Patent · US Expired

Method and apparatus for preparing syringes containing a lyophile medicine

US4729208A · kind A · utility

41Cited by
5References
5Claims
0Family size

Inventors

Key dates

Filing dateJun 25, 1987
Grant dateMar 8, 1988
Priority date
Expiry dateJun 25, 2007

Classification

  • Technology area (CPC A)Human Necessities
  • CPC primaryA61M5/008
  • WIPO fieldMedical technology
  • WIPO sectorInstruments

Abstract

A series of syringe bodies with their lower ends closed is filled with a solution of medicine to a predetermined level in the bodies. The syringe bodies are placed in a lyophilizer with the bodies arranged in a predetermined pattern. A plurality of plungers for the syringe bodies is arranged in a corresponding pattern and above the syringe bodies. After the medicine in the syringe bodies is lyophilized in the lyophilizer, a reduced pressure is created in the lyophilizer and the plungers are simultaneously moved into the syringe bodies to a predetermined level above the lyophilized medicine. The pressure within the lyophilizer is then increased to atmospheric and the assembled syringes are removed. Apparatus for implementing the process can include a lower rack having openings for retaining the syringe bodies in the predetermined pattern, and an upper rack seatable on the lower rack for retaining the piston portions of plungers in facing relation to, aligned with, and above the openings of the syringe bodies. A mechanism within the lyophilizer can be used to simultaneously push the plungers downwardly into the lyophile medicine-containing syringe bodies.

Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.