Abstract: A freeze-dryer and method of controlling the same is provided. The disclosed freeze-dryer includes a chamber adapted to hold material or product to be freeze-dried; one or more depressurization orifices; a gas pressurization circuit having a source of gas to pressurize the chamber to a prescribed pressure; a depressurization circuit coupled to the chamber via the one or more orifices and having a depressurizing control valve; and a control unit adapted to pressurize the chamber with the source of gas and actuate the depressurizing control valve to depressurize the chamber upon command. The ratio of total depressurization orifice area to the chamber volume is preferably between about 6×10?2 and about 4×10?4 m2/m3.

Abstract: The present invention relates to novel processes for the manufacture of cores of a specific polymer and a biologically active substance, and of such cores carrying a shell, i.e. microcapsules, to the cores and microcapsules thus produced, and to a pharmaceutical composition comprising such microcapsules.

Abstract: A lyophilization device configured for use in a lyophilization process has a body defining a chamber for receiving a liquid to be lyophilized, and a stopper creating a liquid-tight seal between the chamber and ambient atmosphere to form a sealed, empty sterile chamber. The stopper is adapted so that the chamber may be sterile filled with the substance through the stopper. A fluid passageway is formed through the stopper, through which the chamber is evacuated. The substance is lyophilized, the fluid passageway is closed, and the lyophilized substance is hermetically sealed within the chamber.

Abstract: A method for the preparation of fluoropolymer powdered materials is disclosed. A suspension of solid fluoropolymer particles in a liquid carrier, preferably water, is frozen and the frozen carrier is then removed by sublimation at sub-atmospheric pressure to produce a dry powder of fluoropolymers particles.

Abstract: A vacuum freeze-drying apparatus capable of rapid drying is provided. A cold trap for drying, which is arranged inside a drying chamber, is set to a low temperature of ?70 degrees Celsius or below, and heat is supplied to frozen particles on a conveyor belt to a degree such that the frozen particles do not melt. The amount of the liquid component evaporating from the frozen particles increases, and the amount of the liquid component entering the frozen particles decreases so that the time for drying the frozen particles is shortened.

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: An integrated industrial plant includes various systems, all of which use a cryogenic liquid obtained from a common source. One system includes a fermentation unit, in which cold air, chilled by heat exchange with the cryogenic liquid, absorbs excess heat generated by the fermentation. Another system is a lyophilization unit, in which a refrigeration step is performed through the use of air that has been chilled by heat exchange with the cryogenic liquid. Another system is a device for freezing discrete samples of biological products, the samples being frozen by partial immersion in the cryogenic liquid. The invention substantially reduces the use of electric power, and provides systems which operate economically and reliably.

Abstract: An membrane drying system comprising: a chamber, a vacuum pump, a sweep gas source, and a membrane device, wherein the membrane device comprises a membrane, a first inlet in fluid communication with the chamber and the membrane, a first outlet in fluid communication with the membrane and the vacuum pump, a second inlet in fluid communication with the sweep gas source and the membrane, and a second outlet in fluid communication with the membrane.

Abstract: A process for preparing a lyophilized material, providing a container having a penetrable envelope and containing the material in a carrier liquid, whereby the penetrable region is penetrated with a penetrator which provides a conduit through the envelope, and the carrier liquid id evaporated out of the container via the conduit, after which the penetrator is withdrawn. Apparatus suitable for performing the process is also disclosed.

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

Abstract: A target substance (8) is subject to a freeze drying process in which the substance is first passed into a freeze chamber (31) to reduce the temperature of the substance, and then passed into a separate vacuum chamber (32) in which a vacuum is applied to promote drying of the target substance. Because the carrier (10) and target substance (8) is moved from a freeze chamber (31) to a separate vacuum chamber (32) the environment can be more closely controlled and the cycling of freezing to drying can be more rapid. In this way the carrier (10) and target substance (8) is subject to the full temperature cycling without the surrounding chamber and apparatus being subject to the full cycle. This reduces time and energy costs. The technique is particularly suited to manufacturing biosensors using freeze dried reagents.

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

Abstract: Significant research is being done to develop and improve delivery mechanisms for biopharmaceuticals and vaccines, including pulmonary (inhalation), nasal, transdermal, and oral alternatives. Market projections indicate that the delivery of proteins and vaccines by inhalation and oral formulation has become and will continue to be increasingly important. These delivery mechanisms, to be effective, will require better stabilization of the biologicals so that they can maintain potency and effectiveness at ambient temperatures for extended periods of time. The novel Preservation by Vaporization (PBV) Technology described herein provides cost-effective and efficient industrial scale stabilization of proteins, viruses, bacteria, and other sensitive biologicals, thereby allowing a production of products that are not possible to be produced by existing methods. The suggested new PBV process comprises primary drying under vacuum from a partially frozen state (i.e.

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: A carbon black monolith comprising a matrix comprising ceramic material and carbon black dispersed throughout the matrix and a method for making a carbon black monolith comprising extruding an extrudable mixture including a carbon black, a ceramic forming material, water, an extrusion aid, and a flux material. A carbon black monolith catalyst comprising a finished self-supporting carbon black monolith having at least one passage therethrough, and comprising a supporting matrix and carbon black dispersed throughout the supporting matrix and at least one catalyst precursor on the finished self-supporting carbon black monolith. A method for making and a method for use of such a carbon black monolith catalyst in catalytic chemical reactions are also disclosed.

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 transfer chamber for a cluster system includes a first body, a second body attached at one side of the first body, and a cover combined with an upper portion of the first body. The transfer chamber further includes a third body at another side of the first body, wherein the third body has the same shape as the second body.

Abstract: System and method for lyophilization or freeze-drying is provided. During the freezing step, the material or solution to be frozen is initially brought to a temperature near or below its freezing temperature after which the pressure in the freeze-dryer chamber is reduced to induce nucleation of the material.

Abstract: A process for the separation of volatile material from particulate polymer which has been substantially freed from unreacted monomer in an earlier separation step, comprising (a) feeding the particulate polymer to a purge vessel, optionally causing it to move through the vessel in substantially plug-flow mode, (b) heating the particulate polymer in the purge vessel to a temperature greater than 30° C. but insufficiently high to cause the particles to become agglomerated, and/or maintaining the polymer at a temperature in this range in the purge vessel, (c) feeding air to the purge vessel counter-current to the movement of the particulate polymer to remove volatile material therefrom, (d) removing the particulate polymer from the purge vessel. Preferably the particulate polymer fed to the purge vessel is caused to move through the vessel in substantially plug-flow mode. The process is particularly suitable for polyethylene.

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

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 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: 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: 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: 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 freeze-dried product containing a platinum (II) complex represented by the following general formula as a primary component.

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: Freeze drying apparatus and associated lyophilization procedures are provided employing vapor flow detection and/or vacuum control for monitoring and control of the lyophilization process. The vapor flow detector, such as a windmill sensor, is disposed to monitor vapor flow from product undergoing lyophilization. In a batch process, vapor flow is collectively monitored with the vapor flow detector between the process chamber and condenser chamber, while in a manifold configuration separate vapor flow detectors are employed at each flask attachment port. A windmill sensor provides visual feedback to an operator and/or electronic feedback to a system controller. A vacuum control system is also provided for use with or independent of vapor flow detection. This vacuum control disconnects the vacuum source from the process chamber when pressure within the process chamber falls below a first predefined set point.

Abstract: Freeze drying apparatus and associated lyophilization procedures are provided employing vapor flow detection and/or vacuum control for monitoring and control of the lyophilization process. The vapor flow detector, such as a windmill sensor, is disposed to monitor vapor flow from product undergoing lyophilization. In a batch process, vapor flow is collectively monitored with the vapor flow detector between the process chamber and condenser chamber, while in a manifold configuration separate vapor flow detectors are employed at each flask attachment port. A windmill sensor provides visual feedback to an operator and/or electronic feedback to a system controller. A vacuum control system is also provided for use with or independent of vapor flow detection. This vacuum control disconnects the vacuum source from the process chamber when pressure within the process chamber falls below a first predefined set point.

Abstract: A process for preserving cellular structures includes the steps of pre-treating the structures with an aqueous polymeric water solution, drying the structures and then post-treating the structures with an organic solvent, non-water-base solution. Once the structure has been treated with the pre-treatment solution, the specimen is allowed to sit for a predetermined period of time in order for the active ingredients of the solution to penetrate the surface area of the specimen. The specimen is then preferably freeze-dried. The solution may also be applied to the cellular material by drawing it systemically through the material.

Abstract: Control of temperature of the shelves in a freeze dryer compartment is achieved by circulating a cooled heat transfer fluid from a heat exchanger through a vacuum condenser independently of circulating the cooled heat transfer fluid either directly through the passageway chambers in the freeze dryer shelves, for cooling the shelves, or through a heater for heating the shelves. These circulations are effected by the selective control of electrically operated valves in fluid conduits automatically by a programmed computer.

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: A carton is provided for holding wet books and like materials during transport to and processing at a freezing and freeze drying or vacuum drying facility. The carton is fabricated as a laminated corrugated carton from a high density polymer that may be stored in a flat condition, assembled to hold the books or like and after their processing collapsed for storage. The carton have openings throughout to facilitate extraction of fluids. The cartons are reusable as many as 20 times or more.