Abstract: The present invention relates to a device for facilitating transfer of a substance from a container into a receptacle. The container has an opening sealed by a breachable seal. The device includes a connector for connection to the opening and a severing means. One of the connector and the severing means is movable with respect to the other in order to enable the severing means to breach the seal.

Abstract: A life saving device includes a barrel, an air bottle having a mouth mounted on the barrel, an inflation nozzle having a first end connected to the mouth and a second end connected to a life saving equipment, a breaking mechanism operable to break the mouth, a stop bar movable to abut the breaking mechanism, a control handle pivotally mounted on the barrel and connected with the stop bar, an elastic member biased between the barrel and the control handle, and at least one water-soluble cord enclosing the air bottle and the control handle. Thus, the water-soluble cord is dissolved in the water quickly so that the life saving equipment can be inflated automatically without needing a manual operation, thereby facilitating the user employing the life saving equipment during an emergency.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device for combining two components. A first container accommodates the first component, which is liquid, and a second container accommodates a second, solid or liquid component under negative pressure. A body is provided with a first holder for the first container, in the region of the closure of the latter, and with a second holder for the second container, in the region of the closure of the latter. Displaceable means for piercing the closures are provided within the body. In the case of such a device, the invention provides that the body has two slides mounted in a displaceable manner in it, wherein each slide accommodates a cannula for piercing the respective closure, the cannulas are connected, in the region of their ends directed away from the closure, to an element which connects the cannulas in a liquid-tight manner, and actuating means are provided for moving the slides in the direction of the closures for the purpose of piercing the closures.

Abstract: Pressure equalizing device comprising a fluid container for attachment to a receptacle such as a vial to permit pressure equalization between the fluid container and the receptacle. The pressure equalizing device comprises a flow channel that is arranged to provide fluid communication into or out of the fluid container when the pressure equalizing device is attached to the receptacle. The pressure equalizing device also comprises a fluid inlet that contains a one-way valve that permits fluid to flow into the fluid container via said fluid inlet and that prevents fluid from flowing out of the fluid container via said fluid inlet and filter-receiving means that are arranged to permit fluid flowing into or out of the fluid container to be filtered when the filter-receiving means comprises a filter.

Abstract: A dispenser for dispensing a metered amount of liquid into a porous plug includes a casing which has an inlet passage adapted to receive a manually insertable porous plug. A reservoir disposed in the cavity contains the liquid. The reservoir has an outlet which is communicable with the inlet passage. A discharge mechanism disposed in the casing is actuable in response to the insertion of a porous plug into the inlet passage for producing a pressurized air flow which bears against a piston in the reservoir for discharging a metered amount of the liquid from the reservoir into the porous plug. The plug could constitute a filter attached to a tobacco column.

Abstract: A fluid transfer device for transferring fluid from a first fluid container to a second fluid container such as a piercing member protection device. The fluid transfer device can comprise a longitudinal axis A and a first connection part comprising connection means for connecting to said first fluid container. The fluid transfer device can further comprise a second connection part rotatably mounted to the first connection part by mounting means, and the second connection part can further comprise connection means for connecting said second fluid container. The mounting means can enable turning of said second connection part with respect to said first connection part. Such a device can allow a user to safely turn e.g., a syringe after assembly to read a volume indication or similar.

Abstract: Disclosed is a container and method for filling same. The container includes a thermally resealable portion that is fusible in response to thermal energy, and a container body having a sealed empty chamber in fluid communication with the resealable portion for receiving therein a substance. The container also includes a base, a mid-portion, and an upper portion axially spaced from the base on an opposite side of the mid-portion relative to the base. Each of the base and upper portion define a laterally-extending dimension greater than a maximum laterally-extending dimension of the mid-portion. The method of filling the container includes penetrating the resealable portion with an injection member and introducing a substance into the chamber, withdrawing the injection member while engaging the base of the body to substantially prevent axial movement of the body, and applying thermal energy to the resealable portion to thermally fuse the penetrated region thereof.

Abstract: A container (1, 2) for storing and dispensing a liquid, the container including an access port (16) having a frangible seal (18) for allowing contained liquid to be dispensed. A vent (19) permeable to vapour but impermeable to liquid is also provided so that vapour may be vented from the interior of the container.

Abstract: A device defining a chamber for receiving a substance and a thermoplastic portion in fluid communication with the chamber is provided along with a method of filling and sealing the substance within the chamber. The thermoplastic portion defines a penetrable region that is penetrable by a filling member and is heat resealable to hermetically seal an aperture therein by applying laser radiation at a predetermined wavelength and power. The thermoplastic portion comprises a thermoplastic body defining a predetermined wall thickness and includes a styrene block copolymer, an olefin and a predetermined amount of pigment allowing the body to absorb laser radiation at the predetermined wavelength, substantially prevent the passage of radiation through the predetermined wall thickness, and hermetically seal the aperture in the penetrable region in a predetermined time period.

Abstract: A device and method are provided for needle penetrating and filling a chamber with a predetermined substance, and laser resealing a resulting needle hole in the device. A needle penetrable and laser resealable portion of the device is pierceable with a needle to form a needle aperture therethrough to fill the chamber through the needle, and is laser resealable to hermetically seal the needle aperture by applying laser radiation at a predetermined wavelength and power thereto. The needle penetrable and laser resealable portion defines a predetermined wall thickness in an axial direction thereof, and includes a thermoplastic that substantially prevents the formation of particles released into the chamber from the needle penetrable and laser resealable portion during penetration by and withdrawal of the needle.

Abstract: Various embodiments of the present invention are directed to transferring fluidic media from a vial to a reservoir. In various embodiments, fluidic media may be transferred from the vial to the reservoir by moving a housing portion to move a plunger head located in the reservoir to draw fluidic media from the vial to the reservoir. In other embodiments, fluidic media may be transferred from the vial to the reservoir while the reservoir is held by a holding unit and vibrated by a vibrator to remove air from the fluidic media. In some embodiments, fluidic media may be transferred from the vial to the reservoir by moving a handle operatively connected to a bias member for assisting with the transfer of fluidic media. In other embodiments, the transfer of fluidic media may be assisted by a bias member and a needle connecting atmosphere and the vial.

Abstract: A container and method are provided for storing fat containing liquid products. The container includes a body defining a storage chamber for receiving the product, and a container closure. A first material portion forms at least most of the surface area overlying the storage chamber that can contact any product therein. Neither the body nor the first material portion leach more than a predetermined amount of leachables into the product or undesirably alter a taste profile thereof. A needle penetrable and thermally resealable second material portion either (i) overlies the first material portion and cannot contact any product within the storage chamber, or (ii) forms a substantially lesser surface area overlying the storage chamber that can contact any product therein in comparison to the first material portion. A sealing portion is engageable with the body to form a substantially dry hermetic seal between the container closure and body.

Abstract: Embodiments provide an inkjet cartridge refilling system. The system may include a drill station configured to drill at least one refilling hole in an inkjet printer cartridge. The system may include an evacuation station configured to remove excess ink from the inkjet printer cartridge. In some embodiments, the excess ink is removed via a vacuum source. The system may also include a filling station configured to provide any of a plurality of inks into the cartridge. Some embodiments provide the ink to the inkjet cartridge via a hole drilled in the cartridge. Other embodiments provide the ink via inkjet nozzles of the inkjet printer cartridge. The system may also include a test station configured to test the refilled cartridge to determine whether it is functioning properly after being filled with ink.

Abstract: An automated medication preparation system for preparing a prescribed dosage of medication in a drug delivery device includes a plurality of stations for receiving, handling and processing the drug delivery device so that the prescribed dosage of medication is delivered to the drug delivery device and a transporting device that receives and holds more than one drug delivery device and moves the drug delivery devices in a controlled manner from one station to another station. The system is configured so that two or more separate drug delivery devices can be acted upon at the same time.

Abstract: A sterile filling machine and related method are provided for sterile filling a container with a substance. The container includes a heat resealable stopper and a chamber for receiving the substance therein. The sealed, empty containers are subjected to radiation capable of penetrating through the stopper and chamber for sterilizing the container. The previously sterilized containers are then transported through another sterilizing chamber, such as an e-beam chamber, to sterilize the penetrable surface. A needle is moved into engagement with the stopper to pierce the sterilized penetrable surface of the stopper and inject the substance through the needle and into the chamber of the container. Laser energy is then transmitted onto the penetrated surface of the stopper to fuse the stopper material and hermetically re-seal the stopper.

Abstract: A pressure-equalizing vial access device and method providing closed and sealed reconstitution of vial contents. A rigid container with a fixed internal volume is connected with a vent lumen extending into the vial. As pressure in the vial increases, the pressure is equalized with atmospheric pressure by varying the volume of a compartment within the rigid container. The compartment is formed with a volume control device that automatically varies the volume of the compartment in the rigid container to accommodate and equalize the pressure in the vial by increasing or decreasing the volume of the compartment. In one case the volume control device comprises a sliding disk and in another, a bladder that compresses with an increase in volume in the container and expands with a decrease.

Abstract: A container and method are provided for storing fat containing liquid products. The container includes a body defining a storage chamber for receiving the product, and a container closure. A first material portion forms at least most of the surface area overlying the storage chamber that can contact any product therein. Neither the body nor the first material portion leach more than a predetermined amount of leachables into the product or undesirably alter a taste profile thereof. A needle penetrable and thermally resealable second material portion either (i) overlies the first material portion and cannot contact any product within the storage chamber, or (ii) forms a substantially lesser surface area overlying the storage chamber that can contact any product therein in comparison to the first material portion. A sealing portion is engageable with the body to form a substantially dry hermetic seal between the container closure and body.

Abstract: An improved liquid handling needle device for use with the reconstitution of toxic drugs such as those used in chemotherapy and other applications. When diluent, in this example, is added through a septum into a sealed container, a positive pressure builds up. Aerosols containing the reconstituted drugs can be release through the punctured opening exposing personnel to potential contamination. This improved needle device provides a low-cost aerosol resistant vent channel between the outside diameter of the needle and the inside diameter of the tubular member holding it allowing gas diffusion from inside of the sealed container through the vent channel to the outside of the container when said needle device is inserted into the sealed container.

Abstract: The present invention relates to devices and methods for the filling syringes. One medical apparatus in accordance with the present invention include a body member for releasably holding syringe barrels and an actuator apparatus slidably mounted on the body member to engage syringe plungers to cause the syringe plunger to be retracted. A fluid delivery apparatus is releasably mounted to the body member. The fluid delivery apparatus has an inlet port and a plurality of outlet ports. The inlet port is in fluid communication with each of the plurality of outlet ports. One method for filling a plurality of syringes in accordance with the present invention includes the steps of mounting a plurality a syringes to a syringe holding member and connecting a fluid delivery apparatus to the syringe holding member to mate with each of the tips of the syringe barrels.

Abstract: A system for preparing and making available a flowable medium (43) that is formed by mixing a dry substance (39) with a fluid (41), in particular a medium for therapeutic purposes includes a) a first container (1) receiving the fluid (41) and has a wall part (3) able to deform counter to a restoring force to change the container volume, b) a second container (35) receiving the dry substance (39), and c) a transfer device (21) for producing a fluid communication between the first container (1) and the second container (35).

Abstract: An inflation needle for inflating an object such as a sports ball includes a tubular body having an attachment end configured for engagement with a fluid supply. The body fairs into a tubular probe extending along a longitudinal axis from a proximal end to a distal end configured for being inserted into the ball. A concavo-convex base extends radially outward from the body and towards the distal end, terminating at a periphery spaced radially from the probe, the base being configured to engage the object upon insertion of the probe therein. The inflation needle is a unitary component.

Abstract: A manual gas inflator incorporating a cylinder status indication mechanism that is independent from the cylinder piercer. Prior to detonation, an indicator post abuts a sensor protrusion which positions a green surface of the indicator within the inflator window to indicate that the attached cartridge is ready for use. The jerking of a lanyard assembly causes the piercer to break the cylinder seal to allow gas to escape out of the cylinder and into a manifold secured to the inflator and also causes the indicator post to break the sensor protrusion from the cylinder. As the protrusion is broken, a second red surface of the indicator is viewable through the inflator window to indicate that the cylinder has been used and unavailable for inflation purposes.

Abstract: An assembly includes a support and drive assembly, a first structure and a second structure. The first structure is in operable communication with and supported by the support and drive assembly. The first structure includes at least one needle assembly and is adjustable to receive a plurality of needle assemblies. The second structure is supported by the support and drive assembly. The second structure includes at least one seal assembly and is adjustable to receive a plurality of seal assemblies. A method includes determining a number of vials that are to be filled concurrently and adjusting an assembly to include at least one needle assembly and at least one seal assembly. A number of the needle assemblies and the seal assemblies equals the number of vials.

Abstract: The transfer device for transferring a fluid from a container having a body with an open first end and a piston within the body, the transfer device comprising an outer housing which is designed to receive a cartridge assembly which includes the container, the plunger rod aligned with the piston in the body, a spring position to drive the plunger rod in a direction towards the piston, a retractor to move the plunger rod from an activated position wherein the spring is extended to a non-activated position wherein the spring is compressed, and an actuator to permit the spring to be released to drive the plunger rod to move the piston within the container body. Typically, the device is used for transferring fluid from one container to a further container.

Abstract: A device defining a chamber for receiving a substance and a thermoplastic portion in fluid communication with the chamber is provided along with a method of filling and sealing the substance within the chamber. The thermoplastic portion defines a penetrable region that is penetrable by a filling member and is heat resealable to hermetically seal an aperture therein by applying laser radiation at a predetermined wavelength and power. The thermoplastic portion comprises a thermoplastic body defining a predetermined wall thickness and includes a styrene block copolymer, an olefin and a predetermined amount of pigment allowing the body to absorb laser radiation at the predetermined wavelength, substantially prevent the passage of radiation through the predetermined wall thickness, and hermetically seal the aperture in the penetrable region in a predetermined time period.

Abstract: Disclosed is a container and method for filling same. The container includes a thermally resealable portion that is fusible in response to thermal energy, and a container body having a sealed empty chamber in fluid communication with the resealable portion for receiving therein a substance. The container also includes a base, a mid-portion, and an upper portion axially spaced from the base on an opposite side of the mid-portion relative to the base. Each of the base and upper portion define a laterally-extending dimension greater than a maximum laterally-extending dimension of the mid-portion. The method of filling the container includes penetrating the resealable portion with an injection member and introducing a substance into the chamber, withdrawing the injection member while engaging the base of the body to substantially prevent axial movement of the body, and applying thermal energy to the resealable portion to thermally fuse the penetrated region thereof.

Abstract: A syringe is provided for the delivery of controlled, metered amounts of any of numerous different substances to humans or animals, such as medicaments, pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, and food products, or to deliver materials which may react upon exposure to air, such as glue. The syringes include a body and a plunger. Means are provided in the syringe body and the plunger to effect controlled movement of the plunger into the syringe to permit delivery of a pre-determined amount of the substance contained in the syringe. A one-way valve is provided at the dispensing tip of the syringe to hermetically seal the portion of the syringe containing the substance to be dispensed.

Abstract: A syringe and a reconstitution syringe are provided for the delivery of controlled doses of any of numerous different sterile substances, such as vaccines, medicaments, pharmaceutical preparations, cosmetics, and food products. A plunger of the syringe defines a resealable stopper frictionally and slidably received within a hollow syringe body for dispensing the medicament or other substance through a dispensing tip of the syringe upon movement of the plunger. The resealable stopper defines a heat-sealable portion to allow the stopper to be penetrated by a needle or other filling device to fill the syringe with a medicament or other substance, and in turn allow the hole remaining upon withdrawal of the needle to be heat sealed by transmission of laser energy thereon.

Abstract: An improved medication dispensing device includes an apyrexia receptacle, a transport pipeline, a perfusion device, a filter, and a dispensing needle, which operates in an environment in compliance with Class 100 laminar air ventilation. The perfusion device erected at the middle of the transport pipeline which has two ends linking to the apyrexia receptacle and the filter, respectively. In operation, the perfusion device pumps the prepared medication solution from the apyrexia receptacle to get through the filter to remove particles and bacterium, and a thin tubular dispensing needle which punctures the rubber plug of an aseptic bottle. An axial groove rendered in middle section of the dispensing needle forms a pressurized seal part with the rubber plug resiliently wrapped around at the middle of the dispensing needle to discharge redundant air pressure accumulating in the aseptic bottle while keeps outside air from entering.

Abstract: A container is provided for holding a chemical compound or mixture. Areas are provided on the surface of the container which allow for gaseous by-products from the chemical contained within the container to permeate from a chamber through the surface of the container. A septum is over-molded into the surface of the container. The septum is formed in such a manner that it provides a sealing effect to close an opening in the container.

Abstract: A vial adapter is described comprising a housing, the housing comprising an expandable chamber to contain a volume, an internal passage in communication with the expandable chamber, at least one opening in communication with the internal passage, and an access member integral with the housing. A hollow spike comprising a proximal end is integral with the housing and a distal end. The spike comprises a vent lumen open at the distal end and a fluid lumen open at the distal end, the vent lumen is in communication with the internal passage and the fluid lumen is in communication with the access member. A first check valve restricts communication from the expandable chamber to the internal passage, and a second check valve restricts communication from the internal passage to the opening. Methods of reconstituting and/or withdrawing hazardous material using the vial adapter are described.

Abstract: Sensitive materials are packaged by being inserted into an uncontaminated reservoir of a container assembly without being contaminated during such packaging. The container assembly also includes an uncontaminated sleeve and an uncontaminated film. A lower portion of the sleeve extends from opening in the top of the reservoir and an upper portion of the sleeve is sealed by the film. When the film is broken, the material is inserted into the reservoir. The upper portion of the sleeve is separable from the lower portion of the sleeve. The container assembly also includes a first set of carrier arms attached to the upper portion of the sleeve for facilitating movement of the carrier assembly and a second set of carrier arms attached to the reservoir for facilitating handling and/or movement of the reservoir after the upper portion of the sleeve is separated from the lower portion of the sleeve.

Abstract: An inflation needle for inflating an object such as a sports ball includes a tubular body having an attachment end configured for engagement with a fluid supply. The body fairs into a tubular probe extending along a longitudinal axis from a proximal end to a distal end configured for being inserted into the ball. A concavo-convex base extends radially outward from the body and towards the distal end, terminating at a periphery spaced radially from the probe, the base being configured to engage the object upon insertion of the probe therein. The inflation needle is a unitary, molded polymeric component.

Abstract: Disclosed is a uniquely configured medicament vial assembly which includes a storage vial, a stopper member and a securing ring. The vial assembly is configured to improve healthcare worker safety by providing a shielded gripping location to aid in the reduction of accidental needle sticks. The storage vial has a body portion which defines an interior chamber for storing a predetermined medicament and a neck portion through which medicament is received into and withdrawn from the interior chamber. The stopper member is inserted into the mouth of the vial and establishes a first seal. The securing ring is engaged with the mouth of the vial and adapted and configured for retaining the stopper member within the vial mouth and effectuating a second seal. The securing ring is formed from a thermoplastic and/or elastic material. Preferably, the securing ring is formed by molding the thermoplastic and/or elastic material over a portion of the storage vial and stopper member when engaged within the vial mouth.

Abstract: A system, device, and method for mixing a substance with a liquid pumps the liquid into a container of the substance to produce a solution. The container may be part of a container assembly including a port assembly for coupling with the container to produce an inlet and/or and outlet port for the container. The container assembly may be received within a receiving chamber for causing the coupling. The solution may be permitted to flow out of the outlet port when the solution rises within the container to a level of the outlet port so that the substance is partially diluted before flowing out of the outlet port.

Abstract: Disclosed is a uniquely configured medicament vial assembly which includes a storage vial, a stopper member and a securing ring. The vial assembly is configured to improve healthcare worker safety by providing a shielded gripping location to aid in the reduction of accidental needle sticks. The storage vial has a body portion which defines an interior chamber for storing a predetermined medicament and a neck portion through which medicament is received into and withdrawn from the interior chamber. The stopper member is inserted into the mouth of the vial and establishes a first seal. The securing ring is engaged with the mouth of the vial and adapted and configured for retaining the stopper member within the vial mouth and effectuating a second seal. The securing ring is formed from a thermoplastic and/or elastic material. Preferably, the securing ring is formed by molding the thermoplastic and/or elastic material over a portion of the storage vial and stopper member when engaged within the vial mouth.

Abstract: A device for delivering a distributed zone of fluid for forming a wet impact barrier in a filter of a smoking product includes a container for holding the fluid, and a delivery mechanism for delivering the fluid from the container to the filter. The delivery mechanism can be a tube or needle of significantly lesser diameter than the diameter of the smoking product for placing a defined quantity of the fluid at a predetermined location within the smoking product, such as by injection through a side wall of the filter in the vicinity of the filter/tobacco boundary.

Abstract: According to an aspect of the invention, an apparatus for self-sealing of a reaction vessel, such that the reaction vessel may be repeatedly accessed by a fluid transfer mechanism and subsequently self-sealed, is detailed. The reaction vessel has an access opening, and the apparatus comprises a cap, a ball which is comprised of a magnetizable material (such as a ferrous metal), and a ring magnet. The cap is sized to fit over the reaction vessel access opening, and has an access port. The cap has an internal surface which faces the reaction vessel, and an external surface, which faces away from the reaction vessel. The ball is sized to fit over the cap access port, such that a portion of the ball seats partially in the cap access port on the cap internal surface, thus sealing the cap access port. According to an aspect of the invention, the ball may be comprised of a ferromagnetic material, or a magnetizable material that is preferably magnetized.

Abstract: An apparatus for the handling of hazardous fluids includes a collection vessel, a collection vessel connector, a dose control connector, a unit dose container, a delivery control connector, and a delivery site access device. The collection vessel contains the fluid prior to dispensing, the unit dose container contains a predetermined amount of the fluid for dispensing, the delivery site access device provides access to an intended delivery site, and the connector attaches pieces of the apparatus to one another. The method of the invention allows needle-free connections to be made for the apparatus, using a predetermined arrangement of the pieces of the apparatus, and in one embodiment, employs deformable elastomeric valves capable of creating a decreased pressure at a valve surface, so that upon closure of said valves, a fluid on the surface on the valves is withdrawn within the connector.

Abstract: A fluid delivery system for dispensing a liquid from a sealed container directly into a closed chamber comprises a container containing a liquid component of bone cement and plugged with a plug, and a closed chamber comprising a receiving port for receiving the sealed container, wherein the receiving port is configured to receive the liquid component in direct response to manual insertion of the sealed container through the receiving port using an open loop system.

Abstract: Apparatus for puncturing a gas filled bottle uses a spring force upon an inflator tack, which punctures the gas filled bottle, rather than a manual or explosive force. The spring force is retained prior to puncturing the bottle by a retention element disposed in a hole. The retention element is released upon actuation of the apparatus.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device for combining two components. A first container accommodates the first component, which is liquid, and a second container accommodates a second, solid or liquid component under negative pressure. A body is provided with a first holder for the first container, in the region of the closure of the latter, and with a second holder for the second container, in the region of the closure of the latter. Displaceable means for piercing the closures are provided within the body. In the case of such a device, the invention provides that the body has two slides mounted in a displaceable manner in it, wherein each slide accommodates a cannula for piercing the respective closure, the cannulas are connected, in the region of their ends directed away from the closure, to an element which connects the cannulas in a liquid-tight manner, and actuating means are provided for moving the slides in the direction of the closures for the purpose of piercing the closures.

Abstract: Apparatuses, methods, and systems for reconfiguring some or all content from one or more first containers into a second container are provided. In an example of the apparatus, the apparatus has a dispensing system having a dispenser to dispense content from one container into another, and a delivery system adapted to reconfigure the dispensed content from the one container into another container. In another example, a method includes dispensing selected contents from one container and reconfiguring the dispensed contents from the one container into another. In another example, the system includes a controller, a machine controlled by the controller, wherein the machine has a pair of container handlers, a content dispenser, and a content delivery system. The controller is adapted to control the machine using a selection criterion to operate the content dispenser to dispense selected content from one container to move with the delivery system into another container.

Abstract: An initially sealed storage apparatus carrying a material is provided. The present invention is directed to a mixing unit comprising a sealed container joined to a second container. When the second container is fully united with the sealed container, a seal in the sealed container is breached and the contents of the first container and the second container can be mixed. The seal is breached by a bushing enclosed within the sealed container or enclosed in a coupler between the sealed container and the second container which is advanced against the seal, and ruptures the seal when the second container is advanced into the coupler of the coupler portion of the sealed container.

Abstract: An assembly includes a support and drive assembly, a first structure and a second structure. The first structure is in operable communication with and supported by the support and drive assembly. The first structure includes at least one needle assembly and is adjustable to receive a plurality of needle assemblies. The second structure is supported by the support and drive assembly. The second structure includes at least one seal assembly and is adjustable to receive a plurality of seal assemblies. A method includes determining a number of vials that are to be filled concurrently and adjusting an assembly to include at least one needle assembly and at least one seal assembly. A number of the needle assemblies and the seal assemblies equals the number of vials.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a mixing unit comprising a sealed container joined to a second container. When the second container is fully united with the sealed container, a seal in the sealed container is breached and the contents of the first container and the second container can be mixed. The seal is breached by a bushing enclosed within the sealed container or enclosed in a coupler between the sealed container and the second container which is advanced against the seal, and ruptures the seal when the second container is advanced into the coupler of the coupler portion of the sealed container.

Abstract: A liquid storage apparatus provides a safe and easy to use device for efficiently managing liquid reagents used in a variety of laboratory equipment. The liquid storage apparatus helps reduce the likelihood of accidents, allows for flexibility of experimental design, and helps maximize the use of chemical regents to prevent waste. The apparatus includes a plurality of containers with a pierceable septum interface at each end. The apparatus also includes a lower array of needles with each of the lower needles in the lower array of needles arranged to penetrate the bottom pierceable septum of a different one of the containers. The apparatus further includes a piercing device arranged to penetrate the top pierceable septum of a different one of the containers. Each of the piercing devices include a passageway so gas can flow into the pierced container.

Abstract: A sterile filling machine and related method are provided for sterile filling a container with a substance. The container includes a heat resealable stopper and a chamber for receiving the substance therein. The sealed, empty containers are subjected to radiation capable of penetrating through the stopper and chamber for sterilizing the container. The previously sterilized containers are then transported through another sterilizing chamber, such as an e-beam chamber, to sterilize the penetrable surface. A needle is moved into engagement with the stopper to pierce the sterilized penetrable surface of the stopper and inject the substance through the needle and into the chamber of the container. Laser energy is then transmitted onto the penetrated surface of the stopper to fuse the stopper material and hermetically re-seal the stopper.

Abstract: A process for preparing a lyophilized material, providing a container having a penetrable envelope and containing the material in a carrier liquid, whereby the penetrable region is penetrated with a penetrator which provides a conduit through the envelope, and the carrier liquid id evaporated out of the container via the conduit, after which the penetrator is withdrawn. Apparatus suitable for performing the process is also disclosed.

Abstract: A refrigerant charging tool. In a described embodiment, a refrigerant charging tool has two separately formed handles pivotably attached to each other. One of the handles has a container piercing member mounted thereon. Interchangeable spacers are configured for attachment to the other handle, so that a selected one of differently shaped containers may be biased against the container piercing member when the handles are pivoted toward each other.