Coupling lock and attachment module and docking device, each containing said coupling lock

US8539995B2 · kind B2 · utility

Assignee

• GEA Pharma Systems Limited · CH

Inventors

• Thomas Marsden Smith · Brookhaven, US
• Peter Lais · Memmingen, DE
• Martin Koch · Neuenbürg, DE

Key dates

• Filing date: Sep 28, 2009
• Grant date: Sep 24, 2013
• Expiry date: Jun 25, 2032

Classification

• Technology area (CPC Y): Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
• CPC primary: Y10T137/87973
• WIPO field: Handling
• WIPO sector: Mechanical engineering

Abstract

Coupling locks, attachment modules, and docking devices allow for re-filling, filling and/or emptying of containers in a manner that is insulated against the environment. An attachment module includes a coupling lock and a locking clamp, where the coupling lock includes a pipe nozzle and a closing flap. A first clamping element is located on an outer side of the pipe nozzle to engage with a second clamping element by means of the locking clamp to create a temporary connection. A docking device includes the first coupling lock or the attachment module, and a second coupling lock, complementary to the first coupling lock. When the closing flaps of the first and second coupling locks are brought into contact with each other, they can be pivoted from a closed position, where they lock the transfer channel formed by the pipe nozzles, around a shared axis into an open position.