Abstract: A method and apparatus for plasma modifying a workpiece such as a syringe barrel, cartridge barrel, vial, or blood tube is described. Plasma is provided within the lumen of the workpiece. The plasma is provided under conditions effective for plasma modification of a surface of the workpiece. A magnetic field is provided in at least a portion of the lumen. The magnetic field has an orientation and field strength effective to improve the uniformity of plasma modification of the interior surface of the generally cylindrical wall. A vessel made according to the process or using the apparatus described above. A pharmaceutical package comprising the syringe barrel or vial containing a pharmaceutical preparation, secured with a closure.

Abstract: A method is disclosed in which a vapor-deposited coating or layer is directly or indirectly applied to at least a portion of the internal wall of the barrel of a capped pre-assembly comprising a barrel, optionally a dispensing portion, and a cap. The cap is secured to the barrel and at least substantially isolates the distal opening of the dispensing portion from pressure conditions outside the cap. A vapor-deposited coating or layer is applied directly or indirectly to at least a portion of the internal wall of the barrel while the pre-assembly is capped. The coating or layer is applied under conditions effective to maintain communication from the barrel lumen to the exterior via the front opening, optionally further via the dispensing portion lumen if present, at the end of the applying step. The capped pre-assembly can be pressure tested easily and rapidly, for example with a test duration between 1 and 60 seconds, to determine whether it has container closure integrity.

Abstract: The present invention describes a method for plasma coating the inside surface of a polyolefin or a polylactic acid container to provide an effective barrier against gas transmission. The method provides a way to deposit rapidly and uniformly very thin, adherent and nearly defect-free layers of polyorganosiloxane and silicon oxide (or amorphous carbon) on the inner surface of the container to achieve more than an order of magnitude increase in barrier properties.

Abstract: A metal oxide coating can be applied to a substrate at a relatively low temperature and at or near atmospheric pressure by carrying a metal oxide precursor and an oxidizing agent through a corona discharge or a dielectric barrier discharge to form the metal oxide and deposit it onto to the substrate.