Abstract: Methods for filling and sealing containers having one or more flexible sides. Non-standard containers for holding fluid are releasably supported during the filling and sealing process. Both the interior and exterior of the filled container are subjected to an environment of reduced pressure to minimize the headspace and sealed.

Abstract: A packaged ocular irrigating solution bag, which comprises a gas-permeable plastic multiple compartment bag and a gas-impermeable plastic packaging member for packaging the bag and in which an oxiglutatione-containing solution or solid preparation is enclosed in one compartment and a bicarbonate ion solution is enclosed in another compartment and the space between the bag and the packaging member has a carbon dioxide gas atmosphere.

Abstract: A sealing device includes a top part forming a bell and a bottom part forming a vat, receiving a container to be sealed with a film in the chamber defined by the top and bottom parts. The top part includes on a side supplying the film, a slot for the passage of the film running through a wall of the top part, and a device, preferably an inflatable pipe, for obstructing the slot and blocking the film. The wall of the top part also includes a device for inserting and/or extracting fluid, opening inside the chamber between the slot and the wall lower edge, for extracting gas under vacuum, injecting gas and/or filling the container.

Abstract: Packaged food articles of improved appearance and stackability are described such as a refrigerated active cultured dairy product. Each packaged food article comprises an unpressurized, imperforate container having an opening, wherein the container is fabricated from a material having a low gas permeability. A quantity of gas releasing food stuff, such as a live cultured dairy product, is disposed within and partially fills the container defining a headspace volume which is not filled with the food stuff. A peelable flexible seal membrane overlays and seals the opening. An initial headspace gas is enriched with the gas released from the food stuff, with the initial headspace gas being adapted to permeate the packaging material at a rate greater than both the rate in which gas is released from the food stuff within the container and the rate in which air permeates into the container, thereby avoiding outward bowing of the flexible seal during the shelf life of the packaged food article.

Abstract: A plastic closure includes a plastic closure shell having a base wall with a central opening and a skirt with at least one internal thread or bead for securing the closure to a container finish. A plastic disk is retained within the shell parallel to but spaced from the base wall. The disk includes a plurality of axially extending spacer elements around the disk to engage the undersurface of the base wall and space the disk from the base wall of the shell, and angularly spaced fingers extending from the disk through the central opening of the base wall to retain the disk within the shell. A resilient liner is disposed on an underside of the disk for sealing engagement with the container finish.

Abstract: A system for packaging a bone allograft for use in a future medical procedure in which the bone allograft is stored in a saturated saline solution in an airtight container. The saline solution keeps the allograft hydrated and may be saturated with a combination of calcium, phosphate, or magnesium to inhibit mineral leaching out of the allograft during storage. The container may be deformable to conform to the shape of the allograft material as the container is “shrink-fitted” to the allograft. Optionally, the bone allograft may also be freeze dried prior to placement in the container.

Abstract: A vacuum sealing appliance for lidded containers. A container is evacuated by placing a conventional container with a lid under a bell cover or by applying a special lid to an open container. An actuator assembly moves a valve to an sealed position and energizes an electrical vacuum pump. A vacuum switch and solenoid simultaneously terminate the operation of the vacuum pump and allow atmospheric pressure to be applied to the lid, thereby to seal the lid against the container.

Abstract: A system for evacuating containers. The system includes a base housing defining a recess having a vacuum inlet port in communication with a vacuum source. An inner door is hinged to the base housing and is sized to cover the recess when in a closed position, and an outer door having a sealing member is hinged to close over the inner door. A vacuum nozzle extends at least partially between the inner and outer doors and is in communication with the recess. The inner and outer doors cooperate to retain a flexible container therebetween and around the nozzle so that the nozzle is positioned for fluid communication with an inside of the container. A removable drip pan is positioned to retain fluids drawn by the nozzle.

Abstract: Trace impurities such as organic compounds and carbon monoxide are reduced to sub-ppb levels in gases such as nitrogen, helium and argon, by gas purifying systems that contain an ultra-low emission (ULE) carbon material. Ultra-low emission (ULE) carbon materials is capable of removing impurities from a gas stream down to parts-per-billion (ppb) and sub-ppb levels without concurrently emitting other impurities such as moisture or carbon dioxide to the purified gas stream. The carbon material is superactivated by heating the carbon to temperatures between 300-800° C. in an ultra-dry, inert gas stream. The ultra-low emission (ULE) carbon material is handled and stored in an environment that minimizes contamination from moisture and other oxygenated species in order to maintain its ppb and sub-ppb impurity removal and low emission properties.

Abstract: Packaging for a potable liquid includes an inner core and an outer portion; said inner core comprising an edible matrix capable of retaining liquid; said outer portion substantially enclosing said core so as to prevent evaporation of said liquid, and said core retaining said liquid when said core is exposed such that substantially all of said liquid is retained therein upon removal of at least part of the said outer portion, in use.

Abstract: To package liquids in thin-walled packages while at the same time conferring good mechanical strength upon these packages, an inert gas such as nitrogen and/or carbon dioxide, in the gaseous state is or are introduced into the liquid by means of an injector (22), the liquid becoming saturated or supersaturated with which gas(es); the product obtained is stored in a reservoir (14) at a constant level above which an overhead of the said gas is created at a raised pressure which is constant by virtue of regulating means (3). On demand, this product is transferred, by tapping means (4), to packages which are partially filled with product the surface of which is surmounted with an overhead of the said gas at a raised pressure after the package has been sealed.

Abstract: A process for producing an inflated, water-soluble container which comprises: a) forming an open container from a water-soluble film; b) at least partially filling the container with a composition which comprises a component which releases a gas; c) sealing the container; and d) allowing the container to inflate.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a vacuum bag sealing machine used for vacuumizing and sealing plastic bag containing food or the like therein so as to keep the food or the like fresh. The vacuum bag sealing machine comprises a main body consisted of a top cover and a base connected pivotally with the top cover; a static sealing unit including an upper and a lower sealing strip which are disposed on the front portion of the main body, the lower sealing strip being provided with a predetermined number of through holes; a vacuum generating unit including a vacuum pump and an exhaust tubule mounted on the base, the vacuum pump being communicated with the predetermined number of through holes formed in the lower sealing strip through the exhaust tubule; and a heating and opening-sealing unit. The vacuum bag sealing machine is improved in the static sealing unit and the vacuum generating unit, so that it has an increased sealing reliability and a quickened vacuumizing speed.

Abstract: A method and closure and container combination for packaging and sealing a commodity in a container that reduces headspace gases, in particular oxygen, allowing the packaged commodity to have a longer shelf life. The method is also useful for reducing stresses on containers that undergo filling at an elevated temperature and/or require in-container pasteurization or retort processes after fill and seal.

Abstract: Methods are provided for packaging floral groupings in a modified atmosphere at or near the site or harvest. The modified atmosphere package, which generally contains oxygen and carbon dioxide concentrations which differ from those seen in air, is constructed of a material which has modified atmosphere characteristics such that the material is permeable to certain gases while impermeable to others. The package may also include fluid impermeable perforations to assist in the removal of the floral grouping from the package. A surface packaging agent, which maintains the appearance of the floral grouping and/or the modified atmosphere package, may also be present on the package, and a floral grouping maintenance agent, which maintains the appearance of the floral grouping, may also be disposed within the package with the floral grouping before partially sealing the modified atmosphere package about the floral grouping.

Abstract: Method of packaging a perishable item wherein the perishable item is put into a liquid and gas tight container having an opening located above the perishable item, and the container opening is sealed with a liquid tight film of material permeable to gases with the film containing ingredients that will produce CO2 and ClO2 when contacted by moisture vapor. A package made of a liquid and gas tight container having an opening located in an upper portion, a perishable item located in the container below the opening, and a liquid tight film of material permeable to gases sealing said opening with the film containing ingredients that will produce CO2 and ClO2 when contacted by moisture vapor.

Abstract: Dangerous wastes, such as very low level radioactive waste are processed and compacted under the form of flat cakes (12) stacked in metallic drums (10) closed by an intermediary lid (16) provided with a cap. A blocking material is then injected into the drum by an injection nozzle (42), after a toothed crown (38) surrounding this nozzle has perforated the cap. The toothed crown (38) is carried by a dynamic containment hood (28) in which there is also a circuit (44) for negative pressure application to the drum (10) and the hood. This circuit sucks out the contaminated air contained in the tank when it is perforated and during injection. The operation is thus carried out without risk of contaminating the workshop and the external surface of the drum.

Abstract: The invention proposes a method of venting a filled bottle with is closed by means of an elastic stopper (10), the stopper inserted into the bottle opening being deformed such that an air-outlet opening is formed in the sealing region between the stopper and bottle.

Abstract: A vacuum water making method and device, the vacuum water making device comprises a water storage tank, a first gas extraction pipeline, a vacuum container connected to one end of the first gas extraction pipeline and the water storage tank, an intake pipeline disposed in the vacuum container, a mild water temperature control portion disposed between the intake pipeline and the water storage tank, a bottle filling injection pipeline with one end connected to the water storage tank, and an isopiestic continuous room disposed below the bottle filling injection pipeline. The vacuum water is produced by said device.

Abstract: A packaging apparatus for enclosing a head portion of a stethoscope in a barrier material. The packaging apparatus includes a housing having an interior with an opening for allowing the insertion of a head portion of a stethoscope into the interior. A sensor assembly detects the insertion of the head portion of the stethoscope. A door assembly selectively closes the opening. The door assembly comprises a door member and a door actuator. The door member is movable between an open position and a closed position. A vacuum assembly evacuates air from the interior. A table member supports a section of a roll of barrier material comprising individual plastic sleeves. A feed assembly positions the barrier material. A handling assembly manipulates an open end of the sleeves. The handling assembly includes an upper attachment member and a lower attachment member for releasably attaching to top and bottom sides of the open end of the sleeve respectively.

Abstract: A packaging machine may package irregularly shaped food products such that a heat-sensitive lidding material is thermoformed to generally conform to the configuration of the food product.

Abstract: A method or process for substituting an inert gas or blend of inert gases for ambient air in the head space of a container filled with leftover oil-based finish prior to sealing the lid. Even a tightly sealed container of leftover paint, stain, varnish, or other oil-based finish, will thicken, gel, or skin over with time. This occurs because the oxygen that is sealed in the storage container continues to react with oil-based finishes. The process involves using an aerosol can filled with the inert gas or blend of gases to displace the oxygen from a container that has leftover oil-based finish in it. After the oxygen is flushed out of a container with the gas, the lid is sealed tightly. The inert gas or blend must be heavier than oxygen and sink down to block oxygen from the liquid surface. Because gas or blend is heavier than oxygen, it will separate the liquid surface from any oxygen that may remain in a container.

Abstract: A new method and system for establishing, and optionally maintaining, a desired atmosphere for perishable or atmosphere-sensitive goods during their storage and/or transportation. In one embodiment, a conveyor is used to move a pallet with goods from station to station. A mechanical arm at a sheeting station lifts goods from a pallet while one or more sheets are placed between the goods and the pallet. A bottom plate with fingers having hollow tubes holds the pallet while the pallet is being wrapped and enclosed. A portable manifold may also be connected to the hollow tubes and a controller samples and adjusts atmosphere inside the pallet via the portable manifold.

Abstract: A core panel or box of rigid plastics microporous foam is provided with parallel spaced passages or thin grooves and is placed within an envelope or bag of flexible multi-layer barrier film impervious to the passage of gas. The bag includes an integral evacuation tubular portion which is releasably coupled to an evacuation nozzle connected by a manifold with solenoid valves to a vacuum pump. After air is substantially evacuated from the foam core and the bag to collapse the bag against the foam core and into the grooves, a vacuum sensor operates a computer which controls the valves for checking the vacuum level within the bag and for optionally admitting an additive gas. Closely spaced grooves within opposite sides of the foam panel provide for bending the evacuated panel, and a thin layer of foam is applied to the outer surface of the vacuum insulated panel to provide a protective outer surface.

Abstract: The air remaining within a headspace of a can filled with a liquid such as a carbonated drink, juice drink, tea drink, coffee drink or the like is replaced with one of steam, a mixture of steam and carbonic acid gas, a mixture of steam and nitrogen gas, and a mixture of carbonic acid gas and nitrogen gas. Therefore, the quality of filled liquid can be maintained, and deterioration of the working environment can be prevented by avoiding the spraying of carbonic acid in all directions at the workshop.

Abstract: This invention relates to a method for filling and capping containers, preferably screw top bottles, that are closed with a cap-like closing element preferably a screw cap. The invention achieves a more secure closure and a more hygienic mouth area. The method includes the following steps a) after the filling has been completed, the liquid in the bottles is allowed to foam, with minimized overflow of the foaming liquid, b) a first cap part is applied to the mouth of the bottle to stop the foam, thus forming a sealing fit on the mouth of the bottle, c) when the mouth of the bottle has been sealed by the first cap part, any traces of liquid and/or foam that may remain on the mouth of the bottle are sprayed, off, and d) the actual main cap is applied to the mouth of the bottle, without introducing any additional oxygen into the mouth of the bottle.

Abstract: A method for long term storage of a bulk commodity utilizes a flexible, low gas-permeability sheet material enclosure in which the bulk commodity is hermetically sealed. The atmosphere in the sealed flexible sheet material enclosure is substantially evacuated to establish a vacuum therein. The vacuum is maintained during at least a portion of the long term storage of the bulk commodity. At least a portion of the bulk commodity is removed from the flexible, low gas-permeability sheet material enclosure by opening a hermetic seal therein.

Abstract: A transparent, coated, heat-shrinkable film having controlled shrinkability which includes a biaxially oriented substrate having a polypropylene blend core layer and a water based coating. The shrink during the application on packaging machines is achieved through the balanced MD-TD (machine direction and transverse direction) film retraction in and near the sealed areas. The substrate can also include outer layers of a propylene-ethylene-butylene terpolymer disposed on either side of the polypropylene core layer or on either side of additional intermediate layers that may be disposed between the outer layers and the core layer. The invention also includes a process for making this coated heat-shrinkable film. The coated film is formed under controlled temperature and tension conditions to produce a packaging film having shrinkage within a controlled shrinkability range.

Abstract: A vacuum sealing appliance for lidded containers. A container is evacuated by placing a conventional container with a lid under a bell cover or by applying a special lid to an open container. An actuator assembly moves a valve to an sealed position and energizes an electrical vacuum pump. A vacuum switch and solenoid simultaneously terminate the operation of the vacuum pump and allow atmospheric pressure to be applied to the lid, thereby to seal the lid against the container.

Abstract: Packaging containers produced from a composite shaped by cold-forming, the term “packaging containers” including base or lid parts or base or lid parts shaped by cold-forming. The base or lid parts can be shaped by cold-forming, and a lid foil or base foil, respectively, can form the corresponding closure for the packaging container. In addition, both the base and the lid part can be shaped by cold-forming, the depressions formed in the base and lid parts advantageously lying opposite one another. Examples of these packaging containers are strip packing or blister packaging for pharmaceutical products.

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.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to regulating agglomeration of elastic material (e.g., elastic strand) by regulating exposure of the material to water or water vapor. In some versions of the invention, regulating agglomeration in this way decreases, minimizes, or eliminates strand breaks on a production machine using the strand as raw material. Representative embodiments encompass regulating the material's exposure to water or water vapor by regulating temperature, humidity, or both around the elastic material, or containers containing the elastic material, so that the elastic material remains substantially unagglomerated. Other representative embodiments encompass packaging the elastic material in a way that regulates the material's exposure to water or water vapor so that the material remains substantially unagglomerated.

Abstract: A bell-shaped element (1) is placed in a sealed position whereby it rests against the outer wall of the container (9b) which is full of solid commodities (49) in order to create a partial vacuum in the inner area (11) of said bell-shaped element and in the gaseous area of the container. A sealing armature (17) subsequently places a sealing cap (16) on top of the opening (12) of the container. When the vacuum is created, a cleanliness element (32) rests against the free edge (28) of the opening (28) of the container in a position which is sealed by means of a liner (36). Said cleanliness element (32) comprises a sieve (34) which retains solid materials inside the container during suction. The cleanliness element (32) subsequently retracts on a plane of its own, wiping the free end (28) of the opening (12) in order to remove debris and solid particles which could prevent the opening (16) from being sealed in a desired manner.

Abstract: The apparatus comprises a powder dispenser portion with an outlet port which opens into a loading chamber (6). A slide gate valve assembly (10) selectively closes the port and a disc valve assembly (5) is provided above the slide gate valve assembly. Containers (19) are loaded into the loading chamber (6) and are located beneath the port and are then purged with inert gas. The slide gate valve assembly (10) and disc valve assembly (5) are then opened to allow container (19) to be filled with ultra fine powder.

Abstract: Oxygen scavenging materials incorporated into or attached to a package such as a gable-top or rectangular carton, used to package foods, beverages or other oxygen sensitive materials, and thereby increase shelf-life by decreasing oxygen in the headspace of the package, and decreasing oxidation of the packaged product.

Abstract: A process for packaging a polyurethane foam filled article of furniture, comprising the steps of: (a) providing a polyurethane foam filled article of furniture having an initial volume; (b) reducing the initial volume of the polyurethane foam filled article of furniture to a reduced volume, comprising at least one of the steps of: (1) decreasing air pressure within the polyurethane foam filled article of furniture via a vacuum source; and (2) compressing the initial volume of the polyurethane foam filled article of furniture to a reduced volume; and (c) associating the polyurethane foam filled article of furniture with a package.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to regulating agglomeration of elastic material (e.g., elastic strand) by regulating exposure of the material to water or water vapor. In some versions of the invention, regulating agglomeration in this way decreases, minimizes, or eliminates strand breaks on a production machine using the strand as raw material. Representative embodiments encompass regulating the material's exposure to water or water vapor by regulating temperature, humidity, or both around the elastic material, or containers containing the elastic material, so that the elastic material remains substantially unagglomerated. Other representative embodiments encompass packaging the elastic material in a way that regulates the material's exposure to water or water vapor so that the material remains substantially unagglomerated.

Abstract: An apparatus for continuously forming thermoplastic adhesive cartridges. A molten thermoplastic adhesive supply provides a supply of molten adhesive to a pump downstream from the molten thermoplastic adhesive supply. The pump then provides a molten thermoplastic adhesive melt stream which passes through a screen filter downstream from the pump to prevent the discharge of impurities in the molten thermoplastic adhesive melt stream from the pump. A temperature-controlled conduit downstream from the pump then lowers the temperature of the molten plastic melt stream to closely above its softening point. A continuous molder located downstream from the melt pump for receives the molten plastic melt stream from the melt pump to form the thermoplastic adhesive cartridge continuously.

Abstract: We have determined that strength characteristics of elastic strand improve when the strand is heated. Thus, the present invention is directed to improving strength characteristics of an elastic strand by heating the strand. The strand may be heated by thermal conduction and/or convection, by irradiative methods using, for example, infrared or microwave radiation, or some combination of these. If the elastic strand is made at a location different from the location where the strand is used as a raw material, the strand may be heated at either location, or both locations. Furthermore, the strand may be heated in-line, i.e. as part of the process that makes the strand or the process that uses the strand as a raw material, or off-line, i.e. in a step separate from either of the aforementioned processes. Finally, in addition to heat treating the strand, the strand's exposure to water or water vapor may be regulated to reduce or eliminate strength degradation.

Abstract: The invention provides a photopolymer package for use in making a hand stamp plate, the package consisting of a sachet containing a photocurable liquid polymer, the walls of the sachet being formed of material capable of being released from the cured photopolymer. Methods for the formation of the package and the hand stamp plate are also provided. The invention eliminates the requirement for the use of a backing layer in the package and thereby offers significant advantages over the prior art in terms of cost and efficiency.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for automated leak testing, capping, labelling, evacuating and loading collapsible plastic containers in bulk into magazine clips for subsequent handling operations is provided. The apparatus is compact and intergrated, defining discrete stations for each stated method step.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for manufacturing pressurized packages capable of obtaining gas displacement pressurized canned goods with high accuracy of internal pressure by atomizing liquid nitrogen, and supplying it together with low temperature vaporized gases to a head space of a can. A spray device assembly (10) for atomizing and spraying the liquid nitrogen is provided in an opening of the bottom of a liquefied gas storage tank (1) formed as a vacuum heat insulating structure. The spray device assembly (10) is constituted such that a valve (2) for controlling the flow rate of liquid nitrogen, a spray nozzle (3), a liquid nitrogen flowpassage (4) extending from the valve (2) to the spray nozzle (3), a nozzle cooling tank (5) for cooling the flowpassage, and a purge device for cutting an outer peripheral portion of a nozzle and an outlet portion off from the air, so as to prevent them from being frosted, are integrally mounted on a spray body 6.

Abstract: Sterilant monitoring assembly includes an external housing defining an inlet and an outlet, and an internal flow path extending therethrough. An internal housing is located within the external housing and substantially surrounded by the internal flow path. The internal housing defines an interior sensor chamber therein, and includes a valve arrangement to join the interior sensor chamber selectively in fluid communication with the internal flow path. Preferably, the valve arrangement of the internal housing is defined by a base portion and a cover portion moveable relative to each other between an open position and a closed position. In one embodiment, the cover portion has an open end section configured for sealing engagement with an opposing surface of the base portion when moved axially to the closed position. In another preferred embodiment, the base portion and cover portion include mating peripheral walls.

Abstract: A composite container having a detachable liner and a method for making the container are provided according to the present invention. The method includes providing a tubular body ply formed of a paperboard material and adhering the liner ply using a standard adhesive applicator. The method also includes heating a heat-releasable adhesive disposed between the liner ply and the body ply such that the liner ply substantially releases from the body ply. The liner ply remains adhered to the opposed ends of the container, thus providing a free medial portion between the opposed ends that can move inwardly if a negative pressure is created within the sealed container, thus equalizing the pressure within the container with that outside the container.

Abstract: Through a chemical vapor deposition process, a tubular graphite body is fabricated as a hydrogen storage element that comprises a tubular graphite body forming an elongated shell and at least one metal plug closing an open end of the elongated shell so as to form a closed inside space for storing hydrogen gas.

Abstract: A film of thermoformable plastic material is heated and positioned on the upper part of a group of cans, the film is made to adhere to the surface of said upper part of the group of cans by a thrust action, acting on the top of the film, exerted by a deformable elastic pad in the regions surrounded by the can clinching rim, to urge the film downwards, that film portion adhering to the upper part of the group of cans is separated from the rest of the film, the film is previously heated to an appropriate temperature such that, following cooling, it retains its shape and remains adhering to the surface of said upper part.

Abstract: A method of supporting a plastic container exposed to elevated temperatures during product filling and packaging to eliminate heat and internal pressure induced distortion, internal vacuum distortion, or structural failure. Plastic containers usually have a body with exterior configuration and a sealable open mouth. The invention provides a method of hot filling, pasteurising and retort processing of conventional containers during product filling where at least a portion of the container is confined in a support casing having an interior cavity mating the exterior configuration of the container body portion. The product is then introduced into the container, and the container mouth is sealed. A positive pressure is induced within the sealed container while the container is exposed to a product processing temperature. An unsupported PET container exposed to high heat and internal pressure variations would distort or fail.

Abstract: Methods are provided for packaging floral groupings in a modified atmosphere at or near the site or harvest. The modified atmosphere package, which generally contains oxygen and carbon dioxide concentrations which differ from those seen in air, is constructed of a material which has modified atmosphere characteristics such that the material is permeable to certain gases while impermeable to others. The package may also include fluid impermeable perforations to assist in the removal of the floral grouping from the package. A surface packaging agent, which maintains the appearance of the floral grouping and/or the modified atmosphere package, may also be present on the package, and a floral grouping maintenance agent, which maintains the appearance of the floral grouping, may also be disposed within the package with the floral grouping before partially sealing the modified atmosphere package about the floral grouping.

Abstract: The invention is concerned with so-called sterile tunnels or tubes on aseptically operating packing machines. During operation, sterile air und during the pre-sterilizing phase, sterilizing fluid can flow through the telescopic tubular sealants provided on sterile tunnels or tubes of this type for the passage of mounting linkages of working elements disposed in the sterile chamber of the tunnel. To safely strike and destroy, during the pre-sterilization of the sterile tunnel, all germs contained in the labyrinth-type telescopic tubular sealant, discharge openings are provided in the upper part of the telescopic tubular sealant.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for transferring a wet object, such as a contact lens, from a first station to a second station includes a probe having a barrel with a passage for communication with a vacuum source and a pressurized gas source, a nozzle at the end of the passage, and a hood around the nozzle in communication with a vacuum source. The barrel is moved in a first direction to place the nozzle adjacent the object in the first station and the vacuum from the nozzle attaches the object to the nozzle. Moving the barrel in a second direction removes the nozzle with the object attached from the first station. The probe is moved to the second station with the object attached. The barrel is moved in the first direction to place the object at the second station, the vacuum is removed from the nozzle and pressurized gas is applied through the barrel passage to remove the object from the nozzle and deposit it at the second station and, at the same time, blow off matter from the object.