U.S. patent application number 12/393183 was filed with the patent office on 2009-09-10 for robotic filling systems and methods.
This patent application is currently assigned to VanRx Pharmaceuticals, Inc.. Invention is credited to Ross M. Gold, Christopher A. Procyshyn.
Application Number | 20090223592 12/393183 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 41052375 |
Filed Date | 2009-09-10 |
United States Patent
Application |
20090223592 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Procyshyn; Christopher A. ;
et al. |
September 10, 2009 |
ROBOTIC FILLING SYSTEMS AND METHODS
Abstract
Systems and methods permit filling containers with a product. A
filling arm is disposed within a chamber. An optical sensor is
configured to sense openings of the containers within the chamber.
Locations of the sensed openings are used to guide the filling arm
to fill the containers with a product.
Inventors: |
Procyshyn; Christopher A.;
(Surrey, CA) ; Gold; Ross M.; (North Vancouver,
CA) |
Correspondence
Address: |
SCHWEGMAN, LUNDBERG & WOESSNER, P.A.
P.O. BOX 2938
MINNEAPOLIS
MN
55402
US
|
Assignee: |
VanRx Pharmaceuticals, Inc.
Vancouver
CA
|
Family ID: |
41052375 |
Appl. No.: |
12/393183 |
Filed: |
February 26, 2009 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
61033682 |
Mar 4, 2008 |
|
|
|
Current U.S.
Class: |
141/2 ;
141/129 |
Current CPC
Class: |
G01N 35/0099 20130101;
B25J 21/00 20130101; H04M 1/72409 20210101; G06F 1/1626 20130101;
H04M 1/04 20130101; B65B 55/027 20130101; G06F 16/00 20190101; B65B
7/2821 20130101; B65B 7/2807 20130101; G01N 35/10 20130101; B65B
3/003 20130101; G06F 1/1696 20130101; G06F 1/1632 20130101; H04M
1/7246 20210101 |
Class at
Publication: |
141/2 ;
141/129 |
International
Class: |
B65B 1/04 20060101
B65B001/04; B65B 43/42 20060101 B65B043/42 |
Claims
1. A system for filling containers with a product, comprising: a
filling arm disposed within a chamber; and an optical sensor
configured to sense openings of the containers within the chamber,
wherein locations of the sensed openings are used to automatically
guide the filling arm to fill the containers with a product.
2. The system of claim 1, wherein the chamber is configured to
maintain an environmental condition.
3. The system of claim 2, wherein the chamber includes an isolator
chamber.
4. The system of claim 2, wherein the environmental condition
includes an aseptic condition.
5. The system of claim 2, comprising a stopper disc stack
configured to hold stoppers for use in closing the openings of the
containers, wherein the stopper disc stack is configured to be
introduced within the chamber without disrupting the environmental
condition.
6. The system of claim 1, wherein the containers are configured to
be filled with a pharmaceutical product.
7. The system of claim 1, wherein the optical sensor is configured
to sense centers of the openings of the containers.
8. A method of filling containers with a product, comprising:
optically sensing openings of the containers; and robotically
filling the containers with the product using locations of the
sensed openings of the containers to automatically guide the
robotic filling of the containers.
9. The method of claim 8, comprising introducing the containers
within a chamber.
10. The method of claim 9, comprising maintaining an aseptic
environment within the chamber.
11. The method of claim 9, comprising introducing a stopper disc
stack within the chamber.
12. The method of claim 8, wherein optically sensing openings of
the containers includes optically sensing centers of the openings
of the containers.
13. The method of claim 8, wherein robotically filling the
containers with the product includes robotically filling the
containers with a pharmaceutical product.
14. The method of claim 8, comprising closing the openings of the
containers with stoppers.
15. A system for filling containers with a product, comprising: a
chamber configured to maintain an environmental condition; a
filling arm disposed within the chamber; and a sensor configured to
sense openings of the containers within the chamber, wherein
locations of the sensed openings are used to guide the filling arm
to fill the containers with the product.
16. The system of claim 15, wherein the sensor is configured to
sense centers of the openings of the containers.
17. The system of claim 15, wherein the sensor includes an optical
sensor.
18. The system of claim 15, wherein the sensor includes a camera
system.
19. The system of claim 15, wherein the sensor includes a laser
system.
20. The system of claim 15, comprising a stopper disc stack
configured to hold stoppers for use in closing the openings of the
containers, wherein the stopper disc stack is configured to be
introduced within the chamber without disrupting the environmental
condition.
Description
RELATED APPLICATION
[0001] This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional
Patent Application Ser. No. 61/033,682, filed Mar. 4, 2008,
entitled "Robotic Filling Systems and Methods", which is
incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.
BACKGROUND
[0002] By its very nature, the production of sterile
pharmaceuticals by humans can be problematic. Humans can be a large
source of microbial contamination. Also, with increased potencies,
some drugs can be hazardous in occupational exposure. For at least
these reasons, robotics can be used in dosage manufacturing to
limit human contact. Isolator technology, which provides a solid
barrier between a process and humans, can also be used in dosage
manufacturing to limit human contact.
[0003] To enable sterile processing, isolator technology adapted
various vapor and gas sterilization systems, bringing about an
advance in aseptic processing. Articulated cleanroom robots have
been employed which utilize internal negative pressure with an
exhaust to generate cleanroom capability. With the chemical
sterilization and handling of potent drugs within the isolator, an
internal negative pressure cleanroom with an exhaust is not
feasible, due largely to the leakage potential.
[0004] Sterile manufacturing is performed by various companies,
often outsourced companies, including small cleanroom facilities
and large pharmaceutical facilities. Often, small cleanroom
facilities are not optimally equipped for pharmaceutical filling
operations, which can lead to a lower quality product and higher
risk for the outsourcing company. Conversely, large pharmaceutical
facilities with high-speed lines generally can produce a higher
quality product, but have relatively limited flexibility with
respect to batch size, variations of product, and timing.
Overview
[0005] The present inventors have recognized, among other things,
that there exists a need for a filling system that allows for
increased flexibility while, at the same time, allowing for
increased quality of product.
[0006] In some embodiments, systems permit filling containers with
a product. A filling arm is disposed within the chamber. An optical
sensor is configured to sense openings of the containers within the
chamber. Locations of the sensed openings are used to guide the
filling arm to fill the containers with a product.
[0007] In some embodiments, methods permit filling containers with
a product. Openings of the containers are optically sensed. The
containers are filled with the product using locations of the
sensed openings of the containers.
[0008] In some embodiments, systems permit filling containers with
a product. A chamber is configured to maintain an environmental
condition. A filling arm is disposed within the chamber. A sensor
is configured to sense openings of the containers within the
chamber. Locations of the sensed openings are used to guide the
filling arm to fill the containers with a product.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0009] The drawings illustrate generally, by way of example, but
not by way of limitation, various embodiments discussed in the
present document.
[0010] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a robotic filling system
according to some embodiments of the disclosed subject matter.
[0011] FIG. 2 is a top cutaway view of a robotic filling system
according to some embodiments of the disclosed subject matter.
[0012] FIG. 3 is a perspective view of a robotic arm and a port of
a robotic filling system according to some embodiments of the
disclosed subject matter.
[0013] FIG. 4 is a perspective view of a robotic arm and a port of
a robotic filling system according to some embodiments of the
disclosed subject matter.
[0014] FIGS. 5A and 5B are perspective views of a filling arm of a
robotic filling system according to some embodiments of the
disclosed subject matter, the filling arm filling containers.
[0015] FIG. 6 is a perspective view of a stopper disc stack of a
robotic filling system according to some embodiments of the
disclosed subject matter.
[0016] FIG. 7 is an exploded view of a stopper disc stack of a
robotic filling system according to some embodiments of the
disclosed subject matter.
[0017] FIG. 8 is a perspective view of a stopper disc stack of a
robotic filling system according to some embodiments of the
disclosed subject matter.
[0018] FIG. 9 is a perspective view of a stopper disc stack of a
robotic filling system according to some embodiments of the
disclosed subject matter.
[0019] FIGS. 10A and 10B are perspective views of a stopper disc
stack of a robotic filling system according to some embodiments of
the disclosed subject matter, the stopper disc stack within a
transfer container.
[0020] FIG. 11 is a cross-sectional view of stoppers held within a
portion of a stopper disc stack of a robotic filling system
according to some embodiments of the disclosed subject matter.
DESCRIPTION
[0021] The present inventors have recognized, among other things,
that there exists a need for a filling system that allows for
increased flexibility while, at the same time, allowing for
increased quality of product. The present inventors have developed
systems and methods for filling containers with products, which, as
described in more detail below, allow for increased flexibility and
increased quality.
[0022] Referring to FIGS. 1 and 2, in an example, a filling system
10 is configured to fill containers 90 with a product. In one
example, the product is a liquid product. In another example, the
product is a pharmaceutical product. In another example, the
product is potentially toxic or otherwise harmful. As will be
described in more detail below, the filling system 10 can be
configured to locate, target, and fill randomly placed containers
90 within a tray 80 or nest, without the need for mechanical
container handling parts, or other change parts for filling
equipment. Many types of containers 90 are contemplated herein,
including, but not limited to vials, syringes, bottles, beakers,
test tubes, etc.
[0023] In one example, the filling system 10 includes a chamber 20
configured to maintain desired environmental conditions. In one
example, the chamber 20 is an isolator chamber capable of
maintaining an aseptic environment within the chamber 20. The
chamber 20, in one example, includes one or more ports 22 for
access to the interior of the chamber 20. In one example, the port
22 is a rapid transfer port to allow for aseptic transfer of
articles from a container, such as a transfer isolator, to the
chamber 20. Briefly, in one example, the rapid transfer port 22 can
be configured to mate with a door of the container such that the
unsterilized exterior surfaces mate against and attach to each
other before opening, such that, when the port 22 and door
combination is opened, the unsterilized exterior surfaces of the
door and port 22 are contained against each other, thereby limiting
contamination of the interior environments of the container and the
chamber 20. The filling system 10 can include proximity sensors or
other such devices to sense when a container or transfer isolator
is engaged with the port 22. In this way, opening of the port 22
while not engaged with a container or transfer isolator, and, in
turn, contamination of the interior environmental conditions, can
be guarded against. The ports 22 are described in more detail
below.
[0024] In one example, the chamber 20 includes one or more glove
holes 21 disposed in the walls of the chamber 20. The glove holes
21 can be used to manually manipulate objects within the chamber 20
without opening the chamber 20 or otherwise compromising the
environmental conditions within the chamber 20.
[0025] In one example, a filling arm 40 is disposed within the
chamber 20. The filling arm 40, in one example, is a robotic arm.
The filling arm 40 includes filling tubing 42 extending from a pump
unit 44 to a point at an end of the filling arm 40. In one example,
an outlet of the filling tube 42 includes a valve, filling needle,
or other flow controlling device to control discharge of the
product from the filling tubing 42. In one example, the filling
tubing 42 extends from the reservoir and through the pump 44. The
pump 44 is configured to selectively urge the product from a
reservoir, through the filling tubing 42, and into the containers
90. In one example, the pump 44 is a peristaltic pump, such as a
rotary or a linear peristaltic pump. As will be described in more
detail below, the filling arm 40 positions the outlet of the
filling tubing 42 over each container 90 to allow filling of the
containers 90 with product.
[0026] The filling system 10, in some examples, includes a sensor
12 for sensing the containers 90 within the chamber 20. In one
example, the sensor 12 senses openings of the containers 90. In
other examples, the sensor 12 is an optical sensor, a camera
system, or a laser system. The sensor 12, in one example, is
mounted at a top surface of the chamber 20 and is positioned to
sense an area within the chamber 20, as portrayed by a sensing cone
14. For instance, the optical sensor 12 can be configured to locate
containers 90 within the sensing cone 14 and target centers of the
openings of the containers 90. The locations of the sensed openings
of the containers 90 are used to guide the filling arm 40 to fill
the containers 90 with product. In one example, the targeted
centers are used by a controller for controlling the filling arm
40. In one example, the optical sensor 12 is configured to perform
a pre-fill inspection of containers 90 to determine if any
containers are defective or otherwise unfit for filling. If such a
defective container is found, the container can be ignored during
the filling process so as to reduce waste of product and limit
potential leakage.
[0027] In one example, a holding arm 30 is disposed within the
chamber 20 for transporting and holding the containers 90 within
the chamber 20. The chamber 20, in one example, includes a
stoppering arm 50 configured to stopper or otherwise close the
openings of the containers 90. These aspects of the filling system
10 are discussed in greater detail below.
[0028] In some examples, one or more of the holding arm 30, filling
arm 40, and stoppering arm 50 are servo-driven robotic arms. In
other examples, the arms 30, 40, 50 can be of differing
configurations, provided they are capable of functioning in the
manners described herein.
[0029] Referring now to FIGS. 3, 4, 5A, and 5B, the holding arm 30
can be used to perform multiple tasks, including, for instance,
opening doors 28 of ports 22 and transporting and holding
containers 90. The holding arm 30, in one example, includes a
generally U-shaped end effect tool 32. In one example, the end
effect tool 32 includes a hole 32A on one "leg" of the U-shaped
tool 32, a hook 32B on the other "leg" of the U-shaped tool 32, and
a shoulder 32C around an interior edge of the tool 32. In other
examples, the end effect tool can include different configurations
depending upon the interactions and tasks required of the holding
tool.
[0030] The hole 32A and the hook 32B are configured to allow the
holding arm 30 to open and close the ports 22 to allow for
containers 90 to enter and exit the chamber 20. For instance, a
transfer isolator or other such container can be used to transfer
sterilized containers into the chamber 20. In one example, once a
transfer isolator or other container is attached to the port 22, as
signaled by the proximity sensor or other such device, the
controller can control the holding arm 30 to open the port 22.
[0031] As shown in FIG. 3, the hole 32A is configured to
selectively engage with a post 25A of a clamp handle 23 to allow
the holding arm 30 to manipulate the clamp handle 23. Pivoting of
the clamp handle 23 to an unlocked position (FIG. 4) releases posts
27 of the door 28 to allow the door 28 to be opened. In one
example, the clamp handle 23 includes a pin 25B, which is
engageable within a clasp 26 to maintain the clamp handle 23 in the
unlocked position.
[0032] Once the clamp handle 23 is in the unlocked position, the
hook 32B of the holding arm 30 can be used to interact with a
handle 24 of the door 28 to pivot the door 28 to an open position.
As described above, the door of the container or transfer isolator
can be engaged with the door 28 to open with the door 28, thereby
allowing the holding arm 30 to access the interior of the transfer
isolator or container, while generally maintaining the desired
environmental conditions within the chamber 20. In one example, the
containers 90 are held on a tray 80 or other such holder configured
to allow the holding arm 30 to pick up the tray 80 using the
shoulder 32C. In this example, the tool 32 is extended into the
transfer isolator or container and positioned such that the
shoulder 32C of the tool 32 abuts a bottom side of a rim of the
tray 80. The holding arm 30 can then pick up the tray 80 to
transport it into the chamber 20. Once the tray 80 is transported
within the chamber 20, in one example, the port 22 can be closed by
the holding arm 30 in a reverse manner to that described above to
open the port 22. In another example, the port 22 can remain open,
for instance, to replace the tray 80 of containers 90 once the
containers 90 have been filled. In another example, once the
containers 90 have been filled, the holding arm 30 can be used to
open a port 22, as described above, and to place the tray 80 of
filled containers 90 within a transfer isolator or other container
engaged thereto for removal of the filled containers 90 from within
the chamber 20.
[0033] Referring to FIGS. 2, 5A, and 5B, in one example, once the
tray 80 is received by the tool 32, the holding arm 30 transports
the tray 80 to a filling position within the chamber 20. In one
example, the filling position is a location within the chamber 20
that is within the sensing cone 14 and within reach of the filling
arm 40. Once the tray 80 of containers 90 is in the filling
position, the sensor 12, for instance an optical sensor, can be
activated to locate the containers 90 and target the openings of
the containers 90. In one example, pattern recognition software is
employed to analyze data from the sensor 12 to identify suitable
filling locations corresponding to the openings of the containers
90 within the chamber 20. In this way, the containers 90 in various
positions on the tray 80, including random positions, can be
located and targeted by the sensor 12 and pattern recognition
software and need not be positioned with any particular pattern or
spacing. Additionally, such locating and targeting can be performed
regardless of the size of the containers 90. In one example, as
shown in FIG. 5A, containers 90 of a first size are located and
targeted. In another example, as shown in FIG. 5B, containers 90'
of a second size are located and targeted. The pattern recognition
software, in one example, is implemented in the controller of the
filling system 10. In another example, the pattern recognition
software is implemented in a computer or control module different
from the controller of the filling system 10.
[0034] In one example, the positions of the containers 90 are used
to control the filling arm 40 to travel to the predetermined
filling locations and dispense the product into the containers 90,
90'. In one example, the positions of the containers 90 are also
used to control the stoppering arm 50, which picks up a closure for
the container 90, 90' and places it into the opening of the
container 90, 90', as described in more detail below.
[0035] Referring to FIGS. 6, 7, and 11, in one example, the
stoppering arm 50 is configured to pick up and place stoppers 92 or
other closures in the openings of the containers 90. Closures
contemplated for use with the filling system 10 include
lyophilization stoppers, serum stoppers, syringe stoppers, and the
like. In some examples, the stoppering arm 50 includes a gripping
implement 53 at the end thereof. In one example, the stoppering arm
50 includes tubing 52 extending from a vacuum source to an end of
the stoppering arm 50. In one example, the tubing 52 connects to
the gripping implement 53, the gripping implement 53 being actuated
by pulling of a vacuum through the tubing 52. In another example,
the gripping implement includes mechanical grasping members, such
as mechanically-actuated fingers or other such mechanical grasping
mechanisms.
[0036] In one example, the stoppering arm 50 picks up stoppers 92
from a stopper disc stack 60. In some examples, the stopper disc
stack 60 includes one or more stopper discs 62 stacked on a spindle
67 sandwiched between a top plate 66 and a bottom plate 68. The
discs 68 are axially slidable along the spindle 67. In one example,
a top nut 64 is disposed on the spindle 67 and acts to retain the
top plate 66 on the spindle 67. In one example, the top nut 64 is
integrally attached to the top plate 66. In one example, the top
nut 64 includes one of more handles 64A to allow for manual
manipulation of the top nut 64. In one example, the spindle 67
includes first threads 67A, which engage the top nut 64 in a first,
closed position (see FIG. 8) where the top plate 66 is stacked on
top of the uppermost disc 62 and second threads 67B, which engage
the top nut 64 in a second, open position (see FIG. 9) to allow
access to the stoppers or other closures within the stopper disc
stack 60.
[0037] In one example, the discs 62 are circular, although other
shapes of discs are contemplated. In one example, each of the discs
62 includes a plurality of recesses 62A configured to hold stoppers
92 or other closures therein. As shown in FIG. 11, the recesses
62A, in one example, do not extend through the entire disc 62 to
allow for stoppers 92 to be seated within the recesses 62A but not
fall through the disc 62. In a further example, a hole 62C having a
width smaller than the width of the recess 62A is disposed through
the remainder of the disc 62 at the bottom of the recess 62A. The
hole 62C allows for penetration of sterilants, such as steam,
ethylene oxide, and hydrogen peroxide vapor. Each of the discs 62
can include one or more feet 62B extending from a bottom surface of
the disc 62. The feet 62B abut the disc 62 below to create spacing
between adjacent discs 62 in the stopper disc stack 60. In one
example, each of the discs 62 can include indentations in a top
surface of the disc 62 which correspond to and accept the feet
62B.
[0038] The recesses 62A of stopper disc stack 60 provide positions
to hold stoppers 92 or closures in place during movement and
processing. The discs 62, in some examples, can be made of
polymeric materials, such as PTFE, HDPE, LDPE, polyetherimide,
polysulphone, polybenzimidazole, polyamide-imide, polyether-imide,
polyimide, polyarylether ketones, or polythermide, or metals, such
as stainless steel, titanium, aluminum, or hastelloy. Also, in
further examples, the metals can be coated or otherwise treated to
provide a non-stick or decreased-stick surface, using, for
instance, a hard annodization process or other such treatment or
coating processes. In one example, as shown in FIG. 11, each disc
62 is machined or otherwise formed on a lower surface to produce a
convoluted surface 62D to maintain contact with stoppers 92 or
other closures held by the disc 62 below. In one example, such
contact in maintained to a minimum to enable penetration of
sterilants such as steam, ethylene oxide, and hydrogen peroxide
vapor. In one example, the stopper disc stack 60 is compatible with
sterilization by radiation, such as electron beam irradiation and
gamma irradiation. In one example, the discs 62 cooperate to
effectively surround the stoppers 92 or other closures between the
sandwiched discs 62 to allow for containment of the stoppers 92 or
other closures during multi-axis movement of the stopper disc stack
60.
[0039] The stopper disc stack 60, in some examples, is disposed
within the chamber 20 during container filling to provide stoppers
92 or other closures for closing the containers 90 after filling.
In one example, the stopper disc stack 60 is placed on a rotating
turntable within the chamber 20. The stopper disc stack 60 can
include engagement features, such as, for instance, a notch 68A and
a hole 68B in the bottom plate 68, to engage the stopper disc stack
60 with the turntable so as to rotate therewith, and to ensure that
the stopper disc stack 60 is able to be indexed for stopper 92
removal. It should be understood that the above-described
engagement features are not intended to be limiting and that other
engagement features are contemplated herein. In this way, rotation
of the turntable causes rotation of the stopper disc stack 60. In
one example, each of the discs 62 of the stopper disc stack 60 are
able to rotate with the turntable due to the interaction of the
feet 62B on the bottom side of each of the discs 62 with the
indentations in the top side of each of the adjacent discs 62.
[0040] Referring now to FIGS. 1, 2, 10A, and 10B, the stopper disc
stack 60 can be introduced within the chamber 20 manually by a
user. In some examples, the stopper disc stack 60 can be introduced
within the chamber 20 without disrupting the environmental
condition within the chamber 20. The stopper disc stack 60 can be
transported, for instance, from an autoclave or from a storage
location, to the filling system 10 using a transfer isolator 100 or
other container. As described above, the transfer isolator 100 or
other container can be engaged with a port 22 in the chamber 20. In
one example, the transfer isolator 100 or other container is
engaged with the horizontally-oriented port 22 disposed in a floor
of the chamber 20. In one example, the transfer isolator 100 or
other container includes handles 102 to facilitate handling of the
transfer isolator 100 or other container and engagement of the
transfer isolator 100 or other container with the port 22, for
instance. In one example, the transfer isolator 100 or other
container includes tabs 104 or other engagement features configured
to interact with corresponding tabs or other engagement features
associated with the port 22, such that rotation of the transfer
isolator 100 or other container with respect to the port 22 engages
the tabs 104 of the transfer isolator 100 or other container with
the engagement features of the port 22,to engage the transfer
isolator 100 or other container with the port 22. Once the transfer
isolator 100 or other container is engaged with the port 22, the
user can manually open the door of the port 22 using the glove
holes 21 (FIG. 1), grasp the stopper disc stack 60 using the
handles 64A of the top nut 64, lift the stopper disc stack 60 from
the transfer isolator or other container, and place the stopper
disc stack 60 on the turntable within the chamber 20. Although
introduction of the stopper disc stack 60 is described as a manual
process, it is contemplated herein that the process can be
automated.
[0041] Referring to FIGS. 6, 8, and 9, once placed on the
turntable, the top nut 64 can be rotated to move the top nut 64
from the first, closed position (FIG. 8) to the second, open
position (FIG. 9), thereby lifting the top plate 66 and allowing
access to the stoppers or other closures within the stopper disc
stack 60. In this way, the stoppering arm 50 can gain access to and
pick up the stoppers or other closures for placement within the
openings of the containers 90, as described above.
[0042] In one example, the turntable is rotated to rotate the
stopper disc stack 60 while the stoppering arm 50 is stoppering
containers 90 to reduce the amount of movement of the stoppering
arm 50. That is, by rotating the stopper disc stack 60, an awaiting
stopper or other closure can be moved to a position relatively
close to location of the stoppering arm 50 within the chamber 20.
Also, by rotating the stopper disc stack 60, the number of pick-up
or home locations for the stoppering arm 50 can be reduced. That
is, one pick-up location can be programmed for each ring of
recesses 62A in the discs 62, so that the disc 62 can be rotated to
place a recess 62A having a stopper or other closure therein at the
pick-up location prior to the stoppering arm 50 picking up a
stopper. For instance, the discs 62 shown in FIG. 7 include five
generally concentric rings of recesses 62A, so five pick-up
locations can be programmed, one pick-up location corresponding to
each of the five rings of recesses 62A. Although discs 62 having
five rings of recesses 62A are shown and described, it is
contemplated that the discs include more or fewer than five rings
of recesses, depending on closure size, recess spacing, material
requirements, and sterilization requirements, among other
things.
[0043] In one example, once one ring of stoppers is exhausted, the
pick-up location can be moved to another, unexhausted ring of
stoppers. In another example, stoppers at the pick-up locations for
each of the rings at a particular rotational location of the disc
62 can be picked up before the disc 62 is rotated to place more
stoppers in each of the pick-up locations.
[0044] Referring to FIGS. 2, 6, and 9, in one example, the filling
system 10 includes a disc holder arm 54 to pick up discs 62, for
instance, after all the stoppers or other closures have been
removed therefrom to expose the stoppers or other closures of the
disc 62 below. In one example, the disc holder arm 54 includes a
shoulder 54A configured to fit between adjacent discs 62 and abut a
bottom surface of the empty disc 62 to lift the disc 62 from the
disc 62 below. As portrayed in FIG. 9, the disc holder arm 54, in
one example, is rotated into position with the shoulder 54A
disposed between two discs 62. The disc holder arm 54 is then
lifted toward the top plate 66 to separate the two discs 62 to
allow for the stoppering arm 50 to access and pick up stoppers from
the disc 62 below. When the stoppers are exhausted from this disc
62, the already-lifted disc 62 can be lowered back down, and the
disc holder arm 54 can be repositioned below the newly-exhausted
disc 62 and raised to lift the two (or more) empty discs 62 and
expose the stoppers of another disc 62 until all of the stoppers of
the stopper disc stack 60 are exhausted, at which point the stopper
disc stack 60 can be replaced. In other examples, the discs 62 can
be raised or lowered by the disc holder arm 54 regardless of
whether all of the stoppers are removed from a disc 62. For
instance, in one example, the disc holder arm 54 is used to expose
another disc 62 holding stoppers of a different size or a different
material for containers of different sizes or containers filled
with products requiring different closure materials,
respectively.
[0045] Accordingly, the above-described systems and methods allow
for robotic filling of containers. In one example, the system
allows for the aseptic filling of vials and syringes, particularly
for small and developmental runs of potent and/or toxic materials.
In one example, the systems provide an automated aseptic filling
system that does not require the use of unique or specialized
components for various container sizes. In one example, the system
allows for filling of various sized or shaped containers, provided
a recognizable container opening exists. Also, the optical system
can allow for inspection of containers prior to filling, thus
reducing the possibility of rejection due to container defects
post-filling. Additionally, pre-fill inspection can be achieved
with the optical sensor without the use of additional parts or
manual steps. In one example, the systems are configured to be
minimally disruptive to sterilized air flows commonly used in
aseptic filling.
[0046] In this way, in some examples, randomly placed containers
can be filled automatically, potentially resulting in labor and
time savings. The optical sensor system allows for precision
targeting and filling of containers, which can lead to reduced
potential for spills of high-value or toxic materials that could
require containment. Because the filling system, in some examples,
is capable of handling various products and variously sized and
shaped containers, the filling system is relatively rapidly
adaptable for new products and processes. Also, by using optical
sensors in some examples, the system allows for reduction of
product losses due to inclusion of a pre-fill inspection of
containers. Additionally, because the system is relatively small
and contained, the system provides for relatively easy cleaning of
surfaces and parts. Moreover, by being configured to accept
variously sized and shaped containers, the system allows for
reduced cost because little or no container-specific parts are
needed.
[0047] The above-described systems and methods also allow for
robotic stoppering of containers. The discs, in some examples, are
configured to allow penetration of sterilant to the closures held
by the discs from above and below through the holes and
convolutions of the discs. The sandwiched discs of the stopper disc
stack can be configured to allow the closures to be sterilized and
transferred on multiple axes without movement of the closures
within the stopper disc stack. The stopper disc stack can be
configured to allow for servo-actuated pick and place handling, for
instance using the stoppering arm, as part of the automated filling
system. The stopper disc stack also can be configured to allow for
automatic actuation for pick and placement of closures. The stopper
disc stack can be configured to be transferred through the use of
transfer isolators or other such containers using ports, such as
rapid transfer ports, to enable aseptic and contained transfers
between rooms or barrier isolation systems. In some examples, the
discs are configured to accommodate multiple closure types,
including lyophilization stoppers, serum stoppers, and syringe
stoppers.
[0048] In this way, in some examples, the system can allow for the
use of robotic filling in a discontinuous manner to produce sterile
pharmaceutical products, reducing if not eliminating the need for
conveyors, vibrating bowls, handling chutes, or other such closure
handling equipment. Additionally, the stopper disc stack allows for
reduced manual handling during sterile operations, reducing the
likelihood of aseptic interventions in sterile processing. Also,
the system allows for multiple stopper disc stacks to be sterilized
off-line and made available on a modular basis during filling
operations.
Additional Notes
[0049] The above detailed description includes references to the
accompanying drawings, which form a part of the detailed
description. The drawings show, by way of illustration, specific
embodiments in which the invention can be practiced. These
embodiments are also referred to herein as "examples." Such
examples can include elements in addition to those shown and
described. However, the present inventors also contemplate examples
in which only those elements shown and described are provided.
[0050] All publications, patents, and patent documents referred to
in this document are incorporated by reference herein in their
entirety, as though individually incorporated by reference. In the
event of inconsistent usages between this document and those
documents so incorporated by reference, the usage in the
incorporated reference(s) should be considered supplementary to
that of this document; for irreconcilable inconsistencies, the
usage in this document controls.
[0051] In this document, the terms "a" or "an" are used, as is
common in patent documents, to include one or more than one,
independent of any other instances or usages of "at least one" or
"one or more." In this document, the term "or" is used to refer to
a nonexclusive or, such that "A or B" includes "A but not B," "B
but not A," and "A and B," unless otherwise indicated. In the
appended claims, the terms "including" and "in which" are used as
the plain-English equivalents of the respective terms "comprising"
and "wherein." Also, in the following claims, the terms "including"
and "comprising" are open-ended, that is, a system, device,
article, or process that includes elements in addition to those
listed after such a term in a claim are still deemed to fall within
the scope of that claim. Moreover, in the following claims, the
terms "first," "second," and "third," etc. are used merely as
labels, and are not intended to impose numerical requirements on
their objects.
[0052] The above description is intended to be illustrative, and
not restrictive. For example, the above-described examples (or one
or more aspects thereof) may be used in combination with each
other. Other embodiments can be used, such as by one of ordinary
skill in the art upon reviewing the above description. The Abstract
is provided to comply with 37 C.F.R. .sctn.1.72(b), to allow the
reader to quickly ascertain the nature of the technical disclosure.
It is submitted with the understanding that it will not be used to
interpret or limit the scope or meaning of the claims. Also, in the
above Detailed Description, various features may be grouped
together to streamline the disclosure. This should not be
interpreted as intending that an unclaimed disclosed feature is
essential to any claim. Rather, inventive subject matter may lie in
less than all features of a particular disclosed embodiment. Thus,
the following claims are hereby incorporated into the Detailed
Description, with each claim standing on its own as a separate
embodiment. The scope of the invention should be determined with
reference to the appended claims, along with the full scope of
equivalents to which such claims are entitled.
* * * * *