EP0384683A2
Expired / Lapsed
EP
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Apparatus for filling tubes
Assignee: EOLAS Irish Science and Tech Agency
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Filing: 1990-02-19
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Granted: —
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Expires: 2010-02-19
Abstract
Abstract An apparatus (10) comprises a conveyor system 11 for conveying tubes (12), having respective self-sealing closure means, sequentially to a station whereupon the conveyor system (11) is temporarily halted. At the station, a clamping means (13) having a clamp (13a) lowers to prevent movement of the tube (12a). An arm (19) moves in the direction of the tube (12a) to enable a hollow needle (17) to penetrate the closure means (30) of the tube (12a). A metering means (15) enables a predetermined volume of a fluid, preferably liquid agar, to be introduced into the tube (12a). Following release of the needle (17) from the closure means (30), the conveyor systems moves to enable another tube (12b) to arrive at the station.
Inventors
- 👤 Cormac Garvey
- 👤 John Lang
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
EP
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-11-02 21:28
CPC Classifications
B; B01; B01L; B01L3/00; B01L3/02; B01L3/0289; B01L3/0293; G; G01; G01N; G01N1/00; G01N1/02; G01N1/10; G01N1/18; B65; B65B; B65B3/00; B65B3/003
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 12
Claim 1
Independent Claim
65 words
An apparatus for introducing a fluid into a tube having a self-sealing closure means which apparatus comprises means for releasable clamping the tube at a fluid injecting station; injector means including a hollow needle; and means for enabling the needle to penetrate the closure means for introducing a charge of fluid into the tube and for enabling the needle to be withdrawn from the tube.
Claim 2
Independent Claim
65 words
An apparatus for introducing a fluid into a tube having a self-sealing closure means which apparatus comprises means for releasable clamping the tube at a fluid injecting station; injector means including a hollow needle; and means for enabling the needle to penetrate the closure means for introducing a charge of fluid into the tube and for enabling the needle to be withdrawn from the tube.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
24 words
An apparatus as claimed in Claim 1 wherein the injector means includes a reservoir for the fluid and a metering means for the fluid.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
25 words
An apparatus as claimed in Claim 1 or Claim 2 wherein the clamping means is adapted for maintaining the tube in a substantially horizontal position.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
75 words
An apparatus as claimed in Claim 3 wherein the clamping means comprises a clamp of substantially hemi-tubular construction and means for raising and lowering the clamp relative to the tube so that in a first position of use, the clamp is in engagement with the tube so as to bias the tube gently but firmly downwards against a base and in a second position of use the clamp is out of engagement with the tube.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
62 words
An apparatus as claimed in Claim 4 wherein the base comprises a conveyor apparatus including a conveyor moving means for enabling a plurality of tubes to be fed sequentially to and from the station which conveyor moving means is operatively associated with the clamping means so that when the clamp is in the first position of use, the conveyor apparatus is stationery.
Claim 7
Independent Claim
31 words
An apparatus as claimed in any of Claims 1-5 wherein the fluid is liquid agar and a heating means is provided for maintaining the agar at a temperature of about 50°C.
Claim 8
Independent Claim
16 words
An apparatus as claimed in any of Claims 1-6 wherein the tube is evacuated or non-evacuated.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
38 words
An apparatus as claimed in Claim 7 wherein the injector means includes a second hollow needle in parallel spaced apart relationship to the needle which second needle enables venting of the tube during fluid introduction into the tube.
Claim 10
Independent Claim
38 words
An apparatus as claimed in any of Claims 1-8 wherein the fluid is sterile and the tube, the reservoir and means for conveying the fluid from the reservoir into the tube provides a sterile pathway for the fluid.
Claim 11
Independent Claim
55 words
A method of introducing a fluid into a tube having a self-sealing closure means which method comprises clamping the tube at a fluid injecting station; allowing a hollow needle to penetrate the closure means; introducing a charge of fluid into the tube via the needle; removing the needle from the tube; and releasing the tube.
Claim 12
Independent Claim
55 words
A method of introducing a fluid into a tube having a self-sealing closure means which method comprises clamping the tube at a fluid injecting station; allowing a hollow needle to penetrate the closure means; introducing a charge of fluid into the tube via the needle; removing the needle from the tube; and releasing the tube.
References Cited (Backward Citations)
No citation records indexed.
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