Heating Or Cooling Patents (Class 53/440)
  • Patent number: 5494692
    Abstract: A multilayered food product, which has an upper component which has a density which is at least 0.2 kg/dm.sup.3 greater than a density of a lower component, is prepared by introducing a first food component into a container and within 30 seconds after introduction of the first food component applying a CO.sub.2 snow to a top surface of the first food component in the container for frosting the surface and removing residual CO.sub.2 snow from the surface and introducing a second food component into the container onto the frosted surface of the first food component.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 1, 1994
    Date of Patent: February 27, 1996
    Assignee: Nestec S.A.
    Inventors: Hans-Joachim Beyer, Hans J. Jung, Manfred Wild
  • Patent number: 5477659
    Abstract: A method and an arrangement for the packaging of a material-web roll, includes the roll being surrounded on all sides by packaging material. The packaging material is closed by a pleating device for the pleating of the axial projections of the packaging material on the end faces of the roll. A device for applying the outer end face covers is also included. When packaging the roll, air is enclosed within the package which often results in a bursting of the package when the roll is being deposited on one of its end faces. To avoid this bursting, a portion of the air mass is removed from the interior of the packaging material and after closing the package, the volume of the still enclosed air is being reduced by the provision of a heating device for heating at least a portion of the air volume being enclosed by the packaging.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 29, 1994
    Date of Patent: December 26, 1995
    Assignee: Sulzer Papertec Krefeld GmbH
    Inventors: Hans-Rolf Conrad, Franz Kayser
  • Patent number: 5471821
    Abstract: An apparatus and method for filling liquid-phased extruded containers comprises injecting the extruded material into a die head forming a tubular shape. The die head is hollow, or bored, from its back end to its front where the extruded material egresses to form the extrudate (pre-container) tube shape. A means for introducing a separable insert through the die head bore permits the insert to be encased within the tube while the thermoplastic material is still in its liquid or molten phase. Pinch rollers seal the tube at ends opposite that of the insert while avoiding the insert, while the line of sealed containers is pulled by gear rollers through a water cooling bath. A die punch stamp cuts the pinched, or sealed, sections of the containers separating them into individual, filled, singular units.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 2, 1994
    Date of Patent: December 5, 1995
    Inventor: Peter B. Lindgren
  • Patent number: 5460824
    Abstract: A tamper-resistant, caplet like medicament that masks the taste of poor tasting drugs and possesses an improved lubricity for easier swallowing is produced by shrinking a gelatin-based capsule about a caplet-shaped tablet of the medicament at specific temperatures, pressure and relative humidity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 27, 1990
    Date of Patent: October 24, 1995
    Assignee: Warner-Lambert Company
    Inventors: Jean C. LeBrun, Jackie L. Massey
  • Patent number: 5421138
    Abstract: A process for packing, cooling and shipping fresh produce incorporates a standard corrugated paperboard, stackable container without utilizing any water resistant chemical compounds, together with a moisture-impervious plastic bag which is inserted into the paperboard container. The free ends of the plastic bag extend upwardly and above the top plane of the paperboard container as produce is packed and thereafter allows an opening for a preselected amount of free water to be applied over the fresh-packed produce. Thereafter, the top of the bag is tucked in providing a loose closure and the package is palletized and inserted into a vacuum chamber where the temperature of the produce is rapidly brought down to its storage and shipping temperature.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 7, 1993
    Date of Patent: June 6, 1995
    Assignee: Weyerhaeuser Company
    Inventors: Herbert D. Muise, Mark A. Stanish
  • Patent number: 5392592
    Abstract: The present invention is directed to a method for the waste-free packaging for a hot-melt pressure sensitive adhesive that comprises extruding a hot-melt pressure sensitive adhesive into a continuous tubular film, wherein the film is compatible with being integrated into the composition of the hot-melt adhesive composition; and crimping the continuous tubular film at a predetermined distance such that a predetermined amount of the hot-melt pressure sensitive adhesive is isolated between at least two of the crimps to produce a compatibly packaged hot-melt adhesive composition. By melting the compatibly packaged hot-melt adhesive composition in a glue pot, the compatible packaging becomes compatibly integrated into the molten hot-melt adhesive composition.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 23, 1994
    Date of Patent: February 28, 1995
    Assignee: Croda Apex Adhesives, Inc.
    Inventors: Frank Bozich, Charles J. King
  • Patent number: 5373684
    Abstract: A process and apparatus used in manufacturing prefilled, sterile delivery devices such as syringe assemblies. The process includes sealing a syringe container portion at both ends and filling the same through a port provided in the container portion between the two ends. After filling, the port is closed and sealed and the syringe assembly is sterilized to provide a sterile delivery device with sterile contents. A suitable syringe container portion for producing prefilled, sterile delivery devices is also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 14, 1992
    Date of Patent: December 20, 1994
    Assignee: Mallinckrodt Medical, Inc.
    Inventor: Rita D. Vacca
  • Patent number: 5373682
    Abstract: A non-blocking hot melt adhesive mass is packaged by directly pouring or pumping the molten adhesive into a cylindrical plastic tube, the cylindrical tube being in contact with a heat sink. The resultant adhesive package is provided in a readily handable cartridge form which may be produced in a continuous line operation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 23, 1992
    Date of Patent: December 20, 1994
    Assignee: National Starch and Chemical Investment Holding Corporation
    Inventors: Stephen Hatfield, Shelley Gore, David Fame, Anthony Rindone
  • Patent number: 5345746
    Abstract: A method of regulating the amount of anti-bacterial agent in sterile packaging processes within the package which involves the steps of partially filling a container with any of a number of anti-bacterial agents in a solution of liquid, semi-liquid or frozen form, then placing articles into the container, so that an air space is formed within the container partially dehumidifying the air so that when the container is sealed the heating of the container and its contents to a temperature substantially below the boiling point of the solution and at a pressure of about one atmosphere, the surface within the container above and below the solution level, and the entire contents of such container, are sterilized, and have a regulated amount of anti-bacterial agent present in the air space.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 6, 1993
    Date of Patent: September 13, 1994
    Inventor: Richard M. Franchi
  • Patent number: 5343672
    Abstract: An improved method for manufacturing freeze dried pharmaceutical tablets in blister packs is disclosed. Liquid dosages are introduced into a multilayer laminated blister sheet having an impermeable intermediate layer that is positioned between first and second outer layers, each of which has substantially the same coefficient of thermal expansion. The properties of the outer layers of the blister sheet are such that there are no inter-layer stresses that will cause curvature of the blister sheet when it is subjected to temperature changes during the freezing and freeze drying steps. Following the introduction of the dosages into the depressions of the blister sheet, the dosages are frozen and freeze dried. A lidding sheet is then attached to the blister sheet to seal the solid dosages into the blister pack.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 1, 1992
    Date of Patent: September 6, 1994
    Inventors: Patrick Kearney, Andrew R. Thompson, Richard J. Yarwood
  • Patent number: 5333439
    Abstract: The present invention is directed to a release package, a preform, of the release package, and a method for releasably packaging a hot-melt pressure sensitive adhesive.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 22, 1992
    Date of Patent: August 2, 1994
    Assignee: Croda Apex Adhesives, Inc.
    Inventors: Frank Bozich, Charles J. King
  • Patent number: 5329748
    Abstract: The invention comprises a nested tray-like product separator apparatus and a packaging system employing the nested product separator for the separation of a plurality of generally vertically upright nested plastic tray products into packaging units composed of a defined plurality of the nested tray products. The product separator includes a base plate having a cavity therein and a pair of spaced-apart picker elements, with a tension-biased holdback finger element between the pair of spaced-apart picker elements. The product separator includes a pneumatic cylinder, to move the picker elements sequentially and cyclically between a non-use position and a separating position, wherein the one end of the picker elements extend between selected nested tray products to separate the products.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 19, 1993
    Date of Patent: July 19, 1994
    Assignee: Sencorp Systems, Inc.
    Inventor: Kenneth J. Belsito
  • Patent number: 5327703
    Abstract: A method for assembling a vacuum insulation panel is provided which includes the steps of: loading a quantity of microporous powder into a gas permeable pouch; pressing the pouch into a desired form; sealing the pouch; heating the powder to a temperature elevated above standard room temperature; inserting the pouch into a gas impermeable bag while the pouch and powder remain at the elevated temperature; evacuating gases from the powder pouch while it is at the elevated temperature; evacuating gases from the bag; and sealing the gas evacuated bag with the gas evacuated pouch therein to form a vacuum insulation panel. The heating of the powder may occur only just before insertion of the pouch into the bag, or may occur both before the powder is loaded into the pouch as well as just before insertion of the pouch into the bag. Further, a trace amount of Helium (at a pressure of approximately 1 mm Hg) may be put into the bag before it is sealed in order to permit testing of the sealed panel for leaks.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 23, 1993
    Date of Patent: July 12, 1994
    Assignee: Whirlpool Corporation
    Inventors: Nihat O. Cur, Richard W. Kruck, David B. Kirby
  • Patent number: 5325654
    Abstract: A carrier tape and cover strip are provided for storing electronic components and for supplying those components seriatim to a machine. The carrier tape includes a strip portion having spaced longitudinal edge surfaces, and a plurality of pockets formed in the strip portion. The cover strip is applied over the pockets to contain electronic components therein, and is bonded along two outer bonding portions to the edge surfaces of the carrier tape. In one embodiment, the cover strip includes a tear strip attached to a medial portion of the cover strip overlying the pockets, which may be used to separate the medial portion from the bonding portions to expose the contents of the pockets.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 19, 1992
    Date of Patent: July 5, 1994
    Assignee: Minnesota Mining and Manufacturing Company
    Inventors: Timothy J. Juntunen, Dale R. Tidemann, Joseph E. Weiler
  • Patent number: 5312240
    Abstract: An apparatus is reported for shaping an end of a solid cosmetic stick such as a deodorant or antiperspirant. The apparatus operates through a method that includes the steps of filling a package body with a molten cosmetic composition, solidifying the composition into stick form, heating a mold or package cap, elevating the stick to extend the package body opening, and contacting an end portion of the stick with the heated die or cap. A pattern such as a trademark or logo may be molded through this process onto the end portion of the stick.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 21, 1993
    Date of Patent: May 17, 1994
    Assignee: Chesebrough-Pond's USA Co., Division of Conopco, Inc.
    Inventors: Peter A. Divone, Sr., Angelo C. Piro, Jr., Jesus A. Urbaez
  • Patent number: 5307608
    Abstract: An apparatus and method for packaging asphalt, which includes liquid cooling means, such as a pool or water sprayer, and an elongated flat conveying surface, such as the surface of a conveyor belt, for transporting asphalt molds into said liquid cooling means after said asphalt molds have been lined with plastic and filled with hot asphalt.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 13, 1992
    Date of Patent: May 3, 1994
    Assignee: Petro Source Refining Partners
    Inventors: Raun S. Muir, Charles S. Rogers
  • Patent number: 5307985
    Abstract: Vacuum-sealed container, including contents and having an upper part and an element integral with the upper part, a housing being defined by the upper part and by the element, containing a solid substance having a melting point between 65.degree. and 150.degree. and including a first orifice communicating with the container and a second orifice communicating with the exterior closed by the solid substance.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 4, 1992
    Date of Patent: May 3, 1994
    Assignee: Societe de Constructions de Materiel Metallique et Electrique
    Inventor: Michel Beizermann
  • Patent number: 5257491
    Abstract: The invention relates to a method of packaging an adhesive composition, especially a thermoplastic or thermosetting hot melt adhesive. The method comprises the steps of providing one substantially uniform separate portion of the adhesive composition; sufficiently solidifying said portion for packaging; substantially completely surrounding said sufficiently solidified portion with a plastics packaging material. The packaging material being meltable together with the adhesive composition and blendable into said molten adhesive composition, the kind and amount of said packaging material being chosen so as not to disadvantageously affect the properties of the adhesive composition when blended into same. Preferably, the packaging material is a net, a wrap, a sack or a bag. Packagings made of plastic film are advantageously voided of air, to prevent problems in melting. The packaged adhesive can be melted as it is.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 12, 1993
    Date of Patent: November 2, 1993
    Inventors: Alain Rouyer, Emmanuelle Pariente, Peter Yeboa-Kodie
  • Patent number: 5251424
    Abstract: A method of hot filling a plastic container includes the steps of introducing a heated product into the container at a temperature of about 190.degree. F., introducing liquid nitrogen into the container and sealing the container before any significant thermal distortion occurs and cooling the container to room temperature, while maintaining a positive pressure within the cooled container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 2, 1992
    Date of Patent: October 12, 1993
    Assignee: American National Can Company
    Inventors: Richard D. Zenger, Stephen W. Cornell, E. James Schneiders
  • Patent number: 5228267
    Abstract: Frozen dessert cones made from a cooked batter capable of having lower and higher moisture contents, which respectively cause the cone to assume dimensionally contracted and expanded states, are provided with sanitary jackets while in their dimensionally contracted state. When the cooked batter forming the cone attains a higher moisture content, the cone will dimensionally expand against the walls of the sanitary jacket thereby exerting a restraining force against removal of the jacket from the cone. The sanitary jacket is applied to an interior handle region of a cone so that the sanitary jacket will nest with the exterior surface of a downstream cone handle when stacked therewithin. A chute is provided so as to align and direct the sanitary jacket with respect to the interior handle region of the cone. A stream of pressurized fluid (e.g., air) is then preferably directed against the sanitary jacket so as to propel the same into a seated relationship with the interior handle region.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 29, 1991
    Date of Patent: July 20, 1993
    Assignee: Sweetheart Cup Company Inc.
    Inventors: R. Carl Blankenship, Kenneth H. Kuykendall, Sr., Robert D. Heckner, Kenneth L. Schultz
  • Patent number: 5222346
    Abstract: A process for packing a liquid, semi-liquid, soft or fine-powder product in a closed foil tube, whereby the product is introduced into the foil tube in the area of a tube form station and taken to an expulsion station which expels the product from web-like expulsion areas extending over the width of the foil tube, and adds sealing seams to the foil tube in these areas. In order to achieve proper expulsion and sealing which is simple and tight using narrow sealing seams, the foil must first be cooled off prior to expulsion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 9, 1992
    Date of Patent: June 29, 1993
    Assignee: Natec, Reich, Summer GmbH & Co. Kg.
    Inventors: Jurgen Wegscheider, Franz Hartmann, Konrad Hauber
  • Patent number: 5211286
    Abstract: The present invention is a system for in-home collection and preservation of information for identifying and locating lost or missing loved ones. The system includes devices for collecting, sealing, and preserving hair, blood, and fingerprint samples from each loved one and for recording vital person data regarding each loved one. The information and samples are collected, sealed and stored in the family freezer to insure that the collected specimens remain viable indica of identification for long subsequent periods of time.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 6, 1992
    Date of Patent: May 18, 1993
    Inventor: Mike L. Turner
  • Patent number: 5209045
    Abstract: A sterile bag (10) is provided for containing an irrigation container (20). The bag (10) has an interior (12) for receiving the container (20) and an opening (14). The opening (14) has a tubular member disposed about the opening (14) for receiving a string (16). The string (16) is operable to be tightened to constrict the opening (14) to a size that will receive an irrigation cannula (26).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 21, 1992
    Date of Patent: May 11, 1993
    Assignee: Techstyles, Inc.
    Inventors: Edward R. Howard, Jr., Donna L. Klinger
  • Patent number: 5195299
    Abstract: Described is a method of reducing the moisture content in a hermetic package containing a semiconductor device by including a small amount of cyanate ester within the package.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 28, 1992
    Date of Patent: March 23, 1993
    Assignee: Johnson Matthey Inc.
    Inventor: My N. Nguyen
  • Patent number: 5184450
    Abstract: In a method of packaging freeze dried vaccine in a bypass syringe sterilized syringes are disposed in rows in an aseptic dispensing machine. Doses of a solution or suspension to be freeze dried are introduced into the syringes. A temporary plug is inserted in the same machine into the mouth of the syringe body in a position allowing communication between the interior of the syringe body and the exterior. The syringes are introduced into a freeze drying machine. The vaccine is freeze dried. At the end of the freeze drying cycle the temporary plug is depressed in a controlled atmosphere in the freeze drying machine into a hermetic sealing position. The syringes are transferred into an aseptic dispensing machine. The temporary plug is removed. An intermediate piston-plug is fitted. The dose of solvent is introduced and an end piston-plug is fitted.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 18, 1992
    Date of Patent: February 9, 1993
    Assignee: Pasteur Merieux Serums et Vaccins
    Inventors: Michel G. H. Galy, Alain Gomez
  • Patent number: 5161693
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a carcass carrying cargo unit and a method of transporting carcasses using said unit, comprising a bag (13) open at one end, a frame structure (16) comprising a base frame (18) and two upright (19) end frames and strapping means (9) whereby in use said frame structure (16) is placed within said bag (13) with its opening between the end frames facing to one side of the frame structure (16), and where the carcasses are loaded into said bag (13) onto said base frame (18) to the approximate height of side frames (19), the opening (15) of the bag is drawn tight and the strapping (9) means engaged around the thus loaded bag to secure the carcasses in the bag.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 2, 1991
    Date of Patent: November 10, 1992
    Assignee: Cool Carriers Svenska AB
    Inventor: Erik A. Friman
  • Patent number: 5159799
    Abstract: A sealed indicator vial to detect the presence of a predetermined contaminant in water containing a mixture of reagents reactive in the presence of water, the mixture being sufficiently dehydrated to prevent the reaction of said reagents while sealed in said vial. The vial contains an inert atmosphere at less than atmospheric pressure. Also described is the method of producing such an indicator vial in which a tube containing the dehydrated reagents is heated and stretched to form a narrow waist while under vacuum.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 24, 1991
    Date of Patent: November 3, 1992
    Inventors: Peter E. Rising, Peter G. Chaconas
  • Patent number: 5124092
    Abstract: The baking or heat treating of products, which must take place at an extremely high temperature and under a strict non-oxidizing inert furnace atmosphere, is advantageously made by conveying the products into the furnace atmosphere only after having the products vacuum-packed in resinous films or bags, thereby to prevent oxygen, vapor, and the like, which might be trapped on or in the products, from entering into and contaminating the furnace atmosphere, and also in order to eliminate various apparatus which otherwise is required by conventional baking methods, such as vacuum chambers, bulky and thermal energy-wasting conveyor trays, and the like.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 18, 1991
    Date of Patent: June 23, 1992
    Assignee: Kanto Yakin Kogyo Kakushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Susumu Takahashi
  • Patent number: 5109892
    Abstract: A process for packaging normally tacky amorphous polyolefins is provided. The process entails flowing a heated amorphous polyolefin into a molded polyolefin container having a relatively thick wall at a temperature above the melting point of the container, followed by slowly cooling the filled container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 27, 1990
    Date of Patent: May 5, 1992
    Assignee: Eastman Kodak Company
    Inventor: Marc S. Somers
  • Patent number: 5101970
    Abstract: The present invention is a system for in-home collection and preservation of information for identifying and locating lost or missing loved ones. The system includes devices for collecting, sealing, and preserving hair, blood, and fingerprint samples from each loved one and for recording vital person data regarding each loved one. The information and samples are collected, sealed and stored in the family freezer to insure that the collected specimens remain viable indica of identification for long subsequent periods of time.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 10, 1990
    Date of Patent: April 7, 1992
    Inventor: Mike L. Turner
  • Patent number: 5085033
    Abstract: The present invention relates to the preparation of encapsulated products containing a solid dosage form prepared with up to 35% of an edible matrix material. The composition may be introduced into the capsule as a powder and the capsule containing the powder mixture may then be heated to melt the matrix. The resulting capsule products exhibit the favorable texture of a capsule in conjunction with the hardness, shelf stability and security of the solid formulation. The composition of the present invention may be prepared and used as a direct tableting granulation as well as the filler or core for the capsule product. A method and corresponding apparatus are likewise disclosed and contemplated herein.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 26, 1990
    Date of Patent: February 4, 1992
    Assignee: D. M. Graham Laboratories, Inc.
    Inventor: Dean M. Graham
  • Patent number: 5080226
    Abstract: This invention relates to a containerization system and to containers which are particularly suitable for storing, packaging and transporting toxic or hazardous products, such as agricultural chemicals. The containerization system comprises the chemical in the form of a gel which is contained within a water-soluble or water-dispersible bag.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 18, 1990
    Date of Patent: January 14, 1992
    Assignee: Rhone-Poulenc AG Company
    Inventors: Leonard E. Hodakowski, Chi-Yu R. Chen, Samuel T. Gouge, Paul J. Weber
  • Patent number: 5060453
    Abstract: A blow-molded and tempered PET container specially adapted for hot filling includes a plurality of panels situated in circumferentially spaced locations around the periphery of the container, the panels bulging outwardly with respect to the body portion immediately contiguous thereto. The panels are mechanically reconfigurable to an inwardly collapsed position with respect to the immediately contiguous body portion for providing controlled volumetric reduction of the container to compensate for the development of a partial vacuum within the container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 23, 1990
    Date of Patent: October 29, 1991
    Assignee: Sewell Plastics, Inc.
    Inventors: Alfred C. Alberghini, David A. Brunson, Stephen R. Lynn
  • Patent number: 5055243
    Abstract: Binder-impregnated carbon fiber rovings and the like, which are sticky and difficult to handle, are stacked to form modules that are packed in resinous bags under vacuum, and are then shaped to desired dimensions and densities without employing conventional molds, but simply by placing them in the confines of jigs or ruler frames and then releasing them from vacuum and expanding them to the desired dimensions. They are thereafter subjected to heat treatments to provide high temperature resistant carbon fiber-reinforced carbon or graphite modules which work, for example, as thermal insulation and refractory walls in high temperature heating furnaces.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 27, 1990
    Date of Patent: October 8, 1991
    Assignee: KantoYaking Kogyo K.K.
    Inventor: Susumu Takahashi
  • Patent number: 5053239
    Abstract: The invention relates to a process and apparatus for producing a sausage package containing up to about 30 sausages wherein each sausage is individually packaged in packaging films. The sausages are produced directly into the packaging films to be cooked while being retained within said films. Suitable sized packages including one or more sausages may be cut from the length of packaging film including the individual sausages. The unique possibility of producing several parallel sausages is obtained by sealing off the individual sausages from continuous parallel packaging film tube by sealing and shaping molds forming the rear end of one stuffed row of sausages and the fore end of the next row of sausages to be stuffed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 27, 1990
    Date of Patent: October 1, 1991
    Assignee: Food Systems Industries Oy, Ltd.
    Inventors: Pentti J. Vanhatalo, Visa A. P. Krappe
  • Patent number: 5044141
    Abstract: A method of sterile packaging and wetting articles within the package which involves the steps of partially filling a container with any of a number of anti-bacterial agents in liquid or semi-liquid form, then placing articles into the container, then sealing the container so that an air space is formed above the liquid within the container, then heating the container and its contents to a temperature substantially below the boiling point of the liquid, and at a pressure of about one atmosphere, until the surfaces within the container above and below the liquid level, and the entire contents of such container, are sterilized, and finally cooling the container and its contents to a temperature at or below the dew point of the air space until the surfaces within the container and above the liquid level are wetted by the condensed liquid from the air.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 11, 1990
    Date of Patent: September 3, 1991
    Inventor: Richard M. Franchi
  • Patent number: 5042228
    Abstract: A method for heating and dispensing hot melt materials in which the hot melt material is contained in a tube having a cylindrical outer surface portion over a majority of its length, and the hot melt material in the tube is heated by a heater assembly through a heat transfer member having a cylindrical inner surface adapted to closely receive the cylindrical outer surface portion of the tube.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 16, 1990
    Date of Patent: August 27, 1991
    Assignee: Minnesota Mining and Manufacturing Company
    Inventor: Walter C. Pearson
  • Patent number: 5009308
    Abstract: A controlled rate adsorbent unit including an adsorbent and a heat-shrunk casing of porous material having a predetermined water vapor transmission rate encasing the adsorbent for prolonging the water vapor adsorption time of the adsorbent. The controlled rate adsorbent unit may be in the shape of a recording disc or it may be in the shape of a three-dimensional solid with the heat-shrunk casing stretched tightly thereover. A method of fabricating a controlled rate adsorbent unit including the steps of providing an adsorbent material, heating the adsorbent material to dry off moisture therefrom, providing a porous material having a controlled water vapor transmission rate, sealing the adsorbent material in a casing of the porous material, heat-shrinking the porous material about the adsorbent, and storing the sealed adsorbent material in a moisture barrier package.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 9, 1989
    Date of Patent: April 23, 1991
    Assignee: Multiform Desiccants, Inc.
    Inventors: John S. Cullen, Samuel A. Incorvia, Christopher S. Nigon, Nicholas E. Vaylen
  • Patent number: 4998400
    Abstract: Disclosed is a medical fluid-filled plastic container which includes (a) a sealed inner envelope of plastic material filled with a medical fluid containing a component subject to deterioration by oxygen, (b) a deoxidizer, and (c) a sealed outer envelope of plastic material enclosing both the medical fluid-filled inner envelope and the deoxidizer, as well as several methods of making such a medical fluid-filled plastic container. This medical fluid-filled plastic container will prevent the medical fluid therein from being deteriorated even if it is subjected to steam sterilization or is stored for a long period of time.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 13, 1989
    Date of Patent: March 12, 1991
    Assignee: Material Engineering Technology Laboratory, Incorporated
    Inventors: Tatsuo Suzuki, Keinosuke Isono
  • Patent number: 4967538
    Abstract: This invention relates to an endwall for a container having a panel portion surrounded by a substantially vertical wall portion which terminates into a narrow rim. The rim is connected to a sidewall of the container. The wall portion extends outward from the container and is adapted to be reformed inwardly into the container in a controlled manner by an external mechanism to reduce the volume thereof after the container has been filled and sealed. The invention also relates to a method of packaging a product in a container having a body opened at one end and closed at an opposite end by an endwall as described above. The method includes the steps of filling the container with a product and sealing the open end, thermally treating the filled and sealed container, and reforming the endwall inwardly into the container. The sequence of steps can be rearranged.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 22, 1989
    Date of Patent: November 6, 1990
    Assignee: Aluminum Company of America
    Inventors: Charles J. Leftault, Jr., W. Coy Willis
  • Patent number: 4962627
    Abstract: A quantity of powdered cosmetic preparation (2), which may include a binder, is placed in a container (1), which is open at its upper portion and the lower portion of which is defined by a tray (4) including an opening (9) and intended to contain the resultant compact cosmetic preparation at the end of the operation. In the region of the opening (9), the container (1) is defined by a counterpart base plate (3). The compression of the powdered preparation (2) is performed with the aid of a compacting piston (13), optionally heated. The surface of the compact cosmetic preparation, which is accessible through the opening (9), comprises the surface for takeup of the product by the user. By interposing a flexible backing (11) firmly attached to the tray (4) between the tray (4) and the counterpart plate (3), protection and tamper-proofing of the product can be obtained. The invention can be used for compacted makeup powders.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 26, 1988
    Date of Patent: October 16, 1990
    Assignee: L'Oreal
    Inventor: Jean-Louis Gueret
  • Patent number: 4962626
    Abstract: A quantity of the powdered preparation (2), advantageously including a binder, is placed in a container (1) which is open in its upper portion and the lower portion of which is defined by a tray (4) intended to contain the resultant compact at the end of the operation. The hot compression of the preparation (2) is performed, the compacting piston (13) being equipped with a heating device (14). The heating makes the compact more cohesive, and if a binder is present, increases its fluidity. The invention offers the possibility of using microencapsulated binders as well as hydrophobic binders. The invention can be used for compacted makeup powders.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 26, 1988
    Date of Patent: October 16, 1990
    Assignee: L'Oreal
    Inventor: Jean-Louis Gueret
  • Patent number: 4947650
    Abstract: Liquid cryogen is added to a container of particulate material (e.g. powder, flakes or granules) immediately before the container is capped as part of a process for pressurizing the container. A liquid cryogen retainer is positioned within the unsealed container above the particulate material, and the flow of liquid cryogen is directed to the retainer to substantially prevent eruption from the container of the particulate material, which may otherwise result when the liquid nitrogen penetrates the particulate material and causes the particulate material to erupt, with an unacceptable loss of the particulate material and of the liquid cryogen.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 8, 1988
    Date of Patent: August 14, 1990
    Assignee: Vacuum Barrier Corporation
    Inventors: Russell W. Blanton, J. Eric Taylor, Thornton Stearns
  • Patent number: 4942717
    Abstract: A process for the preparation of sterilized plant matter consisting of the steps of; treating coarse chopped plant matter with heat to achieve dehydration, compression filling airtight fiber reinforced plastic bags with dehydrated plant matter, injecting high pressure steam into the dehydrated plant matter while in the bag and sealing the bag. A product consisting of steam sterilized coarse chopped plant matter under vacuum in air tight fiber reinforced plastic bags.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 26, 1988
    Date of Patent: July 24, 1990
    Inventor: George Kozub
  • Patent number: 4936074
    Abstract: The present invention relates to the preparation of encapsulated products containing a solid dosage form prepared with up to 35% of an edible matrix material. The composition may be introduced into the capsule by injection molding or extrusion, and the resulting capsule products exhibit the favorable texture of a capsule in conjunction with the hardness, shelf stability and security of the solid formulation. The composition of the present invention may be prepared and used as a direct tableting granulation as well as the filler or core for the capsule product. A method and corresponding apparatus are likewise disclosed and contemplated herein.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 17, 1988
    Date of Patent: June 26, 1990
    Assignee: D. M. Graham Laboratories, Inc.
    Inventor: Dean M. Graham
  • Patent number: 4928474
    Abstract: A method of providing oxygen barrier properties to a retorted container is described. A retort container is filled with a product sensitive to spoilage from oxygen contact, such as certain food. The filled container is heat sealed closed, retorted, and then enclosed with a oxygen barrier material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 21, 1988
    Date of Patent: May 29, 1990
    Assignee: W. R. Grace & Co.-Conn.
    Inventor: Henry G. Schirmer
  • Patent number: 4929459
    Abstract: A method of filling drums with cooked sterile pieces of solid food products in a packing liquid includes depositing a predetermined quantity of the pieces of solid food product by gravity flow into a sterilized drum substantially without packing liquid, then engaging the drum in a pressure-tight manner with the liquid filling head introducing pressurized steam through that filling head and maintaining steam pressure within the drum and the liquid filling head while introducing a packing liquid into the drum, then applying an air tight seal to the drum head and subsequently releasing the steam pressure from the liquid filling head and removing the liquid filling head.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 17, 1988
    Date of Patent: May 29, 1990
    Assignee: IMDEC S.A.
    Inventor: Jesus A. Silvestrini
  • Patent number: 4903494
    Abstract: A method for preparing a quantity of ice for transportation to a remote location consisting of bagging a plurality of bags of ice, then stacking the frozen bags of ice vertically on a pallet to a predetermined height. The pallet is wrapped with a material to form a first assembled unit. The unit is then placed in a freezer having a temperature at or below 20.degree. F. for a period of time sufficient to set the product. Once "set", the unit is boxed in a rigid container having sidewalls and a lid. The sidewalls are banded to form a rigid second assembly and the second assembly which is returned to the freezer for storage until it is transported to a remote location.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 21, 1989
    Date of Patent: February 27, 1990
    Inventor: Freddie J. Wigley
  • Patent number: 4890439
    Abstract: A packaging material and a method of forming the packaging material into a flexible, disposable food container adapted to contain and maintain food in a fresh and sanitary condition, and to ship, display, heat and brown, and serve the food is disclosed. The method includes forming patches of microwave interactive material on a web of plastic and laminating the web of plastic to one side of a web of structural stock material to form a composite web; the microwave interactive material is sandwiched between the web of plastic and the web of structural stock material. Sealant is applied to portions of the plastic layer in registry with the patches of microwave interactive material to seal ends of the composite web. Printed graphics are applied to portions of the structural stock material layer in registry with the patches of microwave interactive material and the sealant.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 9, 1988
    Date of Patent: January 2, 1990
    Assignee: James River Corporation
    Inventor: Allen A. Smart
  • Patent number: RE34533
    Abstract: A method for preparing a quantity of ice for transportation to a remote location consisting of bagging a plurality of bags of ice, then stacking the frozen bags of ice vertically on a pallet to a predetermined height. The pallet is wrapped with a material to form a first assembled unit. The unit is then placed in a freezer having a temperature at or below 20.degree. F. for a period of time sufficient to set the product. Once "set", the unit is boxed in a rigid container having sidewalls and a lid. The sidewalls are banded to form a rigid second assembly and the second assembly which is returned to the freezer for storage until it is transported to a remote location.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 15, 1991
    Date of Patent: February 8, 1994
    Inventor: Freddie J. Wigley