US3792799A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Method and apparatus for opening plastic containers
Assignee: MDT Corp
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Filing: 1971-10-21
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Granted: 1974-02-19
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Expires: 1991-10-21
Abstract
Abstract Disclosed is a method and apparatus for aseptically opening sealed containers such as plastic bags or the like containing a sterile liquid wherein a punch member for piercing the container is placed within the container and sterilized with its contents. The punch, which is thrust through a die member on the outside of the container to pierce the container wall, thereafter acts as the pouring spout.
Inventors
- 👤 K Henfrey
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-30 11:13
CPC Classifications
A; A61; A61J; A61J1/00; A61J1/14; A61J1/1406; B; B65; B65D; B65D75/00; B65D75/52; B65D75/58; B65D75/5861; B65D75/5872; B65D75/5877; A61J1/05; A61J1/10; A61J1/1475
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 6
Claim 1
Independent Claim
194 words
A method for aseptically opening a flexible container and removing the sterile fluid contents thereof comprising the steps of: a. placing a punch into said container prior to sealing and sterilizing the contents thereof so that said punch and the fluid contents of said container are sterile prior to opening, said punch having two portions, a spout and a cap member removably disposed over and about said spout; b. placing a die against the outside of said container; c. manually manipulating said container to align said punch with said die and thereafter applying a manual force through said container wall to thrust the spout and cap member portions of said punch through said die to perforate the wall of said container, said cap protecting and maintaining the outlet of said spout and the surfaces of said spout adjacent the outlet in a sterile condition as said cap and spout pass through the wall of said container and said die; d. removing said cap member from over and about said spout to expose the sterile spout opening; and e. dispensing the contents of said container through said perforation and the sterile outlet of said spout.
Claim 2
Independent Claim
194 words
A method for aseptically opening a flexible container and removing the sterile fluid contents thereof comprising the steps of: a. placing a punch into said container prior to sealing and sterilizing the contents thereof so that said punch and the fluid contents of said container are sterile prior to opening, said punch having two portions, a spout and a cap member removably disposed over and about said spout; b. placing a die against the outside of said container; c. manually manipulating said container to align said punch with said die and thereafter applying a manual force through said container wall to thrust the spout and cap member portions of said punch through said die to perforate the wall of said container, said cap protecting and maintaining the outlet of said spout and the surfaces of said spout adjacent the outlet in a sterile condition as said cap and spout pass through the wall of said container and said die; d. removing said cap member from over and about said spout to expose the sterile spout opening; and e. dispensing the contents of said container through said perforation and the sterile outlet of said spout.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
40 words
A method as set forth in claim 1 wherein said spout member is sealed and dispensing the contents is accomplished by aseptically rupturing said seal after said punch is thrust through the wall of said container and cap is removed.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
131 words
Apparatus for aseptically opening a sealed, flexible container and dispensing the sterile fluid contents thereof, said apparatus comprising; a. a sterile punch in said container, said punch having two portions, a spout with an opening and a cap member removable disposed over and about the outlet opening of said spout; b. a die positionable against the outside wall of said container; c. said container being manually manipulated to force the cap and spout of said punch through said die to perforate said container wall and locate said cap and spout portions of said punch on the outside of said container; and d. said cap being manually removed from over and about said spout to expose the sterile outlet opening and permit dispensing of the contents of said container through said spout.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
131 words
Apparatus for aseptically opening a sealed, flexible container and dispensing the sterile fluid contents thereof, said apparatus comprising; a. a sterile punch in said container, said punch having two portions, a spout with an opening and a cap member removable disposed over and about the outlet opening of said spout; b. a die positionable against the outside wall of said container; c. said container being manually manipulated to force the cap and spout of said punch through said die to perforate said container wall and locate said cap and spout portions of said punch on the outside of said container; and d. said cap being manually removed from over and about said spout to expose the sterile outlet opening and permit dispensing of the contents of said container through said spout.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
34 words
Apparatus as set forth in claim 3 wherein the outside diameter of said spout is tapered and said die has an opening therein which is smaller than the maximum outside diameter of said spout.
References Cited (Backward Citations)
USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 1977-02-18 | 1977-08-20 | 1978-02-19 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 1981-02-18 | 1981-08-20 | 1982-02-19 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 1985-02-18 | 1985-08-20 | 1986-02-19 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |