Vacuum Or Gas Treating Patents (Class 53/432)
  • Patent number: 8266874
    Abstract: The invention relates to a weighing device for a packaging machine. Empty capsules that are still closed are removed from a capsule holder, weighed on a gravimetric scale, placed back into an empty capsule holder, and then taken apart. The device makes it possible to remove empty capsules and replace them at full machine speed, without a loss of any consequence in output. It is possible to use a gravimetric measurement method to carry out a tare weighing of the capsules. An additional weighing device for filled capsules is integrated into a capsule transport device to determine the net weight based on the tare weight and the weight of the full capsules. Such a combination of a gravimetric tare weighing and a gross weighing to statistically determine the net weight is particularly well-suited to an intermediate capsule filling device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 30, 2006
    Date of Patent: September 18, 2012
    Assignee: Robert Bosch GmbH
    Inventors: Werner Runft, Thomas Franck, Torsten Grass
  • Publication number: 20120228165
    Abstract: A vapor hydrated packaged catheter assembly and method of manufacturing and distributing same includes a gas impermeable package housing a catheter within a catheter-receiving cavity. The catheter assembly has a hydrophilic coating applied to at least a portion of the outer surface of a catheter tube or shaft which may be surrounded by a sleeve to provide a no-touch, sure grip feature. The catheter assembly is disposed within the catheter receiving cavity of the package together with a limited amount of a vapor donating liquid provided as a source of vapor to activate the hydrophilic coating. The amount of vapor donating liquid is less than the amount that would otherwise be sufficient to cause a spill hazard. It may be loose liquid as a desired percentage of the volume of a tube-receiving portion of the catheter receiving cavity of the package, or it may be contained in a liquid sequestering element.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 25, 2012
    Publication date: September 13, 2012
    Applicant: HOLLISTER INCORPORATED
    Inventors: Michael Murray, Thomas H. Gilman, Sean Sweeney, Martin P. Creaven
  • Publication number: 20120222986
    Abstract: Systems for recycling waste plastic can include cartridges that are selectively sealable. Some cartridges can have elongated receptacles that improve heat transfer to plastic feedstock within the cartridges.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 11, 2012
    Publication date: September 6, 2012
    Applicant: Agilyx Corporation
    Inventors: Craig W. Garrison, Kevin Clark DeWhitt, Lance Talley
  • Patent number: 8256190
    Abstract: A method for introducing at least one substance into a sealed enclosure holding at least one product. The sealed enclosure having at least one conduit through which one of gas or fluid may flow into or out of the sealed enclosure. Air is evacuated from the sealed enclosure through the at least one conduit to create a predetermined pressure within the sealed enclosure and a predetermined quantity of the at least one substance is injected into the sealed enclosure through the at least one conduit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 31, 2007
    Date of Patent: September 4, 2012
    Assignee: The Bowden Group
    Inventors: Lisa Bowden, R. Craig Bowden, James Nagamine
  • Patent number: 8240112
    Abstract: The evacuation device is configured to remove air from a container via a one-way valve element attached to the container. The evacuation device includes a motor with a rotating shaft that extends along an axis line. The shaft is operably interconnected to a reciprocating element reciprocally movable within a chamber along a direction parallel to the axis line. Reciprocal motion of the reciprocal element draws air into and exhausts air from the chamber. To facilitate the operable interconnection, the evacuation device includes a cam having a cylindrical sidewall mounted to the rotating shaft. Disposed circumferentially into the cylindrical sidewall is a channel. The evacuation device further includes a yoke connected to the reciprocal element and having a follower element received in the channel. Rotation of the cam causes the follower element to move with respect to the channel, thereby converting rotational motion to linear translation. The evacuation device may also include a pressure adjustment feature.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 11, 2007
    Date of Patent: August 14, 2012
    Assignee: The Glad Products Company
    Inventors: Scott Binger, Andrew E. Neltner
  • Publication number: 20120174531
    Abstract: The disclosure relates to a packaging machine and to a method of forming a vacuum package. A first evacuable chamber is used for accommodating therein a product-accommodating section of a package, whereas a second evacuable chamber is used for accommodating therein an opening section of the package. Pressure gauges measure the pressure in both chambers, and a supply air valve serves to supply air into the first chamber. The disclosure is characterized in that the supply air valve is a control valve and is adapted to be controlled in dependence upon the difference between the pressures which prevail in the first and second chambers and which are measured by means of the two pressure gauges. The disclosure also relates to the fact that a gap is provided in a partition between the two chambers and that an adjuster is provided for varying and adjusting the cross-sectional area of said gap.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 16, 2011
    Publication date: July 12, 2012
    Applicant: MULTIVAC SEPP HAGGENMUELLER GMBH & CO. KG
    Inventors: Klaus Rothermel, Christian Schoemig, Herbert Kirmse
  • Patent number: 8205414
    Abstract: An appliance system including a module removably mounted to an appliance, one or more removable gas canisters operably connected to the module, and a food retaining enclosed space operably connected to the module. The one or more gas canisters supply a modified atmosphere in the food retaining enclosed space to produce a modified atmosphere that enhances preservation of the food contained in the food retaining enclosed space.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 15, 2011
    Date of Patent: June 26, 2012
    Assignee: Whirlpool Corporation
    Inventors: Carolina Biotti, Claudio Civanelli, Andrea Olivani, Andrew Michael Tenbarge
  • Publication number: 20120152791
    Abstract: The invention generally relates to the use of liquid nitrogen to displace air, or other water and/or oxygen containing atmospheres, from containers prior to filling with a highly sensitive product. The process in general has two steps: a) depositing a volume of liquid nitrogen into the cavity of an empty container and b) applying a vacuum to the cavity of the container. The vacuum will accelerate vaporization and thereby shorten the liquid nitrogen vaporization time frame. This procedure results in a highly effective one step de-oxygenation and/or de-humidification of the container cavity. Further, the evacuation ensures complete liquid nitrogen vaporization prior to product filling.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 20, 2010
    Publication date: June 21, 2012
    Applicant: AIR LIQUIDE INDUSTRIAL U.S. LP
    Inventors: SUDHIR R. Brahmbhatt, Richard Masi
  • Publication number: 20120144779
    Abstract: An apparatus for shaping and holding a bag in an open condition, and holding the bag in this condition during loading of the bag with a product, includes an inner stationary ring; a plurality of finger assemblies, each finger assembly comprising a finger adapted to press against the interior of the bag mouth, and a force-transferring member to which the finger is operatively connected; an outer rotatable ring, concentric with the inner ring; a push rod operatively connected to each respective finger assembly; and a motive device adapted to cause rotation of the outer ring relative to the inner ring to effect coordinated radial movement of the fingers relative to the interior surface of the bag. A method of shaping and holding a bag in an open condition, and holding the bag in the shaped, open condition during loading of the bag with a product, is also disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 8, 2010
    Publication date: June 14, 2012
    Applicant: SEALED AIR (NEW ZEALAND)
    Inventors: Jacob Brinkman, John Koke
  • Publication number: 20120117919
    Abstract: A novel method for storing a photocatalytic member containing fluorine-containing anatase-type titanium oxide is provided, which is capable of suppressing the decrease in content of fluorine during storage in a photocatalytic member containing fluorine-containing anatase-type titanium oxide. The storage method of the present invention is a method for storing a photocatalytic member containing fluorine-containing anatase-type titanium oxide including storing the photocatalytic member in a surrounding environment with a relative humidity of 30% or less. According to the storage method of the present invention, for example, the elimination of fluorine from the surface of fluorine-containing titanium oxide can be suppressed, and the decrease in content of fluorine during storage in a photocatalytic member can be suppressed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 2, 2009
    Publication date: May 17, 2012
    Applicant: PANASONIC CORPORATION
    Inventors: Kenichi Tokuhiro, Noboru Taniguchi, Tomohiro Kuroha, Shuzo Tokumitsu, Yoshihiro Tsuji, Jun Inagaki, Masashi Nishiguchi
  • Patent number: 8177700
    Abstract: A valve (20) is provided for sealing an evacuation port (16) in a port area (18) of a wall structure (12) of a container. The valve (20) comprises a casing (22) having a shell portion (30) which is deformable from an open condition, whereat the shell portion (30) forms a chamber (32) over the port area (18), and a closed condition, whereat the shell portion (30) contacts the port area (18). When the shell portion (30) is in its open condition, gas exits from the chamber (32) through gas-releasing holes (24) in the casing (22). When the shell portion (30) is deformed to its closed condition, a port-sealing adhesive (26) adheres to the port area (18) to thereby seal the evacuation port (16).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 24, 2011
    Date of Patent: May 15, 2012
    Assignee: Avery Dennison Corporation
    Inventors: Ronald Newrones, Richard L. Sandt, Ronald F. Sieloff
  • Patent number: 8166872
    Abstract: An appliance system including a module removably mounted to an appliance, one or more removable gas canisters operably connected to the module, and a food retaining enclosed space operably connected to the module. The one or more gas canisters supply a modified atmosphere in the food retaining enclosed space to produce a modified atmosphere that enhances preservation of the food contained in the food retaining enclosed space.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 24, 2008
    Date of Patent: May 1, 2012
    Assignee: Whirlpool Corporation
    Inventors: Carolina Biotti, Nihat O. Cur, Douglas David Leclear, John J. Vonderhaar, Michele E. Wilcox
  • Patent number: 8166731
    Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention are directed to various designs and packaging methods for a gas delivery device and materials for supplying one or more predetermined gases to a target area as well as to application specific opthamological embodiments. With regard to the gas delivery device, the device may include a reservoir, a gas diffusion portion for communicating gas from the reservoir and one or more predetermined gases at concentrations greater than atmospheric contained within the reservoir, wherein the device does not generate gas and may be packaged prior to use with the one or more predetermined gases.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 11, 2006
    Date of Patent: May 1, 2012
    Assignee: Oxyband Technologies, Inc.
    Inventor: Coni F. Rosati
  • Patent number: 8161715
    Abstract: A packaging device for packaging a foodstuff within a receptacle includes an inerting unit having an empty zone, walls of the empty zone configured to receive an upper portion of the receptacle, and the walls being made of a porous material capable of passing an inert gas under pressure, and a closure means retractably disposed above the inerting unit, wherein the inerting unit is configured to pass the inert gas through the walls and into the receptacle, and the closure means is configured to retractably extend into the empty zone to seal the passed inert gas within a headspace volume of the upper portion of the receptacle disposed the foodstuff.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 17, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 24, 2012
    Assignee: 1/4 VIN
    Inventors: Pascal Carvin, Christian Mura
  • Publication number: 20120078210
    Abstract: A method of individually packaging a single-use disposable diaper for use in intimate absorption of body fluid includes compressing a single-use disposable diaper for use in intimate absorption of body fluid from a first condition to a second, compressed condition, and retaining the single-use disposable diaper in the second, compressed condition with a pressure differential that acts upon a substantially flexible, substantially air impermeable material to maintain the single-use disposable diaper in the compressed condition. The pressure differential is created by locating the single-use disposable diaper in an interior space of a substantially air impermeable, substantially flexible material, creating a negative pressure within the interior space, and hermetically sealing the single-use disposable diaper at the negative pressure within the flexible material.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 23, 2011
    Publication date: March 29, 2012
    Inventor: Nadia CORLETT
  • Publication number: 20120061263
    Abstract: The present application provides a unique process of canning a controlled substance where the cans are hermetically sealed and clearly identified in a number of different ways. The process will begin by inserting a packing and dehumidifying agent, preferably a formed rice cake. The controlled substance is then inserted. In some cases the rice cakes will be eliminated or just a single rice cake will be used on the top or the bottom. If the process of storing the controlled substance in an inert atmosphere is desired, the oxygen in the container is replaced with gaseous nitrogen. After the container has been sealed in the conventional pop-top canning procedure; an identifying scent substance is permanently adhered to the can or label. An internal or external microchip could be used to detect, track and trace the container filled with a controlled substance.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 15, 2011
    Publication date: March 15, 2012
    Inventor: David P. Sibley
  • Publication number: 20120055117
    Abstract: A vacuum device for removal of air from a flexible package storing a perishable food item includes a motor and fan blade assembly having a first air channel and fan blade housing. The fan blade housing encloses at least a portion of a motor and fan blade forming part of the motor and fan blade assembly. The vacuum device also has a nozzle assembly electrically connected to the motor and fan blade assembly. The nozzle assembly is provided with a second air channel in fluid communication with the first air channel. Air in an external environment flows through the second air channel and into to the first air channel upon actuation of the nozzle assembly to a closed position, which energizes the motor and rotates the fan blade connected to the motor to draw air from the external environment into the device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 7, 2010
    Publication date: March 8, 2012
    Inventor: Craig Felgenhauer
  • Publication number: 20120045380
    Abstract: A method of storing a sputtering target made of lanthanum oxide, wherein a lanthanum oxide target to which a lanthanum fluoride film was formed and lanthanum oxide powder are charged in a vacuum pack with an oxygen transmission rate of 0.1 cm3/m2 per 24 h at 1 atm or less and a moisture vapor transmission rate of 0.1 g/m2 per 24 h or less, and, after charging the target and the powder, the vacuum pack is subject to vacuum suction and sealing for storage. This invention aims to provide technology for enabling the long-term storage of a sputtering target in a usable state by devising the method of storing a target made of an oxide of lanthanum as a rare earth metal, and thereby inhibiting the pulverization phenomenon of the target caused by the hydration (hydroxylation) of such target due to residual air or the inclusion of air, and the pulverization phenomenon caused by the formation of carbonate.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 5, 2010
    Publication date: February 23, 2012
    Applicant: JX NIPPON MINING & METALS CORPORATION
    Inventors: Kazuyuki Satoh, Yoshimasa Koido
  • Publication number: 20120037148
    Abstract: The present invention relates to articles and heat storage devices for storage of thermal energy. The articles include a metal base sheet and a metal cover sheet, wherein the metal base sheet and the metal cover sheet are sealingly joined to form one or more sealed spaces. The articles include a thermal energy storage material that is contained within the sealed spaces. The sealed spaces preferably are substantially free of water or includes liquid water at a concentration of about 1 percent by volume or less at a temperature of about 25° C., based on the total volume of the sealed spaces. The articles include one or more of the following features: a) the pressure in a sealed space is about 700 Torr or less, when the temperature of the thermal energy storage material is about 25° C.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 11, 2011
    Publication date: February 16, 2012
    Applicant: DOW GLOBAL TECHNOLOGIES LLC.
    Inventors: Jay M. Tudor, Andrey N. Soukhojak, David H. Bank, Kalyan Sehanobish, Parvinder S. Walia
  • Patent number: 8112971
    Abstract: A valve (20) is provided for sealing an evacuation port (16) in a port area (18) of a wall structure (12) of a container. The valve (20) comprises a casing (22) having a shell portion (30) which is deformable from an open condition, whereat the shell portion (30) forms a chamber (32) over the port area (18), and a closed condition, whereat the shell portion (30) contacts the port area (18). When the shell portion (30) is in its open condition, gas exits from the chamber (32) through gas-releasing holes (24) in the casing (22). When the shell portion (30) is deformed to its closed condition, a port-sealing adhesive (26) adheres to the port area (18) to thereby seal the evacuation port (16).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 10, 2010
    Date of Patent: February 14, 2012
    Assignee: Avery Dennison Corporation
    Inventors: Ronald Newrones, Richard L. Sandt, Ronald F. Sieloff
  • Publication number: 20120031049
    Abstract: A method and packaging system for forming a sealed vacuum package having minimal residual air remaining. At least one vacuum lance is provided in the interior of a partially-formed package to withdraw the air, the package being closed on three sides and having a fourth side open for insertion of the vacuum lance. An air restriction can be provided along the fourth side to form a closed edge that prevents ingress of air into the package interior after the evacuation of air. In one aspect, the air restriction may comprise a pair of pinch rollers that compress the package at the fourth side edge to form a pinch seal that provides a relatively airtight air chamber inside of the package prior to and during sealing of the package. In another aspect, the air restriction may comprise a partial seal formed around the lances to prevent or minimize air from reentering the package.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 5, 2010
    Publication date: February 9, 2012
    Inventors: Paul E. Doll, Timothy E. Coulson, Ronald E. Ballen
  • Publication number: 20120023870
    Abstract: A method includes coating a conductive wire with a paste comprising a first inorganic dielectric material, an organic binder, and a solvent to form a coated wire, drying the coated wire at a first drying temperature to remove at least a portion of the solvent and form a green wire, winding the green wire around a core to form a green assembly, heat treating the green assembly at a decomposing temperature above the first temperature and below a melting point of the first inorganic dielectric material to decompose the organic binder to form an intermediate assembly, and exposing the intermediate assembly to a densifying temperature that is above the decomposing temperature and substantially equal to or above the melting point of the first inorganic dielectric material to densify the dielectric material on the conductive wire.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 27, 2010
    Publication date: February 2, 2012
    Applicant: HONEYWELL INTERNATIONAL INC.
    Inventors: James Piascik, Reza Oboodi, Robert Franconi
  • Publication number: 20120027323
    Abstract: A one way valve for exhaling or evacuating air from containers, such as storage bags for preserving food and other items. The one way valve device is attached or sealed airtight to the body of the bag's outer surface wherein the one way valve is centrally positioned over a hole created on the surface of the bag. The hole forms a passage for the air to be evacuated from the interior of the bag to be led to the one way valve device. The one way valve device is made of a composition that remembers its original form, the form of the device having at least two component arms that meet with a sealing male and female format that separates and opens to allow any and all of the air from the interior of the bag to be released through the use of human applied pressure against the bag flexible structure, thereby evacuating the air from the interior of the bag.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 2, 2010
    Publication date: February 2, 2012
    Inventors: Nugent Vitallo, Mark Hasenberg, Peter Monaghan
  • Publication number: 20110308974
    Abstract: A method for packaging a wrapped, moisture-sensitive, cylindrically rolled film by positioning along an alignment axis, a wrapped, rolled moisture-sensitive film, a funneling guide, a tube, and an extendible rod that includes a support head. The method comprises the steps of extending the rod through the tube while simultaneously and while maintaining the alignment of the wrapped film, funneling guide, tube and rod, tilting the alignment axis from a first position to a second position such that the wrapped film enters and moves through the funneling guide, and the wrapped film contacts the support head of the rod, retracting the rod such that the wrapped film enters the tube through the funneling guide, and while maintaining the alignment of the wrapped film, funneling guide, tube and rod the alignment axis, tilting from the second position to the first position and retracting the rod from the tube.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 6, 2011
    Publication date: December 22, 2011
    Inventors: Paul M. Curtin, Derek R. Kurtzman, Jay A. Stoker
  • Publication number: 20110289885
    Abstract: A machine for sealing vacuum packs, include a pump for aspirating air from inside a pack; an electric motor, the electric motor is powered by an electricity grid supply; at least a welding element that is placed in contact with the pack, for welding and sealing the pack; a supply circuit configured to connect the welding element to the electricity grid supply; a control unit that controls the supply circuit to supply energy to the welding element; and a measuring device for measuring a value of a parameter indicating the electrical energy supplied to the welding element. The measuring device is connected to the control unit, which is configured to determine the value of electrical energy supplied to the welding element from the start of the welding, and interrupts supply of the electrical energy to the welding element on reaching a predetermined value of the electrical energy.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 24, 2011
    Publication date: December 1, 2011
    Applicant: REBER S.R.L.
    Inventors: Giorgio Re, Pier Diano Catellani
  • Patent number: 8051628
    Abstract: The invention relates to a device for gas filling of a duct (7) in a container (1) of a collapsible type, said duct (7) being defined by a first and a second side wall (2) of the container (1), the side walls (2) being joined along a common connecting portion (4), and said duct (7) comprising an inlet (15) arranged in the first side wall (2). The device comprises an abutment (21) and a gas module (26) with an outlet (28), which is arranged in a surface of the gas module (26) facing the abutment (21), and a clamping means (29) arranged outside the outlet (28), which clamping means (29) is applicable to the abutment (21) for clamping the container (1), and which outlet (28), in connection with the clamping of the container (1), is applicable to said inlet (15) for supply of gas to the duct (7) of the container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 27, 2009
    Date of Patent: November 8, 2011
    Assignee: Eco Lean Research & Development A/S
    Inventor: Per Gustafsson
  • Publication number: 20110266188
    Abstract: The disclosure relates to a method and apparatus for compressing woven material or other compressible material, such as, but not limited to, a comforter set or bedding set. The bedding set or other woven material is placed into a reclosable storage bag through the open bottom thereof. The bag is compressed by a compression apparatus and the open bottom of the storage bag is sealed shut. The result is a package with reduced volume, which reduces shipping and display costs, and is more aesthetically attractive to the consumer.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 8, 2010
    Publication date: November 3, 2011
    Applicant: ILLINOIS TOOL WORKS INC.
    Inventors: Lawrence Share, Timothy Michael Arends, Gregory Topel, Daniel McDonald, Donald Lee Crevier, Thomas Moeller, Lisa Taylor, Alan J. Varacins, Stanley Piotrowski
  • Publication number: 20110266168
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a gas barrier and liquid absorbent container (1) for use in the modified atmosphere packaging of food products which tend to release liquids. The container of the invention comprises a base and upwardly extending side walls terminating in a continuous flange horizontally projecting from the side walls, and comprising an inner part of a liquid pervious material (20), and an outer part of a liquid and gas barrier material (10), said inner and outer parts being joined together at the side walls and being spaced apart from each other at the base to define an interspace (30). A circumferentially extending continuous portion (11) of the surface of the liquid and gas barrier material is exposed to provide an area for a gas barrier closing lid to be sealed. The invention further relates to a method of manufacture of said container, to its use in the packaging of food products under a modified atmosphere and to the gas-tight packages thus obtained.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 29, 2009
    Publication date: November 3, 2011
    Applicants: VITTEMBAL SOCIETE INDUSTRIELLE, CRYOVAC, INC.
    Inventors: Eugenio Longo, Phillippe Baldet, Jvanohe Rizzi, Stefano Capitani
  • Publication number: 20110268850
    Abstract: A foodstuff or medical device is subjected to a treatment with non-thermal plasma and ozone generated from a modified atmosphere packaging gas comprising a mixture of CO2 and O2, wherein a vol/vol ratio of O2 and CO2 ranges from 9:1 to 1.5:1.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 30, 2010
    Publication date: November 3, 2011
    Inventors: Vashui Rasanayagam, Meenakshi Sundaram
  • Publication number: 20110261122
    Abstract: An insulation container has an insulation material, a filter arranged to encase the insulation material, the filter of a material that prevents escape of the insulation material while allowing air to pass through, and a container arranged to encase the filter, the container being heat sealable. A printer has an ink supply, a print head arranged to receive ink from the ink supply and configured to receive electrical signals from a controller and to dispense ink in accordance with the electrical signals onto a print substrate, and an insulator to absorb heat from the print head.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 21, 2010
    Publication date: October 27, 2011
    Applicant: XEROX CORPORATION
    Inventors: David Paul Platt, Joseph Andrew Broderick
  • Publication number: 20110258967
    Abstract: The invention is directed at a process for enabling the packaging of a powder (32), in particular a pharmaceutical product powder, including the steps of: providing a first bag (9) from a flexible packaging material; fixing the opening (19) of the first bag (9) to a lower outlet (11) of a DCS (drum containment system) glove box (1); inside the DSC glove box (1) pulling a continuous liner (14) at a closed end of the liner (14) and inserting the liner (14) into the first bag (9), thus providing a second bag (16) inside the first bag (9); filling the second bag (16) with the powder (32), in particular through an upper opening of the DCS glove box (1); closing the second bag (16) by disconnecting the continuous liner (14); closing the first bag (9) and removing the first and second bags (9, 16) from the DSC glove box (1). Furthermore the invention is directed at an apparatus for performing the process.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 13, 2009
    Publication date: October 27, 2011
    Inventor: Frederic Dietrich, JR.
  • Patent number: 8017203
    Abstract: The present invention relates to methods for preventing and/or reducing the occurrence of corrosion in a variety of articles including, but not limited to, tanks (e.g., storage tanks, septic tanks, fuel tanks, etc.); containers (e.g., shipping containers, storage containers, etc.); semi-closed systems (e.g., fuel systems, septic systems, reservoirs, etc.); and/or closed systems (e.g., waste disposal systems, waste disposal drums or containers, etc.). In another embodiment, the methods of the present invention may be utilized to reduce and/or prevent corrosion in a variety of pipelines (e.g., gas/oil pipelines, water pipelines, sewage lines, etc.). More specifically, the present invention relates to methods for preventing and/or reducing the occurrence of corrosion in a variety of articles including, but not limited to, metallic tanks; metallic containers; pipelines; semi-closed systems; and/or closed systems which are constructed partially or totally from metal. (e.g.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 8, 2006
    Date of Patent: September 13, 2011
    Assignee: Northern Technologies International Corporation
    Inventors: Efim Ya Lyublinski, Donald A. Kubik
  • Patent number: 8011171
    Abstract: A portable storage apparatus for storing perishable items at a reduced temperature and under a reduced pressure is provided. The method of using the apparatus is also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 26, 2009
    Date of Patent: September 6, 2011
    Inventors: Vladi Repkin, Victor Repkin
  • Publication number: 20110209444
    Abstract: A deflator apparatus for use in a farm, fill and seal bagging machine to deflate excess air from and form a filled or partially filled package of bulk goods includes a first deflator having a plurality of first flexible bands that extends between a pair of first arms. The apparatus further includes a second deflator having at least one second flexible band that extends between a pair of second arms. The first and second deflators are spaced from one another and movable relative to one another to sandwich the package of bulk goods between the plurality of first flexible bands and the at least one second flexible band to remove excess air from the package and form the package.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 10, 2011
    Publication date: September 1, 2011
    Inventors: David C. Ours, Sharon B. Juntunen
  • Patent number: 8007880
    Abstract: The invention relates to an insert that is to be added to a gas-pressurized liquid in a container. Said insert comprises a pressure-activated body with at least one cavity, said body being connected to a positioning device. According to the invention, (a) the pressure-activated body (4) comprises at least one opening (10) with a reduced diameter, which connects the cavity to the environment of the insert and is situated in a location that lies above the level of liquid when the insert is floating on said liquid and (b) the positioning device comprises a floating body (1, 2; 1, 2, 6) with a small opening (3), which is submerged in the liquid when the insert is placed on the latter, a ventilation opening (5), which communicates directly with the external environment (14) of the insert and a minimum volume (11), which when filled with liquid enables the insert to sink into the liquid. The inventive insert can be added to liquids that are sealed under pressure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 5, 2003
    Date of Patent: August 30, 2011
    Assignee: Ball Packaging Europe GmbH
    Inventor: Bernd Ullmann
  • Publication number: 20110203227
    Abstract: The present invention relates generally to methods of sterilizing elastomeric articles in a manner that prevents and/or reduces degradation to the articles, particularly degradation that may be caused and/or accelerated by sterilization techniques such as gamma irradiation, x-ray irradiation, and electron-beam processing. The methods include packaging the elastomeric articles in order to improve their resistance to degradation. In certain aspects of the invention, packaged elastomeric articles, optionally containing one or more antidegradants, such as antioxidant and/or antiozonant compounds, are also provided. The methods of providing degradation-resistant elastomeric articles in accordance with the present invention may also be used to reduce the occurrence of cracking and discoloration in elastomeric articles, regardless of whether they are subjected to sterilization.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 19, 2011
    Publication date: August 25, 2011
    Applicant: ALLEGIANCE CORPORATION
    Inventors: Seong Fong CHEN, Wei Cheong WONG
  • Publication number: 20110203228
    Abstract: The present invention relates to the use of vacuum packaging and vacuum packaging techniques. Embodiments of the present invention include bales and packages comprising a sealed chamber having an internal volume at a pressure less than ambient atmospheric pressure. In alternate embodiments of the present invention, the internal volume of the package comprises a bulk material, a bulk fiber material, fibers or fibrous materials. Also disclosed are methods for packaging, packaging systems and apparatus for packaging.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 29, 2011
    Publication date: August 25, 2011
    Applicant: Eastman Chemical Company
    Inventors: Michael Ray McLaughlin, Charles Duane Mullins, Charles Clifton Sanders, Hillard Birdell Smithers, III, Gregory Kyle Nelson
  • Publication number: 20110182675
    Abstract: This application is directed to a method for minimizing oxidative discoloration of a chemical compound such as a monomer during shipping, storing, and/or aging.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 7, 2011
    Publication date: July 28, 2011
    Inventor: Eric Mortensen
  • Publication number: 20110167766
    Abstract: A packaging device for packaging a foodstuff within a receptacle includes an inerting unit having an empty zone, walls of the empty zone configured to receive an upper portion of the receptacle, and the walls being made of a porous material capable of passing an inert gas under pressure, and a closure means retractably disposed above the inerting unit, wherein the inerting unit is configured to pass the inert gas through the walls and into the receptacle, and the closure means is configured to retractably extend into the empty zone to seal the passed inert gas within a headspace volume of the upper portion of the receptacle disposed the foodstuff.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 17, 2011
    Publication date: July 14, 2011
    Applicant: 1/4 VIN
    Inventors: Pascal CARVIN, Christian Mura
  • Publication number: 20110162322
    Abstract: Provided is a method for storing a target comprising a rare earth metal or oxide thereof, wherein oxide of the same rare earth metal as the material of the rare earth metal or its oxide target to be stored is introduced as a desiccant into a container or a film-type seal for storing the target, and the target is stored by sealing the storage container or the film-type seal. This invention aims to provide technology for enabling the long-term storage of a target by devising the method for storing a target comprising a rare earth metal or oxide thereof, and thereby inhibiting the pulverization of the target caused by the oxidation and hydroxylation of such target due to the ingress of air.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 23, 2009
    Publication date: July 7, 2011
    Applicant: JX NIPPON MINING & METALS CORPORATION
    Inventors: Kazuyuki Satoh, Yoshimasa Koido
  • Publication number: 20110149259
    Abstract: A container is provided for use within a lithographic apparatus. The container is configured to house at least one component of the lithographic apparatus within an internal space which is at least partially filled with a packing material that includes a plurality of gas cells.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 16, 2010
    Publication date: June 23, 2011
    Applicant: ASML NETHERLANDS B.V.
    Inventors: Ronald Cornelis Gerardus GIJZEN, Christiaan Alexander Hoogendam, Sander Alexander Christiaan Franken, René Boerhof
  • Publication number: 20110146207
    Abstract: A packaging method for packaging fluid (P) in a fluid dispenser comprising a fluid reservoir (1) defining an opening (13), and a fluid dispenser member (2), such as a pump or a valve, for mounting in leaktight manner on the opening (13) of the reservoir, an inert gas, such as nitrogen or argon, being present in the reservoir above the fluid (P) while the dispenser member (2) is being mounted in leaktight manner on the opening (13) of the reservoir, such that the fluid (P) is in contact with the inert gas in the reservoir (1); the method being characterized in that the step of mounting the dispenser member (2) in leaktight manner on the opening (13) of the reservoir (1) is performed under a vacuum, the inert gas is evacuated, at least in part, from the reservoir during this evacuation step, such that the reservoir is subjected to an inert-gas vacuum.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 30, 2009
    Publication date: June 23, 2011
    Applicant: AIRLESSYSTEMS
    Inventor: Stéphane Desrues
  • Publication number: 20110146208
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for manufacturing a non-rectilinear flexible package comprising an in-line process including application and selective sealing of a semi-rigid strip to an inner wall of the package and further including a dual-stage die-cutting technique to remove and cut a non-linear shape into a formed web of film. The semi-rigid strip is sealed to one interior wall of the package but not the other to provide a reinforced opening to the package through which a material can be dispensed. Additionally, the dual stage die-cutting method comprises first cutting and removing a portion of the web material prior to filling the package and again cutting and removing a portion of the web material after filling, resulting in a package having a narrowed neck adjacent the closed reinforced opening at an upper portion of the package and a body of the package that is tapered towards the reinforced opening.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 3, 2011
    Publication date: June 23, 2011
    Inventors: Robert J. Ligon, Trevor A. Ramalho
  • Publication number: 20110139650
    Abstract: The invention provides a sterilizable package having a support member and a sheet material that either forms a lidding for the support member or a pouch in which the support member is disposed. The sheet material comprises a barrier material and includes breathable membrane comprising a breathable material that is pervious to moisture and gases, and impervious to microorganisms. The breathable membrane allows a sterilizing gas to be introduced into the sterilizable package. The breathable membrane is disposed towards a central portion of the sheet material and is spaced apart from any seams joining the sheet material to the support member or seams defining the pouch. In one embodiment, a sterilized article is disposed in the interior of the sterilizable package.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 15, 2009
    Publication date: June 16, 2011
    Inventor: Adam Dworak
  • Publication number: 20110138746
    Abstract: The present invention provides an improved packaging method and apparatus. An item enclosed in the V-Pack is shipped or stored in such a way that there is no extra space inside. This is accomplished by specially formulated foam included in each box. In this manner, internal damage to goods is rendered impossible. In addition, an extra layer of foam protects the item or items from damage by external elements, such as moisture and extreme cold or warm temperatures. Any excess air inside the chamber where the items are located, is removed by an external pump, creating a vacuum effect, which provides for the item's safe storage conditions. To facilitate the vacuum action, a valve is provided in two sections on the packaging box.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 10, 2010
    Publication date: June 16, 2011
    Inventor: Vlad Carey
  • Patent number: 7958698
    Abstract: A method of removing a residual gas from inside a conventional shipping container is disclosed. The method first involves the step of accessing the container by opening a door of the container and fitting a panel to the open door space. Next the method involves extracting at least some of the residual gas present in the container via an outlet valve located at the panel using an external suction pump. Finally the method involves providing a flow of a flushing gas into the container via an inlet valve located at the panel to flush residual gas from the container. The total pressure of gases in the container can be monitored and controlled by adjusting the flow of gases in the inlet and outlet holes or valves.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 9, 2003
    Date of Patent: June 14, 2011
    Assignee: Asiaworld Shipping Services Pty Ltd
    Inventor: Kenneth George Brash
  • Patent number: 7954305
    Abstract: A packaging system or container for packaging one or more oxygen-sensitive products. The container includes a wall that defines an interior for receiving one or more oxygen-sensitive products. The space between the product or products and the wall defines a headspace. The headspace is filled with an inert gas and a scavenger gas. The wall has at least an inner layer and one or more outer layers. At least one of the outer layers includes an oxidation catalyst such that as oxygen diffuses from outside the container to the interior and scavenger gas diffuses from the interior to outside the container, the diffusing scavenger gas and oxygen react together with the oxidation catalyst in one or more of the outer layers substantially consuming the oxygen.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 25, 2010
    Date of Patent: June 7, 2011
    Assignee: Sonoco Development, Inc.
    Inventor: Subir K. Dey
  • Patent number: 7950207
    Abstract: A packaging machine for producing packs from packagings filled with items, by means of which the shelf life of items that need to breathe can be improved is proposed. This is achieved according to the invention by means for influencing the atmosphere in the space inside the packs (26) in a way dependent on the breathing rate of the item (4).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 2007
    Date of Patent: May 31, 2011
    Assignee: Multivac Sepp Haggenmueller GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventor: Matthias Maisel
  • Patent number: 7946099
    Abstract: A method for producing a package with an inner volume of the package containing a headspace volume and a volume taken by the product, and a packaging machine. To allow the reduction of the size of such a package, the package is formed providing a product to be packaged inside the package; providing a tray with its height being smaller than the maximum height of the product; placing the product into the tray; replacing the atmosphere surrounding the product by a gas mixture of carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide, and nitrogen; covering the tray containing the product by a formable sheet material; forming the formable sheet material and sealing tray together with the formable sheet material, so that the headspace volume containing the gas mixture makes at most half of the volume taken by the product inside the package.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 10, 2008
    Date of Patent: May 24, 2011
    Assignee: Multivac Sepp Haggenmueller GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventors: Helmut Sparakowski, Jesus Sanchez, Tobias Thiele
  • Publication number: 20110114519
    Abstract: A process has been developed that significantly reduces moisture absorption of components, resulting in a component which is less susceptible to moisture and adsorption/absorption effects to the components functionality. In one embodiment, a component having reduced susceptibility to moisture exposure includes a component disposed in an air-tight package, the component having a blocking gas disposed in pores on a surface of the component. In another embodiment, a method for preparing a component having reduced susceptibility to moisture exposure includes driving water from a component in a controlled environment, exposing the component in the controlled environment to a blocking gas, removing the component in the controlled environment, and optionally sealing the component in an air-tight package.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 11, 2010
    Publication date: May 19, 2011
    Applicant: APPLIED MATERIALS, INC.
    Inventors: KADTHALA R. NARENDRNATH, ASHISH BHATNAGAR