Abstract:
Systems and methods for distributing a filling fluid are discussed. More particularly an exemplary filling system may include a reservoir holding a filling fluid for distribution. The filling system may also include a pump and filling nozzle fluidly coupled to the reservoir. A processor executes a filling module that when executed receives at least one input fluid property of the filling fluid and generates at least one set of operating parameters for controlling operation of the pump during a filling operation based at least in part on the fluid property. The generated set of operating parameters enable control of the pump to distribute the filling fluid through the filling nozzle, such that a fluid interface with a stable resting profile forms in the filling fluid in the filling nozzle adjacent to the nozzle opening after the filling fluid is distributed from the filling nozzle.
Abstract:
A dual fluid cartridge assembly (30) includes a cartridge (32), a flange (56), and a piston tube (36). The cartridge defines a channel and includes said flange. The flange defines a cavity (78) that extends from a cavity opening (80) to a cavity base (82). The cavity opening is positioned within the channel of the cartridge, and the cavity base is positioned external to the cartridge. The piston tube has an extended end (57), and is positioned at least partially within the channel. The extended end is positioned within the cavity.
Abstract:
The invention provides a liquid sampler for the automated sampling of liquids at dedicated pre-determined intervals. The liquid sampler includes a liquid inlet connectable to a liquid circuit containing a liquid to be sampled, a sampling reservoir for collecting a liquid sample, and a sampling pump connected to the liquid inlet, operable to extract a discrete amount of liquid from the liquid inlet and to discharge the discrete amount of liquid into the sampling reservoir.
Abstract:
A pre-sterilized system (5) for dispensing biopharmaceutical materials includes a reservoir (10) for holding biopharmaceutical materials coupled to a filter and distribution manifold (20) connected to a plurality of receiving containers (30). The manifold (20) includes a plurality of container conduits (60) and a plurality of distribution conduits (50). The plurality of container conduits (60) is connected to the plurality of receiving containers (30) and supports the plurality of distribution conduits (50) above the plurality of receiving containers (30) to allow flow of the biopharmaceutical materials from the plurality of distribution conduits (50) by gravity into the plurality of receiving containers (30. The plurality of receiving containers (30) and the manifold (20) are sealed relative to an ambient environment outside the manifold and the plurality of containers to inhibit contamination of the biopharmaceutical materials when the biopharmaceutical materials are inside at least one of the plurality of receiving containers (30 and the manifold (20).
Abstract:
A filling device for a needle-free injector system is provided that is adapted to sterilely deliver a predetermined amount of an injectate from a vial to a plurality of cartridges. The filling device normally includes a single-use fluid path disposed between the vial and a receiving cartridge. The fluid path may include a vial connector adapted to couple to a vial, a filler head, and a conduit connecting the vial connector and filler head. The filling device typically further includes a pump coupled to the fluid path and adapted to propel the injectate from the vial to the receiving cartridge, and a cartridge-advancing element. Activation of the cartridge-advancing element is adapted to sequentially advance empty cartridges into a position opposite the filler head. Also provided are disposable fluid path kits and methods of using the filling device.
Abstract:
A refilling apparatus for a refillable container and associated methodology is described and wherein the apparatus includes a refillable dispensing container; a source of pressurized propellant for delivery to the refillable dispensing container; a valve coupled in fluid flowing relation relative to the source of pressurized propellant; a source of a liquid to be dispensed by the refillable container and which is coupled in fluid flowing relation relative to the valve, and a pressurized vessel positioned downstream relative to both the sources of the liquid to be dispensed, and the pressurized propellant, as well as the valve, and which encloses a volume of the liquid to be dispensed to refill a depleted refillable dispensing container when the refillable dispensing container engages the valve.
Abstract:
An apparatus for depositing a liquid, semi-liquid or semi-solid food product. The apparatus comprises a fixed volume chamber for receiving the food product under a positive pressure, the chamber being defined by chamber walls, one of the chamber walls being provided with an outlet orifice for depositing the food product, the outlet orifice being provided with a first sealing surface. The apparatus also comprises a valve spindle arranged for reciprocating movement within the chamber, the length direction of the valve spindle extending substantially perpendicular to the chamber wall in which the outlet orifice is provided, a first end of the valve spindle being provided with a second sealing surface. The second sealing surface of the valve spindle is arranged for abutting the first sealing surface of the outlet orifice to thereby close the outlet orifice.
Abstract:
An aerosol can filling machine has a piston (15,16) and dosage cup (4) for dispensing a dosage of flowable material into an aerosol can (8). The hopper (3) comprises a reservoir for storing the flowable material and a reservoir aperture through which said piston is moveable. A connector (2) is provided for connecting the reservoir to the dosage cup (4) and feeding flowable material thereto. The connecter (2) locating the reservoir between piston (15,16) and dosage cup (4) such that, in use, the piston (15,16) is moveable through the reservoir and into the dosage cup (4) for injecting a quantity of flowable material into the aerosol can (8). The aerosol can filling machine also having locator control means for preventing repeated operation until a locator switch (20) detects that the aerosol can (8) has been removed and replaced.
Abstract:
An apparatus for introducing a selected beverage into a flexible pouch (8), sealingly closing the pouch (8) and dispensing the closed pouch (8). The apparatus comprises a housing (4) adapted to, in use, accept a plurality of reservoirs (10) of beverage concentrate. Each reservoir (10) has a concentrate pump (12) provided with a diluent inlet and a mixer for mixing pumped concentrate with diluent to produce a mixed beverage. Leading from each pump (12) is flexible conduit (14) terminating in a nozzle (68) for dispensing the mixed beverage. The apparatus further comprises a multiple dispense head (20) for accepting the plurality of nozzles (68), the nozzles (68) being movable relative to a filling position such that any one of the nozzles (68) can be presented at the filling position, a means for, in use, selecting a flexible pouch (8) and bringing it into alignment with a nozzle (68) in the filling position where it is filled via an opening therein, and a means for, in use, sealingly closing the opening and dispensing the filled sealed flexible pouch (8) from the apparatus. Methods of loading a concentrate reservoir (10), disengaging a removable pump (12) and changing a removable pump (12) are also disclosed. A flexible pouch with rigid spout and mixing element are also disclosed.