With Cleaning, Coating Or Drying Means Patents (Class 141/89)
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Patent number: 11905156Abstract: A method of disinfecting a beverage dispenser employs the following steps: disinfecting at least one beverage preparation device of the beverage dispenser as a preceding disinfection step; outputting the beverage by the beverage dispenser, wherein the beverage passes the at least one beverage preparation device; determining the set point of time of the next disinfection step since the preceding disinfection step depending on at least one of the following: volume of beverage output by the beverage dispenser; temperature of beverage output by the beverage dispenser; carbonization of beverage output by the beverage dispenser; further comprising the following steps: mineralizing the beverage with a plurality of ions; dispensing the beverage with a first temperature and mineralizing the beverage with a first concentration of hydrogen carbonate ions; and dispensing the beverage with a second temperature and mineralizing the beverage with a second concentration of hydrogen carbonate ions, wherein the first temperatuType: GrantFiled: February 10, 2021Date of Patent: February 20, 2024Assignee: RIPRUP Company S.A.Inventors: Monique Bissen, Josef Schucker
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Patent number: 11826500Abstract: An arrangement includes: a holding device including holding elements; and containers, each of the containers including a container wall which at least partially surrounds a container interior. The container wall has an exterior surface which faces away from the container interior. Each of the containers is detachably held by at least one of the holding elements by contact of the at least one holding element to the exterior surface of the container wall of the respective container. Directly after the arrangement has been subjected to a transport simulation, a number of particles of a particle size of at least 5 ?m on the exterior surfaces of the containers does not exceed 2.7 particles per cm2 of a sum of surface areas of the exterior surfaces of all the containers, the transport simulation consisting of a rotational flat drop test and a random vibration test which are conducted in that order.Type: GrantFiled: September 23, 2021Date of Patent: November 28, 2023Assignee: SCHOTT Schweiz AGInventors: Christian Komann, Nina Krautwurst
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Patent number: 11383922Abstract: A chemical dispensing system can include a docking stating that receives a reservoir containing chemical to be dispensed. The reservoir may have a slidable closure covering an opening through which the chemical can be dispensed from the reservoir. The reservoir may be engaged with the docking station so that the slidable closure on the reservoir is operably coupled to a movable element on the docking station. A user can engage the movable element on the docking station to cause a slidable closure on the reservoir to open. As a result, chemical in the reservoir can discharge through the opening uncovered by moving the slidable closure. In this way, the contents of the reservoir may be dispensed without the user coming into physical content with the chemical in the reservoir.Type: GrantFiled: February 5, 2019Date of Patent: July 12, 2022Assignee: Ecolab USA Inc.Inventors: Amy Louise Lee, Kenneth Thomas Dobizl, Brian Philip Carlson
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Patent number: 11240948Abstract: A magazine (200) is described for portion-wise receiving individualized bulk electronic components (298). The magazine (200) comprises (a) a receiving structure (110) which comprises multiple closable receiving cavities (112, 112a), which are arranged along a longitudinal axis (100a) of the receiving structure (110); (b) a cover structure (120) which is arranged at an upper side of the receiving structure (110), displaceable along the longitudinal axis (100a), so that in a closed position of the cover structure (120) all receiving cavities (112, 112a) are covered and in one opening position of multiple opening positions at least one receiving cavity (112) is free; and (c) a closure foil (225) which encompasses the cover structure (120) along the longitudinal axis (100a) in the form of a closed tape, wherein at least a part of the closure foil (225) is releasably connected to the receiving structure (110).Type: GrantFiled: January 30, 2020Date of Patent: February 1, 2022Inventors: Thomas Rossmann, Stefan Seitz, Norbert Heilmann, Johannes Justinger, Stefan Magg, Stefan Geiger
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Patent number: 9522818Abstract: A container-filling machine includes a rotor, a machine rack that doesn't move with the rotor, filling positions formed on the rotor, rinsing-cap elements used during CIP cleaning, each associated with a filling position, and a housing that isolates filling positions during aseptic filling. Each rinsing-cap element includes a rinsing cap at one end and a connection at the other. An outflow channel extends between the ends. The rinsing-cap element moves from a first position, in which it is outside a space occupied by a container being filling, and a second position, in which it lies sealed against a filling element. In the second position, the rinsing-cap element and the outflow channel connect to a fixed discharge on the machine rack. Each rinsing cap element moves between the first and second position by swiveling a swiveling element about an axis thereof between the two positions.Type: GrantFiled: September 26, 2013Date of Patent: December 20, 2016Assignee: KHS GmbHInventors: Ludwig Clüsserath, Bernd Bruch
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Patent number: 9022079Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: March 13, 2012Date of Patent: May 5, 2015Assignee: MedInstill Development LLCInventors: Daniel Py, Norbert Assion, Nathaniel Houle, Debashis Sahoo, M. Jeffrey Willey, Eric E. Hartman, John Guthy
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Publication number: 20150013837Abstract: An adaptor for coupling with a medical container, including: a tubular body receiving a pierceable elastomeric piece, defining an inner cavity of the adaptor, the pierceable elastomeric piece being movable within the tubular body between a first position, in which a distal part of the pierceable elastomeric piece forms a seal of the cavity, and a second position, proximally spaced from the first position, in which the distal part opens the seal of the cavity, an air inlet, a filtering system for filling the inner cavity with decontaminated air, and a gripping member for securing the adaptor to the medical container. Also, an assembly comprising such an adaptor and a medical container.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 1, 2013Publication date: January 15, 2015Inventors: Laurent Barrelle, Anthony C.J. Fernando
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Patent number: 8894945Abstract: The invention discloses a portable sterilizer for use when filling containers for transporting goods under aseptic conditions, which provides increased transport capacity, more flexible formats and connections for the containers, while facilitating handling of the goods, and which comprises a portable boiler, systems for pre-washing using chemicals and other means necessary for sanitizing all the parts thereof. For washing, it uses chemicals, circulation waters and the hot water (or any other liquid poured into said boiler) produced from the liquid phase inside said portable boiler. The device may include a pump for pressure washing with other types of cleaners, cold water, chemicals, etc.; For sterilizing, it uses the vapour phase of water or other liquids in said portable boiler, ultraviolet rays and/or another means of sterilization, and it is connected between the outlet of the pasteurization system of a production plant and the return lines of said pasteurizer.Type: GrantFiled: June 7, 2011Date of Patent: November 25, 2014Assignee: Andesocean S.A.Inventor: Rodrigo Vergara Pinto
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Publication number: 20140311617Abstract: An injection member penetrates an elastic septum of a device defining a sealed, empty, sterile chamber in fluid communication with the septum. During penetrating, an annular interface is formed between the septum and the injection member extending axially between a penetration point on an interior surface of the septum in fluid communication with the sterile chamber, and an exterior surface of the septum engaging the injection member. The injection member is de-contaminated by (i) friction between the septum and injection member at the annular interface, and (ii) elongation of the septum at the annular interface. A substance is introduced through the injection member and into the sterile chamber of the device, the injection member is then withdrawn from the septum, the septum reseals itself at the resulting penetration aperture, and the chamber is maintained sterile throughout the foregoing steps.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 15, 2014Publication date: October 23, 2014Applicant: Dr. Py Institute, LLCInventor: Daniel Py
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Patent number: 8863790Abstract: An apparatus for filling containers, has an entrance through which open containers can be introduced into the apparatus, including at least one transport device which conveys the containers along a predefined transport path, and an exit via which the containers can be discharged from the apparatus. The speed at which the transport device conveys the containers is variable, and the apparatus comprises at least one filling device which fills the containers at least partially with a liquid medium on the transport path between the entrance and the exit. The apparatus includes a housing, and arranged in the interior of the housing is at least one sterilization device in the form of a ?-radiation unit which sterilizes components of the apparatus.Type: GrantFiled: June 25, 2008Date of Patent: October 21, 2014Assignee: Krones AGInventors: Manfred Ziegler, Jochen Krueger
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Patent number: 8857478Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: March 25, 2011Date of Patent: October 14, 2014Assignee: Krones AGInventors: Hermann Klarl, Roland Laumer
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Patent number: 8834640Abstract: The invention relates to a method and to a device for treating containers relating especially to cleaning plastic bottles (1) preferably in the inverted position. Each container is thereby subjected to a treatment medium (16) applied and/or introduced thereto. Electrically charged ions introduced into the treatment medium (16) serve to balance the charge of each container. According to the invention, the treatment medium (16) is tested for the presence of ions.Type: GrantFiled: December 15, 2009Date of Patent: September 16, 2014Assignee: KHS GmbHInventors: Steffen Kappel, Thomas Ludwig
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Patent number: 8783302Abstract: A paint delivery and application apparatus, wherein the apparatus includes a source of paint, a paint applicator, a supply line interconnecting the source of paint and the applicator and at least one pig in the supply line, wherein the paint pushes the pig from adjacent the source of paint to the paint applicator and a source of purging solvent delivering a small volume of purging solvent to the supply line when the pig is adjacent the source of paint adjacent to and upstream of the pig acting as a lubricant, reducing chattering and skipping of the pig and extending the life of the pig. Where the apparatus includes two pigs, purging solvent is delivered between the pigs adjacent the applicator, the pigs are delivered to adjacent the source of paint and a small volume of solvent is then delivered from between the pigs upstream of the pigs.Type: GrantFiled: August 13, 2010Date of Patent: July 22, 2014Assignee: Dürr Systems Inc.Inventors: Robert F. Heldt, Rainer Melcher, Manfred Michelfelder, Robert E. Brady
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Patent number: 8776842Abstract: A container filling arrangement and a method of operating a container filling arrangement, which container filling arrangement comprises a filling element, a closure element, a supply of cleaning and/or sterilization medium, and a control element. During a cleaning and/or sterilizing operation of the filling element, cleaning and/or sterilization medium is conducted from the supply of cleaning and/or sterilization medium to the filling element. The control element is operatively connected to the closure element and is actuatable, by fluid pressure of the cleaning and/or sterilization medium in the filling element, to increase the force of engagement of the closure element during the cleaning and/or sterilizing operation.Type: GrantFiled: November 6, 2009Date of Patent: July 15, 2014Assignee: KHS GmbHInventor: Ludwig Clüsserath
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Publication number: 20140174600Abstract: A coinfusion apparatus including a coinfusion operation section; a coinfusion processing room; a supply section; and a transfusion bag retention section. The coinfusion operation section consists of first and second robot arms. The first robot arm retains a medical agent container. The second robot arm performs an operation to insert a syringe needle of a syringe to a mouth section of the medical agent container and an operation to insert the syringe needle of the syringe to a coinfusion mouth of the transfusion bag. The coinfusion processing room holds the coinfusion operation section. The supply section supplies the medical agent container and the syringe into the coinfusion processing room. The transfusion bag retention section retains the transfusion bag at the outer side of the coinfusion processing room and positions the coinfusion mouth of the transfusion bag at the coinfusion communication mouth formed in the coinfusion processing room.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 7, 2012Publication date: June 26, 2014Applicant: YUYAMA MFG. CO., LTD.Inventors: Naoki Koike, Akifumi Tanaka
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Publication number: 20140124093Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: January 9, 2014Publication date: May 8, 2014Applicant: KRONES AGInventor: Rupert MEINZINGER
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Patent number: 8647568Abstract: An apparatus for treating containers, including a transport device which transports the containers along a specified transport path, the transport device including a plurality of holding elements for holding the containers, with the holding elements being transported along the specified transport path. The apparatus includes a cleaning device for sterilizing the holding elements at least in sections.Type: GrantFiled: December 20, 2012Date of Patent: February 11, 2014Assignee: Krones AGInventors: Frank Winzinger, Philipp Albers
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Publication number: 20140014228Abstract: 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.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 17, 2013Publication date: January 16, 2014Inventors: John J. Kolber, Donald P. Dolifka, Gerald Davis
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Patent number: 8608862Abstract: A method for cleaning a gassing manifold includes providing a gassing module and a complementary clean in place module for coupling to the gassing module. Cleaning solution is pumped from the clean in place module to the gassing module above a minimum flow rate and velocity for effective cleaning.Type: GrantFiled: December 13, 2010Date of Patent: December 17, 2013Assignee: ConAgra Foods RDM, Inc.Inventors: Jerry Hopkins, Kevin G. Mellor
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Patent number: 8602072Abstract: A device facilitates the transfer of a substance from a container into a receptacle. The container has an opening sealed by a breachable seal. The device includes a connector for connection to the opening and a severing component. Either the connector or the severing component is movable with respect to the other to enable the severing component to breach the seal.Type: GrantFiled: December 11, 2010Date of Patent: December 10, 2013Assignee: ProMinent Fluid Controls Pty LtdInventor: Barry Faulkner
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Patent number: 8591809Abstract: A substrate transfer container comprises a housing including a plurality of substrate slots positioned within a gas chamber having an interior environment. Each substrate slot accommodates a substrate undergoing a substrate manufacturing process, the interior environment of the gas chamber being selectively sealed from an exterior environment. A detection unit at the housing is constructed and arranged to detect an environmental property of the interior environment of the gas chamber, and to generate a detection signal in response. A signal transmission module at the housing is configured to wirelessly transmit a detection signal received from the detection unit.Type: GrantFiled: March 15, 2011Date of Patent: November 26, 2013Assignee: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.Inventors: Byung-Koog Ra, Tae-Sik Yun, Kunhyung Lee, Hyunjoon Kim, Hyeogki Kim, KiDoo Kim
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Patent number: 8584712Abstract: A station for reloading a sprayer is disclosed that includes a tank coupled to at least one coating material circuit by a coupler, a docking unit that is adapted to receive a sprayer; and at least one accumulator having a volume that is greater than or equal to the volume of the tank. Each accumulator is connected to at least one circuit by the coupler. The station also includes a mechanism for pressurizing the accumulator. The accumulator is connected to the docking unit which is, in turn, connected to the tank.Type: GrantFiled: December 8, 2009Date of Patent: November 19, 2013Assignee: Sames TechnologiesInventors: Patrick Ballu, Thierry Buquet, Cédric Le Strat, Eric Prus, Hervé Walter
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Patent number: 8479782Abstract: An apparatus for sterile filling of beverage containers has a first module and a second module. The first module rinses and sterilizes empty containers and delivers the sterilized containers to the second module. The second module fills and caps the containers with beverage product at ambient temperature in an active sterilization zone utilizing an e-beam sterilization unit.Type: GrantFiled: July 10, 2008Date of Patent: July 9, 2013Assignee: Stokely-Van Camp, Inc.Inventors: Michael J. Mastio, Rei-Young Amos Wu, Michael F. McGowan, Subodh K. Raniwala, Gregory Schimmel, James D. Schuman, Richard O. Powell
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Patent number: 8460733Abstract: A method and system for producing a flavored beverage wherein the flavor is added in a separate step to a combination of the base ingredients after the base liquid has been pasteurized by, for example, thermal heating. The flavor can be added to a continuous stream of the base liquid after a thermally processed hot-fill beverage base liquid is made up. A return loop conduit of the hot-fill beverage base liquid portion of the system is capable of diverting the heated hot-fill beverage base liquid in a stable state, that is, at the desired temperatures ready for continued beverage production, while the flavor may be switched over in a downstream flavor dosing portion of the system. The system may be used to produce a desired batch of flavored beverage by producing a first flavor, cleaning only that portion of the system to remove the first flavor and then changing over the flavor additive component to a desired second flavor.Type: GrantFiled: April 5, 2006Date of Patent: June 11, 2013Assignee: The Quaker Oats CompanyInventors: Rei-Young Amos Wu, Richard Schutzenhofer, Osvaldo A. Chu
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Patent number: 8349270Abstract: An apparatus for treating containers, including a transport device which transports the containers along a specified transport path, the transport device including a plurality of holding elements for holding the containers, with the holding elements being transported along the specified transport path. The apparatus includes a cleaning device for sterilizing the holding elements at least in sections.Type: GrantFiled: July 15, 2010Date of Patent: January 8, 2013Assignee: Krones AGInventors: Frank Winzinger, Philipp Albers
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Patent number: 8312901Abstract: An open-jet filling system, a method of filling containers by means of such an open-jet filling system used for contactless filling a container, and a corresponding filling machine, with the open-jet filling system provided with a filling level probe. For always obtaining the same filling height in the containers and for simultaneously realizing hygienic filling, a centering unit is arranged below the open-jet filling element in a vertically movable manner such that it can be moved onto a container mouth, the filling level probe being arranged on the centering unit.Type: GrantFiled: June 8, 2009Date of Patent: November 20, 2012Assignee: Krones AGInventor: Christian Goldbrunner
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Patent number: 8291945Abstract: The invention relates to a cleaning device for a receptacle filling machine comprising a plurality of filling spouts, and a corresponding machine. In an embodiment, the cleaning device comprises a plurality of cleaning agent recovery tubes, each recovery tube being movable between a service position in which the tube is able to recover a cleaning agent delivered by a spout, and a retracted position in which the tube is at a distance from the spout, collection apparatus to which the tubes are connected, displacement apparatus for moving the tubes between their service position and their retracted position, and sealing apparatus comprising tubular adaptors designed to fit between the spouts and the upper ends of the tubes in their service position, and to reduce axially in length, in an elastic manner, to absorb the height differences between the spouts.Type: GrantFiled: March 28, 2007Date of Patent: October 23, 2012Assignee: Sidel ParticipationsInventors: Jean-Marie Maubois, Gilbert Piton
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Patent number: 8132600Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: September 30, 2010Date of Patent: March 13, 2012Assignee: Medical Instill Technologies, Inc.Inventors: Daniel Py, Norbert Assion, Nathaniel Houle, Debashis Sahoo, M. Jeffrey Willey, Eric E. Hartman, John Guthy
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Patent number: 8132598Abstract: An apparatus for sterile filling of beverage containers has a first module and a second module. The first module rinses and sterilizes empty containers and delivers the sterilized containers to the second module. The second module fills and caps the containers with beverage product at ambient temperature in an active sterilization zone utilizing an e-beam sterilization unit.Type: GrantFiled: July 10, 2008Date of Patent: March 13, 2012Assignee: Stokely-Van Camp, Inc.Inventors: Michael J. Mastio, Rei-Young Amos Wu, Michael F. McGowan, Subodh K. Raniwala, Gregory Schimmel, James D. Schuman, Steven Havlik
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Patent number: 8117803Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: December 26, 2007Date of Patent: February 21, 2012Assignee: Shibuya Kogyo Co., Ltd.Inventors: Yukinobu Nishino, Tokuo Nishi, Yukihiro Yamamoto
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Publication number: 20120018030Abstract: An apparatus (1) for filling containers (6) with a liquid and, in particular, with a beverage, with a plurality of filling elements (5) which in each case have an outlet (37) in order to pour the beverage into the containers (10), as well as a valve device (38) in order to control the supply of the liquid into the containers (6), with a conveying device which conveys the containers (10) along a pre-set conveying path at least for a time during the filling thereof with the liquid, and with a cleaning device which acts with a cleaning medium upon at least one region contacted by the liquid to be filled. According to the invention at least one filling element (5) is designed in such a way that the cleaning medium is freely discharged out of this filling element (5) during a cleaning operation.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 14, 2011Publication date: January 26, 2012Inventors: Roland Laumer, Manfred Schmid, Juergen Soellner
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Patent number: 7954521Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: January 25, 2006Date of Patent: June 7, 2011Assignee: Medical Instill Technologies, Inc.Inventors: Daniel Py, Norbert Assion, Nathaniel Houle, Debashis Sahoo, M. Jeffrey Willey, Eric E. Hartman, John Guthy
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Patent number: 7950524Abstract: A wafer container includes a container body, a door, and a purging valve, wherein the purging valve is disposed in the through hole of the container body. The purging valve includes a fixed sleeve body, a purging head, an elastic component, and a valve lid. The fixed sleeve body comprises a base, and a lower opening is formed at the center of the base for the purging head to be disposed therein. The purging head comprises a bottom portion and a hollow sleeve portion protruding upward from the bottom portion, wherein the hollow sleeve portion is surroundingly disposed with elastic component and with vent disposed on its circumference wall. The valve lid is disposed on top of the hollow sleeve portion so that the purging head can move from the first position to the second position inside the fixed sleeve body when being propped up by an upward force.Type: GrantFiled: April 28, 2009Date of Patent: May 31, 2011Assignee: Gudeng Precision Industrial Co., LtdInventors: Chin-Ming Lin, Pao-Yi Lu
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Patent number: 7946316Abstract: Embodiments provide an inkjet cartridge refilling system. The system may include a drill station configured to drill at least one refilling hole in an inkjet printer cartridge. The system may include an evacuation station configured to remove excess ink from the inkjet printer cartridge. In some embodiments, the excess ink is removed via a vacuum source. The system may also include a filling station configured to provide any of a plurality of inks into the cartridge. Some embodiments provide the ink to the inkjet cartridge via a hole drilled in the cartridge. Other embodiments provide the ink via inkjet nozzles of the inkjet printer cartridge. The system may also include a test station configured to test the refilled cartridge to determine whether it is functioning properly after being filled with ink.Type: GrantFiled: September 6, 2006Date of Patent: May 24, 2011Assignee: Retail Inkjet Solutions, Inc.Inventors: Herb Sarnoff, Jason Guhse, Brian J. Fox, Scott Shultz, Cecilia Gonzales, George N. Popa, III, Keith Kopitzke, Keith Emery
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Publication number: 20110108156Abstract: An apparatus for the treatment of containers may include a filling device, which fills the containers with a flowable medium, and a labelling device, which is arranged downstream with respect to this filling device in a conveying direction of the containers and which provides an outer wall of the filled containers with labels. The apparatus further includes a conveying device, which conveys the containers from the filling device to the labelling device, provided between the filling device and the labelling device, and a drying device, which dries the containers and acts upon them with a gaseous medium, is arranged along the conveying path of the containers between the filling device and the labelling device.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 5, 2010Publication date: May 12, 2011Applicant: KRONES AGInventor: Wolfgang HAHN
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Publication number: 20110000578Abstract: The invention relates to a method for filling containers (3) with a filling material consisting of at least two components that are introduced separately into the respective container (3), with the aid of a filling element (1, 1a).Type: ApplicationFiled: February 5, 2009Publication date: January 6, 2011Applicant: KHS GmbHInventors: Dieter-Rudolf Krulitsch, Manfred Härtel
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Patent number: 7850788Abstract: A clean in place gassing manifold comprises a gassing module comprising a hub, the gassing module and the hub being formed as a unitary device; and a complimentary clean in place module for coupling the gassing module, the complimentary clean in place module comprising a head that inserts into the hub of the gassing module. The gassing module coupled with the complimentary clean in place module allow a cleaning solution to be pumped through the coupled modules at and above a minimum flow rate and a minimum velocity for effective cleaning.Type: GrantFiled: August 20, 2007Date of Patent: December 14, 2010Assignee: ConAgra Foods RDM, Inc.Inventors: Jerry Hopkins, Kevin G. Mellor
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Patent number: 7845374Abstract: A gas filling apparatus used to fill a photomask box with gas such as nitrogen or other inert gas. The gas filling apparatus of the present invention has a gas filling chamber provided with a plurality of first pillared elements, a plurality of second pillared elements, at least one gas inlet, at least one gas outlet, and a plurality of clamping elements; wherein the first pillared elements are used to couple with the recesses on a cover member of the photomask box, the second pillared elements are used to prop against the peripheral of a cover member of the photomask box, and the clamping elements respectively prop against two opposite sides of the cover member of photomask box, whereby the gas inlets and the gas outlets are respectively coupled with the through holes formed on the lower cover member of the photomask box and the gas can be filled into and exhausted from the photomask box.Type: GrantFiled: October 3, 2006Date of Patent: December 7, 2010Assignee: Gudeng Precision Industrial Co., Ltd.Inventors: Pan Yung Shuen, Li Nien Chen
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Publication number: 20100193069Abstract: The invention relates to an apparatus (1) for filling containers, comprising an entrance (2) through which open containers can be introduced into the apparatus (1), comprising at least one transport device (6) which conveys the containers along a predefined transport path, and comprising an exit (12) via which the containers can be discharged from the apparatus, wherein the speed at which the transport device conveys the containers is variable, and the apparatus comprises at least one filling device which fills the containers at least partially with a liquid medium on the transport path between the entrance (4) and the exit (12). According to the invention, the apparatus comprises a housing (14) and arranged in the interior of the housing is at least one sterilization device (16a, 16b, 16c, 16d) in the form of a ?-radiation unit (16a, 16b, 16c, 16d) which sterilizes components of the apparatus.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 25, 2008Publication date: August 5, 2010Inventors: Manfred Ziegler, Jochen Krueger
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Publication number: 20100193073Abstract: A method for producing containers filled with liquids, wherein the containers are filled with the liquid and closed with a keg fitting, includes supplying the keg fitting to the container by means of a relative movement between the container and the keg fitting and connecting the keg fitting with the container. A cleaning treatment of the keg fitting is carrier out at least prior to or during the supply process or the connection process.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 3, 2010Publication date: August 5, 2010Applicant: KRONES AGInventor: Rupert Meinzinger
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Patent number: 7749434Abstract: The invention refers to a device (1) and method for sterilizing partly formed packages (6) in a packaging machine. The device (1) comprises an inner chamber (2) and an outer chamber (3), the inner chamber (2) being provided with a sterilization unit (5). Further, it comprises a carrier unit (10), comprising a separating member (11) and a package carrying member (12), which is being adapted to rotate between a first position in which the package carrying member (12) is located in the outer chamber (3), and in which the separating member (11) separates the inner chamber (2) from the outer chamber (3), and a second position in which the carrier unit (10) has rotated a package (6) into the inner chamber (2) and in which the separating member (11) separates the inner chamber (2) from the outer chamber (3).Type: GrantFiled: June 22, 2004Date of Patent: July 6, 2010Assignee: Tetra Laval Holdings & Finance S.A.Inventors: Lars Ake Naslund, Goran Hermodsson, Lars Martensson, Arun Deivasigamani, Paul Anderson
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Publication number: 20100084046Abstract: The invention relates to a container filling machine including at least one filling spout, and a cleaning device including a stationary collecting member with a passage opening, a sealing member that can be displaced between a retracted position and a service position in which said sealing member is capable of tightly sealing the passage opening of the collecting member for carrying out cleaning operations, and displacement means capable of displacing the sealing member from the retracted position to the service position thereof through at least one downward vertical translation displacement parallely to the longitudinal axis of the filling spout, followed by a horizontal displacement, perpendicularly to the longitudinal axis of the filling spout, such that the sealing member is substantially centred along the longitudinal axis of the filling spout.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 16, 2008Publication date: April 8, 2010Applicant: SIDEL PARTICIPATIONSInventors: Philippe Macquet, Jean-Marie Maubois
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Patent number: 7690404Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: April 17, 2006Date of Patent: April 6, 2010Assignee: Clear Lam Packaging, Inc.Inventors: Frank F. Marcus, James J. Sanfilippo, John E. Sanfilippo
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Publication number: 20100051136Abstract: The present invention provides a cleaning and fluid dispensing device. Such cleaning and fluid dispensing device includes a housing member. A first plurality of brush bristles is operably connected to such housing member at a first predetermined location thereon. A handle member is operably connected to such housing member at a second predetermined location thereon. A reservoir for storing a predetermined amount of a predetermined fluid is disposed within at least one of such housing member, such handle member and a combination thereof. An access mechanism is in fluid communication with such reservoir and operably connected to at least one of such housing member and such handle member at a third predetermined location thereon for selectively accessing such reservoir such that such reservoir may be at least one of filled, emptied, refilled and a combination thereof.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 26, 2008Publication date: March 4, 2010Inventor: Max Weber, IV
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Patent number: 7665639Abstract: A high-speed bulk filling tank truck is provided, which permits reduction of the filling time. The high-speed bulk filling tank truck delivers a liquefied gas in a truck tank to a bulk storage tank, and recovers a gas-phase gas in the bulk storage tank into the truck tank, thereby filling the bulk storage tank with the liquefied gas. The high-speed bulk filling tank truck includes a liquid feed pump, provided on a liquid line through which the liquefied gas flows, for feeding the liquefied gas in the truck tank to the bulk storage tank, and a gas compressor, provided on the gas line through which a gas-phase gas flows, for compressing the gas-phase gas in the bulk storage tank and delivering the same into the truck tank.Type: GrantFiled: May 3, 2007Date of Patent: February 23, 2010Assignee: Koagas Nihon Co., Ltd.Inventor: Masayasu Kamikozuru
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Publication number: 20090255603Abstract: Label remover for removing labels from bottles. The abstract of the disclosure is submitted herewith as required by 37 C.F.R. §1.72(b). As stated in 37 C.F.R. §1.72(b): A brief abstract of the technical disclosure in the specification must commence on a separate sheet, preferably following the claims, under the heading “Abstract of the Disclosure.” The purpose of the abstract is to enable the Patent and Trademark Office and the public generally to determine quickly from a cursory inspection the nature and gist of the technical disclosure. The abstract shall not be used for interpreting the scope of the claims. Therefore, any statements made relating to the abstract are not intended to limit the claims in any manner and should not be interpreted as limiting the claims in any manner.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 10, 2008Publication date: October 15, 2009Inventors: IRIS SCHILLER, JAN NIELEBOCK, BERND MOLITOR, FALK DITTRICH
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Patent number: 7600542Abstract: A pasteurization station for pasteurizing a product in containers having a tunnel housing that is formed in a modular configuration from any desired number of flexible, exchangeable segments, each of which is interchangeable with at least one other of said segments and comprises a portion of the housing, a container conveyor, and liquid dispensers.Type: GrantFiled: November 9, 2004Date of Patent: October 13, 2009Assignee: KHS Maschinen- und Anlagenbau AGInventors: Ulrich Wiedemann, Jan Münzer
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Patent number: 7594524Abstract: A slurry capture system and kit, and methods of using them, are disclosed for facilitating the recovery of a concrete residue, such as from a chute of a cement mixer truck. The system includes a collector for attaching to the chute of the cement mixer truck and for collecting the concrete residue therefrom. The system further includes a container for storing the collected residue and a conduit in fluid communication between the collector and the container for transferring the residue collected in the collector to the container for subsequent disposal.Type: GrantFiled: March 16, 2005Date of Patent: September 29, 2009Assignee: SRS Global SolutionsInventors: Tullio J. DeCollibus, Joseph J. Manno
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Patent number: 7549449Abstract: A paint delivery and application system including a color changer, at least two paint canisters and a paint applicator, a first pair of supply lines connected between the color changer and the paint canisters and a second pair of supply lines connecting the paint canisters and the paint applicator, wherein the paint canisters operate in tandem permitting delivery of a first paint to one of the paint canisters while a second paint canister is electrically isolated from the color changer and is delivering paint to the applicator. In one disclosed embodiment, the delivery line from the paint canisters to the applicator includes two pigs and solvent is delivered between the pigs, such that this system is self purging.Type: GrantFiled: May 6, 2003Date of Patent: June 23, 2009Assignee: Durr Systems, Inc.Inventors: Frank Herre, Rainer Melcher, Herbert Martin, Michael Baumann, Manfred Michelfelder, Richard M. Ostin, Robert F. Heldt, Joachim Hering, Hans Jurgen Nolte
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Publication number: 20080314474Abstract: A loader (1) of dummy bottles (4), able to be used in a cycle of sanitisation of a filler (2), in an apparatus for the automatic filling of containers, comprising containment means which define an aseptic environment in a first portion (11) of the loader (1) connected to the filler (2). A method for sanitising a filler (2) of the type operating in aseptic conditions, by using dummy bottles (4), which provides a step of stowing the dummy bottles (4) in an aseptic portion (11) of a loader (1) and a step of feeding said dummy bottles to the filler (2) in aseptic conditions.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 27, 2005Publication date: December 25, 2008Inventors: Massimo Balduini, Massimo Boselli