Abstract: According to a first aspect of the invention a can manufacturer completes manufacture of a can and then ships it to a filler, who needs only to fill the can with product. In a preferred embodiment the manufacturer pre-charges the container with a propellant. In accordance with a second aspect of the invention a desired quantity of gaseous propellant is first charged into a container, and a desired quantity of product is then injected into the container. A container filled in accordance with the invention maintains a predetermined pressure in the container as product is depleted from the container, and unacceptable pressure spikes are avoided as the container is being filled.

Abstract: A method of making a packaged antimicrobial suture having improved shelf life. The method comprising the steps of providing an inner package having a source of antimicrobial agent, providing an adsorbent material effective to adsorb a portion of the antimicrobial agent over time, positioning a suture within the inner package, the suture comprising one or more surfaces, covering the inner package with an outer package having an inner surface and subjecting the suture, the inner package and the inner surface of the outer package to time, temperature and pressure conditions sufficient to vapor transfer an effective amount of the antimicrobial agent from the antimicrobial agent source to the suture and the inner package, thereby substantially inhibiting bacterial colonization on the suture and the inner package, wherein the packaged antimicrobial suture exhibits improved shelf life.

Abstract: A vapor hydrated packaged catheter assembly and method of manufacturing and distributing same includes a gas impermeable package housing a catheter within a catheter-receiving cavity. The catheter assembly has a hydrophilic coating applied to at least a portion of the outer surface of a catheter tube or shaft which may be surrounded by a sleeve to provide a no-touch, sure grip feature. The catheter assembly is disposed within the catheter receiving cavity of the package together with a limited amount of a vapor donating liquid provided as a source of vapor to activate the hydrophilic coating. The amount of vapor donating liquid is less than the amount that would otherwise be sufficient to cause a spill hazard. It may be loose liquid as a desired percentage of the volume of a tube-receiving portion of the catheter receiving cavity of the package, or it may be contained in a liquid sequestering element.

Abstract: A method for masking human scent on clothing and gear for used for hunting is provided. The method involves filling a breathable bag with natural materials, such as leaves, twigs, needles and other foliage. The natural scent of the materials is transferred to the clothing and gear using a dryer. The natural scent effectively masks the hunter's human scent.

Abstract: A method of making a packaged antimicrobial suture. The method includes the steps of providing a containment compartment molded from a polymeric resin comprising a polymeric material and an antimicrobial agent, positioning a suture within the containment compartment, the suture comprising one or more surfaces; covering the containment compartment having the suture in an outer package cover having an inner surface, 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 containment compartment to the suture, while retaining an effective amount of the antimicrobial agent on the containment compartment, thereby substantially inhibiting bacterial colonization on the suture and the containment compartment. A packaged antimicrobial suture is also provided.

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 degradation resistant gingival retraction cord comprising or consisting essentially of silk is formed from two or more strands that are braided, twisted or woven. The degradation resistant retraction cord comprises at least about 50% silk, 80% silk, 90% silk, 95% silk, or essentially all silk. They are able to maintain at least about 70%, 80% or 90% of this tensile strength for a time period of at least about 7 days, 30 days, 60 days, or 90 days. The silk retraction cords have the look, feel and desirable utility of a thin, flexible, and resilient natural fiber cord, while also resisting degradation when pre-impregnated with a corrosive agent. Such cords combine the degradation resistance of a man-made fiber, while also having greater liquid absorbance, lightness, flexibility and resilience like a natural fiber cord.

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: Biomedical devices, such as ophthalmic lenses, and methods of making such devices having a surface coating including at least one polyionic layer. A preferred method involves spray coating a polycationic material onto a core lens, rinsing and drying the lens, followed by spray coating a polyanionic material, rinsing and drying. The coating process may be applied a plurality of times to achieve a multi-layer coating on the lens surface. A particularly preferred embodiment is a contact lens comprising a highly oxygen permeable hydrophobic core coated with a 5 to 20 bilayers of hydrophilic polyionic materials.

Abstract: According to method for sterilizing containers (2) of plastic material and for filling the containers with liquid substances, containers (2) are moved in succession along a feeding path (P), so as to enter a a covering structure (S) containing a one-block apparatus for sterilizing and filling and defining a closed aseptic environment. The containers (2) are sterilized in a first portion (6) of the apparatus (1), situated along a first section (T) of the path (P), then weighted filled with a liquid substance and subsequently closed with pre-sterilized plugs/caps, in a second portion (12) of the apparatus (1), situated along a second section (TR) of the path (P), after the first section (T).

Abstract: A soft contact lens (SCL) package product which can be advantageously supplied to hydrated SCL wearers, a method of shipping a SCL shipped in the form of such a SCL package product and a method of packaging the SCL, are provided. A liquid medium 12 containing at least one anionic compound having two or more anionic functional groups in one molecule and at least one cationic compound having two or more cationic functional groups in one molecule is housed in a sealable container 4 together with a hydrated SCL 10. Then, the container 4 is sealed, and the inside of the container 4 is held in a sterile state to obtain a SCL package product 2.

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: A catheter assembly is provided comprising a catheter including a catheter tube and a connector arranged in one end of the catheter tube. The catheter is preferably a urinary, hydrophilic catheter. Further, the assembly comprises a catheter receptacle, a compartment accommodating the wetting fluid, the compartment being an integrated part of the receptacle but is separated from the cavity, the separation between the wetting fluid compartment and the cavity accommodating the catheter providing a rupturable sealed enclosure with at least one point of weakness.

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 hydrophilic polymer having one or more non-ethylenically-unsaturated carboxylic acid terminal groups.

Abstract: A package having an additive that does not adhere to a medical device enclosed therein.

Abstract: This invention relates generally to a method and package for shipping and handling fresh cut floral arrangements where fragile flower blooms cover the top and sides of the arrangement.

Abstract: Additives that could interfere with the sealing of a cover onto a contact lens package are delivered separately from the bulk saline delivered into the lens package, thereby allowing more precise control of the additive delivery, reducing the incidence of additive in the seal area of the lens package, and improving the seal integrity.

Abstract: A catheter assembly (110, 210) comprising a catheter (130, 230) and a receptacle (120, 220) is disclosed. The receptacle is arranged to accommodate at least part of said catheter and having at least one opening (123) for withdrawal of said catheter. Further, the receptacle is provided with an antimicrobial compound (301) at least in the vicinity of the opening and at least on the outer surface of the receptacle, said antimicrobial compound inhibiting microbes from being transferred to said catheter while being withdrawn through said at least one opening.

Abstract: Beverage bottling plant for filling bottles with a liquid beverage filling material, and a method for the operation thereof. The beverage bottling plant has a treatment system to treat the beverage before the beverage is filled into the bottles, and then treat the beverage again after the filled bottles are closed. 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.

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 device for removing a closure from a container includes a hollow needle, a piston for driving the needle into the closure and a compressed gas cartridge for driving the piston. Once the needle has been driven into the closure so that an end of the needle is inside the container, the piston can reciprocate to force air through the needle and pressurize the container in order to eject the closure. The piston can also reciprocate to evacuate air from the container through a stopper with a check valve when leftover contents of the container are to be preserved.

Abstract: A multi-layered wound dressing includes a moisture-retaining portion for enhancing the healing of a wound. The wound dressing includes an intermediate layer that has both water soluble and water insoluble fibers. An apparatus that includes a cutting tool and a reservoir of liquid to pre-moisten a portion of the dressing may be used to manufacture the dressings.

Abstract: Paint in a container is inhibited against skinning by providing a layer of a barrier material comprising an inhibiting composition having a boiling point of at least 250° C. and optionally water on the upper surface the bulk paint in the container.

Abstract: Devices and methods for storing spray nozzle tips are shown. Using devices and methods disclosed, a user can store and later find any one of several nozzle tips from within a solvent reservoir. Devices and methods shown allow a user to store and retrieve nozzle tips without immersing fingers or hands in solvent, which can be harsh and/or damaging to skin. Selected embodiment further allow the solvent reservoir to be tipped over or otherwise jostled without the stored nozzle tips becoming dislodged from their organized locations.

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: A method and apparatus for the efficient and controllable delivery of cryogen liquid droplets into thin walled containers. Discharge of the droplets is facilitated using a horizontal displacement assembly to transport metered droplets from a liquid dosing unit to the point of injection above the container. The horizontal displacement assembly may be provided with internal heaters to prevent freeze up, and a sensor to confirm droplet discharge. It may also be provided with a separate source of heated nitrogen gas, which can be used to back purge the dispensing unit should it become clogged, to melt any frozen liquid occlusions which may have formed in the cryogen supply line.

Abstract: Provided is a wet tissue manufacturing method and instrument thereof, in which sheets of dry tissue are wrapped in a wrap to then be supplied as a tissue unit. The supplied tissue unit is soaked with water to then be supplied as a wet tissue on the spot using a support frame and a cover. Thus, wet tissues can be conveniently and sanitarily manufactured and used. That is, tissues are supplied in the form of a dry tissue unit and then soaked with water on the spot. Dry tissues can be kept in custody in the form of a tissue unit in a refrigerator or a heating cabinet, without having any spacious limitation. Since tissues are soaked and then provided to users, antiseptic and disinfectant are unnecessary.

Abstract: A system and method of packaging a bone allograft for use in a future medical procedure in which the bone allograft is stored in a saturated saline solution in an airtight container. The saline solution keeps the allograft hydrated and may be saturated with a combination of calcium, phosphate, or magnesium to inhibit mineral leaching out of the allograft during storage. The container may be deformable to conform to the shape of the allograft material as the container is “shrink-fitted” to the allograft. Optionally, the bone allograft may also be freeze-dried prior to placement in the container.

Abstract: In order to store thermoplastic preforms in a container, the outside faces of the preforms are treated so as to make said outside faces more slippery, and the preforms are stored in bulk in the container, with the outside faces of the preforms after treatment presenting a coefficient of friction that is low enough to ensure that the packing density, i.e. the number of preforms stored per unit volume, is greater than the packing density that would be obtained under the same conditions with non-treated preforms.

Abstract: A cap chute end for capping a plurality of in-line containers in an ambient atmosphere includes a fluid manifold having a plurality of first manifold apertures for injecting a first fluid into the plurality of containers. A fluid shoe is operatively adjacent the fluid manifold and has a plurality of shoe apertures for dispensing a second fluid into the plurality of caps and plurality of containers. A frame that supports the fluid shoe is configured to receive a plurality of caps at a receiving end of the frame. A wiper supported at a dispensing end of the frame has a pair of arms operatively adjacent the fluid shoe. The pair of arms is configured to orient the plurality of caps to the plurality of containers.

Abstract: A method for processing a food product involves transporting the food product through a plurality of stations including a loading station, a pasteurization station, and a closing station. The surface of the food product is pasteurized by convectively transferring heat from the pasteurizing medium to the surface of the food product at a rate such that the surface heat transfer coefficient becomes sufficiently higher than the food product conductance coefficient that the surface temperature of the food product is substantially instantaneously elevated above temperatures which are instantly lethal to microbes which may be present. Preferably, steam is condensed on the food product surface in dropwise condensation, and the onset of film condensation is retarded by removing condensate film from such surface.

Abstract: A device for coating dental floss with toothpaste. The device has a main body which has a chamber for containing a floss spool and a female stem to receive a tube of toothpaste, a floss spool disposed within the chamber, a threaded male stem, a spool chamber cover, a floss passage block which has two openings of different sizes, and a cut-off tang.

Abstract: A sterile device immersed in a sterile buffer and a method for providing same. The sterile device may be a medical device such as a biosensor having a biomolecule as a sensing element such as, for example, a glucose oxidase enzyme. The buffer may be a bicarbonate solution. Both the device and the buffer may be packaged and stored over long term while maintaining sterilization. The sterilization method may comprise a combination of gaseous, liquid and light sterilization.

Abstract: A process for delivering a cold or heat storage medium into a carrier material, in which the carrier material is located in a container which can be at least partially evacuated. The process includes the steps of: a) placing the carrier material in a container made of film material, b) at least partially evacuating the container made of film material, and c) delivering cold or heat storage medium to the at least partially evacuated container made of film material so as to saturate the carrier material with the cold or heat storage medium.

Abstract: Pickled products immersed in a pickling solution are packaged in a cardboard box for shipment to customers. The box is lined with a plastic bag to protect the pickled products and pickling solution from contaminants, and to prevent the pickling solution from leaking. The cardboard boxes may be arranged in multiple layers on a pallet for shipment. The pickled products may be put in the box in a pickled state or in a raw state, whereupon they cure to the pickled state during shipment.

Abstract: Active additives in absorbent articles, such as sanitary napkins, panty liners, tampons, incontinence protectors and diapers have been found to lose their properties due to taking-up moisture during storage and transportation for instance, when conventional packaging materials are used. The invention relates to the use of a moisture impervious film material for packaging an absorbent article comprising one or more active moisture-sensitive additives. Packaging is effected in film material that has low vapor and gas permeability and in packaging unites that have tight joins or seams.

Abstract: In order to store thermoplastic preforms in a container, the outside faces of the preforms are treated so as to make said outside faces more slippery, and the preforms are stored in bulk in the container, with the outside faces of the preforms after treatment presenting a coefficient of friction that is low enough to ensure that the packing density, i.e. the number of preforms stored per unit volume, is greater than the packing density that would be obtained under the same conditions with non-treated preforms.

Abstract: A toy animal has an interior, an intermediate layer and an exterior layer of wax and a hardener within the wax. The method of fabricating the toy animal comprises the steps of melting a wax, adding a hardener to the melted wax, dipping an interior object into the wax mixture and cooling the coated object.

Abstract: A method of packaging a plastic balloon preferably includes steps of sealing the plastic balloon within a substantially airtight package and maintaining the environment within the package in such a condition as to maintain the plastic balloon in a hydrated state that will optimize the performance characteristics of the plastic balloon when it is inflated. Antifungal and antibacterial agents are preferably also provided within the package to inhibit the growth of mold and bacteria.

Abstract: A system for packaging a bone allograft for use in a future medical procedure in which the bone allograft is stored in a saturated saline solution in an airtight container. The saline solution keeps the allograft hydrated and may be saturated with a combination of calcium, phosphate, or magnesium to inhibit mineral leaching out of the allograft during storage. The container may be deformable to conform to the shape of the allograft material as the container is “shrink-fitted” to the allograft. Optionally, the bone allograft may also be freeze dried prior to placement in the container.

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 surgical spear includes a cut sponge element that has been processed to render it at least substantially free from particulates and other debris; an eye spear comprised of an essentially particulate-free sponge element is uniquely suited for LASIK surgery. In most instances the surgical spear will be enclosed in a packaging component, which may or may not be fabricated from a water-permeable material and may or may not be left unsealed in the packaging step.

Abstract: A method and system for moistening and sealing an envelope in a high speed mail processing machine including steps and components for heating a liquid to moisten the glue on the envelope flaps to more quickly soften the glue and provide an improved seal.

Abstract: A method of filling a multilayer container includes providing a multilayer container that is subject to delamination, introducing product contents at an elevated temperature and a liquefied gas, and capping or otherwise sealing the container. The pressure within the container remains positive at temperatures at least as low as ambient, and preferably down to the lower range of household or commercial refrigeration temperatures.

Abstract: A method of filling a container, and thereby extending the effective life of an oxygen scavenger, includes providing a container having an oxygen scavenger material, introducing product contents and a liquefied gas into the container to displace at least a portion of the air within the headspace, and capping or otherwise sealing the container. Displacing oxygen from the headspace diminishes the available oxygen within the container that can permeate into the container sidewall, thereby extending the effective life of the scavenger.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a method and apparatus to protect self-sealing tires from being damaged during shipment. The method for shipping self-sealing tires comprises the steps of applying a coating to the puncture sealant material on the tire and allowing the coating to cure. The method further includes arranging the tires including the cured coating in a shipment container in a predetermined configuration, followed by shipment of the tires.

Abstract: A method of packaging smoking articles, such as cigarettes, includes applying a volatile flavourant to the surface of a pack or an insert for the pack immediately prior to the pack being assembled about a smoking article bundle. The volatile flavourant can migrate within the fully assembled pack from the surface to which it was applied to the smoking articles.

Abstract: A hermetic package having a fitment having base coupled to a lid. The base is composed of a collar having a recessed groove, the base of the fitment defines an opening which provides access to the contents of the hermetic package. The lid is a planar structure having a first face and a second face. The lid includes a sealing member extending from the second face of the lid and engages the recessed groove on the base of the fitment to provide an airtight seal.

Abstract: In order to store thermoplastic preforms in a container, the outside faces of the preforms are treated so as to make said outside faces more slippery, and the preforms are stored in bulk in the container, with the outside faces of the preforms after treatment presenting a coefficient of friction that is low enough to ensure that the packing density, i.e. the number of preforms stored per unit volume, is greater than the packing density that would be obtained under the same conditions with non-treated preforms.