Abstract: In one general aspect, a method for filling multiple containers with a pharmaceutical product is disclosed, which comprises decontaminating sealed nested materials in a transfer chamber, removing from the sealed nested materials one or both of a container nest holding the multiple containers and a closure nest holding multiple closures, transferring from the transfer chamber to a controlled environment enclosure the removed nest, aseptically filling the containers with the pharmaceutical product, and closing the containers with the multiple closures. The nests are configured to allow multiple closures and containers to be simultaneously aligned concentrically, and closed simultaneously. Spring-loaded retaining structures on the closure nest allow it to releasably retain multiple closures above the corresponding multiple containers. In some embodiments the spring-loaded features are monolithically integrated with the closure nest.

Abstract: In one general aspect, a method is disclosed for processing a pharmaceutical substance in a pharmaceutical processing system that includes lyophilizing a plurality of containers provided in a nest. A first controlled environment enclosure in the pharmaceutical processing system is isolated against an external environment, and a controlled environmental condition is established in the first controlled environment enclosure. The pharmaceutical substance is deposited into at least a portion of the plurality of containers in the first container nest at a filling station within the first controlled environment enclosure. The deposited pharmaceutical substance is lyophilized in the first container nest.

Abstract: Affords a compound semiconductor substrate packaging method for preventing oxidation of the surface of compound semiconductor substrates.

Abstract: In a packaging system for coiled goods, a length of flexible material is wound into a coil. A hole is extended diametrically through the coil and a rod is extended through the hole. Fasteners are secured to the opposite end of the rod to secure the flexible material in the coiled configuration.

Abstract: Upper shelves supported within a tall vacuum drying chamber of freeze drying apparatus are positioned above eye level sighting of an operator of average height, rendering loading of vials upon these upper shelves and unloading therefrom, a difficult task. Typically, the vials, containing pharmaceutical or biological liquid, have stoppers loosely engaged therein. Means are provided for stacking the upper shelves to an appropriate sighting level for sequential loading which returns the shelves to their initial position. The loaded shelves are again lowered to a comfortable height for unloading thereof after all vials on lower and upper shelves have their loosely fitted stoppers fully engaged within their vials by stoppering means.

Abstract: An apparatus provides for the addition of a predetermined amount of a second liquid (metering liquid) to a first liquid contained in a vessel, with a predetermined final fill level of the vessel being attained. By introducing a pressurizing gas into the vessel an amount of the first liquid is forced out of the vessel through a riser tube until the liquid level reaches a first opening in the tube to cause the expulsion of the first liquid to cease. The predetermined amount of the second liquid is then introduced in the vessel. Some of the first liquid is then returned to the vessel while expelling gas from a second opening in the tube until the liquid level covers such second opening to cause the further introduction of first liquid to cease. Thus, the desired final fill level is automatically obtained.