Method and system for aseptically filling a package
The present invention relates to a method and system for aseptically filling of flexible packages containing dry cloth. Such a method may include a first stage that is performed in a non-sterile environment. The first stage may include cutting a first substantially dry cloth to a predetermined size; inserting the first cloth into a flexible package; sealing a first end of the flexible package; and sterilizing the flexible package. The method may also include a second stage performed in a sterile environment. The second stage may include filling the flexible package with a medical solution such that the substantially dry cloth absorbs at least a portion of the medical solution; and sealing the open end of the flexible package.
1. A system comprising:
a non-sterile packing module that inserts a substantially dry cloth into a package;
a non-sterile insertion module that inserts the package containing the substantially dry cloth into a wrap;
a sterilization module that sterilizes the package containing the substantially dry cloth;
a sterile removal module that removes the package containing the substantially dry cloth from the wrap; and
a sterile filling module comprising a filter that filters a medical solution and directs a portion of the medical solution into the package containing the substantially dry cloth.
2. The system of claim 1 , wherein the sterilization module irradiates the package containing the substantially dry cloth.
3. The system of claim 2 , wherein the sterilization module exposes the package to gamma radiation between 25 kGy and 50 kGy.
4. The system of claim 1 further comprising a sterile package cutting module that opens the package.
5. The system of claim 4 , wherein the sterile cutting module defines an opening in the package.
6. The system of claim 5 , wherein the filling module fills the package via the opening.
7. The system of claim 6 , wherein the filling module comprises a vaccum system that holds the opening open during filling.
8. The system of claim 1 further comprising a sterile wrap cutting module that opens the wrap.
9. The system of claim 1 further comprising a nonsterile package sealing module that seals the package after the packing module inserts the substantially dry cloth into the flexible package.
10. The system of claim 1 further comprising a nonsterile wrap sealing module that seals the wrap after the packing module inserts the substantially dry cloth into the package.
11. The system of claim 1 further comprising a sterile package sealing module that seals the package after the filling module directs a portion of the medical solution into the package.
12. The system of claim 1 , wherein the insertion module inserts a plurality of packages into a single wrap.
13. The system of claim 1 , wherein the package comprises a flexible film.
14. The system of claim 1 , wherein the package comprises a rigid tub.
15. The system of claim 1 , wherein the wrap comprises a flexible film.
16. The system of claim 1 , wherein the wrap comprises a rigid tub.
17. The system of claim 1 further comprising a stacking module that prepares the package for transportation.
18. The system of claim 1 , wherein the non-sterile packing module receives cloth from a roll of cloth.
19. The system of claim 18 , wherein the non-sterile packing module further comprises a cutting component that cuts the roll of cloth to form the substantially dry cloth to a predetermined size.
20. The system of claim 1 , wherein the packing module folds the substantially dry cloth prior to insertion into the package.
21. The system of claim 1 , wherein the substantially dry cloth comprises plurality of cloths.
22. The system of claim 21 , wherein the packing module stacks the plurality of cloths prior to insertion into the package.
23. A system comprising:
a non-sterile packing module that inserts a substantially dry cloth into a package;
a non-sterile insertion module that inserts the package containing the substantially dry cloth into a wrap;
a sterilization module that sterilizes the package containing the substantially dry cloth by exposing the package to gamma radiation;
a sterile removal module that removes the package containing the substantially dry cloth from the wrap;
a sterile cutting module that defines an opening in the package;
a sterile filling module comprising a filter that filters a medical solution and directs a portion of the medical solution into the package containing the substantially dry cloth; and
a sterile sealing module that seals the package after the filling module directs a portion of the medical solution into the package.