INSTALLATION FOR PRODUCING A MEDICAL PREPARATION

Abstract

The invention relates to an installation for producing a medical preparation, in particular for producing a preparation for parenteral nutrition. The installation comprises a pump with which liquids can be transferred from a plurality of source containers into a target container. The installation has a modular construction and comprises a weighing module and a main module with the pump. According to a further aspect of the invention, the pump is arranged at an inclination with respect to a vertical plane. According to a further aspect of the invention, the installation comprises cascaded valve nodes.

Claims

1-15. (canceled)

16. An apparatus comprising an installation for producing a preparation for parenteral nutrition, said apparatus comprising pumps that are configured to transfer liquids from source containers to a target container, wherein said pumps are peristaltic pumps that have different delivery rates.

17. The apparatus of claim 16, wherein said source containers comprise first and second source containers, wherein said installation further comprises a first valve unit that is connected to said first source container and a second valve unit that is connected to said second source container, wherein said pumps comprise a first pump that is connected to said first valve unit and a second pump that is connected to said second valve unit, wherein said first pump connects to a first chamber of said target container, and wherein said second pump connects to a second chamber of said target container.

18. The apparatus of claim 16, wherein one of said pumps comprise a smaller pump and a larger pump, said smaller pump having a lower delivery rate than said larger pump.

19. The apparatus of claim 16, wherein one of said pumps comprise a smaller pump and a larger pump, said smaller pump having a delivery rate that is less than half of that of said larger pump.

20. The apparatus of claim 16, wherein said pumps comprise a first pump and a second pump that has a delivery rate that is less than that of said first pump, said installation further comprising a first hose and a second hose, wherein said second hose has a smaller diameter than that of said first hose, wherein said first hose is connected to said first pump and said second hose are configured to be connected to said second pump.

21. The apparatus of claim 16, wherein said pumps comprise first and second pumps that are in series.

22. The apparatus of claim 16, wherein said pumps comprise first and second pumps that are in parallel.

23. The apparatus of claim 16, wherein said pumps comprise first and second pumps that are connected in parallel and wherein said installation further comprises a directional control valve that permits switching back and forth between said first and second pumps.

24. The apparatus of claim 16, wherein said target container comprises first and second chambers, wherein said pumps comprise first and second pumps that are connected in parallel, wherein said first pump comprises an inlet to said first chamber and said second pump has an inlet to said second chamber, said inlets being separate from each other.

25. The apparatus of claim 16, wherein said source containers comprise first and second source containers, wherein said pumps comprise first and second pumps that are connected in parallel and that comprise corresponding inlets to corresponding chambers of said target container, and wherein said installation comprises a first valve unit that connects said first pump to said first source container and a second valve unit that connects said second pump to said second source container.

26. The apparatus of claim 16, wherein said pumps comprise first pump and a second pump, said second pump having a lower delivery rate than said first pump, wherein said installation further comprises a valve unit and a hose that is connected to said valve unit and that leads to said target container, wherein said hose comprises a first portion for insertion into said first pump and a second portion for insertion into said second pump, wherein said second portion has a diameter that is smaller than that of said first portion.

27. The apparatus of claim 16, wherein said pumps comprise first and second pumps, wherein said second pump pumps with greater precision than said first pump.

28. The apparatus of claim 16, wherein said installation further comprises a directional control valve that connects said pumps to one of first and second chambers of said target container, thereby permitting said first and second chambers to be prepared with liquids of different compositions.

29. The apparatus of claim 16, wherein said installation further comprises a directional control valve that selects between which of said pumps is to be used to transfer liquids from said source containers are transferred to said target container, said selection being based on a desired delivery rate.

30. The apparatus of claim 16, wherein said pumps comprise a first pump, wherein said installation comprises a valve that prevents said first pump from receiving transfer liquid, wherein said installation further comprises a directional control valve that is connected to said transfer container for filling said transfer container, and wherein said directional control valve is configured to be connected to said first pump.

31. The apparatus of claim 16, wherein said source containers comprise first and second source containers, wherein said installation further comprises a first valve unit that is connected to said first source container and a second valve unit that is connected to said second source container, and wherein said pumps comprise a first pump that is connected to said first valve unit and a second pump that is connected to said second valve unit.

32. The apparatus of claim 16, wherein at least one of the pumps is arranged on a housing front at an inclination relative to a vertical plane.

33. The apparatus of claim 16, wherein said installation further comprises a housing, a seat on said housing, hoses, and cascaded valve nodes, each of which includes connections to said source containers, wherein said valve nodes are mounted on said seat and are connected by said hoses.

34. The apparatus of claim 16, wherein said installation comprises cascaded valve nodes and a house connected to said valve nodes.

35. The apparatus of claim 16, wherein said installation further comprises a seat and a valve node that is configured to be locked onto said seat, said seat comprising a plate having a circumferential edge that is form-fitted to said valve node.

36. The apparatus of claim 16, wherein said installation further comprises a first valve unit that is connected to said first source container, a first pump that is connected to said first valve unit, and a combined flow-and-bubble sensor downstream from said first valve unit and upstream from said first pump.

37. The apparatus of claim 16, wherein said installation further comprises a screen module that comprises a device for wireless transmission of a user identifier.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0139] The subject matter of the invention is explained in more detail below with reference to FIG. 1 to FIG. 28 of the drawings.

[0140] FIG. 1 shows a perspective view of an illustrative embodiment of an installation according to the invention for producing a medical preparation.

[0141] FIG. 2 and FIG. 3 are perspective views of a subframe that forms part of the installation shown in FIG. 1.

[0142] FIG. 4 shows a perspective view of the subframe which, together with rods that have holders for source containers, forms a frame.

[0143] FIG. 5 and FIG. 6 are perspective views of the balance module already shown in FIG. 1.

[0144] FIG. 7 is a detailed view of the valve nodes.

[0145] FIG. 8 is a detailed view of the main module with the valve nodes removed.

[0146] FIG. 9 and FIG. 10 are perspective detailed views of a valve node.

[0147] FIG. 11 is a perspective view of the valve node with connection hoses.

[0148] FIG. 12 shows the hoses for connection of the source containers, and FIG. 13 shows the hose for connection of the target container.

[0149] FIG. 14 to FIG. 16 are perspective views of the main module.

[0150] FIG. 17 and FIG. 18 are perspective views of the screen module.

[0151] FIG. 19 is a perspective view of a valve unit composed of three valve nodes.

[0152] FIG. 20 is a detailed view of a seat for a valve node.

[0153] FIG. 21 is a further perspective view of the underside of the valve node.

[0154] FIG. 22 is a detailed view of the main module of the installation.

[0155] FIG. 23 shows a schematic representation of the basic principle of an alternative embodiment of an installation for producing a medical preparation, which embodiment, in contrast to the embodiment previously shown, comprises two pumps, and also a directional control valve for filling a target container that has two chambers.

[0156] FIG. 24 to FIG. 27 show further illustrative embodiments of the schematic basic principle of an installation with two pumps for producing a medical preparation.

[0157] FIG. 28 shows the schematic basic principle of an installation in which a waste bag is connected via a directional control valve parallel to the target container.

[0158] FIGS. 23 to 28 of the drawings illustrate the possible difference of the installation from the installation shown in FIG. 1 to FIG. 22.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0159] FIG. 1 shows a perspective view of an installation 1 for producing a medical preparation in the form of a preparation for parenteral nutrition.

[0160] The installation 1 has a modular construction and comprises a main module 2.

[0161] The main module 2 comprises a pump 9, which is configured as a peristaltic pump.

[0162] The main module 2 further comprises a scanner 12 with which recipe data or barcodes on target containers 6 and/or source containers 5 can be read in.

[0163] Three valve nodes 10a to 10c are arranged on the upper side of the main module and together form a valve unit. The valve nodes 10a to 10c are connected in a cascaded configuration, which is explained in more detail below.

[0164] In addition to the main module 2, the installation 1 comprises a balance module 3 and a screen module 4.

[0165] The balance module 3 comprises a balance pan 7 in which a target container 6 is placed.

[0166] Balance module 3 and main module 2 are mounted on a subframe 11, which ensures a constant position of balance module 3 and main module 2 relative to each other.

[0167] The space between balance module 3 and main module 2 is partially spanned by the balance pan 7, such that the connection of the target container 6 is close to the upper side of the housing of the main module 2.

[0168] Moreover, the balance pan 7 is inclined obliquely upward in the direction of the main module 2 with respect to a horizontal plane. In this way, the connection of the target container 6 is likewise close to the upper side of the main module 2, which reduces the length of a hose 36 for connection of the target container 6 to the valve node 10a.

[0169] The hoses 36, 37 are not shown in this view.

[0170] Rods 8 can also be seen on which a plurality of source containers 5 are arranged.

[0171] To operate the installation, the source containers 5 are connected via hoses 37 to the valve nodes 10a to 10c. Moreover, the valve nodes 10a to 10c are arranged in a cascaded configuration, such that only the valve node 10a is connected directly to the target container 6.

[0172] The hose 36 used for connection of the target container is guided through the peristaltic pump 9.

[0173] By way of the valve unit 60 composed of the valve nodes 10a to 10c, the desired preparation can be transferred under computer control into the target container 6 by means of the peristaltic pump 9.

[0174] In a filling procedure, one of the valves 63 is opened, such that liquid from a source container 5 is pumped into the target container in one metering step by the pump 9. The next valve 63 is then opened. Liquids are removed from the different source containers 5 until the filling procedure is completed.

[0175] Preferably, only a single valve 63 (see FIG. 9 for example) leading to a source container 5 is opened at any one time during each individual metering step. Thus, liquid is always being removed from just one source container 5.

[0176] In addition to the main constituents of the medical preparation and to the micro-quantities that are located in the source containers 5, each preparation involves what is called a universal liquid, also referred to as “universal ingredient” (UI). This liquid may come into direct contact with every other ingredient without causing an undesired side effect and is used in a relatively large quantity in each preparation, in particular for filling the preparation to the desired total quantity. The universal liquid is in most cases isotonic water.

[0177] Provision is made that, when starting the operation of the installation 1 for producing the medical preparation, a first target container called a waste bag is used which is subsequently discarded. This waste bag is connected by means of the valve unit 60 (see FIG. 19 for example), and the hoses 37 leading to all of the source containers 5 are vented by means of a requisite amount of liquid being removed.

[0178] The screen module 4, which has a touchscreen for operating the installation 1, is freely movable with respect to the subframe 11 and therefore with respect to the rest of the components of the installation.

[0179] In this view, the screen module 4 is located on the right-hand side of the installation 1.

[0180] If a left-handed person is operating the installation, the screen module 4 can be shifted to the left.

[0181] At the same time, the scanner 12 can then be mounted farther to the right.

[0182] FIG. 2 shows a perspective view of the subframe 11.

[0183] The subframe 11 has a seat 13 for the balance module 3.

[0184] The seat 13 comprises bores 14 into which feet 28b of the balance module 3 can be inserted.

[0185] The subframe 11 moreover has a seat 15 for the main module 2. The seat 15 protrudes like a fork from the rest of the subframe 11.

[0186] The seat 15 for the main module 2 also comprises bores 16, into which two feet 42b of the main module 2 can be inserted.

[0187] Thus, in the assembled state, balance module 3 and main module 2 are positioned fixedly relative to each other in the horizontal plane.

[0188] The distance between balance module 3 and main module 2 is fixed by the portion 17 of the subframe 11.

[0189] Behind the seat 15 for the main module 2, the subframe 11 has seats 18 for the rods 8 on which the source containers 5 can be mounted.

[0190] Preferably, source containers 5 for quite small quantities are mounted on these rods 8, while bags for example, from which the main constituents of the medical preparation are delivered, can be suspended by hooks from a frame (not shown) remote from the installation.

[0191] FIG. 3 shows a perspective view of the underside of the subframe 11.

[0192] It reveals that the subframe 11 has a plurality of feet 19 which can be formed, for example, as inserted or adhesively bonded elastomer elements.

[0193] Between the feet 19, recesses 20 are formed on the underside of the subframe 11 and serve to permit better ventilation under the main module 2.

[0194] FIG. 4 shows a perspective view of the subframe 11, in which the rods 8 are now inserted that serve for mounting the source containers 5.

[0195] The rods 8 are composed of a bottom part 8a and a top part 8b and can be extended telescopically.

[0196] Moreover, holders 21 for the source containers 5 can be mounted on the rods 8, which holders 21 are preferably vertically displaceable. A flexible adaptation to different types and sizes of source containers 5 is thereby ensured.

[0197] At the same time, the modular concept means that the subframe 11 in the assembled state is fixed by the heavier main module 2, which has the effect that at the same time the rods 8 connected to the subframe 11 are secured against tipping over.

[0198] FIG. 5 shows a perspective view of the balance module 3. The balance module 3 comprises a housing 26 in which the weighing cell (not shown) and, if appropriate, further electronic components for control and regulation are arranged.

[0199] The balance pan 7 is configured in the shape or manner of a chute or trough. In this view, a target container 6 is suspended in the pins 27 of the balance pan 7. A defined positioning of the target container 6 on the balance pan 7 is thus ensured.

[0200] The balance pan 7 is mounted on the balance 22, in which the weighing cell is arranged.

[0201] The balance pan 7 further comprises a hose holder 25, into which the connection hose 24 of the target container 6 can be inserted. The connection 23 of the target container 6 is connected to an installation-side connection 39 of the valve unit 60.

[0202] FIG. 6 is a further perspective view of the balance module 3. It reveals that the housing 26 has cylindrical or conical feet 28a, 28b on the underside.

[0203] The feet 28b are inserted into the bores 14 of the subframe 11.

[0204] It further reveals an electrical connection 40 with which the balance 22 is connected to the main module 2. A plug is preferably provided for the connection.

[0205] FIG. 7 shows a detailed view of the main module 2 already shown in FIG. 1.

[0206] It reveals that three valve nodes 10a to 10c are arranged on the housing upper side of the main module 2.

[0207] The valve nodes 10a to 10c each have two connections 29a to 29f.

[0208] In order to join the valve nodes 10a to 10c together to form a cascaded valve unit 60, they are connected to hoses 61 (not shown here) (see also FIG. 19 for example).

[0209] The connections 29b and 29c and the connections 29d and 29e are thus connected.

[0210] By contrast, the connection 29a is connected to a hose 36 that leads to the target container 6 (see also FIG. 19 for example). The connection 29f is closed.

[0211] FIG. 8 is a further detailed view in which, compared to FIG. 7, the valve nodes 10a to 10c have been detached.

[0212] The valve nodes 10a to 10c can be locked onto the installation-side seats 30a to 30c.

[0213] Each of these seats 30a to 30c comprises carriers 31 which, in this illustrative embodiment, are configured like screwdrivers and which serve to move the actuation members 35a to 35f, with which the valves 63 of the valve unit 60 can be actuated (see also FIGS. 9 and 10 for example).

[0214] FIG. 9 is a perspective detailed view of a valve node 10a without connection hoses.

[0215] The valve node 10c comprises the connections 32a to 321 for connection of the source containers 5. Each of the connections 32a to 321 is connected to a hose 37 that leads to a source container 5 (see also FIGS. 11 and 12 for example).

[0216] The connections 32a to 321 are an integral part of the housing 31 of the valve node 10c.

[0217] The connection 29f is closed with a stopper 34.

[0218] FIG. 10 shows a perspective view of the underside of the valve node 10a.

[0219] The connections 29a and 29b can be seen clearly in this view.

[0220] It can also be seen that a central channel 62 extends between the connections 29a and 29b.

[0221] With the valve 63 opened, the liquid flows from the respective connection 32a to 321 into this central channel 62.

[0222] The valves 63 in this illustrative embodiment are configured as 3-way valves. Accordingly, there are only half as many actuation members 35a-35f as there are connections 32a-321.

[0223] Specifically, the valves 63 are configured as 3/3-port directional control valves with a closed central position.

[0224] The connection 32e or 32f, for example, can be opened via the actuation member 35a.

[0225] The individual valve nodes 10a to 10c are preferably of identical configuration.

[0226] In this view, the actuation members 35a to 35c are in the closed central position, whereas the actuation members 35d to 35f are located in the open position and have opened an access.

[0227] It will be appreciated, however, that only one valve 63 is generally opened during the operation of the installation.

[0228] FIG. 11 shows a valve node 10a with hoses 36, 37.

[0229] The hoses 37 serve to connect the source containers 5, and the hose 36 is guided through the pump 9 and serves to connect the target container 6.

[0230] This view shows only the start of the hoses 36, 37 at the valve node side.

[0231] The hoses 36 and 37 are preferably connected to the connections 29a to 29f and 32a to 321 of the respective node 10a to 10c in such a way that these cannot be removed without destruction.

[0232] The valve unit 60 composed of the valve nodes 10a to 10c and hoses 36, 37 is thus configured as a disposable component.

[0233] FIG. 12 shows a detailed view of the end of the hoses 37 for connection of the source containers 5.

[0234] It reveals the connections 38 which, in this illustrative embodiment, are configured as Luer lock connectors with an attached spike.

[0235] FIG. 13 is a reduced perspective view of the hose 36 for connection of the target container 6.

[0236] This hose 36 is connected to the connection 29a of the valve node 10a and comprises a connection 39 for the target container 6.

[0237] The connection 39 can likewise be configured as a Luer lock connector.

[0238] FIG. 14 shows a perspective view of the main module 2.

[0239] The main module 2 comprises the pump 9, which is configured as a peristaltic pump and has the detachable impeller 50. The impeller 50 is preferably spring-mounted.

[0240] With the hose 36 inserted, the pump 9 has a suction side 48 and a pressure side 49, which are determined by the direction of rotation of the impeller 50.

[0241] Three seats 30a to 30c for the valve nodes 10a to 10c are formed on the upper side of the housing 41.

[0242] Depending on the configuration desired by a specific customer, the installation 1 can also comprise just one valve node (e.g. 10a) or two valve nodes (e.g. 10a and 10b).

[0243] The state shown here shows the full complement of three seats 30a to 30c.

[0244] A combined flow/bubble sensor 46 and a hose holder 47 are arranged on the upper side of the housing 41.

[0245] The hose 36 connected to the valve node 10a is firstly inserted into the housing of the combined flow/bubble sensor 46, then guided through the peristaltic pump 9 and thereafter through the hose holder 47.

[0246] The front feet 42a of the main module 2 can also be seen, which are not inserted into the subframe 11.

[0247] 15

[0248] It will also be seen that the main module 2 has, on one side, an electrical connection 44 for the screen module 4 and, on the other side, an electrical connection 43 for the balance module 3.

[0249] The seat 59 for the scanner 12 comprises a magnet and can be easily detached. For example, it can be mounted on the form-fit element 45 in order to convert the installation 1 to operation by a left-handed person.

[0250] FIG. 15 shows a further perspective view of the main module 2.

[0251] It reveals that a grip depression 51 is present on the side with the electrical connection 44.

[0252] It will be seen from FIG. 16, which likewise shows a perspective view of the main module 2, that a grip depression 51 is also provided on the other side, namely on the side with the electrical connection 43 for the balance module 3.

[0253] This view shows one of the rear feet 42b that are inserted into the seats 15 of the subframe 11.

[0254] It will also be seen that the housing 41 has a beveled upper housing front 53.

[0255] On account of the beveled housing front 53, the peristaltic pump 9 and therefore also the impeller 50 are tilted with respect to the vertical.

[0256] The vertical plane is spanned by the vertically extending straight lines 52 plotted here, which are arranged at the corners of the housing 41.

[0257] 15

[0258] The impeller 50, or its upper side shown here, hence the entire pump 9, is tilted at the angle a with respect to this vertical plane. The angle a is preferably between 20° and 40°; in this illustrative embodiment, the angle a is approximately 30°.

[0259] By virtue of this configuration, the pump 9 is easily accessible for inserting the hose 39 and/or for cleaning the pump after detachment of the impeller 50.

[0260] Moreover, a particularly compact configuration of the main module 2 is permitted.

[0261] The screen of the screen module 4 can be pivoted into the region created by the inclination of the upper housing front 53.

[0262] FIG. 17 shows a perspective view of the screen module 4.

[0263] The screen module 4 comprises a touchscreen 56, which is connected to the base 54 via a hinge 55.

[0264] The touchscreen 56 is pivotable via the hinge 55.

[0265] On its rear, the touchscreen 56 comprises connections 57 for connecting to the main module 2.

[0266] FIG. 18 is a further perspective view of the screen module 4.

[0267] It can be clearly seen in this view that the base 54 has a recess 58. The base 54 thus has a fork-shaped configuration.

[0268] On account of the recess 58, the base 54 can also be pushed under the main module 2 in the region of the feet 42a of the main module 2.

[0269] FIG. 19 is a perspective view of a valve unit 60 which, in this illustrative embodiment, is composed of the three valve nodes 10a to 10c.

[0270] Valve nodes 10a and 10b and valve nodes 10b and 10c, respectively, are connected to each other by a hose 61.

[0271] The unrequired connection 29f is closed, and the opposite connection 29a is connected to the hose 36 which is guided through the pump 9 and which is connected to the target container 6.

[0272] All the connections 32a-321 of each valve unit 10a-10c thus lie on a preferably single central channel which is formed by the respective channel 62 of the respective valve node 10a to 10c and by the hoses 61 and 36.

[0273] The valve nodes 10a to 10c are thus in a cascaded arrangement.

[0274] Depending on how many source containers 5 are to be connected, it is possible to use a valve unit 60 which has three valve nodes 10a-10c as shown here, or which has only two valve nodes or one valve node (not shown).

[0275] FIG. 20 is a detailed view of the seat 30a, already shown in FIG. 14 to FIG. 16, for a valve node 10a.

[0276] The seat 30a comprises a base 65 and is plate-shaped above the base, wherein a circumferential edge 64 protrudes outward.

[0277] The circumferential edge 64 serves as a form-fit element for the corresponding valve node 10a.

[0278] It can be seen that the carriers 31 for the actuation members 35a-35f of the valve node 10a protrude from the plate-shaped seat 30a. Alternatively, the carriers 31 can also be recessed (not shown) into the seat 30a.

[0279] The underside of the valve node 10a can be seen in FIG. 21.

[0280] It will be seen that the housing 33 of the valve node 10a has, on a rear face, a web 68 which can be pushed under the edge 64 of the seat 30a.

[0281] On the side opposite the web 68, a grip 66 is arranged which is spring-mounted and likewise has a web 67 which, in the locked state, engages under the edge 64 of the seat 30a.

[0282] The grip 66 with the web 67 is preferably configured as a resilient plastic component which in particular can also be formed in one piece with the housing 33. Thus, the housing 33 can be configured, for example, as an injection-molded plastic part.

[0283] When the valve node 10a is locked on, the grip 66 together with the web 67 can initially spring away from the rest of the housing 33, such that the web 67 slides past the edge 64 of the seat 30a. The opposite web 68 is in this state pushed on the opposite side under the edge 64.

[0284] The grip 66 then springs back in the direction of the housing, and the valve node 10a is locked via the web 68 and the web 67.

[0285] For replacement of the valve unit 60, the valve node 10a can be easily detached from one side by means of the user pulling on the grip 66.

[0286] FIG. 22 is a detailed view of FIG. 14, showing the combined flow/bubble sensor 46.

[0287] The seat 30a for the valve node 10a can also be seen.

[0288] When the valve unit 60 is fitted, the hose 36 connecting the valve node 10a to the target container 6 is firstly guided through the combined flow/bubble sensor 46, then through the pump 9 and thereafter through the hose holder 47.

[0289] The hose holder 47 ensures a defined position of the hose, which reduces the danger of fluctuating forces being introduced onto the target containers 5 located on the balance module 3.

[0290] The combined flow/bubble sensor 46 is thus at the same time arranged close to the valve unit 60.

[0291] The combined flow/bubble sensor 46 has a cover 71 which, in this embodiment, can be folded open to one side, such that the hose 36 is then inserted.

[0292] It is preferably a sensor with integrated evaluation electronics which thus outputs a measured value of the flow velocity and also a further measured value concerning the presence or absence of bubbles in the hose 46. The sensor with the evaluation electronics of the installation 1 can thus be connected via an interface. If the combined flow/bubble sensor 46 detects a flow velocity that is not plausible with the pump capacity at the respective metering step, an error message can be generated via the screen unit 4.

[0293] This can be defined, for example, via a threshold value. For example, a threshold value can be defined as a flow velocity 20 percent below the calculated flow velocity that ought to be present in the respective metering step on account of the control of the pump 9.

[0294] FIG. 23 is a schematic representation of the principle of an alternative embodiment of an installation la in which, by comparison with the installation described above, two possible modifications will be described.

[0295] The figure shows schematically that the installation la has a plurality of source containers 5. In this illustrative embodiment, the source container 5a comprises water or universal liquid for flushing the valve unit 60.

[0296] The valve unit 60 can be used to control from which source container 5 liquid is removed in the respective metering step.

[0297] In contrast to the illustrative embodiment described above, the installation la comprises two pumps, namely a larger pump 9a and a smaller pump 9b.

[0298] The pump 9a has a greater delivery capacity than the pump 9b and serves for metering the main constituents of the medical preparation.

[0299] The two pumps 9a and 9b can in particular be peristaltic pumps, wherein the pump 9a has inserted into it a hose that has a greater diameter than the hose inserted into the pump 9b.

[0300] The hose 36, which connects the valve unit 60 to the target container 6a, thus preferably comprises two portions of different diameter.

[0301] Micro-quantities can be metered with greater precision via the smaller pump 9b.

[0302] Otherwise, the installation la can be configured exactly like the above-described installation 1.

[0303] As a further modification in relation to the above-described installation 1, the installation la comprises a directional control valve 70 which is arranged upstream from the target container 6a.

[0304] It will be appreciated that this modification in relation to the installation 1 can also be provided alone, i.e. without the two pumps 9a and 9b, or the installation la can also comprise only the two pumps 9a and 9b and no directional valve 70.

[0305] The target container 6a comprises the chambers 69a and 69b.

[0306] By way of the directional control valve 70 controlled by the installation la, the chambers 69a and 69b can be filled with a medical preparation of different composition.

[0307] The directional control valve 70 is preferably part of a disposable component.

[0308] In one embodiment, the directional control valve 70 is actuated by a carrier on the installation side.

[0309] In an alternative embodiment of the invention, the directional control valve 70 is actuated manually, that is to say the user attaches the target container 6a, initiates a filling procedure for example for the chamber 69a, then switches the directional control valve 70 such that liquid can flow into the chamber 69b, and starts a further filling procedure for the chamber 69b.

[0310] FIG. 24 is a further illustrative embodiment of an installation 1b with two pumps 9a, 9b.

[0311] In contrast to the above-described illustrative embodiment, the pumps 9a and 9b are not connected in series.

[0312] Instead, as seen in the direction of flow, the connection to the target container 6 branches off downstream from the valve unit. By way of a directional control valve 72, fluid can be guided either via the pump 9a or via the pump 9b.

[0313] In this illustrative embodiment, the pump 9b has a lower delivery capacity than the pump 9a and serves for the metering of micro-quantities.

[0314] Downstream from the pumps 9a, 9b, the connection to the target container 6 is brought together again. As is shown in this illustrative embodiment, this can be done via a directional control valve 73, in order to prevent liquid from flowing back in the direction of the pump that is not operating.

[0315] FIG. 25 is a further illustrative embodiment of an installation 1c with two pumps 9a, 9b.

[0316] In this illustrative embodiment, two valve units 60a, 60b are provided. Some of the source containers 5 are connected to the target container 6 via the valve unit 60a. Liquids from these containers are conveyed via the pump 9a into the target container 6, whereas liquids from the source containers 5 connected to the target container via the valve unit 60b are conveyed by the pump 9b into the target container 6.

[0317] The pump 9b and the separate valve unit 60 serve for the metering of micro-quantities.

[0318] Both valve units 60a, 60b are connected respectively to a source container 5a which holds universal liquid in order to be able to flush the valve units.

[0319] FIG. 26 is an illustrative embodiment of an installation 1d with two pumps 9a, 9b. In this illustrative embodiment, a target container 6a with two chambers 69a, 69b is filled.

[0320] The chamber 69b is connected via the pump 9a and via the valve unit 60 to a plurality of source containers 5, 5a.

[0321] Liquid is transferred only into chamber 69b via the pump 9a. The metering from the various source containers takes place by control of the valve unit 60.

[0322] The other chamber 69a of the target container 6a is connected by the pump 9b to the source container 5c. Thus, only the chamber 69a is filled with liquid from the source container 5c via the pump 9b.

[0323] Provision is made in particular that the source container 5c holds a lipid-containing constituent for the medical preparation.

[0324] FIG. 27 shows a further embodiment of an installation le for producing a medical preparation.

[0325] In contrast to the embodiment shown in FIG. 26, the pump 9b is connected to source containers 5 via a further valve unit 60b.

[0326] The chamber 69a can thus be filled via the pump 9b, wherein the metering from the various source containers 5 is controlled via the valve unit 60b. The chamber 69b is accordingly filled via the pump 9a, wherein the metering is controlled via the valve unit 60a.

[0327] For flushing, a respective source container 5a with universal liquid is connected to both valve units.

[0328] FIG. 28 shows a further embodiment of an installation if for producing a medical preparation.

[0329] In this illustrative embodiment, a directional control valve 74 is provided downstream from the valve unit 60, as seen in the direction of flow, by way of which directional control valve 74 a liquid can be transferred from a plurality of source containers 5, 5a both into the two chambers 69a, 69b of a target container 6a and also into a waste bag 75.

[0330] By way of the waste bag connected at the same time to the target container 6a, the inlets to individual source containers 5 can be flushed at any time, for example in order to exchange an individual source container 5 when it is emptied. It is not necessary to flush the entire system when a source container 5 is exchanged. Instead, a source container 5 can also be exchanged while the target container 6a is connected.

[0331] The directional control valve 74 is preferably configured as an at least 4-port directional control valve.

[0332] In an embodiment not shown here, the target container 6a can also be configured as a container with only one chamber.

[0333] Moreover, the embodiment shown here of an installation if for producing a medical preparation can also comprise two pumps, in particular as has been described above with reference to FIGS. 23 to 27.

[0334] By means of the invention, a compact installation for producing a medical preparation can be made available which is easy and safe to operate.

LIST OF REFERENCE SIGNS

[0335] 1, 1a-1e installation [0336] 2 main module [0337] 3 balance module [0338] 4 screen module [0339] 5, 5a, 5c source container [0340] 6, 6a target container [0341] 7 balance pan [0342] 8 rod [0343] 8a bottom part [0344] 8b top part [0345] 9, 9a, 9b pump, peristaltic pump [0346] 10a-10c valve node [0347] 11 subframe [0348] 12 scanner [0349] 13 seat (for balance) [0350] 14 bore [0351] 15 seat (for main module) [0352] 16 bore [0353] 17 portion [0354] 18 seat (for rod) [0355] 19 foot [0356] 20 recess (for source container) [0357] 21 holder (for source container) [0358] 22 balance [0359] 23 connection [0360] 24 hose [0361] 25 hose holder [0362] 26 housing [0363] 27 pin [0364] 28a,b feet (balance) [0365] 28a-f connection [0366] 30a-30c seat (for valve node) [0367] 31 carrier [0368] 32a-321 connection (source container) [0369] 33 housing [0370] 34 stopper [0371] 35a-35f actuation member [0372] 36 hose [0373] 37 hose [0374] 38 connection [0375] 39 connection [0376] 40 electrical connection [0377] 41 housing [0378] 42a 42b foot [0379] 43 connection (balance) [0380] 44 connection (screen) [0381] 45 form-fit element [0382] 46 combined flow/bubble sensor [0383] 47 hose holder [0384] 48 suction side [0385] 49 pressure side [0386] 50 impeller [0387] 51 grip depression [0388] 52 line [0389] 53 upper housing front [0390] 54 base [0391] 55 hinge [0392] 56 touchscreen [0393] 57 connection [0394] 58 recess [0395] 59 seat (scanner) [0396] 60 valve unit [0397] 61 hose [0398] 62 channel [0399] 63 valve [0400] 64 edge [0401] 65 base [0402] 66 grip [0403] 67 web [0404] 68 web [0405] 69a, 69b chamber [0406] 70 directional control valve [0407] 71 flap [0408] 72 directional control valve [0409] 73 directional control valve [0410] 74 directional control valve [0411] 75 waste bag