U.S. patent application number 13/767555 was filed with the patent office on 2013-08-15 for design control water based adhesive.
This patent application is currently assigned to SteriPax, Inc.. The applicant listed for this patent is SteriPax, Inc.. Invention is credited to Edward W. Burmeister.
Application Number | 20130206630 13/767555 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 48944721 |
Filed Date | 2013-08-15 |
United States Patent
Application |
20130206630 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Burmeister; Edward W. |
August 15, 2013 |
DESIGN CONTROL WATER BASED ADHESIVE
Abstract
The present invention includes compositions of matter, methods
of making and using a sealable container using a design control
water based adhesive composition for application using a printing
press by providing a substrate comprising a first side and a second
side each having a top edge, a bottom edge, a right edge, a left
edge and a storage region positioned there between; applying a
first composition to the top edge, the bottom edge, the right edge,
the left edge; applying at least a second composition to the first
composition; and placing a cover on the at least a second
composition to be sealed by the second composition and the first
composition.
Inventors: |
Burmeister; Edward W.;
(Pace, FL) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
SteriPax, Inc.; |
|
|
US |
|
|
Assignee: |
SteriPax, Inc.
Huntington Beach
CA
|
Family ID: |
48944721 |
Appl. No.: |
13/767555 |
Filed: |
February 14, 2013 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
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61598539 |
Feb 14, 2012 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
206/459.1 ;
206/524.6; 428/35.7; 428/36.6; 428/36.8; 493/220; 524/557; 524/562;
524/563; 524/565; 524/567; 524/568; 524/571; 524/575; 524/575.5;
524/579; 524/582; 524/588; 524/591; 524/599; 524/608 |
Current CPC
Class: |
B31B 2155/00 20170801;
C09J 9/00 20130101; B31B 70/62 20170801; Y10T 428/1386 20150115;
B31B 2170/20 20170801; Y10T 428/1379 20150115; Y10T 428/1352
20150115 |
Class at
Publication: |
206/459.1 ;
428/35.7; 428/36.8; 428/36.6; 206/524.6; 493/220; 524/565; 524/608;
524/571; 524/563; 524/582; 524/579; 524/575.5; 524/567; 524/599;
524/591; 524/557; 524/568; 524/588; 524/575; 524/562 |
International
Class: |
C09J 9/00 20060101
C09J009/00; B31B 19/62 20060101 B31B019/62; B65D 81/00 20060101
B65D081/00 |
Claims
1. A design control water based adhesive composition for
application for use with a printing press comprising: a design
control water based adhesive composition comprising one or more
selected from acrylonitrile butadiene, polyamide, polybutadiene,
ethylene vinyl acetate, polypropylene, polybutylene, acrylic,
natural rubber, neoprene, polycholoroprene, polyester, polyester
emulsion, polyisoprene, polypropylene emulsion, polyurethane,
polyvinyl acetate, polyvinyl alcohol, polyvinyl butyral, polyvinyl
chloride, polyvinylidene chloride, silicone emulsion, styrene
isoprene, styrene acronitrile, styrene acrylic, styrene butadiene,
vinyl acetate, vinyl acetate-ethylene, vinyl alcohol, and wax
emulsion, wherein the design control water based adhesive
composition is adapted for use with a printing press.
2. The package of claim 1 wherein the design control water based
adhesive composition comprises about 1 to 99.9% of a polymer or
combination of polymers, selected from the group consisting of:
styrene butadiene rubber (SBR), acrylic polymers and copolymers,
ethylene vinyl acetate (EVA), ethylene methacrylic (EMA) or acrylic
acid (EAA), polyethyleneimine (PEI), polyurethane (PU), silanes and
silanated polymers.
3. The design control water based adhesive composition of claim 1
further comprising one or more additives selected from the group
consisting of tackifiers, fillers, plasticizers, property
modifiers, flow modifiers, dyes, pigments, flame retardants,
stabilizers, antioxidants, compatibilizers, antimicrobial agents,
pH adjusters, deionized water, colorants, sequestrants,
preservatives, surfactants and other additives.
4. A package for containing an article comprising: a flexible
anchor web; a flexible transfer web; and a design control water
based adhesive composition adapted for use with a printing press
comprising one or more selected from acrylonitrile butadiene,
polyamide, polybutadiene, ethylene vinyl acetate, polypropylene,
polybutylene, acrylic, natural rubber, neoprene, polycholoroprene,
polyester, polyester emulsion, polyisoprene, polypropylene
emulsion, polyurethane, polyvinyl acetate, polyvinyl alcohol,
polyvinyl butyral, polyvinyl chloride, polyvinylidene chloride,
silicone emulsion, styrene isoprene, styrene acronitrile, styrene
acrylic, styrene butadiene, vinyl acetate, vinyl acetate-ethylene,
vinyl alcohol, and wax emulsion coated on a surface of either or
both of said anchor and transfer webs.
5. The package of claim 4 wherein said polymer emulsion contains a
polymer or copolymer selected from the group consisting of:
carboxylated vinyl acetate ethylene emulsion, styrene acrylate
emulsion and acrylates, styrene acrylates, vinyl acetates, vinyl
acetate ethylene copolymers, ethylene vinyl acetate copolymers,
(high styrene) styrene butadiene rubbers, polyurethane dispersions,
polystyrene emulsions, vinyl chloride ethylene emulsions, polyvinyl
chloride homopolymers and copolymers emulsions, polyvinylidene
chloride homopolymers and copolymer emulsions, polyethylene
homopolymer and copolymer emulsions, polypropylene homopolymer and
copolymer emulsions, and polyester emulsions, acrylonitrile
butadiene, polyamide, polybutadiene, ethylene vinyl acetate,
polypropylene, polybutylene, acrylic, natural rubber, neoprene,
polycholoroprene, polyester, polyester emulsion, polyisoprene,
polypropylene emulsion, polyurethane, polyvinyl acetate, polyvinyl
alcohol, polyvinyl butyral, polyvinyl chloride, polyvinylidene
chloride, silicone emulsion, styrene isoprene, styrene acronitrile,
styrene acrylic, styrene butadiene, vinyl acetate, vinyl
acetate-ethylene, vinyl alcohol, wax emulsion and/or mixtures
thereof.
6. The package of claim 4 wherein the design control water based
adhesive composition comprises about 1 to 99.9% of a polymer or
combination of polymers, selected from the group consisting of:
styrene butadiene rubber (SBR), acrylic polymers and copolymers,
ethylene vinyl acetate (EVA), ethylene methacrylic (EMA) or acrylic
acid (EAA), polyethyleneimine (PEI), polyurethane (PU), silanes and
silanated polymers.
7. The package of claim 4, further comprising an integral
sterilization indicator.
8. A packaging printing press kit for a sealable container
comprising: a sealable container comprising a first side and a
second side each having a top side, a bottom side, a right side, a
left side and a storage region positioned there between; one or
more adhesive layers deposited on the sealable substrate the top
side, the bottom side, the right side, the left side of the first
side; and a cover positioned to fit the sealable substrate.
9. The kit of claim 8, further comprising a sterilized sealable
substrate.
10. The kit of claim 8, further comprising an integral
sterilization indicator.
11. The kit of claim 8, wherein the one or more adhesive layers
comprise a polymer or copolymer selected from the group consisting
of: carboxylated vinyl acetate ethylene emulsion, styrene acrylate
emulsion and acrylates, styrene acrylates, vinyl acetates, vinyl
acetate ethylene copolymers, ethylene vinyl acetate copolymers,
(high styrene) styrene butadiene rubbers, polyurethane dispersions,
polystyrene emulsions, vinyl chloride ethylene emulsions, polyvinyl
chloride homopolymers and copolymers emulsions, polyvinylidene
chloride homopolymers and copolymer emulsions, polyethylene
homopolymer and copolymer emulsions, polypropylene homopolymer and
copolymer emulsions, and polyester emulsions, acrylonitrile
butadiene, polyamide, polybutadiene, ethylene vinyl acetate,
polypropylene, polybutylene, acrylic, natural rubber, neoprene,
polycholoroprene, polyester, polyester emulsion, polyisoprene,
polypropylene emulsion, polyurethane, polyvinyl acetate, polyvinyl
alcohol, polyvinyl butyral, polyvinyl chloride, polyvinylidene
chloride, silicone emulsion, styrene isoprene, styrene acronitrile,
styrene acrylic, styrene butadiene, vinyl acetate, vinyl
acetate-ethylene, vinyl alcohol, wax emulsion and/or mixtures
thereof.
12. A packaging method for a sealable container using a design
control water based adhesive composition for application using a
printing press comprising the steps of: providing a printing press
having multiple heads; providing the multiple heads individually
with at least a first composition and a second composition;
providing a substrate comprising a first side and a second side
each having a top edge, a bottom edge, a right edge, a left edge
and a storage region positioned there between; applying the first
composition from the printing press to the top edge, the bottom
edge, the right edge, the left edge; applying at least the second
composition from the printing press to the first composition; and
placing a cover on the at least a second composition to be sealed
by the second composition and the first composition.
13. The method of claim 12, further comprising the step of
sterilizing the substrate.
14. The method of claim 12, further comprising the step of adding
an integral sterilization indicator.
15. The method of claim 12, wherein the second composition and the
first composition independently comprise a polymer or copolymer
selected from the group consisting of: a design control water based
adhesive composition comprising one or more selected from
acrylonitrile butadiene, polyamide, polybutadiene, ethylene vinyl
acetate, polypropylene, polybutylene, acrylic, natural rubber,
neoprene, polycholoroprene, polyester, polyester emulsion,
polyisoprene, polypropylene emulsion, polyurethane, polyvinyl
acetate, polyvinyl alcohol, polyvinyl butyral, polyvinyl chloride,
polyvinylidene chloride, silicone emulsion, styrene isoprene,
styrene acronitrile, styrene acrylic, styrene butadiene, vinyl
acetate, vinyl acetate-ethylene, vinyl alcohol, and wax emulsion.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application claims priority based on U.S. Provisional
Application No. 61/598,539, filed Feb. 14, 2012. The contents of
which is incorporated by reference in its entirety.
INCORPORATION-BY-REFERENCE OF MATERIALS FILED ON COMPACT DISC
[0002] None.
TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0003] The present invention relates in general to the field of
adhesive compositions, specifically to compositions of matter and
methods of making and using adhesive compositions for packaging a
sterilizable article for presentation onto a sterile field.
STATEMENT OF FEDERALLY FUNDED RESEARCH
[0004] None.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0005] Without limiting the scope of the invention, its background
is described in connection with coating of an adhesive, applied and
pressure sealed, to form an airtight seal to maintain sterility.
Various medical instruments, medical devices, tools, and supplies
are subjected to sterilization treatments and packaged sterilely.
In the context of packaging, it is particularly important that
sterile technique be practiced during sealing and during opening of
a package. One important feature of the packaging material is to
have good drapeability such that it will readily fall away from a
sterilized item as the sterilized package is opened. Another
important feature is the sealing of the package to maintain
sterility. Often a single coating of adhesive is applied and
pressure sealed, in theory, to form an airtight seal in order to
maintain sterility; however, in actuality the single coating is
susceptible to non-uniform coating and leakage.
[0006] For example, U.S. Patent Application Publication No.
2008/0102232, entitled, "Synthetic Based Self Seal Adhesive System
for Packaging," includes a water based self seal adhesive system
utilizing a self seal adhesive containing no natural rubber. The
self seal adhesive system is a transfer adhesive disposed on a
transfer web and an anchor adhesive disposed on an anchor web with
the two adhesives forming the seal for the package. The self seal
adhesives bond to themselves when pressure is applied to close or
seal the packaging material. When peeled apart, the adhesive
splits, adhesive fails from either or both the front web and the
back web, or destroys one or both of the substrates of the package.
Primer coatings may also be used to enhance performance of the self
seal adhesive.
[0007] For example, U.S. Pat. No. 5,653,090, entitled,
"Sterilizable Flexible Pouch Package," includes a high temperature
steam-sterilizable flexible pouch package includes a non-woven
barrier web, a perforated plastic intermediate web, and an
imperforate plastic upper web. Line heat seals bonding the webs
form a cavity into which high temperature sterilizing steam may
enter after passing through the barrier and intermediate webs. The
line heat seal bonding the upper and intermediate webs is of the
delamination failure type. An access opening is provided for
insertion of an object to be sterilized into the cavity after which
the access opening is sealed, enclosing the object in the cavity.
After high temperature steam sterilizing, the package is opened by
peeling apart the upper web from the intermediate web which causes
a delamination failure of the line heat seal.
[0008] For example, U.S. Pat. No. 7,718,433, entitled, "Packaging
System for a Sterilized Article," includes a sterilization pouch.
The pouch includes a posterior portion attached to an anterior
portion along three edges. The two portions define the pouch. The
top part of the pouch is inverted so that the inside part of the
pouch is facing outward and forms a cuff around the pouch. An
integral internal sterilization indicator is further provided. The
integral indicator comprises a sterilizing agent sensitive
substance. The sterilizing agent sensitive substance can be an
indicator ink printed as an ink line on the interior of the
sterilization pouch below the cuff.
[0009] For example, U.S. Pat. No. 6,059,112, entitled, "Peel
Package," includes a sterilizable package for medical objects or
the like, comprising, a first layer of material, a second layer of
film on said first layer, a third layer having a preformed blister
formed from film on said second layer, the layers being sealed
together in a peripheral seal to form a space between the second
and third layers for an object, the seal between the first layer
and the second and third layers being releasable by tensile
separation of the first layer from the second and third layers, and
the second layer having a breakable perforation line at the space
whereby the second layer can be broken at the perforation line to
expose a portion of the object for direct presentation of the
object from one person to another person.
[0010] For example, U.S. Pat. No. 6,383,586, entitled,
"Formulation," includes an adhesive composition that is
specifically formulated for use in packaging medical products such
as catheters between a spun-bonded polyolefin non-woven fabric and
an ethylene vinyl acetate copolymer film includes from about 5 to
about 65 percent by weight of a low density polyethylene; from
about 35 to about 90 percent by weight of an ethylene vinyl acetate
copolymers; and from about 5 to about 65 percent by weight of a
linear block copolymer having at least one vinyl substituted
aromatic hydrocarbon polymer block and at least one polyolefin
polymer block made from an aliphatic conjugated diene.
[0011] For example, U.S. Pat. No. 6,063,838, entitled, "Blended
Pressure-Sensitive Adhesives," includes a pressure-sensitive
adhesive comprising a blend of at least two components, wherein the
first component is at least one pressure-sensitive adhesive and the
second component is at least one thermoplastic material, wherein
the components form a blended composition having more than one
domain and, wherein one domain is substantially continuous
(generally, the pressure-sensitive adhesive) and the other domain
is substantially fibrillous to schistose (generally, the
thermoplastic material). The second component can be (a) at least
one thermoplastic elastomer, (b) at least one elastomer with a
tackifying resin or (c) at least one elastomer. The entire contents
of each which are incorporated herein by reference.
BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0012] The present invention provides a design control water based
adhesive composition for application using a printing press
comprising: a design control water based adhesive composition
comprising one or more selected from acrylonitrile butadiene,
polyamide, polybutadiene, ethylene vinyl acetate, polypropylene,
polybutylene, acrylic, natural rubber, neoprene, polycholoroprene,
polyester, polyester emulsion, polyisoprene, polypropylene
emulsion, polyurethane, polyvinyl acetate, polyvinyl alcohol,
polyvinyl butyral, polyvinyl chloride, polyvinylidene chloride,
silicone emulsion, styrene isoprene, styrene acronitrile, styrene
acrylic, styrene butadiene, vinyl acetate, vinyl acetate-ethylene,
vinyl alcohol, and wax emulsion.
[0013] In one embodiment the design control water based adhesive
further includes one or more additives selected from the group
consisting of tackifiers, fillers, plasticizers, property
modifiers, flow modifiers, dyes, pigments, flame retardants,
stabilizers, antioxidants, compatibilizers, antimicrobial agents,
pH adjusters, deionized water, colorants, sequestrants,
preservatives, surfactants and other additives.
[0014] The present invention also includes a package for containing
an article including a flexible anchor web; a flexible transfer
web; and a design control water based adhesive composition
comprising one or more selected from acrylonitrile butadiene,
polyamide, polybutadiene, ethylene vinyl acetate, polypropylene,
polybutylene, acrylic, natural rubber, neoprene, polycholoroprene,
polyester, polyester emulsion, polyisoprene, polypropylene
emulsion, polyurethane, polyvinyl acetate, polyvinyl alcohol,
polyvinyl butyral, polyvinyl chloride, polyvinylidene chloride,
silicone emulsion, styrene isoprene, styrene acronitrile, styrene
acrylic, styrene butadiene, vinyl acetate, vinyl acetate-ethylene,
vinyl alcohol, and wax emulsion coated on a surface of either or
both of said anchor and transfer webs.
[0015] The polymer emulsion may contains a polymer or copolymer
selected from the group consisting of carboxylated vinyl acetate
ethylene emulsion, styrene acrylate emulsion and acrylates, styrene
acrylates, vinyl acetates, vinyl acetate ethylene copolymers,
ethylene vinyl acetate copolymers, (high styrene) styrene butadiene
rubbers, polyurethane dispersions, polystyrene emulsions, vinyl
chloride ethylene emulsions, polyvinyl chloride homopolymers and
copolymers emulsions, polyvinylidene chloride homopolymers and
copolymer emulsions, polyethylene homopolymer and copolymer
emulsions, polypropylene homopolymer and copolymer emulsions, and
polyester emulsions, acrylonitrile butadiene, polyamide,
polybutadiene, ethylene vinyl acetate, polypropylene, polybutylene,
acrylic, natural rubber, neoprene, polycholoroprene, polyester,
polyester emulsion, polyisoprene, polypropylene emulsion,
polyurethane, polyvinyl acetate, polyvinyl alcohol, polyvinyl
butyral, polyvinyl chloride, polyvinylidene chloride, silicone
emulsion, styrene isoprene, styrene acronitrile, styrene acrylic,
styrene butadiene, vinyl acetate, vinyl acetate-ethylene, vinyl
alcohol, wax emulsion and/or mixtures thereof.
[0016] The design control water based adhesive composition may
include about 1 to 99.9% of a polymer or combination of polymers,
selected from the group consisting of: styrene butadiene rubber
(SBR), acrylic polymers and copolymers, ethylene vinyl acetate
(EVA), ethylene methacrylic (EMA) or acrylic acid (EAA),
polyethyleneimine (PEI), polyurethane (PU), silanes and silanated
polymers.
[0017] In one embodiment, the present invention includes a
packaging printing press method for a sealable container including
a sealable container comprising a first side and a second side each
having a top side, a bottom side, a right side, a left side and a
storage region positioned there between; one or more adhesive
layers deposited on the sealable substrate the top side, the bottom
side, the right side, the left side of the first side; and a cover
positioned to fit the sealable substrate. The present invention may
include an integral sterilization indicator. The one or more
adhesive layers may include a polymer or copolymer selected from
the group consisting of: carboxylated vinyl acetate ethylene
emulsion, styrene acrylate emulsion and acrylates, styrene
acrylates, vinyl acetates, vinyl acetate ethylene copolymers,
ethylene vinyl acetate copolymers, (high styrene) styrene butadiene
rubbers, polyurethane dispersions, polystyrene emulsions, vinyl
chloride ethylene emulsions, polyvinyl chloride homopolymers and
copolymers emulsions, polyvinylidene chloride homopolymers and
copolymer emulsions, polyethylene homopolymer and copolymer
emulsions, polypropylene homopolymer and copolymer emulsions, and
polyester emulsions, acrylonitrile butadiene, polyamide,
polybutadiene, ethylene vinyl acetate, polypropylene, polybutylene,
acrylic, natural rubber, neoprene, polycholoroprene, polyester,
polyester emulsion, polyisoprene, polypropylene emulsion,
polyurethane, polyvinyl acetate, polyvinyl alcohol, polyvinyl
butyral, polyvinyl chloride, polyvinylidene chloride, silicone
emulsion, styrene isoprene, styrene acronitrile, styrene acrylic,
styrene butadiene, vinyl acetate, vinyl acetate-ethylene, vinyl
alcohol, wax emulsion and/or mixtures thereof.
[0018] The present invention provides a packaging method for a
sealable container using a design control water based adhesive
composition for application using a printing press by providing a
printing press having multiple heads; providing the multiple heads
individually with at least a first composition and a second
composition; providing a substrate comprising a first side and a
second side each having a top edge, a bottom edge, a right edge, a
left edge and a storage region positioned there between; applying
the first composition from the printing press to the top edge, the
bottom edge, the right edge, the left edge; applying at least the
second composition from the printing press to the first
composition; and placing a cover on the at least a second
composition to be sealed by the second composition and the first
composition. The second composition and the first composition may
include a polymer or copolymer selected from the group consisting
of: a design control water based adhesive composition comprising
one or more selected from acrylonitrile butadiene, polyamide,
polybutadiene, ethylene vinyl acetate, polypropylene, polybutylene,
acrylic, natural rubber, neoprene, polycholoroprene, polyester,
polyester emulsion, polyisoprene, polypropylene emulsion,
polyurethane, polyvinyl acetate, polyvinyl alcohol, polyvinyl
butyral, polyvinyl chloride, polyvinylidene chloride, silicone
emulsion, styrene isoprene, styrene acronitrile, styrene acrylic,
styrene butadiene, vinyl acetate, vinyl acetate-ethylene, vinyl
alcohol, and wax emulsion.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS
[0019] None.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0020] While the making and using of various embodiments of the
present invention are discussed in detail below, it should be
appreciated that the present invention provides many applicable
inventive concepts that can be embodied in a wide variety of
specific contexts. The specific embodiments discussed herein are
merely illustrative of specific ways to make and use the invention
and do not delimit the scope of the invention.
[0021] To facilitate the understanding of this invention, a number
of terms are defined below. Terms defined herein have meanings as
commonly understood by a person of ordinary skill in the areas
relevant to the present invention. Terms such as "a", "an" and
"the" are not intended to refer to only a singular entity, but
include the general class of which a specific example may be used
for illustration. The terminology herein is used to describe
specific embodiments of the invention, but their usage does not
delimit the invention, except as outlined in the claims.
[0022] Often a single coating of adhesive is applied and pressure
sealed to in theory form an airtight seal to maintain sterility;
however, in actually the single coating is susceptible to
non-uniform coating and leakage.
[0023] As used herein the term "delamination failure peel seal"
denotes a peelable seal which opens prematurely.
[0024] As used herein the term "permanent line heat seal" denotes a
bonding two materials. The seal extends along a line and has a
bonding strength that is greater than either of the bonded
materials. An attempt to separate the bonded webs along the seal
will result in destruction of the seal.
[0025] As used herein the term "laminated" denotes a multi-layer
structure in which adjacent layers are bonded over essentially
their entire adjacent surfaces, and is used broadly to encompass
co-extrusions, true laminations of pre-formed sheets bonded to one
another either with or without adhesives, and coated layers.
[0026] As used herein the term "barrier" denotes a material that is
an effective barrier against the passage of contaminates.
[0027] The present invention provides a design control water based
adhesive applied to TYVEK.RTM., paper or film using printing press.
The adhesive may be applied to the substrate in a pattern, a
design, around the peripheral, or over the entire substrate. In one
embodiment, the printing press coated 100% of the TYVEK.RTM.
substrate. In another embodiment, the printing press coated the
TYVEK.RTM. substrate in a pattern.
[0028] The present invention provides a system for the preparation
of header bags, pouches, lids for soft (flexible packaging), hard
trays and containers for the medical packaging industry. The coated
material could be produced at roll goods or individual lids,
depending upon the desired end use. The pouches could be film to
film, paper to paper, paper to film, film to TYVEK.RTM., TYVEK.RTM.
to TYVEK.RTM., or any other configuration used in medical
packaging. The hard trays would require "lids" which would have the
adhesive applied only in the areas where the seal is required.
[0029] The present invention provides a one, two, three, four, five
or more adhesive system, and may be water based. In one embodiment,
the present invention provides a three adhesive system on a
TYVEK.RTM. substrate. The first adhesive is a mixture of
SANCURE.RTM. 1601 a water based urethane system and HS-100
(Michelman) a water based Ethylene-vinyl acetate copolymer (EVA).
This layer also applies strength to the TYVEK.RTM., by soaking in
and reinforcing the TYVEK.RTM. layers, so that the TYVEK.RTM. has
less of a tendency to delaminate. The mixture may be 66%/34%, but
can be 10-90% urethane and 10-90% EVA. The second adhesive is a
material from Michelman, MED-777T, which is an EVA, which contains
titanium dioxide to give a white appearance to the adhesive that
remains on the film so that it can be seen if there is a compromise
of the sterile seal. The third adhesive is also a material from
Michelman, MED-777, which is the same as the second adhesive layer,
except that it does not contain titanium dioxide. The D777 is a
blend of EVA latexes.
[0030] The layers can also include a third layer that is a "softer"
system. The viscosity of the adhesive systems is adjusted so that
they are capable of being used on the particular printing press. In
one embodiment the substrate is medical grade TYVEK.RTM.; however,
other possible substrates will be discussed in the future system.
The present invention also provides a system that can use
flexography, gravure, screen, digital printing, embossing,
letterpress, offset lithography, and thermography.
[0031] In another embodiment, the system includes an eight color
Mark Andy printing press. In all cases, the anilox sizes are chosen
to deliver the desired amount of ink, adhesive or both. For
example, the first printing head applies ink in a pattern for
identification purposes, on the side which will be opposite of the
side with the patterned adhesive. The second and the third head
apply the first layer of adhesive. The fourth and fifth head apply
the second layer of adhesive. The sixth and seventh heads apply the
third layer of adhesive. The adhesive or ink is dried by the
heating system on the press, between each of the individual
printing heads. The adhesive is printed on in whatever the desired
pattern is for the finished product. The finished material is heat
sealed to make pouches or header bags to a film.
[0032] The present invention provides numerous advantages including
the fact that the adhesive does not come into contact with the
packaged medical device, eliminating the possibility of adhesive
transfer to the device. The present invention provides a reduction
of the amount of breathable TYVEK.RTM. it needs to obtain the
needed sterilization. The present invention provides a reduction of
the time of sterilization, since a faster transfer of gas through
the more breathable TYVEK.RTM..
[0033] The present invention provides a system can be used for the
desiccant industry, the toner lid industry (e.g., for systems using
dry or wet toner) and the food packaging industry. These uses would
be similar, with the application being done of a heat seal adhesive
to the required areas for heat sealing and then used by applying
heat and pressure for a specific period of time.
[0034] The substrates may be TYVEK.RTM., a film, a modified paper,
or paper for the medical packaging industry. For desiccant pouching
the substrate can be TYVEK.RTM., a paper, a modified paper, or a
film. For the toner industry, the substrate can be a paper, a
modified paper, a film or TYVEK.RTM..
[0035] In addition to the present ingredients, the following could
be used (they could be solvent or water based latexes):
acrylonitrile butadiene, polyamide, polybutadiene, ethylene vinyl
acetate, polypropylene, polybutylene, acrylic, natural rubber,
neoprene, polycholoroprene, polyester, polyester emulsion,
polyisoprene, polypropylene emulsion, polyurethane, polyvinyl
acetate, polyvinyl alcohol, polyvinyl butyral, polyvinyl chloride,
polyvinylidene chloride, silicone emulsion, styrene isoprene,
styrene acronitrile, styrene acrylic, styrene butadiene, vinyl
acetate, vinyl acetate-ethylene, vinyl alcohol, wax emulsion. They
could be used straight or in blends.
[0036] In another embodiment, the system includes a multi-head
printing press, wherein the anilox sizes are chosen to deliver the
desired amount of ink, adhesive or both. For example, in a simple
system having multiple print heads but using 2 print heads, the
first printing head applies a first layer of a first adhesive and
the second printing head applies a second layer of a second
adhesive.
[0037] Another example includes a simple system having multiple
print heads but using 5 print heads, the first printing head
applies a first layer of a first adhesive; the second printing head
applies a second layer of a second adhesive; the third printing
head applies the third layer of a third adhesive; the fourth
printing head applies a fourth layer of a fourth adhesive; and the
fifth printing head applies a fifth layer of a fifth adhesive.
[0038] Another example includes a simple system having multiple
print heads but using 10 print heads, the first printing head
applies a first layer of a first adhesive; the second printing head
applies a second layer of a second adhesive; the third printing
head applies the third layer of a third adhesive; the fourth
printing head applies a fourth layer of a fourth adhesive; the
fifth printing head applies a fifth layer of a fifth adhesive; the
sixth printing head applies a sixth layer of a sixth adhesive; the
seventh printing head applies a seventh layer of a seventh
adhesive; the eight printing head applies a eight layer of a eight
adhesive; the ninth printing head applies a ninth layer of a ninth
adhesive; and the tenth printing head applies a tenth layer of a
tenth adhesive. From these nonlimiting examples it is clear to see
how multiple heads from 1-10 or even more heads can be used.
[0039] In addition, the multiple heads may deliver the same
composition or may deliver a unique composition. As a result, there
are a number of different combinations possible. For example,
different layers may be combined in different orders to provide a
unique overall composition.
[0040] Another example includes a simple system having multiple
print heads but using 7 print heads. The first printing head
applies a first layer of a first indicator. The second printing
head applies a second layer of a first adhesive. The third printing
head applies the third layer of a first adhesive. The fourth
printing head applies a fourth layer of a second adhesive. The
fifth printing head applies a fifth layer of a second adhesive. The
sixth printing head applies a sixth layer of a third adhesive. The
seventh printing head applies a seventh layer of a third
adhesive.
[0041] Another example includes a simple system having multiple
print heads but using 3 print heads. The first printing head
applies a first layer of a first adhesive. The second printing head
applies a second layer of a second adhesive. The third printing
head applies the third layer of a first adhesive.
[0042] Another example includes a simple system having multiple
print heads. The first printing head applies a first layer of a
first indicator. The second printing head applies a second layer of
a first adhesive. The third printing head applies the third layer
of a second indicator.
[0043] Another example includes a simple system having multiple
print heads but using 10 print heads. The first printing head
applies a first layer of a first adhesive. The second printing head
applies a second layer of a second adhesive. The third printing
head applies the third layer of a first adhesive. The fourth
printing head applies a fourth layer of a second adhesive. The
fifth printing head applies a fifth layer of a first adhesive. The
sixth printing head applies a sixth layer of a second adhesive. The
seventh printing head applies a seventh layer of a first adhesive.
The eight printing head applies a eight layer of a second adhesive.
The ninth printing head applies a ninth layer of a first adhesive.
The tenth printing head applies a tenth layer of a second
adhesive.
[0044] Another example includes a simple system having multiple
print heads but using 10 print heads. The first printing head
applies a first layer of a first adhesive. The second printing head
applies a second layer of a second adhesive. The third printing
head applies the third layer of a third adhesive. The fourth
printing head applies a fourth layer of a first adhesive. The fifth
printing head applies a fifth layer of a second adhesive. The sixth
printing head applies a sixth layer of a third adhesive. The
seventh printing head applies a seventh layer of a first adhesive.
The eight printing head applies a eight layer of a second adhesive.
The ninth printing head applies a ninth layer of a third
adhesive.
[0045] Another example includes a simple system having multiple
print heads but using 4 print heads. The first printing head
applies a first layer of a first adhesive. The second printing head
applies a second layer of a second adhesive. The third printing
head applies the third layer of a first adhesive. The fourth
printing head applies a fourth layer of a third adhesive.
[0046] Another example includes a simple system having multiple
print heads but using 10 print heads. The first printing head
applies a first layer of a first adhesive. The second printing head
applies a second layer of a second adhesive. The third printing
head applies the third layer of a first adhesive. The fourth
printing head applies a fourth layer of a third adhesive. The fifth
printing head applies a fifth layer of a first adhesive. The sixth
printing head applies a sixth layer of a fourth adhesive. The
seventh printing head applies a seventh layer of a first adhesive.
The eight printing head applies a eight layer of a fifth adhesive.
The ninth printing head applies a ninth layer of a first adhesive.
The tenth printing head applies a tenth layer of a sixth adhesive.
As it can be seen the combination can be modified to produce any
final composition desired.
[0047] The first printing head applies a first layer of a first
indicator. The second printing head applies a second layer of a
first adhesive. The third printing head applies the third layer of
a second adhesive. The fourth printing head applies a fourth layer
of a first adhesive. The fifth printing head applies a fifth layer
of a third adhesive. The sixth printing head applies a sixth layer
of a fourth adhesive. The seventh printing head applies a seventh
layer of a first adhesive.
[0048] Another example includes a simple system having multiple
print heads. The first printing head applies a first layer of a
first adhesive. The second printing head applies a second layer of
a first adhesive. The third printing head applies the third layer
of a second adhesive. The fourth printing head applies a fourth
layer of a first adhesive. The fifth printing head applies a fifth
layer of a third adhesive. The sixth printing head applies a sixth
layer of a third adhesive. The seventh printing head applies a
seventh layer of a second adhesive. The eight printing head applies
a eight layer of a fourth adhesive. The ninth printing head applies
a ninth layer of a second adhesive. The tenth printing head applies
a tenth layer of a fifth adhesive.
[0049] Another example includes a simple system having multiple
print heads that apply a composition to different regions or zones
of the substrate. For example, a substrate may have multiple zones
or regions, e.g., each side may have one or more zones. A substrate
may have one zone on three sides of a periphery of one side of the
substrate and a second zone on the fourth sides of a periphery of
one side of the substrate to make 2 zones. A substrate may have one
zone on each side of a periphery of one side of the substrate to
make 4 zones. A substrate may have multiple zones on each side of a
periphery of one side of the substrate to make 8 or more zones. A
substrate may have one zone on each side of a periphery and one
zone on each corner of one side of the substrate to make 8 zones.
These are meant for illustrative examples and may be modified to
include different zones and number of zones as well as different
combinations of adhesives as listed above.
[0050] One type of known apparatus usable to seal a polymeric film
lid onto the top rim of a container uses a heated platten. If the
tray is plastic, it can be made leak proof and airtight. If it is
paperboard, it can be made leak resistant. The apparatus involves a
fixed lower support serving as a tray carrier and having a well or
cavity to receive and retain a container therein, and an upper
heated platen pivotally mounted to shift to a closed position on
the container and lid between the platen and the lower support. The
heated platen is manually forced down and held down by the weight
of the human operator onto the container and lid during a time
period while heat is applied to seal the lid to the container.
However, in order to provide sufficient force on the container and
lid to fully compress the periphery of the two together, the heated
upper platen must be manually forced down with a significant force
which is usually about 20-40 pounds. By using leverage-type
mechanical advantage, the force applied to the container and lid
can be about 75 pounds. This exertion is required for each tray and
lid, and for a set time period, in order to force the platen and
tray carrier fully together. Moreover, it has been determined that
even the application of this much force is sometimes not sufficient
to assure a complete seal of the lid periphery to the container
periphery. To be certain of sealing, the force should actually be
several times this amount. One of the variables that can prevent
total sealing is a non-uniform thickness of the flange of the tray
about its periphery, thereby resulting in a poor seal at the
thinner areas.
[0051] The present invention provides pressure-sensitive adhesives
including tackified natural rubbers; synthetic rubbers such as
butyl rubber; and tackified linear, radial, star, and branched and
tapered styrene block copolymers, such as styrene-butadiene,
styrene-ethylene/butylene and styrene-isoprene; polyurethanes;
polyvinyl ethers; acrylics, especially those having long chain
alkyl groups; poly-a-olefins; and silicones. For example,
acrylonitrile butadiene, polyamide, polybutadiene, ethylene vinyl
acetate, polypropylene, polybutylene, acrylic, natural rubber,
neoprene, polycholoroprene, polyester, polyester emulsion,
polyisoprene, polypropylene emulsion, polyurethane, polyvinyl
acetate, polyvinyl alcohol, polyvinyl butyral, polyvinyl chloride,
polyvinylidene chloride, silicone emulsion, styrene isoprene,
styrene acronitrile, styrene acrylic, styrene butadiene, vinyl
acetate, vinyl acetate-ethylene, vinyl alcohol, wax emulsion.
[0052] In one embodiment the pressure-sensitive adhesive is used on
sheets in the form of a coherent nonwoven web of fibers that has a
four-fold balance of adhesion, cohesion, stretchiness, and
elasticity. The fibers typically have a diameter of no greater than
about 100 microns and are coherent fibers that can include one
material or a mixture of materials in one layer, or multiple
materials in multiple layers.
[0053] The present invention provides polymers which may or may not
be inherently tacky. In the polymeric mixtures (e.g., polymeric
blends), the different polymers may or may not be compatible with
each other, as long as the overall mixture is compatible.
[0054] In one embodiment the polymers or copolymers of the present
invention include, but are not limited to, acrylates; polyolefins
such as polyethylene, polypropylene, polybutylene, polyhexene,
polyoctene; polystyrenes; polyurethanes; polyesters such as
polyethyleneterephthalate; polyamides such as nylon; natural or
synthetic rubber resins such as styrenic block copolymers (e.g.,
styrene/isoprene/styrene, styrene/butadiene/styrene); epoxies;
vinyl acetates such as ethylene vinyl acetate; polydiorganosiloxane
polyurea copolymers; copolymers thereof and mixtures thereof. These
polymers may or may not have pressure-sensitive adhesive
properties, as long as the overall resultant has pressure-sensitive
adhesive properties.
[0055] Preferably, the composition of the present invention
includes, but is not limited to acrylonitrile butadiene, polyamide,
polybutadiene, ethylene vinyl acetate, polypropylene, polybutylene,
acrylic, natural rubber, neoprene, polycholoroprene, polyester,
polyester emulsion, polyisoprene, polypropylene emulsion,
polyurethane, polyvinyl acetate, polyvinyl alcohol, polyvinyl
butyral, polyvinyl chloride, polyvinylidene chloride, silicone
emulsion, styrene isoprene, styrene acronitrile, styrene acrylic,
styrene butadiene, vinyl acetate, vinyl acetate-ethylene,
copolymers thereof and mixtures thereof.
[0056] Suitable rubber resin adhesives include those formed using a
tackified elastomer where a preferred elastomer is an A-B type
block copolymer wherein the A and B blocks are configured in linear
(e.g., a diblock or triblock copolymer), radial or star
configurations. The A block is formed of a mono-alkenylarene,
(e.g., a polystyrene block having a molecular weight between 4000
and 50,000). Other suitable A blocks may be formed from
alpha-methylstyrene, t-butyl-styrene and other ring alkylated
styrenes, as well as mixtures thereof. The B block is formed of an
elastomeric conjugated diene, polyisoprene, polybutadiene or
copolymers (e.g., having an average molecular weight from about
5000 to about 500,000). The A block content is about 10 to 50
weight percent of the block copolymer and the B block content is
about 90 to 50 percent. The tackifying components for the elastomer
based adhesives generally comprise solid tackifying resin and/or a
liquid tackifier or plasticizer, e.g., napthenic oils, paraffin
oils, aromatic oils, mineral oils or low molecular weight rosin
esters, polyterpenes and C5 resins, resin esters, polyterpenes and
the like.
[0057] Suitable polyolefin adhesives include tackified polyolefin
elastomer adhesives, or amophous poly(alpha-olefin) polymers
suitable for forming hot melt pressure-sensitive adhesives with or
without added tackifier. Such amorphous poly(alpha-olefin) polymers
are generally copolymers of C3 to C5 linear alpha-olefin(s) and a
higher alpha-olefin(s) (generally C6 to C10). Preferred are
copolymers of polyolefins with polyhexene, polyheptene, polyoctene,
polynonene, and/or polydecene. Such amorphous
poly(alpha-olefins).
[0058] Suitable acrylate copolymer pressure-sensitive adhesives
include poly(acrylates) derived from: (A) at least one
monofunctional alkyl (meth)acrylate monomer (i.e., allyl acrylate
and alkyl methacrylate monomer); and (B) at least one
monofunctional free-radically copolymerizable reinforcing
monomer.
[0059] The monomers used in preparing the pressure-sensitive
adhesive copolymer fibers of the present invention include: (A) a
monofunctional alkyl (meth)acrylate monomer and (B) a
monofunctional free-radically copolymerizable reinforcing monomer.
Monomer A, which is a monofunctional alkyl acrylate or methacrylate
(i.e., (meth)acrylic acid ester), contributes to the flexibility
and tack of the copolymer. The alkyl group can optionally contain
oxygen atoms in the chain thereby forming ethers or alkoxy ethers.
Examples of monomer A include, but are not limited to,
2-methylbutyl acrylate, isooctyl acrylate, lauryl acrylate,
4-methyl-2-pentyl acrylate, isoamyl acrylate, sec-butyl acrylate,
n-butyl acrylate, n-hexyl acrylate, 2-ethylhexyl acrylate, n-octyl
acrylate, n-decyl acrylate, isodecyl acrylate, isodecyl
methacrylate, and isononyl acrylate. Other examples include, but
are not limited to, poly-ethoxylated or --propoxylated methoxy
(meth)acrylate (i.e., poly(ethylene/propylene oxide)
mono(meth)acrylate) macromers (i.e., macromolecular monomers),
polymethylvinyl ether mono(meth)acrylate macromers, and ethoxylated
or propoxylated nonylphenol acrylate macromers. Monomer B, which is
a monofunctional free-radically copolymerizable reinforcing
monomer; increases the glass transition temperature of the
copolymer. As used herein, "reinforcing" monomers are those that
increase the modulus of the adhesive, and thereby its strength.
Examples of monomer B include, but are not limited to, acrylamides,
such as acrylamide, methacrylamide, N-methyl acrylamide, N-ethyl
acrylamide, N-methylol acrylamide, N-hydroxyethyl acrylamide,
diacetone acrylamide, N,N-dimethyl acrylamide, N,N-diethyl
acrylamide, N-ethyl-N-aminoethyl acrylamide, N-ethyl-N-hydroxyethyl
acrylamide, N,N-dimethylol acrylamide, N,N-dihydroxyethyl
acrylamide, t-butyl acrylamide, dimethylaminoethyl acrylamide,
N-octyl acrylamide, and 1,1,3,3-tetramethylbutyl acrylamide. Other
examples of monomer B include acrylic acid and methacrylic acid,
itaconic acid, crotonic acid, maleic acid, fumaric acid,
2,2-(diethoxy)ethyl acrylate, hydroxyethyl acrylate or
methacrylate, 2-hydroxypropyl acrylate or methacrylate, methyl
methacrylate, isobutyl acrylate, n-butyl methacrylate, isobomyl
acrylate, 2-(phenoxy)ethyl acrylate or methacrylate, biphenylyl
acrylate, t-butylphenyl acrylate, cyclohexyl acrylate,
dimethyladamantyl acrylate, 2-naphthyl acrylate, phenyl acrylate,
N-vinyl pyrrolidone, and N-vinyl caprolactam.
[0060] A crosslinking agent can be used if so desired to build the
molecular weight and the strength of the copolymer, and hence
improve the integrity and shape. The crosslinking agent may produce
chemical crosslinks (e.g., covalent bonds). The crosslinking agent
may be an acrylic crosslinking monomer, or a polymeric crosslinking
material having a copolymerizable vinyl group. The acrylic
crosslinking monomer is preferably one that is copolymerized with
monomers A and B and generates free radicals in the polymer
backbone upon irradiation of the polymer.
[0061] The adhesive compositions of the present invention may
contain, optional additives including tackifiers, fillers,
plasticizers, and other property modifiers, such as flow modifiers,
dyes, pigments, flame retardants, stabilizers, antioxidants,
compatibilizers, antimicrobial agents, and other additives are not
necessary. These additives are incorporated in amounts that do not
materially adversely affect the desired properties of the
pressure-sensitive adhesives.
[0062] The present invention also includes natural rubber
pressure-sensitive adhesives generally contain masticated natural
rubber and include tackifying resins.
[0063] The present invention also includes styrene block copolymer
pressure-sensitive adhesives generally include elastomers of the
A-B or A-B-A type, where A represents a thermoplastic polystyrene
block and B represents a rubbery block of polyisoprene,
polybutadiene, or poly(ethylene/butylene), and resins. Examples of
the various block copolymers useful in block copolymer
pressure-sensitive adhesives include linear, radial, star and
tapered styrene-isoprene block copolymers; linear
styrene-(ethylene-butylene) block copolymers; linear
styrene-(ethylene-propylene) block copolymers; and linear, radial,
and star styrene-butadiene block copolymers. Thermoplastic phase
associating resins include polyaromatics; coumarone-indene; and
other high-solubility parameter resins derived from coal tar or
petroleum.
[0064] The present invention includes polyvinyl ether
pressure-sensitive adhesives are generally blends of homopolymers
of vinyl methyl ether, vinyl ethyl ether or vinyl iso-butyl ether,
or blends of homopolymers of vinyl ethers and copolymers of vinyl
ethers and acrylates to achieve desired pressure-sensitive
properties. Depending on the degree of polymerization, homopolymers
may be viscous oils, tacky soft resins or rubber-like substances.
Polyvinyl ethers used as raw materials in polyvinyl ether adhesives
include polymers based on: vinyl methyl ether; vinyl ethyl ether;
vinyl isobutyl ether; methacrylate/vinyl isobutyl ether/acrylic
acid. Antioxidants tackifiers, plasticizers and pigments useful to
stabilize the polyvinylether pressure-sensitive adhesive may also
be used.
[0065] The present invention includes acrylic pressure-sensitive
adhesives and may comprise from 100 to 80 weight percent of a
C3-C12 alkyl ester component such as, for example, isooctyl
acrylate, 2-ethyl-hexyl acrylate and n-butyl acrylate and from 0 to
20 weight percent of a polar component such as, for example,
acrylic acid, methacrylic acid, ethylene vinyl acetate, N-vinyl
pyrrolidone and styrene macromer. Preferably, the acrylic
pressure-sensitive adhesives comprise from 0 to 20 weight percent
of acrylic acid and from 100 to 80 weight percent of isooctyl
acrylate.
[0066] The present invention includes silicone pressure-sensitive
adhesives made of two major components, a polymer or gum, and a
tackifying resin. The polymer is typically a high molecular weight
polydimethylsiloxane or polydimethyldiphenylsiloxane, that contains
residual silanol functionality (SiOH) on the ends of the polymer
chain, or a block copolymer comprising polydiorganosiloxane soft
segments and urea terminated hard segments. The tackifying resin is
generally a three-dimensional silicate structure that is endcapped
with trimethylsiloxy groups (OSiMe3) and also contains some
residual silanol functionality.
[0067] For example, the package assembly includes three layers,
namely a base layer of TYVEK.RTM. (i.e., a breathable, nonwoven,
spun bonded, polyolefin material); a adhesive layer, (e.g., a
flexible heat sealable polymer, preferably translucent, and most
preferably transparent, as of polyethylene); and a top layer having
a three-dimensional preformed area of a heat sealable polymeric
layer (e.g., ethylene-vinyl acetate, ethylene-vinyl acetate). The
layers are joined together, preferably by a heat seal, a hot melt
adhesive such as EVA which may be applied over the surface. Use of
an adhesive assures excellent sealing between layers.
[0068] The present invention also provides a method of forming a
novel package. Specifically, a continuous web or film feeds to a
forming die which repeatedly thermoforms spaced three-dimensional
areas in web to form pockets. Next the objects are shown placed in
the respective pockets, after which a continuous film is applied
over the web and the objects. Next the final layer is applied. The
layers are sealed around the periphery of the blisters by a heat
sealer, using a heat responsive adhesive. Finally, the individual
packages are severed from the strip thereof by a cutting element. A
delamination failure peel seal extends along substantially the full
length line of permanent line heat seal. However, it is only
required that the peel seal extends a distance along the line heat
seal such that when the peel seal portion of the heat seal is fully
peeled open, the contents of cavity are readily accessible. For
example, it is often desirable to make permanent seals between webs
A and B in the regions of line heat seal at the end of the pouch
and adjacent to the access opening of the pouch. A permanent seal
at this point will prevent undesirable premature peeling a part of
webs A and B when an object is inserted into the pouch. A line heat
seal defines the outer limits of a cavity for holding one or more
items to be sterilized. The line heat seal does not, however,
extend completely around the cavity as it is necessary to provide
the pouch with an access opening to permit insertion into the
cavity of an object to be sterilized. The heat seal is therefore
omitted from at least one marginal region of the pouch to provide
access between webs A and B into the cavity. In one embodiment, the
line heat seal is also omitted in the region where the access
opening is provided. Thus, in the pouch, the line heat seal is
provided directly below the line heat seal, but line heat seals are
both omitted from end of the pouch. After an object to be
sterilized has been inserted into cavity, the package is sealed.
This can be accomplished in any of several ways, such as by
providing the package with an adhesive coating or tape or by heat
sealing. If desired, the pouch can be provided with a conventional
indicator means for showing that sterilization is complete.
Suitable indicators include inks and tapes. When ready for use, the
sterilized pouch package is simply opened manually by grasping the
flange areas to open the delamination failure peel seal as
described above. The two webs which surround cavity 16 have smooth
plastic surfaces which, together with the reliable peeling open of
the peel seal, virtually eliminate the generation of fiber
fragments or dust.
[0069] It is contemplated that any embodiment discussed in this
specification can be implemented with respect to any method, kit,
reagent, or composition of the invention, and vice versa.
Furthermore, compositions of the invention can be used to achieve
methods of the invention.
[0070] It will be understood that particular embodiments described
herein are shown by way of illustration and not as limitations of
the invention. The principal features of this invention can be
employed in various embodiments without departing from the scope of
the invention. Those skilled in the art will recognize, or be able
to ascertain using no more than routine experimentation, numerous
equivalents to the specific procedures described herein. Such
equivalents are considered to be within the scope of this invention
and are covered by the claims.
[0071] All publications and patent applications mentioned in the
specification are indicative of the level of skill of those skilled
in the art to which this invention pertains. All publications and
patent applications are herein incorporated by reference to the
same extent as if each individual publication or patent application
was specifically and individually indicated to be incorporated by
reference.
[0072] The use of the word "a" or "an" when used in conjunction
with the term "comprising" in the claims and/or the specification
may mean "one," but it is also consistent with the meaning of "one
or more," "at least one," and "one or more than one." The use of
the term "or" in the claims is used to mean "and/or" unless
explicitly indicated to refer to alternatives only or the
alternatives are mutually exclusive, although the disclosure
supports a definition that refers to only alternatives and
"and/or." Throughout this application, the term "about" is used to
indicate that a value includes the inherent variation of error for
the device, the method being employed to determine the value, or
the variation that exists among the study subjects.
[0073] As used in this specification and claim(s), the words
"comprising" (and any form of comprising, such as "comprise" and
"comprises"), "having" (and any form of having, such as "have" and
"has"), "including" (and any form of including, such as "includes"
and "include") or "containing" (and any form of containing, such as
"contains" and "contain") are inclusive or open-ended and do not
exclude additional, unrecited elements or method steps.
[0074] The term "or combinations thereof" as used herein refers to
all permutations and combinations of the listed items preceding the
term. For example, "A, B, C, or combinations thereof" is intended
to include at least one of: A, B, C, AB, AC, BC, or ABC, and if
order is important in a particular context, also BA, CA, CB, CBA,
BCA, ACB, BAC, or CAB. Continuing with this example, expressly
included are combinations that contain repeats of one or more item
or term, such as BB, AAA, MB, BBC, AAABCCCC, CBBAAA, CABABB, and so
forth. The skilled artisan will understand that typically there is
no limit on the number of items or terms in any combination, unless
otherwise apparent from the context.
[0075] All of the compositions and/or methods disclosed and claimed
herein can be made and executed without undue experimentation in
light of the present disclosure. While the compositions and methods
of this invention have been described in terms of preferred
embodiments, it will be apparent to those of skill in the art that
variations may be applied to the compositions and/or methods and in
the steps or in the sequence of steps of the method described
herein without departing from the concept, spirit and scope of the
invention. All such similar substitutes and modifications apparent
to those skilled in the art are deemed to be within the spirit,
scope and concept of the invention as defined by the appended
claims.
* * * * *