[go: up one dir, main page]

WO2025248528A1 - Fluid transfer station and fluid transfer platform for a pharmaceutical preparation system - Google Patents

Fluid transfer station and fluid transfer platform for a pharmaceutical preparation system

Info

Publication number
WO2025248528A1
WO2025248528A1 PCT/IL2025/050460 IL2025050460W WO2025248528A1 WO 2025248528 A1 WO2025248528 A1 WO 2025248528A1 IL 2025050460 W IL2025050460 W IL 2025050460W WO 2025248528 A1 WO2025248528 A1 WO 2025248528A1
Authority
WO
WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
fluid transfer
adaptor
container
bag support
holder
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Pending
Application number
PCT/IL2025/050460
Other languages
French (fr)
Inventor
Eric SHEM-TOV
Sharon OHAYON
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
Equashield Medical Ltd
Original Assignee
Equashield Medical Ltd
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Equashield Medical Ltd filed Critical Equashield Medical Ltd
Publication of WO2025248528A1 publication Critical patent/WO2025248528A1/en
Pending legal-status Critical Current
Anticipated expiration legal-status Critical

Links

Classifications

    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
    • B65B—MACHINES, APPARATUS OR DEVICES FOR, OR METHODS OF, PACKAGING ARTICLES OR MATERIALS; UNPACKING
    • B65B3/00—Packaging plastic material, semiliquids, liquids or mixed solids and liquids, in individual containers or receptacles, e.g. bags, sacks, boxes, cartons, cans, or jars
    • B65B3/003—Filling medical containers such as ampoules, vials, syringes or the like
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • A61J—CONTAINERS SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR MEDICAL OR PHARMACEUTICAL PURPOSES; DEVICES OR METHODS SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR BRINGING PHARMACEUTICAL PRODUCTS INTO PARTICULAR PHYSICAL OR ADMINISTERING FORMS; DEVICES FOR ADMINISTERING FOOD OR MEDICINES ORALLY; BABY COMFORTERS; DEVICES FOR RECEIVING SPITTLE
    • A61J1/00—Containers specially adapted for medical or pharmaceutical purposes
    • A61J1/05—Containers specially adapted for medical or pharmaceutical purposes for collecting, storing or administering blood, plasma or medical fluids ; Infusion or perfusion containers
    • A61J1/10—Bag-type containers
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • A61J—CONTAINERS SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR MEDICAL OR PHARMACEUTICAL PURPOSES; DEVICES OR METHODS SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR BRINGING PHARMACEUTICAL PRODUCTS INTO PARTICULAR PHYSICAL OR ADMINISTERING FORMS; DEVICES FOR ADMINISTERING FOOD OR MEDICINES ORALLY; BABY COMFORTERS; DEVICES FOR RECEIVING SPITTLE
    • A61J1/00—Containers specially adapted for medical or pharmaceutical purposes
    • A61J1/14—Details; Accessories therefor
    • A61J1/20—Arrangements for transferring or mixing fluids, e.g. from vial to syringe
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
    • B65B—MACHINES, APPARATUS OR DEVICES FOR, OR METHODS OF, PACKAGING ARTICLES OR MATERIALS; UNPACKING
    • B65B3/00—Packaging plastic material, semiliquids, liquids or mixed solids and liquids, in individual containers or receptacles, e.g. bags, sacks, boxes, cartons, cans, or jars
    • B65B3/04—Methods of, or means for, filling the material into the containers or receptacles
    • B65B3/045—Methods of, or means for, filling the material into the containers or receptacles for filling flexible containers having a filling and dispensing spout, e.g. containers of the "bag-in-box"-type

Definitions

  • the present application relates to robotic pharmaceutical preparation systems, and to fluid transfer stations and fluid transfer platforms for use within the pharmaceutical preparation systems.
  • a pharmaceutical preparation system may comprise an automatic or partially automatic system comprising manipulator(s) and/or module(s) controlled at least partially by a controller.
  • the robotic pharmaceutical preparation system can be operable for performing any activity related to preparation of drugs, such as drugs designated for administration to patients, including, for example, compounding, diluting, reconstituting, transferring, filling, drawing, agitating and/or other processes associated with pharmaceutical preparation.
  • the pharmaceutical preparation system can include one or more fluid interface regions for transfer of fluid (drug) between various combinations of fluid transfer assemblies and containers. Accordingly, a strategic and efficient placement of the containers and corresponding adaptors is important to provide for a maximum number of fluid interface regions with a limited space of a fluid transfer system.
  • a fluid transfer station for use within a fluid transfer system operable for transferring fluid between one or more containers via corresponding one or more container-adaptors and a fluid transfer assembly
  • said fluid transfer station comprising: an IV bag support unit comprising a base and an IV bag support panel operatively connected to the base, said IV bag support panel comprising an IV bag support surface for at least partially supporting thereupon an IV bag constituting a first container of the one or more containers at least during said transfer of fluid between the first container and the fluid transfer assembly, said IV bag support panel having a maximal lateral panel width; a first adaptor holder operatively connected to the IV bag support unit and operable for at least partially holding an IV bag adaptor associated with the IV bag and constituting a first container-adaptor of the one or more container-adaptors, at least during said transfer of fluid between the first container and the fluid transfer assembly; and a second adaptor holder operatively connected to the IV bag support unit and operable for at least partially holding
  • the fluid transfer station according to the first aspect can include one or more of the following features, in any combinations:
  • the first adaptor holder can be spaced from the IV bag support unit along a first direction, and the maximal lateral panel width can extend along a second direction transverse the first direction;
  • first and the second adaptor holders can be aligned along the second direction
  • each one of the first and the second adaptor holders can at least partially constitute a respective fluid interface region operable to facilitate fluid communication between the fluid transfer assembly and the respective one of the first and second container-adaptors, when the respective one of the first and second container-adaptor is held at the corresponding adaptor holder;
  • the first adaptor holder can be operable to at least partially hold a container-adaptor of a first type constituting the IV bag adaptor; - optionally, the first adaptor holder can be operable to at least partially hold at least one of a container port and a spike adaptor, each constituting the container-adaptor of the first type;
  • the second adaptor holder can be operable to at least partially hold a container-adaptor of a second type, different from the first type, constituting the second container-adaptor;
  • the second adaptor holder can be operable to at least partially hold a luer-lock adaptor constituting the container-adaptor of the second type;
  • the fluid transfer station can further comprise an additional IV bag support unit operable for supporting an additional IV bag constituting the second container, at least during said transfer of fluid between the second container and the fluid transfer assembly;
  • the additional IV bag support unit can comprise a suspending element operable for suspending the additional IV bag therefrom;
  • the second adaptor holder can be positioned in a frontward direction with respect to the IV bag support unit, and the additional IV bag support unit is positioned in one of a rearward direction, opposite the frontward direction, with respect to the IV bag support unit, and a sideward direction, transverse the frontward direction, with respect to the IV bag support unit;
  • the IV bag support unit can comprise a first holder connection port operable for connecting thereto at least the first adaptor holder, and a second holder connection port operable for connecting thereto at least the second adaptor holder;
  • the first holder connection port can be operable for detachably connecting thereto at least the first adaptor holder, and the second holder connection port is operable for detachably connecting thereto at least the second adaptor holder;
  • the first holder connection port can be operable for detachably connecting thereto the second adaptor holder, and the second holder connection port is operable for detachably connecting thereto the first adaptor holder;
  • the IV bag support panel can be detachably connected to the base;
  • the fluid transfer station can have an X-axis, a Y-axis, and a Z-axis mutually orthogonal to each other
  • at least one of said first and second adaptor holders can comprise a hanger element having an adaptor receiving region configured for insertion of the corresponding container-adaptor of the first and second container- adaptors therewithin along the Z-axis, a blocking element configured to selectively block the removal of the container-adaptor from the adaptor receiving region along the Z-axis
  • the at least one of said first and second adaptor holders can be configured to be manipulated between an unblocking state in which the blocking element allows the removal of the container-adaptor from the adaptor receiving region along the Z-axis and a blocking state in which the blocking element blocks the removal of the containeradaptor from the adaptor receiving region along the Z-axis
  • an actuator operatively connected to at least one of the hanger element and the blocking element, and operable to move said at least one of the hanger element and the blocking element for manipulating the
  • the actuator can be configured to move said at least one of the hanger element and the blocking element between a blocking position corresponding to the blocking state and an unblocking position corresponding to the unblocking state;
  • the at least one of the hanger element and the blocking element can be articulably connected to the IV bag support unit via a movement mechanism allowing the movement of said at least one of the hanger element and the blocking element with respect to the IV bag support unit for displacement between the blocking and unblocking positions;
  • the first adaptor holder can constitute the at least one of said first and second adaptor holders, and the first holder connection port at least partially constitutes the movement mechanism;
  • the second adaptor holder can constitute the at least one of said first and second adaptor holders, and the second holder connection port at least partially constitutes the movement mechanism;
  • the fluid transfer station can further comprise a processing circuitry operatively connected to the actuator and configured to control the operation of the actuator to manipulate the at least one of said first and second adaptor holders between the blocking and unblocking states.
  • a fluid transfer station for use within a fluid transfer system operable for transferring fluid between one or more containers via corresponding one or more container-adaptors and a fluid transfer assembly
  • said fluid transfer station comprising a container support unit including a base and a container support panel operatively connected to the base, said container support panel being operable for at least partially supporting a first container of the one or more containers at least during said transfer of fluid between the first container and the fluid transfer assembly, said container support unit comprising a first holder connection port operable for detachably connecting thereto at least a first adaptor holder operable for at least partially holding a first containeradaptor of the one or more container-adaptors.
  • the fluid transfer station according to the second aspect can include one or more of the above-described features of the fluid transfer station according to the first aspect.
  • the container support unit of the fluid transfer station according to the second aspect can include one or more features of the IV bag support unit of the fluid transfer station according to the first aspect.
  • the container support unit of the fluid transfer station according to the second aspect can be an IV bag support unit similar or identical to the IV bag support unit of the fluid transfer station according to the first aspect.
  • the container support unit of the fluid transfer station according to the second aspect can be any container support unit for supporting any container other than an IV bag.
  • the container support unit of the fluid transfer station according to the second aspect can include one or more features of the above-described features of the IV bag support unit of the fluid transfer station according to the first aspect.
  • the first holder connection port of the fluid transfer station according to the second aspect can include one or more of the above-described features of the first and/or second holder connection ports of the fluid transfer station according to the first aspect.
  • the fluid transfer station according to the second aspect can further comprise a second holder connection port operable for connecting thereto at least a second adaptor holder operable for at least partially holding a second container-adaptor, of a type different than that of the first container-adaptor, of the one or more containeradaptors.
  • the second holder connection port of the fluid transfer station according to the second aspect can include one or more of the above-described features of the first and/or second holder connection ports of the fluid transfer station according to the first aspect.
  • the first holder connection port can be operable for detachably connecting thereto the first adaptor holder along a first direction, and the first and second holder connection ports can be positioned side-by-side with respect to each along a second direction transverse the first direction.
  • the container support panel can have a maximal lateral panel width along the second direction, and the first and the second holder connection ports can be disposed at least partially within the maximal lateral panel width of the container support panel.
  • the fluid transfer station according to the second aspect can further comprise an additional IV bag support unit operable for supporting an additional IV bag constituting a second container of the one or more containers at least during said transfer of fluid between the second container and the fluid transfer assembly.
  • the additional IV bag support unit of the fluid transfer station according to the second aspect can include one or more of the above-described features of the additional IV bag support unit of the fluid transfer station according to the first aspect.
  • a fluid transfer station for use within a fluid transfer system operable for transferring fluid between one or more containers via corresponding one or more container-adaptors and a fluid transfer assembly
  • said fluid transfer station comprising: an IV bag support unit comprising a base and an IV bag support panel operatively connected to the base, said IV bag support panel comprising an IV bag support surface for at least partially supporting thereupon an IV bag constituting a first container of the one or more containers at least during said transfer of fluid between the first container and the fluid transfer assembly; and a luer-lock-adaptor holder operatively connected to the IV bag support unit and operable to at least partially hold a luer-lock adaptor, constituting a container-adaptor of the one or more container-adaptors, associated with a second container, of the one or more containers, at least during said transfer of fluid between the second container and the fluid transfer assembly.
  • the fluid transfer station according to the third aspect can include one or more of the above-described features of the fluid transfer station according to the first aspect.
  • the IV bag support unit of the fluid transfer station according to the third aspect can include one or more of the above-described features of the IV bag support unit of the fluid transfer station according to the first aspect.
  • the luer-lock-adaptor holder of the fluid transfer station according to the third aspect can include one or more of the above-described features of the second adaptor holder of the fluid transfer station according to the first aspect.
  • the fluid transfer station according to the third aspect can further comprise an additional IV bag support unit operable for supporting an additional IV bag constituting a second container of the one or more containers at least during said transfer of fluid between the second container and the fluid transfer assembly.
  • the additional IV bag support unit of the fluid transfer station according to the third aspect can include one or more of the above-described features of the additional IV bag support unit of the fluid transfer station according to the first aspect.
  • the fluid transfer station according to the third aspect can further comprise another adaptor holder operatively connected to the IV bag support unit and operable for at least partially holding at least one of a container port and a spike adaptor, each constituting another container-adaptor of the one or more container-adaptors and associated with the IV bag constituting the first container, at least during said transfer of fluid between the first container and the fluid transfer assembly.
  • the other adaptor holder of the fluid transfer station according to the third aspect can include one or more of the above-described features of the first adaptor holder of the fluid transfer station according to the first aspect.
  • the other adaptor holder can be spaced from the IV bag support unit along a first direction, and the IV bag support panel can have a maximal lateral panel width extending along a second direction transverse the first direction, and the other adaptor holder and the luer-lock-adaptor holder can be disposed at least partially within the maximal lateral panel width of the IV bag support panel. In some examples, the other adaptor holder and the luer-lock-adaptor holder can be aligned along the second direction.
  • the fluid transfer station according to the third aspect can further comprise a first holder connection port, which can include one or more of the abovedescribed features of the first and/or second holder connection ports of the fluid transfer station according to the first aspect.
  • the fluid transfer station according to the third aspect can further comprise a second holder connection port, which can include one or more of the above-described features of the first and/or second holder connection ports of the fluid transfer station according to the first aspect.
  • a fluid transfer station for use within a fluid transfer system operable for transferring fluid between one or more containers via corresponding one or more container-adaptors and a fluid transfer assembly
  • said fluid transfer station comprising an IV bag support unit comprising a base and an IV bag support panel operatively connected to the base, said IV bag support panel comprising an IV bag support surface for at least partially supporting thereupon an IV bag constituting a first container of the one or more containers at least during said transfer of fluid between the first container and the fluid transfer assembly, wherein said IV bag support panel allows visibility therethrough.
  • the IV bag support panel of the fluid transfer station according to one or more of the first and third aspects can allow visibility therethrough.
  • the container support unit of the fluid transfer station according to the second aspect can be an IV bag support unit having an IV bag support panel, which can allow visibility therethrough.
  • the IV bag support panel of the fluid transfer station can include one or more of the following features in any combinations:
  • the IV bag support panel can offer visibility therethrough by virtue of at least one of: a material of which the IV bag support panel is formed; and a structure of the IV bag support panel;
  • the material can be a transparent material offering the visibility through the IV bag support panel;
  • the structure can include one or more windows offering the visibility through the IV bag support panel;
  • the structure can include a frame
  • the structure can include a grid-like framework
  • the structure can include a wire mesh
  • the IV bag support panel can allow visibility through at least a majority of area covered by the IV bag support panel in a plane parallel to the corresponding IV bag support surface;
  • the IV bag support panel can allow visibility through at least 75 percent of area covered by the IV bag support panel in a plane parallel to the corresponding IV bag support surface; and - optionally, the IV bag support panel can be detachably connected to the base of the IV bag support unit.
  • the fluid transfer station according to the fourth aspect can include one or more of the above-described features of the fluid transfer station according to the first aspect.
  • the IV bag support unit of the fluid transfer station according to the fourth aspect can include one or more of the above-described features of the IV bag support unit of the fluid transfer station according to the first aspect.
  • the fluid transfer station according to the fourth aspect can further comprise a first adaptor holder operatively connected to the IV bag support unit and operable for at least partially holding an IV bag adaptor associated with the IV bag and constituting a first container-adaptor of the one or more container-adaptors, at least during said transfer of fluid between the first container and the fluid transfer assembly.
  • the first adaptor holder of the fluid transfer station according to the fourth aspect can include one or more of the above-described features of the first adaptor holder of the fluid transfer station according to the first aspect.
  • the fluid transfer station according to the fourth aspect can further comprise a second adaptor holder operatively connected to the IV bag support unit and operable for at least partially holding a second container-adaptor, of the one or more container-adaptors, associated with a second container, of the one or more containers, at least during said transfer of fluid between the second container and the fluid transfer assembly.
  • the second adaptor holder of the fluid transfer station according to the fourth aspect can include one or more of the above-described features of the second adaptor holder of the fluid transfer station according to the first aspect.
  • the first adaptor holder can be spaced from the IV bag support unit along a first direction, and the IV bag support panel can have a maximal lateral panel width extending along a second direction transverse the first direction, and the first adaptor holder and the second adaptor holder can be disposed at least partially within the maximal lateral panel width of the IV bag support panel.
  • the fluid transfer station according to the fourth aspect can further comprise an additional IV bag support unit operable for supporting an additional IV bag constituting the second container, at least during said transfer of fluid between the second container and the fluid transfer assembly.
  • the additional IV bag support unit of the fluid transfer station according to the fourth aspect can include one or more of the above-described features of the additional IV bag support unit of the fluid transfer station according to the first aspect.
  • the fluid transfer station according to the fourth aspect can further comprise a first holder connection port, which can include one or more of the above-described features of the first and/or second holder connection ports of the fluid transfer station according to the first aspect.
  • the fluid transfer station according to the fourth aspect can further comprise a second holder connection port, which can include one or more of the above-described features of the first and/or second holder connection ports of the fluid transfer station according to the first aspect.
  • a fluid transfer system operable for transferring fluid between one or more containers via corresponding one or more container-adaptors and a fluid transfer assembly
  • the fluid transfer system can comprise at least one fluid transfer station according to any one or more of the first, second, third, and fourth concepts.
  • the fluid transfer system can further comprise a fluid transfer assembly manipulator operable to at least partially hold and manipulate the fluid transfer assembly for performing said transfer of fluid.
  • the fluid transfer assembly manipulator is operable for moving along the at least one fluid transfer station.
  • the fluid transfer assembly manipulator is operable for moving along a fluid transfer path extending along a lateral dimension of the at least one fluid transfer station.
  • a fluid transfer platform for use within a fluid transfer system operable for transferring fluid between one or more containers via corresponding one or more container-adaptors and a fluid transfer assembly
  • said fluid transfer platform comprising: a platform base; a first number of fluid transfer stations operatively connected to the platform base and having the first number of IV bag support units, each one of the fluid transfer stations comprising a respective one of the IV bag support units, each one of the IV bag support units having a corresponding base and a corresponding IV bag support panel operatively connected to the base, said IV bag support panel comprising an IV bag support surface for at least partially supporting thereupon an IV bag constituting a first container of the one or more containers at least during said transfer of fluid between the first container and the fluid transfer assembly; the first number of first adaptor holders, each operatively connected to a respective one of the IV bag support units and operable for at least partially holding an IV bag adaptor associated with the corresponding IV bag and constituting a first container-adapt
  • one or more of the first number of fluid transfer stations of the fluid transfer platform according to the sixth aspect can include one or more of the abovedescribed features of the fluid transfer station according to one or more of the first, second, third, and fourth aspects.
  • the IV bag support unit of the fluid transfer platform according to the sixth aspect can include one or more of the above-described features of the IV bag support unit of the fluid transfer station according to one or more of the first, second, third, and fourth aspects.
  • one or more of the first number of first adaptor holders of the fluid transfer platform according to the sixth aspect can include one or more of the abovedescribed features of the first adaptor holder of the fluid transfer station according to one or more of the first, second, third, and fourth aspects.
  • the second adaptor holder of the fluid transfer platform according to the sixth aspect can include one or more of the above-described features of the second adaptor holder of the fluid transfer station according to one or more of the first, second, third, and fourth aspects.
  • the platform base can be operable for being mounted to a support structure of the fluid transfer system.
  • each of the first adaptor holders can be spaced from the corresponding IV bag support unit along a first direction, and the first adaptor holders can be aligned along a fluid transfer path extending along a second direction transverse the first direction.
  • the at least one second adaptor holder can be aligned along the fluid transfer path.
  • the fluid transfer platform can further comprise an additional IV bag support unit operable for supporting an additional IV bag constituting a second container, of the one or more containers, associated with the second container-adaptor, at least during said transfer of fluid between the second container and the fluid transfer assembly.
  • the additional IV bag support unit of the fluid transfer platform according to the sixth aspect can include one or more of the above-described features of the additional IV bag support unit of the fluid transfer station according to one or more of the first, second, third, and fourth aspects.
  • the at least one second adaptor holder can be positioned in a frontward direction with respect to the platform base, and the additional IV bag support unit can be positioned in one of: a rearward direction, opposite the frontward direction, with respect to the platform base, and a sideward direction, transverse the frontward direction, with respect to the platform base.
  • one or more of the first number of IV bag support units can comprise a first holder connection port, which can include one or more of the abovedescribed features of the first and/or second holder connection ports of the fluid transfer station according to one or more of the first, second, third, and fourth aspects.
  • the at least one of the first number of IV bag support units can comprise a second holder connection port, which can include one or more of the above-described features of the first and/or second holder connection ports of the fluid transfer station according to one or more of the first, second, third, and fourth aspects.
  • the at least one second adaptor holder can be spaced from the at least one of the IV bag support units along a first direction, and the IV bag support panel of the at least one of the IV bag support units can have a maximal lateral panel width along a second direction, and the first adaptor holder operatively connected to the at least one of the IV bag support units and the at least one second adaptor holder can be disposed at least partially within the maximal lateral panel width.
  • the first adaptor holders can be spaced from the corresponding IV bag support units along a first direction, and each IV bag support unit of the IV bag support units can be spaced apart by a gap from an adjacent IV bag support unit of the IV bag support units along a second direction transverse the first direction, and the gap can have a gap width along the second direction, and the at least one second adaptor holder can be disposed at least partially within the gap width.
  • a fluid transfer system operable for transferring fluid between one or more containers via corresponding one or more container-adaptors and a fluid transfer assembly
  • the fluid transfer system can comprise at least one fluid transfer platform according to the sixth aspect.
  • the fluid transfer system can further comprise a fluid transfer assembly manipulator operable to at least partially hold and manipulate the fluid transfer assembly for performing said transfer of fluid.
  • a robotic fluid transfer system operable for transferring fluid between one or more containers via corresponding one or more container-adaptors and a fluid transfer assembly
  • said robotic fluid transfer system comprising: a container retention zone operable for retaining the one or more containers, at least during said transfer of fluid between at least one of the one or more containers and the fluid transfer assembly; an adaptor holder zone, spaced apart from the container retention zone, having one or more adaptor holders each operable to at least partially hold a container-adaptor of the one or more container-adaptors; and a fluid connection means accommodating zone extending at least partially between the container retention zone and the adaptor holder zone, and operable to accommodate one or more connection means at least when said one or more connection means connect the one or more containers positioned within the container retention zone and the one or more container-adaptors positioned in the adaptor holder zone.
  • the one or more adaptor holders can comprise at least one luer- lock-adaptor holder operable to at least partially hold a luer-lock adaptor constituting the container-adaptor.
  • the container retention zone can comprise one or more IV bag support units each operable for supporting an IV bag, constituting the one or more containers.
  • each of the IV bag support units can comprise a suspending element operable for suspending the corresponding IV bag therefrom.
  • Fluid transfer as described herein includes transfer of any fluid between any vessels (e.g. containers and fluid transfer assemblies). In some embodiments, the fluid transfer is in between a container and a fluid transfer assembly.
  • fluid typically comprises a drug, a diluent, saline solution, water or any other fluid used for pharmaceutical preparation.
  • pharmaceutical and “drug” are used interchangeably.
  • non-transitory memory and “non-transitory storage medium” used herein should be expansively construed to cover any volatile or non-volatile computer memory suitable to the presently disclosed subject matter.
  • Embodiments of the presently disclosed subject matter are not described with reference to any particular programming language. It will be appreciated that a variety of programming languages may be used to implement the teachings of the presently disclosed subject matter as described herein.
  • a fluid transfer station for use within a fluid transfer system operable for transferring fluid between one or more containers via corresponding one or more container-adaptors and a fluid transfer assembly
  • said fluid transfer station comprising: an IV bag support unit comprising a base and an IV bag support panel operatively connected to the base, said IV bag support panel comprising an IV bag support surface for at least partially supporting thereupon an IV bag constituting a first container of the one or more containers at least during said transfer of fluid between the first container and the fluid transfer assembly, said IV bag support panel having a maximal lateral panel width; a first adaptor holder operatively connected to the IV bag support unit and operable for at least partially holding an IV bag adaptor associated with the IV bag and constituting a first container-adaptor of the one or more container-adaptors, at least during said transfer of fluid between the first container and the fluid transfer assembly; and a second adaptor holder operatively connected to the IV bag support unit and operable for at least partially holding a second container-adaptor, of the one or more container-adapt
  • each one of the first and the second adaptor holders at least partially constitutes a respective fluid interface region operable to facilitate fluid communication between the fluid transfer assembly and the respective one of the first and second container-adaptors, when the respective one of the first and second container-adaptor is held at the corresponding adaptor holder.
  • the first adaptor holder is operable to at least partially hold a container-adaptor of a first type constituting the IV bag adaptor.
  • the IV bag support unit comprises a first holder connection port operable for connecting thereto at least the first adaptor holder, and a second holder connection port operable for connecting thereto at least the second adaptor holder.
  • fluid transfer station according to any one of Embodiments 1 to 24, wherein fluid transfer station has an X-axis, a Y-axis, and a Z-axis mutually orthogonal to each other, at least one of said first and second adaptor holders comprising: a hanger element having an adaptor receiving region configured for insertion of the corresponding container-adaptor of the first and second container-adaptors therewithin along the Z-axis; a blocking element configured to selectively block the removal of the containeradaptor from the adaptor receiving region along the Z-axis, wherein the at least one of said first and second adaptor holders is configured to be manipulated between an unblocking state in which the blocking element allows the removal of the containeradaptor from the adaptor receiving region along the Z-axis and a blocking state in which the blocking element blocks the removal of the container-adaptor from the adaptor receiving region along the Z-axis; and an actuator operatively connected to at least one of the hanger element and the blocking element, and operable to move said at least one of
  • the fluid transfer station according to any one of Embodiments 25 to 29, further comprising a processing circuitry operatively connected to the actuator and configured to control the operation of the actuator to manipulate the at least one of said first and second adaptor holders between the blocking and unblocking states.
  • a fluid transfer station for use within a fluid transfer system operable for transferring fluid between one or more containers via corresponding one or more container-adaptors and a fluid transfer assembly, said fluid transfer station comprising a container support unit including a base and a container support panel operatively connected to the base, said container support panel being operable for at least partially supporting a first container of the one or more containers at least during said transfer of fluid between the first container and the fluid transfer assembly, said container support unit comprising a first holder connection port operable for detachably connecting thereto at least a first adaptor holder operable for at least partially holding a first containeradaptor of the one or more container-adaptors.
  • the fluid transfer station according to any one of Embodiments 31 to 33, further comprising a second holder connection port operable for connecting thereto at least a second adaptor holder operable for at least partially holding a second container-adaptor, of a type different than that of the first container-adaptor, of the one or more containeradaptors.
  • the fluid transfer station according to Embodiment 39 further comprising an additional IV bag support unit operable for supporting an additional IV bag constituting a second container of the one or more containers at least during said transfer of fluid between the second container and the fluid transfer assembly.
  • a fluid transfer station for use within a fluid transfer system operable for transferring fluid between one or more containers via corresponding one or more container-adaptors and a fluid transfer assembly, said fluid transfer station comprising: an IV bag support unit comprising a base and an IV bag support panel operatively connected to the base, said IV bag support panel comprising an IV bag support surface for at least partially supporting thereupon an IV bag constituting a first container of the one or more containers at least during said transfer of fluid between the first container and the fluid transfer assembly; and a luer-lock-adaptor holder operatively connected to the IV bag support unit and operable to at least partially hold a luer-lock adaptor, constituting a container-adaptor of the one or more container-adaptors, associated with a second container, of the one or more containers, at least during said transfer of fluid between the second container and the fluid transfer assembly.
  • the fluid transfer station according to Embodiment 51 or 52 further comprising an additional IV bag support unit operable for supporting an additional IV bag constituting the second container.
  • the fluid transfer station according to any one of Embodiments 51 to 56, further comprising another adaptor holder operatively connected to the IV bag support unit and operable for at least partially holding at least one of a container port and a spike adaptor, each constituting another container-adaptor of the one or more container-adaptors and associated with the IV bag constituting the first container, at least during said transfer of fluid between the first container and the fluid transfer assembly.
  • the IV bag support unit comprises a first holder connection port operable for connecting thereto at least the other adaptor holder, and a second holder connection port operable for connecting thereto at least the luer-lock-adaptor holder.
  • the fluid transfer station according to Embodiment 65 wherein the material is transparent material offering the visibility through the IV bag support panel.
  • the structure includes one or more windows offering the visibility through the IV bag support panel.
  • the fluid transfer station according to any one of Embodiments 65 to 67, wherein the structure includes at least one of a frame, a grid-like framework, and a wire mesh.
  • a fluid transfer station for use within a fluid transfer system operable for transferring fluid between one or more containers via corresponding one or more container-adaptors and a fluid transfer assembly, said fluid transfer station comprising an IV bag support unit comprising a base and an IV bag support panel operatively connected to the base, said IV bag support panel comprising an IV bag support surface for at least partially supporting thereupon an IV bag constituting a first container of the one or more containers at least during said transfer of fluid between the first container and the fluid transfer assembly, wherein said IV bag support panel allows a visibility therethrough.
  • Embodiment 72 or 73 wherein the structure includes one or more windows offering the visibility through the IV bag support panel.
  • 75 The fluid transfer station according to any one of Embodiments 72 to 74, wherein the structure includes a frame.
  • the fluid transfer station according to any one of Embodiments 71 to 80, further comprising a first adaptor holder operatively connected to the IV bag support unit and operable for at least partially holding an IV bag adaptor associated with the IV bag and constituting a first container-adaptor of the one or more container-adaptors, at least during said transfer of fluid between the first container and the fluid transfer assembly.
  • the fluid transfer station according to Embodiment 81 wherein the first adaptor holder at least partially constitutes a first fluid interface region operable to facilitate fluid communication between the fluid transfer assembly and the first container-adaptor, when the first container-adaptor is held at the first adaptor holder.
  • the first adaptor holder is operable to at least partially hold at least one of an IV bag port and a spike adaptor, each constituting the IV bag adaptor.
  • the fluid transfer station according to any one of Embodiments 81 to 83, wherein the IV bag support unit comprises a first holder connection port operable for detachably connecting thereto at least the first adaptor holder.
  • the fluid transfer station according to Embodiment 84 wherein the first holder connection port constitutes at least partially a first movement mechanism operable to allow movement of at least a part of the first adaptor holder, when the first adaptor holder is connected at the first holder connection port.
  • the fluid transfer station according to any one of Embodiments 81 to 85, further comprising a second adaptor holder operatively connected to the IV bag support unit and operable for at least partially holding a second container-adaptor, of the one or more container-adaptors, associated with a second container, of the one or more containers, at least during said transfer of fluid between the second container and the fluid transfer assembly.
  • Embodiment 89 The fluid transfer station according to any one of Embodiments 86 to 88, when dependent on Embodiment 84, wherein the IV bag support unit comprises a second holder connection port operable for detachably connecting thereto at least the second adaptor holder.
  • the second holder connection port constitutes at least partially a second movement mechanism operable to allow movement of at least a part of the second adaptor holder, when the second adaptor holder is connected at the second holder connection port.
  • the fluid transfer station according to any one of Embodiments 86 to 93, further comprising an additional IV bag support unit operable for supporting an additional IV bag constituting the second container, at least during said transfer of fluid between the second container and the fluid transfer assembly.
  • a fluid transfer system operable for transferring fluid between one or more containers via corresponding one or more container-adaptors and a fluid transfer assembly, said fluid transfer system comprising at least one fluid transfer station according to any one of Embodiments 1 to 96.
  • the fluid transfer system according to Embodiment 97 further comprising a fluid transfer assembly manipulator operable to at least partially hold and manipulate the fluid transfer assembly for performing said transfer of fluid.
  • a fluid transfer platform for use within a fluid transfer system operable for transferring fluid between one or more containers via corresponding one or more container-adaptors and a fluid transfer assembly, said fluid transfer platform comprising: a platform base; a first number of fluid transfer stations operatively connected to the platform base and having the first number of IV bag support units, each one of the fluid transfer stations comprising a respective one of the IV bag support units, each one of the IV bag support units having a corresponding base and a corresponding IV bag support panel operatively connected to the base, said IV bag support panel comprising an IV bag support surface for at least partially supporting thereupon an IV bag constituting a first container of the one or more containers at least during said transfer of fluid between the first container and the fluid transfer assembly; the first number of first adaptor holders, each operatively connected to a respective one of the IV bag support units and operable for at least partially holding an IV bag adaptor associated with the corresponding IV bag and constituting a first containeradaptor of the one or more container-adaptors; and at least one second
  • each of the first adaptor holders is operable to at least partially hold a container-adaptor of a first type, constituting the IV bag adaptor.
  • each of the first adaptor holders is operable to at least partially hold at least one of an IV bag port and a spike adaptor, each constituting the container-adaptor of the first type.
  • each of the first adaptor holders is spaced from the corresponding IV bag support unit along a first direction, and the first adaptor holders are aligned along a fluid transfer path extending along a second direction transverse the first direction.
  • each one of the first and the second adaptor holders at least partially constitute a respective fluid interface region operable to facilitate fluid communication between the fluid transfer assembly and the respective one of the first and second container-adaptors, when the respective one of the first and second container-adaptor is held at the corresponding adaptor holder.
  • the fluid transfer platform according to any one of Embodiments 101 to 108, further comprising an additional IV bag support unit operable for supporting an additional IV bag constituting a second container, of the one or more containers, associated with the second container-adaptor, at least during said transfer of fluid between the second container and the fluid transfer assembly.
  • each one of the first number of IV bag support units comprises a first holder connection port operable for connecting thereto at least the corresponding one of the first adaptor holders.
  • the second holder connection port is operable for detachably connecting thereto the at least one second adaptor holder.
  • a fluid transfer system operable for transferring fluid between one or more containers via corresponding one or more container-adaptors and a fluid transfer assembly, said fluid transfer system comprising at least one fluid transfer platform according to any one of Embodiments 101 to 128.
  • the fluid transfer system according to Embodiment 129 further comprising a fluid transfer assembly manipulator operable to at least partially hold and manipulate the fluid transfer assembly for performing said transfer of fluid.
  • a robotic fluid transfer system operable for transferring fluid between one or more containers via corresponding one or more container-adaptors and a fluid transfer assembly
  • said robotic fluid transfer system comprising: a container retention zone operable for retaining the one or more containers, at least during said transfer of fluid between at least one of the one or more containers and the fluid transfer assembly; an adaptor holder zone, spaced apart from the container retention zone, having one or more adaptor holders each operable to at least partially hold a container-adaptor of the one or more container-adaptors; and a fluid connection means accommodating zone extending at least partially between the container retention zone and the adaptor holder zone, and operable to accommodate one or more connection means at least when said one or more connection means connect the one or more containers positioned within the container retention zone and the one or more container-adaptors positioned in the adaptor holder zone.
  • the one or more adaptor holders comprise at least one luer-lock-adaptor holder operable to at least partially hold a luer-lock adaptor constituting the container-adaptor.
  • each of the IV bag support units comprises a suspending element operable for suspending the corresponding IV bag therefrom.
  • FIG. 1 A illustrates a perspective view of a fluid transfer system, according to an example of the presently disclosed subject matter
  • FIG. IB illustrates a top view of the fluid transfer system of FIG. 1 A
  • FIG. 1C illustrates the same view as that of FIG. IB with some parts of the fluid transfer system being not shown for illustration purposes;
  • FIG. ID illustrates a top view of a portion of a fluid transfer system, according to another example of the presently disclosed subject matter
  • FIG. 2A illustrates a front view of a fluid transfer platform, according to an example of the presently disclosed subject matter
  • FIG. 2B illustrates a perspective view of the fluid transfer platform of FIG. 2A
  • FIG. 2C illustrates a top view of the fluid transfer platform of FIG. 2 A
  • FIG. 2D illustrates the same view as that of FIG. 2C with some parts of the fluid transfer platform being not shown for illustration purposes;
  • FIG. 3A illustrates a perspective view of a fluid transfer station, according to an example of the presently disclosed subject matter
  • FIG. 3B illustrates another perspective view of the fluid transfer station of FIG. 3A
  • FIG. 3C illustrates the same view as that of FIG. 3B with a container-adaptor positioned within an adaptor holder of the fluid transfer station;
  • FIG. 3D illustrates a top view of the fluid transfer station of FIG. 3 A;
  • FIG. 3E illustrates the same view as that of FIG. 3D with a container-adaptor positioned within an adaptor holder of the fluid transfer station;
  • FIG. 3F illustrates a bottom perspective view of the fluid transfer station of FIG. 3A
  • FIG. 3G illustrates the same view as that of FIG. 3F with a container-adaptor positioned within an adaptor holder of the fluid transfer station;
  • FIG. 3H illustrates a perspective view of a portion of a fluid transfer station, according to another example of the presently disclosed subject matter
  • FIG. 31 illustrates a perspective view of a fluid transfer station, according to yet another example of the presently disclosed subject matter
  • FIG. 3 J illustrates the same view as that of FIG. 31 with a container-adaptor positioned within an adaptor holder of the fluid transfer station;
  • FIG. 4A illustrates a perspective view of a fluid transfer station, according to yet another example of the presently disclosed subject matter, with a container-adaptor positioned within an adaptor holder thereof;
  • FIG. 4B illustrates another perspective view of the fluid transfer station of FIG. 4A with a container associated with the container-adaptor;
  • FIG. 4C illustrates a top view of the fluid transfer station of FIG. 4B
  • FIG. 4D illustrates a bottom perspective view of the fluid transfer station of FIG. 4A without the container-adaptor
  • FIG. 5A illustrates a perspective view of a fluid transfer station, according to yet another example of the presently disclosed subject matter
  • FIG. 5B illustrates the same view as that of FIG. 5A with a container-adaptor positioned within an adaptor holder of the fluid transfer station;
  • FIG. 5C illustrates a top view of the fluid transfer station of FIG. 5B
  • FIG. 5D illustrates a bottom perspective view of the fluid transfer station of FIG. 5A
  • FIG. 5E illustrates a partially exploded view of the fluid transfer station of FIG. 5D
  • FIG. 6 schematically illustrates top views of IV bag support panels, according to various examples of the presently disclosed subject matter
  • Fig. 7 schematically illustrates a fluid transfer system, according to an example of the presently disclosed subject matter.
  • the presently disclosed subject matter provides examples of automatic or partially automatic pharmaceutical preparation systems (interchangeably referred to herein as “fluid transfer systems”) as well as fluid transfer stations and fluid transfer platforms to be used within a fluid transfer system.
  • the fluid transfer platform can have mounted thereon one or more fluid transfer stations that facilitate transfer of fluid between containers and/or fluid transfer assemblies, and accordingly include one or more container support units for supporting (by way of holding, hanging, placing thereupon, grabbing, or in any other way supporting) the containers, and corresponding adaptor holders for holding (by way of grabbing, hanging, placing thereupon or in any other way supporting) the adaptors associated with the containers.
  • the fluid transfer systems being robotic systems with automatic or partially automatic capabilities, are used for preparation of and handling multiple prescriptions simultaneously. Therefore, the fluid transfer systems require to perform multiple fluid transfer operations simultaneously and/or frequently at more than one fluid transfer stations.
  • the size of the fluid transfer systems being limited requires the placement and operability of multiple fluid transfer stations to be such that the space occupied by the system can be effectively used. Accordingly, the fluid transfer systems, the fluid transfer platforms, and the fluid transfer stations according to various examples of the presently disclosed subject matter are configured (by way of one or more of their components, placement, structure, shape, orientation, operating mechanism, etc.) to facilitate fluid transfer operations to be performed while efficiently using the available space occupied by the system.
  • a fluid transfer system can comprise a manipulator (also referred to herein as “fluid transfer assembly manipulator”) to at least partially hold and to manipulate a fluid transfer assembly for performing the transfer of fluid between the fluid transfer assembly and a container.
  • the container can be positioned at a fluid transfer station, with a containeradaptor associated therewith being held at an adaptor holder, and the manipulator can be configured to move the fluid transfer assembly along a fluid transfer path that extends along the fluid transfer station, for aligning the fluid transfer assembly with the container, for example aligning an adaptor of the fluid transfer assembly with a container-adaptor associated with the container, and establishing a fluid communication between the fluid transfer assembly and the container, for example via the container-adaptor.
  • the fluid transfer assembly can include a syringe (with or without a syringe adaptor), and the manipulator can be configured to manipulate the syringe to align the syringe with a container-adaptor of a container, establish a fluid communication between the syringe and the container-adaptor, and operate a plunger of the syringe to perform the transfer of fluid between the syringe and the container.
  • a syringe with or without a syringe adaptor
  • the manipulator can be configured to manipulate the syringe to align the syringe with a container-adaptor of a container, establish a fluid communication between the syringe and the container-adaptor, and operate a plunger of the syringe to perform the transfer of fluid between the syringe and the container.
  • a container-adaptor is to be understood as a portion of the container and/or a component attachable to the container that facilitates fluid communication with the container, and can be according to the container being used.
  • the container adaptor can be a separate (or even integrally formed with the container) component that can be connected to the container to facilitate fluid communication with the container.
  • Such components can include a spike adaptor, a vial adaptor, a luer-lock adaptor, or generally any adaptor (or connector) operable to establish fluid communication with the container.
  • the container adaptor can be a port of the container itself, for example an inlet/outlet port through which fluid communication with the container can be facilitated. In any case, when the container is positioned at the container support unit, the container-adaptor is held (or positioned) at the adaptor holder for the transfer of fluid to be carried out.
  • the container adaptor can be selected, for example, based on the drug to be transferred to/from the container. For instance, in case a harmful or hazardous drug is to be transferred, an external component such as a spike adaptor, a vial adaptor, a luer-lock adaptor, or generally any adaptor (or connector) operable to establish fluid communication with the container can be used as a container adaptor. In case, a non- hazardous drug is to be transferred, the port of the container (container port) can be used directly. Accordingly, any such element that facilitates interface with the container for fluid communication can be referred to as a container adaptor, and interchangeably as a container interface element.
  • Figs. 1 A to ID illustrate a fluid transfer system 1 (interchangeably referred to herein as “pharmaceutical preparation system 1” or “system 1”), according to an example of the presently disclosed subject matter.
  • the fluid transfer system 1 in the example illustrated in Figs. 1 A to 1C, comprises a fluid transfer platform 10 having mounted thereto four fluid transfer stations 100, 200, 300, and 400. It is to be understood herein that some or all of the fluid transfer stations 100, 200, 300, 400 can be same.
  • the fluid transfer station 200 is thesame as the fluid transfer station 100, and has been shown without container-adaptors positioned within its adaptor holders while the fluid transfer station 100 has been shown with the container-adaptors, which in the illustrated example are separate components connected (or integrally formed) with the containers.
  • Fig. ID illustrates a portion (for clarity and conciseness) of a fluid transfer system 1, according to another example of the presently disclosed subject matter.
  • the fluid transfer system 1, in the example illustrated in Fig. ID, comprises a fluid transfer platform 10 having mounting thereto four fluid transfer stations 100 (all four being referred to as 100 because in the illustrated example, all four fluid transfer stations have been shown as being the same).
  • fluid transfer platform 10 can include any, some, or all of the features of the fluid transfer platform 10 described herein according to various examples of the presently disclosed subject matter, for example, generally as well as with reference to Figs. 2 A to 2D.
  • any, some, or all of the fluid transfer stations 100, 200, 300, 400 can include any, some, or all of the features, in any combination, of the fluid transfer stations 100, 200, 300, 400 described herein according to various examples of the presently disclosed subject matter, for example, generally as well as with reference to Figs. 3A to 3J, 4A to 4D, 5A to 5E, and 6.
  • any number of fluid transfer stations of the fluid transfer system 1 can include a set of features of the features of the fluid transfer stations described herein, and any number of fluid transfer stations can include a different set of features of the features of the fluid transfer stations described herein.
  • one or more fluid transfer stations of the system 1 can include some of the features of the fluid transfer stations described herein, and one or more fluid transfer stations of the system 1 can include some others of the features of the fluid transfer stations described herein.
  • the fluid transfer system 1 can include more or lesser number of fluid transfer stations.
  • the system 1 can be any fluid transfer system configured for performing automatic or semi-automatic drug preparation procedures including transfer of drugs between various containers.
  • the system 1 has a manipulator 2 for manipulating a fluid transfer assembly 3, which in the illustrated example is a syringe assembly 3 constituted by a syringe 3 A and a syringe adaptor 3B.
  • a fluid transfer assembly can be constituted by a syringe without a separate component, i.e., the needle or port of the syringe can constitute the syringe adaptor.
  • the fluid transfer assembly can include any container other than a syringe and its corresponding adaptor (or any interface element as described above).
  • the manipulator 2 for manipulating a fluid transfer assembly 3, which in the illustrated example is a syringe assembly 3 constituted by a syringe 3 A and a syringe adaptor 3B.
  • the fluid transfer assembly 2 is configured to move the fluid transfer assembly 3 to align the adaptor 3B with any one of the fluid transfer stations 100, 200, 300, 400 for establishment of fluid connection between the fluid transfer assembly 3, via the adaptor 3B, and a container positioned at the fluid transfer station, via a corresponding container-adaptor held at an adaptor holder of the fluid transfer station.
  • the manipulator 2 can be configured to move the fluid transfer assembly
  • the fluid transfer assembly 3 in any direction to align the fluid transfer assembly 3, for example, the adaptor 3B with a container-adaptor positioned at an adaptor holder of a fluid transfer station.
  • the fluid communication (or interface) between the fluid transfer assembly 3 and a container positioned at the fluid transfer station can be established at a fluid interface region associated with the fluid transfer station.
  • the system 1 has (or extends along) X-axis, indicated by arrow X, Y-axis, indicated by arrow Y, and Z-axis, indicated by arrow Z, the three axes representing three directions orthogonal to each other.
  • the manipulator 2 is configured to move the fluid transfer assembly 3 along a fluid transfer path extending along the X-axis to align the adaptor 3B with any one (at a time) of the fluid transfer stations. Once the adaptor 3B is aligned with a fluid transfer station, a fluid communication is established between the fluid transfer assembly 3 and a container positioned at the fluid transfer station via the adaptor 3B and a container-adaptor associated with the container.
  • the system can further comprise a support structure, for example the support structure SS, for the fluid transfer platform and/or the fluid transfer stations to be mounted thereto.
  • the support structure SS can be configured for mounting thereto other components (not shown) of the system 1, for example, sensors, cameras, etc.
  • the support structure SS has not been shown in Fig. 1C for the purposes of clarity and conciseness.
  • the system 1 can be positioned within an enclosure (not shown) providing a controlled environment, generally a sterile environment facilitated for reducing or preventing exposure of the system 1 to contaminants.
  • the enclosure can comprise a hood, such as a standard fume hood or a laminar flow hood, having an opening (for example, in the form of a window) in the front to allow an operator of the system to access the fluid transfer stations and/or other portions of the system 1.
  • the enclosure can comprise a clean room, a bio safety cabinet, an isolator, or any other suitable enclosure in which environmental conditions can be controlled.
  • the space within the enclosure is generally limited and hence is to be utilized efficiently to perform maximum possible number of fluid transfers between different containers and the fluid transfer assembly.
  • the fluid transfer stations can each include a container support unit for at least partially supporting a container, for example while a transfer of fluid is performed with the container via a container-adaptor associated with the container.
  • the fluid transfer stations can each include an adaptor holder for at least partially holding the containeradaptor associated with the container positioned (or held) at the corresponding container support unit, for example while a transfer of fluid is performed with the container via the container-adaptor.
  • the adaptor holder can constitute at least partially a fluid interface region operable to facilitate fluid communication between the fluid transfer assembly and the container-adaptor.
  • the transfer of fluid is performed within the fluid transfer region, or in other words, at the adaptor holder.
  • the adaptor holder occupies comparatively lesser space than the container support unit, for example when the container to be positioned is an IV bag and the container support unit is an IV bag support unit, which has an IV bag support panel including an IV bag support surface onto which the IV bag can be positioned. Accordingly, the container support unit occupies more space than the adaptor holder where actually the transfer of fluid is performed. Therefore, while it is desirable to have more numbers of adaptor holders, to facilitate more numbers of fluid transfers, it is the container support unit that is to be efficiently positioned, for example, remotely from the adaptor holder that holds the corresponding adaptor associated therewith.
  • the adaptor holders (including the additional adaptor holders) can be positioned in a frontward direction (a direction from where an operator can access the fluid transfer stations) with respect to the fluid transfer stations or fluid transfer platform, and the additional container support unit can be positioned in any of the rearward direction, opposite the frontward direction, and a sideward direction, transverse the frontward direction, with respect to the fluid transfer stations or the fluid transfer platform.
  • the system 1 can comprise a container support unit 4 (in addition to container support units of the fluid transfer stations 100, 200, 300, 400, described in detail later herein below).
  • the additional container support unit 4 is operable to position one or more additional containers, in addition to those which can be positioned at container support units of the fluid transfer stations 100, 200, 300, 400.
  • Additional adaptor holders for holding the adaptors associated with the additional containers can be positioned on the fluid transfer stations or the fluid transfer platform along the fluid transfer path together with the adaptor holders of the fluid transfer stations which are to hold the adaptors associated with the containers held at the container support units of the fluid transfer stations. Therefore, the fluid transfer can be performed along the fluid transfer path with those additional containers as well, without changing the route of the manipulator or without changing the structure of the system.
  • the additional containers can be fluidly connected to their corresponding adaptors held at the additional adaptor holders via any suitable fluid connection means including a pipe, tube, conduit with or without a suitable connector, depending on the additional container and the corresponding adaptor.
  • the additional container support unit 4 is an additional (because it supports IV bags in addition to those which can be supported (positioned) at the IV bag support panels of the fluid transfer stations) IV support unit having suspending elements 4A operable for suspending the additional IV bag therefrom.
  • the suspending elements 4A can have any shape, structure or size suitable for hanging, for example, via any suitable suspension means, the IV bags or any other containers therefrom.
  • the fluid transfer system 1 can include more or lesser number of suspending elements.
  • one or more of the additional container support units can be configured to support and/or hold any container with which a transfer of fluid is to be performed.
  • the additional adaptor holders can be analogously configured to hold different container-adaptors according to the additional containers and/or the fluid connection means used.
  • the additional container support units 4A have been shown to be mounted at a support structure SS of the system 1, it is to be understood herein that one or more of the additional container support units can be positioned (or mounted) at the fluid transfer platform and/or the fluid transfer stations.
  • the additional container support units can constitute a part of the fluid transfer platform 10 and/or any one or more of the fluid transfer stations 100, 200, 300, 400.
  • the additional container support units can be mounted at any suitable location on the fluid transfer platform and/or the fluid transfer stations.
  • the system can further comprise a support structure, for example the support structure SS, for the fluid transfer platform and/or the fluid transfer stations to be mounted thereto.
  • the support structure SS can be configured for mounting thereto other components (not shown) of the system 1, for example, sensors, cameras, etc.
  • the support structure SS has not been shown in Fig. 1C for the purposes of clarity and conciseness.
  • Z-axis is aligned along a vertical direction towards top and bottom portions of the system 1
  • Y-axis is aligned along a horizontal direction towards front and back portions of the system 1 (frontward and rearward directions) defining a depth of the system 1
  • X-axis is aligned along a horizontal direction towards the lateral extent of the system 1 (sideward direction).
  • the X- axis, Y-axis, and Z-axis can be interchanged among each other in any combinations, for example, to be aligned in directions different than those described herein in the illustrated examples.
  • the X-axis, Y-axis, and Z-axis of the system are to be understood as corresponding to the X-axis, Y-axis, and Z-axis of the fluid transfer platform as well as of the fluid transfer stations as well.
  • the X-axis, Y-axis, and Z-axis referenced herein are to be considered as the X-axis, Y-axis, and Z-axis of the system 1 as well as of the fluid transfer platform and the fluid transfer stations.
  • Figs. 2 A to 2D illustrating a fluid transfer platform 10, according to examples of the presently disclosed subject matter.
  • the fluid transfer platform 10 described with respect to Figs. 2A to 2D can constitute the fluid transfer platform 10 (also referred to herein as “platform 10”) of a fluid transfer system, for example, the fluid transfer system 1.
  • the fluid transfer platform 10 comprises a platform base 12 and a first number (which in the illustrated example is three) of fluid transfer stations 100, 200, and 400 connected to the platform base 12.
  • the platform base 12 can be mounted in the fluid transfer system, for example to the support structure SS of the fluid transfer system 1, by any suitable mounting means.
  • each one of the fluid transfer stations 100, 200, and 400 can comprise a respective container support unit, thereby constituting a total of the first number of the container support units.
  • Each of the container support unit can support a container, for example, during transfer of fluid between that container and another container, for example, the fluid transfer assembly 3.
  • the container can be an IV bag, elastomeric pump, vial, or any other generally known container used in drug preparation procedures.
  • Each of the container support units can comprise a fluid transfer station base (interchangeably referred to herein as “base”) and a container support panel connected to the base.
  • the base can be configured for mounting the fluid transfer station to the platform base and the support panel can be mounted on the base for supporting the container.
  • the base can have any structure suitable for mounting the container support unit to the platform base, by a suitable mounting arrangement.
  • the container support panel can be configured to support the container in any manner, for example by way of positioning and placing the container on the container support panel, by hanging the container on the container support panel, by fastening, strapping, grabbing, holding, etc.
  • the container support panel is positioned as tilted to an appropriate angle and the container can be placed on a container support surface of the container support panel without falling because of the angle of the surface with respect to the vertical direction.
  • the container can be an IV bag (an infusion bag) that can be positioned on the container support surface.
  • the container support panel can be connected to the base by a connection arrangement suitable for detachably connecting the container support panel to the base, such that the container support panel can be detached from the base for cleaning and/or replacement purposes.
  • the connection arrangement can be a mechanical, magnetic, or a combination of a mechanical and magnetic arrangement allowing detachable connection of the container support panel to the base.
  • the connection arrangement can include clamps, recesses, grooves, protrusions, snap fit arrangement, snug fir arrangement, etc. to allow the connection of the container support panel to the base.
  • each one of the fluid transfer stations 100, 200, and 400 can comprise a first adaptor holder, thereby constituting a total of the first number of the first adaptor holders.
  • Each of the first adaptor holder can be operatively connected to the corresponding one of the container support units and can be operable for at least partially holding a container-adaptor associated with the container positioned at the corresponding container support unit.
  • a fluid transfer system can perform the transfer of fluid between a fluid transfer assembly and one or more containers via corresponding one or more container-adaptors.
  • a container held at the container support unit can constitute a first container of the one or more containers
  • the corresponding container-adaptor held at the corresponding first adaptor holder can constitute a first container-adaptor of the one or more containeradaptors.
  • the container-adaptor is to be understood as a component that facilitates fluid communication with the container, and can be selected according to the container being used.
  • the container adaptor can be a spike adaptor, vial adaptor, luer- lock adaptor, or generally any adaptor (or connector) operable to establish fluid communication with the container.
  • the fluid transfer station 100 comprises a container support unit 112, which in the illustrated example is an IV bag support unit 112, having a base 114 and a container support panel 116.
  • the container support panel 116 is an IV bag support panel 116 having a container support surface 116A, which is an IV bag support surface 116A for positioning an IV bag, for example the IV bag Cl, thereupon.
  • the IV bag support panel 116 is detachably connected to the base 114 by the connection arrangement, designated as 117, which in the illustrated example allows connecting and detaching the IV bag support panel 116 by sliding into and out of the brackets 117A along the longitudinal direction (longer dimension) of the IV bag support surface 116A.
  • the fluid transfer station 100 further comprises a first adaptor holder 120 operatively connected to the base 114 of the IV bag support unit 112.
  • the first adaptor holder 120 is operable for at least partially holding a container-adaptor Al, which in the illustrated example is an IV bag adaptor Al associated with the corresponding IV bag, for example the IV bag Cl. More particularly, in the illustrated example, the IV bag adaptor Al is a spike adaptor Al.
  • the fluid transfer station 200 comprises a container support unit 212, which in the illustrated example is an IV bag support unit 212, having a base 214 and a container support panel 216.
  • the container support panel 216 is an IV bag support panel 216 having a container support surface 216A, which is an IV bag support surface 216A for positioning an IV bag, for example the IV bag C2, thereupon.
  • the IV bag support panel 216 is detachably connected to the base 214 by the connection arrangement, designated as 217, which in the illustrated example allows connecting and detaching the IV bag support panel 216 by sliding into and out of the brackets 217A along the longitudinal direction (longer dimension) of the IV bag support surface 216A.
  • connection arrangement can include any structure including mechanical, electrical, magnetic, or their combinations for allowing detachable connection of the IV bag support panel and the base.
  • the connection arrangement can include snap-fit connection, magnetic connection, clamps, nuts, bolts, screws, etc.
  • the fluid transfer station 200 further comprises a first adaptor holder 220 operatively connected to the base 214 of the IV bag support unit 212.
  • the first adaptor holder 220 is operable for at least partially holding a container-adaptor (not shown), which in the illustrated example can be an IV bag adaptor associated with the corresponding IV bag, for example the IV bag C2. More particularly, in the illustrated example, the IV bag adaptor can be a spike adaptor.
  • the fluid transfer station 400 comprises a container support unit 412, which in the illustrated example is an IV bag support unit 412, having a base 414 and a container support panel 416.
  • the container support panel 416 is an IV bag support panel 416 having a container support surface 416A, which is an IV bag support surface 416A for positioning an IV bag, for example the IV bag C4, thereupon.
  • the IV bag support panel 416 is detachably connected to the base 414 by the connection arrangement, designated as 417, which in the illustrated example allows connecting and detaching the IV bag support panel 416 by sliding into and out of the brackets 417A along the longitudinal direction (longer dimension) of the IV bag support surface 416A.
  • the fluid transfer station 400 further comprises a first adaptor holder 420 operatively connected to the base 414 of the IV bag support unit 412.
  • the first adaptor holder 420 is operable for at least partially holding a container-adaptor A4, which in the illustrated example is an IV bag adaptor A4 associated with the corresponding IV bag, for example the IV bag C4. More particularly, in the illustrated example, the IV bag adaptor A4 can be a spike adaptor A4.
  • the IV bag support units 112, 212, and 412 collectively constitute the first number (which in the illustrated example is three) of IV bag support units and the first adaptor holders 120, 220, and 420 collectively constitute the first number (which in the illustrated example is three) of first adaptor holders.
  • the IV bags Cl, C2, and C4 constitute the first containers and the IV bag adaptors Al, A4, and the one that can be positioned in the first adaptor holder 220, constitute the first container-adaptors.
  • the first adaptor holders 120, 220, and 420 are each configured to hold a container-adaptor of a first type, which in the illustrated example is an IV bag adaptor being a spike adaptor.
  • the first adaptor holders 120, 220, and 420 are each spaced from the corresponding IV bag support unit along a first direction, which in the illustrated example is a frontward direction along the Y-axis.
  • the frontward direction has been depicted by arrow Yl.
  • the first adaptor holders 120, 220, and 420 are each aligned along a fluid transfer path extending along a second direction transverse the first direction, which second direction in the illustrated example extends along the X-axis and also depicts a lateral direction as well as sidewards direction of the platform.
  • the manipulator for example the manipulator 2 of the system 1, can move the fluid transfer assembly, for example the fluid transfer assembly 3, along the fluid transfer path and perform the fluid transfer with the containeradaptors held at the first adaptor holders 120, 220, and 420.
  • the platform 10 can include more or lesser number of fluid transfer stations having first adaptor holders.
  • the fluid transfer platform 10 can further comprise at least one second adaptor holder operable for at least partially holding a second container-adaptor.
  • a fluid transfer system can perform the transfer of fluid between a fluid transfer assembly and one or more containers via corresponding one or more container-adaptors.
  • a container-adaptor held at the corresponding second adaptor holder can constitute a second container-adaptor of the one or more container-adaptors, and a container associated with (in some examples, fluidly connected with) the second container-adaptor can constitute a second container of the one or more containers.
  • the second container can be an IV bag, elastomeric pump, vial, or any other generally known container used in drug preparation procedures.
  • the second container(s) can be positioned at a remote location from the platform 10, for example, at an additional container support unit, which can constitute a part of the fluid transfer system 1, such as the additional container support unit 4.
  • the platform 10 can comprise an additional container support unit, for example the additional container support unit 4, for supporting the second container(s).
  • the additional container support unit can be mounted to any portion of the platform 10, for example the platform base 12, or one or more of the fluid transfer stations, via any suitable mounting arrangement.
  • Each of the second adaptor holder(s) can be configured to hold a container-adaptor of a second type different from the first type, which second type can be a containeradaptor configured to be fluidly connected to the second container via a fluid connection means including a pipe, tube, conduit with or without a suitable connector.
  • the container-adaptor can be fluidly connected to a first end of a tube whose second end is connected to the second container via any suitable connector.
  • the additional container support unit can be positioned remotely from the platform 10.
  • the second adaptor holder(s) can be operatively connected to one or more of the fluid transfer stations 100, 200, or 400, for example to the corresponding container support units.
  • the second adaptor holder(s) can be operatively connected to the platform base 12 either directly, for example mounted onto the platform base 12, or indirectly, for example any intermediate component such as another fluid transfer station.
  • the second adaptor holder(s) can be positioned between two adjacent fluid transfer stations, for example within a gap between two adjacent fluid transfer stations or a gap between the container-support units of two adj acent fluid transfer stations. In some examples, the second adaptor holder(s) can be positioned within a maximal lateral width (maximal width extending along the lateral direction of the platform) of a container support unit of a fluid transfer station.
  • the fluid transfer platform 10 comprises three second adaptor holders.
  • a second adaptor holder 130 is connected to the base 114 of the fluid transfer station 100
  • another second adaptor holder 230 is connected to the base 214 of the fluid transfer station 200
  • yet another second adaptor holder 330 is connected to the platform base 12 indirectly via another fluid transfer station 300.
  • the fluid transfer station 300 can include one or more features of the fluid transfer stations 100, 200, 400 described herein with reference to Figs. 2A to 2D or the fluid transfer stations 100, 200, 300, 400 described herein generally and with reference to Figs. 3 A to 3 J, 4A to 4D, 5 A to 5E, and 6.
  • the second adaptor holder 330 can be directly connected to the platform base 12 or can be indirectly connected to the platform base 12 via any intermediate component other than the fluid transfer station 300. It is to be further understood herein that although three second adaptor holders have been shown herein, the platform 10 can include more or lesser number of second adaptor holders.
  • the fluid transfer platform 10 comprises an additional container support unit 4. It is to be understood herein that although the additional container support unit 4 has not been shown to be mounted to the platform 10, the additional container support unit 4 can be mounted to any portion of the platform 10, for example the platform base 12 or one or more of the fluid transfer stations 100, 200, 300, 400, via any suitable mounting arrangement. It is to be understood herein that in some examples, the additional container support unit 4 can be remote from the platform 10 and may not constitute a part of the platform 10.
  • the additional container support unit 4 can be operable to at least partially support the second container(s) (by way of holding, hanging, placing thereupon, grabbing, or in any other way supporting) at least during the transfer of fluid between the second container(s) and the fluid transfer assembly.
  • the additional container support unit 4 constitutes an additional IV bag support unit 4 comprising suspending elements 4A operable for suspending the IV bags C5, constituting the second containers C5, therefrom.
  • the second adaptor holder 130 in the illustrated example, constitutes a luer-lock- adaptor holder 130 and is operable for at least partially holding a container-adaptor A5, which in the illustrated example is a luer-lock adaptor A5 fluidly connected to the IV bag C5 via a tube T.
  • the second adaptor holder 130 is spaced from the IV bag support unit 112 along a first direction, which in the illustrated examples is a frontward direction along the Y-axis and has been depicted by arrow Yl.
  • the IV bag support panel 116 has a maximal lateral panel width W1 along a second direction, which in the illustrated examples is transverse to the first direction and extends along the X-axis and also depicts the lateral direction of the platform 10.
  • the first adaptor holder 120 and the second adaptor holder 130 are disposed at least partially (in the illustrated example, fully) within the maximal lateral panel width W 1.
  • the second adaptor holder 230 has been shown empty and can constitute a luer- lock-adaptor holder 230 operable for at least partially holding a container-adaptor not shown, which can be a luer-lock adaptor.
  • the second adaptor holder 230 is spaced from the IV bag support unit 212 along the first direction Yl.
  • the IV bag support panel 216 has a maximal lateral panel width W2 along the second direction.
  • the first adaptor holder 220 and the second adaptor holder 230 are disposed at least partially (in the illustrated example, fully) within the maximal lateral panel width W2.
  • the second adaptor holder 330 in the illustrated example, constitutes a luer-lock- adaptor holder 330 and is operable for at least partially holding a container-adaptor A6, which in the illustrated example is a luer-lock adaptor A6 which has not been shown to be fluidly connected to the second container.
  • the second adaptor holder 330 is positioned at least partially (in the illustrated example, fully) within a gap width GW of a gap between the IV bag support units 212 and 412, which are the IV bag support units of the two adjacent fluid transfer stations 200 and 400 of the first number of fluid transfer stations 100, 200, 400.
  • the gap width GW extends along the second direction.
  • the second adaptor holders 130, 230, and 330 are each configured to hold a container-adaptor of a second type, which in the illustrated examples is a luer-lock adaptor, different from the first type (the type of the container adaptors that the first adaptor holders are configured to hold), which first type in the illustrated examples is a spike adaptor. It is to be understood herein that one or more of the second adaptor holders 130, 230, and 330 can be operable to hold container-adaptors other than a luer-lock adaptor but still different from the spike adaptors. In some examples, the second adaptor holders 130, 230, and 330 can be operable to hold container-adaptors of a type same as the container-adaptors of the first type, for example spike adaptors.
  • the second adaptor holders 130, 230, and 330 are each positioned with respect to the platform base along a frontward direction (depicted by arrow Yl), which in the illustrated example is a first direction along the Y-axis, and the additional container support unit 4 is positioned with respect to the platform base along a rearward direction, opposite to the frontward direction, depicted by arrow Y2.
  • the additional container support unit 4 can be positioned with respect to the platform base along a sideward direction, transverse to the frontward direction, for example along the X-axis.
  • the second adaptor holders 130, 230, and 330 are each aligned along the fluid transfer path extending along the second direction.
  • the manipulator for example the manipulator 2 of the system 1, can move the fluid transfer assembly, for example the fluid transfer assembly 3, along the fluid transfer path and perform the fluid transfer with the container-adaptors held at the second adaptor holders 130, 230, and 330.
  • each of the first and second adaptor holders constitute a respective fluid interface region operable to facilitate fluid communication between the fluid transfer assembly and the respective one of the first and second container-adaptors.
  • fluid transfer can be performed with the containers more than the first number of containers, for example via the second container-adaptors.
  • the additional IV bag support units can be used for suspending the additional IV bags required, fluidly connecting the additional IV bags to the container adaptors (for example, the second container adaptors positioned at the second adaptor holders) via fluid connection means (for example, tubes) and performing the transfer of fluid with those additional IV bags.
  • the container adaptors for example, the second container adaptors positioned at the second adaptor holders
  • fluid connection means for example, tubes
  • the second container can be other than an IV bag.
  • the second adaptor holder 330 holds a luer-lock adaptor A6 having associated (fluidly connected) therewith a second container, which in the illustrated example is an elastomeric pump C6.
  • the second adaptor holder can be used to perform the transfer of fluid with a container other than an IV bag.
  • a luer-lock adaptor can be any adaptor or connector that can be used as an interface element for an end of a tube (connected at its other end to a container), to establish fluid communication with the tube.
  • Such an adaptor or connector may not necessarily have a luer-lock connection and may by other suitable manner be connectable to the tube and fluid communication can be established therewith.
  • the fluid transfer station 300 also includes an IV bag support unit 312 for supporting thereupon an IV bag.
  • the second adaptor holder 330 can be connected to the fluid transfer station 300 detachably to a holder connection port (not shown) thereof, which can be operable to detachably connect a first adaptor holder (for example, a spike adaptor holder) to hold a spike adaptor to be used with the IV bag positioned at the IV bag support unit 312.
  • the holder connection port of the fluid transfer station 300 can be operable to interchangeably connect the first and second adaptor holders based on the requirement from the fluid transfer system.
  • the fluid transfer station 300 can also constitute a fluid transfer station of the first number of fluid transfer stations of the platform 10, and the first adaptor holder connected thereto can constitute a first adaptor holder of the first number of first adaptor holders of the platform 10.
  • the platform 10 can include two second adaptor holders 130 and 230.
  • one or more of the fluid transfer stations 100, 200, 300, 400 can have one or more of the features of the fluid transfer stations 100, 200, 300, 400 described herein generally and with reference to Figs. 3 A to 3 J, 4A to 4D, 5A to 5E, and 6.
  • the fluid transfer station 100 described with respect to Figs. 3 A to 3H can constitute one or more of the fluid transfer stations of the fluid transfer platform 10 and/or one or more of the fluid transfer stations of the fluid transfer system 1. Also, the fluid transfer station 100 described with respect to Figs. 3 A to 3H can include one or more of the features of one or more of the fluid transfer stations 100, 200, 300, 400 of the platform 10 described with reference to Figs. 2A to 2D.
  • the fluid transfer station 100 comprises an IV bag support unit 112 comprising a base 114 and an IV bag support panel 116 operatively connected to the base 114.
  • the IV bag support panel 116 comprises an IV bag support surface 116A for at least partially supporting thereupon an IV bag, for example the IV bag Cl.
  • the IV bag support panel 116 has a maximal lateral panel width W1 extending along a lateral direction of the fluid transfer station 100, which in the illustrated examples is along the X-axis.
  • the IV bag support panel 116 can be detachably connected to the base 114 by a connection arrangement 117, which in the illustrated example allows connecting and detaching the IV bag support panel 116 by sliding into and out of the brackets 117A along the longitudinal direction (longer dimension) of the IV bag support surface 116A.
  • connection arrangement can include any structure including mechanical, electrical, magnetic, or their combinations for allowing detachable connection of the IV bag support panel and the base.
  • the connection arrangement can include snap-fit connection, magnetic connection, clamps, nuts, bolts, screws, etc.
  • the fluid transfer station 100 further comprises a first adaptor holder 120 operatively connected to the IV bag support unit 112, for example to the base 114 in the illustrated examples.
  • the first adaptor holder 120 is operable for at least partially holding an IV bag adaptor, for example the IV bag adaptor Al, which can be associated with the IV bag Cl, at least during said transfer of fluid between the IV bag Cl and a fluid transfer assembly of the fluid transfer system, for example the fluid transfer assembly 3.
  • a fluid transfer system can perform the transfer of fluid between a fluid transfer assembly and one or more containers via corresponding one or more container-adaptors.
  • the IV bag Cl can constitute a first container of the one or more containers
  • the corresponding containeradaptor i.e., the IV bag adaptor Al, which in the illustrated examples is a spike adaptor Al can constitute a first container-adaptor of the one or more container-adaptors.
  • the fluid transfer station 100 further comprises a second adaptor holder 130 operatively connected to the IV bag support unit 112, for example to the base 114 in the illustrated examples.
  • the second adaptor holder 130 is operable for at least partially holding a second container-adaptor, of the one or more container-adaptors, for example the container-adaptor A5 which can be fluidly connected to a second container, of the one or more containers, for example at least during the transfer of fluid between the second container and the fluid transfer assembly.
  • the second container can be an IV bag, elastomeric pump, vial, or any other generally known container used in drug preparation procedures.
  • the second container can be an IV bag C5 (Fig.
  • the second container can be an elastomeric pump, for example the elastomeric pump C6 (Fig. 3H) connected to the second container adaptor A5, also described above with reference to Figs. 2A to 2D (with respect to the fluid transfer station 300).
  • the first adaptor holder 120 and the second adaptor holder 130 are disposed at least partially (in the illustrated example, fully) within the maximal lateral panel width W1 of the IV bag support panel 116. Accordingly, the fluid transfer station provides more than one adaptor holders within a lateral space occupied by an IV bag support unit.
  • the additional (second) adaptor holder can be used for positioning a container-adaptor fluidly connected to an additional (second) container and a fluid transfer can be performed with two containers (the first container positioned at the IV bag support unit and the second container positioned anywhere and fluidly connected to the second container-adaptor) within the lateral space occupied by a single IV bag support unit.
  • the fluid transfer station 100 offers a dual adaptor holder to be used for an additional transfer of fluid when the IV bag support unit and the first adaptor are utilized by an IV bag.
  • the first adaptor holder can be operable to at least partially hold the IV bag adaptor being a container-adaptor of a first type that is operable to be connected to an IV bag for establishing a fluid communication with the IV bag.
  • the second adaptor holder can be operable to at least partially hold the second container-adaptor which can be operable to be connected to any container (second container) to establish a fluid communication with that container.
  • the second container-adaptor can be of same type as that of the first container-adaptor, which in the illustrated examples is the IV bag adaptor.
  • the second container-adaptor can be of a second type, different from the first type.
  • the IV bag adaptor Al is a spike adaptor Al, which constitutes the container-adaptor of the first type and the second container-adaptor A5 is a luer-lock adaptor A5, which constitutes the container-adaptor of the second type different from the first type.
  • the first adaptor holder 120 and the second adaptor holder 130 are spaced from the IV bag support unit 112 along a first direction, which in the illustrated example is a frontward direction along the Y-axis and has been depicted by arrow Yl, and the maximal lateral panel width W1 extends along a second direction transverse the first direction, which second direction in the illustrated examples extends along the X-axis and also depicts a lateral direction as well as sideward direction of the fluid transfer station 100.
  • the first and the second adaptor holders can be aligned along a fluid transfer path extending along the second direction and followed by a manipulator, for example the manipulator 2 of the system 1 holding the fluid transfer assembly 3.
  • Each of the first and second adaptor constitutes a respective fluid interface region operable to facilitate fluid communication between the fluid transfer assembly and the respective one of the first and second container-adaptors, when the respective one of the first and second containeradaptor is held at the corresponding adaptor holder.
  • the manipulator for example the manipulator 2 of the system 1, can move the fluid transfer assembly, for example the fluid transfer assembly 3, along the fluid transfer path and perform the fluid transfer with the first and second container-adaptors Al and A5 held respectively at the first and second adaptor holders 120 and 130.
  • the second container can be connected to the second container-adaptor thereby being supported at the second adaptor holder, for example the second container being the elastomeric pump C6 (Fig. 3H).
  • the second container can be remotely connected to the second container-adaptor and can be supported at an additional container support unit, for example the second container being the IV bag C6 (Fig. 3H) which can be connected to the second container-adaptor A5 via the tube T.
  • the additional container support unit can be remote from the fluid transfer station 100 and may not constitute a part of the fluid transfer station 100.
  • the additional container support unit can be operable to at least partially support the second container(s) (by way of holding, hanging, placing thereupon, grabbing, or in any other way supporting) at least during the transfer of fluid between the second container(s) and the fluid transfer assembly.
  • the additional container support unit can be positioned with respect to the IV bag support unit 112 along a rearward direction, opposite to the frontward direction, depicted by arrow Y2. In some examples, the additional container support unit can be positioned with respect to the IV bag support unit 112 along a sideward direction, transverse to the frontward direction, for example along the X-axis.
  • the additional container support has not been shown in Fig. 3 A to 3H, it should be understood herein that in some examples, the additional container support unit can be similar to the additional container support unit 4 described herein above with reference to Figs. 2A to 2D being the additional IV bag support unit and having one or more suspending elements operable for suspending the additional IV bags, for example, the IV bag C5 (Fig. 3H) therefrom.
  • the additional container support unit 4 can be mounted to any part, for example the IV bag support unit 112 or the base 114 or the IV bag support panel 116, of the fluid transfer station 100 by any suitable mounting means.
  • the fluid transfer station 100 can comprise a first holder connection port operable for connecting thereto at least the first adaptor holder 120.
  • the first holder connection port can be operable for connecting thereto at least the first adaptor holder 120 detachably.
  • the fluid transfer station 100 can comprise a second holder connection port operable for connecting thereto at least the second adaptor holder 130.
  • the second holder connection port can be operable for connecting thereto at least the second adaptor holder 120 detachably.
  • the first holder connection port can be operable for detachably connecting thereto the second adaptor holder 130, and/or the second holder connection port can be operable for detachably connecting thereto the first adaptor holder 120. Accordingly, the first and second holder connection ports can be operable for interchangeably connecting thereto the first and second adaptor holders 120.
  • the first holder connection port has been designated as 140 having connected thereto the first adaptor holder 120
  • the second holder connection port has been designated as 150 having connected thereto the second adaptor holder 130.
  • the features related to detachability and interchangeability of an adaptor holder at a fluid transfer station via a holder connection port thereof have been described in detail later herein below with reference to Figs. 5A to 5E, and the description thereof can apply to one or more of the first and second holder connection ports 140 and 150 of the fluid transfer station 100.
  • one or more adaptor holder(s) of the first and second adaptor holders can comprise a hanger element having an adaptor receiving region configured for insertion of the container-adaptor therewithin along the Z-axis, and a blocking element configured to selectively block the removal of the container-adaptor from the adaptor receiving region along the Z-axis.
  • Z-axis has been described as being aligned along a vertical direction, however, in some examples, the Z-axis can be aligned along a first horizontal direction extending between the container support unit (for example the IV bag support unit) and the hanger element or along a second horizontal direction perpendicular to the first horizontal direction.
  • the blocking element can be selectively positioned between a path of removal (which can be same or different than a path of insertion of the container-adaptor into the adaptor receiving region) of the container-adaptor from the adaptor receiving region thereby selectively blocking the removal of the container-adaptor from the adaptor receiving region and thus from the adaptor holder.
  • the blocking element can be configured to restrict a movement of the container-adaptor along the direction of removal of the container-adaptor from the adaptor receiving region, thereby blocking the removal of the container-adaptor from the adaptor receiving region.
  • the blocking element can be selectively positioned between a path of removal (along the Z-axis) of the containeradaptor from the adaptor receiving region by moving either or both of the hanger element and the blocking element with respect to the container support unit.
  • the adaptor holder is configured to be manipulated between an unblocking state in which the blocking element is not positioned in the path of removal of the container-adaptor from the adaptor receiving region and thus allows the removal of the container-adaptor from the adaptor receiving region along the Z-axis and a blocking state in which the blocking element is positioned in the path of removal of the container-adaptor from the adaptor receiving region and thus blocks the removal of the container-adaptor from the adaptor receiving region along the Z-axis.
  • the adaptor holder can be manipulated between the unblocking and blocking states by moving at least one of the hanger element and the blocking element between corresponding unblocking and blocking positions thereof, respectively.
  • at least one of the hanger element and the blocking element can be articulably connected to the container support unit, for example, via a movement mechanism allowing the movement of the at least one of the hanger element and the blocking element with respect to the container support unit (for example the IV bag support unit) for displacement between the blocking and unblocking positions.
  • the holder connection port of the fluid transfer station can constitute at least partially the movement mechanism.
  • the blocking element can be stationary (by being fixedly connected to the container support unit) and the hanger element can be moved (by being articulably connected to the container support unit), with respect to the blocking element, between a blocking position of the hanger element which corresponds to the blocking state, and an unblocking position of the hanger element which corresponds to the unblocking state.
  • the hanger element can be so positioned with respect to the blocking element that the blocking element falls (is positioned) in the path of removal of the container-adaptor from the adaptor receiving region, i.e., the blocking element overlaps the adaptor receiving region when seen in the direction of removal of the container-adaptor from the adaptor receiving region, and thus blocks the removal of the container-adaptor from the adaptor receiving region.
  • the hanger element can be so positioned with respect to the blocking element that the blocking element does not fall (is not positioned) in the path of removal of the container-adaptor from the adaptor receiving region, i.e., the blocking element does not overlap the adaptor receiving region when seen in the direction of removal of the container-adaptor from the adaptor receiving region, and thus allows the removal of the container-adaptor from the adaptor receiving region.
  • the hanger element can be stationary (by being fixedly connected to the container support unit) and the blocking element can be moved (by being articulably connected to the container support unit), with respect to the hanger element, between a blocking position of the blocking element which corresponds to the blocking state, and an unblocking position of the blocking element which corresponds to the unblocking state.
  • the blocking element While being in the blocking position thereof, the blocking element can be so positioned with respect to the hanger element that the blocking element falls (is positioned) in the path of removal of the container-adaptor from the adaptor receiving region, i.e., the blocking element overlaps the adaptor receiving region when seen in the direction of removal of the container-adaptor from the adaptor receiving region, and thus blocks the removal of the container-adaptor from the adaptor receiving region.
  • the blocking element While being in the unblocking position thereof, the blocking element can be so positioned with respect to the hanger element that the blocking element does not fall (is not positioned) in the path of removal of the container-adaptor from the adaptor receiving region, i.e., the blocking element does not overlap the adaptor receiving region when seen in the direction of removal of the container-adaptor from the adaptor receiving region, and thus allows the removal of the container-adaptor from the adaptor receiving region.
  • both of the hanger element and the blocking element can be moved (by being articulably connected to the container support unit), with respect to each other, between their corresponding blocking and unblocking positions, and all the description above with respect to the blocking and unblocking positions of the hanger element and the blocking element can apply to such examples.
  • the movement mechanism can have any structure (mechanical, magnetic, or combination thereof) suitable to articulably connect the hanger element and/or the blocking element to the container support unit (for example the IV bag support unit) such that the hanger element and/or the blocking element can be moved with respect to the container support unit.
  • the movement mechanism can be constituted by two parts interconnectable with each other such that a relative movement therebetween is allowed, one of the parts can be associated with the container support unit (for example the IV bag support unit) and the other one with the hanger element and/or the blocking element.
  • the one of the parts associated with the container support unit (for example the IV bag support unit) can constitute a part of the holder connection port of the fluid transfer station.
  • the movement mechanism can include a linear mechanism allowing the movement of the hanger element and/or the blocking element in a linear path.
  • the linear movement mechanism can include a guide rail mechanism, chain/belt mechanism, gear mechanism, magnetic arrangement, telescopic mechanism, or any other structure suitable allow relative movement of two elements in a linear direction.
  • the movement mechanism can include pivot and/or rotary mechanism allowing the movement of the hanger element and/or the blocking element in an arcuate path.
  • the direction of movement of the hanger element and/or the blocking element between their corresponding blocking and unblocking positions can be transverse to the direction of insertion and/or removal of the container-adaptor into/from the container receiving region. In some examples, the direction of movement of the hanger element and/or the blocking element between their corresponding blocking and unblocking positions can be perpendicular to the direction of insertion and/or removal of the container-adaptor into/from the container receiving region.
  • the adaptor holder can comprise an actuator operatively connected to at least one of the hanger element and the blocking element, and operable to move the at least one of the hanger element and the blocking element for manipulating the adaptor holder between the blocking and unblocking states.
  • the actuator can have any electrical, mechanical, magnetic, or combination thereof, structure suitable to move the hanger element and/or the blocking element.
  • the actuator can include a motor, a telescopic mechanism, a push-pull arrangement, a cam arrangement, a gear arrangement, or other similar structures operable to move the hanger element and/or the blocking element.
  • the actuator can be operatively associated with the hanger element and/or the blocking element either directly or via the movement mechanism.
  • the actuator can be configured to operate the movement mechanism associated with the hanger element and/or the blocking element.
  • the first adaptor holder 120 comprises the hanger element 122 having the adaptor receiving region 123 configured for insertion of the container-adaptor Al therewithin along the Z-axis, and the blocking element 124 configured to selectively block the removal of the container-adaptor Al from the adaptor receiving region along the Z-axis.
  • the Z-axis is aligned along the vertical direction having a vertically upward direction and vertically downward direction.
  • the container-adaptor Al can be inserted into the adaptor receiving region 123 along the vertically downward direction and can be removed therefrom along the vertically upward direction.
  • the hanger element 122 is connected to the IV bag support unit 112 via a hanger connection portion 126 and the blocking element 124 is connected to the IV bag support unit 112 via a blocking element connection portion 128.
  • the hanger connection portion 126, and thus the hanger element 122 is fixedly (not moveably or articulably) connected to the IV bag support unit 112, and thus remains stationary with respect thereto.
  • the blocking element connection portion 128, and thus the blocking element 124, is articulably connected to the IV bag support unit 112 via the movement mechanism 160, and can move linearly along the Y-axis with respect to the IV bag support unit 112.
  • the Y-axis has been illustrated as extending along a direction between the IV bag support unit 112 and the blocking element 124 (or hanger element 122), for example along the blocking element connection portion 128 and the hanger connection portion 126.
  • the blocking element 124 is configured to move towards and away from the IV bag support unit 112.
  • the movement mechanism 160 operates as a guide rails mechanism having a first part 162 associated with the IV bag support unit 112 and second part 164 associated with the blocking element connection portion 128, and thus the blocking element 124.
  • the second part 164 is in association with the first part 162 such that the first part 162 is stationary and the second part 164 is moveable along the first part 162.
  • the blocking element 124 is configured to be displaced between its unblocking position (Figs.
  • the first holder connection port 140 comprises at least partially the movement mechanism 160.
  • the first part 162 can constitute the first holder connection port 140
  • the second part 164 can be associated with or can constitute a part of the blocking element connection portion 128,
  • the first and second parts 162 and 164 can constitute the first holder connection port 140.
  • the blocking element 124 In the unblocking position of the blocking element 124, i.e., the unblocking state of the adaptor holder 120, the blocking element 124 does not overlap with the container receiving region 123 when seen along the Z-axis, which is the direction of insertion and removal of the container-adaptor Al into and from the container receiving region 123.
  • the container-adaptor Al can be inserted into the container receiving region 123 along the Z-axis by lowering the container-adaptor Al along the vertically downward direction and can be removed from the container receiving region 123 along the Z-axis by lifting the container-adaptor Al along the vertically upward direction, for example, because the blocking element 124 does not obstruct the path of insertion and removal of the container-adaptor Al along the Z-axis.
  • the blocking element 124 In the blocking position of the blocking element 124, i.e., the blocking state of the adaptor holder 120, the blocking element 124 overlaps with the container receiving region 123 when seen along the Z-axis, which is the direction of insertion and removal of the container-adaptor Al into and from the container receiving region 123.
  • the container-adaptor Al cannot be removed from (as well as inserted into) the container receiving region 123 along the Z-axis, for example, because the blocking element 124 obstructs the path of insertion and removal of the container-adaptor Al along the Z-axis, and restricts the movement of the container-adaptor Al along the Z-axis. Accordingly, the container-adaptor Al is locked in the adaptor holder 120.
  • the actuator designated as 170, comprises a telescopic arrangement 172 operatively connected to the blocking element connection portion 128, and configured to displace the blocking element 124 between its blocking and unblocking positions, thereby manipulating the adaptor holder 120 between its blocking and unblocking states, respectively.
  • the second adaptor holder 130 includes the components corresponding to all of the components of the first adaptor holder 120 described above
  • the second holder connection port 150 includes the components corresponding to all of the components of the first holder connection port 140 described above, and description of those components as provided with respect to the first adaptor holder 120 and the first holder connection port 140 applies to the corresponding components of the second adaptor holder 130 and the second holder connection port 150 respectively.
  • the second adaptor holder 130 comprises a hanger element 132, an adaptor receiving region 133, a blocking element 134, a hanger connection portion 136, a blocking element connection portion 138, and the second holder connection port 150 comprises at least partially a movement mechanism 180 having a first part 182 and a second part 184 and is associated with an actuator 190 having a telescopic arrangement 192, and description of all of these components of the first adaptor holder 120 and the first holder connection port 140 described above applies analogously and respectively of each of these components of the second adaptor holder 130 and the second holder connection port 150.
  • the fluid transfer station 100 can comprise a processing circuitry operatively connected to one or more of the actuators and configured to, for example by the way of sending instructions (over wired or wireless communication link), control the operation of the actuator to manipulate the adaptor holder between the blocking and unblocking states.
  • the processing circuitry can include a computer controller configured to perform operations in accordance with a set of instructions stored on a memory readable by the controller, which may be executed by a central processing unit (CPU), one or more processors, processor units, microprocessors, etc.
  • the processing circuitry can include one or more mechanism controllers.
  • the processing circuitry can comprise any means to control elements in the fluid transfer system, such as the actuator, and may comprise at least any one of a controller, a synchronizing unit and a processer.
  • the processing circuitry can be configured to receive control signals from an external controller and operate the actuator accordingly.
  • the external controller can be a controller of the fluid transfer system or can be external to the fluid transfer system.
  • the processing circuitry can be configured to receive a sensor data and generate control signals for operating the actuator accordingly.
  • the sensor data can be generated and transmitted by sensors local to the fluid transfer station and/or external sensors, such as sensors associated with the fluid transfer system.
  • the fluid transfer station 100 can include sensors configured to sense various conditions with respect to the operation of the fluid transfer station and transmit sensor data to the processing circuitry.
  • the processing circuitry can be common for both the adaptor holders 120 and 130, or can include separate processing circuitries for the adaptor holders 120 and 130.
  • the processing circuitry can be configured to control the operation of the actuator based on a condition.
  • the condition can be indicative of a state of operation of one or more of the fluid transfer station 100 and the adaptor holders 120 and 130.
  • the condition can include receiving a control signal from an external controller (a controller of the fluid transfer system or any other controller external to the fluid transfer system).
  • the condition can be sensed by a sensor arrangement, which in some examples can be local to the fluid transfer station, and in some examples can be external to the fluid transfer station.
  • the condition can include sensing a positioning of the containeradaptor within the adaptor receiving region, and the processing circuitry can be configured to control the operation of the actuator to manipulate the adaptor holder towards the blocking state.
  • a sensor arrangement local or external
  • the processing circuitry can be configured (for example, by way of computer instructions) to control the operation of the actuator to manipulate the adaptor holder towards the blocking state, for example by controlling the actuator to displace the blocking element and/or the hanger element towards their corresponding blocking positions.
  • the condition can include sensing a touch on one or more of the hanger element and the blocking element
  • the processing circuitry can be configured to control the operation of the actuator to manipulate the adaptor holder towards the unblocking state.
  • a sensor arrangement local or external
  • an optical sensor including a camera, a touch sensor etc. can sense that an operator (a physician or another user operating the fluid transfer system) has touched any part of the adaptor holder or the fluid transfer station, and based on such sensing, the processing circuitry can be configured (for example, by way of computer instructions) to control the operation of the actuator to manipulate the adaptor holder towards the unblocking state, for example by controlling the actuator to displace the blocking element and/or the hanger element towards their corresponding unblocking positions.
  • the condition can include sensing a presence of an interfering element in the vicinity of the hanger element, and the processing circuitry is configured to control the operation of the actuator to manipulate the adaptor holder towards the unblocking state.
  • the interfering element can be any element, which is not a part of the fluid transfer station or the fluid transfer system.
  • the interfering element can include a hand of the operator, which is present in the vicinity of the fluid transfer station for removing the container-adaptor from the adaptor holder, and accordingly the processing circuitry can operate the actuator to manipulate the adaptor holder towards the unblocking state.
  • the meaning and scope of the term “vicinity” is to be understood as a predetermined distance such as 5 cm, 10 cm, 15 cm, 20 cm, 25 cm, 50 cm, 75 cm, 100 cm, or 200 cm including any value between these specified values.
  • a sensor arrangement local or external
  • the processing circuitry can be configured (for example, by way of computer instructions) to control the operation of the actuator to manipulate the adaptor holder towards the unblocking state, for example by controlling the actuator to displace the blocking element and/or the hanger element towards their corresponding unblocking positions.
  • the condition can include sensing an application of a predetermined force on one or more of the hanger element and the blocking element
  • the processing circuitry can be configured to control the operation of the actuator to manipulate the adaptor holder towards the unblocking state.
  • a sensor arrangement local or external
  • a force sensor including load, weight, tension, compression, or pressure sensor can sense that a predetermined force, for example in the form of a push or pull is applied on the hanger element, blocking element, or anywhere on the adaptor holder, and based on such sensing, the processing circuitry can be configured (for example, by way of computer instructions) to control the operation of the actuator to manipulate the adaptor holder towards the unblocking state, for example by controlling the actuator to displace the blocking element and/or the hanger element towards their corresponding unblocking positions.
  • the processing circuitry can be configured to control the operation of the actuator to interrupt an ongoing manipulation of the adaptor holder towards the blocking state, and initiate a manipulation of the adaptor holder towards the unblocking state. For instance, during the manipulation of the adaptor holder towards the blocking state, for example during the ongoing displacement of the blocking element and/or the hanger element towards their corresponding blocking positions, if any one or more of the above-described conditions, based on which the processing circuitry controls the actuator to manipulate the adaptor holder towards the unblocking state, is sensed, then the processing circuitry can control the actuator to interrupt that ongoing manipulation of the adaptor holder towards the blocking state and can initiate manipulation of the adaptor holder towards the unblocking state, for example by controlling the actuator for initiating displacement of the blocking element and/or the hanger element towards their corresponding unblocking positions.
  • the processing circuitry can include a processor and a memory.
  • Processor can be a suitable hardware-based electronic device with data processing capabilities, such as, for example, a general purpose processor, digital signal processor (DSP), a specialized Application Specific Integrated Circuit (ASIC), one or more cores in a multicore processor, etc.
  • DSP digital signal processor
  • ASIC Application Specific Integrated Circuit
  • Processor can also comprise for example, of multiple processors, multiple ASICs, virtual processors, combinations thereof etc.
  • Memory can be, for example, a suitable kind of volatile and/or non-volatile storage, and can include, for example, a single physical memory component or a plurality of physical memory components. Memory can also include virtual memory. Memory can be configured to, for example, store computer instructions to be executed by the processor 50A.
  • the processing circuitry can further comprise an actuator control unit that can control the actuator, for example for operating the actuator, as described herein.
  • an actuator control unit that can control the actuator, for example for operating the actuator, as described herein.
  • one or more of the fluid transfer stations 200, 300, and 400 can include one or more of the features related to the hanger element, blocking element, actuator, and processing circuitry, and the description provided above with respect to the adaptor holder(s) of the fluid transfer station 100 can apply to one or more of the adaptor holders of the fluid transfer stations 200, 300, and 400.
  • fluid transfer station 100 described above with reference to Figs. 3A to 3H can have one or more of the features of the fluid transfer stations 100, 200, 300, 400 described herein generally and with reference to Figs. 1A to ID, 2A to 2D, 31 to 3 J, 4A to 4D, 5A to 5E, and 6.
  • Figs. 31 and 3J illustrating a fluid transfer station 100, according to examples of the presently disclosed subject matter.
  • the fluid transfer station 100 described with respect to Figs. 31 to 3 J can constitute one or more of the fluid transfer stations of the fluid transfer platform 10 and/or one or more of the fluid transfer stations of the fluid transfer system 1.
  • the fluid transfer station 100 described with respect to Figs. 31 to 3 J can include one or more of the features of one or more of the fluid transfer stations 100, 200, 300, 400 of the platform 10 described with reference to Figs. 2A to 2D.
  • the fluid transfer station 100 described with reference to Figs. 31 to 3 J can have one or more of the features of the fluid transfer stations 100, 200, 300, 400 described herein generally and with reference to Figs. 1A to ID, 2A to 2D, 3 A to 3H, 4A to 4D, 5A to 5E, and 6. Also, the description provided with respect to the adaptor holder(s) of the fluid transfer station 100 of Figs. 31 to 3J can apply to one or more of the adaptor holders of the fluid transfer stations 200, 300, and 400.
  • the fluid transfer station 100 described with respect to Figs. 31 to 3 J is the same as the fluid transfer station 100 described with respect to Figs. 3 A to 3H, with the only difference between the two being that the first adaptor holder 120 of the fluid transfer station 100 described with respect to Figs. 31 to 3J does not include a blocking element. Accordingly, all or some of the description of the fluid transfer station 100 described with respect to Figs. 3A to 3H, apart from that of the blocking element of the first adaptor holder 120, can apply to the corresponding features of the fluid transfer station 100 described with respect to Figs. 31 to 3 J.
  • the fluid transfer station 100 of Figs. 31 and 3 J comprises a first adaptor holder 120 operatively connected to the IV bag support unit 112, for example to the base 114 in the illustrated examples.
  • the first adaptor holder 120 has adaptor receiving region 123 operable for at least partially holding an IV bag adaptor, for example the IV bag adaptor Al, which is the container port (IV bag port in the illustrated example) the IV bag Cl, at least during said transfer of fluid between the IV bag Cl and a fluid transfer assembly of the fluid transfer system, for example the fluid transfer assembly 3.
  • a fluid transfer system can perform the transfer of fluid between a fluid transfer assembly and one or more containers via corresponding one or more container-adaptors.
  • the IV bag Cl can constitute a first container of the one or more containers
  • the corresponding containeradaptor i.e., the IV bag adaptor Al, which in the illustrated examples is an IV bag port Al, can constitute a first container-adaptor of the one or more container-adaptors.
  • the adaptor receiving region 123 can include a structure suitable to hold and stabilize the IV bag port Al at least during the transfer of fluid.
  • Figs. 4 A to 4D illustrating a fluid transfer station 300, according to examples of the presently disclosed subject matter.
  • the fluid transfer station 300 described with respect to Figs. 4 A to 4D can constitute one or more of the fluid transfer stations of the fluid transfer platform 10 (described above with reference to Figs. 2A to 2D) and/or one or more of the fluid transfer stations of the fluid transfer system 1 (described above with reference to Figs. 1A to ID).
  • the fluid transfer station 300 described with respect to Figs. 4A to 4D can include one or more of the features of one or more of the fluid transfer stations 100, 200, 300, 400 described with reference to Figs. 2A to 2D and 3 A to 3 J.
  • the fluid transfer station 300 comprises an IV bag support unit 312 comprising a base 314 and an IV bag support panel 316 operatively connected to the base 314.
  • the IV bag support panel 316 comprises an IV bag support surface 316A for at least partially supporting thereupon an IV bag (not shown) at least during the transfer of fluid between the IV bag and the fluid transfer assembly.
  • the IV bag support panel 316 can be detachably connected to the base 314 by a connection arrangement 317, which in the illustrated example allows connecting and detaching the IV bag support panel 316 by sliding into and out of the brackets 317A along the longitudinal direction (longer dimension) of the IV bag support surface 316A.
  • connection arrangement can include any structure including mechanical, electrical, magnetic, or their combinations for allowing detachable connection of the IV bag support panel and the base.
  • the connection arrangement can include snap-fit connection, magnetic connection, clamps, nuts, bolts, screws, etc.
  • the fluid transfer station 300 further comprises a luer-lock-adaptor holder 330 operatively connected to the IV bag support unit 312, for example to the base 314 in the illustrated examples.
  • the luer-lock-adaptor holder 330 is operable for at least partially holding a luer-lock adaptor, for example the luer-lock adaptor A6, at least during the transfer of fluid between a container associated with the luer-lock adaptor and the fluid transfer assembly.
  • a fluid transfer system can perform the transfer of fluid between a fluid transfer assembly and one or more containers via corresponding one or more container-adaptors.
  • an IV bag that can be positioned at the IV bag support unit 312 can constitute a first container of the one or more containers.
  • the luer-lock adaptor A6 can constitute a container-adaptor of the one or more container-adaptors.
  • a container, other that the IV bag that can be positioned at the IV bag support unit 312, that can be fluidly connected to the luer-lock adaptor A6, can constitute a second container of the one or more containers.
  • the second container can be an IV bag (for example, an additional IV bag positioned at an additional container support unit, for example the IV bag C5 in the examples described above with reference to Figs. 2A to 2D and 3 A to 3 J) fluidly connected to the luer-lock adaptor A6 via a fluid connection means, for example a tube similar to tube T in the examples described above with reference to Figs. 2A to 2D and 3 A to 3 J.
  • the second container can be an elastomeric pump, for example the elastomeric pump C6 connected to the luer- lock adaptor A6.
  • the luer-lock adaptor A6 can be fluidly connected by any suitable fluid connection means to an IV bag positioned at the IV bag support unit 312.
  • the luer-lock-adaptor holder 330 can include one or more features of the second adaptor holder 130 of the fluid transfer station 100 described herein above with reference to Figs. 3 A to 3 J.
  • the luer-lock-adaptor holder 330 can include one or more components corresponding to one or more of the components of the second adaptor holder 130 of the fluid transfer station 100 described herein above with reference to Figs. 3 A to 3 J, and the fluid transfer station 300 can include one or more features of the fluid transfer station 100 described herein above with reference to Figs.
  • the luer-lock-adaptor holder 330 comprises a hanger element 332, an adaptor receiving region 333, a blocking element 334, a hanger connection portion 336, a blocking element connection portion 338
  • the fluid transfer station 300 comprises the holder connection port 350, a movement mechanism 380 having a first part 382 and a second part 384, an actuator 390 having a telescopic arrangement 392, and description of all of these components of the second adaptor holder 130 and the fluid transfer station 100 described herein above with reference to Figs. 3 A to 3 J applies analogously and respectively to each of these components of the luer-lock-adaptor holder 330 and the fluid transfer station 300.
  • the luer-lock-adaptor holder 330 at least partially constitutes a fluid interface region operable to facilitate fluid communication between the fluid transfer assembly and the luer-lock adaptor A6, when the luer-lock adaptor A6 is held at the luer-lock-adaptor holder 330 and fluid transfer can be performed between the fluid transfer assembly and a container associated with the luer-lock-adaptor holder 330.
  • the luer-lock-adaptor holder 330 is spaced from the IV bag support unit 312 along a first direction, which in the illustrated example is a frontward direction along the Y-axis and has been depicted by arrow Yl.
  • the luer-lock-adaptor holder 330 can be aligned along a fluid transfer path extending along a second direction transverse the first direction, which second direction in the illustrated examples extends along the X-axis and also depicts a lateral direction as well as sideward direction of the fluid transfer station 300.
  • the fluid transfer path can be a path followed by a manipulator, for example the manipulator 2 of the system 1 holding the fluid transfer assembly 3.
  • the manipulator for example the manipulator 2 of the system 1, can move the fluid transfer assembly, for example the fluid transfer assembly 3, along the fluid transfer path and perform the fluid transfer with the luer-lock adaptor A6 held at the luer-lock-adaptor holder 330.
  • the second container (that can be associated with the luer-lock adaptor A6) can be remotely connected to the luer-lock adaptor A6 and can be supported at an additional container support unit, for example in a similar manner as the IV bag C6 has been described as being connected to the second container-adaptor A5 via the tube T with reference to Figs. 3 A to 3 J.
  • the additional container support unit can be remote from the fluid transfer station 300 and may not constitute a part of the fluid transfer station 300.
  • the additional container support unit can be operable to at least partially support the second container(s) (by way of holding, hanging, placing thereupon, grabbing, or in any other way supporting) at least during the transfer of fluid between the second container(s) and the fluid transfer assembly.
  • the additional container support unit can be positioned with respect to the IV bag support unit 312 along a rearward direction, opposite to the frontward direction, depicted by arrow Y2. In some examples, the additional container support unit can be positioned with respect to the IV bag support unit 312 along a sideward direction, transverse to the frontward direction, for example along the X-axis.
  • the additional container support unit can be similar to the additional container support unit 4 described herein above with reference to Figs. 2A to 2D being the additional IV bag support unit and having one or more suspending elements operable for suspending the additional IV bags therefrom.
  • the additional container support unit 4 can be mounted to any part, for example the IV bag support unit 312 or the base 314 or the IV bag support panel 316, of the fluid transfer station 300 by any suitable mounting means.
  • the luer-lock-adaptor holder 330 can be connected to the fluid transfer station 300 detachably to a holder connection port 350 thereof, which can be operable to detachably connect an adaptor holder (for example, luer-lock-adaptor holder 330).
  • the holder connection port 350 of the fluid transfer station 300 can be operable to interchangeably connect one or more adaptor holders of the same or different types based on the requirement from the fluid transfer system.
  • the fluid transfer station 300 can include another adaptor holder in addition to the luer-lock-adaptor holder 330.
  • the other adaptor holder can include one or more features of the first adaptor holder 120 of the fluid transfer station 100 described herein above with reference to Figs. 3 A to 3 J.
  • the other adaptor holder can include one or more components corresponding to one or more of the components of the first adaptor holder 120 of the fluid transfer station 100 described herein above with reference to Figs. 3 A to 3 J, and description of those components as provided with respect to the first adaptor holder 120 can apply to the corresponding components of the other adaptor holder.
  • the fluid transfer station 300 can include another adaptor holder in addition to the luer-lock-adaptor holder 330
  • the fluid transfer station 300 can be similar, or even identical, to the fluid transfer station 100 described herein above with reference to Figs. 3 A to 3 J, with the other adaptor holder corresponding to the first adaptor holder 120 of the fluid transfer station 100 and the luer-lock-adaptor holder 330 corresponding to the second adaptor holder 130 of the fluid transfer station 100.
  • all of the description of the corresponding components of the fluid transfer station 100 described herein above with reference to Figs. 3 A to 3 J can apply to the components of the fluid transfer station 300.
  • the IV bag support unit 312 can comprise a first holder connection port (corresponding to the first holder connection port 140 of the fluid transfer station 100 described herein above with reference to Figs. 3A to 3J) operable for connecting thereto at least the other adaptor holder, and the holder connection port 350 constituting a second holder connection port 350 (corresponding to the second holder connection port 150 of the fluid transfer station 100 described herein above with reference to Figs. 3 A to 3 J), operable for connecting thereto at least the luer- lock-adaptor holder.
  • all of the description of the first and second holder connection ports 140 and 150 of the fluid transfer station 100 described herein above with reference to Figs. 3A to 3J can apply to the first and second holder connection ports of the fluid transfer station 300.
  • fluid transfer station 300 described above with reference to Figs. 4A to 4D can have one or more of the features of the fluid transfer stations 100, 200, 300, 400 described herein generally and with reference to Figs. 1A to ID, 2A to 2D, 3 A to 3 J, 5A to 5E, and 6.
  • Fig. 5A to 5E illustrating a fluid transfer station 400, according to examples of the presently disclosed subject matter.
  • the fluid transfer station 400 described with respect to Figs. 5A to 5E can constitute one or more of the fluid transfer stations of the fluid transfer platform 10 (described above with reference to Figs. 2A to 2D) and/or one or more of the fluid transfer stations of the fluid transfer system l(described above with reference to Figs. 1A to ID).
  • the fluid transfer station 400 described with respect to Figs. 5 A to 5E can include one or more of the features of one or more of the fluid transfer stations 100, 200, 300, 400 described with reference to Figs. 2A to 2D, 3 A to 3 J, and 4A to 4D.
  • the fluid transfer station 400 can comprise a container support unit having a base and a container support panel operatively connected to the base.
  • the container support unit can comprise a first holder connection port operable for detachably connecting thereto at least a first adaptor holder.
  • a fluid transfer system can perform the transfer of fluid between a fluid transfer assembly and one or more containers via corresponding one or more container-adaptors.
  • the container support unit can be operable to at least partially support (for example, by way of holding, hanging, placing thereupon, grabbing, or in any other way supporting) a container constituting a first container of the one or more containers, for example, at least during the transfer of fluid between the first container and the fluid transfer assembly.
  • the first adaptor holder can be operable for at least partially holding (for example, by way of grabbing, hanging, placing thereupon or in any other way supporting) a container-adaptor constituting a first container-adaptor of the one or more container-adaptors, for example, at least during the transfer of fluid between a container associated with the first container-adaptor and the fluid transfer assembly.
  • the fluid transfer station 400 comprises a container support unit 412, which in the illustrated examples is an IV bag support unit 412, having a base 414 and a container support panel 416.
  • the container support panel 416 is an IV bag support panel 416 having a container support surface 416A, which is an IV bag support surface 416A for positioning an IV bag, for example the IV bag C4, thereupon.
  • the IV bag support panel 416 is detachably connected to the base 414 by the connection arrangement, designated as 417, which in the illustrated example allows connecting and detaching the IV bag support panel 416 by sliding into and out of the brackets 417A along the longitudinal direction (longer dimension) of the IV bag support surface 416A.
  • connection arrangement can include any structure including mechanical, electrical, magnetic, or their combinations for allowing detachable connection of the IV bag support panel and the base.
  • the connection arrangement can include snap-fit connection, magnetic connection, clamps, nuts, bolts, screws, etc.
  • the container support unit is an IV bag support unit
  • the container support unit can be other than an IV bag support unit, and can be operable to support (for example, by way of holding, hanging, placing thereupon, grabbing, or in any other way supporting) any container, which can be an elastomeric pump, vial, or any other generally known container used in drug preparation procedures. Accordingly, the description of the holder connection port provided herein below can apply to any fluid transfer station comprising any container support unit.
  • the fluid transfer station 400 as a part of the base 414 of the IV bag support unit 412, comprises the first holder connection port 440, operable for connecting thereto the first adaptor holder 420, which in the illustrated examples is a spike-adaptor holder 420.
  • the first adaptor holder can be any other type of adaptor holder, for example, a second adaptor holder, which can be a luer-lock-adaptor holder similar to the luer-lock-adaptor holder 330 of the fluid transfer station 300 described herein above with reference to Figs. 4A to 4D.
  • the first holder connection port 440 can be operable to detachably connect thereto the first adaptor holder 420 (or any other adaptor holder) by any suitable adaptor connection means.
  • the adaptor connection means can be any electrical arrangement, mechanical arrangement, magnetic arrangement, or combinations thereof, which can have any structure suitable to detachably connect thereto an adaptor holder, for example via a holder connection portion.
  • the holder connection portion can correspond to any one or more of the hanger connection portion 126 and the blocking element connection portion 128 of the adaptor holder 120 of the fluid transfer station 100 described herein above with reference to Figs. 3 A to 3H.
  • connection means 442 which in the illustrated examples, are nuts, bolts, and screws.
  • connection means 442 can include any other quick release arrangement, for example, including a snap-fit arrangement, a snug-fit arrangement, a magnetic arrangement, and combinations thereof.
  • the first holder connection port 440 is operable to detachably connect thereto the first adaptor holder 420, which in the illustrated examples is the spike-adaptor holder 420 operable for holding a spike adaptor, for example the spike adaptor A4, it is to be understood herein that in some examples, the first holder connection port can be operable for detachably connecting thereto a second adaptor holder operable for at least partially holding a second container-adaptor, of a type different than that of the first container-adaptor.
  • the second adaptor holder can be a luer-lock-adaptor holder operable for at least partially holding a luer lock adaptor, for example as described with respect to luer-lock-adaptor holder 330 of the fluid transfer station 300 described herein above with reference to Figs. 4A to 4D.
  • the first holder connection port 440 constitutes a first movement mechanism 460, having a first part 462 and the second part 464, operable to allow movement of at least a part of an adaptor holder connected to the first holder connection port 440.
  • the first movement mechanism 460 can correspond to (or be identical to) any one of the movement mechanisms 160 and 180 and can include the components corresponding to all of the components of the movement mechanisms 160 and 180 of the first and second adaptor holders 120 and 130 of the fluid transfer station 100 described herein above with reference to Figs. 3 A to 3 J applies analogously and respectively to each of these components of the first movement mechanism 460.
  • the first adaptor holder 420 can include the components corresponding to all of the components of any one of the first adaptor holder 120 and the second adaptor holder 130 of the fluid transfer station 100 described herein above with reference to Figs. 3 A to 3 J, and description of those components as provided with respect to the first adaptor holder 120 and second adaptor holder 130 of the fluid transfer station 100 described herein above with reference to Figs. 3 A to 3 J, can apply to the corresponding components of the first adaptor holder 420.
  • the first adaptor holder 420 can comprises a hanger element 422, an adaptor receiving region 423, a blocking element 424, a hanger connection portion 426, and a blocking element connection portion 428, and description of all of these components of the first adaptor holder 120 and the second adaptor holder 130 of the fluid transfer station 100 described herein above with reference to Figs. 3A to 3J applies analogously and respectively to each of these components of the first adaptor holder 420.
  • the fluid transfer station 400 can include the components corresponding to some or all of the components of the fluid transfer station 100 described herein above with reference to Figs. 3A to 3J, and description of those components as provided with respect to the fluid transfer station 100 described herein above with reference to Figs. 3 A to 3J, can apply to the corresponding components of fluid transfer station 400.
  • the fluid transfer station 400 comprises an actuator 470 having a telescopic arrangement 472, and description of all of these components of the fluid transfer station 100 described herein above with reference to Figs. 3 A to 3 J applies analogously and respectively to each of these components of the fluid transfer station 400.
  • the fluid transfer station 400 can include an additional container support unit, for example an additional IV bag support unit.
  • the additional container support unit can be operable to at least partially support one or more second container(s) (by way of holding, hanging, placing thereupon, grabbing, or in any other way supporting), of the one or more containers, at least during the transfer of fluid between the second container(s) and the fluid transfer assembly.
  • the additional container support unit can be similar to the additional container support unit 4 described herein above with reference to Figs. 2A to 2D being the additional IV bag support unit and having one or more suspending elements operable for suspending the additional IV bags therefrom.
  • the additional container support unit 4 can be mounted to any part, for example the IV bag support unit 412 or the base 414 or the IV bag support panel 416, of the fluid transfer station 400 by any suitable mounting means.
  • the description of the additional container support unit 4 described herein above with reference to Figs. 2A to 2D can apply to the additional container support unit of the fluid transfer station 400.
  • the fluid transfer station 400 can include a second holder connection port, in addition to the first holder connection port 440, operable for connecting thereto a second adaptor holder operable for at least partially holding a second container-adaptor, of a type same as or different than that of the first container-adaptor.
  • the second holder connection port can include some or all of the features of the first holder connection port 440 described herein above.
  • the fluid transfer station 400 in addition to the first holder connection port 440, can be similar, or even identical, to the fluid transfer station 100 described herein above with reference to Figs. 3A to 3J, with the first holder connection port 440 corresponding to the first holder connection port 140 of the fluid transfer station 100 and the second holder connection port corresponding to the second holder connection port 150 of the fluid transfer station 100.
  • all of the description of the corresponding components of the fluid transfer station 100 described herein above with reference to Figs. 3 A to 3 J can apply analogously and respectively to the components of the fluid transfer station 400.
  • fluid transfer station 400 described above with reference to Figs. 5A to 5E can have one or more of the features of the fluid transfer stations 100, 200, 300, 400 described herein generally and with reference to Figs. 1A to ID, 2A to 2D, 3 A to 3 J, 4A to 4D, and 6.
  • one or more of the fluid transfer stations 100, 200, 300, 400 described herein generally and with reference to Figs. 1A to ID, 2A to 2D, 3 A to 3 J, 4A to 4D, and 5 A to 5E can include an IV bag support panel (for example, the IV bag support panels 116, 216, 316, 416) that allows visibility therethrough.
  • the IV bag support panel can offer visibility therethrough by virtue of at least one of: a material of which the IV bag support panel is formed; and a structure of the IV bag support panel.
  • the IV bag support panels have been shown to be transparent, i.e., made of a transparent material including glass, plastics, or other materials which are transparent.
  • the IV bag support panel can have a structure that offers the visibility therethrough.
  • the IV bag support panel can include one or more windows (see-through windows), for example, in the form of through-holes (of any shape and size) that allow the visibility therethrough.
  • the structure of IV bag support panel comprises a wire mesh 16-1 being formed of wires 16-1 ’ having see-through windows between the intersections of the wires 16-1’.
  • the wires 16-1’ can have any thickness, cross-sectional shape, density of wires, or structure suitable to allow the IV bag to be positioned thereupon.
  • the wire mesh 16-1 comprises an IV bag support surface 16-1 A constituted collectively by the top surfaces of the wires 16-1’ for positioning thereupon the IV bag.
  • the outermost wires can constitute a frame F.
  • the structure of IV bag support panel comprises a grid-like framework 16-2 being formed of horizontal and vertical grid bars 16-2’ having see-through windows between the intersections of the grid bars 16-2’.
  • the grid bars 16-2’ can have any thickness, cross-sectional shape, density or number of grid bars, or structure suitable to allow the IV bag to be positioned thereupon.
  • the grid-like framework 16-2 comprises an IV bag support surface 16-2A constituted collectively by the top surfaces of the grid bars 16-2’ for positioning thereupon the IV bag.
  • the outermost horizontal and vertical grid bars 16-2 can constitute a frame F.
  • the structure of IV bag support panel comprises a frame F being formed of bars 16-3’ having see-through window between the frame F.
  • the see-through window can be empty or can include a pane made of transparent material.
  • the frame F can be made of single bar formed into the frame F or by connecting multiple bars forming the frame F.
  • the bars 16-3’ can have any thickness, cross-sectional shape, or structure suitable to allow the IV bag to be positioned thereupon.
  • the frame F comprises an IV bag support surface 16-3A constituted collectively by the top surfaces of the bars 16-3’ for positioning thereupon the IV bag.
  • the dimensions of the top surface of the bars 16-3’ can be selected according to the requirements of the IV bag support surface.
  • the IV bag support panel can allow visibility through at least a majority of area covered by the IV bag support panel in a plane parallel to the IV bag support surface, which in the examples illustrated in Fig. 6 is the plane of the paper. In some examples, the IV bag support panel can allow visibility through at least 60 percent, at least 65 percent, at least 70 percent, at least 75 percent, at least 80 percent, at least 85, at least 90 percent, at least 95 percent, or 100 percent of area covered by the IV bag support panel in a plane parallel to the IV bag support surface, which in the examples illustrated in Fig. 6 is the plane of the paper.
  • the IV bag support panel allowing visibility therethrough enables the visibility of the components disposed behind the IV bag support panel.
  • an optical sensor for example, a camera
  • the structure of the IV bag support panels allows an improved sterilization of the fluid transfer stations as the structures allows the sterilization fluid to pass therethrough therefore preventing undesired accumulation of fluid thereon.
  • Fig. 7 schematically illustrating a robotic (automatic or semi-automatic) fluid transfer system 1, according to another example of the presently disclosed subject matter.
  • the fluid transfer system 1 can include one or more features of the fluid transfer system 1 described herein above with reference to Figs. 1 A to ID, and the description of the corresponding features can apply to those of the fluid transfer system 1 of Fig. 7 as well.
  • the fluid transfer station 1 can comprise a manipulator (not shown), similar or identical to the manipulator 2 of the fluid transfer system 1 described herein above with reference to Figs.
  • a fluid transfer assembly (not shown) similar or identical to the fluid transfer assembly 3 of the fluid transfer system 1 described herein above with reference to Figs. 1 A to ID, for performing the transfer of fluid between the fluid transfer assembly and one or more containers via corresponding one or more container-adaptors.
  • the containers can have container-adaptors associated therewith, and the manipulator can be configured to move the fluid transfer assembly along a fluid transfer path that extends, for aligning the fluid transfer assembly with the containers, for example aligning an adaptor of the fluid transfer assembly with a container-adaptor associated with a container, and establishing a fluid communication between the fluid transfer assembly and the containers, for example via the container-adaptors.
  • the fluid transfer assembly can include a syringe (with or without a syringe adaptor), and the manipulator can be configured to manipulate the syringe to align the syringe with a container-adaptor of a container, establish a fluid communication between the syringe and the container-adaptor, and operate a plunger of the syringe to perform the transfer of fluid between the syringe and the container.
  • a syringe with or without a syringe adaptor
  • the manipulator can be configured to manipulate the syringe to align the syringe with a container-adaptor of a container, establish a fluid communication between the syringe and the container-adaptor, and operate a plunger of the syringe to perform the transfer of fluid between the syringe and the container.
  • the fluid transfer system 1, in the example illustrated in Fig. 7, comprises a container retention zone 5 operable for retaining the one or more containers (not shown), at least during the transfer of fluid between the one or more containers and the fluid transfer assembly (not shown).
  • the fluid transfer system 1, in the example illustrated in Fig. 7, further comprises an adaptor holder zone 6, spaced apart from the container retention zone 5, having one or more adaptor holders 6A, each operable to at least partially hold a container-adaptor (not shown) of the one or more container-adaptors.
  • connection means accommodating zone 7 extending at least partially between the container retention zone 5 and the adaptor holder zone 6, and operable to accommodate one or more connection means (for example, the tube T), for example at least when the one or more connection means connect the one or more containers positioned within the container retention zone 5 and the one or more container-adaptors positioned in the one or more adaptor holders 6.
  • the container retention zone 5 can be located remotely from the adaptor holder zone 6 thereby allowing a strategic positioning or placement of the one or more containers and the corresponding container-adaptors.
  • the containers and the corresponding container-adaptors can be fluid connected by a fluid connection means, for example tube T, which can be at least partially accommodated in the connection means accommodation zone 7.
  • remote is to be understood as a predetermined distance such as 20 cm, 30 cm, 40 cm, 50 cm, 60 cm, 70 cm, 80 cm, 90, cm, 100 cm, 150 cm, or 200 cm, including any value between these specified values.
  • the container can be an IV bag, elastomeric pump, vial, or any other generally known container used in drug preparation procedures
  • the container-adaptor can be any suitable container-adaptor, including for example a container port, a spike adaptor, a luer-lock adaptor, or any other adaptor/connector, for establishing a fluid communication with the container via the fluid connection means.
  • the fluid connection means can be a pipe, tube, conduit with or without suitable connector. One end of the fluid connection means can be connected to the container and another end can be connected to the container-adaptor for establishing the fluid connection between the container and the container-adaptor.
  • the one or more adaptor holders 6A can include any structure suitable to at least partially hold the container-adaptor.
  • the container retention zone 5 can include one or more container support units operable to at least partially support the contained s), for example by way of holding, hanging, placing thereupon, grabbing, etc.
  • the container retention zone 5 comprises a container support unit 4 operable for retaining the one or more containers.
  • the container support unit 4 can include one or more features of the additional container support unit 4 described herein above generally as well as with reference to Figs. 1 A to ID and 2A to 2D.
  • the container support unit 4 can be an IV bag support unit 4 having suspending elements 4A operable for suspending the IV bags therefrom.
  • the suspending elements 4A can have any shape, structure or size suitable for hanging, for example, via any suitable suspension means, the IV bags or any other containers therefrom.
  • the fluid transfer system 1 can include more or lesser number of suspending elements.
  • the container retention zone 5 can comprise more than one container support units, either all same or some being different from other operable for different containers to be positioned therewithin.
  • the adaptor retention zone 6 comprises a platform 10 having the adaptor holders 6A operatively connected thereto.
  • the platform 10 can include one or more features of the platform 10 described herein above generally as well as with reference to Figs. 1A to ID and 2A to 2D, and the description thereof can apply to the platform 10 schematically illustrated in Fig. 7.
  • the platform 10 shown schematically in Fig. 7 can have one or more fluid transfer stations, which can be similar or identical to one or more of the fluid transfer stations 100, 200, 300, 400, described herein above with reference to Figs.
  • the adaptor holder 6A can include one or more spike adaptor holders similar or identical to the adaptor holders 120, 220, and 420 described herein above with reference to the Figs. 1 A to ID, 2A to 2D, 3 A to 3 J, and 5A to 5E, and the description thereof can apply to the corresponding adaptor holders of the system 1 schematically illustrated in Fig. 7.
  • the adaptor holder 6A can include one or more luer-lock-adaptor holders similar or identical to the adaptor holders 130, 230, and 330 described herein above with reference to the Figs. 1 A to ID, 2A to 2D, 3 A to 3 J, and 4A to 4D, and the description thereof can apply to the corresponding adaptor holders of the system 1 schematically illustrated in Fig. 7.

Landscapes

  • Health & Medical Sciences (AREA)
  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
  • Pharmacology & Pharmacy (AREA)
  • Life Sciences & Earth Sciences (AREA)
  • Animal Behavior & Ethology (AREA)
  • General Health & Medical Sciences (AREA)
  • Public Health (AREA)
  • Veterinary Medicine (AREA)
  • Hematology (AREA)
  • Medical Preparation Storing Or Oral Administration Devices (AREA)

Abstract

A fluid transfer station for use within a fluid transfer system operable for transferring fluid between one or more containers via corresponding one or more container-adaptors and a fluid transfer assembly, said fluid transfer station comprising: an IV bag support unit comprising a base and an IV bag support panel operatively connected to the base, said IV bag support panel comprising an IV bag support surface for at least partially supporting thereupon an IV bag constituting a first container of the one or more containers at least during said transfer of fluid between the first container and the fluid transfer assembly, said IV bag support panel having a maximal lateral panel width; a first adaptor holder operatively connected to the IV bag support unit and operable for at least partially holding an IV bag adaptor associated with the IV bag and constituting a first container-adaptor of the one or more container-adaptors, at least during said transfer of fluid between the first container and the fluid transfer assembly; and a second adaptor holder operatively connected to the IV bag support unit and operable for at least partially holding a second container-adaptor, of the one or more container-adaptors, associated with a second container, of the one or more containers, at least during said transfer of fluid between the second container and the fluid transfer assembly; wherein the first and the second adaptor holders are disposed at least partially within the maximal lateral panel width of the IV bag support panel.

Description

FLUID TRANSFER STATION AND FLUID TRANSFER PLATFORM FOR A PHARMACEUTICAL PREPARATION SYSTEM
TECHNOLOGICAL FIELD
The present application relates to robotic pharmaceutical preparation systems, and to fluid transfer stations and fluid transfer platforms for use within the pharmaceutical preparation systems.
BACKGROUND
There are known automatic or semi-automatic fluid transfer systems or pharmaceutical preparation systems for preparing drugs designated for administration to patients. These systems include fluid transfer stations for transfer of fluid between various combinations of fluid transfer assemblies and containers. In the fluid transfer stations, it is important to strategically and efficiently place the containers and corresponding adaptors to allow maximum number of fluid transfers and accordingly maximum number of drug preparations within a limited space available within a system.
GENERAL DESCRIPTION
A pharmaceutical preparation system (interchangeably referred to herein as “fluid transfer system”) may comprise an automatic or partially automatic system comprising manipulator(s) and/or module(s) controlled at least partially by a controller. The robotic pharmaceutical preparation system can be operable for performing any activity related to preparation of drugs, such as drugs designated for administration to patients, including, for example, compounding, diluting, reconstituting, transferring, filling, drawing, agitating and/or other processes associated with pharmaceutical preparation. The pharmaceutical preparation system can include one or more fluid interface regions for transfer of fluid (drug) between various combinations of fluid transfer assemblies and containers. Accordingly, a strategic and efficient placement of the containers and corresponding adaptors is important to provide for a maximum number of fluid interface regions with a limited space of a fluid transfer system.
According to a first aspect of the presently disclosed subject matter, there is provided a fluid transfer station for use within a fluid transfer system operable for transferring fluid between one or more containers via corresponding one or more container-adaptors and a fluid transfer assembly, said fluid transfer station comprising: an IV bag support unit comprising a base and an IV bag support panel operatively connected to the base, said IV bag support panel comprising an IV bag support surface for at least partially supporting thereupon an IV bag constituting a first container of the one or more containers at least during said transfer of fluid between the first container and the fluid transfer assembly, said IV bag support panel having a maximal lateral panel width; a first adaptor holder operatively connected to the IV bag support unit and operable for at least partially holding an IV bag adaptor associated with the IV bag and constituting a first container-adaptor of the one or more container-adaptors, at least during said transfer of fluid between the first container and the fluid transfer assembly; and a second adaptor holder operatively connected to the IV bag support unit and operable for at least partially holding a second container-adaptor, of the one or more container-adaptors, associated with a second container, of the one or more containers, at least during said transfer of fluid between the second container and the fluid transfer assembly; wherein the first and the second adaptor holders are disposed at least partially within the maximal lateral panel width of the IV bag support panel.
The fluid transfer station according to the first aspect can include one or more of the following features, in any combinations:
- optionally, the first adaptor holder can be spaced from the IV bag support unit along a first direction, and the maximal lateral panel width can extend along a second direction transverse the first direction;
- optionally, the first and the second adaptor holders can be aligned along the second direction;
- optionally, each one of the first and the second adaptor holders can at least partially constitute a respective fluid interface region operable to facilitate fluid communication between the fluid transfer assembly and the respective one of the first and second container-adaptors, when the respective one of the first and second container-adaptor is held at the corresponding adaptor holder;
- optionally, the first adaptor holder can be operable to at least partially hold a container-adaptor of a first type constituting the IV bag adaptor; - optionally, the first adaptor holder can be operable to at least partially hold at least one of a container port and a spike adaptor, each constituting the container-adaptor of the first type;
- optionally, the second adaptor holder can be operable to at least partially hold a container-adaptor of a second type, different from the first type, constituting the second container-adaptor;
- optionally, the second adaptor holder can be operable to at least partially hold a luer-lock adaptor constituting the container-adaptor of the second type;
- optionally, the fluid transfer station can further comprise an additional IV bag support unit operable for supporting an additional IV bag constituting the second container, at least during said transfer of fluid between the second container and the fluid transfer assembly;
- optionally, the additional IV bag support unit can comprise a suspending element operable for suspending the additional IV bag therefrom;
- optionally, the second adaptor holder can be positioned in a frontward direction with respect to the IV bag support unit, and the additional IV bag support unit is positioned in one of a rearward direction, opposite the frontward direction, with respect to the IV bag support unit, and a sideward direction, transverse the frontward direction, with respect to the IV bag support unit;
- optionally, the IV bag support unit can comprise a first holder connection port operable for connecting thereto at least the first adaptor holder, and a second holder connection port operable for connecting thereto at least the second adaptor holder;
- optionally, the first holder connection port can be operable for detachably connecting thereto at least the first adaptor holder, and the second holder connection port is operable for detachably connecting thereto at least the second adaptor holder;
- optionally, the first holder connection port can be operable for detachably connecting thereto the second adaptor holder, and the second holder connection port is operable for detachably connecting thereto the first adaptor holder;
- optionally, the IV bag support panel can be detachably connected to the base;
- optionally, the fluid transfer station can have an X-axis, a Y-axis, and a Z-axis mutually orthogonal to each other, and at least one of said first and second adaptor holders can comprise a hanger element having an adaptor receiving region configured for insertion of the corresponding container-adaptor of the first and second container- adaptors therewithin along the Z-axis, a blocking element configured to selectively block the removal of the container-adaptor from the adaptor receiving region along the Z-axis, and the at least one of said first and second adaptor holders can be configured to be manipulated between an unblocking state in which the blocking element allows the removal of the container-adaptor from the adaptor receiving region along the Z-axis and a blocking state in which the blocking element blocks the removal of the containeradaptor from the adaptor receiving region along the Z-axis, and an actuator operatively connected to at least one of the hanger element and the blocking element, and operable to move said at least one of the hanger element and the blocking element for manipulating the at least one of said first and second adaptor holders between the blocking and unblocking states;
- optionally, the actuator can be configured to move said at least one of the hanger element and the blocking element between a blocking position corresponding to the blocking state and an unblocking position corresponding to the unblocking state;
- optionally, the at least one of the hanger element and the blocking element can be articulably connected to the IV bag support unit via a movement mechanism allowing the movement of said at least one of the hanger element and the blocking element with respect to the IV bag support unit for displacement between the blocking and unblocking positions;
- optionally, the first adaptor holder can constitute the at least one of said first and second adaptor holders, and the first holder connection port at least partially constitutes the movement mechanism;
- optionally, the second adaptor holder can constitute the at least one of said first and second adaptor holders, and the second holder connection port at least partially constitutes the movement mechanism; and
- optionally, the fluid transfer station can further comprise a processing circuitry operatively connected to the actuator and configured to control the operation of the actuator to manipulate the at least one of said first and second adaptor holders between the blocking and unblocking states.
According to a second aspect of the presently disclosed subject matter, there is provided a fluid transfer station for use within a fluid transfer system operable for transferring fluid between one or more containers via corresponding one or more container-adaptors and a fluid transfer assembly, said fluid transfer station comprising a container support unit including a base and a container support panel operatively connected to the base, said container support panel being operable for at least partially supporting a first container of the one or more containers at least during said transfer of fluid between the first container and the fluid transfer assembly, said container support unit comprising a first holder connection port operable for detachably connecting thereto at least a first adaptor holder operable for at least partially holding a first containeradaptor of the one or more container-adaptors.
In some examples, the fluid transfer station according to the second aspect can include one or more of the above-described features of the fluid transfer station according to the first aspect.
In some examples, the container support unit of the fluid transfer station according to the second aspect can include one or more features of the IV bag support unit of the fluid transfer station according to the first aspect. In some examples, the container support unit of the fluid transfer station according to the second aspect can be an IV bag support unit similar or identical to the IV bag support unit of the fluid transfer station according to the first aspect. In some examples, the container support unit of the fluid transfer station according to the second aspect can be any container support unit for supporting any container other than an IV bag. In any case, for example irrespective of the container support unit of the fluid transfer station according to the second aspect being an IV bag support unit or not, the container support unit of the fluid transfer station according to the second aspect can include one or more features of the above-described features of the IV bag support unit of the fluid transfer station according to the first aspect.
In some examples, the first holder connection port of the fluid transfer station according to the second aspect can include one or more of the above-described features of the first and/or second holder connection ports of the fluid transfer station according to the first aspect.
In some examples, the fluid transfer station according to the second aspect can further comprise a second holder connection port operable for connecting thereto at least a second adaptor holder operable for at least partially holding a second container-adaptor, of a type different than that of the first container-adaptor, of the one or more containeradaptors. In some examples, the second holder connection port of the fluid transfer station according to the second aspect can include one or more of the above-described features of the first and/or second holder connection ports of the fluid transfer station according to the first aspect. In some examples, the first holder connection port can be operable for detachably connecting thereto the first adaptor holder along a first direction, and the first and second holder connection ports can be positioned side-by-side with respect to each along a second direction transverse the first direction. In some examples, the container support panel can have a maximal lateral panel width along the second direction, and the first and the second holder connection ports can be disposed at least partially within the maximal lateral panel width of the container support panel.
In some examples, the fluid transfer station according to the second aspect can further comprise an additional IV bag support unit operable for supporting an additional IV bag constituting a second container of the one or more containers at least during said transfer of fluid between the second container and the fluid transfer assembly. In some examples, the additional IV bag support unit of the fluid transfer station according to the second aspect can include one or more of the above-described features of the additional IV bag support unit of the fluid transfer station according to the first aspect.
According to a third aspect of the presently disclosed subject matter, there is provided a fluid transfer station for use within a fluid transfer system operable for transferring fluid between one or more containers via corresponding one or more container-adaptors and a fluid transfer assembly, said fluid transfer station comprising: an IV bag support unit comprising a base and an IV bag support panel operatively connected to the base, said IV bag support panel comprising an IV bag support surface for at least partially supporting thereupon an IV bag constituting a first container of the one or more containers at least during said transfer of fluid between the first container and the fluid transfer assembly; and a luer-lock-adaptor holder operatively connected to the IV bag support unit and operable to at least partially hold a luer-lock adaptor, constituting a container-adaptor of the one or more container-adaptors, associated with a second container, of the one or more containers, at least during said transfer of fluid between the second container and the fluid transfer assembly.
In some examples, the fluid transfer station according to the third aspect can include one or more of the above-described features of the fluid transfer station according to the first aspect.
In some examples, the IV bag support unit of the fluid transfer station according to the third aspect can include one or more of the above-described features of the IV bag support unit of the fluid transfer station according to the first aspect. In some examples, the luer-lock-adaptor holder of the fluid transfer station according to the third aspect can include one or more of the above-described features of the second adaptor holder of the fluid transfer station according to the first aspect.
In some examples, the fluid transfer station according to the third aspect can further comprise an additional IV bag support unit operable for supporting an additional IV bag constituting a second container of the one or more containers at least during said transfer of fluid between the second container and the fluid transfer assembly. In some examples, the additional IV bag support unit of the fluid transfer station according to the third aspect can include one or more of the above-described features of the additional IV bag support unit of the fluid transfer station according to the first aspect.
In some examples, the fluid transfer station according to the third aspect can further comprise another adaptor holder operatively connected to the IV bag support unit and operable for at least partially holding at least one of a container port and a spike adaptor, each constituting another container-adaptor of the one or more container-adaptors and associated with the IV bag constituting the first container, at least during said transfer of fluid between the first container and the fluid transfer assembly. In some examples, the other adaptor holder of the fluid transfer station according to the third aspect can include one or more of the above-described features of the first adaptor holder of the fluid transfer station according to the first aspect. In some examples, the other adaptor holder can be spaced from the IV bag support unit along a first direction, and the IV bag support panel can have a maximal lateral panel width extending along a second direction transverse the first direction, and the other adaptor holder and the luer-lock-adaptor holder can be disposed at least partially within the maximal lateral panel width of the IV bag support panel. In some examples, the other adaptor holder and the luer-lock-adaptor holder can be aligned along the second direction.
In some examples, the fluid transfer station according to the third aspect can further comprise a first holder connection port, which can include one or more of the abovedescribed features of the first and/or second holder connection ports of the fluid transfer station according to the first aspect. In some examples, the fluid transfer station according to the third aspect can further comprise a second holder connection port, which can include one or more of the above-described features of the first and/or second holder connection ports of the fluid transfer station according to the first aspect. According to a fourth aspect of the presently disclosed subject matter, there is provided a fluid transfer station for use within a fluid transfer system operable for transferring fluid between one or more containers via corresponding one or more container-adaptors and a fluid transfer assembly, said fluid transfer station comprising an IV bag support unit comprising a base and an IV bag support panel operatively connected to the base, said IV bag support panel comprising an IV bag support surface for at least partially supporting thereupon an IV bag constituting a first container of the one or more containers at least during said transfer of fluid between the first container and the fluid transfer assembly, wherein said IV bag support panel allows visibility therethrough.
In some examples, the IV bag support panel of the fluid transfer station according to one or more of the first and third aspects can allow visibility therethrough. In some examples, the container support unit of the fluid transfer station according to the second aspect can be an IV bag support unit having an IV bag support panel, which can allow visibility therethrough.
The IV bag support panel of the fluid transfer station according to one or more of the first, second, third, and fourth aspects can include one or more of the following features in any combinations:
- optionally, the IV bag support panel can offer visibility therethrough by virtue of at least one of: a material of which the IV bag support panel is formed; and a structure of the IV bag support panel;
- optionally, the material can be a transparent material offering the visibility through the IV bag support panel;
- optionally, the structure can include one or more windows offering the visibility through the IV bag support panel;
- optionally, the structure can include a frame;
- optionally, the structure can include a grid-like framework;
- optionally, the structure can include a wire mesh;
- optionally, the IV bag support panel can allow visibility through at least a majority of area covered by the IV bag support panel in a plane parallel to the corresponding IV bag support surface;
- optionally, the IV bag support panel can allow visibility through at least 75 percent of area covered by the IV bag support panel in a plane parallel to the corresponding IV bag support surface; and - optionally, the IV bag support panel can be detachably connected to the base of the IV bag support unit.
In some examples, the fluid transfer station according to the fourth aspect can include one or more of the above-described features of the fluid transfer station according to the first aspect.
In some examples, the IV bag support unit of the fluid transfer station according to the fourth aspect can include one or more of the above-described features of the IV bag support unit of the fluid transfer station according to the first aspect.
In some examples, the fluid transfer station according to the fourth aspect can further comprise a first adaptor holder operatively connected to the IV bag support unit and operable for at least partially holding an IV bag adaptor associated with the IV bag and constituting a first container-adaptor of the one or more container-adaptors, at least during said transfer of fluid between the first container and the fluid transfer assembly. In some examples, the first adaptor holder of the fluid transfer station according to the fourth aspect can include one or more of the above-described features of the first adaptor holder of the fluid transfer station according to the first aspect.
In some examples, the fluid transfer station according to the fourth aspect can further comprise a second adaptor holder operatively connected to the IV bag support unit and operable for at least partially holding a second container-adaptor, of the one or more container-adaptors, associated with a second container, of the one or more containers, at least during said transfer of fluid between the second container and the fluid transfer assembly. In some examples, the second adaptor holder of the fluid transfer station according to the fourth aspect can include one or more of the above-described features of the second adaptor holder of the fluid transfer station according to the first aspect.
In some examples, the first adaptor holder can be spaced from the IV bag support unit along a first direction, and the IV bag support panel can have a maximal lateral panel width extending along a second direction transverse the first direction, and the first adaptor holder and the second adaptor holder can be disposed at least partially within the maximal lateral panel width of the IV bag support panel.
In some examples, the fluid transfer station according to the fourth aspect can further comprise an additional IV bag support unit operable for supporting an additional IV bag constituting the second container, at least during said transfer of fluid between the second container and the fluid transfer assembly. In some examples, the additional IV bag support unit of the fluid transfer station according to the fourth aspect can include one or more of the above-described features of the additional IV bag support unit of the fluid transfer station according to the first aspect.
In some examples, the fluid transfer station according to the fourth aspect can further comprise a first holder connection port, which can include one or more of the above-described features of the first and/or second holder connection ports of the fluid transfer station according to the first aspect. In some examples, the fluid transfer station according to the fourth aspect can further comprise a second holder connection port, which can include one or more of the above-described features of the first and/or second holder connection ports of the fluid transfer station according to the first aspect.
According to a fifth aspect of the presently disclosed subject matter, there is provided a fluid transfer system operable for transferring fluid between one or more containers via corresponding one or more container-adaptors and a fluid transfer assembly, the fluid transfer system can comprise at least one fluid transfer station according to any one or more of the first, second, third, and fourth concepts.
In some examples, the fluid transfer system can further comprise a fluid transfer assembly manipulator operable to at least partially hold and manipulate the fluid transfer assembly for performing said transfer of fluid. In some examples, the fluid transfer assembly manipulator is operable for moving along the at least one fluid transfer station. In some examples, the fluid transfer assembly manipulator is operable for moving along a fluid transfer path extending along a lateral dimension of the at least one fluid transfer station.
According to a sixth aspect of the presently disclosed subject matter, there is provided a fluid transfer platform for use within a fluid transfer system operable for transferring fluid between one or more containers via corresponding one or more container-adaptors and a fluid transfer assembly, said fluid transfer platform comprising: a platform base; a first number of fluid transfer stations operatively connected to the platform base and having the first number of IV bag support units, each one of the fluid transfer stations comprising a respective one of the IV bag support units, each one of the IV bag support units having a corresponding base and a corresponding IV bag support panel operatively connected to the base, said IV bag support panel comprising an IV bag support surface for at least partially supporting thereupon an IV bag constituting a first container of the one or more containers at least during said transfer of fluid between the first container and the fluid transfer assembly; the first number of first adaptor holders, each operatively connected to a respective one of the IV bag support units and operable for at least partially holding an IV bag adaptor associated with the corresponding IV bag and constituting a first container-adaptor of the one or more container-adaptors; and at least one second adaptor holder operable for at least partially holding a second containeradaptor, of the one or more container-adaptors, said at least one second adaptor holder being operatively connected directly or indirectly to one or more of the platform base, and at least one of the IV bag support units.
In some examples, one or more of the first number of fluid transfer stations of the fluid transfer platform according to the sixth aspect can include one or more of the abovedescribed features of the fluid transfer station according to one or more of the first, second, third, and fourth aspects.
In some examples, the IV bag support unit of the fluid transfer platform according to the sixth aspect can include one or more of the above-described features of the IV bag support unit of the fluid transfer station according to one or more of the first, second, third, and fourth aspects.
In some examples, one or more of the first number of first adaptor holders of the fluid transfer platform according to the sixth aspect can include one or more of the abovedescribed features of the first adaptor holder of the fluid transfer station according to one or more of the first, second, third, and fourth aspects.
In some examples, the second adaptor holder of the fluid transfer platform according to the sixth aspect can include one or more of the above-described features of the second adaptor holder of the fluid transfer station according to one or more of the first, second, third, and fourth aspects.
In some examples, the platform base can be operable for being mounted to a support structure of the fluid transfer system.
In some examples, each of the first adaptor holders can be spaced from the corresponding IV bag support unit along a first direction, and the first adaptor holders can be aligned along a fluid transfer path extending along a second direction transverse the first direction.
In some examples, the at least one second adaptor holder can be aligned along the fluid transfer path. In some examples, the fluid transfer platform can further comprise an additional IV bag support unit operable for supporting an additional IV bag constituting a second container, of the one or more containers, associated with the second container-adaptor, at least during said transfer of fluid between the second container and the fluid transfer assembly. In some examples, the additional IV bag support unit of the fluid transfer platform according to the sixth aspect can include one or more of the above-described features of the additional IV bag support unit of the fluid transfer station according to one or more of the first, second, third, and fourth aspects. In some examples, the at least one second adaptor holder can be positioned in a frontward direction with respect to the platform base, and the additional IV bag support unit can be positioned in one of: a rearward direction, opposite the frontward direction, with respect to the platform base, and a sideward direction, transverse the frontward direction, with respect to the platform base.
In some examples, one or more of the first number of IV bag support units can comprise a first holder connection port, which can include one or more of the abovedescribed features of the first and/or second holder connection ports of the fluid transfer station according to one or more of the first, second, third, and fourth aspects. In some examples, the at least one of the first number of IV bag support units can comprise a second holder connection port, which can include one or more of the above-described features of the first and/or second holder connection ports of the fluid transfer station according to one or more of the first, second, third, and fourth aspects.
In some examples, the at least one second adaptor holder can be spaced from the at least one of the IV bag support units along a first direction, and the IV bag support panel of the at least one of the IV bag support units can have a maximal lateral panel width along a second direction, and the first adaptor holder operatively connected to the at least one of the IV bag support units and the at least one second adaptor holder can be disposed at least partially within the maximal lateral panel width.
In some examples, the first adaptor holders can be spaced from the corresponding IV bag support units along a first direction, and each IV bag support unit of the IV bag support units can be spaced apart by a gap from an adjacent IV bag support unit of the IV bag support units along a second direction transverse the first direction, and the gap can have a gap width along the second direction, and the at least one second adaptor holder can be disposed at least partially within the gap width. According to a seventh aspect of the presently disclosed subject matter, there is provided a fluid transfer system operable for transferring fluid between one or more containers via corresponding one or more container-adaptors and a fluid transfer assembly, and the fluid transfer system can comprise at least one fluid transfer platform according to the sixth aspect. In some examples, the fluid transfer system can further comprise a fluid transfer assembly manipulator operable to at least partially hold and manipulate the fluid transfer assembly for performing said transfer of fluid.
According to an eighth aspect of the presently disclosed subject matter, there is provided a robotic fluid transfer system operable for transferring fluid between one or more containers via corresponding one or more container-adaptors and a fluid transfer assembly, said robotic fluid transfer system comprising: a container retention zone operable for retaining the one or more containers, at least during said transfer of fluid between at least one of the one or more containers and the fluid transfer assembly; an adaptor holder zone, spaced apart from the container retention zone, having one or more adaptor holders each operable to at least partially hold a container-adaptor of the one or more container-adaptors; and a fluid connection means accommodating zone extending at least partially between the container retention zone and the adaptor holder zone, and operable to accommodate one or more connection means at least when said one or more connection means connect the one or more containers positioned within the container retention zone and the one or more container-adaptors positioned in the adaptor holder zone.
In some examples, the one or more adaptor holders can comprise at least one luer- lock-adaptor holder operable to at least partially hold a luer-lock adaptor constituting the container-adaptor.
In some examples, the container retention zone can comprise one or more IV bag support units each operable for supporting an IV bag, constituting the one or more containers.
In some examples, each of the IV bag support units can comprise a suspending element operable for suspending the corresponding IV bag therefrom.
“Fluid transfer” as described herein includes transfer of any fluid between any vessels (e.g. containers and fluid transfer assemblies). In some embodiments, the fluid transfer is in between a container and a fluid transfer assembly. As referred to herein, fluid typically comprises a drug, a diluent, saline solution, water or any other fluid used for pharmaceutical preparation. The terms “pharmaceutical” and “drug” are used interchangeably.
Unless specifically stated otherwise, as apparent from the following discussions, it is appreciated that throughout the specification discussions utilizing terms such as “processing”, “computing”, “comparing”, “determining”, “calculating”, “receiving”, “providing”, “obtaining”, “detecting” or the like, refer to the action(s) and/or process(es) of a computer that manipulate and/or transform data into other data, said data represented as physical, such as electronic, quantities and/or said data representing the physical objects. The term “computer” should be expansively construed to cover any kind of hardware-based electronic device with data processing capabilities including, by way of non-limiting example, the processor, mitigation unit, and inspection unit therein disclosed in the present application.
The terms “non-transitory memory” and “non-transitory storage medium” used herein should be expansively construed to cover any volatile or non-volatile computer memory suitable to the presently disclosed subject matter.
The operations in accordance with the teachings herein may be performed by a computer specially constructed for the desired purposes or by a general-purpose computer specially configured for the desired purpose by a computer program stored in a non- transitory computer-readable storage medium.
Embodiments of the presently disclosed subject matter are not described with reference to any particular programming language. It will be appreciated that a variety of programming languages may be used to implement the teachings of the presently disclosed subject matter as described herein.
EMBODIMENTS
A more specific description is provided in the Detailed Description whilst the following are non-limiting examples of different embodiments of the presently disclosed subject matter.
1. A fluid transfer station for use within a fluid transfer system operable for transferring fluid between one or more containers via corresponding one or more container-adaptors and a fluid transfer assembly, said fluid transfer station comprising: an IV bag support unit comprising a base and an IV bag support panel operatively connected to the base, said IV bag support panel comprising an IV bag support surface for at least partially supporting thereupon an IV bag constituting a first container of the one or more containers at least during said transfer of fluid between the first container and the fluid transfer assembly, said IV bag support panel having a maximal lateral panel width; a first adaptor holder operatively connected to the IV bag support unit and operable for at least partially holding an IV bag adaptor associated with the IV bag and constituting a first container-adaptor of the one or more container-adaptors, at least during said transfer of fluid between the first container and the fluid transfer assembly; and a second adaptor holder operatively connected to the IV bag support unit and operable for at least partially holding a second container-adaptor, of the one or more container-adaptors, associated with a second container, of the one or more containers, at least during said transfer of fluid between the second container and the fluid transfer assembly; wherein the first and the second adaptor holders are disposed at least partially within the maximal lateral panel width of the IV bag support panel.
2. The fluid transfer station according to Embodiment 1, wherein the first adaptor holder is spaced from the IV bag support unit along a first direction, and the maximal lateral panel width extends along a second direction transverse the first direction.
3. The fluid transfer station according to Embodiment 2, wherein the first and the second adaptor holders are aligned along the second direction.
4. The fluid transfer station according to any one of Embodiments 1 to 3, wherein each one of the first and the second adaptor holders at least partially constitutes a respective fluid interface region operable to facilitate fluid communication between the fluid transfer assembly and the respective one of the first and second container-adaptors, when the respective one of the first and second container-adaptor is held at the corresponding adaptor holder. 5. The fluid transfer station according to any one of Embodiments 1 to 4, wherein the first adaptor holder is operable to at least partially hold a container-adaptor of a first type constituting the IV bag adaptor.
6. The fluid transfer station according to Embodiment 5, wherein the first adaptor holder is operable to at least partially hold at least one of a container port and a spike adaptor, each constituting the container-adaptor of the first type.
7. The fluid transfer station according to Embodiment 5 or 6, wherein the second adaptor holder is operable to at least partially hold a container-adaptor of a second type, different from the first type, constituting the second container-adaptor.
8. The fluid transfer station according to Embodiment 7, wherein the second adaptor holder is operable to at least partially hold a luer-lock adaptor constituting the containeradaptor of the second type.
9. The fluid transfer station according to any one of Embodiments 1 to 8, further comprising an additional IV bag support unit operable for supporting an additional IV bag constituting the second container, at least during said transfer of fluid between the second container and the fluid transfer assembly.
10. The fluid transfer station according to Embodiment 9, wherein the additional IV bag support unit comprises a suspending element operable for suspending the additional IV bag therefrom.
11. The fluid transfer station according to Embodiment 9 or 10, wherein the second adaptor holder is positioned in a frontward direction with respect to the IV bag support unit, and the additional IV bag support unit is positioned in one of: a rearward direction, opposite the frontward direction, with respect to the IV bag support unit, and a sideward direction, transverse the frontward direction, with respect to the IV bag support unit.
12. The fluid transfer station according to any one of Embodiments 1 to 11, wherein the IV bag support unit comprises a first holder connection port operable for connecting thereto at least the first adaptor holder, and a second holder connection port operable for connecting thereto at least the second adaptor holder.
13. The fluid transfer station according to Embodiment 12, wherein the first holder connection port is operable for detachably connecting thereto at least the first adaptor holder, and the second holder connection port is operable for detachably connecting thereto at least the second adaptor holder.
14. The fluid transfer station according to Embodiment 13, wherein the first holder connection port is operable for detachably connecting thereto the second adaptor holder, and the second holder connection port is operable for detachably connecting thereto the first adaptor holder.
15. The fluid transfer station according to any one of Embodiments 1 to 14, wherein said IV bag support panel allows a visibility therethrough.
16. The fluid transfer station according to Embodiment 15, wherein said IV bag support panel offers a visibility therethrough by virtue of at least one of a material of which the IV bag support panel is formed; and a structure of the IV bag support panel.
17. The fluid transfer station according to Embodiment 16, wherein the material is transparent material offering the visibility through the IV bag support panel.
18. The fluid transfer station according to Embodiment 16 or 17, wherein the structure includes one or more windows offering the visibility through the IV bag support panel.
19. The fluid transfer station according to any one of Embodiments 16 to 18, wherein the structure includes a frame.
20. The fluid transfer station according to any one of Embodiments 16 to 19, wherein the structure includes a grid-like framework. 21. The fluid transfer station according to any one of Embodiments 16 to 20, wherein the structure includes a wire mesh.
22. The fluid transfer station according to any one of Embodiments 15 to 21, wherein the IV bag support panel allows a visibility through at least a majority of area covered by the IV bag support panel in a plane parallel to the IV bag support surface.
23. The fluid transfer station according to any one of Embodiments 15 to 22, wherein the IV bag support panel allows a visibility through at least 75 percent of area covered by the IV bag support panel in a plane parallel to the IV bag support surface.
24. The fluid transfer station according to any one of Embodiments 1 to 23, wherein the IV bag support panel is detachably connected to the base.
25. The fluid transfer station according to any one of Embodiments 1 to 24, wherein fluid transfer station has an X-axis, a Y-axis, and a Z-axis mutually orthogonal to each other, at least one of said first and second adaptor holders comprising: a hanger element having an adaptor receiving region configured for insertion of the corresponding container-adaptor of the first and second container-adaptors therewithin along the Z-axis; a blocking element configured to selectively block the removal of the containeradaptor from the adaptor receiving region along the Z-axis, wherein the at least one of said first and second adaptor holders is configured to be manipulated between an unblocking state in which the blocking element allows the removal of the containeradaptor from the adaptor receiving region along the Z-axis and a blocking state in which the blocking element blocks the removal of the container-adaptor from the adaptor receiving region along the Z-axis; and an actuator operatively connected to at least one of the hanger element and the blocking element, and operable to move said at least one of the hanger element and the blocking element for manipulating the at least one of said first and second adaptor holders between the blocking and unblocking states. 26. The fluid transfer station according to Embodiment 25, wherein the actuator is configured to move said at least one of the hanger element and the blocking element between a blocking position corresponding to the blocking state and an unblocking position corresponding to the unblocking state.
27. The fluid transfer station according to Embodiment 25 or 26, wherein said at least one of the hanger element and the blocking element is articulably connected to the IV bag support unit via a movement mechanism allowing the movement of said at least one of the hanger element and the blocking element with respect to the IV bag support unit for displacement between the blocking and unblocking positions.
28. The fluid transfer station according to Embodiment 27, when dependent on Embodiment 12, wherein the first adaptor holder constitutes the at least one of said first and second adaptor holders, and the first holder connection port at least partially constitutes the movement mechanism.
29. The fluid transfer station according to Embodiment 27, when dependent on Embodiment 12, wherein the second adaptor holder constitutes the at least one of said first and second adaptor holders, and the second holder connection port at least partially constitutes the movement mechanism.
30. The fluid transfer station according to any one of Embodiments 25 to 29, further comprising a processing circuitry operatively connected to the actuator and configured to control the operation of the actuator to manipulate the at least one of said first and second adaptor holders between the blocking and unblocking states.
31. A fluid transfer station for use within a fluid transfer system operable for transferring fluid between one or more containers via corresponding one or more container-adaptors and a fluid transfer assembly, said fluid transfer station comprising a container support unit including a base and a container support panel operatively connected to the base, said container support panel being operable for at least partially supporting a first container of the one or more containers at least during said transfer of fluid between the first container and the fluid transfer assembly, said container support unit comprising a first holder connection port operable for detachably connecting thereto at least a first adaptor holder operable for at least partially holding a first containeradaptor of the one or more container-adaptors.
32. The fluid transfer station according to Embodiment 31, wherein the first holder connection port is operable for detachably connecting thereto a second adaptor holder operable for at least partially holding a second container-adaptor, of a type different than that of the first container-adaptor, of the one or more container-adaptors.
33. The fluid transfer station according to Embodiment 31 or 32, wherein the first holder connection port constitutes at least partially a first movement mechanism operable to allow movement of at least a part of an adaptor holder, of the first and second adaptor holders, connected to the first holder connection port.
34. The fluid transfer station according to any one of Embodiments 31 to 33, further comprising a second holder connection port operable for connecting thereto at least a second adaptor holder operable for at least partially holding a second container-adaptor, of a type different than that of the first container-adaptor, of the one or more containeradaptors.
35. The fluid transfer station according to Embodiment 34, wherein the second holder connection port is operable for detachably connecting thereto the first adaptor holder.
36. The fluid transfer station according to Embodiment 34 or 35, wherein the second holder connection port constitutes at least partially a second movement mechanism operable to allow movement of at least a part of an adaptor holder, of the first and second adaptor holders, connected to the second holder connection port.
37. The fluid transfer station according to any one of Embodiments 34 to 36, wherein the first holder connection port is operable for detachably connecting thereto the first adaptor holder along a first direction, and the first and second holder connection ports are positioned side-by-side with respect to each along a second direction transverse the first direction. 38. The fluid transfer station according to Embodiment 37, said container support panel having a maximal lateral panel width along the second direction, wherein the first and the second holder connection ports are disposed at least partially within the maximal lateral panel width of the container support panel.
39. The fluid transfer station according to any one of Embodiments 31 to 38, wherein the container support unit comprises an IV bag support unit and the container support panel comprises an IV bag support panel having an IV bag support surface for at least partially supporting thereupon an IV bag constituting the first container.
40. The fluid transfer station according to Embodiment 39, further comprising an additional IV bag support unit operable for supporting an additional IV bag constituting a second container of the one or more containers at least during said transfer of fluid between the second container and the fluid transfer assembly.
41. The fluid transfer station according to Embodiment 40, wherein the additional IV bag support unit comprises a suspending element operable for suspending the additional IV bag therefrom.
42. The fluid transfer station according to any one of Embodiments 39 to 41, wherein the IV bag support panel is detachably connected to the base.
43. The fluid transfer station according to any one of Embodiments 39 to 42, wherein the IV bag support panel allows a visibility therethrough.
44. The fluid transfer station according to Embodiment 43, wherein said IV bag support panel offers a visibility therethrough by virtue of at least one of: a material of which the IV bag support panel is formed; and a structure of the IV bag support panel.
45. The fluid transfer station according to Embodiment 44, wherein the material is transparent material offering the visibility through the IV bag support panel. 46. The fluid transfer station according to Embodiment 44 or 45, wherein the structure includes one or more windows offering the visibility through the IV bag support panel.
47. The fluid transfer station according to any one of Embodiments 44 to 46, wherein the structure includes a frame.
48. The fluid transfer station according to any one of Embodiments 44 to 47, wherein the structure includes a grid-like framework.
49. The fluid transfer station according to any one of Embodiments 44 to 48, wherein the structure includes a wire mesh.
50. The fluid transfer station according to any one of Embodiments 43 to 49, wherein the IV bag support panel allows a visibility through at least a majority of area covered by the IV bag support panel in a plane parallel to the IV bag support surface.
51. A fluid transfer station for use within a fluid transfer system operable for transferring fluid between one or more containers via corresponding one or more container-adaptors and a fluid transfer assembly, said fluid transfer station comprising: an IV bag support unit comprising a base and an IV bag support panel operatively connected to the base, said IV bag support panel comprising an IV bag support surface for at least partially supporting thereupon an IV bag constituting a first container of the one or more containers at least during said transfer of fluid between the first container and the fluid transfer assembly; and a luer-lock-adaptor holder operatively connected to the IV bag support unit and operable to at least partially hold a luer-lock adaptor, constituting a container-adaptor of the one or more container-adaptors, associated with a second container, of the one or more containers, at least during said transfer of fluid between the second container and the fluid transfer assembly.
52. The fluid transfer station according to Embodiment 51, wherein the luer-lock- adaptor holder at least partially constitutes a fluid interface region operable to facilitate fluid communication between the fluid transfer assembly and the luer-lock adaptor, when the luer-lock adaptor is held at the luer-lock-adaptor holder.
53. The fluid transfer station according to Embodiment 51 or 52, further comprising an additional IV bag support unit operable for supporting an additional IV bag constituting the second container.
54. The fluid transfer station according to Embodiment 53, wherein the additional IV bag support unit comprises a suspending element operable for suspending the additional IV bag therefrom.
55. The fluid transfer station according to Embodiment 53 or 54, wherein the luer-lock- adaptor holder is positioned in a frontward direction with respect to the IV bag support unit, and the additional IV bag support unit is positioned in one of: a rearward direction, opposite the frontward direction, with respect to the IV bag support unit, and a sideward direction, transverse the frontward direction, with respect to the IV bag support unit.
56. The fluid transfer station according to any one of Embodiments 51 to 55, wherein the luer-lock-adaptor holder is detachably connected to the IV bag support unit.
57. The fluid transfer station according to any one of Embodiments 51 to 56, further comprising another adaptor holder operatively connected to the IV bag support unit and operable for at least partially holding at least one of a container port and a spike adaptor, each constituting another container-adaptor of the one or more container-adaptors and associated with the IV bag constituting the first container, at least during said transfer of fluid between the first container and the fluid transfer assembly.
58. The fluid transfer station according to Embodiment 57, wherein the other adaptor holder is spaced from the IV bag support unit along a first direction, said IV bag support panel having a maximal lateral panel width extending along a second direction transverse the first direction, wherein the other adaptor holder and the luer-lock-adaptor holder are disposed at least partially within the maximal lateral panel width of the IV bag support panel. 59. The fluid transfer station according to Embodiment 58, wherein the other adaptor holder and the luer-lock-adaptor holder are aligned along the second direction.
60. The fluid transfer station according to any one of Embodiments 57 to 59, wherein the other adaptor holder at least partially constitutes a fluid interface region operable to facilitate fluid communication between the fluid transfer assembly and the other adaptor, when the other adaptor is held at the other adaptor holder.
61. The fluid transfer station according to any one of Embodiments 57 to 60, wherein the IV bag support unit comprises a first holder connection port operable for connecting thereto at least the other adaptor holder, and a second holder connection port operable for connecting thereto at least the luer-lock-adaptor holder.
62. The fluid transfer station according to Embodiment 61, wherein the first holder connection port is operable for detachably connecting thereto at least the other adaptor holder, and the second holder connection port is operable for detachably connecting thereto at least the luer-lock-adaptor holder.
63. The fluid transfer station according to Embodiment 62, wherein the first holder connection port is operable for detachably connecting thereto the luer-lock-adaptor holder, and the second holder connection port is operable for detachably connecting thereto the other adaptor holder.
64. The fluid transfer station according to any one of Embodiments 51 to 63, wherein said IV bag support panel allows a visibility therethrough.
65. The fluid transfer station according to Embodiment 64, wherein said IV bag support panel offers a visibility therethrough by virtue of at least one of: a material of which the IV bag support panel is formed; and a structure of the IV bag support panel.
66. The fluid transfer station according to Embodiment 65, wherein the material is transparent material offering the visibility through the IV bag support panel. 67. The fluid transfer station according to Embodiment 65 or 66, wherein the structure includes one or more windows offering the visibility through the IV bag support panel.
68. The fluid transfer station according to any one of Embodiments 65 to 67, wherein the structure includes at least one of a frame, a grid-like framework, and a wire mesh.
69. The fluid transfer station according to any one of Embodiments 64 to 68, wherein the IV bag support panel allows a visibility through at least a majority of area covered by the IV bag support panel in a plane parallel to the IV bag support surface.
70. The fluid transfer station according to any one of Embodiments 51 to 69, wherein the IV bag support panel is detachably connected to the base.
71. A fluid transfer station for use within a fluid transfer system operable for transferring fluid between one or more containers via corresponding one or more container-adaptors and a fluid transfer assembly, said fluid transfer station comprising an IV bag support unit comprising a base and an IV bag support panel operatively connected to the base, said IV bag support panel comprising an IV bag support surface for at least partially supporting thereupon an IV bag constituting a first container of the one or more containers at least during said transfer of fluid between the first container and the fluid transfer assembly, wherein said IV bag support panel allows a visibility therethrough.
72. The fluid transfer station according to Embodiment 71 , wherein said IV bag support panel offers a visibility therethrough by virtue of at least one of: a material of which the IV bag support panel is formed; and a structure of the IV bag support panel.
73. The fluid transfer station according to Embodiment 72, wherein the material is transparent material offering the visibility through the IV bag support panel.
74. The fluid transfer station according to Embodiment 72 or 73, wherein the structure includes one or more windows offering the visibility through the IV bag support panel. 75. The fluid transfer station according to any one of Embodiments 72 to 74, wherein the structure includes a frame.
76. The fluid transfer station according to any one of Embodiments 72 to 75, wherein the structure includes a grid-like framework.
77. The fluid transfer station according to any one of Embodiments 72 to 76, wherein the structure includes a wire mesh.
78. The fluid transfer station according to any one of Embodiments 71 to 77, wherein the IV bag support panel allows a visibility through at least a majority of area covered by the IV bag support panel in a plane parallel to the IV bag support surface.
79. The fluid transfer station according to any one of Embodiments 71 to 78, wherein the IV bag support panel allows a visibility through at least 75 percent of area covered by the IV bag support panel in a plane parallel to the IV bag support surface.
80. The fluid transfer station according to any one of Embodiments 71 to 79, wherein the IV bag support panel is detachably connected to the base.
81. The fluid transfer station according to any one of Embodiments 71 to 80, further comprising a first adaptor holder operatively connected to the IV bag support unit and operable for at least partially holding an IV bag adaptor associated with the IV bag and constituting a first container-adaptor of the one or more container-adaptors, at least during said transfer of fluid between the first container and the fluid transfer assembly.
82. The fluid transfer station according to Embodiment 81, wherein the first adaptor holder at least partially constitutes a first fluid interface region operable to facilitate fluid communication between the fluid transfer assembly and the first container-adaptor, when the first container-adaptor is held at the first adaptor holder. 83. The fluid transfer station according to Embodiment 81 or 82, wherein the first adaptor holder is operable to at least partially hold at least one of an IV bag port and a spike adaptor, each constituting the IV bag adaptor.
84. The fluid transfer station according to any one of Embodiments 81 to 83, wherein the IV bag support unit comprises a first holder connection port operable for detachably connecting thereto at least the first adaptor holder.
85. The fluid transfer station according to Embodiment 84, wherein the first holder connection port constitutes at least partially a first movement mechanism operable to allow movement of at least a part of the first adaptor holder, when the first adaptor holder is connected at the first holder connection port.
86. The fluid transfer station according to any one of Embodiments 81 to 85, further comprising a second adaptor holder operatively connected to the IV bag support unit and operable for at least partially holding a second container-adaptor, of the one or more container-adaptors, associated with a second container, of the one or more containers, at least during said transfer of fluid between the second container and the fluid transfer assembly.
87. The fluid transfer station according to Embodiment 86, wherein the second adaptor holder at least partially constitutes a second fluid interface region operable to facilitate fluid communication between the fluid transfer assembly and the second containeradaptor, when the second container-adaptor is held at the second adaptor holder.
88. The fluid transfer station according to Embodiment 86 or 87, wherein the second adaptor holder is operable to at least partially hold a luer-lock adaptor constituting the second container-adaptor.
89. The fluid transfer station according to any one of Embodiments 86 to 88, when dependent on Embodiment 84, wherein the IV bag support unit comprises a second holder connection port operable for detachably connecting thereto at least the second adaptor holder. 90. The fluid transfer station according to Embodiment 89, wherein the second holder connection port constitutes at least partially a second movement mechanism operable to allow movement of at least a part of the second adaptor holder, when the second adaptor holder is connected at the second holder connection port.
91. The fluid transfer station according to Embodiment 89 or 90, wherein the first holder connection port is operable for detachably connecting thereto the second adaptor holder, and the second holder connection port is operable for detachably connecting thereto the first adaptor holder.
92. The fluid transfer station according to any one of Embodiments 86 to 91, wherein the first adaptor holder is spaced from the IV bag support unit along a first direction, said IV bag support panel having a maximal lateral panel width extending along a second direction transverse the first direction, wherein the first adaptor holder and the second adaptor holder are disposed at least partially within the maximal lateral panel width of the IV bag support panel.
93. The fluid transfer station according to Embodiment 92, wherein the first adaptor holder and the second adaptor holder are aligned along the second direction.
94. The fluid transfer station according to any one of Embodiments 86 to 93, further comprising an additional IV bag support unit operable for supporting an additional IV bag constituting the second container, at least during said transfer of fluid between the second container and the fluid transfer assembly.
95. The fluid transfer station according to Embodiment 94, wherein the additional IV bag support unit comprises a suspending element operable for suspending the additional IV bag therefrom.
96. The fluid transfer station according to Embodiment 94 or 95, wherein the second adaptor holder is positioned in a frontward direction with respect to the IV bag support unit, and the additional IV bag support unit is positioned in one of: a rearward direction, opposite the frontward direction, with respect to the IV bag support unit, and a sideward direction, transverse the frontward direction, with respect to the IV bag support unit.
97. A fluid transfer system operable for transferring fluid between one or more containers via corresponding one or more container-adaptors and a fluid transfer assembly, said fluid transfer system comprising at least one fluid transfer station according to any one of Embodiments 1 to 96.
98. The fluid transfer system according to Embodiment 97, further comprising a fluid transfer assembly manipulator operable to at least partially hold and manipulate the fluid transfer assembly for performing said transfer of fluid.
99. The fluid transfer system according to Embodiment 98, wherein the fluid transfer assembly manipulator is operable for moving along the at least one fluid transfer station.
100. The fluid transfer system according to Embodiment 99, wherein the fluid transfer assembly manipulator is operable for moving along a fluid transfer path extending along a lateral dimension of the at least one fluid transfer station.
101. A fluid transfer platform for use within a fluid transfer system operable for transferring fluid between one or more containers via corresponding one or more container-adaptors and a fluid transfer assembly, said fluid transfer platform comprising: a platform base; a first number of fluid transfer stations operatively connected to the platform base and having the first number of IV bag support units, each one of the fluid transfer stations comprising a respective one of the IV bag support units, each one of the IV bag support units having a corresponding base and a corresponding IV bag support panel operatively connected to the base, said IV bag support panel comprising an IV bag support surface for at least partially supporting thereupon an IV bag constituting a first container of the one or more containers at least during said transfer of fluid between the first container and the fluid transfer assembly; the first number of first adaptor holders, each operatively connected to a respective one of the IV bag support units and operable for at least partially holding an IV bag adaptor associated with the corresponding IV bag and constituting a first containeradaptor of the one or more container-adaptors; and at least one second adaptor holder operable for at least partially holding a second container-adaptor, of the one or more container-adaptors, said at least one second adaptor holder being operatively connected directly or indirectly to one or more of the platform base, and at least one of the IV bag support units.
102. The fluid transfer platform according to Embodiment 101, wherein the platform base is operable for being mounted to a support structure of the fluid transfer system.
103. The fluid transfer platform according to Embodiment 101 or 102, wherein each of the first adaptor holders is operable to at least partially hold a container-adaptor of a first type, constituting the IV bag adaptor.
104. The fluid transfer platform according to Embodiment 103, wherein each of the first adaptor holders is operable to at least partially hold at least one of an IV bag port and a spike adaptor, each constituting the container-adaptor of the first type.
105. The fluid transfer platform according to Embodiment 104, wherein the second adaptor holder is operable to at least partially hold a luer-lock adaptor constituting the second container-adaptor of a second type different from the first type.
106. The fluid transfer platform according to any one of Embodiments 101 to 105, wherein each of the first adaptor holders is spaced from the corresponding IV bag support unit along a first direction, and the first adaptor holders are aligned along a fluid transfer path extending along a second direction transverse the first direction.
107. The fluid transfer platform according to Embodiment 106, wherein the at least one second adaptor holder is aligned along the fluid transfer path.
108. The fluid transfer platform according to any one of Embodiments 101 to 107, wherein each one of the first and the second adaptor holders at least partially constitute a respective fluid interface region operable to facilitate fluid communication between the fluid transfer assembly and the respective one of the first and second container-adaptors, when the respective one of the first and second container-adaptor is held at the corresponding adaptor holder.
109. The fluid transfer platform according to any one of Embodiments 101 to 108, further comprising an additional IV bag support unit operable for supporting an additional IV bag constituting a second container, of the one or more containers, associated with the second container-adaptor, at least during said transfer of fluid between the second container and the fluid transfer assembly.
110. The fluid transfer platform according to Embodiment 109, wherein the additional IV bag support unit comprises a suspending element operable for suspending the additional IV bag therefrom.
111. The fluid transfer platform according to Embodiment 109 or 110, wherein the at least one second adaptor holder is positioned in a frontward direction with respect to the platform base, and the additional IV bag support unit is positioned in one of: a rearward direction, opposite the frontward direction, with respect to the platform base, and a sideward direction, transverse the frontward direction, with respect to the platform base.
112. The fluid transfer platform according to any one of Embodiments 101 to 111, wherein each one of the first number of IV bag support units comprises a first holder connection port operable for connecting thereto at least the corresponding one of the first adaptor holders.
113. The fluid transfer platform according to Embodiment 112, wherein the first holder connection port is operable for detachably connecting thereto the corresponding one of the first adaptor holders.
114. The fluid transfer platform according to Embodiment 112 or 113, wherein said at least one of the IV bag support units comprises a second holder connection port operable for connecting thereto at least the at least one second adaptor holder. 115. The fluid transfer platform according to Embodiment 114, wherein the second holder connection port is operable for detachably connecting thereto the at least one second adaptor holder.
116. The fluid transfer platform according to Embodiment 115, wherein the first holder connection port is operable for detachably connecting thereto the at least one second adaptor holder, and the second holder connection port is operable for detachably connecting thereto an adaptor holder of the first adaptor holders.
117. The fluid transfer platform according to any one of Embodiments 101 to 116, wherein said at least one second adaptor holder is spaced from said at least one of the IV bag support units along a first direction, the IV bag support panel of said at least one of the IV bag support units having a maximal lateral panel width along a second direction, wherein the first adaptor holder operatively connected to said at least one of the IV bag support units and the at least one second adaptor holder are disposed at least partially within the maximal lateral panel width.
118. The fluid transfer platform according to any one of Embodiments 101 to 116, the first adaptor holders being spaced from the corresponding IV bag support units along a first direction, wherein each IV bag support unit of the IV bag support units is spaced apart by a gap from an adjacent IV bag support unit of the IV bag support units along a second direction transverse the first direction, said gap having a gap width along the second direction, wherein the at least one second adaptor holder is disposed at least partially within the gap width.
119. The fluid transfer platform according to any one of Embodiments 101 to 118, wherein at least one of said IV bag support panels allows a visibility therethrough.
120. The fluid transfer platform according to Embodiment 119, wherein said at least one IV bag support panel offers a visibility therethrough by virtue of at least one of: a material of which said at least one IV bag support panel is formed; and a structure of said at least one IV bag support panel. 121. The fluid transfer platform according to Embodiment 120, wherein the material is transparent material offering the visibility through said at least one IV bag support panel.
122. The fluid transfer platform according to Embodiment 120 or 121, wherein the structure includes one or more windows offering the visibility through said at least one IV bag support panel.
123. The fluid transfer platform according to any one of Embodiments 120 to 122, wherein the structure includes a frame.
124. The fluid transfer platform according to any one of Embodiments 120 to 123, wherein the structure includes a grid-like framework.
125. The fluid transfer platform according to any one of Embodiments 120 to 124, wherein the structure includes a wire mesh.
126. The fluid transfer platform according to any one of Embodiments 119 to 125, wherein said at least one IV bag support panel allows a visibility through at least a majority of area covered by said at least one IV bag support panel in a plane parallel to the corresponding IV bag support surface.
127. The fluid transfer platform according to any one of Embodiments 119 to 126, wherein the IV bag support panel allows a visibility through at least 75 percent of area covered by said at least one IV bag support panel in a plane parallel to the corresponding IV bag support surface.
128. The fluid transfer platform according to any one of Embodiments 101 to 127, wherein at least one of the IV bag support panels is detachably connected to the corresponding base.
129. A fluid transfer system operable for transferring fluid between one or more containers via corresponding one or more container-adaptors and a fluid transfer assembly, said fluid transfer system comprising at least one fluid transfer platform according to any one of Embodiments 101 to 128.
130. The fluid transfer system according to Embodiment 129, further comprising a fluid transfer assembly manipulator operable to at least partially hold and manipulate the fluid transfer assembly for performing said transfer of fluid.
131. A robotic fluid transfer system operable for transferring fluid between one or more containers via corresponding one or more container-adaptors and a fluid transfer assembly, said robotic fluid transfer system comprising: a container retention zone operable for retaining the one or more containers, at least during said transfer of fluid between at least one of the one or more containers and the fluid transfer assembly; an adaptor holder zone, spaced apart from the container retention zone, having one or more adaptor holders each operable to at least partially hold a container-adaptor of the one or more container-adaptors; and a fluid connection means accommodating zone extending at least partially between the container retention zone and the adaptor holder zone, and operable to accommodate one or more connection means at least when said one or more connection means connect the one or more containers positioned within the container retention zone and the one or more container-adaptors positioned in the adaptor holder zone.
132. The robotic fluid transfer system according to Embodiment 131, wherein the one or more adaptor holders comprise at least one luer-lock-adaptor holder operable to at least partially hold a luer-lock adaptor constituting the container-adaptor.
133. The robotic fluid transfer system according to Embodiment 131 or 132, wherein the container retention zone comprises one or more IV bag support units each operable for supporting an IV bag, constituting the one or more containers.
134. The robotic fluid transfer system according to Embodiment 133, wherein each of the IV bag support units comprises a suspending element operable for suspending the corresponding IV bag therefrom. It is to be understood herein that the examples described in this description (with reference to the drawings and otherwise) have been described with reference to only a few components of the fluid transfer system out of all which are encompassed by the scope of the present subject matter for the purposes of conciseness and clarity of the present description. Various examples analogous to those described herein with different components of the fluid transfer system should be considered within the scope of the present description.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
In order to better understand the subject matter that is disclosed herein and to exemplify how it may be carried out in practice, embodiments will now be described, by way of non-limiting example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:
FIG. 1 A illustrates a perspective view of a fluid transfer system, according to an example of the presently disclosed subject matter;
FIG. IB illustrates a top view of the fluid transfer system of FIG. 1 A;
FIG. 1C illustrates the same view as that of FIG. IB with some parts of the fluid transfer system being not shown for illustration purposes;
FIG. ID illustrates a top view of a portion of a fluid transfer system, according to another example of the presently disclosed subject matter;
FIG. 2A illustrates a front view of a fluid transfer platform, according to an example of the presently disclosed subject matter;
FIG. 2B illustrates a perspective view of the fluid transfer platform of FIG. 2A;
FIG. 2C illustrates a top view of the fluid transfer platform of FIG. 2 A;
FIG. 2D illustrates the same view as that of FIG. 2C with some parts of the fluid transfer platform being not shown for illustration purposes;
FIG. 3A illustrates a perspective view of a fluid transfer station, according to an example of the presently disclosed subject matter;
FIG. 3B illustrates another perspective view of the fluid transfer station of FIG. 3A;
FIG. 3C illustrates the same view as that of FIG. 3B with a container-adaptor positioned within an adaptor holder of the fluid transfer station; FIG. 3D illustrates a top view of the fluid transfer station of FIG. 3 A;
FIG. 3E illustrates the same view as that of FIG. 3D with a container-adaptor positioned within an adaptor holder of the fluid transfer station;
FIG. 3F illustrates a bottom perspective view of the fluid transfer station of FIG. 3A;
FIG. 3G illustrates the same view as that of FIG. 3F with a container-adaptor positioned within an adaptor holder of the fluid transfer station;
FIG. 3H illustrates a perspective view of a portion of a fluid transfer station, according to another example of the presently disclosed subject matter;
FIG. 31 illustrates a perspective view of a fluid transfer station, according to yet another example of the presently disclosed subject matter;
FIG. 3 J illustrates the same view as that of FIG. 31 with a container-adaptor positioned within an adaptor holder of the fluid transfer station;
FIG. 4A illustrates a perspective view of a fluid transfer station, according to yet another example of the presently disclosed subject matter, with a container-adaptor positioned within an adaptor holder thereof;
FIG. 4B illustrates another perspective view of the fluid transfer station of FIG. 4A with a container associated with the container-adaptor;
FIG. 4C illustrates a top view of the fluid transfer station of FIG. 4B;
FIG. 4D illustrates a bottom perspective view of the fluid transfer station of FIG. 4A without the container-adaptor;
FIG. 5A illustrates a perspective view of a fluid transfer station, according to yet another example of the presently disclosed subject matter;
FIG. 5B illustrates the same view as that of FIG. 5A with a container-adaptor positioned within an adaptor holder of the fluid transfer station;
FIG. 5C illustrates a top view of the fluid transfer station of FIG. 5B;
FIG. 5D illustrates a bottom perspective view of the fluid transfer station of FIG. 5A;
FIG. 5E illustrates a partially exploded view of the fluid transfer station of FIG. 5D;
FIG. 6 schematically illustrates top views of IV bag support panels, according to various examples of the presently disclosed subject matter; and Fig. 7 schematically illustrates a fluid transfer system, according to an example of the presently disclosed subject matter.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS
The presently disclosed subject matter provides examples of automatic or partially automatic pharmaceutical preparation systems (interchangeably referred to herein as “fluid transfer systems”) as well as fluid transfer stations and fluid transfer platforms to be used within a fluid transfer system. The fluid transfer platform can have mounted thereon one or more fluid transfer stations that facilitate transfer of fluid between containers and/or fluid transfer assemblies, and accordingly include one or more container support units for supporting (by way of holding, hanging, placing thereupon, grabbing, or in any other way supporting) the containers, and corresponding adaptor holders for holding (by way of grabbing, hanging, placing thereupon or in any other way supporting) the adaptors associated with the containers.
The fluid transfer systems, being robotic systems with automatic or partially automatic capabilities, are used for preparation of and handling multiple prescriptions simultaneously. Therefore, the fluid transfer systems require to perform multiple fluid transfer operations simultaneously and/or frequently at more than one fluid transfer stations. The size of the fluid transfer systems being limited requires the placement and operability of multiple fluid transfer stations to be such that the space occupied by the system can be effectively used. Accordingly, the fluid transfer systems, the fluid transfer platforms, and the fluid transfer stations according to various examples of the presently disclosed subject matter are configured (by way of one or more of their components, placement, structure, shape, orientation, operating mechanism, etc.) to facilitate fluid transfer operations to be performed while efficiently using the available space occupied by the system.
In general, a fluid transfer system, according to various examples of the presently disclosed subject matter, can comprise a manipulator (also referred to herein as “fluid transfer assembly manipulator”) to at least partially hold and to manipulate a fluid transfer assembly for performing the transfer of fluid between the fluid transfer assembly and a container. The container can be positioned at a fluid transfer station, with a containeradaptor associated therewith being held at an adaptor holder, and the manipulator can be configured to move the fluid transfer assembly along a fluid transfer path that extends along the fluid transfer station, for aligning the fluid transfer assembly with the container, for example aligning an adaptor of the fluid transfer assembly with a container-adaptor associated with the container, and establishing a fluid communication between the fluid transfer assembly and the container, for example via the container-adaptor. For instance, in some examples, the fluid transfer assembly can include a syringe (with or without a syringe adaptor), and the manipulator can be configured to manipulate the syringe to align the syringe with a container-adaptor of a container, establish a fluid communication between the syringe and the container-adaptor, and operate a plunger of the syringe to perform the transfer of fluid between the syringe and the container.
For the purposes of the present description, a container-adaptor is to be understood as a portion of the container and/or a component attachable to the container that facilitates fluid communication with the container, and can be according to the container being used. In some examples, the container adaptor can be a separate (or even integrally formed with the container) component that can be connected to the container to facilitate fluid communication with the container. Such components can include a spike adaptor, a vial adaptor, a luer-lock adaptor, or generally any adaptor (or connector) operable to establish fluid communication with the container. In some examples, the container adaptor can be a port of the container itself, for example an inlet/outlet port through which fluid communication with the container can be facilitated. In any case, when the container is positioned at the container support unit, the container-adaptor is held (or positioned) at the adaptor holder for the transfer of fluid to be carried out.
The container adaptor can be selected, for example, based on the drug to be transferred to/from the container. For instance, in case a harmful or hazardous drug is to be transferred, an external component such as a spike adaptor, a vial adaptor, a luer-lock adaptor, or generally any adaptor (or connector) operable to establish fluid communication with the container can be used as a container adaptor. In case, a non- hazardous drug is to be transferred, the port of the container (container port) can be used directly. Accordingly, any such element that facilitates interface with the container for fluid communication can be referred to as a container adaptor, and interchangeably as a container interface element.
Reference is first made to Figs. 1 A to ID, of which Figs. 1 A to 1C illustrate a fluid transfer system 1 (interchangeably referred to herein as “pharmaceutical preparation system 1” or “system 1”), according to an example of the presently disclosed subject matter. The fluid transfer system 1, in the example illustrated in Figs. 1 A to 1C, comprises a fluid transfer platform 10 having mounted thereto four fluid transfer stations 100, 200, 300, and 400. It is to be understood herein that some or all of the fluid transfer stations 100, 200, 300, 400 can be same. In fact, in the illustrated example, the fluid transfer station 200 is thesame as the fluid transfer station 100, and has been shown without container-adaptors positioned within its adaptor holders while the fluid transfer station 100 has been shown with the container-adaptors, which in the illustrated example are separate components connected (or integrally formed) with the containers.
Fig. ID illustrates a portion (for clarity and conciseness) of a fluid transfer system 1, according to another example of the presently disclosed subject matter. The fluid transfer system 1, in the example illustrated in Fig. ID, comprises a fluid transfer platform 10 having mounting thereto four fluid transfer stations 100 (all four being referred to as 100 because in the illustrated example, all four fluid transfer stations have been shown as being the same).
It is to be understood herein that the fluid transfer platform 10 can include any, some, or all of the features of the fluid transfer platform 10 described herein according to various examples of the presently disclosed subject matter, for example, generally as well as with reference to Figs. 2 A to 2D.
It is to be further understood herein that any, some, or all of the fluid transfer stations 100, 200, 300, 400 can include any, some, or all of the features, in any combination, of the fluid transfer stations 100, 200, 300, 400 described herein according to various examples of the presently disclosed subject matter, for example, generally as well as with reference to Figs. 3A to 3J, 4A to 4D, 5A to 5E, and 6. For instance, any number of fluid transfer stations of the fluid transfer system 1 can include a set of features of the features of the fluid transfer stations described herein, and any number of fluid transfer stations can include a different set of features of the features of the fluid transfer stations described herein. For instance, in some examples, one or more fluid transfer stations of the system 1 can include some of the features of the fluid transfer stations described herein, and one or more fluid transfer stations of the system 1 can include some others of the features of the fluid transfer stations described herein.
It is to be further understood herein that although four fluid transfer stations have been shown herein, the fluid transfer system 1 can include more or lesser number of fluid transfer stations. The system 1 can be any fluid transfer system configured for performing automatic or semi-automatic drug preparation procedures including transfer of drugs between various containers. The system 1 has a manipulator 2 for manipulating a fluid transfer assembly 3, which in the illustrated example is a syringe assembly 3 constituted by a syringe 3 A and a syringe adaptor 3B. In some examples, a fluid transfer assembly can be constituted by a syringe without a separate component, i.e., the needle or port of the syringe can constitute the syringe adaptor. It is to be understood herein that in some examples, the fluid transfer assembly can include any container other than a syringe and its corresponding adaptor (or any interface element as described above). The manipulator
2 is configured to move the fluid transfer assembly 3 to align the adaptor 3B with any one of the fluid transfer stations 100, 200, 300, 400 for establishment of fluid connection between the fluid transfer assembly 3, via the adaptor 3B, and a container positioned at the fluid transfer station, via a corresponding container-adaptor held at an adaptor holder of the fluid transfer station.
In general, the manipulator 2 can be configured to move the fluid transfer assembly
3 in any direction to align the fluid transfer assembly 3, for example, the adaptor 3B with a container-adaptor positioned at an adaptor holder of a fluid transfer station. The fluid communication (or interface) between the fluid transfer assembly 3 and a container positioned at the fluid transfer station can be established at a fluid interface region associated with the fluid transfer station.
In the illustrated examples, the system 1 has (or extends along) X-axis, indicated by arrow X, Y-axis, indicated by arrow Y, and Z-axis, indicated by arrow Z, the three axes representing three directions orthogonal to each other. The manipulator 2 is configured to move the fluid transfer assembly 3 along a fluid transfer path extending along the X-axis to align the adaptor 3B with any one (at a time) of the fluid transfer stations. Once the adaptor 3B is aligned with a fluid transfer station, a fluid communication is established between the fluid transfer assembly 3 and a container positioned at the fluid transfer station via the adaptor 3B and a container-adaptor associated with the container.
The system can further comprise a support structure, for example the support structure SS, for the fluid transfer platform and/or the fluid transfer stations to be mounted thereto. In some examples, the support structure SS can be configured for mounting thereto other components (not shown) of the system 1, for example, sensors, cameras, etc. The support structure SS has not been shown in Fig. 1C for the purposes of clarity and conciseness.
In general, the system 1 can be positioned within an enclosure (not shown) providing a controlled environment, generally a sterile environment facilitated for reducing or preventing exposure of the system 1 to contaminants. In some examples, the enclosure can comprise a hood, such as a standard fume hood or a laminar flow hood, having an opening (for example, in the form of a window) in the front to allow an operator of the system to access the fluid transfer stations and/or other portions of the system 1. In some examples, the enclosure can comprise a clean room, a bio safety cabinet, an isolator, or any other suitable enclosure in which environmental conditions can be controlled. The space within the enclosure is generally limited and hence is to be utilized efficiently to perform maximum possible number of fluid transfers between different containers and the fluid transfer assembly.
The fluid transfer stations can each include a container support unit for at least partially supporting a container, for example while a transfer of fluid is performed with the container via a container-adaptor associated with the container. Thus, the fluid transfer stations can each include an adaptor holder for at least partially holding the containeradaptor associated with the container positioned (or held) at the corresponding container support unit, for example while a transfer of fluid is performed with the container via the container-adaptor. In general, the adaptor holder can constitute at least partially a fluid interface region operable to facilitate fluid communication between the fluid transfer assembly and the container-adaptor. Thus, the transfer of fluid is performed within the fluid transfer region, or in other words, at the adaptor holder. The adaptor holder occupies comparatively lesser space than the container support unit, for example when the container to be positioned is an IV bag and the container support unit is an IV bag support unit, which has an IV bag support panel including an IV bag support surface onto which the IV bag can be positioned. Accordingly, the container support unit occupies more space than the adaptor holder where actually the transfer of fluid is performed. Therefore, while it is desirable to have more numbers of adaptor holders, to facilitate more numbers of fluid transfers, it is the container support unit that is to be efficiently positioned, for example, remotely from the adaptor holder that holds the corresponding adaptor associated therewith. In some examples, the adaptor holders (including the additional adaptor holders) can be positioned in a frontward direction (a direction from where an operator can access the fluid transfer stations) with respect to the fluid transfer stations or fluid transfer platform, and the additional container support unit can be positioned in any of the rearward direction, opposite the frontward direction, and a sideward direction, transverse the frontward direction, with respect to the fluid transfer stations or the fluid transfer platform.
Accordingly, the system 1 can comprise a container support unit 4 (in addition to container support units of the fluid transfer stations 100, 200, 300, 400, described in detail later herein below). The additional container support unit 4 is operable to position one or more additional containers, in addition to those which can be positioned at container support units of the fluid transfer stations 100, 200, 300, 400. Additional adaptor holders for holding the adaptors associated with the additional containers can be positioned on the fluid transfer stations or the fluid transfer platform along the fluid transfer path together with the adaptor holders of the fluid transfer stations which are to hold the adaptors associated with the containers held at the container support units of the fluid transfer stations. Therefore, the fluid transfer can be performed along the fluid transfer path with those additional containers as well, without changing the route of the manipulator or without changing the structure of the system. The additional containers can be fluidly connected to their corresponding adaptors held at the additional adaptor holders via any suitable fluid connection means including a pipe, tube, conduit with or without a suitable connector, depending on the additional container and the corresponding adaptor.
In the illustrated examples, the additional container support unit 4 is an additional (because it supports IV bags in addition to those which can be supported (positioned) at the IV bag support panels of the fluid transfer stations) IV support unit having suspending elements 4A operable for suspending the additional IV bag therefrom. It is to be understood herein that the suspending elements 4A can have any shape, structure or size suitable for hanging, for example, via any suitable suspension means, the IV bags or any other containers therefrom. It is to be further understood herein that although three suspending elements 4A have been shown herein, the fluid transfer system 1 can include more or lesser number of suspending elements.
It is to be understood herein that in general, one or more of the additional container support units can be configured to support and/or hold any container with which a transfer of fluid is to be performed. The additional adaptor holders can be analogously configured to hold different container-adaptors according to the additional containers and/or the fluid connection means used. Also, although in the illustrated example, the additional container support units 4A have been shown to be mounted at a support structure SS of the system 1, it is to be understood herein that one or more of the additional container support units can be positioned (or mounted) at the fluid transfer platform and/or the fluid transfer stations. In other words, the additional container support units can constitute a part of the fluid transfer platform 10 and/or any one or more of the fluid transfer stations 100, 200, 300, 400. For instance, the additional container support units can be mounted at any suitable location on the fluid transfer platform and/or the fluid transfer stations.
The system can further comprise a support structure, for example the support structure SS, for the fluid transfer platform and/or the fluid transfer stations to be mounted thereto. In some examples, the support structure SS can be configured for mounting thereto other components (not shown) of the system 1, for example, sensors, cameras, etc. The support structure SS has not been shown in Fig. 1C for the purposes of clarity and conciseness.
In the illustrated examples, Z-axis is aligned along a vertical direction towards top and bottom portions of the system 1, Y-axis is aligned along a horizontal direction towards front and back portions of the system 1 (frontward and rearward directions) defining a depth of the system 1, and X-axis is aligned along a horizontal direction towards the lateral extent of the system 1 (sideward direction). In some examples, the X- axis, Y-axis, and Z-axis can be interchanged among each other in any combinations, for example, to be aligned in directions different than those described herein in the illustrated examples.
The X-axis, Y-axis, and Z-axis of the system are to be understood as corresponding to the X-axis, Y-axis, and Z-axis of the fluid transfer platform as well as of the fluid transfer stations as well. For instance, while describing the fluid transfer platform and fluid transfer stations herein below, the X-axis, Y-axis, and Z-axis referenced herein, are to be considered as the X-axis, Y-axis, and Z-axis of the system 1 as well as of the fluid transfer platform and the fluid transfer stations.
Reference is now made to Figs. 2 A to 2D illustrating a fluid transfer platform 10, according to examples of the presently disclosed subject matter. The fluid transfer platform 10 described with respect to Figs. 2A to 2D can constitute the fluid transfer platform 10 (also referred to herein as “platform 10”) of a fluid transfer system, for example, the fluid transfer system 1.
The fluid transfer platform 10 comprises a platform base 12 and a first number (which in the illustrated example is three) of fluid transfer stations 100, 200, and 400 connected to the platform base 12. The platform base 12 can be mounted in the fluid transfer system, for example to the support structure SS of the fluid transfer system 1, by any suitable mounting means.
In general, each one of the fluid transfer stations 100, 200, and 400 can comprise a respective container support unit, thereby constituting a total of the first number of the container support units. Each of the container support unit can support a container, for example, during transfer of fluid between that container and another container, for example, the fluid transfer assembly 3. The container can be an IV bag, elastomeric pump, vial, or any other generally known container used in drug preparation procedures. Each of the container support units can comprise a fluid transfer station base (interchangeably referred to herein as “base”) and a container support panel connected to the base. The base can be configured for mounting the fluid transfer station to the platform base and the support panel can be mounted on the base for supporting the container. The base can have any structure suitable for mounting the container support unit to the platform base, by a suitable mounting arrangement. The container support panel can be configured to support the container in any manner, for example by way of positioning and placing the container on the container support panel, by hanging the container on the container support panel, by fastening, strapping, grabbing, holding, etc. In some examples, the container support panel is positioned as tilted to an appropriate angle and the container can be placed on a container support surface of the container support panel without falling because of the angle of the surface with respect to the vertical direction. For instance, the container can be an IV bag (an infusion bag) that can be positioned on the container support surface.
In some examples, the container support panel can be connected to the base by a connection arrangement suitable for detachably connecting the container support panel to the base, such that the container support panel can be detached from the base for cleaning and/or replacement purposes. The connection arrangement can be a mechanical, magnetic, or a combination of a mechanical and magnetic arrangement allowing detachable connection of the container support panel to the base. In some examples, the connection arrangement can include clamps, recesses, grooves, protrusions, snap fit arrangement, snug fir arrangement, etc. to allow the connection of the container support panel to the base.
In general, each one of the fluid transfer stations 100, 200, and 400 can comprise a first adaptor holder, thereby constituting a total of the first number of the first adaptor holders. Each of the first adaptor holder can be operatively connected to the corresponding one of the container support units and can be operable for at least partially holding a container-adaptor associated with the container positioned at the corresponding container support unit. It is to be understood herein that, as described above, a fluid transfer system can perform the transfer of fluid between a fluid transfer assembly and one or more containers via corresponding one or more container-adaptors. Accordingly, a container held at the container support unit can constitute a first container of the one or more containers, and the corresponding container-adaptor held at the corresponding first adaptor holder can constitute a first container-adaptor of the one or more containeradaptors.
The container-adaptor is to be understood as a component that facilitates fluid communication with the container, and can be selected according to the container being used. In some examples, the container adaptor can be a spike adaptor, vial adaptor, luer- lock adaptor, or generally any adaptor (or connector) operable to establish fluid communication with the container. When the container is positioned at the container support unit, the container-adaptor is held (or positioned) at the adaptor holder for the transfer of fluid to be carried out.
In the illustrated examples, the fluid transfer station 100 comprises a container support unit 112, which in the illustrated example is an IV bag support unit 112, having a base 114 and a container support panel 116. The container support panel 116 is an IV bag support panel 116 having a container support surface 116A, which is an IV bag support surface 116A for positioning an IV bag, for example the IV bag Cl, thereupon. The IV bag support panel 116 is detachably connected to the base 114 by the connection arrangement, designated as 117, which in the illustrated example allows connecting and detaching the IV bag support panel 116 by sliding into and out of the brackets 117A along the longitudinal direction (longer dimension) of the IV bag support surface 116A. The fluid transfer station 100 further comprises a first adaptor holder 120 operatively connected to the base 114 of the IV bag support unit 112. The first adaptor holder 120 is operable for at least partially holding a container-adaptor Al, which in the illustrated example is an IV bag adaptor Al associated with the corresponding IV bag, for example the IV bag Cl. More particularly, in the illustrated example, the IV bag adaptor Al is a spike adaptor Al.
In the illustrated examples, the fluid transfer station 200 comprises a container support unit 212, which in the illustrated example is an IV bag support unit 212, having a base 214 and a container support panel 216. The container support panel 216 is an IV bag support panel 216 having a container support surface 216A, which is an IV bag support surface 216A for positioning an IV bag, for example the IV bag C2, thereupon. The IV bag support panel 216 is detachably connected to the base 214 by the connection arrangement, designated as 217, which in the illustrated example allows connecting and detaching the IV bag support panel 216 by sliding into and out of the brackets 217A along the longitudinal direction (longer dimension) of the IV bag support surface 216A. In some examples, the connection arrangement can include any structure including mechanical, electrical, magnetic, or their combinations for allowing detachable connection of the IV bag support panel and the base. The connection arrangement can include snap-fit connection, magnetic connection, clamps, nuts, bolts, screws, etc.
The fluid transfer station 200 further comprises a first adaptor holder 220 operatively connected to the base 214 of the IV bag support unit 212. The first adaptor holder 220 is operable for at least partially holding a container-adaptor (not shown), which in the illustrated example can be an IV bag adaptor associated with the corresponding IV bag, for example the IV bag C2. More particularly, in the illustrated example, the IV bag adaptor can be a spike adaptor.
In the illustrated examples, the fluid transfer station 400 comprises a container support unit 412, which in the illustrated example is an IV bag support unit 412, having a base 414 and a container support panel 416. The container support panel 416 is an IV bag support panel 416 having a container support surface 416A, which is an IV bag support surface 416A for positioning an IV bag, for example the IV bag C4, thereupon. The IV bag support panel 416 is detachably connected to the base 414 by the connection arrangement, designated as 417, which in the illustrated example allows connecting and detaching the IV bag support panel 416 by sliding into and out of the brackets 417A along the longitudinal direction (longer dimension) of the IV bag support surface 416A. The fluid transfer station 400 further comprises a first adaptor holder 420 operatively connected to the base 414 of the IV bag support unit 412. The first adaptor holder 420 is operable for at least partially holding a container-adaptor A4, which in the illustrated example is an IV bag adaptor A4 associated with the corresponding IV bag, for example the IV bag C4. More particularly, in the illustrated example, the IV bag adaptor A4 can be a spike adaptor A4.
The IV bag support units 112, 212, and 412 collectively constitute the first number (which in the illustrated example is three) of IV bag support units and the first adaptor holders 120, 220, and 420 collectively constitute the first number (which in the illustrated example is three) of first adaptor holders. The IV bags Cl, C2, and C4 constitute the first containers and the IV bag adaptors Al, A4, and the one that can be positioned in the first adaptor holder 220, constitute the first container-adaptors. The first adaptor holders 120, 220, and 420 are each configured to hold a container-adaptor of a first type, which in the illustrated example is an IV bag adaptor being a spike adaptor.
The first adaptor holders 120, 220, and 420 are each spaced from the corresponding IV bag support unit along a first direction, which in the illustrated example is a frontward direction along the Y-axis. The frontward direction has been depicted by arrow Yl. The first adaptor holders 120, 220, and 420 are each aligned along a fluid transfer path extending along a second direction transverse the first direction, which second direction in the illustrated example extends along the X-axis and also depicts a lateral direction as well as sidewards direction of the platform. The manipulator, for example the manipulator 2 of the system 1, can move the fluid transfer assembly, for example the fluid transfer assembly 3, along the fluid transfer path and perform the fluid transfer with the containeradaptors held at the first adaptor holders 120, 220, and 420.
It is to be further understood herein that although three fluid transfer stations having first adaptor holders have been shown herein, the platform 10 can include more or lesser number of fluid transfer stations having first adaptor holders.
In general, the fluid transfer platform 10 can further comprise at least one second adaptor holder operable for at least partially holding a second container-adaptor. It is to be understood herein that, as described above, a fluid transfer system can perform the transfer of fluid between a fluid transfer assembly and one or more containers via corresponding one or more container-adaptors. A container-adaptor held at the corresponding second adaptor holder can constitute a second container-adaptor of the one or more container-adaptors, and a container associated with (in some examples, fluidly connected with) the second container-adaptor can constitute a second container of the one or more containers. The second container can be an IV bag, elastomeric pump, vial, or any other generally known container used in drug preparation procedures.
In some examples, the second container(s) can be positioned at a remote location from the platform 10, for example, at an additional container support unit, which can constitute a part of the fluid transfer system 1, such as the additional container support unit 4. In some examples, the platform 10 can comprise an additional container support unit, for example the additional container support unit 4, for supporting the second container(s). In some examples, the additional container support unit can be mounted to any portion of the platform 10, for example the platform base 12, or one or more of the fluid transfer stations, via any suitable mounting arrangement.
Each of the second adaptor holder(s) can be configured to hold a container-adaptor of a second type different from the first type, which second type can be a containeradaptor configured to be fluidly connected to the second container via a fluid connection means including a pipe, tube, conduit with or without a suitable connector. For instance, the container-adaptor can be fluidly connected to a first end of a tube whose second end is connected to the second container via any suitable connector. Accordingly, the additional container support unit can be positioned remotely from the platform 10.
In some examples, the second adaptor holder(s) can be operatively connected to one or more of the fluid transfer stations 100, 200, or 400, for example to the corresponding container support units. In some examples, the second adaptor holder(s) can be operatively connected to the platform base 12 either directly, for example mounted onto the platform base 12, or indirectly, for example any intermediate component such as another fluid transfer station.
In some examples, the second adaptor holder(s) can be positioned between two adjacent fluid transfer stations, for example within a gap between two adjacent fluid transfer stations or a gap between the container-support units of two adj acent fluid transfer stations. In some examples, the second adaptor holder(s) can be positioned within a maximal lateral width (maximal width extending along the lateral direction of the platform) of a container support unit of a fluid transfer station.
In the illustrated examples, the fluid transfer platform 10 comprises three second adaptor holders. For instance, a second adaptor holder 130 is connected to the base 114 of the fluid transfer station 100, another second adaptor holder 230 is connected to the base 214 of the fluid transfer station 200, and yet another second adaptor holder 330 is connected to the platform base 12 indirectly via another fluid transfer station 300. It is to be understood herein that the fluid transfer station 300 can include one or more features of the fluid transfer stations 100, 200, 400 described herein with reference to Figs. 2A to 2D or the fluid transfer stations 100, 200, 300, 400 described herein generally and with reference to Figs. 3 A to 3 J, 4A to 4D, 5 A to 5E, and 6. It is to be further understood herein that the second adaptor holder 330 can be directly connected to the platform base 12 or can be indirectly connected to the platform base 12 via any intermediate component other than the fluid transfer station 300. It is to be further understood herein that although three second adaptor holders have been shown herein, the platform 10 can include more or lesser number of second adaptor holders.
Further, in the illustrated examples, the fluid transfer platform 10 comprises an additional container support unit 4. It is to be understood herein that although the additional container support unit 4 has not been shown to be mounted to the platform 10, the additional container support unit 4 can be mounted to any portion of the platform 10, for example the platform base 12 or one or more of the fluid transfer stations 100, 200, 300, 400, via any suitable mounting arrangement. It is to be understood herein that in some examples, the additional container support unit 4 can be remote from the platform 10 and may not constitute a part of the platform 10. In general, the additional container support unit 4 can be operable to at least partially support the second container(s) (by way of holding, hanging, placing thereupon, grabbing, or in any other way supporting) at least during the transfer of fluid between the second container(s) and the fluid transfer assembly.
In the illustrated examples, the additional container support unit 4 constitutes an additional IV bag support unit 4 comprising suspending elements 4A operable for suspending the IV bags C5, constituting the second containers C5, therefrom.
The second adaptor holder 130, in the illustrated example, constitutes a luer-lock- adaptor holder 130 and is operable for at least partially holding a container-adaptor A5, which in the illustrated example is a luer-lock adaptor A5 fluidly connected to the IV bag C5 via a tube T. The second adaptor holder 130 is spaced from the IV bag support unit 112 along a first direction, which in the illustrated examples is a frontward direction along the Y-axis and has been depicted by arrow Yl. The IV bag support panel 116 has a maximal lateral panel width W1 along a second direction, which in the illustrated examples is transverse to the first direction and extends along the X-axis and also depicts the lateral direction of the platform 10. The first adaptor holder 120 and the second adaptor holder 130 are disposed at least partially (in the illustrated example, fully) within the maximal lateral panel width W 1.
The second adaptor holder 230 has been shown empty and can constitute a luer- lock-adaptor holder 230 operable for at least partially holding a container-adaptor not shown, which can be a luer-lock adaptor. The second adaptor holder 230 is spaced from the IV bag support unit 212 along the first direction Yl. The IV bag support panel 216 has a maximal lateral panel width W2 along the second direction. The first adaptor holder 220 and the second adaptor holder 230 are disposed at least partially (in the illustrated example, fully) within the maximal lateral panel width W2.
The second adaptor holder 330, in the illustrated example, constitutes a luer-lock- adaptor holder 330 and is operable for at least partially holding a container-adaptor A6, which in the illustrated example is a luer-lock adaptor A6 which has not been shown to be fluidly connected to the second container. The second adaptor holder 330 is positioned at least partially (in the illustrated example, fully) within a gap width GW of a gap between the IV bag support units 212 and 412, which are the IV bag support units of the two adjacent fluid transfer stations 200 and 400 of the first number of fluid transfer stations 100, 200, 400. The gap width GW extends along the second direction.
The second adaptor holders 130, 230, and 330 are each configured to hold a container-adaptor of a second type, which in the illustrated examples is a luer-lock adaptor, different from the first type (the type of the container adaptors that the first adaptor holders are configured to hold), which first type in the illustrated examples is a spike adaptor. It is to be understood herein that one or more of the second adaptor holders 130, 230, and 330 can be operable to hold container-adaptors other than a luer-lock adaptor but still different from the spike adaptors. In some examples, the second adaptor holders 130, 230, and 330 can be operable to hold container-adaptors of a type same as the container-adaptors of the first type, for example spike adaptors.
The second adaptor holders 130, 230, and 330 are each positioned with respect to the platform base along a frontward direction (depicted by arrow Yl), which in the illustrated example is a first direction along the Y-axis, and the additional container support unit 4 is positioned with respect to the platform base along a rearward direction, opposite to the frontward direction, depicted by arrow Y2. In some examples, the additional container support unit 4 can be positioned with respect to the platform base along a sideward direction, transverse to the frontward direction, for example along the X-axis.
The second adaptor holders 130, 230, and 330 are each aligned along the fluid transfer path extending along the second direction. The manipulator, for example the manipulator 2 of the system 1, can move the fluid transfer assembly, for example the fluid transfer assembly 3, along the fluid transfer path and perform the fluid transfer with the container-adaptors held at the second adaptor holders 130, 230, and 330. Accordingly, each of the first and second adaptor holders constitute a respective fluid interface region operable to facilitate fluid communication between the fluid transfer assembly and the respective one of the first and second container-adaptors.
Accordingly, with the manipulator moving along the fluid transfer path along which the first number of containers can be positioned at the corresponding first number of fluid transfer stations, fluid transfer can be performed with the containers more than the first number of containers, for example via the second container-adaptors.
In the applications of the fluid transfer system requiring fluid transfers with the containers, for example the IV bags, more than the IV bag support units available at the fluid transfer stations, the additional IV bag support units can be used for suspending the additional IV bags required, fluidly connecting the additional IV bags to the container adaptors (for example, the second container adaptors positioned at the second adaptor holders) via fluid connection means (for example, tubes) and performing the transfer of fluid with those additional IV bags. In other words, when all the IV bag support units are occupied and all the corresponding first adaptor holders are occupied by the spike adaptors, the second adaptor holders can be used for fluid transfer with an additional container via a second container adaptor.
It is to be understood herein that the second container can be other than an IV bag. For example, as shown in the illustrated example, the second adaptor holder 330 holds a luer-lock adaptor A6 having associated (fluidly connected) therewith a second container, which in the illustrated example is an elastomeric pump C6. Accordingly, the second adaptor holder can be used to perform the transfer of fluid with a container other than an IV bag. For the purposes of all of the examples described herein, it is to be understood herein that a luer-lock adaptor can be any adaptor or connector that can be used as an interface element for an end of a tube (connected at its other end to a container), to establish fluid communication with the tube. Such an adaptor or connector may not necessarily have a luer-lock connection and may by other suitable manner be connectable to the tube and fluid communication can be established therewith.
In the illustrated example, the fluid transfer station 300 also includes an IV bag support unit 312 for supporting thereupon an IV bag. It is to be understood herein that in some examples, the second adaptor holder 330 can be connected to the fluid transfer station 300 detachably to a holder connection port (not shown) thereof, which can be operable to detachably connect a first adaptor holder (for example, a spike adaptor holder) to hold a spike adaptor to be used with the IV bag positioned at the IV bag support unit 312. Accordingly, the holder connection port of the fluid transfer station 300 can be operable to interchangeably connect the first and second adaptor holders based on the requirement from the fluid transfer system. The features related to detachability and interchangeability of an adaptor holder at a fluid transfer station have been described in detail later herein below with reference to Figs. 5A to 5E, and the description thereof can apply to the fluid transfer station 300, and/or one or more of the fluid transfer stations 100, 200, 400, as well. It is to be further understood herein that when the first adaptor holder is connected to the fluid transfer station 300, the fluid transfer station 300 can also constitute a fluid transfer station of the first number of fluid transfer stations of the platform 10, and the first adaptor holder connected thereto can constitute a first adaptor holder of the first number of first adaptor holders of the platform 10. In such examples, the platform 10 can include two second adaptor holders 130 and 230.
It is to be understood herein that one or more of the fluid transfer stations 100, 200, 300, 400 can have one or more of the features of the fluid transfer stations 100, 200, 300, 400 described herein generally and with reference to Figs. 3 A to 3 J, 4A to 4D, 5A to 5E, and 6.
Reference is now made to Figs. 3 A to 3H illustrating a fluid transfer station 100, according to examples of the presently disclosed subject matter. The fluid transfer station 100 described with respect to Figs. 3 A to 3H can constitute one or more of the fluid transfer stations of the fluid transfer platform 10 and/or one or more of the fluid transfer stations of the fluid transfer system 1. Also, the fluid transfer station 100 described with respect to Figs. 3 A to 3H can include one or more of the features of one or more of the fluid transfer stations 100, 200, 300, 400 of the platform 10 described with reference to Figs. 2A to 2D. The fluid transfer station 100 comprises an IV bag support unit 112 comprising a base 114 and an IV bag support panel 116 operatively connected to the base 114. The IV bag support panel 116 comprises an IV bag support surface 116A for at least partially supporting thereupon an IV bag, for example the IV bag Cl. The IV bag support panel 116 has a maximal lateral panel width W1 extending along a lateral direction of the fluid transfer station 100, which in the illustrated examples is along the X-axis. In some examples, the IV bag support panel 116 can be detachably connected to the base 114 by a connection arrangement 117, which in the illustrated example allows connecting and detaching the IV bag support panel 116 by sliding into and out of the brackets 117A along the longitudinal direction (longer dimension) of the IV bag support surface 116A. In some examples, the connection arrangement can include any structure including mechanical, electrical, magnetic, or their combinations for allowing detachable connection of the IV bag support panel and the base. The connection arrangement can include snap-fit connection, magnetic connection, clamps, nuts, bolts, screws, etc.
The fluid transfer station 100 further comprises a first adaptor holder 120 operatively connected to the IV bag support unit 112, for example to the base 114 in the illustrated examples. The first adaptor holder 120 is operable for at least partially holding an IV bag adaptor, for example the IV bag adaptor Al, which can be associated with the IV bag Cl, at least during said transfer of fluid between the IV bag Cl and a fluid transfer assembly of the fluid transfer system, for example the fluid transfer assembly 3.
It is to be understood herein that, as described above, a fluid transfer system can perform the transfer of fluid between a fluid transfer assembly and one or more containers via corresponding one or more container-adaptors. Accordingly, the IV bag Cl can constitute a first container of the one or more containers, the corresponding containeradaptor, i.e., the IV bag adaptor Al, which in the illustrated examples is a spike adaptor Al can constitute a first container-adaptor of the one or more container-adaptors.
The fluid transfer station 100 further comprises a second adaptor holder 130 operatively connected to the IV bag support unit 112, for example to the base 114 in the illustrated examples. The second adaptor holder 130 is operable for at least partially holding a second container-adaptor, of the one or more container-adaptors, for example the container-adaptor A5 which can be fluidly connected to a second container, of the one or more containers, for example at least during the transfer of fluid between the second container and the fluid transfer assembly. In some examples, the second container can be an IV bag, elastomeric pump, vial, or any other generally known container used in drug preparation procedures. In some examples, the second container can be an IV bag C5 (Fig. 3H) fluidly connected to the second container-adaptor A5 via a fluid connection means, which in the illustrated examples includes a tube T. In some examples, the second container can be an elastomeric pump, for example the elastomeric pump C6 (Fig. 3H) connected to the second container adaptor A5, also described above with reference to Figs. 2A to 2D (with respect to the fluid transfer station 300).
The first adaptor holder 120 and the second adaptor holder 130 are disposed at least partially (in the illustrated example, fully) within the maximal lateral panel width W1 of the IV bag support panel 116. Accordingly, the fluid transfer station provides more than one adaptor holders within a lateral space occupied by an IV bag support unit. The additional (second) adaptor holder can be used for positioning a container-adaptor fluidly connected to an additional (second) container and a fluid transfer can be performed with two containers (the first container positioned at the IV bag support unit and the second container positioned anywhere and fluidly connected to the second container-adaptor) within the lateral space occupied by a single IV bag support unit. Thus, the fluid transfer station 100 offers a dual adaptor holder to be used for an additional transfer of fluid when the IV bag support unit and the first adaptor are utilized by an IV bag.
In general, the first adaptor holder can be operable to at least partially hold the IV bag adaptor being a container-adaptor of a first type that is operable to be connected to an IV bag for establishing a fluid communication with the IV bag. The second adaptor holder can be operable to at least partially hold the second container-adaptor which can be operable to be connected to any container (second container) to establish a fluid communication with that container. In some examples, the second container-adaptor can be of same type as that of the first container-adaptor, which in the illustrated examples is the IV bag adaptor. In some examples, the second container-adaptor can be of a second type, different from the first type.
In the illustrated example, the IV bag adaptor Al is a spike adaptor Al, which constitutes the container-adaptor of the first type and the second container-adaptor A5 is a luer-lock adaptor A5, which constitutes the container-adaptor of the second type different from the first type.
The first adaptor holder 120 and the second adaptor holder 130 are spaced from the IV bag support unit 112 along a first direction, which in the illustrated example is a frontward direction along the Y-axis and has been depicted by arrow Yl, and the maximal lateral panel width W1 extends along a second direction transverse the first direction, which second direction in the illustrated examples extends along the X-axis and also depicts a lateral direction as well as sideward direction of the fluid transfer station 100. The first and the second adaptor holders can be aligned along a fluid transfer path extending along the second direction and followed by a manipulator, for example the manipulator 2 of the system 1 holding the fluid transfer assembly 3. Each of the first and second adaptor constitutes a respective fluid interface region operable to facilitate fluid communication between the fluid transfer assembly and the respective one of the first and second container-adaptors, when the respective one of the first and second containeradaptor is held at the corresponding adaptor holder. The manipulator, for example the manipulator 2 of the system 1, can move the fluid transfer assembly, for example the fluid transfer assembly 3, along the fluid transfer path and perform the fluid transfer with the first and second container-adaptors Al and A5 held respectively at the first and second adaptor holders 120 and 130.
In general, in some examples, the second container can be connected to the second container-adaptor thereby being supported at the second adaptor holder, for example the second container being the elastomeric pump C6 (Fig. 3H). In some examples, the second container can be remotely connected to the second container-adaptor and can be supported at an additional container support unit, for example the second container being the IV bag C6 (Fig. 3H) which can be connected to the second container-adaptor A5 via the tube T. In some examples, the additional container support unit can be remote from the fluid transfer station 100 and may not constitute a part of the fluid transfer station 100. In general, the additional container support unit can be operable to at least partially support the second container(s) (by way of holding, hanging, placing thereupon, grabbing, or in any other way supporting) at least during the transfer of fluid between the second container(s) and the fluid transfer assembly.
In some examples, the additional container support unit can be positioned with respect to the IV bag support unit 112 along a rearward direction, opposite to the frontward direction, depicted by arrow Y2. In some examples, the additional container support unit can be positioned with respect to the IV bag support unit 112 along a sideward direction, transverse to the frontward direction, for example along the X-axis. Although the additional container support has not been shown in Fig. 3 A to 3H, it should be understood herein that in some examples, the additional container support unit can be similar to the additional container support unit 4 described herein above with reference to Figs. 2A to 2D being the additional IV bag support unit and having one or more suspending elements operable for suspending the additional IV bags, for example, the IV bag C5 (Fig. 3H) therefrom. The additional container support unit 4 can be mounted to any part, for example the IV bag support unit 112 or the base 114 or the IV bag support panel 116, of the fluid transfer station 100 by any suitable mounting means.
In some examples, the fluid transfer station 100 can comprise a first holder connection port operable for connecting thereto at least the first adaptor holder 120. The first holder connection port can be operable for connecting thereto at least the first adaptor holder 120 detachably. In some examples, the fluid transfer station 100 can comprise a second holder connection port operable for connecting thereto at least the second adaptor holder 130. The second holder connection port can be operable for connecting thereto at least the second adaptor holder 120 detachably. In some examples, the first holder connection port can be operable for detachably connecting thereto the second adaptor holder 130, and/or the second holder connection port can be operable for detachably connecting thereto the first adaptor holder 120. Accordingly, the first and second holder connection ports can be operable for interchangeably connecting thereto the first and second adaptor holders 120.
In the illustrated example, the first holder connection port has been designated as 140 having connected thereto the first adaptor holder 120, and the second holder connection port has been designated as 150 having connected thereto the second adaptor holder 130. The features related to detachability and interchangeability of an adaptor holder at a fluid transfer station via a holder connection port thereof have been described in detail later herein below with reference to Figs. 5A to 5E, and the description thereof can apply to one or more of the first and second holder connection ports 140 and 150 of the fluid transfer station 100.
In general, one or more adaptor holder(s) of the first and second adaptor holders can comprise a hanger element having an adaptor receiving region configured for insertion of the container-adaptor therewithin along the Z-axis, and a blocking element configured to selectively block the removal of the container-adaptor from the adaptor receiving region along the Z-axis. It is to be understood herein that although in the examples illustrated herein, Z-axis has been described as being aligned along a vertical direction, however, in some examples, the Z-axis can be aligned along a first horizontal direction extending between the container support unit (for example the IV bag support unit) and the hanger element or along a second horizontal direction perpendicular to the first horizontal direction.
The blocking element can be selectively positioned between a path of removal (which can be same or different than a path of insertion of the container-adaptor into the adaptor receiving region) of the container-adaptor from the adaptor receiving region thereby selectively blocking the removal of the container-adaptor from the adaptor receiving region and thus from the adaptor holder. The blocking element can be configured to restrict a movement of the container-adaptor along the direction of removal of the container-adaptor from the adaptor receiving region, thereby blocking the removal of the container-adaptor from the adaptor receiving region. The blocking element can be selectively positioned between a path of removal (along the Z-axis) of the containeradaptor from the adaptor receiving region by moving either or both of the hanger element and the blocking element with respect to the container support unit. Accordingly, the adaptor holder is configured to be manipulated between an unblocking state in which the blocking element is not positioned in the path of removal of the container-adaptor from the adaptor receiving region and thus allows the removal of the container-adaptor from the adaptor receiving region along the Z-axis and a blocking state in which the blocking element is positioned in the path of removal of the container-adaptor from the adaptor receiving region and thus blocks the removal of the container-adaptor from the adaptor receiving region along the Z-axis.
The adaptor holder can be manipulated between the unblocking and blocking states by moving at least one of the hanger element and the blocking element between corresponding unblocking and blocking positions thereof, respectively. For instance, at least one of the hanger element and the blocking element can be articulably connected to the container support unit, for example, via a movement mechanism allowing the movement of the at least one of the hanger element and the blocking element with respect to the container support unit (for example the IV bag support unit) for displacement between the blocking and unblocking positions. In some examples, the holder connection port of the fluid transfer station can constitute at least partially the movement mechanism. In some examples, the blocking element can be stationary (by being fixedly connected to the container support unit) and the hanger element can be moved (by being articulably connected to the container support unit), with respect to the blocking element, between a blocking position of the hanger element which corresponds to the blocking state, and an unblocking position of the hanger element which corresponds to the unblocking state. While being in the blocking position thereof, the hanger element can be so positioned with respect to the blocking element that the blocking element falls (is positioned) in the path of removal of the container-adaptor from the adaptor receiving region, i.e., the blocking element overlaps the adaptor receiving region when seen in the direction of removal of the container-adaptor from the adaptor receiving region, and thus blocks the removal of the container-adaptor from the adaptor receiving region. While being in the unblocking position thereof, the hanger element can be so positioned with respect to the blocking element that the blocking element does not fall (is not positioned) in the path of removal of the container-adaptor from the adaptor receiving region, i.e., the blocking element does not overlap the adaptor receiving region when seen in the direction of removal of the container-adaptor from the adaptor receiving region, and thus allows the removal of the container-adaptor from the adaptor receiving region.
In some examples, the hanger element can be stationary (by being fixedly connected to the container support unit) and the blocking element can be moved (by being articulably connected to the container support unit), with respect to the hanger element, between a blocking position of the blocking element which corresponds to the blocking state, and an unblocking position of the blocking element which corresponds to the unblocking state. While being in the blocking position thereof, the blocking element can be so positioned with respect to the hanger element that the blocking element falls (is positioned) in the path of removal of the container-adaptor from the adaptor receiving region, i.e., the blocking element overlaps the adaptor receiving region when seen in the direction of removal of the container-adaptor from the adaptor receiving region, and thus blocks the removal of the container-adaptor from the adaptor receiving region. While being in the unblocking position thereof, the blocking element can be so positioned with respect to the hanger element that the blocking element does not fall (is not positioned) in the path of removal of the container-adaptor from the adaptor receiving region, i.e., the blocking element does not overlap the adaptor receiving region when seen in the direction of removal of the container-adaptor from the adaptor receiving region, and thus allows the removal of the container-adaptor from the adaptor receiving region.
In some examples, both of the hanger element and the blocking element can be moved (by being articulably connected to the container support unit), with respect to each other, between their corresponding blocking and unblocking positions, and all the description above with respect to the blocking and unblocking positions of the hanger element and the blocking element can apply to such examples.
It is to be understood herein that the movement mechanism can have any structure (mechanical, magnetic, or combination thereof) suitable to articulably connect the hanger element and/or the blocking element to the container support unit (for example the IV bag support unit) such that the hanger element and/or the blocking element can be moved with respect to the container support unit. For example, the movement mechanism can be constituted by two parts interconnectable with each other such that a relative movement therebetween is allowed, one of the parts can be associated with the container support unit (for example the IV bag support unit) and the other one with the hanger element and/or the blocking element. In some examples, the one of the parts associated with the container support unit (for example the IV bag support unit) can constitute a part of the holder connection port of the fluid transfer station. In some examples, the movement mechanism can include a linear mechanism allowing the movement of the hanger element and/or the blocking element in a linear path. In some examples, the linear movement mechanism can include a guide rail mechanism, chain/belt mechanism, gear mechanism, magnetic arrangement, telescopic mechanism, or any other structure suitable allow relative movement of two elements in a linear direction. In some examples, the movement mechanism can include pivot and/or rotary mechanism allowing the movement of the hanger element and/or the blocking element in an arcuate path.
The direction of movement of the hanger element and/or the blocking element between their corresponding blocking and unblocking positions can be transverse to the direction of insertion and/or removal of the container-adaptor into/from the container receiving region. In some examples, the direction of movement of the hanger element and/or the blocking element between their corresponding blocking and unblocking positions can be perpendicular to the direction of insertion and/or removal of the container-adaptor into/from the container receiving region. In general, the adaptor holder can comprise an actuator operatively connected to at least one of the hanger element and the blocking element, and operable to move the at least one of the hanger element and the blocking element for manipulating the adaptor holder between the blocking and unblocking states. It is to be understood herein that the actuator can have any electrical, mechanical, magnetic, or combination thereof, structure suitable to move the hanger element and/or the blocking element. In some examples, the actuator can include a motor, a telescopic mechanism, a push-pull arrangement, a cam arrangement, a gear arrangement, or other similar structures operable to move the hanger element and/or the blocking element. The actuator can be operatively associated with the hanger element and/or the blocking element either directly or via the movement mechanism. For instance, in some examples, the actuator can be configured to operate the movement mechanism associated with the hanger element and/or the blocking element.
In the illustrated examples, the first adaptor holder 120 comprises the hanger element 122 having the adaptor receiving region 123 configured for insertion of the container-adaptor Al therewithin along the Z-axis, and the blocking element 124 configured to selectively block the removal of the container-adaptor Al from the adaptor receiving region along the Z-axis. The Z-axis is aligned along the vertical direction having a vertically upward direction and vertically downward direction. The container-adaptor Al can be inserted into the adaptor receiving region 123 along the vertically downward direction and can be removed therefrom along the vertically upward direction.
The hanger element 122 is connected to the IV bag support unit 112 via a hanger connection portion 126 and the blocking element 124 is connected to the IV bag support unit 112 via a blocking element connection portion 128. The hanger connection portion 126, and thus the hanger element 122, is fixedly (not moveably or articulably) connected to the IV bag support unit 112, and thus remains stationary with respect thereto. The blocking element connection portion 128, and thus the blocking element 124, is articulably connected to the IV bag support unit 112 via the movement mechanism 160, and can move linearly along the Y-axis with respect to the IV bag support unit 112. The Y-axis has been illustrated as extending along a direction between the IV bag support unit 112 and the blocking element 124 (or hanger element 122), for example along the blocking element connection portion 128 and the hanger connection portion 126. Accordingly, the blocking element 124 is configured to move towards and away from the IV bag support unit 112. The movement mechanism 160 operates as a guide rails mechanism having a first part 162 associated with the IV bag support unit 112 and second part 164 associated with the blocking element connection portion 128, and thus the blocking element 124. The second part 164 is in association with the first part 162 such that the first part 162 is stationary and the second part 164 is moveable along the first part 162. Accordingly, the blocking element 124 is configured to be displaced between its unblocking position (Figs. 3 A, 3B, 3D, 3F) that corresponds with the unblocking state of the adaptor holder 120, and its blocking position (Fig. 3C, 3E, 3G) that corresponds with the blocking state of the adaptor holder 120. As can be best seen in Figs. 3F and 3G, the first holder connection port 140 comprises at least partially the movement mechanism 160. For instance, in some examples, the first part 162 can constitute the first holder connection port 140, and the second part 164 can be associated with or can constitute a part of the blocking element connection portion 128, In some examples, the first and second parts 162 and 164 can constitute the first holder connection port 140.
In the unblocking position of the blocking element 124, i.e., the unblocking state of the adaptor holder 120, the blocking element 124 does not overlap with the container receiving region 123 when seen along the Z-axis, which is the direction of insertion and removal of the container-adaptor Al into and from the container receiving region 123. Thus, the container-adaptor Al can be inserted into the container receiving region 123 along the Z-axis by lowering the container-adaptor Al along the vertically downward direction and can be removed from the container receiving region 123 along the Z-axis by lifting the container-adaptor Al along the vertically upward direction, for example, because the blocking element 124 does not obstruct the path of insertion and removal of the container-adaptor Al along the Z-axis.
In the blocking position of the blocking element 124, i.e., the blocking state of the adaptor holder 120, the blocking element 124 overlaps with the container receiving region 123 when seen along the Z-axis, which is the direction of insertion and removal of the container-adaptor Al into and from the container receiving region 123. Thus, the container-adaptor Al cannot be removed from (as well as inserted into) the container receiving region 123 along the Z-axis, for example, because the blocking element 124 obstructs the path of insertion and removal of the container-adaptor Al along the Z-axis, and restricts the movement of the container-adaptor Al along the Z-axis. Accordingly, the container-adaptor Al is locked in the adaptor holder 120. In the illustrated example, the actuator, designated as 170, comprises a telescopic arrangement 172 operatively connected to the blocking element connection portion 128, and configured to displace the blocking element 124 between its blocking and unblocking positions, thereby manipulating the adaptor holder 120 between its blocking and unblocking states, respectively.
It is to be understood herein that the second adaptor holder 130 includes the components corresponding to all of the components of the first adaptor holder 120 described above, and the second holder connection port 150 includes the components corresponding to all of the components of the first holder connection port 140 described above, and description of those components as provided with respect to the first adaptor holder 120 and the first holder connection port 140 applies to the corresponding components of the second adaptor holder 130 and the second holder connection port 150 respectively. For instance, the second adaptor holder 130 comprises a hanger element 132, an adaptor receiving region 133, a blocking element 134, a hanger connection portion 136, a blocking element connection portion 138, and the second holder connection port 150 comprises at least partially a movement mechanism 180 having a first part 182 and a second part 184 and is associated with an actuator 190 having a telescopic arrangement 192, and description of all of these components of the first adaptor holder 120 and the first holder connection port 140 described above applies analogously and respectively of each of these components of the second adaptor holder 130 and the second holder connection port 150.
In general, the fluid transfer station 100 can comprise a processing circuitry operatively connected to one or more of the actuators and configured to, for example by the way of sending instructions (over wired or wireless communication link), control the operation of the actuator to manipulate the adaptor holder between the blocking and unblocking states. It is to be understood herein that the processing circuitry can include a computer controller configured to perform operations in accordance with a set of instructions stored on a memory readable by the controller, which may be executed by a central processing unit (CPU), one or more processors, processor units, microprocessors, etc. In some examples, the processing circuitry can include one or more mechanism controllers. The processing circuitry can comprise any means to control elements in the fluid transfer system, such as the actuator, and may comprise at least any one of a controller, a synchronizing unit and a processer. In some examples, the processing circuitry can be configured to receive control signals from an external controller and operate the actuator accordingly. The external controller can be a controller of the fluid transfer system or can be external to the fluid transfer system. In some examples, the processing circuitry can be configured to receive a sensor data and generate control signals for operating the actuator accordingly. The sensor data can be generated and transmitted by sensors local to the fluid transfer station and/or external sensors, such as sensors associated with the fluid transfer system. In some examples, the fluid transfer station 100 can include sensors configured to sense various conditions with respect to the operation of the fluid transfer station and transmit sensor data to the processing circuitry. The processing circuitry can be common for both the adaptor holders 120 and 130, or can include separate processing circuitries for the adaptor holders 120 and 130.
In some examples, the processing circuitry can be configured to control the operation of the actuator based on a condition. The condition can be indicative of a state of operation of one or more of the fluid transfer station 100 and the adaptor holders 120 and 130. In some examples, the condition can include receiving a control signal from an external controller (a controller of the fluid transfer system or any other controller external to the fluid transfer system). In some examples, the condition can be sensed by a sensor arrangement, which in some examples can be local to the fluid transfer station, and in some examples can be external to the fluid transfer station.
In some examples, the condition can include sensing a positioning of the containeradaptor within the adaptor receiving region, and the processing circuitry can be configured to control the operation of the actuator to manipulate the adaptor holder towards the blocking state. For instance, a sensor arrangement (local or external) such as an optical sensor including a camera, a position sensor, a weight sensor, a touch sensor etc., can sense that a container-adaptor has been positioned within the adaptor receiving region, and based on such sensing, the processing circuitry can be configured (for example, by way of computer instructions) to control the operation of the actuator to manipulate the adaptor holder towards the blocking state, for example by controlling the actuator to displace the blocking element and/or the hanger element towards their corresponding blocking positions.
In some examples, the condition can include sensing a touch on one or more of the hanger element and the blocking element, and the processing circuitry can be configured to control the operation of the actuator to manipulate the adaptor holder towards the unblocking state. For instance, a sensor arrangement (local or external) such as an optical sensor including a camera, a touch sensor etc., can sense that an operator (a physician or another user operating the fluid transfer system) has touched any part of the adaptor holder or the fluid transfer station, and based on such sensing, the processing circuitry can be configured (for example, by way of computer instructions) to control the operation of the actuator to manipulate the adaptor holder towards the unblocking state, for example by controlling the actuator to displace the blocking element and/or the hanger element towards their corresponding unblocking positions.
In some examples, the condition can include sensing a presence of an interfering element in the vicinity of the hanger element, and the processing circuitry is configured to control the operation of the actuator to manipulate the adaptor holder towards the unblocking state. It is to be understood herein that the interfering element can be any element, which is not a part of the fluid transfer station or the fluid transfer system. In some examples, the interfering element can include a hand of the operator, which is present in the vicinity of the fluid transfer station for removing the container-adaptor from the adaptor holder, and accordingly the processing circuitry can operate the actuator to manipulate the adaptor holder towards the unblocking state. The meaning and scope of the term “vicinity” is to be understood as a predetermined distance such as 5 cm, 10 cm, 15 cm, 20 cm, 25 cm, 50 cm, 75 cm, 100 cm, or 200 cm including any value between these specified values. A sensor arrangement (local or external) such as an optical sensor including a camera can sense that an interfering element is present in the vicinity of the hanger element, blocking element, adaptor holder, or fluid transfer station, and based on such sensing, the processing circuitry can be configured (for example, by way of computer instructions) to control the operation of the actuator to manipulate the adaptor holder towards the unblocking state, for example by controlling the actuator to displace the blocking element and/or the hanger element towards their corresponding unblocking positions.
In some examples, the condition can include sensing an application of a predetermined force on one or more of the hanger element and the blocking element, and the processing circuitry can be configured to control the operation of the actuator to manipulate the adaptor holder towards the unblocking state. For instance, a sensor arrangement (local or external) such as a force sensor including load, weight, tension, compression, or pressure sensor can sense that a predetermined force, for example in the form of a push or pull is applied on the hanger element, blocking element, or anywhere on the adaptor holder, and based on such sensing, the processing circuitry can be configured (for example, by way of computer instructions) to control the operation of the actuator to manipulate the adaptor holder towards the unblocking state, for example by controlling the actuator to displace the blocking element and/or the hanger element towards their corresponding unblocking positions.
In some examples, the processing circuitry can be configured to control the operation of the actuator to interrupt an ongoing manipulation of the adaptor holder towards the blocking state, and initiate a manipulation of the adaptor holder towards the unblocking state. For instance, during the manipulation of the adaptor holder towards the blocking state, for example during the ongoing displacement of the blocking element and/or the hanger element towards their corresponding blocking positions, if any one or more of the above-described conditions, based on which the processing circuitry controls the actuator to manipulate the adaptor holder towards the unblocking state, is sensed, then the processing circuitry can control the actuator to interrupt that ongoing manipulation of the adaptor holder towards the blocking state and can initiate manipulation of the adaptor holder towards the unblocking state, for example by controlling the actuator for initiating displacement of the blocking element and/or the hanger element towards their corresponding unblocking positions.
Although the processing circuitry has not been shown herein, it is to be understood herein that the processing circuitry can include a processor and a memory. Processor can be a suitable hardware-based electronic device with data processing capabilities, such as, for example, a general purpose processor, digital signal processor (DSP), a specialized Application Specific Integrated Circuit (ASIC), one or more cores in a multicore processor, etc. Processor can also comprise for example, of multiple processors, multiple ASICs, virtual processors, combinations thereof etc.
Memory can be, for example, a suitable kind of volatile and/or non-volatile storage, and can include, for example, a single physical memory component or a plurality of physical memory components. Memory can also include virtual memory. Memory can be configured to, for example, store computer instructions to be executed by the processor 50A.
The processing circuitry can further comprise an actuator control unit that can control the actuator, for example for operating the actuator, as described herein. It is to be understood herein that one or more of the fluid transfer stations 200, 300, and 400 can include one or more of the features related to the hanger element, blocking element, actuator, and processing circuitry, and the description provided above with respect to the adaptor holder(s) of the fluid transfer station 100 can apply to one or more of the adaptor holders of the fluid transfer stations 200, 300, and 400.
It is to be understood herein that the fluid transfer station 100 described above with reference to Figs. 3A to 3H can have one or more of the features of the fluid transfer stations 100, 200, 300, 400 described herein generally and with reference to Figs. 1A to ID, 2A to 2D, 31 to 3 J, 4A to 4D, 5A to 5E, and 6.
Reference is now made to Figs. 31 and 3J illustrating a fluid transfer station 100, according to examples of the presently disclosed subject matter. The fluid transfer station 100 described with respect to Figs. 31 to 3 J can constitute one or more of the fluid transfer stations of the fluid transfer platform 10 and/or one or more of the fluid transfer stations of the fluid transfer system 1. Also, the fluid transfer station 100 described with respect to Figs. 31 to 3 J can include one or more of the features of one or more of the fluid transfer stations 100, 200, 300, 400 of the platform 10 described with reference to Figs. 2A to 2D.
It is to be understood herein that the fluid transfer station 100 described with reference to Figs. 31 to 3 J can have one or more of the features of the fluid transfer stations 100, 200, 300, 400 described herein generally and with reference to Figs. 1A to ID, 2A to 2D, 3 A to 3H, 4A to 4D, 5A to 5E, and 6. Also, the description provided with respect to the adaptor holder(s) of the fluid transfer station 100 of Figs. 31 to 3J can apply to one or more of the adaptor holders of the fluid transfer stations 200, 300, and 400.
The fluid transfer station 100 described with respect to Figs. 31 to 3 J is the same as the fluid transfer station 100 described with respect to Figs. 3 A to 3H, with the only difference between the two being that the first adaptor holder 120 of the fluid transfer station 100 described with respect to Figs. 31 to 3J does not include a blocking element. Accordingly, all or some of the description of the fluid transfer station 100 described with respect to Figs. 3A to 3H, apart from that of the blocking element of the first adaptor holder 120, can apply to the corresponding features of the fluid transfer station 100 described with respect to Figs. 31 to 3 J.
The fluid transfer station 100 of Figs. 31 and 3 J comprises a first adaptor holder 120 operatively connected to the IV bag support unit 112, for example to the base 114 in the illustrated examples. The first adaptor holder 120 has adaptor receiving region 123 operable for at least partially holding an IV bag adaptor, for example the IV bag adaptor Al, which is the container port (IV bag port in the illustrated example) the IV bag Cl, at least during said transfer of fluid between the IV bag Cl and a fluid transfer assembly of the fluid transfer system, for example the fluid transfer assembly 3.
It is to be understood herein that, as described above, a fluid transfer system can perform the transfer of fluid between a fluid transfer assembly and one or more containers via corresponding one or more container-adaptors. Accordingly, the IV bag Cl can constitute a first container of the one or more containers, the corresponding containeradaptor, i.e., the IV bag adaptor Al, which in the illustrated examples is an IV bag port Al, can constitute a first container-adaptor of the one or more container-adaptors.
It is to be understood herein that the adaptor receiving region 123 can include a structure suitable to hold and stabilize the IV bag port Al at least during the transfer of fluid.
Reference is now made to Figs. 4 A to 4D illustrating a fluid transfer station 300, according to examples of the presently disclosed subject matter. The fluid transfer station 300 described with respect to Figs. 4 A to 4D can constitute one or more of the fluid transfer stations of the fluid transfer platform 10 (described above with reference to Figs. 2A to 2D) and/or one or more of the fluid transfer stations of the fluid transfer system 1 (described above with reference to Figs. 1A to ID). Also, the fluid transfer station 300 described with respect to Figs. 4A to 4D can include one or more of the features of one or more of the fluid transfer stations 100, 200, 300, 400 described with reference to Figs. 2A to 2D and 3 A to 3 J.
The fluid transfer station 300 comprises an IV bag support unit 312 comprising a base 314 and an IV bag support panel 316 operatively connected to the base 314. The IV bag support panel 316 comprises an IV bag support surface 316A for at least partially supporting thereupon an IV bag (not shown) at least during the transfer of fluid between the IV bag and the fluid transfer assembly. In some examples, the IV bag support panel 316 can be detachably connected to the base 314 by a connection arrangement 317, which in the illustrated example allows connecting and detaching the IV bag support panel 316 by sliding into and out of the brackets 317A along the longitudinal direction (longer dimension) of the IV bag support surface 316A. In some examples, the connection arrangement can include any structure including mechanical, electrical, magnetic, or their combinations for allowing detachable connection of the IV bag support panel and the base. The connection arrangement can include snap-fit connection, magnetic connection, clamps, nuts, bolts, screws, etc.
The fluid transfer station 300 further comprises a luer-lock-adaptor holder 330 operatively connected to the IV bag support unit 312, for example to the base 314 in the illustrated examples. The luer-lock-adaptor holder 330 is operable for at least partially holding a luer-lock adaptor, for example the luer-lock adaptor A6, at least during the transfer of fluid between a container associated with the luer-lock adaptor and the fluid transfer assembly.
It is to be understood herein that, as described above, a fluid transfer system can perform the transfer of fluid between a fluid transfer assembly and one or more containers via corresponding one or more container-adaptors. Accordingly, an IV bag that can be positioned at the IV bag support unit 312 can constitute a first container of the one or more containers. The luer-lock adaptor A6 can constitute a container-adaptor of the one or more container-adaptors. A container, other that the IV bag that can be positioned at the IV bag support unit 312, that can be fluidly connected to the luer-lock adaptor A6, can constitute a second container of the one or more containers.
In some examples, the second container can be an IV bag (for example, an additional IV bag positioned at an additional container support unit, for example the IV bag C5 in the examples described above with reference to Figs. 2A to 2D and 3 A to 3 J) fluidly connected to the luer-lock adaptor A6 via a fluid connection means, for example a tube similar to tube T in the examples described above with reference to Figs. 2A to 2D and 3 A to 3 J. In some examples, including the illustrated examples, the second container can be an elastomeric pump, for example the elastomeric pump C6 connected to the luer- lock adaptor A6. In some examples, the luer-lock adaptor A6 can be fluidly connected by any suitable fluid connection means to an IV bag positioned at the IV bag support unit 312.
It is to be understood herein that the luer-lock-adaptor holder 330 can include one or more features of the second adaptor holder 130 of the fluid transfer station 100 described herein above with reference to Figs. 3 A to 3 J. The luer-lock-adaptor holder 330 can include one or more components corresponding to one or more of the components of the second adaptor holder 130 of the fluid transfer station 100 described herein above with reference to Figs. 3 A to 3 J, and the fluid transfer station 300 can include one or more features of the fluid transfer station 100 described herein above with reference to Figs. 3A to 3J, and description of those components as provided with respect to the second adaptor holder 130 and the fluid transfer station 100 applies to the corresponding components of the luer-lock-adaptor holder 330 and the fluid transfer station 300. For instance, the luer-lock-adaptor holder 330 comprises a hanger element 332, an adaptor receiving region 333, a blocking element 334, a hanger connection portion 336, a blocking element connection portion 338, and the fluid transfer station 300 comprises the holder connection port 350, a movement mechanism 380 having a first part 382 and a second part 384, an actuator 390 having a telescopic arrangement 392, and description of all of these components of the second adaptor holder 130 and the fluid transfer station 100 described herein above with reference to Figs. 3 A to 3 J applies analogously and respectively to each of these components of the luer-lock-adaptor holder 330 and the fluid transfer station 300.
The luer-lock-adaptor holder 330 at least partially constitutes a fluid interface region operable to facilitate fluid communication between the fluid transfer assembly and the luer-lock adaptor A6, when the luer-lock adaptor A6 is held at the luer-lock-adaptor holder 330 and fluid transfer can be performed between the fluid transfer assembly and a container associated with the luer-lock-adaptor holder 330. The luer-lock-adaptor holder 330 is spaced from the IV bag support unit 312 along a first direction, which in the illustrated example is a frontward direction along the Y-axis and has been depicted by arrow Yl. The luer-lock-adaptor holder 330 can be aligned along a fluid transfer path extending along a second direction transverse the first direction, which second direction in the illustrated examples extends along the X-axis and also depicts a lateral direction as well as sideward direction of the fluid transfer station 300. The fluid transfer path can be a path followed by a manipulator, for example the manipulator 2 of the system 1 holding the fluid transfer assembly 3. The manipulator, for example the manipulator 2 of the system 1, can move the fluid transfer assembly, for example the fluid transfer assembly 3, along the fluid transfer path and perform the fluid transfer with the luer-lock adaptor A6 held at the luer-lock-adaptor holder 330.
In some examples, the second container (that can be associated with the luer-lock adaptor A6) can be remotely connected to the luer-lock adaptor A6 and can be supported at an additional container support unit, for example in a similar manner as the IV bag C6 has been described as being connected to the second container-adaptor A5 via the tube T with reference to Figs. 3 A to 3 J. In some examples, the additional container support unit can be remote from the fluid transfer station 300 and may not constitute a part of the fluid transfer station 300. In general, the additional container support unit can be operable to at least partially support the second container(s) (by way of holding, hanging, placing thereupon, grabbing, or in any other way supporting) at least during the transfer of fluid between the second container(s) and the fluid transfer assembly.
In some examples, the additional container support unit can be positioned with respect to the IV bag support unit 312 along a rearward direction, opposite to the frontward direction, depicted by arrow Y2. In some examples, the additional container support unit can be positioned with respect to the IV bag support unit 312 along a sideward direction, transverse to the frontward direction, for example along the X-axis.
In some examples, the additional container support unit can be similar to the additional container support unit 4 described herein above with reference to Figs. 2A to 2D being the additional IV bag support unit and having one or more suspending elements operable for suspending the additional IV bags therefrom. The additional container support unit 4 can be mounted to any part, for example the IV bag support unit 312 or the base 314 or the IV bag support panel 316, of the fluid transfer station 300 by any suitable mounting means.
In some examples, the luer-lock-adaptor holder 330 can be connected to the fluid transfer station 300 detachably to a holder connection port 350 thereof, which can be operable to detachably connect an adaptor holder (for example, luer-lock-adaptor holder 330). The holder connection port 350 of the fluid transfer station 300 can be operable to interchangeably connect one or more adaptor holders of the same or different types based on the requirement from the fluid transfer system. The features related to detachability and interchangeability of an adaptor holder at a fluid transfer station have been described in detail later herein below with reference to Figs. 5A to 5E, and the description thereof can apply to the fluid transfer station 300.
In some examples, the fluid transfer station 300 can include another adaptor holder in addition to the luer-lock-adaptor holder 330. The other adaptor holder can include one or more features of the first adaptor holder 120 of the fluid transfer station 100 described herein above with reference to Figs. 3 A to 3 J. The other adaptor holder can include one or more components corresponding to one or more of the components of the first adaptor holder 120 of the fluid transfer station 100 described herein above with reference to Figs. 3 A to 3 J, and description of those components as provided with respect to the first adaptor holder 120 can apply to the corresponding components of the other adaptor holder.
In fact, in the examples in which the fluid transfer station 300 can include another adaptor holder in addition to the luer-lock-adaptor holder 330, the fluid transfer station 300 can be similar, or even identical, to the fluid transfer station 100 described herein above with reference to Figs. 3 A to 3 J, with the other adaptor holder corresponding to the first adaptor holder 120 of the fluid transfer station 100 and the luer-lock-adaptor holder 330 corresponding to the second adaptor holder 130 of the fluid transfer station 100. In such examples, all of the description of the corresponding components of the fluid transfer station 100 described herein above with reference to Figs. 3 A to 3 J can apply to the components of the fluid transfer station 300.
In the examples in which the fluid transfer station 300 includes another adaptor holder in addition to the luer-lock-adaptor holder 330, the IV bag support unit 312 can comprise a first holder connection port (corresponding to the first holder connection port 140 of the fluid transfer station 100 described herein above with reference to Figs. 3A to 3J) operable for connecting thereto at least the other adaptor holder, and the holder connection port 350 constituting a second holder connection port 350 (corresponding to the second holder connection port 150 of the fluid transfer station 100 described herein above with reference to Figs. 3 A to 3 J), operable for connecting thereto at least the luer- lock-adaptor holder. In such examples, all of the description of the first and second holder connection ports 140 and 150 of the fluid transfer station 100 described herein above with reference to Figs. 3A to 3J can apply to the first and second holder connection ports of the fluid transfer station 300.
It is to be understood herein that the fluid transfer station 300 described above with reference to Figs. 4A to 4D can have one or more of the features of the fluid transfer stations 100, 200, 300, 400 described herein generally and with reference to Figs. 1A to ID, 2A to 2D, 3 A to 3 J, 5A to 5E, and 6.
Reference is now made to Fig. 5A to 5E illustrating a fluid transfer station 400, according to examples of the presently disclosed subject matter. The fluid transfer station 400 described with respect to Figs. 5A to 5E can constitute one or more of the fluid transfer stations of the fluid transfer platform 10 (described above with reference to Figs. 2A to 2D) and/or one or more of the fluid transfer stations of the fluid transfer system l(described above with reference to Figs. 1A to ID). Also, the fluid transfer station 400 described with respect to Figs. 5 A to 5E can include one or more of the features of one or more of the fluid transfer stations 100, 200, 300, 400 described with reference to Figs. 2A to 2D, 3 A to 3 J, and 4A to 4D.
In general, the fluid transfer station 400 can comprise a container support unit having a base and a container support panel operatively connected to the base. The container support unit can comprise a first holder connection port operable for detachably connecting thereto at least a first adaptor holder.
It is to be understood herein that, as described above, a fluid transfer system can perform the transfer of fluid between a fluid transfer assembly and one or more containers via corresponding one or more container-adaptors. Accordingly, the container support unit can be operable to at least partially support (for example, by way of holding, hanging, placing thereupon, grabbing, or in any other way supporting) a container constituting a first container of the one or more containers, for example, at least during the transfer of fluid between the first container and the fluid transfer assembly. The first adaptor holder can be operable for at least partially holding (for example, by way of grabbing, hanging, placing thereupon or in any other way supporting) a container-adaptor constituting a first container-adaptor of the one or more container-adaptors, for example, at least during the transfer of fluid between a container associated with the first container-adaptor and the fluid transfer assembly.
In the illustrated examples, the fluid transfer station 400 comprises a container support unit 412, which in the illustrated examples is an IV bag support unit 412, having a base 414 and a container support panel 416. The container support panel 416 is an IV bag support panel 416 having a container support surface 416A, which is an IV bag support surface 416A for positioning an IV bag, for example the IV bag C4, thereupon. The IV bag support panel 416 is detachably connected to the base 414 by the connection arrangement, designated as 417, which in the illustrated example allows connecting and detaching the IV bag support panel 416 by sliding into and out of the brackets 417A along the longitudinal direction (longer dimension) of the IV bag support surface 416A. In some examples, the connection arrangement can include any structure including mechanical, electrical, magnetic, or their combinations for allowing detachable connection of the IV bag support panel and the base. The connection arrangement can include snap-fit connection, magnetic connection, clamps, nuts, bolts, screws, etc. It is to be understood herein that although in the illustrated examples, the container support unit is an IV bag support unit, in some examples, the container support unit can be other than an IV bag support unit, and can be operable to support (for example, by way of holding, hanging, placing thereupon, grabbing, or in any other way supporting) any container, which can be an elastomeric pump, vial, or any other generally known container used in drug preparation procedures. Accordingly, the description of the holder connection port provided herein below can apply to any fluid transfer station comprising any container support unit.
In the illustrated examples, the fluid transfer station 400, as a part of the base 414 of the IV bag support unit 412, comprises the first holder connection port 440, operable for connecting thereto the first adaptor holder 420, which in the illustrated examples is a spike-adaptor holder 420. It is to be understood herein that in some examples, the first adaptor holder can be any other type of adaptor holder, for example, a second adaptor holder, which can be a luer-lock-adaptor holder similar to the luer-lock-adaptor holder 330 of the fluid transfer station 300 described herein above with reference to Figs. 4A to 4D.
In general, the first holder connection port 440 can be operable to detachably connect thereto the first adaptor holder 420 (or any other adaptor holder) by any suitable adaptor connection means. The adaptor connection means can be any electrical arrangement, mechanical arrangement, magnetic arrangement, or combinations thereof, which can have any structure suitable to detachably connect thereto an adaptor holder, for example via a holder connection portion. In some examples, the holder connection portion can correspond to any one or more of the hanger connection portion 126 and the blocking element connection portion 128 of the adaptor holder 120 of the fluid transfer station 100 described herein above with reference to Figs. 3 A to 3H.
In the illustrated examples, the first holder connection port 440 is operable to detachably connect thereto the first adaptor holder 420 by connection means 442, which in the illustrated examples, are nuts, bolts, and screws. In some examples, the connection means can include any other quick release arrangement, for example, including a snap-fit arrangement, a snug-fit arrangement, a magnetic arrangement, and combinations thereof.
Although in the illustrated examples, the first holder connection port 440 is operable to detachably connect thereto the first adaptor holder 420, which in the illustrated examples is the spike-adaptor holder 420 operable for holding a spike adaptor, for example the spike adaptor A4, it is to be understood herein that in some examples, the first holder connection port can be operable for detachably connecting thereto a second adaptor holder operable for at least partially holding a second container-adaptor, of a type different than that of the first container-adaptor. In some examples, the second adaptor holder can be a luer-lock-adaptor holder operable for at least partially holding a luer lock adaptor, for example as described with respect to luer-lock-adaptor holder 330 of the fluid transfer station 300 described herein above with reference to Figs. 4A to 4D.
In the illustrated examples, the first holder connection port 440 constitutes a first movement mechanism 460, having a first part 462 and the second part 464, operable to allow movement of at least a part of an adaptor holder connected to the first holder connection port 440. It is to be understood herein that the first movement mechanism 460 can correspond to (or be identical to) any one of the movement mechanisms 160 and 180 and can include the components corresponding to all of the components of the movement mechanisms 160 and 180 of the first and second adaptor holders 120 and 130 of the fluid transfer station 100 described herein above with reference to Figs. 3 A to 3 J applies analogously and respectively to each of these components of the first movement mechanism 460.
Also, the first adaptor holder 420 can include the components corresponding to all of the components of any one of the first adaptor holder 120 and the second adaptor holder 130 of the fluid transfer station 100 described herein above with reference to Figs. 3 A to 3 J, and description of those components as provided with respect to the first adaptor holder 120 and second adaptor holder 130 of the fluid transfer station 100 described herein above with reference to Figs. 3 A to 3 J, can apply to the corresponding components of the first adaptor holder 420. For instance, the first adaptor holder 420 can comprises a hanger element 422, an adaptor receiving region 423, a blocking element 424, a hanger connection portion 426, and a blocking element connection portion 428, and description of all of these components of the first adaptor holder 120 and the second adaptor holder 130 of the fluid transfer station 100 described herein above with reference to Figs. 3A to 3J applies analogously and respectively to each of these components of the first adaptor holder 420.
Further, the fluid transfer station 400 can include the components corresponding to some or all of the components of the fluid transfer station 100 described herein above with reference to Figs. 3A to 3J, and description of those components as provided with respect to the fluid transfer station 100 described herein above with reference to Figs. 3 A to 3J, can apply to the corresponding components of fluid transfer station 400. For instance, the fluid transfer station 400 comprises an actuator 470 having a telescopic arrangement 472, and description of all of these components of the fluid transfer station 100 described herein above with reference to Figs. 3 A to 3 J applies analogously and respectively to each of these components of the fluid transfer station 400.
In some examples, the fluid transfer station 400 can include an additional container support unit, for example an additional IV bag support unit. In general, the additional container support unit can be operable to at least partially support one or more second container(s) (by way of holding, hanging, placing thereupon, grabbing, or in any other way supporting), of the one or more containers, at least during the transfer of fluid between the second container(s) and the fluid transfer assembly.
In some examples, the additional container support unit can be similar to the additional container support unit 4 described herein above with reference to Figs. 2A to 2D being the additional IV bag support unit and having one or more suspending elements operable for suspending the additional IV bags therefrom. The additional container support unit 4 can be mounted to any part, for example the IV bag support unit 412 or the base 414 or the IV bag support panel 416, of the fluid transfer station 400 by any suitable mounting means. The description of the additional container support unit 4 described herein above with reference to Figs. 2A to 2D can apply to the additional container support unit of the fluid transfer station 400.
In some examples, the fluid transfer station 400 can include a second holder connection port, in addition to the first holder connection port 440, operable for connecting thereto a second adaptor holder operable for at least partially holding a second container-adaptor, of a type same as or different than that of the first container-adaptor. In general, the second holder connection port can include some or all of the features of the first holder connection port 440 described herein above.
In the examples in which the fluid transfer station 400 includes the second holder connection port, in addition to the first holder connection port 440, the fluid transfer station 400 can be similar, or even identical, to the fluid transfer station 100 described herein above with reference to Figs. 3A to 3J, with the first holder connection port 440 corresponding to the first holder connection port 140 of the fluid transfer station 100 and the second holder connection port corresponding to the second holder connection port 150 of the fluid transfer station 100. In such examples, all of the description of the corresponding components of the fluid transfer station 100 described herein above with reference to Figs. 3 A to 3 J can apply analogously and respectively to the components of the fluid transfer station 400.
It is to be understood herein that the fluid transfer station 400 described above with reference to Figs. 5A to 5E can have one or more of the features of the fluid transfer stations 100, 200, 300, 400 described herein generally and with reference to Figs. 1A to ID, 2A to 2D, 3 A to 3 J, 4A to 4D, and 6.
It is to be further understood herein that one or more of the fluid transfer stations 100, 200, 300, 400 described herein generally and with reference to Figs. 1A to ID, 2A to 2D, 3 A to 3 J, 4A to 4D, and 5 A to 5E can include an IV bag support panel (for example, the IV bag support panels 116, 216, 316, 416) that allows visibility therethrough. The IV bag support panel can offer visibility therethrough by virtue of at least one of: a material of which the IV bag support panel is formed; and a structure of the IV bag support panel.
For example, in the examples illustrated in Figs. 1 A to 1C, 2A to 2D, 3A to 3G, 31, 3 J, 4A to 4D, and 5 A to 5E, the IV bag support panels have been shown to be transparent, i.e., made of a transparent material including glass, plastics, or other materials which are transparent.
In some examples, the IV bag support panel can have a structure that offers the visibility therethrough. For example, the IV bag support panel can include one or more windows (see-through windows), for example, in the form of through-holes (of any shape and size) that allow the visibility therethrough.
Reference is now made to Fig. 6 illustrating three examples (left, middle, and right) of an IV bag support panel, that can offer visibility therethrough. According to the example shown in the left of Fig. 6, the structure of IV bag support panel comprises a wire mesh 16-1 being formed of wires 16-1 ’ having see-through windows between the intersections of the wires 16-1’. The wires 16-1’ can have any thickness, cross-sectional shape, density of wires, or structure suitable to allow the IV bag to be positioned thereupon. For instance, the wire mesh 16-1 comprises an IV bag support surface 16-1 A constituted collectively by the top surfaces of the wires 16-1’ for positioning thereupon the IV bag. The outermost wires can constitute a frame F.
According to the example shown in the middle of Fig. 6, the structure of IV bag support panel comprises a grid-like framework 16-2 being formed of horizontal and vertical grid bars 16-2’ having see-through windows between the intersections of the grid bars 16-2’. The grid bars 16-2’ can have any thickness, cross-sectional shape, density or number of grid bars, or structure suitable to allow the IV bag to be positioned thereupon. For instance, the grid-like framework 16-2 comprises an IV bag support surface 16-2A constituted collectively by the top surfaces of the grid bars 16-2’ for positioning thereupon the IV bag. The outermost horizontal and vertical grid bars 16-2 can constitute a frame F.
According to the example shown in the right of Fig. 6, the structure of IV bag support panel comprises a frame F being formed of bars 16-3’ having see-through window between the frame F. The see-through window can be empty or can include a pane made of transparent material. The frame F can be made of single bar formed into the frame F or by connecting multiple bars forming the frame F. The bars 16-3’ can have any thickness, cross-sectional shape, or structure suitable to allow the IV bag to be positioned thereupon. For instance, the frame F comprises an IV bag support surface 16-3A constituted collectively by the top surfaces of the bars 16-3’ for positioning thereupon the IV bag. The dimensions of the top surface of the bars 16-3’ can be selected according to the requirements of the IV bag support surface.
In some examples, the IV bag support panel can allow visibility through at least a majority of area covered by the IV bag support panel in a plane parallel to the IV bag support surface, which in the examples illustrated in Fig. 6 is the plane of the paper. In some examples, the IV bag support panel can allow visibility through at least 60 percent, at least 65 percent, at least 70 percent, at least 75 percent, at least 80 percent, at least 85, at least 90 percent, at least 95 percent, or 100 percent of area covered by the IV bag support panel in a plane parallel to the IV bag support surface, which in the examples illustrated in Fig. 6 is the plane of the paper.
The IV bag support panel allowing visibility therethrough enables the visibility of the components disposed behind the IV bag support panel. For example, in the applications of the system in which additional container support unit (for example, the additional IV bag support unit) is positioned behind the IV bag support panel, an optical sensor (for example, a camera) of the system can monitor (the contents thereof, identification thereof, volume of liquid therewithin, or any other parameter) the additional containers (for example, additional IV bags). Accordingly, no separate optical sensor is required to monitor the additional containers positioned behind the IV bag support panel. In the examples illustrated in Fig. 6, the structure of the IV bag support panels allows an improved sterilization of the fluid transfer stations as the structures allows the sterilization fluid to pass therethrough therefore preventing undesired accumulation of fluid thereon.
Reference is now made to Fig. 7 schematically illustrating a robotic (automatic or semi-automatic) fluid transfer system 1, according to another example of the presently disclosed subject matter. In general, the fluid transfer system 1 can include one or more features of the fluid transfer system 1 described herein above with reference to Figs. 1 A to ID, and the description of the corresponding features can apply to those of the fluid transfer system 1 of Fig. 7 as well. For instance, the fluid transfer station 1 can comprise a manipulator (not shown), similar or identical to the manipulator 2 of the fluid transfer system 1 described herein above with reference to Figs. 1A to ID, to at least partially hold and to manipulate a fluid transfer assembly (not shown) similar or identical to the fluid transfer assembly 3 of the fluid transfer system 1 described herein above with reference to Figs. 1 A to ID, for performing the transfer of fluid between the fluid transfer assembly and one or more containers via corresponding one or more container-adaptors. The containers can have container-adaptors associated therewith, and the manipulator can be configured to move the fluid transfer assembly along a fluid transfer path that extends, for aligning the fluid transfer assembly with the containers, for example aligning an adaptor of the fluid transfer assembly with a container-adaptor associated with a container, and establishing a fluid communication between the fluid transfer assembly and the containers, for example via the container-adaptors. For instance, in some examples, the fluid transfer assembly can include a syringe (with or without a syringe adaptor), and the manipulator can be configured to manipulate the syringe to align the syringe with a container-adaptor of a container, establish a fluid communication between the syringe and the container-adaptor, and operate a plunger of the syringe to perform the transfer of fluid between the syringe and the container.
The fluid transfer system 1, in the example illustrated in Fig. 7, comprises a container retention zone 5 operable for retaining the one or more containers (not shown), at least during the transfer of fluid between the one or more containers and the fluid transfer assembly (not shown). The fluid transfer system 1, in the example illustrated in Fig. 7, further comprises an adaptor holder zone 6, spaced apart from the container retention zone 5, having one or more adaptor holders 6A, each operable to at least partially hold a container-adaptor (not shown) of the one or more container-adaptors. The fluid transfer system 1, in the example illustrated in Fig. 7, further comprises a connection means accommodating zone 7 extending at least partially between the container retention zone 5 and the adaptor holder zone 6, and operable to accommodate one or more connection means (for example, the tube T), for example at least when the one or more connection means connect the one or more containers positioned within the container retention zone 5 and the one or more container-adaptors positioned in the one or more adaptor holders 6.
In general, the container retention zone 5 can be located remotely from the adaptor holder zone 6 thereby allowing a strategic positioning or placement of the one or more containers and the corresponding container-adaptors. The containers and the corresponding container-adaptors can be fluid connected by a fluid connection means, for example tube T, which can be at least partially accommodated in the connection means accommodation zone 7.
It is to be understood herein that the meaning and scope of the term “remote” is to be understood as a predetermined distance such as 20 cm, 30 cm, 40 cm, 50 cm, 60 cm, 70 cm, 80 cm, 90, cm, 100 cm, 150 cm, or 200 cm, including any value between these specified values.
The container can be an IV bag, elastomeric pump, vial, or any other generally known container used in drug preparation procedures, and the container-adaptor can be any suitable container-adaptor, including for example a container port, a spike adaptor, a luer-lock adaptor, or any other adaptor/connector, for establishing a fluid communication with the container via the fluid connection means. The fluid connection means can be a pipe, tube, conduit with or without suitable connector. One end of the fluid connection means can be connected to the container and another end can be connected to the container-adaptor for establishing the fluid connection between the container and the container-adaptor. The one or more adaptor holders 6A can include any structure suitable to at least partially hold the container-adaptor. The container retention zone 5 can include one or more container support units operable to at least partially support the contained s), for example by way of holding, hanging, placing thereupon, grabbing, etc.
In the illustrated example, the container retention zone 5 comprises a container support unit 4 operable for retaining the one or more containers. It is to be understood herein that the container support unit 4 can include one or more features of the additional container support unit 4 described herein above generally as well as with reference to Figs. 1 A to ID and 2A to 2D. For example, the container support unit 4 can be an IV bag support unit 4 having suspending elements 4A operable for suspending the IV bags therefrom. It is to be understood herein that the suspending elements 4A can have any shape, structure or size suitable for hanging, for example, via any suitable suspension means, the IV bags or any other containers therefrom. It is to be further understood herein that although five suspending elements 4A have been shown herein, the fluid transfer system 1 can include more or lesser number of suspending elements. In some examples, the container retention zone 5 can comprise more than one container support units, either all same or some being different from other operable for different containers to be positioned therewithin.
In the illustrated example, the adaptor retention zone 6 comprises a platform 10 having the adaptor holders 6A operatively connected thereto. It is to be understood herein that the platform 10 can include one or more features of the platform 10 described herein above generally as well as with reference to Figs. 1A to ID and 2A to 2D, and the description thereof can apply to the platform 10 schematically illustrated in Fig. 7. For example, the platform 10 shown schematically in Fig. 7 can have one or more fluid transfer stations, which can be similar or identical to one or more of the fluid transfer stations 100, 200, 300, 400, described herein above with reference to Figs. 1 A to ID, 2A to 2D, 3A to 3J, 4A to 4D, and 5A to 5E, and the description thereof can apply to the corresponding fluid transfer stations of the system 1 schematically illustrated in Fig. 7. Accordingly, in some examples, the adaptor holder 6A can include one or more spike adaptor holders similar or identical to the adaptor holders 120, 220, and 420 described herein above with reference to the Figs. 1 A to ID, 2A to 2D, 3 A to 3 J, and 5A to 5E, and the description thereof can apply to the corresponding adaptor holders of the system 1 schematically illustrated in Fig. 7. In some examples, the adaptor holder 6A can include one or more luer-lock-adaptor holders similar or identical to the adaptor holders 130, 230, and 330 described herein above with reference to the Figs. 1 A to ID, 2A to 2D, 3 A to 3 J, and 4A to 4D, and the description thereof can apply to the corresponding adaptor holders of the system 1 schematically illustrated in Fig. 7.
In the claims, as well as in the specification above, all transitional phrases such as “comprising,” “including,” “carrying,” “having,” “containing,” “involving,” “holding,” “composed of,” and the like are to be understood to be open-ended, i.e., to mean including but not limited to. Only the transitional phrases “consisting of’ and “consisting essentially of’ shall be closed or semi-closed transitional phrases, respectively. Although various example embodiments have been described in detail herein, however, in view of the present disclosure many modifications are possible in the examples described above without materially departing from the concepts of present disclosure. Accordingly, any such modifications are intended to be included in the scope of this disclosure. Likewise, while the disclosure herein contains many specific combinations, these specific combinations should not be construed as limiting the scope of the disclosure or of any of the appended claims, but are provided as a description pertinent to one or more specific embodiments that may fall within the scope of the disclosure and the appended claims. Any described features from the various embodiments disclosed may be employed in combination with other disclosed embodiments. In addition, other embodiments of the present disclosure may also be devised which lie within the scopes of the disclosure and the appended claims.
This disclosure provides various examples, embodiments, and features which, unless expressly stated or which would be mutually exclusive, should be understood to be combinable with other examples, embodiments, or features described herein.

Claims

1. A fluid transfer station for use within a fluid transfer system operable for transferring fluid between one or more containers via corresponding one or more container-adaptors and a fluid transfer assembly, said fluid transfer station comprising: an IV bag support unit comprising a base and an IV bag support panel operatively connected to the base, said IV bag support panel comprising an IV bag support surface for at least partially supporting thereupon an IV bag constituting a first container of the one or more containers at least during said transfer of fluid between the first container and the fluid transfer assembly, said IV bag support panel having a maximal lateral panel width; a first adaptor holder operatively connected to the IV bag support unit and operable for at least partially holding an IV bag adaptor associated with the IV bag and constituting a first container-adaptor of the one or more container-adaptors, at least during said transfer of fluid between the first container and the fluid transfer assembly; and a second adaptor holder operatively connected to the IV bag support unit and operable for at least partially holding a second container-adaptor, of the one or more container-adaptors, associated with a second container, of the one or more containers, at least during said transfer of fluid between the second container and the fluid transfer assembly; wherein the first and the second adaptor holders are disposed at least partially within the maximal lateral panel width of the IV bag support panel.
2. The fluid transfer station according to Claim 1, wherein the first adaptor holder is spaced from the IV bag support unit along a first direction, and the maximal lateral panel width extends along a second direction transverse the first direction.
3. The fluid transfer station according to Claim 2, wherein the first and the second adaptor holders are aligned along the second direction.
4. The fluid transfer station according to any one of Claims 1 to 3, wherein each one of the first and the second adaptor holders at least partially constitutes a respective fluid interface region operable to facilitate fluid communication between the fluid transfer assembly and the respective one of the first and second container-adaptors, when the respective one of the first and second container-adaptor is held at the corresponding adaptor holder.
5. The fluid transfer station according to any one of Claims 1 to 4, wherein the first adaptor holder is operable to at least partially hold a container-adaptor of a first type constituting the IV bag adaptor.
6. The fluid transfer station according to Claim 5, wherein the first adaptor holder is operable to at least partially hold at least one of a container port and a spike adaptor, each constituting the container-adaptor of the first type.
7. The fluid transfer station according to Claim 5 or 6, wherein the second adaptor holder is operable to at least partially hold a container-adaptor of a second type, different from the first type, constituting the second container-adaptor.
8. The fluid transfer station according to Claim 7, wherein the second adaptor holder is operable to at least partially hold a luer-lock adaptor constituting the container-adaptor of the second type.
9. The fluid transfer station according to any one of Claims 1 to 8, further comprising an additional IV bag support unit operable for supporting an additional IV bag constituting the second container, at least during said transfer of fluid between the second container and the fluid transfer assembly.
10. The fluid transfer station according to Claim 9, wherein the additional IV bag support unit comprises a suspending element operable for suspending the additional IV bag therefrom.
11. The fluid transfer station according to Claim 9 or 10, wherein the second adaptor holder is positioned in a frontward direction with respect to the IV bag support unit, and the additional IV bag support unit is positioned in one of: a rearward direction, opposite the frontward direction, with respect to the IV bag support unit, and a sideward direction, transverse the frontward direction, with respect to the IV bag support unit.
12. The fluid transfer station according to any one of Claims 1 to 11, wherein the IV bag support unit comprises a first holder connection port operable for connecting thereto at least the first adaptor holder, and a second holder connection port operable for connecting thereto at least the second adaptor holder.
13. The fluid transfer station according to Claim 12, wherein the first holder connection port is operable for detachably connecting thereto at least the first adaptor holder, and the second holder connection port is operable for detachably connecting thereto at least the second adaptor holder.
14. The fluid transfer station according to Claim 13, wherein the first holder connection port is operable for detachably connecting thereto the second adaptor holder, and the second holder connection port is operable for detachably connecting thereto the first adaptor holder.
15. The fluid transfer station according to any one of Claims 1 to 14, wherein said IV bag support panel allows a visibility therethrough.
16. The fluid transfer station according to Claim 15, wherein said IV bag support panel offers a visibility therethrough by virtue of at least one of: a material of which the IV bag support panel is formed; and a structure of the IV bag support panel.
17. The fluid transfer station according to Claim 16, wherein the material is transparent material offering the visibility through the IV bag support panel.
18. The fluid transfer station according to Claim 16 or 17, wherein the structure includes one or more windows offering the visibility through the IV bag support panel.
19. The fluid transfer station according to any one of Claims 16 to 18, wherein the structure includes a frame.
20. The fluid transfer station according to any one of Claims 16 to 19, wherein the structure includes a grid-like framework.
21. The fluid transfer station according to any one of Claims 16 to 20, wherein the structure includes a wire mesh.
22. The fluid transfer station according to any one of Claims 15 to 21, wherein the IV bag support panel allows a visibility through at least a majority of area covered by the IV bag support panel in a plane parallel to the IV bag support surface.
23. The fluid transfer station according to any one of Claims 15 to 22, wherein the IV bag support panel allows a visibility through at least 75 percent of area covered by the IV bag support panel in a plane parallel to the IV bag support surface.
24. The fluid transfer station according to any one of Claims 1 to 23, wherein the IV bag support panel is detachably connected to the base.
25. The fluid transfer station according to any one of Claims 1 to 24, wherein fluid transfer station has an X-axis, a Y-axis, and a Z-axis mutually orthogonal to each other, at least one of said first and second adaptor holders comprising: a hanger element having an adaptor receiving region configured for insertion of the corresponding container-adaptor of the first and second container-adaptors therewithin along the Z-axis; a blocking element configured to selectively block the removal of the containeradaptor from the adaptor receiving region along the Z-axis, wherein the at least one of said first and second adaptor holders is configured to be manipulated between an unblocking state in which the blocking element allows the removal of the containeradaptor from the adaptor receiving region along the Z-axis and a blocking state in which the blocking element blocks the removal of the container-adaptor from the adaptor receiving region along the Z-axis; and an actuator operatively connected to at least one of the hanger element and the blocking element, and operable to move said at least one of the hanger element and the blocking element for manipulating the at least one of said first and second adaptor holders between the blocking and unblocking states.
26. The fluid transfer station according to Claim 25, wherein the actuator is configured to move said at least one of the hanger element and the blocking element between a blocking position corresponding to the blocking state and an unblocking position corresponding to the unblocking state.
27. The fluid transfer station according to Claim 25 or 26, wherein said at least one of the hanger element and the blocking element is articulably connected to the IV bag support unit via a movement mechanism allowing the movement of said at least one of the hanger element and the blocking element with respect to the IV bag support unit for displacement between the blocking and unblocking positions.
28. The fluid transfer station according to Claim 27, when dependent on Claim 12, wherein the first adaptor holder constitutes the at least one of said first and second adaptor holders, and the first holder connection port at least partially constitutes the movement mechanism.
29. The fluid transfer station according to Claim 27, when dependent on Claim 12, wherein the second adaptor holder constitutes the at least one of said first and second adaptor holders, and the second holder connection port at least partially constitutes the movement mechanism.
30. The fluid transfer station according to any one of Claims 25 to 29, further comprising a processing circuitry operatively connected to the actuator and configured to control the operation of the actuator to manipulate the at least one of said first and second adaptor holders between the blocking and unblocking states.
31. A fluid transfer station for use within a fluid transfer system operable for transferring fluid between one or more containers via corresponding one or more container-adaptors and a fluid transfer assembly, said fluid transfer station comprising a container support unit including a base and a container support panel operatively connected to the base, said container support panel being operable for at least partially supporting a first container of the one or more containers at least during said transfer of fluid between the first container and the fluid transfer assembly, said container support unit comprising a first holder connection port operable for detachably connecting thereto at least a first adaptor holder operable for at least partially holding a first containeradaptor of the one or more container-adaptors.
32. The fluid transfer station according to Claim 31 , wherein the first holder connection port is operable for detachably connecting thereto a second adaptor holder operable for at least partially holding a second container-adaptor, of a type different than that of the first container-adaptor, of the one or more container-adaptors.
33. The fluid transfer station according to Claim 31 or 32, wherein the first holder connection port constitutes at least partially a first movement mechanism operable to allow movement of at least a part of an adaptor holder, of the first and second adaptor holders, connected to the first holder connection port.
34. The fluid transfer station according to any one of Claims 31 to 33, further comprising a second holder connection port operable for connecting thereto at least a second adaptor holder operable for at least partially holding a second container-adaptor, of a type different than that of the first container-adaptor, of the one or more containeradaptors.
35. The fluid transfer station according to Claim 34, wherein the second holder connection port is operable for detachably connecting thereto the first adaptor holder.
36. The fluid transfer station according to Claim 34 or 35, wherein the second holder connection port constitutes at least partially a second movement mechanism operable to allow movement of at least a part of an adaptor holder, of the first and second adaptor holders, connected to the second holder connection port.
37. The fluid transfer station according to any one of Claims 34 to 36, wherein the first holder connection port is operable for detachably connecting thereto the first adaptor holder along a first direction, and the first and second holder connection ports are positioned side-by-side with respect to each along a second direction transverse the first direction.
38. The fluid transfer station according to Claim 37, said container support panel having a maximal lateral panel width along the second direction, wherein the first and the second holder connection ports are disposed at least partially within the maximal lateral panel width of the container support panel.
39. The fluid transfer station according to any one of Claims 31 to 38, wherein the container support unit comprises an IV bag support unit and the container support panel comprises an IV bag support panel having an IV bag support surface for at least partially supporting thereupon an IV bag constituting the first container.
40. The fluid transfer station according to Claim 39, further comprising an additional IV bag support unit operable for supporting an additional IV bag constituting a second container of the one or more containers at least during said transfer of fluid between the second container and the fluid transfer assembly.
41. The fluid transfer station according to Claim 40, wherein the additional IV bag support unit comprises a suspending element operable for suspending the additional IV bag therefrom.
42. The fluid transfer station according to any one of Claims 39 to 41, wherein the IV bag support panel is detachably connected to the base.
43. The fluid transfer station according to any one of Claims 39 to 42, wherein the IV bag support panel allows a visibility therethrough.
44. The fluid transfer station according to Claim 43, wherein said IV bag support panel offers a visibility therethrough by virtue of at least one of a material of which the IV bag support panel is formed; and a structure of the IV bag support panel.
45. The fluid transfer station according to Claim 44, wherein the material is transparent material offering the visibility through the IV bag support panel.
46. The fluid transfer station according to Claim 44 or 45, wherein the structure includes one or more windows offering the visibility through the IV bag support panel.
47. The fluid transfer station according to any one of Claims 44 to 46, wherein the structure includes a frame.
48. The fluid transfer station according to any one of Claims 44 to 47, wherein the structure includes a grid-like framework.
49. The fluid transfer station according to any one of Claims 44 to 48, wherein the structure includes a wire mesh.
50. The fluid transfer station according to any one of Claims 43 to 49, wherein the IV bag support panel allows a visibility through at least a majority of area covered by the IV bag support panel in a plane parallel to the IV bag support surface.
51. A fluid transfer station for use within a fluid transfer system operable for transferring fluid between one or more containers via corresponding one or more container-adaptors and a fluid transfer assembly, said fluid transfer station comprising: an IV bag support unit comprising a base and an IV bag support panel operatively connected to the base, said IV bag support panel comprising an IV bag support surface for at least partially supporting thereupon an IV bag constituting a first container of the one or more containers at least during said transfer of fluid between the first container and the fluid transfer assembly; and a luer-lock-adaptor holder operatively connected to the IV bag support unit and operable to at least partially hold a luer-lock adaptor, constituting a container-adaptor of the one or more container-adaptors, associated with a second container, of the one or more containers, at least during said transfer of fluid between the second container and the fluid transfer assembly.
52. The fluid transfer station according to Claim 51, wherein the luer-lock-adaptor holder at least partially constitutes a fluid interface region operable to facilitate fluid communication between the fluid transfer assembly and the luer-lock adaptor, when the luer-lock adaptor is held at the luer-lock-adaptor holder.
53. The fluid transfer station according to Claim 51 or 52, further comprising an additional IV bag support unit operable for supporting an additional IV bag constituting the second container.
54. The fluid transfer station according to Claim 53, wherein the additional IV bag support unit comprises a suspending element operable for suspending the additional IV bag therefrom.
55. The fluid transfer station according to Claim 53 or 54, wherein the luer-lock-adaptor holder is positioned in a frontward direction with respect to the IV bag support unit, and the additional IV bag support unit is positioned in one of: a rearward direction, opposite the frontward direction, with respect to the IV bag support unit, and a sideward direction, transverse the frontward direction, with respect to the IV bag support unit.
56. The fluid transfer station according to any one of Claims 51 to 55, wherein the luer- lock-adaptor holder is detachably connected to the IV bag support unit.
57. The fluid transfer station according to any one of Claims 51 to 56, further comprising another adaptor holder operatively connected to the IV bag support unit and operable for at least partially holding at least one of a container port and a spike adaptor, each constituting another container-adaptor of the one or more container-adaptors and associated with the IV bag constituting the first container, at least during said transfer of fluid between the first container and the fluid transfer assembly.
58. The fluid transfer station according to Claim 57, wherein the other adaptor holder is spaced from the IV bag support unit along a first direction, said IV bag support panel having a maximal lateral panel width extending along a second direction transverse the first direction, wherein the other adaptor holder and the luer-lock-adaptor holder are disposed at least partially within the maximal lateral panel width of the IV bag support panel.
59. The fluid transfer station according to Claim 58, wherein the other adaptor holder and the luer-lock-adaptor holder are aligned along the second direction.
60. The fluid transfer station according to any one of Claims 57 to 59, wherein the other adaptor holder at least partially constitutes a fluid interface region operable to facilitate fluid communication between the fluid transfer assembly and the other container-adaptor, when the other container-adaptor is held at the other adaptor holder.
61. The fluid transfer station according to any one of Claims 57 to 60, wherein the IV bag support unit comprises a first holder connection port operable for connecting thereto at least the other adaptor holder, and a second holder connection port operable for connecting thereto at least the luer-lock-adaptor holder.
62. The fluid transfer station according to Claim 61 , wherein the first holder connection port is operable for detachably connecting thereto at least the other adaptor holder, and the second holder connection port is operable for detachably connecting thereto at least the luer-lock-adaptor holder.
63. The fluid transfer station according to Claim 62, wherein the first holder connection port is operable for detachably connecting thereto the luer-lock-adaptor holder, and the second holder connection port is operable for detachably connecting thereto the other adaptor holder.
64. The fluid transfer station according to any one of Claims 51 to 63, wherein said IV bag support panel allows a visibility therethrough.
65. The fluid transfer station according to Claim 64, wherein said IV bag support panel offers a visibility therethrough by virtue of at least one of: a material of which the IV bag support panel is formed; and a structure of the IV bag support panel.
66. The fluid transfer station according to Claim 65, wherein the material is transparent material offering the visibility through the IV bag support panel.
67. The fluid transfer station according to Claim 65 or 66, wherein the structure includes one or more windows offering the visibility through the IV bag support panel.
68. The fluid transfer station according to any one of Claims 65 to 67, wherein the structure includes at least one of a frame, a grid-like framework, and a wire mesh.
69. The fluid transfer station according to any one of Claims 64 to 68, wherein the IV bag support panel allows a visibility through at least a majority of area covered by the IV bag support panel in a plane parallel to the IV bag support surface.
70. The fluid transfer station according to any one of Claims 51 to 69, wherein the IV bag support panel is detachably connected to the base.
71. A fluid transfer station for use within a fluid transfer system operable for transferring fluid between one or more containers via corresponding one or more container-adaptors and a fluid transfer assembly, said fluid transfer station comprising an IV bag support unit comprising a base and an IV bag support panel operatively connected to the base, said IV bag support panel comprising an IV bag support surface for at least partially supporting thereupon an IV bag constituting a first container of the one or more containers at least during said transfer of fluid between the first container and the fluid transfer assembly, wherein said IV bag support panel allows a visibility therethrough.
72. The fluid transfer station according to Claim 71, wherein said IV bag support panel offers a visibility therethrough by virtue of at least one of: a material of which the IV bag support panel is formed; and a structure of the IV bag support panel.
73. The fluid transfer station according to Claim 72, wherein the material is transparent material offering the visibility through the IV bag support panel.
74. The fluid transfer station according to Claim 72 or 73, wherein the structure includes one or more windows offering the visibility through the IV bag support panel.
75. The fluid transfer station according to any one of Claims 72 to 74, wherein the structure includes a frame.
76. The fluid transfer station according to any one of Claims 72 to 75, wherein the structure includes a grid-like framework.
77. The fluid transfer station according to any one of Claims 72 to 76, wherein the structure includes a wire mesh.
78. The fluid transfer station according to any one of Claims 71 to 77, wherein the IV bag support panel allows a visibility through at least a majority of area covered by the IV bag support panel in a plane parallel to the IV bag support surface.
79. The fluid transfer station according to any one of Claims 71 to 78, wherein the IV bag support panel allows a visibility through at least 75 percent of area covered by the IV bag support panel in a plane parallel to the IV bag support surface.
80. The fluid transfer station according to any one of Claims 71 to 79, wherein the IV bag support panel is detachably connected to the base.
81. The fluid transfer station according to any one of Claims 71 to 80, further comprising a first adaptor holder operatively connected to the IV bag support unit and operable for at least partially holding an IV bag adaptor associated with the IV bag and constituting a first container-adaptor of the one or more container-adaptors, at least during said transfer of fluid between the first container and the fluid transfer assembly.
82. The fluid transfer station according to Claim 81, wherein the first adaptor holder at least partially constitutes a first fluid interface region operable to facilitate fluid communication between the fluid transfer assembly and the first container-adaptor, when the first container-adaptor is held at the first adaptor holder.
83. The fluid transfer station according to Claim 81 or 82, wherein the first adaptor holder is operable to at least partially hold at least one of an IV bag port and a spike adaptor, each constituting the IV bag adaptor.
84. The fluid transfer station according to any one of Claims 81 to 83, wherein the IV bag support unit comprises a first holder connection port operable for detachably connecting thereto at least the first adaptor holder.
85. The fluid transfer station according to Claim 84, wherein the first holder connection port constitutes at least partially a first movement mechanism operable to allow movement of at least a part of the first adaptor holder, when the first adaptor holder is connected at the first holder connection port.
86. The fluid transfer station according to any one of Claims 81 to 85, further comprising a second adaptor holder operatively connected to the IV bag support unit and operable for at least partially holding a second container-adaptor, of the one or more container-adaptors, associated with a second container, of the one or more containers, at least during said transfer of fluid between the second container and the fluid transfer assembly.
87. The fluid transfer station according to Claim 86, wherein the second adaptor holder at least partially constitutes a second fluid interface region operable to facilitate fluid communication between the fluid transfer assembly and the second container-adaptor, when the second container-adaptor is held at the second adaptor holder.
88. The fluid transfer station according to Claim 86 or 87, wherein the second adaptor holder is operable to at least partially hold a luer-lock adaptor constituting the second container-adaptor.
89. The fluid transfer station according to any one of Claims 86 to 88, when dependent on Claim 84, wherein the IV bag support unit comprises a second holder connection port operable for detachably connecting thereto at least the second adaptor holder.
90. The fluid transfer station according to Claim 89, wherein the second holder connection port constitutes at least partially a second movement mechanism operable to allow movement of at least a part of the second adaptor holder, when the second adaptor holder is connected at the second holder connection port.
91. The fluid transfer station according to Claim 89 or 90, wherein the first holder connection port is operable for detachably connecting thereto the second adaptor holder, and the second holder connection port is operable for detachably connecting thereto the first adaptor holder.
92. The fluid transfer station according to any one of Claims 86 to 91, wherein the first adaptor holder is spaced from the IV bag support unit along a first direction, said IV bag support panel having a maximal lateral panel width extending along a second direction transverse the first direction, wherein the first adaptor holder and the second adaptor holder are disposed at least partially within the maximal lateral panel width of the IV bag support panel.
93. The fluid transfer station according to Claim 92, wherein the first adaptor holder and the second adaptor holder are aligned along the second direction.
94. The fluid transfer station according to any one of Claims 86 to 93, further comprising an additional IV bag support unit operable for supporting an additional IV bag constituting the second container, at least during said transfer of fluid between the second container and the fluid transfer assembly.
95. The fluid transfer station according to Claim 94, wherein the additional IV bag support unit comprises a suspending element operable for suspending the additional IV bag therefrom.
96. The fluid transfer station according to Claim 94 or 95, wherein the second adaptor holder is positioned in a frontward direction with respect to the IV bag support unit, and the additional IV bag support unit is positioned in one of: a rearward direction, opposite the frontward direction, with respect to the IV bag support unit, and a sideward direction, transverse the frontward direction, with respect to the IV bag support unit.
97. A fluid transfer system operable for transferring fluid between one or more containers via corresponding one or more container-adaptors and a fluid transfer assembly, said fluid transfer system comprising at least one fluid transfer station according to any one of Claims 1 to 96.
98. The fluid transfer system according to Claim 97, further comprising a fluid transfer assembly manipulator operable to at least partially hold and manipulate the fluid transfer assembly for performing said transfer of fluid.
99. The fluid transfer system according to Claim 98, wherein the fluid transfer assembly manipulator is operable for moving along the at least one fluid transfer station.
100. The fluid transfer system according to Claim 99, wherein the fluid transfer assembly manipulator is operable for moving along a fluid transfer path extending along a lateral dimension of the at least one fluid transfer station.
101. A fluid transfer platform for use within a fluid transfer system operable for transferring fluid between one or more containers via corresponding one or more container-adaptors and a fluid transfer assembly, said fluid transfer platform comprising: a platform base; a first number of fluid transfer stations operatively connected to the platform base and having the first number of IV bag support units, each one of the fluid transfer stations comprising a respective one of the IV bag support units, each one of the IV bag support units having a corresponding base and a corresponding IV bag support panel operatively connected to the base, said IV bag support panel comprising an IV bag support surface for at least partially supporting thereupon an IV bag constituting a first container of the one or more containers at least during said transfer of fluid between the first container and the fluid transfer assembly; the first number of first adaptor holders, each operatively connected to a respective one of the IV bag support units and operable for at least partially holding an IV bag adaptor associated with the corresponding IV bag and constituting a first containeradaptor of the one or more container-adaptors; and at least one second adaptor holder operable for at least partially holding a second container-adaptor, of the one or more container-adaptors, said at least one second adaptor holder being operatively connected directly or indirectly to one or more of the platform base, and at least one of the IV bag support units.
102. The fluid transfer platform according to Claim 101, wherein the platform base is operable for being mounted to a support structure of the fluid transfer system.
103. The fluid transfer platform according to Claim 101 or 102, wherein each of the first adaptor holders is operable to at least partially hold a container-adaptor of a first type, constituting the IV bag adaptor.
104. The fluid transfer platform according to Claim 103, wherein each of the first adaptor holders is operable to at least partially hold at least one of a container port and a spike adaptor, each constituting the container-adaptor of the first type.
105. The fluid transfer platform according to Claim 104, wherein the second adaptor holder is operable to at least partially hold a luer-lock adaptor constituting the second container-adaptor of a second type different from the first type.
106. The fluid transfer platform according to any one of Claims 101 to 105, wherein each of the first adaptor holders is spaced from the corresponding IV bag support unit along a first direction, and the first adaptor holders are aligned along a fluid transfer path extending along a second direction transverse the first direction.
107. The fluid transfer platform according to Claim 106, wherein the at least one second adaptor holder is aligned along the fluid transfer path.
108. The fluid transfer platform according to any one of Claims 101 to 107, wherein each one of the first and the second adaptor holders at least partially constitute a respective fluid interface region operable to facilitate fluid communication between the fluid transfer assembly and the respective one of the first and second container-adaptors, when the respective one of the first and second container-adaptor is held at the corresponding adaptor holder.
109. The fluid transfer platform according to any one of Claims 101 to 108, further comprising an additional IV bag support unit operable for supporting an additional IV bag constituting a second container, of the one or more containers, associated with the second container-adaptor, at least during said transfer of fluid between the second container and the fluid transfer assembly.
110. The fluid transfer platform according to Claim 109, wherein the additional IV bag support unit comprises a suspending element operable for suspending the additional IV bag therefrom.
111. The fluid transfer platform according to Claim 109 or 110, wherein the at least one second adaptor holder is positioned in a frontward direction with respect to the platform base, and the additional IV bag support unit is positioned in one of: a rearward direction, opposite the frontward direction, with respect to the platform base, and a sideward direction, transverse the frontward direction, with respect to the platform base.
112. The fluid transfer platform according to any one of Claims 101 to 111, wherein each one of the first number of IV bag support units comprises a first holder connection port operable for connecting thereto at least the corresponding one of the first adaptor holders.
113. The fluid transfer platform according to Claim 112, wherein the first holder connection port is operable for detachably connecting thereto the corresponding one of the first adaptor holders.
114. The fluid transfer platform according to Claim 112 or 113, wherein said at least one of the IV bag support units comprises a second holder connection port operable for connecting thereto at least the at least one second adaptor holder.
115. The fluid transfer platform according to Claim 114, wherein the second holder connection port is operable for detachably connecting thereto the at least one second adaptor holder.
116. The fluid transfer platform according to Claim 115, wherein the first holder connection port is operable for detachably connecting thereto the at least one second adaptor holder, and the second holder connection port is operable for detachably connecting thereto an adaptor holder of the first adaptor holders.
117. The fluid transfer platform according to any one of Claims 101 to 116, wherein said at least one second adaptor holder is spaced from said at least one of the IV bag support units along a first direction, the IV bag support panel of said at least one of the IV bag support units having a maximal lateral panel width along a second direction, wherein the first adaptor holder operatively connected to said at least one of the IV bag support units and the at least one second adaptor holder are disposed at least partially within the maximal lateral panel width.
118. The fluid transfer platform according to any one of Claims 101 to 116, the first adaptor holders being spaced from the corresponding IV bag support units along a first direction, wherein each IV bag support unit of the IV bag support units is spaced apart by a gap from an adjacent IV bag support unit of the IV bag support units along a second direction transverse the first direction, said gap having a gap width along the second direction, wherein the at least one second adaptor holder is disposed at least partially within the gap width.
119. The fluid transfer platform according to any one of Claims 101 to 118, wherein at least one of said IV bag support panels allows a visibility therethrough.
120. The fluid transfer platform according to Claim 119, wherein said at least one IV bag support panel offers a visibility therethrough by virtue of at least one of: a material of which said at least one IV bag support panel is formed; and a structure of said at least one IV bag support panel.
121. The fluid transfer platform according to Claim 120, wherein the material is transparent material offering the visibility through said at least one IV bag support panel.
122. The fluid transfer platform according to Claim 120 or 121, wherein the structure includes one or more windows offering the visibility through said at least one IV bag support panel.
123. The fluid transfer platform according to any one of Claims 120 to 122, wherein the structure includes a frame.
124. The fluid transfer platform according to any one of Claims 120 to 123, wherein the structure includes a grid-like framework.
125. The fluid transfer platform according to any one of Claims 120 to 124, wherein the structure includes a wire mesh.
126. The fluid transfer platform according to any one of Claims 119 to 125, wherein said at least one IV bag support panel allows a visibility through at least a majority of area covered by said at least one IV bag support panel in a plane parallel to the corresponding IV bag support surface.
127. The fluid transfer platform according to any one of Claims 119 to 126, wherein the IV bag support panel allows a visibility through at least 75 percent of area covered by said at least one IV bag support panel in a plane parallel to the corresponding IV bag support surface.
128. The fluid transfer platform according to any one of Claims 101 to 127, wherein at least one of the IV bag support panels is detachably connected to the corresponding base.
129. A fluid transfer system operable for transferring fluid between one or more containers via corresponding one or more container-adaptors and a fluid transfer assembly, said fluid transfer system comprising at least one fluid transfer platform according to any one of Claims 101 to 128.
130. The fluid transfer system according to Claim 129, further comprising a fluid transfer assembly manipulator operable to at least partially hold and manipulate the fluid transfer assembly for performing said transfer of fluid.
131. A robotic fluid transfer system operable for transferring fluid between one or more containers via corresponding one or more container-adaptors and a fluid transfer assembly, said robotic fluid transfer system comprising: a container retention zone operable for retaining the one or more containers, at least during said transfer of fluid between at least one of the one or more containers and the fluid transfer assembly; an adaptor holder zone, spaced apart from the container retention zone, having one or more adaptor holders each operable to at least partially hold a container-adaptor of the one or more container-adaptors; and a fluid connection means accommodating zone extending at least partially between the container retention zone and the adaptor holder zone, and operable to accommodate one or more connection means at least when said one or more connection means connect the one or more containers positioned within the container retention zone and the one or more container-adaptors positioned in the adaptor holder zone.
132. The robotic fluid transfer system according to Claim 131, wherein the one or more adaptor holders comprise at least one luer-lock-adaptor holder operable to at least partially hold a luer-lock adaptor constituting the container-adaptor.
133. The robotic fluid transfer system according to Claim 131 or 132, wherein the container retention zone comprises one or more IV bag support units each operable for supporting an IV bag, constituting the one or more containers.
134. The robotic fluid transfer system according to Claim 133, wherein each of the IV bag support units comprises a suspending element operable for suspending the corresponding IV bag therefrom.
PCT/IL2025/050460 2024-05-29 2025-05-29 Fluid transfer station and fluid transfer platform for a pharmaceutical preparation system Pending WO2025248528A1 (en)

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
US202463652919P 2024-05-29 2024-05-29
US63/652,919 2024-05-29

Publications (1)

Publication Number Publication Date
WO2025248528A1 true WO2025248528A1 (en) 2025-12-04

Family

ID=97869705

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
PCT/IL2025/050460 Pending WO2025248528A1 (en) 2024-05-29 2025-05-29 Fluid transfer station and fluid transfer platform for a pharmaceutical preparation system

Country Status (1)

Country Link
WO (1) WO2025248528A1 (en)

Citations (5)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US20110062703A1 (en) * 2009-07-29 2011-03-17 Icu Medical, Inc. Fluid transfer devices and methods of use
US20140311621A1 (en) * 2012-04-18 2014-10-23 Panasonic Corporation Medicine transfusion apparatus and medicine transfusion method
US20160200462A1 (en) * 2013-08-26 2016-07-14 Equashiled Medical Ltd. Robotic system for compounding medication
JP2018186928A (en) * 2017-04-28 2018-11-29 株式会社ジェイ・エム・エス Chemical solution preparation device
CN219878667U (en) * 2022-12-20 2023-10-24 青岛海尔生物医疗科技有限公司 Device for dispensing a pharmaceutical product

Patent Citations (5)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US20110062703A1 (en) * 2009-07-29 2011-03-17 Icu Medical, Inc. Fluid transfer devices and methods of use
US20140311621A1 (en) * 2012-04-18 2014-10-23 Panasonic Corporation Medicine transfusion apparatus and medicine transfusion method
US20160200462A1 (en) * 2013-08-26 2016-07-14 Equashiled Medical Ltd. Robotic system for compounding medication
JP2018186928A (en) * 2017-04-28 2018-11-29 株式会社ジェイ・エム・エス Chemical solution preparation device
CN219878667U (en) * 2022-12-20 2023-10-24 青岛海尔生物医疗科技有限公司 Device for dispensing a pharmaceutical product

Similar Documents

Publication Publication Date Title
US20250236029A1 (en) Method for transferring at least one filling needle of a number of filling needles into an aseptic isolator
CN116194214B (en) The β-component of the aseptic isolation zone transfer system, the aseptic isolation zone, the aseptic filling system, and the method of operating such a filling system.
EP3038926B1 (en) Robotic system for compounding medication
US9221045B2 (en) Automatic preparation system
ES3042379T3 (en) Medication dosing systems and methods
KR102159303B1 (en) Substrate transfer device
CN108473215A (en) Apparatus and methods for securing and de-protecting fluid paths in controlled environment enclosures
KR20150104526A (en) Robot system, liquid transfer controller, liquid transfer control method, and medicine manufacturing method
WO2025248528A1 (en) Fluid transfer station and fluid transfer platform for a pharmaceutical preparation system
US20250251744A1 (en) Robotic pharmaceutical preparation system having a movable platform
ITBO20060245A1 (en) SYSTEM TO TRANSFER AND MOVE ELEMENTS OF A MACHINE OPERATOR.
WO2025248529A1 (en) A fluid transfer station for a pharmaceutical preparation system
US20100031894A1 (en) Apparatus and method for changing laboratory animal cages or other operations
CN116600941A (en) Apparatus and method for location exchange of IT hardware nodes at an IT hardware rack
WO2025104730A1 (en) A pharmaceutical preparation system
JP6315297B2 (en) Robot system and method for preparing chemicals
WO2024121845A1 (en) Pharmaceutical preparation device utilizing imaging-enhanced preparation process component placement
AU2024218354A1 (en) A vial manipulator for use in a robotic pharmaceutical preparation system
EP3922205A1 (en) System for arranging containers and container lids on a rack in a sterile processing department
CN115530544A (en) Storage cabinet for storing medicine bottles
JP6472698B2 (en) Holder hand, holder transfer device, and holder transfer method
CN118272181A (en) Multi-well plate loading device and nucleic acid detection integrated machine having the same
CN116583305A (en) Tool for maintaining sealed transfer bags in an autoclave facility
BR112020022488B1 (en) METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR FILLING PHARMACEUTICAL CONTAINERS
HK1226374B (en) Robotic system for compounding medication

Legal Events

Date Code Title Description
121 Ep: the epo has been informed by wipo that ep was designated in this application

Ref document number: 25815476

Country of ref document: EP

Kind code of ref document: A1