The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document.
The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge covers the following: Patent number, Date patent was issued, Date patent was filed, Title of the patent, Applicant, Inventor, Assignee, Attorney firm, Primary examiner, Assistant examiner, CPCs, and Abstract. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document (in Adobe Acrobat format, aka pdf). To download or print any patent click here.
Patent No.:
Date of Patent:
May. 12, 1998
Filed:
Dec. 18, 1996
Richard A Sauer, Hinsdale, IL (US);
Air Liquide America Corporation, Houston, TX (US);
Abstract
An apparatus for producing a sterile cryogenic liquid (for example into a container of food) is provided, as well as a method of use of same using a just-in-time approach to production. The apparatus includes at least one cryogenic liquid filter, the filter including filter media having the capability to effectively sterilize cryogenic liquids, the filter media positioned within a housing to accept non-sterile cryogenic liquid and produce sterile cryogenic liquid. The apparatus further includes at least one sterile cryogenic liquid receptor tube, the sterile cryogenic liquid receptor tube having a sterile cryogenic liquid outlet for outflowing sterile cryogenic liquid. The receptor tube is surrounded by a manifold which collects and drains spent condensed steam after a periodic filter sterilization cycle. The receptor tube also collects raw cryogenic fluid, which helps insulate sterile cryogen in the receptor tube. The cryogenic liquid filter is provided within a vacuum jacketed tank. A sheath is positioned over the cryogenic liquid filter within the tank for sterilizing the filter.