The present invention relates to a portion of a transfer device and more particularly, relates to a transfer device suitable for transferring fluid contents from a first container to a second container.
In the pharmaceutical field, medicants can be packaged in a first type of container and need to be transferred to a second type of container. The reason is frequently that the second type of container is a specialized one which cannot easily be filled on known production lines. Rather than incurring the expense of building a new filling line which can involve substantial expenses for the design thereof, it can be preferable to transfer the contents of the standard package to the different package by an automated fluid control system. This is particularly the case when the transfer is done by the consumer or user of the product.
It is an object of the present invention to provide an actuator for a transfer system for transferring a fluid from a first container to a second container.
It is a further object of the present invention to provide a transfer device for transferring a fluid from a first container to a second container wherein the device is substantially automated such that consistent results are achieved every time the device is used.
According to one aspect of the present invention there is provided a transfer device for transferring a fluid from a container having a body, an open first end, and a piston within the body, a septum at a second end thereof, the transfer device comprising an outer housing, the outer housing having a receiving area to hold and retain a cartridge assembly which includes the container, a plunger rod aligned with the piston, a spring positioned to drive the plunger rod in a direction towards the piston, a retractor to move the plunger rod from an activated position wherein the spring is extended to a non-activated position wherein the spring is compressed, and an actuator to permit the spring to be released and drive the plunger rod to move the piston within the container body.
The transfer device of the present invention is typically used to transfer a fluid from one container to another although it more specifically is directed to an arrangement for removing fluid from a first container. There are known devices for accomplishing the same and in this regard, reference may be had to PCT Application CA2008/001125 which discloses such an arrangement and the disclosure of which is hereby incorporated by reference.
The device of the present invention may accomplish the same through the use of a cartridge pack which is an assembly containing the two containers. The transfer device is designed to receive the cartridge pack and then transfer the fluid between the first and second containers.
The outer housing is preferably designed to sit on a base, although it can also be used without such a base. The base preferably presents a sloped upper surface as this assists in the ergonomical operation of the device and to ensure that any air bubbles rise to the top of the container. To achieve the same, the base may have an overall triangular configuration.
The transfer device will also include an outer housing which is designed to receive and retain the cartridge pack. To do so, there may be provided a recessed area having a configuration suitable for holding the cartridge pack. Preferably, the receiving area of the outer housing will include a clasp-like member which is designed to engage with appropriate recesses or apertures in the cartridge pack.
The outer housing is also designed to receive and retain a pivotable lever and to this end, the outer housing may include pin members which would be designed to fit within apertures formed at one end of the lever member.
The lever member, as above mentioned, is pivotally operated and will cause the various actions to take place as will be described in the preferred embodiment hereof. It is understood that the use of the lever is primarily for ergonomic considerations and that other types of arrangements may be utilized. Thus, one could employ an arrangement whereby the different operations are actuated from the rear.
In order to ensure smooth operation of the transfer device, spring members are employed. In a preferred embodiment, two springs are utilized; it suffices to say that one or more can be employed as desired. Thus, one can utilize a larger spring or several smaller springs.
The device preferably utilizes spring guides. The spring guides may range from a shaft about which a spring or springs are placed or alternatively, the guide may extend externally of the springs.
The transfer device also includes an inner housing which is slidable with respect to the outer housing. The inner housing preferably interacts with a plunger rod so as to contact the piston in one container and to provide for an initial displacement thereof. This arrangement is advantageous in that a straight mechanical coupling can be utilized following which the springs are released from their compressed state to continue the motion of the piston.
Having thus generally described the invention, reference will be made to the accompanying drawings illustrating an embodiment thereof, in which:
a to 6f illustrate the operation of the transfer device.
The transfer device of the present invention is designed to be used in the transfer of a fluid from one container to a second container. Ideally, a transfer device of the present invention is utilized in the transfer of a fluid from a first container to a second container such as shown in P.C.T. Application CA2008/001125 and Canadian Application S.N. 2,649,160, filed Jan. 9, 2009, the disclosures of which are hereby incorporated by reference.
Referring initially to
Base member 12, as may be best seen in
Inner housing 14, again as best seen in
Inner housing 14 also includes a recess 54 (as may best be seen in
Lock 16 includes side walls 60, 60′ with a pivot pin 62 extending therebetween and which seats in recesses 112, 112′. It will be noted that each of side walls 60, 60′ have a plurality of steps 64, 64′ formed therein.
Spring guides 20, 20′ each comprise a shaft 68, 68′ respectively terminating at a respective end wall 70, 70′.
Plunger rod assembly 24 includes a plunger rod 76 having body portions 75, 75′, and end walls 74, 74′ against which springs 22, 22′ will abut. A channel 120 is formed in plunger rod 76 and a protrusion 122 (
Outer housing 26 has a pair of pins 80, 80′ extending outwardly therefrom. Outer housing 26 also includes a metal clasp 82 which is mounted therein for engaging and holding cartridge pack 32. A channel 84 extends longitudinally thereof for reasons described hereinbelow.
Lever 30 has a generally inverted U-shaped body with apertures 94 into which pins 80 are mounted such that lever 30 can pivot with respect to outer housing 26. Arm 28 is pivotably connected to an upper portion of U-shaped body 86; arm 28 has a reverse S-shaped hook portion 90 for reasons which will become apparent hereinbelow. Extending downwardly from U-shaped body 86 is a release actuator 92.
Operation of the device is illustrated in the
Initially, cartridge pack 32 is placed on outer housing 26 as illustrated in
After it is placed in recess 54, it will be noted that the end of cartridge pack 32 will depress stopper 18 as seen in
Continued movement of lever 30 will further advance hook portion 90 along channel 114 such that it will engage inner housing 46. A slight advancement of inner housing 46 will cause stop member 18 to move upwardly between flanges 56 and 58; this forward motion of inner housing 46 will also allow plunger rod 76 to contact a piston within the vial portion of the cartridge pack and commence movement of the piston.
Continued downward movement of lever 30, as shown in
Forward movement is limited by the engagement of protrusion 122 with hook portion 90 as shown in
In order to prepare the transfer device for further operation, lever 30 is then lifted. Transfer rod assembly 24 will then move rearwardly as a result of the engagement of hook portion 90 with protrusion 122. As a result, lock 16 will again engage body portion 75 to prevent movement of plunger rod 76.
The cartridge pack 32 may then be moved from transfer device 10 and a second cartridge pack inserted. The operation would then be repeated.
It will be understood that the above described embodiments are for purposes of illustration only and that changes and modifications may be made thereto without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention.
Number | Date | Country | Kind |
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2,662,331 | Apr 2009 | CA | national |