US 3,965,946 A · Vacuum device for an expandable container

Abstract

A device which forms a closed compartment for an expandable container to permit a vacuum to be created around the flexible container so as to reduce the pressure inside the container and thereby permit the transfer of fluid materials into the expandable container. The vacuum device is simple in its construction in that it comprises a cover and base member forming a compartment which houses the expandable container and through which a vacuum line is interconnected. In a preferred manner, the cover has a pocket which supports the expandable container and positions it in a slanted manner such that a sealable inlet port is in a raised position as it extends through the cover. The cover member also has means to release the vacuum in the compartment. As a further embodiment, an electrical inlet and outlet are provided in the base which by means of a switch can operate a vacuum pump in conjunction with the opening and closing of the cover.

Claims17

Dependent claims

A device for introducing a flowable material into an expandable container having a sealable inlet port comprising:

a base member constructed and arranged to accommodate said container therein;
a cover member;
pivoting means securing said cover member to said base member to define a closed compartment;
sealing means disposed between said base and cover members, said base member adapted to be secured to a support in a stationary position and to remain in said position throughout usage of said device;
an opening in said cover member to permit access to said sealable inlet port in said container;
a vacuum passage communicating from inside said compartment to the outside;
a pocket member carried by said cover to position said sealable inlet port in said opening in said cover and to fully support said container when in a substantially vertical position, said pocket member partially supporting said container when in a substantially horizontal position;
and means carried by said cover member or said base to release a vacuum in said compartment.

5 more elements

A vacuum device for introducing a sterile, flowable material into a sterile, closed, expandable container having a sealable additive port comprising:

a base member having means to secure the base member in a stationary position on a supporting surface and to remain in said position throughout usage of said device, said base member having an end portion and constructed and arranged to receive said expandable container therein;
a vacuum passage and electrical connection means housed in said base member in the same end portion with said vacuum passage having an inlet into the inside of base member;
a cover member having an opening for accommodating said sealable additive port of said expandable container;
means to temporarily seal said cover and base members together;
hinging means connecting said cover and base members together adjacent said end portion of said base member;
a pocket member carried by said cover adjacent the portion of said cover hinged to said base member;
to fully support said container when in a substantially vertical position and at least partially support said container when in a substantially horizontal position;
an electrical switch interconnecting said electrical connection means and disposed adjacent said hinging means whereby movement of said cover member actuates said switch.

5 more elements

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.

Vacuum device for an expandable container

Life of this patent

Vacuum device for an expandable container

Life of this patent

Abstract

Claims17