Wireless temperature sensing system for lyophilization processes

• US 7,520,670 B2
• Filed: 04/26/2005
• Issued: 04/21/2009
• Est. Priority Date: 04/26/2005
• Status: Expired due to Fees

• Current Assignee: John Jeffrey Schwegman
• Original Assignee: John Jeffrey Schwegman
• Inventors: Schwegman, John Jeffrey
• Primary Examiner(s): KAPLAN VERBITSKY, GAIL
• Application Number:
  US11/115,056
• Publication Number:
  US 20060239331A1
• Time in Patent Office: 1,456 Days
• Field of Search: 374/178, 374/152, 374/150, 374/120, 374/208, 374/163, 374/148, 374/141, 374/179, 374/185, 340/870.17, 215/200
• US Class Current: 374/150
• CPC Class Codes: F26B 5/06 the process involving freezing
• CPC Class Codes: G01K 1/024 for remote indication

Abstract

A wireless parameter sensing system for a flask for use in lyophilization as well as a method of controlling a lyophilization process based on the sensed readings is disclosed. The wireless parameter sensing system may include a stopper adapted to be removably secured to an open end of the flask. A control unit may be positioned within an inner portion of the stopper. A parameter sensor may be connected with the control unit. A radio frequency transmitter may be connected with the control unit, wherein the control unit is operable to periodically transmit a parameter reading from the parameter sensor with the radio frequency transmitter.

Claims

1. An apparatus, comprising:

a stopper having a body adapted to be removably secured to an open end of a flask;

a control unit positioned within an interior portion of said body;

a parameter sensor at least a portion of which is positioned within said interior portion of said body and is connected with said control unit;

a radio frequency transmitter positioned within said interior portion of said body and is connected with said control unit, wherein said control unit is operable to periodically transmit a parameter reading from said parameter sensor with said radio frequency transmitter;

a ventilation aperture in said body; and

a porous venting medium positioned in said ventilation aperture.

2. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein said parameter sensor comprises a thermocouple, wherein a portion of said thermocouple extends downwardly from a lower surface of said stopper a predetermined distance inside said flask.

3. The apparatus of claim 1, further comprising an analog-to-digital converter connected with said parameter sensor and said control unit and positioned within said body, wherein said analog-to-digital converter converts an analog parameter signal from said parameter sensor to a digital signal for use by said control unit.

4. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein a portion of said radio frequency transmitter is exposed on an upper surface of said body of said stopper.

5. The apparatus of claim 1, further comprising a receiver for receiving said parameter reading.

6. The apparatus of claim 1, further comprising a power source removably connected with said control unit, wherein said power source is located within said body of said stopper.

7. A stopper for a flask, comprising:

a stopper removably connected to an open end of said flask;

a control unit positioned inside said stopper;

a parameter sensor connected with said control unit, wherein at least a portion of said parameter sensor is positioned inside said stopper;

a radio frequency transmitter connected with said control unit, wherein said control unit is operable to periodically transmit a parameter reading from said parameter sensor using said radio frequency transmitter, and wherein at least a portion of said radio frequency transmitter is positioned inside said stopper;

a power source connected with said control unit and said radio frequency transmitter, wherein said power source is positioned inside said stopper;

a ventilation aperture running from said upper surface through said body to said lower surface; and

a porous venting medium positioned in said ventilation aperture.

8. The stopper of claim 7, wherein said power source comprises a replaceable battery.

9. The stopper of claim 7, wherein said power source is positioned within an aperture in said stopper, wherein a cap is positioned on an upper surface of said power source to cover said power source.

10. The stopper of claim 7, wherein at least a portion of said parameter sensor extends downwardly a predetermined distance into said flask.

11. An apparatus, comprising:

a flask;

a stopper having a body including an upper surface, a lower surface, and a peripheral edge defining an interior area, wherein said peripheral edge is configured to be removably secured in an upper portion of said flask;

a control unit positioned in said interior area;

a parameter sensor connected to said control unit, wherein at least a portion of said parameter sensor protrudes from said lower surface of said body;

a radio frequency transmitter connected with said control unit, wherein a first portion of said radio frequency transmitter is positioned within said interior area and a second portion is exposed on said upper surface;

a ventilation aperture running from said upper surface through said body to said lower surface; and

a porous venting medium positioned in said ventilation aperture.

12. The apparatus of claim 11, further comprising a power source positioned within said interior area of said stopper, wherein said power source is connected with said control unit.

13. The apparatus of claim 12, wherein said power source is positioned within an aperture in said body, wherein a removable cap is positioned over an upper surface of said power source to seal said power source in said interior area.

14. An apparatus, comprising:

a flask;

a stopper having a body including an upper surface, a lower surface, and a peripheral edge defining an interior area, wherein said peripheral edge is configured to be removably secured in an upper portion of said flask;

a control unit positioned in said interior area;

a parameter sensor connected to said control unit, wherein at least a portion of said parameter sensor protrudes from said lower surface of said body;

a radio frequency transmitter connected with said control unit, wherein at least a portion of said radio frequency transmitter is positioned within said interior area;

a ventilation aperture running from said upper surface through said body to said lower surface; and

a porous venting medium positioned in said ventilation aperture.