Abstract: A connector for forming a sterile connection between two tubes, comprising first and second parts which comprise connectable conduits and which can mate, first and second covers which can be removed from the so-mated parts to expose connectable ends of the first and second conduits, so that the conduits can then be connected.

Abstract: A system for making a connection between the interior and exterior of a compartment, comprising a door opening through the compartment wall, a connector body which can engage with the wall, and having a connection port through it, and a removable cover on the connector body. The body is engaged with the door opening, and an inner door within the compartment engages and removes the cover. A preferred construction creates a single line of confidence seal. The system is particularly suited for sterile compartments.

Abstract: A novel elastomer material having an absorption coefficient for laser light of 0.5-2.5 mm?1, preferably being a base thermoplastic elastomer compounded with a colourant which comprises a Pantone 4597C pigment mixed with a carrier material. The elastomer is suited for use as a pharmaceutical vial closure which can be punctured by a filling needle and the puncture hole heat sealed by a focused laser.

Abstract: A system for making a connection between the interior and exterior of a compartment, comprising a door opening through the compartment wall, a connector body which can engage with the wall, and having a connection port through it, and a removable cover on the connector body. The body is engaged with the door opening, and an inner door within the compartment engages and removes the cover. A preferred construction creates a single line of confidence seal. The system is particularly suited for sterile compartments.

Abstract: An apparatus for introducing a liquid into a pharmaceutical container such as a vial, having a puncturable closure, comprising a hollow needle with at least one orifice through the needle side wall being oriented to direct liquid flowing along the bore in a direction having a component parallel to the flow direction, with a vent groove in its outer surface. A preferred construction of needle and a process for making it are disclosed.

Abstract: A process for making a medicinal vial in which a vial and a closure are moulded in parallel in respective vial and closure moulds, then the closure and vial are automatically assembled together, all in a sterile environment. An apparatus for performing this process is also provided. By the process and apparatus of the invention sealed vials with a sterile interior may be made.

Abstract: Apparatus for introducing a medicament into containers, especially vials, in which the containers are passed through an enclosure and exposed therein to a sterilising electron beam. The containers are then conveyed to a filling station situated outside the enclosure at which a wall part of the container is punctured with a filling needle and medicament introduced into the container via the needle then withdrawing the needle. Preferred apparatus also includes means for heat sealing the puncture site. A corresponding process is disclosed.

Abstract: A closure system for a pharmaceutical vial, comprising an elastomer closure part, a clamp part which holds the closure part in engagement with the mouth of the vial, and a cover part which engages with the clamp part. The interior of the closure part is profiled to minimize retention of residual liquid therein.

Abstract: A connector for forming a sterile connection between two tubes, comprising first and second parts which comprise connectable conduits and which can mate, first and second covers which can be removed from the so-mated parts to expose connectable ends of the first and second conduits, so that the conduits can then be connected.

Abstract: A system for making a connection between the interior and exterior of a compartment, comprising a door opening through the compartment wall, a connector body which can engage with the wall, and having a connection port through it, and a removable cover on the connector body. The body is engaged with the door opening, and an inner door within the compartment engages and removes the cover. A preferred construction creates a single line of confidence seal. The system is particularly suited for sterile compartments.

Abstract: A teat nozzle suitable for pediatric oral dosing of a fluid medicament comprising a tubular conduit which is engageable with a socket, and has at least one engagement part which can engage with an internal thread in the socket. The teat nozzle facilitates connection between the conduit and the socket. Dosing devices such as syringes and squeezable capsules provided with the nozzle, and a connection means for a vial having such a socket, are also described.

Abstract: For storage of syringes, a support rack comprising a plurality of elongate fingers (2) connected together at one end by a spine member (1) is used. The fingers (2) define parallel support channels (5) open at one end, and the syringes are stored in the channels (5) with their lips or wings (4) resting on the elongate fingers (2). Also disclosed are support cradles. Storage boxes, and lifting devices for handling the loaded racks. The support rack is better adapted than existing systems for cooperation with automated machinery since it can receive syringes into the channels by a horizontal translation movement, readily provided by a simple pushing device.

Abstract: A luer connector which facilitates connection of a hypodermic syringe to the vial, comprising a luer connectable to a syringe and which extends to a sharpened end capable of being driven through a puncturable vial closure to thereby puncture the closure; a luer support, mountable on a vial, and which initially supports the luer in a first position in which the sharpened end of the conduit is pointed toward the closure; a luer driver such that movement of the driver relative to the support causes the luer to be driven so that the sharpened end punctures the closure and enters the vial.

Abstract: For storage of syringes, a support rack comprising a plurality of elongate fingers (2) connected together at one end by a spine member (1) is used. The fingers (2) define parallel support channels (5) open at one end, and the syringes are stored in the channels (5) with their lips or wings (4) resting on the elongate fingers (2). Also disclosed are support cradles, storage boxes, and lifting devices for handling the loaded racks. The support rack is better adapted than existing systems for cooperation with automated machinery since it can receive syringes into the channels by a horizontal translation movement, readily provided by a simple pushing device.