Combined Patents (Class 53/167)
  • Publication number: 20140345233
    Abstract: An aseptic filler apparatus (30) includes an actuatable fitment plug assembly (500) that may be placed against the bottom of a fitment collar, which is in communication with a flexible bag to be filled with flowable food products, thereby to prevent steam or other gasses or liquids from entering the fill bag when undesirable to do so. The plug assembly (500) includes a plug (502) mounted on a distal end portion of a pivot arm (504). The opposite end of the pivot arm is rotatably axled on a cross pin. A linear actuator (518) is connected to the distal end of a lug (512) projecting transversely from the pivot arm. The opposite end of the linear actuator (518) is pinned to a stationary location, enabling the actuator to pivot the plug (502) from an engaged position against the fitment collar and a retracted position away from the fitment collar.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 21, 2013
    Publication date: November 27, 2014
    Inventors: Gianluca Parisini, Glenna Matthews, Davide Ghiretti, Michele Queirolo, Antonio Aldini, Dave Hoeppner
  • Publication number: 20140325941
    Abstract: The method for producing containers filled with liquids, and in particular with beverages, wherein plastic preforms are heated by a heating device, are then transported to a shaping device and are shaped by this shaping device to form the plastic containers, and the plastic containers are then transported to a filling device and filled with the liquid, and wherein the containers are transported inside a clean room at least during the filling and, before being filled with the liquid inside the clean room, they are at least in part sterilized by a first sterilizing device. According to the invention, before being sterilized by means of the first sterilizing device, the plastic containers are pre-sterilized by means of a second sterilizing device, wherein this pre-sterilization is performed outside the clean room.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 28, 2012
    Publication date: November 6, 2014
    Inventors: Josef Knott, Hans Scheuren
  • Publication number: 20140311093
    Abstract: A device is provided for applying consumable materials to containers, including a storing apparatus that stores a supply of the consumable material, a transporting apparatus that conveys the consumable material to the containers, and an application unit that applies the consumable material to the containers or to combinations of containers. The device has at least one sensor apparatus, which detects at least one actual value of the consumable material that is characteristic of a physical property of the consumable material, a comparing apparatus, which compares the detected actual value with at least one target value stored in a memory apparatus, and a signal outputting apparatus, which outputs a signal according to a result of said comparison.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 12, 2012
    Publication date: October 23, 2014
    Applicant: KRONES AG
    Inventors: Wolfgang Huber, Johannes Boehm
  • Publication number: 20140311095
    Abstract: A drink package is manufactured by a method including the steps of: blasting hydrogen peroxide mist (M) or gas (G) into a container (2) in an erected attitude through a mouth portion (2a); activating the hydrogen peroxide in the container (2) in an inverted attitude by blasting heated aseptic air (N) through the mouth portion (2a) thereof directed downward, and simultaneously, removing foreign substance (P) from the inside of the container (2) by replacing air in the container (2) with the aseptic air (N); filling the container (2) in the erected attitude with drink (a) through the mouth portion (2a) directed upward; and closing the mouth portion (2a) of the container (2) by applying a lid (3) to the mouth portion (2a) of the container (2).
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 23, 2012
    Publication date: October 23, 2014
    Applicant: DAI NIPPON PRINTING CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Atsushi Hayakawa, Hideo Hidaka
  • Publication number: 20140260112
    Abstract: An apparatus for the simultaneous capping and uncapping of a plurality of vial assemblies, each of the vial assemblies including a vial body and a vial cap, the apparatus comprising a base, a cryogenic insert detachably coupled to the base and defining at least a first aperture about a first axis and a second aperture about a second axis, the first aperture configured to receive a first vial body, and the second aperture configured to receive a second vial body, the cryogenic insert including a cryogenic media, a first drive member engaging the first vial body for rotation about the first axis, a second drive member engaging the second vial body for rotation about the second axis, and a cap gripper assembly selectively coupled to the base, the cap gripper assembly selectively holding a first vial cap in substantial alignment with the first axis and a second vial cap in substantial alignment with the second axis, such that the first drive member may selectively couple the first vial body to the first vial cap,
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 12, 2014
    Publication date: September 18, 2014
    Inventors: Reidar Aamotsbakken, Charlie Heidenreich, Kevin Conard, Gregg Matter
  • Patent number: 8826631
    Abstract: The device for filling packaging receptacles with pharmaceutical products has a supply container for the pharmaceutical products and a feed device with at least one guide channel for conducting the pharmaceutical products by means of gravity from the supply container to the packaging receptacles. At least one high-voltage ionizer element supplied with alternating voltage is arranged in the area of the at least one guide channel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 15, 2009
    Date of Patent: September 9, 2014
    Assignee: Uhlmann Pac-Systeme GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventor: Anton Singer
  • Publication number: 20140230371
    Abstract: A custom packaging center for custom selecting and custom packaging canned and/or container goods and a novel box for use with the custom packaging center.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 7, 2014
    Publication date: August 21, 2014
    Inventors: Curtis Taylor, Aaron Misener
  • Patent number: 8806840
    Abstract: A device and a method for the handling of containers with a plurality of handling units. A defective state in a handling element situated downstream can be recognized and as a reaction to this recognition a specified container conveyed upstream can be separated out, namely preferably that container which in the further operating sequence would arrive at the handling element known to be operating defectively.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 6, 2010
    Date of Patent: August 19, 2014
    Assignee: Krones AG
    Inventor: Stefan Bierschneider
  • Patent number: 8800248
    Abstract: [Problem] To realize a predetermined “aseptic level of the containers” without introducing a container sterilizing machine and to reduce the burden for adjusting the temperature of the preform. [Means for Solution] A metal mold for molding, wherein a space width (t2) of at least the body portion in the space width for forming a thickness of from the body portion to the bottom portion of the preform is set to lie in a range of 1.18 to 2.11 times as great as a space width (t1) for forming a thickness of an upper end portion of the mouth portion of the preform. At the time of the compression molding, the preform is taken out in the state of a high temperature from a compression-molding machine 31 and is fed to a bottle-producing unit C while maintaining the state of a high temperature. Further, the inner surfaces of a clean box I in which the units are placed and the outer surfaces of the units are sterilized, and the interior of the clean box I maintains a positive-pressure state with the filtered clean air.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 19, 2009
    Date of Patent: August 12, 2014
    Assignee: Toyo Seikan Kaisha, Ltd.
    Inventors: Tsuneo Imatani, Takeshi Iwashita, Hiroyuki Hashimoto, Hideto Monzen, Hotaka Fukabori, Hiroyuki Kondou
  • Publication number: 20140215965
    Abstract: An apparatus for treating containers includes treatment positions arranged on a transport element with a rotor, a transport element, treatment blocks, and functional elements. The treatment positions are formed on the treatment blocks, with at least two per block. Each treatment position ha all functional elements required for treating a container. The functional elements can be for controlled relative movement between treatment blocks and containers, for control of controlled fluid paths for a fluid treatment medium, for monitoring the treatment process, a functional element for controlling the treatment process, or for actuating elements or drives. At least one common functional element needed for treatment of the containers is provided jointly for all treatment positions assigned to one treatment block.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 19, 2012
    Publication date: August 7, 2014
    Inventor: Ludwig Clusserath
  • Publication number: 20140202116
    Abstract: Disclosed and claimed herein are devices for the treatment of medical waste using high temperature and pressure steam. The devices are designed to be self-contained and are movable by one person of average strength and ability. The devices are self-contained and require no special installation, connections, plumbing or permanent or semi-permanent electrical connections. Disclosed and claimed herein are methods using the disclosed and claimed devices.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 22, 2013
    Publication date: July 24, 2014
    Inventors: Jeffrey Bell, Andre Philippe Nault, Robert Todd Winkowicz, Peter Bates, Benjamin Hall
  • Publication number: 20140196407
    Abstract: There is described a packaging machine for producing sealed packages of pourable food products from a web of packaging material, comprising: an aseptic chamber through which web is fed and within which a sterilizing agent is applied onto web; a station which is arranged downstream from said aseptic chamber and in which a tube formed by web is, in use, fed; and a sealing device which separate chamber and station; packaging machine also comprise a conveyor fluidically connected with station and adapted to convey away residues of sterilizing agent from station.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 29, 2012
    Publication date: July 17, 2014
    Applicant: TETRA LAVAL HOLDINGS & FINANCE S.A.
    Inventors: Roberto Ghirardello, Danilo Veroni, Massimo Melotti, Cesare Bertacchini, Alessandro Veronesi, Simone Maini, Renzo Bellei
  • Patent number: 8776482
    Abstract: A passage for the sealed and/or sterile passage of a functional element (15), for example a rod and/or wave-like functional element through at least one wall (6) separating a sterile chamber (5) from an non-sterile chamber, comprising at least one hydraulic seal (20) enabling a relative movement of the functional element (15) in relation to the at least one wall (6).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 10, 2009
    Date of Patent: July 15, 2014
    Assignee: KHS GmbH
    Inventor: Alfred Drenguis
  • Publication number: 20140190122
    Abstract: An object of the present invention is to provide a drug preparing system and a drug preparing device both capable of simplifying management of prescription data. A drug preparing system includes: a host computer that creates one piece of prescription data regarding a plurality of patients belong to a same group; a computer that obtains the prescription data created by the host computer and that creates drug preparation data based on the prescription data; and a packaging machine that prepares a drug based on the drug preparation data created by the computer.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 21, 2012
    Publication date: July 10, 2014
    Applicant: TAKAZONO TECHNOLOGY INCORPORATED
    Inventors: Kazuo Iimori, Akira Takamatsu
  • Publication number: 20140174026
    Abstract: A packaging device eliminating waste of package paper can be provided. The packaging device includes: a computer that creates one packaging data based on prescription data regarding a plurality of patients belonging to the same group; and a packaging machine that packages a drug based on the packaging data created by the computer.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 21, 2012
    Publication date: June 26, 2014
    Applicant: TAKAZONO TECHNOLOGY INCORPORATED
    Inventors: Kazuo Iimori, Akira Takamatsu
  • Publication number: 20140165500
    Abstract: A packing apparatus for use in a sterile environment has an article loading and supply system. The loading system has a hatch in a first wall (P1) positioned at a height corresponding to a normal and ergonomic working height for an operator. The hatch faces an operating station which is to be supplied with the articles. A container element (2) has an internal volume (25) for containing articles, with a first article loading opening (21) and a second article unloading opening (22). The container element (2) is positioned in the sterile environment and is movable so that it can be positioned in a lowered position (PA) which corresponds to the hatch position for loading articles through the first loading opening, and then positionable in a raised position (PS) in which the second loading opening (22) is above the operating station (51) for unloading the articles to be supplied thereto.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 19, 2013
    Publication date: June 19, 2014
    Applicant: Marchesini Group S.r.I.
    Inventor: Giuseppe MONTI
  • Publication number: 20140123594
    Abstract: The PORTABLE ASEPTIC UNIT is an invention which will provide an aseptic environment at a first location to allow mixing and preparation of aseptic products and then provide an aseptic environment at the site of administration to patient or animal.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 5, 2012
    Publication date: May 8, 2014
    Inventor: Joseph John Urban
  • Publication number: 20140123595
    Abstract: There is disclosed a transfer device for transferring sealed packages of a pourable food product, comprising a transporter for conveying packages along an at least partly curved path; transfer device also comprises a through opening which is arranged on one side of path and is adapted to allow the discharge of packages that have fallen along path.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 5, 2012
    Publication date: May 8, 2014
    Applicant: Tetra Laval Holdings & Finance S.A.
    Inventors: Richard Pedretti, Andrea Catellani
  • Patent number: 8701375
    Abstract: A container treatment plant, with a discontinuously working container treatment machine and having a feed conveyor and/or a discharge conveyor each for individual containers, and in the feed conveyor and/or the discharge conveyor, at least two continuously driven, circulating conveyor means supplying each other with individual containers, and where the conveyor means being closer to the discontinuously working container treatment machine in the conveying direction exhibits a closer conveying pitch than the conveying pitch of the conveyor means which is further away. In this manner, a container acceptance and/or transfer interruption caused by the respective cycle standstill of the discontinuously working container treatment machine is compensated by the conveying pitch difference to be able to continuously supply individual containers for the discontinuously working machine or continuously discharge them from the discontinuously working container treatment machine.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 31, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 22, 2014
    Assignee: Krones AG
    Inventor: Michael Neubauer
  • Patent number: 8646243
    Abstract: An apparatus and method are provided for formulating and aseptically filling liquid products. A first liquid source includes at least one first liquid component; a second liquid source includes at least one second liquid component; and a container includes a body defining an empty, sterile storage chamber therein that is sealed with respect to ambient atmosphere. The container is introduced into a sterile filling chamber. A first filling member coupled in fluid communication with the first liquid source is placed in fluid communication with the storage chamber of the container located in the sterile filling chamber, and the first liquid component is aseptically introduced through the first filling member and into the storage chamber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 3, 2008
    Date of Patent: February 11, 2014
    Assignee: Medical Instill Technologies, Inc.
    Inventor: Daniel Py
  • Publication number: 20140026520
    Abstract: Apparatus for filling containers having stoppers that are penetrable for filling the containers with a substance, and thermally resealable for thermally sealing the resulting hole. A container support supports at least one such container in a substantially fixed position during filling and resealing. A manifold drivingly mounted over the container support comprises (1) a cartridge including a filling needle for penetrating the resealable stopper and introducing a substance therethrough into the container, a mount for mounting the cartridge on the manifold, and a removable cover releasably coupled to the mount for covering the filling needle during transportation, installation and/or removal of the cartridge from the manifold. The manifold includes a thermal source for heating a penetrated region of the stopper and, sealing the hole.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 2, 2013
    Publication date: January 30, 2014
    Applicant: Medical Instill Technologies, Inc.
    Inventor: Medical Instill Technologies, Inc.
  • Publication number: 20140020331
    Abstract: A microwave sterilizing device includes a container supplying device, a container transport device, a sterilizing sprayer, a microwave cavity unit and a microwave generating device. The container supplying device may supply containers in a continuous manner. The container transport device has a starting point and an end point and the containers are moved from the starting point to the end point on the container transport device. The container supplying device is disposed near the starting point. The sterilizing sprayer can spray germicide onto the inside and outside of each container. The microwave cavity unit can allow the passage of the containers. The microwave generating device is disposed outside of the microwave cavity unit and can generate microwave which is fed into the microwave cavity unit to heat up the germicide remained on the internal walls of each container so as to sterilize the container.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 29, 2012
    Publication date: January 23, 2014
    Inventors: KUANG-TSE CHIN, HUNG-NAN TUNG, JUNG-KUEI HSIEH
  • 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
  • Publication number: 20140000220
    Abstract: A machine (10) for treating containers (12) and corresponding lids (11) in order to contain a liquid for feeding animals comprises a first line (50) for washing, treating and filling the containers (12), from which the lids (11) have been removed beforehand, disposed in a first washing direction (X), and a second line (60) for washing and treating the lids (11) removed from the containers (12) disposed in a second washing direction (Y) disposed parallel to the first direction (X).
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 1, 2013
    Publication date: January 2, 2014
    Applicant: STEELCO SPA
    Inventor: Fabio ZARDINI
  • Publication number: 20130305659
    Abstract: An apparatus for producing packaging, in particular composite packaging for liquid foodstuffs, having a cross-sectional area that decreases in the pour-out direction in the gable region. The packaging is composed of a sleeve having a gable region having a plurality of gable faces and a pouring element. The apparatus has at least one rotatable mandrel wheel having a plurality of mandrels for holding the sleeves. Additionally, a method for producing such packaging and a gable press for use with the aforementioned apparatus. In order to allow easier and more cost-effective production, it is proposed that the apparatus has a gable press, assigned to a single mandrel wheel position, for folding the gable region, for connecting all the gable faces of the gable region of the sleeve to the pouring element and for sealing the protruding ears in the same mandrel wheel position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 25, 2011
    Publication date: November 21, 2013
    Applicant: SIG Technology AG
    Inventors: Christoph Kenn, Ralf Driessen, Thomas Vetten, Michael Heil
  • Publication number: 20130298504
    Abstract: A sterile enclosure contains a transfer module defining a window. A port covers the window to maintain the inside of the enclosure as a sealed and sterile environment. A sliding, heated cutting element mounted on the port serves to sterilize and sever a portion of a sterile transfer bag assembly attached to the port. Preferably, the excised portion of the sterile transfer bag assembly is affixed to the port when the port opens. The sliding cutting element remains extended and heated to prevent contamination when the port is open. Further, a heating element is mounted about the window in order to sterilize around the opening when the port is open.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 27, 2012
    Publication date: November 14, 2013
    Inventor: Daniel Py
  • Publication number: 20130291488
    Abstract: The present disclosure relates to the use of a split and single electrical cells in industrial applications, and particularly in aseptic packaging applications.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 3, 2013
    Publication date: November 7, 2013
    Inventors: Brandon L. Herdt, Junzhong Li
  • Publication number: 20130283733
    Abstract: An apparatus and method for sterile filling comprises de-contaminating a needle penetrable surface of a device including a needle penetrable septum and a sealed chamber in fluid communication with the needle penetrable septum. A filling needle penetrates the needle penetrable septum, introduces substance through the filling needle and into the chamber and is, in turn, withdrawn from the septum. A liquid sealant is applied to the penetrated region of the septum. Radiation or energy is applied to the liquid sealant to cure the liquid sealant from a liquid phase to a solid phase.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 12, 2013
    Publication date: October 31, 2013
    Inventor: Daniel Py
  • Publication number: 20130269297
    Abstract: Disclosed herein is a transformation system to create a nutritional substance product that obtains information regarding the nutritional substance components to be transformed, the desired transformation, and the desired properties, including nutritional content, of the transformed nutritional substance, and dynamically modifies the transformation in response to this information to optimize a nutritional, organoleptic or aesthetic value of the nutritional substance product after it has been prepared for consumption. Various component nutritional substances are individually or collectively transformed and preserved, then provided to consumers or conditioners in a format allowing retrieval of preparation instructions unique to the individual nutritional product at the time of preparation and intended to optimize a nutritional, organoleptic, or aesthetic value targeted by the transformer during transformation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 21, 2012
    Publication date: October 17, 2013
    Inventor: Eugenio Minvielle
  • Patent number: 8511045
    Abstract: An apparatus for sterile filling of beverage containers has a first module and a second module. The first module rinses and sterilizes empty containers and delivers the sterilized containers to the second module. The second module fills and caps the containers with beverage product at ambient temperature in an active sterilization zone utilizing an e-beam sterilization unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 11, 2010
    Date of Patent: August 20, 2013
    Assignee: Stokely-Van Camp, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael J. Mastio, Rei-Young Amos Wu, Michael F. McGowan, Subodh K. Raniwala, Gregory Schimmel, James D. Schuman, Steven Havlik, Richard O. Powell
  • Publication number: 20130205720
    Abstract: A method for conditioning a flexible medical endoscope (10) having internal channels (12), so as to maintain disinfection of said endoscope (10) following processing to a state of high level disinfection, comprises the steps of: (a) connecting the internal channels (12) of the endoscope (10) to connectors (31-34) enabling fluid communication with a reservoir (24) of disinfectant fluid (25); (b) charging the internal channels (12) with disinfectant fluid (25) from the reservoir (24); (c) disconnecting the internal channels (12) from the connectors (31-34); (d) sealing the endoscope (10) in a pouch (56) having a substantially air-tight seal (57) and a valve (55) enabling connection to suction means (53); and (e) connecting and activating the suction means (53) so as substantially to reduce pressure within the pouch (56), thereby partially evacuating the pouch (56).
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 30, 2011
    Publication date: August 15, 2013
    Applicant: Medicart International Limited
    Inventors: George Christopher Parker, Barry Luke, Colin Oxford
  • Publication number: 20130199127
    Abstract: The present invention refers to a group for the in-line measuring of the quantity of carbon dioxide dissolved in a liquid contained in a closed container such as bottles, jars and so on and to an automatic containers filling plant comprising such measuring group. The measuring group according to the present invention comprises at least one inspection area (20,20?) suitable for housing at least one container (11), at the at least one inspection area (20,20?) being provided at least one laser spectroscopy device (16) for measuring the partial pressure of carbon dioxide present in the head space (13) of a container (11) placed in the at least one inspection area (20,20?), and it is characterised in that at the at least one inspection area (20,20?) there are additionally provided means for mixing (12) the content of said container (11).
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 27, 2013
    Publication date: August 8, 2013
    Applicants: L PRO S.R.L., FT SYSTEM S.R.L.
    Inventors: FABIO FORESTELLI, PAOLO TONDELLO
  • Patent number: 8479475
    Abstract: The invention provides a transportable bottling plant integrated into a container. The container has a separation wall dividing the container into a bottling room and a technical room. A preform feeder, a bottle blowing unit, a filling and closing unit and first and second transferring devices are mounted in the bottling room. A power generator, an air compressor and an air conditioning unit are mounted in the technical room. The preform feeder comprises a recipient for receiving plastic bottle preforms and an ordering unit for ordering the preforms and feeding them towards the bottle blowing unit. The first transferring device is provided for transferring the preforms from the preform feeder to the bottle blowing unit. The bottle blowing unit comprises a heater for heating the preforms and a blow-molder for blow-molding the preforms into bottles. The second transferring device is provided for transferring the bottles from the bottle blowing unit to the filling and closing unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 14, 2010
    Date of Patent: July 9, 2013
    Assignee: Conteno
    Inventor: Christophe Armand Van Steen
  • Patent number: 8474222
    Abstract: A large bale transporter and an accompanying bale wrapper create a system for wrapping plastic around large bales retrieved by the transporter. The transporter has a loading apparatus that deposits large bales onto the load bed of the transporter until filled. The transporter is then manipulated to connect to a bale wrapper physically and operatively so that the bales can be moved into the wrapping apparatus. The frame of the transporter is pivotally connected to the axle to allow the rear end of the frame to be lowered to the ground to engage the bale wrapper and/or retrieve previously wrapped bales. The wrapping apparatus is powered by the drive mechanism of the transporter and is automatically disengaged when a pusher member placed at the end of the bales being discharged engages the drive coupler. An endless chain drive is drivable in opposite directions to move the bales on the transporter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 14, 2010
    Date of Patent: July 2, 2013
    Assignee: wRapidRover, LLC
    Inventors: John Shoemaker, David T. Shoemaker
  • Publication number: 20130142927
    Abstract: A Consumer-oriented system for the delivery of produce including improved safety methods with convenient and accessible packaging includes a step for receiving the fruit at a temperature between 38°-50° F., another step for washing the fruit at a temperature between 38°-50° F., another step for coring, skinning, and/or removing seeds from the fruit under aseptic conditions, another step for slicing the fruit into small bite-sized portions, another step for Passing the fruit through a metal-detection system and a step for Cold Pasteurizing the fruit with a hydrostatic chamber. This Consumer-oriented system for the delivery of produce including improved methods of safety and packaging is used for the purpose of increasing healthy and convenient consumption of produce, eliminating pathogens, increasing shelf life, and for reducing spoilage.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 5, 2011
    Publication date: June 6, 2013
    Inventor: CYRUS A. SEPEHR
  • Publication number: 20130133285
    Abstract: An apparatus for treating containers includes a housing, inside which a sterile chamber is formed. A treatment element is arranged inside the housing and is rotatable about a predefined axis. The treatment element is arranged on a carrier inside the housing, and has a drive device for driving the treatment element. The drive device is arranged at least partially outside the sterile chamber and includes at least a first drive element arranged outside the sterile chamber for generating rotational movements, and a second drive element arranged inside the sterile chamber. The first drive element and the second drive element cooperate in a contactless manner to generate rotational movement of the treatment element. The drive elements in each case have at least one magnetisable element and preferably at least the second drive element is displaceable in the direction of its axis of rotation relative to the sterile chamber.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 15, 2013
    Publication date: May 30, 2013
    Applicant: KRONES AG
    Inventor: KRONES AG
  • Publication number: 20130118126
    Abstract: A device is for treating and packaging implants. The device includes a container including a chamber therein. The chamber is closed by a removable seal. The device also includes a carrier sized and shaped to be inserted into the chamber. The carrier includes a carrying structure configured to connect an implant thereto. A portion of the carrier may be formed of an electrically conductive material.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 8, 2012
    Publication date: May 16, 2013
    Inventor: Urs HULLIGER
  • Publication number: 20130111849
    Abstract: A fully automated paint sample mixing and vending machine including an inventory section holding a plurality of containers with a base paint solution. The containers are individually dispensed onto a shuttle unit when a color is selected. The shuttle unit delivers the container to a capping unit for cap removal. After cap removal, the container moves on the shuttle unit to a colorant dispensing unit where various colorant paint solutions are injected into the base paint solution. Following tinting, the shuttle unit returns the container to the capping unit where the cap is securely reattached. The container is then delivered to a shaker unit where the container is rigorously shaken to mix the base and colorant solutions together to provide a uniform solution of consistent color. The container is then transported by the shaker unit to a delivery chute where the container is provided to the customer.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 15, 2010
    Publication date: May 9, 2013
    Applicant: CPS COLOR EQUIPMENT SPA CON UNICO SOCIO
    Inventors: Daniel Bush, John Jackson, Stephane Sauve, William Rotner
  • Publication number: 20130104503
    Abstract: The invention provides a forming and wrapping unit (2) for forming material into a continuous bar (20) and wrapping said material the unit comprising: a forming chamber (6) for forming material into a continuous bar; sheet wrapping means (4) for wrapping said continuous bar; and control means operating on said sheet wrapping means, wherein said sheet wrapping means and said control means are adapted to be operable independently of a rate of feeding bulk material into the forming chamber. The invention also relates to a method for forming and wrapping material into a continuous bar, comprising feeding said material to a wrapping position while forming said material; wrapping sheet around said material such that said sheet at least partly overlaps a previously wrapped round of sheet; and transferring the wrapped material from said wrapping position to a storage ready position. The step of feeding the material to a wrapping position and said step of wrapping sheet around the material are separately operable.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 23, 2011
    Publication date: May 2, 2013
    Applicant: TRIOPLAST AB
    Inventors: Lars Öhrn, Mikael Liljegren
  • Publication number: 20130097974
    Abstract: A system and method for activating a series of article protection features formed in product cartons in which a series of articles have been packaged includes an actuating assembly mounted along a path of travel for the cartons. The actuating assembly will include a series of actuating elements that are selectively moved into engagement with the article protection features of the cartons. The article protection features are urged into the cartons, between the articles therein and into positions engaging and supporting the articles.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 19, 2012
    Publication date: April 25, 2013
    Applicant: Graphic Packaging International, Inc.
    Inventor: Graphic Packaging International, Inc.
  • Publication number: 20130086871
    Abstract: A sterilizable biopharmaceutical packaging includes an opening for inserting biopharmaceutical contents to be sterilized, the opening being separate from a sterilization gas conveyance channel so that the opening can be closed independently and before closing the sterilization gas conveyance channel. The opening is directly adjacent to an inner space for receiving the biopharmaceutical contents so that the contents to be sterilized are inserted directly into the inner space from outside the packaging. The elements for controlling the distribution of the sterilization gas open/close the sterilization gas conveyance channel independently of the opening or closing of the insertion opening.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 11, 2011
    Publication date: April 11, 2013
    Applicant: SARTORIUS STEDIM BIOTECH S.A.
    Inventors: Isabelle Gay, Gaelle Nodin, Nicolas Mendyk, Stephanie Armau
  • Patent number: 8413407
    Abstract: A system to produce rolls of web material includes: a production machine (1) to produce the web material; a winder (3) to form reels (B) of web material coming from the production machine; an unwinder (20) to unwind single reels of web material produced by the winder; a group of tools for longitudinal cutting of the web material to divide the web material into strips, including members to position the tools in a transverse direction with respect to the direction of feed of the web material; a rewinder (22) to rewind the single strips into rolls; a line for packaging (9) the rolls (R); at least one shuttle (11) to transfer groups of rolls formed by the rewinder towards the packaging line; and an information system for integrated management of the system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 17, 2006
    Date of Patent: April 9, 2013
    Assignee: A. Celli Nonwovens S.p.A.
    Inventor: Fernando Barsacchi
  • Publication number: 20130081355
    Abstract: A multi-panel sterilization assembly that includes a barrier panel formed of permeable material having barrier properties, side tabs that include grip portions for folding or unfolding the barrier panel; and a fold protection panel. The barrier panel has a first end and a second end opposite the first end, a first edge and a third edge, each such edge being generally perpendicular to the first end, and a midpoint to generally delineate the barrier panel into a content receiving region extending from approximately the first end to the midpoint and a content covering region extending from the midpoint to approximately the second end. The side tabs are located between the first end and the midpoint of the barrier panel and at or near the first edge and the third edge.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 27, 2012
    Publication date: April 4, 2013
    Applicant: KIMBERLY-CLARK WORLDWIDE, INC.
    Inventor: Kimberly-Clark Worldwide, Inc.
  • Publication number: 20130061557
    Abstract: Disclosed is an aseptic filling system which is disposed in an aseptic environment and with which preforming, bottle formation, and filling of bottles with a beverage are performed in an aseptic state. The aseptic filling system includes a preform molding machine, a blowing machine for forming bottles by blowing up the preforms molded by the preform molding machine, and a filling machine integrated with the blowing machine by a specific coupling structure and filling the bottles formed by the blowing machine with the beverage.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 24, 2011
    Publication date: March 14, 2013
    Inventors: Koji Kitano, Takashi Harashima, Haruhiko Kondo, Yoshihiro Akiyama
  • Patent number: 8381494
    Abstract: A method for controlling the operation of an aseptic product filling machine includes the steps of performing a pre-production test procedure during a pre-production phase in which at least a set of subcritical control parameters are measured, diagnosed and stored, checking if those subcritical control parameters are within their range, starting a production phase if all of the subcritical control parameters are indeed within their range, and measuring, diagnosing and storing a set of supercritical control parameters and not the subcritical control parameters during the production phase.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 25, 2010
    Date of Patent: February 26, 2013
    Assignee: Stork Food & Dairy Systems B.V.
    Inventor: Bernardus Antonius Johannes Krakers
  • Publication number: 20130031876
    Abstract: A loading, picking or sorting system and a method for loading, picking or sorting packaged items, include a removal device for removing packaged items provided in a warehouse, a buffer device for buffering the removed packaged items, and a dispensing device for withdrawing buffered packaged items from the buffer device according to a particular loading order for outputting to a processing unit handling the packaged items in order to complete the loading order. In order to achieve low production, operating, and maintenance costs, the buffer device includes at least one collecting conveyor on which the buffered packaged items are collected.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 15, 2011
    Publication date: February 7, 2013
    Applicant: SIEMENS AKTIENGESELLSCHAFT
    Inventor: Roland Fritzsche
  • Publication number: 20130008137
    Abstract: A method for sterilizing a container is provided where a penetrable septum of a sealed empty device is penetrated with an injection member. A fluid sterilant is then injected through the injection member and into an interior chamber of the device. The fluid sterilant is allowed to reside within the chamber a sufficient amount of time to render the chamber either sterile or bactericidal. Product can then be introduced through the septum into the sterile or bactericidal chamber. The resulting penetration aperture is then resealed to hermetically seal the product within the chamber.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 21, 2012
    Publication date: January 10, 2013
    Inventor: Daniel Py
  • Publication number: 20130000250
    Abstract: An automated medication preparation system for preparing a prescribed dosage of medication in a drug delivery device includes a plurality of stations for receiving, handling and processing the drug delivery device so that the prescribed dosage of medication is delivered to the drug delivery device and a transporting device that receives and holds more than one drug delivery device and moves the drug delivery devices in a controlled manner from one station to another station. The system is configured so that two or more separate drug delivery devices can be acted upon at the same time.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 10, 2012
    Publication date: January 3, 2013
    Applicant: ForHealth Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Dennis Tribble, Joel A. Osborne, Abdul Wahid Khan, Edward J. Lefebre
  • Publication number: 20120317924
    Abstract: An aseptic packaging installation in individual containers, comprising a stand on which there is mounted an enclosure (3) that has a floor (4) with an overhead ceiling (6) and that receives at least one rotatable platform (7) in a packaging zone (Z1) subjected to a sterile laminar stream flowing vertically from the ceiling of the packaging zone at a rate that is adapted to establish in the packaging zone a first pressure (P1) that is greater than the surrounding pressure, the installation being characterized in that the enclosure is provided with laminar stream exhaust means for removing the laminar stream from the packaging zone via a buffer zone extending between the packaging zone and the floor.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 14, 2012
    Publication date: December 20, 2012
    Inventor: Delphine GUEGUEN
  • Patent number: 8311709
    Abstract: A control system for managing the operation of a tractor PTO using input conditions occurring in a connected baler. Baler conditions such as tailgate position, crop pickup position, bale wrapper status, and driveline torque are sensed in the baler, and communicated to an implement-mounted controller whereupon control signals are initiated and communicated to a tractor-mounted controller to manage operation of the tractor's PTO. Safety may be maintained through the use of operator acknowledgements in order to prevent unexpected engagement of the PTO and a manual override capability allows an operator to suspend automated operation at any time.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 8, 2009
    Date of Patent: November 13, 2012
    Assignee: CNH America LLC
    Inventors: Olivier Vanhercke, Kevin M. Smith, Chris Foster, Riccardo Morselli