Abstract: A semen storage container which can store semen in a favorable state, into which semen is easily put and out of which semen is easily taken, is provided. A semen storage container includes an outer case having an open upper end, an inner case, the inner case having an opening portion at an upper end and being provided on an inner side of the outer case to close an opening of the outer case, and a removable lid laid over an upper end portion of the outer case to close the opening portion. The inner case includes a semen guide which communicates with the opening portion at the upper end and has an inner circumferential surface provided as an inclined surface which spreads upward and a cylindrical semen pool which communicates with an opening portion at a lower end of the semen guide and includes a tapered bottom portion.

Abstract: Machine for wrapping pallets (P) by means of a stretchable film cap, comprising: a main frame (1) which defines a working area (A) of the machine; a traction device (2), arranged to lower the film cap by fitting it onto the pallet (P); a feeder device (3) arranged to feed the film to the traction device (2); a cutting and welding device (4) of the film, arranged to cut and weld the film so as to obtain a cap closed at one end thereof. The feeder device (3) is movable along the frame (1) between an operating position, located above the main frame (1), and a service position, in which said feeder device is located at a given height from the ground, on one side of the main frame (1). The feeder device (3) comprises two diverters (31), each of which is structured to grip two adjacent corners (C) on opposite sides of the film, and to move the corners away from one another.

Abstract: A device for producing filled containers has a transport device which is configured for transporting containers which are filled with a liquid and are closed by a closure. Furthermore, the apparatus has a penetration device which is configured for producing an opening in at least one region of the closure and/or of the container, and an application device, which applies a flowable and in particular gaseous medium to the interior of the container through this opening (or feeds the gaseous medium to this interior). Furthermore, the apparatus has a closing device which closes the opening again.

Abstract: A method of positioning and sealing a bag in a vacuum chamber, includes detecting a trailing edge of a product in the bag, detecting a trailing edge of a patch adhered to the bag, controlling advancement of the bag, and closing the bag. A bag positioning apparatus includes an infrared sensing apparatus, a fluorescence sensing apparatus, and a controller. A method of manufacturing a patch bag includes adhering a first patch to film stock, detecting a position of the first patch, aligning a second patch with the first patch, and adhering the second patch to the film stock. A method of manufacturing a patch bag includes detecting an edge of a patch adhered to film stock, forming a seal across the film stock adjacent to the edge of the patch, and severing the film stock adjacent to the edge of the patch.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for manufacturing a double bag (20) are disclosed. The method comprises placing an inner bag (30) in an outer bag (40) through an open top end (42), inserting a gas feeding tube (50) between through the open top end (42), feeding a head space (44) between the inner bag (30) and the outer bag (40) with an inert gas through the gas feeding tube (50), extracting the gas feeding tube (50), and sealing the top end (42). A gas box (80) surrounds the open top end (42) to reduce the risk of oxygen entering the head space (44).

Abstract: The present invention provides a lid closing device and a lid closing method, each of which does not require a high degree of accuracy when performing a lid closing operation. A holding portion moves such that a lid is located at a position above a container. Holding of the lid by the holding portion is released at the position above the container. The lid falls to cover the container. Thus, the lid closing operation is performed.

Abstract: An evacuation station has a first chamber, a second chamber, and a dividing wall separating the first and second chambers. The dividing wall has a gap fluidly coupling the first and second chambers. The second chamber is fluidly coupled to a vacuum source. A package is made from a film and is arranged in the evacuation station. An inner volume of the package is in fluid communication with an inner volume of the second chamber via the open end. A control unit controls a pressure differential between a first internal pressure in the first chamber and a second internal pressure in the second chamber to cause aspiration of gas from the inner volume of the package.

Abstract: Methods that include: subjecting an article including a moisture sensor to steam sterilization in a steam sterilizer to produce a sterilized article, the moisture sensor having a moisture absorbing layer and a resonant circuit; subjecting the sterilized article to drying; and interrogating the resonant circuit, wherein the interrogation is affected by an amount of water present in the moisture absorbing layer.

Abstract: A seating support arrangement includes a seating frame, a cover member supported by the seating frame, the cover member having a first elastic modulus in a first direction, the cover member having an outer surface area and a support area that is less than the outer surface area and is configured to support a user, and a polymer film surface layer attached to the support area of the cover member such that the combination of the cover member in the support area and the surface layer has a second elastic modulus in the first direction that is greater than the first elastic modulus.

Abstract: A vacuum container for containing perishable items in controlled, reduced pressure, atmospheric conditions is provided. The vacuum container includes a section of generally cylindrical pipe open at both ends and formed of a plastic material. A first end cap is detachably secured to one end of the pipe to form a vacuum resistant seal between the first end cap and the pipe. A second end cap detachably secured to the other end of the pipe to form a vacuum resistant seal between the second end cap and the other end of the pipe. Preferably, the pipe and end caps are all formed of a plastic material capable of withstanding the pressures created when a high vacuum is formed in the chamber.

Abstract: A furnace system has a furnace-tube-cap (FTC) and a slider. The FTC has a first-cap-portion coupled to a furnace tube of a furnace, a second-cap-portion with a bearing-assembly-arrangement (BAA), and an inner-tube-cap-channel (ITCC) passing from the first-to-second cap portion with an ITCC sealing arrangement extending outside the ITCC. The slider slides in the BAA to/from inject-and-rinse positions, and has a first-ramp (FR), a first-raised-surface (FRS), an intermediate-lower-surface (ILS), a second-ramp (SR), and a second-raised-surface (SRS). When the slider moves to the inject-or-rinse positions, the BAA forces a slider-part to push against an inner-channel-sealing-arrangement (ICSA) as the BAA goes from the FR-to-FRS, or the SR-to-SRS. When the slider is in the inject-or-rinse position, a first-slider-part seals the ITCC sealing arrangement.

Abstract: A method and system for wrapping meat in containers is provided. The method and system provide a modified atmosphere, other than that which exists as standard air, to a container such that a final sealed product contains an internal volume or atmosphere of modified gas. In-line processing features dispense the desired modified gas such that minimal interruption is provided in an automated or partially automated packing operation.

Abstract: A method for forming a plate includes attaching a first strand portion to a flexible substrate to form a first layer on the substrate and positioning a second strand portion on the first layer to form a second layer on the first layer in a plurality of discrete regions on the substrate. The method also includes positioning a plurality of traction elements into corresponding cavities formed into a first mold surface and positioning the substrate on the first mold surface to change a shape of the substrate. At least one of heat and pressure is applied to the first strand portion, the second strand portion, the substrate, and the traction elements to conform the substrate to the shape of the first mold surface and form the traction elements into the substrate at each of the discrete regions. The method also includes incorporating the substrate into an article of footwear.

Abstract: Presented is a device for the preparation of samples for ionization by laser desorption, especially MALDI, that comprises a sample support assembly with a surface which has an array of sites for holding substances, and an outer contour surrounding the sample site array, and a flat cover which can be placed flush on or over the surrounding outer contour such that a shielded gas compartment is formed between the cover and the surface, said cover having an array of apertures arranged such that each aperture comes to rest over a corresponding sample site. A gas transport system is also provided on the assembly and cover, which serves to introduce a protective gas into the shielded gas compartment between cover and surface so that a protective gas atmosphere is generated in the gas compartment to protect the substances on the sample sites against atmospheric influences. An associated method is also described.

Abstract: A device and method that relates to a swivel arrangement for a carousel filler arrangement having a rotating tank and a product pipe for transporting product into the rotating tank are disclosed. The swivel arrangement may include a tank connecting part, a pipe connecting part, a first opening for receiving a gaseous media, and a second opening for ejecting the gaseous media. A first channel may be partly defined by a protruding portion of the pipe connecting part and an outer wall of the product pipe, and a second channel may be partly defined by the protruding portion and a protruding portion of the tank connecting part.

Abstract: A container for the preparation of a beverage and a machine for the filling of containers for the preparation of the beverage. The container includes an outer cup, an inner cup nesting inside the outer cup, and a filter disposed between a sidewall of the outer cup and a sidewall of the inner cup and covering a bottom opening of the inner cup. The machine includes a first zone configured to dispense a container from a stack of containers, a second zone configured to fill the container with a beverage substrate, a third zone configured to seal the container and dispense a filled container, and a carriage configured to transport the container between the first and second zones, and between the second and third zones.

Abstract: In an embodiment, the present invention discloses cleaned storage processes and systems for high level cleanliness articles, such as extreme ultraviolet (EUV) reticle carriers. A decontamination chamber can be used to clean the stored workpieces. A purge gas system can be used to prevent contamination of the articles stored within the workpieces. A robot can be used to detect the condition of the storage compartment before delivering the workpiece. A monitor device can be used to monitor the conditions of the stocker.

Abstract: The present invention relates generally to methods of sterilizing elastomeric articles in a manner that prevents and/or reduces degradation to the articles, particularly degradation that may be caused and/or accelerated by sterilization techniques such as gamma irradiation, x-ray irradiation, and electron-beam processing. The methods include packaging the elastomeric articles in order to improve their resistance to degradation. In certain aspects of the invention, packaged elastomeric articles, optionally containing one or more antidegradants, such as antioxidant and/or antiozonant compounds, are also provided. The methods of providing degradation-resistant elastomeric articles in accordance with the present invention may also be used to reduce the occurrence of cracking and discoloration in elastomeric articles, regardless of whether they are subjected to sterilization.

Abstract: The dispenser disclosed herein serves a single serving of a powdered nutrient contained within a container having multi-servings of the powdered nutrient. The dispenser has a metering device that operates as a ball valve or guillotine to dispense a single serving of the powdered nutrient into a water container. The dispenser also has a support surface that can be lowered and raised back up in order to fit a water container under the metering device and a distal tip of the metering device into a mouth of the water container so that no powdered nutrient spills out of the water container during transfer of the powdered nutrient from the metering device to the water container.

Abstract: A cartridge set including: a plurality of cartridges; a plurality of holders, each of which has an upper end externally fitted to the outer peripheral surface of each of the cartridges, and has a lower end face whose outer diameter is greater than the outer diameter of the outer peripheral surface of the cartridge; a supporting plate that has a plurality of through-holes, each of which has an inner diameter greater than the outer diameter of the outer peripheral surface of the cartridge and has each of the plurality of cartridges inserted therethrough; a storage box that stores the supporting plate therein; and a lid member that blocks an upper end opening of the storage box.

Abstract: There is provided a moisture-sensitive vacuum packing machine, and particularly, there is provided a moisture-sensitive vacuum packing machine for sensing moisture within a chamber. The moisture-sensitive vacuum packing machine includes: a device housing having a controller and a vacuum driving unit; a chamber unit positioned above the device housing and having a first chamber and a second chamber whose interiors are vacuumized when the vacuum driving unit operates; and a sensing unit installed in the chamber unit such that it is associated with the controller, and sensing the presence or absence of moisture within the second chamber according to whether the sensing unit comes into contact with the second chamber.

Abstract: Computer systems and non-transitory computer readable media for determining an amount of an ingredient for a preparation for a requested therapy (e.g., an order or a prescription) includes an identifier, volume, and amounts of first and second compounds in each of a plurality of premix solutions. A predefined formulary comprising a formulary concentration of each of a plurality of additions is provided. A premix solution is selected. An amount of a first additions to be added to the premix solution may be selected. A number of bags of the premix solution, needed to satisfy a volume associated with the selected premix solution, are optionally reserved. An additive volume is determined at least by the specified first amounts of the first addition and a corresponding formulary concentration.

Abstract: The apparatus, for filling a flexible pouch having a bottom end, an opposite top end, and a pair of side edges extending between the bottom and top end, includes a filling station, a supply of compressed purging gas, and a gas purging station. The filling station includes a feeder that dispenses an amount of product into the pouch. The gas purge station is positioned subsequent to the filling station and includes a pair of gas lances. Each of the pair of gas lances have an outlet to discharge the purging gas into the pouch. The pair of gas lances being moveable between an inserted position and a withdrawn position. In the inserted position the pair of gas lances are disposed within the pouch a predetermined distance above the amount of product, and in the withdrawn position the pair of gas lances are provided above the top end of the pouch.

Abstract: Computer systems and non-transitory computer readable media for determining an amount of an ingredient for a preparation for a requested therapy (e.g., an order or a prescription) includes an identifier, volume, and amounts of first and second compounds in each of a plurality of premix solutions. A predefined formulary comprising a formulary concentration of each of a plurality of additions is provided. A premix solution is selected. An amount of a first additions to be added to the premix solution may be selected. A number of bags of the premix solution, needed to satisfy a volume associated with the selected premix solution, are optionally reserved. An additive volume is determined at least by the specified first amounts of the first addition and a corresponding formulary concentration.

Abstract: A protective wrap material enclosing a stack of cut sheets of paper is folded so that overlapping flaps of the wrap material cover opposite ends of the stack. The overlapping flaps are secured and sealed together only at selected areas that comprise a minor portion of the overlapped flaps, wherein the sealed areas have sufficient burst strength to avoid inadvertent opening of the wrap but at the same time are relatively easy to separate when it is desired to open the wrap to gain access to the cut sheets of paper. In a preferred embodiment the wrap material is heat sealable, and a modified heat plate for applying heat only to the selected areas has a grooved front surface defining heat focusing bars that concentrate heat sufficient to fuse the wrap material only in the selected areas.

Abstract: This application is directed to a method for minimizing oxidative discoloration of a chemical compound such as a monomer during shipping, storing, and/or aging.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for sealing at least a packaging unit by means of a sealing tool lower part carrying the packaging unit, a sealing tool upper part, and a sealing plate. The sealing tool lower part is configured to perform a lifting movement by means of a drive. The invention is characterized in that the lifting movement is performed in a uniform, continuous motion from a lowered position, via an intermediate position in which a packaging unit is clamped, to a final position. The invention further relates to a sealing station for a packaging machine in which the sealing plate is suspended via a damping unit at the sealing tool upper part.

Abstract: An apparatus (1;2) for removing an ophthalmic lens from a mold half (3;4), comprises a ring member (10;20) movable towards and away from the mold half (3;4), the ring member (10;20) comprising a central opening (103;203) and a plurality of nozzles (100;200) circumferentially distributed about the ring member (10;20), each nozzle (100;200) having an outlet opening directed towards the mold half (3,4) as the ring member (10;20) is placed on the mold half (3;4), and a gripper member (11;21) arranged to be movable towards and away from the mold half (3;4) through the central opening (103;203) of the ring member (10;20).

Abstract: A method for preparing a sterilized ready-meal package, including providing a main container defining a main volume intended to accommodate a main food product, and having a first opening at the upper part surrounded by a first planar edge. At least one secondary container defining a secondary volume is included and has a second opening at the upper part surrounded by a second planar edge. The secondary container is introduced inside the main container, so that said first edge and said second edge are flush. At least one secondary food product is introduced inside the secondary volume, and at least one main food product is introduced inside the main volume. A perimetric seal is made between a covering film, arranged to cover said first and second openings, and said first edge, and an inner seal is made between the covering film and the second edge.

Abstract: Container for foodstuffs, in particular coffee, comprising a central body (11) made of flexible material, a bottom (12) associated to a lower end (15) of the central body (11), and a lid (20, 39) attached to an upper end (21) of the central body (11) by means of an upper ring (25, 45), made of rigid plastic material. The container (10) also comprises a lower ring (13), also made of rigid plastic material, which makes the bottom (12) solid with the central body (11).

Abstract: A method and system for injecting fluid into a sealed container that contains a consumable product is provided. The container is filled with a consumable product and then sealed with a closure. A fluid is injected through the closure into the container cavity after filling and sealing. The fluid increases the internal pressure of the container and scavenges oxygen in the container.

Abstract: A vacuum and sealing appliance comprises a heat sealing element for sealing a container during a sealing cycle. A controller controls the temperature of the heat sealing element during the sealing cycle based on a signal from a temperature sensor that senses the real-time temperature of the heat sealing element. A seal indicator light is provided which is lighted during the sealing cycle and extinguished at its completion. The signal from the controller energizes the heating element for a time to heat the sealing element to a pre-determined temperature for sealing the container and initiates a dwell time corresponding to cooling the heating element after sealing the container. Values of the real-time temperatures of the heat sealing element and values of the sealing times and the dwell times that correspond to the values of the real-time temperatures of the heat sealing element are stored in a look-up table.

Abstract: An emergency change of clothing kit is provided with a full outfit sealed compactly into a container (vacuum sealed in one embodiment). The container is to be small and portable and will keep the clothing clean and dry until the time for its intended use. A disposable, sealable bag will be provided to place any soiled clothing in. One embodiment of the kit can range in sizes from Newborn to 3T. Other embodiments include clothing suited for ages from 3 to adult. The clothing can be of sufficiently high quality and design that it can be worn repeatedly after initial opening of the package. For the kits ages 2T and above, underwear can also be provided.

Abstract: Disclosed in certain embodiments are methods of filling storage containers with adsorbent materials (e.g.

Abstract: A method of using and a steel reinforced concrete protector in an anode cavity which comprises a cored hole, a drilled hole or a cut chase formed in concrete. The protector comprises a sacrificial anode assembly and a separate backfill. The sacrificial anode assembly comprises a sacrificial metal element that is a metal less noble than steel and an activator to maintain an activity of the sacrificial metal element. The at least one spacer prevents the sacrificial metal element and the activator from contacting the surface of the anode cavity. The spacer and the sacrificial metal element have a coupling mechanism which facilitates connection of the sacrificial metal element to the spacer. The backfill is a pliable and viscous material which contains an electrolyte, and the backfill facilitates embedding the anode assembly in the anode cavity. The invention also relates to a prepackaged sacrificial anode assembly and a method of increasing a shelf life of the sacrificial anode.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a process for preparation of a composition comprising gas microbubbles. More partitularly the invention relates to a process for filling of such composition into a container. The composition prepared is preferably an ultrasound contrast media composition made available in a container wherein the headspace of the container comprises the same gas as the gas of the microbubbles.

Abstract: A system for packaging a food product including a conveying system for supporting and moving the food product. The system includes a detection device for collecting data related to the shape of the food product while the food product is supported by the conveying system. The system also includes a film dispensing device for dispensing one of a plurality of different films. A controller configured to direct the film dispensing device to select one of the plurality of films for dispensing. The system also includes a wrapping device for wrapping the food product in the selected film.

Abstract: In preferred embodiments, a vacuum sealed clothing and diaper change kit is provided which may comprise a clothing article, a diaper, and optionally a changing aid together utilizing a folding and vacuum sealing processes as to reduce the total size of the contents and provide hygienic storage and transportation of contents. In further preferred embodiments, a kit may comprise an outer casing.

Abstract: An appliance and method for increasing the flavor and shelf life of a blended food product by purging the air from the airspace surrounding the food product and replacing the air with another gas such as carbon dioxide that is compatible with food preparation and reduces the oxidation that the food product undergoes in the normal blending process.

Abstract: A packaging assembly includes a substantially rigid base having a cavity dimensioned to receive a medical implant, a sleeve positioned in the cavity of the substantially rigid base and defining an opening dimensioned to receive the medical implant, and a skin pack lid sealed over the substantially rigid base to enclose and secure the sleeve within the cavity of the substantially rigid base. The sleeve has a shape substantially similar to a shape of the medical implant and substantially envelopes the medical implant when the medical implant is positioned in the opening of the sleeve. The skin pack lid has a geometry that substantially conforms to the shape of the sleeve.

Abstract: Methods of stabilizing the molecular weight of polymer stents scaffolds after E-beam sterilization are disclosed. The molecular weight of the polymer of the irradiated scaffolds is stabilized through exposure to gas containing oxygen.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for filling thin wall food containers, in particular beverage cans, which are eventually closed gas-tight and have an inner pressure that is above ambient pressure for stabilizing the food container. The method includes the steps of providing the food container with an open filling orifice in a filling station; filling the food container in the filling station; covering the filling orifice of the food container with a lid directly after completing the filling process; fixating the lid at the food container without closing the food container gas-tight; and transporting the food container with the filling opening covered.

Abstract: A capsule is provided containing a dosing agent and a system and process is provided for making capsules containing a dosing agent. The capsule includes a body defining an interior space and an opening, the capsule having ingredients and a dosing agent disposed in the interior space and a cover to seal the opening. The process and system includes depositing ingredients and the dosing agent in the interior space of the capsule and then covering the opening.

Abstract: The presently disclosed subject matter is directed to a package that allows substantially the entire surface of a product (such as fresh red meat) to be in contact with a desired internal gas concentration. In addition, the disclosed package ensures that large amounts of the product surface are not in contact with the packaging materials to prevent discolored product areas. Particularly, the disclosed package comprises a support member, a thermoformed lidding film, and an oxygen-sensitive product. The lidding film includes one or more ridges that prevent direct contact with the product. As a result, uniform product color is maintained and the product appearance is preserved.

Abstract: A substrate container includes an enclosure and an access structure formed in the enclosure and providing fluid access through the enclosure to an interior of the substrate container. The access structure includes an opening and an inner surface. A grommet is situated against the inner surface of the access structure.

Abstract: The invention provides for a method of absorbing carbon dioxide comprising providing a container containing a product that gives off carbon dioxide, placing calcium hydroxide into the container, and sealing the container to form a sealed container.

Abstract: The present invention provides a pressure feed container capable of ensuring the cleanliness of a liquid such as a protective film-forming liquid chemical or a protective film-forming liquid chemical kit for preparing the liquid chemical even after long-term storage, and also capable of suppressing electrostatic charge in the liquid. The present invention provides a pressure feed container configured to store a protective film-forming liquid chemical or a protective film-forming liquid chemical kit that is mixed into the protective film-forming liquid chemical, and to transfer a liquid upon application of pressure to the inside of the container, the protective film-forming liquid chemical being for forming a water-repellent protective film on at least surfaces of recessed portions of an uneven pattern formed on a surface of a wafer containing a silicon element at least at a part of the uneven pattern.

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: A method and an apparatus for filling and sealing are provided, which make it possible to eliminate the effect of foam, which is generated during the filling, at a low cost and without damaging a container such as a bottle, and also to increase gas replacement ratio and productivity. The method for filling and sealing, in which a filling step, a defoaming step, a mouthpiece washing step, a gas replacement step, and a lid mounting step are successively performed while continuously transporting a bottle-type container 105, wherein in the defoaming step, an inactive gas at a normal temperature is jetted as a defoaming gas into a headspace of the bottle-type container 105.

Abstract: An appliance for sealing elastic hoses with a sleeve, which is plastically deformable and slipped onto the hose, has two jaws which are movable towards and away from each other. One jaw has two straight bars which project towards the other jaw and extend transversely of the sleeve to make two transverse indentations in the sleeve and the hose when the jaws are moving towards each other. The same jaw has a cutting edge which projects towards the other jaw and is directed transversely of the sleeve, the cutting edge making a substantially transverse cutting indication in the sleeve and the hose when the jaws are moving towards each other.