Vacuum Or Gas Treating Patents (Class 53/432)
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Patent number: 7328549Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: January 25, 2007Date of Patent: February 12, 2008Assignee: Hyaluron, Inc.Inventors: Shawn Kinney, Andrea Wagner
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Patent number: 7328555Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: November 17, 2003Date of Patent: February 12, 2008Assignee: Ilapak Macchine Automatiche S.A.Inventor: Roger S. Levy
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Patent number: 7325381Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: March 21, 2006Date of Patent: February 5, 2008Inventor: Joseph M. Waldron
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Patent number: 7325377Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: May 11, 2004Date of Patent: February 5, 2008Assignee: Free-Flow Packaging International, Inc.Inventors: Gunter G. Fuss, Vladimir Yampolsky
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Publication number: 20080003334Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: June 28, 2007Publication date: January 3, 2008Inventors: Laurence D. BELL, David G. SCHANZER, Brian J. WESTCOTT
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Patent number: 7299601Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: February 8, 2006Date of Patent: November 27, 2007Inventors: 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
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Patent number: 7299603Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: March 14, 2006Date of Patent: November 27, 2007Assignee: United Microelectronics Corp.Inventors: Jian-Ping Horng, Cheng-Chien Lin, Wen-An Lu, Yu-Mei Lin, Wu-Fu Weng
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Publication number: 20070214748Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: March 14, 2007Publication date: September 20, 2007Inventor: Pietro DOVESI
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Patent number: 7263814Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: July 15, 2005Date of Patent: September 4, 2007Assignee: Oxyband Technologies, Inc.Inventor: Coni F. Rosati
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Publication number: 20070169435Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: January 25, 2007Publication date: July 26, 2007Inventors: Shawn Kinney, Andrea Wagner
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Publication number: 20070169434Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: October 23, 2006Publication date: July 26, 2007Inventors: Shawn Kinney, Andrea Wagner
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Patent number: 7219480Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: August 6, 2003Date of Patent: May 22, 2007Assignee: Alcoa Closure Systems International, Inc.Inventors: Bernard A. Winters, William A. Moll, IV, Larry W. Ellis
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Patent number: 7204067Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: February 26, 2004Date of Patent: April 17, 2007Assignee: Sunbeam Products, Inc.Inventor: Alexandre A. N. Baptista
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Patent number: 7197860Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: November 17, 2004Date of Patent: April 3, 2007Assignee: Vacnseal Holdings, LLCInventors: Gary Lee Hughes, Robert Walter Millar, David Robert Millar
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Patent number: 7191577Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: June 27, 2003Date of Patent: March 20, 2007Assignee: Corus Staal BVInventor: Paulus Jozef Tamis
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Patent number: 7165376Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: December 16, 2002Date of Patent: January 23, 2007Assignee: Asahi Kasei Life & Living CorporationInventors: Masahiko Kawashima, Gensyou Unno, Yutaka Matsuki
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Patent number: 7162851Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: May 10, 2005Date of Patent: January 16, 2007Assignee: Eiji YoshidaInventors: 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
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Patent number: 7159374Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: November 10, 2004Date of Patent: January 9, 2007Assignee: Inoflate, LLCInventors: James Scott Abercrombie, III, Michael Edward Wood, Nicholas Joseph Day
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Patent number: 7124557Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: March 24, 2005Date of Patent: October 24, 2006Assignee: Sunbean Products, Inc.Inventor: Steven D. Small
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Patent number: 7091425Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: May 17, 2004Date of Patent: August 15, 2006Assignee: Deere & CompanyInventors: Jean Viaud, Stephane Biziorek, Lionel Guiet, Mickael Pessard
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Patent number: 7090880Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: September 24, 1999Date of Patent: August 15, 2006Assignee: Ball Packaging Europe GmbHInventors: Fred Savrij Droste, Maria Cornelia Hendrika Kamp-Stroeken
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Patent number: 7040075Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: August 8, 2001Date of Patent: May 9, 2006Assignee: The Clorox CompanyInventors: Robert B. Seebeger, Frank M. Knafelc, Ronald E. Heiskell, Kenneth T. Felipe
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Patent number: 7032364Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: May 23, 2003Date of Patent: April 25, 2006Inventors: 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
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Patent number: 6988613Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: February 5, 2002Date of Patent: January 24, 2006Assignee: Novo Nordisk A/SInventors: Tina Meinertz Andersen, Lars Klingberg Muller
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Patent number: 6983575Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: July 4, 2002Date of Patent: January 10, 2006Assignee: Cryovac, Inc.Inventor: Eugenio Longo
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Patent number: 6976347Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: July 8, 2003Date of Patent: December 20, 2005Assignee: Alkar-Rapidpak, Inc.Inventors: Vernon D. Karman, Gary Lee Hahn, Craig R. Bonneville, Tou T. Vang, Nelly Feze, Robert E. Hanson
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Patent number: 6964197Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: October 16, 2001Date of Patent: November 15, 2005Assignee: Ball CorporationInventors: Craig P. Davis, Stephen C. Ramey, Mary L. Hughes-Olson, Edward R. Roberts, Mihaela Penescu
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Patent number: 6952906Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: September 15, 2003Date of Patent: October 11, 2005Assignee: Lovesac CorporationInventor: Shawn Nelson
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Patent number: 6945014Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: May 9, 2003Date of Patent: September 20, 2005Inventor: Mark Quann
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Patent number: 6941727Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: November 26, 2001Date of Patent: September 13, 2005Assignees: GrainPro, Inc., The State of Israel-Ministry of Agriculture & Rural DevelopmentInventors: Philippe Villers, Tom De Bruin, Shlomo Navarro
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Patent number: 6912828Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: February 23, 2000Date of Patent: July 5, 2005Assignee: Hefestus Ltd.Inventor: Yehuda Yamay
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Patent number: 6899147Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: June 6, 2001Date of Patent: May 31, 2005Assignee: Namba Press Works Co., Ltd.Inventors: Taro Ogawa, Yasumasa Senoo, Yasuyuki Toda, Mitsuo Katayama
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Patent number: 6883222Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: October 16, 2002Date of Patent: April 26, 2005Assignee: Bioject Inc.Inventor: Sergio Landau
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Patent number: 6880312Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: July 18, 2003Date of Patent: April 19, 2005Assignee: Webasto Thermosysteme International GmbHInventors: Wolfgang Kraemer, Robert Lang, Kemal-Edip Yildirim
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Patent number: 6868873Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: June 22, 2001Date of Patent: March 22, 2005Assignee: Tetra Laval Holdings & Finance S.A.Inventor: Peter Frisk
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Patent number: 6863949Abstract: 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 onType: GrantFiled: August 1, 2001Date of Patent: March 8, 2005Assignee: Va-Q-tec AGInventor: Michael E. Ehrmanntraut
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Patent number: 6862867Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: January 16, 2003Date of Patent: March 8, 2005Assignee: Pack-Tech, L.L.C.Inventors: Derril R. Cady, Mark W. Taylor, Sr., Theodore A. Balek
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Patent number: 6843039Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: March 6, 2000Date of Patent: January 18, 2005Assignee: BAE Systems plcInventor: James Hanmer
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Publication number: 20040261262Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: June 30, 2003Publication date: December 30, 2004Inventors: Gregory S. Clemons, Mitesh C. Patel
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Patent number: 6829875Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: March 12, 2003Date of Patent: December 14, 2004Assignee: Aventis Behring GmbHInventor: Erich Willstumpf
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Publication number: 20040216427Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: April 20, 2004Publication date: November 4, 2004Applicant: Lancer Partnership, Ltd.Inventors: Alfred A. Schroeder, Michael T. Romanyszyn, Merrill R. Good, John D. Santy, George E. Hernandez, Ronald Ray Hoch
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Publication number: 20040188304Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: December 30, 2003Publication date: September 30, 2004Inventors: Michael J. Bonnette, Eric J. Thor
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Publication number: 20040187441Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: March 15, 2004Publication date: September 30, 2004Applicant: AROL S.p.A.Inventor: Sergio Cirio
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Patent number: 6796107Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: November 4, 2002Date of Patent: September 28, 2004Assignee: Tetronics LimitedInventors: David Edward Deegan, Timothy Paul Johnson, Christopher David Chapman
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Patent number: 6789373Abstract: The invention relates to a package comprising a flexible substrate having a silver halide formed image.Type: GrantFiled: August 13, 2002Date of Patent: September 14, 2004Assignee: Eastman Kodak CompanyInventors: Robert P. Bourdelais, Alphonse D. Camp, Peter T. Aylward
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Patent number: 6786022Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: December 18, 2002Date of Patent: September 7, 2004Assignee: Free-Flow Packaging International, Inc.Inventors: Gunter G. Fuss, Vladimir Yampolsky
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Patent number: 6782676Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: October 10, 2002Date of Patent: August 31, 2004Assignee: DucrosInventor: Denis Guillou
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Patent number: 6782675Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: June 5, 2003Date of Patent: August 31, 2004Inventors: Emily M. Banks, Christopher Hill, Akira Nakamura
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Publication number: 20040163973Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: January 9, 2004Publication date: August 26, 2004Inventor: Eugenio Longo
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Publication number: 20040154269Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: November 19, 2003Publication date: August 12, 2004Applicant: Transcoject Gesellschaft fur medizinische Gerate mbH & Co. KGInventor: Jochen Heinz