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 armed by an elongated frame and a cabinet type enclosure cooperates with the vertical wall to define the steril
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 armed 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 conveyer 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 conveys, 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▼
1. 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 a
1. 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. 2. The apparatus defined by claim 1, wherein the enclosure means comprises a bottom wall and drain means disposed within said bottom wall.3. The apparatus defined by claim 1, wherein the upright wall means comprises a substantially vertical wall member.4. The apparatus defined by claim 3, wherein said substantially vertical wall member and said enclosure means comprise stainless steel.5. The apparatus defined by claim 1, wherein the transport means comprises:first and second drive wheels disposed in opposed relation, each of said drive wheels being disposed for rotation about a substantially horizontal axis; an endless conveyor belt encircling said first and second drive wheels and defining upper and lower flights; and a plurality of container carrying members secured to the endless conveyor belt in spaced relation. 6. The apparatus defined by claim 5, wherein each of the container carrying members is disposed in overlying relation to the outer face of the endless conveyor belt.7. The apparatus defined by claim 6, wherein the width of each container carrying member substantially corresponds to the width of the endless conveyor belt.8. The apparatus defined by claim 6, wherein each of said container carrying members defines a platform sized and configured to receive and supportably carry one of said containers.9. The apparatus defined by claim 8, wherein each of said container carrying members further comprises a V-shaped laterally opening recess disposed over said platform for providing lateral support to containers of differing size.10. The apparatus defined by claim 9, which further comprises an elongated guide rail disposed within said sterile zone adjacent the upper flight of said endless conveyor belt in opposed relation to said V-shaped laterally opening recess to retain said containers therein.11. The apparatus defined by claim 10, which further comprises:means for supporting the guide rail for laterally adjustable movement; and actuating means for adjusting the position of said guide rail relative to said upper flight. 12. The apparatus defined by claim 11, wherein said actuating means is disposed in said non-sterile zone.13. The apparatus defined by claim 5, which further comprises:means for supporting the transport means for laterally adjustable movements; and adjustment actuating means for adjusting the lateral position of said transport means relative to said operating means. 14. The apparatus defined by claim 13, wherein said adjustment actuating means is disposed in said non-sterile zone.15. The apparatus defined by claim 1, wherein said filling means comprises a plurality of nozzles disposed in said substantially linear relation.16. The apparatus defined by claim 15, wherein the actuating means for said plurality of nozzles comprises a like plurality liquid pumping means, and the connecting means therefor comprises a plurality of liquid conduits interconnecting each pumping means with its associated nozzle.17. The apparatus defined by claim 1, wherein the plurality of operating means further comprises:pre-fill check weighing means to determine the weight of a selected container prior to filling; and post-fill check weighing means to determine the weight of said selected container after filling. 18. The apparatus defined by claim 1, wherein the first container transfer means comprises means for sterilizing said empty containers.19. Apparatus for filling containers in a substantially sterile environment, comprising:frame means; upright wall means carried by the frame means and dividing the apparatus into a sterile zone and a non-sterile zone at least partially disposed in side-by-side relation; enclosure means carried by the frame means and cooperating with the upright wall means to define said sterile zone; transport means at least partially disposed within said sterile zone for transporting containers through said plurality of operation stations; means for filling containers as they are moved through the sterile zone by the transport means, the means for filling containers being disposed in said sterile zone; actuating means disposed within said nonsterile zone for actuating said means for filling containers; and connection means for operably connecting the actuating means with the means for filling containers, the connection means extending through a sealed opening in said upright wall means. 20. Apparatus for filling containers in a substantially sterile environment, comprising:frame means; upright wall means carried by the frame means and dividing the apparatus into a sterile zone and a non-sterile zone disposed in adjacent relation; enclosure means carried by the frame means and cooperating with the upright wall means to define said sterile zone; a plurality of operating stations each including operating means disposed in sequential relation within said 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 sterile zone for transporting containers through said plurality of operating stations; said plurality of operating stations comprising: first container transfer means for transferring empty containers from a point outside said sterile zone to said transport means; container filling means; means for closing said containers; and second container transfer means for transferring filled containers from said transport means to a point outside said 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 operably 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. 21. The apparatus defined by claim 20, wherein the plurality of operating means further comprises:pre-fill check weighing means to determine the weight of a selected container prior to filling; and post-fill check weighing means to determine the weight of said selected container after filling. 22. The apparatus defined by claim 20, wherein the transport means comprises endless conveyor belt means defining upper and lower flights and a plurality of container carrying members secured to the endless conveyor belt means in spaced relation, the container carrying members being disposed in overlying relation to the outer face of the endless conveyor belt means.23. The apparatus defined by claim 22, wherein the width of each container carrying member substantially corresponds to the width of the endless conveyor belt means.24. The apparatus defined by claim 20, wherein said filling means comprises a plurality of nozzles disposed in overlying relation to said endless conveyor belt means.25. The apparatus defined by claim 24, wherein the actuating means for said plurality of nozzles comprises a like plurality of liquid pumping means, and the connecting means therefor comprises a plurality of liquid conduits interconnecting each pumping means with its associated nozzle.26. Apparatus for filling containers in a substantially sterile environment, comprising:frame means; upright wall means carried by the frame means and dividing the apparatus into a sterile zone and a non-sterile zone at least partially disposed in side-by-side relation; enclosure means carried by the frame means and cooperating with the upright wall means to define said sterile zone; a plurality of operating stations each including operating means disposed in sequential relation within said sterile zone, a given operation being performed with respect to said containers at each operating station by the associated operating means; transport means at least partially disposed within said sterile zone for transporting containers through said plurality of operating stations; said plurality of operating stations comprising: means for filling containers as they are moved through the sterile zone by the transport means; and means for placing a closure member on each container after it has been filled and as it is moved through the sterile zone by the transport means; actuating means for each of said operating means, each of said actuating means being disposed within said non-sterile zone; and connection means for operably 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. 27. 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 an elongated sterile zone; a plurality of operating stations each including operating means disposed in substantially linear relation over the length of and within said elongated sterile zone, a given operation being performed with respect to said containers by the operating means 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; first container transfer means for transferring empty containers from a point outside said elongated sterile zone to said transport means; second container transfer means for transferring filled containers from said transport means to a point outside said elongated sterile zone; said plurality of operating means comprising; means for filling containers as they are moved through the sterile zone by the transport means; and means for closing said filled containers after they have been filled as they are moved through the sterile zone by the transport means; 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. 28. The apparatus defined by claim 27, wherein the transport means comprises endless conveyor belt means defining upper and lower flights, and a plurality of container carrying means secured to the endless conveyor belt means in spaced relation, each container carrying means being constructed and arranged to support and convey a container and its contents.29. The apparatus defined by claim 27, wherein the first and second container transfer means are disposed within the elongated sterile zone, and further comprising actuating means for each of said first and second container transfer 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 container transfer means.30. The apparatus defined by claim 27, wherein the enclosure means comprises a bottom wall and drain means disposed within said bottom wall.31. The apparatus defined by claim 27, wherein each of said connection means extends through an opening in said upright wall means, and further comprising means for establishing a seal between each of said connection means and said upright wall means.32. Apparatus for filling containers in a substantially sterile environment, comprising:frame means; upright wall means carried by the frame means and dividing the apparatus into a sterile zone and a non-sterile zone disposed in adjacent relation; enclosure means carried by the frame means and cooperating with the upright wall means to define said sterile zone; a plurality of operating stations each including operating means disposed in sequential relation within said 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 sterile zone for transporting containers through said plurality of operating stations; first container transfer means for transferring empty containers from a point outside said sterile zone to said transport means; second container transfer means for transferring filled containers from said transport means to a point outside said sterile zone; said plurality of operating stations comprising: means for filling containers as they are moved through the sterile zone by the transport means; and means for closing said containers after they have been filled as they are moved through the sterile zone by the transport means; 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 connecting means for operably 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. 33. The apparatus defined by claim 32, wherein the transport means comprises endless conveyor belt means defining upper and lower flights, and a plurality of container carrying means secured to the endless conveyor belt means in spaced relation, the container carrying means being constructed and arranged to support and convey the container and its contents.34. The apparatus defined by claim 32, wherein the first and second container transfer means are disposed within the elongated sterile zone, and further comprising actuating means for each of said first and second container transfer means, each of said actuating means being disposed in said non-sterile zone, and connection means for operably connecting each of said actuating means with its associated container transfer means.35. The apparatus defined by claim 32, wherein the enclosure means comprises a bottom wall and drain means disposed within said bottom wall.36. The apparatus defined by claim 32, wherein each of said connection means extends through an opening in said upright wall means, and further comprising means for establishing a seal between each of said connection means and said upright wall means.37. Apparatus for filling containers in a substantially sterile environment, comprising:frame means; upright wall means carried by the frame means and dividing the apparatus into a sterile zone and a non-sterile zone at least partially disposed in side-by-side relation; enclosure means carried by the frame means and cooperating with the upright wall means to define said sterile zone; a plurality of operating stations each including operating means disposed in sequential relation within said sterile zone, a given operation being performed with respect to said containers at each operating station by the associated operating means; transport means at least partially disposed within said sterile zone for transporting containers through said plurality of operating stations; said plurality of operating stations comprising: means for filling containers as they are moved through the sterile zone by the transport means; and means for closing said containers after they have been filled as they are moved through the sterile zone by the transport means; actuating means for each of said operating means, each of said actuating means being disposed within said non-sterile zone; and connection means for operably 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. 38. The apparatus defined by claim 37, wherein the transport means comprises:conveyor means disposed within said sterile zone for conveying containers through said plurality of operating stations; first container transfer means for transferring empty containers from a point outside said sterile zone to said conveyor means; and second container transfer means for transferring filled containers from said conveyor means to a point outside said sterile zone. 39. An apparatus for filling pharmaceutical containers in a substantially sterile environment, the apparatus comprising:an upright wall dividing the apparatus into a substantially contamination free sterile zone and a non-sterile zone at least partially disposed in side-by-side relation; an enclosure cooperating with said upright wall to define said sterile zone; a transfer apparatus that receives empty containers from a point outside said sterile zone; a transport at least partially disposed within said sterile zone that moves the containers through said sterile zone; a filling station that fills containers with pharmaceuticals as they are moved through said sterile zone by said transport, said filling station being disposed in said sterile zone; actuating apparatus in operable communication with said filling station, said actuating apparatus disposed within said non-sterile zone; and connecting apparatus between said actuating apparatus and said filling station, said connecting apparatus extending through a sealed opening in said upright wall.40. An apparatus for filling containers according to claim 39, wherein said enclosure comprises a bottom wall and a drain disposed within said bottom wall.41. An apparatus for filling containers according to claim 39, wherein said upright wall comprises a substantially vertical wall member.42. An apparatus for filling containers according to claim 41, wherein said substantially vertical wall member and said enclosure comprise stainless steel.43. An apparatus for filling containers according to claim 39, wherein said transport comprises:first and second drive wheels disposed in opposed relation, each of said drive wheels being disposed for rotation about a substantially horizontal axis; an endless conveyor belt encircling said first and second drive wheels and defining upper and lower flights; and a plurality of container carrying members secured to the endless conveyor belt in spaced relation.44. An apparatus for filling containers according to claim 43, wherein each of said container carrying members is disposed in overlying relation to the outer face of the endless conveyor belt.45. An apparatus for filling containers according to claim 44, wherein the width of each container carrying member substantially corresponds to the width of the endless conveyor belt.46. An apparatus for filling containers according to claim 44, wherein each of said container carrying members defines a platform sized and configured to receive and supportably carry one of said containers.47. An apparatus for filling containers according to claim 46, wherein each of said container carrying members further comprises a V-shaped laterally opening recess disposed over said platform for providing lateral support to containers of differing size.48. An apparatus for filling containers according to claim 39, wherein said filling station comprises a plurality of dispensers disposed in a substantially linear relation.49. An apparatus for filling containers according to claim 48, wherein said actuating apparatus for said plurality of dispenses comprises a like plurality of liquid pumps, and said connecting apparatus comprises a plurality of liquid conduits interconnecting each liquid pump with its associated dispenser.50. An apparatus for filling pharmaceutical containers in a sterile environment, the apparatus comprising:an upright wall dividing the apparatus into a substantially contamination free sterile zone and a non-sterile zone at least partially disposed in side-by-side relation; an enclosure cooperating with said upright wall to define said sterile zone; a transfer apparatus that receives empty containers from a point outside said sterile zone; a plurality of operating stations each including operating apparatus disposed in sequential relation within said sterile zone, a given operation being performed with respect to the containers at each operating station by the associated operating apparatus; a transport at least partially disposed within said sterile zone that moves the containers through said plurality of operating stations; said plurality of operating stations comprising: a filling station that fills the containers with pharmaceuticals as they are moved through said sterile zone by said transport; a closing station that places a closure member on each container after it has been filled and as it is moved through said sterile zone by said transport; a plurality of actuating apparatus in operable communication with said plurality of operating stations, each of said actuating apparatus being disposed within said non-sterile zone; and a plurality of connecting apparatus between each of said actuating apparatus and its associated operating station, each of said connecting apparatus extending through a sealed opening in said upright wall.51. An apparatus for filling containers according to claim 50, wherein said enclosure comprises a bottom wall and a drain disposed within said bottom wall.52. An apparatus for filling containers according to claim 50, wherein said upright wall comprises a substantially vertical wall member.53. An apparatus for filling containers according to claim 52, wherein said substantially vertical wall member and said enclosure comprise stainless steel.54. An apparatus for filling containers according to claim 50, wherein said transport comprises:first and second drive wheels disposed in opposed relation, each of said drive wheels being disposed for rotation about a substantially horizontal axis; an endless conveyor belt encircling said first and second drive wheels and defining upper and lower flights; and a plurality of container carrying members secured to said endless conveyor belt in spaced relation.55. An apparatus for filling containers according to claim 54, wherein each of said container carrying members is disposed in overlying relation to the outer face of said endless conveyor belt.56. An apparatus for filling containers according to claim 55, wherein the width of each container carrying member substantially corresponds to the width of said endless conveyor belt.57. An apparatus for filling containers according to claim 55, wherein each of said container carrying members defines a platform sized and configured to receive and supportably carry one of said containers.58. An apparatus for filling containers according to claim 57, wherein each of said container carrying members further comprises a V-shaped laterally opening recess disposed over said platform for providing lateral support to containers of differing size.59. An apparatus for filling containers according to claim 50, wherein said filling station comprises a plurality of dispensers disposed in a substantially linear relation.60. An apparatus for filling containers according to claim 59, wherein said actuating apparatus for said plurality of dispensers comprises a like plurality of liquid pumps, and said connecting apparatus comprises a plurality of liquid conduits interconnecting each liquid pump with its associated dispenser.
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이 특허에 인용된 특허 (41)
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