By Plugging Closure Into Container Patents (Class 53/489)
-
Patent number: 12030680Abstract: A method for packaging products in a substantially oxygen free environment. The method includes providing a containment environment with a main chamber formed by main chamber walls, gloves connected to the main chamber walls, an exhaust portion for removing ambient air, an intake portion for introducing inert gas, and selectively sealable access points for providing access into and out of the main chamber. The method includes providing a bulk product dispenser and individual bottles into the main chamber and sealing the main chamber. The method includes purging ambient air from the main chamber through the exhaust portion and filling the containment environment with inert gas. The method includes transferring a product from the bulk product dispenser to each of the individual bottles and sealing the bottles.Type: GrantFiled: May 24, 2021Date of Patent: July 9, 2024Assignee: PROTOCOL LAB, LLCInventors: Tyler Gaul, Thomas Wolverton Gaul, Davis Finlay Gaul
-
Patent number: 11897681Abstract: A separating layer for the transport of pharmaceutical secondary packagings and to a transport system for transporting pharmaceutical secondary packagings which comprises the separating layer are provided. The separating layer is a polymer layer having a planar section extending in an axial direction along a longitudinal axis and an elevation extending normal to the longitudinal axis. The separating layer has in the axial direction a normal spring force that is 0.2 to 5 N.Type: GrantFiled: July 11, 2022Date of Patent: February 13, 2024Assignee: SCHOTT PHARMA SCHWEIZ AGInventors: Patrick Wolf, Elisa Wiesner, Arne Kloke
-
Patent number: 11285525Abstract: The present invention relates to a testing lid for testing the stroke of a holding plate of a closure head of a can closing device for cans, in particular beverage cans, the testing lid comprising: an edge portion provided for positioning onto a can edge, in particular for additional crimping with the can edge; and an inner portion, in which one or a plurality of testing pins are arranged in a force-fitting manner, the testing pins being displaceable by the holding plate in the direction of stroke while a stroke of the holding plate is taking place. The invention additionally relates to a method of testing the stroke of a holding plate of a closure head of a can closing device for cans making use of the testing lid according to the present invention.Type: GrantFiled: September 12, 2017Date of Patent: March 29, 2022Assignee: XOLUTION GmbHInventor: Christian Bratsch
-
Patent number: 8960466Abstract: Systems, methods, and means for providing a novelty item are provided. In some embodiments, a stopper comprises a body, having an inner chamber and a top portion, a novelty item disposed within said inner chamber, and a cover to open after said inner chamber is removed from a neck of a bottle.Type: GrantFiled: February 17, 2013Date of Patent: February 24, 2015Inventor: Andrew P. Golden
-
Publication number: 20140339231Abstract: A fluid preservation device, for preserving a liquid within a container, which includes an elongated member with a proximal end and a distal end and an inner shaft and an outer shaft. The outer shaft and inner shaft are attached to an expandable sealing member. The expandable sealing member has an expanded state and a collapsed state and a state change mechanism attached to the proximal end of the elongated member to change the state of the expandable sealing member between the expanded state and the collapsed state. When the expandable sealing member is in the collapsed state, it can pass through an opening of a container and when the expandable sealing member is in the expanded state it is big enough to contact the inner surface of the container near the surface of the liquid.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 29, 2014Publication date: November 20, 2014Applicant: SMART ASSETS, INC.Inventor: Michelle Arney
-
Publication number: 20140291276Abstract: A system includes a cap having an opening, and a septum configured to engage with the cap. The septum includes a first portion having a first width, and a second portion having a second width smaller than the first width. The second portion is sized and shaped to be received by the opening of the cap.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 11, 2014Publication date: October 2, 2014Inventors: Scott Richard Johnson, Daniel Salvatore Montuori
-
Patent number: 8820551Abstract: A fluid preservation system for use with a container containing both fluid and gas where there exists a transition between the fluid and the gas and where the container has an opening with a first inside diameter and a first inner surface and a body with a second inside diameter and a second inner surface. The fluid preservation system comprises an elongated member with a proximal end and a distal end, an expandable sealing member near the distal end of the elongated member, where the expandable sealing member has an expanded state and a compressed state. Means to change the expanded sealing member between the expanded state and the compressed state is located near the proximal end of the elongated member. The expandable sealing member in the expanded state is in contract with the second inner surface of the container near the transition between the fluid and the gas. The expandable sealing member in the compressed state is able to pass through the first inside diameter of the opening of the container.Type: GrantFiled: November 18, 2010Date of Patent: September 2, 2014Assignee: Smart Assets, Inc.Inventor: Michelle Arney
-
Patent number: 8789347Abstract: An apparatus and a method for capping and sealing a vial with a cap assembly including a deformable annular seal, e.g., a ferrule, is disclosed. The apparatus comprises a base for holding the vial, a pressure applying platen, plural sealing rollers and associated electronic circuitry and motors. The platen is arranged to be moved relative to the base, whereupon it engages and applies a force to the cap assembly. The load cell measures the force applied and provides a signal indicative thereof to the electronic circuitry. The electronic circuitry determines when a desired amount of force has been applied to control the operation of the rollers, whereupon the rollers apply a force to the annular seal to permanently crimp the annular seal on the vial.Type: GrantFiled: September 12, 2012Date of Patent: July 29, 2014Assignee: Genesis Packaging TechnologiesInventors: F. William Bogle, Richard Spencer
-
Patent number: 8763350Abstract: A method for filling dual-chamber systems (3) in pre-sterilizable carrier systems (1) is proposed, which comprises the following steps: provision of at least one washed, siliconized and sterilized dual-chamber system (3) with respectively one separating element separating the two chambers (5, 5?) from one another in a magazine (9), which accommodates the at least one dual-chamber system (3), wherein the magazine (9) is arranged in a container (11) sealed with a closure element (13); feeding the container (11) into a clean room; opening the container (11) and filling a first chamber (5) of the at least one dual-chamber system (3); closing the first chamber (5) with a gas-permeable closure element (19); freeze drying the solution (L1) contained in the first chamber (5); closing the first chamber (5) with a closure element (19); filling a second chamber (5?) of the at least one dual-chamber system (3); closing the second chamber (5?); discharge from the clean room.Type: GrantFiled: June 16, 2009Date of Patent: July 1, 2014Assignee: Arzneimittel GmbH Apotheker Vetter & Co. RavensburgInventors: Frank Böttger, Benjamin Böbst
-
Publication number: 20140174258Abstract: Tools (100) are provided for use in uncapping one or more of a plurality of linearly-oriented, spaced-apart tubes; each cap having a cap upper surface with a depression. The tools comprise a body (30) having first portion (40) for engagement by a user and a second portion (50) for engaging a plurality of caps. The second portion comprises a plurality of spaced-apart projections (60). Each projection is configured for releasably engaging a cap. The projection may comprise two or more spaced-apart projection elements (62,64). Optionally, the first portion is configured in a non-coplanar relationship with respect to the second portion. Methods of use are also provided.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 2, 2012Publication date: June 26, 2014Inventors: Cheryl A. Bartholomew, Jason W. Bjork, Neil Percy, Gregorey W. Sitton
-
Patent number: 8677723Abstract: A method for filling dual-chamber systems in pre-sterilizable carrier systems includes providing at least one washed, siliconized and sterilized dual-chamber system in a magazine. The dual-chamber system includes respective separating elements separating the two chambers from each other. The magazine accommodates at least one dual-chamber system and is arranged in a container that is sealed with a closing element. The method additionally includes introducing the container into a clean room; opening the container and filling a first chamber of the at least one dual-chamber system; and closing the first chamber. The method further includes filling a second chamber of the at least one dual-chamber system; closing the second chamber; and removing the system from the clean room.Type: GrantFiled: June 16, 2009Date of Patent: March 25, 2014Assignee: Arzneimittel GmbH Apotheker Vetter & Co. RavensburgInventors: Frank Böttger, Benjamin Böbst
-
Patent number: 8579110Abstract: The present invention provides a container and a method that can be used to transport and store AFM probes in a liquid buffer. This container fastens an AFM probe and consists of a plastic lid that secures a probe while keeping it in a controlled environment, thus preventing that the tips are contaminated by air-borne molecules, packaging material, deposited substances or air bubbles. In the case of functionalized probes, the surface molecules are still functional upon arrival. The tips cannot be broken upon transport because they are held by the container, however the probes can be easily removed upon opening of the container.Type: GrantFiled: March 29, 2010Date of Patent: November 12, 2013Assignee: Centro de Investigacion Cooperative en Biomateriales (CIC Biomagune)Inventors: Elena Martines, Isabel Garcia Martin, Soledad Penades Ullate
-
Patent number: 8376161Abstract: Systems, methods, and means for providing a novelty item are provided. In some embodiments, a stopper comprises a body, having an inner chamber and a top portion, a novelty item disposed within the inner chamber, and a disk placed on an outer surface of the body removably holding the novelty item within the inner chamber.Type: GrantFiled: August 9, 2010Date of Patent: February 19, 2013Inventor: Andrew P Golden
-
Publication number: 20120266573Abstract: The present invention relates to the use of suitable sized cork stoppers for spirit wine with still wine. More particularly, relates to the use of “Bartop” stoppers with still wine bottles. The use of stoppers having a cork body which diameter size exceeds just about 0.5 to 3 mm the neck diameter of still wine bottles to be sealed, enables to keep the organoleptic attributes of wine while prevents wine leakage from bottles regardless its storing position.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 30, 2010Publication date: October 25, 2012Inventors: Miguel Freire de Albuquerque Ferreira Cabral, Paulo Dinis Vale Lopes, Isabel Maria Ribeiro de Almeida de Lima Roseira
-
Patent number: 8294126Abstract: An apparatus (1) for sterilizing containers (10), comprising a treatment head (5) which has an exit window (8) through which charge carriers can pass, comprising a charge carrier generation source which generates charge carriers, and comprising an acceleration device (6) which accelerates the charge carriers in the direction of the exit window (8). According to the invention, the cross section of the treatment head (5) is dimensioned such that the treatment head (5) can be guided through the mouth of the container (10), and the acceleration device (6) accelerates the charge carriers in such a way that the charge carriers exiting from the exit window (8) can be aimed preferably directly onto an inner wall (15) of the container (10).Type: GrantFiled: April 18, 2008Date of Patent: October 23, 2012Assignee: Krones AGInventors: Heinz Humele, Jochen Krueger, Hans-Juergen Menz, Eberhard Foell
-
Publication number: 20120248057Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: April 4, 2011Publication date: October 4, 2012Applicant: GENESIS PACKAGING TECHNOLOGIESInventors: F. William Bogle, Roger P. Asselta
-
Publication number: 20120125930Abstract: A fluid preservation system for use with a container containing both fluid and gas where there exists a transition between the fluid and the gas and where the container has an opening with a first inside diameter and a first inner surface and a body with a second inside diameter and a second inner surface. The fluid preservation system comprises an elongated member with a proximal end and a distal end, an expandable sealing member near the distal end of the elongated member, where the expandable sealing member has an expanded state and a compressed state. Means to change the expanded sealing member between the expanded state and the compressed state is located near the proximal end of the elongated member. The expandable sealing member in the expanded state is in contract with the second inner surface of the container near the transition between the fluid and the gas. The expandable sealing member in the compressed state is able to pass through the first inside diameter of the opening of the container.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 18, 2010Publication date: May 24, 2012Inventor: Michelle Arney
-
Publication number: 20110226722Abstract: A container closure includes an inner core having a non-cylindrical profile created by a variable longitudinal cross-sectional area. One or more outer layers concentrically surround the core and have a cross-sectional area inversely correlated to the inner core so that the overall container closure has an essentially cylindrical profile.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 27, 2011Publication date: September 22, 2011Applicant: EPOLI - Espumas de Polietileno SAInventor: José Romão de Sousa
-
Patent number: 7906056Abstract: A cup-shaped closing material having a convex section is fitted on a protrusion-like engagement section of a distal end of a mandrel with a gap from the engagement section of the mandrel, a molten resin is then disposed in a cavity of a molding die and a holepin having an outer peripheral section of a distal end that is smaller than an outer periphery of the distal end surface of the convex section of the closing material is pressed against the distal end surface of the convex section of the closing material, whereby the distal end surface of the convex section of the closing material is pleated to form an annular protrusion section at the outer peripheral section, and the molten resin is caused to envelope the annular protrusion section, while being pushed and charged into the cavity, whereby the head part with the closing material attached thereto is formed.Type: GrantFiled: March 3, 2006Date of Patent: March 15, 2011Assignee: Kansai Tube Co., Ltd.Inventor: Kazuo Nishikawa
-
Publication number: 20110031208Abstract: Systems, methods, and means for providing a novelty item are provided. In some embodiments, a stopper comprises a body, having an inner chamber and a top portion, a novelty item disposed within the inner chamber, and a disk placed on an outer surface of the body removably holding the novelty item within the inner chamber.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 9, 2010Publication date: February 10, 2011Inventor: Andrew P. Golden
-
Patent number: 7762043Abstract: A unit (1, 1?) for applying opening devices (2, 2?) to packages (3) of pourable food products, the unit (1, 1?) having first conveying means (8, 8?) for feeding the opening devices (2, 2?) successively along a first path (P1, P1?); second conveying means (9) for feeding the packages (3) successively along a second path (P2); and transfer means (10) for transferring the opening devices (2, 2?) from the first path (P1, P1?) to the second path (P2), and in turn having a wheel (18) rotating about an axis (A), and a number of gripping members (19, 19?) carried by the wheel (18) and for receiving respective opening devices (2, 2?) from the first conveying means (8, 8?) and transferring them to the second path (P2) by rotation of the wheel (18); the transfer means (10) also having connecting means (20) for connecting the gripping members (19, 19?) movably to the wheel (18), and cam guide means (21) for altering the position of each gripping member (19, 19?) with respect to the wheel (18) as the wheel (18) rotates.Type: GrantFiled: December 29, 2006Date of Patent: July 27, 2010Assignee: Tetra Laval Holdings & Finance S.A.Inventors: Lars Skarin, Mahmod Tabarte, Alessandro Morselli
-
Patent number: 7735297Abstract: An apparatus for capping bottles, comprising: gripping devices for bottles containing products, constrained to a transporter, each of which gripping devices exhibits on a side thereof a gripping means of a corresponding bottle, and on an opposite side thereof hooking-receiving-stabilizing organ of a cap; at least a channel for supplying caps, arranged superiorly of the transporter upstream of a capping zone overlying the hooking-receiving-stabilizing organs transiting below the channel, into which a row of caps is conveyed, a head cap of the row of caps being held elastically by a lower end of the supply channel in order to position an internal surface of a relative head such as to intercept a front head (96a) of an underlying hooking-receiving-stabilizing organ in order to enable the head cap, in combination with the advancing of the transporter and with the striking and guiding action exerted by the supply channel, to disengage from the supply channel in order to locate in the corresponding hooking-receivinType: GrantFiled: January 9, 2008Date of Patent: June 15, 2010Assignee: Marchesini Group S.p.A.Inventor: Giuseppe Monti
-
Patent number: 7520108Abstract: A method for sterilizing at least partly formed packages with electron beam irradiation in a packaging machine involves sterilizing each of at least two at least partially separate areas of the package by way of a respective electron beam sterilizing device, with each of the sterilizing devices being adapted to characteristics of each respective one of the two areas, and also performing a respective relative movement between the package and each of the electron beam sterilizing devices, which movements are adapted for the sterilization of each respective one of the two areas with the sterilizing devices.Type: GrantFiled: June 13, 2007Date of Patent: April 21, 2009Assignee: Tetra Laval Holdings & Finance SAInventors: Anders Kristiansson, Lars Åke Näslund, Anders Hedse Olsson
-
Publication number: 20090032532Abstract: The invention relates to a packaging, preferably for foodstuffs, said packaging comprising a container and a lid, both of which is made of a material which is suitable for injection moulding, said lid being sealable relative to the container; and wherein the lid comprises an elevated portion for abutment on the internal, upper edge of the container, wherein at least a portion of the lid (2) is made with a sealing zone (7, 8) for joining with the container (1), said sealing zone (7, 8) being added with an active material which, by influence during joining, changes the material in the sealing zone (7, 8) to the effect that the sealing becomes weaker than the surrounding material, whereby the scaling is, upon opening, broken in the joint and not in the surrounding material.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 21, 2006Publication date: February 5, 2009Inventors: Bertil Abrahamsson, Torben Noer
-
Publication number: 20080178561Abstract: An apparatus for capping bottles, comprising: gripping devices for bottles containing products, constrained to a transporter, each of which gripping devices exhibits on a side thereof a gripping means of a corresponding bottle, and on an opposite side thereof hooking-receiving-stabilizing organ of a cap; at least a channel for supplying caps, arranged superiorly of the transporter upstream of a capping zone overlying the hooking-receiving-stabilizing organs transiting below the channel, into which a row of caps is conveyed, a head cap of the row of caps being held elastically by a lower end of the supply channel in order to position an internal surface of a relative head such as to intercept a front head (96a) of an underlying hooking-receiving-stabilizing organ in order to enable the head cap, in combination with the advancing of the transporter and with the striking and guiding action exerted by the supply channel, to disengage from the supply channel in order to locate in the corresponding hooking-receivinType: ApplicationFiled: January 9, 2008Publication date: July 31, 2008Applicant: MARCHESINI GROUP S.P.A.Inventor: Giuseppe MONTI
-
Patent number: 7328549Abstract: A process by which low viscosities liquids are filled into syringes without gas bubbles utilizing lowered temperature and valves to isolate the filling system from the vacuum. The liquid may be drug, device, pharmaceutical, and/or biotech products.Type: GrantFiled: January 25, 2007Date of Patent: February 12, 2008Assignee: Hyaluron, Inc.Inventors: Shawn Kinney, Andrea Wagner
-
Publication number: 20070277482Abstract: An apparatus is disclosed for inserting a previously compressed resilient stopper into a bottle and includes a plunger unit having a protrusion; a compressor having a first and second portion with the first portion having a first cavity that has a first aperture and a second aperture and with the second portion having a centering guide. The protrusion has a protrusion length sufficient to push the stopper along the first cavity so as to partially insert the stopper into a mouth of the bottle when the mouth is held against the centering guide. The first cavity has a dimension that compresses the stopper so that it fits into the mouth of the bottle when the stopper is pushed along the first cavity, while permitting the extraction of the compressor away from the stopper and the bottle without extracting the stopper from the mouth.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 29, 2007Publication date: December 6, 2007Applicant: LLOYDCO, LLCInventors: Robert Lloyd, Jerome A. Carlson
-
Patent number: 7204151Abstract: A metal cap 12 is fitted over a vessel (vial 2), into which a rubber plug 4 is driven, and using a pressure block 10, a load is applied to the cap 12 through the top surface 12b thereof to maintain the rubber plug 4 compressed. Under this condition, a tightening roller 14 folds a skirt (lower end 12c of a cylindrical portion 12a) of the cap 12 inwardly to perform a tightening operation. Subsequently, the load applied to the top surface 12b of the cap is once released, and then a load is applied again starting from a value FB which is less than the load FA applied during the tightening operation, gradually increasing to a higher value. In the course of increasing the load, a load FC at the instant when a displacement in the elevation of the top surface of the cap is detected, and this load FC is determined to be a seal load upon completion of the tightening operation. By detecting the load FC upon completion of the tightening operation, a seal capacity of the rubber plug 14 can be confirmed.Type: GrantFiled: May 16, 2005Date of Patent: April 17, 2007Assignee: Shibuya Kogyo Co., Ltd.Inventors: Hiroaki Kitamoto, Katsuji Tsuruyama, Toshiharu Kanaiwa
-
Patent number: 7162851Abstract: A stopper change device (10) includes an airtight chamber body (21) detachably mountable on a head of a bottle, a gas supply port (19) for supplying N gas to the chamber body, an air vent valve (57) for discharging air from the chamber body, a first supporting structure (28) movable upward and downward for supporting a corkscrew, and a second supporting structure (34) movable upward and downward for containing a substitute stopper. The first and second supporting structures are mutually position changeable, and one of them is selectively placed above an opening of the bottle. When the first supporting structure (28) is placed above the opening, a bottle stopper can be pulled in N gas atmosphere. On the other hand, when the second supporting structure (34) is placed above the opening, the substitute stopper is mountable on the head of the bottle in N gas atmosphere.Type: GrantFiled: May 10, 2005Date of Patent: January 16, 2007Assignee: Eiji YoshidaInventors: Eiji Yoshida, Keiichi Yahagi, Hiroyuki Matsunaga, Satoshi Otake, Hiroki Matsumoto, Tatsuro Ishimatsu, Yusuke Yoshida, Kagenori Nagao, Satomi Kudo, Eri Kawaguchi, Ikuo Andreas Nakayama, Yuta Ogino, Syotaro Nakajima
-
Patent number: 7156248Abstract: Overcap (1, 11, 12) designed to overcap a neck (80) of a bottle (8) closed by a cork (82) containing a liquid to be packaged (83, 84) includes a rolled skirt (3) and a top (2) fixed to the rolled skirt around a circular junction area (4) common to the skirt and the top. The top is formed from a first strip of material chosen to have a nature and thickness so that it can be deformed, typically by stamping between a punch and a die or by thermoforming, to form a crease-free rim around the top. The rim is formed by the peripheral part of the top axially deformed over a height H between 1 and 5 mm, and the is a rim (20,21) that extends around an arc of a circle ? varying from 45 to 90°.Type: GrantFiled: July 4, 2001Date of Patent: January 2, 2007Assignee: Pechiney CapsulesInventors: Philippe Christophe, Jacky Maugas
-
Patent number: 7146782Abstract: A method of sealing a plug with a food sauce dispensing cartridge enables leak proof operation of the dispensing cartridge at the site of the plug. The plug, having a circumferential edge, is positioned within the dispensing cartridge and oriented such that the edge is adjacent to the cartridge sidewall. A layer of hot melt adhesive is then applied to the circumferential edge and flows into a gap created between the plug and the cartridge sidewall at a sideseam formed by an overlap region of the cartridge sidewall. The hot melt adhesive subsequently bonds the plug to the cartridge sidewall and prevents food sauce from moving past the circumferential edge of the plug and out of a containment region.Type: GrantFiled: August 19, 2003Date of Patent: December 12, 2006Assignee: Huhtamaki Consumer Packaging, Inc.Inventors: Joseph A. Pantelleria, Ernie L. Smith
-
Patent number: 7100346Abstract: A machine for winding and boxing wound coils of filamentary material having a payout hole extending from the outer to the inner coil winding wherein a turret mechanism mounting two oppositely disposed end forms and corresponding collapsible mandrels and operative between first and second stations, wherein the first station enables filamentary material to be wound on one of the mandrels and associated end form and a second station wherein the mandrel and end form containing the wound coil is rotated to confront a boxing station; a boxing station including a platform having a movable back panel, a base panel and an inclined ramp facing the second station and being movable towards and away from the second station for receiving the wound coil from the collapsible mandrel; the boxing station receiving an unfolded box deposited on the base panel with a back panel folded against said back panel and including means for folding two opposite side panels of the box to enable reception of the wound coil in the partiallyType: GrantFiled: May 24, 2004Date of Patent: September 5, 2006Assignee: Windings, Inc.Inventors: Frank W. Kotzur, David B. Franklin, Brian P. Moore, Gregory A. Kotzur
-
Patent number: 7063221Abstract: The invention provides a method of making a stopper (2) of cork of natural and/or synthetic origin for a bottle of sparkling wine of the Champagne type, said stopper (2) having a base suitable for constituting a fraction of the inside wall (17) of said bottle (6) and an outside wall (30) suitable for bearing against the inside wall (24) of the neck (4). The method consists: in acting during closure of said bottle (6) to deform said outside wall (30) of said stopper (2) longitudinally over at least a portion extending to its base, so as to provide at least one channel-forming groove (18, 33) in said stopper; and in maintaining the longitudinal deformation throughout the period said bottle (6) is closed by said stopper (2) so that said channel-forming groove (18, 33) persists when said bottle is partially opened.Type: GrantFiled: February 9, 2001Date of Patent: June 20, 2006Assignee: Au Lieguer-ETS J. Pontneau DenisInventors: Enrique Garcia-Cuenca, Jacques Pitoux, Michel Pitoux
-
Patent number: 6976349Abstract: An inventive method, system and apparatus are provided for syringe handling, and more particularly, for syringe labeling, filling and capping operations. To facilitate syringe handling, an inventive apparatus includes a plurality of syringe bodies interconnected in a predetermined orientation by a belt. Such belt may be of pliable construction and may define a predetermined spacing in between adjacent ones of the syringe bodies, such predetermined spacing corresponding with a distance between holders provided in a handling apparatus. The syringe handling apparatus may provide for the placement of contents-related information on belt segments between adjacent syringe bodies and for separating the belt segments, wherein a flap is left interconnected to each syringe body. The syringe handling apparatus may alternatively or also provide for automated filling of the syringe bodies wherein cap removal, filling and cap replacement operations are completed free from manual handling.Type: GrantFiled: July 30, 2003Date of Patent: December 20, 2005Assignee: Baxa CorporationInventors: Brian Eugene Baldwin, Robert Eugene Mancuso, II, Jon Paul Page
-
Patent number: 6829875Abstract: A method and apparatus for venting a filled bottle closed by a stopper is disclosed. The venting is designed to equalize the pressure between the interior of the bottle and the atmosphere such that the stopper inserted into the filled bottle is not forced out of the bottle by excess pressure in the bottle. The venting may be accomplished by deforming the stopper in the bottle opening to form an air-outlet opening in the region sealed by the stopper and the bottle. The venting may be implemented by a squeezing device arranged on at least one side of the stopper, the squeezing device being active in a direction perpendicular to the central axis of the bottle opening.Type: GrantFiled: March 12, 2003Date of Patent: December 14, 2004Assignee: Aventis Behring GmbHInventor: Erich Willstumpf
-
Method and apparatus for manufacturing, filling and packaging medical devices and medical containers
Patent number: 6792743Abstract: Medical devices such as medical containers can be formed of glass and annealed which produces a clean device having a low bio-burden, or formed by plastic molding which produces a clean device. The clean devices are immediately transferred to a controlled environment such as a clean room or localized area to avoid the need to maintain cleanliness levels in an entire room. Syringe tip closures can be introduced into the housing assembly, where syringe barrels and tip closures are cleaned with filtered ionized air and the tip closures are coupled to the barrels. The syringe barrels can be filled with a substance and a closure member attached. While still in the housing assembly the syringe barrels can be formed into an array and placed in a clean outer container, which is then closed and sealed.Type: GrantFiled: July 2, 2001Date of Patent: September 21, 2004Assignee: Becton, Dickinson and CompanyInventors: Robert B. Odell, Donald J. Porfano, James C. Kropatsch, Jorge J. Campos, Mario de Aguero Servin, Patrick G. Carre -
Patent number: 6766627Abstract: A machine for winding and boxing wound coils of filamentary material having a payout hole extending from the outer to the inner coil winding, a turret mechanism mounting two oppositely disposed end forms and corresponding collapsible mandrels and operative between first and second stations, wherein the first station enables filamentary material to be wound on one of the mandrels and associated end form and a second station wherein the mandrel and end form containing the wound coil is rotated to confront a boxing station; a boxing station including a platform having a movable back panel, a base panel and an inclined ramp facing the second station and being movable towards and away from second station for receiving the wound coil from the collapsible mandrel; the boxing station receiving an unfolded box deposited on the base panel with a box back panel folded against the back panel and including means for folding two opposite side panels of the box to enable reception of the wound coil in the partially assembleType: GrantFiled: May 14, 2001Date of Patent: July 27, 2004Assignee: Windings, Inc.Inventors: Frank W. Kotzur, David B. Franklin, Brian P. Moore, Gregory A. Kotzur
-
Patent number: 6643992Abstract: Process for the fastening of objects into a box made of a bottom and of at least four lateral sides including introducing, into this box, a sheet of a flexible material, for example, made of cardboard, this sheet consisting of a central part having dimensions that are approximately the same as the bottom of the box, in a manner so as to be able to be displaced in a direction to the bottom of the box and, on at least two opposing sides of this central part, at least one flexible folding panel. The flexible folding panels are folded up to the top. The fastening sheet is shaped, prepared, inserted and pushed into the box until the sheet contacts the upper surface of the objects housed in the box. The folding panels are pushed back, applied and fixed, for example, by gluing, against the internal side of the lateral walls of this box, in a manner so as to create solid fixation of the fastening sheet onto the lateral walls of the box, and, as a result, the fastening of the objects housed in it.Type: GrantFiled: October 8, 2001Date of Patent: November 11, 2003Assignee: B Plus Development (S.A.)Inventors: Christian Esnault, Claude Durand
-
Patent number: 6625958Abstract: Method for transferring products from a manufacturing unit to a packaging unit, comprising at least the phases of feeding a determined quantity of said product coming from said manufacturing unit, preventing contact between the product and the external environment, inside a hermetic containment case comprising a sealing opening and, respectively, closing stopper, located in correspondence with a station for filling a first loading device, transferring pneumatically and along a first determined route said full case from said first loading device to a station for receiving a second off-loading device, through first sealed pneumatic transfer means able to connect pneumatically, preventing contact between the case and the external environment, said first loading device to said second off-loading device, off-loading said determined quantity of said product from said case inside said packaging unit preventing contact between the product and the external environment.Type: GrantFiled: April 26, 2000Date of Patent: September 30, 2003Assignee: Zanchetta & C. S.r.L.Inventor: Vittoriano Marcheschi
-
Patent number: 6578614Abstract: An apparatus for advancing and uniting first and second components into respective single items, includes a first conveyor for supplying the first components in a series; a feeding device for supplying the second components in a series; a second conveyor adjoining the discharge end of the first conveyor; a plurality of first carriers mounted on the second conveyor for receiving a respective first component from the first conveyor at the discharge end thereof; and a plurality of second carriers mounted on the second conveyor for receiving a respective second component from the feeding device. The second carriers are in alignment with the respective first carriers for advancing the respective first components and the respective second components together and in alignment with one another; and a device for uniting a first component with a respective second component during advancement of the first and second components by the second conveyor.Type: GrantFiled: April 24, 2000Date of Patent: June 17, 2003Assignee: SIG Pack Systems AGInventor: Horst Loewenthal
-
Patent number: 6543207Abstract: A vented closure, for preventing deformation of a container containing a gas evolving liquid, is provided. The closure includes a first closure member and a second closure member. The first closure member seals the container from the outside atmosphere and defines a gas inlet, a gas outlet and a gas flow passage between the inlet and the outlet. A gas-permeable, liquid-impermeable membrane is placed in the gas flow passage. The second closure member is moveably fitted on the first closure member and encases the first closure member with a small clearance fit that allows gas passage. A sealing element coupled to the second closure member is aligned with the gas outlet of the first member so as to block gas flow when a predetermined load is applied to the second closure member and allow gas flow when the predetermined load is absent.Type: GrantFiled: December 6, 2000Date of Patent: April 8, 2003Assignee: The Clorox CompanyInventors: W. Keith Mainquist, John F. Breznock
-
Publication number: 20030019830Abstract: The invention provides a method of making a stopper (2) of cork of natural and/or synthetic origin for a bottle of sparkling wine of the Champagne type, said stopper (2) having a base suitable for constituting a fraction of the inside wall (17) of said bottle (6) and an outside wall (30) suitable for bearing against the inside wall (24) of the neck (4). The method consists: in acting during closure of said bottle (6) to deform said outside wall (30) of said stopper (2) longitudinally over at least a portion extending to its base, so as to provide at least one channel-forming groove (18, 33) in said stopper; and in maintaining the longitudinal deformation throughout the period said bottle (6) is closed by said stopper (2) so that said channel-forming groove (18, 33) persists when said bottle is partially opened.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 9, 2002Publication date: January 30, 2003Inventors: Enrique Garcia-Cuenca, Jacques Pitoux, Michel Pitoux
-
Publication number: 20020062627Abstract: Process for the fastening of objects into a box made of a bottom (1e) and of at least four lateral sides (1a, 1b, 1c, . . . ), characterized in that introduced into this box (1) is a sheet (2) of a flexible material, for example, made of cardboard, this sheet consisting of a central part (2k) having dimensions that are approximately the same as the bottom (1e) of the box (1), in a manner so as to be able to be displaced in a direction to the bottom of it, and, on at least two opposing sides of this central part (2k), at least one flexible folding panel (2d, 2e, . . . ), these flexible folding panels being folded up to the top, the fastening sheet (2), shaped and prepared in this way being then inserted and pushed into the box (1) until it contacts the upper surface of the objects (3) housed in the box and its folding panels (2d, 2e, . . . ) being pushed back, applied and fixed, for example, by gluing, against the internal side of the lateral walls (1a, 1b, 1c, . . .Type: ApplicationFiled: October 8, 2001Publication date: May 30, 2002Applicant: B PLUS DEVELOPMENT (S.A.)Inventors: Christian Esnault, Claude Durand
-
Patent number: 6349524Abstract: An embossed seal is formed in a cavity in the neck of a corked bottle over a cork using a die having a die surface with a die image. A first molten seal material is introduced into a die cavity. The die cavity is formed in part with the die surface. The introduction of the first molten seal material deposits an embossed seal portion with an embossed surface. The embossed seal portion is allowed to cool. A second molten seal material is introduced into the cavity of the neck of the corked bottle. The embossed seal portion is brought into contact with the molten seal material in the bottle cavity with the embossed surface disposed on top facing away from the molten seal material. The molten seal material partially melts the embossed seal portion to form a single seal upon cooling. The embossed seal portion is sufficiently cooled and solidified to prevent melting and damage of the embossed surface.Type: GrantFiled: January 11, 2000Date of Patent: February 26, 2002Assignee: Patented Innovations, LLCInventors: David Paul Zurlinden, David Marc Zurlinden, Malcolm Yuill-Thornton
-
Method and apparatus for manufacturing, filling and packaging medical devices and medical containers
Patent number: 6263641Abstract: Clean syringe barrels from forming device immediately transferred to a controlled environment to maintain a clean work area. The work area can be a clean room or localized area to avoid the need to maintain cleanliness levels in an entire room. A localized area uses a housing assembly having a HEPA filter coupled to an air inlet to filter the air entering the housing. An air blower is coupled to the air inlet to feed filtered air into the housing assembly and to maintain a positive air pressure in the housing assembly to prevent unfiltered outside air from entering. Syringe tip closures can be introduced into the housing assembly, where syringe barrels and tip closures are cleaned with filtered ionized air and the tip closures are coupled to the barrels. A thin coating of lubricant is applied to the inner surfaces of the syringe barrels. The syringe barrels or medical container can be filled with a substance and a closure member is attached.Type: GrantFiled: October 3, 2000Date of Patent: July 24, 2001Assignee: Becton, Dickinson and CompanyInventors: Robert B. Odell, Donald J. Porfano, James C. Kropatsch, Jorge J. Campos, Mario de Aguero Servin, Patrick G. Carre, Mark A. German -
Patent number: 6250052Abstract: A housing assembly is provided to define a locally controlled environment to maintain a localized clean work area without the need to maintain cleanliness levels in an entire room as in conventional clean rooms. The housing assembly includes a HEPA filter coupled to an air inlet to filter all of the air entering the housing. An air blower is coupled to the air inlet to feed filtered air into the housing assembly and to maintain a positive air pressure in the housing assembly to prevent unfiltered outside air from entering. Prefillable medical containers, such as syringe barrels and syringe tip closures, are introduced into the housing assembly where the syringe barrels and tip closures are cleaned with filtered ionized air and the tip closures are coupled to the barrels. A thin coating of a lubricant is applied to the inner surface of each of the syringe barrels. The syringe barrels can be filled with a substance.Type: GrantFiled: October 3, 2000Date of Patent: June 26, 2001Assignee: Becton, Dickinson and CompanyInventors: Donald J. Porfano, James C. Kropatsch, Mark A. German, Robert B. Odell
-
Patent number: 6240708Abstract: A container assembly having a container, an insert and a cap. The container has a sidewall extending upwardly to a rim which circumscribes an opening in the top of the container. The insert is located in the opening in the top of the container and is formed of a substantially thin sheet of material. The insert includes an annular lip engaging the rim of the container, a body projecting downwardly from the lip into the container and a tab projecting laterally from the lip away from the body of the insert. The body of the insert has a downwardly extending sidewall which diverges away from the sidewall of said container as it progresses downwardly with the sidewall of the body terminating at a bottom wall. The lip of the insert is sealed to the rim of the container. The cap for the container seats over the opening and includes a downwardly depending skirt.Type: GrantFiled: September 13, 2000Date of Patent: June 5, 2001Inventor: Haig H. Kassouni
-
Method and apparatus for manufacturing, filling and packaging medical devices and medical containers
Patent number: 6189292Abstract: Glass medical devices such as medical containers are manufactured and annealed by heating in an oven which produces a clean device having a low bio-burden. Plastic medical devices and medical containers are formed by plastic molding devices which produce a clean device. The clean devices are immediately transferred to a controlled environment to maintain a clean work area. A localized area uses a housing assembly having a HEPA filter coupled to an air inlet to filter the air entering the housing. An air blower is coupled to the air inlet to feed filtered air into the housing assembly and to maintain a positive air pressure in the housing assembly to prevent unfiltered outside air from entering. Syringe tip closures can be introduced into the housing assembly, where syringe barrels and tip closures are cleaned with filtered ionized air and the tip closures are coupled to the barrels. A thin coating of lubricant is applied to the inner surfaces of the syringe barrels.Type: GrantFiled: March 12, 1999Date of Patent: February 20, 2001Assignee: Becton Dickinson and CompanyInventors: Robert B. Odell, Donald J. Porfano, James C. Kropatsch, Jorge J. Campos, Mario de Aguero Servin, Patrick G. Carre, Mark A. German -
Patent number: 6167682Abstract: Drums or vessels with bungs or orifices having generally cylindrical walls with edges capable of being sealed-against are sealed with closures that deform into contact with those edges and provide seals that are tamper-proof.Type: GrantFiled: October 19, 1998Date of Patent: January 2, 2001Inventor: Robert B. Moon
-
Patent number: 6164044Abstract: A housing assembly is provided to define a locally controlled environment to maintain a localized clean work area without the need to maintain cleanliness levels in an entire room as in conventional clean rooms. The housing assembly includes a HEPA filter coupled to an air inlet to filter all of the air entering the housing. An air blower is coupled to the air inlet to feed filtered air into the housing assembly and to maintain a positive air pressure in the housing assembly to prevent unfiltered outside air from entering. Prefillable medical containers, such as syringe barrels and syringe tip closures, are introduced into the housing assembly where the syringe barrels and tip closures are cleaned with filtered ionized air and the tip closures are coupled to the barrels. A thin coating of a lubricant is applied to the inner surface of each of the syringe barrels. The syringe barrels can be filled with a substance.Type: GrantFiled: March 12, 1999Date of Patent: December 26, 2000Assignee: Becton Dickinson and CompanyInventors: Donald J. Porfano, James C. Kropatsch, Mark A. German, Robert B. Odell