Vacuum Or Gas Treating Patents (Class 53/432)
  • Patent number: 8567162
    Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a dynamic bioactive bone graft material and a method of handling the material to prepare an implant. In one embodiment, a method of preparing a dynamic bioactive bone graft implant is provided. The method includes the step of providing a porous, fibrous composition of bioactive glass fibers, wherein the fibers are characterized by fiber diameters ranging from about 5 nanometers to about 100 micrometers, and wherein the porosity of the matrix ranges from about 100 nanometers to about 1 millimeter. The porous, fibrous composition is introduced into a mold tray, and a shaped implant is created using the mold tray. The composition may be wetted with a fluid such as saline or a naturally occurring body fluid like blood prior to creating the shaped implant. In another embodiment, the porous, fibrous composition is provided with the mold tray as a kit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 28, 2010
    Date of Patent: October 29, 2013
    Assignee: Prosidyan, Inc.
    Inventors: Charanpreet S. Bagga, Hyun W. Bae, Thomas E. Day
  • Patent number: 8561282
    Abstract: A method of coupling a container body (2) and a cover member (3) in a capsular container (1) includes a filling step for filling liquid medicine, powdered medicine, or granular medicine in the container body (2), and a fitting step for fitting the container body (2) to the cover member (3) under an atmosphere at a negative pressure which is lower than atmospheric pressure. Consequently, the pressure inside the joined container (1) does not exceed atmospheric pressure, the filling (37) which fills the inside of the container (1) can be prevented from leaking out between the container body (2) and the cover (3), and it is also possible to prevent bending of the container (1) which starts from the weak portion of the container (1).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 19, 2010
    Date of Patent: October 22, 2013
    Assignee: Nosaka Tec Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Sachiyo Hirota
  • Publication number: 20130256316
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a device and a method for introducing an aroma into a carrier gas stream. The device has a first connection for a compressed-gas container which stores the carrier gas, at least one second connection for an aroma storage unit and an outlet for a gas mixture. The first connection for a compressed-gas container is flow-connected to the outlet via a first line and the at least one second connection for the aroma storage unit is flow-connected to the outlet via a second line. The second connection for the aroma storage unit is a quick-action coupling connection. The present invention allows the intuitive operation of a device for introducing an aroma into a carrier gas and also the simple exchange of an aroma storage unit.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 12, 2013
    Publication date: October 3, 2013
    Inventor: Air Liquide, Societe Anonyme pour Etude et Exploitation des Procedes Georges Claude
  • Patent number: 8524339
    Abstract: A container-enclosed fullerene, a method of manufacturing the same, and a method of storing fullerene are provided, that make it possible to inhibit alteration of fullerene, especially that make it possible to prevent degradation of the solubility to solvent. A container-enclosed fullerene includes fullerene hermetically enclosed in a container with a high degree of vacuum. The internal pressure of the container is preferably 10 Pa or lower. The fullerene is preferably a metal encapsulated fullerene. The container-enclosed fullerene is manufactured by filling fullerene in a container, evacuating the container, and thereafter sealing the container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 16, 2011
    Date of Patent: September 3, 2013
    Assignee: Toyo Tanso Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Takashi Inoue, Yuji Takimoto
  • Patent number: 8511046
    Abstract: A vacuum device for removal of air from a flexible package storing a perishable food item includes a motor and fan blade assembly having a first air channel and fan blade housing. The fan blade housing encloses at least a portion of a motor and fan blade forming part of the motor and fan blade assembly. The vacuum device also has a nozzle assembly electrically connected to the motor and fan blade assembly. The nozzle assembly is provided with a second air channel in fluid communication with the first air channel. Air in an external environment flows through the second air channel and into to the first air channel upon actuation of the nozzle assembly to a closed position, which energizes the motor and rotates the fan blade connected to the motor to draw air from the external environment into the device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 7, 2010
    Date of Patent: August 20, 2013
    Inventor: Craig Felgenhauer
  • Patent number: 8507020
    Abstract: The present disclosure is directed to systems and methods for packaging perishable foods. A packaging method in accordance with several embodiments of the disclosure can include, for example, mating a tray with a product. The tray can include a compartment having a generally similar shape as the shape of the product. The method can further include gas flushing an internal atmosphere around a product, and sealing the product and the internal atmosphere between a lid and the tray. Additionally, the method can include pasteurizing the product with an application of substantially uniform high pressure to a surface area of the package (e.g., high pressure pasteurization).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 14, 2010
    Date of Patent: August 13, 2013
    Assignee: Columbus Manufacturing, Inc.
    Inventors: Gary DesLauriers, Paul Wolfert
  • Publication number: 20130202839
    Abstract: A vacuum insulation material has excellent thermal insulation even in a high-temperature environment over a long period of time. A core starting material composition is molded into a predetermined shape, the core starting material composition containing a talc-based clay mineral, a potassium compound selected from potassium carbonate and potassium bicarbonate, and water, and the resultant core starting material composition is fired at a temperature lower than a melting point of the talc-based clay mineral, to produce a core material formed of a porous fired body in which a layered structure of the talc-based clay mineral is cleaved and at least a portion of the cleaved structure is partially bonded. This core material is then vacuum packaged in a gas-barrier packaging, to produce the vacuum insulation material.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 26, 2010
    Publication date: August 8, 2013
    Applicant: FUJI ELECTRIC CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Hiroshi Deno
  • Publication number: 20130197467
    Abstract: A device for sealing a vessel, in particular a cartridge (7) or a test-tube for accommodating a freeze-dried pharmaceutical product (S), wherein the vessel (1) comprises at its opening end (3) an opening edge (4) and an adjoining longitudinal portion (5) with an evenly formed inner cross section, including a front plunger (2) to be positioned inside the vessel (1) at the longitudinal portion (5), is characterized in that the front plunger (2) is configured to be positioned in the vessel (1) in a sealing state, in which the front plunger (2) is fully inserted in the vessel (1), or in an exchange state, in which the front plunger (2) is inserted partly in the vessel (1) and partly protrudes over the opening edge (4) of the vessel (1), wherein the front plunger (2) comprises sealing means that are configured to seal the inside of the vessel (1) against the outside when the front plunger (2) is positioned in the sealing state, and one or more communicating grooves (2i) that are configured to place the inside and
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 8, 2011
    Publication date: August 1, 2013
    Applicant: ARTE CORPORATION
    Inventors: Andreas Schuetz, Makoto Kakiuchi, Seiji Shimazaki, Teruo Matsuda
  • Publication number: 20130186755
    Abstract: A biosensor system for determining the concentration of an analyte in a sample includes a plurality of test sensors, and includes a container including a desiccant and the plurality of test sensors, sealed in the container. When the container is stored for two weeks at a temperature of 50° C., and each test sensor is subsequently removed from the container, connected through the at least two conductors to a measurement device and then contacted with one of a plurality of samples including an analyte, where the plurality of samples has analyte concentrations that span the range of 50 mg/dL-600 mg/dL, and the analyte concentration in each sample is determined by the test sensor and the measuring device, the bias of each determined analyte concentration may be within ±10 mg/dL or ±10%, and the coefficient of variation of the determined analyte concentrations may be at most 2.5%.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 19, 2012
    Publication date: July 25, 2013
    Applicant: BAYER HEALTHCARE LLC - DIABETES CARE
    Inventors: Amy H. Chu, Mary Ellen Warchal-Windham
  • Patent number: 8484933
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for packing a material in a packing container. The method includes the steps of providing a gaseous atmosphere with superheated steam in a housing; supplying a material to the gaseous atmosphere and delivering a packing container to the gaseous atmosphere. Thereafter, the material is filled into the packing container, the packing container is sealed inside the gaseous atmosphere, and filled packing container is moved out of the gaseous atmosphere.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 5, 2008
    Date of Patent: July 16, 2013
    Assignee: Mars, Inc.
    Inventors: Siegfried Schmidt, Johannes P. Schlebusch
  • Publication number: 20130167482
    Abstract: A vacuum sealing process of a micro-electrical-mechanical-system (MEMS) package is provided. Solder is applied to the rimmed bottom of a lid for the package. A micro-electro-mechanical system (MEMS) device is attached to a substrate for the package. Solder is applied to a lipped top of the substrate. The lid and the substrate are sealed in an elevated temperature and vacuum environment.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 7, 2012
    Publication date: July 4, 2013
    Applicant: ADVANCED NUMICRO SYSTEMS, INC.
    Inventors: Yee-Chung Fu, Peter Wing-Kau Tang
  • Patent number: 8469257
    Abstract: This invention relates to a box for sterile products made of panels forming a belt (10) and of flaps extending the panels and forming bottom and top walls perpendicular to the belt, the belt and the flaps being cut in a foamed plastic material plate comprising at least two covering sheets (P1, P2) maintained mutually spaced apart by a plurality of struts (E) providing longitudinal mutually parallel cells. This invention is characterized in that at least one of the covering sheets is perforated (C) for allowing for a sterilizing gas to pass through the cover, and cuts (13) crossing at least one covering sheet of the plate are provided along hinging lines of the flaps on the belt for providing the communication of said cells with the outside when flaps (31, 32, 41, 42, 51, 52, 61, 62) are folded at right angle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 10, 2006
    Date of Patent: June 25, 2013
    Assignee: DS Smith Kaysersberg
    Inventor: Guillaume Maillot
  • Patent number: 8459528
    Abstract: The assembly is intended for application to manufacturing of tubes, bottles, boxes. Characterized by improved quality of the weld and low reject percentage. It has a mandrel (1), on which there is a head (3) and a tube body (2), put over in a typical manner, as well as a cooling element, coaxial with the mandrel (1), and a nozzle D, coaxial with the mandrel. Said nozzle contains two parts—internal 7 and external (8)—which form channel (9) for feeding heating gas HG. The assembly consists of only one work station. The cooling element is also forming element OFE and consists of cooling metal ring 4, located in forming metal ring (6). There is heat-insulating ring (5) between the latter and the cooling metal ring (4). In the position of heating, said heat-insulating ring (5) is positioned around the end of the tube body (2). The heat-insulating ring (5) is of solid-state material or gas of low thermal conduction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 24, 2009
    Date of Patent: June 11, 2013
    Inventor: Miroslav Ivanov Hinkov
  • Publication number: 20130139472
    Abstract: A vacuum storage system can have a storage container such as a semi-rigid bowl or a flexible thermoplastic bag and an evacuation device for evacuating the container. To draw air from the storage container, the container can be equipped with a one-way valve element attached to an exterior sidewall of the container. The valve element can interface with a nozzle of the evacuation device. The valve element is adaptable between a normal condition in which the valve element is closed, and an altered position in which the valve element is opened. To alter the valve element, the evacuation device includes a contact feature that can contact and displace the valve element.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 1, 2013
    Publication date: June 6, 2013
    Applicant: The Glad Products Company
    Inventor: The Glad Products Company
  • Patent number: 8418430
    Abstract: Methods and apparatus for the multiple fixation of goods on a pallet includes the placement of the goods on a basic board, covering of the goods by an air-tight deformable bag, creating a detachable and air-tight connection with the basic board, and exhausting air from the bag by a valve. The free ends of the bag are inserted into a circumferential groove along the perimeter of the basic board prior to exhausting the air, and are fixed in the groove by at least one fixing component. In one example, the fixing component is at least one of a fixing elastic band or a tightening band.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 8, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 16, 2013
    Assignee: Jihoceska Univerzita V. Ceskych Budejovicich, Ekonomicka Fakulta
    Inventor: Radek Tousek
  • Publication number: 20130074451
    Abstract: A method of packaging a food product using a polymer membrane, the polymer being a self assembling polymeric material, and the method including a.) rendering the said polymer into a film; and b.) packaging a food product in an atmosphere with the said polymer film, wherein said film regulates the atmosphere in which the food product is packaged.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 11, 2011
    Publication date: March 28, 2013
    Applicant: DOW GLOBAL TECHNOLOGIES LLC
    Inventors: Scott T. Matteucci, Leonardo C. Lopez, Shawn D. Feist, Peter N. Nickias, Shrikant N. Khot
  • Publication number: 20130074452
    Abstract: A bio-absorbable stand-alone film is derived at least in part from fatty acids. The bio-absorbable stand-alone film can have anti-adhesive, anti-inflammatory, non-inflammatory, and wound healing properties, and can additionally include one or more therapeutic agents incorporated therein. The stand-alone film has one or more perforations or depressions formed therein. Corresponding methods of making the bio-absorbable stand-alone film with one or more perforations or depressions include molding, cutting, carving, puncturing or otherwise suitable methods to create the perforations or depressions in the bio-absorbable stand-alone film. The resulting stand-alone film is bioabsorbable.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 21, 2012
    Publication date: March 28, 2013
    Applicant: ATRIUM MEDICAL CORPORATION
    Inventor: ATRIUM MEDICAL CORPORATION
  • Patent number: 8402723
    Abstract: A method for the manufacture of a vacuum skin package where the lower support member is formed in a suitably selected shape which process comprises feeding a flat lower web (3) of thermoplastic material with the product (6) to be packaged loaded thereon and an upper thermoplastic web (27), to a vacuum chamber (8) for skin packaging that comprises an upper element (9) comprising a heated upper concavity (11) and a lower element (10) comprising a female vacuum forming mould (16) suitably shaped to match the desired shape for the support member of the end package, closing the vacuum chamber (8) and drawing the upper web (27) toward the upper concavity (11) by differential pressure; evacuating air or gases from the space between the lower web (3) and the upper web (27), in the closed vacuum chamber (8), while maintaining the vacuum from above the upper web and from below the lower supporting web; and reintroducing air from above the upper film, thus moving the heated upper web (27) against the product (6) and the
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 3, 2008
    Date of Patent: March 26, 2013
    Assignee: Cryovac, Inc.
    Inventor: Andrea Granili
  • Publication number: 20130055679
    Abstract: To modify the headspace in a container to remove vacuum pressure, a container has a seal or cap which may provide a temporary opening into the container which is sealable under compression to provide a controlled raising of the internal pressure as the heated contents of the container cools. A sealing chamber (84) may enable the introduction of a fluid into the headspace (23b) to force the fluid level (40) lower. Other methods and apparatus are described.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 4, 2012
    Publication date: March 7, 2013
    Inventor: David Murray MELROSE
  • Publication number: 20130052309
    Abstract: A packaging for food products includes a food package forming an interior configured to receive a food product and an oxygen emitter configured to emit oxygen into the interior.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 23, 2012
    Publication date: February 28, 2013
    Inventor: Timothy A. Stubbs
  • Patent number: 8381493
    Abstract: Affords a compound semiconductor substrate packaging method for preventing oxidation of the surface of compound semiconductor substrates.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 27, 2009
    Date of Patent: February 26, 2013
    Assignee: Sumitomo Electric Industries, Ltd.
    Inventors: Takayuki Nishiura, Yoshio Mezaki, Yoshiki Yabuhara
  • Publication number: 20130042578
    Abstract: The present invention provides, inter alia, a method of filling and sealing a beverage container, the method comprising the steps of: a) dispensing a predetermined amount of beverage, preferably wine, into an open-topped container having a circular rim, preferably a plastics wine glass, to leave a headspace above the beverage in the container; b) temporarily tacking a generally flat flexible film lid sized to fit over the open top to the rim of the container at at least one position around the rim while leaving the remainder of the rim free; c) engaging the tacked lid to cause flexure thereof to create a gap between the lid and the rim on one side; d) dispensing an inert gas, preferably nitrogen, through the gap so created and into the headspace to displace air therefrom; and e) bringing a heat sealer into engagement with the lid to heat seal the lid to the rim about its entire circumference, thereby trapping the inert gas within the headspace.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 24, 2012
    Publication date: February 21, 2013
    Inventors: Guy JACKSON-EBBEN, James Nash
  • Patent number: 8375684
    Abstract: An apparatus for closing containers includes a movable closing head for applying closures to the containers and is arranged in the interior of a sterile chamber of the apparatus and arranged to move in a longitudinal direction (L) of the containers to be closed. At least one wall is provided which delimits the sterile chamber, wherein the closing device is arranged on a carrier which is arranged partially inside the sterile chamber and partially outside the sterile chamber, and extends through the wall and moves in the longitudinal direction (L) relative to the wall. Arranged in the interior of the sterile chamber is a first sealing element which is elastic in the longitudinal direction (L) and which seals off from the sterile chamber a region of the outer periphery of the carrier.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 5, 2009
    Date of Patent: February 19, 2013
    Assignee: Krones AG
    Inventors: Klaus Buchhauser, Guenter Frankenberger
  • Patent number: 8377531
    Abstract: The present invention relates to methods for preventing and/or reducing the occurrence of corrosion in a variety of articles including, but not limited to, tanks (e.g., storage tanks, septic tanks, fuel tanks, etc.); containers (e.g., shipping containers, storage containers, etc.); semi-closed systems (e.g., fuel systems, septic systems, reservoirs, etc.); and/or closed systems (e.g., waste disposal systems, waste disposal drums or containers, etc.). In another embodiment, the methods of the present invention may be utilized to reduce and/or prevent corrosion in a variety of pipelines (e.g., gas/oil pipelines, water pipelines, sewage lines, etc.). More specifically, the present invention relates to methods for preventing and/or reducing the occurrence of corrosion in a variety of articles including, but not limited to, metallic tanks; metallic containers; pipelines; semi-closed systems; and/or closed systems which are constructed partially or totally from metal. (e.g.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 8, 2011
    Date of Patent: February 19, 2013
    Assignee: Northern Technologies International Corporation
    Inventors: Efim Ya Lyublinski, Donald A Kubik
  • Publication number: 20130036711
    Abstract: A flexible container includes a container body and a flexible cover. The container body defines an interior volume and includes a side wall that defines an opening. The opening is configured to receive a bulk material therethrough such that the bulk material can be disposed within an interior volume of the container body. The flexible cover can be coupled to the side wall about the opening. The cover is configured to fluidically isolate the interior volume from a volume substantially outside of the flexible container.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 7, 2012
    Publication date: February 14, 2013
    Applicant: Black Hole Technology Inc.
    Inventors: Erik D. SCUDDER, Shonagh Eva Adelman
  • Patent number: 8371092
    Abstract: A capsule pressure control assembly for regulating or controlling the internal pressure of filled capsules, whereby instances of capsule elongation are reduced or eliminated, thus resulting in an increased yield rate of acceptable filled capsules.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 8, 2009
    Date of Patent: February 12, 2013
    Assignee: Viropharma Incorporated
    Inventors: David W Dodsworth, Jack Bradley, Jeffery A Rudy, Todd M Hall, Paul Barnhart
  • Patent number: 8365946
    Abstract: A container, such as a bottle or jar, that includes a closed compartment and an active insert device for pressurizing the closed compartment. The active insert device comprises an elastic liner and an active insert that are affixed to a closure or cap or the container. The active insert includes at least one reactant that is triggered to a reaction by an external energy source. The reaction produces a gas, which is delivered to the closed compartment via the liner. The gas causes the liner to expand and open a passage to deliver the gas to the closed compartment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 19, 2009
    Date of Patent: February 5, 2013
    Assignee: Inoflate, LLC
    Inventors: James Scott Abercrombie, Nicholas Joseph Day, Darren L. Naud
  • Patent number: 8361409
    Abstract: A system for disinfecting and purifying aqueous solutions and water for drinking purposes comprising an outer pouch, a disinfectant generating device, and an inorganic coagulant. The disinfectant generating device is provided with a membrane shell defining at least two compartments which house a first reactant, a second reactant, and an inorganic coagulant. The disinfectant generating device is capable of producing a disinfectant when exposed to water or moisture and the disinfectant exits the compartment through the membrane shell. The inorganic coagulant aid the formation of flocs of the suspended dispersed particles in the aqueous solution.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 23, 2006
    Date of Patent: January 29, 2013
    Assignee: Odorstar Technology, LLC
    Inventors: Bernardo N. Rico, James Liang-Hiong Chia, Margaret Emily Williams
  • Publication number: 20130017191
    Abstract: The present invention relates to an immunoglobulin preparation comprising immunoglobulin in a mass-volume percentage of at least 4%, wherein the concentration of oxygen dissolved in the preparation at room temperature is less than 40 ?mol/l.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 24, 2011
    Publication date: January 17, 2013
    Inventors: Werner Maeder, Reinhard Franz Bolli, Peter Lerch, Renzo Pedrussio, Liane Hoefferer
  • Patent number: 8347588
    Abstract: A mattress frame that occupies a small volume and can be used by a recipient without having to assemble the frame. The frame has four connected sides and is made of foam. The frame is rectangular in shape and has two longer sides and two shorter sides. The two shorter sides are folded in a U shape so that a bow-tie-shaped frame results. The bow-tie-shaped frame is rolled and packaged in a container. The frame can be rolled to form a spiral or an M-shape. A recipient of the rolled frame removes the frame from its packaging and the frame expands to its intended shape.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 31, 2007
    Date of Patent: January 8, 2013
    Assignee: Zinus, Inc.
    Inventor: Suk Kan Oh
  • Publication number: 20130001114
    Abstract: System, methods, and components includes an improved universal disk container for use in transporting, storing and processing data storage disks or other disk-shaped articles; a disk shipping system and method for shipping disks that allows stocking a minimal number of components while still allowing packaging and shipment of different thickness of disks and different capacities of disks in a container, and components that present universality while still minimizing particulate generation, disk damage and providing ease of assembly. A universal disk cassette with slots having a narrowed lower portion configured for handling different disks of the same diameter but different thicknesses while preventing disk to disk contact when the disks are tilted. A universal top cover configured for cassettes loaded with different thicknesses of disks, i.e., a cassette loaded with 0.025 inch disks, or the same cassette loaded with 0.050 inch disks.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 18, 2010
    Publication date: January 3, 2013
    Applicant: ENTEGRIS, INC.
    Inventors: Garry Anderson, Saiful Hailri, Gian Ping (Vincent) Chua
  • Publication number: 20130000255
    Abstract: A method for introducing at least one substance into a sealed enclosure holding at least one product. The sealed enclosure having at least one conduit through which one of gas or fluid may flow into or out of the sealed enclosure. Air is evacuated from the sealed enclosure through the at least one conduit to create a predetermined pressure within the sealed enclosure and a predetermined quantity of the at least one substance is injected into the sealed enclosure through the at least one conduit.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 4, 2012
    Publication date: January 3, 2013
    Applicant: The Bowden Group
    Inventors: Lisa Bowden, R. Craig Bowden, James Nagamine
  • Publication number: 20130000254
    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.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 28, 2012
    Publication date: January 3, 2013
    Applicant: Dynamic Micro Systems, Semiconductor Equipment GmbH
    Inventor: Lutz Rebstock
  • Patent number: 8341924
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 13, 2006
    Date of Patent: January 1, 2013
    Assignee: Tetra Laval Holdings & Finance S.A.
    Inventors: Ulf Lindblad, Jenny Karolina Olsson
  • Publication number: 20120317927
    Abstract: An apparatus for lifting a predetermined number of solid medicants from a supply location and depositing them in a packaging container comprised of one or more cavities in a predetermined orientation using a pressure differential across the medicants may include a head assembly including at least one of a substantially sealed enclosure or a hollow chamber having a plurality of apertures providing fluid communication between the at least one of the substantially sealed enclosure or the hollow chamber and the ambient air, the plurality of apertures spatially arranged to correspond with a plurality of cavities of a packaging container, the head assembly including a port having a coupling communicating with the at least one of the substantially sealed enclosure or the hollow chamber. The apparatus may also include a vacuum source in communication with said coupling at least one of directly or via a flexible tube.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 14, 2012
    Publication date: December 20, 2012
    Inventor: Christian A. Thiede
  • Patent number: 8333055
    Abstract: The invention relates to a process for filling a plastic container (1) having a high degree of molecular orientation with a liquid, which process comprises the following steps: filling of the container (1) with a liquid at high temperature; cooling the walls (5) of the container (1) during the filling step; sealing of the container (1); cooling of the walls (5) of the container (1) during the sealing step; passive shrinkage of the container (1) following said sealing step; and cooling of the walls (5) of the container (1) following the shrinkage step. The invention also relates to a device for implementing said process and to a container thus obtained.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 24, 2008
    Date of Patent: December 18, 2012
    Assignee: Aisapack Holding S.A.
    Inventor: Jacques Thomasset
  • Publication number: 20120308748
    Abstract: A container-enclosed fullerene, a method of manufacturing the same, and a method of storing fullerene are provided, that make it possible to inhibit alteration of fullerene, especially that make it possible to prevent degradation of the solubility to solvent. A container-enclosed fullerene includes fullerene hermetically enclosed in a container with a high degree of vacuum. The internal pressure of the container is preferably 10 Pa or lower. The fullerene is preferably a metal encapsulated fullerene. The container-enclosed fullerene is manufactured by filling fullerene in a container, evacuating the container, and thereafter sealing the container.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 16, 2011
    Publication date: December 6, 2012
    Applicant: TOYO TANSO CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Takashi Inoue, Yuji Takimoto
  • Patent number: 8323562
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 22, 2011
    Date of Patent: December 4, 2012
    Assignee: Kimberly-Clark Worldwide, Inc.
    Inventors: Phillip Andrew Schorr, Aaron Drake Smith, Sean Gorman
  • Publication number: 20120297732
    Abstract: A method for packaging a liquid product (1), such as a food product, and, in particular, a product sensitive to oxygen, in a container (2) with a low oxygen content, the container including an opening (3). The method includes the following steps: the air is removed from the container by filling same to capacity with the liquid product in a non-controlled atmosphere; the full container is placed in a non-oxidizing atmosphere formed by at least one non-oxidizing gas; the liquid product is partially emptied from the container in a non-oxidizing atmosphere, such that the at least one non-oxidizing gas replaces the product discharged from the container; and the above-mentioned container opening is closed in a gas-tight manner while the container is partially full of the liquid product in a non-oxidizing atmosphere.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 19, 2011
    Publication date: November 29, 2012
    Applicant: BONDUELLE
    Inventors: Laurent Dupont, Stéphane Gauthier
  • Publication number: 20120285123
    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.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 9, 2011
    Publication date: November 15, 2012
    Applicant: Abbott Cardiovascular Systems Inc.
    Inventors: Yunbing Wang, Derek Mortisen, Xiao Ma, Fuh-Wei Tang, Byron Lambert
  • Patent number: 8309149
    Abstract: A capping method and its cap for hydrogen-reduced water or hydrogen-reduced food production are characterized by fine carbon particles absorbing hydrogen being attached to the cap. After filling and capping the container, the hydrogen will be dissolved into the food. In addition, the fine carbon particles, flavorings, processed and unprocessed food are attached to the cap, and during the heating and sterilizing process, the extraction or cooking can be finished, omitting conventional extraction and heating steps when cooking. This result can be used in all food production fields.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 25, 2008
    Date of Patent: November 13, 2012
    Inventor: Isao Yokoyama
  • Publication number: 20120279180
    Abstract: A system for reducing oxygen in a package of produce product using a lance manifold. The lance manifold has a first end adapted to receive an input gas flow and a second end adapted for placement in a partially-enclosed cavity containing the produce product. The second end of the lance manifold includes a plurality of exit ports adapted to produce an output gas flow and a sampling port for taking an air sample from the partially-enclosed cavity. The system also includes an oxygen analyzer for detecting oxygen content of gas inside the partially-enclosed cavity using the sampling port. The system is configured to produce an output gas flow with the following properties: a substantially oxygen-free composition; a flow rate of at least 100 standard cubic feet per hour (SCFH); and a flow direction substantially 90 degrees to a cavity opening of the partially-enclosed cavity.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 3, 2012
    Publication date: November 8, 2012
    Applicant: Dole Fresh Vegetables, Inc.
    Inventors: Jerry L. Crawford, Bob J. Dull, Robert Tarango, Robert J. Schrader
  • Publication number: 20120279179
    Abstract: The pH of a buffer or other medical solution in a plurality of containers can be adjusted and maintained by partially filling each container with a sodium bicarbonate solution so that a headspace remains over the solution. The headspace is filled with gas having a known CO2 concentration, and a fixed and precise pH will result after the CO2 is dissolved and the solution fully equilibrates.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 19, 2012
    Publication date: November 8, 2012
    Applicant: Onpharma, Inc.
    Inventors: Matthew J. Stepovich, Harry Nguyen
  • Publication number: 20120279178
    Abstract: An apparatus for distributing moisture and staining the web of a plurality of tobacco sachets. The apparatus includes a turret wheel assembly comprising a rotatable turret wheel having a plurality of cups for receiving containers for tobacco sachets, a sensor for verifying the presence a container within a cup of the rotatable turret wheel, a hydraulic injector for injecting water into a container having a plurality of tobacco sachets, means for tamping tobacco sachets, and means for agitating and stirring the plurality of tobacco sachets to lift and stir tobacco sachets from the bottom of the container. A method of distributing moisture and staining the web of a plurality of tobacco sachets is also provided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 6, 2011
    Publication date: November 8, 2012
    Applicant: Altria Client Services Inc.
    Inventors: Gregory J. Griscik, Travis M. Garthaffner
  • Publication number: 20120269594
    Abstract: An inflatable dunnage for use in transporting biocontainers, a method for packaging a biocontainer with such dunnage and a package including such dunnage and a biocontainer. The inflatable dunnage includes an inflatable body defining opening for receiving at least one of a tubing and a fitting of a biocontainer, a port for the inlet of air, and a valve coupled to the port for controlling the inlet and outlet of air.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 23, 2012
    Publication date: October 25, 2012
    Inventor: CHRISTOPHER J. STARNES
  • Patent number: 8281558
    Abstract: The invention relates to a method for producing an especially panel-shaped vacuum insulation element which is wrapped in a film and is filled with a powder. According to the method, the unmolded, loose powder is filled, particularly poured, into the opening of a bag which is formed from a high-barrier film and is open on one side. A filter material that is permeable to air and impermeable to powder dust is fixed to the internal face of the film bag in the area of the opening of the filled film bag such that the interior of the bag is closed in a dust-tight manner while air can still be discharged. The interior of the dust-tightly closed film bag is then evacuated and the evacuated film bag is air-tightly closed in a vacuum.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 22, 2006
    Date of Patent: October 9, 2012
    Assignee: VA-Q-TEC AG
    Inventors: Jochen Hiemeyer, Roland Caps
  • Publication number: 20120248057
    Abstract: A capping system and method of use for sealing injectable drugs within vials is disclosed. The system includes a closure assembly and a locking cap. The closure assembly includes a retainer member and a resilient stopper located within the retainer member. The retainer member is arranged to be disposed on the vial whereupon a gap results between the stopper and the vial. The retainer member is movable to close that gap. The locking cap is used to permanently seal the vial.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 4, 2011
    Publication date: October 4, 2012
    Applicant: GENESIS PACKAGING TECHNOLOGIES
    Inventors: F. William Bogle, Roger P. Asselta
  • Patent number: 8276348
    Abstract: The packing according to the invention comprises: a container for holding said at least one object to be sterilized, having an inlet opening and a discharge opening via which said at least one object may pass into and out of said container, said container comprising a rigid part which comprises a peripheral wall bored with a multitude of small holes having dimensions smaller than those of the said at least one object, and a non-rigid part in a material porous to the sterilization fluid and non-porous to microbial contamination, this non-rigid part being able to contain said rigid part and to be sealed thereon; and at least one envelope made in a flexible and airtight material, which is vacuum sealing fitted on said container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 9, 2008
    Date of Patent: October 2, 2012
    Assignee: Becton Dickinson France, S.A.S.
    Inventors: Emeric Mermet, Thomas Dubois
  • Patent number: 8276352
    Abstract: A packaging machine comprises a chamber (4) having a cover (5), wherein the cover (5) which is liftable from a lowered position in which a chamber (4) is closed into a lifted position, in which a chamber (4) is opened. It is the object of the device or the method to improve the ergonomic accessibility and the visibility of the cover inside of a vacuum chamber of a packaging machine during maintenance, repair or cleaning work. For this purpose, the cover (5) is pivotable in the lifted position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 18, 2009
    Date of Patent: October 2, 2012
    Assignee: Multivac Sepp Haggenmueller GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventors: Konrad Moessnang, Rainer Haering
  • Publication number: 20120240524
    Abstract: In one embodiment, a multi-layer insulation (MLI) composite material includes a first thermally-reflective layer and a second thermally-reflective layer spaced from the first thermally-reflective layer. At least one of the first or second thermally-reflective layers includes bandgap material that is reflective to infrared electromagnetic radiation. A region between the first and second thermally-reflective layers impedes heat conduction between the first and second thermally-reflective layers. Other embodiments include a storage container including a container structure that may be at least partially formed from such MLI composite materials, and methods of using such MLI composite materials.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 5, 2012
    Publication date: September 27, 2012
    Applicant: TOKITAE LLC
    Inventors: Jeffrey A. Bowers, Roderick A. Hyde, Muriel Y. Ishikawa, Edward K.Y. Jung, Jordin T. Kare, Eric C. Leuthardt, Nathan P. Myhrvold, Thomas J. Nugent, JR., Clarence T. Tegreene, Charles Whitmer, Lowell L. Wood, JR.