Abstract: A method of filling pharmaceutical syringes with fluid in a machine having a reservoir, vacuum source, pump an actuator that holds a vacuum adapter, sealing element and filling needle over a syringe. The method includes drawing a vacuum during a critical step while maintaining a constant fluid level in the filling needle to avoid overfilling or under filling.

Abstract: An apparatus and method of controlling a machine for filling pharmaceutical syringes with fluid. The apparatus consists of a vacuum source, a vacuum adapter, a vacuum switch, a filling needle housing and a filling needle that are to be located over a syringe. In the event of misalignment of the filling needle over the syringe and the needle contacts the top of the syringe or the syringe tray, the housing rises and uncovers the connecting pipe causing loss of vacuum. This loss of vacuum at the vacuum switch shuts down the machine.