Abstract: A method of manufacturing a lyophilized reagent, including mounting a plurality of reagent cartridges in which a liquid reagent is loaded in a tray including one or more tunnel-shaped first rails having opened end portions in a lengthwise direction and an opening formed in the top of the one or more first rails; closing the opened end portions, placing the tray in a lyophilizer and lyophilizing the liquid reagent according to a lyophilizing program.

Abstract: A process for removing water and solutes from the lumens of green wood, while leaving the cell walls throughout the wood uniformly fully swollen, comprises subjecting the green wood to supercritical carbon dioxide.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods of lyophilizing a pharmaceutical substance involving a primary drying step executed at a product temperature at or above the collapse temperature. The invention also provides pharmaceutical substances lyophilized at or above the collapse temperature.

Abstract: A method to monitor a secondary drying phase of a freeze-drying process comprises initial steps in which is provided to perform pressure rise tests at different time and to calculate a respective value of experimental desorption rate of product (steps 1 to 3). Subsequently, the method provides to estimate initial conditions and kinetic constants of a kinetic model of the process (step 4) and to calculate at time t=t2 a respective residual moisture content and a respective desorption rate (step 5). The method can be performed in a freeze-dryer apparatus which includes a drying chamber that contains a product to be dried and can be isolated to perform pressure rise tests.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods for assessing and optimizing lyophilization cycle robustness. In particular, the present invention provides rapid assessment of cycle robustness with respect to a variety of lyophilization process deviations by varying a relatively small number of parameters.

Abstract: A method for preparing and a system containing freeze-dried plasma that will be reconstituted. Ascorbic acid is incorporated into the freeze-dried plasma prior to the plasma being reconstituted.

Abstract: A flexible container receives a liquid material, which is freeze-dried in situ within the flexible container. A gas permeable material that is separate from the flexible container provides gas transport for sublimation during drying and lyophilization. The gas permeable portion of the system can be isolated and removed from the flexible container post-lyophilzation The freeze-dried material is stored in the flexible container until administration is necessary. The flexible container receives a reconstituting liquid for mixing with the freeze-dried material, and conveys the reconstituted freeze-dried material from the flexible container for administration to an individual.

Abstract: Single unit human plasma is dispensed from a source transfer bag into a receptacle in which the plasma under goes freeze-drying. During the dispensing of the plasma from the source transfer container into the freeze-drying receptacle, an inline treatment device treats the plasma prior to freeze-drying, e.g., by the removal of cellular blood components, or by the removal of pathogens or viral or bacterial agents, or by the removal or neutralization of blood group specific antibodies.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method and to a device for freeze-drying products using a chamber (1) having surfaces (2), whose temperature can be regulated, and condensation surfaces (5). Water penetrating from the product in the form of vapour condenses on the surface of the condensation surfaces, and measurements are taken on the documentation of the process during the freeze-drying process. The aim of the invention is to improve the freeze-drying process in relation to the documentation thereof and, at the same time, to reduce technical complexity of the device which is suitable for carrying out said method. As a result, running of the vapour flow is determined between the product and the condensation surfaces (5) and the amount of water penetrating from the product in the form of vapour is calculated by means of temporal integration.

Abstract: The subject matter of the disclosure is an apparatus for loading and unloading a tray (16) of a freeze drying plant (10) with a number of vials (18), with a transfer table (20) provided upstream of the freeze drying plant (10) for receiving temporarily said vials (18), and with a pusher apparatus for displacing said vials (18) from said transfer table (20) to said tray (16) or from said tray (16) to said transfer table (20), said pusher apparatus including a right-handed and a left-handed transport carriage (30) and a loading element (38).

Abstract: The object of the disclosure is an apparatus for loading and unloading a tray (16) of a freeze drying plant (10) with a number of vials (16), with a transfer table (20) provided upstream of the freeze drying plant (10) for receiving temporarily said vials (18), and with a pusher apparatus for displacing said vials (18) from said transfer table (20) to said tray (16) or from said tray (16) to said transfer table (20), said pusher apparatus including a right-handed and a left-handed transport carriage.(30). To provide an apparatus for loading and unloading a tray of a freeze drying plant that allows for proper unloading of the tray even if the distance between neighbouring trays of the freeze drying plant is reduced to a minimum is achieved in that the pusher apparatus further includes a loading element (38) and an unloading pusher (50), said loading element (38) being disposed outside of the freeze drying plant (10) whilst the unloading pusher (50) is arranged inside the freeze drying plant (10).

Abstract: Disclosed are thermal insulative compositions as well as materials, methods, and apparatus for producing thermal insulative compositions.

Abstract: A freeze-drying apparatus has a chamber (3) in which are located superposed charging plates (4) as well as loading and unloading equipment. The chamber has a loading aperture (2) equipped with closing doors (11, 12) through which the charging plates (4) are loaded. Equipment for loading the charging plates (4) with containers (5) is positioned in front of the loading aperture (2) and comprises a conveyor belt (6) which serves to supply the containers (5) and a transfer table (7) which is movable between an operating position and an idle position. The transfer table bridges a gap between conveyor belt (6) and the charging plate (4). A loading slider (8) provides push-wise transfer of a plurality of the containers (5) from the conveyor belt (6) via the transfer table (7) onto the charging plate (4).

Abstract: An apparatus to lyophilize, store, transport, rehydrate, and process aqueous biological materials in a container which maintains sterility of its contents, allows container shrinkage after lyophilization, and optimally permits filtration or dialysis of the contents in situ, without the need for a second or series of additional containers. These benefits are met by a microporous container constructed of a membrane that is water vapor permeable, yet water impermeable.

Abstract: An apparatus capable of performing consecutively, independently and/or simultaneously the processes of quick freezing and/or freeze drying of produce. The apparatus is characterized by a central vacuum system operating over one or more independent vacuum chambers (10,11,12,13,14); said vacuum system being composed of at least two vacuum subsystems (40,50), connected to the chambers by means of independent manifolds (400,500). One vacuum subsystem (40) evacuates air from any of the chambers from atmospheric pressure to a pressure slightly above that of the triple point of water, and the other vacuum subsystem (50) further quickly evacuates any of the chambers from said pressure slightly above the triple point of water to the pressure corresponding to the thermodynamic equilibrium of ice and water vapor at a desired freezing temperature, in a desired freezing time.

Abstract: A device for controlling dehydration during freeze-drying in an enclosure connected to a vacuum line includes an analyzer for analyzing the gases contained in the enclosure, the gas analyzer comprising a system for ionizing the gases comprising a plasma source in contact with the gases combined with a generator adapted to generate a plasma from the gases and a system for analyzing ionized gases comprising a radiation sensor situated in the vicinity of the area of generation of the plasma connected to apparatus for analyzing evolution of the radiation spectrum emitted by the plasma. The plasma source is preferably produced by inductive coupling and the analyzer for analyzing the evolution of the radiation spectrum is preferably an optical emission spectrometer.

Abstract: To provide an organism absorbency tube for regenerating nerve tissue and a production method thereof, where the low cost tube can produce easier than a conventional one, various kinds of the different thickness tubes, inner diameters and outer shapes can be easily formed. The tube produces by drying polymer solvent to form sheet-like organism absorbency polymer material; cylindrically rolling thus material to form an overlapped sheet part; heat or solvent meld sealing at least a portion around an end edge on the outer peripheral side thereof. Or a two layers structure tube produces by freeze-drying polymer solvent to form the material; cylindrically rolling thus material; non-freeze-drying polymer solvent to form the high material; cylindrically wrapping thus material around the freeze-dried polymer material to form the sheet part; and heat or solvent meld sealing at least a portion around an edge on the outer peripheral side thereof.

Abstract: A device for holding substances during drying comprising a flask having a structure defining an opening. A pair of contiguous or juxtaposed filters is disposed in the opening. A freeze-drying assembly comprising a freeze-drying apparatus, and the device disposed in the apparatus for holding substances during freeze-drying processing. A method for processing a substance under sterile conditions comprising disposing a substance in a flask, positioning the flask in a drying apparatus, and passing a drying medium through a pair of juxtaposed filters for drying the substance.

Abstract: A method of monitoring a freeze-drying process in an apparatus (1) holding one or more samples (9) of a material to be freeze dried, comprises the steps of directing input radiation onto the sample (9), the input radiation forming output radiation by interaction with the sample (9); collecting at least part of the output radiation and leading the thus collected radiation to a radiation analyzer (11); and analyzing the collected radiation spectroscopically in the radiation analyzer (11) to obtain a measurement value of one or more freeze-drying parameters of the sample (9), such as the temperature of the sample (9) and/or the content of a solvent in the sample (9) and/or the structure of the sample (9).

Abstract: A manifold communicatively connects a plurality of coating processing units with an air conditioning unit. The manifold is formed by branching a common pipe into a plurality of distributing pipes. The air conditioning unit performs temperature control to set air passing through a branch point of the manifold to a temperature slightly lower than a target temperature in processing units. Secondary heaters secondarily heat air passing through joints between the distributing pipes and the processing units to the target temperature thereby supplying accurately temperature-controlled air to processing parts. Air from the air conditioning unit is diverted thereby suppressing the height of the overall apparatus. Thus, a substrate processing apparatus capable of inhibiting the height of the overall apparatus from remarkable increase also when vertically stacking processing parts in multiple stages and supplying temperature-controlled air to the processing parts with sufficient accuracy.

Abstract: This invention is concerned with a distributive ejection apparatus for liquid material in a freeze-drying apparatus for foodstuffs, medicaments, etc., wherein the liquid material adjusted from the starting material for foodstuffs, medicaments, etc. is caused to freeze onto the inner wall surface of the upright cylindrical tube, and the distributive ejection of the liquid material onto the tube at the time of its freeze-drying by sublimation of the moisture content in the material under the vacuum condition may be done in the state of supplying the liquid material over the entire surface of the inner wall surface of the tube with a substantially uniform thickness.

Abstract: A process for lyophilizing a solution of an active agent in a delivery container is provided. Solution of active agent is deposited into a delivery container, the container is covered with a covering plate and placed inside a lyophilizing apparatus. Lyophilization is conducted to dryness by radiation, convection or both. Also provided is a device made by this process, an active agent-plastic administration device such as a syringe containing an active agent in the form of lyophilized cake, and an array of such administration devices.

Abstract: The invention relates to a lyophilization method which comprises the following steps: reducing the pressure in the drying chamber until the onset of a visible crystallization of the solvent at a temperature in the drying chamber which is above the solidification point of the preparation; reducing the temperature in the drying chamber to a temperature which is below the solidification point of the preparation or is identical to it, until completion of the crystallization of the solvent, resulting in a frozen solvent; and sublimation of the frozen solvent by means of reduced pressure.

Abstract: A process for producing a starting material in a granular form and in a nanoporous anhydrous state, a process for improving the water-solubility and controlled release characteristics of a detergent material, and a detergent composition are disclosed. In one aspect, a process for producing a starting material in a granular form and in a nanoporous anhydrous state includes obtaining a starting material in a form of a dispersion or solution in a sublimable solvent or mixtures of sublimable solvents, forming graded droplets by atomization, freezing the graded droplets in a freezing medium at a controlled freezing rate of a least 100° C. per second to form frozen droplets and drying the frozen droplets by vacuum sublimation to obtain freeze-dried granules of the starting material in a nanoporous anhydrous state. The starting material in dispersion or solution form has a viscosity suitable for atomization and formation of graded droplets.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method consisting of bringing into contact, in one container, (a) an aqueous solution of a reaction mixture comprising at least one enzyme, and (b) an aqueous solution of a stabilizing mixture comprising (i) at least one protective agent against drying, (ii) at least one inhibitor of the condensation reaction between carbonyl or carboxyl groups and amine or phosphate groups, and (iii) at least one inert polymer capable of generating a mesh structure preventing the mobility of the dried reagents. The invention also consists of removing all or part of the water contained in the resulting aqueous solution. Said process is suitable for carrying out enzymatic reactions, for example, amplifying, sequencing and characterizing nucleic acids, performing hybridization tests and for the restriction analysis.

Abstract: A method and an apparatus for effecting freeze-drying specimens containing solvents or condensing solvents having a shallow pan treatment chamber with little or no obstructions, holes or orifices. The treatment is effected by cooling the base of the chamber by using coolant-containing coils mounted beneath the base of the chamber. The direct thermal conduction of heat through the base of the chamber provides a more effective method of both cooling specimens and condensing solvents, typically water. A source of vacuum is provided to the chamber by a conduit located in the cover, sidewalls or base of the chamber. The method and apparatus may employ a moveable specimen holder positioned in the chamber. The moveable specimen holder may be mounted on a perforated tube which slidably engages a conduit in the base of the chamber. The perforated tube may a conduit to the source of vacuum.

Abstract: Freeze-dried products of high quality produced from materials to be freeze-dried in a freeze-drying apparatus comprising a sealed vessel enclosing a processing chamber provided therein with a rotary cage receiving a gas-permeable container containing frozen pieces of the said material, prepared by freezing the said material with a refrigerant, and a heating device for heating the frozen material by radiant heat rays, wherein the freeze-dried product is produced by a process which can attain, even when dry ice is used as the refrigerant, efficient sublimating removal of large amount of carbon dioxide gas evolved from dry ice and of moisture included in the material, while preventing adhesion of the frozen pieces of the said material to each other and while permitting reduction of the sublimation duration, wherein the frozen material retained in the gas-permeable container placed in the rotary cage is heated uniformly by the heating device under vacuum condition while it is being maintained under rotational mov

Abstract: By directly distributing liquid material into upright cylindrical tubes, such liquid material for foodstuffs, medicaments, etc. is kept in its state of being isolated from external atmosphere so as to be perfectly sterilized. That is to say, while simply and adequately securing the controlled cooling of the tube, by means of the heat medium which circulates within the jacket, the liquid material supplied into the tube is caused to freeze with uniform thickness onto the inner wall surface of the tube, with further possibility of uniform heating of the freeze-dried layer.

Abstract: A lyophilizer system is adapted for operation in a first mode or a second mode with microwave assisted drying. The system includes a lyophilizing chamber, including shielding from microwaves. The chamber is connected to a pressure controller for controlling vacuum in the lyophilizing chamber and a device for trapping water vapor. One or more microwave generators, direct microwaves into the lyophilizing chamber. Refrigeration units lower the temperature of the lyophilizing chamber and condenser. The chamber environment maintains a temperature and a pressure that facilitates sublimation in the chamber in a first mode, and for creating a chamber environment having vacuum and temperature such that when combined with microwaves directed into the chamber, facilitates sublimation in the chamber in a second mode. The chamber has arc inhibiting surfaces and shielding and a corona discharge detection and control system, including optical, thermal and other detection systems.

Abstract: A process is provided for freeze-drying medicaments and foodstuffs comprising dissolving the foodstuffs or medicaments in a solvent, introducing the solution formed into a shell comprising a desiccating chamber of a shell-tube freeze-drying device to cause the solution to freeze in a tubular layer, and crushing and comminuting the freeze-dried liquid with a comminuting device to obtain a powder product.

Abstract: A cake resistance measuring system and method are used to measure the cake resistance of a freeze dried sample during or after processing, with the results of the measurement being used to improve that processing and/or subsequent freeze drying processes or formulations.

Abstract: Freeze-dried products of high quality produced from materials to be freeze-dried in a freeze-drying apparatus comprising a sealed vessel enclosing a processing chamber provided therein with a rotary cage receiving a gas-permeable container containing one or more frozen products of the said material, prepared by freezing the said material with dry ice, and a heating device for heating the frozen product by radiant heat rays, wherein the freeze-dried product is produced by a process which can attain efficient sublimating removal of large amount of carbon dioxide gas evolved from dry ice and of moisture included in the material, while preventing adhesion of the frozen products to each other and while permitting reduction of the sublimation duration, wherein the frozen product retained in the gas-permeable container placed in the rotary cage is heated uniformly by the heating device under vacuum condition while holding it under rotational movement to thereby facilitate the sublimation of dry ice and of the frozen

Abstract: The present invention provides a method and system whereby the contents of a structure that have been damaged by moisture can be salvaged and restored conveniently and at a reasonable cost to the owner of the items or the owner's insurance company. The invention provides a bag having an open portion through which an item can be placed within the bag. After an item is placed within the bag, the bag is then closed and sealed shut. Next, a vacuum is created within the bag such that the content item is squeezed. Finally, with the vacuum still maintained within the bag, the bag is transferred to a freeze drying chamber where the bag and its contents are freeze dried.

Abstract: The invention relates to method and apparatus for the hyper-rapid freezing of liquid samples. The samples are converted into droplets or vapor and rapidly driven directly onto the surface of a solid or slushed refrigerant.

Abstract: Disclosed are bulk lyophilization containers including aseptic closure portions or heat flux equalization portions that promote improved bulk lyophilization. Also disclosed are methods of using the bulk lyophilization containers and improved lyophilization stoppers.

Abstract: Disclosed are bulk lyophilization containers including aseptic closure portions or heat flux equalization portions that promote improved bulk lyophilization. Also disclosed are methods of using the bulk lyophilization containers and improved lyophilization stoppers.

Abstract: The invention provides a method of isolating cells from a faecal stool, the method comprising the steps of a) cooling the stool to a temperature below its gel freezing point, and b) removing cells from the stool whilst maintaining the stool at a temperature below its gel freezing point such that the stool remains substantially intact. The invention further provides methods of purifying cells comprising use of immunomagnetic beads and/or boric acid. Cells isolated according to the invention may be used in diagnostic tests and assay procedures for monitoring a biological or biochemical property of tissue.

Abstract: A two-fluid nozzle for atomizing a liquid by mixing the liquid and a gas at high speed, wherein desired particle size is obtained at a low pressure, and a device employing the same nozzle for freezing and drying a liquid containing a biological substance are disclosed. The two-fluid nozzle which is provided with a first injection hole for injecting the liquid and a second injection hole for injecting the gas, wherein the second injection hole is provided around the outer periphery of the first injection hole; a revolving means (108 or 118) is provided to at least the front portion of the first injection hole for rending the liquid into revolving flow; and a revolving means (117) is provided to at least the front portion of the second injection holes for rending the gas into revolving flow, is suitable for atomization of a liquid containing a biological substance because the atomization at a low pressure is possible through operation of the revolving means for rending the gas and liquid into revolving flows.

Abstract: A process and apparatus for freeze drying of liquid material in a vessel in which the vessels are moved automatically through various stages including loading vessels onto racks, washing vessels in an inverted position, sterilizing vessels and racks, filling vessels with a liquid material, rotating the vessels and the liquid material contained within each vessel at a speed that allows the liquid to form a shell against the inner surface of the vessel, subjecting the vessels and the liquid material contained therein to freezing conditions sufficient to freeze the material into the form of a shell and then moving the rack and the vessels containing the frozen material through a vacuum drying chamber in which the frozen liquid material is dried.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods are disclosed for lyophilization of protein and/or pharmaceutical products, wherein said apparatus utilizes a dry vacuum pump for the direct removal of water vapor, rather than a cold trap condenser. A freeze dryer has a vacuum pump which is connected directly to a drying chamber without the use of a cold trap condenser. The exhaust of the vacuum pump is vented directly to atmosphere. Water vapor generated in the process is directly removed from the chamber by the vacuum pump. The apparatus permits lyophilization of pharmaceuticals e.g. antibiotics, vitamins products, vaccines, and biological protein solutions. The dryer operates on a batch basis or may be designed to perform continuous production.

Abstract: A method for drying wood by placing the wood in a dehydration chamber in which the temperature, humidity and pressure are controlled. Air and or gasses are circulated in the chamber to wick away moisture while the wood remains frozen. Both the internal temperature and the circulating air are kept below freezing during the drying process. Atmospheric pressure is manipulated to enhance drying and may be either increased or reduced. Exposure to the volume of dry air (air with zero percent humidity) varies with the drying process and depends on the species, the quantity of wood to be dried and the initial moisture content of the material.

Abstract: The present invention provides a new ice nucleus-forming bacterium strain, Xanthomonas campestris INXC-1 (FERM BP-4191), a process for the cultivation of the new ice nucleus-forming bacterium, an ice nucleus-forming substance containing the ice nucleus-forming bacterium, and the uses of the ice nucleus-forming substance. Further, a method for lyophilizing a food using the strain as an ice nucleus-forming substance is disclosed; wherein the method is carried out by adding the strain to the food, thereby freezing the food, and then vaporizing moisture from the frozen food to effect drying. The food types which may be lyophilized using the method include tea extracts, fruit juices, soy sauce, sauces, drippings, soups fermented soy bean paste and agar.

Abstract: A method for drying wood by placing the wood in a dehydration chamber in which the temperature, humidity and pressure are controlled. Air and or gasses are circulated in the chamber to wick away moisture while the wood remains frozen. Both the internal temperature and the circulating air are kept below freezing during the drying process. Atmospheric pressure is manipulated to enhance drying and may be either increased or reduced. Exposure to the volume of dry air (air with zero percent humidity) varies with the drying process and depends on the species, the quantity of wood to be dried and the initial moisture content of the material.

Abstract: The invention relates to a muco-adherent, soluble device for administering active ingredients, a method of using said device, and an improved method of manufacturing said device using a continuous, enclosed mixing device capable of operating under pressure. The devices of the invention, which comprise a lyophilized foam and an active ingredient, have a dissolution time of at least about 8 hours, and preferably at least about 24 hours, and can provide for the sustained and/or controlled release of an active ingredient for up to about 24 hours.

Abstract: New solid, porous unitary form comprising micro-particles and/or nano-particles, made by lyophilization are useful for the administration of therapeutically active substances, nutrition agents, diagnostic agents or cosmetic agents.

Abstract: An apparatus for the refrigerated drying of gases, more particularly of compressed air, has at least one gas supply system, with a refrigerating device which has a heat exchanger unit through which a refrigerant carrier is passed, a cooling assembly for cooling down the refrigerant to such a temperature that the liquid contained in the gas or the vapour contained in the gas is deposited in ice form, and a de-icing unit. In addition to a main gas supply system there is a further gas supply system which comprises the de-icing unit and to which hot refrigerant can be supplied from the main gas supply system wherein at least two de-icers are provided for the de-icing unit of which at least one can selectively undergo regeneration, and that downstream of the de-icer in the second gas supply system there is a collecting container which is connected to each of the de-icers and from which the refrigerant consumers can be supplied straightaway.

Abstract: The present invention provides a process for freeze drying of especially biologically or pharmaceutical material under sterile conditions, wherein the material to be dried is introduced into a container the sides of which consist at least partly of a hydrophobic, porous, micro-organism-impermeable, water vapor-permeable membrane, the container is tightly closed and the material is subsequently freeze dried in the closed container under the usual conditions. The present invention also provides a container for freeze drying materials under sterile conditions, wherein the sides of the container consist at least partly of a hydrophobic, porous, germ-impermeable, water vapor-permeable membrane.