Sterile filling machine having needle filling station within e-beam chamber

An apparatus for sterile filling a container with a substance, wherein the container includes a penetrable and thermally resealable portion and a chamber for receiving the substance therein, the apparatus comprising:

• an e-beam chamber configured for receiving the container therein;
• an e-beam source for directing an electron beam within the e-beam chamber onto a penetrable and thermally resealable portion of the container to sterilize the irradiated surface of such portion;
• an injection member movably mounted within the e-beam chamber, wherein the injection member is movable into and out of engagement with the penetrable and thermally resealable portion of the container and is configured to pierce such portion and introduce a substance therethrough and into the sealed chamber of the container;
• and
• an energy source connectable in thermal communication with the penetrable and thermally resealable portion for applying energy to a penetrated surface thereof to hermetically seal same.

An apparatus for sterile filling a container with a substance, wherein the container includes a penetrable and thermally resealable portion and a chamber for receiving the substance therein, the apparatus comprising:

• first means defining a chamber for receiving the container therein;
• second means for directing an electron beam within the chamber onto a penetrable and thermally resealable portion of the container to sterilize the irradiated surface of such portion;
• third means movable into and out of engagement with the penetrable and thermally resealable portion of the container for piercing such portion and introducing a substance therethrough and into the sealed chamber of the container;
• and
• fourth means connectable in thermal communication with the penetrable and thermally resealable portion for applying energy to a penetrated surface thereof to hermetically seal same.