Abstract: Disclosed are an apparatus and method of manufacturing an oxide film having a uniform composition and thickness. The apparatus includes a lower chamber including a reaction space, a susceptor to support a substrate, a chamber lid including gas injection ports, a gas distribution module between the chamber lid and the susceptor and connected to the gas injection ports, a first source container module comprising a first source gas having a first vapor pressure, a first carrier gas supply module supplying a first carrier gas to the first source container module, a second source container module comprising a second source gas having a second vapor pressure, a force gas supply module supplying a force gas, and a reactant gas supply module supplying a reactant gas.

Abstract: Various embodiments of freeze dryers and drying processes are disclosed that can be used to dry materials with low water content (no more than 20 wt % water) and/or high sugar content (at least 20 wt % sugar). Such materials include candy, confections, and the like. In one embodiment, a drying process includes drying the materials without freezing them. In another embodiment, a drying process includes warming the materials before drying them. In another embodiment, a drying process includes drying two batches of materials with low water content sequentially without defrosting the interior of freeze dryer.

Abstract: Various embodiments of freeze dryers and drying processes are disclosed that can be used to dry materials with low water content (no more than 20 wt % water) and/or high sugar content (at least 20 wt % sugar). Such materials include candy, confections, and the like. In one embodiment, a drying process includes drying the materials without freezing them. In another embodiment, a drying process includes warming the materials before drying them. In another embodiment, a drying process includes drying two batches of materials with low water content sequentially without defrosting the interior of freeze dryer.

Abstract: A method for thawing of a transport transporting bulk material includes providing water vapor, introducing water vapor into a thawing chamber. The transport transporting bulk material and to be thawed is at least partially located in the thawing chamber. Air loaded with the water vapor and having a preset dew point temperature TT is generated in the thawing chamber, and the dew point temperature TT is adapted to the transport transporting bulk material.

Abstract: Various embodiments of freeze dryers and drying processes are disclosed that can be used to dry materials with low water content (no more than 20 wt % water) and/or high sugar content (at least 20 wt % sugar). Such materials include candy, confections, and the like. In one embodiment, a drying process includes drying the materials without freezing them. In another embodiment, a drying process includes warming the materials before drying them. In another embodiment, a drying process includes drying two batches of materials with low water content sequentially without defrosting the interior of freeze dryer.

Abstract: Methods and apparatuses for drying electronic devices are disclosed.

Abstract: In one general aspect, a method for filling multiple containers with a pharmaceutical product is disclosed, which comprises decontaminating sealed nested materials in a transfer chamber, removing from the sealed nested materials one or both of a container nest holding the multiple containers and a closure nest holding multiple closures, transferring from the transfer chamber to a controlled environment enclosure the removed nest, aseptically filling the containers with the pharmaceutical product, and closing the containers with the multiple closures. The nests are configured to allow multiple closures and containers to be simultaneously aligned concentrically, and closed simultaneously. Spring-loaded retaining structures on the closure nest allow it to releasably retain multiple closures above the corresponding multiple containers. In some embodiments the spring-loaded features are monolithically integrated with the closure nest.

Abstract: Methods and apparatuses for drying electronic devices are disclosed.

Abstract: A method for producing stable and bioavailable Actinidia deliciosa powder from kiwifruit, including drying kiwifruit pulp to form dried pulp, separately drying kiwifruit skin to form a dried skin, measuring the insoluble fiber content of the dried pulp and the dried skin, and making a blend by adding the dried skin to the dried pulp in an amount to obtain an insoluble fiber content of 10-15% in the blend. The Actinidia deliciosa powder is free of artificial additives, anti-caking agents, or flow agents and has a moisture content of less than about 2.5%.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device and a method for freeze-drying products, wherein products are arranged in a drying chamber (2) for a freeze-drying process, wherein energy is supplied to the products arranged in the drying chamber (2) by means of microwaves at least during some parts of the freeze-drying process, and wherein the microwaves are generated by at least one microwave module (6) based on semiconductor technology. The invention also relates to the use of a microwave module (6) based on semiconductor technology in a freeze-drying process.

Abstract: Disclosed herein, in certain embodiments, are vacuum-based systems, products, devices, and methods for de-odorizing, disinfecting, or cleaning articles such as clothing, shoes, toys, or dishes. A system or device can comprise a vacuum chamber comprising a housing defining an internal space having an internal pressure and an opening; a vacuum lid adapted to engage with the opening of the vacuum chamber; and a vacuum source connected to the vacuum chamber, wherein operation of the vacuum source reduces the internal pressure of the internal space of the vacuum chamber, wherein the lower internal pressure enhances the vaporization and removal of odors located on one or more articles disposed within the vacuum chamber.

Abstract: System and methods related to lyophilization of pharmaceutical products are disclosed. In some embodiments, vials of product are moved through a system using one or more movers which are electromagnetically levitated and moved through the system without making mechanical contact with each other or the system. Load lock chambers may allow a mover to enter from one process region's environment and then be brought to an environment condition of the next process region to allow materials to be passed through conditioning, nucleation, and/or vacuum drying regions prior to finally exit the system to an unloading zone. The movers may then be cleaned or reloaded with vials to begin the process again with a new load of vials.

Abstract: A freeze-drying apparatus includes a freeze-drying chamber in which an object to be dried using water as a solvent is disposed, a collection chamber provided with a cold trap which connects with the freeze-drying chamber to condense and collect water vapor generated from the object to be dried, measuring devices which measure a state quantity of at least one of the object to be dried, an inside of the freeze-drying chamber, and an inside of the collection chamber, and a determining unit which determines a water vapor mass flow rate based on the state quantity measured by each measuring device, in which the determining unit has measurement models performed to observe the water vapor mass flow rate, and while each measuring device measures the state quantity, a set based on which the water vapor mass flow rate is determined with superiority at the time of the determination is selected.

Abstract: The invention relates to a drying device for drying a product comprising: a housing having a drying chamber, a product inlet at a first end and an product outlet at a second end; a drying rotor arranged rotatable within the drying chamber and having at least one helical groove at the outer surface thereof; a screw having a flight with a flight channel there between and arranged rotatable within the drying chamber and substantially parallel to the drying rotor; a driving mechanism configured for driving the screw in rotation around a screw axis; and a heater for providing thermal energy to the drying chamber, wherein the drying rotor and/or the screw at least are configured for moving the product from the first end to the second end, and such that the flight of the screw engages into the at least one helical groove of the drying rotor.

Abstract: An object of the present invention is to provide a new freeze-dried article that is easy to handle and a producing method thereof. A freeze-dried structure of the present invention includes a freeze-dried article and a support member, wherein the support member has an embedded region and a protruding region, the embedded region of the support member is embedded in the internal portion of the freeze-dried article, and the protruding region of the support member protrudes outward from the freeze-dried article.

Abstract: The invention relates to a sensor positioning device for use on a vial in a lyophilisation process, a sensor unit including such a device, and a method of mounting a sensor in a stopper for a vial. The sensor positioning device comprises a stopper for closing an opening in a neck of the vial. A cable passage is provided in the stopper and has a first passage section extending through a first part of the stopper. A second passage section is provided between the first passage section and an outer rim and a sub-section thereof extends away from an exterior surface and is located at a distance from the first passage section in a direction parallel to the exterior surface. In the sensor unit at least two bends are provided on the cable. The invention also relates to a sensor positioning device comprising a stopper, a spacer and a connector.

Abstract: Lyophilization methods for preparing protein formulations for long-term storage at room temperature or improved stability at refrigeration storage are provided. Specifically, the present application provides lyophilization methods to obtain a target percentage of residual moisture of a lyophilized product, such as 3-5% residual moisture. The secondary drying of the lyophilization can be conducted under controlling rate of desorption under a temperature which is similar to the shelf temperature of the primary drying. Alternatively, the lyophilization can be conducted without a distinguished secondary drying step.

Abstract: In a device for depositing graphene, carbon nano-tubes or other, in particular carbon-contained coatings on a strip-shaped substrate, the substrate enters a reactor housing through an inlet opening and is transported in a transport direction through a process area that is tempered by a tempering device, before being exiting the reactor housing through an outlet opening. Heat-transport-inhibiting means are arranged between the process area and the inlet opening and/or the outlet opening by means of which a heat transport from the process area to the inlet opening or the outlet opening is reduced. Guide elements are also provided in order to guide the substrate into and out of regions directly adjacent to the inlet and outlet openings.

Abstract: Provided is a multi-part lyophilization container for lyophilizing a fluid, storing the lyophilizate, reconstituting the lyophilizate, and infusing the reconstituted lyophilizate into a patient, including a method of using same. The container includes a front surface, a back surface, a non-breathable section including a port region, a breathable section including a breathable membrane, and a peelable region including a peelable seal encompassing a boundary between the non-breathable section and the breathable section. The method includes inputting a fluid into a non-breathable section of the container, freezing the fluid, applying, in a lyophilization chamber, vacuum pressure, opening the peelable seal using a pressure differential, applying heat energy, sublimating the fluid and creating a temporary occlusion in a peelable region of the container.

Abstract: In an embodiment a device includes a housing with at least a first housing part, a second housing part and an interior space at least partially surrounded by the first and second housing parts and a sealing element, wherein the first housing part includes a first sealing surface and the second housing part includes a second sealing surface, wherein the sealing element abuts the first sealing surface and the second sealing surface, wherein the sealing element has an inner surface in contact with the interior space and an outer surface in contact with a surrounding atmosphere of the housing, and wherein the sealing element includes a material through which gas is exchangeable between the interior space and the surrounding atmosphere.

Abstract: A selectively sealable evacuable storage bag comprises a first side comprising a flexible waterproof bag material having a peripheral shape, a thickness, an inner surface and an outer surface; an opposed second side of the bag material comprising a mirror image of the first side in corresponding engagement with the first side; a waterproof weld joining the first side to the second side and defining an opening and a storage chamber extending between them, the opening configured to receive an article; a valve disposed on the first side or the second side, the valve disposed in a conduit attached to respective side and extending from a conduit opening to an outlet opening; and a selectively openable and closable seal disposed proximate the opening and providing a watertight, dust tight, and airtight seal in a closed condition, wherein in the closed condition the storage chamber is evacuable.

Abstract: There is provided a technique that includes: a first processing module including a first process container in which at least one substrate is processed, a first utility system including a first supply system which supplies a first processing gas into the first process container and a surface of the first utility system is connected or arranged close to the first processing module; and a first vacuum pump arranged at the same level as a first exhaust port of the first process container. The first vacuum pump exhausts an inside of the first process container and includes a first intake port formed laterally at a position substantially facing the first exhaust port of the first process container. A first exhaust pipe configured to substantially linearly bring the first exhaust port into fluid communication with the first intake port and including a first valve installed in a flow path.

Abstract: Provided is disclosure for embodiments providing delivery of chemicals for conditioning a brush offline, where the brush is not coupled to a machine that makes use of the brush to clean a surface of an object.

Abstract: The present invention includes a spray drying disposable device for use in a spray drying system. The disposable has a spray drying head and a plasma drying chamber. The head has a spray dry nozzle assembly in fluid communication with the plasma source and the pressurized aerosol gas source. The pressurized gas flows in a vortex pattern that atomizes plasma droplets in the chamber. The head also includes a plenum has uniform air pressure of the drying gas. A baffle plate forms the floor of the plenum having drying gas jets that supply drying gas to the chamber. The atomized plasma droplets evaporate in the presence of the drying gas emitted from the jets to obtain dried plasma particles and humid air. A capture filter captures the dried plasma particles and allows the humid air to pass. The humid air passes through the gas outlet and the exhaust port.

Abstract: There is provided a system (1) including a monitoring unit (50) that analyzes, using a sensor (51), components of a first gas which may include first components and a pre-separation unit (30) disposed upstream of the monitoring unit. The pre-separation unit includes a first supply line (31) that supplies the first gas (35) to the monitoring unit; a second supply line (32) that supplies a second gas (36), which includes components obtained by removing the first components from the first gas using a first separator (40), to the monitoring unit; and an automatic valve station (38) that periodically switches between the first supply line and the second supply line to alternately supply the first gas and the second gas to the monitoring unit.

Abstract: A safety system, under the control of an operator, used for venting toxic or hazardous gas and vapors from a work space. The safety system includes a control system, programmed by a computer, a control panel, a human machine interface (HMI), a gas detector, and an alarm. The HMI is adapted for use by the operator and for operating the safety system. The safety system includes a mechanical solvent, or gas (CO2) based, chemical extraction system, used for extracting oils from oil-bearing plants. The extraction system, comprising a solvent recovery system, is attached to and under the control of the control system. The safety system includes a ventilation system attached to, and under the control of, the control system. The ventilation system is used for venting the gas and vapors from the work space.

Abstract: Transfer ports for confinement gloveboxes may include a flange sized and shaped to be secured within an opening in a wall of a glovebox. A sleeve may be secured to the flange and define a passage through the flange. A first cap may be removably secured to the sleeve on a first side of the flange and obstruct the passage on the first side. A second cap may be removably secured to the sleeve on a second, opposite side of the flange and obstruct the passage on the second side.

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.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides a method for cleaning a vacuum system used in the manufacture of OLED devices. The method includes performing pre-cleaning for cleaning at least a portion of the vacuum system, and performing plasma cleaning using a remote plasma source.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for a low pressure laundry treating appliance having a cabinet defining an interior, and a drum provided within the interior, the drum including at least an inner wall and an outer wall. Pressure differentiations and flash evaporation can enable drying without excess use of conventional heating methods.

Abstract: Provided is a loading tray assembly for housing a lyophilization container and a related system and method. The loading tray assembly includes a chassis including a contact void configured to facilitate direct contact between the attached lyophilization container and a lyophilizer shelf. The method includes securing a multi-part lyophilization container including a peelable seal on a lyophilization loading tray assembly, inputting a liquid into a non-breathable section of the lyophilization container, loading the tray assembly into a lyophilizer, freezing the liquid, applying heat energy and a vacuum, the vacuum causing an opening of the peelable seal and occluding the lyophilization container to isolate the frozen liquid.

Abstract: Disclosed herein, in certain embodiments, are vacuum-based systems, products, devices, and methods for de-odorizing, disinfecting, or cleaning articles such as clothing, shoes, toys, or dishes. A system or device can comprise a vacuum chamber comprising an housing defining an internal space having an internal pressure and an opening; a vacuum lid adapted to engage with the opening of the vacuum chamber; and a vacuum source connected to the vacuum chamber, wherein operation of the vacuum source reduces the internal pressure of the internal space of the vacuum chamber, wherein the lower internal pressure enhances the vaporization and removal of odors located on one or more articles disposed within the vacuum chamber.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for lyophilization, the apparatus includes a block made from a conductive material. The block has multiple wells dimensioned to receive containers wherein the depth of the wells is proportional to the length of the containers. A silicone pad covers the well and can secure the containers in the well. A metal plate can secure the silicone pad by fastening it to the block. The silicone plate and the metal plate can have vents to allow vapors from the containers to escape. The apparatus can be turned up to 90 degrees resulting in the turning of the containers from an upright position to a horizontal position. The container can be a syringe.

Abstract: A material drying system provides for consistent and efficient drying of organic materials, such as cannabis. In certain embodiments, a partial vacuum drying system is used to dry the materials and includes a container, a heating system, a depressurization system, and a control system. Air in the container is heated to within a range of temperatures and a low vacuum is applied to assist with evaporation. In addition, the volume flow rate of air pulled out of the container is monitored and maintained at a predetermined rate, which pulls moisture away from the materials so as to prevent degradation of the materials during the drying process while also reducing drying time. A relatively high air volume flow rate is maintained at low pressure by adjusting the area of an opening in the chamber.

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.

Abstract: Gas distribution apparatus, processing chambers and methods using a dead volume-free valve are described. The valve has a first inlet line with upstream and downstream ends and a second inlet line with a downstream end that connects to the first inlet line. A sealing surface at the downstream end of the second inlet line separates the first inlet line from the second inlet line preventing fluid communication between the first inlet line and the second inlet line.

Abstract: The invention relates to a freeze-drying system for drying products containing liquid and to a method for operating a freeze-drying system, said freeze-drying system having a vacuum chamber, in which at least one holding device for holding the products containing liquid is inserted, a coolable condenser being provided, on which liquid drawn from the product in a drying phase can be condensed from a vapor phase. According to the invention, at least one sound generator is arranged on the holding device, by means of which sound generator sound can be applied to the product during the drying phase.

Abstract: An improved stabilization buffer for use in the lyophilization of Neospora and other protozoans is disclosed. Also disclosed is an improved lyophilization method, which includes controlling ice nucleation during the freezing step.

Abstract: The invention relates to containers for the drying, especially the freeze-drying, of material. In particular, the invention relates to a lid of a drying container, said lid enabling to close the container body of the drying container so as to avoid i) contamination of the material to be dried inside the container and ii) spills of airborne solid particles of said material from the container to the environment. The lid comprises a lower and an upper frame with a vapor permeable sheet positioned in between. The invention further provides methods for the drying, especially the freeze-drying, of material.

Abstract: In a system and method for controlling a freeze drying process, a diagnostics server (718) is connected for receiving time series data from a freeze drying system (710, 711). The diagnostics server uses a tuned freeze drying system mathematical model to analyze the time series data to predict a system event, and alter the freeze drying process. An analytics server (730) is connected for secure communication with the diagnostics server, and creates and tunes the freeze drying system mathematical model. An equipment provider service and diagnostic cloud (735) may apply learning algorithms to the time series data to enhance diagnostic tools and provide predictive maintenance and diagnostic services to the operator of the first production sites using the diagnostic tools.

Abstract: The disclosure in some aspects relates to systems and related methods for the continuous freeze-drying of materials (e.g., pharmaceuticals) with high speed and control.

Abstract: Freeze-drying methods and systems include performing a constant-pressure drying phase in a chamber, where a temperature of a heating tray increases. A constant-temperature drying phase is performed in the chamber, where a pressure in the chamber decreases. Additional phases alternate between constant-pressure drying phases and constant-temperature drying phases. The alternating drying phases are halted, responsive to a determination that the temperature of the heating tray has reached a maximum temperature.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are embodiments of an energy recovery system for a freeze-drying system. In some embodiments, the freeze-drying system includes a freeze dryer chamber having one or more shelves disposed therein; a refrigeration system comprising a refrigerant condenser; a heat exchanger; a first fluid line to thermally couple the refrigerant condenser to the heat exchanger; and a second fluid line to thermally couple the one or more shelves to the heat exchanger.

Abstract: Embodiments of methods, systems, and apparatuses for lyophilizing, storing, and transfusing materials are described. In embodiments, the materials may include whole blood or a component of whole blood such as plasma.

Abstract: A carrier for supporting containers such as syringes or cartridges in a lyophilization chamber during lyophilization of substances contained therein, comprises a base assembly with an array of holes for receiving the containers. Each hole includes a heat-conductive metal portion for engagement with lower parts of the container held therein and a relatively non-conductive polymeric portion surrounding a portion of the container above the lower portion for enhancing the vertical growth of relatively large ice crystals. An upper part of the carrier supported above the base assembly includes a plunger-holding plate for frictionally holding elastomeric plungers and a pusher plate movable toward the plunger-holding plate and having protrusions for pushing the plungers out of the plunger-holding plate and into the containers before the containers are removed from the chamber.

Abstract: The invention relates to a freeze dryer and a method for inducing controlled nucleation in liquid products.

Abstract: A concentrated fruit juice powder obtained by a convection current vacuum freeze drying process that includes: selecting and preparing fruits by predetermined quality guideline; extracting fruit juice by inserting the fruits into a screw press juicing apparatus having a precutter and a screw press whose body surface varies non-linearly, which is configured to achieve a maximum extraction efficiency; adding probiotics into the extracted fruit juice; freezing the fruit juice mixed with the probiotics in molds using an individual quick freezer (IQF) to obtain frozen fruit juice blocks; and vacuum freezing the frozen fruit juice blocks using a convection current vacuum freeze drying apparatus.

Abstract: A partial pressure detector and methods of detecting a partial pressure are provided, in which a thermal conductivity gauge, such as a Pirani gauge, is configured to sense a pressure of a mixture of gases within a vacuum chamber. An input of the partial pressure detector is configured to receive a total pressure reading from a species-independent pressure sensor of the mixture of gases in the vacuum chamber, and a controller configured to provide an output representing an amount of a species of gas in the vacuum chamber as a function of the pressure as sensed by the thermal conductivity gauge and the received total pressure reading. The controller has a resolution, and a range of the resolution is scaled to a range of expected partial pressures of the species. The output can be a partial pressure or a weighted partial pressure of the gas species.

Abstract: A device for drying organic substances under vacuum and altered temperature conditions, e.g. to extract particulates from the substance without significant damage to the substance. The device can contain a hollow vacuum oven to dry the organic substance. The substance is placed on the shelves in the vacuum chamber and the heaters below the shelves maintain the temperature uniformity to evenly heat the substance on the shelf. A vacuum feedthrough is connected on one side of the shelf for desired flow of the substance and the shelves themselves can be tilted for even drying. The vacuum pump, which can be used in high vacuum mode or gas flow mode then removes the particulates that evaporated from the substance and the condenser collects and condenses the unwanted or wanted particulates.

Abstract: A rotary vacuum drum drying system is described. The system may include a plurality of sensors and a control system operatively coupled with the plurality of sensors. The control system includes a processing device to receive, from the plurality of sensors, a plurality of parameters of the rotary vacuum drum drying system and transmit, to a client device, the plurality of parameters of the rotary vacuum drum drying system. The processing device is further to receive, from the client device, a message comprising an adjustment one or more parameters of the plurality of parameters and adjust the one or more parameters of the plurality of parameters based on the received message.