Vacuum Or Gas Treating Patents (Class 53/432)
  • Patent number: 7328549
    Abstract: A process by which low viscosities liquids are filled into syringes without gas bubbles utilizing lowered temperature and valves to isolate the filling system from the vacuum. The liquid may be drug, device, pharmaceutical, and/or biotech products.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 25, 2007
    Date of Patent: February 12, 2008
    Assignee: Hyaluron, Inc.
    Inventors: Shawn Kinney, Andrea Wagner
  • Patent number: 7328555
    Abstract: A plant (10) for the continuous packing of food products in modified atmosphere (11), comprises a machine (12) for continuous packing of food products in modified atmosphere and conveyor (13) for the continuous sequential feeding of food products to the machine. A device (21) is present at the entrance of the machine (12) that temporarily submits a product fed by the conveyor (13) to vacuum and to a modified atmosphere before being packed in modified atmosphere in the machine.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 17, 2003
    Date of Patent: February 12, 2008
    Assignee: Ilapak Macchine Automatiche S.A.
    Inventor: Roger S. Levy
  • Patent number: 7325381
    Abstract: Devices comprising a plug positioned within a housing to regulate air within a container, for example, plastic storage containers or bags. One embodiment utilizes a plug that occludes an opening in a housing. The plug is displaced from the opening to inject or evacuate air from a container. An alternative embodiment utilizes a plug having air channels therein which can be sealed once air has been injected into or evacuated from a container. The devices are utilized with hose adaptors connected to vacuum or air hoses having specialized hose tips for coupling with the housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 21, 2006
    Date of Patent: February 5, 2008
    Inventor: Joseph M. Waldron
  • Patent number: 7325377
    Abstract: System, method and material for making pneumatically filled packing cushions in which a plastic film material having two superposed layers joined together along first and second longitudinal edges is prefabricated at a first location by forming longitudinally spaced, transversely extending rows of perforations across it and sealing it together along seal lines which extend from the first edge of the material in a direction generally parallel to the rows of perforations other and terminate a short distance from the second edge to form chambers with open mouths facing the second edge between the rows of perforations. The material is then fan-folded or formed into rolls for storage and shipment. At a second location, gas is introduced into the chambers by passing the material along a tube positioned between the ends of the seals and the second edge of the material and injecting the gas into the open mouths of the chambers through openings in a side wall of the tube.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 11, 2004
    Date of Patent: February 5, 2008
    Assignee: Free-Flow Packaging International, Inc.
    Inventors: Gunter G. Fuss, Vladimir Yampolsky
  • Publication number: 20080003334
    Abstract: Disclosed are packaging systems and methods useful in extending the storage-life of foodstuff such as fresh fish. The packaging systems and methods can be used to transport or store the foodstuff for an extended period of time. The packaging systems preferably use a fuel cell to maintain a reduced oxygen level in the environment surrounding the foodstuff.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 28, 2007
    Publication date: January 3, 2008
    Inventors: Laurence D. BELL, David G. SCHANZER, Brian J. WESTCOTT
  • Patent number: 7299601
    Abstract: A stopper change device (10) includes an airtight chamber body (21) detachably mountable on a head of a bottle, a gas supply port (19) for supplying N gas to the chamber body, an air vent valve (57) for discharging air from the chamber body, a first supporting structure (28) movable upward and downward for supporting a corkscrew, and a second supporting structure (34) movable upward and downward for containing a substitute stopper. The first and second supporting structures are mutually position changeable, and one of them is selectively placed above an opening of the bottle. When the first supporting structure (28) is placed above the opening, a bottle stopper can be pulled in N gas atmosphere. On the other hand, when the second supporting structure (34) is placed above the opening, the substitute stopper is mountable on the head of the bottle in N gas atmosphere.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 8, 2006
    Date of Patent: November 27, 2007
    Inventors: Eiji Yoshida, Keiichi Yahagi, Hiroyuki Matsunaga, Satoshi Otake, Hiroki Matsumoto, Tatsuro Ishimatsu, Yusuke Yoshida, Kagenori Nagao, Satomi Kudo, Eri Kawaguchi, Ikuo Andreas Nakayama, Yuta Ogino, Syotaro Nakajima
  • Patent number: 7299603
    Abstract: A method of operating a front opening shipping box is provided. The operating method comprises providing a front opening shipping box. The front opening shipping box includes at least a container body, at least an air extraction pipeline and at least a gas inlet pipeline. The container body has at least two openings. The air extraction pipeline is disposed on the surface of the container body and linked to the container body through one of the two openings. The gas inlet pipeline is also disposed on the surface of the container body and linked to the container body through the outer opening. Then, a number of wafers are loaded inside the container body. Next, through the air extraction pipeline and the gas inlet pipeline, air is pumped out from the inside of the container box while the gas is injected into the container body simultaneously.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 14, 2006
    Date of Patent: November 27, 2007
    Assignee: United Microelectronics Corp.
    Inventors: Jian-Ping Horng, Cheng-Chien Lin, Wen-An Lu, Yu-Mei Lin, Wu-Fu Weng
  • Publication number: 20070214748
    Abstract: The method for packaging of phials in a sterile environment comprises, subsequently: moving of each empty phial (1), according to a forwarding direction (K), from an input section toward a filling station (R); inserting of a dosed quantity of pharmaceutical products (F) inside the phial (1); transporting the filled phial (1) toward a closing station (8); closing said phial (1). It is moreover provided that a first laminar flow (H) of sterilized air, having a horizontal direction, is applied at least to the upper edges (1h) which define corresponding input mouths of the phials (1), at least during the aforesaid phases of filling and closing of phials (1), as well as during their transfer from the filling station (R) to the closing station (8).
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 14, 2007
    Publication date: September 20, 2007
    Inventor: Pietro DOVESI
  • Patent number: 7263814
    Abstract: An apparatus for supplying one or more gases, such as oxygen, to a target area, comprising a top layer and a bottom layer sealed around the perimeter of the layers to form a reservoir between the layers, wherein the top layer is not gas-permeable and the bottom layer is highly gas-permeable, said reservoir containing one or more gases. The present invention also describes methods of using such an apparatus to supply oxygen to a wound for improved wound healing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 15, 2005
    Date of Patent: September 4, 2007
    Assignee: Oxyband Technologies, Inc.
    Inventor: Coni F. Rosati
  • Publication number: 20070169435
    Abstract: A process and method by which low viscosities liquids are filled into syringes without gas bubbles utilizing lowered temperature and valves to isolate the filling system from the vacuum. The liquid may be drug, device, pharmaceutical, and/or biotech products.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 25, 2007
    Publication date: July 26, 2007
    Inventors: Shawn Kinney, Andrea Wagner
  • Publication number: 20070169434
    Abstract: A process and method by which low viscosities liquids are filled into syringes without gas bubbles utilizing lowered temperature and valves to isolate the filling system from the vacuum. The liquid may be drug, device, pharmaceutical, and/or biotech products.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 23, 2006
    Publication date: July 26, 2007
    Inventors: Shawn Kinney, Andrea Wagner
  • Patent number: 7219480
    Abstract: A capping and nitrogen dosing apparatus for containers includes a rotary capping machine which is configured to serially receive filled containers, and apply closures to respective ones of the containers. The present apparatus includes a dosing system for injecting an inert gas, typically nitrogen in liquid form, into the head space of each container to enhance the integrity and rigidity of the package, and to improve the freshness and flavor of the container's contents. Notably, the dosing system is configured to effect nitrogen injection close to or at the so-called transfer point of the capping machine, thus desirably abating nitrogen dissipation, and enhancing consistent and efficient product dosing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 6, 2003
    Date of Patent: May 22, 2007
    Assignee: Alcoa Closure Systems International, Inc.
    Inventors: Bernard A. Winters, William A. Moll, IV, Larry W. Ellis
  • Patent number: 7204067
    Abstract: An appliance for storing articles within flexible and non-flexible containers under vacuum. The appliance comprises a lid adapted to define a vacuum chamber when it is moved to a closed position relative to a trough in the base of the appliance. The trough is slidably removable from the base of the appliance. The appliance is further adapted for connection to vacuum sealing attachments for various containers whereby the containers can be selectively evacuated. The appliance includes a thermal sealing mechanism for sealing a flexible container as well as a cutting mechanism for cutting the flexible container to a desired size. The appliance includes a control panel for selectively operating the vacuuming and sealing processes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 26, 2004
    Date of Patent: April 17, 2007
    Assignee: Sunbeam Products, Inc.
    Inventor: Alexandre A. N. Baptista
  • Patent number: 7197860
    Abstract: A vacuum sealing apparatus has an inlet portion and an intermediate portion. The inlet portion is adapted to couple to, or insert into, a container to be vacuum sealed. The intermediate portion connects to a vacuum source, such as an in-house vacuum system. When the vacuum source is active, air is drawn in through the inlet portion. The vacuum sealing apparatus may also have a contamination filter disposed therein that substantially impedes contaminants from entering the vacuum source. In another configuration, the vacuum sealing apparatus is self-contained and includes a dedicated vacuum source.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 17, 2004
    Date of Patent: April 3, 2007
    Assignee: Vacnseal Holdings, LLC
    Inventors: Gary Lee Hughes, Robert Walter Millar, David Robert Millar
  • Patent number: 7191577
    Abstract: Method for providing a heat treated filled and closed can, including the consecutive steps of: filling a metal cup, closing the metal cup with a lid making a gas tight heat treatable can, heat treating the can, wherein measures are taken to achieve an under-pressure in the can after closing the cup and wherein the can is chosen that is either of a flexible type on the one hand or of a rigid type with increased strength provided with a seal on lid on the other hand. The measures comprise a step belonging to the group of steps consisting of: using a partly frozen filling; having the filling include constituents that interact after closing so as to lower the specific volume of the filling in the can; adding steam to the cup after filling and before closing; closing the cup under sub-atmospheric pressure; and partly evacuating the can after closing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 27, 2003
    Date of Patent: March 20, 2007
    Assignee: Corus Staal BV
    Inventor: Paulus Jozef Tamis
  • Patent number: 7165376
    Abstract: To provide a method of manufacturing a gas displacement package that can cope with packages with various sizes and shapes, and a sealing packaging container, and a package. A method of manufacturing a gas displacement package and a sealing packaging container, and a package, wherein a packaging container comprising a receptacle and a lid of plastic is used, ridges of the receptacle and the lid overlapped each other, the ridges are sealed with a band tape, and the container is gas displaced through a hole of the container and is sealed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 16, 2002
    Date of Patent: January 23, 2007
    Assignee: Asahi Kasei Life & Living Corporation
    Inventors: Masahiko Kawashima, Gensyou Unno, Yutaka Matsuki
  • Patent number: 7162851
    Abstract: A stopper change device (10) includes an airtight chamber body (21) detachably mountable on a head of a bottle, a gas supply port (19) for supplying N gas to the chamber body, an air vent valve (57) for discharging air from the chamber body, a first supporting structure (28) movable upward and downward for supporting a corkscrew, and a second supporting structure (34) movable upward and downward for containing a substitute stopper. The first and second supporting structures are mutually position changeable, and one of them is selectively placed above an opening of the bottle. When the first supporting structure (28) is placed above the opening, a bottle stopper can be pulled in N gas atmosphere. On the other hand, when the second supporting structure (34) is placed above the opening, the substitute stopper is mountable on the head of the bottle in N gas atmosphere.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 10, 2005
    Date of Patent: January 16, 2007
    Assignee: Eiji Yoshida
    Inventors: Eiji Yoshida, Keiichi Yahagi, Hiroyuki Matsunaga, Satoshi Otake, Hiroki Matsumoto, Tatsuro Ishimatsu, Yusuke Yoshida, Kagenori Nagao, Satomi Kudo, Eri Kawaguchi, Ikuo Andreas Nakayama, Yuta Ogino, Syotaro Nakajima
  • Patent number: 7159374
    Abstract: Devices and a method for releasing gas in a container after closing and sealing to pressurize and/or prevent or counteract buckling thereof, and or provide structural rigidity and strength thereto and or release components. The method introduces a reactive agent into the container after filling and before sealing. The reactive agent is controlled to react to provide a gas and optionally components, which a) provides a positive pressure to prevent or counteract buckling and provide structural rigidity to the container and b) and or changes the state or characteristics of the headspace and or contents of the closed container. The devices include a closure, a cap and a container. The reactive agent is brought to chemical reaction by moistening, heating, catalyst and the like. The closure includes the reactive agent and is disposed in the container. The external trigger is a device that emits energy that provides heat to the reactive agent to stimulate the chemical reaction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 10, 2004
    Date of Patent: January 9, 2007
    Assignee: Inoflate, LLC
    Inventors: James Scott Abercrombie, III, Michael Edward Wood, Nicholas Joseph Day
  • Patent number: 7124557
    Abstract: A vacuum packaging appliance with a sealing sub-assembly including a latching mechanism and release mechanism is described. According to certain embodiments, the release mechanism, latch and sealing sub-assembly operate in an integrated fashion such that the vacuum packaging appliance can be easily opened or sealed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 24, 2005
    Date of Patent: October 24, 2006
    Assignee: Sunbean Products, Inc.
    Inventor: Steven D. Small
  • Patent number: 7091425
    Abstract: The invention relates to an apparatus for measurement of the weight force of a bale of crop material after it is formed in a baler. The formed bale is movable in the baler by a conveying device and a weight force measurement device is provided for measuring a measurement parameter which is influenced by the weight force of the formed bale. The measurement device is set up so as to measure the weight force of the bale when the latter is resting on the conveying apparatus.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 17, 2004
    Date of Patent: August 15, 2006
    Assignee: Deere & Company
    Inventors: Jean Viaud, Stephane Biziorek, Lionel Guiet, Mickael Pessard
  • Patent number: 7090880
    Abstract: The invention provides a container of substantially form-retaining material, for instance aluminum, steel or other metal, or PET (polyethylene terephthalate) or other plastic, for a liquid, which must be provided prior to consumption with a foaming head, such as chocolate milk, cappuccino, milkshake, which container comprises: a circumferential wall; a base which is connected along its whole periphery to this wall or is integrally formed therewith; a cover which, after filling of the container with the liquid, is optionally arranged on the side remote from the base and which is connected to this wall along its whole periphery; and; a cartridge present in the container and in the filled and closed situation of the container at least partially filled with a gas under pressure serving as foaming medium in the wall of which cartridge is situated at least one continuous hole for passage of gas.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 24, 1999
    Date of Patent: August 15, 2006
    Assignee: Ball Packaging Europe GmbH
    Inventors: Fred Savrij Droste, Maria Cornelia Hendrika Kamp-Stroeken
  • Patent number: 7040075
    Abstract: A cap chute end for capping a plurality of in-line containers in an ambient atmosphere includes a fluid manifold having a plurality of first manifold apertures for injecting a first fluid into the plurality of containers. A fluid shoe is operatively adjacent the fluid manifold and has a plurality of shoe apertures for dispensing a second fluid into the plurality of caps and plurality of containers. A frame that supports the fluid shoe is configured to receive a plurality of caps at a receiving end of the frame. A wiper supported at a dispensing end of the frame has a pair of arms operatively adjacent the fluid shoe. The pair of arms is configured to orient the plurality of caps to the plurality of containers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 8, 2001
    Date of Patent: May 9, 2006
    Assignee: The Clorox Company
    Inventors: Robert B. Seebeger, Frank M. Knafelc, Ronald E. Heiskell, Kenneth T. Felipe
  • Patent number: 7032364
    Abstract: A stopper change device (10) includes an airtight chamber body (21) detachably mountable on a head of a bottle, a gas supply port (19) for supplying N gas to the chamber body, an air vent valve (57) for discharging air from the chamber body, a first supporting structure (28) movable upward and downward for supporting a corkscrew, and a second supporting structure (34) movable upward and downward for containing a substitute stopper. The first and second supporting structures are mutually position changeable, and one of them is selectively placed above an opening of the bottle. When the first supporting structure (28) is placed above the opening, a bottle stopper can be pulled in N gas atmosphere. On the other hand, when the second supporting structure (34) is placed above the opening, the substitute stopper is mountable on the head of the bottle in N gas atmosphere.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 23, 2003
    Date of Patent: April 25, 2006
    Inventors: Eiji Yoshida, Keiichi Yahagi, Hiroyuki Matsunaga, Satoshi Otake, Hiroki Matsumoto, Tatsuro Ishimatsu, Yusuke Yoshida, Kagenori Nagao, Satomi Kudo, Eri Kawaguchi, Ikuo Andreas Nakayama, Yuta Ogino, Syotaro Nakajima
  • Patent number: 6988613
    Abstract: A solid, stable composition containing a meiosis activating substance can be prepared by adding a protein or a phosphoglycid in the presence of an atmosphere having a low content of oxygen, for example in vacuo.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 5, 2002
    Date of Patent: January 24, 2006
    Assignee: Novo Nordisk A/S
    Inventors: Tina Meinertz Andersen, Lars Klingberg Muller
  • Patent number: 6983575
    Abstract: A receptacle (110, 112) suitable for food packaging which comprises a bottom or base portion (111, 121) defining a storage compartment or zone and a flange (113,123) circumferentially extending all around the receptacle contour providing an area for the closing lid to be sealed, said receptacle being made of a multi-layer thermoplastic structure comprising at least i) an upper liquid absorbent layer (1) that is devised to be either in direct contact with the food product to be packaged in the receptacle or separated therefrom by one or more liquid pervious layers (5,6) allowing passage of liquids from the receptacle inner surface into the absorbent layer, and ii) a non-perforated liquid and gas-barrier thermoplastic film (2), and being characterized in that the surface exposed along a closed line in the circumferential flange (113,123) is of the lower non-perforated liquid and gas-barrier thermoplastic film (2).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 4, 2002
    Date of Patent: January 10, 2006
    Assignee: Cryovac, Inc.
    Inventor: Eugenio Longo
  • Patent number: 6976347
    Abstract: A method for processing a food product involves transporting the food product through a plurality of stations including a loading station, a pasteurization station, and a closing station. The surface of the food product is pasteurized by convectively transferring heat from the pasteurizing medium to the surface of the food product at a rate such that the surface heat transfer coefficient becomes sufficiently higher than the food product conductance coefficient that the surface temperature of the food product is substantially instantaneously elevated above temperatures which are instantly lethal to microbes which may be present. Preferably, steam is condensed on the food product surface in dropwise condensation, and the onset of film condensation is retarded by removing condensate film from such surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 8, 2003
    Date of Patent: December 20, 2005
    Assignee: Alkar-Rapidpak, Inc.
    Inventors: Vernon D. Karman, Gary Lee Hahn, Craig R. Bonneville, Tou T. Vang, Nelly Feze, Robert E. Hanson
  • Patent number: 6964197
    Abstract: A testing apparatus for testing the level of retained gas at elevated pressure in plastic containers for carbonated beverages includes a manifold assembly for engaging the mouth of a test set of the containers. The apparatus additionally includes a gas supply for supplying a desired quantity of a selected gas to each container, the gas preferably helium. The apparatus further includes pressure measuring units for measuring the pressure in each container, and a data collection system coupled to the pressure measuring units for periodically collecting pressure data along with ambient temperature data as a function of time. The collected data can be analyzed to determine shelf life of the containers. Using helium, the shelf life determination can be accomplished in about 1/7th the time of conventional shelf life tests.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 16, 2001
    Date of Patent: November 15, 2005
    Assignee: Ball Corporation
    Inventors: Craig P. Davis, Stephen C. Ramey, Mary L. Hughes-Olson, Edward R. Roberts, Mihaela Penescu
  • Patent number: 6952906
    Abstract: The present invention provides a chair having a removable outer cover. The chair has an air permeable bladder which houses compressible filler material. The compressible filler material allows the chair to be selectively compressed between various compressed states. A method for packaging the chair is provided which significantly reduces the weight and size of the chair. The method includes placing the chair in a vacuum chamber and suctioning air from the chair. The vacuum chamber may be partially open or closed during storage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 15, 2003
    Date of Patent: October 11, 2005
    Assignee: Lovesac Corporation
    Inventor: Shawn Nelson
  • Patent number: 6945014
    Abstract: A coffee storage container, for storing a quantity of coffee within a jar having a bottom and a side wall, and using a piston having a top and bottom, and a one-way valve. The quantity of coffee is placed in the jar bottom. The piston extends within the jar and defines a storage volume beneath the piston bottom. A stem is selectively attached to the piston top to push the piston downward to allow air to escape through the one-way valve so that the storage volume becomes substantially the coffee volume and little or no air remains within the storage volume. The stem may be removed from the piston for storage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 9, 2003
    Date of Patent: September 20, 2005
    Inventor: Mark Quann
  • Patent number: 6941727
    Abstract: A method and a system of transporting a commodity includes the step of placing the commodity in a flexible hermetic container. The commodity is stored in the flexible hermetic container for at least a specific time period. The commodity is then moved from the flexible hermetic container to a shipping container having an insect barrier liner. The commodity is transported in the shipping container. The specific time period is a sufficient time period to kill substantially all of the insects that have infested the commodity prior to placement in the flexible hermetic container. In one embodiment, a vacuum is drawn on the flexible hermetic container to reduce the specific time period and an optional small amount of pesticide can be injected into the flexible hermetic container to which a vacuum has been applied to further reduce the specific time period. An inert gas is used to reduce the specific time period.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 26, 2001
    Date of Patent: September 13, 2005
    Assignees: GrainPro, Inc., The State of Israel-Ministry of Agriculture & Rural Development
    Inventors: Philippe Villers, Tom De Bruin, Shlomo Navarro
  • Patent number: 6912828
    Abstract: A method for packaging a product in a hermetically sealed container having a cup-shaped rigid or semi-rigid body with a rim fitted with a closure, the method comprising introducing the product into the cup-like shaped body. Forming an isolated space with a gas inlet and a gas outlet, the space defined between the body and a closure-forming member adjacent to and with a clearance from the rim. Introducing a replacement gas through the inlet to replace at least a substantial portion of gas originally contained in the isolated space, and displacing at least one of the body or the closure-forming member towards the other of the two members to close the clearance and to attach the closure-forming member to the rim, and hermetically attaching the two to one another to form a gas-tight steel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 23, 2000
    Date of Patent: July 5, 2005
    Assignee: Hefestus Ltd.
    Inventor: Yehuda Yamay
  • Patent number: 6899147
    Abstract: A filler material packing system for packing a granular or fragmental filler material in a bag-shaped hollow surface material includes a suction-type packing container, and means for delivering the filler material. The packing container has an inner space. At least a part of the surface material is air-permeable, and the surface material is positioned in the inner space. The packing container has a suction port and an entry port that are connected to the inner space. The filler material is delivered to the inside of the surface material positioned in the inner space of the packing container by the filler material delivering means. The filler material delivering means includes a cylindrical stirring container having a lid, a sidewall and a bottom wall. The stirring container has a stirring vane positioned on the bottom wall. Air vent holes and an outlet port are provided in an upper part of the sidewall.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 6, 2001
    Date of Patent: May 31, 2005
    Assignee: Namba Press Works Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Taro Ogawa, Yasumasa Senoo, Yasuyuki Toda, Mitsuo Katayama
  • Patent number: 6883222
    Abstract: A method of manufacture for a drug cartridge assembly. The method includes providing a drug cartridge, providing a nozzle sub-assembly, and sterilizing the drug cartridge and nozzle sub-assembly. The method further includes assembling the drug cartridge and nozzle sub-assembly together in a configuration that enables ejection of liquid out of the drug cartridge through the nozzle sub-assembly. The method further includes filling the drug cartridge with a liquid, such as an injectable drug. The method may include separate sterilization of the drug cartridge and nozzle sub-assembly, using different sterilization processes. Portions of the method may be performed prior to sterilization within a first cleanroom, with subsequent steps being performed in a second cleanroom having a substantially lower particulate-per-volume rating than the first cleanroom.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 16, 2002
    Date of Patent: April 26, 2005
    Assignee: Bioject Inc.
    Inventor: Sergio Landau
  • Patent number: 6880312
    Abstract: A process for delivering a cold or heat storage medium into a carrier material, in which the carrier material is located in a container which can be at least partially evacuated. The process includes the steps of: a) placing the carrier material in a container made of film material, b) at least partially evacuating the container made of film material, and c) delivering cold or heat storage medium to the at least partially evacuated container made of film material so as to saturate the carrier material with the cold or heat storage medium.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 18, 2003
    Date of Patent: April 19, 2005
    Assignee: Webasto Thermosysteme International GmbH
    Inventors: Wolfgang Kraemer, Robert Lang, Kemal-Edip Yildirim
  • Patent number: 6868873
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 22, 2001
    Date of Patent: March 22, 2005
    Assignee: Tetra Laval Holdings & Finance S.A.
    Inventor: Peter Frisk
  • Patent number: 6863949
    Abstract: The invention relates, on the one hand, to a prismatic, especially panel-formed thermal insulation element which is enveloped in a gas-tight foil and evacuated, whereby a stable core pre-formed from a porous material is completely enveloped in a single cut sheet of the gas-tight foil; as well as a manufacturing process for same comprising the following steps: a) Manufacture of a prismatic core corresponding to the desired form of the thermal insulation element from a porous material; b) Enveloping of the principal faces of this core with a single sheet of the gas-tight foil; c) At least partial welding together of the foil which is drawn tight around the core along the face of the core; d) Folding-in of the welded seam area of the foil against the face of the core; e) Stress-free folding-together of the areas of the cut sheet of gas-tight foil projecting beyond the core, covering and in flat contact with the end surface(s) of the core; f) Welding together of the folded-together areas of foil on at least on
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 1, 2001
    Date of Patent: March 8, 2005
    Assignee: Va-Q-tec AG
    Inventor: Michael E. Ehrmanntraut
  • Patent number: 6862867
    Abstract: A system for sealing thermoplastic film includes one or more bag sealing units, each comprising a lower vacuum platen and a vacuum chamber cover adapted for sealing engagement on the platen to form a vacuum chamber. A sealing bar assembly includes a sealing bar designed for constant heated operation and a pair of cooling plates which function as heat sinks. The sealing bar assembly is pneumatically reciprocated between a raised, disengaged position and a lowered position with the sealing bar engaging the neck of a bag for hermetically sealing same. The cooling plates clamp the bag neck against a sealing support assembly. A method of sealing a thermoplastic film bag includes the steps of placing a packaging object in a thermoplastic bag and placing the bag on a cradle with the bag neck extending over a bag support assembly. A vacuum chamber cover is placed on the platen and evacuated to form a vacuum chamber. A sealing bar assembly melds the thermoplastic to form a sealed area across the bag neck.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 16, 2003
    Date of Patent: March 8, 2005
    Assignee: Pack-Tech, L.L.C.
    Inventors: Derril R. Cady, Mark W. Taylor, Sr., Theodore A. Balek
  • Patent number: 6843039
    Abstract: A method for the vacuum packaging of articles including at least the steps of: creating a plurality of recesses in a backing board; positioning at least one article on said backing board; placing a film substantially over said at least one article; and using a vacuum packaging machine to substantially package said at least one article, said at least one article being situated between the backing board and the film, wherein the thickness of the backing board is at least 2 mm. Also a packaged article, the article being packaged between a backing board and a film, wherein the backing board has a thickness of at least 2 mm and the backing board further has a plurality of recesses therein.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 6, 2000
    Date of Patent: January 18, 2005
    Assignee: BAE Systems plc
    Inventor: James Hanmer
  • Publication number: 20040261262
    Abstract: The specification discloses an apparatus comprising an alignment plate having a plurality of depressions therein, each depression being sized to receive a packaging cap therein and to prevent its movement, and a force applicator to apply a force to press the packaging caps and a substrate firmly together. Also disclosed is a process comprising inserting a plurality of packaging caps in a plurality of depressions on an alignment plate, each depression being sized to receive a packaging cap and prevent its movement, aligning the plurality of packaging caps with individual devices on a substrate, placing the substrate in contact with the packaging caps, and applying a force to press the caps against the substrate. Other embodiments are disclosed and claimed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 30, 2003
    Publication date: December 30, 2004
    Inventors: Gregory S. Clemons, Mitesh C. Patel
  • Patent number: 6829875
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for venting a filled bottle closed by a stopper is disclosed. The venting is designed to equalize the pressure between the interior of the bottle and the atmosphere such that the stopper inserted into the filled bottle is not forced out of the bottle by excess pressure in the bottle. The venting may be accomplished by deforming the stopper in the bottle opening to form an air-outlet opening in the region sealed by the stopper and the bottle. The venting may be implemented by a squeezing device arranged on at least one side of the stopper, the squeezing device being active in a direction perpendicular to the central axis of the bottle opening.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 12, 2003
    Date of Patent: December 14, 2004
    Assignee: Aventis Behring GmbH
    Inventor: Erich Willstumpf
  • Publication number: 20040216427
    Abstract: An evacuation system including an evacuation member engages a product package and applies pressure thereto, such that a product in the product package moves toward an outlet in the product package for dispensing. A controller monitors the force applied by a driver to the product package, thereby ensuring that the pressure remains below a particular threshold to protect the integrity of the product package. The controller further monitors the evacuation member location, thereby enabling the controller to recognize when the product package is empty. The evacuation system further includes a package carrier including a pinch-off area that moves product out of an unrecoverable portion of the product package. The evacuation member may be utilized as a stand-alone device or with a primary device, wherein the primary device provides signals to the evacuation system and the evacuation system provides product to the primary device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 20, 2004
    Publication date: November 4, 2004
    Applicant: Lancer Partnership, Ltd.
    Inventors: Alfred A. Schroeder, Michael T. Romanyszyn, Merrill R. Good, John D. Santy, George E. Hernandez, Ronald Ray Hoch
  • Publication number: 20040188304
    Abstract: A packaging system or storage arrangement that includes provision to indicate the presence of oxygen. An oxygen-sensitive material is placed inside a sealable container. Air is evacuated from the sealable container and the sealable container is sealed to isolate the oxygen-sensitive material from oxygen. The sealable container is then irradiated with an effective amount of radiation to activate the oxygen-sensitive material such that the oxygen-sensitive material will undergo a visual change in the presence of oxygen after the oxygen-sensitive material has been irradiated. The visual change provides an indication of the presence of oxygen inside the sealable container.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 30, 2003
    Publication date: September 30, 2004
    Inventors: Michael J. Bonnette, Eric J. Thor
  • Publication number: 20040187441
    Abstract: Described herein is a capping head for the application of caps on bottles or containers, in which the capping head is enclosed within a casing having an end mouth that engages the bottle or the container during application of the cap so as to define a closed chamber, within which the capping head is contained. Said closed chamber is set in communication with a source of vacuum so as to empty the bottle or container of the air contained therein before completion of application of the cap.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 15, 2004
    Publication date: September 30, 2004
    Applicant: AROL S.p.A.
    Inventor: Sergio Cirio
  • Patent number: 6796107
    Abstract: The apparatus comprises a powder dispenser portion with an outlet port which opens into a loading chamber. A slide gate valve assembly selectively closes the port and a disc valve assembly is provided above the slide gate valve assembly. Containers are loaded into the loading chamber and are located beneath the port and are then purged with inert gas. The slide gate valve assembly and disc valve assembly are then opened to allow container to be filled with ultra fine powder.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 4, 2002
    Date of Patent: September 28, 2004
    Assignee: Tetronics Limited
    Inventors: David Edward Deegan, Timothy Paul Johnson, Christopher David Chapman
  • Patent number: 6789373
    Abstract: The invention relates to a package comprising a flexible substrate having a silver halide formed image.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 13, 2002
    Date of Patent: September 14, 2004
    Assignee: Eastman Kodak Company
    Inventors: Robert P. Bourdelais, Alphonse D. Camp, Peter T. Aylward
  • Patent number: 6786022
    Abstract: System, method and material for making pneumatically filled packing cushions in which a plastic film material having two superposed layers joined together along first and second longitudinal edges is prefabricated at a first location by forming longitudinally spaced, transversely extending rows of perforations across it and sealing it together along seal lines which extend from the first edge of the material in a direction generally parallel to the rows of perforations other and terminate a short distance from the second edge to form chambers with open mouths facing the second edge between the rows of perforations. The material is then fan-folded or formed into rolls for storage and shipment. At a second location, gas is introduced into the chambers by passing the material along a tube positioned between the ends of the seals and the second edge of the material and injecting the gas into the open mouths of the chambers through openings in a side wall of the tube.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 18, 2002
    Date of Patent: September 7, 2004
    Assignee: Free-Flow Packaging International, Inc.
    Inventors: Gunter G. Fuss, Vladimir Yampolsky
  • Patent number: 6782676
    Abstract: A bell-shaped element is placed in a sealed position whereby it rests against the outer wall of the container which is full of solid commodities in order to create a partial vacuum in the inner area of said bell-shaped element and in the gaseous area of the container. A sealing armature subsequently places a sealing cap on top of the opening of the container. When the vacuum is created, a cleanliness element rests against the free edge of the opening of the container in a position which is sealed by means of a liner. The cleanliness element comprises a sieve which retains solid materials inside the container during suction. The cleanliness element subsequently retracts on a plane of its own, wiping the free end of the opening in order to remove debris and solid particles which could prevent the opening from being sealed in a desired manner.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 10, 2002
    Date of Patent: August 31, 2004
    Assignee: Ducros
    Inventor: Denis Guillou
  • Patent number: 6782675
    Abstract: A method of packaging a plastic balloon preferably includes steps of sealing the plastic balloon within a substantially airtight package and maintaining the environment within the package in such a condition as to maintain the plastic balloon in a hydrated state that will optimize the performance characteristics of the plastic balloon when it is inflated. Antifungal and antibacterial agents are preferably also provided within the package to inhibit the growth of mold and bacteria.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 5, 2003
    Date of Patent: August 31, 2004
    Inventors: Emily M. Banks, Christopher Hill, Akira Nakamura
  • Publication number: 20040163973
    Abstract: A receptacle (110, 112) suitable for food packaging which comprises a bottom or base portion (111, 121) defining a storage compartment or zone and a flange (113,123) circumferentially extending all around the receptacle contour providing an area for the closing lid to be sealed, said receptacle being made of a multi-layer thermoplastic structure comprising at least i) an upper liquid absorbent layer (1) that is devised to be either in direct contact with the food product to be packaged in the receptacle or separated therefrom by one or more liquid pervious layers (5,6) allowing passage of liquids from the receptacle inner surface into the absorbent layer, and ii) a non-perforated liquid and gas-barrier thermoplastic film (2), and being characterized in that the surface exposed along a closed line in the circumferential flange (113,123) is of the lower non-perforated liquid and gas-barrier thermoplastic film (2).
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 9, 2004
    Publication date: August 26, 2004
    Inventor: Eugenio Longo
  • Publication number: 20040154269
    Abstract: A method of manufacturing or handling a substantially pure object includes shielding the substantially pure object from the environment by substantially enveloping the object in a fluid. A system for manufacturing a substantially pure object includes a mold for forming the object, and a machine adapted to remove the object from the mold. The machine includes a handling device for gripping the object and removing it from the mold. The handling device includes at least one nozzle through which fluid is delivered to substantially envelope the object during, for example, removal of the object from the mold. The object may be a medical object, such as a syringe, or a component or part thereof, such as a syringe barrel or plunger. In a preferred aspect, a molding process is conducted in a room exhibiting less than Class 100 conditions and/or in such a way that the object does not need to be subsequently cleaned or rinsed, as by air or water washing.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 19, 2003
    Publication date: August 12, 2004
    Applicant: Transcoject Gesellschaft fur medizinische Gerate mbH & Co. KG
    Inventor: Jochen Heinz