Abstract: A freeze dryer comprising a chamber having a rectangular slot through which vials are inserted into the chamber, and a slot door for forming a seal with the chamber to close the slot. To enable the vials to be subsequently removed from the chamber, the slot door is raised. As the door is raised, it is rotated to expose the rear surface of the door for cleaning purposes.

Abstract: A freeze dryer comprising a chamber having a rectangular slot through which vials are inserted into the chamber, and a slot door for forming a seal with the chamber to close the slot. To enable the vials to be subsequently removed from the chamber, the slot door is raised. As the door is raised, it is rotated to expose the rear surface of the door for cleaning purposes.

Abstract: A filling apparatus may include a conveyor for transporting the vials in an aseptic zone and a vial filler including a dispenser, for example, a filling needle, connected to a fluid supply. The vial filler may be disposed in the aseptic zone. The apparatus may also comprise a drive disposed in a non-aseptic zone, operatively connected to the vial filler, and configured to move the dispenser into and out of filling engagement with the vials being transported. The vial filler may further include a valve, for example, a pinch valve, disposed in the aseptic zone proximate the dispenser and movable with the dispenser for controlling the fluid flow through the dispenser.

Abstract: An apparatus for filling pharmaceutical containers in a substantially sterile environment may include an upright wall dividing the apparatus into a substantially contamination free sterile zone and a non-sterile zone and an enclosure cooperating with the upright wall to define the sterile zone. The apparatus may also include a transfer apparatus that receives empty containers from a point outside the sterile zone and a transport at least partially disposed within the sterile zone that moves the containers through the sterile zone. The apparatus may include a filling apparatus that fills the containers with pharmaceuticals in the sterile zone as the containers are moved through the sterile zone. The filling apparatus may include at least one dispenser disposed within the sterile zone and a drive disposed in the non-sterile zone.

Abstract: A filling apparatus may include a conveyor for transporting the vials in an aseptic zone and a vial filler including a dispenser, for example, a filling needle, connected to a fluid supply. The vial filler may be disposed in the aseptic zone. The apparatus may also comprise a drive disposed in a non-aseptic zone, operatively connected to the vial filler, and configured to move the dispenser into and out of filling engagement with the vials being transported. The vial filler may further include a valve, for example, a pinch valve, disposed in the aseptic zone proximate the dispenser and movable with the dispenser for controlling the fluid flow through the dispenser.