With Soil Removing, Coating, Lubricating, Sterilizing And/or Drying Patents (Class 141/85)
  • Patent number: 11852300
    Abstract: A hydrogen refueling station evaluation device includes a socket that is supplied with hydrogen, a hydrogen tank that stores the hydrogen supplied through the socket, and a discharge pipeline that discharges hydrogen from the hydrogen tank to the atmosphere. A discharge valve adjusts open and closed states of the discharge pipeline. A tank protection valve achieves a state in which the socket and the hydrogen tank are connected to each other, a state in which the socket and the discharge pipeline are connected to each other and the hydrogen tank is closed, and a state in which all of the socket, the hydrogen tank, and the discharge pipe are connected to one another. A gas supplier supplies an inert gas to the socket and a controller operates the tank protection valve, the discharge valve, and the gas supplier.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 28, 2021
    Date of Patent: December 26, 2023
    Assignees: Hyundai Motor Company, Kia Corporation
    Inventor: Aeun Yoon
  • Patent number: 11066287
    Abstract: A system and method to supply nitrogen gas is provided. Ambient air is compressed and stored in a storage receiver and then nitrogen is separated from the compressed air in a nitrogen membrane separation unit. The separated nitrogen is stored in a nitrogen storage tank under pressure and released through a pressure control valve. The system is confined to a small footprint and is useful as a nitrogen source where conventional compressed nitrogen tanks are a safety or space issue. Systems to prepare nitrogen infused beverages are also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 25, 2020
    Date of Patent: July 20, 2021
    Assignee: AUTOMATIC BAR CONTROLS, INC.
    Inventor: Charles Kleinrichert
  • Patent number: 10730737
    Abstract: The invention relates to a tap system comprising a container (3), in which at least one filler line (14) for introducing a carbonated beverage leads to at least one drinking vessel (7) arranged inside the container, wherein a regulated positive pressure is generated inside the container (3) during the filling of the at least one drinking vessel (7). The pressure filling of the container (3) allows the atmospheric surroundings of the drinking vessel (7) to be placed under pressure instead of placing the drinking vessel (7) itself under pressure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 2017
    Date of Patent: August 4, 2020
    Inventor: Peter A. Heindl
  • Patent number: 10343886
    Abstract: An exemplary mobile wine tasting system may include a vehicle, e.g., a van or other automobile capable of transporting and serving at least one wine product, and at least one wine dispenser installed on the vehicle. The wine dispenser may be configured to dispense the at least one kind of wine to at least one of an interior compartment of the vehicle and an exterior of the vehicle. Accordingly, wine tasting experiences may be brought directly to customers, as opposed to requiring individuals to travel to a winery, bar, or tasting room.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 28, 2016
    Date of Patent: July 9, 2019
    Assignee: NAPA ON WHEELS, LLC
    Inventor: Alberto J. Venezia
  • Patent number: 9837293
    Abstract: Embodiments of mechanisms for charging a gas into a cassette pod are provided. A method for charging a gas into a cassette pod includes loading at least one semiconductor wafer into a housing of the cassette pod after the at least one semiconductor wafer is processed by a processing apparatus. The method also includes removing the cassette pod from the processing apparatus by a transporting apparatus to a predetermined destination. The method further includes charging a gas into an enclosure in the housing of the cassette pod from a gas supply assembly disposed on the housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 30, 2013
    Date of Patent: December 5, 2017
    Assignee: TAIWAN SEMICONDUCTOR MANUFACTURING CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Wei-Yu Lai, Hung-Wen Chen
  • Patent number: 9527160
    Abstract: A beam head unit including beam heads configured to scan a single laser beam on a thin-film layer of a workpiece from an irradiation start side toward an irradiation end side in a direction crossing a feeding direction of the workpiece while the workpiece is fed by a constant-speed feeder; laser oscillator configured to emit the laser beam to irradiate each beam head; a controller configured to control scanning speed of the laser beam emitted from each beam head and feeding speed of the workpiece to control a machining line formed in the workpiece fed at the predetermined feeding speed. The controller is configured to switch a beam head to use to form the machining line between the beam heads to form the machining line alternately. This configuration makes it possible to form machining lines highly efficiently in the thin-film layer of the workpiece while feeding the workpiece.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 25, 2013
    Date of Patent: December 27, 2016
    Assignee: KAWASAKI JUKOGYO KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Mutsuhiro Nakazawa, Kazunori Takahara, Osami Oogushi
  • Patent number: 9022079
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 13, 2012
    Date of Patent: May 5, 2015
    Assignee: MedInstill Development LLC
    Inventors: Daniel Py, Norbert Assion, Nathaniel Houle, Debashis Sahoo, M. Jeffrey Willey, Eric E. Hartman, John Guthy
  • Publication number: 20150114513
    Abstract: An adapter assembly and a process for supplying a sterilant to a packaging system for cleaning and filling of packages. Specifically, an adapter assembly for directly supplying a sterilant, such as hydrogen peroxide, from a packaging container, such as a blow-molded tight-head plastic packaging container, to the packaging system without using any intermediate carrier, such as a carboy.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 9, 2012
    Publication date: April 30, 2015
    Inventor: Matthew Hearon
  • Publication number: 20150090365
    Abstract: A filling machine includes a transport element that rotates about a machine axis, filling positions formed on the transport element, rinsing caps assigned to corresponding filling positions, and a housing. Each filling position has a filling element that forms a discharge opening. Each rinsing cap moves between a starting position and a working position. In the starting position, the rinsing cap is outside a movement space through which the filling elements move during filling. In the working position, it forms a cleaning path that includes the discharge opening. The rinsing caps are disposed on a part of the housing that is stationary relative to the transport element.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 20, 2013
    Publication date: April 2, 2015
    Inventor: Ludwig Clüsserath
  • Patent number: 8905086
    Abstract: A machine for the preparation of pharmaceutical products is provided with a gripping and carrier device to transfer at least one container between a magazine and a dosage station for the preparation of a pharmaceutical product, and a box-type holding frame defining a chamber for the housing of magazine, gripping and carrier device, and dosage station; the chamber displaying an access aperture to magazine and being crossed by a sterile air flow adapted to avoid the entry of air from the external environment through aperture itself.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 26, 2012
    Date of Patent: December 9, 2014
    Assignee: Health Robotics, S.R.L.
    Inventors: Paolo Giribona, Werner Rainer, Daniele Baldassari, Alferino Gabbarrini, Pietro Paluselli
  • Patent number: 8857478
    Abstract: An apparatus for treating containers may include a treatment chamber in which the containers are treated, and a conveyor unit which transports the containers within the treatment chamber. The treatment chamber can be isolated by means of at least one wall from an environment external of the treatment chamber in such a way that sterile conditions can be achieved in the treatment chamber, and by means of at least one treatment unit which treats the containers within the treatment chamber. At least one wall of the treatment chamber is arranged to be movable. A sealing assembly seals the treatment chamber in an area with regard to elements of the apparatus, which are movable relative to each other, against the environment external of the treatment chamber. The sealing assembly includes a surrounding channel, into which a liquid sealing agent can be introduced, as well as a secondary wall which is arranged within the channel at least in sections.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 25, 2011
    Date of Patent: October 14, 2014
    Assignee: Krones AG
    Inventors: Hermann Klarl, Roland Laumer
  • Patent number: 8851127
    Abstract: Methods and systems for pharmaceutical compounding are described. In one embodiment a system comprises a solution of a pharmaceutical in an injection vehicle, the solution being contained in a vessel. The system also includes one or more tubes, a filter, and one or more valves. The system presents a sterile environment for compounding the solution.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 2, 2011
    Date of Patent: October 7, 2014
    Assignee: Express Scripts, Inc.
    Inventors: Brian Marquis, Douglas Lang
  • Patent number: 8839829
    Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention provide a natural gas compression system, comprising a gas inlet component for the entrance of natural gas into the system, a booster component for increasing the pressure of the natural gas, a drying component for drying the natural gas, a compressor component including a reciprocating compressor for further increasing the pressure of the natural gas, a valve control panel and storage component, and a dispensing component.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 16, 2011
    Date of Patent: September 23, 2014
    Assignee: Clean Energy Fuels Corp.
    Inventors: Denis Ding, Mitchell Pratt
  • Publication number: 20140261856
    Abstract: A portable self-serve fuel metering system that may be coupled to a standard portable storage tank or tanker truck, which eliminates for specialized equipment on the tank or tanker truck and the need for underground storage tanks. The invention provides a self-service mobile fueling metering system to be used in collaboration with a standard mobile fueling tank (e.g. a mobile fuel tank or tanker truck). The fuel would be accessible any time a user desires and would not require an attendant be present. The invention provides a cost effective and simple way to provide customers fuel at any time, in a location of your choosing. By using portable tanks or tanker trucks, the invention eliminates the possibility of environmental leaks and spills.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 15, 2013
    Publication date: September 18, 2014
    Inventor: Phillip Brooks
  • Patent number: 8800608
    Abstract: A machine for the preparation of pharmaceutical products is provided with a gripping and carrier device to transfer at least one container between a magazine and a dosage station for the preparation of a pharmaceutical product, and a box-type holding frame defining a chamber for the housing of magazine, gripping and carrier device, and dosage station; the chamber displaying an access aperture to magazine and being crossed by a sterile air flow adapted to avoid the entry of air from the external environment through aperture itself.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 26, 2012
    Date of Patent: August 12, 2014
    Assignee: Health Robotics, S.R.L.
    Inventors: Paolo Giribona, Werner Rainer, Daniele Baldassari, Alferino Gabbarrini, Pietro Paluselli
  • Publication number: 20140216598
    Abstract: An apparatus and method that allow multiple samples of a liquid in a primary container (here called a ‘pouch’) to be taken with minimal danger of contaminating the liquid in the container during the sampling process are disclosed. In an embodiment, a closed sterile sight chamber is connected with the pouch in a sterile manner to allow fluid to flow into the chamber white at the same time allowing air within the chamber to be displaced through a bacterial fitter to atmosphere. The connection between the sight chamber and the pouch is then terminated (severed or closed), isolating the pouch from the sampling apparatus. Only then are samples of liquid withdrawn from the sight chamber, while allowing air to flow into the chamber through the bacterial filter.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 4, 2014
    Publication date: August 7, 2014
    Applicant: NOBLE HOUSE GROUP PTY LTD.
    Inventors: AVTAR SINGH KASHMIRIAN, STEPHANIE M. NORRELL, WILLIAM LEONARD MOBBS, CRAIG DOUGLAS WILSON
  • Patent number: 8776841
    Abstract: The present invention provides a method, system, and components for protecting reticles and specifically for minimizing haze formation on reticles during storage and use. By substantially continually maintaining a purge in a storage housing having a reduced humidity level on reticles or by temporarily storing the reticle in a container in proximity to a desiccant or getter when not being purged, haze formation can be eliminated, minimized, or sufficiently controlled. Moreover, a filter media in the container may be positioned to be “recharged” during the substantially continual purging of the reticle, a reduced desirable humidity level can be readily maintained in the reticle container when the container is not currently being purged. Additionally, the system of the invention can comprise an ionizer associated with the purge system. For example, the ionizer can be associated with at least one of the plurality of purge lines of the purge system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 19, 2007
    Date of Patent: July 15, 2014
    Assignee: Entegris, Inc.
    Inventors: Oleg P. Kishkovich, Xavier Gabarre, William M. Goodwin, James Lo, Troy Scoggins
  • Patent number: 8701720
    Abstract: A unit (10) for filling containers (14), includes an insulator (16) having a body (18) provided with an inlet (E) and an outlet (S), the structure (20) of the body (18) defining a space (V) forming an aseptic working region (22) and including insufflation elements (28) which are arranged in the upper part of the insulator (16) and are able to insufflate a sterile air flow for creating an overpressure inside the space (V). The insufflation elements (28) are arranged in the insulator (16) in such a way as to project a laminar-type flow (F) to lick the outer surface (44) of the containers (14), and the insulator (16) includes evacuation elements (48) which are separate from the inlet (E) and the outlet (S) and used to enable a controlled evacuation of the insufflated sterile air flow (F).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 4, 2008
    Date of Patent: April 22, 2014
    Assignee: Sidel Participations
    Inventor: Eric Adriansens
  • Publication number: 20140102588
    Abstract: Only a bottle properly preliminarily heated is sterilized by hydrogen peroxide. Temperature inspection to the bottle is performed while travelling the bottle. During the inspection, a bottle of which temperature does not reach a predetermined temperature is removed and a bottle of which temperature reaches the predetermined temperature is continuously travelled, hydrogen peroxide condensed mist ? is blown toward a mouth portion 1a of the bottle by a spray tube 59 disposed at a predetermined position, and hot air is blown into the bottle from the nozzle while the nozzle 64 following the mouth portion of the bottle. According to such operation, only the bottle properly heated can be sterilized by the hydrogen peroxide, Thereafter, beverage fills the bottle, which is then sealed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 17, 2013
    Publication date: April 17, 2014
    Applicant: DAI NIPPON PRINTING CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Atsushi HAYAKAWA, Takaharu HIROOKA, Takaki MAEKAWA, Hitoshi TAKAKU
  • Publication number: 20140041752
    Abstract: A method for the preparing mixtures of pharmaceutical or biopharmaceutical substances (11, 11?) includes arranging a preparation container (3, 3?, 3?) already made up with ingredients in a receptacle (2) of a device (1, 1?, 1?) feeding a fluid (10) from a storage container (4, 4?) into the preparation container (3, 3?) via a feed line (6), preparing the ingredients with the fluid (10, 10?) into a substance mixture (11, 11?), and removing the substance mixture (11, 11?) from the preparation container (3, 3?, 3?) into a receiving container via a discharge line (12, 12?, 12?). A device also is provided for carrying out the method.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 2, 2013
    Publication date: February 13, 2014
    Inventors: Maik Jornitz, Stefan Schlack
  • Publication number: 20130167971
    Abstract: A cartridge discharges paint in a paint chamber from a feed tube by displacing a piston in a tank. A waste liquid adjusting valve located on a downstream side of a waste liquid passage on-off valve and including a throttle passage is provided in a waste liquid passage to be connected to the feed tube. This waste liquid adjusting valve is opened at the time of washing clean the paint chamber and a paint supply passage of the feed tube to widely enlarge the passage cross-sectional area of the waste liquid passage. When paint is replenished into the paint supply passage, the waste liquid adjusting valve uses the throttle passage as a flow passage to narrowly throttle the passage cross-sectional area of the waste liquid passage. The amount of discarded paint which flows out from the feed tube is thereby reduced.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 8, 2011
    Publication date: July 4, 2013
    Applicant: ABB K.K.
    Inventor: Kuniharu Yamauchi
  • Patent number: 8448674
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 11, 2011
    Date of Patent: May 28, 2013
    Assignee: Medical Instill Technologies, Inc.
    Inventor: Daniel Py
  • Patent number: 8347923
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 28, 2011
    Date of Patent: January 8, 2013
    Assignee: Medical Instill Technologies, Inc.
    Inventor: Daniel Py
  • Patent number: 8342214
    Abstract: A reservoir assembly for containing a non-corrosive liquid and a gas containing an evaporated liquid. The reservoir assembly includes a main reservoir having a main reservoir bottom wall, a main reservoir top wall and a main reservoir peripheral wall extending therebetween. An auxiliary reservoir, is provided having an auxiliary reservoir bottom wall and an auxiliary reservoir peripheral wall extending therefrom defining a peripheral wall top edge. The auxiliary reservoir located inside the main reservoir with the auxiliary reservoir peripheral wall adjacent the main reservoir peripheral wall to allow an infiltration of the non-corrosive liquid therebetween when the auxiliary reservoir is filled and the non-corrosive liquid overflows over the peripheral wall top edge. A deflector, is mounted inside the main reservoir to the main reservoir peripheral wall, having a deflector free end located above the auxiliary reservoir.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 22, 2007
    Date of Patent: January 1, 2013
    Inventor: Normand Rousseau
  • Patent number: 8297320
    Abstract: A machine for the preparation of pharmaceutical products is provided with a gripping and carrier device to transfer at least one container between a magazine and a dosage station for the preparation of a pharmaceutical product, and a box-type holding frame defining a chamber for the housing of magazine, gripping and carrier device, and dosage station; the chamber displaying an access aperture to magazine and being crossed by a sterile air flow adapted to avoid the entry of air from the external environment through aperture itself.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 7, 2006
    Date of Patent: October 30, 2012
    Assignee: Health Robotics S.R.L.
    Inventors: Paolo Giribona, Werner Rainer, Daniele Baldassari, Alferino Gabbarini, Pietro Paluselli
  • Patent number: 8286674
    Abstract: A gas filling apparatus for filling a gas into a storage apparatus for storing a semiconductor element or a reticle is provided. The gas filling apparatus is connected with an air feed source, which includes a base, a first inlet port and a set of air feed source route. The storage apparatus is loaded on the base, and the first inlet port which is disposed on the base corresponds with the second inlet port of the storage apparatus. The set of air feed source route includes an entrance part, a supply part and a branch part. The entrance part is connected with the air feed source, and the supply part is connected with the first inlet port. The branch part is a closed loop, which transmits the gas from the entrance part into the supply part.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 18, 2008
    Date of Patent: October 16, 2012
    Assignee: Gudeng Precision Industrial Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Sheng-Hung Wang, Ming-Long Chiu
  • Patent number: 8263015
    Abstract: The aseptic packaging installation comprises a bench under a ceiling, a line of machines mounted on the bench in a packaging zone subjected to a sterile laminar flow traveling vertically from the ceiling at a rate adapted to establish a first pressure in the packaging zone that is higher than a surrounding pressure, an intervention zone adjacent to the packaging zone, and subjected to a one-way flow of clean air travelling vertically from the ceiling of the intervention zone at a rate that is adapted to establish a second pressure in the intervention zone that is lower than the first pressure but higher than the surrounding pressure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 22, 2006
    Date of Patent: September 11, 2012
    Assignee: Serac Group
    Inventor: Delphine Raynaud
  • Patent number: 8215342
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 2, 2006
    Date of Patent: July 10, 2012
    Assignee: Societé BIC
    Inventors: Gerard Francis McLean, Joerg Zimmermann
  • Publication number: 20120111440
    Abstract: A method is for handling a sterilized food product and includes securing an aseptic fitment to a filling port of an intermodal container including a rigid shell having an elongate shape with opposed closed ends, and at least one frame assembly supporting the rigid shell. The method also includes sterilizing the intermodal container, and aseptically filling the sterilized intermodal container with the sterilized food product through the aseptic fitment. The method may also include sealing the aseptic fitment after aseptic filling. A related intermodal container and filling station are also disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 8, 2010
    Publication date: May 10, 2012
    Applicant: John Bean Technologies Corporation
    Inventors: Gregory W. SCHRADER, Manuele Levati, Paul P. Brocker
  • Patent number: 8117803
    Abstract: Atmosphere in a sterilization box 18 is prevented from entering into a filler chamber 44 side, and also, atmosphere on the filler side is prevented from flowing on the sterilization box 18 side. An intermediate chamber 40 is disposed between the sterilization box 18 for performing sterilization by electron beam irradiation to a vessel 2 and the chamber 44 in which a filler 42 is disposed for filling the sterilized vessel 2 with inner content. A pressure in the intermediate chamber 40 is controlled, by a pressure control device, so as to be higher than a pressure in the sterilization box 18 and higher than a pressure in the chamber 44 provided with the filler 42. Since the pressure in the intermediate chamber 40 is highest, atmosphere in the upstream-side sterilization box 18 is prevented from flowing in the filler 42 side and atmosphere in the chamber 44 for the filler 42 is also prevented from flowing in the sterilization box 18 side.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 26, 2007
    Date of Patent: February 21, 2012
    Assignee: Shibuya Kogyo Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Yukinobu Nishino, Tokuo Nishi, Yukihiro Yamamoto
  • Publication number: 20110240172
    Abstract: A device for storing and/or dosing a solvent for dissolving a substance that is to be used in liquid form has a container, a mounting mechanism for mounting the container on a vessel, preferably a reagent vessel from the laboratory sector, and an opener for opening the container.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 28, 2011
    Publication date: October 6, 2011
    Inventor: Andreas Eidam
  • Publication number: 20110214779
    Abstract: The present application provides an aseptic dosing system for dispensing a micro-ingredient. The aseptic dosing system may include a micro-ingredient source adapted to dispense the micro-ingredient, a sterilizer downstream of the micro-ingredient source configured to sterilize the micro-ingredient, and a nozzle downstream of the sterilizer configured to reconstitute the micro-ingredient in or downstream thereof.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 8, 2010
    Publication date: September 8, 2011
    Applicant: THE COCA-COLA COMPANY
    Inventors: James E. Goldman, Hubertus Ulrich Schubert, Peter Simpson, Marcelo Silvado
  • Publication number: 20110192489
    Abstract: The invention relates to a method and to a device for transferring a substance between closed systems (G1 G/Z, Z, G+G/Z), which prior to the transfer are connected in a sterile manner and can be disconnected from each other in a sterile manner, and wherein means for transferring the substance are provided. The goal is to enable a contamination-free transfer of the substance without gas inclusions between closed systems. This is achieved with respect to the method in that the pressure differences occurring during the transfer of the substance are compensated for within the system. This is achieved with respect to the device in that a pressure compensating unit (1) is provided, which has a sterile flow connection to at least one system (G, G/Z, Z, G+G/Z).
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 30, 2009
    Publication date: August 11, 2011
    Inventor: Walter Pobitschka
  • Patent number: 7992597
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 1, 2010
    Date of Patent: August 9, 2011
    Assignee: Medical Instill Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Daniel Py, Norbert M. Assion
  • Publication number: 20110180179
    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.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 25, 2010
    Publication date: July 28, 2011
    Applicant: STORK FOOD & DAIRY SYSTEMS B.V.
    Inventor: Bernardus Antonius Johannes Krakers
  • Patent number: 7980276
    Abstract: A device defining a chamber for receiving a substance and a thermoplastic portion in fluid communication with the chamber is provided along with a method of filling and sealing the substance within the chamber. The thermoplastic portion defines a penetrable region that is penetrable by a filling member and is heat resealable to hermetically seal an aperture therein by applying laser radiation at a predetermined wavelength and power. The thermoplastic portion comprises a thermoplastic body defining a predetermined wall thickness and includes a styrene block copolymer, an olefin and a predetermined amount of pigment allowing the body to absorb laser radiation at the predetermined wavelength, substantially prevent the passage of radiation through the predetermined wall thickness, and hermetically seal the aperture in the penetrable region in a predetermined time period.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 3, 2010
    Date of Patent: July 19, 2011
    Assignee: Medical Instill Technologies, Inc.
    Inventor: Daniel Py
  • Patent number: 7967036
    Abstract: The present invention provides a natural gas compression system, comprising a gas inlet component for the entrance of natural gas into the system, a booster component for increasing the pressure of the natural gas, a drying component for drying the natural gas, a compressor component including a reciprocating compressor for further increasing the pressure of the natural gas, a valve control panel and storage component, and a dispensing component.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 16, 2007
    Date of Patent: June 28, 2011
    Assignee: Clean Energy Fuels Corp.
    Inventors: Denis Ding, Mitchell Pratt
  • Patent number: 7967034
    Abstract: A device and method are provided for needle penetrating and filling a chamber with a predetermined substance, and laser resealing a resulting needle hole in the device. A needle penetrable and laser resealable portion of the device is pierceable with a needle to form a needle aperture therethrough to fill the chamber through the needle, and is laser resealable to hermetically seal the needle aperture by applying laser radiation at a predetermined wavelength and power thereto. The needle penetrable and laser resealable portion defines a predetermined wall thickness in an axial direction thereof, and includes a thermoplastic that substantially prevents the formation of particles released into the chamber from the needle penetrable and laser resealable portion during penetration by and withdrawal of the needle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 10, 2009
    Date of Patent: June 28, 2011
    Assignee: Medical Instill Technologies, Inc.
    Inventor: Daniel Py
  • Patent number: 7958912
    Abstract: Freeze protection of an on-board emissions treatment substance storage and distribution system in a vehicle includes moving the emissions treatment substance away from a primary fuel/vapor area after filling of the emissions treatment system. In one embodiment an on-board emissions treatment system has a fill tube with a portion extending into a primary fuel fill tube to facilitate co-fueling of the primary fuel and emissions treatment substance. A pressure differential or vacuum is created in the emissions treatment fill tube after filling to move the emissions treatment substance away from a check valve disposed at the terminal end of the fill tube to prevent freezing of the check valve after filling. The emissions treatment substance may be moved out of the co-located portion of the fill tube to an area where passive or active heating of the fill tube may be applied to further reduce susceptibility to freezing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 14, 2009
    Date of Patent: June 14, 2011
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventor: Michael Levin
  • Publication number: 20110094616
    Abstract: Only a bottle properly preliminarily heated is sterilized by hydrogen peroxide. Temperature inspection to the bottle is performed while travelling the bottle. During the inspection, a bottle of which temperature does not reach a predetermined temperature is removed and a bottle of which temperature reaches the predetermined temperature is continuously travelled, hydrogen peroxide condensed mist ? is blown toward a mouth portion 1a of the bottle by a spray tube 59 disposed at a predetermined position, and hot air is blown into the bottle from the nozzle while the nozzle 64 following the mouth portion of the bottle. According to such operation, only the bottle properly heated can be sterilized by the hydrogen peroxide, Thereafter, beverage fills the bottle, which is then sealed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 19, 2009
    Publication date: April 28, 2011
    Applicant: DAI NIPPON PRINTING CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Atsushi Hayakawa, Takaharu Hirooka, Takaki Maekawa, Hitoshi Takaku
  • Publication number: 20110083770
    Abstract: An exemplary implementation of a powder product unloading and storage apparatus has a single, preferably sealed cabinet, such as a glove box, for holding, accessing, and unloading the contents of a drum into the cabinet, wherein the cabinet includes a system for minimizing, ameliorating or eliminating the release of dust to the atmosphere. A rotary spout dispenses and directs the product entering into the cabinet to a preselected storage hopper which has been selected from a plurality of storage hoppers. The plurality of storage hoppers are preferably all held within a closed or filtered environment such that release of product to the atmosphere is reduced, ameliorated, or eliminated.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 2, 2009
    Publication date: April 14, 2011
    Inventor: Tharwat Fouad-Fahmi
  • Patent number: 7905257
    Abstract: A sterile filling machine and related method are provided for sterile filling a container with a substance. The container includes a heat resealable stopper and a chamber for receiving the substance therein. The sealed, empty containers are subjected to radiation capable of penetrating through the stopper 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 needle is moved into engagement with the stopper to pierce the sterilized penetrable surface of the stopper and inject the substance through the needle and into the chamber of the container. Laser energy is then transmitted onto the penetrated surface of the stopper to fuse the stopper material and hermetically re-seal the stopper.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 2, 2009
    Date of Patent: March 15, 2011
    Inventor: Daniel Py
  • Publication number: 20110048573
    Abstract: An apparatus for providing a sterile liquid for a filling system for filling containers, including a first liquid reservoir for receiving a first liquid, a second liquid reservoir for receiving a second liquid, a sterilizing device for sterilizing the first and/or second liquid, and a withdrawal device for selectively withdrawing a sterile liquid from the first or second liquid reservoir.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 26, 2010
    Publication date: March 3, 2011
    Applicant: KRONES AG
    Inventor: Oliver Martini
  • Patent number: 7819144
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for optimally loading and conditioning materials for transport is provided. Specially, the invention, in a preferred embodiment, relates to loading ash-like materials which require treatment prior to loading onto a truck or vehicle to avoid slurry spillage, overload or airborne particulate during loading or transport. The system conditions the ash-like materials by liquid additions proportional to material flow rate, truck information, slump height and/or slump weight. The system further includes a slump height or weight indicator and a communication and integration system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 1, 2006
    Date of Patent: October 26, 2010
    Inventor: Blake R. Wotring
  • Patent number: 7779609
    Abstract: A syringe and a reconstitution syringe are provided for the delivery of controlled doses of any of numerous different sterile substances, such as vaccines, medicaments, pharmaceutical preparations, cosmetics, and food products. A plunger of the syringe defines a resealable stopper frictionally and slidably received within a hollow syringe body for dispensing the medicament or other substance through a dispensing tip of the syringe upon movement of the plunger. The resealable stopper defines a heat-sealable portion to allow the stopper to be penetrated by a needle or other filling device to fill the syringe with a medicament or other substance, and in turn allow the hole remaining upon withdrawal of the needle to be heat sealed by transmission of laser energy thereon.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 5, 2007
    Date of Patent: August 24, 2010
    Assignee: Medical Instill Technologies, Inc.
    Inventor: Daniel Py
  • Publication number: 20100150480
    Abstract: Sachet and strip of sachets for packaging a biological liquid substance, such as animal semen. The sachet is formed by two coupled and welded films of supple plastic material, delimiting a reception pouch of the substance, which has at one of its ends an opening for filling the empty sachet by means of a hollow cylindrical needle. These films have a pair of welding lines which form tabs starting out from said opening and axially and symmetrically penetrating the internal space of the sachet by converging towards the interior of the latter, their free ends being spaced apart by a value “e” which is substantially equal to ?d/2, “d” being the value of the diameter of said needle, thus preventing the foam produced during filling from exiting the bag as the needle is withdrawn (F). Artificial insemination in breeding.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 15, 2009
    Publication date: June 17, 2010
    Applicant: IMV TECHNOLOGIES
    Inventor: Pascal Lacointe
  • Patent number: 7726352
    Abstract: Disclosed is a uniquely configured medicament vial assembly which includes a storage vial, a stopper member and a securing ring. The vial assembly is configured to improve healthcare worker safety by providing a shielded gripping location to aid in the reduction of accidental needle sticks. The storage vial has a body portion which defines an interior chamber for storing a predetermined medicament and a neck portion through which medicament is received into and withdrawn from the interior chamber. The stopper member is inserted into the mouth of the vial and establishes a first seal. The securing ring is engaged with the mouth of the vial and adapted and configured for retaining the stopper member within the vial mouth and effectuating a second seal. The securing ring is formed from a thermoplastic and/or elastic material. Preferably, the securing ring is formed by molding the thermoplastic and/or elastic material over a portion of the storage vial and stopper member when engaged within the vial mouth.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 1, 2006
    Date of Patent: June 1, 2010
    Assignee: Medical Instill Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Daniel Py, Norbert M. Assion
  • Publication number: 20100116145
    Abstract: A method and apparatus are provided for steaming and blending food products such as baby food. The apparatus includes a base including a steam chamber and a drive shaft. A container assembly can be mounted to the base in an inverted position for steaming the food and in an upright position for blending the food. The apparatus may further include a baby bottle sterilizing unit and a bottle warmer.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 17, 2009
    Publication date: May 13, 2010
    Applicant: SUNBEAM PRODUCTS, INC.
    Inventors: James Tracy, Augusto Picozza
  • Publication number: 20100084045
    Abstract: A sterile liquid transfer port system is comprised of an alpha assembly, a beta assembly, and a sterilization docking cover. The transfer port apparatus can also be comprised of (a) an isolation wall; (b) a product suite on a first side of the isolation wall; (c) a filling suite on a second side of the isolation wall; (d) an alpha assembly spanning a port in the isolation wall between the first and second sides of the isolation wall; (e) a product tank; (f) a means for sterilization of the product tank, a conduit, and a beta assembly; (g) the beta assembly configured for connection with the alpha assembly for sterile transfer of a product; (h) a conduit for transferring product from the product suite to the filling suite; and (i) equipment in the filling suite for filling product.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 3, 2008
    Publication date: April 8, 2010
    Inventors: Richard H. Adams, Miles A. Close, Amos E. Avery
  • Patent number: 7690404
    Abstract: An apparatus and method for exposing a container to a controlled environment. The apparatus includes an elongated rail with first, second, and third manifolds positioned in substantial alignment with the container. The first, second, and third manifolds are adapted for providing flow of a gas therethrough. At least one gas flow regulator is operably attached to the first, second, and third manifolds. At least one nozzle is positioned adjacent the second manifold. The at least one nozzle is adapted for providing a composite gas stream exiting through the second manifold. The method includes providing an elongated rail with first, second, and third manifolds positioned in substantial alignment with the container. A flow of a gas is regulated through the first, second, and third manifolds. A composite gas stream is provided exiting through the second manifold.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 17, 2006
    Date of Patent: April 6, 2010
    Assignee: Clear Lam Packaging, Inc.
    Inventors: Frank F. Marcus, James J. Sanfilippo, John E. Sanfilippo