초록 ▼

Apparatus for filling sterile containers is disclosed which defines an elongated but narrow sterile zone in which a number of operating stations are disposed. An elongated vertical wall is carried by an elongated frame and a cabinet type enclosure cooperates with the vertical wall to define the ster

Apparatus for filling sterile containers is disclosed which defines an elongated but narrow sterile zone in which a number of operating stations are disposed. An elongated vertical wall is carried by an elongated frame and a cabinet type enclosure cooperates with the vertical wall to define the sterile zone. The plurality of operating stations are disposed in sequential relation over the length of the sterile zone, and an elongated container conveyor is disposed within the sterile zone to convey the containers through the plurality of operating stations. The conveyor is vertically oriented, consisting an endless belt mounted on end wheels that rotate on horizontal axes. Each of the operating stations includes an operating portion disposed within the sterile zone. Actuating means are included for each of the operating stations as well as the elongated conveyor, each of which is disposed outside the sterile zone. Connecting means operabably connect each of the actuating means outside the sterile zone through the vertical wall to the associated operating station within the sterile zone. By orienting the conveyor vertically and disposing the various actuating means outside the sterile zone in side-by-side relation, the effective width of the sterile zone is significantly reduced. As a result, the sterile zone is more easily accessed, and also more easily drained after washdown operations. In addition, the sterile zone of reduced size results in an apparatus that much easier to manufacture and maintain in a sterile state.

대표청구항 ▼

Apparatus for filling containers in a substantially sterile environment, comprising: elongated frame means; upright wall means carried by the elongated frame means and extending over a substantial portion of its length, the upright wall means dividing the apparatus into an elongated sterile zone and

Apparatus for filling containers in a substantially sterile environment, comprising: elongated frame means; upright wall means carried by the elongated frame means and extending over a substantial portion of its length, the upright wall means dividing the apparatus into an elongated sterile zone and an elongated non-sterile zone disposed in adjacent relation; elongated enclosure means carried by the elongated frame means and cooperating with the upright wall means to define said elongated sterile zone; a plurality of operating stations each including operating means disposed in substantially linear relation within said elongated sterile zone, a given operation being performed with respect to said containers at each operating station by the associated operating means; transport means disposed within said elongated sterile zone for transporting containers through said plurality of operating stations; said plurality of operating means comprising: first container transfer means for transferring empty containers from a point outside said elongated sterile zone to said transport means; container filling means; means for closing said filled containers; and second container transfer means for transferring filled containers from said transport means to a point outside said elongated sterile zone; actuating means for said transport means and for each of said operating means, each of said actuating means being disposed within said non-sterile zone; and connection means for operatively connecting each of said actuating means with its associated operating means, each of said connection means extending through a sealed opening in said upright wall means.