Unit for packaging a dose of diluted animal semen suitable for artificial insemination, particularly of swine species; as well as assembly and process

Abstract

The invention relates to a unit equipped with a thermochromic temperature indicator component (41), which has an initial state in which the unit (10) is empty and the indicator component displays a first appearance as long as its temperature remains below a high threshold; a nominal operating state in which the unit is filled with a dose of seed (27) and the indicator component has a first zone (50) displaying the first appearance and a second zone (51) displaying a second appearance as long as its temperature remains between a low threshold and the high threshold; and an irregular operating state in which the unit is filled with the dose of seed and the indicator component displays either the first or the second appearance entirely. The invention also relates to an assembly comprising such a unit and a filling machine (55) equipped with an activation station (56) for the unit's temperature indicator component. (Shorthand figure: Figure 13)

Description

Title of the invention: Packaging unit for a dose of diluted animal semen suitable for artificial insemination, in particular of porcine species; as well as assembly and method Technical field of the invention

[0001] The invention relates generally to the preservation of diluted animal semen suitable for artificial insemination, in particular of porcine species.

[0002] It is known that for these species, between the collection of fresh semen and insemination, the fresh semen is mixed with a dilution medium in order to obtain diluted semen, then the diluted semen is packaged in individual doses, each having a predetermined volume suitable for carrying out artificial insemination, each dose being packaged in a packaging unit where it will be stored until the implementation of artificial insemination. State of the art

[0003] For packaging individual doses of diluted semen of porcine species, sachets comprising two sheets of flexible thermoplastic material fixed to each other by a welding zone delimiting a pocket having a predetermined volume when the sachet is filled are already known, in particular from European patent application EP 0 605 406, from PCT application WO 01 / 13818, from French patent application 2 813 784, from French patent application 2 848 812 or from PCT application WO 2016 / 071618, said sachets being provided with two sheets of flexible thermoplastic material fixed to each other by a welding zone delimiting a pocket having a predetermined volume when the sachet is filled, said pocket being provided to contain a dose of diluted animal semen having this predetermined volume.

[0004] In general, the sheets of flexible thermoplastic material are two-layer, with the inner layer (layer having a surface facing the other sheet and facing the pocket) which is made of weldable thermoplastic material to allow the production of the welding zone, and with the outer layer which is generally gas-tight and has a higher melting point than that of the weldable thermoplastic material forming the inner layer.

[0005] The welding zone generally delimits, in addition to the bag, a conduit through which the bag is filled with diluted animal semen and a conduit used to connect the bag to an artificial insemination probe to transfer the dose packaged in the bag to the animal.

[0006] The sachet described by PCT application WO 2016 / 071618 is illustrated in Figures 1 to 5 of the attached drawings, in which: - [Fig.l] is a plan view of this sachet in the flat state, that is to say unfilled; - [Fig.2] is the sectional view marked ILII in [Fig.l]; - figure 3 is a view similar to [Fig.l], but with the sachet filled with a dose of diluted semen; - [Fig.4] is a view similar to [Fig.2], but with the sachet filled with a dose of diluted semen; and - [Fig.5] is an enlargement of detail V of [Fig.4].

[0007] The bag 10 illustrated in [Fig.l] comprises two sheets 11 and 12 made of flexible thermoplastic material fixed to each other by a welding zone 13 delimiting a pocket 14, a filling conduit 15 and an emptying conduit 16.

[0008] The welding zone 13 comprises two lateral sections 17 and 18, four end sections 19, 20, 21 and 22 as well as a bridge 23.

[0009] The lateral sections 17 and 18 extend parallel and at a distance from each other.

[0010] The lateral section 17 is connected at one of its ends to the end section 19 while it is connected at the other end to the end section 20.

[0011] The lateral section 18 is connected at one of its ends to the end section 21 while it is connected at the other end to the end section 22.

[0012] The bridge 23 extends between the end section 20 and the end section 22.

[0013] The filling conduit 15 is located between the end section 19 and the end section 21.

[0014] The emptying conduit 16 is located between the end section 20 and the end section 22 and is closed, opposite the pocket 14, by the bridge 23.

[0015] Here, the lateral sections 17 and 18 are relatively narrow while the end sections 19, 20, 21 and 22 are relatively wide.

[0016] Here, each lateral section 17 and 18 is located between the pocket 14 and a respective edge of the bag 10.

[0017] In the flat state of the bag 10 shown in Figures 1 and 2, the pocket 14 is empty, the sheets 11 and 12 being against each other.

[0018] The pocket 14 has a generally rectangular outline, the long sides of which are delimited by the lateral sections 17 and 18 and the short sides by the end sections 19, 21 and 20, 22.

[0019] The filling conduit 15 opens at one end into the pocket 14 and at the other end outside the pocket 14.

[0020] The emptying conduit 16 opens at one end into the pocket 14 and is closed at the other end by the bridge 23.

[0021] In addition to the sheets 11 and 12 fixed to each other by the welding zone 13, the bag 10 here comprises a cannula 25 arranged in the emptying conduit 16.

[0022] To fill the sachet 10, and more precisely the pocket 14 thereof, the diluted semen is introduced through the filling conduit 15.

[0023] In practice, a nozzle is used which is inserted into the filling conduit 15 to start to put in volume bag 10.

[0024] Once the sachet 10, and more precisely the pocket 14, has been thus filled with the dose 27 (figures 3 and 4) of diluted semen which has the predetermined volume for which the pocket 14 has been configured, the filling conduit 15 is closed using a weld bead 26 ([Fig.3]).

[0025] Here the weld bead 26 is rectilinear and extends over the entire width of the bag 10 along the side of the pocket 14 bordered by the sections 19 and 21 of the weld zone 13. As a variant, the weld bead 26 is arranged and / or disposed differently, for example with an inverted V shape closing the conduit 15 on the side opposite the pocket 14.

[0026] The packaging of the dose 27 of diluted semen is then completed.

[0027] To carry out artificial insemination with the dose 27 of diluted semen contained in the sachet 10, the cannula 25 is released, for example by striking the bridge 23 with the end of the cannula opposite the bag 14, the end of the cannula 25 opposite the bag 14 therefore becomes accessible and an artificial insemination probe is connected to it.

[0028] We will now describe, with the support of [Fig.5], the arrangement of sheet 11.

[0029] It is understood that this description also applies to sheet 12, which is identical.

[0030] The sheet 11 is bi-material: it comprises an internal layer 35 and an external layer 36. The internal layer 35 is in a first thermoplastic material and the external layer 36 is in a second thermoplastic material distinct from the first material.

[0031] The surface 30 of the sheet 11 (or the surface 31 of the sheet 12) facing the pocket 14 is part of the internal layer 35.

[0032] Here, the first thermoplastic material with which the inner layer 35 is made is polyethylene (PE) and the thermoplastic material with which the outer layer 36 is made is polyester (PET).

[0033] It is known that polyethylene (PE) is a relatively easily weldable plastic material, the temperature of its melting point being relatively low and in any case lower than the temperature of the melting point of polyester (PET).

[0034] Thus, the welding zone 13 can be carried out between the sheets 11 and 12 with electrodes brought to a temperature higher than the melting point of polyethylene (PE) and lower than the melting point of polyester (PET), so that there is no melting of the external layer 36 of the sheets 11 and 12 when the welding zone 13 is carried out. The external faces of the sheets 11 and 12 thus retain their initial smooth appearance.

[0035] It is also known that polyester (PET) offers good gas tightness, unlike polyethylene (PE), so that sheets 11 and 12 are not gas tight. only to liquids but also to gases.

[0036] In variants not illustrated, the films 11 and 12 are different, for example the external layer 36 of polyethylene (PET) is replaced by a layer of polyamide, by a layer of aluminum or by a layer of EVOH / Polypropylene.

[0037] For further details on the bag 10, reference may be made in particular to PCT application WO 2016 / 071618 and to French patent application 2,813,784.

[0038] In variants not illustrated, the arrangement of the bag is different, for example with the same conduit which serves both for filling and emptying; or there is no cannula for emptying.

[0039] Packaging units for a dose of diluted semen suitable for artificial insemination, in particular of porcine species, which are different from a sachet are also known, for example an artificial insemination probe comprising a sheath and a deformable envelope delimiting with the sheath a reservoir for containing the dose of semen, as described in particular by European patent application EP 0 861 637 or by international application WO 2008 / 055665. Statement of the invention

[0040] The invention aims to enable the storage temperature of a packaging unit of a dose of diluted animal semen suitable for artificial insemination, in particular of porcine species, to be monitored in a manner which is simple, convenient and economical.

[0041] The invention proposes for this purpose a unit for packaging a dose of diluted animal semen suitable for artificial insemination, in particular of porcine species, characterized in that it is provided with a temperature indicator component made of thermochromic material having a reversible color change at a predetermined high temperature threshold in the direction of the temperature increase as well as at a predetermined low temperature threshold in the direction of the temperature decrease, said indicator component thus having a first visual appearance if its temperature is lower than said low threshold and a second visual appearance different from the first visual appearance if its temperature is higher than said high threshold, said indicator component maintaining the first visual appearance between the low threshold and the high threshold in the direction of the temperature increase,said indicator component maintaining the second visual appearance between the high threshold and the low threshold in the direction of the temperature decrease; said thermochromic material being configured with said low threshold at a predetermined minimum storage temperature of said diluted animal semen, and with said high threshold at a predetermined maximum storage temperature of said unit in an initial state where it is empty; and said unit admits: said initial state in which it is empty and in which said indicator component has entirely the first aspect as long as its temperature remains below said high threshold; a nominal service state in which said unit is filled with said dose of seed and in which said indicator component has a first zone having the first aspect and a second zone having the second aspect as long as its temperature remains between said low threshold and said high threshold; and an irregular service state in which said unit is filled with said dose of seed and in which said indicator component has entirely the first aspect or entirely the second aspect.

[0042] It is understood that there is always a progression in the transitions between the different visual aspects of the thermochromic material, but that for simplicity, in the present specification, the threshold is taken to be the temperature at mid-width of the temperature range of the transition concerned.

[0043] At the time when the unit that has been procured has to be filled in the initial state (in which the temperature indicator component has the first appearance) while at a temperature between the low threshold and the high threshold, action is taken locally on the indicator component in order to subdivide it into the first zone and the second zone, for example by applying to the indicator component an anvil having the shape of the second zone and heated to a temperature above the high threshold. Once filled, the unit is in the nominal operating state.

[0044] If, from the nominal operating state, the subdivision between the first zone and the second zone of the indicator component disappears (unit in an irregular operating state), this means that the temperature of the indicator component, and therefore of the seed contained in the unit, has crossed the low threshold (the indicator component then having entirely the first aspect) or even the high threshold (the indicator component then having entirely the second aspect), which reveals that after filling the packaging unit, and therefore the seed it contains, has not been kept within the required temperature range.

[0045] It will be observed that it results from the configuration of the low threshold at a predetermined minimum storage temperature of the diluted animal semen, for example 10°C, and from the configuration of the high threshold at a predetermined maximum storage temperature of the packaging unit when it is in the initial state, for example 59°C, (i) that it is essentially the low threshold which is related to the storage conditions of the diluted semen and (ii) that there is a particularly large gap between the low threshold and the high threshold.

[0046] This selection of the low threshold and the high threshold is based on the observations (i) that in accordance with the results of studies carried out by the applicant, given that today the players in artificial insemination are well aware that it is advantageous to store semen, in particular of porcine species, at a temperature of around 17°C and that the natural temperature of the semen is around 37°C, the most significant thermal risk for the conservation of semen, in particular of porcine species, is to be below the low threshold; and (ii) that although this is surprising, it is technically possible, in particular by implementing the characteristics described below, to have a very large gap between the low threshold and the high threshold, which makes it possible to have a high threshold well above normal storage and transport temperatures, for example a high threshold of 59°C, which eliminates or in any case greatly reduces the risks that the packaging unit leaves the initial state (in which the temperature indicator component has the first appearance) during storage or transport due to the temperature having become higher than the high threshold.

[0047] It will also be observed that it is advantageous that in the initial state the packaging unit already has the temperature indicator component (it is more convenient to provide the packaging unit with it during its mass production) but without the subdivision between the first zone and the second zone because the latter would have risked disappearing during storage or transport in cold weather whereas such a subdivision can be carried out quite easily by a machine for filling packaging units, for example by applying a heated anvil to the indicator component in a manner similar to the application of a welding anvil implemented by known sachet filling machines in order to close the filling conduit of each sachet once filled.

[0048] According to advantageous characteristics:

[0049] - said predetermined low threshold is between 7°C and 11°C, preferably between 8°C and 10°C;

[0050] - said predetermined high threshold is between 57°C and 61°C, preferably between 58°C and 60°C;

[0051] - said indicator component has a colored tint in the first aspect and a tint colorless or nearly colorless in the second aspect;

[0052] - in said nominal service state, said second zone forms a clear pattern surrounded by said first zone, which forms a dark background;

[0053] - said thermochromic material of the indicator component comprises micro capsules having a shell containing a thermochromic solution;

[0054] - said thermochromic solution comprises as solvent or wax 4-benzyloxyphenylethyl dodecanoate, CAS number 794564-07-1;

[0055] - said thermochromic material of the indicator component comprises a base formed by a varnish and an additive containing said microcapsules;

[0056] - said indicator component is formed by an ink affixed to a glued label an external surface of said unit or by ink printed directly on one side external of said unit;

[0057] - said unit forms a sachet comprising two flexible sheets fixed to each other by a welding zone delimiting a pocket having a predetermined volume when said sachet is filled, said pocket being intended to contain a dose of said diluted animal semen having said predetermined volume, each said flexible sheet having its surface facing said pocket which is part of a layer of weldable thermoplastic material; and / or

[0058] - said indicator component is arranged in the center or in a corner of said sachet.

[0059] The invention also relates, in a second aspect, to an assembly comprising a packaging unit as set out above and a filling machine for bringing said unit from said initial state to said nominal operating state, said filling machine being provided with a station for activating said temperature indicator component of said unit, which activation station comprises an anvil having the shape of said second zone and heated to a temperature at least equal to said high threshold and an actuator for applying said anvil to said indicator component.

[0060] According to advantageous characteristics, said packaging unit is a sachet forming part of a strip of sachets arranged side by side and connected to each other with said station for activating the indicator component which also forms a station for cutting two successive sachets from said strip.

[0061] The invention also aims, in a third aspect, at a method for providing a packaging unit as set out above in the nominal service state, comprising the step of providing an assembly as set out above and the step of changing said packaging unit from the initial state to the service state with said filling machine. Brief description of the drawings

[0062] The description of the invention will now be continued by the detailed description of exemplary embodiments, given below for illustrative and non-limiting purposes, with reference to the appended drawings, in which: [Fig.l], already described, is a plan view of the sachet described by PCT application WO 2016 / 071618 in the flat state, i.e. unfilled; [Fig.2], already described, is the sectional view marked II-II in [Fig.l]; Figure 3, already described, is a view similar to [Fig.l], but with the sachet filled with a dose of diluted semen; [Fig.4], already described, is a view similar to [Fig.2], but with the sachet filled with a dose of diluted semen; [Fig.5], already described, is an enlargement of detail V of [Fig.4]; [Fig. 6] is a very schematic plan view of a sachet according to the invention for packaging a dose of diluted animal semen suitable for artificial insemination, in particular of porcine species, this sachet being in the initial state in which it is empty (flat state shown in Figures 1 and 2) and in which a temperature indicator component which it comprises has entirely the same visual appearance, called the first appearance, here a colored tint; [Fig.7] is a view similar to [Fig.6] but with the temperature indicator component having a first area having the first appearance, and a second area having another visual appearance, called the second appearance, here a colorless or almost colorless tint; [Fig.8] is a view similar to Figures 6 and 7 but with the bag in the nominal service condition where it is filled while the temperature indicating component is as in [Fig.7], i.e. with the first area having the first appearance and the second area having the second appearance; [Fig.9] is a view similar to Figures 6 to 8, but with the bag in an irregular operating condition where it is filled while the temperature indicating component is as in [Fig.6], i.e. entirely with the first aspect; [Fig. 10] is a view similar to Figures 6 to 9, but with the bag in another irregular operating condition where it is filled while the temperature indicating component is fully with the second aspect; [Fig. 11] is a graph illustrating the color change of the thermochromic material from which the temperature indicating component is made; [Fig. 12] is a schematic view of a fragment of the thermochromic material of the temperature indicating component; [Fig. 13] is a very schematic view of a machine for filling sachets such as those illustrated in Figures 6 to 10 and of such sachets cooperating with this machine; and [Fig. 14] is a partial view of a variant of the sachet according to the invention. Detailed description

[0063] Generally speaking, the bag illustrated in Figures 6 to 10 is similar to the bag illustrated in Figures 1 to 5 except that it also includes a label 40 on which a temperature indicator component 41 is affixed.

[0064] We have therefore kept the same numerical references as for the bag illustrated in figures 1 to 5.

[0065] The temperature indicator component 41 has either the first visual aspect shown in particular in [Fig. 6], or the second visual aspect shown in particular in [Fig. 10], which is different from the first aspect.

[0066] Here, the first visual aspect is a colored tint, for example a blue tint, and the second visual aspect is a colorless or almost colorless tint, which allows the face of the label 40 on which the component 41 is affixed to be seen, this face being white here.

[0067] The change between the first visual aspect shown in particular in [Fig. 6] and the second visual aspect shown in particular in [Fig. 10] comes from the fact that the component 41 is made of thermochromic material exhibiting the color change illustrated by curve 42 of the graph in [Fig. 11] where the temperatures are plotted on the abscissa and the colors on the ordinate.

[0068] It can be seen that this is a reversible color change at a predetermined high temperature threshold T1 in the direction of the temperature increase, here of the order of 59°C, as well as at a predetermined low temperature threshold T2 in the direction of the temperature decrease, here of the order of 10°C, the indicator component 41 having the first visual aspect, here a colored color, if its temperature is lower than the low threshold T2 and the second visual aspect, here a colorless or almost colorless color, if its temperature is higher than the high threshold T1.

[0069] It can also be seen that the indicator component 41 keeps the first visual appearance between the low threshold T2 and the high threshold T1 in the direction of the temperature increase, and that the indicator component 41 keeps the second visual appearance between the high threshold T1 and the low threshold T2 in the direction of the temperature decrease.

[0070] It is understood that there is always a progression in the transitions between the different visual aspects of the thermochromic material, but that for simplicity, in the present specification, the threshold is taken to be the temperature at mid-width of the temperature range of the transition concerned.

[0071] Thus, the transition between the first aspect and the second aspect takes place with a certain progressiveness around the high threshold T1, the transition starting at a temperature T1 - [3 and ending at a temperature T1 + [3, with here [3 which is of the order of 2°C. Similarly, the transition between the second aspect and the first aspect takes place with a certain progressiveness around the low threshold T2, the transition starting at a temperature T2 + a and ending at a temperature T2 - a, with here a which is of the order of 1°C.

[0072] Generally speaking, the value of [3 is typically between 1°C and 3°C while the value of a is typically between 0.2°C and 2°C.

[0073] More precisely, as shown by portion 43 of curve 42 which can be seen to the left of point 44, as long as the temperature is lower than T2 - a, the indicator component 41 keeps the same shade (first visual aspect), namely a colored shade for example blue.

[0074] As shown by portion 45 of curve 42 which can be seen to the right of point 46, as long as the temperature is higher than Tl + [3, the indicator component 41 keeps the same shade (second visual aspect), namely a colorless or almost colorless shade.

[0075] Portion 47 of curve 42, located between point 44 and point 46, shows the hue of the indicator component 41 when its temperature increases between T2 - a (point 44) and Tl + [3 (point 46). This direction of temperature increase is symbolized by the arrows in portion 47. It can be seen that up to Tl - [3 the indicator component 41 keeps the colored hue (first visual aspect) and that the hue of the indicator component 41 gradually changes from colored (first visual aspect) to colorless or almost colorless (second visual aspect) between Tl - [3 and Tl + [3.

[0076] Portion 48 of curve 42, located between point 46 and point 44, shows the hue of the indicator component 41 when its temperature decreases between T1 + [3 (point 46) and T2 - a (point 44). This direction of temperature decrease is symbolized by the arrows in portion 48. It can be seen that up to T2 + a the indicator component 41 keeps the colorless or almost colorless hue (second visual aspect) and that the hue of the indicator component 41 gradually changes from colorless or almost colorless (second visual aspect) to colored (first visual aspect) between T2 + a and T2 - a.

[0077] The change in color of the indicator component 41 is thus reversible, with a hysteresis (between points 44 and 46) of Tl - T2, and more precisely of (Tl + |3) -(T2 - a).

[0078] In [Fig.6], the sachet 10 is shown in an initial state, which is the one in which it is marketed, where it is empty (flat state shown in Figures 1 and 2) while the temperature indicator component 41 has the entire first appearance.

[0079] Given the characteristics set out above of the thermochromic material from which the indicator component 41 is made, as long as the temperature remains below the high threshold T1, the indicator component 41 retains the first appearance. If the temperature becomes higher than the high threshold T1, then the indicator component 41 takes on the second appearance, shown in [Fig. 10].

[0080] In [Fig.7], the sachet 10 is empty (flat state shown in Figures 1 and 2) and the indicator component 41 has a first area 50 having the first appearance and a second area 51 having the second appearance.

[0081] Here, the second zone 51 forms a light pattern surrounded by the first zone which forms a dark background. The pattern is here formed by letters, in this case the letters I, M and V.

[0082] To subdivide the indicator component 41 into the first zone 50 and second zone 51, action was taken locally by applying to the indicator component 41 an anvil having the shape of the second zone 51 and heated to a temperature above the high threshold TL.

[0083] In [Fig.8], the bag 10 is as in [Fig.7], but filled (condition shown in Figures 3 to 5), which is a nominal service condition in which the bag 10 is intended to be maintained at a temperature suitable for the conservation of the seed it contains, for example around 17°C.

[0084] Given the characteristics set out above of the thermochromic material from which the indicator component 41 is made, as long as the temperature remains between the low threshold T2 and the high threshold T1, the indicator component 41 remains as shown in [Fig.8], that is to say that the bag 10 remains in the nominal operating state.

[0085] If the bag 10 is in the nominal operating state ([Fig.8]) and the temperature becomes lower than the low threshold T2, then the indicator component 41 takes on the first appearance entirely, the bag 10 then being in the irregular operating state illustrated in [Fig.9]. The bag 10 then maintains this state as long as the temperature remains lower than the high threshold T1.

[0086] If the bag 10 is in the nominal operating state ([Fig.8]) and the temperature becomes higher than the high threshold T1, then the indicator component 41 takes on the second aspect entirely, the bag 10 then being in the irregular operating state illustrated in [Fig. 10]. The bag 10 then maintains this state as long as the temperature remains higher than the low threshold T2.

[0087] It can be seen that if, from the nominal operating state ([Fig.8]), the subdivision between the first zone 50 and the second zone 51 of the indicator component 41 disappears, this is because the temperature of the indicator component 41, and therefore of the seed contained in the sachet 10, has crossed the low threshold T2 (sachet in the irregular operating state shown in [Fig.9]) or even the high threshold T1 (sachet in the irregular operating state shown in [Fig. 10]), which reveals that after filling the sachet 10, and therefore the seed it contains, has not been kept within the required temperature range.

[0088] It is known that it is generally considered advantageous to store the semen of porcine species at a temperature of around 17°C.

[0089] It follows from the studies carried out by the applicant that there is a critical minimum temperature, of the order of 8°C, below which the seed undergoes a thermal shock which permanently affects it and therefore reduces its fertilizing power.

[0090] It is therefore interesting to reveal that a sachet containing a dose of semen of the porcine species was brought to a temperature close to or below 8°C, for example lower than 10°C, after having been packaged in the sachet 10.

[0091] The low threshold T2 was thus selected at 10°C in the example illustrated.

[0092] In practice, due to the above-mentioned progressivity, in the example illustrated the transition between the second aspect, here a colorless or almost colorless tint, and the first aspect, here a colored tint, takes place between 11°C and 9°C, that is to say that a = 1°C.

[0093] Generally speaking, the studies carried out by the applicant show that it is advantageous for the low threshold T2 to be between 7°C and 11°C, preferably between 8°C and 10°C.

[0094] The upper threshold T1 was selected to be greater than a predetermined maximum storage temperature of the bag in the initial state shown in [Fig.6], for example 59°C.

[0095] In practice, due to the progressiveness mentioned above, in the example illustrated the transition between the first aspect, here a colored shade, for example blue, and the second aspect, here a colorless or almost colorless shade, takes place between 57°C and 61°C, that is to say that [3 = 2°C.

[0096] Generally speaking, the studies carried out by the applicant show that it is advantageous for the high threshold T1 to be between 57°C and 61°C, preferably between 58°C and 60°C.

[0097] It will be observed that such a high threshold is particularly high and that consequently the risks of reaching this high threshold Tl during storage or transport of the bag 10 after its manufacture (initial state shown in [Fig.6]) are reduced, including during storage or transport in hot weather.

[0098] The indicator component 41 is obtained by applying a thermochromic ink 41 to a substrate, here a blank adhesive label. This thermochromic ink is for example applied by screen printing, which allows the thickness of the deposited ink layer to be well controlled, which is favorable to good control of the color change characteristics.

[0099] [Fig. 12] shows a fragment of the thermochromic material from which the indicator component 4L is made.

[0100] This material has a base 52 in colorless or almost colorless varnish and an additive to make this material thermochromic.

[0101] This additive is formed by microcapsules 53 of generally spherical shape. Each microcapsule 53 has a shell containing a thermochromic solution.

[0102] The shell of the microcapsules 53 is made of polyurea.

[0103] The studies carried out by the applicant have shown that this material offers the advantage of being well compatible with the base 52 in colorless or almost colorless varnish and of being able to be colorless transparent. This makes it possible to clearly see the thermochromic solution present in each microcapsule 53.

[0104] Here, the thermochromic solution contained in each microcapsule 53 is composed of: - a solvent (also called wax), here 4-benzyloxyphenylethyl dodecanoate also called Dodecanoic acid, 2-[4-(phenylMethoxy)phenyl]ethyl ester; or 2-(4-Benzyloxyphenyl)ethyl dodecanoate; or 4-Benzyloxyphenylethyl laurate; identified by the CAS number 794564-07-1; in a proportion of 88 to 95% by mass, for example 92.5% by mass; - a proton donor (also called activator, developer or active agent), here 2,2-Bis(4-hydroxy-3-methylphenyl)propane, known as Bisphenol C, identified by the CAS number 79-97-0; in a proportion of 4 to 8% by mass, for example 5% by mass; and - a leuco-colorant, here 3-(4-Diethylamino-2-hexyloxyphenyl)-3-(2-methyl-l-ethylindol-3-yl)-4-azaphthalide, known as B203, identified by CAS number 98660-18-5; in a proportion of 1 to 4% by mass, for example 2.5% by mass.

[0105] Thanks to these three compounds, thus dosed in mass, the thermochromic solution changes between a blue tint and a colorless or almost colorless tint for the aforementioned temperature thresholds.

[0106] It will be noted that the solvent or wax used has a particularly high melting temperature (which sets the high threshold T1) as well as a particularly high difference between this melting temperature (which sets the high threshold T1) and its crystallization temperature (which sets the low threshold T2), and makes it possible to obtain the above-mentioned values ​​for the high threshold T1 and the low threshold T2 by adequately selecting the encapsulation conditions.

[0107] In the illustrated example, the shell and the core of the microcapsules 53 represent respectively approximately 25% and approximately 75% of the mass of a microcapsule.

[0108] To manufacture the ink which becomes the indicator component 41 after application and drying on a substrate such as a blank label or elsewhere the film 11 or the film 12, for example, a suspension (in English: slurry) of microcapsules 53 is prepared in a dispersant such as water, for example in a mass proportion of 20% microcapsules and 80% water, then the ink is prepared by mixing the suspension obtained with a binder or varnish, for example in a mass proportion of 54% suspension and 46% binder or varnish.

[0109] [Fig. 13] shows very schematically a machine 55 for filling bags 10 such as illustrated in FIGS. 6 to 10 as well as such bags cooperating with the machine 55.

[0110] The machine 55 is fed with bags 10 arranged side by side and connected to each other in the form of a strip which comes from a roll of bags.

[0111] In the machine 55, in a known manner (see for example the GTB 1000 machine marketed by the applicant) the bags 10 pass successively into a cutting station 56 to separate the bag 10 arriving in the machine 55 from the bags 10 which follow it, then into a station 57 for filling a bag 10 then into a station 58 for closing the filling conduit 15 by the welding bead 26.

[0112] The machine 55 drives the bags 10 steps at a time with each step having the width of a bag so that each bag passes from one station to the next at each step, the stations 56 to 58 operating in parallel at each stop of the drive.

[0113] Thus the bag 10 which was in the cutting station 56 during a drive stop is at the next stop in the filling station 57 then at the stop which follows again in the sealing station 58 before leaving the machine 55.

[0114] The bag 10 present in the cutting station 56 is being separated from the bag which follows it, which can be seen to the left of the cutting station 56 in [Fig. 13].

[0115] Here, the cutting station 56 is further equipped with a heated anvil 59 and an actuator 60 of the heated anvil, shown very schematically in [Fig.13].

[0116] The actuator 60 applies the heated anvil 59 to the indicator component 41 of the bag 10 which is in the station 56.

[0117] The temperature of the heated anvil being higher than the high threshold T1, for example 80°C, and the heated anvil having the shape of the second zone 51, the bag which leaves the cutting station 56 to pass to the filling station 57 has its indicator component 41 which has the first zone 50 the second zone 51.

[0118] After the bag has passed through the filling station 57 and the sealing station 58, the bag leaves the machine in the nominal operating state.

[0119] It will be noted that the thresholds T1 and T2 given in the present specification are for relatively long thermal exposure times, for example 30 minutes, which makes it possible to prevent the indicator component 41 from reacting to thermal exposures outside the thresholds but too brief to affect the seed; and that, as the temperature to which the anvil is heated is much higher than the high threshold T1, the indicator component reacts very quickly to the application of the anvil, for example in 3 seconds, which is compatible with the speeds of a sachet filling machine.

[0120] We will now describe the variant of the bag 10 illustrated in [Fig.14].

[0121] While in the bag 10 illustrated in Figures 6 to 10, the indicator component 41 is carried by a label 40 of rectangular shape located at mid-height of the bag with a width close to that of the bag, in the variant of the bag 10 illustrated in [Fig.14], the indicator component 41 is carried by a label 40 of round shape and smaller dimensions, located in a corner of the bag, here the corner that can be seen at the bottom left, that is to say at the level of the end section 20 of the welding zone 13.

[0122] Alternatively, the indicator component has a different shape and location, for example an oval outline at the bottom right.

[0123] In variants not illustrated:

[0124] - the shape of the second zone such as 51 is different, for example a light pattern on a dark background other than letters or a light band on one side of the indicator component;

[0125] - the first aspect and the second aspect are other than respectively colored and colorless or nearly colorless, for example the reverse or two different colors;

[0126] - the temperature indicating component is different from a thermo-ink layer chromic, for example the cannula 25 made of a thermochromic plastic material;

[0127] - in the sachet filling machine 55 the component activation station indicator 41 is different, for example shutter station 58 or a dedicated additional station;

[0128] - bag 10 is replaced by another seed packaging unit diluted animal, in particular porcine species, for example an artificial insemination tube or probe comprising a sheath and a deformable envelope delimiting with the sheath a reservoir for containing the dose of semen, as described in particular by European patent application EP 0 861 637 or by international application WO 2008 / 055665;

[0129] - the thermochromic ink forming the temperature indicating component is not affixed to a label stuck on the packaging unit but this ink is printed directly on the packaging unit, for example on the film 11 or the film 12 of the bag 10;

[0130] - the thermochromic material which forms the indicator component such as 41 is different, for example with the compounds of the thermochromic solution enclosed in the microcapsules such as 53 which is different, for example with a different proton donor and / or leuco dye; and / or

[0131] - the packaging unit is intended for species other than porcine, for example example bovine and equine species with the predetermined low threshold T2 between 0°C and 15°C, preferably between 3°C and 5°C, or ovine and caprine species with the predetermined low threshold T2 between 10°C and 20°C, preferably between 14°C and 16°C.

[0132] Many other variants are possible depending on the circumstances, and it is recalled in this regard that the invention is not limited to the examples described and shown.

Claims

Claims

1. Packaging unit for a dose of diluted animal semen suitable for artificial insemination, in particular of porcine species, characterized in that it is provided with a temperature indicator component (41) made of thermochromic material having a reversible color change at a predetermined high temperature threshold (T1) in the direction of temperature increase and at a predetermined low temperature threshold (T2) in the direction of temperature decrease, said indicator component (41) thus having a first visual appearance if its temperature is lower than said low threshold (T2) and a second visual appearance different from the first visual appearance if its temperature is higher than said high threshold (T1), said indicator component (41) maintaining the first visual appearance between the low threshold (T2) and the high threshold (T1) in the direction of temperature increase,said indicator component (41) maintaining the second visual appearance between the high threshold (T1) and the low threshold (T2) in the direction of the temperature decrease; said thermochromic material being configured with said low threshold (T2) at a predetermined minimum temperature for preserving said diluted animal semen (27),and with said high threshold (Tl) at a predetermined maximum storage temperature of said unit (10) in an initial state where it is empty; and said unit (10) admits: said initial state in which it is empty and in which said indicator component (41) has entirely the first aspect as long as its temperature remains below said high threshold (Tl); a nominal service state in which said unit (10) is filled with said dose of seed (27) and in which said indicator component (41) has a first zone (50) having the first aspect and a second zone (51) having the second aspect as long as its temperature remains between said low threshold (T2) and said high threshold (Tl); and an irregular service state in which said unit (10) is filled with said dose of seed (27) and in which said indicator component (41) has entirely the first aspect or entirely the second aspect.,

2. Unit according to claim 1, characterized in that said predetermined low threshold (T2) is between 7°C and 11°C, preferably between 8°C and 10°C.

3. Unit according to any one of claims 1 or 2, characterized in that said predetermined high threshold (Tl) is between 57°C and 61°C, preferably between 58°C and 60°C.

4. A unit according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that said indicator component (41) has a colored tint in the first aspect and a colorless or near-colorless tint in the second aspect.

5. Unit according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that, in said nominal operating state, said second zone (51) forms a light pattern surrounded by said first zone (50), which forms a dark background.

6. Unit according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that said thermochromic material of the indicator component (41) comprises microcapsules (53) having a shell containing a thermochromic solution.

7. Unit according to claim 6, characterized in that said thermochromic solution comprises as solvent or wax 4-benzyloxyphenylethyl dodecanoate, CAS number 794564-07-1.

8. Unit according to any one of claims 6 or 7, characterized in that said thermochromic material of the indicator component (41) comprises a base (52) formed by a varnish and an additive containing said microcapsules (53).

9. Unit according to any one of claims 6 to 8, characterized in that said indicator component (41) is formed by an ink affixed to a label (40) stuck to an external surface of said unit (10) or by an ink printed directly on an external face of said unit (10).

10. Unit according to any one of claims 1 to 9, characterized in that it forms a sachet comprising two flexible sheets (11, 12) fixed to each other by a welding zone (13) delimiting a pocket (14) having a predetermined volume when said sachet (10) is filled, said pocket (14) being intended to contain a dose (27) of said diluted animal semen having said predetermined volume, each said flexible sheet (11, 12) having its surface (30, 31) facing said pocket (14) which is part of a layer (35) of weldable thermoplastic material.

11. Unit according to claim 10, characterized in that said indicator component (41) is arranged in the center or in a corner of said sachet (10).

12. Assembly comprising a packaging unit according to one of any of claims 1 to 11 and a filling machine (55) for bringing said unit (10) from said initial state to said nominal operating state, said filling machine (55) being provided with an activation station (56) for said temperature indicator component (41) of said unit (10), which activation station (56) comprises an anvil (59) having the shape of said second zone (51) and heated to a temperature at least equal to said high threshold (Tl) and an actuator (60) for applying said anvil (59) to said indicator component (41).

13. Assembly according to claim 12, characterized in that said packaging unit is a sachet (10) forming part of a strip of sachets (10) arranged side by side and connected to each other with said activation station (56) of the indicator component (41) which also forms a cutting station for two successive sachets (10) of said strip.

14. A method for providing a packaging unit according to any one of claims 1 to 11 in the nominal service state, comprising the step of providing an assembly according to any one of claims 12 or 13 and the step of switching said packaging unit (10) from the initial state to the service state with said filling machine (55).

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