the vial filler, and configured to move the dispenser into and out of filling engagement with the vials being transported. The vial filler may further include a valve, for example, a pinch valve, disposed in the aseptic zone proximate the dispenser and movable with the dispenser for controlling the fluid flow through the dispenser.

Abstract: Described is an apparatus for simultaneously sterilizing a large number of packs (1) by means of a gas mixture containing hydrogen peroxide and a carrier gas. The apparatus comprises: supply lines (4) for the carrier gas and for hydrogen peroxide (5), a device (21) for evaporating hydrogen peroxide by heat and mixing it into the carrier gas, supply lines (4, 5) and a substantially horizontally extending distributor line (6, 22) and nozzles (3) which are arranged above the respective pack (1) and are connected to the distributor line (6, 22).

Abstract: A transfer port apparatus (10) is provided to enable a worker to transfer one or more objects through a sealed passageway provided in the apparatus (10) from one sealed chamber into another sealed chamber. Transfer port apparatus (10) is adapted to be coupled to a movable canister (12) and a stationary isolator (16). Expandable airtight seals (72, 120) are deflated, doors (30, 40) are removed and an object (20) is transferred into the airtight clean working environment established in the isolator (16) through the sealed passageway established in transfer port apparatus (10) following coupling of canister (12) to isolator (16) using transfer port apparatus (10). After the object (20) is moved, doors (30, 40) are replaced and expandable airtight seals (72, 120) are inflated creating a substantially airtight seal. Movable canister (12) can be uncoupled from the transfer port apparatus (10).

Abstract: A system is disclosed for the manufacture and use of a composite reinforced gas transport module (“GTM”). A metal shell of the system is wrapped circumferentially with a composite reinforcement, the composite reinforcement is post cured and the metal shell is then pressurized beyond the yield point of its material to load the composite reinforcement. The system is then brought to ambient temperature. The expansion deformation of the metal shell due to pressurization beyond the yield point results in a loading of the metal shell by the cured composite reinforcement at ambient temperature. Thus, a negative hoop stress condition is created in the metal shell at ambient to reduce the hoop stresses created during subsequent pressured operation.

Abstract: A container for use in a processing chamber to lessen the amount of contaminant particles found within the chamber after processing. The container fits closely within the chamber and includes ports for a gas conduit and a vacuum conduit. The container may be locked to the chamber through a locking mechanism and a recess in the container. The container may be guided into the chamber with a plurality of chamfers. The container may be used in inductively coupled plasma chambers, electron cyclotron resonance chambers, and chambers capable of receiving microwaves.