Abstract: An apparatus having a control circuit including a computer processor and a computer memory configured with computer software. The control circuit causes a first test assembly to conduct an initial test of the air pressure within an inner chamber of a first tennis ball; and if the control circuit determines that the air pressure is below a threshold, a pressurization process increases the air pressure inside the inner chamber of the first tennis ball by piercing the outer skin of the first tennis ball with a needle, until a tip of the needle is in the inner chamber, and a first opening, plugged by the needle, is formed in the outer skin of the first tennis ball. The needle tip is thereafter withdrawn from the inner chamber of the first tennis ball, leaving the first opening unplugged and sealant is applied to the first opening to close the first opening.

Abstract: A manifold for control of fluid and/or vapor flow between a container and a pump cartridge for a compounder system is provided. One or more manifolds may be disposed in a magazine configured to secure and align the manifolds with a plurality of ports in the cartridge. Each manifold may include a needle having forward and rear openings to a central bore. A needle housing may include a slot configured to receive a push rod for actuating the needle forward and backward. In a forward, engaged position, the openings in the needle may be disposed on opposite sides of a sealing member of the manifold to form a fluid pathway through the manifold. In a rearward, disengaged position, both the forward and rear openings in the needle may be disposed on the same side of the sealing member to prevent fluid and vapor from flowing through the manifold.

Abstract: The object of the invention is to provide an arrangement for brewing homemade beer per serving, which comprises an industrial stage of an industrial arrangement performing pre-fabrication and a domestic stage for home use performing fermentation-free brewing of beer along with preparation for consumption. The invention also describes a brewer apparatus (1) for use at home as well as the application method of the arrangement. The brewer apparatus (1) is comprising at least one receiver unit (2) suitable for the addition and removal of a beer component container (5a, 5b), a liquid transfer unit (3) empties into the receiver unit (2), a filling member (4, 4b) is connected to the receiver unit (2), and a filling member (4, 4b) is connected to a gas transfer unit (8) suitable for delivering carbon dioxide into the end product container (9) or to a siphon (30). The filling member (4, 4b) prevents the overflowing of the beer foam at the bottling by overpressure.

Abstract: A vacuum insulated panel is disclosed herein. According to an embodiment, the vacuum insulated panel may include a frame having a first side and a second side. The vacuum insulated panel also may include a first convex sheet positioned about the first side of the frame and a second convex sheet positioned about the second side of the frame. Moreover, the vacuum insulated panel may include a cavity formed between the first convex sheet and the second convex sheet. Further, the vacuum insulated panel may include a vacuum formed within the cavity. The vacuum may be configured to at least partially flatten the first convex sheet and the second convex sheet into a substantially parallel planar configuration.

Abstract: A manifold for control of fluid and/or vapor flow between a container and a pump cartridge for a compounder system is provided. One or more manifolds may be disposed in a magazine configured to secure and align the manifolds with a plurality of ports in the cartridge. Each manifold may include a needle having forward and rear openings to a central bore. A needle housing may include a slot configured to receive a push rod for actuating the needle forward and backward. In a forward, engaged position, the openings in the needle may be disposed on opposite sides of a sealing member of the manifold to form a fluid pathway through the manifold. In a rearward, disengaged position, both the forward and rear openings in the needle may be disposed on the same side of the sealing member to prevent fluid and vapor from flowing through the manifold.

Abstract: A manifold for control of fluid and/or vapor flow between a container and a pump cartridge for a compounder system is provided. One or more manifolds may be disposed in a magazine configured to secure and align the manifolds with a plurality of ports in the cartridge. Each manifold may include a needle having forward and rear openings to a central bore. A needle housing may include a slot configured to receive a push rod for actuating the needle forward and backward. In a forward, engaged position, the openings in the needle may be disposed on opposite sides of a sealing member of the manifold to form a fluid pathway through the manifold. In a rearward, disengaged position, both the forward and rear openings in the needle may be disposed on the same side of the sealing member to prevent fluid and vapor from flowing through the manifold.

Abstract: In methods of making disposable, flexible containers for fluent products, methods of sealing the flexible containers when such containers include expansion materials, are disclosed. The methods include forming a partially completed container blank that has layers of flexible materials. The layered structure includes a first space for a fluent product, and a second space for an expansion material. The methods of sealing the flexible containers include adding an expansion material into the second space and pressing parts of at least some of the layers together to close off the second space.

Abstract: A system and corresponding method for charging an aerosol can with a compressed gas charge includes a base that is adapted for receiving a can that (i) houses a product and (ii) includes a means for injecting gas, such as a grommet or valve on the bottom of the container, and includes a compressed gas source, such as a pre-charged canister of compressed air, and air compressor, and/or an automatic or manual air pump. The can may be filled with at atmospheric pressure and then shipped while the can contains approximately atmospheric pressure. Upon receipt of the can, a user may charge the can with a compressed gas and repeat charging if needed after some of the product has been dispensed.

Abstract: Treating packaging as a pick item. Embodiments include methods, systems, and computer program products for determining a container size of a container for packaging one or more items. An identity of one or more items that are to be packaged into a container is received. Corresponding three-dimensional dimensions of each of the one or more items are identified. A container size of the container is calculated based on the corresponding three-dimensional dimensions of each of the one or more items. The calculated container size is configured to accommodate all of the one or more items within the container. The container is produced, the container having at least the calculated size. In some embodiments, the container can then be sent to a pack station as a pick item.

Abstract: A method and system involves vacuum sealing a semi-enclosure at room temperature without requiring mechanical actions within the vacuum chamber. The semi-enclosure has an inlet channel that extends inwardly into the vacuum chamber from an exterior opening (entryway) into the semi-enclosure. An uncured entryway vacuum sealant is provided at the entryway for the semi-enclosure. A vacuum is established in the vacuum chamber until the vacuum pressure reaches a desired vacuum pressure that causes the uncured entryway sealant to be provided to the entryway for the semi-enclosure. The uncured entryway vacuum sealant is cured under vacuum pressure in the semi-enclosure in the vacuum chamber.

Abstract: A methods of executing start, run, and stop sequences on a machine for converting a web of preformed pouches into inflated dunnage units. The pouches are defined by transverse seals extending from a remote edge to within a predetermined distance from an inflation edge.

Abstract: An apparatus for sealing a foil liner to a container. The apparatus comprises a seal head that includes a body having a first end, a second end, and an axis extending through the first and second ends. The body further includes a sealing surface at the second end thereof facing away from the first end. The seal head further includes fluid path(s) for passing fluid through and out of the seal head and onto the foil liner. A method for sealing a foil liner to a container is also provided wherein a sealing surface of a seal head is aligned with a sealing surface of the container, wherein a peripheral edge of the foil liner is disposed between the sealing surfaces of the seal head and the container. Fluid is then passed through fluid path(s) in the seal head and out of the seal head and onto the foil liner.

Abstract: A system and method for on-site remediation and sanitization of household items preferably uses a HEPA vacuum to remove surface microbials from the item being remediated. The item is then placed into a sealable plastic vacuum bag having a connection port that allows a vacuum to remove air from the bag, collapsing the bag over the item (which has first been braced to the extent necessary to prevent damage to the item). Once the air has been extracted from the vacuum bag air is introduced into the bag, preferably by using a blower, whereby a fogger can be used to introduce a remediating fog into the bag with the remediating fog surrounding the item. Next, the vacuum is used to again collapse the bag around the item, thereby infusing the remediating fog into the item. In a preferred embodiment of the invention the steps of inflating, fogging, and collapsing may be repeated one or more times to thoroughly infuse the remediating solution into the item, after which the item is removed from the vacuum bag.

Abstract: A method for sterilizing a membrane comprising an oxidoreductase enzyme in an environment having a relative humidity, comprises: irradiating the membrane comprising an oxidoreductase enzyme with gamma radiation under vacuum at a relative humidity lower than the relative humidity of the environment. Associated biosensors are also described.

Abstract: Flexible containers having inflated structures and reinforcing seals.

Abstract: Disclosed are hollow pistons made from a single piece of starting material and methods of manufacturing hollow pistons from the single piece of starting material.

Abstract: A device for extracting a cork from a bottle. The device leverages an axial and rotational pulling force, and pressurized gas in the interior of the bottle to displace a cork from a bottle. The device provides a helical-shaped lever that axially and rotatably penetrates through the cork to forcibly extract the cork from the bottle neck. The helical-shaped lever has a hollow passageway that is in communication with the interior volume of the bottle. The device further includes a gas cartridge operated by a pressure release button that discharges pressurized gas through the hollow passageway of the helical-shaped lever, and into the bottle. The moment at which helical-shaped lever fully penetrates the cork, tension is removed from helical-shaped lever, releasing a compressed spring to expand. Expansion of spring presses spring against pressure release button; thereby forming tactile feedback and indicating optimal moment to discharge pressurized gas.

Abstract: A web, method, and apparatus for forming dunnage units. The web includes first and second elongated layers. A plurality of seals that hermetically join the first elongated layer to the second elongated layer to form a plurality of inflatable pouches and an inflation channel that is in fluid communication with pouches and is disposed outside of the pouches. An inflation side line of perforations, a gap forming area, and an opposite side line of perforations are arranged in a line between pair(s) of the pouches.

Abstract: A device for producing a longitudinal seal between two juxtaposed plies of film that are conveyed along a longitudinal path of travel, the juxtaposed film plies including a series of containers therebetween, wherein the device includes a sealing mechanism that forms a sealing zone in the travel path in which the longitudinal seal is produced, and a pressure mechanism that forms a pressure zone in the travel path in which the juxtaposed film plies are compressed, the pressure zone being positioned between the containers and the sealing zone.

Abstract: Provided is an apparatus for sterilizing containers with a conveying device, which conveys the containers along a pre-set conveying path. A first sterilization device acts upon at least one area of the containers with radiation in order to sterilize them. A checking device is arranged downstream with respect to the first sterilization device along the conveying path in order to check the sterilization procedure. The checking device is used for analyzing at least one medium occurring in the region of the containers.

Abstract: A machine for converting a web of preformed pouches into inflated dunnage units. The pouches are defined by transverse seals extending from a remote edge to within a predetermined distance from an inflation edge. The machine includes a tensioning device for frictional engagement with the web, an inflation arrangement for inflation of the preformed pouches, a sealing arrangement, and a clamping arrangement. The sealing arrangement may be positioned to provide a longitudinal seal that intersects the transverse seals to close the preformed pouches and form a dunnage unit. The tensioning device holds the web taught during downstream travel.

Abstract: Oxidation-sensitive, low-peroxide polymer contained in a sealed, protective-gas-filled packaging form, comprising, per kilogram of polymer solid, at least one inorganic phosphorus compound in amounts such that the total phosphorus content is 2*10?5 to 0.02 mol, and methods for stabilizing oxidation-sensitive polymer against peroxide formation, wherein, during or after the polymerization, at least one inorganic phosphorus compound is added in one or more portions in amounts such that the total phosphorus content per kilogram of polymer solid content of the finished polymer is 2*10?5 to 0.02 mol, and the polymer treated in such a way is placed into a protective-gas filled, sealed packaging form, and also use of these polymers.

Abstract: A method for treating packages includes ink jet printing designs on packages, arranging packages on a treatment position of a package transport path, and at least intermittently charging the packages, during printing thereon, with a gaseous sterilizing agent.

Abstract: A machine which inflates and seals pillows in packaging is compact in overall size, can be conveniently operated to produce varied lengths of strips of inflated pillow-type packaging as needed, can begin production of inflated pillow-type strip packaging immediately after being held out of a production cycle for some period of time, and applies a heated sealing element directly to and in sliding contact with a web of film to securely seal the inlet port of an inflated pillow while the pillow is under pressure and as the web of film is continuously and uninterruptedly advanced through the machine.

Abstract: A machine for inflating and sealing an inflatable structure having a longitudinal edge generally comprises a drive, an inflation nozzle, a sealing device, and a sheet engagement device. The machine may define an engaging assembly and an opposing assembly. The drive may be rotationally coupled to the sheet engagement device such that when the drive rotates, the engagement device also rotates. The sheet engagement device may comprise one or more engagement rollers which may have a plurality of teeth thereon. A first plurality of rollers and a second plurality of rollers comprising the engagement rollers may intermesh between a drive roller and a backing roller on the longitudinal edge of the inflatable structure. Thereby, the sheets of the inflatable structure may be engaged together and the length of the longitudinal edge may contract to facilitate inflation. The resulting inflated inflatable structure may comprise an embossed longitudinal edge.

Abstract: A machine for inflating and sealing an inflatable structure having a longitudinal edge generally comprises a drive, an inflation nozzle, a sealing device, and a sheet engagement device. The machine may define an engaging assembly and an opposing assembly. The drive may be rotationally coupled to the sheet engagement device such that when the drive rotates, the engagement device also rotates. The engagement device may include a first belt and an opposing second belt which may each have a plurality of teeth thereon. The teeth may intermesh between a drive roller and a backing roller on the longitudinal edge of the inflatable structure. Thereby, the sheets of the inflatable structure may be engaged together and the length of the longitudinal edge may contract to facilitate inflation. The resulting inflated inflatable structure may comprise an embossed longitudinal edge.

Abstract: A device and method for storage and delivery of ammonia for use on a vehicle, is disclosed. The device includes a sealable container, a predetermined amount of a solid ammonia-containing material, wherein the container is filled with the ammonia-containing material prior to sealing, and a canister for receiving the filled, sealed containers. The method includes loading the canister by stacking a plurality of the filled, sealed containers one on top of the other within the canister, and subsequently compressing and crushing the containers to release the ammonia gas for use in the reduction of NOx in a vehicle exhaust system.

Abstract: Described herein are multilayer polymeric films with enhanced interlayer adhesion, having a gas barrier layer and a seal layer bonded directly to the gas barrier layer, wherein the seal layer is made of a blended polymer material that may aid in increasing adhesion to the gas barrier layer. Also disclosed are converted multilayer films for use in creating inflatable chambers in fluid communication with other chambers, methods of making the multilayer films, and a method of producing inflatable and sealable films for protective packaging having enhanced performance.

Abstract: A packaging machine and a method for packaging of products in bags, respectively, comprises a lid (5) forming a chamber (4) together with a chamber bottom (6). The object of the invention is to provide an improved device and method for evacuating the chamber (4) of a packaging machine. For this purpose a suction device (100) is provided in the chamber bottom (6), the suction device being designed such that gas can be sucked and the chamber (4) can be closed gas tight, wherein at least a closing element (8, 8?) is provided which can be moved from a first raised position into a second lowered position.

Abstract: Inflated packages custom-designed to meet the needs of a variety of packaging needs, package precursors (i.e., packages in an un-inflated state), and methods for forming package precursors and converting package precursors into finished packages. Nozzle and needle inflated embodiments are included.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for charging the gas compartment portion of a bag (1) in which incisions (9) are formed in gas introduction section (6a) of the gas compartment portion (6). A pair of gas injection nozzles (23, 24) are disposed so as to be on the opposite sides of the bag and reciprocate between its standby and advanced positions, so that in the advanced position, the discharge outlets (23a, 24a) of the gas injection nozzles are aligned with the gas introduction section on both sides, and compressed gas is injected into the gas introduction section through the incisions. A small gap (L) is provided between the discharge outlets of the gas injection nozzles when they are in the advanced position. As the gas is injected, film sheets of the expanded gas introduction section closely adhere to the discharge outlets, so that the gas injection state becomes stable.

Abstract: A method for preserving green coffee beans by storing or packaging the beans in a nitrogen-filled low-oxygen-permeability container with at least one oxygen absorbent or scavenger. A method for preserving roasted coffee beans by storing or packaging the beans in a nitrogen-filled container that can withstand the pressure of the carbon dioxide gas released by the coffee beans after roasting, the pressurized container may include at least one oxygen absorbent or scavenger. And a method for establishing a vintage coffee system.

Abstract: A method for converting a web of preformed pouches to on-demand inflatable packaging. The method may include moving the web along a path of travel, attaching an outer skin to the outside of the web, and packaging the web into a non-inflated and stored configuration. The method may also include moving the web along a path of travel, depositing at least one product into each of a plurality of the preformed pouches, and inflating each of the preformed pouches to form a cushioning material.

Abstract: In a method and apparatus for charging a gas into a gas compartment portion (6) of a bag (1), after a pre-heating step which is performed in stop position (IV) so that the gas compartment portion of the bag is heated by a heated gas-blowing nozzle (27), a preliminary gas injection step for injecting gas into the gas compartment portion is performed by a gas blowing nozzle (28) and a receiving member (29) in stop position (V). Then, a gas filling step is carried out in stop position (VI) by gas injection nozzles (23, 24), and the incision (9) in the gas compartment portion is sealed in stop position (VII). In the following pre-heating step, the front and rear film sheets (7, 8) of the gas compartment portion are softened, and in the preliminary gas injection step, the film sheets are separated and their adhesion is eliminated.

Abstract: An article is provided that can be used as a heating source for various applications. The article includes an environmentally friendly gaseous fuel mixture within a gas cylinder that is both non-corrosive and refillable. More specifically, the gaseous fuel mixture contains hydrogen and methane. Methods of using the article as a heating source are also provided.

Abstract: The invention relates to the use of a mixture comprising a hydrofluoroolefin, possibly associated with a dilution gas, as a gaseous electrical insulation and/or electrical arc extinguishing medium in substation medium-voltage electrical device. It also relates to medium-voltage electrical device in which electrical insulation and/or electrical arc extinguishing is (are) performed by a gaseous medium comprising hydrofluoroolefin, possibly associated with a dilution gas.

Abstract: System, method and material for making pneumatically filled packing cushions in which a plastic film material having two superposed layers joined together along first and second longitudinal edges is prefabricated at a first location by forming longitudinally spaced, transversely extending rows of perforations across it and sealing it together along seal lines which extend from the first edge of the material in a direction generally parallel to the rows of perforations other and terminate a short distance from the second edge to form chambers with open mouths facing the second edge between the rows of perforations. The material is then fan-folded or formed into rolls for storage and shipment. At a second location, gas is introduced into the chambers by passing the material along a tube positioned between the ends of the seals and the second edge of the material and injecting the gas into the open mouths of the chambers through openings in a side wall of the tube.

Abstract: A sealed container (1) includes: a metal container (3) including an opening portion (5) and a first internal space that is reduced in pressure; a solid matter (4) contained in the first internal space of the metal container; and a sealing member (2) made of glass containing at least alkali earth metal oxide or alkali metal oxide, and the sealing member is melted by heating and solidified by cooling to be joined to and seal the opening portion of the metal container.

Abstract: The invention is directed to an apparatus and method for inflating and sealing a mailer comprising an inner inflatable liner having at least one inflation port, valve, or combination thereof through which a portion of gas can be introduced into the liner.

Abstract: A device for opening a gas pressure container includes: a rupture disk; and an explosive charge. The rupture disk is configured to seal the gas pressure container in a gas-tight manner. The explosive charge, which is situated in direct contact with a surface of the rupture disk, ruptures the rupture disk in response to an ignition impulse.

Abstract: A reticle pod includes an outer pod shell and an outer pod door disposed under the outer pod shell. The outer pod door has at least one gas control hole. A seal ring is disposed between the outer pod shell and the outer pod door. A valve is disposed in each gas control hole. The outer pod shell and the outer pod door are configured to form an enclosure space in order to store a reticle. The seal ring seals the gap between the outer pod shell and the outer pod door. The at least one valve is configured to control gas flow in and out of the enclosure space.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method of removing headspace (3) from a filled container (1). The method comprises providing a container that is filled with a product (2) and that further holds a gas containing headspace. The container comprises a valve (100) that allows gas to be expelled from the container. The method further comprises applying a pressure difference over the one-way valve to remove gas contained in the headspace through the valve to reduce the headspace.

Abstract: A transfer chamber is disclosed having a first plate with a first surface configured to receive a sample and a second surface containing a groove. The second surface of the first plate surrounds the first surface of the first plate. A second plate has a first surface and a second surface containing a groove. A sealing component is disposed in the groove of the first plate or the second plate. A pivotable link couples the first plate and the second plate. The pivotable link is configured to hold the first plate, the second plate, and the sealing component together to substantially create an air-tight seal between the first surface of the first plate and the second surface of the second plate. The pivotable link is configured to open the seal in response to a pressure differential across the transfer chamber.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for collecting and storing urine comprises a collecting funnel and collection tank. The funnel has a valve that opens flow of urine begins and closes once the flow stops based on a flow sensor. The flow time of urine is recorded and used to regulate the evacuation and inert gas filling of a head space in the collection container once the urine is collected. The inert gas protects the urine from oxidation so that degradation is minimized while in the collection container. A similar control can be exercised when a bottle is filled with urine from the collection container, wherein head space in the bottle is filled with inert gas for oxidation protection to form a finished package. The head space of finished package can be evacuated to minimize degradation of the urine once the urine is accessed an initial time in the finished package.

Abstract: A method for sealing-in a gas in a bag that has therein a gas filling compartment, including the steps of: placing a blow-out port of a nozzle, which is connected to a pressurized gas supply source, against a cut-in or a hole of the bag and holding the back surface side of the bag with a backing member; blowing a gas from the nozzle into the gas filling compartment of the bag through the cut-in or the hole; gripping and thus closing the gas flow path in sealed portions surrounding the periphery of the cut-in or the hole by a blocking gripper while the gas blow-in continues, thus cutting off the flow of the gas between the cut-in or the hole and the inside of the gas filling compartment; and then sealing the cut-in or the hole, thus allowing the gas to be sealed in the gas filling compartment.

Abstract: A food packaging method is provided in which food is packaged in a package with use of carbon dioxide to benefit from bacteriostatic effects and the food package contains the minimum reduced gas spaces and thereby has a volume substantially equal to the food volume. Tightly-fitting food packages are obtained by the method. A tightly-fitting food package is obtained by: placing at least one kind of foods selected from the group consisting of meats and processed meats in a plastic film package; blowing a carbon dioxide gas in the package to fill the package with the carbon dioxide gas in a volume of 10 to 45 cm3 per 100 g of the food as measured at 0° C. and 1 atm; and sealing and refrigerating the package.

Abstract: An air cushion manufacturing machine includes a film supply unit and a feed unit installed on a machine body and a sealing device for heat sealing an inflated double-layer film when the feed of the film stops. The manufacturing machine is characterized in that a solid state relay (SSR) is coupled to a power supply required by a heat sealer of the sealing device, and the solid state relay controlled by the processor compensates the heat loss of sealing according to the cycle of the sealing process, and a power-on time percentage is controlled to produce a punctuate periodic micro heating to the heat sealer and achieve a constant-temperature heat compensation for each sealing course of the heat sealer. The manufacturing machine is not affected by ambient temperature and is capable of improving the sealing effectiveness and overcome the drawback of conventional sealing devices that easily breaking an electrothermal wire.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus utilizing a high pressure food package involving filling a cup with a quantity of food product chosen so as to be capable of absorbing sufficient CO2 to produce effervescence easily detectable by a person later removing and consuming the food product, introducing CO2 into the cup, closing the lid, pressurizing the interior space with CO2 and generating sufficient effervescence in the food product, applying an anti-tamper feature to the closed cup, allowing the internal pressure of CO2 to increase and stabilize, transporting and holding the package for retail sale, providing means for a consumer to depressurize the package before removing the lid, and providing means for a consumer to hold the cup in one hand and twist off the lid with another hand, and to use fingers of one hand to remove the carbonated food product from the cup.

Abstract: Novel cylinder passivation procedures to increase the room temperature stability of gaseous tin deuteride (SnD4) are described. Incorporation of specific organic-containing materials, which when applied onto surfaces of a vessel and/or conduit extending therefrom, can increase the shelf life stability of thermodynamically unstable gases stored within such pretreated vessels.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for providing a packaging for modified atmosphere packaging, which method comprises the steps of: providing an unfolded sheet for folding a box; folding the unfolded sheet to a box having at least an access opening and flange parts bordering the access opening, which flange parts compose an endless circumferential flange; providing a plastic foil; heating the plastic foil; pressing the heated plastic foil against the inner wall of the box and covering the circumferential flange, such that the plastic foil is laminated to box. The invention further relates to a packaging.