Device and method for fluid transfer between syringes
Patent Information
- Application Number
- EP2024703255
- Authority / Receiving Office
- EP · EP
- Patent Type
- Applications
- Current Assignee / Owner
- Priority Date
- 2023-01-30
- Filing Date
- 2024-01-30
- Publication Date
- 2025-12-10
AI Technical Summary
Manual filling of syringes is prone to significant dose errors and is time-consuming, especially when dealing with low fluid volumes, due to misreading of volumes and the need for multiple handling steps, which increases the risk of contamination and needlestick injuries.
A device for fluid transfer between syringes, comprising a supply syringe holder, a dosing syringe accommodating element with multiple slots, a drive unit for positioning alignment, a supply plunger activating element, and a control unit with sensors to ensure accurate and efficient transfer of fluid, minimizing human error and handling time.
The device significantly reduces dose errors and increases filling speed, allowing for accurate transfer of fluid with reduced risk of contamination and needlestick injuries, capable of filling multiple dosing syringes quickly and accurately, such as thirty in three minutes or sixty in one minute.
Smart Images

Figure NL2024050042_08082024_PF_FP
Abstract
Description
[0001] Device and method for fluid transfer between syringes
[0002] The invention relates to a device for fluid transfer between syringes. The invention also relates to an assembly of a device for fluid transfer between syringes and an enclosure. The invention further relates to a dosing syringe accommodating element for use in a device for fluid transfer between syringes and / or an assembly of a device for fluid transfer between syringes and an enclosure. The invention also relates to a method for transferring fluid between syringes.
[0003] An injection can be used to provide a patient, either a person or an animal, with a fluid such as a medicinal product, a supplement, a vaccine, etcetera. An injection parenterally administrates the fluid into the patient via a syringe by inserting a needle thereof into the skin and subsequently pushing the plunger of the syringe. Typically, syringes are manually filled with the desired fluid and the desired dose of fluid. Manually filling syringes occurs for example by drawing the desired volume of a fluid from a vial in the syringe. It is important that the patient receives the correct dose of fluid to provide the desired physiological effect and to avoid overdosing. Therefore, it is desired to minimize the possible dose error range when filling the syringe. The disadvantage of manually filling syringes is that it comes with a relatively large dose error range, for example by misreading the volume of fluid present in the syringe. Correctly dosing is especially crucial when a low dose of fluid is needed. Furthermore, manually filling syringes requires multiple handlings which results in a time consuming process.
[0004] Hence, it is a goal of the present invention to provide a solution for at least part of the abovementioned disadvantages.
[0005] The invention provides thereto a device for fluid transfer between syringes, comprising at least one supply syringe holder configured to retain at least one supply syringe, at least one dosing syringe accommodating element comprising a plurality of slots wherein at least one slot, and preferably multiple slots and more preferably each slot is configured to accommodate at least a part of a dosing syringe, at least one drive unit configured to adjust the mutual position of at least one supply syringe holder and at least one dosing syringe accommodating element between at least two consecutive filling positions, wherein in each filling position the supply syringe holder and the dosing syringe accommodating element are positioned such that a supply syringe retained by the supply syringe holder is substantially aligned with a dosing syringe received in a slot of the dosing syringe accommodating element in particular such that fluid can be transferred from the supply syringe to the dosing syringe. The device further preferably comprises at least one supply plunger activating element configured to displace a plunger of at least one supply syringe retained in the at least one supply syringe holder in order to discharge a volume of fluid from the at least one supply syringe, at least one control unit configured to control the activation of the at least one supply plunger activating element such that a determined plunger displacement and / or a determined supply plunger activating element displacement is initiated which relates to a predefined volume to be discharged from the at least one supply syringe, and at least one sensor configured to determine an actual displacement of the plunger of the at least one supply syringe retained in the at least one supply syringe holder and / or an actual displacement of at least part of the at least one supply plunger activating element, wherein the at least one control unit is further configured to adjust the activation of the at least one supply plunger activating element in case the actual displacement of the plunger of the at least one supply syringe and / or the actual displacement of the at least one supply plunger activating element determined by at least one sensor deviates from the determined plunger displacement and / or the determined supply plunger activating element displacement.
[0006] The use of a device according to the present invention for the filling a syringe has several benefits over the conventional manual methods of filling syringes. Typically, at least one supply syringe is configured to contain a larger fluid volume than at least one dosing syringe. Hence, in practice, at least one supply syringe typically contains sufficient fluid to fill at least two and preferably multiple dosing syringes. This enables that a plurality of dosing syringes can be filled by using a single supply syringe. Making use of a device according to the invention for filling of the dosing syringes can further increase the filling speed and accuracy of filling, thereby limiting wastage of (valuable) fluid and / or injectable. Activating the plunger of a supply syringe by means of at least one supply plunger activating element in particular causes the outflow of fluid retained in said supply syringe. Preferably, at least one supply plunger activating element is configured to displace or activate the plunger of at least one supply syringe retained in the supply syringe holder at least when the device is in a filling position. Preferably, at least one supply plunger activating element is configured to displace the plunger of at least one supply syringe retained in the supply syringe holder to calibrate the supply syringe, for example such that air or air bubbles are removed or discharged from the supply syringe. The supply plunger activating element may displace the plunger of the supply syringe by means of pushing and / or pulling the plunger of the supply syringe. The displacement of the plunger of the supply syringe received in the supply syringe holder and / or displacement of at least part of the supply plunger activating element is proportional, preferably directly proportional, to the volume of fluid (to be) discharged from and / or (to be) aspirated by the supply syringe. At least one control unit is in particular configured to control the activation of at least one supply plunger activation element, and in particular the displacement of at least part of the at least one supply plunger activating element with a determined and / or adjustable displacement. Preferably, the determined (plunger and / or supply plunger activating element) displacement and / or a predefined volume may be set or adjusted by a user to predefine a volume to be discharged from the supply syringe, in particular to be transferred to at least one dosing syringe received in a slot of the accommodating element. This results in a more accurate amount of fluid volume discharged from the supply syringe, which leads to less dosing errors. At least one sensor typically provides the control unit with information or data about the actual displacement of the plunger of the supply syringe and / or the actual displacement of the supply plunger activating element. In case the actual displacement determined by at least one sensor is less than the determined displacement, the control unit will allow the supply plunger activating element to continue to displace the plunger of the supply syringe, preferably until the actual displacement equals the determined displacement. In case the actual displacement determined by the sensor exceeds the adjustable displacement, the control unit will adjust, in particular stop, the displacement of the supply plunger activating element, such that a predefined volume is discharged from the supply syringe retained in the supply syringe holder. Hence, the combination of at least one sensor, at least one supply plunger activating element and at least one control unit enables control of the volume of fluid ejected and / or to be ejected from the supply syringe in an effective and reliable manner. By determining the deviation of the actual displacement determined by the sensor and the determined displacement in particular of the plunger of the supply syringe, the device is provided with information about the volume of fluid discharged and the volume of fluid to be discharged. Therewith, the accuracy of the device is enhanced. The sensor and the control unit provide a more safe and more accurate fluid transfer. The sensor may be configured to detect a magnitude of (pushing and / or pulling) force applied by the supply plunger activating element on the plunger of the supply syringe retained in the supply syringe holder.
[0007] It is possible that at least one control unit configured to control the activation of the at least one supply plunger activating element such that a determined plunger displacement and / or a determined supply plunger activating element displacement is initiated which relates to a predefined volume to be discharged from the at least one supply syringe. Hence, it is possible that the determined plunger displacement and / or the determined supply plunger activating element displacement is related to a predefined volume to be discharged.
[0008] The dosing syringe accommodating element according to the present invention comprises a plurality of slots configured to accommodate at least a part of a dosing syringe which is beneficial since a plurality of dosing syringes can be received in a single accommodating element. The dosing syringes can be efficiently aligned within the dosing syringe accommodating element, which can further optimize the fluid transfer process. Furthermore, the dosing syringe accommodating element provides a protective function for the dosing syringes received in the slots during the fluid transfer process and / or during storage of the dosing syringe(s). Advantageously, the drive unit is configured to (automatically) adjust the mutual position of at least one supply syringe holder and at least one dosing syringe accommodating element between at least two consecutive filling positions resulting in an efficient solution to fill a plurality of dosing syringes and with that speed of filling dosing syringes increases. When considering multiple dosing syringes which are to be filled, the device according to the present invention can more efficiently fulfil the handlings needed to fill dosing syringes and with that the time needed to fill a plurality of dosing syringes decreases. Practical tests learned that a device according to the present invention is capable of filling at least thirty dosing syringes in three minutes, in particular sixty dosing syringes in one minute, which is significantly faster than could be achieved in a manual filling process. Practical tests further learned that the device according to the invention is capable of filling dosing syringe(s) received in a slot of the accommodating element with an accuracy of 0,01 millilitre. Preferably, the control unit is configured to activate the plunger with an accuracy at least 0,01 millilitre. When relatively small fluid volumes are applied, dosing syringes typically comprise needle tips. When considering manual filling thereof, the needle tip can be risky as a user might get punctured. This is obviously dangerous and undesirable, in particular when the fluid is a medical and / or chemical fluid. Since the fluid transfer process is a (direct) syringe to syringe process, the risk of needlestick injuries is reduced by making use of a device according to the present invention. During use of the device, fluid is transferred from the supply syringe to the dosing syringe(s) when the supply syringe holder and the dosing syringe accommodating element are in a filling position. This efficient way of aligning the supply syringe and dosing syringe(s) is beneficial since it enhances accuracy and reduces the risk of contamination.
[0009] Hence, the different elements of the device according to the invention contribute to an increase in both the accuracy and the speed of filling dosing syringes, which results in more and filled dosing syringes within less time and with less dosing errors.
[0010] The device according to the present invention could also be referred to as a device for filling (a) syringe(s). Within the context of this invention, a syringe is defined by fluid retaining part and a plunger. It is imaginable that a syringe also comprises a needle. The size of a syringe determines the amount of volume of at least one fluid a syringe can comprise. At least one supply syringe configured to be retained in at least one supply syringe holder typically comprises a fluid retaining part having a larger volume than the volume of the fluid retaining part of at least one dosing syringe which is configured retained in at least one dosing syringe accommodating element.
[0011] At least one supply plunger activating element may be configured to displace the plunger of the at least one supply syringe retained in the at least one supply syringe holder in a direction which is in line wit the longitudinal direction of the supply syringe, in particular within a barrel of the at least one supply syringe retained in the at least one supply syringe holder. It is for example imaginable that least one supply plunger activating element is configured to displace the plunger of the at least one supply syringe in a linear displacement. In this way, a controlled and accurate displacement can be obtained. At least one supply plunger activating element is preferably configured to push at least part of the plunger of the at least one supply syringe retained in the at least one supply syringe holder, in particular in a directions which is in line with a longitudinal direction of the at least one supply plunger retained in the at least one supply syringe holder, more in particular towards a tip end of the at least one supply syringe retained in the at least one supply syringe holder.
[0012] In a possible embodiment, at least one supply plunger activating element is connected or connectable to at least one supply plunger activating drive unit which is configured to adjust the mutual position between the at least one supply plunger activating element and the at least one supply syringe holder, in particular to adjust the mutual position between the at least one supply plunger activating element and the plunger of the at least one supply syringe retained in the at least one supply syringe holder. It is also imaginable that at least one supply plunger activating element is connected or connectable to at least one supply plunger activating drive unit which is configured to displace at least part of said at least one supply plunger activating element such that a plunger of at least one supply syringe retained in the supply syringe holder will be displaced.
[0013] In yet a further possible embodiment, the device comprises at least one track over which the at least one supply plunger activating element is displaceable in particular such that the distance between the at least one supply plunger activating element and the plunger of the at least one supply syringe retained in the at least one supply syringe holder can be adjusted. It is for example imaginable that at least part of at least one track is substantially linear. It is also conceivable that at least part of the at least one track extends at least partially in a direction which is substantially in line with a longitudinal direction of a supply syringe retained in the at least one supply syringe holder.
[0014] Preferably, the device is configured such that, in the filling position, a tip end of the at least one supply syringe retained in the at least one supply syringe holder is aligned with a tip end of at least one dosing syringe received in a slot of the at least one dosing syringe accommodating element, in particular such that the at least one dosing syringe can be filled from the tip end. This will positively contribute to the accuracy and reliability of the device.
[0015] In a preferred embodiment, at least one dosing syringe accommodating element is a detachable dosing syringe accommodating element. By making use of a device according to the present invention, the speed of filling dosing syringes and the number of filled dosing syringes can be significantly increased. Therefore, it may be beneficial to store the filled dosing syringes in a save and relatively easy way. This may be possible by providing a detachable dosing syringe accommodating element. At least one dosing syringe accommodating element may form part of the invention. However, it is also imaginable that the device according to the invention is configured to co-act with at least one dosing syringe accommodating element or a plurality of dosing syringe accommodating elements.
[0016] Preferably, in at least one, and preferably each filling position the supply syringe holder and the dosing syringe accommodating element are positioned such that a supply syringe retained in the supply syringe holder is substantially aligned with an upper side or a tip end of a dosing syringe received in a slot of the dosing syringe accommodating element. In particular such that fluid can be transferred from the supply syringe to the upper side or the tip end of the dosing syringe. Optionally, in the filling position at least a tip end, in particular an open tip end, of the supply syringe retained in the supply syringe holder is aligned with the upper side or a tip end, in particular an open tip end, of the dosing syringe received in a slot of the accommodating element. The tip end of a syringe is the end located opposite to a plunger receiving side of the syringe. The (open) tip end may be configured to receive a needle, nozzle or tubing.
[0017] In a possible embodiment, the device comprises at least one housing, in particular the dosing syringe accommodating element can be a detachable dosing syringe accommodating element which is detachable with respect to the housing. The advantage of a detachable dosing syringe accommodating element is that a dosing syringe accommodating element retaining a plurality of dosing syringes can be easily inserted in the device and extracted from the device. It may also increase the ease of disinfection and / or cleaning of the device and the components thereof. It is conceivable that at least one dosing syringe accommodating element is connected or connectable to at least one drive unit. Preferably, at least one dosing syringe accommodating element comprises at least one drive unit receiving structure configured to receive at least a part of the drive unit. This embodiment allows the dosing syringe accommodating element to move with respect to the supply syringe holder to adjust the mutual position of at least one supply syringe holder and at least one dosing syringe accommodating element. It is conceivable that at least one drive unit receiving structure is located at a rear side and / or at a bottom side of at least one dosing syringe accommodating element. It is imaginable that the drive unit comprises at least one toothed wheel. If applied, at least one toothed wheel is preferably configured to adjust the mutual position of at least one supply syringe holder and at least one dosing syringe accommodating element.
[0018] Preferably, the drive unit comprises at least one toothed wheel, wherein the at least one dosing syringe accommodating element comprises at least one complementary receiving structure configured for mutual co-action with at least a part of the toothed wheel. It is imaginable that the device according to the invention comprises at least two drive units, wherein said drive units are configured to move the dosing syringe accommodating element to with respect to the supply syringe holder in at least two directions. A first drive unit may be configured to move the dosing syringe accommodating element to with respect to the supply syringe holder in a first direction and / or a second drive unit may be configured to move the dosing syringe accommodating element to with respect to the supply syringe holder in a second direction. Preferably, at least one drive unit is configured to adjust the mutual position of at least one supply syringe holder and at least one dosing syringe accommodating element in a first direction and / or a second direction. The first direction can for example be a substantially vertical direction and the second direction can for example be a substantial horizontal direction, or vice versa.
[0019] It is imaginable that a supply syringe holder comprises a plurality of holding elements. A supply syringe holder can alternatively comprise a single holding element. Holding elements can be clamping elements configured for clamping on at least a part of the supply syringe. A supply syringe holder may comprise holding elements at an upper part of the supply syringe. In this embodiment, the upper part of the supply syringe is in particular defined by the part wherein the fluid retaining part of the supply syringe is to be located. It is conceivable that the holding elements are positioned at a distance from each other, such that a first holding element retains a first upper part of a supply syringe and a second holding element retains a second upper part of a supply syringe. A supply syringe holder is in particular configured to retain at least a part of a supply syringe. It is imaginable that at least one supply syringe holder is configured to retain supply syringes of different sizes. At least one supply syringe can comprise a supply needle configured for transferring fluid. It is imaginable that the supply needle is a tube, a tip, etcetera. The supply needle can be a substantially straight supply needle. It is however also imaginable that the supply needle is a curved supply needle.
[0020] It is conceivable that the device comprises at least one guiding structure configured for aligning and / or guidance of at least one dosing syringe accommodating element. Preferably, the device comprises at least one guiding structure configured for aligning and / or guidance of at least one dosing syringe accommodating element, wherein the at least one dosing syringe accommodating element comprises at least one complementary guiding structure receiving element for mutual co-action. It is imaginable that the guiding structure comprises a rail over which a dosing syringe accommodating element is movable.
[0021] The device according to the present invention further preferably comprises at least one supply plunger activating element. At least one supply plunger activating element is preferably configured to activate a plunger of at least one supply syringe retained in the supply syringe holder. Preferably, at least one supply plunger activating element is configured for pushing and / or pulling the plunger of at least one supply syringe retained in the supply syringe holder. It is imaginable that at least one supply syringe holder is substantially stationary, for example such that the plunger of the at least one supply syringe retained in the supply syringe holder is activated by moving at least one supply plunger activating element towards and / or away from the plunger of the supply syringe. It is also possible that the supply plunger activating element is substantially stationary, such that the plunger of the at least one supply syringe retained in the supply syringe holder is activated by moving at least one supply syringe holder towards and / or away from the supply plunger activating element. At least one supply plunger activating element is preferably aligned with the plunger of the supply syringe retained in the syringe holder. Preferably, at least one supply syringe holder is defined and / or located such that the supply plunger activating element can reach the plunger of the supply syringe. It is imaginable that the supply plunger activating element is independently controllable for example by at least one control unit. Such embodiment can further optimize efficient fluid transfer between the supply syringe retained in the syringe holder and (a) dosing syringe(s) received in the dosing syringe accommodating element.
[0022] At least one sensor may, directly or indirectly, be connected to at least one supply plunger activating element. It is also imaginable that at least one supply plunger activating element comprises at least one sensor. Preferably, at least one supply plunger activating element is in contact with the plunger of the at least one supply syringe retained in the supply syringe holder during the displacement of the plunger of the supply syringe. Providing the device and in particular the supply plunger activating element with at least one sensor may therefore result in direct determination of the actual displacement of the plunger of the supply syringe and / or the actual displacement of said supply plunger activating element.
[0023] At least one sensor may be a pressure sensor configured to determine or measure (the magnitude of) a pressure force applied by the at least one supply plunger activating element on the plunger of the at least one supply syringe retained in the supply syringe holder. It is also imaginable that at least one sensor is a pressure sensor configured to determine a pressure force between at least part of at least one plunger activating element and at least part of a plunger of at least one supply syringe. Optionally, at least one pressure sensor is, directly or indirectly, connected to the supply plunger activating element. It is imaginable that the pressure sensor comprises at least one spring, preferably with a relatively low spring constant. The plunger of the supply syringe may be configured to overcome the spring constant when the supply plunger activating element, in particular the pressure sensor of the supply plunger activating element, activates (pushes) the plunger of the supply syringe. The degree of compression of the at least one spring of the pressure sensor may be correlated to the magnitude of (pressure) force applied on the plunger of the supply syringe. Hence, the degree of compression of the at least one spring may be correlated to the amount of fluid discharged from the supply syringe. The degree of compression of the at least one spring may further determine the degree of contact between the plunger of the supply syringe and the supply plunger activating element.
[0024] At least one sensor may comprise a positioning element configured to determine or measure the distance between the plunger of the supply syringe and the at least one supply plunger activating element. The positioning element may comprise a sender configured to send a signal to the plunger of the supply syringe retained in the supply syringe holder, and a receiver configured to receive the signal reflected by the plunger of the supply syringe retained in the supply syringe holder. The sender may send a light signal and / or an audio signal. The receiver may be configured to receive the light signal and / or the audio signal reflected by the plunger of the supply syringe. The sender and / or the receive may further be configured to determine the time difference between sending the signal by the sender and receiving the reflected signal by the receiver. Based on the time difference, the distance between the supply plunger activating element and the plunger of the supply syringe may be determined.
[0025] The device may also comprise a sensor which is configured to determine an actual volume of fluid discharged from the supply syringe in the supply syringe holder. The control unit is preferably configured to adjust the displacement of the supply plunger activating element in case the actual volume of fluid discharged from the supply syringe determined by the sensor deviates from the predefined volume. At least one control unit is preferably configured to adjust the activation of the at least one supply plunger activating element in case the actual volume of discharged fluid deviates from the predefined volume to be discharged. It is also possible that the device comprises at least one sensor which is configured to determine and / or measure a volume of fluid drawn up by the supply syringe retained in the supply syringe holder.
[0026] It is also conceivable that the device according to the invention comprises at least one dosing plunger activating element. At least one dosing plunger activating element is preferably configured to activate a plunger of at least one dosing syringe received in a slot of the dosing syringe accommodating element. It is imaginable that at least one dosing syringe accommodating element is substantially stationary, such that the plunger of the at least one dosing syringe retained in at least one slot is activated by moving at least one dosing plunger activating element towards and / or away from the plunger of the dosing syringe. It is also possible that the dosing plunger activating element is substantially stationary, such that the plunger of the at least one dosing syringe retained in at least one slot is activated by moving at least one dosing syringe holder towards and / or away from the dosing plunger activating element. Preferably, at least one dosing plunger activating element is configured for pulling and / or pushing the plunger of the at least one dosing syringe received in a slot of the dosing syringe accommodating element. It is imaginable that the dosing plunger activating element is configured to push the plunger of the dosing syringe, such that air is pushed out of the dosing syringe, for example prior to the dosing syringe being filled. At least one dosing plunger activating element can be aligned with the plunger of the dosing syringe received in a slot of the dosing syringe accommodating element. Preferably, at least one dosing syringe accommodating element is defined such that the dosing plunger activating element can reach the plunger of the dosing syringe accommodated therein. At least one dosing syringe accommodating element may be a detachable dosing syringe accommodating element. Optionally, the dosing plunger activating element is configured to activate the plunger of the dosing syringe received in a slot of the dosing syringe accommodating element when the tip end of the dosing syringe is aligned with the supply syringe retained in the supply syringe holder, in particular when the tip end of the dosing syringe is aligned with the tip end of the supply syringe retained in the supply syringe holder. This embodiment is advantageous since a dosing plunger activating element can decrease the internal pressure in the dosing syringe, especially during fluid transfer from the supply syringe to the dosing syringe in filling position. Due to an increase in pressure difference does this result in a faster transfer of fluid from the supply syringe to the dosing syringe. It is imaginable that the dosing plunger activating element is independently controllable, for example by at least one control unit. In case an embodiment comprises at least one supply plunger activating element and at least one dosing plunger activating element, it is imaginable that the supply plunger activating element and the dosing plunger activating element are positioned substantially in line with each other. It is for example possible that at least one supply plunger activating element and at least one dosing plunger activating element are positioned at a predetermined distance from each other. It is also imaginable that at least part of the at least one supply plunger activating element and at least part of at least one dosing plunger activating element are displaceable in a similar and / or opposing direction. The device may further comprise at least one dosing sensor configured to determine an actual displacement of a plunger of at least one dosing syringe received in a slot of the at least one dosing syringe accommodating element and / or an actual displacement of the at least one dosing plunger activating element. Preferably, at least one control unit is configured to control the activation of the at least one dosing plunger activating element such that a determined dosing plunger displacement and / or a determined supply plunger activating element displacement is initiated which relates to a predefined volume of fluid to be received from the at least one supply syringe retained in the at least one supply syringe holder, and preferably wherein the at least one control unit is configured to adjust the activation of the at least one dosing plunger activating element in case the actual displacement of the plunger of the at least one dosing syringe and / or the actual displacement of the at least one dosing plunger activating element determined by the at least one dosing sensor deviates from the determined dosing plunger displacement.
[0027] The device according to the invention, and in particular at least one dosing syringe activating element, may comprise at least one sensor configured to determine an actual displacement of a plunger of at least one dosing syringe received in a slot of the dosing syringe accommodating element and / or the actual displacement of at least part of the dosing plunger activating element. At least one control unit may be configured to control the displacement of the dosing plunger activating element with a determined and / or adjustable displacement which is based on a predefined volume of fluid to be received from the supply syringe retained in the supply syringe holder, and preferably wherein the control unit is configured to adjust the displacement of the dosing plunger activating element in case the actual displacement of the dosing plunger activating element and / or of the plunger of the dosing syringe determined by the at least one sensor deviates from the determined and / or adjustable displacement. At least one sensor may detect the available volume in the dosing syringe for receiving fluid from the supply syringe in the filling position. Preferably, the volume available in the dosing syringe is larger than or equals the predefined volume of fluid to be received from the supply syringe. This embodiment is advantageous since a dosing plunger activating element can adjust the internal pressure in the dosing syringe by displacing the plunger of the dosing syringe. The displacement of the plunger of the dosing syringe furthermore allows the adjustment of the available volume in the dosing syringe. Therewith, the speed of transfer of fluid from the supply syringe to the dosing syringe can be adjusted and / or controlled.
[0028] Preferably, at least part of at least one slot of at least one dosing syringe accommodating element is defined by a retaining structure. At least one retaining structure is in particular configured to retain at least part of a dosing syringe received in said slot. At least part of at least one slot of the dosing syringe accommodating element can comprise a retaining structure which is configured to retain at least part of a dosing syringe received in said slot. It is imaginable that at least part of multiple slots of the dosing syringe accommodating element are defined by at least one retaining structure. Preferably, at least part of each of the slots of the dosing syringe accommodating element is defined by a retaining structure. The use of a retaining structure is beneficial since it at least partially protects the dosing syringe(s) in the dosing syringe accommodating element, it retains the dosing syringe in place and it retains the dosing syringe in the desired orientation. It is imaginable that at least one slot has a substantially open configuration. It is however also possible that at least one slot is enclosed, for example by an enclosing structure configured to protect at least one dosing syringe retained in said slot. It is imaginable that at least one retaining structure comprises at least one clamping portion for clamping at least part of a dosing syringe received in said slot. It is conceivable that the retaining structure comprises a plurality of clamping portions for clamping at least part of a dosing syringe received in said slot. The retaining structure can comprises a plurality of clamping portions for clamping at least part of a dosing syringe at different locations along the longitudinal axis of the dosing syringe received in said slot. At least one clamping portion can comprise an open part. It is possible that at least one clamping portion is a substantially closed clamping portion. Preferably, the retaining structure only comprises clamping portion(s) configured for clamping an upper part of the dosing syringe(s). In such case, the upper part of the dosing syringe is defined by not being the plunger of the dosing syringe. This embodiment is beneficial since it provides a dosing syringe accommodating element wherein the dosing syringes can easily be inserted and extracted, while retaining the dosing syringe(s) in place and in the desired orientation. At least one dosing syringe accommodating element may comprise at least one supporting surface for supporting at least part of at least one dosing syringe. It is possible that at least one supporting surface extends at least over a part of the length of at least one dosing syringe accommodating element. It is also possible that at least one supporting surface extends over at least a part of the height of at least one dosing syringe accommodating element. It is conceivable that at least one dosing syringe accommodating element comprises at least one supporting surface for supporting at least part of a plunger of a dosing syringe. This embodiment is beneficial since it supports the dosing syringe in the dosing syringe accommodating element and it supports the dosing syringe to stay in the desired orientation in the dosing syringe accommodating element. The supporting surface may in a beneficial embodiment form part of a reinforcement structure or reinforcement rib.
[0029] It is imaginable that at least one dosing syringe accommodating element is substantially rectangular. It is conceivable that the at least one dosing syringe accommodating element has a polygonal shape, such as a substantially square, heptagonal or hexagonal shape. Preferably, the at least one dosing syringe accommodating element has a substantially flat configuration. However, at least one dosing syringe accommodating element can also have a round or a substantially rounded shape and / or substantially circular configuration. It is imaginable that if a plurality of dosing syringe accommodating elements are coupled a plurality of shapes can be formed, depending on the shape of individual dosing syringe accommodating elements.
[0030] At least two of the slots of at least one dosing syringe accommodating element can be mutually shifted along the perimeter of said dosing syringe accommodating element. Preferably, a plurality of slots of at least one dosing syringe accommodating element are mutually shifted along the perimeter of said dosing syringe accommodating element. It is imaginable that the mutual position of at least part of the slots of at least one dosing syringe accommodating element is defined by a row. This embodiment is beneficial since it allows the dosing syringe accommodating element to accommodate a plurality of dosing syringes next to one another. It may also positively contribute to aligning of subsequent filling positions. It is imaginable that at least one dosing syringe accommodating element comprises at least one pair of complementary coupling parts. Such complementary coupling parts can for example be present at opposing distal ends of the dosing syringe accommodating element and may be configured for interconnecting adjacent dosing syringe accommodating elements. It is imaginable that the at least one pair of complementary coupling parts comprises at least one first coupling part located at a first distal end of the dosing syringe accommodating element, and at least one second coupling part located at a second distal end of the dosing syringe accommodating element opposing the first distal end. It is conceivable that the at least one first coupling part comprises a coupling protruding portion and / or a coupling recessed portion, and wherein the at least one second coupling part comprises a coupling protruding portion and / or a coupling recessed portion. Advantageously, coupled dosing syringe accommodating elements are capable of accommodating a higher number of dosing syringes than one dosing syringe accommodating element. The dosing syringe accommodating element can comprise more than one pair of complementary coupling parts at opposing distal ends, wherein the coupling parts are mutually shifted along a distal end of the dosing syringe accommodating element. This embodiment is beneficial since it increases the coupling strength between adjacent dosing syringe accommodating elements. It is for example imaginable that the device according to the invention comprises or co-acts with a plurality of interconnected dosing syringe accommodating elements. This may further enhance the efficiency of the fluid transfer process.
[0031] At least one dosing syringe accommodating element can comprise complementary coupling members located on respectively a front side and a rear side of the dosing syringe accommodating device. The complementary coupling members are preferably configured for stacking a plurality of dosing syringe accommodating elements. At least one coupling members can for example be a protruding coupling member and at least one complementary coupling member can be a recessed coupling member. At least one recessed coupling member can be configured to receive at least a part of the protruding coupling member. The complementary coupling members can be defined by any possible shape. It is possible that at least one dosing syringe accommodating element comprises one coupling member. Furthermore, it is imaginable that at least one dosing syringe accommodating element only comprises one or a plurality of protruding coupling members at a front side and / or a rear side of said dosing syringe accommodating element. In that case, the shape of the one or a plurality of protruding coupling member(s) are defined by a substantially flat upper surface. It is imaginable that the height of the protruding coupling member exceeds the thickness of a plane defined by the upper surface of the dosing syringe accommodating element. It is also imaginable that at least one protruding coupling member extends with respect to at least one of the slots of the dosing syringe accommodating element, preferably in an outward direction. This embodiment is beneficial for storing a plurality of dosing syringe accommodating elements and correspondingly a plurality of dosing syringes received in the dosing syringe accommodating elements. Additionally, this embodiment provides that at least a part of a dosing syringe is protected in a stacked configuration of a plurality of dosing syringe accommodating.
[0032] It is imaginable that the device comprises at least one cap supply configured for placing a cap upon a dosing syringe received in at least one dosing syringe accommodating element. Preferably, the cap supply is configured for placing a cap upon a dosing syringe received in at least one dosing syringe accommodating element at a capping position, wherein in capping position the cap supply and the dosing syringe received in a slot of the dosing syringe accommodating element are substantially aligned such that a cap can be supplied from the cap supply to the dosing syringe. It is imaginable that the cap supply comprises at least one pusher configured for pushing a cap onto the dosing syringe received in a slot of the dosing syringe accommodating element. Preferably, the cap supply is located adjacent to the supply syringe holder. Preferably, the cap supply is located such that caps can be supplied onto filled dosing syringes. It is beneficial to apply at least one cap supply since it allows to cap a dosing syringe which avoids the leakage of fluid from the dosing syringe, it decreases the risk of contamination, it increases safety and it provides the possibility to stock the dosing syringes.
[0033] It is conceivable that at least one dosing syringe accommodating element, and in particular at least one slot thereof, defines a receiving space for receiving at least part of a cap which is to be positioned upon a dosing syringe received in said slot. Preferably, at least one slot of the at least one dosing syringe accommodating element is substantially longitudinal, more preferably the at least one slot is substantially longitudinal in line with the longitudinal direction of the dosing syringe received therein. The receiving space can be located at a first end portion of the slot along the longitudinal axis of the slot. The width of the receiving space facing a second end portion of the slot is preferably smaller than the part of the receiving space facing the first end portion of the slot. This configuration has the advantage that a cap can easily be placed in the receiving space and at the same time be retained. It is imaginable that at least one slot defines an engagement structure for engaging part of at least one cap. It is conceivable that a retaining structure of at least one slot defines an engagement structure for engaging part of at least one cap. Preferably, the receiving space comprises an engagement structure for engaging part of at least one cap. The advantage of this embodiment is that space is provided for placing a cap on a dosing syringe received in the slot. Furthermore, this embodiment provides that the cap is retained at its position with respect to the dosing syringe received in the slot. This avoids the leakage of fluid from the dosing syringe, it decreases the risk of contamination, it increases safety and it provides the possibility to stock the dosing syringes.
[0034] At least one dosing syringe accommodating element can comprise at least one polymer material, preferably an elastomer, a thermoplastic polymer, a polyester polymer, a polystyrene polymer and / or combinations thereof. It is imaginable that the at least one dosing syringe accommodating element is at least partially made of a polymer material. Preferably, the at least one dosing syringe accommodating element is at least partially made of a plastic material. It is conceivable that the at least one polymer material is compatible with at least one sterilization method, such as dry heat sterilization, (steam) autoclavation, and / or irradiation. Preferably the at least one dosing syringe accommodating element is a reusable dosing syringe accommodating element. It is imaginable at least one dosing syringe accommodating element can comprise at least one polymer material, wherein said polymer material comprises: Ethylene Chlorotrifluoroethylene (ECTFE), Ethylene Tetrafluoroethylene (ETFE), High Density Polyethylene (HDPE), Low Density Polyethylene (LDPE), Polycaprolactone (PCL), Polyethersulfone (PES), Polyethylene (PE), Polyglycolic Acid (PGA), Polyimide (PI), Polylactic Acid (PLA), PolyL-lactide (PLLA), Polyurethane (PU), Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC), Plasticized Polyvinyl Fluoride (PVF), Polyvinylidene Fluoride (PVDF), and / or Ultrahigh Molecular Weight Polyethylene (UHMWPE).
[0035] The device according to the present invention can comprise a plurality of supply syringe holders each configured to retain at least one supply syringe. Preferably, if applied, the plurality of supply syringe holders are located adjacent to each other. More preferably, the plurality of supply syringe holders are located adjacent to each other, such that the supply syringe holders and the dosing syringe accommodating element can be positioned such that the at least one supply syringe retained by each supply syringe holder can be substantially aligned with at least one dosing syringe received in a slot of the dosing syringe accommodating element. This embodiment is advantageous since the plurality of supply syringe holders each can retain at least one supply syringe, wherein each supply syringe can comprise another fluid. This results in the possibility of mixing various fluids in at least one dosing syringe received in at least one dosing syringe accommodation. It is conceivable that the supply syringe holder is adjustable and configured to hold supply syringes of different sizes. Preferably, the supply syringe holder comprises at least one clamping element configured to clamp at least a part of a supply syringe. It is conceivable that the supply syringe holder comprises a plurality of clamping elements configured to clamp the supply syringe at different locations along the longitudinal axis of the supply syringe.
[0036] The device may comprise at least one control unit which is at least configured to control at least one drive unit. At least one control unit can be configured to control at least one drive unit, for example to control the speed for adjusting the mutual position of at least one supply syringe holder and at least one dosing syringe accommodating element. It is imaginable that at least one control unit is configured to control at least one cap supply. At least one control unit may (also) be configured to control at least one activating element, if applied. The control unit can for example be configured to control the supply plunger activating element and / or the dosing plunger activating element. It is imaginable that the control unit controls the degree of activation to be applied on at least one activating element. Optionally, the supply plunger activating element and / or at least one sensor (of the supply plunger activating element), is directly or indirectly connected to the control unit. The control unit may be configured to activate the at least one supply plunger activating element only in the filling position, preferably to cause outflow of fluid retained by the supply syringe. Preferably, the control unit defines the degree of activation of the supply plunger activating element, for example by predefining the volume of fluid to be transferred from the supply syringe to the dosing syringe in the filling position or by predefining the force to be applied on the plunger of the supply syringe. The error range decreases further and the accuracy increases in this embodiment, since the supply plunger activating element can apply a predefined degree of activation on the plunger of the supply syringe. This results in overcoming the chance of misreading of the volume present in the dosing syringe. It is imaginable that the control unit defines the degree of activation of the dosing plunger activating element, for example by predefining the volume of fluid to be received from the supply syringe into the dosing syringe in the filling position. This embodiment is beneficial since it anticipates the volume of fluid to be received in the dosing syringe resulting in decreasing the internal pressure of the dosing syringe, preferably without the formation of air bubbles.
[0037] It is imaginable that the device further comprises a housing. It is imaginable that at least one syringe holder is located above at least one dosing syringe accommodating element. It is possible that at least one syringe holder is located below at least one dosing syringe accommodating element. It is imaginable that at least one supply syringe holder and / or at least one dosing syringe accommodating element are rotated with respect to the housing. It is possible that at least one syringe holder is located at an angle with respect to at least one dosing syringe accommodating element. It is conceivable that at least one syringe holder and / or at least one dosing syringe accommodating element are rotated with respect to each other. It is imaginable that at least one supply syringe retained in at least one supply syringe holder is aligned under an angle with at least one dosing syringe retained in at least one slot of the dosing syringe accommodating element in filling position.
[0038] The device according to the present invention may also comprise at least one user interface. Preferably, the device comprises at least one display. It is imaginable that the user interface is configured to provide the user with information, such as the volume present in the supply syringe, which fluid is present in the supply syringe, and / or the duration of the filling procedure. The user interface may also be configured for providing the device with information, such as the number of dosing syringes received in at least one dosing syringe accommodating element or the amount of volume of fluid to be transferred per filling position. Hence, a user can for example adapt the desired process parameters by making use of the user interface. Preferably, the device is a tabletop device. This is advantageous since the device can easily be dislocated and brought to the place where needed, including the operation room. A benefit of a tabletop device is further that the device can be used when needed, and the dimensions of the device are relatively small.
[0039] The invention further relates to an assembly of a device for fluid transfer between syringes, in particular according to the present invention, and at least one enclosure which is configured to substantially fully enclose the device. The enclosure can be a housing which substantially fully enclose the device. Preferably, the enclosure is in particular configured to create a sterile environment. The enclosure can be a three dimensional shaped enclosure, such as a cubic shaped enclosure. Preferably, at least one side of the enclosure comprises an airtight operating zone configured for operating the device in a sterile environment. The operating zone can for example comprise a gloved portion allowing a user to operate the device in a sterile environment. It is imaginable that the enclosure is at least partially transparent and / or translucent, in particular such that a user of the device can see through the enclosure.
[0040] It is imaginable that the enclosure comprises at least one air filter in particular configured to provide a laminar flow within the enclosure, and preferably wherein the air filter comprises at least one HEPA-filter. This is advantageously since it provides a sterile environment which decreases the risk of contamination and it improves the safety.
[0041] The invention further relates to a dosing syringe accommodating element comprising a plurality of slots wherein each slot is configured to accommodate at least a part of a dosing syringe, in particular configured for use in a device fluid transfer between syringes according to the present invention and / or in an assembly of a device fluid transfer between syringes and at least one enclosure according to the present invention. The embodiments regarding a dosing syringe accommodating element in a device apply correspondingly to the dosing syringe accommodating element.
[0042] The invention additionally relates to a method for transferring fluid between syringes, in particular by making use of a device for fluid transfer according to the present invention and / or an assembly of a device for fluid transfer between syringes and at least one enclosure according to the present invention, comprising the steps of:
[0043] A) providing at least one supply syringe in at least one supply syringe holder;
[0044] B) providing at least one dosing syringe accommodating element comprising a plurality of a dosing syringes;
[0045] C) adjusting the mutual position of at least one supply syringe holder and at least one dosing syringe accommodating element to a first filling position, wherein the supply syringe is substantially aligned with a first dosing syringe received in the dosing syringe accommodating element;
[0046] D) transferring a predefined volume of fluid from the supply syringe to the first dosing syringe by displacing a plunger of the supply syringe via at least one supply plunger activating element with a determined plunger displacement and / or a determined supply plunger activating element displacement which relates to a predefined volume to be discharged;
[0047] E) determining an actual displacement of the plunger of the supply syringe retained in the at least one supply syringe holder and / or an actual displacement of the at least one supply plunger activating element by at least one sensor;
[0048] F) adjusting the activation of the at least one supply plunger activating element in case the actual displacement of the plunger of the supply syringe and / or the actual displacement of the at least one supply plunger activating element determined by the at least one sensor deviates from the determined plunger displacement;
[0049] G) optionally, adjusting the mutual position of at least one supply syringe holder and at least one dosing syringe accommodating element to a second filling position, wherein the supply syringe is substantially aligned with a second dosing syringe received in the dosing syringe accommodating element; and
[0050] H) optionally, transferring fluid from the supply syringe to the second dosing syringe by activating the plunger of the supply syringe via at least one supply plunger activating element. In line with the benefits as described for the corresponding device, the method according to the present invention has several benefits over the conventional manual methods of filling syringes. The method enables relatively fast, accurate and reliable fluid transfers between syringes and in particular the filling of dosing syringes. It is imaginable that the steps A) to D) are subsequent steps. It is conceivable that steps C) to F), and / or that steps C) and D), and / or steps G) and H) are repeated multiple times. Step D) can be performed by also activating or displacing a plunger of the first dosing syringe via at least one dosing plunger activating element. Preferably, step D) is performed by pushing and / or pulling a plunger of the supply syringe via at least one supply plunger activating element and / or by pushing and / or pulling a plunger of the first dosing syringe via at least one dosing plunger activating element.
[0051] It is conceivable that step H) is performed by activating or displacing a plunger of the second dosing syringe via at least one dosing plunger activating element. Preferably, step H) is performed after step D). Step H) can be performed by pushing and / or pulling a plunger of the supply syringe via at least one supply plunger activating element and / or by pushing and / or pulling a plunger of the second dosing syringe via at least one dosing plunger activating element.
[0052] The method may comprise the step of predefining the volume of fluid to be transferred from at least one supply syringe to at least one dosing syringe and / or setting the determined displacement of the supply plunger activating element. Preferably, wherein the step of predefining the volume of fluid to be transferred from at least one supply syringe to at least one dosing syringe and / or setting the determined displacement of the supply plunger activating element is dependent on the type of fluid and / or the physical properties and / or chemical properties of the fluid to be transferred.
[0053] Step D) may include that transferring the predefined volume of fluid from the supply syringe to the first dosing syringe is performed by indirectly displacing a plunger of the supply syringe with a determined plunger displacement via displacing at least part of at least one supply plunger activating element with a determined supply plunger activating element displacement, which determined supply plunger activating element displacement relates to a predefined volume to be discharged. The method can comprise the step of predetermining the amount of fluid to be transferred from at least one supply syringe to at least one dosing syringe. This step is preferably preformed before step D) and / or before step H). It is imaginable that the method comprises the step of filling the at least one supply syringe. The step of filling the at least one supply syringe can be performed before step A).
[0054] It is imaginable that the method comprises the step of placing a cap upon at least one filled dosing syringe via at least one cap supply. This step is preferably preformed after step D) and / or after step H). It is preferred that placing of a cap is performed after a dosing syringe is filled. It is conceivable that the method comprises the step of detaching at least one dosing syringe accommodating element comprising a plurality of dosing syringes.
[0055] The method may comprise a step of calibrating the supply syringe retained in the supply syringe holder by displacing the plunger of the supply syringe to at least discharge air and / or air bubbles from the supply syringe, preferably via at least one supply plunger activating element. This step of calibrating the supply syringe retained in the supply syringe holder may be performed prior to steps C) - H).
[0056] It is possible that step D) and / or step H) is performed by pushing the plunger of the supply syringe via the at least one supply plunger activating element, in particular in a direction which is in line with the longitudinal direction of the supply syringe, more in particular within a barrel of the supply syringe. It is also imaginable that step H) is performed by displacing a plunger of the second dosing syringe via at least one dosing plunger activating element, preferably by pulling the plunger of the second dosing syringe via the at least one dosing plunger activating element. The method may further include the step of predefining the volume of fluid to be transferred from at least one supply syringe to at least one dosing syringe and / or determining the determined plunger displacement which relates to the predefined volume to be discharged and optionally determining a determined supply plunger activating element displacement which relates to the determined plunger displacement and / or the determined supply plunger activating element displacement and / or the predefined volume to be discharged.
[0057] Optionally, the method comprises the step of calibrating a supply syringe retained in the at least one supply syringe holder by displacing the plunger of the supply syringe to discharge air and / or air bubbles from the at least one supply syringe, preferably via at least one supply plunger activating element. The step of calibrating the supply syringe retained in the at least one supply syringe holder may be performed prior to steps C) - H). The method may further comprise the step of deactivating the at least one supply plunger activating element when the actual displacement of the plunger of the supply syringe retained in the at least one supply syringe holder and / or the actual displacement of the at least one supply plunger activating element determined by at least one sensor matches the determined plunger displacement and / or the determined supply plunger activating element displacement to stop fluid transfer from the supply syringe to the dosing syringe.
[0058] The method could optionally include the step of determining the volume of fluid pushed out of the supply syringe by at least one sensor and / or comprising the step of determining an actual displacement of the plunger of the supply syringe retained in the supply syringe holder and / or an actual displacement of the supply plunger activating element by at least one sensor. It is imaginable that the method includes deactivating of the at least one supply plunger activating element when the actual displacement of the plunger of the supply syringe retained in the supply syringe holder and / or the actual displacement of the supply plunger activating element determined by at least one sensor matches the determined displacement to stop fluid transfer from the supply syringe to the dosing syringe. Steps D) and / or F) can be performed by pushing the plunger of the supply syringe via at least one supply plunger activating element, in particular in a direction which is in line with the longitudinal direction of the supply syringe, more in particular within a barrel of the supply syringe. Step F) can be performed by displacing a plunger of the second dosing syringe via at least one dosing plunger activating element, preferably by pulling the plunger of the second dosing syringe via the at least one dosing plunger activating element.
[0059] Optionally, the method may comprise the step of drawing up fluid from at least one vial by the supply syringe, which step is preferably performed prior to step A).
[0060] The invention will be further elucidated by means of the following non-limitative clauses. 1 . A device for fluid transfer between syringes, comprising: at least one supply syringe holder configured to retain at least one supply syringe; at least one dosing syringe accommodating element comprising a plurality of slots wherein each slot is configured to accommodate at least a part of a dosing syringe; and at least one drive unit configured to adjust the mutual position of at least one supply syringe holder and at least one dosing syringe accommodating element between at least two consecutive filling positions, wherein in each filling position the supply syringe holder and the dosing syringe accommodating element are positioned such that a supply syringe retained by the supply syringe holder is substantially aligned with a dosing syringe received in a slot of the dosing syringe accommodating element in particular such that fluid can be transferred from the supply syringe to the dosing syringe.
[0061] 2. Device according to clause 1 , wherein at least one dosing syringe accommodating element is a detachable dosing syringe accommodating element.
[0062] 3. Device according to any of the preceding clauses, wherein at least one dosing syringe accommodating element is connected or connectable to at least one drive unit.
[0063] 4. Device according to any of the preceding clauses, comprising at least one supply plunger activating element configured to activate a plunger of at least one supply syringe received in the syringe holder.
[0064] 5. Device according to any of the preceding clauses, comprising at least one dosing plunger activating element configured activate a plunger of at least one dosing syringe received in a slot of the dosing syringe accommodating element.
[0065] 6. Device according to any of the preceding clauses, wherein at least part of at least one slot of the dosing syringe accommodating element is defined by a retaining structure which is configured to retain at least part of a dosing syringe received in said slot. 7. Device according to clause 6, wherein the retaining structure comprises at least one clamping portion for clamping at least part of a dosing syringe received in said slot.
[0066] 8. Device according to any of the preceding clauses, wherein at least one dosing syringe accommodating element comprises at least one supporting surface for supporting at least part of at least one dosing syringe.
[0067] 9. Device according to any of the preceding clauses, wherein at least one dosing syringe accommodating element is substantially rectangular.
[0068] 10. Device according to any of the preceding clauses, wherein at least two of the slots of at least one dosing syringe accommodating element are mutually shifted along the perimeter of said dosing syringe accommodating element.
[0069] 11 . Device according to any of the preceding clauses, wherein at least one dosing syringe accommodating element comprises at least one pair of complementary coupling parts at opposing distal ends configured for interconnecting adjacent dosing syringe accommodating elements.
[0070] 12. Device according to any of the preceding clauses, wherein at least one dosing syringe accommodating element comprises complementary coupling members located on respectively a front side and a rear side of the dosing syringe accommodating device.
[0071] 13. Device according to any of the preceding clauses, comprising at least one cap supply configured for placing a cap upon a dosing syringe received in at least one dosing syringe accommodating element.
[0072] 14. Device according to any of the preceding clauses, wherein at least one dosing syringe accommodating element, and in particular at least one slot thereof, defines a receiving space for receiving at least part of a cap which is to be positioned upon a dosing syringe received in said slot. 15. Device according to any of the preceding clauses, wherein at least one dosing syringe accommodating element comprises at least one polymer material, preferably an elastomer, a thermoplastic polymer, a polyester polymer, a polystyrene polymer and / or combinations thereof.
[0073] 16. Device according to clause 15, wherein said polymer material comprises: Ethylene Chlorotrifluoroethylene (ECTFE), Ethylene Tetrafluoroethylene (ETFE), High Density Polyethylene (HDPE), Low Density Polyethylene (LDPE), Polycaprolactone (PCL), Polyethersulfone (PES), Polyethylene (PE), Polyglycolic Acid (PGA), Polyimide (PI), Polylactic Acid (PLA), PolyL-lactide (PLLA), Polyurethane (PU), Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC), Plasticized Polyvinyl Fluoride (PVF), Polyvinylidene Fluoride (PVDF), and / or Ultrahigh Molecular Weight Polyethylene (UHMWPE).
[0074] 17. Device according to any of the preceding clauses, comprising a plurality of supply syringe holders each configured to retain at least one supply syringe.
[0075] 18. Device according to any of the preceding clauses, comprising at least one control unit which is configured to control at least one drive unit.
[0076] 19. Device according to any of the preceding clauses, comprising at least one user interface.
[0077] 20. Assembly of a device according to any of the preceding clauses and at least one enclosure which is configured to substantially fully enclose the device.
[0078] 21 . Assembly according to clause 20, wherein the enclosure comprises at least one air filter in particular configured to provide a laminar flow within the enclosure, and preferably wherein the air filter comprises at least one HEPA-filter.
[0079] 22. Dosing syringe accommodating element comprising a plurality of slots wherein each slot is configured to accommodate at least a part of a dosing syringe, in particular configured for use in a device according to any of clauses 1 to 19 and / or an assembly according to clause 20 to 21 . 23. Method for transferring fluid between syringes, in particular by making use of a device according to any of clauses 1 to 19 and / or an assembly according to any of clauses 20 to 21 , comprising the steps of:
[0080] A) providing at least one supply syringe in at least one supply syringe holder;
[0081] B) providing at least one dosing syringe accommodating element comprising a plurality of a dosing syringes;
[0082] C) adjusting the mutual position of at least one supply syringe holder and at least one dosing syringe accommodating element to a first filling position, wherein the supply syringe is substantially aligned with a first dosing syringe received in the dosing syringe accommodating element;
[0083] D) transferring fluid from the supply syringe to the first dosing syringe;
[0084] E) adjusting the mutual position of at least one supply syringe holder and at least one dosing syringe accommodating element to a second filling position, wherein the supply syringe is substantially aligned with a second dosing syringe received in the dosing syringe accommodating element; and
[0085] F) transferring fluid from the supply syringe to the second dosing syringe.
[0086] 24. Method according to clause 23, wherein the steps are subsequent steps.
[0087] 25. Method according to clause 23 or 24, wherein step D) is performed by activating a plunger of the supply syringe via at least one supply plunger activating element and / or by activating a plunger of the first dosing syringe via at least one dosing plunger activating element.
[0088] 26. Method according to any of clauses 23 to 25, wherein step F) is performed by activating a plunger of the supply syringe via at least one supply plunger activating element and / or by activating a plunger of the second dosing syringe via at least one dosing plunger activating element.
[0089] 27. Method according to any of clauses 23 to 26, comprising the step of predetermining the amount of fluid to be transferred from at least one supply syringe to at least one dosing syringe.
[0090] 28. Method according to any of clauses 23 to 27, comprising the step of placing a cap upon at least one filled dosing syringe via at least one cap supply. The invention will be further elucidated by means of non-limiting exemplary embodiments illustrated in the following figures, in which:
[0091] - figures 1 a and 1 b show a front view of the device according to the present invention,
[0092] - figure 2 shows a front view of an assembly of the device and the enclosure according to the present invention,
[0093] - figure 3 shows a front view of an exemplary embodiment of the dosing syringe accommodating element,
[0094] - figure 4 shows a rear view of the dosing syringe accommodating element shown in figure 3,
[0095] - figure 5 shows a perspective view of coupled dosing syringe accommodating elements, and
[0096] - figure 6 shows a bottom view of stacked dosing syringe accommodating elements.
[0097] Within these figures, similar reference numbers correspond to similar or equivalent elements or features.
[0098] Figures 1 a andl b show a front view of an exemplary embodiment of the device 1 for fluid transfer between syringes 3, 6 according to the invention. Similar reference numbers in figures 1 a and 1 b correspond to similar or equivalent elements or features. The device 1 of figure 1 a is in rest position, whereas the device 1 of figure 1 b is in filling position. The device 1 comprises a supply syringe holder 2 configured to retain a supply syringe 3. The supply syringe holder 2 comprises two holding elements 2a, 2b configured for retaining the supply syringe 3. In the shown embodiment, the supply syringe holder 2 only comprises holding elements 2a, 2b at an upper part of the supply syringe 3, wherein the upper part of the supply syringe 3 is defined by not being the plunger 3a of the supply syringe 3. The two holding elements 2a, 2b are positioned at a distance from each other, such that the first holding element 2a retains a first upper part of the supply syringe 3 and the second holding element 2b retains a second upper part of the supply syringe 3. As can be seen in the figured, the supply syringe 3 is held upside down, such that the plunger 3a of the supply syringe 3 is facing the upper side of the device 1 .The device 1 further comprises a dosing syringe accommodating element 4. The supply syringe 3 further comprises a supply needle 3b configured for transferring fluid. The supply needle 3b is a substantially straight supply needle 3b. The supply syringe holder is located at a distance D from the dosing syringe accommodating element 4. The dosing syringe accommodating element 4 is substantially rectangularly shaped. The dosing syringe accommodating element 4 comprises a plurality of slots 5. In the filled embodiment as shown is in each slot 5 a part of a dosing syringe 6 accommodated. However, it is imaginable that only some slots 5 accommodate a part of a dosing syringe 6. The slots 5 are mutually shifted along the perimeter of said dosing syringe accommodating element 4, such that the slots 5 define a row. The slots 5 are in series. Each slot 5 comprises a retaining structure 7 configured to retain a part of the dosing syringe 6 in the slot 5. The retaining structure 7 as shown comprises two clamping portions 8a, 8b. The clamping portions 8a, 8b clamp a part of the dosing syringe 6 in the slot 5. The clamping portions 8a, 8b are mutually shifted. The retaining structure 7 only comprises clamping portions 8a, 8b at an upper part of the dosing syringe 6, wherein the upper part of the dosing syringe 6 is defined by not being the plunger 6a of the dosing syringe 6. The slots 5 are substantially longitudinal. In this embodiment, the slots 5 are substantially longitudinal in line with the longitudinal direction of the dosing syringe 6 received therein. The clamping portions 8a, 8b are mutually shifted along the longitudinal direction of the slot 5. The dosing syringe accommodating element 4 further comprises a receiving space 9. The receiving space 9 is located at a first end portion of the slot 5 along the longitudinal axis of the slot 5. The receiving space 9 is located at the upper side of the slot 5. The receiving space 9 is configured to receive a cap from a cap supply 10. The dosing syringe accommodating element 4 is defined such that a dosing plunger activating element 11 can reach the plunger 6a of the dosing syringe 6. The dosing syringe accommodating element 4 comprises at least one second receiving space 12 configured to receive the dosing plunger activating element 12. In this embodiment, the dosing syringe accommodating element 4 comprises an activating element receiving space 12 at a second end portion of the slot 5 along the longitudinal axis of the slot 5. The activating element receiving space 12 is located at the opposite side of the receiving space 9. The dosing syringe accommodating element 4 can be detachable. The device 1 further comprises a guiding structure 20. The guiding structure 20 is configured for aligning and guidance of the dosing syringe accommodating element 4. The device 1 further comprises a drive unit 13. The dosing syringe accommodating element 4 is connected to the drive unit 13. The drive unit 13 is configured to adjust the mutual position of at least one supply syringe holder 2 and at least one dosing syringe accommodating element 4. The drive unit 13 of this embodiment comprises two toothed wheels. The dosing syringe accommodating element 4 and / or the supply syringe holder 2 are relatively moveable in such a direction that a consecutive dosing syringe 6 retained in a slot of the dosing syringe accommodating element 4 moves from the supply syringe holder 2 to the cap supply 10. It is possible that the dosing syringe accommodating element 4 is moveable over the guiding structure 20. The device 1 further comprises a supply plunger activating element 14. The supply plunger activating element 14 is aligned with the plunger 3a of the supply syringe 3 retained in the supply syringe holder 2. The supply plunger activating element 14 is in contact with the plunger 3a of the supply syringe 3. The supply plunger activating element 14 is configured to displace the plunger 3a of the supply syringe 3, preferably such that a volume of fluid is discharged from the supply syringe 3. In particular, the supply plunger activating element 14 is configured for pushing and / or pulling the plunger 3a of the supply syringe 3 retained in the syringe holder 2. The device 1 further comprises a control unit configured to control the displacement of the supply plunger activating element 14 with an adjustable displacement which is based on a predefined volume to be discharged from the supply syringe 3 retained in the supply syringe holder 2. The device 1 comprises at least one sensor 21 configured to determine an actual displacement of the plunger 3a of the supply syringe 3 retained in the supply syringe holder 2 and / or the actual displacement of the supply plunger activating element 14. The control unit is configured to adjust the displacement of the supply plunger activating element 14 in case the actual displacement of the supply plunger activating element 14 and / or of the plunger 3a of the supply syringe 3 determined by the sensor 21 deviates from the adjustable displacement. In the shown embodiment, the supply plunger activating element 14 comprises at least one sensor 21 . The sensor 21 is in contact with the plunger 3a of the supply syringe 3. The supply plunger activating element 14 is moveable over a track 15 to change the mutual distance between the supply plunger activating element 14 and the supply syringe 3. The device 1 further comprises a housing 16. The housing 16 is configured for connecting the components of the device 1. The device 1 further comprises two handles 17 configured for translocating the device 1 . The handles 17 are located at a distance from the dosing syringe accommodating element 4. The handles 17 are located on two opposing sides of the device 1. The device 1 further comprises a user interface 18. The user interface 18 comprises a display. The user interface 18 is located at the lower part of the device 1. The device 1 further comprises a control unit 19 configured to control at least one drive unit 13. The user can change the settings of the device 1 by tuning the control unit 19. The control unit 19 can be connected to different components of the device 1 .
[0099] Figure 1 b shows the same embodiment of the device 1 as figure 1 a, but figure 1 b shows the device 1 in filling position. The supply syringe holder 2 and the dosing syringe accommodating element 4 are positioned in filling position, such that the supply syringe 3 retained by the supply syringe holder 2 is substantially aligned with a dosing syringe 6 received in a slot 5 of the dosing syringe accommodating element 4. A part of the supply needle 3b of the supply syringe 3 retained in the syringe holder 2 is located in a receiving space 9 of the dosing syringe accommodating element 4. More specifically, a part of the supply needle 3b of the supply syringe 3 is located in the aligned dosing syringe 6 received in a slot 5 of the dosing syringe accommodating element 4. The distance D between the supply syringe holder 2 and the dosing syringe accommodating element 4 can be adjusted. The distance D is smaller in filling position than in rest position (see figure 1 a), such that fluid can be transferred from the supply syringe 3 to the dosing syringe 6 in filling position. Additionally, the supply plunger activating element 14 has moved over the track 15 towards the supply syringe 3. The dosing plunger activating element 11 is configured to activate a plunger 6a of a dosing syringe 6. The dosing plunger activating element 11 is configured to pull at and / or push the plunger 6a of a dosing syringe 6. The dosing plunger activating element 11 is aligned with the plunger 6a of the dosing syringe 6. The dosing plunger activating element 11 can pull at the plunger 6a substantially simultaneous with fluid transfer from the supply syringe 3 into the dosing syringe 6. After the dosing syringe 6 is filled with fluid, the dosing plunger activating element 11 can push the plunger 6a of the dosing syringe 6 to push out air bubbles. After the dosing syringe 6 is filled with fluid, a cap supply 10 can cap the filled dosing syringe 6. At least a part of a cap is received in the receiving space 9 of the dosing syringe accommodating element 4.
[0100] Figure 2 shows the front view of an assembly 200 of the device 1 and an enclosure 201 according to the present invention. The exemplary embodiment comprises a device 1 that is substantially similar to the device 1 shown in figure 1 a and 1 b. Similar reference numbers correspond to similar or equivalent elements or features. The assembly comprises an enclosure 201 that fully encloses the device 1 , wherein the enclose 201 is configured to create a sterile environment. The enclosure 201 of this embodiment is at least partially transparent. The enclosure 201 is substantially cubic shaped. The enclosure 201 further comprises two handles 202 configured for translocating the assembly 200. The handles 202 are located on two opposing sides of the enclosure 201 . It is imaginable that the enclosure 201 comprises one handle 202 for example located at an upper side of the enclosure 201 . At least one side of the enclosure 201 comprises an operating zone 203. The operating zone 203 is an airtight operating zone 203 configured for operating the device 1 in a sterile environment. The operating zone 203 comprises in this embodiment two gloves 203 configured to enter the enclosed sterile environment.. The enclosure 201 further comprises an air filter 204 configured to provide a laminar flow within the enclosure. The air filter 204 is located at an upper side of the enclosure 201 . It is imaginable that the air filter 204 is located at another side of the enclosure 201 . The enclosure 201 substantially entirely surrounds the device 1 .
[0101] Figure 3 shows a front view of an exemplary embodiment of a dosing syringe accommodating element 4 according to the present invention. The dosing syringe accommodating element 4 is substantially rectangular. The dosing syringe accommodating element 4 comprises a plurality of slots 5. The dosing syringe accommodating element 4 of this embodiment comprises ten slots 5. Each slot 5 is configured to accommodate at least a part of a dosing syringe. The slots 5 are mutually shifted along the perimeter of the dosing syringe accommodating element 4. In this embodiment are the slots 5 mutually shifted thereby forming a row. A part of each slot 5 comprises a retaining structure 7. The retaining structure 7 is configured to retain at least part of a dosing syringe.. Each retaining structure 7 comprises two clamping portions 8a, 8b for clamping at least a part of a dosing syringe. The clamping portions 8a, 8b are mutually shifted along the longitudinal axis of a slot 5. The clamping portions 8a, 8b in this embodiment have an open part.. The slots 5 of this embodiment have a substantially open configuration. The dosing syringe accommodating element 4 further comprises at least one receiving space 9 located at a first end portion 306 of at least one slot 5 along the longitudinal axis of the slot 5. This embodiment each slot 5 comprises a receiving space 9. The receiving space 9 is located at the upper side of the slot 5. The receiving space 9 is configured to receive a cap from a cap supply 10. The receiving space 9 is at least partially funnel-shaped. The width of the receiving space 9 facing a second end portion 307 of the slot 5 is smaller than the part of the receiving space 9 facing the first end portion 306 of the slot 5. The dosing syringe accommodating element 4 comprises at least one second receiving space 12 configured to receive the dosing plunger activating element 12. Each slot 5 comprises in this embodiment a second receiving space 12. The second receiving space 12 is located at the second end portion 307 of the slot 5. The activating element receiving space 12 is located at the opposite side of the receiving space 9. The second receiving space 12 is substantially u-shaped. The dosing syringe accommodating element 4 further comprises a supporting surface 301 configured to support at least a part of at least one dosing syringe. The supporting surface 301 extends over the entire length of the dosing syringe accommodating element 4. The supporting surface 301 has a substantially corrugated surface. A dosing syringe is preferably supported between two peaks of the corrugated surface of the supporting surface 301. The dosing syringe accommodating element 4 comprises a second supporting surface 302 configured to support at least a part of a plunger of at least one dosing syringe. The second supporting surface 302 extends over a part of the length of the dosing syringe accommodating element 4. The second supporting surface 302 has a substantially corrugated surface. The plunger of a dosing syringe is preferably supported between two peaks of the corrugated surface of the second supporting surface 302. The dosing syringe accommodating element 4 further comprises two pairs of complementary coupling parts 303a-303d at opposing distal ends configured for interconnecting adjacent dosing syringe accommodating elements 4. Each pair of complementary coupling parts 303a-303d comprises a first coupling part 303a, 303c and a second coupling part 303b, 303d. The first coupling part 303a, 303c is located at a first distal end of the dosing syringe accommodating element 4. The second coupling part 303b, 303c is located at a second distal end of the dosing syringe accommodating element 4 opposing the first distal end. The first pair of complementary coupling parts 303a, 303b comprises a first coupling part 303a and a second coupling part 303b. The first coupling part 303a of the first pair of complementary coupling parts 303a, 303b comprises a coupling protruding portion. The protruding portion of the first coupling part 303a is substantially rounded shaped. More specifically the protruding portion of the first coupling part 303a is substantially spherically shaped. The second coupling part 303b of the first pair of complementary coupling parts 303a, 303b comprises a coupling recessed portion. The dosing syringe accommodating element 4 further comprises a second pair of complementary coupling parts 303c, 303d. The second pair of complementary coupling parts 303c, 303d comprises a first coupling part 303c and a second coupling part 303d. The first coupling part 303c of the second pair of complementary coupling parts 303c, 303d comprises a coupling protruding portion. The protruding portion of the first coupling part 303c is substantially cylindrically shaped. The second coupling part 303d of the second pair of complementary coupling parts 303c, 303d comprises a coupling recessed portion The complementary coupling parts 303a-303d can comprise any shape. The first coupling parts 303a, 303c are mutually shifted along the first distal end of the dosing syringe accommodating element 4. The second coupling parts 303b, 303c are mutually shifted along the second distal end of the dosing syringe accommodating element 4. The dosing syringe accommodating element 4 comprises complementary coupling members 304 located on respectively the front side 304a and the rear side (304b shown in figure 4) of the dosing syringe accommodating device 4. The complementary coupling members are configured for stacking a plurality of dosing syringe accommodating elements 4. The coupling members 304a comprise on the front side a protruding coupling member 304a. The protruding coupling members 304a are substantially cylindrically shaped. The coupling members 304a of this embodiment are mutually displaced over the length and the height of the dosing syringe accommodating element 4. It is conceivable that the dosing syringe accommodating element 4 comprises two coupling members 304a mutually displaced over the length or the height of the dosing syringe accommodating element 4 The dosing syringe accommodating element 4 further comprises a drive unit receiving structure 305 configured to receive at least a part of the drive unit. The drive unit receiving structure 305 extends over the entire length of the dosing syringe accommodating element 4. The drive unit receiving structure 305 is located at a rear side of the dosing syringe accommodating element 4. The drive unit receiving structure 305 is a substantially complementary to the shape of the drive unit. The drive unit receiving structure 305 of this embodiment has a toothed surface. The dosing syringe accommodating element 4 further comprises a guiding structure receiving element 308. The guiding structure receiving element 308 is substantially complementary to the guiding structure of the device. The guiding structure receiving element 308 of this embodiment is located at the rear side of the dosing syringe accommodating element 4.
[0102] Figure 4 shows a rear view the dosing syringe accommodating element 4 according to shown in figure 3. Similar reference numbers correspond to similar or equivalent elements or features. The dosing syringe accommodating element 4 comprises complementary coupling members 304 located on respectively the rear side 304b and the front side (304a as shown in figure 3) of the dosing syringe accommodating device 4. The complementary coupling members are configured for stacking a plurality of dosing syringe accommodating elements 4. The coupling members 304b comprise a recessed coupling member 304b. The recessed coupling member 304b is substantially complementary to the protruding portion 304a on the front side of the dosing syringe accommodating element 4The coupling members 304b of this embodiment are mutually displaced over the length and the height of the dosing syringe accommodating element 4. The dosing syringe accommodating element 4 further comprises a drive unit receiving structure 305. The drive unit receiving structure 305 extends over the entire length of the dosing syringe accommodating element 4. The drive unit receiving structure 305 has a substantially toothed surface. The dosing syringe accommodating element 4 further comprises a guiding structure receiving element 308. The guiding structure receiving element 308 is substantially complementary to the guiding structure of the device. The guiding structure receiving element 308 comprises a plurality of rectangularly shaped protruding portions. The dosing syringe accommodating element 4 comprises a suspension structure receiving element 309 configured to receive a suspension structure of the device. The suspension structure receiving element 309 can for example be complementary to a guiding rail of the device.
[0103] Figure 5 shows a perspective view of coupled dosing syringe accommodating elements 4 according to the embodiment of figures 3 and 4. Similar reference numbers correspond to similar or equivalent elements or features. A plurality of dosing syringe accommodating elements 4 are mutually coupled. The plurality of dosing syringe accommodating elements 4 are coupled at their distal ends. The coupled dosing syringe accommodating elements 4 are rectangularly shaped. The slots 5 of the coupled dosing syringe accommodating elements 4 are mutually shifted along the perimeter of the coupled dosing syringe accommodating element 4, such that the slots 5 define a row. This row is longer than the row of one dosing syringe accommodating element 4.
[0104] Figure 6 shows a perspective view of stacked dosing syringe accommodating elements 4 according to the embodiment of figures 3 and 4. Similar reference numbers correspond to similar or equivalent elements or features. At a front side, the dosing syringe accommodating elements 4 comprise a protruding coupling member 304a. At the rear side, the dosing syringe accommodating elements 4 comprise a coupling member 304b that comprises a recessed portion 304b that is complementary to the protruding coupling member 304a. The coupling member 304b at the rear side in this embodiment is cylindrically shaped and comprises a cavity complementary to the protruding coupling member 304a. The coupling member 304a of the front side fits in said cavity of the coupling member 304b on the rear side. The coupling members 304a, 304b create a distance between stacked dosing syringe accommodating elements 4.
[0105] It will be clear that the invention is not limited to the exemplary embodiments which are illustrated and described here, but that countless variants are possible within the framework of the attached claims, which will be obvious to the person skilled in the art. In this cases, it is conceivable for different inventive concepts and / or technical measures of the above-described embodiments to be completely or partly combined without departing from the inventive idea described in the attached claims.
[0106] The verb ‘comprise’ and its conjugations as used in this patent document are understood to mean not only ‘comprise’, but to also include the expressions ‘contain’, ‘substantially contain’, ‘formed by’ and conjugations thereof.
[0107] By "complementary" coupling parts or “complementary” coupling members, is meant that these coupling parts, coupling members can cooperate with each other respectively. However, to this end, the complementary coupling parts or the complementary coupling members do not necessarily have to have complementary forms. The ordinal numbers used in this document, like “first” and “second” are used only for identification purposes. Hence, the use of the expression “second holding element”, “second end portion”, “second receiving space”, “second supporting surface”, and / or “second coupling part” does therefore not necessarily require the co-presence of a “first holding element”, a “first holding element”, a “first end portion”, a “first receiving space”, a “first supporting surface” and / or a “first coupling part”, respectively.
Claims
Claims1 . A device for fluid transfer between syringes, comprising:- at least one supply syringe holder configured to retain at least one supply syringe;- at least one dosing syringe accommodating element comprising a plurality of slots wherein each slot is configured to accommodate at least a part of a dosing syringe;- at least one drive unit configured to adjust the mutual position of at least one supply syringe holder and at least one dosing syringe accommodating element between at least two consecutive filling positions, wherein in each filling position the supply syringe holder and the dosing syringe accommodating element are positioned such that a supply syringe retained by the supply syringe holder is substantially aligned with a dosing syringe received in a slot of the dosing syringe accommodating element, in particular such that fluid can be transferred from the supply syringe to the dosing syringe;- at least one supply plunger activating element configured to displace a plunger of at least one supply syringe retained in the at least one supply syringe holder in order to discharge a volume of fluid from the at least one supply syringe;- at least one control unit configured to control the activation of the at least one supply plunger activating element such that a determined plunger displacement and / or a determined supply plunger activating element displacement is initiated which relates to a predefined volume to be discharged from the at least one supply syringe; and- at least one sensor configured to determine an actual displacement of the plunger of the at least one supply syringe retained in the at least one supply syringe holder and / or an actual displacement of at least part of the at least one supply plunger activating element; wherein the at least one control unit is further configured to adjust the activation of the at least one supply plunger activating element in case the actual displacement of the plunger of the at least one supply syringe and / or the actual displacement of the at least one supply plunger activating element determinedby the at least one sensor deviates from the determined plunger displacement and / or the determined supply plunger activating element displacement.
2. Device according to claim 1 , wherein at least one sensor is, directly or indirectly, connected to at least one supply plunger activating element.
3. Device according to any of the preceding claims, wherein at least one sensor is a pressure sensor configured to determine a pressure force applied by the at least one supply plunger activating element on the supply plunger of the at least one supply syringe retained in the at least one supply syringe holder.
4. Device according any of the preceding claims, wherein at least one sensor is configured to determine an actual volume of fluid discharged from the supply syringe in the supply syringe holder and wherein the at least one control unit is configured to adjust the activation of the at least one supply plunger activating element in case the actual volume of discharged fluid deviates from the predefined volume to be discharged.
5. Device according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the at least one supply plunger activating element is configured to displace the plunger of the at least one supply syringe retained in the at least one supply syringe holder in a longitudinal direction of the supply syringe, in particular within a barrel of the at least one supply syringe retained in the at least one supply syringe holder.
6. Device according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the at least one supply plunger activating element is configured to push the plunger of the at least one supply syringe retained in the at least one supply syringe holder, in particular in a directions which is in line with a longitudinal direction of the at least one supply plunger retained in the at least one supply syringe holder, more in particular towards a tip end of the at least one supply syringe retained in the at least one supply syringe holder.
7. Device according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the at least one supply plunger activating element is connected or connectable to at least one supply plunger activating drive unit which is configured to adjust the mutual positionbetween the at least one supply plunger activating element and the at least one supply syringe holder, in particular to adjust the mutual position between the at least one supply plunger activating element and the plunger of the at least one supply syringe retained in the at least one supply syringe holder.
8. Device according to any of the preceding claims, comprising at least one track over which the at least one supply plunger activating element is displaceable to adjust a distance between the at least one supply plunger activating element and the plunger of the at least one supply syringe retained in the at least one supply syringe holder.
9. Device according to claim 8, wherein at least part of the at least one track extends at least partially in a direction which is substantially in line with a longitudinal direction of a supply syringe retained in the at least one supply syringe holder.
10. Device according any of the preceding claims, wherein in the filling position a tip end of the at least one supply syringe retained in the at least one supply syringe holder is aligned with a tip end of at least one dosing syringe received in a slot of the at least one dosing syringe accommodating element, in particular such that the at least one dosing syringe can be filled from the tip end.11 . Device according to any of the preceding claims, wherein at least one dosing syringe accommodating element is connected or connectable to at least one drive unit.
12. Device according to any of the preceding claims, comprising at least one dosing plunger activating element configured to displace a plunger of at least one dosing syringe received in a slot of the dosing syringe accommodating element.
13. Device according to claim 12, comprising at least one dosing sensor configured to determine an actual displacement of a plunger of at least one dosing syringe received in a slot of the at least one dosing syringe accommodating element and / or an actual displacement of the at least one dosing plunger activating element.
14. Device according to claim 12 and 13, wherein at least one control unit is configured to control the activation of the at least one dosing plunger activating element such that a determined dosing plunger displacement and / or a determined supply plunger activating element displacement is initiated which relates to a predefined volume of fluid to be received from the at least one supply syringe retained in the at least one supply syringe holder, and preferably wherein the at least one control unit is configured to adjust the activation of the at least one dosing plunger activating element in case the actual displacement of the plunger of the at least one dosing syringe and / or the actual displacement of the at least one dosing plunger activating element determined by the at least one dosing sensor deviates from the determined dosing plunger displacement.
15. Device according to any of the preceding claims, wherein at least one dosing syringe accommodating element is a detachable dosing syringe accommodating element.
16. Device according to any of the preceding claims, wherein at least part of at least one slot of the dosing syringe accommodating element is defined by a retaining structure which is configured to retain at least part of a dosing syringe received in said slot.
17. Device according to claim 16, wherein the retaining structure comprises at least one clamping portion for clamping at least part of a dosing syringe received in said slot.
18. Device according to any of the preceding claims, wherein at least one dosing syringe accommodating element comprises at least one supporting surface for supporting at least part of at least one dosing syringe.
19. Device according to any of the preceding claims, wherein at least two of the slots of at least one dosing syringe accommodating element are mutually shifted along the perimeter of said dosing syringe accommodating element.
20. Device according to any of the preceding claims, wherein at least one dosing syringe accommodating element comprises at least one pair of complementary coupling parts at opposing distal ends configured for interconnecting adjacent dosing syringe accommodating elements.21 . Device according to any of the preceding claims, wherein at least one dosing syringe accommodating element comprises complementary coupling members located on respectively a front side and a rear side of the dosing syringe accommodating device.
22. Device according to any of the preceding claims, comprising at least one cap supply configured for placing a cap upon a dosing syringe received in at least one dosing syringe accommodating element.
23. Device according to any of the preceding claims, wherein at least one dosing syringe accommodating element, and in particular at least one slot thereof, defines a receiving space for receiving at least part of a cap which is to be positioned upon a dosing syringe received in said slot.
24. Device according to any of the preceding claims, comprising a plurality of supply syringe holders each configured to retain at least one supply syringe.
25. Device according to any of the preceding claims, wherein at least one control unit is configured to control at least one drive unit.
26. Device according to any of the preceding claims, comprising at least one user interface.
27. Assembly of a device according to any of the preceding claims and at least one enclosure which is configured to substantially fully enclose the device.
28. Assembly according to claim 27, wherein the enclosure comprises at least one air filter in particular configured to provide a laminar flow within the enclosure, and preferably wherein the air filter comprises at least one HEPA-filter.
29. Dosing syringe accommodating element comprising a plurality of slots wherein each slot is configured to accommodate at least a part of a dosing syringe, in particular configured for use in a device according to any of claims 1 to 26 and / or an assembly according to claim 27 to 28.
30. Method for transferring fluid between syringes, in particular by making use of a device according to any of claims 1 to 26 and / or an assembly according to any of claims 27 to 28, comprising the steps of:A) providing at least one supply syringe in at least one supply syringe holder;B) providing at least one dosing syringe accommodating element comprising a plurality of a dosing syringes;C) adjusting the mutual position of at least one supply syringe holder and at least one dosing syringe accommodating element to a first filling position, wherein the supply syringe is substantially aligned with a first dosing syringe received in the dosing syringe accommodating element;D) transferring a predefined volume of fluid from the supply syringe to the first dosing syringe by displacing a plunger of the supply syringe via at least one supply plunger activating element with a determined plunger displacement and / or a determined supply plunger activating element displacement which relates to a predefined volume to be discharged;E) determining an actual displacement of the plunger of the supply syringe retained in the at least one supply syringe holder and / or an actual displacement of the at least one supply plunger activating element by at least one sensor;F) adjusting the activation of the at least one supply plunger activating element in case the actual displacement of the plunger of the supply syringe and / or the actual displacement of the at least one supply plunger activating element determined by the at least one sensor deviates from the determined plunger displacement and / or the determined supply plunger activating element displacement;G) optionally, adjusting the mutual position of at least one supply syringe holder and at least one dosing syringe accommodating element to a second filling position, wherein the supply syringe is substantially aligned with a second dosing syringe received in the dosing syringe accommodating element; andH) optionally, transferring fluid from the supply syringe to the second dosing syringe by activating the plunger of the supply syringe via at least one supply plunger activating element.31 . Method according to claim 30, wherein at least steps A) to D) are subsequent steps, preferably wherein steps A) to H) are subsequent steps.
32. Method according to claim 30 or 31 , wherein step D) is performed by displacing a plunger of the first dosing syringe via at least one dosing plunger activating element, preferably by pulling the plunger of the first dosing syringe via the at least one dosing plunger activating element.
33. Method according to claim 30 to 32, wherein step D) and / or step H) is performed by pushing the plunger of the supply syringe via the at least one supply plunger activating element, in particular in a direction which is in line with the longitudinal direction of the supply syringe, more in particular within a barrel of the supply syringe.
34. Method according to any of claims 30 to 33, wherein step H) is performed by displacing a plunger of the second dosing syringe via at least one dosing plunger activating element, preferably by pulling the plunger of the second dosing syringe via the at least one dosing plunger activating element.
35. Method according to any of claims 30 to 34, comprising the step of predefining the volume of fluid to be transferred from at least one supply syringe to at least one dosing syringe and / or determining the determined plunger displacement which relates to the predefined volume to be discharged and optionally determining a determined a supply plunger activating element displacement which relates to the determined plunger displacement and / or the predefined volume to be discharged.
36. Method according to any of claims 30 to 35, comprising the step of placing a cap upon at least one filled dosing syringe via at least one cap supply.
37. Method according to any of claims 30 to 36, comprising the step of calibrating a supply syringe retained in the at least one supply syringe holder by displacing the plunger of the supply syringe to discharge air and / or air bubbles from the at least one supply syringe, preferably via at least one supply plunger activating element.
38. Method according to claim 37, wherein the step of calibrating the supply syringe retained in the at least one supply syringe holder is performed prior to steps C) - H).
39. Method according to any of claims 30 to 37, comprising step of deactivating the at least one supply plunger activating element when the actual displacement of the plunger of the supply syringe retained in the at least one supply syringe holder and / or the actual displacement of the at least one supply plunger activating element determined by at least one sensor matches the determined plunger displacement and / or the determined supply plunger activating element displacement to stop fluid transfer from the supply syringe to the dosing syringe.