CONTROL OF FLUID TRANSFER OPERATIONS

摘要

Some methods and related apparatus for manipulating a fluid conduit for i nsertion into a substantially re-sealable membrane include determining an or ientation and position of a fluid conduit relative to the membrane. In an il lustrative example, a syringe needle having a beveled leading edge may be ma nipulated by an automated device to be oriented and aligned with an aperture made upon a previous insertion of a needle into a membrane. In some example s, a predetermined number of insertions may be made in the same aperture by aligning and orienting one or more needles with the aperture. In some exampl es, multiple needle insertions may be controlled to produce apertures that a re substantially spaced apart. Such procedures may, for example, advantageou sly extend the integrity of the membrane against leakage and/or contaminatio n.