And Heating Patents (Class 34/289)
  • Patent number: 10957530
    Abstract: The present disclosure includes apparatuses and methods related to freezing a sacrificial material in forming a semiconductor. In an example, a method may include solidifying, via freezing, a sacrificial material in an opening of a structure, wherein the sacrificial material has a freezing point below a boiling point of a solvent used in a wet clean operation and removing the sacrificial material via sublimation by exposing the sacrificial material to a particular temperature range.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 19, 2017
    Date of Patent: March 23, 2021
    Assignee: Micron Technology, Inc.
    Inventor: Matthew S. Thorum
  • Patent number: 10900713
    Abstract: A low-temperature quick-freezing freeze-drying system provided by the invention includes: a compressor unit, a first heat exchanger, an air cooler, a second heat exchanger, a throttling element, a third heat exchanger, a circulating fan, a drying chamber, a third valve, a fourth valve and connecting pipelines, and the above elements form a refrigeration circulation loop, a quick freezing/freeze-drying circulation loop, and a desorption drying circulation loop, thereby realizing the low-temperature quick-freezing and freeze-drying of materials. The invention adopts the heat exchangers with a cold storage function, so that the refrigeration capacity of the compressor is stored and used intensively to achieve rapid cooling of the materials.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 28, 2019
    Date of Patent: January 26, 2021
    Assignee: TECHNICAL INSTITUTE OF PHYSICS AND CHEMISTRY, CHINESE ACADEMY OF SCIENCES
    Inventors: Maoqiong Gong, Yanxing Zhao, Hao Guo, Jun Shen, Xueqiang Dong
  • Patent number: 10600850
    Abstract: The present invention is related to a method of fabricating a film. The method may comprise filling ink droplets containing a solvent and material constituting the film into pixel units of an array substrate; freezing the ink droplets on the array substrate; and sublimating the solvent of the ink droplets on the array substrate. The pixel units of the array substrate may be separated by a pixel define layer and arranged in a matrix.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 2, 2017
    Date of Patent: March 24, 2020
    Assignee: BOE TECHNOLOGY GROUP CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Chunjing Hu
  • Patent number: 10507165
    Abstract: A method of preparing a pharmaceutical product in a single multiple chamber flexible bag. A pharmaceutical product is introduced in a liquid state into a first chamber of the flexible bag through a first port. The pharmaceutical product is lyophilized within the first chamber of the flexible bag to provide a lyophilized pharmaceutical product. The flexible bag has a second chamber and the first chamber and the second chamber are separated by a breakable seal. The second chamber further includes a reconstituting solution for reconstituting the lyophilized pharmaceutical product in the first chamber. A user may apply pressure to the flexible bag to break the seal and mix the lyophilized pharmaceutical product and the reconstituting solution to order to administer the pharmaceutical product to a patient.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 16, 2019
    Date of Patent: December 17, 2019
    Assignee: ADIENNE Pharma & Biotech SA
    Inventor: Antonio Francesco Di Naro
  • Patent number: 10383792
    Abstract: A method of preparing a pharmaceutical product in a single multiple chamber flexible bag. A pharmaceutical product is introduced in a liquid state into a first chamber of the flexible bag through a first port. The pharmaceutical product is lyophilized within the first chamber of the flexible bag to provide a lyophilized pharmaceutical product. The flexible bag has a second chamber and the first chamber and the second chamber are separated by a breakable seal. The second chamber further includes a reconstituting solution for reconstituting the lyophilized pharmaceutical product in the first chamber. A user may apply pressure to the flexible bag to break the seal and mix the lyophilized pharmaceutical product and the reconstituting solution to order to administer the pharmaceutical product to a patient.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 12, 2018
    Date of Patent: August 20, 2019
    Assignee: ADIENNE PHARMA & BIOTECH SA
    Inventor: Antonio Francesco Di Naro
  • Patent number: 10369077
    Abstract: A method of preparing a pharmaceutical product in a single multiple chamber flexible bag. A pharmaceutical product is introduced in a liquid state into a first chamber of the flexible bag through a first port. The pharmaceutical product is lyophilized within the first chamber of the flexible bag to provide a lyophilized pharmaceutical product. The flexible bag has a second chamber and the first chamber and the second chamber are separated by a breakable seal. The second chamber further includes a reconstituting solution for reconstituting the lyophilized pharmaceutical product in the first chamber. A user may apply pressure to the flexible bag to break the seal and mix the lyophilized pharmaceutical product and the reconstituting solution to order to administer the pharmaceutical product to a patient.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 31, 2017
    Date of Patent: August 6, 2019
    Assignee: ADIENNE PHARMA & BIOTECH SA
    Inventor: Antonio Francesco Di Naro
  • Patent number: 9942950
    Abstract: A method of applying RF energy to an object in a cavity is disclosed. In some embodiments, the method may include applying to the object a first amount of RF energy at power increasing from an initial power level to a final power level; and if an electrical discharge occurs, stopping RF energy application for a period sufficient to allow the electrical discharge to decay. The method may further include applying to the object a second amount of RF energy after the period ends. The second amount of RF energy may be applied at intermediate power, higher than the initial power level and lower than the final power level.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 6, 2013
    Date of Patent: April 10, 2018
    Assignee: GOJI LIMITED
    Inventors: Ben Zickel, Eliezer Gelbart
  • Patent number: 8966781
    Abstract: An equipment rack system includes a plurality of holders at least including a pair of first holders, a pair of second holders, a pair of third holders, a pair of fourth holders, and a pair of fifth holders, a base; a vertical column have a first end and a second end; a valve; and a powerer. Each pair of first holders, the pair of second holders, the pair of third holders, the pair of fourth holders, and the pair of fifth holders comprise fluid apertures about their lengths. The equipment is placed on the pair of first holders, the pair of second holders, the pair of third holders, the pair of fourth holders, and the pair of fifth holders on the equipment rack during an in-use condition to sanitize and air dry equipment to neutralize odors, and eliminate bacteria, and germs.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 27, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 3, 2015
    Inventor: Bruce McKernan
  • Publication number: 20150007445
    Abstract: A heating device (124) for heating particles to be freeze-dried in a rotary drum (102) of a freeze-dryer (100) is provided, the device comprising at least one radiation emitter (202) for applying radiation heat to the particles, and a tube-shaped separator (204) for separating the particles from the at least one emitter (202). The separator (202) being integrally closed at one end and separating an emitter volume (206) encompassing the at least one emitter (202) from a drum process volume (126) inside the drum (102), wherein the heating device (124) protrudes into the drum process volume (126) such that said integrally closed end of the separator (204) is arranged inside the drum (102) as a free end.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 4, 2012
    Publication date: January 8, 2015
    Inventors: Thomas Gebhard, Roland Kasier, Matthias Plitzko, Manfred Struschka, Bernhard Luy
  • Patent number: 8739432
    Abstract: A drying apparatus for drying sports pads or apparel is provided. The drying apparatus may include a first member and a second member. The first member may be aligned substantially perpendicular to the second member and slid into the second member to form the drying apparatus. The drying apparatus may be inserted into the sports pads or a portion of the apparel to permit air to flow throughout the innards of the sports pads or apparel, thereby facilitating the drying of the sports pads or apparel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 2, 2012
    Date of Patent: June 3, 2014
    Inventor: Stephen N. Rydinsky
  • Publication number: 20140020857
    Abstract: A method for making a dry pulp comprising the steps of (i) forming a dispersion in water of a pulp comprising polymeric fibers having a tenacity of at least 20 g/dtex, (ii) filtering the dispersion to form a mass of wet pulp having a solids content of from 5 to 60%, (iii) freezing the wet pulp until the mass is at least 95% frozen, (iv) subliming the water from the frozen mass by subjecting the frozen mass to vacuum of less than 4.5 Torr until the final moisture content of the pulp is no greater than 5% and (v) warming the pulp to ambient temperature under vacuum.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 18, 2012
    Publication date: January 23, 2014
    Applicant: E I DU PONT DE NEMOURS AND COMPANY
    Inventor: Mark F. Teasley
  • Patent number: 8341854
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 10, 2009
    Date of Patent: January 1, 2013
    Assignee: Ulvac, Inc.
    Inventors: Seiji Ogata, Kyuzo Nakamura, Katsuhiko Itou, Takashi Hanamoto, Masaki Itou
  • Publication number: 20120304483
    Abstract: An apparatus for freeze drying a substrate is provided. A chamber for receiving a substrate is provided. An electrostatic chuck (ESC) for supporting and electrostatically clamping the substrate is within the chamber. A temperature controller controls the temperature of the electrostatic chuck. A condenser is connected to the chamber. A vacuum pump is in fluid connection with the chamber.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 13, 2011
    Publication date: December 6, 2012
    Applicant: LAM RESEARCH CORPORATION
    Inventors: Stephen M. Sirard, Diane Hymes, Alan M. Schoepp
  • Patent number: 8322046
    Abstract: A method of manufacturing heat-sensitive pharmaceutical powder is disclosed. The original pharmaceutical substances are dissolved in a solution or suspended in a suspension, which is sprayed through an atomizing nozzle and frozen in a cold gas phase or liquid nitrogen atomized directly in the spray-freeze chamber or gas jacket at the same time (for cooling purposes). The particles are freeze-dried at roughly atmospheric pressure in a down-stream fluid flow with exit filter thereby to remove moisture entrapped on or inside the frozen particles. The system has applicability for forming other powders.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 18, 2008
    Date of Patent: December 4, 2012
    Inventors: Zhaolin Wang, Warren H. Finlay
  • Publication number: 20100132212
    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.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 16, 2007
    Publication date: June 3, 2010
    Inventors: Michael Coates, Iaian Robert Whitlow, Terry Anderson
  • Patent number: 7607860
    Abstract: The invention relates to a method and a movable apparatus for utilizing microwave energy to dry materials (optionally with sterilization) by the direct application of bifurcated out-of-phase microwave energy.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 16, 2005
    Date of Patent: October 27, 2009
    Inventor: John F. Novak
  • Publication number: 20080172902
    Abstract: A process of freeze drying of an essentially aqueous solution comprising at least one first step having a first temperature and pressure level (i.e. primary drying phase) and at least one second step having a second temperature and pressure level (i.e. secondary drying phase) following the first step, wherein in the secondary drying phase limited desorption energy input is applied.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 19, 2007
    Publication date: July 24, 2008
    Applicant: Octapharma AG
    Inventors: Gerhard Gruber, Anton Reschny
  • Publication number: 20030185894
    Abstract: A process for producing nanoparticles of paclitaxel and albumin having antitumor properties, by which a mixture obtained by adding paclitaxel in powder form to an aqueous solution of albumin with chloroform is subjected to high pressure homogenization treatment.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 10, 2003
    Publication date: October 2, 2003
    Applicant: ACS DOBFAR S.p.A.
    Inventors: Maurizio Zenoni, Simone Maschio
  • Patent number: 6606800
    Abstract: The electrical hair treatment appliance (1) includes an electrically controlled hair treatment device, preferably including infrared emitter elements (20), and an operator control panel (2) rigidily attached to the hair treatment device. The operator control panel (2) includes a receptacle (5) rigidly attached to the hair treatment device, an operator control and display device (3) mounted in the receptacle (5) so as to rotate in the receptacle and an electrical connection (6) for electrically connecting between the operator control and display device (3) and the receptacle (5). The rotatable operator control and display device (3) preferably includes buttons for setting and adjusting operating parameters of the hair treatment device and has a circular face (4). The electrical connection (6) may include a flat cable (7), such as a stranded flat cable or a flexible electrical conductor track foil.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 13, 2001
    Date of Patent: August 19, 2003
    Assignee: Wella AG
    Inventors: Peter Anthes, Detlef Mattinger
  • Patent number: 6564471
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 12, 2001
    Date of Patent: May 20, 2003
    Assignee: S. P. Industries, Inc., The Virtis Division
    Inventors: David T. Sutherland, Miriam Blednick
  • Patent number: 6543155
    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
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 20, 2002
    Date of Patent: April 8, 2003
    Assignee: National Agricultural Research Organization
    Inventor: Akira Horigane
  • Patent number: 6543154
    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
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 17, 2001
    Date of Patent: April 8, 2003
    Assignee: National Agricultural Research Organization
    Inventor: Akira Horigane
  • Patent number: 6311409
    Abstract: The present invention provides methods and apparatus for freeze drying in which a solution, which can be a radioactive salt dissolved within an acid, is frozen into a solid on vertical plates provided within a freeze drying chamber. The solid is sublimated into vapor and condensed in a cold condenser positioned above the freeze drying chamber and connected thereto by a conduit. The vertical positioning of the cold condenser relative to the freeze dryer helps to help prevent substances such as radioactive materials separated from the solution from contaminating the cold condenser. Additionally, the system can be charged with an inert gas to produce a down rush of gas into the freeze drying chamber to also help prevent such substances from contaminating the cold condenser.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 22, 1999
    Date of Patent: November 6, 2001
    Assignee: The BOC Group, Inc.
    Inventors: Nicholas V. Coppa, Paul Stewart, Ernesto Renzi
  • Patent number: 6225611
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 15, 1999
    Date of Patent: May 1, 2001
    Assignee: Hull Corporation
    Inventors: Timothy E. Pearcy, Ronald R. Lentz
  • Patent number: 5996248
    Abstract: The present invention provides methods and apparatus for freeze drying in which a solution, which can be a radioactive salt dissolved within an acid, is frozen into a solid on vertical plates provided within a freeze drying chamber. The solid is sublimated into vapor and condensed in a cold condenser positioned above the freeze drying chamber and connected thereto by a conduit. The vertical positioning of the cold condenser relative to the freeze dryer helps to help prevent substances such as radioactive materials separated from the solution from contaminating the cold condenser. Additionally, the system can be charged with an inert gas to produce a down rush of gas into the freeze drying chamber to also help prevent such substances from contaminating the cold condenser.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 19, 1996
    Date of Patent: December 7, 1999
    Assignee: The BOC Group, Inc.
    Inventors: Nicholas V. Coppa, Paul Stewart, Ernesto Renzi
  • Patent number: 5688333
    Abstract: A method of washing and drying of discrete components in bulk, wherein the components are washed with a cleaning liquid and the wet components are dried in a freeze-drying process by bringing the wet components to a temperature below the melting point of the cleaning liquid, so that the cleaning liquid becomes a solid substance, and by evaporating the solid substance through introduction of the components and the solid substance into a space having a pressure lower than the vapour pressure of the solid substance.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 27, 1995
    Date of Patent: November 18, 1997
    Assignee: U.S. Philips Corporation
    Inventor: Peter J.E. Schelwald
  • Patent number: 5505007
    Abstract: Fiber reinforced structural components, such as panels with honeycomb cores sandwiched between at least two outer skin layers are dried to remove moisture that may have entered into the interior of the structure. For this purpose the component is cooled in a cooling environment below the freezing point to about -5.degree. to -20.degree. C. and then exposed to a reduced pressure of less than 0.5 mbar. Under these drying conditions moisture is driven out of the component by sublimation so that the moisture does not pass through the liquid phase. The drying time may be reduced by a temperature increase to 80.degree.-100.degree. C. while maintaining the low pressure. The freezing increases the capillary action for the moisture removal. However, for an increased efficiency in the moisture removal small diameter holes, e.g. 0.1 mm bores, may be drilled into the component to facilitate the moisture escape. After drying is complete the holes are closed again e.g. by laminating further cover sheets to the component.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 15, 1994
    Date of Patent: April 9, 1996
    Assignee: Daimler-Benz Aerospace Airbus GmbH
    Inventor: Bernd Raeckers
  • Patent number: 5428905
    Abstract: The invention relates to a process for the regulation of lyophilization in which the evaporative flux--that is to say, the output of evaporated water transferred on the trap (4)--is measured in a continuous manner, and action is carried out at the temperature of the racks (2) in order to reach, as close as possible, a predetermined optimal flux.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 11, 1993
    Date of Patent: July 4, 1995
    Inventors: Guy Beurel, Serge Beurel, Gilles Beurel
  • Patent number: 5398426
    Abstract: The invention relates to a process and apparatus for desiccation in which the exterior walls of the apparatus are heated and cooled in synchronization with the interior of the apparatus to avoid temperature gradients and inconsistent desiccation of material placed within the apparatus. The apparatus wall temperature regulating means also allows for more accurate sterilization of the apparatus after the desiccation process has been completed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 29, 1993
    Date of Patent: March 21, 1995
    Assignee: Societe' De Gestion Et De Diffusion North America, Inc.
    Inventor: John T. Connor