Abstract: The invention provides a method for single-step terminal sterilization process for bio-active heparin coatings on materials and biomaterials containing heparin used in medical devices, such as catheters, tissue engineering scaffolds, or drug delivery carrier materials. This may include any medical device or implantable that could benefit from improved antithrombotic and biocompatible heparin surfaces. Other relevant device examples may include heparin or a heparin derivative coated stents to reduce clotting and restenosis, dental or ophthalmological implants. These materials may comprise additional polymeric compositions such as polyethyleneimine, dextran sulfate or their modified forms. These polymers together with heparin coatings may be applied to other substrate of medical devices such as metal, ceramics or biologically derived materials.

Abstract: To enhance evacuation of a storage bag having a one-way valve element and to reduce noise during evacuation, a handheld evacuation device includes one or more gaskets that can be made of resilient material. A gasket can be disposed about the rim of an inlet opening of the evacuation device to provide both a leak-free interface between the evacuation device and the storage bag and to reduce vibration and chatter of the evacuation device against a rigid support surface. A gasket can also be provided intermediately between a main body portion of the evacuation device and a nozzle portion that is to be placed adjacent to the storage bag during use. The intermediate gasket isolates vibrations in the main body portion thereby reducing vibrations and chatter of the evacuation device against a rigid support surface.

Abstract: Packaging a consumer textile soft goods product for retail sale includes: providing a vacuum-sealable bag; sealing one or more textile soft goods within the interior space of the vacuum-sealable bag for retail sale to a consumer; and locating the vacuum-sealable bag within retail packaging for retail sale to a consumer.

Abstract: The invention relates to a vacuum skin packaging process, to a tray suitable for a vacuum skin packaging process and to the package thus obtained.

Abstract: Composite parts such as plastic laminates are formed using a pre-assembled, integral double bag to vacuum bag the part. The double bag is formed of two sheets of bag material that are cut to pre-determined width dimensions, with the width of one sheet being less than that of the other. The bag sheets are prealigned and then attached to each other by spaced apart bonds between the sheets which hold the bag sheets in registered relationship to each other when the double bag is placed over the part and sealed to a tool base. The attachment bonds may be formed by ultrasonic welding, heat sealing or an adhesive.

Abstract: The present invention includes a system and method for packaging an undergarment that as a result of the packaging, the undergarment requires a substantially small amount of storage space that can be carried discretely on ones person during active times, and/or easily purchased when out on the go. The undergarment packaging system packages the undergarment so that it consumes a relatively small amount of space so that it can be easily and conveniently sold and/or vended to consumers in locations where they would most need them, for example in restrooms, gyms, spas, glove-compartments in cars, in airports, and the like.

Abstract: A one-way valve element for use with containers such as flexible storage bags includes an elastomeric or similar material that can elastically expand to expose and at least substantially resiliently recover to cover an aperture through a sidewall of the container. Hence, air from the interior volume of the container can be evacuated through the valve element by, for example, interfacing an evacuation device with the valve element. The valve element can be provided as a single layer structure or a multiple layered structure that is attached to the sidewall of the container over the aperture. In another aspect, a valve element includes a gel-like material retained in a valve body and that can displace to allow air flow across the valve.

Abstract: In an airtight container manufacturing method including sealing a through-hole by a cover, it secures sealing performance and restrains a sealant from flowing into the through-hole. The method comprises: (a) exhausting the inside of a container through the through-hole provided on the container; (b) arranging a plate member having, at its periphery, grooves penetrating the plate member in its plate thickness direction on the outer surface of the container the inside of which has been exhausted, so as to close up the through-hole; and (c) arranging the cover so as to cover the plate member via the sealant and bonding the cover and the outer surface of the container via the sealant, wherein the sealing includes hardening the sealant after deforming the sealant as pressing the plate member by the cover so that the sealant is positioned between the cover and the outer surface of the container via the grooves.

Abstract: In airtight container manufacturing method including sealing a through-hole by a cover, it secures sealing performance and restrains sealant from flowing into the through-hole. The method comprises: (a) exhausting inside of a container through the through-hole; (b) arranging a spacer along periphery of the through-hole on an outer surface of the container the inside of which has been exhausted; (c) arranging a plate so that the spacer and the through-hole are covered by the plate and gap is formed along a side surface of the spacer between the plate and the container outer surface; and (d) arranging the cover to cover the plate and bonding the cover and the container outer surface via sealant positioned between the cover and the container outer surface, wherein the sealing includes hardening the sealant after deforming the sealant as pressing the plate by the cover so that the gap is infilled with the sealant.

Abstract: A sealing assembly movable within an opening of a medicament container allows (1) gases to be vented from the container, (2) medication to be stored in the container, and (3) medication to be dispensed from the container. Methods of limiting exposure of the medication to oxygen to prevent degradation of the medication while in the medicament container are also disclosed.

Abstract: An automated filling system for introducing crushed polysilicon fragments into shipping bags without significant contamination positions a freely suspended energy absorber into a freely suspended bag of non-contaminating material prior to filling, and following filling, the energy absorber is removed, and the bag is sealed. The system can replace manual packaging which has been required for semiconductor applications.

Abstract: A valve (20) is provided for sealing an evacuation port (16) in a port area (18) of a wall structure (12) of a container. The valve (20) comprises a casing (22) having a shell portion (30) which is deformable from an open condition, whereat the shell portion (30) forms a chamber (32) over the port area (18), and a closed condition, whereat the shell portion (30) contacts the port area (18). When the shell portion (30) is in its open condition, gas exits from the chamber (32) through gas-releasing holes (24) in the casing (22). When the shell portion (30) is deformed to its closed condition, a port-sealing adhesive (26) adheres to the port area (18) to thereby seal the evacuation port (16).

Abstract: The present invention relates to a vacuum packaging system having an automatic bag cutter. The vacuum packaging system includes a housing constructed to sealingly engage a platen. A vacuum system is constructed to remove the gas from a container, or bag, placed between the housing and the platen. A blade is operable to sever excess material of the bag whereupon the bag is evacuated by the vacuum system, and a seal bar seals the severed end area of the bag.

Abstract: The flexible storage bag includes overlaying first and second sidewalls defining an internal volume that can be accessed from an open top edge. To evacuate air from the internal volume after the open top edge has been closed, the bag includes a one-way valve element attached to the first sidewall and communicating with the internal volume. To prevent the one-way valve element from becoming clogged by the opposing second sidewall, the bag also includes a clearance member that maintains at least a partial clearance between the first and second sidewalls proximate the valve element. The clearance member can take many forms such as a textured portion on the second sidewall that includes evacuation passages which provide air in the internal volume access to the valve element, a permeable element covering the valve element, and a rigid or compressible structure that spaces the second sidewall from the valve element.

Abstract: A valve (20) is provided for sealing an evacuation port (16) in a port area (18) of a wall structure (12) of a container. The valve (20) comprises a casing (22) having a shell portion (30) which is deformable from an open condition, whereat the shell portion (30) forms a chamber (32) over the port area (18), and a closed condition, whereat the shell portion (30) contacts the port area (18). When the shell portion (30) is in its open condition, gas exits from the chamber (32) through gas-releasing holes (24) in the casing (22). When the shell portion (30) is deformed to its closed condition, a port-sealing adhesive (26) adheres to the port area (18) to thereby seal the evacuation port (16).

Abstract: The invention relates to protected filter units for safety filtration, in which the filter units are at least double-packed with different packaging materials and to a method for producing the protected filter units. In this case, the first packaging material is permeable to gases but impermeable to microorganisms and the at least second packaging material is impermeable to gases. The first packaging material fixes the at least one filter unit, and so no abrasion can take place during transport and handling. The filter units according to the invention are suitable for sterile filtration processes and for filtration processes under clean-room conditions.

Abstract: A package assembly including a first package a second package is provided. The first package can contain two or more compartments. A first compartment can substantially contain the second package and a second compartment can substantially contain a food product, such as a meat. The second package can contain a food additive, such as a marinade. Although substantially contained within the first compartment of the first package, the second package includes a reputable seal located proximate the second compartment of the first package. Applying pressure to the first compartment and, thus, the second package can break the rupturable seal to distribute the food additive from the second package to the food product in the second compartment. The first package can include a perimeter hard seal configured to withstand the pressure and, thus, prevent the leaking of any of the food product or the food additive from the first package during the distribution of the food additive.

Abstract: A method of manufacture comprising the following steps: (a) making a vent hole in a package; (b) loading product into a receptacle of the package via an opening; (c) closing the opening; (d) placing an air-permeable layer of material over the vent hole; (e) squeezing the receptacle after steps (a) through (d) have been performed to force air out the vent hole; and (f) after step (e) has been performed, sealing the package so that air cannot enter the receptacle via the vent hole. In accordance with some embodiments, the vent hole is formed in the receptacle and sealed by means of an air-impermeable patch or by joining two walls of the receptacle together. In accordance with other embodiments, the vent hole is formed in a zipper tape attached to the receptacle and various means can be used to seal the vent hole after air removal.

Abstract: A method for establishing a vacuum in a container includes the following steps. The container having an exhaust through hole defined therein is provided. A sealing cover including a connecting material located on the periphery of the sealing cover is provided. The sealing cover is spaced from the exhaust through hole for forrn at least gaps between the sealing cover and the exhaust through hole. A vacuum is established in the container. The connecting material is heated. The sealing cover covers the exhaust through hole and the connecting material is cooled. After that the container is packaged.

Abstract: A sealed tampon package and continuous process for making the package. Heat seals, preferably hermetic longitudinal and cross seals, are preferably peelable. The tampon is sealed under sufficient negative pressure to snugly retain the tampon in place without crushing or misshaping the tampon, yet without bursting the package under normal external pressures realized during storage. The tampon package will remain sealed during normal wear and tear, yet is easily opened when desired by peeling the seals.

Abstract: The flexible storage bag includes overlaying first and second sidewalls defining an internal volume that can be accessed from an open top edge. To evacuate air from the internal volume after the open top edge has been closed, the bag includes a one-way valve element attached to the first sidewall and communicating with the internal volume. To prevent the one-way valve element from becoming clogged by the opposing second sidewall, the bag also includes a textured portion that maintains at least a partial clearance between the first and second sidewalls proximate the valve element. To prevent contamination of the valve element, the textured portion can also be configured to facilitate removal of liquids and juices from air exhausting from the storage bag.

Abstract: The evacuation device is configured to remove air from a container via a one-way valve element attached to the container. The evacuation device includes a motor with a rotating shaft that extends along an axis line. The shaft is operably interconnected to a reciprocating element reciprocally movable within a chamber along a direction parallel to the axis line. Reciprocal motion of the reciprocal element draws air into and exhausts air from the chamber. To facilitate the operable interconnection, the evacuation device includes a cam having a cylindrical sidewall mounted to the rotating shaft. Disposed circumferentially into the cylindrical sidewall is a channel. The evacuation device further includes a yoke connected to the reciprocal element and having a follower element received in the channel. Rotation of the cam causes the follower element to move with respect to the channel, thereby converting rotational motion to linear translation. The evacuation device may also include a pressure adjustment feature.

Abstract: A vacuum package has a chamber in which pressure is reduced to less than the atmospheric pressure, a functional component sealed in the chamber, and a material forming at least a part of the chamber. The material has at least one through hole to evacuate the chamber. In a cross section perpendicular to the material taken along the through hole, an edge portion of the material forming the through hole has an obtuse angle. The through hole is sealed with a sealing material.

Abstract: A method of providing a garment (10) includes the steps of packing the garment (10) in a packaging container (12), and at least partly evacuating the container (12), and sealing the container (12), the method including providing within the packaging container (12), an extra item (20) being one of a hygienic wipe, a sanitary pad, and a condom, the extra item being provided in its own packaging material.

Abstract: A method of compressing a cotton strand including the steps of providing an uncompressed strand having an original volume, providing a container adapted to collapse about the strand, feeding the strand into the container, compressing the container to remove a first quantity of air, applying a vacuum to the container to remove a second quantity of air, and sealing the container, wherein the strand is compressed by at least about 25% from its original volume.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for creating a vacuum-sealed package comprising the placement of the item to be vacuum packed in a container; sealing the container, placing a portion of the container in contact with a sealable chamber; sealing the chamber, creating holes in the container, evacuating the desired amount of air from the container and creating a seal between the interior of the container and the holes.

Abstract: An appliance for storing articles within flexible and non-flexible containers under vacuum. The appliance comprises a lid adapted to define a vacuum chamber when it is moved to a closed position relative to a trough in the base of the appliance. The trough is slidably removable from the base of the appliance. The appliance is further adapted for connection to vacuum sealing attachments for various containers whereby the containers can be selectively evacuated. The appliance includes a thermal sealing mechanism for sealing a flexible container as well as a cutting mechanism for cutting the flexible container to a desired size. The appliance includes a control panel for selectively operating the vacuuming and sealing processes.

Abstract: An apparatus for vacuum sealing a storage bag including a base and a receptacle component for receiving the end of a storage bag. A vacuum generating device is disposed in either one of the base or the receptacle. The receptacle includes a vacuum chamber for accepting the open end of the bag. The receptacle is pivotally secured to the base and is rotatable relative thereto between a first and second position. A sealing device is disposed on the receptacle for sealing the open end of the bag.

Abstract: In an air evacuative binding type air packing bag and a packing method using the same, an air cylinder is bended to form a first cushioning wall and a second cushioning wall, two sides of the first cushioning wall and the second cushioning wall are adhered to each other to form an accepting space. Next, an article is placed in the accepting space, and air in the accepting space is then evacuated to allow the first cushioning wall and the second cushioning wall to bind the article up to retain the article in the accepting space and not to be shaken with the air packing bag.

Abstract: An apparatus for vacuum sealing a storage bag including a base and a receptacle component for receiving an end of a storage bag. The receptacle including a vacuum chamber for accepting an open end of the bag. The receptacle is pivotally secured to the base and rotatable relative thereto between a first operating position and a second storage position. A sealing device is disposed on the receptacle for sealing the open end of the bag.

Abstract: A reclosable package, formed from at least one polymeric sheet, having a closure and a vacuum valve. The vacuum valve comprises a port, the port being aligned with an aperture in the first sidewall of the package. The vacuum valve allows gas to be removed from inside the package via a vacuum pump. A gas-impermeable layer, overlaying at least one of the aperture and the port, restricts gaseous communication between the vacuum valve and the inside of the package.

Abstract: A method of packaging a seamed flux-cored welding wire intermediate product in which a flux is filled in a mild steel outer shell includes the steps of forming a stacked product by depositing or winding a seamed flux-cored welding wire intermediate product around a central member in the form of a coil using the central member as the center, packaging the stacked product in a metal package together with a desiccant, and deaerating and sealing the metal package.

Abstract: A system includes a storage bag having an interior volume for containing food items and a one-way valve element through which air from the interior volume can be evacuated. The system further includes an evacuation device having an inlet opening. To evacuate storage bag, the inlet opening is placed directly adjacent a pliable sidewall of the storage bag about the valve element. The placement of the inlet opening against the flexible sidewall will seal the interface between the valve element and the inlet opening facilitating the evacuation of the interior volume.

Abstract: The invention relates to a mixing device with a first chamber (1) for a first component, in particular a powder [a liquid], a second chamber (12) for a second component, in particular a liquid [powder], and a divider means (11, 13) separating the first and the second chamber. The second chamber is defined by an inner hollow cylinder (10) which is arranged so as to be moved in a piston-like fashion in an outer hollow body (2) defining the first chamber. According to the invention, the first chamber comprises an evacuation opening (5) which is adapted to be connected with a vacuum source. The invention further relates to a method for vacuum packaging the mixing device.

Abstract: A method of packaging textile coil includes the steps of providing a strand of loosely assembled textile fibers, feeding the strand into a collapsible container, compressing the container so as to cause the container to collapse and compress the strand to a preselected degree, and sealing the container to maintain the strand in a compressed state.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a packaging machine includes a mechanism for compressing one or more sides of the bag to expel excess air from an open top end of the bag. In one embodiment, a packaging machine supports a top portion of a bag and a bottom portion of the bag, such that the bottom portion of the bag is moved closer to the top portion of the bag as the bag is moved from a first location to a second location. The bags may be supported from below such that additional support is provided during compression of the bag to remove excess air.

Abstract: A vacuum packaging appliance for forming a hermetically sealed evacuated container. The appliance includes a lid adapted to define a vacuum chamber when moved to a closed position relative to a trough in the lower portion of the appliance. The trough in the lower portion of the appliance is removable from the lower portion of the appliance. In one embodiment, the appliance includes pneumatic latches that are used to hold the lid in a substantially fixed position relative to the lower portion of the appliance. Additionally, a single vacuum source can be used to active the pneumatic latches and the evacuate the vacuum chamber. The appliance is further adapted for connection to vacuum sealing attachments for various containers whereby the containers can be selectively evacuated.

Abstract: An appliance for storing articles within flexible and non-flexible containers under vacuum. The appliance comprises a lid adapted to define a vacuum chamber when it is moved to a closed position relative to a trough in the base of the appliance. The trough is slidably removable from the base of the appliance. The appliance is further adapted for connection to vacuum sealing attachments for various containers whereby the containers can be selectively evacuated. The appliance includes a thermal sealing mechanism for sealing a flexible container as well as a cutting mechanism for cutting the flexible container to a desired size. The appliance includes a control panel for selectively operating the vacuuming and sealing processes.

Abstract: Vacuum packaging appliances and methods of vacuum packaging objects are disclosed herein. In one embodiment, an appliance includes a base, a lid movably coupled to the base, a vacuum chamber portion on the base and/or the lid for receiving an open end of a bag, and a vacuum pump operably coupled to the vacuum chamber portion for removing gas from the vacuum chamber portion. The lid includes a distal end, a proximal end opposite the distal end, and a major dimension between the distal and proximal ends. The base can also include a distal end, a proximal end opposite the distal end, and a major dimension between the distal and proximal ends.

Abstract: A system for evacuating containers. The system includes a base housing defining a recess having a vacuum inlet port in communication with a vacuum source. An inner door is hinged to the base housing and is sized to cover the recess when in a closed position, and an outer door having a sealing member is hinged to close over the inner door. A vacuum nozzle extends at least partially between the inner and outer doors and is in communication with the recess. The inner and outer doors cooperate to retain a flexible container therebetween and around the nozzle so that the nozzle is positioned for fluid communication with an inside of the container. A removable drip pan is positioned to retain fluids drawn by the nozzle.

Abstract: A system for evacuating containers. The system includes a base housing defining a recess having a vacuum inlet port in communication with a vacuum source. An inner door is hinged to the base housing and is sized to cover the recess when in a closed position, and an outer door having a sealing member is hinged to close over the inner door. A vacuum nozzle extends at least partially between the inner and outer doors and is in communication with the recess. The inner and outer doors cooperate to retain a flexible container therebetween and around the nozzle so that the nozzle is positioned for fluid communication with an inside of the container. A removable drip pan is positioned to retain fluids drawn by the nozzle.

Abstract: A solid, stable composition containing a meiosis activating substance can be prepared by adding a protein or a phosphoglycid in the presence of an atmosphere having a low content of oxygen, for example in vacuo.

Abstract: The invention relates, on the one hand, to a prismatic, especially panel-formed thermal insulation element which is enveloped in a gas-tight foil and evacuated, whereby a stable core pre-formed from a porous material is completely enveloped in a single cut sheet of the gas-tight foil; as well as a manufacturing process for same comprising the following steps: a) Manufacture of a prismatic core corresponding to the desired form of the thermal insulation element from a porous material; b) Enveloping of the principal faces of this core with a single sheet of the gas-tight foil; c) At least partial welding together of the foil which is drawn tight around the core along the face of the core; d) Folding-in of the welded seam area of the foil against the face of the core; e) Stress-free folding-together of the areas of the cut sheet of gas-tight foil projecting beyond the core, covering and in flat contact with the end surface(s) of the core; f) Welding together of the folded-together areas of foil on at least on

Abstract: A flexible bag is positioned in a rigid container, such as a fifty-five gallon drum, and the bag is filled through its spout with flowable product, such as tomato paste. The bag is then expanded in the container to be substantially rigid and thereby reduce film movement and resultant flex cracking. A lid is sealed onto the container and a vacuum drawn from between the bag and the container, to, in turn, expand the bag. Gas volume needs to be present in the bag before the vacuum is applied so that the gas in the bag can expand from the vacuum on its outside. Once expanded, the container can be shipped.

Abstract: System for closing off an opening in a plastic tank, formed from a sheet of multilayer plastic that includes a barrier layer, the said sheet being welded around the perimeter of the opening and provided with a peripheral region that is slimmed down so as to effectively restrict the permeation of gases and liquids into the layer located between the tank and the barrier layer.

Abstract: According to the present invention, a case housing a product and a lid made of material that transmits a laser beam are fixed to each other with a bonding member interposed between them, and thereafter, a laser beam is focused onto the bonding member through the lid so that the bonding member is melted. By doing so, the case and the lid are welded together via the bonding member.

Abstract: An automatic packing machine for conditioning bags under conditioned atmosphere, in which the sealing operation of the bags occurs inside a pneumatically insulated space that is composed by a conditioning chamber which contains the already conditioned bag, and by a sealing chamber which contains the sealing equipment, after that the chambers have been put in communication through the opening of the lid of the conditioning chamber.

Abstract: A method and closure and container combination for packaging and sealing a commodity in a container that reduces headspace gases, in particular oxygen, allowing the packaged commodity to have a longer shelf life. The method is also useful for reducing stresses on containers that undergo filling at an elevated temperature and/or require in-container pasteurization or retort processes after fill and seal.

Abstract: An inflatable plant support system for receiving, moving and growing potted plants. The system includes an elongated inflatable member having recesses defined in a top surface thereof to accept potted plants. Channels defined in the top surface distribute water to the plants. The inflatable member may be rolled onto a reel and inflated as it is unrolled so that plants may be placed thereon. An interior of the inflatable member is heated.

Abstract: Vacuum packaging methods and materials are claimed. The materials are fusible and can form a part of a heat seal closure for non-rigid and semi-rigid packages. The methods are suitable for packages containing materials generally, and are well suited for those containing granular materials.