Vacuum Or Inert Atmosphere Patents (Class 53/510)
  • Patent number: 11565838
    Abstract: Disclosed is an apparatus for expanding and filling plastic parisons to form plastic containers with a liquid medium, with at least one transforming station which has a hollow mould, inside which the plastic parisons can be expanded into plastic containers and can be simultaneously filled by application of a liquid medium, wherein the transforming station is arranged on a carrier and wherein the transforming station has a filling device which feeds the liquid medium to the plastic parisons under pressure, wherein the transforming station has a pressure chamber to which a gas can be applied, wherein for filling of the plastic parisons the filling device can be introduced into the pressure chamber and after the filling can be removed at least partially, and wherein a closing unit can be introduced into the pressure chamber, in order to close the expanded und filled plastic containers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 7, 2019
    Date of Patent: January 31, 2023
    Inventors: Dominik Meier, Andreas Pense, Cora Hanesch, Andreas Vornehm, Christian Betz
  • Patent number: 11235902
    Abstract: A container labeling machine, which comprises a base structure which forms a region for the input of the containers to be labeled and at least one region for the output of the labeled containers and supports elements for the conveyance of the containers from the input region to the output region, at least one container labeling assembly being provided along the conveyor; the conveyor comprises at least two carousels provided with respective supporting plates for individual containers. At least one respective labeling assembly is associated with each one of the carousels. The conveyor furthermore comprises, substantially at the input region, elements for sorting the containers fed to the input region toward one and the other of the carousels and comprises elements for unloading the labeled containers from the carousels and for sending the labeled containers toward the output region.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 31, 2018
    Date of Patent: February 1, 2022
    Assignee: P.E. LABELLERS S.P.A.
    Inventors: Nicola Schinelli, Bruno Negri
  • Patent number: 11174088
    Abstract: The invention comprising an appliance for vacuum sealing a bag member. The appliance has a housing including a front wall, a rear wall, and two side walls. The front wall includes an opening for receiving an open top portion of the bag member, where the bag member can then be received within a drip tray placed within a cavity located within the housing, where vacuum pressure may be applied. The drip try includes a barrier member that extends upwardly at a rear portion to redirect the open top portion of the bag member into the drip tray when the bag member has been inserted into the opening. The cavity also includes a heating bar used to apply a seal to the open top portion of the bag member. The front wall of the housing is angled between 15° and 45° relative to a surface on which the appliance rests.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 6, 2019
    Date of Patent: November 16, 2021
    Assignee: Sunbeam Products, Inc.
    Inventors: John K. Michie, Monica G. Lichty, Yiyun Zhou
  • Patent number: 10759643
    Abstract: A device for treating containers, for example, for filling and closing containers in filling plants is described. The device includes an isolator chamber in which the treatment of the containers takes place, and an outlet disposed beneath the isolator chamber for discharging fluids, wherein the outlet has a housing for receiving ejected containers and a suction device for extracting gases from the isolator chamber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 31, 2016
    Date of Patent: September 1, 2020
    Assignee: KRONES AG
    Inventors: Juergen Soellner, Franz Braun, Holger Mueller, Bruno Landler
  • Patent number: 10710263
    Abstract: A cutting roll assembly 10 for severing pieces from a length of material and advanced into proximity thereto includes a cutting roll cartridge 12 removably attached to an associated base 26 and frame 28. The cutting roll cartridge 12 includes a cutter roll 16 carrying at least one cutter blade 18 on its periphery and an anvil roll 14 used to cut material thereagainst as material is advanced between the rolls 16, 18. When the cutters 18 need repair, the cutting roll cartridge 12 is readily removable from the associated frame 28 and base 26 and replaceable by an identical cartridge to reduce downtime of the associated equipment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 2, 2017
    Date of Patent: July 14, 2020
    Assignee: AKRON STEEL FABRICATORS CO.
    Inventors: Victor Jay Flinner, Jr., Kevin R. Kline, Leon Poole, Raymond John Popplewell, Jeffrey Monroe Sultzbaugh, Timothy Alan Wilmoth
  • Patent number: 10106389
    Abstract: An apparatus for producing plastic containers filled with liquids, wherein the plastic containers are closed with a keg fitting and filled with liquid, includes a connection device for connecting a plastic container with a keg fitting. The connection device is configured to move the plastic container relative to the keg fitting. The apparatus includes at least one cleaning device configured to clean at least an area of the keg fitting during at least one of relative movement of the keg fitting with regard to the plastic container and connection of the keg fitting with the plastic container. The cleaning device is configured to supply a cleaning medium to the keg fitting.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 9, 2014
    Date of Patent: October 23, 2018
    Assignee: KRONES AG
    Inventor: Rupert Meinzinger
  • Patent number: 10035614
    Abstract: A method for filling an aseptic pouch having the steps of: (a) providing a pouch, the pouch including a body having a plurality of panels coupled together to define a cavity, and, a spout providing ingress into the cavity, the spout having a plug sealingly engaged to the spout; (b) cleaning the external surfaces of the pouch with a cleaning preparation; (c) directing the spout and the plug into an aseptic zone, the aseptic zone having a supply of sterilized gas having a positive flow within the aseptic zone; (d) removing the plug; (e) filling the pouch with a flowable material; (f) replacing the plug on the spout to seal the cavity; (g) removing the spout and the plug from the aseptic zone; and (h) coupling the plug to a cap, and the cap to the spout, whereupon removal of the cap removes the plug, providing cavity access.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 21, 2015
    Date of Patent: July 31, 2018
    Assignee: Scholle IPN Corporation
    Inventors: Wim van der Meijden, J. A. M. Holsink, W. H. Th. Miltenburg, Sean Fitzgerald, Jeroen Pieter Fiere, Chad Mueller, Christopher Murray, David Bellmore
  • Patent number: 9902509
    Abstract: Apparatus with facing bell members for modified-atmosphere packaging of products contained in trays, comprising at least three circuits: a first circuit and a second circuit (24, 25) which are connected to the main chamber (P) enclosing the internal volume of the trays and open out in different positions (23, 23?) of this volume and a third circuit (17) connected to the internal chambers (2, 9) of the bell members (1, 8) and these circuits are intercepted by respective valve means (28, 128, 18, 118) so as to be initially all connected to the vacuum means (21, 121) and then the said first circuit (24) is closed, while the said second circuit (25) is connected to the means (26) for introducing the service gases which, entering into the tray, force the remaining air out so as to occupy a small buffer formed by the said second closed circuit (24, 28).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 3, 2012
    Date of Patent: February 27, 2018
    Assignee: GRUPPO FABBRI VIGNOLA S.p.A.
    Inventors: Andrea Schiavina, Massimiliano Vaccari
  • Patent number: 9637260
    Abstract: There is described a packaging machine for producing sealed packages of pourable food products from a web of packaging material, comprising: an aseptic chamber through which web is fed and within which a sterilizing agent is applied onto web; a station which is arranged downstream from said aseptic chamber and in which a tube formed by web is, in use, fed; and a sealing device which separate chamber and station; packaging machine also comprise a conveyor fluidically connected with station and adapted to convey away residues of sterilizing agent from station.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 29, 2012
    Date of Patent: May 2, 2017
    Assignee: TETRA LAVAL HOLDINGS & FINANCE S.A.
    Inventors: Roberto Ghirardello, Danilo Veroni, Massimo Melotti, Cesare Bertacchini, Alessandro Veronesi, Simone Maini, Renzo Bellei
  • Patent number: 9636274
    Abstract: The device (D) for transferring pharmaceutical articles from a counter to inside containers (C), continuously advancing along an advancement direction (V), comprises a first series of tubular elements (T1) and a second series of tubular elements (T2) having dimensions such as to be able to freely receive the pharmaceutical articles internally thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 4, 2013
    Date of Patent: May 2, 2017
    Assignee: MARCHESINI GROUP S.P.A.
    Inventor: Giuseppe Monti
  • Patent number: 9592552
    Abstract: A method of neutralizing an amine gas odor in a cold box process, and an amine gas generator using the method are disclosed. The method includes: making molding sand by mixing sand and forming resin; putting the molding sand into a mold; hardening the molding sand by injecting an amine gas into the molding sand in the mold; and removing an amine gas odor remaining in the mold by injecting an amine gas odor neutralizer into the mold. Accordingly, it is possible to inject an amine gas odor neutralizer in casting of a core or a mold in order to reduce the amine gas odor that remains and leaks through a gap of a mold in the casting. Further, an odor neutralizer is immediately injected simultaneously with discharging of an amine gas, so it is possible to simply remove an odor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 29, 2015
    Date of Patent: March 14, 2017
    Assignee: ABC Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Jae-young Choi
  • Patent number: 9522748
    Abstract: An apparatus for blowing and filling a plastic container from a preform and using liquid as the blowing medium. The apparatus includes a mold encloses a preform so as to leave access to the mouth of the preform protruding from the upper surface of the mold. An injection head is provided for injecting a liquid into the preform and a liquid collecting member is provided for collecting any residual liquid present between the injection head and the neck of the blown and liquid filled container before opening the mold and/or moving the injection head away from the mold.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 17, 2013
    Date of Patent: December 20, 2016
    Assignee: DISCMA AG
    Inventors: Guillaume Chauvin, Damien Kannengiesser
  • Patent number: 9382024
    Abstract: A distributor unit, suitable to distribute tablets, comprises an aligner channel cooperating with a transfer channel having an entrance zone. Feed means are associated to said transfer channel in order to work on the tablets.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 14, 2013
    Date of Patent: July 5, 2016
    Assignee: I.M.A. INDUSTRIA MACCHINE AUTOMATICHE S.P.A.
    Inventor: Ivano Baroncini
  • Patent number: 9302847
    Abstract: A cassette support portion (706) is provided for supporting a cassette (701) containing film (702) on a support (704) for rotation in a waste storage device. The cassette support portion (706) includes a support contacting portion (740) and a cassette contacting portion (742) angled inwardly therefrom. There is further provided a cassette support (704) including said cassette support portion (706), a cassette (701) mounted on said cassette support portion (706) and a waste storage device including said cassette support (704) and support portion (706).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 5, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 5, 2016
    Assignee: Sangenic International, Ltd.
    Inventors: Nicholas Cudworth, David Akerman, Jonathon Knox
  • Patent number: 9199748
    Abstract: Filling device (1) for filling packagings with counted bulk goods, comprising a dispenser (74) having several dispensing units (33) provided with a counter for counted dispensation of the bulk goods to the packagings and a conveying device (73) for transport of the packagings with respect to the dispensing units, wherein the conveying device is provided with several consecutive transport wheels (5) and a transport wheel drive for mutual opposite rotation of the immediately consecutive transport wheels, wherein the transport wheels each have a first axis of rotation and several packaging holders spread around the circumference, wherein the transport wheels with the axes of rotation parallel to each other and at the location of the packaging holders (51) are positioned in each other's vicinity for the transfer of packagings between packaging holders at a mutual transfer position between the immediately consecutive transport wheels during the opposite rotation for obtaining a meandering conveyance path of the pa
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 24, 2010
    Date of Patent: December 1, 2015
    Assignee: CREMER SPECIAALMACHINES B.V.
    Inventor: Fredius Johan Cremer
  • Patent number: 9138497
    Abstract: A method of presterilizing an aseptic tank and connecting conduits involves pumping a certain amount of cold water into the tank and the conduits which is caused to pass through a heat exchanger. In the heat exchanger, the water is heated to 120-150° C., whereafter the water is pumped across the tank and conduits during 10-20 minutes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 4, 2008
    Date of Patent: September 22, 2015
    Assignee: TETRA LAVAL HOLDINGS & FINANCE S.A.
    Inventors: Roland Ringström, Bo Olsson
  • Patent number: 9132929
    Abstract: A beverage container is filled and sealed by: a) dispensing a predetermined amount of beverage, preferably wine, into an open-topped container having a circular rim, preferably a plastics wine glass, to leave a headspace above the beverage in the container; b) temporarily tacking a generally flat flexible film lid sized to fit over the open top to the rim of the container at at least one position around the rim while leaving the remainder of the rim free; c) engaging the tacked lid to cause flexure thereof to create a gap between the lid and the rim on one side; d) dispensing an inert gas, preferably nitrogen, through the gap so created and into the headspace to displace air therefrom; and e) bringing a heat sealer into engagement with the lid to heat seal the lid to the rim about its entire circumference, thereby trapping the inert gas within the headspace.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 14, 2010
    Date of Patent: September 15, 2015
    Inventor: James Nash
  • Patent number: 9073656
    Abstract: The disclosure relates to a method for cutting a cover film as well as to a sealing station of a tray sealing machine, whereby a blade is arranged on a sealing frame or on a tool lower part and the sealing frame executes a relative movement with respect to the sealing tool lower part.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 11, 2011
    Date of Patent: July 7, 2015
    Assignee: MULTIVAC SEPP HAGGENMUELLER GMBH & CO. KG
    Inventor: Andreas Mader
  • Publication number: 20150125579
    Abstract: For packaging ready meals in at least one bowl featuring a circumferential rim, where the basic ingredients of the meal are placed into the bowl, a cover foil is sealed to the circumferential rim of the bowl so as to leave at least two rim sections unsealed, where the meal is subsequently prepared in the bowl, after which the cover foil is sealed completely over the whole circumferential rim of the bowl. A device for packaging ready meals in at least one bowl with circumferential rim, includes a sealing tool for complete sealing of a cover foil to the circumferential rim. The sealing tool or a second sealing tool is provided for partial sealing of the cover foil to the circumferential rim.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 6, 2014
    Publication date: May 7, 2015
    Inventor: Karl-Wilhelm SCHRADE
  • Publication number: 20150059290
    Abstract: A system for packaging a food product including a conveying system for supporting and moving the food product. The system includes a detection device for collecting data related to the shape of the food product while the food product is supported by the conveying system. The system also includes a film dispensing device for dispensing one of a plurality of different films. A controller configured to direct the film dispensing device to select one of the plurality of films for dispensing. The system also includes a wrapping device for wrapping the food product in the selected film.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 27, 2014
    Publication date: March 5, 2015
    Applicant: ODDS, LLC
    Inventors: Brian EWERT, John Roberts
  • Publication number: 20150052855
    Abstract: Disclosed is a vacuum apparatus that is not complicated in construction, does not require two receptacle bodies, and is improved in vacuum efficiency. The vacuum apparatus includes a cylinder member provided with a guide shaft disposed in the central area of the inner space thereof, and a piston module including a separating and opening/closing unit and a hollow rod unit with a guide bore in the inside thereof extending downward from the central area of the separating and opening/closing unit. The piston module is fitted in the inside of the cylinder member to separate the inner space of the cylinder member into an upper first space and a lower second space, and provided with a first O-ring to open/close the first space and the second space in relation to each other while being moved vertically according to a moving direction in relation to the cylinder member.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 15, 2013
    Publication date: February 26, 2015
    Inventor: Jun Young Park
  • Publication number: 20150027089
    Abstract: A vacuum sealing appliance is provided including a vacuum motor assembly generating suction, a vacuum trough fluidly connected to the vacuum motor assembly configured to receive suction and evacuate a food container through an open end, and at least one heat sealing element adjacent the vacuum trough configured to heat seal the open end of the food container after evacuation. The vacuum sealing appliance further includes a control unit configured to control the vacuum motor assembly and the at least one heat sealing element. The vacuum sealing appliance further includes at least one channel disposed proximate the heat sealing element. The channel is fluidly connected to a cooling fan that generates a cooling air flow through the channel to remove excessive heat from the heat sealing element to prevent premature sealing of subsequent food containers between heat sealing events.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 13, 2014
    Publication date: January 29, 2015
    Applicant: SUNBEAM PRODUCTS, INC.
    Inventors: David Owens, David Mathieu
  • Publication number: 20140366486
    Abstract: This invention relates to the filling or dispensing of radiopharmaceuticals in sample vials. Radiopharmaceuticals must be dispensed in a cleanroom environment according to cGMP regulations. Single-use filling cassette-type dispensing systems can be used for filling or dispensing of radiopharmaceuticals in sample vials. A single-use filling cassette is the core of such a dispenser system. A flexible bag container comprising a flexible bag and a filling cassette was found. The filling cassette is assembled within the flexible bag under aseptic conditions. The assembled filling cassette defined a closed system since each opening is connected to a sample vials or sterile filter avoiding contamination from outside.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 20, 2012
    Publication date: December 18, 2014
    Applicant: PIRAMAL IMAGING SA
    Inventors: Dirk Hinz, Christina Hultsch, Peter Weinig
  • Publication number: 20140366492
    Abstract: The present invention is a marketing and distribution method for introducing and maintaining refillable containers for personal care products such as cosmetics, creams, lotions, and sprays. The refillable container is refilled at local refill stations at stores, kiosks, vending machines, and the like, to eliminate the need for new packaging with each purchase. The method is designed to reduce waste and costs associated with product packaging by using refillable containers to dispense personal care products.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 27, 2014
    Publication date: December 18, 2014
    Inventors: Lawrence M. Levenstein, Eric A. Williams, Robert D. Thibodeau, Freeman Gosden
  • Publication number: 20140331607
    Abstract: A method and an apparatus for filling and sealing are provided, which make it possible to eliminate the effect of foam, which is generated during the filling, at a low cost and without damaging a container such as a bottle, and also to increase gas replacement ratio and productivity. The method for filling and sealing, in which a filling step, a defoaming step, a mouthpiece washing step, a gas replacement step, and a lid mounting step are successively performed while continuously transporting a bottle-type container 105, wherein in the defoaming step, an inactive gas at a normal temperature is jetted as a defoaming gas into a headspace of the bottle-type container 105.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 6, 2012
    Publication date: November 13, 2014
    Applicant: TOYO SEIKAN GROUP HOLDINGS, LTD.
    Inventors: Takuo Yamada, Yoshiyuki Morita, Fumiaki Watanabe
  • Patent number: 8863479
    Abstract: A container containing a fluorinated organic carbonate and a gas atmosphere which contains a cover gas selected from the group consisting of a noble gas, e.g., argon, xenon, a gaseous fluorinated aliphatic carbon which is heavier than air and does not interfere with the fluorinated organic compound, SF6, and any mixture thereof. Fluorinated organic carbonates are highly suitable as solvents or additives for solvent in Li ion batteries and consequently, must be kept in a very pure state even during expanded times of storage. The argon or xenon gas atmosphere prevents the intrusion of air or moisture even if the container is opened and the liquid handled in an environment of common air. A method of storing one or more fluorinated organic carbonates in a safe manner.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 14, 2009
    Date of Patent: October 21, 2014
    Assignee: Solvay Fluor GmbH
    Inventor: Jens Olschimke
  • Publication number: 20140298752
    Abstract: A method for preserving foodstuffs, in which the foodstuffs are heated in the moist state in a container suitable for transport and storage with ventilation openings. The foodstuffs are heated for a defined period by a microwave, for at least such a time as hot steam forms in the container and exits through the ventilation openings. Gas is injected into the container after the heating process for at least partial compensation of the pressure drop in the container.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 10, 2014
    Publication date: October 9, 2014
    Inventors: Karl Keller, Silvia Kurtz
  • Publication number: 20140260099
    Abstract: A device for treating at least one container, preferably for filling at least one container with a fill product and/or for reshaping a container, comprising an isolator chamber containing a defined atmosphere, in which the treatment of the container is carried out, and at least one container channel for conveying the container into the isolator chamber or for conveying the container out of the isolator chamber, and a suction device for sucking air out of the container channel and out of the isolator chamber, and a supply air preparation unit for preparing the air to be fed to the isolator chamber, wherein the suction device is connected with the supply air preparation unit in such a manner that at least a portion of the air sucked out of the container channel and/or the isolator chamber is fed to the supply air preparation unit for renewed preparation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 13, 2014
    Publication date: September 18, 2014
    Applicant: KRONES AG
    Inventors: Franz Braum, Jurgen Sollner
  • Patent number: 8806773
    Abstract: Disclosed is a method for folding an airbag (1) for placement in an airbag module for a motor vehicle. The method involves folding the airbag (1), exposing the airbag (1) to moisture, compressing the airbag (1), and simultaneously extracting the moisture. Moisture in liquid or vapor form can be introduced before or after folding the airbag. Further disclosed is a device for folding the airbag.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 14, 2010
    Date of Patent: August 19, 2014
    Assignee: Autoliv Development AB
    Inventors: Raimund Nebel, Oliver Adolph, Jürgen Mackensen
  • Publication number: 20140208699
    Abstract: An apparatus for printing different colors on packages includes holding-and-centering units, each having a primary and a secondary part. The primary part is held at a holding position during package handling. The secondary part is mounted in the primary part to be rotatable about a vertical axis of the unit. The secondary part receives a functional element necessary for handling a package. A plurality of secondary parts adapted to different types, forms and/or sizes of packages are associated with the primary parts.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 12, 2012
    Publication date: July 31, 2014
    Applicant: KHS GmbH
    Inventors: Markus Reiniger, Martin Schach, Holger Stenner
  • Publication number: 20140150382
    Abstract: The present invention provides sealing device which is capable of a two-step holding operation with the use of a linear solenoid. The sealing device includes a stopping mechanism for stopping a movement of a movable part that forms the linear solenoid when the linear solenoid is driven at a predetermined midway point between a start point and an end point after the nozzle part has been moved from the waiting position to the stop position, and for releasing the movable part from a stop to allow the movable part to move again and reach the end point after the nozzle part has been returned from the stop position to the waiting position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 20, 2012
    Publication date: June 5, 2014
    Applicant: FUJI IMPULSE CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Kazukuni Yamada, Kazuyoshi Tarumoto, Yasuo Hashimoto, Junichi Kawaguchi, Suguru Akiyama
  • Publication number: 20140137521
    Abstract: A method for filling containers with a filling material and subsequently sealing the filled containers with container closures includes, using a linear transporter, moving the containers in a container-transport direction and in a timed manner, toward a sealing device, at the sealing device, sealing the containers with a container closure during a stationary phase of a timed movement, moving the containers onward in a subsequent movement phase of the timed movement, and during the subsequent movement phase, and before applying a container closure on the containers, dosing headspaces of the containers with liquid nitrogen to force air out of the headspace and to achieve an internal pressure in the sealed containers.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 2, 2012
    Publication date: May 22, 2014
    Inventor: Thomas Niehr
  • Publication number: 20140130457
    Abstract: The invention relates to a method for attaching lipstick to a lipstick dispenser and to a corresponding machine. The method for attaching lipstick to a dispenser, wherein the dispenser includes a distal end for the lips, and the dispenser includes a receptacle having an insertion opening fitted to a proximal end of the stick. The method includes: a moving step in which the insertion opening and the proximal end of the stick are moved adjacent to one another so as to substantially block the insertion opening; and a nesting step in which the stick is nested in the receptacle via a recess formed in the receptacle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 20, 2012
    Publication date: May 15, 2014
    Applicant: Parfums Christian Dior
    Inventor: Jean-Jocelyn Lebert
  • Patent number: 8720164
    Abstract: An apparatus for closing containers includes a movable closing head for applying closures to the containers and is arranged in the interior of a sterile chamber of the apparatus and arranged to move in a longitudinal direction (L) of the containers to be closed. At least one wall is provided which delimits the sterile chamber, wherein the closing device is arranged on a carrier which is arranged partially inside the sterile chamber and partially outside the sterile chamber, and extends through the wall and moves in the longitudinal direction (L) relative to the wall. Arranged in the interior of the sterile chamber is a first sealing element which is elastic in the longitudinal direction (L) and which seals off from the sterile chamber a region of the outer periphery of the carrier.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 7, 2013
    Date of Patent: May 13, 2014
    Assignee: Krones AG
    Inventors: Klaus Buchhauser, Guenter Frankenberger
  • Publication number: 20140109516
    Abstract: A load port device conveys a container including a gas port to an outer conveyor unit by using a ceiling transportation vehicle. The load port device includes a conveyor, a purging device, and a stocker controller. The conveyor extends to the outer conveyor unit. The purging device is arranged near the outer conveyor unit, and includes a gas supply nozzle to supply purge gas into the container while connected to the gas port, and a first lifting mechanism that moves the gas supply nozzle toward or away from a gas supply port. The stocker controller controls the purging device to supply the purge gas into the container, and to stop supplying the purge gas into the container based on an arrival of the ceiling transportation vehicle to the outer conveyor unit.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 20, 2012
    Publication date: April 24, 2014
    Applicant: MURATA MACHINERY, LTD.
    Inventor: Tadamasa Tominaga
  • Publication number: 20140102042
    Abstract: The invention relates to a method of removing headspace (3) from a filled container (1). The method comprises providing a container that is filled with a product (2) and that further holds a gas containing headspace. The container comprises a valve (100) that allows gas to be expelled from the container. The method further comprises applying a pressure difference over the one-way valve to remove gas contained in the headspace through the valve to reduce the headspace.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 7, 2012
    Publication date: April 17, 2014
    Inventors: Johannes Krieg, Özgür Günyol, Leon Bernard Oudehand, Jonkheer Theodoor Hendrik van de Poll
  • Publication number: 20140075889
    Abstract: A system for storing items is provided. The system includes a rigid chamber having an internal space and including a mechanism for generating a storage space within said internal space, said storage space having reduced volume and optionally pressure as compared to said internal space. According to still further features in the described preferred embodiments the system further comprises a device for creating a pressure difference between a first and a second surface of the pliable sheet to thereby generate the storage space characterized by reduced volume and pressure as compared to the internal space.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 20, 2013
    Publication date: March 20, 2014
    Applicant: PRESYST PRESERVATION SYSTEM TECHNOLOGIES LTD.
    Inventor: RONEN AVRECH
  • Patent number: 8662334
    Abstract: A vacuum storage container having a container body, a check valve and a lid with an outer rim surrounding a diaphragm. A vacuum pump is engagable with the check valve to remove air from the interior of the container to create a vacuum in the container. The diaphragm is pushed inward by atmospheric forces upon removal of the air until the diaphragm touches and conforms to at least upper exposed surfaces of the contents of the container. The storage container aids in preventing degradation of the contents of the container by maintaining the contents free from the degrading effects of air and by substantially immobilizing the contents during movement of the container to protect the contents from breakage and bruising.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 29, 2008
    Date of Patent: March 4, 2014
    Assignee: S.C. Johnson & Son, Inc.
    Inventors: Robert R. Turvey, Brian C. Dais
  • Patent number: 8646245
    Abstract: A method for packaging a fluid product dispenser, where the said dispenser includes a reservoir (1) of constant effective volume filled with a fluid product (10), and a dispensing device (3) that includes a dip tube (2) which is intended to extract the fluid product (10) contained in the reservoir on operation of the dispensing device (3), the reservoir (1) and the dip tube (2) being made from a material or materials that are substantially or perfectly transparent, where the said dip tube initially contains air (A), and the dip tube (2) is connected to the dispensing device and has one free end extending to the bottom of the reservoir, the method being characterized in that the air (A) is extracted from the dip tube (2) and is replaced by the fluid product.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 28, 2008
    Date of Patent: February 11, 2014
    Assignee: Aptar France SAS
    Inventors: Alain Behar, Emmanuel Vilain
  • Patent number: 8648719
    Abstract: A container unit for the storage and protection of laboratory substances includes a protective housing and at least one dosage-dispensing unit. The at least one dosage-dispensing unit includes a reservoir container and a dispensing head. To prepare the at least one dosage-dispensing unit for operation, the protective housing can be removed from the dosage-dispensing unit. The protective housing has a bottom part with at least one suitably shaped recess to provide a stable seat for the at least one dosage-dispensing unit, as well as a bell-shaped top. The top can be connected to the bottom part, so as to form a tightly sealed interior space. For transportation and storage purposes, the at least one dosage-dispensing unit is arranged in the interior space of the closed protective housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 18, 2009
    Date of Patent: February 11, 2014
    Assignee: Mettler-Toledo AG
    Inventors: Matthias Gietenbruch, Sandra Ehrbar
  • Patent number: 8631632
    Abstract: A process for pressurizing a container assembly includes engaging the outer container around a neck of the outer container at a location between a shoulder of the outer container and a mouth of the outer container with a neck clamp device. The neck clamp device is used to support the outer container as the outer container moves from one location to a different location. An at least partial seal is formed about the neck of the outer container by engaging the neck clamp device with an outer bell member of a crimper-pressurized fluid fill head.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 16, 2011
    Date of Patent: January 21, 2014
    Assignee: The Gillette Company
    Inventors: Jaime Jorge Morales, Bruce Alan Schauble, Charley Eugene Eberhard, Christopher Luke Leonard, Douglas Bruce Zeik
  • Patent number: 8615973
    Abstract: The invention relates to a thermoform packaging machine for manufacturing a multilayer package, to methods for manufacturing a multilayer package comprising three or four product layers as well as to multilayer packages comprising three or four product layers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 7, 2012
    Date of Patent: December 31, 2013
    Assignee: Multivac Sepp Haggenmueller GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventors: Hans Mondry, Dieter Holzem
  • Patent number: 8596030
    Abstract: The invention relates to a device for closing containers with closures comprising a closing head (2) that attaches the closures to the containers, wherein said closing head (2) can be moved relative to the closures with a first movement type and is arranged within a sterile space (8) with a first movement unit (4) for producing a movement of the closure with the first movement type, wherein said first movement unit (4) is arranged at least partially outside the sterile space (8), wherein the sterile space (8) is bounded by at least one first wall (12) and the device comprises a ring-shaped channel (14) into which said first wall (12) protrudes, wherein the ring-shaped channel (14) can be moved relative to the first wall (12) and can be filled with a fluid medium, and wherein the first movement unit (4) is arranged within the channel (14) at least in sections.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 20, 2009
    Date of Patent: December 3, 2013
    Assignee: Krones AG
    Inventors: Klaus Buchhauser, Guenter Frankenberger
  • Publication number: 20130313134
    Abstract: An anti-drying device (10) is to humidify a delivery unit (21) for fluid and semi-fluid products, pastes, gels, creams such as for example coloring products, pigments or paints, of a machine (75) for the automatic delivery of a fluid product in a closed container (11). A closed container or receptacle (79) inside which there is a fluid, liquid and/or vapor. The container (79) is configured to house, inside it, the delivery unit (21) to prevent the delivery unit from drying out.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 22, 2011
    Publication date: November 28, 2013
    Applicant: CPS COLOR EQUIPMENT SPA CON UNICO SOCIO
    Inventor: Mirko Bertoli
  • Publication number: 20130305665
    Abstract: A refrigerator includes a cabinet defining an open storage space and including a door with an exterior side and an interior side adapted to receive a modular component. The modular component includes a base removably connected to the interior side and has a first edge and a second edge. A component door is hingedly-connected to the first edge of the base and is operable between an open position and a closed position. The base and component door define a sealed compartment when the component door is in the closed position. First fasteners are disposed on the component door, and second fasteners are disposed on the base. The second fasteners engage the first fasteners to create an airtight seal between the component door and the base. A vacuum device is in communication with the sealed compartment and a heat sealer is disposed on the base or the component door.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 29, 2013
    Publication date: November 21, 2013
    Applicant: Whirlpool Corporation
    Inventors: PAUL B. ALLARD, MICHELE E. WILCOX, DOUGLAS D. LECLEAR, JOHN J. VONDERHAAR, KAREN J. QUERFURTH, ANDREW M. TENBARGE
  • Patent number: 8561252
    Abstract: A value document processing apparatus comprises an input for value documents to be processed, an output and/or a storage device for processed value documents, a transport device for singled transport of value documents from the input to the output or the storage device, a housing, a checking device arranged in the housing for checking value documents transported in singled form past it, and a suction conduit system for suction air which has a port for a suction unit for sucking air with dust out of the suction conduit system, and at least one hand cleaning portion connected to the port and having a suction opening movable in the area of the checking device, and/or at least two conduit portions connected to the port and having suction openings arranged at different portions of the transport path and directed onto the transport path.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 7, 2009
    Date of Patent: October 22, 2013
    Assignee: Giesecke & Devrient GmbH
    Inventor: Erwin Demmeler
  • Patent number: 8561282
    Abstract: A method of coupling a container body (2) and a cover member (3) in a capsular container (1) includes a filling step for filling liquid medicine, powdered medicine, or granular medicine in the container body (2), and a fitting step for fitting the container body (2) to the cover member (3) under an atmosphere at a negative pressure which is lower than atmospheric pressure. Consequently, the pressure inside the joined container (1) does not exceed atmospheric pressure, the filling (37) which fills the inside of the container (1) can be prevented from leaking out between the container body (2) and the cover (3), and it is also possible to prevent bending of the container (1) which starts from the weak portion of the container (1).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 19, 2010
    Date of Patent: October 22, 2013
    Assignee: Nosaka Tec Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Sachiyo Hirota
  • Publication number: 20130232925
    Abstract: A vacuum sealer is provided with a base housing including a front platform, a heating element, a recess behind the heating element, a vacuum inlet, an enclosed, resilient sealing strip spaced around the recess, a rear cover, and a panel on the cover; a rear vacuum source including a vacuum pump wherein the vacuum source is electrically connected to both the heating element and the panel; a transparent front clamping door including a top handle, a corresponding heating element, and a corresponding sealing strip electrically connected to the vacuum source; a drip pan including a bossed bottom hole, a peripheral flange, and two spaced bottom risers wherein the drip pan is removeably complimentarily disposed in the recess with the flange rested upon a top edge of the recess and the bottom hole put on the vacuum inlet; and a tubing interconnecting the vacuum inlet and the vacuum pump.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 8, 2012
    Publication date: September 12, 2013
    Inventor: Mao-Sen Huang
  • Patent number: 8511046
    Abstract: A vacuum device for removal of air from a flexible package storing a perishable food item includes a motor and fan blade assembly having a first air channel and fan blade housing. The fan blade housing encloses at least a portion of a motor and fan blade forming part of the motor and fan blade assembly. The vacuum device also has a nozzle assembly electrically connected to the motor and fan blade assembly. The nozzle assembly is provided with a second air channel in fluid communication with the first air channel. Air in an external environment flows through the second air channel and into to the first air channel upon actuation of the nozzle assembly to a closed position, which energizes the motor and rotates the fan blade connected to the motor to draw air from the external environment into the device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 7, 2010
    Date of Patent: August 20, 2013
    Inventor: Craig Felgenhauer
  • Patent number: 8469257
    Abstract: This invention relates to a box for sterile products made of panels forming a belt (10) and of flaps extending the panels and forming bottom and top walls perpendicular to the belt, the belt and the flaps being cut in a foamed plastic material plate comprising at least two covering sheets (P1, P2) maintained mutually spaced apart by a plurality of struts (E) providing longitudinal mutually parallel cells. This invention is characterized in that at least one of the covering sheets is perforated (C) for allowing for a sterilizing gas to pass through the cover, and cuts (13) crossing at least one covering sheet of the plate are provided along hinging lines of the flaps on the belt for providing the communication of said cells with the outside when flaps (31, 32, 41, 42, 51, 52, 61, 62) are folded at right angle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 10, 2006
    Date of Patent: June 25, 2013
    Assignee: DS Smith Kaysersberg
    Inventor: Guillaume Maillot