VIAL COUPLER

摘要

The vial coupler (100) is configured to engage and provide a connection for the sterile transfer of fluid between different standard sized vials (190, 200) and a loading apparatus (50). In the present configuration, receptacles (140) for two vials (190, 200) are provided, and each receptacle (140) contains an adapter ring (160) that locks onto the cap (192) of a first standard sized vial (190), but precludes the premature emplacement of a larger diameter cap (202) of a second standard sized vial (200). The first standard size vials (190) contains a first component while the second standard size vials (200) contains a second component. Once the first component is transferred from the first standard vials (190) through the vial coupler (100) to the loading unit (50), the first standard size vials (190) and adapter rings (192) are withdrawn from the vial coupler (100). The receptacles (140) of the vial coupler (100) can then accomodate the larger diameter vial caps (202) of the second standard sized vials (200). The first componentis then transferred from the loading unit (50) through the vial coupler (100) and into the second standard size vials (200). The solution of the first and second standard components is then withdrawn through the vial coupler (100) into the loading unit (50) and subsequently dispensed therefrom.