Abstract: A method for automatically dispensing and vending carbon dioxide (CO2) snow block is disclosed. The automatic dispensing system contains multiple containers of different volumes. A user can input the volume of CO2 snow block into a controller, such as a programmable logic controller (PLC). The controller uses the inputted volume and process information to determine which container to utilize for the automated filling process. The controller can configure the selected container into a filling orientation into which liquid CO2 can flow to generate CO2 snow block. Upon detection of the completion of the fill, the container is configured into a dispensing orientation from which the CO2 snow block is released into an access region from which the user can retrieve the CO2 snow block. The control methodology may also be used to auto charge a single container located within a charging station as disclosed herein.

Abstract: A method for automatically dispensing and vending carbon dioxide (CO2) snow block is disclosed. The automatic dispensing system contains multiple containers of different volumes. A user can input the volume of CO2 snow block into a controller, such as a programmable logic controller (PLC). The controller uses the inputted volume and process information to determine which container to utilize for the automated filling process. The controller can configure the selected container into a filling orientation into which liquid CO2 can flow to generate CO2 snow block. Upon detection of the completion of the fill, the container is configured into a dispensing orientation from which the CO2 snow block is released into an access region from which the user can retrieve the CO2 snow block. The control methodology may also be used to auto charge a single container located within a charging station as disclosed herein.

Abstract: Manual and automated methods of pre-charging an empty or partially empty insulated container with CO2 snow are provided. A first location such as a charging location charges CO2 liquid into a container to create a pre-charged container with CO2 snow. The charging location prepares the pre-charged container for delivery to a second location, either by itself, or through a third party. The second location may be a clinical site, which upon receipt of the pre-charged container, loads a perishable item such as a biological sample into the pre-charged container. A user receives the pre-charged container with perishable item and removes the perishable item from the pre-charger container for testing (e.g., biological testing). Depending on the level of depletion of the CO2 snow in the pre-charged container, the user returns the depleted container to the first location or the intermediate location.

Abstract: Manual and automated methods of pre-charging an empty or partially empty insulated container with CO2 snow are provided. A first location such as a charging location charges CO2 liquid into a container to create a pre-charged container with CO2 snow. The charging location prepares the pre-charged container for delivery to a second location, either by itself, or through a third party. The second location may be a clinical site, which upon receipt of the pre-charged container, loads a perishable item such as a biological sample into the pre-charged container. A user receives the pre-charged container with perishable item and removes the perishable item from the pre-charger container for testing (e.g., biological testing). Depending on the level of depletion of the CO2 snow in the pre-charged container, the user returns the depleted container to the first location or the intermediate location.

Abstract: A method for automatically dispensing and vending carbon dioxide (CO2) snow block is disclosed. The automatic dispensing system contains multiple containers of different volumes. A user can input the volume of CO2 snow block into a controller, such as a programmable logic controller (PLC). The controller uses the inputted volume and process information to determine which container to utilize for the automated filling process. The controller can configure the selected container into a filling orientation into which liquid CO2 can flow to generate CO2 snow block. Upon detection of the completion of the fill, the container is configured into a dispensing orientation from which the CO2 snow block is released into an access region from which the user can retrieve the CO2 snow block. The control methodology may also be used to auto charge a single container located within a charging station as disclosed herein.

Abstract: Methods and systems for virus inactivation in the production or processing of biological or other sensitive substances are provided. The disclosed methods and systems for virus inactivation involve the key steps of dissolving carbon dioxide into biological or other sensitive substances; and treating the substance with the dissolved carbon dioxide at conditions which are less than critical pressure and temperature for a prescribed treatment time to inactivate at least 80% of the target virus or viruses contained within the biological or other sensitive substances. The disclosed carbon dioxide treatments for virus inactivation may optionally include concurrently or sequentially subjecting the substances with an acid treatment to lower the pH of the substance and inactivate viruses contained within the biological or other sensitive substance.

Abstract: A system and method for bulk freezing is provided. In one embodiment, the system and method for bulk freezing includes a bulk freezing container adapted to hold at least one and preferably a plurality of bags holding a biopharmaceutical liquid. The bulk freezing container includes at least a first and second shelf having corrugations wherein the second shelf is vertically arranged above the first shelf with the bags disposed between the shelves. The bags and the corrugations of the first and second shelves define a plurality of substantially parallel flow channels through which a cryogenic cold fluid or a warming fluid is passed to freeze and/or thaw the biopharmaceutical fluid. In another embodiment, the bulk freezing system and method includes a bulk freezing container with a plurality of adjacent elongated chambers adapted for holding the biopharmaceutical fluid.

Abstract: Methods and systems for virus inactivation in the production or processing of biological or other sensitive substances are provided. The disclosed methods and systems for virus inactivation involve the key steps of dissolving carbon dioxide into biological or other sensitive substances; and treating the substance with the dissolved carbon dioxide at conditions which are less than critical pressure and temperature for a prescribed treatment time to inactivate at least 80% of the target virus or viruses contained within the biological or other sensitive substances. The disclosed carbon dioxide treatments for virus inactivation may optionally include concurrently or sequentially subjecting the substances with an acid treatment to lower the pH of the substance and inactivate viruses contained within the biological or other sensitive substance.

Abstract: A container closure system for use in lyophilization processes employing depressurization to initiate nucleation is provided. The present container closure system includes a container and a closure element disposed proximate to and adapted for sealing the opening of the container. The closure element includes a first sealing surface adapted for sealably contacting an interior surface of the container and a second sealing surface adapted for sealably contacting the top surface of the container when the container closure system is in a closed position. The closure element also includes a plurality of closure legs extending from the second sealing surface that define a plurality of side vents between each of the closure legs when the container closure system is in the open position. The length, thickness, number, and shape of the legs are chosen to produce an effective total side vent area that is at least 50% of the area of the container opening.

Abstract: An electrode assembly for an arrangement of electrodes used in a plasma surface treatment apparatus. The electrode assembly includes an electrode body formed of a dielectric material and having two spaced end walls. One or more flow channels are defined between the end walls for passage of cooling fluid to cool the electrode body. The flow channel(s) are configured such that a direct flow path exists for the cooling fluid from one of the end walls to the other of the two end walls to inhibit recirculation of the cooling fluid and therefore hot spots developing in the electrode body. Openings within the end walls are provided for passage of the cooling fluid. A high voltage conductor is located within the flow passage(s) so that heat produced at the high voltage conductor is dissipated by the cooling fluid.