Abstract: A sterile filling machine and related method are provided for sterile filling a container with a substance. The container includes a heat resealable stopper and a chamber for receiving the substance therein. The sealed, empty containers are subjected to radiation capable of penetrating through the stopper and chamber for sterilizing the container. The previously sterilized containers are then transported through another sterilizing chamber, such as an e-beam chamber, to sterilize the penetrable surface. A needle is moved into engagement with the stopper to pierce the sterilized penetrable surface of the stopper and inject the substance through the needle and into the chamber of the container. Laser energy is then transmitted onto the penetrated surface of the stopper to fuse the stopper material and hermetically re-seal the stopper.

Abstract: An inventive method, system and apparatus are provided for syringe handling, and more particularly, for syringe labeling, filling and capping operations. To facilitate syringe handling, an inventive apparatus includes a plurality of syringe bodies interconnected in a predetermined orientation by a belt. Such belt may be of pliable construction and may define a predetermined spacing in between adjacent ones of the syringe bodies, such predetermined spacing corresponding with a distance between holders provided in a handling apparatus. The syringe handling apparatus may provide for the placement of contents-related information on belt segments between adjacent syringe bodies and for separating the belt segments, wherein a flap is left interconnected to each syringe body. The syringe handling apparatus may alternatively or also provide for automated filling of the syringe bodies wherein cap removal, filling and cap replacement operations are completed free from manual handling.

Abstract: The invention provides a dual compartment pouch having first and second compartments that are separated from each other by an impervious inner sheet having a breathable membrane. The breathable membrane comprises a breathable material that is pervious to moisture and gases, and impervious to liquids as well as microorganisms. The breathable membrane allows a sterilizing gas to be introduced between the first and second compartments. The front and back sheets are sealed to the inner sheet to define the first and second compartments in which the inner sheet forms a common wall between the compartments. The breathable membrane is disposed towards a central portion of the inner sheet and is spaced apart from the seams joining the front and back sheets to the inner sheet. In one embodiment, a sterilized article is disposed in one compartment, and an absorbent packets are disposed in the other compartment.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an isostatic press for high pressure treatment of a product having a temperature below 0° C., said isostatic press comprising a pressure chamber adapted to contain a first pressure medium, and a container which is placeable in the pressure chamber. The container which is placeable in the isostatic press is adapted to hold the product and a second pressure medium, the container being closable to keep the first pressure medium separated from fluid communication with the second pressure medium. The container is further provided with a pressure transfer device adapted to transfer pressure from the first pressure medium to the second pressure medium, and a body which is made of a material with low adiabatic heat emission relative to adjoining substances, so that the body from adjoining substances absorbs heat, which is generated by adiabatic temperature rise during the high pressure treatment.

Abstract: A beverage bottling plant with method and apparatus for cleaning, filling, and closing bottles. 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.

Abstract: A vacuum packaged product and method for reducing tensile strength loss associated with sterilization of polyolefin-based products by gamma radiation, and reducing odors commonly produced by such sterilization.

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.

Abstract: A pasteurization station for pasteurizing a product in containers having a tunnel housing that is formed in a modular configuration from any desired number of flexible, exchangeable segments, each of which is interchangeable with at least one other of said segments and comprises a portion of the housing, a container conveyor, and liquid dispensers.

Abstract: A process for aseptic packaging of sterile liquids in flexible containers including a pre-chamber pressurized with a sterilized inert fluid that is injected through an auxiliary line and flows out to activate a sterile barrier such as to allow complete asepsis of the packaging process. A pressing device compresses the film to form a seal against the outer surface of the feed tube that introduces sterile liquid into the aseptic packaging chamber.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for sterilization in which items to be sterilized are placed in an impervious sealable package and the sterilization process is carried out within the package. The apparatus (10) includes a cabinet (18) in which a package (P) preferably with a carrier (11) located within, can be positioned. A snorkel (17) is inserted into the package (P) and via connector (23) vacuum, pressure and sterilant can be applied to the interior of the package (P). A sealing arrangement (14b, 22b) can seal the package closed after the sterilization process has been completed.

Abstract: A compact system for packaging sterile pharmaceutical liquid products injectable into suitable containers in a sterile environment comprises a plurality of operative packaging stations connected together and arranged in succession along an advancing path of said containers; the plurality of stations comprises at least a washing station intended for cleaning and decontaminating each of the said containers, at least a sterilizing station for sterilizing the containers exiting said washing station, and at least a filling and sealing station for filling said containers with said liquids and for sealing said containers; said stations and a connecting arrangement thereof are mounted in an operating configuration on a sole work platform; the washing station and the sterilizing station being arranged parallel and alongside one another, and connected together by a first conveyor of the containers arranged transversely to the washing station and to the sterilizing station to define a first substantially “U”-shaped port

Abstract: The invention relates to a process for obtaining a multilayer material [10] consisting of semi-rigid sheets with good hold, resistance to temperatures in excess of 124° C. and low gas permeability which can be folded and intended for the manufacture by folding of containers [20] constituting an internal space for the packaging of thermally treated products, such a container [20] a process for obtaining such a multilayer material; [10] and a process for manufacturing the product packaging.

Abstract: Packaging systems for storing ophthalmic devices such as contact lenses and to methods for packaging such ophthalmic devices with solutions to improve the comfort of the lenses during wear are disclosed. A packaging system includes an ophthalmic device stored in an aqueous packaging solution comprising a substantially water-soluble silicone-containing surfactant. Such solutions are retained on the surface of an unused lens for extended periods of time, resulting in surface modification that persists in the eye, which may provide significant improvement in the wetting properties of fresh contact lenses used for the first time and, moreover, even several hours after lens insertion, preventing dryness and improving lubricity.

Abstract: A sterile filling machine and related method are provided for sterile filling a container with a substance. The container includes a heat resealable stopper and a chamber for receiving the substance therein. The sealed, empty containers are subjected to radiation capable of penetrating through the stopper and chamber for sterilizing the container. The previously sterilized containers are then transported through another sterilizing chamber, such as an e-beam chamber, to sterilize the penetrable surface. A needle is moved into engagement with the stopper to pierce the sterilized penetrable surface of the stopper and inject the substance through the needle and into the chamber of the container. Laser energy is then transmitted onto the penetrated surface of the stopper to fuse the stopper material and hermetically re-seal the stopper.

Abstract: A package (599) with three layers allows sterilization of the package contents, provides a separate area for a scavenger and minimizes the oxygen transmission rate for the package and has, in one embodiment, a third layer (330) with a first section (336) of breathable polymeric material, a second section (334) of substantially non-breathable polymeric material and a third section (332) of breathable polymeric material which is positioned between a first layer (512) of substantially non-breathable polymeric material and a second layer (514) of substantially non-breathable polymeric material. The first layer (512) and the second layer (514) are fixed together to define a non-breathable pouch (516); and the third layer (330) is fixed to the first layer (512) and the second layer (514) and divides the non-breathable pouch (516) into a first compartment (592) and a second compartment (594).

Abstract: Apparatus for molding and filling a device having a body defining an opening in communication with an interior chamber for receiving a substance therein, and a closure including a penetrable and resealable portion for sealing the opening and substance received in the device. A mold includes within the aseptic chamber plural mold cavities shaped to form the closure and body, and substantially sterile surfaces extending about and contiguous to the peripheries of the mold cavities. An assembly device including end-of-arm tooling having an engaging portion engageable with each of the body and closure is movable relative to the mold to engage and de-mold the substantially sterile closures and bodies from the mold cavities. Flexible barriers are coupled to the mold and the tool to substantially prevent the passage of contaminants from the molding machine and tool therethrough.

Abstract: The present invention relates to polymeric compositions useful in the manufacture of biocompatible medical devices. More particularly, the present invention relates to certain cationic monomers capable of polymerization to form polymeric compositions having desirable physical characteristics useful in the manufacture of ophthalmic devices. Such properties include the ability to extract the polymerized medical devices with water. This avoids the use of organic solvents as is typical in the art. The polymer compositions comprise polymerized silicon-containing monomers end-capped with polymerizable cationic hydrophilic groups.

Abstract: A packaging system for the storage of a hydrogel contact lens employs an aqueous solution including hydroxypropyl methylcellulose.

Abstract: This disclosure is directed towards a method and apparatus provided for improved sterile labeling on medications, solutions and medical supplies. The apparatus includes a sterile label, including associated corresponding medical product information. The sterile label is contained inside a sterile cavity housing which is formed from a first and second sheet of flexible plastic or other material. The flexible plastic material is bound together along its peripheral edges by an adhesive or heat sealing process. In this form, the flexible plastic or other material creates a package which may be peeled apart, enabling the label to be delivered or flipped to a sterile field while maintaining sterility. The label may contain on it many types of information corresponding to a medication. Furthermore, information can be added by a user. The disclosure makes the medication labeling system more accurate, safe and legible.

Abstract: A receptacle for holding a meltable sharps container during a sterilization process in which the meltable sharps container and any contained sharps are heated. The receptacle includes a side wall and a bottom wall having respective interior surfaces defining a space for receiving the meltable sharps container. The receptacle also includes a plurality of recessed areas in the interior surface of the bottom wall, and a plurality of elevated areas on the interior surface of the bottom wall, whereby as the sharps container melts, material from the sharps container flows into the recessed areas and the elevated areas hold the contained sharps above the recessed areas, so as to inhibit the contained sharps from protruding through the melted sharps container.

Abstract: The method for packaging of phials in a sterile environment comprises, subsequently: moving of each empty phial (1), according to a forwarding direction (K), from an input section toward a filling station (R); inserting of a dosed quantity of pharmaceutical products (F) inside the phial (1); transporting the filled phial (1) toward a closing station (8); closing said phial (1). It is moreover provided that a first laminar flow (H) of sterilized air, having a horizontal direction, is applied at least to the upper edges (1h) which define corresponding input mouths of the phials (1), at least during the aforesaid phases of filling and closing of phials (1), as well as during their transfer from the filling station (R) to the closing station (8).

Abstract: A packaging system for the storage of an ionic, hydrogel contact lens employs an aqueous packaging solution including a phosphorylcholine polymer. Preferably, the solution has an osmolality of at least about 200 mOsm/kg, a pH of about 6 to about 8 and is heat sterilized.

Abstract: A method for applying a reclosable pouring element comprising a pouring opening and a flange and having a removable cap, to a container having an opening. The method comprising the steps of connecting the pouring element to a lid of the container having an opening by affixing the flange of the pouring element to the lid in a liquid-tight fashion. Sealing a section of a closure film on the pouring element so that the pouring opening of the pouring element still remains open. Connecting the lid to the container body in a liquid-tight fashion. Sterilizing an interior of the container. Filing the container with a product through the pouring opening. Closing the container by sealing the closure film onto the pouring element in such a fashion that the pouring opening of the pouring element is closed in a liquid-tight fashion and applying the cap to the pouring element.

Abstract: An apparatus and a method of supplying gas or a gas mixture to the inside of partly formed packages in a filling machine before a subsequent filling and sealing of the packages involves supplying the gas or gas mixture as at least one flow into the package via an opening in the package. The supply is made such that the at least one flow flows into the package to the inner region of the package and thereafter returns back through the opening. The method also involves temporarily catching the return flow from the package in a delimited space outside the opening, and directing the return flow out from the space in such a way that a substantially vertical flow along the outer envelope surface of the package is formed.

Abstract: A syringe device having a syringe barrel and a syringe piston having a container housing. At least a portion of the container housing is insertable within an internal chamber of the syringe barrel. A fluid passageway extends from the container housing through a piston stem. A method of protecting a syringe handler including providing the components of a syringe device and encasing the components in a protective film. The protective film is loose to allow manipulation of the syringe components relative to one another without opening or puncturing the film. Protective syringe device packaging that includes a laminate film of material sealed to encase the components of a syringe device containing a potentially harmful agent.

Abstract: A method of making a packaged antimicrobial suture comprising the steps of providing a containment compartment that is substantially free of an antimicrobial agent; positioning a suture within the containment compartment, said suture comprising one or more surfaces having an antimicrobial agent disposed thereon, said antimicrobial agent being selected from the group consisting of halogenated hydroxyl ethers, acyloxydiphenyl ethers, and combinations thereof; placing the containment compartment having the suture in an outer package; and subjecting the outer package, the containment compartment and the suture to time, temperature and pressure conditions sufficient to vapor transfer an effective amount of the antimicrobial agent from the suture to the containment compartment, while retaining an effective amount of said antimicrobial agent on the suture, thereby substantially inhibiting bacterial colonization on the suture and the containment compartment.

Abstract: A packaged garment includes a garment and a sealed bag. The garment has a torso portion, a sleeve portion connected to the torso portion, and a leg portion connected to the torso portion. The garment has an outer surface and an inner surface opposite the outer surface. The sealed bag contains the garment with the sleeve portion folded onto the torso portion, a portion of the sleeve portion folded at least once underneath the sleeve portion between the sleeve portion and the torso portion, and the leg portion folded onto the torso portion. The garment is manipulated so that the inner surface of the torso portion faces outward and the torso portion forms an inner space containing the sleeve portion and the leg portion.

Abstract: A method involving the hot fill of foods in packaging containers constructed from a paperboard laminate comprises the food being filled in the packaging container with at least one component at a temperature of at least 80° C., but below 100° C., whereafter the packaging containers are closed and sealed and the packaging containers with their food contents are thereafter held hot during a predetermined period of time by contact with a heat holding medium at a temperature of at least 80° C., but below 100° C. The heat holding medium is present substantially in gas and/or vapour phase. An apparatus involving the hot fill of foods Information Disclosure Statement also disclosed.

Abstract: A facility for manufacturing, assembling, and filling a fluid dispenser device comprising a fluid reservoir (10) and a dispensing member (20), such as a pump or a valve, said facility being characterized in that it comprises a manufacturing unit for manufacturing a reservoir, a filling unit for filling said reservoir, and a fixing unit for fixing said dispensing member to said reservoir, said units operating continuously in a controlled atmosphere.

Abstract: A packaged garment includes a garment and a sealed bag. The garment has a torso portion, a sleeve portion connected to the torso portion, and a leg portion connected to the torso portion. The garment has an outer surface and an inner surface opposite the outer surface. The sealed bag contains the garment with the sleeve portion folded onto the torso portion and the leg portion folded onto the torso portion. The garment is manipulated so that the inner surface of the torso portion faces outward and the torso portion forms an inner space containing the sleeve portion and the leg portion.

Abstract: The present invention relates to improved contact lens products which not only have initial insertion comfort. The contact lens product of the invention comprises a soft hydrogel contact lens immersed and autoclaved in a packaging solution including a low molecular weight polyethylene glycol (PEG) (or glycerin) and a homopolymer or copolymer of vinylpyrrolidone. The present invention also provides methods for making contact lens products of the invention.

Abstract: A container filling plant for filling containers comprising a plastic material with a filling material and a method of operation thereof. The container filling plant has at least one treatment device having a source of a treatment agent, wherein at least one pulse of the treatment agent is configured to be heated to treat the inside surface of a container without destructive effects on the container.

Abstract: Apparatus for molding and filling a container having a container body defining an opening in communication with an interior chamber for receiving a substance therein, and a container closure including stopper receivable within the opening for sealing the opening and substance received in the container. A mold includes within the aseptic chamber plural mold cavities shaped to form the container closure and container body, and substantially sterile surfaces extending about and contiguous to the peripheries of the mold cavities. An assembly device including end-of-arm tooling having an engaging portion engageable with each of the container body and container closure is movable relative to the mold to engage and de-mold the substantially sterile container closure and container bodies from the mold cavities. Flexible barriers are coupled to the mold and the tool to substantially prevent the passage of contaminants from the molding machine and tool therethrough.

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.

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.

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.

Abstract: An inventive method, system and apparatus are provided for syringe handling, and more particularly, for syringe labeling, filling and capping operations. To facilitate syringe handling, an inventive apparatus includes a plurality of syringe bodies interconnected in a predetermined orientation by a belt. Such belt may be of pliable construction and may define a predetermined spacing in between adjacent ones of the syringe bodies, such predetermined spacing corresponding with a distance between holders provided in a handling apparatus. The syringe handling apparatus may provide for the placement of contents-related information on belt segments between adjacent syringe bodies and for separating the belt segments, wherein a flap is left interconnected to each syringe body. The syringe handling apparatus may alternatively or also provide for automated filling of the syringe bodies wherein cap removal, filling and cap replacement operations are completed free from manual handling.

Abstract: Disclosed are ophthalmic solutions such as packaging solutions for storing ophthalmic devices and lens care solutions for cleaning, disinfecting, rinsing and/or storing ophthalmic devices. The ophthalmic solutions contain at least a polymerization product obtained from a monomeric mixture comprising (a) a monomer bearing a center of permanent positive charge and (b) a non-ionic ethylenically unsaturated monomer, wherein the solution has an osmolality of at least about 200 mOsm/kg, and a pH of about 4 to about 9.

Abstract: An aqueous contact lens storage solution comprises a viscoelastic rheology modifier; and not more than 0.3% w/v of an alkali metal salt; the solution has a pH of between 6.0 and 8.0 and an osmolality of between 100 and 400 mOsm/kg, and the solution has viscoelastic properties, even if heat sterilized at 121° C. for at least 15 minutes. The viscoelastic rheology modifier may be selected from the following acids or their alkali metal salts: hyaluronic acid, poly (acrylic acid), crosslinked poly (acrylic acid), poly (methacrylic acid), carboxymethyl cellulose, alginic acid and mixtures thereof. The alkali metal salt may be present in an amount of from 0.01% to 0.

Abstract: Food service set assembly systems and methods include delivery of one or more utensils and a napkin to a receiving cradle where they are grasped by two fingers attached to a rotatable shaft and wound to a desired tension. Utensils are delivered to the receiving cradle is a uniform alignment via a gravity driven system. Sterilization of the utensils can also be provided. Related systems, apparatus, methods, and/or articles are also described.

Abstract: A packaging system for hydrating sterile devices without comprising the integrity of the sterilization. The packaging system may include an enclosure for enclosing a device requiring hydration, a container containing a hydrate, a base located within the interior of the enclosure and an activating member located within the interior of the enclosure. The container and the device may be located within a receptacle. The receptacle may rest on the base and the activating member may be affixed on top of the receptacle. A force may be exerted on an exterior portion of the enclosure such that the activating member pushes on the receptacle and crushes or ruptures the container. The hydrate located within the container is then released to the device, thereby hydrating the device without breaking the seal of the enclosure. The sterilized environment is therefore maintained and the device is hydrated.

Abstract: A method and an installation for the sterile filling of containers with a product, wherein the method includes, after the container has been filled with the product and before it is sealed, introducing liquid nitrogen is introduced into the container. The container is then sealed. The installation of the dosing system for the liquid nitrogen is sterilized at least once with hydrogen peroxide. The containers are conveyed along at least one linear conveyance path from a filling station to the area of the dosing system.

Abstract: A packaging article comprises two sheets of material bonded to form a pouch, with one layer comprising a first sheet of a porous material, e.g., Tyvek® film, and a second nonporous sheet overlying and sealed to the first sheet. The second sheet is impermeable to passage of gas therethrough and includes a peelable film, e.g., of polyethylene, in contact with the first sheet of porous material to permit peeling removal of the second sheet from the first sheet. A method of integrity testing includes fabricating a packaging article, pressurizing same with a gas and monitoring pressure to determine package integrity, removing the peelable film, and exposing a packaging article to sterilant gas supplied through the porous first sheet.

Abstract: A vacuum packaging system for transporting a plurality of medical containers including a tray that supports the medical containers and an air impervious flexible film defining an internal cavity. The air impervious flexible film completely surrounds the tray and the medical containers. The internal cavity is evacuated to a predetermined vacuum level below atmospheric pressure. A method for packaging the plurality of medical containers for transportation in the tray includes inserting the medical containers into the tray, inserting the tray filled with medical containers into the internal cavity, evacuating the internal cavity to a predetermined vacuum pressure and sealing the flexible film such that the predetermined vacuum pressure is generally maintained in the internal cavity.

Abstract: A packaging system for hydrating sterile devices without comprising the integrity of the sterilization. The packaging system may include an enclosure for enclosing a device requiring hydration, a container containing a hydrate, a base located within the interior of the enclosure and an activating member located within the interior of the enclosure. The container and the device may be located within a receptacle. The receptacle may rest on the base and the activating member may be affixed on top of the receptacle. A force may be exerted on an exterior portion of the enclosure such that the activating member pushes on the receptacle and crushes or ruptures the container. The hydrate located within the container is then released to the device, thereby hydrating the device without breaking the seal of the enclosure. The sterilized environment is therefore maintained and the device is hydrated.

Abstract: Disclosed is a sterilization packing case and a method for packing thereof. The present invention provides a sterilization packing case for packing finished goods under a sterile condition; and a window for sterilization provided in the sealing envelope and composed of materials. Accordingly, the sterilization packing case according to the present invention may be useful to maximize a sterilization level of the finished goods, thereby to increase preservation duration of the finished goods under the sterile condition, and improve its productivity by simplifying the sterilization process which is separately carried out for the finished goods and the packing case, as well as prevent contaminations or bacterial infections appearing in a sealing process by sterilizing finished goods such as cosmetics, medical supplies, foods and drinks through the disinfection while being sealed in the packing case, wherein the finished goods should be necessarily conserved under a sterile condition.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to new and improved packaging systems for storing ophthalmic devices such as contact lenses and to methods for packaging such ophthalmic devices with aqueous packaging solutions to improve the comfort of the lens during wear. In particular, the present invention is directed to a packaging system for storing an ophthalmic device in an aqueous packaging solution comprising an anionic polymer and a non-ionic polyol. Such solutions can be retained on the surface of an unused lens for extended periods of time, resulting in surface modification that persists in the eye, which may provide significant improvement in the wetting properties of fresh contact lenses used for the first time and, moreover, even several hours after lens insertion, preventing dryness and improving lubricity.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to new and improved packaging systems for storing ophthalmic devices such as contact lenses and to methods for packaging such ophthalmic devices with solutions to improve the comfort of the lenses during wear. In particular, the present invention is directed to a packaging system for storing an ophthalmic device in an aqueous packaging solution comprising hyaluronic acid or a salt thereof. Such solutions are retained on the surface of an unused lens for extended periods of time, resulting in surface modification that persists in the eye, which may provide significant improvement in the wetting properties of fresh contact lenses used for the first time and, moreover, even several hours after lens insertion, thereby preventing dryness and improving lubricity.

Abstract: Sterile packaging of pens for use in a medical environment may include labels packaged along with a pen in a pen and label (PAL) kit. The present invention also relates to methods of packaging a pen and/or the PAL kit. In particular, the method of packaging includes the steps of placing a writing instrument into packaging configured to be sealed such that the writing instrument is contained in a sealed portion of the packaging, sealing the package, and sterilizing the writing instrument and the package using gamma sterilization such that all portions of the writing instrument are sterilized.

Abstract: A packaging system for the storage of an ophthalmic device, such as a hydrogel contact lens, employs an aqueous packaging solution including a nonionic, nonpolymeric polyol and a nonionic polymeric conditioning agent. Preferably, the solution has an osmolality of at least about 200 mOsm/kg, a pH of about 6 to about 8 and is heat sterilized.