Abstract: A hermetically sealed thermoplastic container or ampoule having a hollow body portion, a neck portion, unitary with the body portion and terminating in a circumferential flat sealing surface that defines an access aperture, and a removable cap. The neck portion is provided with an external thread and defines an access passageway to the hollow body portion. Part of the neck portion is configured as a tapered female connector adapted to receive a tapered male connector when the access passageway is open.

Abstract: A nozzle alignment fixture suitable for use with a blow/fill/seal packaging machine in the form of an elongated block defining an aligned series of receptacles sized to receive and hold tips of fill nozzles of a blow/fill/seal packaging machine.

Abstract: A hermetically sealed thermoplastic container or ampoule having a hollow body portion, a neck portion, unitary with the body portion and terminating in a circumferential flat sealing surface that defines an access aperture, and a removable cap. The neck portion is provided with an external thread and defines an access passageway to the hollow body portion. Part of the neck portion is configured as a tapered female connector adapted to receive a tapered male connector when the access passageway is open.

Abstract: A fill assembly sterilization method and system for a blow/fill/seal machine utilizes a closed loop circulation of sterilant containing gas. A typical sterilant is nitrogen dioxide in humidified air. The closed loop includes a shroud that defines a plenum and encloses the fill system. Optionally, at least one high efficiency particulate absorption (HEPA) filter is provided in the closed loop. Sterility assurance level of 10?6 can be achieved by subjecting the fill system to the sterilizing gas for at least 20 minutes at a temperature in the range of about 18° C. to about 30° C. Preferred sterilant gas is humidified air containing about 10 to about 20 milligrams of nitrogen dioxide per liter.

Abstract: A fill assembly sterilization method and system for a blow/fill/seal machine utilizes a closed loop circulation of sterilant containing gas. A typical sterilant is nitrogen dioxide in humidified air. The closed loop includes a shroud that defines a plenum and encloses the fill system. Optionally, at least one high efficiency particulate absorption (HEPA) filter is provided in the closed loop. Sterility assurance level of 10?6 can be achieved by subjecting the fill system to the sterilizing gas for at least 20 minutes at a temperature in the range of about 18° C. to about 30° C. Preferred sterilant gas is humidified air containing about 10 to about 20 milligrams of nitrogen dioxide per liter.

Abstract: A fill assembly sterilization system for a blow/fill/seal machine utilizes a closed loop circulation of sterilant containing gas. A typical sterilant is nitrogen dioxide. The closed loop includes a shroud that defines a plenum and encloses the fill system. Optionally, at least one high efficiency particulate absorption (HEPA) filter is provided in the closed loop. Sterility assurance level of 10?6 can be achieved by subjecting the fill system to the sterilizing gas for at least 20 minutes at a temperature in the range of about 18° C. to about 30° C.

Abstract: A fill assembly sterilization system for a blow/fill/seal machine utilizes a closed loop circulation of sterilant containing gas. A typical sterilant is nitrogen dioxide. The closed loop includes a shroud that defines a plenum and encloses the fill system. Optionally, at least one high efficiency particulate absorption (HEPA) filter is provided in the closed loop. Sterility assurance level of 10?6 can be achieved by subjecting the fill system to the sterilizing gas for at least 20 minutes at a temperature in the range of about 18° C. to about 30° C.