US20110209443A1 - System, method and device for sterilization and packaging for use therefor - Google Patents
System, method and device for sterilization and packaging for use therefor Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- US20110209443A1 US20110209443A1 US13/060,888 US200913060888A US2011209443A1 US 20110209443 A1 US20110209443 A1 US 20110209443A1 US 200913060888 A US200913060888 A US 200913060888A US 2011209443 A1 US2011209443 A1 US 2011209443A1
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- United States
- Prior art keywords
- recipient
- connecting chamber
- packaging
- fluidum
- closing
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- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
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- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
- B65B—MACHINES, APPARATUS OR DEVICES FOR, OR METHODS OF, PACKAGING ARTICLES OR MATERIALS; UNPACKING
- B65B31/00—Packaging articles or materials under special atmospheric or gaseous conditions; Adding propellants to aerosol containers
- B65B31/04—Evacuating, pressurising or gasifying filled containers or wrappers by means of nozzles through which air or other gas, e.g. an inert gas, is withdrawn or supplied
- B65B31/08—Evacuating, pressurising or gasifying filled containers or wrappers by means of nozzles through which air or other gas, e.g. an inert gas, is withdrawn or supplied the nozzle being adapted to pierce the container or wrapper
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- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
- B65B—MACHINES, APPARATUS OR DEVICES FOR, OR METHODS OF, PACKAGING ARTICLES OR MATERIALS; UNPACKING
- B65B55/00—Preserving, protecting or purifying packages or package contents in association with packaging
- B65B55/02—Sterilising, e.g. of complete packages
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- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
- B65D—CONTAINERS FOR STORAGE OR TRANSPORT OF ARTICLES OR MATERIALS, e.g. BAGS, BARRELS, BOTTLES, BOXES, CANS, CARTONS, CRATES, DRUMS, JARS, TANKS, HOPPERS, FORWARDING CONTAINERS; ACCESSORIES, CLOSURES, OR FITTINGS THEREFOR; PACKAGING ELEMENTS; PACKAGES
- B65D1/00—Containers having bodies formed in one piece, e.g. by casting metallic material, by moulding plastics, by blowing vitreous material, by throwing ceramic material, by moulding pulped fibrous material, by deep-drawing operations performed on sheet material
- B65D1/34—Trays or like shallow containers
- B65D1/36—Trays or like shallow containers with moulded compartments or partitions
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- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
- A61L—METHODS OR APPARATUS FOR STERILISING MATERIALS OR OBJECTS IN GENERAL; DISINFECTION, STERILISATION OR DEODORISATION OF AIR; CHEMICAL ASPECTS OF BANDAGES, DRESSINGS, ABSORBENT PADS OR SURGICAL ARTICLES; MATERIALS FOR BANDAGES, DRESSINGS, ABSORBENT PADS OR SURGICAL ARTICLES
- A61L2/00—Methods or apparatus for disinfecting or sterilising materials or objects other than foodstuffs or contact lenses; Accessories therefor
- A61L2/02—Methods or apparatus for disinfecting or sterilising materials or objects other than foodstuffs or contact lenses; Accessories therefor using physical phenomena
- A61L2/08—Radiation
- A61L2/12—Microwaves
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- Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
- Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
- Ceramic Engineering (AREA)
- Chemical & Material Sciences (AREA)
- Dispersion Chemistry (AREA)
- Apparatus For Disinfection Or Sterilisation (AREA)
- Packages (AREA)
- Food Preservation Except Freezing, Refrigeration, And Drying (AREA)
Abstract
System for sterilization, comprising a packaging (2) comprising a recipient (3) closed with a closing element (4) and a device (1) with a heating element (8) for sterilizing the content of the recipient (3) by heating, characterized in that the device (1) comprises a pressure device (7) to create an over- and/or an underpressure in the recipient (3) by injecting in and/or removing out of the recipient a fluidum through a connecting chamber (5) present in the packaging (2) and closing means (9) to close the recipient airtight after sterilization by means of the closing element (4).
Description
- The present invention relates on one hand to a system for sterilization according to the preamble of the first conclusion. On the other hand this invention relates to a method and device for sterilization and a packaging for sterilization for use with the system, the method and/or the device.
- Preserving food is a problem that has been concerning people for centuries. Furthermore, the preservation of food takes an important place in the nutrition of the modern human being. In the past numerous methods were developed to prolong the storage of food. A few known preserving techniques for the preservation of food are amongst others: drying, pickling, sterilizing, smoking, candying, lyophilizing, pasteurizing, etc.
- Above mentioned techniques are however insufficient for the preservation of ready-to-serve dishes, with the result that ready-to-serve dishes are distributed until this day with a preservation time that is too limited.
- In the search for a method that is able to preserve food longer, especially in the case of ready-to-serve dishes, such as composed meals, the applicant has reached back to sterilization.
- In the process of sterilization, a food product is together, possibly with its packaging, subjected to a heath treatment of more than 100° C. for a certain time period in which the micro-organisms are killed. For example, canned food products are sterilized at 121° for 20 minutes in a pressure vessel. Higher temperatures and shorter time periods have the same effects, (ex. 3 min. at 134° C.). Normally, food products are canned or bottled before sterilization, after which they undergo a heath treatment in a sterilizator with steam or hot water. Sterilizators can operate in a batchwise manner as well as continuously.
- The above mentioned conventional method of sterilization however does not allow preservation of a composed meal in its final packaging (usually a packaging made of a synthetic material equipped with a number of compartments to store the different food products) without harming its structure, composition, aroma, taste and presentation. It was determined experimentally that composed meals were often reduced to a sort of pulp after conventional sterilization. Furthermore, after sterilization their aroma and visual presentation were of an inferior quality.
- WO2007108732-A1 for example describes a system for the treatment of a packaging filled with food products in order to prolong their preservation time. Thereto a recipient of a packaging is filled with the food products and closed airtightly and placed in a treatment device. The treatment device comprises a heating element that heats the content of the recipient in order to prolong the preservation time.
- This system however does not allow a fine calibration of the treatment conditions of the content of the recipient to the content of the recipient. It is on the other hand only possible to adjust the heath of the content of the recipient.
- The inventor realized that in many cases this is insufficient and that next to the temperature, the pressure must also be adjusted and controlled.
- It is thus a goal of the present invention to adjust the treatment conditions of the content of the recipient more precisely to the content of the recipient in order to obtain a better sterilization.
- Thereto, the present invention is characterized in that the device comprises a pressure device to create an over- and/or an underpressure in the recipient by injecting a fluidum in and/or removing the fluidum out of the recipient through a connecting chamber present in the packaging and closing means to airtightly close the recipient after sterilization by means of the closing element.
- By offering the possibility of creating an over- or underpressure in the recipient of the packaging by inserting in and/or removing a fluidum out of the recipient, it is achieved that the pressure in the recipient during sterilization of the content of the recipient can be adjusted more precisely independent of the temperature of the content of the recipient. This allows a more precise calibration of the treatment conditions of the content of the recipient resulting in a better sterilization of the content of the recipient.
- By closing the recipient airtightly after sterilization, preferably immediately after sterilization, it is avoided that new micro-organisms will nest in the recipient and the content of the recipient is sterilized under better controlled conditions in the final packaging.
- This way, it becomes possible to place the packaging with the recipient closed by the closing element in the device, which is provided to carry the packaging, to sterilize the content of the recipient by heating the content of the recipient by increasing or decreasing the heating element and the pressure in the recipient or at the same time increasing and decreasing the pressure locally in order to create a flow of fluidum in the by the closing element closed recipient (in situ), to close the recipient airtightly after sterilization by the closing element and subsequently take the packaging with sterilized content out of the device and for example, distribute it, storage it, etc.
- With content of the recipient in the context of the present invention is for example meant food products or other products or objects such as for example medical instruments, clothing, etc. in their final packaging but also the storage volume of the empty recipient itself. This way it is also possible to treat empty and airtightly closed recipients with this system in order to provide an empty sterile recipient, for example, to take up food products or to be used in a sterile environment such as a laboratory, operating room, etc.
- When the recipient more specifically contains food products, especially ready-to-serve meals, it was discovered that it is possible to prolong the preservation of the food products with preservation of aroma, nutritional value, taste and visual presentation.
- The above mentioned packaging can be a deep drawn or pressed dish or any other sort of packaging that can be closed by a closing element. The packaging is preferably made of a synthetic material or aluminum and is preferably a disposable packaging for one time use.
- The closing element can be for example a foil or a lid that is for example made out of plastic or aluminum.
- In preferred embodiments of the system according to the present invention, the pressure device comprises injection means to inject the fluidum through the packaging and/or to remove the fluidum from the connecting chamber which is airtightly closable by the closing element connected to the recipient to create the under- and/or overpressure in the recipient. Such injection means allow injection of the fluidum in and/or removal of the fluidum out of the recipient in a very simple manner. The injection means transport the fluidum preferably through the closing element or the walls of the connecting chamber.
- In further preferred embodiments of the system according to the present invention, the connecting chamber is a chamber separated from the recipient. Such a separate chamber allows significantly reducing the risk that the injection means come into direct contact with the content of the recipient.
- In further preferred embodiments, of the system according to the present invention, the injection means are provided to couple with the connecting chamber. The inventor has found that such a configuration further simplifies the injection and/or removal of the fluidum. When the coupling happens by pushing material away from the packaging, removing it, piercing it, cutting it, etc. such a configuration allows closing the recipient airtightly even before the sterilization with the system according the present invention so that only during coupling of the injection means to the connecting chamber an opening is created between the injection means and the recipient through the connecting chamber.
- In preferred embodiments of the present invention the connecting chamber is provided in the wall of the recipient. Such a configuration offers the advantage that the construction of the closing element becomes simpler.
- In a further preferred embodiment of the system according to the present invention the injection means are provided on a movable head, preferably a head that can move in an upward and a downward direction. The closing means furthermore specifically comprise a closing unit slidable over the movable head to close the recipient airtightly, preferably close it temporarily airtightly, more preferably during transport of the fluidum from and to the connecting chamber. This allows that during transport, i.e. injecting and/or removal of the fluidum through the packaging, it is avoided that for example unwanted organisms also move through the packaging and contaminate the content of the recipient.
- In further preferred embodiments of the system according to the present invention the above mentioned device further comprises a pushing device for exerting a force on the sides of the packaging opposite the force exerted during the creation of an under- and/or overpressure. The pushing device prevents the packaging, more specifically the connecting chamber and/or the recipient to be damaged during the sterilization process. Such a pushing device also allows packages with a weaker wall, such as a packaging that is made of walls as they are commonly used in the present disposable packages available on the market, to be used in the system according to the present invention.
- In further preferred embodiments of the system according to the present invention the pushing device comprises pushing elements to exert a force on the sides of the packaging. Such pushing elements allow in a simple way to compensate for the forces exerted on the walls of the packaging specifically when an overpressure is created in the recipient. Preferably, the pushing elements snuggly surround the recipient so that the walls of the packaging are pressed against the pushing elements when creating an overpressure in the recipient and thus compensate the forces exerted on the walls of the packaging.
- In special embodiments of the system according to the present invention the recipient and the connecting chamber are connected with each other through a canal. Preferably the closing units are provided to close the canal by sealing the closing element with the recipient. The above mentioned canal is therefore more preferably provided in the upper edge of the connecting chamber so that when the closing element is pushed on the upper edge by the closing means during welding, the canal is closed.
- The invention also relates to a method for sterilization, in which the method comprises the following steps:
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- closing the recipient with a closing element;
- creating an over- and/or underpressure in the recipient by injecting a fluidum in or removing the fluidum out of the recipient through a connecting chamber present in the packaging;
- heating the content of the recipient to a predetermined temperature to sterilize the content of the recipient:
- airtightly closing of the recipient by means of the closing element.
- By creating an over- and/or underpressure in the recipient of the packaging by injecting a fluidum in and/or removing the fluidum out of the recipient through the connecting chamber, it is achieved that the pressure in the recipient during sterilization of the content of the recipient can be determined more precisely, where in the past, this was only possible for the temperature of the content of the recipient. This allows a better sterilization to be implemented.
- Because after sterilization, preferably immediately after sterilization the recipient is closed airtightly by the closing element, it is avoided that new unwanted organisms nest in the recipient and the content of the recipient is sterilized under better circumstances in their final packaging.
- When the method is applied on food products, in particular ready-to-serve meals, it was found that it is possible to preserve the food products longer with preservation of aroma, nutritional value, taste and visual presentation.
- In preferred embodiments of the method according to the present method an overpressure is created in the recipient during the heating of the content of the recipient to sterilize the recipient, by injecting the fluidum in the recipient. By creating an overpressure in the recipient of the packaging, a satisfactory sterilization is achieved in a shorter time.
- In preferred embodiments of the present invention an underpressure is created in the recipient before the airtightly closing of the recipient through the connecting chamber. This has as a consequence that a longer preservation time can be reached. Furthermore, the method and the system according to the present invention allow the creation of the underpressure after sterilization to be combined with the creation of an overpressure during heating of the content of the recipient in the same device without the necessity of further actions.
- In preferred embodiments of the present invention the transport of the fluidum between the connecting chamber, the recipient and a further connecting chamber that is connected airtightly closable by the closing element to the recipient, is achieved by injecting fluidum in the first connecting chamber and removing the fluidum from the second connecting chamber. Such a transport of fluidum through the recipient of the connecting chamber, first connecting chamber, to the next connecting chamber, second connecting chamber, enables a further improvement of the sterilization of the content of the recipient since also places within the recipient which are more difficult to reach, can be reached more easily. It can be noticed that by injecting the fluidum in the first connecting chamber and at the same time removing the fluidum from the second connecting chamber in the recipient, at the same time an overpressure is created at the connection with the first connecting chamber and an underpressure is created at the connection with the second connecting chamber. It is also possible to create a controlled overpressure by squeezing the second connecting chamber.
- In preferred embodiments of the present invention a conserving gas is injected in the packaging through the injection means before the closing element is closed. Examples of such conserving gases are for example CO2, nitrogen, etc. Such conserving gases allow the preservation time to be further increased.
- In further preferred embodiments the recipient is already airtightly closed by the closing element, for the creation of the over- and/or underpressure in the recipient by injecting a fluidum in or removing the fluidum out of the recipient through the connection chamber, and the recipient is again closed airtightly by means of the closing element after heating of the content of the recipient at a predetermined temperature to sterilize the content of the recipient. Such a method has the advantage that after the recipient is closed airtightly after putting in the food products and before the sterilization, the food products are less in contact with the outer atmosphere during the following steps since the airtight packaging is only temporarily opened during sterilization. In doing so no new micro-organisms can enter the content of the recipient, also before the sterilization.
- This invention also relates to a device for sterilization of the content of the recipient of a packaging that is provided to be applied in the system as described here above.
- This invention also relates to a packaging with a connecting chamber provided to create an under- and/or overpressure in a by a closing element closed recipient of the packaging, a first connecting chamber connected to the recipient and provided to create an under- and/or overpressure in the recipient by injecting a fluidum in and/or removing the fluidum out of the recipient and a closing element for the airtightly closing of the recipient after an under- and/or overpressure is created in the recipient, characterized in that the packaging is provided with a from the first connecting chamber separated second connecting chamber which is airtightly closable by the closing element connected with the recipient in order to cause a transport of the fluidum between the first connecting chamber, the recipient and the second connecting chamber.
- Such a packaging has the advantage that the transport of the fluidum between the connecting chamber, the recipient and the second connecting chamber, allows a better sterilization of the content of the recipient since also places that are difficult to reach in the content of the packaging can be heated and therefore sterilized.
- The packaging according to the present invention is preferably provided to be applied in the system described here above.
- In preferred embodiments of the packaging according to the present invention the recipient is closed airtightly in order to reduce the risk of unwanted organisms entering the packaging before or after sterilization.
- To further clarify the characteristics of this invention and to indicate further advantages and special qualities, a more detailed description of the system and the method for sterilization of food products follows. It is clear that nothing in the following description can be interpreted as a restriction of the protection of this invention as claimed in the claims.
- In this description is by means of reference numbers referred to the herewith added drawing whereby:
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FIG. 1 : is an explosion representation of the system according to the invention; -
FIGS. 2 up to and including 9: are a schematic representation of the method according to the invention; -
FIG. 10 A: is a representation of the inside of a first embodiment of the packaging according to the invention; -
FIG. 10 B: is a representation of the inside of a second embodiment of the packaging according to the invention; -
FIG. 11 : is a representation of the packaging represented inFIG. 10 A with closing element (4) and decorative lid (16); -
FIG. 12 : is a detailed representation of the connecting chamber for a packaging with three compartments: -
FIG. 13 : is a top view of the second embodiment of the packaging according to the invention; -
FIG. 14 : is an exploded representation of a preferred embodiment of the system of the invention; -
FIG. 15 : is a top view of the system according toFIG. 14 ; -
FIG. 16 A: is a section of the system according toFIG. 14 along the axis A-A. -
FIG. 16 B: a detail ofFIG. 16 A -
FIG. 17 : a bottom view of the exploded representation ofFIG. 14 ; -
FIG. 18 : is an exploded representation of the system according toFIG. 14 included in a device; -
FIG. 19 : is a top view of the system according toFIG. 18 ; -
FIG. 20 : is a section of the system ofFIG. 19 along the axis A-A. - The system according to the invention comprises on one hand a
packaging 2 with arecipient 3 closed by aclosing element 4 and on the other hand adevice 1 for the sterilization of the content of therecipient 3. - The content of the
recipient 3 can contain products or objects such as food products, more specifically ready-to-serve meals, medical instruments, more specifically surgical instruments, more specifically a set for a specific medical intervention, such as for example a set of medical instruments, more specifically surgical instruments that are necessary to conduct an appendectomy, etc. . . . .Recipients 3 with such content can subsequently be preserved for a longer time under sterile conditions, which is important for food products to guarantee a long conservation time even if thepackaging 2 isn't stored coolly. By providingpackages 2 that can sterilely store objects such as medical material, it becomes possible to sterilely store the material sterile for a longer time and for example to transport it over longer distances without increasing the danger to infections. - The
recipient 3 can however stay empty as well. In that case the packaging can be used in sterile conditions without contaminating the sterile environment. If for example a sterile recipient is desirable in a sterile environment, such as an operation room or a laboratory, anempty recipient 3 that is sterilized according to the present method, can be used. -
FIGS. 10 A and 11 show a first embodiment of thepackaging 2 according to the invention. Thepackaging 2 consists of arecipient 3 with a content such as described above. Therecipient 3 comprises a bottom and sidewalls extending transversely to the bottom. The recipient is closed by aclosing element 4 that also allows a later airtightly closing of therecipient 3. Theclosing element 4 is preferably a foil that preferably is applied along the entire circumference of therecipient 3, through for example a thermal connection by for example melting (sealing) the recipient and the closing element together along the circumference of therecipient 3. Theclosing element 4 can however also be a lid that is put on therecipient 3, such as represented inFIG. 11 . - The recipient can comprise one
compartment 13, such as represented onFIG. 10 , in which for example different food products or other products or objects can be placed. Thedifferent compartments 13 are preferably separated from each other throughflanges 14. During the closing of therecipient 3 with theclosing element 4, for example by a foil, this foil is preferably also connected with theflanges 14. Preferably, however the different compartments are already separated from each other airtightly before sterilization, for example by connecting theflanges 14 with theclosing element 4 before sterilization. By directly separating thedifferent compartments 13, it is achieved that during sterilization, the content of therecipient 3 and thus of the different compartments isn't mixed. This is especially important when therecipient 3 contains food products and has the advantage that taste substances, aroma substances, coloring substances, etc. of the different food products present in the different compartments aren't mixed with each other as a result of which the food products can lose its taste, smell and color. Thus, for example different food products stored in therecipient 3 can be sterilized separately and yet be packed together in apackaging 2 by storing them separately from each other in different compartments of therecipient 3. - The
packaging 2 further comprises, such as specifically shown inFIG. 12 , a connectingchamber 5 that is provided for creating an under- and/or overpressure in therecipient 3 by removing a fluidum out of and/or injecting the fluidum in therecipient 3 through the connectingchamber 5. The connectingchamber 5 is preferably provided in the wall of therecipient 3, preferably extending transversely along the bottom, and has in a first embodiment, more preferably, a height that nearly corresponds with the height of therecipient 3. Preferably the connectingchamber 5 is however a relatively small chamber that extends at the bottom, i.e. opposite of theclosing element 4, therecipient 3 in a downward direction, i.e. in a direction away from theclosing element 4, and is part of the wall of therecipient 3, as shown in for exampleFIG. 10 B. The connectingchamber 5 preferably has a circular cross section but can also be implemented in other forms, such as for example, rectangular, oval, . . . . The connectingchamber 5 can be provided centrally in the recipient, although this is not central, as shown inFIG. 10 B. The connectingchamber 5 and the one ormore compartments 13 are preferably connected with each other through at least onecanal 12. Thesecanals 12 are preferably provided in the upper edge of the connectingchamber 5. - Although the connecting
chamber 5 shown in the figures only comprises one single compartment, a connectingchamber 5 can also be provided that comprises multiple compartments. Preferably these compartments of the connectingchamber 5 are each in connection with predetermined compartments of therecipient 3. More preferably the different compartments of the connectingchamber 5 are in connection withspecific compartments 13 of therecipient 3. This has as a consequence that the pressure in thedifferent compartments 13 of therecipient 3 can be regulated more individually by setting a different pressure in the different compartments of the connectingchamber 5. - The connecting
chamber 5 is preferably a chamber separate from therecipient 3. It is also possible to provide one or more connectingchambers compartment 13, such as for example showed inFIG. 10 B in which everycompartment 13 is provided with respectively a first 5 and a second connectingchamber 27. - The second connecting chamber shown in
FIG. 10 B is preferably airtightly closable connected by theclosing element 4 to therecipient 3 in order to enable a transport of fluidum between the first connectingchamber 5, therecipient 3 and the second connecting chamber. The second connectingchamber 27 is further constructed analogously to the first connectingchamber 5 and further characteristics of the first connectingchamber 5 can also be applied on the second connecting chamber, for example relating to installation, shape, etc. - Such a second connecting
chamber 27 can for example be provided in the shape of an additional chamber, next to the already provided connectingchamber 5, adjacent to therecipient 3 and connected to therecipient 3 by means, of for example, acanal 12. Ifmultiple compartments 13 are provided in therecipient 3, the second connectingchamber 27 can be adjacent to each of thecompartments 13. If it is provided that the compartments are organized around a central axis, wherein preferably the connectingchamber 5 is provided, the second connectingchamber 27, in this embodiment preferably, also is provided around the central axis, more preferably around the different compartments 13. Although the second connectingchamber 27 can also consist of a single compartment the second connectingchamber 27 can also comprise multiple compartments, for example a compartment percompartment 13 of therecipient 3. Such a configuration allows the flow of the fluidum through thecompartments 13 of therecipient 3 to be controlled individually. It is however also possible to provide multiple second connectingchambers 27, as shown inFIG. 10 B. Thus it is for example possible, as shown inFIG. 10 B, to provide respectively arecipient 3 withmultiple compartments 13 in which every compartment is connected with a connectingchamber 5 and second connectingchamber 27 as a result of which there are an equal amount of connectingchambers 5 and second connectingchambers 27 ascompartments 13 of therecipient 3. - The content of the
recipient 3 is sterilized by means of the system according to the invention, more specifically in thedevice 1 according to this invention. - The
device 1 for sterilization of the content of therecipient 3 of thepackaging 2 according to this invention comprises aheating element 8 to sterilize the content of therecipient 3 by heating, apressure device 7 to create an under- or overpressure in therecipient 3 by injecting the fluidum in or removing the fluidum out of therecipient 3, through the connectingchamber 5 of thepackaging 2 and closing means 9 to close therecipient 3 airtightly with theclosing element 4 after sterilization. Preferably thepressure device 7 comprises one or more injection means 6 to remove the fluidum out and/or inject the fluidum in the connectingchambers 5 through theclosing element 4. The connectingchamber 5 is thereby airtightly closed by theclosing element 4 connected to therecipient 3 to create the under- and/or overpressure in therecipient 3. The injection means 6 are preferably provided on amovable head 11. - To create an overpressure, a fluidum, such as for example air or any other gas, is injected in the packaging. Hereby the injected fluidum flows from the connecting
chamber 5 to therecipient 3, for example through thecanals 12 to thedifferent compartments 13 of therecipient 3. To create an underpressure in therecipient 3 the present fluidum will be removed out of therecipient 3 through means of thepressure device 7. The connectingchamber 5, separate of therecipient 3, makes sure the contained food products are not damaged during injection of removal of air or other gases out of thepackaging 2. - If the
packaging 2 is provided with a second connectingchamber 27, as described here above, thepressure device 7 is preferably also provided to, analogous to the connectingchamber 5, remove the fluidum out or inject the fluidum in therecipient 3 through the second connectingchamber 27 of thepackaging 2 and the closing means to close therecipient 3 airtightly after sterilization by means of the closing element. Preferably thepressure device 7 comprises one or multiple injection means 6 to remove the fluidum out or inject the fluidum in the second connectingchamber 27 through theclosing element 4. The second connectingchamber 27 is thereby closed airtightly closable by theclosing element 4 connected to therecipient 3 to create the under- or over pressure in therecipient 3. - Preferably the
pressure device 7 is adapted in such a way that thepressure device 7 is provided to inject fluidum in the connectingchamber 5 and remove the fluidum in the second connectingchamber 27 at the same time in order to cause a transport of the fluidum between the connectingchamber 5, therecipient 3 and the second connectingchamber 27. As discussed previously, such a transport of fluidum has an improved sterilization as a result. - In order to obtain access to the connecting
chamber closing element 4 can thereto be provided of several openings to the connectingchamber pressure device 7, the fluidum can in this way be injected in or removed out of the connectingchamber recipient 3. These openings can however also be provided in the wall of the connectingchamber recipient 3 and can, more preferably, be provided by cutting away a part of thepackaging 2, whereby thepackaging 2 is provided of means that allow this, such as cuttable small projections provided on the openings with preferably a weakness in the wall of thepackaging 2 on the cutting position in order to simplify the cutting of the small projection. Thedevice 1 and preferably the injection means 6 can also be provided with cutting means that allow the cutting. Preferably the injection means 6 are provided to couple with the connectingchamber 5. For this purpose the injection means 6 and the connectingchamber 5 are for example provided with cooperative screw thread that allows screwing of the injection means 6 onto the connectingchamber 5. Such a screw thread onto the connectingchamber 5 also allows closing the opening to and from the connecting chamber with a cap that is screwable onto the connectingchamber 5. - The injection means 6 can also be provided to pierce the
packaging 2, preferably theclosing element 4 or the connectingchamber 5, more preferably theclosing element 4 near the connectingchamber recipient 3, the injection means 6 are pierced through thepackaging 2 near the connectingchamber recipient 3 to already be closed airtightly temporarily by theclosing element 4 before thepackaging 2 is placed in thedevice 1 and thus before sterilization. Also the piercing of the packaging is simple to execute. This allows the content of therecipient 3 to be further protected, also before sterilization, which is important when the recipient contains for example food products. - To facilitate the piercing of the
packaging 2, preferably the connectingchamber chamber packaging 2, is preferably thinner than the surroundings of that location. Thus, the piercing, cutting, pushing away, etc. of the wall of the connectingchamber chamber chamber - In the system shown in
FIG. 1 thepackaging 2 for example has a connectingchamber 5 with a single compartment. The connectingchamber 5 is connected with the different surroundingcompartments 13 of thepackaging 2. - The
packaging 2 shown inFIGS. 14-17 has multiple connectingchambers 5, more specifically 6 compartments. The compartments are provided at the bottom of thepackaging 2, this means at the side of thepackaging 2 positioned opposite of theclosing element 4. In accordance with the compartments of the connectingchamber 5, thedevice 1 comprises several injection means 6, more specifically needles, more specifically six needles that are capable of piercing the compartments of the connectingchamber 5. This is shown inFIG. 16 B in which a detail is shown of an injection mean 6 that pierces thepackaging 2, more specifically a compartment of the connectingchamber 5. Although a single connectingchamber 5 is sufficient in the system and the method according to the present method and for use in the device according to the present invention, it is possible that multiple connectingchambers 5 are also provided in thepackaging 2, such as the second connectingchamber 27 in the packaging according to the present invention. These connectingchambers 5 can be adjacent but can also lay spread across thepackaging 2. - Between the connecting
chambers recipient 3. After sterilization thecanal 12 is closed by exerting pressure on thecanal 12 and securing theclosing element 4 in this position onto therecipient 3, for example by sealing it. It is however also possible that thecanals 12 are provided in the shape of recesses that are provided in the upper edge of the connectingchamber chamber closing element 4. In such a case it is for example possible the close thecanal 12 by pushing the foil in thecanal 12 and subsequently sealing it with the walls of thecanal 12. - It can be noticed that before use, the
recipient 3 can be completely closed airtightly by theclosing element 4 along the contour of therecipient 3. Although during sterilizing therecipient 3 is no longer closed airtightly since the compartments of the connectingchamber recipient 3 is again possible by closing therecipient 3 airtightly off the connectingchamber canal 12. If the connectingchamber FIG. 15 andFIG. 1 , the airtight closing of the connectingchamber recipient 3 can for example happen by sealing the upright edge around the connectingchamber closing element 4. Therefore thecanals 12 are airtightly closable by sealing the closing element to therecipient 3. - The injection means 6 are preferably provided an a
movable head 11 to move the injection means 6 to and away from thepackaging 2. - If the
recipient 3 comprisesmultiple compartments 13, a separate heating part of theheating element 8 can be provided percompartment 13 as for example shown inFIG. 1 . As such the food products placed in thedifferent compartments 13 can be brought to a desired temperature during a desired period. The heating parts of theheating element 8 are for example electrical heating parts, as shown inFIG. 1 . It is however obvious that the heating parts can be adapted to bring the food products placed in thedifferent compartments 13 at temperature through radiation of another known or until now unknown method. By heating the food products during a certain time the micro-organisms in the food products will be killed. Furthermore, enzymes will be neutralised by the heath. - Preferably the
heating element 8 comprises a microwave radiation-source 17 as shown inFIG. 20 , preferably a linear continuously variable microwave generator. More preferably a separate heating part is provided per compartment, with further preference aseparate microwave source 17, as shown inFIG. 18 . Themicrowave source 17 preferably comprises a so-called mode-stirrer 18, as shown inFIG. 20 , that allows the microwave radiation emitted by the microwave source to be spread better, and thus to homogenize the distribution of the microwave radiation. More preferably each compartment comprises a separate mode-stirrer - The closing means preferably consist of a
closing unit 9 slidable over themovable head 1. Theclosing unit 9 is preferably provided to close theclosing element 4 airtightly near thecanals 12 at the upper edge of the connectingchamber 5, as discussed above and can therefore for example be provided with a pushing edge for pushing the closing element against the upper edge of the connectingchamber 5 with a shape that snuggly fits the shape of the upper edge of the connectingchamber 5, withthickenings 26 on the pushing edge that cooperate with the shape of thecanals 12 in the edge of the connectingchamber 5, as shown inFIG. 1 . Further the closing means are provided to attach theclosing element 4 to therecipient 3 and thereto comprise for example a heating element provided to seal theclosing element 4, in that case preferably a thereto provided foil, to the upper edges of therecipient 3. - To prevent the
packaging 2 from being damaged by for example piercing theclosing element 4 or the creating of an over- or underpressure in thepackaging 2, thedevice 1 further comprises a pushing device for exerting a force on the walls of thepackaging 2 opposite of the force exerted on the walls of the packaging during creating of the under- or overpressure. - The pushing
device 10 preferably comprises pushingelements 22 to exert the force on the walls of thepackaging 2. More preferably the pushingelements 22 are formed in such a way that they snuggly fittingly surround thepackaging 2. Such an embodiment is for example shown in more detail inFIG. 10 and comprises preferably abottom part 23 that supports therecipient 3 and the connectingchamber 5 of thepackaging 2, and anupper part 24 that covers theclosing element 4. Bothparts - The
bottom part 23 shown inFIG. 17 is provided of openings that allow access to the injection means 6 through thebottom part 23 to thepackaging 2. This is however not necessary for the invention and the injection means can for example also be provided above thebottom part 23. - The
upper part 24 preferably comprises several recesses that allow the closing element to be locally elevated so that thecanal 12 between closing chamber andrecipient 3 can be opened when the fluidum is injected in the connectingchamber 5 so that the fluidum can flow to therecipient 3. Therecesses 25 are as such dimensioned that they one hand allow the fluidum to open the canal yet on the other hand exert a sufficient amount of force on thepackaging 2 in order to compensate for the forced caused by the overpressure. - Preferably the pushing
device 10 allows that by creating an overpressure in therecipient 3, theclosing element 4 is elevated slightly on the position where the closing element will later be airtightly connected with therecipient 3. Such a construction allows making less accessible places, such as the crack betweenclosing element 4 and therecipient 3, accessible for sterilization. - The
device 1 further preferably comprises acooling device 21 to cool the content of therecipient 3 after heating of the content of therecipient 3 as a part of the sterilization process. Thecooling device 21 thereto preferably comprises several canals that allow a cooling fluidum to be led alongside thepackaging 2, preferably alongside therecipient 3. The canals are placed in such a way that the cooling fluidum, preferably a cooling liquid, such as for example water, more specifically icewater, can absorb the heath of the content of therecipient 3 so that the content of therecipient 3 is cooled. In a preferred embodiment, the canals of the cooling device are taken up in the pushing elements of the pushingdevice 10 since these pushing elements preferably surround the packaging, preferably therecipient 3 in a snuggly fit fashion and the canals are preferably positioned closely to the packaging, more specifically the recipient, to better absorb the heath of the content of therecipient 3. Preferably, the cooling fluidum comes in direct contact with thepackaging 2, more specifically, with therecipient 3. As such, the cooling fluidum can for example be sprayed onto thepackaging 2. In order to supply the cooling fluidum to thepackaging 2 there are, as shown inFIG. 17 , several openings provided in thebottom part 23 that lead to several canals that touch thepackaging 2, preferably at therecipient 3, and allow the cooling fluidum to come in direct contact with thepackaging 2, preferably therecipient 3. - If the cooling fluidum comes into direct contact with the
packaging 2, more specifically therecipient 3, theheating element 8 is separated from the places where the cooling fluidum flows, the circuit of the cooling fluidum, especially if these are electrically driven. Thereto, preferably a plate is installed between theheating element 8 and the circuit of the cooling fluidum. If theheating element 8 comprises amicrowave source 17 to heat the content of the content of therecipient 3, the plate is preferably aglass plate 27, more preferably a quartz glass plate, since such a plate lets microwave pass at a maximal level. - If the
heating element 8 comprises amicrowave source 17, thedevice 1 preferably is provided to absorb the radiation emitted by themicrowave source 17 so that this can not leave the device. Thus, it is prevented that a user of thedevice 1 is irradiated by the microwave irradiation generated by the microwave source. - The method according to the invention will be explained hereafter with references to the more schematic
FIGS. 2 up to and including 9. Food products or other products or objects are, in case the food products placed in therecipient 3 after preparation in a traditional kitchen or by a mass caterer, preferably in the thereto intendedcompartments 13 of therecipient 3. Thepackaging 2 is then preferably first airtightly closed with theclosing element 4, for example a foil. Hereby it is noted that thecanals 12 provided between the connectingchamber 5 and the recipient remain empty. - After the closing of the
packaging 2 by theclosing element 4, the content of therecipient 3 will be sterilized by means of thedevice 1. Hereby, the injection means will, as shown onFIG. 2 , as it were, couple with the connectingchamber 5 to inject fluidum into the connectingchamber 5 or remove fluidum from the connectingchamber 5. Preferably, hereto the injection means will move in a downward direction, for example by moving thehead 11 with the injection means 6 downwards. The injection means 6 will thereby pierce theclosing element 4. Other possibilities to couple the injection means to the connecting chamber are however possible and are explained hereabove. The coupling preferably is such that after coupling a reduced contact between the content of therecipient 3 and the outer atmosphere is obtained, by which also outside contamination is avoided. Hereto, thehead 11 is preferably provided in a manner in which it connects to the upper edge of the connectingchamber 5. - Simultaneously with the coupling with the
closing element 4 by the injection means, the pushingdevice 10 protects thepackaging 2 against the forces caused during the creation of an over- or underpressure. For example the pushingdevice 10, as shown onFIG. 3 , moves upwards to protect thepackaging 2. On the other hand the pushingdevice 10 can always be at the desired position such as the pushingdevice 10 shown inFIG. 14 . The pushingdevice 10 shown inFIG. 1 is positioned near the connectingchamber 5. - After this the
pressure device 7, for example a compressor, will inject the fluidum into the connecting chamber through the injection means 6 (seeFIG. 4 ) to create an overpressure in thepackaging 2. The injected fluidum flows through thecanals 12 to the different compartments 13. Once the desired pressure is obtained, the content of thedifferent compartments 13 can be brought to the desired temperature through means of the separate heating parts of the heating element 8 (seeFIG. 5 ). The duration/intensity of the heating is controlled separately percompartment 13 by detection means. The results of this detection will determine the duration and the force of the heating in function of the content of therecipient 3. The sterilization process is started by the high pressure, caused by the injected fluidum, and the temperature, caused by theheating element 8, in thedifferent compartments 13 of therecipient 3. - The pressure build up by injecting the fluidum is preferably 2.5-3 bar, of which the inventor discovered that good sterilization results can be obtained at a temperature of the content of the
recipient 3 of above 100° C., preferably of above 135° C., most preferably 135° C. since at such a temperature an improved killing of the micro-organisms is also obtained. - The fluidum injected for sterilization can for example be air, but can also be vapor, steam of even overheated steam. Steam, and with more preference overheated steam can be used to sterilize medical instruments or even
empty recipients 3. - After the complete sterilization process—after all each compartment is preferably sterilized separately—the overpressure and excessive vapor (caused by the sterilization process) are removed by creating an underpressure (see
FIG. 6 ). To create an underpressure in therecipient 3 thepressure device 7 will remove the air present and possible vapor through the injection means 6 out of the recipient 3 (by suction). After building up of the underpressure in therecipient 3, it is possible to inject a conserving gas in thepackaging 2 through the injection means 6 (seeFIG. 7 ). The conserving gas can be stored in aseparate storing unit 15. - It is also possible to cause a transport of fluidum between the first connecting
chamber 5, therecipient 3 and the second connectingchamber 27 of thepackaging 2, if present. Such a transport of fluidum allows a further improvement of the sterilization and allows rinsing the content of therecipient 3, especially if this contains objects such as medical instruments or if it is empty, preferably with steam, more preferably with overheated steam. - Afterwards a
closing unit 9 will slide over thehead 11 until thefoil 4, and seal the foil near thecanals 12 provided in the upper edge of the connecting chamber 5 (seeFIG. 8 ). Theclosing unit 9 preferably has a shape corresponding to the shape of the connectingchamber 5, more specifically corresponding to the shape of the upper edge of the connectingchamber 5 so that also thecanals 12 provided in the connectingchamber 5 are sealed. After closing the foil, the head with the injection means and the closing unit move upwards, the pushing device moves downward and the packaging is removed out of the device (seeFIG. 9 ). The packaging can afterwards still be provided with a decorative lid with printing.
Claims (22)
1. System for sterilization, comprising a packaging (2) comprising a recipient (3) closed with a closing element (4) and an device (1) with a heating element (8) for sterilizing the content of the recipient (3) by heating, characterized in that the device (1) comprises a pressure device (7) to create an over- and/or an underpressure in the recipient (3) by injecting a fluidum in and/or removing the fluidum out of the recipient through a connecting chamber (5) present in the packaging (2) and closing means (9) to airtightly close the recipient (3) after sterilization by means of the closing element (4).
2. System for sterilization as claimed in claim 1 , characterized in that the pressure device (7) comprises injection means (6) to respectively inject the fluidum through the packaging (2) and/or to remove the fluidum from the connecting chamber (5) which is airtightly closable by the closing element (4) connected to the recipient (3) to create the under- and/or overpressure in the recipient (3).
3. System as claimed in claim 1 , characterized in that the connecting chamber (5) is a chamber separate from the recipient (3).
4. System as claimed in claim, characterized in that the injection means (6) are provided to couple with the connecting chamber (5).
5. System as claimed in claim 2 , characterized in that the injection means (6) are provided on a movable head (11).
6. System as claimed in claim 5 , characterized in that the closing means comprise a closing unit (9) slidable over the movable head (11), to airtightly close the recipient (3).
7. System as claimed in claim 1 , characterized in that the above mentioned device (1) further comprises a pushing device (10) for exerting a force on the sides of the packaging (2) opposite to the force exerted during the creation of an under- and/or overpressure.
8. System as claimed in claim 7 , characterized in that the pushing device (10) comprises pushing elements to exert the force on the sides of the packaging (2).
9. System as claimed in claim 1 , characterized in that the recipient (3) and the connecting chamber (5) are connected to each other through a canal (12).
10. System as claimed in claim 9 , characterized in that the closing means comprise a closing unit (9) slidable over the movable head (11), to airtightly close the recipient (3) and the closing unit (9) is provided to close the canal (12) by sealing the closing element (4) with the recipient (3).
11. System as claimed in claim 1 , characterized in that the recipient (3) comprises food.
12. Method for sterilization of the content of a recipient (3) of a packaging (2), characterized in that the method comprises the following steps:
a. closing the recipient (3) with a closing element (4);
b. creating an over- and/or underpressure in the recipient (3) by injecting the fluidum in and/or removing the fluidum out of the recipient (3) through a connecting chamber (5) present in the packaging (2);
c. heating the content of the recipient (3) to a predetermined temperature to sterilize the content of the recipient:
d. airtight closing of the recipient (3) by means of the closing element (4).
13. Method as claimed in claim 12 , characterized in that during the heating of the content of the recipient (3) to sterilize the content of the recipient, an overpressure is created in the recipient (3) by injection of the fluidum in the recipient (3).
14. Method as claimed in claim 12 , characterized in that for the airtight closing of the recipient (3) an underpressure is created in the recipient through the connecting chamber (5).
15. Method as claimed in claim 12 , characterized in that a transport of the fluidum is caused between the connecting chamber (5), the recipient (3) and a further connecting chamber (27) that is connected airtight closable by the closing element (4) with the recipient (3), by injecting fluidum in the first connecting chamber (5) and removing it from the second connecting chamber (27).
16. Method as claimed in claim 12 , characterized in that before the recipient is closed airtight by means of the closing element (4), a conserving gas is injected in the packaging (2) through injection means (6).
17. Method as claimed in claim 12 , characterized in that for creating the under- and/or overpressure in the recipient (3) by injecting the fluidum in or removing it out of the recipient (3), through the connecting chamber (5), the recipient (3) is already closed airtight by the closing element (4) and in that the recipient (3) after heating the content of the recipient (3) on the predetermined temperature to sterilize the content of the recipient is again closed airtight by means of the closing element (4).
18. Device (1) for the sterilization of the content of a recipient (3) of a packaging (2), characterized in that this is provided to be applied in a system as claimed in claim 1 .
19. Packaging (2) with a connecting chamber (5) provided to create an under- and/or overpressure in a recipient (3) closed by a closing element (4), a first connecting chamber (5) connected to the recipient (3) by a canal (12) and provided to create an under- and/or overpressure in the recipient (3) by injecting a fluidum in and/or removing the fluidum out of the recipient and a closing element (4) for the airtight closing of the recipient (3) after an under- and/or overpressure is created in the recipient (3), characterized in that the packaging (2) is provided with a second connecting chamber (27) separate from the first connecting chamber (5) which is airtightly closable connected by the closing element (4) with the recipient (3) in order to cause a transport of the fluidum between the first connecting chamber (5), the recipient (3) and the second connecting chamber (27).
20. Packaging (2) as claimed in claim 19 , characterized in that the recipient (3) is airtightly closed.
21. (canceled)
22. System for sterilization as claimed in claim 1 , characterized in that the packaging (2) comprises a connecting chamber (5) provided to create an under- and/or overpressure in a recipient (3) closed by a closing element (4), a first connecting chamber (5) connected to the recipient (3) by a canal (12) and provided to create an under- and/or overpressure in the recipient (3) by injecting a fluidum in and/or removing the fluidum out of the recipient and a closing element (4) for the airtight closing of the recipient (3) after an under- and/or overpressure is created in the recipient (3), characterized in that the packaging (2) is provided with a second connecting chamber (27) separate from the first connecting chamber (5) which is airtightly closable connected by the closing element (4) with the recipient (3) in order to cause a transport of the fluidum between the first connecting chamber (5), the recipient (3) and the second connecting chamber (27).
Applications Claiming Priority (3)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
BEBE2008/0481 | 2008-08-29 | ||
BE2008/0481A BE1018274A3 (en) | 2008-08-29 | 2008-08-29 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR STERILIZING FOODSTUFFS IN THE FINAL PACK. |
PCT/IB2009/053794 WO2010023640A1 (en) | 2008-08-29 | 2009-08-31 | System, method and device for sterilization and packaging for use therefor |
Publications (1)
Publication Number | Publication Date |
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US20110209443A1 true US20110209443A1 (en) | 2011-09-01 |
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Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
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US13/060,888 Abandoned US20110209443A1 (en) | 2008-08-29 | 2009-08-31 | System, method and device for sterilization and packaging for use therefor |
Country Status (5)
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US (1) | US20110209443A1 (en) |
EP (1) | EP2334561B1 (en) |
CN (1) | CN102202977B (en) |
BE (1) | BE1018274A3 (en) |
WO (1) | WO2010023640A1 (en) |
Cited By (1)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
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US20140197163A1 (en) * | 2013-01-16 | 2014-07-17 | Standex International Corporation | Microwave mode stirrer apparatus |
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US20140197163A1 (en) * | 2013-01-16 | 2014-07-17 | Standex International Corporation | Microwave mode stirrer apparatus |
Also Published As
Publication number | Publication date |
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CN102202977A (en) | 2011-09-28 |
WO2010023640A1 (en) | 2010-03-04 |
BE1018274A3 (en) | 2010-08-03 |
CN102202977B (en) | 2014-10-22 |
EP2334561A1 (en) | 2011-06-22 |
EP2334561B1 (en) | 2013-01-09 |
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