For Treating Container Or Covers Therefor Patents (Class 422/302)
  • Patent number: 11930985
    Abstract: The present invention is an apparatus and a green and economical method for washing and sanitizing cookware including pots, pans and containers suitable for all types of cookware, wherein the washing and sanitization method is a two stage process involving utilization of cold water jet for washing of utensils and heating water for sanitization of the cookware without the use of detergents or chemicals.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 1, 2020
    Date of Patent: March 19, 2024
    Inventors: David Ben-David, Yair Gordin
  • Patent number: 11666899
    Abstract: A safety cabinet includes an operation stage on which an operation is performed, an operation space in which an operator performs the operation, a front panel disposed in front of the operation space, an operation opening connected to the operation space, exhausting means that suctions air from the operation opening and exhausts air in the operation space outside the safety cabinet through air purifying means, and visualizing means that visualizes an air flow in the operation space.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 23, 2019
    Date of Patent: June 6, 2023
    Assignee: Hitachi Industrial Equipment Systems Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Takeshi Kaneko, Takahiro Kashima
  • Patent number: 11643317
    Abstract: To make a sterilization step appropriate in an aseptic filling apparatus. Provided is an aseptic filling apparatus including a step of sterilizing a preform and a step of sterilizing a container obtained by molding the preform, wherein assuming sterilization effects in the respective sterilization steps as X [LRV] and Y [LRV], a relationship of 5?X+Y?10 (where Y?0) is established.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 6, 2018
    Date of Patent: May 9, 2023
    Assignee: Dai Nippon Printing Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Atsushi Hayakawa, Yuiko Wada
  • Patent number: 11413364
    Abstract: A top load device for disinfecting a container, such as a security bin for use in an airport, the device configured to store a stack of contaminated containers, wherein the device separates and releases a single container into an interior of a housing for disinfection. The housing comprises a conveyor that moves the container through the interior of the housing from an initial location to an exit of the housing, wherein the container is disinfected or sanitized with electromagnetic wavelength as it moves through the interior of the housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 7, 2021
    Date of Patent: August 16, 2022
    Assignee: Steribin, LLC
    Inventors: Wayne A. Provost, Jonathan M. Cole, Jeffrey Stewart
  • Patent number: 11183046
    Abstract: In an apparatus for hazardous chemical detection in a microwave oven, a microwave oven comprises an electromagnetic wave shielding material, at least one chemiresistor, a microcontroller, and a digital display, wherein the at least one chemiresistor is overlaid by the electromagnetic wave shielding material, and the microcontroller is electronically coupled to the digital display. In an approach to detect the release of a hazardous chemical during a cooking cycle in a microwave oven, a processor receives a reading from at least one chemiresistor, wherein the at least one chemiresistor is configured to detect a chemical. A processor determines whether a pre-set threshold is met. In response to the pre-set threshold being met, a processor sends an alert.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 26, 2019
    Date of Patent: November 23, 2021
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: John S. Werner, Kavita Sehgal, Diane Marie Stamboni, Sneha Mary Varghese, Nicholas George Danyluk, Sarah Wu
  • Patent number: 10746459
    Abstract: Vacuum cooling assemblies for cooling a beverage are disclosed herein. In an embodiment, the vacuum cooling assembly may include a container compartment, a container disposed within the container compartment, and at least one beverage supply line in communication with the container compartment. The at least one beverage supply line may be configured to supply the beverage to the container within the container compartment. The vacuum cooling assembly also may include at least one vapor trap in communication with the container compartment. Moreover, the vacuum cooling assembly may include a vacuum pump in communication with the at least one vapor trap. The vacuum pump may be configured to create a vacuum in the at least one vapor trap and the container compartment, causing at least a portion of the beverage to evaporate, thereby vacuum cooling the beverage within the container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 30, 2015
    Date of Patent: August 18, 2020
    Assignee: THE COCA-COLA COMPANY
    Inventors: Jurgen Roekens, Abram C. Knip, Jacobus P. M. Dessing
  • Patent number: 10717104
    Abstract: A coating system and related method for coating a part. The coating system having a process tank filled with a fluid coating material to a fluid coating level and an inert gas blanket formed above the fluid coating level. The coating system also having a process tank conveyor to support a part to be coated. The process tank conveyor having a submerge section which transfers the part through the inert gas blanket and below the fluid coating level, a coating residence section which maintains the part submerged below the fluid coating level for a coating period, a coating removal section which raises the part above the fluid coating level but below the inert gas blanket level, and an inert gas blanket residence section which maintains the part within the inert gas blanket level but above the fluid coating level for a drying period.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 26, 2018
    Date of Patent: July 21, 2020
    Assignee: METOKOTE CORPORATION
    Inventors: Brent A. Schwartz, Danielle N. Meienburg, Todd A. Hermiller, David J. McNamara, Dennis J. Siefer
  • Patent number: 9039990
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a ventilator autoclave comprising a chamber (1) with a space (5) for receiving goods (18) to be sterilized, at least one fan arrangement (2) for circulating steam and/or air in said chamber, and at least one first heat exchanger arrangement (11) for cooling and/or heating said steam and/or air, wherein said fan arrangement is arranged and configured to circulate said steam and/or air in said chamber (1), wherein said chamber (1) is configured such that said steam and/or air that is circulated in said chamber (1) follows a flow path passing at least a part of said first heat exchanger arrangement (11) before reaching said goods (18) to be sterilized, wherein said autoclave further comprises at least one second heat exchanger arrangement (19) that is provided upstream of said first heat exchanger arrangement (11) in said flow path, and wherein said second heat exchanger arrangement (19) is provided at such a distance from the periphery of said fan arrangement (2) that said flow
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 7, 2009
    Date of Patent: May 26, 2015
    Assignee: GETINGE STERILIZATION AB
    Inventor: Bengt Storberg
  • Publication number: 20150023838
    Abstract: A sterilization unit comprises at least one nozzle pipe for injection of a sterilization agent into a packaging container to be sterilized. The sterilization unit is driven to move in an axial direction, in a downward stroke and an upward stroke, corresponding to a longitudinal direction of the nozzle pipe such that it is inserted into an open end of the packaging container during sterilization thereof. The nozzle pipe is suspended such as to be displaceable in relation to the sterilization unit, in the axial direction.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 10, 2013
    Publication date: January 22, 2015
    Inventors: Manoochehr Keikhaee, Rasmus Nyström, Jörgen Riis Mörk
  • Patent number: 8920745
    Abstract: An apparatus for the treatment of plastics material containers includes at least one movable support which is arranged in an isolator room to which a sterilization agent is capable of being supplied. The isolator room is constructed in at least two parts, and a first boundary of the isolator room is fixed in position during a movement of the movable support, while a second boundary of the isolator room is connected to the apparatus in such a way that it is suitable, during a movement of the movable support, for following this movement. The apparatus has at least one device for supplying the sterilization agent into the isolator room. The supplying device is suitable for acting with the sterilization agent upon the parts of the apparatus movable relative to this device and situated inside the isolator room.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 19, 2011
    Date of Patent: December 30, 2014
    Assignee: Krones AG
    Inventor: Klaus Voth
  • Patent number: 8784735
    Abstract: The present invention concerns an apparatus for automatic processing at least one biological sample accommodated on a carrier member, such as a slide by applying a predetermined amount of reagents in a predetermined sequence according to a processing protocol, said apparatus comprising; a housing frame; at least one processing section for accommodating at least one slide, the at least one processing section is provided within the housing; a hood cover protecting the at least one processing section in said housing; wherein the hood cover completely encloses the processing section defining an interior space; and wherein the apparatus further comprises climate control device provided to control the environment within the interior space.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 12, 2013
    Date of Patent: July 22, 2014
    Assignee: Dako Denmark A/S
    Inventors: Lars Winther, Marc Key, Kristopher Buchanan, John Favuzzi, Benno Guggenheimer
  • Patent number: 8685337
    Abstract: The invention relates to a device for sterilizing caps or the like closures for closing bottles or the like containers. Said device comprises a conveyor system conveying the caps in a direction of conveyance through a treatment section having a plurality of successive treatment stations in the direction of conveyance.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 4, 2009
    Date of Patent: April 1, 2014
    Assignee: KHS GmbH
    Inventors: Jörg Beckmann, Alfred Drenguis
  • Patent number: 8668882
    Abstract: A manifold which introduces sterilant aerosol to a sterilization chamber for the disinfection of an article. The manifold defines the terminal portion of a fluid pathway from an aerosol generator to the sterilization chamber and comprises at least one chamber inlet port for introducing aerosol into the sterilizing chamber. The manifold is configured to provide directional aerosol flow tangential to the surface of the article, which is preferably of a known configuration and maintained in a predetermined position with respect to the manifold, such that it does not receive a direct flow of aerosol from the manifold. Preferably, the manifold is U-shaped, or bifurcate and defines a plane and with a chamber inlet ports are directed away from that plane. The chamber inlet ports are preferably paired so they create a circular motion of aerosol that moves around the article. Also sterilization apparatus including the manifold.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 14, 2009
    Date of Patent: March 11, 2014
    Assignee: Saban Ventures Pty Limited
    Inventor: Vladimir Berentsveig
  • Patent number: 8652414
    Abstract: A device for treating containers, with a housing, a sterilization chamber formed within the housing to sterilize the containers, with a transport device which transports the containers along a pre-specified transport path (P) through the sterilization chamber, and with at least one application device which applies a liquid sterilization medium to the containers during their transport through the sterilization chamber. The application device is integrated at least partly in a wall of the sterilization chamber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 15, 2011
    Date of Patent: February 18, 2014
    Assignee: Krones AG
    Inventors: Michael Peter, Michael Weber, Sascha Hackl, Thomas Morawe
  • Publication number: 20140044597
    Abstract: The invention concerns a device, an installation and a method for conveying a hollow body secured to a transport device, comprising a step of injection of a disinfecting fluid through at least one bore designed to pass through said transport device and opening into the inner volume of the hollow body secured to said transport device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 18, 2013
    Publication date: February 13, 2014
    Applicant: SIDEL PARTICIPATIONS
    Inventor: Patrick MIE
  • Publication number: 20140044607
    Abstract: A seal device is provided for sealing intermediate spaces formed between bodies arranged to be relatively movable, wherein the seal device has a resilient, gas-tight main body which is extendable in a peripheral direction and through which a portion of the first of the two bodies is guided, and a first end portion, which fastenable to the second body, and a second end portion, which is settable against the first movable body, wherein the second end portion is movable with respect to the first end portion in a first transverse direction which extends at an angle different from 0° with respect to a longitudinal direction. A sliding seal device, which is applicable to the first movable body so that a relative rotation is made possible between the first body and the second body by a pre-set angle, is arranged on the second end portion of the seal device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 31, 2013
    Publication date: February 13, 2014
    Applicant: KRONES AG
    Inventors: Florian Geltinger, Michael Neubauer
  • Patent number: 8621824
    Abstract: A system for sterilizing bottles with a gaseous sterilant. The system includes moving means for continuously moving bottles one after another along a path. An assembly is provided for distributing a predetermined amount of the gaseous sterilant from a source of gaseous sterilant to each of the bottles. The assembly includes a plurality of injectors that are movable with the bottles. One of the plurality of injectors is associated with each of the bottles. The injector is fluidly connected to the source of gaseous sterilant when the bottle associated with the injector is disposed along a first portion of the path. The injector is disposed above the bottle when the injector is in a first position. The injector is disposed within an interior of the bottle when the injector is in a second position such that the predetermined amount of the gaseous sterilant is conveyed into the interior of the bottle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 28, 2010
    Date of Patent: January 7, 2014
    Assignee: American Sterilizer Company
    Inventors: Thaddeus J. Mielnik, Aaron L. Hill
  • Patent number: 8574491
    Abstract: A unit for sterilizing a web of packaging material for a machine for packaging pourable food products includes a sterilizing chamber containing a liquid sterilizing agent at a first temperature; a conveying device for feeding the web through the sterilizing chamber before the web is formed into a succession of sealed packages of pourable food products; a hold tank for the sterilizing agent; a feed mechanism activated selectively to feed the sterilizing agent from the tank to the sterilizing chamber; a drain activated selectively to drain the sterilizing agent from the sterilizing chamber into the tank in the event of stoppage of the packaging machine; and a cooling device activated selectively, at the end of the package production cycle, to cool the sterilizing agent in the tank to a second temperature lower than the first temperature.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 14, 2009
    Date of Patent: November 5, 2013
    Assignee: Tetra Laval Holdings & Finance S.A.
    Inventor: Andrea Donati
  • Publication number: 20130243648
    Abstract: The invention relates to an apparatus for disinfecting container closures, comprising a housing and comprising a transport path which is arranged inside the housing and along which the closures are transported, wherein the transport path has at least partially a spiral configuration. According to the invention, the apparatus comprises a supply device for supplying to the housing a gaseous medium for disinfecting the container closures, and at least one displacement device is provided which can move with respect to the housing and which transports the container closures along the spiral transport path.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 30, 2013
    Publication date: September 19, 2013
    Applicant: KRONES AG
    Inventors: Klaus Buchhauser, Guenter Frankenberger, Sebastian Klepatz
  • Patent number: 8529836
    Abstract: The present invention concerns an apparatus for automatic processing at least one biological sample accommodated on a carrier member, such as a slide by applying a predetermined amount of reagents in a predetermined sequence according to a processing protocol, said apparatus comprising; a housing frame; at least one processing section for accommodating at least one slide, the at least one processing section is provided within the housing; a hood cover protecting the at least one processing section in said housing; wherein the hood cover completely encloses the processing section defining an interior space; and wherein the apparatus further comprises climate control device provided to control the environment within the interior space.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 11, 2012
    Date of Patent: September 10, 2013
    Assignee: DAKO Denmark A/S
    Inventors: Lars Winther, Marc Key, Kristopher Buchanan, John Favuzzi, Benno Guggenheimer
  • Publication number: 20130183195
    Abstract: The method and the device according to the invention are used to sterilize preforms (1) made of a thermoplastic material that are intended for producing blow-molded containers. During the sterilization, a sterilizing agent is introduced into the area of the preform (1). The sterilizing agent is discharged at least partially from at least one nozzle (44) in the direction of the preform (1). An average direction (45) of the escape of the sterilizing agent from the nozzle (44) is provided with an angle of inclination (46) from a longitudinal axis (47) of the preform (1).
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 18, 2011
    Publication date: July 18, 2013
    Applicants: KHS GMBH, KHS CORPOPLAST GMBH
    Inventors: Thomas Herold, Harald Rieger, Dieter Klatt, Frank Haesendonckx
  • Publication number: 20130129566
    Abstract: An apparatus for sterilising at least a segment of an inner wall and a segment of an outer wall of containers by accelerated charge carriers, includes at least one first external application device for sterilising at least a segment of an outer wall of containers and an internal application device for sterilising at least a segment of an inner wall of containers. The internal application device at least in portions is arranged to be introduced through an opening into the container in order to apply the emitted charge carriers to an inner wall of the container. The containers are transported along a transport path during their sterilisation, wherein along a segment of the transport path of the containers between the first external application device and the internal application device is arranged a pitch change device to change a distance between two containers succeeding each other along the transport path.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 19, 2012
    Publication date: May 23, 2013
    Applicant: KRONES AG
    Inventor: KRONES AG
  • Patent number: 8435460
    Abstract: A sterilized connection apparatus 4 includes a sealing unit 9 which forms a decontamination space S1 between an isolator 2 provided with a first cover body 11 and an incubator 3 provided with a second cover body 21, a decontamination medium supplying unit 10 which supplies a decontamination medium to the decontamination space S1 via a supply pipe line 41, and a discharge pipe line 43 which discharges the decontamination medium of the decontamination space S1. Since the decontamination space is formed as a circular decontamination space of a small capacity surrounding the cover bodies, decontamination can be efficiently performed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 22, 2011
    Date of Patent: May 7, 2013
    Assignee: Shibuya Kogyo Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Yusuke Hirosawa, Soma Watanabe
  • Patent number: 8398932
    Abstract: A culture apparatus which is capable of shortening sterilization time includes a gas concentration measuring sensor, pipes connected to a gas concentration measuring device and every corner of a cultivating chamber, and a sterilizing gas generator that supplies sterilizing gas into a cultivating chamber and atomizes a sterilizer solution (oxygenated water) by means of an ultrasonic vibrator. The culture apparatus further includes an ultraviolet lamp that irradiates gas in the cultivating chamber, a freely opening/closing door, a door-locking device, and a controller for controlling the locking device to prevent the door from being opened from start of the sterilization process to end of the decomposition process.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 8, 2007
    Date of Patent: March 19, 2013
    Assignee: Panasonic Healthcare Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Hiroki Busujima
  • Publication number: 20130052089
    Abstract: An apparatus for sterilizing cap-like container closures includes a transport system for moving closures through treatment zones. The first zone preheats the closures, the second exposes them to a sterilizing agent, and the third activates or dries them. The first and third zones each have a rotor that circulates about a rotor axis thereof, and closure holders formed on a periphery thereof for moving closures through the first zone from a closure pickup disposed therein to a first closure delivery position, and through the third zone from a second closure delivery position disposed therein to a closure discharge.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 24, 2011
    Publication date: February 28, 2013
    Applicant: KHS GmbH
    Inventor: Alfred Drenguis
  • Patent number: 8354071
    Abstract: A sterilizing device is described, for sterilizing items through steam sterilization. The device has a base and a cover that couple to form an enclosed space, with an item mount provided within the enclosed space. A portion of water is provided in the base portion, which can be converted to steam in a microwave to sterilize any items placed on the mount. The device further employs several downward-facing valves to provide for the release of steam and the draining of excess or heated water.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 19, 2008
    Date of Patent: January 15, 2013
    Assignee: Handy Baby Products Limited
    Inventor: Martina Maria Delaney
  • Patent number: 8349270
    Abstract: An apparatus for treating containers, including a transport device which transports the containers along a specified transport path, the transport device including a plurality of holding elements for holding the containers, with the holding elements being transported along the specified transport path. The apparatus includes a cleaning device for sterilizing the holding elements at least in sections.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 15, 2010
    Date of Patent: January 8, 2013
    Assignee: Krones AG
    Inventors: Frank Winzinger, Philipp Albers
  • Patent number: 8349272
    Abstract: An apparatus for decontaminating articles comprised of: a decontamination chamber; a conveyor for conveying articles to be decontaminated along a first path through the decontamination chamber; a vaporizing unit connected to the decontamination chamber, the vaporizing unit disposed above the decontamination chamber; a blower for conveying a carrier gas through the vaporizing unit and through the decontamination chamber; heating means for heating the carrier gas flowing through the vaporizing unit; a source of liquid hydrogen peroxide fluidly connected to the vaporizing unit; and an injection device for injecting liquid hydrogen peroxide into the vaporizing unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 2011
    Date of Patent: January 8, 2013
    Assignee: American Sterilizer Company
    Inventor: Aaron L. Hill
  • Patent number: 8337772
    Abstract: A device for sterilizing containers includes a first treatment space, which is filled with a sterilizing gaseous medium under predetermined thermodynamic conditions, a tank, which is filled with a liquid medium and extends along a closed path, and a multiplicity of holding devices for holding the containers. The holding devices are arranged rotatably with respect to the treatment space, and a dividing wall, which protrudes into the liquid medium located in the tank is arranged rotatably with respect to the tank. A discharge opening, via which the gaseous medium can be discharged, is provided between the treatment space and the tank.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 2008
    Date of Patent: December 25, 2012
    Assignee: Krones AG
    Inventors: Roland Laumer, Manfred Schmid, Berthold Burgmeier
  • Patent number: 8337752
    Abstract: To provide a sterilization method of container-packaged food which has a high effect on mixture food of solid food/soup and a filling system where all processes and devices can be simplified, a pre-seal lid material (PS), that has been cut to a dimension covering the opening of a cup filled with solid food, e.g. a dimension corresponding to the outer circumference of the flange of the cup, is fixed to a cup holder (CH) at a position for covering the cup opening by means of a holding bolt (31a) without being fusion bonded to the cup flange portion (CF), while a ventilation state between the head space of the cup and the air in a sterilization chamber is maintained. Thereafter, steam sterilization to the cup is performed in the sterilization chamber and the cup is transported to a clean box, filled with sterilized soup.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 3, 2008
    Date of Patent: December 25, 2012
    Assignee: Toyo Seikan Kaisha, Ltd.
    Inventors: Shinji Yamamoto, Takeshi Fukui, Makoto Sawada, Mitsuo Tanioka
  • Patent number: 8291680
    Abstract: An apparatus (1) for processing container closures (2) comprises a sterilization unit (3), having a sterilization module (7) with means for spraying on the closures (2) a hot sterilization fluid, a capping unit (4), having screwing means active on the closures (2) for connecting them on correspondent containers, applying a predetermined torque, a guide member (5) configured in such a way to allow a plurality of closures (2) to be arranged therein and connected to the sterilization unit (3) and to the capping unit (4) to guide the closures (2) from the sterilization unit (3) to the capping unit (4), and means (13) for regulating the temperature of the closures (2) arranged in the guide member (5), to provide that the closures (2) have a predetermined desired temperature in the capping unit (4).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 23, 2008
    Date of Patent: October 23, 2012
    Assignee: Sidel S.p.A.
    Inventor: Angelo Silvestri
  • Patent number: 8268257
    Abstract: Described is a process and an arrangement for the treatment of objects, in particular for sterilization, comprising at least one chamber for the joint take-up of at least two objects to be treated. A closing element is arranged to the opening of the chamber, which closing element is arranged in a moveable way in the arrangement for the purposes of opening and closing the opening. The chamber can be closed by means of the closing element in a vacuum-tight way, whereby no relative movement takes place between the closing element and the chamber in the closed state. It is provided that the minimum of two objects to be treated are inserted one after the other, and that the closing of the opening by means of the minimum one closing element takes place essentially on a continuous basis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 10, 2007
    Date of Patent: September 18, 2012
    Assignee: PTM Packaging Tools Machinery Pte. Ltd.
    Inventor: Robert Frost
  • Patent number: 8263015
    Abstract: The aseptic packaging installation comprises a bench under a ceiling, a line of machines mounted on the bench in a packaging zone subjected to a sterile laminar flow traveling vertically from the ceiling at a rate adapted to establish a first pressure in the packaging zone that is higher than a surrounding pressure, an intervention zone adjacent to the packaging zone, and subjected to a one-way flow of clean air travelling vertically from the ceiling of the intervention zone at a rate that is adapted to establish a second pressure in the intervention zone that is lower than the first pressure but higher than the surrounding pressure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 22, 2006
    Date of Patent: September 11, 2012
    Assignee: Serac Group
    Inventor: Delphine Raynaud
  • Publication number: 20120183451
    Abstract: A cover sterilizing mechanism for bottle filling device includes a sterilizing chamber (II) in which a cover sliding passage (102) is arranged. A cover blocking mechanism which will periodically hold the cover (94) to stay on the sliding passage (102) for a certain time, and multiple groups of nozzles (62) corresponding to the place in which the cover (94) is held on the sliding passage(102) are also arranged in the sterilizing chamber (II). The cover sterilizing device can uniform the sterilizing time of each cover, conduce to install covers orderly and improve efficiency of the bottle filling device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 31, 2009
    Publication date: July 19, 2012
    Inventors: Zheng Shi, Yonglin Ji, Zhengfa Wang
  • Patent number: 8220470
    Abstract: The Furniture Pad Folding Machine is a dry cleaning machine that is multi-faceted; it can clean and disinfect furniture pads and the machine has the ability to fold furniture pads. The machine is portable and can function on the moving truck and at the warehouse.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 15, 2008
    Date of Patent: July 17, 2012
    Inventor: Jessie Lee Hicks
  • Patent number: 8216512
    Abstract: The present invention concerns an apparatus for automatic processing at least one biological sample accommodated on a carrier member, such as a slide by applying a predetermined amount of reagents in a predetermined sequence according to a processing protocol, said apparatus comprising; a housing frame; at least one processing section for accommodating at least one slide, the at least one processing section is provided within the housing; a hood cover protecting the at least one processing section in said housing; wherein the hood cover completely encloses the processing section defining an interior space; and wherein the apparatus further comprises climate control device provided to control the environment within the interior space.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 19, 2003
    Date of Patent: July 10, 2012
    Assignee: DAKO Denmark A/S
    Inventors: Lars Winther, Marc Key, Kristopher S. Buchanan, John Favuzzi, Benno Guggenheimer
  • Publication number: 20120156110
    Abstract: A device (1) for treating containers (10), with a housing (2), a sterilisation chamber (4) formed within the housing (2) to sterilise the containers (10), with a transport device (8) which transports the containers (10) along a pre-specified transport path (P) through the sterilisation chamber (4), and with at least one application device (6) which applies a liquid sterilisation medium to the containers (10) during their transport through the sterilisation chamber (4). According to the invention, the application device (6) is integrated at least partly in a wall (12) of the sterilisation chamber.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 15, 2011
    Publication date: June 21, 2012
    Inventors: Michael Peter, Michael Weber, Sascha Hackl, Thomas Morawe
  • Publication number: 20120087829
    Abstract: A device for sterilization of packages and a method of sterilizing packages are provided. The device comprises a gassing zone for exposing the packages to a gaseous sterilization agent, inlet mechanisms for introducing the gaseous sterilization agent into the gassing zone and a conveyor for transporting the packages through the gassing zone in a transport direction. The device also includes a separation mechanism arranged inside the gassing zone to divide at least an upper part of the gassing zone into sub gassing zones, each of said separation mechanisms having an opening for passage of the packages, each of at least a number of the inlet mechanisms being arranged to provide a flow of the gaseous sterilization agent at the opening of a respective one of the separation mechanisms.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 24, 2010
    Publication date: April 12, 2012
    Applicant: TETRA LAVAL HOLDINGS & FINANCE S.A.
    Inventors: Ulf Lindblad, Jenny Olsson
  • Publication number: 20120070340
    Abstract: An apparatus for the treatment of plastics material containers includes at least one movable support which is arranged in an isolator room to which a sterilization agent is capable of being supplied. The isolator room is constructed in at least two parts, and a first boundary of the isolator room is fixed in position during a movement of the movable support, while a second boundary of the isolator room is connected to the apparatus in such a way that it is suitable, during a movement of the movable support, for following this movement. The apparatus has at least one device for supplying the sterilization agent into the isolator room. The supplying device is suitable for acting with the sterilization agent upon the parts of the apparatus movable relative to this device and situated inside the isolator room.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 19, 2011
    Publication date: March 22, 2012
    Applicant: KRONES AG
    Inventor: Klaus VOTH
  • Patent number: 8109281
    Abstract: A cleaning assembly for containers, particularly for bottles, having a conveying device on which the containers are arranged by means of a receptacle means. To economically and ecologically improve the cleaning assembly, the receptacle means contains a liquid-tight tubular for an individual cleaning of the containers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 5, 2009
    Date of Patent: February 7, 2012
    Assignee: Krones AG
    Inventors: Heinz Humele, Franz Gmeiner, Kersten Thomas, Uerike Thoms, legal representative, Timm Kirchhoff, Bernd Hansen, Jan Momsen
  • Patent number: 8110233
    Abstract: A product packaging for a solid product comprises a base, a lid, and a seal. The base has a top, sides, and a bottom forming a cavity configured and arranged to receive a solid product, and the base has an exterior surface. A texture is on the exterior surface of the base, whereby the texture enhances a user's ability to grip the base when the base is inverted. The seal interconnects the top of the base and the lid and allows the lid to be peeled away from the top of the base.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 14, 2006
    Date of Patent: February 7, 2012
    Assignee: Ecolab USA Inc.
    Inventors: Amie L Beavers Blanks, Kristine Jeanette Williams, Nicole M Balamucki
  • Patent number: 8080487
    Abstract: The present invention provides fabrics that have unique mechanical, chemical, electrical, and thermal properties. The fabrics comprise layers of woven, knit or felted fibers, yarns or tow. Interstitially synthesized nanotubes, such as single-walled or multi-walled carbon nanotubes, enhance the fabric's antiballistic properties. These nanotubes may also insulate, semi-conduct or super-conduct electrical charges, or provide enhanced thermal properties of these fabrics which can be layered to form unique garments or structures.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 20, 2004
    Date of Patent: December 20, 2011
    Assignee: Lockheed Martin Corporation
    Inventors: Slade H. Gardner, James R. Peoples, Brian T. Rosenberger
  • Patent number: 8071021
    Abstract: A method of decontaminating articles, comprising the steps of: (a) moving a plurality of articles having a known temperature along a first path; (b) conveying a carrier gas along a second path that includes an elongated plenum, the second path intersecting the first path downstream from the plenum; (c) heating the carrier gas to a temperature of at least about 105° C. at a location upstream of the plenum; (d) introducing into the carrier gas in the plenum an atomized mist of a liquid hydrogen peroxide of known concentration; and (e) controlling the following: (1) the volumetric flow of carrier gas along the second path; (2) the volume of hydrogen peroxide introduced into the carrier gas; and (3) the temperature of the carrier gas introduced into the plenum, such that the concentration of the vaporized hydrogen peroxide in the carrier gas where the first path intersects the second path has a dew point temperature below the known temperature of the articles.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 27, 2007
    Date of Patent: December 6, 2011
    Assignee: American Sterilizer Company
    Inventor: Aaron L. Hill
  • Patent number: 8056718
    Abstract: Disclosed is a storage apparatus for storing a plurality of baby bottles. Each of the plurality of baby bottles includes a bottle body and a set of components. The storage apparatus includes a first assembly. The first assembly includes a first compartment, and at least one tray removably configured within the first compartment. The at least one tray includes a plurality of receptacles capable of receiving and retaining the bottle body of the each of the plurality of baby bottles. Further, the storage apparatus includes a second assembly. The second assembly includes a support frame detachably configured to the first assembly, and a removable second compartment slidably coupled to the support frame. The removable second compartment is capable of storing the set of components of the each of the plurality of baby bottles.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 6, 2008
    Date of Patent: November 15, 2011
    Inventor: Soon Howton
  • Patent number: 8021609
    Abstract: A highly stabilized hydrogen peroxide useful for chemical sterilization of packaging materials in high-speed aseptic packaging plants.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 19, 2004
    Date of Patent: September 20, 2011
    Assignee: Solvay Chemicals GmbH
    Inventors: Werner Doetsch, Otmar Woost
  • Publication number: 20110116969
    Abstract: A system and method for sanitizing waste receptacles by automatically releasing sanitizing agents in the waste receptacles. A canister containing a sanitizing agent is mounted inside a waste receptacle in order to release its sanitizing agent. Either a mechanical or electromechanical actuator releases at least a portion of the sanitizing agent to control unpleasant odors.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 17, 2010
    Publication date: May 19, 2011
    Inventor: Russell Wallis
  • Publication number: 20110111149
    Abstract: A device for sterilising cuboid-shaped cardboard/plastic combipacks in an autoclave, wherein the packs consisting of product and packing are subjected to heat treatment at a certain temperature over a certain period of time, wherein the product consists of a liquid and chunky portions, and wherein mechanisms are provided inside the autoclave to drive the packs rotationally about a rotational spindle, and a cuboid-shaped cardboard/plastic combipack for use in such a device. A plurality of packs, are arranged closely adjacent to one another in parallel rows, to be arranged on support floors and for a plurality of support floors loaded with packs to be arranged one above the other and fixed in their mutual positions. The cardboard for the pack used therewith is made water-repellent by means of glue to reduce the intake of water.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 23, 2008
    Publication date: May 12, 2011
    Applicant: SIG TECHNOLOGY AG
    Inventors: Michael Wolters, Thomas Dintelmann
  • Patent number: 7931877
    Abstract: A device for disinfecting a portion of an implement such as a needleless hub or injection port. The device includes a body shaped to engage the implement with the portion to be disinfected exposed. A disinfectant area is located on the body so as to permit pivotal displacement of the area relative to the body such that in a first orientation the portion to be disinfected is exposed and in a second orientation the portion to be disinfected is covered and the disinfectant area engages the portion to be disinfected.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 23, 2007
    Date of Patent: April 26, 2011
    Assignee: Sage Products, Inc.
    Inventors: Jeffrey B. Steffens, Gregory T. Davis, Paul H. Hanifl
  • Patent number: 7927564
    Abstract: A histological specimen cassette for use in connection with a larger histological specimen cassette, wherein each histological specimen cassette has an internal chamber that includes a receptacle and a lid, the receptacle having a bottom wall, opposite side walls, opposite front and back walls, and an internal chamber or cavity, where the internal chamber or cavity is positioned between the sidewalls, the front and back walls and partially bound by the bottom wall, having a plurality of apertures that extend through the bottom wall and that create fluid passageways into the cavity, the lid having a plurality of apertures that extend through the lid and that create additional fluid passageways into the cavity, the histological specimen cassette being dimensioned such that the histological specimen cassette can fit entirely within the void of the larger histological specimen cassette when the lid is in the closed position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 19, 2005
    Date of Patent: April 19, 2011
    Assignee: Leica Biosystems Richmond, Inc.
    Inventor: James B. McCormick
  • Patent number: 7892490
    Abstract: Provided is an apparatus for performing a chemical reaction using a microchip having at least one micro-channel. The device, which is a semiautomatic operating device for a microchip on which at least one micro-channel with a reagent inlet is formed, includes: a base which accommodates the microchip; a slider with injection inlets corresponding to the reagent inlets that reciprocally move parallel to the base; and a slider moving unit which selectively moves the slider to a first location at which the microchip is opened, after the injection inlet of the slider and the reagent inlet are aligned, and to a second location where the microchip is sealed by a bottom surface of the slider covering the reagent inlet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 29, 2006
    Date of Patent: February 22, 2011
    Assignee: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Kwang-wook Oh, Yu-jin Seo