Baxter Travenol Laboratories, Inc.

Peter C Carveth

Albert J Stone

Edwin Pyde

L Alan White

Leonard A White

A unique selectively openable seal line made between two sheets of flexible thermoplastic material is disclosed, the seal line being exceptionally resistant to unintentional opening forces but being easy to open upon the application of a specific force. The seal line may be employed in various containers, including a two chamber container for the separate storage and selective mixing of two medical substances. The container includes two sheets forming the exterior of the container and an inner, diaphgram sheet between the outer sheets. The selectively openable seal line is disposed between one of the outer sheets and the diaphragm sheet. Preferably a permanent line of securement is also included, between the other exterior sheet and the inner diaphragm sheet, extending substantially parallel to and coextensive with the openable seal line. Such a container provides a relatively inexpensive and reliable means for separately storing two medical substances in a closed system under sterile conditions, while still providing for quick and easy selective mixing of the substances when desired. Finally, the present invention is also directed to a sealing die for making the unique seal line and to a method for manufacturing the container.

Selectively openable seal line and containers having same

The present invention provides a method and apparatus for attaching fitments to filled flexible containers. A series of interconnected filled flexible containers are conveyed between a pair of belt conveyors which limit lateral movement of the containers. A third conveyor urges fitments against the bottoms of the containers and the fitments are sealed to the containers.

Apparatus and method for attaching fitments to flexible containers

A disposable, ready-to-use container such as a nursing container is provided which includes a protection compartment separating the nipple or other dispensing member from the infant formula or other stored substance until the time of use. The protection compartment is partially defined by and is separated from the storage compartment by a breakable line of securement extending across the interior of the container. When the line of securement is manually broken from the container-exterior, the stored infant formula is allowed to enter the now open protection compartment for open communication through the nipple. An enclosure chamber about the nipple may also be provided in combination with the protection compartment, to separate the nipple from the environment. Alternatively to the enclosure chamber, a nipple cover including two flexible tabs interposed and secured between the container sheet material and the nipple may be provided. The tabs are sealed together with a frangible seal which may be opened to access the nipple.

Container such as a nursing container, having protection compartment for

A fitment for attachment to a container having an integral body constructed from a thermoplastic foam and having an integral skin outer surface and a cellular core. The body has a top and bottom surface and includes at least one resealable port.

Thermoplastic foam fitment

A disposable, ready-to-use container such as a nursing container is provided which includes infant formula or other substance to be stored and a nipple or other, dispensing member which is segregated from the environment until use by means of an enclosure chamber. The enclosure chamber is formed by extending the container sheets or wall around the nipple. The enclosure chamber includes a manually breakable line of securement to access the enclosure chamber and the nipple.

Container such as a nursing container, having formed enclosure chamber

A unique container is disclosed which has at least three chambers for the separate storage and selective mixing of at least two components. The container includes two outer flexible sheets and an inner, diaphragm sheet, all sealed about their peripheries in the preferred embodiment. Multiple breakable lines of securement are formed between one of the outer sheets and the inner, diaphragm sheet. Multiple permanent lines of securement are formed between the inner diaphragm sheet and the other outer sheet, extending substantially parallel to and substantially the length of the respective breakable lines of securement. Such a container structure defines two chambers which have no common boundary and an intermediate chamber. In the preferred embodiment of the invention, the intermediate chamber does not store any substance; rather, it serves as a buffer or barrier chamber and also acts as a test for seal integrity. In another embodiment of the invention, the intermediate chamber holds a third component for mixing.

Container having a selectively openable seal line and peelable barrier

A two chamber container for the separate storage and selective mixing of two components is disclosed. The container includes two outer flexible thermoplastic sheets and an inner, diaphragm sheet. A unique seal line structure is formed between one of the outer sheets and the inner, diaphragm sheet. A peelable barrier structure such as a sheet of aluminum foil with an inner layer of adhesive is secured to the exterior surface of the exterior wall of the container at that portion of the other of the outer sheets which defines one of the chambers of the container. The peelable barrier sheet permits the use of lower cost materials for the remainder of the container structure while both (1) permitting visual inspection of the chamber contents and (2) providing high moisture, gas and light barrier properties.

Multiple chamber container with inner diaphragm and intermediate chamber

Provided is a process for preparing an aseptic container for separately storing a sterilized powdered component and a sterilized liquid component under clean conditions. The container includes two sealed chambers having a frangible, sterilized connection therebetween, one said chamber containing the liquid component, and the other said chamber including a sealed vial containing a powdered component. The vial has an outer surface that is aseptic throughout its entire surface area, and the frangible connection provides a sterile pathway, when desired, between the interior of the vial and the interior of the liquid-containing chamber.

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Glen Ellyn, IL, United States of America

Peter C Carveth