With Separate Closure Patents (Class 53/281)
  • Publication number: 20120090268
    Abstract: The invention relates to a device (10) for filling and sealing pharmaceutical containers, wherein the containers are received in a receptacle (12), which is in particular tub-shaped and in which a carrier element (11) is inserted, said carrier element being removable from the receptacle (12). The containers are arranged in receivers of the carrier element (11) in multiple rows next to one another and behind one another. Said device further comprises a first handling unit (27) for removing the carrier element (11) from the receptacle (12), a filling and sealing device (35) for the containers, and a second handling unit (45) for reinserting the carrier element (11) into the receptacle (12) which is conveyed with the carrier element (11) on a conveying device (20).
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 3, 2010
    Publication date: April 19, 2012
    Applicant: ROBERT BOSCH GMBH
    Inventors: Ulrich Krauss, Steffen Humpfer, Klaus Ullherr, Werner Mayer
  • Patent number: 8117803
    Abstract: Atmosphere in a sterilization box 18 is prevented from entering into a filler chamber 44 side, and also, atmosphere on the filler side is prevented from flowing on the sterilization box 18 side. An intermediate chamber 40 is disposed between the sterilization box 18 for performing sterilization by electron beam irradiation to a vessel 2 and the chamber 44 in which a filler 42 is disposed for filling the sterilized vessel 2 with inner content. A pressure in the intermediate chamber 40 is controlled, by a pressure control device, so as to be higher than a pressure in the sterilization box 18 and higher than a pressure in the chamber 44 provided with the filler 42. Since the pressure in the intermediate chamber 40 is highest, atmosphere in the upstream-side sterilization box 18 is prevented from flowing in the filler 42 side and atmosphere in the chamber 44 for the filler 42 is also prevented from flowing in the sterilization box 18 side.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 26, 2007
    Date of Patent: February 21, 2012
    Assignee: Shibuya Kogyo Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Yukinobu Nishino, Tokuo Nishi, Yukihiro Yamamoto
  • Publication number: 20120036815
    Abstract: The invention relates to a method for producing reclosable packages and to a deep-drawing packaging machine with an embossing station for embossing recesses into a top foil.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 15, 2011
    Publication date: February 16, 2012
    Applicant: MULTIVAC SEPP HAGGENMULLER GMBH & CO. KG
    Inventors: Dieter Holzem, Tieme Jan Slomp, Guido Spix
  • Patent number: 8099928
    Abstract: A tablet filling device that allows the device to be smaller since a driving range of an arm for holding vials is greatly decreased includes: a tablet supply unit 16; a first vial delivery arm unit 17; and a second vial delivery arm unit 18. The tablet supply unit 16 supplies tablets accommodated in a tablet feeder 21 provided at an outer periphery of a drum 101 as prescribed. The first vial delivery arm unit 17 has an arm 202. The arm 202 is movably mounted in a horizontal direction and may even be lifted in a vertical direction. The first delivery arm unit 17 receives vials 4 at a horizontal first position, accommodates the tablets discharged from the tablet feeder 21 into the vials 4 at a second position and delivers the vials 4 at a third position. The second vial delivery arm unit 18 has an arm 302. The arm 302 is movably mounted in the horizontal direction and may be lifted in the vertical direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 17, 2007
    Date of Patent: January 24, 2012
    Assignee: Yuyama Mfg. Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Shoji Yuyama
  • Publication number: 20110302884
    Abstract: A machine (M) for filling and capping vials (F), comprising, arranged in a cascade fashion: a supply station (1) of empty vials (F); an Archimedes screw (2) having a rotation axis parallel to a longitudinal development of the machine (M), supplied with the vials (F) in arrival from the supply station (1); a device (D) for disengaging a predetermined number of vials (F) from the screw (2), activated in phase relation with the screw (2), and for transferring the vials (F) transversally; a comb conveyor (3), step-moved and designed to receive the predetermined number of vials (F) from the device (D); a filling station (6, 7), designed for introduction of a liquid solution contemporaneously into a plurality of vials (F); a capping station (10, 11) for contemporaneously sealing a plurality of vials (F); an outlet zone (U) for conveying the vials (F) out of the operating line of the machine.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 9, 2011
    Publication date: December 15, 2011
    Applicant: MARCHESINI GROUP S.P.A.
    Inventor: Giuseppe MONTI
  • Publication number: 20110302883
    Abstract: A machine (M) for packing vials (F) includes a supply station (1) of empty vials (F) and an Archimedes screw (3) having a rotation axis parallel to a longitudinal development of the machine (M), activated in phase relation with the supply station (1) from which it receives the vials (F). A first device (4) has at least two cogged sectors, rotating on a common axis independently of one another, alternatively activated in phase relation with the screw (3). The machine has a comb conveyor (5), which is step-moved and designed to receive the vials (F) from one or another of the cogged sectors of the first device (4), and a filling station (8), for introduction of a liquid solution contemporaneously into a plurality of vials (F). The machine has a statistical weighing station (10) for the vials (F), arranged in proximity to the filling station (8), able to detect a tare and a gross weight of sample vials (F). A capping station (11) is provided for at least partly sealing a plurality of vials (F).
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 9, 2011
    Publication date: December 15, 2011
    Applicant: MARCHESINI GROUP S.P.A.
    Inventor: Giuseppe MONTI
  • Publication number: 20110239594
    Abstract: A system and method for filling a collapsible container are provided. Such a collapsible container may be made of a relatively rigid portion and a collapsible portion, with the collapsible portion having a collapsed condition and an expanded condition. An obstruction maintains the collapsible portion in the collapsed condition while the container is filled with contents. The obstruction may remain in place until the container is capped and sealed with the contents stored inside the container.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 10, 2011
    Publication date: October 6, 2011
    Inventors: John Nottingham, John Spirk, Nick E. Stanca, Jeff Kalman
  • Patent number: 8028498
    Abstract: A Method of Processing a Container and Base Cup Structure For Removal of Vacuum Pressure A plastic container (10) has a wall extending to a lower portion including a pressure panel (20). The panel (20) is transversely oriented and can move from a downwardly inclined position providing a geometrically unstable configuration to an upwardly inclined position providing a geometrically stable configuration to control pressure change in the container. This movement may be provided by suitable actuating means such as rod (22). In the unstable configuration a base cup 50 or any other suitable holder can support the container and enable it to be conveyed in a container handling or processing system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 16, 2005
    Date of Patent: October 4, 2011
    Assignee: CO2PAC Limited
    Inventor: David Murray Melrose
  • Patent number: 8020702
    Abstract: The invention relates to a pack for pharmaceutical and/or medical products and/or food supplements, comprising a substrate which is fitted with one or more prefabricated, sealed product carriers which each contain one or more isolated products, for a given length of time, and is provided with instructions for application or administration time for the patient, wherein each product carrier exclusively contains products of a special active ingredient or a special combination of active ingredients in a special dosage, which is distinguished by the fact that each product carrier forms part of a single-strip blister pack that can be rolled up, and the product carriers each containing one or more isolated products are assembled on the substrate individually to the patient. Furthermore the invention concerns a method as well as an apparatus for the manufacture of such packs.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 2006
    Date of Patent: September 20, 2011
    Assignee: AvidiaMed GmbH
    Inventors: Nikolai Strub, Gottfried Von Bismarck, Gerhard Breu
  • Patent number: 7997049
    Abstract: A process and apparatus for making a gastro-retentive device (10). The method includes the steps of providing a pouch assembly having an ingredient section within a membrane; folding the membrane to form a folded pouch assembly; inserting the folded pouch assembly into a first capsule section (20a) to form a pouch/first capsule assembly, and inserting the pouch/first capsule assembly into a second capsule section (20b). Also provided is an apparatus (38) for carrying out the above method which includes a tooling block (44) having a passageway (62) configured for slidable movement of the pouch assembly (18) therein, and a tooling pocket (60) extending from a top surface of the tooling block to the passageway and which receives the pouch assembly. A ram (86) is provided for pushing the pouch assembly through the tooling pocket into the passageway, wherein the pouch assembly is folded and encapsulated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 4, 2009
    Date of Patent: August 16, 2011
    Assignee: Merrion Research III Limited
    Inventor: Jagathesan Moodley
  • Patent number: 7987653
    Abstract: An embossed carrier tape manufacturing apparatus includes features for integrating with other processing equipment so that other processes such as forming, filling, and sealing the tape can be performed sequentially in one integrated process. The apparatus includes retractable contact spot heaters for heating the tape prior to embossing, along with a unique heat shield arrangement that is interposable between the heaters and the tape so that the process may be paused. Also, a synchronizing apparatus is integrated so that the carrier tape embossing process may be automatically paused for adjusting to the input rate of other carrier tape processing apparatus.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 6, 2009
    Date of Patent: August 2, 2011
    Assignee: Adaptsys Limited
    Inventors: Barry L. Gregerson, James E. Spitzer
  • Publication number: 20110138740
    Abstract: On a transport or conveyor section for conveying caps or similar closures (2) for bottles or similar containers, and for treating the closures with a treatment medium, for example with at least one sterilization medium, the at least one treatment medium is used at the same time for conveying the closures along the conveyor or transport section (1, 1a).
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 17, 2009
    Publication date: June 16, 2011
    Applicant: KHS GmbH
    Inventor: Hartmut Evers
  • Patent number: 7926243
    Abstract: Method and system for handling a plurality of hot-filled and capped containers having temporary deformations or distortions caused by vacuums induced in the containers. For each container, temporary deformations are confined or directed to a particular portion of the container. Annular hoop rings can be provided to confine the temporary deformations to a smooth sidewall portion of the container between the annular hoop rings. Alternatively, one or more supplemental vacuum panels can be provided to confine or direct the temporary deformation thereto. The annular hoop rings and the one or more supplemental vacuum panels can provide for substantially stable touch points for the container. The containers are conveyed with temporary deformations such that substantially stable contact points of each container are in contact with corresponding substantially stable contact points of other containers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 6, 2009
    Date of Patent: April 19, 2011
    Assignee: Graham Packaging Company, L.P.
    Inventors: Paul V. Kelley, Scott E. Bysick
  • Publication number: 20110023414
    Abstract: In a machine for filling capsules with pharmaceutical products, the bottom of each capsule is moved forward along a path determined in phase with a dosing device, which transfers the pharmaceutical product from a tank to the bottom, and has a cylinder, a piston engaged in the cylinder, a spring interposed between the cylinder and the piston for normally maintaining the piston in contact with a stopping element, and a tappet carried by the cylinder, engaged in a cam, and adapted to move the cylinder and the piston with respective mutually identical laws of motion.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 13, 2010
    Publication date: February 3, 2011
    Inventors: Angelo Ansaloni, Ernesto Gamberini
  • Publication number: 20110023420
    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: Application
    Filed: October 11, 2010
    Publication date: February 3, 2011
    Applicant: 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: 20110005168
    Abstract: A large transfusion filling and corking machine includes a frame unit, an electric control unit, a bottle-in unit, a following and filling unit, a nitrogen-charging and corking unit, and a bottle-out transfer wheel unit. The bottle-in unit, the following and filling unit, the nitrogen-charging and corking unit, and the bottle-out transfer wheel unit are mounted on the frame unit and connected by turns. The nitrogen-charging and corking unit is connected with a cork-delivering unit. A nitrogen-precharging unit is arranged between the bottle-in unit and the following and filling unit, which is connected with the bottle-in unit through a bottle-in transfer wheel unit, and connected with the following and filling unit through a transitional transfer wheel unit.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 29, 2008
    Publication date: January 13, 2011
    Applicant: CHANGSHA CHUTIAN SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Zhen Liu, Huanghui Long, Pengcheng Li, Yue Tang, Jiuzhou Su
  • Patent number: 7866123
    Abstract: A filling machine for containers such as bottles, cans, or similar containers. The filling machine comprises at least one rotor, which is driven in rotation around a vertical machine axis, and filling stations on the rotor. Each filling station is designed to receive a container and for the filling of this container during the rotational movement of the rotor between a container inlet point and a container outlet point. The filling stations are provided in at least two filling planes, which are offset from one another in the direction of the machine axis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 2, 2009
    Date of Patent: January 11, 2011
    Assignee: KHS AG
    Inventor: Ludwig ClĂĽsserath
  • Patent number: 7845149
    Abstract: A capper/de-capper system 1 has a rack support 10 for supporting a rack 11 containing a plurality of capped tubes 31 in a given position. A head unit 12 supports a two-dimensional array of capping/de-capping spindles 13, each of which includes a clutch 133 and a capping/de-capping spigot 131 or socket, the spindles being aligned with the tube positions defined in the rack. A drive mechanism 108 moves the tubes and the head unit relatively towards and away from one another in use, when a rack containing capped tubes is disposed in the rack support, causing engagement and disengagement of the capping/de-capping spigots or sockets with and from the tube caps 32. A spindle drive system 15-22 provides simultaneous rotation of the capping/de-capping spigots or sockets together after engagement with the caps, either to detach caps from the tubes or attach caps to the tubes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 20, 2007
    Date of Patent: December 7, 2010
    Assignee: The Automation Partnership (Cambridge) Limited
    Inventors: Stephen Owen, Justin Owen, Adrian Neil Bargh
  • Publication number: 20100300041
    Abstract: Disclosed is an automated medicine storage and medicine introduction/discharge management system, which includes a main body in which a plurality of receiving shelves is arranged, the main body having a door to enable user access, a medicine introduction/discharge unit installed in one side region of the main body to introduce or discharge a medicine product into or out of the main body, a robot transfer unit installed in the main body to transfer the medicine product, introduced via the medicine introduction/discharge unit, to each receiving space of the main body, or to discharge the medicine product received in the receiving space, and a control unit to control operations of the main body, the medicine introduction/discharge unit, and the robot transfer unit. The system is able to store a variety of medicine in a single main body and to achieve enhanced security for special medicine and efficient management of stock.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 27, 2010
    Publication date: December 2, 2010
    Applicant: JVM CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Jun-Ho KIM
  • Patent number: 7832185
    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: July 10, 2008
    Date of Patent: November 16, 2010
    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
  • Patent number: 7775017
    Abstract: A sealing heater for heat sealing a film onto a multi-compartment container comprises a heating block having a contact surface. The contact surface includes an outer sealing portion and an intermediate sealing portion. The outer sealing seals a film to a perimeter surface of a multi-compartment tray and the intermediate sealing portion seals a film to substantially all of an intermediate surface between the compartments of the multi-compartment tray. The outer sealing portion and the intermediate sealing portion defining recess perimeters in the contact surface that are positioned to correspond substantially to the compartment perimeters in the multi-compartment tray. A heating element is disposed within the heating block for generating heat at the contact surface of the heating block sufficient to heat seal the sealing film to the perimeter surface and the intermediate surface between the compartments of the multi-compartment tray.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 19, 2006
    Date of Patent: August 17, 2010
    Assignee: Xerox Corporation
    Inventor: James Robert Stowell
  • Patent number: 7726102
    Abstract: A method and machine for filling capsules with at least one product, whereby the bottom shell of each capsule is fed along a given path in time with a relative metering device having a metering chamber for transferring a given quantity of product from a tank into the bottom shell; the metering chamber having a weighing device for weighing the product contained in the metering chamber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 17, 2008
    Date of Patent: June 1, 2010
    Assignee: MG 2 -S.r.l.
    Inventor: Ernesto Gamberini
  • Patent number: 7726101
    Abstract: A method and machine for filling capsules with at least one pharmaceutical product, whereby the bottom shell of each capsule is fed along a given path in time with a relative metering chamber for transferring a given quantity of product from a container into the bottom shell; a control device weighing the product in the metering chamber to cut off supply of the product into the metering chamber, when the weight of the product substantially equals a given reference value.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 17, 2008
    Date of Patent: June 1, 2010
    Assignee: MG 2 - S.r.l.
    Inventor: Davide Frabetti
  • Publication number: 20100107567
    Abstract: According to one embodiment, an integrated multi-stage end-to-end cytotoxin handling system includes a first stage for receiving a cytotoxin drug and for preparation of a dose of the cytotoxin drug; a second stage in selective communication with the first stage for further processing the prepared dose; and a third stage in selective communication with the second stage for further processing of the prepared dose. The third stage includes an automated apparatus for sealing the prepared dose in an enclosure. During the entire time from reception into the first stage for drug preparation thereof and to produce a cytotoxin dose to being scaled in the enclosure, the cytotoxin drug remains in a controlled, sealed environment.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 3, 2008
    Publication date: May 6, 2010
    Applicant: ForHealth Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Abdul Wahid Khan, Dennis Tribble, Dennis Schneider, Morris W. Wallace
  • Publication number: 20100083613
    Abstract: A beverage bottling plant for filling bottles with a liquid beverage material having a filling machine. The abstract of the disclosure is submitted herewith as required by 37 C.F.R. §1.72(b). As stated in 37 C.F.R. §1.72(b): A brief abstract of the technical disclosure in the specification must commence on a separate sheet, preferably following the claims, under the heading “Abstract of the Disclosure.” The purpose of the abstract is to enable the Patent and Trademark Office and the public generally to determine quickly from a cursory inspection the nature and gist of the technical disclosure. The abstract shall not be used for interpreting the scope of the claims. Therefore, any statements made relating to the abstract are not intended to limit the claims in any manner and should not be interpreted as limiting the claims in any manner.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 10, 2009
    Publication date: April 8, 2010
    Inventor: Dieter-Rudolf KRULITSCH
  • Publication number: 20100078093
    Abstract: Apparatus for dosing powdery or granulated materials in capsules, or the like. The apparatus comprises an engine associated with a transducer controlling chuting means. The engine imparts to the chuting means movements which are proportional to an electric signal controlled by an electronic control unit. The movements of the chuting means, together with the regulation of the spatial position assumed by the chuting means, are such to accurately dose the powdery or granulated material in the bases of the capsules.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 25, 2009
    Publication date: April 1, 2010
    Inventors: Angelo Ansaloni, Ernesto Gamberini, Antonio Tagliavini
  • Patent number: 7677016
    Abstract: A capsule filling machine (100) for the production of hard gelatin capsules (C) of the type with lid (3) and body (2) containing a quantity (1) of pharmaceutical material comprises a rotary turret or carousel (15) which defines at least one capsule (C) handling line (L) and on which the following are positioned, one after the other: at least one station (6) for feeding empty capsules (C); at least one opening station (20) where the capsule bodies (2) are separated from the lids (3) to form two separate rows of capsule bodies (2) and lids (3); at least one station (7) for feeding and dosing the quantities (1) of pharmaceutical material to be filled into the capsule bodies (2); and at least one station (8) for closing the capsules (C) by placing a lid (3) over each respective body (2); the machine (100) also comprises means (9) for detecting and volumetrically checking the quantity (1) of pharmaceutical material filled into each capsule body (2), the detecting and checking means (9) comprise transducer means (5
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 9, 2005
    Date of Patent: March 16, 2010
    Assignee: I.M.A. Industria Macchine Automatiche S.p.A.
    Inventor: Roberto Trebbi
  • Publication number: 20100024359
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a packaging machine having a deep-drawing, filling and sealing station, by way of which a packaging cavity having a recess in the packaging cavity edge is shaped into a plastic film, the packaging cavity is filled with a material for packaging, and subsequently an upper foil is sealed onto the packaging cavity edge in the sealing plane, wherein a cutting tool is integrated into the sealing tool.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 8, 2007
    Publication date: February 4, 2010
    Applicant: CFS Germany GmbH
    Inventor: Jörg Feisel
  • Publication number: 20100018157
    Abstract: A closing machine for screwing screw type caps onto screw type bottles in a beverage bottling plant and a closing machine for screwing screw type caps onto screw type containers. The abstract of the disclosure is submitted herewith as required by 37 C.F.R. §1.72(b). As stated in 37 C.F.R. §1.72(b): A brief abstract of the technical disclosure in the specification must commence on a separate sheet, preferably following the claims, under the heading “Abstract of the Disclosure.” The purpose of the abstract is to enable the Patent and Trademark Office and the public generally to determine quickly from a cursory inspection the nature and gist of the technical disclosure. The abstract shall not be used for interpreting the scope of the claims. Therefore, any statements made relating to the abstract are not intended to limit the claims in any manner and should not be interpreted as limiting the claims in any manner.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 20, 2009
    Publication date: January 28, 2010
    Inventor: Volker Till
  • Patent number: 7648050
    Abstract: An apparatus for mixing and dispensing a fluoride treatment includes a housing having a storage container for separately storing a plurality of different flavored fluoride treatments and an input device for inputting a desired flavored fluoride treatment from one of the respective stored fluoride treatments in the storage container. In response to the input, the apparatus includes means for formulating said desired flavored fluoride treatment from said stored fluoride treatments. The apparatus further includes means for entering a volume of the desired flavored fluoride to be dispensed and means for dispensing the formulated desired fluoride treatment in a volume amount entered in said volume entering means to a user for later use thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 29, 2004
    Date of Patent: January 19, 2010
    Inventor: Stacey Ehlers
  • Patent number: 7644562
    Abstract: A medicament respiratory delivery device including a housing having a chamber, an inlet and an outlet generally coaxially aligned with the chamber, wherein the chamber includes a medicament cartridge having a body including a generally cylindrical passage extending through the opposed ends of the cartridge generally coaxially aligned with the inlet and outlet of the housing having thin burstable polyolefin membranes having a burst pressure of between 1.2 and 10 atmospheres stretched taut over the ends of the cartridge, such that fluid delivered to the inlet ruptures the membranes, entraining medicament contained within the cartridge passage which is delivered to the patient's respiratory system through the outlet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 18, 2005
    Date of Patent: January 12, 2010
    Assignee: Becton, Dickinson and Company
    Inventors: Vincent J. Sullivan, Lawrence A. Monahan, Christopher J. Knors, Anjana Bhuta Wills, Michael W. Trull
  • Publication number: 20090293436
    Abstract: The present invention provides a method and device for producing a content filling bottle including a bottom part that is inverted between a concave shape and a convex shape to prevent a body part from being subjected to reduced pressure deformation, the method and device being capable of efficiently producing a sanitary and high-quality content filling bottle. Contents are filled into an empty bottle 1 with an inversion part 11 projecting outwardly from the body part. A cap 6 is fitted onto an opening of the bottle 1 to seal the bottle 1. An auxiliary tool 27 is then installed on the bottom part 5 of the bottle 1. Then, the bottom part of the bottle 1 with the auxiliary tool 27 installed thereon is supported via the auxiliary tool 27. The downwardly projecting inversion part 11 is pressed up so as to be inverted and recessed inwardly into the bottle 1. Subsequently, with the opening of the bottle 1 gripped, the auxiliary tool 27 is separated from the bottle 1.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 26, 2007
    Publication date: December 3, 2009
    Applicant: HOKKAI CAN CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Shunzo Miyazaki, Yasuhiro Sato, Akio Watanabe, Masaru Kimura
  • Patent number: 7607281
    Abstract: A method and an apparatus for manufacturing packages of product; the apparatus according to the invention comprises elements for feeding a plurality of trays, which are arranged substantially horizontally and so that their corresponding cavities are directed upward and are distributed in a line along at least one advancement direction, along which at least one unit for filling at least one of the trays at a time and at least one unit for applying covering elements to the filled tray in order to obtain a package are arranged; the application unit can move in a reciprocating fashion along the advancement direction between an initial configuration, which substantially coincides with the longitudinal position at which the filling of the tray ends with respect to the advancement direction, and a final configuration, which is advanced with respect to the initial one, the filling unit being movable in a reciprocating manner toward and away from the longitudinal end filling position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 6, 2005
    Date of Patent: October 27, 2009
    Assignee: Evifill S.R.L.
    Inventor: Antonio Freddi
  • Publication number: 20090223168
    Abstract: Equipment (1) for processing containers filled with liquid or powder products comprises a carousel (5) conveying containers (2) for processing, a drive system (6) by which the carousel is set in rotation about a vertical axis (X); a containing element (14) placed around the carousel (5), and a covering element (18) associated with the top of the carousel (5), combining with the containing element (14) to create a fluid-tight chamber (19) internally of which the carousel (5) is housed in its entirety. The covering element (18) is in vertical direction slidably engaged with the side wall for height adjustment of an upper frame (11) according to the size of the container (2).
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 16, 2007
    Publication date: September 10, 2009
    Inventors: Gianpietro Zanini, Marco Baroni
  • Patent number: 7581372
    Abstract: A semiconductor reticle transportation container includes a box and a base, the box having an opening and the base including a reticle support. The reticle is placed on the support and the box is placed on the base so that the reticle passes through the opening while being lifted off of the support by plungers contacting the lower edge of the reticle. After the box is closed, the reticle is compliantly constrained horizontally and vertically and is held away from the support.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 17, 2007
    Date of Patent: September 1, 2009
    Assignee: Microtome Precision, Inc.
    Inventors: Joseph A. Durben, Gavin Charles Rider, Robert K. Lindsley
  • Patent number: 7549266
    Abstract: A compact tablet storage and take-out apparatus capable of quickly discharging and filing tablets. The tablet storage and take-out apparatus includes: a cylindrical drum; a drum driving device; a plurality of tablet cassette mounting bases fitted to an outer surface of the drum; tablet cassettes which are detachably mounted on the tablet cassette mounting bases; and a guide passage for guiding discharged tablets inside the drum. Moreover, the apparatus includes a transfer robot provided inside the drum so as to be liftable and also rotatable. The transfer robot is operable to transfers a vial between a delivery position located outside an opening formed in an upper end or a lower end of the drum and a tablet filling position. The position of at least one of the drum and the transfer robot is controlled so that an opening of the vial held by the transfer robot agrees with an outlet of the guide passage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 17, 2005
    Date of Patent: June 23, 2009
    Assignee: Yuyama Mfg. Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Shoji Yuyama, Katsunori Yoshina, Takafumi Imai, Yoshinori Kumano, Masahito Miyashita
  • Patent number: 7543424
    Abstract: A beverage bottling plant for filling and closing beverage bottles with a packaging device for packaging beverage bottles. The packaging device comprises a beverage bottle handling machine for maintaining separation and spacing of groups of bottles and for compacting bottles into groups having desired outer perimeter shape and outer perimeter size and dimensions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 8, 2006
    Date of Patent: June 9, 2009
    Assignee: KHS Maschinen-und Anlagenbau AG
    Inventors: Tilo Lechner, Ludger Pauls
  • Patent number: 7513091
    Abstract: An automated process and apparatus for making a gastro-retentive device (10). The method includes the steps of providing a pouch assembly having an ingredient section within a membrane; folding the membrane to form a folded pouch assembly; inserting the folded pouch assembly into a first capsule section (20a) to form a pouch/first capsule assembly, and inserting the pouch/first capsule assembly into a second capsule section (20b). The process can further include the steps of providing a strip (32) of multiple pouch assemblies (18) and cutting a single pouch assembly from the strip (32). Also provided is an apparatus (38) for carrying out the above method which includes a tooling block (44) having a passageway (62) configured for slidable movement of the pouch assembly (18) therein, and a tooling pocket (60) extending from a top surface of the tooling block to the passageway and which receives the pouch assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 30, 2004
    Date of Patent: April 7, 2009
    Assignee: Merrion Research III Limited
    Inventor: Jagathesan Moodley
  • Publication number: 20090071859
    Abstract: A ribbon of packaging comprises individual packages (11) adjacently and separably arranged for separation prior to filling. The ribbon is preferably drawn under tension from a reel, and the packages are linked by mechanical couplers (FIG. 11) which are separable in a direction orthogonally to the traction force. The packages have a closure (FIG. 8) which is removed and replaced to permit filling. Also disclosed are preferred package couplers, and filling and dispensing arrangements.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 8, 2006
    Publication date: March 19, 2009
    Inventors: Steven Douglas, Gavin Barnett
  • Patent number: 7485465
    Abstract: In a microplate processing apparatus that removes lid (11) of microplate (10) conveyed by microplate conveying mechanism (3) to perform a dispensing process by dispensing head (8), and that attaches lid (11) after the dispensing process is completed, lid (11) removed by lid removing mechanism (6) at first position (P1) is conveyed to third position (P3) located downstream, by microplate conveying mechanism (3), to be held by lid attaching mechanism (9), and then lid (11) is attached to microplate (10) having been conveyed to third position (P3), after the dispensing process is completed, while microplate (10) with this lid (11) having been attached is being lifted to processing position (P4) above microplate conveying mechanism (3), by microplate stage (12).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 5, 2005
    Date of Patent: February 3, 2009
    Assignee: Panasonic Corporation
    Inventors: Akira Higuchi, Eiji Watanabe
  • Publication number: 20090013646
    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: Application
    Filed: July 10, 2008
    Publication date: January 15, 2009
    Applicant: Stokely-Van Camp, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael J. Mastio, Rei-Young Amos Wu, Michael F. McGowan, Subodh K. Raniwala, Gregory Schimmel, James D. Schuman, Richard O. Powell
  • Patent number: 7469517
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a mechanism, system and method for transferring closures. More specifically, the invention relates to a mechanism, system and method for transferring a closure from a first station, preferably a closure chute to a second station, preferably a closure chuck, through the use of a button with a lobe.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 6, 2004
    Date of Patent: December 30, 2008
    Assignee: Phoenix Closures, Inc.
    Inventors: David Moore, Len Ekkert
  • Publication number: 20080314003
    Abstract: A machine for making packs (2) of infusion products, created by a first sheet (21) of packaging material, forming a recess, in which a batched quantity of product (20) is placed, and a second sheet (22) of packaging material, applied on the first sheet (21) of packaging material and joined thereto peripherally. The machine includes a work assembly (30) for feeding the first sheets (21) to a carrousel (10), operated to rotate on a horizontal axis, in suitable step relation with the feeding of the sheets. The carrousel (10) has, made on its periphery, an ordered series of cavities (11), which receive the first sheets (21) for forming thereon, a respective recess, whose shape is suitable for containing the batched quantity of product (20). A filling group (40) introduces the batched quantity of product (20) into the recess formed on the first sheets (21), connected to the cavities (11) of the carrousel (10).
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 7, 2005
    Publication date: December 25, 2008
    Applicant: GOGLIO S.P.A.
    Inventors: Franco Goglio, Marco Verri
  • Publication number: 20080236106
    Abstract: A capsule filling machine (4) for the production of hard gelatin capsules (C) of the type with lid (2) and body (1) containing pharmaceutical material, the machine (4) being of the type comprising a station (5) for feeding the capsule bodies (1) and lids (2); a dosing station (6) for filling a dose of the material into each capsule body (1); and a station (7) for closing the capsules (C) by placing each lid (2) over the respective body (1) so that their respective annular ends (2a, 1a) overlap. Between the dosing station (6) and the closing station (7) there is at least one intermediate operating station (8) for applying a sealing substance to the capsule lid and bodies in the vicinity of their ends (1a, 2a).
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 23, 2005
    Publication date: October 2, 2008
    Inventors: Roberto Trebbi, Caterina Funaro
  • Publication number: 20080223003
    Abstract: The machine of the invention for packing tablets inside rigid tubes exhibits: a supply line for supplying empty tubes arranged with vertical axes and mouths facing upwards; an inlet station wherein deflector organs operate which tip the cylindrical containers on sides thereof, and first organs which pick up individual thus-tipped containers and release the containers to corresponding gripping organs provided by a multiple conveyor; a filling station in which a plurality of supply units release a predetermined quantity of tablets, stacked one on the other, into paused tubes, borne by the multiple conveyor; a closing station containing means which insert caps into the mouths of the filled containers borne by the multiple conveyor; an outlet station containing means which pick up paused individual closed containers borne by the multiple conveyor and release the containers onto transporter organs.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 3, 2008
    Publication date: September 18, 2008
    Applicant: Marchesini Group S.p.A.
    Inventor: Giuseppe Monti
  • Publication number: 20080209857
    Abstract: The process includes a stage of sterilisation of the flagon, the drop-dispenser and the closure cap making up the container, which is preceded by a stage in which the cap and the drop-dispenser are removably anchored together. In a subsequent stage the flagon and the drop-dispenser-cap group are placed in an aseptic environment, and the flagon is filled before the pre-assembled drop-dispenser-cap group is inserted on the flagon.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 13, 2005
    Publication date: September 4, 2008
    Applicant: BORMIOLI ROCCO & FIGLIO S.P.A.
    Inventor: Emilio Morini
  • Patent number: 7412812
    Abstract: The invention relates to a filling apparatus having a filling device for filling packages with a hot filling, a sealing device for sealing the package, wherein the package has a package seal for opening the package and a swivelling arrangement for swivelling the package so that the package seal contacts the hot filling. Furthermore the invention relates to a filling method in which a hot filling is filled into a package that is sealed thereafter, wherein the package has a package seal and the package is swivelled so that the package seal contacts the hot filling.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 25, 2006
    Date of Patent: August 19, 2008
    Assignee: Indag Gesellschaft Fuer Industriebedarf mbH & Co. Betriebs KG
    Inventors: Hans-Peter Wild, Eberhard Kraft, Michael Kurz
  • Patent number: 7409808
    Abstract: A plant for the cold aseptic bottling of a liquid in bottles with a conveyor line on which bottles are moved by at least one bottle handling machine in a sterile space which is separated by a housing from at least one non-sterile space, whereby the housing is formed by at least one circulating part and one stationary part, and whereby at the transition between these parts, a siphon seal is provided which makes possible the relative motion of the parts, which siphon seal comprises at least one annular duct that concentrically surrounds an axis of the circulating part to hold a sealing or barrier fluid on a ring-shaped wall element on the other part of the housing that extends into the barrier fluid located there, with at least one inlet for the feeding of the barrier fluid into the at least one annular duct and with at least one outlet for the discharge of the barrier fluid out of the annular duct, wherein the at least one outlet is realized in the form of an overflow that sets the level of the barrier fluid,
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 16, 2007
    Date of Patent: August 12, 2008
    Assignee: KHS Maschinen- Und Anlagenbau AG
    Inventors: Volker Till, Daryoush Sangi
  • Patent number: 7404277
    Abstract: Beverage bottling plant for filling bottles with a liquid beverage filling material having an information adding station.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 21, 2007
    Date of Patent: July 29, 2008
    Assignee: KHS Maschinen- und Anlagenbau AG
    Inventors: Martin Schach, Klaus Krämer
  • Patent number: 7404276
    Abstract: A plant for the cold aseptic bottling of a liquid in bottles with a conveyor line on which bottles are moved by at least one bottle handling machine in a sterile space which is separated by a housing from at least one non-sterile space, whereby the housing is formed by at least one circulating part and one stationary part, and whereby at the transition between these parts, a siphon seal is provided which makes possible the relative motion of the parts, which siphon seal comprises at least one annular duct that concentrically surrounds an axis of the circulating part to hold a sealing or barrier fluid on a ring-shaped wall element on the other part of the housing that extends into the barrier fluid located there, with at least one inlet for the feeding of the barrier fluid into the at least one annular duct and with at least one outlet for the discharge of the barrier fluid out of the annular duct, wherein the at least one outlet is realized in the form of an overflow that sets the level of the barrier fluid,
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 16, 2007
    Date of Patent: July 29, 2008
    Assignee: KHS Maschinen-und Anlagenbau AG
    Inventors: Volker Till, Daryoush Sangi