Vial filling system with localized clean zone
AssigneeMuffin Incorporated
InventorsWilliam J. Havel, Richard B. Sisken, Neal E. Fearnot, Marc C. Buhrmester, James T. Jones
Life of this patent
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Abstract
Among other things, there is shown a system for filling vials with fluid that maintains a localized sterile zone around the filling location. In particular embodiments, the sterile zone is provided by a manifold having an internal space to which clean air is supplied. One or more filling assemblies are attached to the manifold. Vials enter the sterile zone and are filled within it. Additional structure, such as coverings for vials, are disclosed to assist in maintaining sterility.
Claims19
A vial-filling apparatus, comprising:
- a disposable clean-air zone including a manifold having an upper surface and a lower surface bounding an internal space, a clean-air inlet communicating with the internal space, and at least one slot in the lower surface adapted to accept at least a portion of a vial, so that such portion of the vial may enter the space through the slot,
- wherein the manifold also includes at least one opening in the upper surface and over the slot, whereby fluid can be passed through the opening and into a vial at least partially in the clean-air zone.
A system for filling vials with a biological fluid while maintaining sterility of the vials, comprising:
- a filling apparatus;
- a set of one or more vials to be filled, each of the vials having a respective fill tube with an upper flange;
- a conveyor for moving the vials with respect to the filling apparatus;
- and
- a manifold for providing a clean-air zone around the flanges of the vials during filling, and for connecting to the filling apparatus, the manifold including a clean-air inlet communicating with the internal space, and at least one slot in the lower surface adapted to accept at least a portion of a vial, so that such portion of the vial may enter the clean-air zone.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.