Abstract:
A stopper and container body are molded in the same molding machine. An assembly device, such as a pick and place robot, transfers the stopper from one mold cavity into the opening in the container body located within another mold cavity, or vice versa, to assemble the stopper and container body. Then, the assembled container body and stopper are removed from the molding machine and transported to a needle filling and laser resealing station for filling and laser resealing. A laminar flow source directs a substantially laminar flow of air or sterile gas over the mold surfaces, stoppers and container bodies, and assembly device, to prevent contamination during assembly.
Abstract:
A dispenser comprising a body defining a variable-volume storage chamber and a dispensing portion defining a bore coupled in fluid communication with the storage chamber, an outlet aperture coupled in fluid communication with the bore, and a one-way valve. The valve includes an axially-extending valve seat and flexible valve cover seated on the valve seat, defining a normally-closed, axially-extending seam therebetween forming a fluid-tight seal. The valve cover is movable relative to the valve seat and the seam is connectable in fluid communication with the outlet aperture. The dispenser further comprises an actuator and piston assembly including a piston receivable within the bore, a manually-engageable actuator connected to the piston for moving the piston between first and second positions relative to the bore to dispense substance within the bore through the outlet aperture and out of the dispenser.
Abstract:
A device defining a chamber for receiving a substance and a thermoplastic portion in fluid communication with the chamber is provided along with a method of filling and sealing the substance within the chamber. The thermoplastic portion defines a penetrable region that is penetrable by a filling member and is heat resealable to hermetically seal an aperture therein by applying laser radiation at a predetermined wavelength and power. The thermoplastic portion comprises a thermoplastic body defining a predetermined wall thickness and includes a styrene block copolymer, an olefin and a predetermined amount of pigment allowing the body to absorb laser radiation at the predetermined wavelength, substantially prevent the passage of radiation through the predetermined wall thickness, and hermetically seal the aperture in the penetrable region in a predetermined time period. The body includes a predetermined amount of lubricant that reduces friction forces at an interface of the filling member and body during penetration thereof.
Abstract:
A container including a body defining an outflow opening and at least one chamber adapted for storing a product, such as a fat containing liquid product, and a container closure including a primary seal for hermetically sealing the product within the chamber during storage. The container closure includes a sealing member forming a substantially fluid-tight seal between the container closure and the body, and a dispensing member in fluid communication with the chamber. The container closure and body move relative to each other between a first position where the primary seal is seated about the outflow port to hermetically seal the product in the chamber during storage, and a second position where the primary seal is displaced from the outflow port to allow product to pass from the chamber through the outflow port and into dispensing member to dispense the product.
Abstract:
A dispenser for dispensing a substance has a body defining a variable-volume storage chamber for storing the substance, and a dispensing portion connected with the body and defining a dosage chamber coupled in fluid communication with the storage chamber for receiving substance therefrom, and an outlet aperture coupled in fluid communication with the dosage chamber. A first valve includes an axially-extending valve seat and an axially-extending flexible valve cover seated on the valve seat and defining a normally-closed, axially-extending seam therebetween forming a fluid-tight seal between the valve cover and valve seat. The flexible valve cover is movable relative to the valve seat and the seam is connectable in fluid communication with the outlet aperture to allow the passage of substance through the seam and out of the dispenser. A second valve is coupled in fluid communication between the dosage chamber and the storage chamber for allowing the flow of substance from the storage chamber into the dosage chamber and substantially preventing the flow of substance from the dosage chamber into the storage chamber. A manually-engageable, elastic actuator is mounted on the dispensing portion in fluid communication with the dosage chamber and is manually movable between (i) a first non-actuated position, and (ii) a second actuated position extending into the dosage chamber for compressing a dose of substance within the dosage chamber and, in turn, dispensing the substance through the first valve. The elasticity of the manually-engageable actuator causes the actuator to return from the second actuated position to the first non-actuated position upon manually releasing the actuator.
Abstract:
An ophthalmic dispenser has a rigid housing defining a fluid-receiving chamber, a flexible bladder receivable within the fluid-receiving chamber, a pump coupled in fluid communication with the fluid-receiving chamber, and a nozzle having a valve defining an annular, axially-extending valve seat, an outlet aperture coupled in fluid communication between the valve seat and the pump, and a flexible valve cover extending about the valve seat and forming an annular, axially-extending interface therebetween. The valve interface is connectable in fluid communication with the outlet aperture, and at least part of the valve cover is movable between (i) a normally closed position with the valve cover engaging the valve seat to close the interface and form a fluid-tight seal therebetween, and (ii) an open position with at least part of the valve cover spaced away from the valve seat in response to pumped fluid flowing through the outlet aperture at a pressure greater than a valve opening pressure to allow the passage of pressurized fluid therebetween. A spring is drivingly connected to the housing and moves at least one of the pump and housing relative to the other to actuate the pump. The rigid housing is mountable within a cartridge which, in turn, is mountable within a dispenser housing including an eyelid depressor and a trigger for simultaneously actuating the eyelid depressor and pump.