Abstract: A selectively sealable evacuable storage bag comprises a first side comprising a flexible waterproof bag material having a peripheral shape, a thickness, an inner surface and an outer surface; an opposed second side of the bag material comprising a mirror image of the first side in corresponding engagement with the first side; a waterproof weld joining the first side to the second side and defining an opening and a storage chamber extending between them, the opening configured to receive an article; a valve disposed on the first side or the second side, the valve disposed in a conduit attached to respective side and extending from a conduit opening to an outlet opening; and a selectively openable and closable seal disposed proximate the opening and providing a watertight, dust tight, and airtight seal in a closed condition, wherein in the closed condition the storage chamber is evacuable.

Abstract: There is provided a technique that includes: a first processing module including a first process container in which at least one substrate is processed, a first utility system including a first supply system which supplies a first processing gas into the first process container and a surface of the first utility system is connected or arranged close to the first processing module; and a first vacuum pump arranged at the same level as a first exhaust port of the first process container. The first vacuum pump exhausts an inside of the first process container and includes a first intake port formed laterally at a position substantially facing the first exhaust port of the first process container. A first exhaust pipe configured to substantially linearly bring the first exhaust port into fluid communication with the first intake port and including a first valve installed in a flow path.

Abstract: Provided is disclosure for embodiments providing delivery of chemicals for conditioning a brush offline, where the brush is not coupled to a machine that makes use of the brush to clean a surface of an object.

Abstract: The present invention includes a spray drying disposable device for use in a spray drying system. The disposable has a spray drying head and a plasma drying chamber. The head has a spray dry nozzle assembly in fluid communication with the plasma source and the pressurized aerosol gas source. The pressurized gas flows in a vortex pattern that atomizes plasma droplets in the chamber. The head also includes a plenum has uniform air pressure of the drying gas. A baffle plate forms the floor of the plenum having drying gas jets that supply drying gas to the chamber. The atomized plasma droplets evaporate in the presence of the drying gas emitted from the jets to obtain dried plasma particles and humid air. A capture filter captures the dried plasma particles and allows the humid air to pass. The humid air passes through the gas outlet and the exhaust port.

Abstract: There is provided a system (1) including a monitoring unit (50) that analyzes, using a sensor (51), components of a first gas which may include first components and a pre-separation unit (30) disposed upstream of the monitoring unit. The pre-separation unit includes a first supply line (31) that supplies the first gas (35) to the monitoring unit; a second supply line (32) that supplies a second gas (36), which includes components obtained by removing the first components from the first gas using a first separator (40), to the monitoring unit; and an automatic valve station (38) that periodically switches between the first supply line and the second supply line to alternately supply the first gas and the second gas to the monitoring unit.

Abstract: A safety system, under the control of an operator, used for venting toxic or hazardous gas and vapors from a work space. The safety system includes a control system, programmed by a computer, a control panel, a human machine interface (HMI), a gas detector, and an alarm. The HMI is adapted for use by the operator and for operating the safety system. The safety system includes a mechanical solvent, or gas (CO2) based, chemical extraction system, used for extracting oils from oil-bearing plants. The extraction system, comprising a solvent recovery system, is attached to and under the control of the control system. The safety system includes a ventilation system attached to, and under the control of, the control system. The ventilation system is used for venting the gas and vapors from the work space.

Abstract: Transfer ports for confinement gloveboxes may include a flange sized and shaped to be secured within an opening in a wall of a glovebox. A sleeve may be secured to the flange and define a passage through the flange. A first cap may be removably secured to the sleeve on a first side of the flange and obstruct the passage on the first side. A second cap may be removably secured to the sleeve on a second, opposite side of the flange and obstruct the passage on the second side.

Abstract: A method of preparing a pharmaceutical product in a single multiple chamber flexible bag. A pharmaceutical product is introduced in a liquid state into a first chamber of the flexible bag through a first port. The pharmaceutical product is lyophilized within the first chamber of the flexible bag to provide a lyophilized pharmaceutical product. The flexible bag has a second chamber and the first chamber and the second chamber are separated by a breakable seal. The second chamber further includes a reconstituting solution for reconstituting the lyophilized pharmaceutical product in the first chamber. A user may apply pressure to the flexible bag to break the seal and mix the lyophilized pharmaceutical product and the reconstituting solution to order to administer the pharmaceutical product to a patient.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides a method for cleaning a vacuum system used in the manufacture of OLED devices. The method includes performing pre-cleaning for cleaning at least a portion of the vacuum system, and performing plasma cleaning using a remote plasma source.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for a low pressure laundry treating appliance having a cabinet defining an interior, and a drum provided within the interior, the drum including at least an inner wall and an outer wall. Pressure differentiations and flash evaporation can enable drying without excess use of conventional heating methods.

Abstract: Provided is a loading tray assembly for housing a lyophilization container and a related system and method. The loading tray assembly includes a chassis including a contact void configured to facilitate direct contact between the attached lyophilization container and a lyophilizer shelf. The method includes securing a multi-part lyophilization container including a peelable seal on a lyophilization loading tray assembly, inputting a liquid into a non-breathable section of the lyophilization container, loading the tray assembly into a lyophilizer, freezing the liquid, applying heat energy and a vacuum, the vacuum causing an opening of the peelable seal and occluding the lyophilization container to isolate the frozen liquid.

Abstract: Disclosed herein, in certain embodiments, are vacuum-based systems, products, devices, and methods for de-odorizing, disinfecting, or cleaning articles such as clothing, shoes, toys, or dishes. A system or device can comprise a vacuum chamber comprising an housing defining an internal space having an internal pressure and an opening; a vacuum lid adapted to engage with the opening of the vacuum chamber; and a vacuum source connected to the vacuum chamber, wherein operation of the vacuum source reduces the internal pressure of the internal space of the vacuum chamber, wherein the lower internal pressure enhances the vaporization and removal of odors located on one or more articles disposed within the vacuum chamber.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for lyophilization, the apparatus includes a block made from a conductive material. The block has multiple wells dimensioned to receive containers wherein the depth of the wells is proportional to the length of the containers. A silicone pad covers the well and can secure the containers in the well. A metal plate can secure the silicone pad by fastening it to the block. The silicone plate and the metal plate can have vents to allow vapors from the containers to escape. The apparatus can be turned up to 90 degrees resulting in the turning of the containers from an upright position to a horizontal position. The container can be a syringe.

Abstract: A material drying system provides for consistent and efficient drying of organic materials, such as cannabis. In certain embodiments, a partial vacuum drying system is used to dry the materials and includes a container, a heating system, a depressurization system, and a control system. Air in the container is heated to within a range of temperatures and a low vacuum is applied to assist with evaporation. In addition, the volume flow rate of air pulled out of the container is monitored and maintained at a predetermined rate, which pulls moisture away from the materials so as to prevent degradation of the materials during the drying process while also reducing drying time. A relatively high air volume flow rate is maintained at low pressure by adjusting the area of an opening in the chamber.

Abstract: A method of preparing a pharmaceutical product in a single multiple chamber flexible bag. A pharmaceutical product is introduced in a liquid state into a first chamber of the flexible bag through a first port. The pharmaceutical product is lyophilized within the first chamber of the flexible bag to provide a lyophilized pharmaceutical product. The flexible bag has a second chamber and the first chamber and the second chamber are separated by a breakable seal. The second chamber further includes a reconstituting solution for reconstituting the lyophilized pharmaceutical product in the first chamber. A user may apply pressure to the flexible bag to break the seal and mix the lyophilized pharmaceutical product and the reconstituting solution to order to administer the pharmaceutical product to a patient.

Abstract: Gas distribution apparatus, processing chambers and methods using a dead volume-free valve are described. The valve has a first inlet line with upstream and downstream ends and a second inlet line with a downstream end that connects to the first inlet line. A sealing surface at the downstream end of the second inlet line separates the first inlet line from the second inlet line preventing fluid communication between the first inlet line and the second inlet line.

Abstract: The invention relates to a freeze-drying system for drying products containing liquid and to a method for operating a freeze-drying system, said freeze-drying system having a vacuum chamber, in which at least one holding device for holding the products containing liquid is inserted, a coolable condenser being provided, on which liquid drawn from the product in a drying phase can be condensed from a vapor phase. According to the invention, at least one sound generator is arranged on the holding device, by means of which sound generator sound can be applied to the product during the drying phase.

Abstract: An improved stabilization buffer for use in the lyophilization of Neospora and other protozoans is disclosed. Also disclosed is an improved lyophilization method, which includes controlling ice nucleation during the freezing step.

Abstract: The invention relates to containers for the drying, especially the freeze-drying, of material. In particular, the invention relates to a lid of a drying container, said lid enabling to close the container body of the drying container so as to avoid i) contamination of the material to be dried inside the container and ii) spills of airborne solid particles of said material from the container to the environment. The lid comprises a lower and an upper frame with a vapor permeable sheet positioned in between. The invention further provides methods for the drying, especially the freeze-drying, of material.

Abstract: In a system and method for controlling a freeze drying process, a diagnostics server (718) is connected for receiving time series data from a freeze drying system (710, 711). The diagnostics server uses a tuned freeze drying system mathematical model to analyze the time series data to predict a system event, and alter the freeze drying process. An analytics server (730) is connected for secure communication with the diagnostics server, and creates and tunes the freeze drying system mathematical model. An equipment provider service and diagnostic cloud (735) may apply learning algorithms to the time series data to enhance diagnostic tools and provide predictive maintenance and diagnostic services to the operator of the first production sites using the diagnostic tools.

Abstract: The disclosure in some aspects relates to systems and related methods for the continuous freeze-drying of materials (e.g., pharmaceuticals) with high speed and control.

Abstract: Freeze-drying methods and systems include performing a constant-pressure drying phase in a chamber, where a temperature of a heating tray increases. A constant-temperature drying phase is performed in the chamber, where a pressure in the chamber decreases. Additional phases alternate between constant-pressure drying phases and constant-temperature drying phases. The alternating drying phases are halted, responsive to a determination that the temperature of the heating tray has reached a maximum temperature.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are embodiments of an energy recovery system for a freeze-drying system. In some embodiments, the freeze-drying system includes a freeze dryer chamber having one or more shelves disposed therein; a refrigeration system comprising a refrigerant condenser; a heat exchanger; a first fluid line to thermally couple the refrigerant condenser to the heat exchanger; and a second fluid line to thermally couple the one or more shelves to the heat exchanger.

Abstract: Embodiments of methods, systems, and apparatuses for lyophilizing, storing, and transfusing materials are described. In embodiments, the materials may include whole blood or a component of whole blood such as plasma.

Abstract: A carrier for supporting containers such as syringes or cartridges in a lyophilization chamber during lyophilization of substances contained therein, comprises a base assembly with an array of holes for receiving the containers. Each hole includes a heat-conductive metal portion for engagement with lower parts of the container held therein and a relatively non-conductive polymeric portion surrounding a portion of the container above the lower portion for enhancing the vertical growth of relatively large ice crystals. An upper part of the carrier supported above the base assembly includes a plunger-holding plate for frictionally holding elastomeric plungers and a pusher plate movable toward the plunger-holding plate and having protrusions for pushing the plungers out of the plunger-holding plate and into the containers before the containers are removed from the chamber.

Abstract: The invention relates to a freeze dryer and a method for inducing controlled nucleation in liquid products.

Abstract: A concentrated fruit juice powder obtained by a convection current vacuum freeze drying process that includes: selecting and preparing fruits by predetermined quality guideline; extracting fruit juice by inserting the fruits into a screw press juicing apparatus having a precutter and a screw press whose body surface varies non-linearly, which is configured to achieve a maximum extraction efficiency; adding probiotics into the extracted fruit juice; freezing the fruit juice mixed with the probiotics in molds using an individual quick freezer (IQF) to obtain frozen fruit juice blocks; and vacuum freezing the frozen fruit juice blocks using a convection current vacuum freeze drying apparatus.

Abstract: A partial pressure detector and methods of detecting a partial pressure are provided, in which a thermal conductivity gauge, such as a Pirani gauge, is configured to sense a pressure of a mixture of gases within a vacuum chamber. An input of the partial pressure detector is configured to receive a total pressure reading from a species-independent pressure sensor of the mixture of gases in the vacuum chamber, and a controller configured to provide an output representing an amount of a species of gas in the vacuum chamber as a function of the pressure as sensed by the thermal conductivity gauge and the received total pressure reading. The controller has a resolution, and a range of the resolution is scaled to a range of expected partial pressures of the species. The output can be a partial pressure or a weighted partial pressure of the gas species.

Abstract: A device for drying organic substances under vacuum and altered temperature conditions, e.g. to extract particulates from the substance without significant damage to the substance. The device can contain a hollow vacuum oven to dry the organic substance. The substance is placed on the shelves in the vacuum chamber and the heaters below the shelves maintain the temperature uniformity to evenly heat the substance on the shelf. A vacuum feedthrough is connected on one side of the shelf for desired flow of the substance and the shelves themselves can be tilted for even drying. The vacuum pump, which can be used in high vacuum mode or gas flow mode then removes the particulates that evaporated from the substance and the condenser collects and condenses the unwanted or wanted particulates.

Abstract: A rotary vacuum drum drying system is described. The system may include a plurality of sensors and a control system operatively coupled with the plurality of sensors. The control system includes a processing device to receive, from the plurality of sensors, a plurality of parameters of the rotary vacuum drum drying system and transmit, to a client device, the plurality of parameters of the rotary vacuum drum drying system. The processing device is further to receive, from the client device, a message comprising an adjustment one or more parameters of the plurality of parameters and adjust the one or more parameters of the plurality of parameters based on the received message.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for dehydrating biological materials, such as vaccines and microorganism cultures, in which the materials are dehydrated in an evacuated container which is in a microwave waveguide that is open to the atmosphere. The apparatus comprises means for freezing the container of biological material, a microwave generator, a waveguide, means for introducing the container into the waveguide, means for applying a vacuum to the container and means for removing the dehydrated material from the waveguide. In the method of the invention, the container of biological material is put in a microwave waveguide open to the atmosphere, a vacuum is applied to the container, the material is frozen and is radiated to dehydrate it. The dehydrated material is then removed from the waveguide.

Abstract: A method for lyophilizing a substance is provided which may include placing at least one vial containing the substance in a lyophilization chamber, the at least one vial having an opening in which a stopper is inserted in a closed state not allowing gas exchange between the interior and exterior of the vial; providing mechanical means external to the stopper and arranged at the opening for restricting an upward movement of the stopper; lowering the temperature within the lyophilization chamber to a predefined value below the freezing temperature of the substance and reducing the pressure within the lyophilization chamber to a predefined pressure at a predefined temperature, the predefined pressure being chosen such that the force exerted by it on the stopper lifts the stopper from the closed state to an exchange state in which the stopper is only partly inserted in the opening of the vial allowing gas exchange between the interior and exterior of the vial, wherein the lowering of the temperature within the ly

Abstract: In one general aspect, a method for filling multiple containers with a pharmaceutical product is disclosed, which comprises decontaminating sealed nested materials in a transfer chamber, removing from the sealed nested materials one or both of a container nest holding the multiple containers and a closure nest holding multiple closures, transferring from the transfer chamber to a controlled environment enclosure the removed nest, aseptically filling the containers with the pharmaceutical product, and closing the containers with the multiple closures. The nests are configured to allow multiple closures and containers to be simultaneously aligned concentrically, and closed simultaneously. Spring-loaded retaining structures on the closure nest allow it to releasably retain multiple closures above the corresponding multiple containers. In some embodiments the spring-loaded features are monolithically integrated with the closure nest.

Abstract: Disclosed herein, in certain embodiments, are vacuum-based systems, products, devices, and methods for de-odorizing, disinfecting, or cleaning articles such as clothing, shoes, toys, or dishes. A system or device can comprise a vacuum chamber comprising an housing defining an internal space having an internal pressure and an opening; a vacuum lid adapted to engage with the opening of the vacuum chamber; and a vacuum source connected to the vacuum chamber, wherein operation of the vacuum source reduces the internal pressure of the internal space of the vacuum chamber, wherein the lower internal pressure enhances the vaporization and removal of odors located on one or more articles disposed within the vacuum chamber.

Abstract: A concentrated sugarcane juice powder obtained by a convection current vacuum freeze drying process that includes: selecting and preparing sugarcane stalks by a predetermined quality guideline; extracting sugarcane juice by inserting the sugarcane stalks into a sugarcane juice extracting apparatus having a mesh pattern of micro ridges configured to achieve a maximum extraction efficiency; adding probiotics into the extracted sugarcane juice; freezing the sugarcane juice mixed with the probiotics in molds using an individual quick freezer (IQF) to obtain frozen sugarcane juice blocks; and vacuum freezing said frozen sugarcane juice blocks using a convection current vacuum freeze drying apparatus.

Abstract: Embodiments of methods, systems, and apparatuses for lyophilizing, storing, and transfusing materials are described. In embodiments, the materials may include whole blood or a component of whole blood such as plasma.

Abstract: A process line for the production of freeze-dried particles under closed conditions is provided, the process line comprising a freeze-dryer (100) for the bulkware production of freeze-dried particles under closed conditions, the freeze-dryer (100) comprising a rotary drum (104, 302) for receiving the frozen particles, and a stationary vacuum chamber (102) housing the rotary drum (104, 302), wherein for the production of the particles under closed conditions the vacuum chamber (102) is adapted for closed operation during processing of the particles. The drum (104, 302) is in open communication with the vacuum chamber (102) and at least one transfer section (106, 108) is provided for a product transfer between a separate device of the process line and the freeze-dryer (100), the freeze-dryer (100) and the transfer section (106, 108) being separately adapted for closed operation, wherein the transfer section (106, 108) comprises a temperature-controllable inner wall surface.

Abstract: A freeze-drying system includes a vented cart for operation in a pressure-controlled chamber, and a plurality of heated shelves disposed in the vented cart. Each heated shelf includes a planar sheet made from a thermally conductive material. The planar sheet is folded to provide a top portion configured to conduct heat to a tray resting on the top portion, a bottom portion disposed opposite the top portion, and a folded leading edge. A heating element is secured between the top portion and the bottom portion so as to be disposed in thermally conductive contact with either the top portion or the bottom portion. The top portion is configured to conduct heat to a tray resting on the top portion. The leading folded edge permits food items to slide out of the freeze-drying system, even though pressing along the bottom portion of the heated shelf, without catching on the food.

Abstract: A heating device (124) for heating particles to be freeze-dried in a rotary drum (102) of a freeze-dryer (100) is provided, the device comprising at least one radiation emitter (202) for applying radiation heat to the particles, and a tube-shaped separator (204) for separating the particles from the at least one emitter (202). The separator (202) being integrally closed at one end and separating an emitter volume (206) encompassing the at least one emitter (202) from a drum process volume (126) inside the drum (102), wherein the heating device (124) protrudes into the drum process volume (126) such that said integrally closed end of the separator (204) is arranged inside the drum (102) as a free end.

Abstract: An automatic vacuum drying device comprises a drying oven, a heating device used to heat the drying oven, a vacuum extraction device used to evacuate the drying oven, a nitrogen input device used to input nitrogen into the drying oven, and a transporting device located inside the drying oven and used to transport materials, two first openings are located at two opposite sides of the drying oven, an automatic sealing door is mounted on at least one of the first openings, the automatic sealing door includes a first door plank and a second door plank parallel to the first door plank, an elevator structure is located between the first door plank and the second door plank, the elevator structure is used to lift the first door plank and the second door plank.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are embodiments of an energy recovery system for a freeze-drying system. In some embodiments, the freeze-drying system includes a freeze dryer chamber having one or more shelves disposed therein; a refrigeration system comprising a refrigerant condenser; a heat exchanger; a first fluid line to thermally couple the refrigerant condenser to the heat exchanger; and a second fluid line to thermally couple the one or more shelves to the heat exchanger.

Abstract: A process line (300) for the production of freeze-dried particles under closed conditions is provided, the process line comprising at least the following separate devices: a spray chamber (302) for droplet generation and freeze congealing of the liquid droplets to form particles, and a bulk freeze-dryer (304) for freeze drying the particles, wherein a transfer section (308) is provided for a product transfer from the spray chamber (302) to the freeze-dryer (304), for the production of the particles under end-to-end closed conditions each of the devices (302, 304) and of the transfer section (308) is separately adapted for closed operation, and the spray chamber (302) is adapted for separation of the liquid droplets from any cooling circuit.

Abstract: For providing inline sterile freeze drying of a product containing solid matter and a solvent, such as water, in a plurality of trays accommodated in at least one trolley, a system comprises a filling station having an inlet end and an outlet end, or a docking station, a freeze storage, a freeze dryer unit, an emptying station having an inlet end and an outlet end, or a docking station, a plurality of trays adapted to be accommodated in at least one trolley. A cleaning and sterilizing unit is provided between the outlet end of the emptying station and the inlet end of the filling station.

Abstract: Methods and apparatuses for drying electronic devices are disclosed. Embodiments include methods and apparatuses that heat and decrease pressure within the electronic device. Some embodiments increase and decrease pressure while adding heat energy, such as by using a heated platen in contact with the electronic device or by supplying a gas (e.g., air), which may be heated, into the interior of the electronic device. Embodiments include heating the gas supplied into the interior of the electronic device with pump used to decrease pressure within the electronic device and/or a separate heater. Still other embodiments include controlling the temperature of the gas supplied into the electronic device. Still further embodiments automatically control, such as by using an electronic processor, some or all aspects of the drying of the electronic device.

Abstract: A device for controlling the temperature of products to be frozen during a freeze drying process includes a plurality of Peltier elements and at least one magazine including different areas for accommodating products to be frozen. The Peltier elements are separably controllable such that the different areas of the magazine are maintainable at different temperatures during a freeze drying process.

Abstract: This application discloses devices, articles, and methods useful for producing lyophilized cakes of solutes. The devices and articles provide for a method of freezing liquid solutions of the solute by the top and the bottom of the solution simultaneously and at approximately the same rate. The as frozen solution can then provide a lyophilized cake of the solutes with large and uniform pores.

Abstract: The invention relates to processes for preparing a synthetic foam having present therein particles with a controlled particle distribution and the use of said foam, as well as to foams as such. Accordingly the invention is directed to a process for preparing a synthetic foam having present therein particles, wherein the distribution of said particles is controlled by the following steps of dissolving at least one synthetic polymer in one or more solvents to form a solution; contacting particles with said solution to form a polymer/particles mixture; and freeze-drying the polymer/particles mixture by: freezing the polymer/particles mixture; and subsequently subliming the one or more solvents to form a synthetic foam comprising said particles.

Abstract: A rotary drum (302) for use within a vacuum chamber (212) in a vacuum freeze-dryer (204) for the bulkware production of freeze-dried particles is provided. The drum (302) is in open communication with the vacuum chamber (212) and comprises a main section (304) terminated by a front plate (306) and a rear plate (308), the rear plate (308) is adapted for connection with a rotary supporting shaft (312) for rotary support of the drum (302), and the rear plate (308) is permeable for sublimation vapor from freeze-drying the particles.

Abstract: Provided are treats having an outer portion and an inner portion which contains a filing. The filling may include ground or diced meat and further includes additional ingredients for health benefits or palatability. The treats are highly palatable to pets and therefore very well-suited to delivery of health ingredients.

Abstract: A dryer includes a sealed drum, a heat pump system, a vacuum device and a steam generating device. The steam generating device connects with the interior of the drum to introduce hot steam into the interior of the drum. The vacuum device connects with the interior of the drum. The heat pump system is arranged external to the drum. Heat generated by the heat pump device is exchanged with the outer surface of the drum through a liquid medium so as to heat the wet clothes in the drum. Simultaneously, damp-hot air mixed with the water vapor in pumped from heating clothes in the drum by the vacuum device and the hot steam pumped into the drum and contacted with clothes are cooled and condensed into water. The water produced by damp-hot air is connected with water provided by the steam generating device.