Abstract: A packaging apparatus and method are provided for depositing pills into a container. At least one cylindrical rotary slat is rotatable about a longitudinal axis and includes a radially inward portion defining a plurality of pill apertures. Each pill aperture receives a pill from a plurality of pills in an interior space of the respective cylinder at a first angular position of the rotary slat. A negative pressure system applies a negative pressure to the pill apertures to retain the pills therein as the rotary slat rotates at least from the first to a second angular position. An ejection mechanism ejects the pills from the respective pill apertures toward the interior space at the second angular position. A collection mechanism disposed adjacent to the radially inward portion of the rotary slat about the second angular position collects the ejected pills and directs the pills toward the container for deposition therein.

Abstract: A method and an apparatus for enclosing material in a bag is described for a bag comprising a stretchable material and having a first dimension and a second dimension. The method comprises stretching the bag in the first dimension, placing material in the bag, releasing the bag in the first dimension, stretching the bag in a second dimension, evacuating the bag, and sealing the bag. The apparatus comprises a bagger configured to stretch the bag in a first dimension, to receive the material, and to release the bag in the first dimension, and a packaging apparatus comprising a nozzle coupled to a vacuum system, a grasping means, and a clipper means, the grasping means configured to hold a neck of the bag to the nozzle and to stretch the bag in the second dimension.

Abstract: The invention relates to diaper packaging and, more particularly, to vacuum packing together a plurality of individual diaper packages. The invention also relates to an overall package containing a plurality of individual diaper packages, wherein each individual diaper package is a vacuum packed diaper (VPD). In accordance therewith, a method of packaging diapers includes the steps of: (a) individually packing each of a plurality of diapers to form a plurality of individual diaper packages; and thereafter (b) vacuum packing the plurality of individual diaper packages together to form an overall package of diapers. In a feature, each individual diaper package includes only a single vacuum packed diaper. In another feature, a retail package for sale to consumers includes a group of non vacuum packed diapers, none of which are individually packaged, and an overall package of VPDs.

Abstract: Packaging textile soft goods for retail sale includes, for each product: receiving, from a first party by a second party, textile soft goods for a product to be sold at retail sale; compressing, by the second party, textile soft goods arranged together within an interior space of a vacuum-sealable bag, and maintaining the textile soft goods in a compressed condition within the vacuum-sealable bag by maintaining a pressure differential between a pressure in the interior space of the vacuum-sealable bag and a pressure exterior to the vacuum-sealable bag; locating, by the second party, the vacuum-sealable bag, itself having the textile soft goods contained therein, within retail packaging that identifies the textile soft goods contained in the vacuum-sealable bag; and shipping, by the second party, to a third party retailer, the vacuum-packed textile soft goods contained in the retail packaging for sale as a consumer product in the retail packaging.

Abstract: Compositions of proteins having free thiols, and methods of making and using such compositions, are described.

Abstract: A bottle for culturing a test sample, e.g., blood, includes a plastic vessel made from a single layer of plastic material. The bottle features a gas barrier. In one embodiment the gas barrier is in the form of a plastic shrink-wrap partially or alternatively completely enveloping the plastic vessel. Other embodiments feature a silica or glass coating to the bottle to provide the gas barrier. Other embodiments are made from a gas barrier plastic which is also autoclavable and possesses sufficient strength characteristics. Another embodiment features a single layer plastic bottle and a gas barrier adhesive label covering the cylindrical side wall of the bottle. Kits comprising two or more of such bottles and methods of manufacturing the bottles are also disclosed.

Abstract: The invention pertains to a device and a method for sealing a package with a sealing seam by partially fusing together the packaging material, and a supply system for protective gas. The device includes a gas supply for inert gas and an inert gas outlet opening, wherein the gas supply for inert gas and the inert gas outlet opening are arranged such that an inert gas current resulting therebetween flows around the sealing seam during sealing of the package. The method provides a flow of inert gas around the sealing seam during sealing of the package.

Abstract: According to one embodiment, an integrated multi-stage end-to-end cytotoxin handling system includes a first stage for receiving a cytotoxin drug and for preparation of a dose of the cytotoxin drug; a second stage in selective communication with the first stage for further processing the prepared dose; and a third stage in selective communication with the second stage for further processing of the prepared dose. The third stage includes an automated apparatus for sealing the prepared dose in an enclosure. During the entire time from reception into the first stage for drug preparation thereof and to produce a cytotoxin dose to being scaled in the enclosure, the cytotoxin drug remains in a controlled, sealed environment.

Abstract: According to the invention air is trapped at an origin location in a container, and the container is sealed to hermetically confine the trapped air therein. The container is then provided with literature identifying the origin location at which the air was trapped and giving other information regarding this origin location. Then the container with the literature is shipped to a destination location distant from the origin location. Finally the container is opened and the trapped air is consumed.

Abstract: A metal container and a method of preparing a metal container for a pharmaceutical formulation where the active ingredient is formoterol, a stereoisomer of formoterol, and a physiologically acceptable salt of formoterol, in a solution of a liquefied HFA propellant.

Abstract: In the case of a method for the gastight packaging of objects using a film material fitting tightly on the objects using a vacuum, the object being placed in a tray and a deep-drawable film being attached to the tray for sealing, it is provided that a tray having at least one peripheral rim is used to form the packaging, the deep-drawable film is cut to the size of the peripheral rim, and that the deep-drawable film is subsequently and/or simultaneously applied to the peripheral rim in a gastight manner. A device preferably for carrying out this method has at least one cutting device for the deep-drawable film.

Abstract: A method of positioning a loaded bag in a vacuum chamber includes loading a bag by placing a product in the bag; placing the bag on an infeed conveyor that is transparent to IR; advancing the bag, on the conveyor, to a sensing apparatus including an infrared camera disposed above the conveyor, and a bank of LED's disposed below the conveyor; interrogating the loaded bag, using the sensing apparatus, with infrared radiation to detect the trailing edge of the product inside the bag; transmitting information acquired from the interrogating step to a PLC; advancing the interrogated loaded bag a distance, based in the information acquired from the interrogating step, to a vacuum chamber including a heat seal assembly; and heat sealing the loaded bag with the heat seal assembly to close the bag mouth.

Abstract: A packaging system or container for packaging one or more oxygen-sensitive products. The container includes a wall that defines an interior for receiving one or more oxygen-sensitive products. The space between the product or products and the wall defines a headspace. The headspace is filled with an inert gas and a scavenger gas. The wall has at least an inner layer and one or more outer layers. At least one of the outer layers includes an oxidation catalyst such that as oxygen diffuses from outside the container to the interior and scavenger gas diffuses from the interior to outside the container, the diffusing scavenger gas and oxygen react together with the oxidation catalyst in one or more of the outer layers substantially consuming the oxygen.

Abstract: The vacuum storage system comprises: a vacuum pump, a vacuum bus, a control system to monitor and maintain a selected vacuum level in the vacuum bus. The control system provides system shutdown and alerts or warnings when the selected vacuum level cannot be maintained within the vacuum bus. The vacuum storage system further comprises one or more canister ports wherein each of the canister ports comprises a check valve to assure that no loss of vacuum occurs in occupied canister ports when one or more of the canister ports are unoccupied and open to ambient pressure, a manual valve, and a fitment for removably attaching a canister.

Abstract: A storage system for storing and preserving food items or the like includes a sealable storage bag having attached to it a one-way valve element that communicates with the interior volume of the storage bag. The system also includes an evacuation device that can be positioned over the one-way valve element to evacuate air entrapped in the interior volume via the valve element. To avoid possible damage to the storage bag, the valve element, or the stored food items, the evacuation device is configured to have a maximum evacuation pressure of 6 pounds per square inch absolute or greater. In an embodiment, to control the maximum evacuation pressure of the evacuation device, the evacuation device can include a pressure control feature which in further embodiments may be pressure activated or user selectable.

Abstract: Cigarettes are stored in one or more reservoirs at a customer location. A computer receives customer orders and transmits them to a dispenser. Upon receipt of a customer order, a pre-selected number of cigarettes is automatically removed from the reservoir(s) by the dispenser and then automatically packed in a container by a packer comprising a collation mandrel which is movable relative to the dispenser. A preferred type of substantially air-tight, self-sealing container has a lid portion, a body portion and a collar, which is mounted within the body portion. The body portion is provided with one or more upwardly extending protrusions on the upper surface of the base thereof. An air and moisture impermeable membrane is sealed about the upper periphery of the collar.

Abstract: A multifunctional vessel which for holding products, including pharmaceutical products, such as DPI or soft gel tablets, which vessel includes an outer vessel, and a moisture control material, comprising a moisture control substance, such as silica gel or clay, blended with a plastic material placed within or formed as part of the outer vessel, wherein the moisture control substance is partially or fully hydrated after formation of the final product. The moisture control material can be formed in any shape for placement within the vessel or it can be layered with the vessel to form an inner layer thereof.

Abstract: A portable storage apparatus for storing perishable items at a reduced temperature and under a reduced pressure is provided. The method of using the apparatus is also disclosed.

Abstract: The invention relates to a container comprising: a receptacle comprising an internal cavity designed to accommodate contents, and an opening; a lid capable of closing the opening; means for connecting the lid to the receptacle in such a way as to allow the lid to pivot with respect to the receptacle; and a capsule arranged between the receptacle and the lid, which capsule hermetically seals the opening; in which the capsule is held against an edge of the opening by negative pressure inside the cavity.

Abstract: An gas bag module for a vehicle occupant restraint system is provided. The gas bag module comprising an inflatable gas bag, an envelope inside of which the gas bag is vacuum packed and which comprises a first and a second material. The first material has a lower gas permeability than the second material and the second material has a higher tear strength than the first material.

Abstract: A water- and oxygen-occlusive pack is described. The pack encloses an inert atmosphere containing medicinal tablets, wherein the tablets contain buprenorphine or a salt or ester thereof.

Abstract: The presently disclosed subject matter is directed to an apparatus and method for inflating and sealing a mailer comprising an inner inflatable liner having at least one inflation means through which a portion of gas can be introduced into the liner.

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.

Abstract: A jacket material into which a gas adsorbing device and core material are inserted is decompressed in a vacuum chamber, the opening is sealed, and then the jacket material is exposed to the atmosphere. In the atmospheric pressure, a pressure of about 1 atm which is equivalent to the pressure difference between the inside and outside is applied to the jacket material of the heat insulator. The jacket material is made of a plastic laminated film and is deformed by pressure. A protruding portion is plunged into a container to drill through holes, and a gas adsorbent in the container communicates with the inside of the jacket material. Thus, both during holding and in applying to the vacuum heat insulator, the gas adsorbent can be applied to the vacuum heat insulator without degradation, and the high degree of vacuum can be kept for a long time.

Abstract: A storage container for storing and preserving food items includes a base providing a storage cavity and an attachable lid. To evacuate air from the storage cavity after the base and lid have been attached, the storage container may include a one-way valve element communicating with the storage cavity. The overall storage container can be sufficiently rigid so that it has an initial size and volume when in its un-evacuated condition. During evacuation, the air pressure within the storage cavity is reduced compared to the air pressure of the surrounding environment. This pressure differential can result in a compressive force being applied about the container. At least one of the base or lid can be made relatively flexible so that, when evacuated, the volume of the storage container is reduced.

Abstract: A furniture system having a base frame, side pieces and a back portion, that assembles quickly and disassembles into a configuration that optimizes space when shipped.

Abstract: The invention relates to a dual-chamber carpule having (1) a first partial cylinder comprising a sealing cap, a bypass, and an intermediate stopper, (2), an optional sealing element, and (3) a second partial cylinder comprising an end stopper and, optionally, a stop, an axial groove, and an additional intermediate stopper; the invention further relates to a method for producing and filling said dual-chamber carpule.

Abstract: A method for packing and/or mixing particulate materials, e.g., aerogel particles, includes combining materials having different particle sizes and applying a negative pressure differential in the presence of a sound field. A negative pressure differential in the presence of vibration also can be used. The method increases mixing and packing density.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the use of vacuum packaging and vacuum packaging techniques. Embodiments of the present invention include bales and packages comprising a sealed chamber having an internal volume at a pressure less than ambient atmospheric pressure. In alternate embodiments of the present invention, the internal volume of the package comprises a bulk material, a bulk fiber material, fibers or fibrous materials. Also disclosed are methods for packaging, packaging systems and apparatus for packaging.

Abstract: Process for the continuous vacuum prepacking of food products that can be pasteurized and/or sterilized in a container closed by a cover that has no hooking element and is equipped with an elastic seal maintained by a forced vacuum, and the cover is opened by a vacuum-breaking system. During the placing under vacuum, the cover is kept apart from the previously filled container, superheated vapor is injected at a temperature, a flow rate and/or a time that allow the sterilization of the cover and the head space of the container by expelling air and incondensable products, in particular oxygen; the container is then pressed against the cover or vice versa, and a jet of cold water is sent onto the cover, which causes rapid cooling of the cover, the immediate condensation of the vapor phase in the head space of the container that allows the placing under deep vacuum.

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 a 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.

Abstract: This invention relates to a method and to a capping or closing machine for the capping or closing of bottles or similar containers filled with an oxygen-sensitive product.

Abstract: A method for filling bottles or similar containers with an oxygen sensitive effervescent liquid beverage filling material under counterpressure and filling machine for the performance of this method. The abstract of the disclosure is submitted herewith as required by 37 C.F.R. §1.72(b). As stated in 37 C.F.R. §1.72(b): A brief abstract of the technical disclosure in the specification must commence on a separate sheet, preferably following the claims, under the heading “Abstract of the Disclosure.” The purpose of the abstract is to enable the Patent and Trademark Office and the public generally to determine quickly from a cursory inspection the nature and gist of the technical disclosure. The abstract shall not be used for interpreting the scope of the claims. Therefore, any statements made relating to the abstract are not intended to limit the claims in any manner and should not be interpreted as limiting the claims in any manner.

Abstract: This invention discloses a process for forming a pouch having an evacuated headspace containing a flowable material. The process relates to optimizing both, the evacuation of the headspace in the pouch and the accuracy of the flowable material filled in the pouch. Specifically, the present invention employs a process that includes a multiple-step or a continuous compression of the pouch headspace to accomplish the goals. Also disclosed is a vertical form-fill-seal apparatus for forming a pouch containing a flowable material and having an evacuated headspace.

Abstract: A method for packaging a fluid product dispenser, where the said dispenser includes a reservoir (1) of constant effective volume filled with a fluid product (10), and a dispensing device (3) that includes a dip tube (2) which is intended to extract the fluid product (10) contained in the reservoir on operation of the dispensing device (3), the reservoir (1) and the dip tube (2) being made from a material or materials that are substantially or perfectly transparent, where the said dip tube initially contains air (A), and the dip tube (2) is connected to the dispensing device and has one free end extending to the bottom of the reservoir, the method being characterised in that the air (A) is extracted from the dip tube (2) and is replaced by the fluid product.

Abstract: An apparatus for supplying one or more gases, such as oxygen, to a target area, comprising a top layer and a bottom layer sealed around the perimeter of the layers to form a reservoir between the layers, wherein the top layer is not gas-permeable and the bottom layer is highly gas-permeable, said reservoir containing one or more gases. The present invention also describes methods of using such an apparatus to supply oxygen to a wound for improved wound healing.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method of packaging and a packaging system for treated stents which minimise the level of exposure of the stents to oxygen, moisture and light. The package comprises two compartments, the compartments being in communication with each other via a breathable membrane.

Abstract: A method for the production of a stabilized packaged food product includes the steps of: filling a tray with a predetermined quantity of a food starting material; introducing the tray into a pressure vessel and conveying the tray through the pressure vessel while performing the following steps in sequence inside the pressure vessel: (i) treating the food starting material with high-temperature pressurized steam to sterilize the material, (ii) dosing the sterile food material inside the tray with a predetermined amount of sterile water; and (iii) applying a lid to the tray to seal the food product inside the tray while maintaining the tray in a sterile environment. Also provided are an apparatus for performing the method and packaged stabilized full moisture food products obtainable by the process.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method and an apparatus for compacting flowable solids, in particular powders, flours or similar materials, preferably by packing in packagings or sacks. In order to increase the process reliability, there is provision for evacuation of the solid and its sack packaging to take place in a likewise evacuated environment.

Abstract: An insert for disposal in a beverage container includes a chamber for containing a volume of fluid, e.g. a flavor component, an inlet valve to permit gas to enter the chamber, an outlet valve to permit fluid to exit the chamber. In a preferred form, the insert is connected to suspend from a lid or crown closure of a beverage container.

Abstract: Methods and systems for improving the shelf life of a medical graft generally comprising a medical implant container having at least one graft cavity configured to hold at least one graft under a first vacuum and a needle entry port in fluid communication with the at least one graft cavity, the needle entry port being configured to receive and communicate a material to the at least one graft cavity and an outer chamber configured to hold the medical implant container under a second vacuum.

Abstract: By preparing a one part silicone RTV composition with a high initial uncured plasticity, specifically a Williams plasticity of from 80 to 900 mm, formulations can be prepared that are easy and convenient for consumers to mould into a variety of shapes, which, once moulded, will hold their shape exactly during cure without slump or flow.

Abstract: The invention relates to a barrier film made up of five stacked layers comprising: a central barrier layer comprising a first blend of EVOH and of PA, two outer layers comprising a second blend, and two adhesive layers between the central layer and the two outer layers, wherein the second blend only contains a first copolymer of ethylene and of an a-olefin having a density less than or equal to 0.925 g/cm3 and greater than or equal to 0.915 g/cm3 and a second metallocene copolymer of ethylene and of an a-olefin having a density less than or equal to 0.910 g/cm3.

Abstract: In the case of a method for the gastight packaging of objects using a film material fitting tightly on the objects using a vacuum, the object being placed in a tray and a deep-drawable film being attached to the tray for sealing, it is provided that a tray having at least one peripheral rim is used to form the packaging, the deep-drawable film is cut to the size of the peripheral rim, and that the deep-drawable film is subsequently and/or simultaneously applied to the peripheral rim in a gastight manner. A device preferably for carrying out this method has at least one cutting device for the deep-drawable film.

Abstract: The apparatus and method of the subject invention facilitates the filling of an air-permeable casement or shell with feather down material. The apparatus of the subject invention includes two chambers which are selectively connected to one another by means of a passageway. The subject invention further includes a mechanism for selectively inducing a partial vacuum in either chamber to facilitate the filling of article casements with feather down. By inducing a partial vacuum in the first chamber and connecting a supply hose to its access port, feather down may be conveyed from a supply container into the first chamber. By selectively opening the passageway and inducing a partial vacuum in the second chamber, the feather down is conveyed from the first chamber to the second chamber in a clean, efficient and controlled manner where it is contained within an air permeable casement formed over the passageway.

Abstract: The present invention provides a gas filling apparatus and gas filling port thereof. The gas filling apparatus is connected with the air feed apparatus which is introduced the gas into the first inlet port of the semiconductor device or reticle storage apparatus. The gas filling apparatus includes a supporting base which is provided to hold the storage apparatus thereon, and at least one second inlet port which is disposed on the first inlet port of the storage apparatus so as to the gas is flowed into the storage apparatus through the second inlet port. The second inlet port includes a first base, a second base, a first elastic element, a fixing element, and a switch device. Both of the first base and second base have through holes, and opposite to each other. The first elastic element is used to maintain the airtight and is disposed on the second base and opposite to the first inlet port of the storage apparatus used to maintain the airtight.

Abstract: Automatic machine for closing containers, including an automatic corking unit, a conveyor including an inlet section for feeding containers to be corked towards the automatic corking unit and an outlet section for moving apart the corked containers from the corking unit, an injection unit arranged upstream of the corking unit, arranged for injecting inert gas in the head portions of the containers to be corked, a casing defining a chamber which contains the injection unit and the corking unit and a feeding system of inert gas for maintaining within said chamber an inert gas atmosphere.

Abstract: An aseptic filling device for filling carbonate beverages capable of decreasing the size of the clean booth, facilitating maintenance around the filling valve, and reliably sterilizing the interior of gas piping is provided. The aseptic filling device includes a plurality of filling valves, a fluid rotary joint, a filling fluid tank, a fluid surface level sensor, a fluid flow adjustment valve, a container gripper, a plurality of exhaust conduits, an exhaust conduit on/off valve, a plurality of counter gas conduits, a counter gas conduit on/off valve, a rotary joint, an ascetic gas conduit, a flow meter, and a sterilizing filter, wherein rotary conveyed containers contact at least one of the filling valves and are sealed by a sealing member. Filling is performed under a gas pressure, for example, carbon dioxide gas pressure, and a sterilizing filter for sterilizing the gas is mounted on a gas pipe connecting the rotary joint and the filling fluid tank.

Abstract: A vacuum sealing device comprises a lid having a rigid rim with a lower opening for receiving a dish, an impermeable elastic membrane peripherally affixed to the rigid rim for sealing the dish, and a valve-less air evacuator formed between the elastic membrane and the dish rim. The valve-less evacuator allows air to flow out of the dish when the lid is being pressed and becomes closed when the lid is released to cause said lid to rebound to form a vacuum in the dish. The rigid rim prevents lid deformation when the lid is pressed, thus enabling the vacuum formation. To facilitate lid removal, the device has a valve-less vacuum releaser comprising a finger-receiving chamber and a section of the elastic membrane located above the chamber and connected to the rigid rim for releasing the vacuum in the dish. To prevent vacuum loss during storage in freezer or fridge, the elastic membrane is sufficiently thinned prior to being affixed to the rigid rim.

Abstract: A device for preserving a product for beverage preparation comprises a first container (4,4?) having a first constant of oxygen permeability (K1PO2) wherein said product is sealed, that is housed in a second sealed package (5,5?) having a second constant of oxygen permeability (K2PO2), the first constant of oxygen permeability (K1PO2) being greater than the second constant of oxygen permeability (K2PO2), moreover, an oxygen absorbing material (6) is housed in second container (5,5?) together with the first container to remove oxygen from the first and second container (4,4?).