Pre-treatment Of Receiver Patents (Class 141/92)
  • Patent number: 11245140
    Abstract: According to one embodiment, a battery module includes an output connector, several battery cells that are coupled to the output connector, and several spray nozzles and spray cooling loop and system. The battery cells are configured to provide battery energy to a load via the output connector and are configured to draw power from an external power supply to charge the battery cells via the output connector. The spray nozzles are configured to spray coolant on the battery cells to transfer heat generated by the battery cells to the sprayed coolant.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 30, 2019
    Date of Patent: February 8, 2022
    Assignee: BAIDU USA LLC
    Inventor: Tianyi Gao
  • Patent number: 10766754
    Abstract: A method for packaging liquid products under pressure in thermoplastic containers includes blow-molding a container from a sterilized preform, exposing an exterior of the container to a mixture that includes liquid coolant and either a sterilizing agent or a disinfectant, pressure-filling the container with liquid product, and sealing the filled container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 5, 2014
    Date of Patent: September 8, 2020
    Assignee: KHS GmbH
    Inventor: Ludwig Clüsserath
  • Patent number: 10706980
    Abstract: The present invention provides systems, methods and devices for storing and/or disposing of hazardous waste material such as calcined material. In certain embodiments, the system comprises a filling nozzle having a valve body having a distal end and an outer surface, the outer surface proximate the distal end being configured to sealingly and removeably couple to an inner surface of a filling port of the container. In certain embodiments, the method comprises (a) coupling an outer surface of a filling nozzle with an inner surface of a filling port of a container to form a first seal (b) adding hazardous waste material into the container (c) decoupling the filling port from the filling nozzle and (d) inserting a fill plug into the filling port, the fill plug forming a second seal with the inner surface of the filling port, the second seal being distally spaced from at least a portion of the first seal with respect to the container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 2, 2011
    Date of Patent: July 7, 2020
    Assignee: Australian Nuclear Science and Technology Organisation
    Inventors: Salvatore Moricca, Walter Guillermo Bermudez, Allan Grant Murray
  • Patent number: 10472100
    Abstract: A therapeutic foam for the treatment of, inter alia, varicose veins comprises a sclerosing solution foamed with a physiological gas such as carbon dioxide, oxygen or a mixture thereof. The foam has a nitrogen content of less than 0.8%. It may be generated using a pressurized canister system incorporating a fine mesh of micron dimensions through which the gas and sclerosing liquid are passed to make the foam. Alternatively, the foam may be generated by passing gas and solution between two syringes through a fine mesh. Techniques are described for minimizing the amount of nitrogen in a canister or syringe based product. A technique for generating and delivering foam simultaneously using a syringe based device is also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 8, 2015
    Date of Patent: November 12, 2019
    Assignee: BTG International Ltd.
    Inventors: David Dakin Iorwerth Wright, Anthony David Harman, Nikki Robinson, Garry Hodges, Adil Kadar, Geoffrey D. Moggridge, Hugh Van Liew
  • Patent number: 9415989
    Abstract: An apparatus and method for automatically forming and filling containers, such as water bottles. The apparatus has a plurality of workstations and a conveyer comprising container carriers. The workstations comprise an insertion station, a container forming station, a filling station, a closing station, and an ejection station. The insertion station feeds a container preform into a container carrier. The container forming station forms a container from the container preform. The filling station fills the formed container with a fluid. The closing station closes the filled container with a lid. The conveyer moves the container preform and the container from the insertion station via the container forming station, the filling station and the closing station to the ejection station. The container preform and the container formed from the preform may continuously reside in the container carrier along the whole process beginning with the insertion station and ending with the ejection station.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 2, 2012
    Date of Patent: August 16, 2016
    Assignee: Kaercher Futuretech GmbH
    Inventor: Frank Weible
  • 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
  • Patent number: 8944079
    Abstract: The invention relates to a device and a method for filling or packing contents, particularly beverages, food, medications, or the like, into containers. As the containers pass through the device from an inlet to an outlet side, the containers passing through the working chamber have a sterile fluid, particularly sterile air, applied thereto for preventing germ growth. In order to reduce the cleaning effort for lines for the sterile fluid, the invention proposes that a cleaning medium having an internal line is inserted into the line for applying the sterile fluid. The line no longer needs to be disassembled in order to load the sterile fluid. In order to distribute the sterile fluid uniformly throughout the containers in a working chamber, the sterile fluid is distributed in two stages, first by means of the pipe extending into the working chamber, as described above and then through a profile extending over the containers and below the pipe, having openings for passing the sterile fluid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 9, 2010
    Date of Patent: February 3, 2015
    Assignee: Elopak Systems AG
    Inventors: Dirk Auer, Sergey Anokhin
  • Patent number: 8863790
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: June 25, 2008
    Date of Patent: October 21, 2014
    Assignee: Krones AG
    Inventors: Manfred Ziegler, Jochen Krueger
  • Publication number: 20140202588
    Abstract: A machine for the automatic preparation of an intravenous medication is provided. In one implementation the machine has a chamber with a starting products area where at least one receptacle is disposed with a base product from which the intravenous medication is generated, a transfer tools area where at least one transfer tool that is used to prepare the required medication is disposed, a prepared products area where at least one container to house the prepared medication is disposed, and a first robot to handle the transfer tool, the first robot being adapted to transport the transfer tool between the transfer tools area, the starting products area and the prepared products area in order to prepare the intravenous medication.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 26, 2014
    Publication date: July 24, 2014
    Applicant: KIRO ROBOTICS, S.L.
    Inventors: Jean-Philippe AGUERRE, Borja LIZARI ILLARRAMENDI, Susana SOTO IGLESIAS, Naiara TELLERIA GARAY, Gerardo CAJARAVILLE ORDOÑANA, Maria José TAMÉS ALONSO
  • 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
  • Patent number: 8596308
    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: Grant
    Filed: November 8, 2010
    Date of Patent: December 3, 2013
    Assignee: John Bean Technologies Corporation
    Inventors: Gregory W. Schrader, Manuele Levati, Paul P. Brocker
  • Publication number: 20130284309
    Abstract: A filling element for a container treatment machine for filling containers with a liquid filling material includes a first channel formed in a filling element housing and forming a dispensing opening for controlled dispensing of filing material into a container, and a second channel formed in or on the housing for delivering a cleaning or disinfecting medium. On an outer face of the housing, a spray nozzle or spray-nozzle assembly connects to the second channel.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 3, 2011
    Publication date: October 31, 2013
    Applicant: KHS GmbH
    Inventor: Helmut Graff
  • Publication number: 20130240079
    Abstract: A vending machine comprising multiple subsystems typically including container receiving, container cleaning, container storage, container filling, container vending, a computer system, and a user interface A vending machine for dispensing, receiving, cleaning and/or filling containers comprising container receiving means for receiving a first container; container cleaning means for cleaning the first container; container dispensing means for dispensing the first container; and container filling means for filling the first container or a second container.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 4, 2011
    Publication date: September 19, 2013
    Applicant: Evive Station, LLC
    Inventor: Thomas L. Petrini
  • Patent number: 8430341
    Abstract: A gassing apparatus including a composite gas flow screen having a plurality of respective screen elements, each with at least one respective flow opening therein, the cross-sectional areas of the respective flow openings in respective elements decreasing in a downstream direction with respect to gas flow and at least one other screen element having no flow opening. A nozzle preferably produces a relatively high velocity central gas stream with surrounding gas streams of decreasing velocity as they are spaced further away from the central gas stream. Methods and apparatus are described.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 8, 2009
    Date of Patent: April 30, 2013
    Assignee: OYSTAR North America LLC
    Inventor: Frank S. Marcus
  • Patent number: 8322383
    Abstract: This invention relates in part to a method for preparing a pressure vessel for receiving high purity acetylene at elevated pressure. The method involves providing a porous filler-containing pressure vessel, deep cleaning the porous filler-containing pressure vessel, purifying a solvent, and charging the purified solvent into the deep cleaned, porous filler-containing pressure vessel. The pressure vessel is then charged with high purity acetylene for storage, transport and/or delivery of the high purity acetylene. The high purity acetylene may be useful as a source material for depositing carbon and carbon-containing films in semiconductor applications.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 27, 2009
    Date of Patent: December 4, 2012
    Assignee: Praxair Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: Xuemei Song, Lloyd Anthony Brown, Thomas Thompson, David C. Johnson
  • Publication number: 20110100505
    Abstract: A container cleaning machine with a container or bottle cleaning apparatus with a spray pipe and spray station with a spray pipe of this type. 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: Application
    Filed: December 29, 2009
    Publication date: May 5, 2011
    Inventors: Klaus JENDRICHOWSKI, Ulrich WIEDEMANN, Daniel WALD
  • Patent number: 7866355
    Abstract: A movable conveyor (12) having a plurality of container supports (28), a plurality of nozzles (30) for injecting fluid into the containers, a fluid-feed track (32) for the nozzles (30) and a plurality of pipes (34) to convey the fluid to the nozzles (30), each having an inlet (36) arranged in the feed track (32). Further, a fixed fluid dispenser (14) alongside the conveyor (12), designed to introduce fluid successively into the inlets (36), this dispenser (14) having a distributor (44) positioned facing the feed track (32). The distributor (44) defines a manifold (46) which extends along a length of the conveyor corresponding to the number N of inlets (36) selected, a seal (50) being provided to ensure a sealed contact between the manifold (46) and the feed track (32), and the dispenser (44) has means (52) to push the manifold (46) against the feed track (32) of the conveyor (12).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 29, 2007
    Date of Patent: January 11, 2011
    Assignee: Sidel Participations
    Inventors: François Quetel, Jérôme Demare
  • Patent number: 7845374
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: October 3, 2006
    Date of Patent: December 7, 2010
    Assignee: Gudeng Precision Industrial Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Pan Yung Shuen, Li Nien Chen
  • Publication number: 20100269955
    Abstract: A beverage bottling plant for filling bottles with a liquid beverage filling material having a device for the feeding and removal of containers, in particular for the feeding of upright kegs, barrels, cans, bottles and similar containers from a conveyor belt to a linear conveyor or revolving carousel turntable or also for the return of said containers to a removal conveyor belt with a star wheel, the star pockets of which or the arms of which can be brought at least partly in contact with the container and which are realized so that they can be adjusted to accommodate different containers 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.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 6, 2010
    Publication date: October 28, 2010
    Inventor: Alois MONZEL
  • Patent number: 7814940
    Abstract: A beverage filling plant for filling beverage bottles or containers with a liquid beverage filling material having a beverage bottle or container treatment arrangement and a method of operation thereof. The container treatment arrangement has a nozzle structure designed to dispense treatment medium, such as an aerosol mixture of air and hydrogen peroxide, into additional sections of a container, such as a hollow handle or hollow projections on the mouth of the container, to sterilize the interior surfaces thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 21, 2007
    Date of Patent: October 19, 2010
    Assignee: KHS Maschinen- und Anlagenbau AG
    Inventors: Volker Till, Daryoush Sangi
  • Patent number: 7699080
    Abstract: An apparatus for distributing a medium to containers may include a distribution chamber which is arranged with respect to a rotation axis and which has a plurality of openings through which the medium can be guided out of the distribution chamber. A sleeve may be arranged on the distribution chamber, wherein the sleeve extends in the direction of the rotation axis of the distribution chamber. According to the invention, the apparatus has a supply tube for supplying the medium to the distribution chamber. Furthermore, the supply tube extends at least partially in the direction of the rotation axis of the distribution chamber, and the sleeve is designed such that it can rotate with respect to the supply tube. A gap through which the medium can pass is formed between the sleeve and the supply tube and extends in a circumferential direction around the rotation axis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 2, 2008
    Date of Patent: April 20, 2010
    Assignee: Krones AG
    Inventors: Berthold Burgmeier, Manfred Schmid
  • Publication number: 20100088830
    Abstract: A dust remover for container comprises a holder for holding a plurality of cup-like containers in a stacked state, and air blower for blowing air to the containers in the direction perpendicular to the axis of stacked containers. Furthermore, it is preferable that the air blown from the air blowing means includes ions.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 22, 2009
    Publication date: April 15, 2010
    Inventor: Makoto TAKAYANAGI
  • 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
  • Publication number: 20100050574
    Abstract: An apparatus for washing, filling, and sealing a container includes an enclosure having an opening for receiving a container. The apparatus may include a rotary assembly, a wash station, a rinse station, a fill station, and a seal station all contained within the enclosure. The rotary assembly may include any number of racks for carrying the containers. The rotary assembly advances (e.g., about an axis) and facilitates the washing, filling, and sealing of the containers within the enclosure. The apparatus may be employed in a method for washing, rinsing, filling, and sealing containers within an enclosure. The method may be conducted consecutively. The steps of washing, filling, and sealing are conducted simultaneously.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 13, 2009
    Publication date: March 4, 2010
    Applicant: H2Local, Inc.
    Inventor: Daniel Pompei Cedrone
  • Publication number: 20100043915
    Abstract: An aseptic beverage bottle filling plant with a clean room arrangement enclosing the aseptic beverage bottle filling plant and a method of operating same, and an aseptic container filling plant with a clean room arrangement enclosing the aseptic container filling plant, and a method of operating same. 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.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 30, 2009
    Publication date: February 25, 2010
    Inventors: Daryoush Sangi, Thomas Herold
  • Publication number: 20090205746
    Abstract: An apparatus for filling a container includes an enclosure (11) having an opening for receiving a container (14). The apparatus may include a shuttle assembly (15), a wash station (20), a fill station (21), and a seal station (16) contained within the enclosure (11). The shuttle assembly (15) may include a frame structure (23) and a shuttle (22). The shuttle (22) may advance along a path of travel and facilitate the washing, filling, and sealing of the container (14). The apparatus may be employed in a method for consecutively washing, filling, and sealing at least one container in an enclosed housing. The method includes the steps of providing at least one container, washing the container, filling the container, and sealing the container. The method may be conducted along a path of travel.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 20, 2009
    Publication date: August 20, 2009
    Applicant: H2Local, Inc.
    Inventors: Ali Reza Yousefpour, Robert Wesley Brown, Daniel Pompei Cedrone
  • Publication number: 20090095371
    Abstract: A method of filling kegs with a liquid beverage in a keg filling plant in which kegs are moved from a conveyor belt into a keg-filling machine by a star wheel structure, the star pockets of which or the arms of which can be individually adjusted to accommodate different-sized containers. 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.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 14, 2008
    Publication date: April 16, 2009
    Inventor: Alois MONZEL
  • Patent number: 7500498
    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: October 31, 2007
    Date of Patent: March 10, 2009
    Assignee: Medical Instill Technologies, Inc.
    Inventor: Daniel Py
  • Patent number: 7497237
    Abstract: A container filling plant for filling containers comprising a plastic material with a filling material and a method of operation thereof. The container filling plant has at least one treatment device having a source of a treatment agent, wherein at least one pulse of the treatment agent is configured to be heated to treat the inside surface of a container without destructive effects on the container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 24, 2005
    Date of Patent: March 3, 2009
    Assignee: KHS Maschinen-Und Anlagenbau AG
    Inventor: Volker Till
  • Patent number: 7487806
    Abstract: A source liquid supply apparatus and method that avoids leaving source liquid-and/or cleaning fluid-derived residues in the vicinity of the connection region between the source liquid feed conduit and the source tank. A flow-switching mechanism is attached to the source tank of a source liquid supply apparatus. This flow-switching mechanism has a first port connected to the discharge port conduit of the source tank, a second port connected to a feed conduit, and a third port connected to an exhaust conduit. The first port can be closed by a valve member on a diaphragm disposed within a common compartment while communication is maintained between the second and third ports. A cleaning fluid source and a purge gas source are connected to the feed conduit. Purge gas and cleaning fluid fed into the feed conduit are discharged from the second and third ports and through the exhaust conduit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 13, 2002
    Date of Patent: February 10, 2009
    Assignee: L'Air Liquide, Societe Anonyme A Directorie et Conseil de Surveillance pour l'Etude et l'Exploitation des Procedes Georges Claude
    Inventors: Olivier Letessier, Masao Kimura, Jean-Marc Girard, Akinobu Nasu
  • Patent number: 7444796
    Abstract: There is described a method of producing a sealed package of a pourable food product from a substantially tubular precut blank of sheet packaging material with opposite open ends. The method includes the steps of feeding the blank onto a relative forming mandrel; sealing one end of the blank to form a container open at the opposite end; removing the container from the mandrel; and sterilizing the container before filling it with the pourable food product; and the method also including the step of preheating the container by heating the mandrel before sterilizing the container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 30, 2003
    Date of Patent: November 4, 2008
    Assignee: Tetra Laval Holdings & Finance S.A.
    Inventors: Paolo Benedetti, Alf Lindgren
  • Patent number: 7357159
    Abstract: Equipment for treating open beverage containers (3), e.g. by filling or closing, comprising: a treatment site (1), to which a container (3) can be delivered for treatment, and at which a treatment element (2) is situated that acts upon the mouth (6) of the container (3) from above, and slit nozzles (4), which are situated to the side of the treatment site (1), and discharge clean gas, and which are designed for producing a gas curtain that protects the area of the mouth (6) of the container (3). The invention is characterized in that the slit nozzles (4) are placed in, in essence, oppositely oriented jet directions whereby between the slit nozzles (4), a pressure flow is produced having flow components exiting upward and downward from the area of the slit nozzles (4) perpendicular to the plane of symmetry (S).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 10, 2004
    Date of Patent: April 15, 2008
    Inventor: Jens H. Popplau
  • Patent number: 7341079
    Abstract: Machine for the aseptic treatment of containers (10) in bottling plant, of the rotary type provided with a plurality of stations (9) for treating the containers and so shaped as to cause the treatment of the containers to take place under substantially sterile conditions, is characterised in that it comprises sealing means that separate a non sterile area (11) of the machine from an area (12) maintained under sterile conditions and in which the treated containers (10) transit, said means comprising a fixed annular channel (15) at least partially filled with liquid in which slides a concentric annular element (16) associated with the rotating part (11).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 30, 2003
    Date of Patent: March 11, 2008
    Assignee: Sidel Holdings & Technology SA
    Inventor: Francesco Zanga
  • Patent number: 7322170
    Abstract: An apparatus for the sterile filling of containers sterilizes the containers before supplying them, with their caps on, to a substantially airtight chamber for filling. A precision lead screw precisely positions each container under the appropriate capping/uncapping mechanism and the appropriate filling needle. Filling and capping of each container is individually controlled so that each container is filled with a precise amount of liquid, and each cap is applied with the proper torque. The minimized number of components of the system minimizes the potential openings through which unfiltered air may enter the apparatus. Keeping the containers capped except while they're actually being filled minimizes the opportunity for any bacteria or viruses to enter the container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 2, 2005
    Date of Patent: January 29, 2008
    Assignee: Mediatech, Inc.
    Inventors: Richard Tomalesky, Lance Barland, Mark C. Peastrel, Joel C. Slazyk, Douglas C. Logeman
  • Patent number: 7111651
    Abstract: An engine cooling system liquid insertion and removal system has an adapter disposed in a vehicle radiator service opening via which old coolant is removed from the engine system by partial vacuum applied to an old coolant container via a conduit. New coolant is introduced via the adapter by atmospheric pressure from a portable container. Conduits interconnect the engine cooling system, the old and new coolant containers, and a source of partial vacuum applied to conduits.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 25, 2004
    Date of Patent: September 26, 2006
    Inventor: Robert E. Flynn
  • Patent number: 6896010
    Abstract: The invention concerns painting installations comprising painting machines or robots (6a, 6b, 7a, 7b, 8a, 8b, 9a, 9b), each with a sprayer (12) and a paint reservoir (13), associated with the sprayer and designed to supply it, the machines or robots being arranged along a painting line for motor vehicle bodies (2). Each machine or robot is provided with a fluidic connector, designed to co-operate discontinuously with a dispensing system (14a, 14b, 15a, 15b) comprising a color shade-changing unit. Each dispensing system (14a, 14b, 15a, 15b) is arranged between two consecutive machines (6a, 7a; 6b, 7b; 8a, 9a; 8b, 9b), and is common to those two machines, which are successively connected thereto to fill their respective reservoirs each time there is a color shade change.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 4, 2001
    Date of Patent: May 24, 2005
    Assignee: Eisenmann France Sarl
    Inventors: Dominique Cebola, Michel Fouvet
  • Patent number: 6889725
    Abstract: A system for strengthening containers in a high-speed filling operation is disclosed. The system includes a solenoid-driven injector apparatus positioned at an angle to the containers being filled. The injector apparatus includes a chamber connected via an intake line to a supply tank. A solenoid is adapted to open an injector valve, allowing liquefied gas within a chamber to forcibly flow through an outflow line into the container. The solenoid is also adapted to close the injector valve, thereby blocking the liquefied gas within the chamber from entering the outflow line. The injector apparatus also includes a heater positioned adjacent to the outflow line and an adjustment device for the injector valve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 19, 2004
    Date of Patent: May 10, 2005
    Assignee: Coors Global Properties, Inc.
    Inventors: Robert H. Schultz, Christopher S. Derks, Elizabeth J. Sandidge
  • Patent number: 6786249
    Abstract: Described is an apparatus for simultaneously sterilizing a large number of packs (1) by means of a gas mixture containing hydrogen peroxide and a carrier gas. The apparatus comprises: supply lines (4) for the carrier gas and for hydrogen peroxide (5), a device (21) for evaporating hydrogen peroxide by heat and mixing it into the carrier gas, supply lines (4, 5) and a substantially horizontally extending distributor line (6, 22) and nozzles (3) which are arranged above the respective pack (1) and are connected to the distributor line (6, 22).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 2003
    Date of Patent: September 7, 2004
    Assignee: Tetra Laval Holdings & Finance S.A.
    Inventors: Hans Armbruster, Michael Romer, Karsten B. Sorensen, Michael Wolf
  • Patent number: 6772800
    Abstract: A pedicure basin liner system, for preventing transmission of pathogens between pedicure clients when using a common pedicure basin. The pedicure basin has side walls, a bottom portion, and a top lip, which together define an interior volume capable of containing and supporting a quantity of water during a pedicure procedure. To prevent the water from actually contacting the basin while allowing the basin to support the weight of the water, the basin is covered with a liner that is shaped to fit closely within the basin against its bottom portion and side walls, and extend over the top lip. The liner is subsequently filled with water and the basin supports the weight of the water while remaining isolated from the water. After the pedicure procedure is performed, the water and the liner are disposed of.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 23, 2003
    Date of Patent: August 10, 2004
    Inventor: Maria Garcia
  • Patent number: 6763858
    Abstract: A system for strengthening containers in a high-speed filling operation is disclosed. The system includes a solenoid-driven injector apparatus positioned at an angle to the containers being filled. The injector apparatus includes a chamber connected via an intake line to a supply tank. A solenoid is adapted to open an injector valve, allowing liquefied gas within a chamber to forcibly flow through an outflow line into the container. The solenoid is also adapted to close the injector valve, thereby blocking the liquefied gas within the chamber from entering the outflow line. The injector apparatus also includes a heater positioned adjacent to the outflow line and an adjustment device for the injector valve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 3, 2003
    Date of Patent: July 20, 2004
    Assignee: Coors Global Properties, Inc.
    Inventors: Robert H. Schultz, Christopher S. Derks, Elizabeth J. McTeer
  • Patent number: 6698467
    Abstract: A system for strengthening containers in a high-speed filling operation is disclosed. The system includes a solenoid-driven injector apparatus positioned at an angle to the containers being filled. The injector apparatus includes a chamber connected via an intake line to a supply tank. A solenoid is adapted to open an injector valve, allowing liquefied gas within a chamber to forcibly flow through an outflow line into the container. The solenoid is also adapted to close the injector valve, thereby blocking the liquefied gas within the chamber from entering the outflow line. The injector apparatus also includes a heater positioned adjacent to the outflow line and an adjustment device for the injector valve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 31, 2003
    Date of Patent: March 2, 2004
    Assignee: Coors Brewing Company
    Inventors: Robert H. Schultz, Christopher S. Derks, Elizabeth J. McTeer
  • Patent number: 6691747
    Abstract: An apparatus for exposing a container traveling along a conveyor to a controlled environment is provided. The apparatus includes an elongated rail and a first elongated gas deflecting member. The elongated rail includes a longitudinally oriented manifold. The longitudinally oriented manifold is adapted to align with a path of the container. The elongated rail also includes at least one inlet opening to receive a controlled environment gas. The first elongated gas deflecting member is positioned adjacent to the manifold. The first elongated gas deflecting member is contoured to deflect a flow of the controlled environment gas exiting the manifold in a direction transverse to the path of the container and into the container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 14, 2000
    Date of Patent: February 17, 2004
    Assignee: MAP Systems International division of Jescorp, Inc.
    Inventors: Frank F. Marcus, James J. Sanfilippo, John E. Sanfilippo
  • Patent number: 6659144
    Abstract: A system for strengthening containers in a high-speed filling operation is disclosed. The system includes a solenoid-driven injector apparatus positioned at an angle to the containers being filled. The injector apparatus includes a chamber connected via an intake line to a supply tank. A solenoid is adapted to open an injector valve, allowing liquefied gas within a chamber to forcibly flow through an outflow line into the container. The solenoid is also adapted to close the injector valve, thereby blocking the liquefied gas within the chamber from entering the outflow line. The injector apparatus also includes a heater positioned adjacent to the outflow line and an adjustment device for the injector valve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 24, 2002
    Date of Patent: December 9, 2003
    Assignee: Coors Brewing Company
    Inventors: Robert H. Schultz, Christopher S. Derks, Elizabeth J. McTeer
  • Patent number: 6505656
    Abstract: A system for strengthening containers in a high-speed filling operation is disclosed. The system includes a solenoid-driven injector apparatus positioned at an angle to the containers being filled. The injector apparatus includes a chamber connected via an intake line to a supply tank. A solenoid is adapted to open an injector valve, allowing liquefied gas within a chamber to forcibly flow through an outflow line into the container. The solenoid is also adapted to close the injector valve, thereby blocking the liquefied gas within the chamber from entering the outflow line. The injector apparatus also includes a heater positioned adjacent to the outflow line and an adjustment device for the injector valve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 21, 2002
    Date of Patent: January 14, 2003
    Assignee: Coors Brewing Company
    Inventors: Robert H. Schultz, Christopher S. Derks, Elizabeth J. McTeer
  • Patent number: 6431227
    Abstract: A device for filling containers with free-flowing products under aseptic conditions comprises a conveyor system for intermittently conveying the containers along a conveyor path past appropriate filling stations in separate compartments inside a housing. The conveyor system comprises a guide assembly for guiding at least two carriers which interact with one another in order to position and retain containers, and a pusher mechanism with a chainless drive for displacing the carriers in the guide assembly each time, a container guide, which is arranged beneath the conveyor path of the containers, for supporting the containers, and a blocking device for temporarily blocking the movement of the carrier which is situated at the outlet of the device during operation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 9, 2000
    Date of Patent: August 13, 2002
    Assignee: Stork Food and Dairy Systems B.V.
    Inventor: Robbert Hendrik Ter Haar
  • Patent number: 6378571
    Abstract: A system for strengthening containers in a high-speed filling operation is disclosed. The system includes a supply tank having an intake line connected to a source of liquefied gas. A solenoid-driven injector apparatus positioned at an angle to the containers is connected via another intake line to the supply tank. A back pressure regulator controls the pressure within the supply tank and the injector apparatus. A liquid level control valve within the supply tank prevents liquefied gas from entering the back pressure regulator. Upon sensing the presence of a container, a sensor actuates a solenoid which opens an injector valve, allowing liquefied gas within a chamber to forcibly flow through an outflow line into the container. The solenoid is then deactivated, closing the injector valve and blocking the liquefied gas within the chamber from entering the outflow line. The injector apparatus also includes a heater positioned adjacent to the outflow line and an adjustment device for the injector valve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 20, 2001
    Date of Patent: April 30, 2002
    Assignee: Coors Brewing Company
    Inventors: Robert H. Schultz, Christopher S. Derks, Elizabeth J. McTeer
  • Patent number: 6332484
    Abstract: In the case of a machine installation for sterilizing, filling and closing containers it is provided that the above named devices are arranged together in a station, which is, with regard to drive, independent of the mechanism for feeding and removing the containers. A plurality of such stations can be provided, which preferably comprise a plasma sterilizing reactor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 5, 2000
    Date of Patent: December 25, 2001
    Assignee: Rudiger Haaga GmbH
    Inventors: Werner Stahlecker, Robert Frost
  • Patent number: 6267153
    Abstract: A process for filling containers simultaneously with their sterilization, including also the evacuation of the aeriform content of the containers that is exhausted directly to the outside without flowing back in the general tank containing the filling process fluids.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 17, 1999
    Date of Patent: July 31, 2001
    Inventor: Gabriele Stocchi
  • Patent number: 6234310
    Abstract: A packaging system for a sterilizable item comprising a pouch having a frangible opening, the pouch defining a sterile compartment therein to hold a sterilizable item and a support element for fluid attachment to a sterilizer, the support element defining a window thereupon, the support element attached to the pouch along a perimeter of the opening. The opening may comprise a scored portion cut into the front side of the pouch. The support element may be a rigid cardboard support element defining a perforated window with a knockout piece. The system may also include a cover adhered with the window for ensuring that the knockout piece remains attached to the support element until broken. The system may also include an adhesive strip attached along a perimeter of the cover, and include a removable backing strip.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 3, 1999
    Date of Patent: May 22, 2001
    Inventor: Richard P. Goldhaber
  • Patent number: 5911249
    Abstract: An apparatus for exposing product to a controlled environment includes a rail top, a rail base, and a longitudinally oriented gas limiting member including two sections connected at their longitudinal ends and providing a gap between the sections. The controlled environment gas may be provided to one longitudinal end of a baffle positioned in a channel region formed in the rail top. The gas is distributed along a longitudinally oriented baffle which is aligned with a gassing element positioned in the rail base. A T-shaped port block may be attached to the rail top and engage with a bracket and adjustment member for positioning.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 13, 1997
    Date of Patent: June 15, 1999
    Assignee: Jescorp, Inc.
    Inventors: James J. Sanfilippo, John E. Sanfilippo