US5596814A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Vented vial stopper for processing freeze-dried products
Assignee: W.L. Gore and Associates Inc
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Filing: 1995-11-06
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Granted: 1997-01-28
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Expires: 2015-11-06
Abstract
Abstract An vented vial stopper for use in processing freeze-dried products is provided. The stopper includes a vent passageway that is covered with a waterproof and moisture vapor permeable membrane to allow the venting of moisture during the freeze-drying process. The membrane also extends to cover most or all of the exposed surface of the stopper to protect the stopper from chemical attack during processing.
Inventors
- 👤 Ralph D. Zingle
- 👤 Nelson A. George
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-11-03 13:08
CPC Classifications
F; F26; F26B; F26B5/00; F26B5/04; F26B5/06
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 5
Claim 1
Independent Claim
112 words
A device for sealing and venting a freeze-drying container that comprises a sealable core adapted to seal an opening in the container, the core having at least one passageway therethrough; a membrane of expanded polytetrafluoroethylene, the membrane being resistant to liquid penetration and permeable to moisture vapor, the membrane being adhered to the core so as to serve both as a barrier to liquids passing through the passageway and as a protective covering to the core; wherein moisture vapor within the container vents through the membrane and the passageway to outside the container during the freeze-drying process; and wherein the membrane protects resilient core against chemical attack and adhesion to the container.
Claim 2
Independent Claim
112 words
A device for sealing and venting a freeze-drying container that comprises a sealable core adapted to seal an opening in the container, the core having at least one passageway therethrough; a membrane of expanded polytetrafluoroethylene, the membrane being resistant to liquid penetration and permeable to moisture vapor, the membrane being adhered to the core so as to serve both as a barrier to liquids passing through the passageway and as a protective covering to the core; wherein moisture vapor within the container vents through the membrane and the passageway to outside the container during the freeze-drying process; and wherein the membrane protects resilient core against chemical attack and adhesion to the container.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
19 words
The device of claim 1 that further includes a means to hermetically seal the passageway through the resilient core.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
20 words
The device of claim 2 wherein the means to seal the passageway comprises a stopper slidably positioned within the passageway.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
38 words
The device of claim 1 wherein the membrane is densifted along portions of where it is adhered to the core and the membrane remains porous and conformable at least where the membrane covers the opening to the passageway.
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USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 2000-01-28 | 2000-07-29 | 2001-01-28 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 2004-01-28 | 2004-07-29 | 2005-01-28 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 2008-01-28 | 2008-07-29 | 2009-01-28 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |