Abstract: A sterile filling machine and related method are provided for sterile filling a container with a substance. The container includes a resealable stopper or portion and a chamber for receiving the substance therein. The sealed, empty containers are subjected to radiation capable of penetrating through the resealable portion and chamber for sterilizing the container. The previously sterilized containers are then transported through another sterilizing chamber, such as an e-beam chamber, to sterilize the penetrable surface. A filling member is moved into engagement with the resealable portion to pierce the sterilized penetrable surface of the resealable portion and inject the substance through the filling member and into the chamber of the container. Energy is then transmitted onto the stopper to hermetically re-seal the penetration in the resealable portion.

Abstract: A method and system for transporting fluid is described. The method includes coupling a transit vessel to a terminal vessel associated with at least one terminal. The transit vessel and the terminal vessel are coupled at an open sea or lightering location, which may be selected based upon operational conditions. Then, cryogenic fluid is transferred between the transit vessel and the terminal vessel, while the transit vessel and terminal vessel are moving in substantially the same direction. Once the transfer is complete, the terminal vessel decouples from the transit vessel and moves a terminal to provide the cryogenic fluid to the terminal. The cryogenic fluid may include liquefied natural gas (LNG) and/or liquefied carbon dioxide (CO2).

Abstract: Hot or Cold soup made fresh from scratch, can or concentrate is prepared in a suitable container and after its preparation is kept cool, blended and re-circulated for long term shelf life until a serving is requested. This serving volume of soup is automatically pumped and heated to serving temperature (hot soup) and served in a suitable container like a cup or a bowl. The entire system where the soup resides is always kept refrigerated. The only portion of the soup that is heated after its preparation is the one dispensed. If it is a soup that is served cold the heating prior to dispensing is by-passed.

Abstract: A method of operating a melt system includes melting, flowing, pumping, and replenishing. Hot melt pellets are melted in channels of a melter into a melt liquid that has an upper surface that represents a melt level of the melt liquid in the melter. The melt liquid is flowed downward through the channels to a melt system outlet. The melt liquid is pumped from the melt system outlet. The melter is replenished with hot melt pellets until the melt level is proximate to a top end of the channels.

Abstract: A plastic container, sidewall portions, and method of same are described. The sidewall portion can accommodate a vacuum in a filled and sealed container and includes a plurality of columns extending between upper and lower ends of the sidewall portion, and a plurality of vacuum panels oriented vertically between respective adjacent ones of the columns, each vacuum panel including an upper section, a middle section, and a lower section, a first hinge connecting the upper and middle sections, and a second hinge connecting the middle and lower sections. The vacuum panels can move radially inward toward a container central axis such that the container vacuum is accommodated. As the vacuum panel moves radially inward, the middle section can maintain a substantially parallel orientation with respect to the central axis, and the upper and lower sections rotate about first and second hinges, respectively, and incline away from the central axis.

Abstract: A reciprocating compressor comprises a gas inlet section including an inlet gas meter for metering inlet gas from a high pressure storage vessel, a compressor, a valve control panel and storage, a pressure let down that depressurizes the high pressure gas from the high pressure storage vessel to the inlet of the compressor section, a heat exchanger having thermal storage media, and a dispenser.

Abstract: A dual-purpose railcar is provided, designed for hauling of bitumen or diluent, optimized to provide transport of bitumen to a destination and transport of diluent in the return trip of the car.

Abstract: Methods for loading a compressed fluid into and discharging the compressed fluid out of containment are provided. Compressed fluid is injected into a bottom portion of a container system for storage and/or transport until a target pressure is reached after which gas is withdrawn from an upper portion of the container system at a rate to maintain the target pressure while the compressed fluid is injected in the bottom portion. The compressed fluid is cooled through an expansion valve and by refrigerated chillers or by injecting a cold liquid of the same chemical composition as the compressed fluid into the compressed fluid prior to injection into the container system. Discharge from the container system to a receiving facility begins with blow down from the bottom portion of the container system without a displacement fluid and continues until pressure falls below an acceptable differential pressure.

Abstract: A vibration tray assembly for use in a container filling machine, the vibration tray assembly comprising a tray for transporting discrete articles from a receiving end of the tray towards a drop-off end of the tray, the tray providing a slope along which the discrete articles travel from the receiving end of the tray to the drop-off end of the tray, wherein the tray is adjustable for changing the slope along which the discrete articles travel. The vibration tray assembly further comprises a vibration imparting device for imparting vibrational motion to the tray.

Abstract: A method of filling a hydrogen gas storage tank with hydrogen gas includes filling an onboard hydrogen gas storage tank with hydrogen gas at substantially constant temperature and pressure while transferring a liquid from the hydrogen gas storage tank to a reservoir tank, compressing a gas in the reservoir tank by the flow of liquid into the reservoir tank, and managing the heat produced by the compression of gas in the reservoir tank off board the vehicle. A hydrogen gas delivery system includes an onboard hydrogen gas storage tank, a hydrogen gas supply line, a reservoir tank, and a liquid that transfers the heat of filling the hydrogen gas storage tank to the reservoir by effecting a compression of gas in the reservoir.

Abstract: An accessory for use with a beverage preparation machine for dispensing the beverage into a receptacle. The accessory is placed across the receptacle to be supported on either side by the rim and provides a beverage receiving surface. The surface has a slope that allows beverage to flow downwardly to meet an upstanding portion that may be positioned within the receptacle, next to the side. In this way, the beverage can flow smoothly down the accessory and then down the inside of the receptacle with reduced turbulent flow.

Abstract: A hot filling system for a liquid, with heat recovery, and a corresponding method, wherein prior to heating and filling the liquid is first preheated in a heat exchanger. A portion of the heated liquid to be filled is again cooled in a recooler and recirculated. The return line of the recooler is here connected to the supply line of the heat exchanger so as to transfer heat energy from the recooler to the heat exchanger. This reduces energy losses in comparison with known systems.

Abstract: Device and method for needle penetrating and filling a chamber with a predetermined substance, and hermetically resealing a resulting needle hole in the device by applying radiation thereto. The needle penetrable and resealable portion defines a predetermined wall thickness in an axial direction thereof, and may include a thermoplastic that substantially prevents the formation of particles released into the chamber from the needle penetrable and resealable portion during penetration by and withdrawal of the needle. Such thermoplastic may include a predetermined amount of pigment that allows the thermoplastic to substantially absorb laser radiation at a predetermined wavelength, substantially prevent the passage of radiation through the predetermined wall thickness thereof, and hermetically seal a needle aperture formed in the needle penetration region thereof in a predetermined time period.

Abstract: Various embodiments provide a multifunction transfer device, which can have: an open-ended conical portion having a larger diameter at a top open-end than at a bottom open-end; a release coupled to the bottom open-end of the conical portion and configured to move from a closed position to an open position; a rest integrated to a bottom of the release and configured to hold the device above a liquid container; and an open-ended chute coupled to the release below the rest and configured for fluid communication with the conical portion. In one embodiment, the multifunction transfer device can include at least one graduation configured to indicate a measurement of the material contained in a volume within the conical portion.

Abstract: A method for hot filling of liquids uses a flash pasteurizer including a first heat exchanger, a filling station and a cooling tunnel including a plurality of cooling cells. The liquids are filled into containers in the filling station. The filled containers are cooled in the cooling tunnel using a cooling liquid. The liquids are heated before being filled into the containers, by feeding thermal energy from the cooling liquid that was heated during the cooling of the filled containers to the flash pasteurizer using a separate heat pump.

Abstract: An apparatus, system and method for recharging depleted pressurized balls that uses pressurized gas is disclosed. A pressure vessel includes a cylindrical shell with a closed end and a spaced apart and opening top connected by a wall to form a charging chamber. The vessel may be pivotally secured to a base. A port in the outer wall, closed end, or top of the vessel permits gas entry and exit for charging. The chamber is filled with an appropriate number of discharged balls and then is sealed and charged with high pressure gas having a molecular weight heavier than air. The chamber is monitored to determine when the balls have reached a desired internal pressure. Once the balls reach the desired internal pressure they are removed.

Abstract: Automotive service equipment for brake fluid exchange includes a central unit having a controller for operating the equipment and a communication module for wirelessly communicating with each of a plurality of remote bleed modules to control bleeding brake fluid from respective brake bleeders of a vehicle connected to the modules. The brake fluid from the brake bleeders is stored in containers in the modules for later removal. When disconnected from the brake bleeders, the modules are moved to docking stations on the central unit for emptying brake fluid from the module containers and vacuum charging the containers for brake bleeding. The automotive service equipment and related method of performing brake fluid exchange in an automotive vehicle avoid the use of hoses for returning the waste fluid to the central unit thus reducing the problem of storage and handling of such hoses and spillage of residual fluid left in the hoses.

Abstract: An apparatus and method wherein potential ozone layer-damaging chlorodifluoromethane (Refrigerant R-22) is substituted with a mix of less environmentally damaging refrigerants pentafluoroethane and tetrafluoroethane in chlorodifluoromethane-based air-cooling systems mainly in residential cooling. While less environmentally damaging than chlorodifluoromethane, the substitute refrigerant has a temperature-pressure relationship similar to that of chlorodifluoromethane, making the substitute refrigerant suitable for use with chlorodifluoromethane-based air-cooling systems. In this event, it is mixed with a relatively small percentage of a lubricating oil which is compatible with both the unit refrigerant and typical R-22 system design.

Abstract: An apparatus includes a valveless cartridge assembly that has a housing with an opening at a proximal end and an outlet port for dispensing the liquid at a distal end, with the opening being configured to accept a cartridge of the liquid therethrough and communicating with an interior space of the housing. A metered dispensing device is coupled to the valveless cartridge assembly and includes a positive displacement pump in fluid communication with the interior space and the outlet port for selectively dispensing the liquid through the outlet port. The apparatus may be such that at least a portion of the metered dispensing device is disposed within the housing or it may alternatively be coupled to an exterior of the housing. The positive displacement pump may be a gear pump.

Abstract: A consumer product comprising packaging including a product chamber and an outer jacket at least partially surrounding the product chamber; and an antiperspirant composition disposed within the product chamber, wherein the composition exhibits an average standard deviation of less than or equal to about 5 of penetration peak force measurements taken in accordance with a penetration test method as defined herein.

Abstract: Methods for filling an internal volume of a liquid filled lens mechanism with fluid are provided. In some embodiments, the methods include creating a vacuum within the internal volume, de-aerating the fluid, filling the vacuum in the internal volume with the de-aerated fluid, and sealing the internal volume. In some embodiments, the methods include elevating a temperature of the fluid prior to sealing the internal volume. In some embodiments, the internal volume is formed by a structure having at least one flexible component.

Abstract: The present invention provides a system and methods for safe dispensing of a hot liquid, the system comprising a receptacle for holding a liquid, an apparatus for heating the liquid in the receptacle and a dispensing apparatus, disposed outside said receptacle, for dispensing said liquid from the receptacle to a receiving vessel, wherein the dispensing apparatus comprises a safety device for safe release of the liquid to the receiving vessel.

Abstract: A method for mixing includes releasably coupling a first container station to a docking station, the first container station having a shipping vessel bounding a compartment, the docking station having a stand and a drive motor assembly adjustably mounted to the stand. The vertical or horizontal position of the drive motor assembly is adjusted relative to the stand so that the drive motor assembly is in a first position. A drive shaft is advanced through the drive motor assembly and into a chamber of a first collapsible bag disposed within the compartment of the shipping vessel. The drive motor assembly is activated so that the mixer rotates the drive shaft causing mixing of the fluid within the first collapsible bag.

Abstract: A hydrogen source comprises a first hydrogen reservoir for containing hydrogen in a first form and a second hydrogen reservoir for containing hydrogen in a second form different from the first form. The hydrogen source comprises a means for converting hydrogen from the first form to hydrogen gas and transferring the hydrogen gas from the first hydrogen reservoir to the second hydrogen reservoir. An interface is provided for transferring hydrogen from the second hydrogen reservoir to a hydrogen reservoir in a portable device. The interface comprises a fluidic coupling. The hydrogen source may be used to provide hydrogen fuel to a wide range of portable devices.

Abstract: Disclosed is a rotary valve and rotary disk fluid dispensing system that sanitizes valve ports using UV radiation during non-use. Steam and ozinated water can also be used for stripping and disinfecting portions of the dispenser that can be accessed by the public. The system also uses detectors including hall detectors and a camera to inspect for blockage of valve ports, tampering or improper operation of the rotary valve disc.

Abstract: A catalyst unit suitable for loading into a tube in a reactor includes a plurality of catalyst particles incorporated within a removable solid matrix, said unit in the form of an elongate body in which the particles are packed together such that the volume shrinkage upon removal of the removable matrix is ?20%. The catalyst particles preferably comprise one or more metals selected from the group consisting of Fe and Co in oxidic or reduced form. The units are particularly suitable for loading catalyst into tubes in a Fischer-Tropsch reactor.

Abstract: Device to deliver fluid products, comprising a plurality of canisters, each containing a predetermined fluid, and connected to an associated delivery unit. The device comprises a rotating support, on which the plurality of canisters and the delivery units are mounted, able to position at different moments of time and according to one or more predetermined sequences, one or more desired and selected delivery units in a corresponding delivery position, in order to deliver predetermined quantities of fluid in an exit container so as to obtain a final product with a desired final composition and/or formula. The device further comprises mixing means for mixing the fluids contained in the canisters and a movement member, for moving the mixing means. The movement member comprises a mixing cam element, substantially circular, concentric to said rotating support and rotatable with respect to it, in at least a reciprocal condition of release between the rotating support and said mixing cam element.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for filling with powder (4) a container (8) having an open end, including positioning an outlet of a hopper (2) containing powder above the open end of the container (8), mechanically agitating the hopper so as to cause powder (4) to be transferred from the hopper to the container and mechanically agitating the container, wherein the steps of mechanically agitating are conducted by at least a predetermined amount sufficient to ensure that the container is filled with powder at a predetermined density.

Abstract: An apparatus for injecting a coolant for a fuel cell vehicle is provided. More specifically, a coolant tank stores a coolant and a coolant pump, disposed in a coolant supply line connecting the coolant tank and the stack cooling loop is configured to pressure-transfer the coolant to the stack cooling loop, and circulating the coolant, which has passed through the stack cooling loop, to the coolant tank. A bubble elimination unit, disposed at a rear stage of the coolant pump in the coolant supply line, eliminates the bubbles in the fuel cell stack through vibration. This bubble elimination unit may be configured as an ultrasonic wave excitor for exciting the stack cooling loop with ultrasonic waves.

Abstract: On cold filling of pressure containers the filling gas is cooled before introduction into the pressure container to be filled. On completion of the filling process the pressure container is sealed in a pressure-tight manner. As the gas warms up the pressure in the pressure container rises rapidly. According to the invention, the pressure container is cooled before the introduction of the filling gas. The filling gas cools rapidly by means of heat transfer to the pressure container, whereby the filling capacity of the pressure container is considerably increased. Said method is particularly suitable for the filling of small tanks, in particular, for gas-driven vehicles and fuel-cell systems.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a hydrogen fed power system comprising: a high-pressure hydrogen container (150), at least one hydrogen driven energy converter such as a fuel cell (159) connecting to the hydrogen container (150), pressure converter (158) for hydrogen gas, located between the high-pressure hydrogen container (150) and the lower pressure energy converter (159). The invention also relates to a vehicle as well as to a stand-alone electric power unit provided with such an hydrogen fed power system. Furthermore the present invention relates a method for use of the hydrogen fed power system and to a method for filling up the high-pressure hydrogen container of the hydrogen fed power system.

Abstract: A reversible container is provided with a hollow housing and removable closures at each end. The container is filled with a substance, and when at least some of the substance has been removed, the container is refilled with the substance and inverted. In this way, the user is able to use substantially all of the contents of the container, and is able to use completely the older substance first, because the older substance is at the top of the container after the container is inverted.

Abstract: A container (10) for tobacco industry products, the container (10) being adjustable between an open configuration and a closed configuration comprises an interior region (50) and first and second parts adapted to slidably fit together such that sliding one of said parts towards the other part causes the interior region (50) to become sufficiently pressurised so that pressure is perceivably released upon opening the container (10).

Abstract: The invention concerns pharmaceutical compositions containing a hydrogen sulphate salt of 6-(4-bromo-2-chloro-phenylamino)-7-fluoro-3-methyl-3H-benzoimidazole-5-carboxylic acid (2-hydroxy-ethoxy)-amide and solvates, crystalline forms and amorphous forms thereof, to the use of said compositions as a medicament; and to processes for the preparation of said compositions.

Abstract: White-pigmented and unpigmented base paints and stains are custom-tinted using an automated colorant dispenser having a minimum fluid dispensing quantity less than 0.01 fluid ounce (<0.3 cm3) and an array of colorants including a green-hued colorant having a color strength greater than that of a comparison colorant containing 12 wt. % PG7 pigment, a blue-hued colorant having a color strength greater than that of a comparison colorant containing 7 wt. % PB15:2 pigment, and a red-hued colorant having a color strength greater than that of a comparison colorant containing 17 wt. % PR209 pigment. The green-hued or blue-hued colorants are dispensed into the base paint or stain whenever a green-hued or blue-hued tint is required. Light pastel tints in small containers and strong colors in large containers may be prepared without requiring the use of additional colorants having the same general hue and lower color strength.

Abstract: A container and method are provided for storing fat containing liquid products. The container includes a body defining a storage chamber for receiving the product, and a container closure. A first material portion forms at least most of the surface area overlying the storage chamber that can contact any product therein. Neither the body nor the first material portion leach more than a predetermined amount of leachables into the product or undesirably alter a taste profile thereof. A needle penetrable and thermally resealable second material portion either (i) overlies the first material portion and cannot contact any product within the storage chamber, or (ii) forms a substantially lesser surface area overlying the storage chamber that can contact any product therein in comparison to the first material portion. A sealing portion is engageable with the body to form a substantially dry hermetic seal between the container closure and body.

Abstract: A device for distributing granular materials in a recipient, particularly of complex shape intended to be arranged between a feed hopper and the recipient to be filled. The device includes a deflector, mobile in rotation around an axis, lining a passage linking the hopper to the recipient. The deflector is formed by at least one surface that may be inclined in relation to the axis of rotation approaching the axis in the direction of flow of the granules, or perpendicular to the axis. According to the speed of rotation, a certain quantity of granules is ejected by the deflector and another part passes directly in the passage.

Abstract: A method of making a personal care composition by providing a first layer and a second layer which each are fluid at elevated temperature; solid at ambient temperature; and visually distinctive from each other; providing the first and second layers in fluid state at an elevated temperature in isolated vessels; separately dispensing the first layer by a first nozzle and the second layer by a second nozzle, while maintaining the elevated temperature, into a same package having a circle plan view shape, wherein the positions of the nozzles, relative to the center of the package, are maintained during dispensing, and wherein the middle point of the nozzles do not coincide with the Z axis running vertically through the center of the package; and cooling the dispensed composition for solidifying in the package.

Abstract: An arrangement of several machine assemblies (34, 38). The machine assemblies are arranged in a way that the material flow between the machine assemblies (34, 38) is at least technically mutually coupled. The machine assemblies are subsequently arranged to form treatment stations and/or processing stations of a machine (10) for processing, treatment and/or filling of containers. A method for coupling several machine assemblies (34, 38). The assemblies are subsequently arranged to form treatment stations and/or processing stations of a machine (10) for processing, treatment and/or filling of containers.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention are directed toward a reciprocating compressor having a high pressure storage vessel let down for a CNG station for refueling motor vehicles, wherein the CNG station design utilizes inlet gas from a local gas utility. By supplementing the inlet gas with a pressure let down in order to de-pressurize the gas from a high-pressure storage vessel, the CNG station has the ability to increase and adjust its flow capacity.

Abstract: A method and a device for generating of hydrogen are provided with which an instantaneous release of hydrogen in considerable amounts is possible. The method comprises a one or two step mixing including injecting the fuel and an activator fluid into a reaction chamber. The device is adapted to be operated with such a method. Further, a fuel suitable for the use with such a method is provided, the fuel being based on a dry metal hydride or a dry metal borohydride being dispersed in a non-aqueous dispersion medium. Moreover, a method for (re-) fuelling the hydrogen generating device at a service station and a method for supplying a service station with fuel are provided.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for filling bottles or similar containers with a liquid product at a filling position, using a filling element for the controlled delivery of the product into the respective container, the foam formation of the product inside the respective container already being reduced and/or suppressed during the formation stage by a treatment or by influencing the product.

Abstract: The present invention pertains to a method for loading a crystallization device and for manufacturing a crystallization device comprising multiple receptacles with a pre-defined amount of at least one matrix-forming compound capable of forming a crystallization matrix for a membrane protein, said method comprising the following steps: a) Modifying the state of aggregation of said at least one matrix-forming compound to a fluidic state which allows dispensing said at least one matrix-forming compound, and b) dispensing a defined amount of said at least one matrix-forming compound into at least one receptacle of the crystallization device, wherein said dispensed matrix-forming compound solidifies within said receptacle. Thereby, pre-filled crystallization devices are obtained which can be used as consumables in particular in automated crystallization processes. Also provided are protein crystallization methods using respectively prepared crystallization devices.

Abstract: A brake bleeding apparatus comprises a supply receptacle for brake fluid for supply to a braking system, ducting for connecting the supply receptacle with the braking system and a vacuum source connected with the supply receptacle for de-gassing brake fluid stored in the supply receptacle.

Abstract: Device and method for needle penetrating and filling a chamber with a predetermined substance, and hermetically resealing a resulting needle hole in the device by applying radiation thereto. The needle penetrable and resealable portion defines a predetermined wall thickness in an axial direction thereof, and may include a thermoplastic that substantially prevents the formation of particles released into the chamber from the needle penetrable and resealable portion during penetration by and withdrawal of the needle. Such thermoplastic may include a predetermined amount of pigment that allows the thermoplastic to substantially absorb laser radiation at a predetermined wavelength, substantially prevent the passage of radiation through the predetermined wall thickness thereof, and hermetically seal a needle aperture formed in the needle penetration region thereof in a predetermined time period.

Abstract: A method and device for the controlled foaming of a product introduced in bottles or similar containers.

Abstract: Disclosed is a liquefied natural gas storage apparatus. The apparatus includes a heat insulated tank and liquefied natural gas contained in the tank. The tank has heat insulation sufficient to maintain liquefied natural gas therein such that most of the liquefied natural gas stays in liquid. The contained liquefied natural gas has a vapor pressure from about 0.3 bar to about 2 bar. The apparatus further includes a safety valve configured to release a part of liquefied natural gas contained in the tank when a vapor pressure of liquefied natural gas within the tank becomes higher than a cut-off pressure. The cut-off pressure is from about 0.3 bar to about 2 bar.

Abstract: Process for moulding a frozen aerated product including the step of filling a mould cavity with a frozen aerated product through a filling member; the mould cavity being a recess on a mould surface; the mould surface being at a temperature of below 0° C.; the filling member having an end part through which the ice cream is dispensed into the mould cavity; the end part being in contact with the mould surface; wherein the filling member includes a thermal insulation located at the end part of the filling member in contact with the mould surface; the thermal insulation being constituted by a material having a thermal conductivity of less than 2 W m?1 K?1; and the filling member being heated by a heating member upstream of the thermal insulation.

Abstract: Disclosed is a container and method for filling same. The container includes a thermally resealable portion that is fusible in response to thermal energy, and a container body having a sealed empty chamber in fluid communication with the resealable portion for receiving therein a substance. The container also includes a base, a mid-portion, and an upper portion axially spaced from the base on an opposite side of the mid-portion relative to the base. Each of the base and upper portion define a laterally-extending dimension greater than a maximum laterally-extending dimension of the mid-portion. The method of filling the container includes penetrating the resealable portion with an injection member and introducing a substance into the chamber, withdrawing the injection member while engaging the base of the body to substantially prevent axial movement of the body, and applying thermal energy to the resealable portion to thermally fuse the penetrated region thereof.

Abstract: A method for controlling the operation of an aseptic product filling machine includes the steps of performing a pre-production test procedure during a pre-production phase in which at least a set of subcritical control parameters are measured, diagnosed and stored, checking if those subcritical control parameters are within their range, starting a production phase if all of the subcritical control parameters are indeed within their range, and measuring, diagnosing and storing a set of supercritical control parameters and not the subcritical control parameters during the production phase.