U.S. patent application number 14/617241 was filed with the patent office on 2015-10-08 for transfer port and method for transferring items.
The applicant listed for this patent is MAEJ LLC. c/o O'Donnell & Tessitore LLP.. Invention is credited to Daniel Py.
Application Number | 20150284118 14/617241 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 23238631 |
Filed Date | 2015-10-08 |
United States Patent
Application |
20150284118 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Py; Daniel |
October 8, 2015 |
TRANSFER PORT AND METHOD FOR TRANSFERRING ITEMS
Abstract
A sterile enclosure contains a transfer module defining a
window. A port covers the window to maintain the inside of the
enclosure as a sealed and sterile environment. A sliding, heated
cutting element mounted on the port serves to sterilize and sever a
portion of a sterile transfer bag assembly attached to the port.
Preferably, the excised portion of the sterile transfer bag
assembly is affixed to the port when the port opens. The sliding
cutting element remains extended and heated to prevent
contamination when the port is open. Further, a heating element is
mounted about the window in order to sterilize around the opening
when the port is open.
Inventors: |
Py; Daniel; (Larchmont,
NY) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
MAEJ LLC. c/o O'Donnell & Tessitore LLP. |
Lexington |
MA |
US |
|
|
Family ID: |
23238631 |
Appl. No.: |
14/617241 |
Filed: |
February 9, 2015 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
|
|
|
|
|
|
Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
13686863 |
Nov 27, 2012 |
8951469 |
|
|
14617241 |
|
|
|
|
13454910 |
Apr 24, 2012 |
8318091 |
|
|
13686863 |
|
|
|
|
10241249 |
Sep 10, 2002 |
8163251 |
|
|
13454910 |
|
|
|
|
60318546 |
Sep 10, 2001 |
|
|
|
Current U.S.
Class: |
53/425 ; 53/127;
53/467; 53/473; 53/492 |
Current CPC
Class: |
B65B 55/08 20130101;
A61L 2202/182 20130101; A61L 2/081 20130101; B65B 69/0066 20130101;
B65B 5/045 20130101; A61L 2/26 20130101; B65B 55/02 20130101; B65B
69/0033 20130101; B65B 7/02 20130101; B65B 31/024 20130101; A61L
2/04 20130101; B65B 55/16 20130101; A61L 2202/122 20130101; A61L
2/087 20130101 |
International
Class: |
B65B 31/02 20060101
B65B031/02; B65B 69/00 20060101 B65B069/00; B65B 55/16 20060101
B65B055/16; B65B 55/08 20060101 B65B055/08; B65B 5/04 20060101
B65B005/04; B65B 7/02 20060101 B65B007/02 |
Claims
1. A method for sterile transfer of items sealed within a
container, the method comprising the following steps: providing a
transfer port having a door for sealing a transfer opening of the
transfer port; providing a container having a mounting member
thereon, an adhesive on an external surface of the container
overlying the mounting member, and a releasable backing over said
adhesive; removing the releasable backing; mounting a portion of
the container to the transfer port with the adhesive so as to
create a seal about the door; heating a heating element mounted
about a peripheral portion of the door to a temperature sufficient
to cut the container; moving the heating element on the door
between retracted and extended positions to cut a portion of the
container; heating a peripheral region of the transfer opening to
prevent migration of contaminants therethrough; opening the door
after cutting the container and heating the peripheral region of
the transfer opening; and transferring at least one article from
the container through the transfer opening.
2. A method as defined in claim 1, wherein the step of providing a
container includes the steps of: placing the at least one article
in an inner container; and sealing the inner container within the
container.
3. A method as defined in claim 2, further comprising the step of
sterilizing via irradiation the container and contents thereof.
4. A method as defined in claim 1 wherein the step of providing a
container includes applying the adhesive to the external surface of
the container and applying the releasable backing over said
adhesive.
5. A method as defined in claim 2, further comprising the steps of:
sealing the container in an outer container; transferring the outer
container and contents thereof from one location to another; and
removing the outer container at the transfer port prior to the step
of attaching the container to the transfer port.
6. A method as defined in claim 5, further comprising the step of
sterilizing via irradiation the outer container and contents
thereof.
7. A method as defined in claim 1, wherein the step of heating a
peripheral region comprises heating an entire periphery of the
transfer opening.
8. A method as defined in claim 1, wherein the step of heating a
peripheral region comprises sterilizing the peripheral region.
9. A method as defined in claim 1, wherein the step of providing a
transfer port comprises providing a sterile enclosure including the
transfer port.
10. A method as defined in claim 9, wherein the transfer port is at
least one of (i) mounted to a wall of the sterile enclosure, and
(ii) formed by a wall of the sterile enclosure.
11. A method as defined in claim 9, further comprising transferring
the at least one article into the sterile enclosure.
12. A method as defined in claim 11, further comprising closing the
door and resealing the transfer opening.
13. A method as defined in claim 1, further comprising closing the
door and resealing the transfer opening.
14. A method as defined in claim 13, further comprising maintaining
the cut portion of the container against the door during at least
one of (a) the step of cutting the portion of the container; (b)
the step of opening the door; (c) the step of transferring the at
least article from the container through the transfer opening; and
(d) the step of closing the door.
15. A method as defined in claim 1, further comprising maintaining
the cut portion of the container against the door during at least
one of (a) the step of cutting the portion of the container; (b)
the step of opening the door; and (c) the step of transferring the
at least article from the container through the transfer
opening.
16. A method as defined in claim 1, wherein the step of heating the
heating element comprises heating the heating element to a
temperature sufficient to sterilize the cut portion of the
container and the step of moving the heating element further
comprises sterilizing the portion of the container.
17. An apparatus comprising: a transfer port for the passage
therethrough of articles sealed within a container, comprising: a
frame defining a transfer opening; a first heating element
extending about the transfer opening; a door movable between an
open position spaced away from the transfer opening for allowing
the passage of articles therethrough, and a closed position
covering the transfer opening for forming a substantially hermetic
seal between the door and frame and for preventing the passage of
articles therethrough; and a second heating element extending about
a peripheral portion of the door, wherein at least one of the first
and second heating elements is movable relative to the other and
engageable with a portion of the container overlying the transfer
opening for heating and excising said portion from a remainder of
the container and, in turn, allowing the passage of articles from
the container through the transfer opening when the door is in the
open position; and an article container comprising: a bag; a
mounting member defining a peripheral portion secured to the bag
and a second transfer opening formed therethrough; an adhesive
superimposed over a portion of the bag overlying the second
transfer opening of the mounting member; and a releasable backing
superimposed over the adhesive.
18. An apparatus as defined in claim 17, wherein the second heating
element is movable relative to the first heating element.
19. An apparatus as defined in claim 17, further comprising a drive
unit drivingly connected to at least one of the first and second
heating elements for moving at least one of the first and second
heating elements relative to the other.
20. An apparatus as defined in claim 19, wherein the second heating
element is movable relative to the first heating element, and the
drive unit is mounted on the door and drivingly coupled to the
second heating element for moving the second heating element
between retracted and extend positions.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION
[0001] This patent application is a continuation of U.S. patent
application Ser. No. 13/686,863, filed Nov. 27, 2012, now U.S. Pat.
No. 8,951,469, which is a continuation of U.S. patent application
Ser. No. 13/454,910, filed Apr. 24, 2012, now U.S. Pat. No.
8,318,091, which is a divisional of U.S. patent application Ser.
No. 10/241,249, filed Sep. 10, 2002, now U.S. Pat. No. 8,163,251,
which claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No.
60/318,546, filed Sep. 10, 2001, all of which are incorporated
herein by reference.
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0002] The subject invention relates to systems for bagging and
transferring sterile items, and more particularly, to an apparatus
for assembling a bag for receiving sterile items and a sterile
transfer port for transferring the sterile items from the bag into
a sterile environment.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0003] In many cases, such as the medical, pharmaceutical,
biological and food industries, it is desirable to transfer
articles from one place to another, without the latter being
subjected to the action of the atmosphere or to the environment in
which the articles pass. An example of such a transfer of
particular interest is the transfer of sterilized objects into a
sterile enclosure. Another example is the transfer of articles in a
certain gaseous atmosphere, for example nitrogen or argon, into an
enclosure containing nitrogen or argon, whilst passing through a
normal atmosphere.
[0004] In view of the above, several systems have been developed to
guaranty absolute protection of sterile items from the atmospheres
through which they pass. This method should preferably be simple,
inexpensive and effective. For example, U.S. Pat. No. 5,816,772 to
Py, incorporated herein by reference, discloses a method of
transferring items into a receiving enclosure. The articles are
contained in a transfer pocket. The transfer pocket has a rigid
portion which is rendered adhesive. The adhesive secures the
transfer pocket to a window. The window is removably attached
within a frame of the enclosure by latches. When the transfer
pocket is attached to the window, heating blades can spring out to
cut a hole in the transfer pocket. Subsequently, the window is
removed and retains the excised portion. As a result, the items can
be transferred into the enclosure. However, this system may not
provide complete protection from contamination during the transfer
because a ring of internal pocket remains between the cutting
element and the frame. This ring may cause undesirable
contamination. Further, the excised portion attached to the window
may be another source of contamination within the enclosure.
[0005] The subject disclosure provides a transfer port that
overcomes such undesirable sources of contamination as well as an
apparatus for assembling a bag with the necessary features. These
and other unique features of the apparatus and method disclosed
herein will become more readily apparent from the following
description, the accompanying drawings and the appended exemplary
claims.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0006] The present invention is directed to a transfer port for the
passage therethrough of articles sealed within a container. The
transfer port includes a frame defining a transfer opening and a
first heating element extending about the transfer opening. A door
moves between an open position spaced away from the transfer
opening for allowing the passage of articles therethrough, and a
closed position covering the transfer opening for forming a
substantially hermetic seal between the door and frame and for
preventing the passage of articles therethrough. A second heating
element extends about a peripheral portion of the door. The second
heating element is movable relative to the first heating element
and is engageable with a portion of the article container overlying
the transfer opening for heating and excising the portion from the
remainder of the container and, in turn, allowing the passage of
articles from the container through the transfer opening. The first
and second heating elements are preferably substantially contiguous
to each other with the door in the closed position and the first
heating element defines a ring of concern about the periphery of
the transfer opening.
[0007] In a currently preferred embodiment of the present
invention, the article container includes a bag having a mounting
member defining a peripheral portion secured to the bag and a
second transfer opening formed therethrough. An adhesive is
superimposed over a portion of the bag overlying the second
transfer opening of the mounting member and a releasable backing is
superimposed over the adhesive.
[0008] The present invention also is directed to an apparatus for
assembling the article container having a first support for
supporting thereon a mounting member of the article container, and
a second support for supporting thereon a bag or other suitable
container with one wall of the bag located on one side of the
mounting member and another wall of the bag located on an opposite
side of the mounting member. A third support of the apparatus is
spaced relative to the second support and includes a first support
surface releasably supporting thereon at least one, and preferably
a plurality of fasteners. In a currently preferred embodiment of
the present invention, the fastener is an elastic ring. At least
one of the second and third supports is movable relative to the
other for tensioning a wall of the bag over the mounting member and
applying the fastener thereto to secure the respective wall of the
bag to the mounting member in a taut condition. The third support
further includes a second support surface releasably supporting
thereon the releasable backing and adhesive underlying the
releasable backing. The adhesive is engaged with the bag by moving
the second and third supports together to, in turn, adhesively
secure the adhesive and releasable backing to the bag. Preferably,
the second support surface of the third support is coupled to a
vacuum source for drawing a vacuum through the second support
surface and, in turn, selectively securing the releasable backing
and underlying adhesive thereto.
[0009] One advantage of the present invention is that it maintains
a ring of concern about the transfer opening that prevents
migration of contaminants into the sterile environment of the
transfer port. Other advantages of the present invention will
become more readily apparent in view of the following detailed
description of preferred embodiments and accompanying drawings.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0010] So that those having ordinary skill in the art to which the
disclosed apparatus and method appertain will more readily
understand how to make and use the same, reference may be had to
the drawings wherein:
[0011] FIG. 1 illustrates a front view of an enclosure system
constructed in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the
subject disclosure;
[0012] FIG. 2 illustrates a transfer port for transferring sterile
items from a sterile bag to the enclosure system of FIG. 1;
[0013] FIG. 3 illustrates an interior view of the transfer port for
transferring sterile items from a sterile bag to the enclosure
system of FIG. 1;
[0014] FIG. 4A illustrates a side view cross-section of the
transfer port of the enclosure system of FIG. 1;
[0015] FIG. 4B illustrates an exploded view of area B of FIG.
4A;
[0016] FIG. 5 illustrates a top view cross-section of the transfer
port of the enclosure system of FIG. 1;
[0017] FIG. 6A illustrates a front view of the "watchdog" or outer
heated element of the transfer port of the enclosure system of FIG.
1;
[0018] FIG. 6B illustrates a top view of a heat element for a
transfer port of the enclosure system of FIG. 1;
[0019] FIG. 6C illustrates an enlarged view of area C of FIG.
6B;
[0020] FIG. 7A illustrates a front view of the inner or door heated
element of the transfer port of the enclosure system of FIG. 1;
[0021] FIG. 7B illustrates a top view of the inner or door heated
element of the transfer port of the enclosure system of FIG. 1;
[0022] FIG. 7C illustrates an exploded view of area C of FIG.
7B;
[0023] FIG. 8 illustrates the transfer port of the enclosure system
of FIG. 1 with a sterile bag attached thereto;
[0024] FIG. 9 illustrates in cross-section a transfer bag system
constructed in accordance with the subject disclosure;
[0025] FIG. 10 illustrates a front view of a tambourine or mounting
member for the transfer bag system of FIG. 9;
[0026] FIG. 11 illustrates in cross-section of the tambourine of
FIG. 10;
[0027] FIG. 12 illustrates a front perspective view of an apparatus
for assembling a transfer bag constructed in accordance with a
preferred embodiment of the subject disclosure;
[0028] FIG. 13 illustrates a side view of the apparatus of FIG.
12;
[0029] FIG. 14 illustrates a top view of the apparatus of FIG.
12;
[0030] FIG. 15 illustrates a front elevational view of the
apparatus of FIG. 12;
[0031] FIG. 16 illustrates a side view of the apparatus of FIG. 12
with the mount support engaged with the elastic fastener mount;
[0032] FIG. 17 is a side perspective view of the apparatus of FIG.
12 with a sterile bag mounted thereto;
[0033] FIG. 18 is a side perspective view of the apparatus of FIG.
12 FIG. 12 with the mount support tensioning the sterile bag;
[0034] FIG. 19 is a partial, side perspective view of the apparatus
of FIG. 12 with elastic fastener mount engaging the sterile
bag;
[0035] FIG. 20 is a partial, side perspective view of the apparatus
of FIG. 12 with the tambourine mounted to the sterile bag;
[0036] FIG. 21 illustrates an apparatus as shown in FIG. 12 with
tambourine mounted to the sterile bag and the sterile bag partially
removed from the apparatus;
[0037] FIG. 22 is a process flow diagram detailing the various
steps associated with transferring items from a sterile bag into an
enclosure system constructed in accordance with a preferred
embodiment of the subject disclosure;
[0038] FIG. 23 illustrates a cross-sectional view of a transfer bag
system prior to mounting to the enclosure system of FIG. 1;
[0039] FIG. 24 illustrates a cross-sectional view of a transfer bag
system mounted to the enclosure system of FIG. 1 prior to opening
the transfer bag system;
[0040] FIG. 25 illustrates a partial, cross-sectional view of a
transfer bag system mounted to the enclosure system of FIG. 1 with
the cutting heating element retracted;
[0041] FIG. 26 illustrates a partial, cross-sectional view of a
transfer bag system mounted to the enclosure system of FIG. 1 with
the cutting heating element extended;
[0042] FIG. 27 illustrates a cross-sectional view of an open
transfer bag system mounted to the enclosure system of FIG. 1;
[0043] FIG. 28 illustrates a cross-sectional view of an open
transfer bag system with the items transferred into the enclosure
system of FIG. 1;
[0044] FIG. 29 illustrates a cross-sectional view of an open
transfer bag system mounted to the enclosure system of FIG. 1 for
receiving debris from the enclosure system; and
[0045] FIG. 30 illustrates a cross-sectional view of an open
transfer bag system after removal from the enclosure system of FIG.
1.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS OF THE INVENTION
[0046] The present invention overcomes many of the prior art
problems associated with transferring sterile items. The
advantages, and other features of the systems and methods disclosed
herein, will become more readily apparent to those having ordinary
skill in the art from the following detailed description of certain
preferred embodiments taken in conjunction with the drawings which
set forth representative embodiments of the present invention and
wherein like reference numerals identify similar structural
elements.
[0047] Referring to FIGS. 1 and 2, the enclosure 100 into which the
sterile items 201 (FIG. 9) are transferred is preferably any
protected or decontaminated enclosure, such as a sterile enclosure,
and preferably an enclosure of Class 10 level or better. Such an
enclosure 100 contains a controlled atmosphere and in the currently
preferred embodiment is provided with laminar flow. The enclosure
100 includes an access wall 110 having a recess for receiving a
transfer port or module 140. The transfer module 140 includes a
window 142 for transferring items 201 (FIG. 9) into the enclosure
100. Window 142 is understood to refer to an element of the
enclosure 100, articulated or not articulated, capable of
efficiently and hermetically obturating the corresponding opening
for the purpose of constituting an effective barrier against the
external atmosphere, in particular against microorganisms. A door
assembly or port 148 covers the window 142 to maintain the inside
of the enclosure 100 as a sealed environment. Preferably, the port
148 pivots to an open position by hinges 149. In an alternate
embodiment, the port 148 moves back beyond the window 142, then
rotates to expose the window 142. A handle 143 is provided for
locking and unlocking the port 148. Thus, the required space for
the port 148 motion is minimized and the sterile area within the
enclosure 100 is maximized. Further, laminar air flow can be
increased when the window 142 is open to further ensure adequate
protection against unwanted migration of contaminants.
[0048] An actuating mechanism 144 is coupled to the port 148 to
allow opening and closing of the port 148. The status of the port
148 and various other parameters are indicated on the actuating
mechanism 144 as well. In a preferred embodiment, the actuating
mechanism includes button 112 for powering the enclosure 100, a
button 113 for indicating defective alignment, a button 114 to
begin an operational cycle, a button 115 to open the port 148, a
button 116 to start an operational cycle and a button 117 to stop
an operational cycle. The enclosure 100 also includes a control
module 160 for maintaining the parameters within the enclosure 100,
supplying power to the transfer module 140 and the like.
Preferably, a table (not shown) is positioned outside the transfer
module 140 to provide a surface for resting a transfer bag system
200 (FIG. 9) during transfer of items 201 from the bag system into
the enclosure 100. During operation, and as described further
below, a sterile bag assembly 200 is placed on the table and a
portion thereof is affixed to the port 148 by an adhesive 209 (FIG.
23).
[0049] The transfer module 140 defines the window 142 and mounts
within an opening defined by the access wall 110 of the enclosure
100. It is envisioned that the window 142 may be rectangular for
transferring boxes, circular as shown in dashed lines on FIG. 2,
triangular as shown in dashed lines on FIG. 2, or any shape as may
be appropriate for the application. Referring to FIGS. 7A-C, the
heated cutting element assembly 152 mounted on the port 148 serves
to sterilize and sever a portion of a sterile bag 204 (FIG. 9). As
shown best in FIGS. 23-30, the heated cutting element 152
preferably slides outward to contact and sever a portion of the
transfer bag assembly 200. As shown in FIG. 7A-7C, the heated
cutting element 152 has a blunt rectangular shape to not only
effectively sever but sterilize a large area during operation.
Alternatively, the heated cutting element may define an angled
cutting surface, in a cutting surface defining another desired
shape. In a preferred embodiment, the heated cutting element 152 is
an element 154 with a plurality of heaters 156 attached thereto.
Preferably, the heaters 156 are ceramic and capable of reaching an
operating temperature of at least about 240 degrees C. as is
available from Victon Technology Electronic Ltd of Guang-Dong,
China. The heaters 156 are controlled by the control module 160.
Preferably, the excised portion of the sterile bag assembly 200
remains affixed to the port 148 for subsequent removal. A drive
mechanism 151 (FIG. 5) operatively associated with the heated
cutting element 152 controls the position of the cutting element
152. A drive shaft 153 coupled to a support 155 connects the heated
cutting element 152 to the drive mechanism 151. The support 155
moves between extended and retracted positions to, in turn, move
the heated cutting element 152 between extended and retracted
positions along arrow "A" shown in FIG. 4B. As the drive mechanism
151 actuates, particles, lubricant or other contaminants may be
generated. In order to prevent migration of such contamination into
the enclosure 100, diaphragms 157 are provided to allow for
movement and maintain a barrier between the drive unit 151 and
interior of the enclosure 100.
[0050] A window heating element assembly 150 is mounted about the
window 142 in order to sterilize a ring of concern and prevent
migration of contaminants into the interior of the enclosure 100.
It will be appreciated upon review of the subject disclosure by
those of ordinary skill in the pertinent art that the ring of
concern may be rectangular, circular, triangular, or other suitable
configuration as appropriate or desired. Preferably, the cutting
element 152 defines the periphery of the port 148 and the window
heating element 150 defines the periphery of the window 142. Thus,
the heated cutting element 152 and the window heating element 150
are substantially contiguous during severing of the transfer bag
system 200. The close proximity of the cutting element 152 and the
window heating element 150 effectively sterilizes the area
therebetween.
[0051] Referring to FIGS. 4A, 4B, 5 and 6A-C, the heating element
150 includes a heating element 158 which is heated by a plurality
of heaters 162. Preferably, the heaters 162 are ceramic and capable
of reaching an operating temperature of at least about 240 degrees
C. as is available from Victon Technology Electronic Ltd of
Guang-Dong, China. The heaters 162 are controlled by the control
module 160. The window 142 defines a space 164 for wires (not
shown) to interconnect the heaters 162. Tape (not shown) as well as
insulation 166 serves to retain the heaters 162. Preferably, the
insulation 166 and heating elements have a TEFLON.RTM. ceramic
reinforced coating or other suitable abrasion resistant, excellent
release coating which can be applied as necessary. As may be
recognized by those of ordinary skill in the pertinent art, any of
numerous different non-stick coatings that are currently available
or later developed equally may be used.
[0052] In a preferred embodiment, the door 148 is made of an
insulating material to prevent heat sinking and decrease the
heat-up time of the cutting element 152 and heating element 150.
Accordingly, the time required for the cutting element 152 and
heating element 150 to reach the operational temperature is
minimized. In another embodiment, the port 148 has vents for
removing particulates generated during the cutting of the
intermediate bag 204 so no foreign mater, organic or inorganic,
enters the sterile side of the port 148. A resilient seal 168
insures a hermetic closure when the door 148 is in the closed
position. The door 148 has a backing plate 170 to provide
structural support and rigidity. The outside plate 171 of the door
148 is preferably coated with a TEFLON.RTM. ceramic reinforced
coating to facilitate easy removal of adhesive tape and any portion
of the sterile bag 204 which may become burned thereon. As may be
recognized by those of ordinary skill in the pertinent art, any of
numerous different non-stick coatings that are currently available
or later developed equally may be used.
[0053] Referring to FIG. 9, the transfer bag system 200 includes
three distinct transfer bags. The sterile items 201 to be
transferred, in this case vials, bottles, or other sterile devices
or containers, are enclosed in an inner bag 202 whose opening 203
has been obturated. The inner bag 202 enclosing the items 201 is
placed in an intermediate bag 204 whose opening 205 has been
obturated and provided with a sterilization indicator 220. A frame
or tambourine 206 defines a flat portion having a peripheral groove
207 in which a portion of the intermediate bag 204 is retained by
means of an elastic band 208. Thus, the structure of a diametrical
cross section of the frame 206 has the general shape of a "U" of
which one of the sides is shorter than the other resulting in the
outer surface of the intermediate bag 204 having an "S" shape. On
the "S" part 222 of the intermediate bag 204, held by the frame
206, there is placed an adhesive 209 protected by a protective film
210 provided with a tab 211. The frame 206 also defines a groove
215 for receiving the heated cutting element 152 in the extended
position. The frame 206 and the articles enclosed in the inner bag
202 were of course placed inside the closed intermediate bag 204
before the intermediate bag 204 was closed. The inner bag 202 and
the intermediate bag 204 have themselves been placed inside an
outer bag 212, which is closed. The outer bag 212, like the others,
may be provided with a sterilization indicator 220 and with
identification devices such as bar codes.
[0054] Preferably, each envelope of the transfer bag system 200 is
a flexible or semi-rigid bag essentially formed from an envelope.
The transfer bags can be of any nature adapted to protect the
articles to be transferred from the action of the atmosphere or
atmospheres which the latter have to pass through. The more
particularly chosen bags are those whose nature is such that the
bag can be exposed to gamma, e-beam, or other radiation for the
purpose of obtaining the sterility of the contents of the transfer
bag whilst protecting the contents from contamination after the
action of the radiation. Transfer bags are also chosen whose nature
is permeable to the action of ethylene oxide. Transfer bags are
preferably made from a plastic material like those used, for
example, for packaging sterile articles such as probes, syringes,
needles and the like which are particularly suitable for
sterilization by gamma, e-beam or other radiation. However, as may
be recognized by those of ordinary skill in the pertinent art based
upon the teachings herein, the transfer bags may take the form of
any of numerous other types of enclosures, and may have walls that
are flexible, semi-rigid, or rigid.
[0055] Referring to FIG. 12-16, an apparatus for assembling the
transfer bag system 200 is referred to generally by reference
numeral 300. The apparatus 300 includes a frame 302 having a mount
support 304 thereon for receiving and supporting a mounting member
or tambourine 206 for attachment to a bag. A bag support 306
surrounds the mount support 304 for supporting thereon a bag to be
attached to the mount 304 such that one wall of the bag is
supported on one side of the tambourine 206 and another wall of the
bag is located on an opposite side of the tambourine 206. An
elastic fastener mount assembly 308 is spaced relative to the bag
support 306 and includes a first support surface 310 for releasably
supporting thereon at least one, and preferably a plurality of
elastic fasteners 208. As described above, in the currently
preferred embodiment of the present invention, the fasteners 208
are in the form of elastic bands, such as o-ring type elastic
bands. However, as may be recognized by those of ordinary skill in
the pertinent art based on the teachings herein, the fasteners 208
may take any of numerous different configurations that are
currently, or later become known for performing the functions of
the fastener 208.
[0056] The mount support 304 is movable vertically in the direction
of arrow "B" (FIG. 12) toward and away from the elastic fastener
mount 308 by actuation of a first manual lever 312 connected
thereto by a linkage 311. As described further below, the first
lever 312 is manipulated to move the mount support 304 upwardly, or
toward the fastener mount 308 to, in turn, tension the bag thereon
and facilitate applying the elastic band 208 to secure the bag to
the tambourine 206. The elastic fastener mount 308 also is movable
vertically, or toward the mount support 304 in the direction of
arrow "B" (FIG. 12) by actuation of a second manual lever 313
connected to the frame and fastener mount by a linkage 315. As
described further below, the second lever 313 is manipulated to
move the fastener mount 308 downwardly into engagement with the
tambourine 206 seated on the mount support 304 to apply a
respective fastener 208 to the bag and tambourine to fixedly secure
the tambourine to the bag, and to apply the adhesive 209 to the
portion of the bag overlying the tambourine.
[0057] The elastic fastener mount 308 further includes on its
underside a second support surface 314 for releasably supporting
thereon an adhesive tape. In the currently preferred embodiment of
the present invention, the adhesive tape is in the form of a
releasable, protective film 210 adhered to an adhesive backing 209.
The adhesive backing 209 is preferably double-sided foam tape that
is engageable with the bag 204 on one side and retains a protective
film 210 on the other side. In a preferred embodiment, the adhesive
tape is SCOTCH.RTM. brand double-sided foam mounting tape available
from the 3M Co. However, as may be recognized by those of ordinary
skill in the pertinent art based on the teachings herein, this type
of attachment mechanism is only exemplary, and any of numerous
other types of adhesives or other attachment mechanisms that are
currently, or later become known for performing the function of the
adhesive 209 may be equally used.
[0058] As shown in FIG. 14, the second support surface 315 of the
fastener mount 308 is perforated and defines a plurality of vacuum
apertures 316 therethrough. As shown in FIG. 12, the vacuum
apertures 316 are coupled to a vacuum source 318 by vacuum lines
320. A control unit 322 is electrically connected to the vacuum
source 318 and is operable to draw a vacuum through the vacuum
lines 320 and vacuum apertures 316 of the second support surface
316 to, in turn, releasably secure the protective film 210 of the
adhesive tape thereto.
[0059] The faster mount 308 further includes a tensioning flange
324 extending about the periphery of the fastener support surface
310. As can be seen, the tensioning flange 324 is spaced laterally
outwardly and below the bottom edge of the first support surface
310 to engage and further tension the portion of the bag
surrounding the tambourine to facilitate attachment of the adhesive
and elastic fastener to the bag.
[0060] Referring to FIGS. 17-21, a preferred process employing the
apparatus 300 for attaching a tambourine 206 to a bag 204 is
hereinafter described. Referring to FIG. 17, at least one elastic
band 208 is installed on the first support surface 310 of the
elastic fastener mount 308. Although not shown, it is also
envisioned that a plurality of elastic bands 208 may be installed
on the first surface 310 in an edge-to-edge relation extending
vertically along the first support surface. A tambourine 206 is
placed on the mount support 304, and as shown typically in FIG. 17,
the open end of an intermediate bag 204 is slipped over the bag
support 306 such that one wall of the bag overlies the tambourine
and another wall of the bag underlies the tambourine. Preferably,
the outer bag 204 is a polymeric bag that can withstand
sterilization, such as by gamma or e-beam radiation. Then, the
releasable backing 210 is placed against the second support surface
314 of the fastener mount assembly 308 and the vacuum source 318 is
activated to hold the adhesive backed tape to the second support
surface. The releasable backing of the tape facing the tambourine
is removed either before mounting the tape to the second support
surface 314, or after the tape is mounted to the second support
surface to expose one side of the underlying adhesive to the
portion of the bag overlying the tambourine. Referring to FIG. 18,
the first lever 312 is activated downwardly to move the mount
support 304 upwardly and, in turn, tension the portion of the bag
204 overlying the tambourine and thereby ready the bag for
attachment of the elastic fastener and adhesive tape thereto. Then,
as shown in FIG. 19, the second lever 313 is actuated to, in turn,
move the fastener mount assembly 308 downwardly and into engagement
with the tambourine. As shown in FIG. 19, the tensioning rim 324 of
the fastener mount 308 further presses the portion of the bag
extending about the periphery of the tambourine downwardly to
facilitate attachment of the elastic fastener 208 to the
tambourine. Also, upon contacting the tambourine, the exposed side
of the adhesive 209 is pressed into engagement with the portion of
the bag overlying the tambourine to, in turn, adhesively attach the
tape to the bag. Then, as also shown in FIG. 19, the elastic
fastener 208 is slipped downwardly off of the first support surface
310 of the fastener mount and into the peripheral groove of the
tambourine. Upon attaching the adhesive and elastic fastener to the
bag, and as shown in FIG. 20, the vacuum source is turned off to
thereby release the tape from the second support surface 314, and
the levers 312 and 313 are manipulated to move the mounts 304 and
308 away from each other. The bag, adhesive tape and tambourine
assembly may then be slipped off of the bag support 304 and the
apparatus 304 is ready to assemble another bag. The bag assembly
may then be filled with the articles to be sterilized, and the open
end of the bag may be heat sealed, or may be sealed in any of
numerous different ways, in order to form an air-tight seal between
the interior and exterior of the bag.
[0061] Referring to FIG. 22, a preferred process 1000 for
transferring sterile items from a sterile transfer bag system 200
into an enclosure 100 is illustrated. FIGS. 23-30 correspond
generally with the process flow of FIG. 22. Preferably, the
transfer bag system 200 is assembled as described above and loaded
in a sterile environment. The transfer bag system 200 is then moved
from the loading location to a desired location. If necessary, the
outer bag 212 (FIG. 9) is cleaned and removed in a staging area. At
step 1010, the intermediate bag 204 is mounted to the enclosure 100
by removing the protective film 210, exposing the adhesive 209 and
applying the rigid frame, mounting member or tambourine 206 about
the window 142 (FIGS. 23 and 24). Preferably, the sterile items 201
contained in the inner bag 202 are placed upon the table and the
enclosure 100 includes latching clamps 213 to releasably secure the
frame 206 to the window 142. Preferably, the latching clamps 213
have sensors to electronically confirm complete closure of each
latch and thereby ensure an air-tight seal between the transfer
port and the tambourine. At step 1015, a button light 112 indicates
power is on and the transfer port 140 is ready.
[0062] At step 1020, the operator presses the begin cycle button
114. At step 1025, the cutting element 152 heats up to temperature.
At step 1030, upon the cutting element 152 reaching the required
temperature, a light (not shown) in communication with the control
system 160 indicates the cutting element 152 is at the desired
temperature, preferably 240 degrees C. At step 1035 and as shown
schematically in FIGS. 24-26, the drive mechanism 151 extends the
cutting element 152 through the intermediate bag 204 into the
groove 215 of the frame 206 to excise a portion thereof. After
severing the intermediate bag 204, the cutting element 152 remains
hot and extended. At step 1040, the heated and extended position of
the cutting element 152 is maintained for a predetermined time
period, preferably about 30 seconds. The excised portion of the bag
204 remains adhered to the port 148. In an alternative embodiment,
the heated temperature and extended position of the cutting element
152 may be maintained in order to sterilize any contamination which
may migrate from the excised portion.
[0063] At step 1045, the door 148 if open returns by default to a
closed position to block the passage between the interior of the
enclosure 100 and the interior of the intermediate bag 204. At step
1050, the cutting element 152 is deactivated and allowed to cool.
At step 1055, the window heating element 150 is activated and heats
up to a predetermined temperature preferably about 240 degree C. in
order to sterilize the area about the periphery of the window 142.
As can be seen, the heated cutting element 152 is slidably mounted
in close proximity to, and is preferably substantially contiguous
to, the window heating element 150. As a result, the heating
element 150 and cutting element 152 cooperate to simultaneously
excise the portion of the intermediate bag 204 and form the
transfer passage therethrough, and to sterilize the peripheries of
the window 142, intermediate bag 204 and the periphery of the
excised portion of the intermediate bag 204 adhesively attached to
the port 148.
[0064] At step 1060, the control systems 160 waits a predetermined
time period, e.g., about 30 seconds for the window heating element
150 to sterilize the area. At step 1065, the window heating element
150 is deactivated and a predetermined cool down period, e.g.,
about 30 seconds, is allowed to pass. In an alternative embodiment,
the heated temperature of the window heating element 150 may be
maintained to sterilize any contamination which may migrate from
the intermediate bag 204 into the window 142 and, thereby the
enclosure 100. As a result, the heated ring of concern defined by
the heating element 150 of the window 142 is maintained
contamination free. In other embodiments, one or both of the
heating element 150 and the cutting element 152 are not
continuously on but pulsed as would be known and appreciated by
those of ordinary skill in the pertinent art. At step 1070, an
indicator light (not shown) activates to indicate the transfer
module 140 is ready for the next step. At step 1075, the handle 143
is manually released by the operator. At step 1080 and as shown in
FIGS. 27 and 28, the operator depresses button 115 to open the door
148. At step 1085, the latches 213 continue to lock the frame 206
in place.
[0065] At step 1090, the inner bag 202 containing the sterilized
items 201 is accessible by the operator. Preferably, the enclosure
100 has a sterile interface, such as articulated gloves, for
allowing the operator to transfer the inner bag 202 from the
transfer bag system 200 into the enclosure 100. Once the inner bag
202 is within the sterile enclosure 100, the items 201 are removed.
Referring now to FIGS. 29 and 30, upon removal of the items 201
from the inner bag 202, the inner bag 202 becomes refuse. The
operator can deposit the inner bag 202 and any other refuse into
the intermediate bag 204 via the window 142. At step 1100, the
operator activates the handle 143 to again close the port 148 to
reseal the window 142. Upon closing of the port 148, the excised
portion of the intermediate bag 204 is removed from the port 148
and discarded. At step 1105, the latches 213 are unlock the frame
206 from the transfer port 140 and the frame 206 is removed by the
operator. Control passes back to step 1010 where the process can
occur again.
[0066] In the event of an exigency, at step 1115, in any state the
process 1000 can be halted in an orderly manner. At step 1120, the
operator presses an emergency stop button (not shown) to terminate
the process 1000 and control passes to step 1125. At step 1125, the
control system 160 deactivates any heaters which may be activated.
At step 1130, the heating cutting element 152 is retracted if not
already retracted. At step 1135, the control system 160 queries a
sensor (not shown) to determine if the port 148 is open. If the
port 148 is not open, control passes to step 1010 where the process
1000 may be started again. If the port 148 is open, control passes
to step 1100 where the port 148 is closed and the frame 206 is
released as described above with respect to steps 1100 and 1105
such that the process 1000 can return to step 1010 where the
process 1000 may begin again.
[0067] While the invention has been described with respect to
preferred embodiments, those skilled in the art will readily
appreciate that various changes and/or modifications can be made to
the invention without departing from the spirit or scope of the
invention. Accordingly, this detailed description of preferred
embodiments is to be taken in an illustrative, as opposed to a
limiting sense.
* * * * *