A pharmaceutical preparation system

Abstract

A pharmaceutical preparation system configured for being positioned within an enclosure and for being operated for performing transfer of fluid between at least one container and at least one fluid transfer assembly while being positioned therewithin. The enclosure comprising an airflow source operative to generate an airflow along a vertical airflow path, said pharmaceutical preparation system having a vertical axis and comprising: at least one platform comprising a platform upper surface; at least one container-receiving module configured to receive the container, the container-receiving module comprising a main body and a fluid interface portion configured to accommodate a fluid transfer element of the container for said transfer of fluid to be performed therethrough, the main body being positioned at least partially vertically above the platform upper surface and at least a part of the fluid interface portion extending from the main body away from the platform upper surface in a direction transverse to the vertical axis; and a virtual vertical column extending along the vertical axis and including the fluid interface portion, wherein when the pharmaceutical preparation system is positioned within the enclosure and the airflow is being generated, said vertical virtual column at least partially defines a portion of said airflow path, said vertical virtual column comprising an upper column portion extending above the fluid interface portion and a lower column portion extending below the fluid interface portion, at least said upper column portion being at least selectively free of nonlaminar obstructions at least along the vertical axis.

Description

[0001] A PHARMACEUTICAL PREPARATION SYSTEM

[0002] TECHNOLOGICAL FIELD

[0003] The present application relates to robotic pharmaceutical preparation systems and more particularly to a pharmaceutical preparation system configured for being positioned within an enclosure and allow a laminar airflow within the enclosure and ensure sterility of the system.

[0004] BACKGROUND

[0005] There are known automatic or semi-automatic preparation systems for preparing drugs designated for administration to patients. These systems include fluid transfer stations for transfer of fluid between a syringe and a vial or between a syringe and an intravenous (IV) bag. In fluid transfer systems deployed for preparation of non-hazardous or hazardous drugs, measures are taken to ensure the system remains sterile.

[0006] GENERAL DESCRIPTION

[0007] A pharmaceutical preparation system (interchangeably referred to herein as “fluid transfer system”) may comprise an automatic or partially automatic system comprising manipulator(s) and / or module(s) controlled at least partially by a controller. The robotic pharmaceutical preparation system can be operable for performing any activity related to preparation of drugs, such as drugs designated for administration to patients, including, for example, compounding, diluting, reconstituting, transferring, filling, drawing, agitating and / or other processes associated with pharmaceutical preparation. The pharmaceutical preparation system can include one or more fluid transfer stations operable for transfer of fluid (drug) between various combinations of fluid transfer assemblies and containers.

[0008] The robotic pharmaceutical preparation system is configured for receiving and optionally manipulating various types of containers, such as drug vials, intravenous (IV) bags, syringes, tubes, and / or other containers suitable for holding and / or transferring fluid and / or powder. In some examples, the robotic pharmaceutical preparation system is configured for receiving at least one drug vial; diluting or reconstituting the drug in the vial, as needed; optionally, agitating the vial; and then obtaining, by drawing from the vial, a defined amount of the ready drug. In some cases, the drug is then prepared for administration to a patient, for example by transferring the drug into a syringe and / or into an IV bag.

[0009] The pharmaceutical preparation system may be deployed for preparation of any type of drug, including a hazardous drug which is prepared in closed systems, as well as non-hazardous drugs. In closed fluid transfer systems deployed for preparation of hazardous drugs, measures are taken to prevent hazardous leakage of fluid and / or fume from the containers such as a syringe, a vial, an IV bag or the like and further for prevention of infiltration of contaminates into the drug. For ensuring sterility, alignment and providing a secured coupling during fluid transfer, connectors or adaptors can be used with the containers and / or generally used at fluid transfer interfaces of the system. Although utmost care is taken against leakage of fluid and / or fume in closed fluid transfer systems, a small amount of fluid and / or fume may sometimes still get spilled within the system. In open fluid transfer systems, leakage or spillage of fluids and / or fumes during transfer between the containers is quite common, especially at the fluid transfer regions in the system. In order to ensure the sterility of the closed or open fluid transfer system, this spilled liquid (contaminants) needs to be wiped off or otherwise in any manner cleaned off from the system.

[0010] The presently disclosed subject matter relates to pharmaceutical preparation systems configured for being positioned within an enclosure and for being operated for performing transfer of fluid between at least one container and at least one fluid transfer assembly while being positioned therewithin. The enclosure comprises an airflow source operative to generate an airflow along a vertical airflow path. The pharmaceutical preparation system has a vertical axis that extends along the vertical airflow path when the system is positioned within the enclosure.

[0011] In some embodiments, the pharmaceutical preparation system is configured to at least minimize or omit the presence of contaminants at fluid transfer regions, any surface of the system and / or within the enclosure. Fluid transfer regions are region in which any fluid transfer occurs. A fluid transfer region comprises a fluid interface portion which is the component of the system in which the fluid transfer occurs via fluid transfer openings typically comprising a port or septum of the container or fluid transfer assembly. Accordingly, presence of contaminates at the fluid interface portion may be particularly hazardous, since contaminants may inadvertently penetrate into the container or fluid transfer assembly via the openings.

[0012] In simple terms, the fluid interface portion is spatially positioned within the system and / or within the enclosure, such that the airflow laminarly, or with minimal turbulence, flows thereabout. In some embodiments, this laminar airflow is facilitated by configuring the airflow path around the fluid interface portion to be free of or with minimal nonlaminar obstructions.

[0013] The airflow is generated to sterilize the enclosure volume and the surfaces of the system by removing contaminants accumulated on surfaces of the system and / or the enclosure. The contaminants are captured by the airflow and flushed thereby along the airflow path. The flushed contaminants are collected and expelled out of the enclosure volume. The contaminants may include hazardous fumes, vapors, gases, dust and / or any other unsterile substance.

[0014] Efficient removal of the contaminants is performed by an airflow stream, free of turbulence or with minimal turbulence or in other words by a laminar airflow, so as to ensure the contaminates are flushed by the airflow to be eventually taken away from the system and / or the enclosure. Laminar airflow may be generally described as a flow of fluid in which fluid moves in separate layers where one layer slides past the adjacent layers, as opposed to turbulent flow, where the fluid layers undergo intermixing. Laminar airflow may be referred to as a streamline airflow. Laminar airflow is facilitated where the airflow path is free or with minimal nonlaminar obstructions.

[0015] The laminarity or turbulence offered by an object within an airflow path may be determined based on its bounding surface and the boundary layer formed therearound. The boundary layer is a relatively thin layer of air in the immediate vicinity of the bounding surface, which is formed by the air flowing along the surface. In a laminar boundary layer, the air moves in separate layers where one layer slides past the adjacent layers. In a turbulent boundary layer, the air layers undergo intermixing. In some embodiments, a nonlaminar obstruction constitutes an object having bounding surfaces shaped so as to form turbulent boundary layers therearound, when the object is placed in an airflow path. In other words, the nonlaminar obstructions include obstructions configured to cause the laminar airflow to be nonlaminar or turbulent, when the obstructions are positioned within the airflow path. In some examples, an airflow can be directed at the interconnection of the fluid transfer assembly and the container, for example the ports and / or septa thereof, during the transfer of fluid therebetween. In other words, when the transfer of fluid takes place between two containers or a container and a fluid transfer assembly, an airflow (for example, a laminar airflow, same or different than the above-mentioned laminar flow) can be directed at the interconnection (fluid interconnection) between them. For instance, when the transfer of fluid takes place along the vertical direction, a vertical airflow may be interfered by the container and / or the fluid transfer assembly thereby preventing the vertical airflow from reaching directly at the interconnection of the container and the fluid transfer assembly, and thus, a separate airflow or a part of the vertical airflow can be directed (by an active or a passive airflow directing arrangement) directly at the interconnection of the container and the fluid transfer assembly, for example in a direction transverse to the vertical airflow.

[0016] According to a first aspect of the present subject matter, there is provided a pharmaceutical preparation system configured for being positioned within an enclosure and for being operated for performing transfer of fluid between at least one container and at least one fluid transfer assembly while being positioned therewithin, said enclosure comprising an airflow source operative to generate an airflow along a vertical airflow path, said pharmaceutical preparation system having a vertical axis that extends along the vertical airflow path when the system is positioned within the enclosure and comprising: at least one platform comprising a platform upper surface; at least one container-receiving module configured to receive the container, the container-receiving module comprising a main body and a fluid interface portion configured to accommodate a fluid transfer element of the container for said transfer of fluid to be performed therethrough, the main body being positioned at least partially vertically above the platform upper surface and at least a part of the fluid interface portion extending from the main body away from the platform upper surface in a direction transverse to the vertical axis; and a virtual vertical column extending along the vertical axis and including the fluid interface portion, wherein when the pharmaceutical preparation system is positioned within the enclosure and the airflow is being generated, said vertical virtual column at least partially defines a portion of said airflow path, said vertical virtual column comprising an upper column portion extending above the fluid interface portion and a lower column portion extending below the fluid interface portion, at least said upper column portion being at least selectively free of nonlaminar obstructions at least along the vertical axis.

[0017] The upper and / or the lower column portion being free of the nonlaminar obstructions allows a laminar airflow therethrough in the vertically downwards direction from the airflow source, thereby facilitating a sterile system, particularly the fluid interface portions.

[0018] In accordance with some embodiments of the present subject matter, the platform constitutes a first platform and the platform upper surface constitutes a first platform upper surface, and the system according to the first aspect further includes a second platform comprising at least one device configured to perform an operation associated with the container. The operation is associated with the transfer of fluid. The first platform and the second platform may be spatially arranged within the system, so as to promote, namely maximize, the laminar flow along its surfaces and in its vicinity, such as by arranging the second platform to minimally overlap the first platform so as to allow the airflow to flow uninterrupted, e.g. laminarly or with minimal turbulence, along the vertical axis and to reach the surfaces of the system and at least the interface portions. In some embodiments, the second platform is positioned at least partially vertically at a distance from the first platform and formed with a second platform upper surface. A first area is defined by a projection of the first platform upper surface on a virtual horizontal plane perpendicular to said airflow path and positioned above the first platform and the second platform. A second area defined by a projection of the second platform upper surface on the virtual horizontal plane. An overlapping area in which the first area overlaps with the second area, is smaller than a first area exposed portion in which the first area is free of an overlap with the second area and is exposed to said airflow along the vertical axis when the system is positioned with the enclosure and the airflow is being generated.

[0019] According to a second aspect of the present subject matter, there is provided a pharmaceutical preparation system configured for being positioned within an enclosure and for being operated for performing transfer of fluid between at least one container and at least one fluid transfer assembly while being positioned therewithin, said enclosure comprising an airflow source operative to generate an airflow along a vertical airflow path, said pharmaceutical preparation system having a vertical axis that extends along the vertical airflow path when the system is positioned within the enclosure, and comprising: a first platform comprising at least one container-receiving module configured to receive the container, the first platform being formed with a first platform upper surface; and a second platform comprising at least one device configured to perform an operation associated with the container, said operation being associated with said transfer of fluid, the second platform being positioned at least partially vertically at a distance from the first platform and formed with a second platform upper surface, wherein: a first area is defined by a projection of the first platform upper surface on a virtual horizontal plane perpendicular to said airflow path and positioned above the first platform and the second platform; a second area defined by a projection of the second platform upper surface on the virtual horizontal plane; and an overlapping area in which the first area overlaps with the second area, is smaller than a first area exposed portion in which the first area is free of an overlap with the second area and is exposed to said airflow along the vertical axis when the system is positioned with the enclosure and the airflow is being generated.

[0020] It is to be understood herein that the overlapping area being smaller than the first area exposed portion signifies that the second platform interferes with the airflow in a smaller region as compared to the total region covered by the first platform, thereby allowing a laminar airflow from the airflow source to the first platform for ensuring sterility of the system.

[0021] In accordance with some embodiments of the present subject matter, the containerreceiving module comprises a main body and a fluid interface portion configured to accommodate a fluid transfer element of the container for said transfer of fluid to be performed therethrough, the main body being positioned at least partially vertically above the first platform upper surface and at least a part of the fluid interface portion extending from the main body away from the first platform upper surface in a direction transverse to the vertical axis, and the system according to the second aspect further includes a virtual vertical column extending along the vertical axis and including the fluid interface portion, wherein when the pharmaceutical preparation system is positioned within the enclosure and the airflow is being generated, said vertical virtual column at least partially defines a portion of said airflow path, said vertical virtual column comprising an upper column portion extending above the fluid interface portion and a lower column portion extending below the fluid interface portion, at least said upper column portion being at least selectively free of nonlaminar obstructions at least along the vertical axis. The system according to any one of the first and second aspects can include one or more of the following features:

[0022] - Optionally, a maximal dimension of the virtual vertical column in a horizontal plane can be equal to a maximal dimension of a projection of the fluid interface portion on the horizontal plane.

[0023] - Optionally, a maximal dimension of the virtual vertical column in a horizontal plane can be greater than a maximal dimension of a projection of the fluid interface portion on the horizontal plane. In some embodiments, the maximal dimension of the virtual vertical column in the horizontal plane can be about 10 to 20 percent greater than the maximal dimension of the projection of the fluid interface portion on the horizontal plane.

[0024] - Optionally, a maximal dimension of the virtual vertical column in a horizontal plane can be smaller than a maximal dimension of a projection of the fluid interface portion in the horizontal plane. In some embodiments, the maximal dimension of the virtual vertical column in the horizontal plane can be about 10 to 20 percent smaller than the maximal dimension of the projection of the fluid interface portion in the horizontal plane.

[0025] - Optionally, a shape of the virtual vertical column in a horizontal plane can be same as a shape of a projection of the fluid interface portion on the horizontal plane.

[0026] - Optionally, a vertical dimension of the virtual vertical column can be equal to a maximal vertical dimension of the system.

[0027] - Optionally, a vertical dimension of the virtual vertical column can be smaller than a maximal vertical dimension of the system. In some embodiments, the vertical dimension of the virtual vertical column can be about 10 to 20 percent smaller than the maximal vertical dimension of the system.

[0028] - Optionally, the virtual vertical column can allow laminar airflow through the portion of the airflow path defined thereby. It is to be understood herein that the dimensions and shape of the virtual vertical column is to be defined in order to facilitate a maximum laminar airflow through the fluid interface portions.

[0029] - Optionally, the nonlaminar obstructions can include obstructions configured to cause the laminar airflow to be nonlaminar, when said obstructions are positioned within the airflow path. - Optionally, at least 80 percent of said virtual vertical column can be at least selectively free of said nonlaminar obstructions at least along the vertical axis.

[0030] - Optionally, the system can further comprise at least one fluid transfer component constituting at least partially said nonlaminar obstructions and operable for performing said transfer of fluid, said at least one component being configured to move with respect to the container-receiving module and to be selectively at least partially positioned within the virtual vertical column. In some embodiments, the at least one fluid transfer component can comprise a manipulator for manipulating said fluid transfer assembly.

[0031] - Optionally, the at least one fluid transfer component can be configured to at least partially be positioned within the virtual vertical column during said transfer of fluid at said fluid interface portion.

[0032] - Optionally, a majority of said virtual vertical column is free of said nonlaminar obstructions at least when the at least one fluid transfer component moves out of the virtual vertical column.

[0033] - Optionally, the fluid transfer component can be configured to be at least partially positioned within one of the upper column portion and the lower column portion during said transfer of fluid, while the other one of the upper column portion and the lower column portion is free of the nonlaminar obstructions. In some embodiments, the other one of the upper column portion and the lower column portion can be free of the nonlaminar obstructions during the entire duration of the transfer of fluid. In some embodiments, the other of the upper column portion and the lower column portion can be free of the nonlaminar obstructions during the entire operation of the system. In some embodiments, the other one of the upper column portion and the lower column portion is the upper column portion. In some embodiments, the other one of the upper column portion and the lower column portion is the lower column portion.

[0034] - Optionally, the lower column portion can be selectively free of the nonlaminar obstructions.

[0035] - Optionally, when the pharmaceutical preparation system is positioned within the enclosure and the airflow is being generated, the upper column portion can define at least partially the airflow path.

[0036] - Optionally, the system can comprise a plurality of fluid interface portions including said fluid interface portion and a plurality of virtual vertical columns including said vertical virtual column, each one of the plurality of fluid interface portions being positioned within respective one of the plurality of virtual vertical columns. In some embodiments, during the transfer of fluid at one or more of the plurality of fluid interface portions, at least the upper column portions of the corresponding virtual vertical columns including one or more of the remaining of the plurality of fluid interface portions are free of nonlaminar obstructions. In some embodiments, at least the upper column portion of each one of said plurality of virtual vertical columns is selectively free of nonlaminar obstructions. It is to be understood herein that the plurality of the fluid interface portions and the manipulator are so configured with respect to each other to allow maximum airflow through the system to be laminar. For instance, irrespective of their number, the fluid interface portions are so dimensioned and positioned to occupy a minimal volume within the system and to occupy those regions where the airflow is least interfered by the other components of the system constituting the nonlaminar obstructions. For instance, one or more of the plurality of fluid interface portions can be positioned at least partially colinearly with respect to each other along a displacement axis, which is transverse to the vertical axis, and the at least one fluid transfer component can be configured to move along the displacement axis.

[0037] - Optionally, the at least one fluid transfer component can be configured to be selectively at least partially positioned within each one of the plurality of virtual vertical columns.

[0038] - Optionally, when the at least one fluid transfer component is at least partially positioned within one of the plurality of virtual vertical columns, at least the upper column portions of one or more of the remaining of the plurality of virtual vertical columns are free of nonlaminar obstructions.

[0039] - Optionally, each of the plurality of fluid interface portions can be spaced apart from an adjacent one of the plurality of fluid interface portions.

[0040] - Optionally, the system can comprise a plurality of container-receiving modules including said container-receiving module, each of the plurality of container-receiving modules comprising a respective main body and a respective one of the plurality of fluid interface portions. In some embodiments, each of the plurality of container-receiving modules is spaced apart from an adjacent one of the plurality of container-receiving modules. In some embodiments, the space between the adjacent container-receiving modules can be dimensioned to allow said airflow to pass therethrough at least along the vertical axis. - Optionally, the container-receiving module can comprise an IV bag holder, said main body being configured to hold an IV bag.

[0041] - Optionally, the container-receiving module can comprise a vial manipulator configured to hold a vial and to intermittently position the fluid interface portion together with its virtual vertical column at a first vial position at which the majority of the virtual vertical column is free of the nonlaminar obstructions and a second vial position at which at least one of the nonlaminar obstructions is positioned within the virtual vertical column. In some embodiments, the vial manipulator can be rotatable to position the fluid interface portion together with the virtual vertical column at the first vial position and the second vial position.

[0042] - Optionally, when the pharmaceutical preparation system is positioned within the enclosure and the airflow is being generated, the upper column portion, when free of the nonlaminar obstructions, allows the airflow to be a laminar flow. In some embodiments, the upper column portion, when free of the nonlaminar obstructions, allows the airflow to be a laminar flow in a direction extending vertically downwards.

[0043] - Optionally, when the pharmaceutical preparation system is positioned within the enclosure and the airflow is being generated, the vertical virtual column, when including the nonlaminar obstructions therewithin, prevents the airflow from being a laminar flow.

[0044] - Optionally, the overlapping area can include at least a portion of the first area and at least a portion of the second area.

[0045] - Optionally, the first area exposed portion can comprise the first area excluding the overlapping area.

[0046] - Optionally, the overlapping area can be about 40% of the first area. In some embodiments, the overlapping area can be about 10% of the first area.

[0047] - Optionally, the system can further comprise a second area exposed portion comprising the second area excluding the overlapping area. In some embodiments, the second area exposed portion can be larger than the overlapping area. In some embodiments, the second area exposed portion can be at least 50% of the second area. In some embodiments, the overlapping area can be at most 50% of the second area.

[0048] - Optionally, each one of the at least one container-receiving module can comprise a respective fluid interface portion configured to accommodate a fluid transfer element of the container for said transfer of fluid to be performed therethrough, wherein a respective fluid interface portion area is defined by a projection of each one of the fluid interface portions on the virtual horizontal plane, each one the fluid interface portion areas being at least partially free of overlap with the first area and the second area.

[0049] - Optionally, a fluid interface area can be cumulatively defined by the fluid interface portion areas, and at least a portion of the fluid interface area is free of overlap with the first area and the second area.

[0050] - Optionally, at least a majority of the fluid interface area can be free of overlap with the first area and the second area. In some embodiments, the entire fluid interface area can be free of overlap with the first area and the second area.

[0051] - Optionally, each one of the fluid interface portions can be exposed to said airflow when the system is positioned with the enclosure and the airflow is being generated.

[0052] - Optionally, the second platform can be positioned vertically above the first platform, along a vertical axis. In some embodiments, the second platform can be positioned vertically below the first platform, along a vertical axis.

[0053] - Optionally, a device area can be defined by a projection of the at least one device on the virtual horizontal plane, and at least a portion of the device area is disposed within the second area.

[0054] - Optionally, the entire device area can be disposed in the second area exposed portion.

[0055] - Optionally, the at least one device can comprise at least two devices, defining two corresponding device areas, which are horizontally separated by the overlapping area.

[0056] - Optionally, the device area can be exposed to said airflow when the system is positioned within the enclosure and the airflow is being generated.

[0057] - Optionally, at least one device can comprise an imaging device operative to image the container, and the operation associated with the container can comprise imaging the container.

[0058] - Optionally, the system can have a body of material that is disposed within a virtual symmetrical envelope defined by extreme endpoints of the system in each one of a first plane, a second plane, and a third plane, said first, second, and third planes being orthogonal to each other, wherein the first plane intersects a transverse axis, transversing the vertical axis and a horizontal axis, the second plane intersects the horizontal axis and the third plane intersects the vertical axis. In some embodiments, a volume of the body of material can be smaller than a volume of the virtual symmetrical envelope. In some embodiments, the volume of the body of material can be less than 50% of the volume of the virtual symmetrical envelope. In some embodiments, the volume of the body of material can be less than 30% of the volume of the virtual symmetrical envelope. The volume of the body of material being smaller than the volume of the virtual symmetrical envelope provides sufficient empty volume within the virtual symmetrical envelope for the airflow to be mostly laminar, particularly in the fluid interface portions.

[0059] - Optionally, when the system is positioned within the enclosure and the airflow is being generated, the system allows at least a majority of the airflow along the vertical airflow path to be a laminar flow within the virtual symmetrical envelope.

[0060] In some examples, the system according to any one of the aspects described above, or any other pharmaceutical preparation system configured for being operated for performing transfer of fluid between at least one container and at least one fluid transfer assembly via an interconnection therebetween, can comprise an airflow direction arrangement operable for at least selectively directing an airflow at the interconnection at least during the transfer of fluid or at least during establishment of the interconnection. The interconnection can be located at least temporarily in a region of interest, and the airflow direction arrangement can be operable for at least selectively directing the airflow towards the region of interest. The directed airflow can be at least partially along a direction transverse the direction of the transfer of fluid. It is to be understood herein that the airflow direction arrangement referred to herein above can include one or more features of the airflow direction arrangement described below.

[0061] According to a third aspect of the present subject matter, there is provided a pharmaceutical preparation system configured for being positioned within an enclosure, and for being operated for establishing an interconnection between a first fluid transfer member and a second fluid transfer member, said enclosure comprising an airflow source operative to generate an airflow along a vertical airflow path, said pharmaceutical preparation system comprising: a region of interest, in which said interconnection is at least temporarily located; and an airflow direction arrangement operable for at least selectively altering a flow profile of the airflow towards the region of interest when the interconnection is at least temporarily located in the region of interest.

[0062] It is to be understood herein that the first fluid transfer member can include a container, a fluid transfer assembly, a connector / adaptor, or any other fluid transfer element or fluid transfer unit described herein. Also, the second fluid transfer member can include a container, a fluid transfer assembly, a connector / adaptor, or any other fluid transfer element or fluid transfer unit described herein.

[0063] It is to be understood herein that the term “region of interest” should be understood as including within its scope any region / volume / area / portion within the pharmaceutical preparation system at which a direct and laminar flow of air is intended to reach. Such a region can be that region in which transfer of fluid occurs, or an interconnection between any two fluid transfer members is located (or established). An interconnection being located within a region of interest is intended to mean that an interface between the two fluid transfer members is positioned within the region of interest, for example, so that the interface can receive a direct and laminar flow of air.

[0064] It is to be understood herein that the term “at least temporarily” used herein in the context of an interconnection being located within a region of interest should be understood as including within its scope that an interconnection being located within a region of interest at least for some time during the operation of the pharmaceutical preparation system.

[0065] A flow profile of an airflow can include direction and / or speed of the airflow, and altering a flow profile can mean altering at least one of direction and speed of an airflow generated by an airflow source different, separate, and / or spaced from the airflow direction arrangement. For example, altering the direction can include diverting the airflow from a first airflow path into a second airflow path, and altering the speed of the airflow can include increasing or decreasing the speed of the airflow. For instance, an airflow source (for example, an airflow source associated with the enclosure) can generate an airflow, for example in a vertical direction. The airflow direction arrangement can be positioned within the enclosure at strategic locations, for example in the vicinity of regions of interest to alter the flow profile of the airflow generated by that airflow source so as to direct that airflow effectively towards the regions of interest. In general, it is to be understood herein that the airflow direction arrangement according to all the examples described herein interferes with and alters the flow profile of an airflow generated by an airflow source different, separate, and / or spaced from the airflow direction arrangement.

[0066] It is to be understood herein that the term “at least selectively” used herein in the context of airflow direction arrangement should be understood as including within its scope that the airflow direction arrangement can be operated to alter a flow profile of the airflow towards a region of interest at some times, and at other times may not be operated to alter a flow profile of the airflow towards a region of interest. In the examples in which the airflow direction arrangement is an active airflow direction arrangement, the airflow source can be selectively switched ON and OFF, for example, by the controller. In the examples in which the airflow direction arrangement is a passive airflow direction arrangement, the airflow diverter can be moveable by the controller to selectively be positioned so as to divert the airflow towards a region of interest and to selectively be positioned so as not to divert the airflow.

[0067] It is to be further understood herein that the interconnection between the two fluid transfer members may not necessarily be a fluid interconnection, i.e., transfer of fluid may or may not occur via that interconnection.

[0068] The pharmaceutical preparation system according to the third aspect can include one or more features of the pharmaceutical preparation system of the first aspect and / or the pharmaceutical preparation system of the second aspect. Also, the pharmaceutical preparation system of the first and / or second aspect can include one of more features of the pharmaceutical preparation system of the third aspect. Accordingly, the pharmaceutical preparation system of first, second, and / or third aspect can include one or more of the following features:

[0069] - Optionally, the airflow direction arrangement can be operable to change at least one of direction and speed of the airflow for said altering the flow profile;

[0070] - Optionally, the airflow direction arrangement can be operable to change a direction of the airflow towards the region of interest;

[0071] - Optionally, the airflow direction arrangement can be operable for altering the flow profile of the airflow at least during said establishment of the interconnection;

[0072] - Optionally, the pharmaceutical preparation system can comprise a fluid interface portion, and can be operable to perform transfer of fluid between the first and second fluid transfer members within the fluid interface portion;

[0073] - Optionally, the fluid interface portion can at least partially overlap with the region of interest; and

[0074] - Optionally, the airflow direction arrangement can be operable for altering the flow profile of the airflow at least during said performance of transfer of fluid.

[0075] It is to be understood herein that the system can include more than one fluid interface portions and / or regions of interest, each of which can be associated with (or at least temporarily include therewithin) a corresponding interconnection between two fluid transfer members. The system can include a main airflow direction arrangement for altering a flow profile of an airflow towards all of the interconnections and / or micro airflow direction arrangements each associated with a corresponding fluid interface portion and / or region of interest for altering a flow profile of an airflow towards the corresponding interconnection. It is to be understood herein that the airflow direction arrangement (main or micro) can be positioned at any suitable location to be able to alter a flow profile of the airflow towards the region(s) of interest. In some examples, the airflow direction arrangement (main or micro) can be positioned at a robotic arm configured for moving the airflow direction arrangement to position the airflow direction arrangement at a suitable location based on the position and / or orientation of the interconnection at which the airflow is to be directed or the region of interest in which such an interconnection is located.

[0076] In some examples, the airflow direction arrangement can be an active airflow direction arrangement, for example, including an airflow generator for generating a directing airflow. The directing airflow can interfere with the airflow (generated by a different airflow source) and to direct the airflow towards the region of interest. The airflow generator can include a fan, a blower, or a fan filter unit (FFU).

[0077] In some examples, the airflow direction arrangement being an active airflow direction arrangement can include a suction unit operable to create a negative pressure within the region of interest. For instance, the suction unit can be positioned in the vicinity of the region of interest, and sucks air from the region of interest thereby creating a low pressure in the vicinity of and / or at the region of interest. The low pressure / negative pressure causes the airflow from the regions surrounding the region of interest to flow towards the region of interest, and in some examples at an increased speed. It is to be understood herein that low pressure or negative pressure in the region of interest is intended to mean that an air pressure within the region of interest is achieved which is lower than air pressure in regions surrounding the region of interest. It is to be understood herein that the negative pressure can cause any one of: diversion of the airflow from the regions surrounding the region of interest towards the region of interest, increase in speed of the airflow towards the region of interest (without diverting the direction thereof), and diversion as well as increase in speed of the airflow towards the region of interest.

[0078] In some examples, the airflow direction arrangement can be a passive airflow direction arrangement, for example, including an airflow diverter operable for at least selectively diverting an airflow from an airflow source towards the region of interest. The airflow diverter can include any suitable structure for diverting (changing the direction of) airflow from any independent airflow source (from within or from outside the system) towards the interconnection. In some examples, the airflow diverter can include a plate or disc shaped structure having a surface to divert the airflow. In some examples, the airflow diverter can include a conduit having an airflow inlet for receiving an airflow from a first direction and an airflow outlet for emitting the airflow towards a second direction, different than the first direction.

[0079] The system can further include a controller for operating the airflow direction arrangement to selectively direct the airflow at the interconnection(s).

[0080] In some examples, the controller that controls the airflow direction arrangement can be same as, or constitute a part of a same control unit as, the controller that controls the transfer of fluid and / or establishment of the interconnections. In some examples, the controller that controls the airflow direction arrangement can be a separate controller than the one that controls the transfer of fluid and / or establishment of the interconnections. In some examples, the controller can be configured for operating the airflow direction arrangement in accordance with (or in synchronization with) the transfer of fluid and / or establishment of the interconnection.

[0081] According to a fourth aspect of the present subject matter, there is provided a vial alignment mechanism for rotationally aligning a vial assembly, said vial alignment mechanism comprising: a first rotary arrangement comprising a first rotation element operable for rotating along a first rotational axis, said first rotary arrangement comprising a first body at least partially housing the first rotation element; a vial assembly holder operatively connected to the first rotation element, said vial assembly holder comprising a holder opening for receiving at least partially therewithin a top portion of the vial assembly, said holder opening comprising, at least partially, a rotation fixing mechanism for rotationally fixing the top portion of the vial assembly within the holder opening when the top portion of the vial assembly is received within the holder opening, thereby allowing the top portion of the vial assembly to rotate together with the first rotation element; and a body through-passage passing through at least the first body and the vial assembly holder along the first rotational axis, said body through-passage coinciding at least partially with the holder opening along the first rotational axis. In some examples, the vial alignment mechanism can further comprise a second rotary arrangement comprising a second rotation element operable for rotating along a second rotational axis, spaced from the first rotational axis in a direction transverse to the first rotational axis; and a rotation transfer member operatively connecting the first and second rotation elements with each other.

[0082] According to a fifth aspect of the present subject matter, there is provided a vial alignment mechanism for rotationally aligning a vial assembly, said vial alignment mechanism comprising: a first rotary arrangement comprising a first rotation element operable for rotating along a first rotational axis, said first rotary arrangement comprising a first body at least partially housing the first rotation element; a vial assembly holder operatively connected to the first rotation element, said vial assembly holder comprising a holder opening for receiving at least partially therewithin a top portion of the vial assembly, said holder opening comprising at least partially a rotation fixing mechanism for rotationally fixing the top portion of the vial assembly within the holder opening when the top portion of the vial assembly is received within the holder opening, thereby allowing the top portion of the vial assembly to rotate together with the first rotation element; a second rotary arrangement comprising a second rotation element operable for rotating along a second rotational axis, spaced from the first rotational axis in a direction transverse to the first rotational axis; and a rotation transfer member operatively connecting the first and second rotation elements with each other, and being operable to transfer the rotation of the second rotation element to the first rotation element.

[0083] In some examples, the vial alignment mechanism can further comprise a body through-passage passing through at least the first body and the vial assembly holder along the first rotational axis, said body through-passage coinciding at least partially with the holder opening along the first rotational axis.

[0084] The vial alignment mechanism according to any one of the fourth and fifth aspects can include one or more of the following features:

[0085] - Optionally, the second rotary arrangement can comprise a motor operable to rotate the second rotation element.

[0086] - Optionally, the rotation transfer member can comprise a belt.

[0087] - Optionally, the vial alignment mechanism can further comprise an actuator operatively connected to the first rotation element and operable for rotating the first rotation element along the first rotational axis together with the top portion of the vial assembly when the top portion of the vial assembly is rotationally fixed within the holder opening.

[0088] - Optionally, at least one of the second rotary arrangement and the rotation transfer member can constitute at least partially the actuator.

[0089] - Optionally, the holder opening can at least partially define the body through- passage.

[0090] - Optionally, the body through-passage can include the first rotational axis.

[0091] - Optionally, the body through-passage can pass through at least the first rotation element along the first rotational axis.

[0092] - Optionally, the first body can comprise a body top portion and a body bottom portion, the first rotation element being positioned between the body top portion and the body bottom portion, wherein the body through-passage passes through the body top portion and the body bottom portion along the first rotational axis.

[0093] - Optionally, the first body can comprise a body top surface having a convex curvature when seen from exterior of the first body.

[0094] - Optionally, the fixing mechanism can comprise a first fixing element formed on the holder opening, the first fixing element being configured to engage a second fixing element formed on the vial assembly when the top portion of the vial assembly is received within the holder opening, thereby rotationally fixing the top portion of the vial assembly within the holder opening.

[0095] - Optionally, the first fixing element can be a non-circumferential element.

[0096] - Optionally, the vial assembly holder can comprise at least one holder connection arm connected at least indirectly to the first rotation element, and a holding portion extending from the at least one holder connection arm and comprising the holder opening.

[0097] - Optionally, the vial assembly holder can extend from the first body along the first rotational axis.

[0098] - Optionally, the holder opening can be moveable with respect to the first body in a direction transverse to the first rotational axis.

[0099] - Optionally, the vial assembly holder can be moveable with respect to the first body in the direction transverse to the first rotational axis.

[0100] - Optionally, the first rotation element can be moveable with respect to the first body in the direction transverse to the first rotational axis. - Optionally, the first rotation element can be spaced from an interior wall of the first body along the direction transverse to the first rotational axis, the space between the first rotation element and the interior wall of the first body allowing the movement of the first rotation element within the first body in the direction transverse to the first rotational axis.

[0101] - Optionally, the vial alignment mechanism can further comprise a rotation transfer member cover, at least partially housing the rotation transfer member and extending at least partially between the first rotary arrangement and the second rotary arrangement, the rotation transfer member cover comprising at least one cover through-passage passing through the rotation transfer member cover in a direction extending along the first rotational axis.

[0102] - Optionally, the rotation transfer member can comprise a first member portion extending at least partially between the first rotary arrangement and the second rotary arrangement and a second member portion spaced apart from the first member portion and extending at least partially between the first rotary arrangement and the second rotary arrangement, and the rotation transfer member cover comprises a first cover portion at least partially housing the first member portion and a second cover portion spaced apart from the first cover portion and at least partially housing the second member portion, the at least one cover through-passage being positioned between the first and second cover portions.

[0103] - Optionally, at least a part of the rotation transfer member cover can be integrally formed with at least a part of the first body.

[0104] - Optionally, at least a part of the rotation transfer member cover can be unitarily formed with at least a part of the first body.

[0105] - Optionally, the rotation transfer member cover can comprise a cover top surface having a convex curvature when seen from exterior of the rotation transfer member cover.

[0106] According to a sixth aspect of the present subject matter, there is provided a fluid transfer station, having an X-axis and a Y-axis orthogonal to each other, being operable for use within a pharmaceutical preparation system operable for transferring fluid between one or more containers via corresponding one or more container-adaptors and a fluid transfer assembly, said fluid transfer station comprising an IV bag support unit comprising a unit base and an IV bag support panel operatively connected to the unit base, said IV bag support panel comprising an IV bag support surface for at least partially supporting thereupon an IV bag constituting a first container of the one or more containers at least during said transfer of fluid between the first container and the fluid transfer assembly, wherein a projection of the IV bag support panel on a horizontal XY plane including the X-axis and the Y-axis has a first maximal dimension along the X-axis and a second maximal dimension along the Y-axis, wherein a material area occupied by a projection of a material of the IV bag support panel within the projection of the IV bag support panel on the XY plane is at most half of a total area occupied by a virtual rectangle having two dimensions equal to the first maximal dimension and the second maximal dimension.

[0107] The fluid transfer station according to the sixth aspect can include one or more of the following features:

[0108] - Optionally, the material area occupied by the projection of the material of the IV bag support panel within the projection of the IV bag support panel on the XY plane can be at most one-third of the total area occupied by the virtual rectangle.

[0109] - Optionally, the material area occupied by the projection of the material of the IV bag support panel within the projection of the IV bag support panel on the XY plane can be at most one-fourth of the total area occupied by the virtual rectangle.

[0110] - Optionally, the IV bag support panel can comprise at least one panel through- passage passing through the IV bag support panel in a direction transverse the IV bag support surface.

[0111] - Optionally, the IV bag support surface can have a surface area constituted by an area of a material of the IV bag support panel in a surface plane of the IV bag support surface, and each one of the at least one panel through-passage can have a corresponding passage area in the surface plane, the passage areas of all of the at least one panel through- passage constituting together a total passage area in the surface plane.

[0112] - Optionally, the total passage area can be larger than the surface area.

[0113] - Optionally, a sum of the total passage area and the surface area can constitute a total panel area of the IV bag support panel in the surface plane, wherein the total passage area is at least 60 percent of the total panel area.

[0114] - Optionally, the total passage area can be at least 75 percent of the total panel area.

[0115] - Optionally, the fluid transfer station can further comprise a base-panel connection arrangement operable for operatively connecting the IV bag support panel to the unit base. - Optionally, the base-panel connection arrangement can be operable for detachably connecting the IV bag support panel to the unit base.

[0116] - Optionally, the base-panel connection arrangement can comprise a base connection part associated with the unit base and a panel connection part associated with the IV bag support panel, the base connection part and the panel connection part being operable to connect to each other.

[0117] - Optionally, the base connection part and the panel connection part can be operable to detachably connect to each other.

[0118] - Optionally, the base-panel connection arrangement can comprise a quick-fit connection arrangement.

[0119] - Optionally, the base-panel connection arrangement can comprise a quick-release connection arrangement.

[0120] - Optionally, the fluid transfer station can further comprise a panel aligner operable to align the IV bag support panel with respect to the unit base, at least during connection of the IV bag support panel to the unit base.

[0121] According to a seventh aspect of the presently disclosed subject matter, there is provided a fluid transfer station for use within a fluid transfer system having an X-axis, a Y-axis, and a Z-axis mutually orthogonal to each other, said fluid transfer system being operable for transferring fluid between a container via a container-adaptor and a fluid transfer assembly, said fluid transfer station comprising: a container support unit configured to at least partially support the container during said transfer of fluid; and an adaptor holder associated with the container support unit and configured for at least partially holding the container-adaptor at least during said transfer of fluid, said adaptor holder comprising a holder protruding portion protruding from the container support unit, said holder protruding portion having a maximum width-dimension along the X-axis and a maximum depth-dimension along the Y-axis, and a material area occupied by a projection of a material of the holder protruding portion on an XY plane including the X- axis and the Y-axis is at most half of a space area occupied by a virtual rectangle having two dimensions equal to the maximum depth-dimension and the maximum widthdimension respectively.

[0122] In some examples, the holder protruding portion can have a maximum heightdimension along the Z-axis, and a material volume occupied by a material of the holder protruding portion can be at most half of a space volume occupied by a virtual cuboid having three dimensions equal to the maximum depth-dimension, the maximum widthdimension, and the maximum height-dimension respectively.

[0123] In some examples, the material volume occupied by the material of the holder protruding portion can be at most one-third of the space volume occupied by the virtual cuboid.

[0124] In some examples, the material area occupied by the projection of the material of the holder protruding portion on the XY plane can be at most one-third of the space area occupied by the virtual rectangle.

[0125] In some examples, the material area occupied by the projection of the material of the holder protruding portion on the XY plane can be at most one-fourth of the space area occupied by the virtual rectangle.

[0126] In some examples, the holder protruding portion can have a top surface facing upwards, and the top surface has curved edges.

[0127] In some examples, the adaptor holder can comprise: a hanger element having an adaptor receiving region configured for insertion of the container-adaptor therewithin, for example, along the Z-axis, and a blocking element configured to selectively block the removal of the container-adaptor from the adaptor receiving region, for example along the Z-axis, and the adaptor holder can be configured to be manipulated between an unblocking state in which the blocking element allows the removal of the containeradaptor from the adaptor receiving region and a blocking state in which the blocking element blocks the removal of the container-adaptor from the adaptor receiving region.

[0128] In some examples, the adaptor holder can comprise: an actuator operatively connected to at least one of the hanger element and the blocking element, and operable to move the at least one of the hanger element and the blocking element for manipulating the adaptor holder between the blocking and unblocking states; and a processing circuitry operatively connected to the actuator and configured to control the operation of the actuator to manipulate the adaptor holder between the blocking and unblocking states.

[0129] The fluid transfer station according to the seventh aspect can include any one or more of the following features in any combination:

[0130] - optionally, when the adaptor holder is in the blocking state, the material area occupied by the projection of the material of the holder protruding portion on the XY plane can be at most half of the space area occupied by the virtual rectangle; - optionally, when the adaptor holder is in the blocking state, the material area occupied by the projection of the material of the holder protruding portion on the XY plane can be at most half of the space area occupied by the virtual rectangle;

[0131] - optionally, the adaptor holder can comprise a hanger connection portion connecting the hanger element to the container support unit, and a blocking element connection portion connecting the blocking element to the container support unit, said hanger connection portion at least partially overlapping the blocking element connection portion when seen in a direction along the Z-axis;

[0132] - optionally, the adaptor protruding portion can be at least partially constituted by the hanger element, the blocking element, the hanger connection portion, and the blocking element connection portion;

[0133] - optionally, the adaptor receiving region can be configured for insertion of the container-adaptor therewithin along the Z-axis, and in the unblocking state, the blocking element allows the removal of the container-adaptor from the adaptor receiving region along the Z-axis, and in the blocking state, the blocking element blocks the removal of the container-adaptor from the adaptor receiving region along the Z-axis;

[0134] - optionally, in the blocking state, the blocking element can restrict a movement of the container-adaptor along the Z-axis;

[0135] - optionally, the container support unit can comprise a base and a support panel connected to the base, said support panel being configured to support the container;

[0136] - optionally, the support panel can comprise a support surface configured for allowing the IV bag to be positioned thereupon;

[0137] - optionally, the adaptor holder can be configured for at least partially holding a spike adaptor;

[0138] - optionally, in the blocking state, the blocking element can at least partially overlap the adaptor receiving region when seen in a direction along the Z-axis;

[0139] - optionally, the Z-axis can be oriented along a vertical direction; and

[0140] - optionally, the adaptor receiving region can be configured for insertion of the container-adaptor therewithin along a vertically downward direction, and in the blocking state, the blocking element blocks the removal of the container-adaptor from the adaptor receiving region along a vertically upwards direction.

[0141] It is to be understood herein that the fluid transfer station according to the seventh aspect can include one or more features of the fluid transfer station according to the sixth aspect, and / or the fluid transfer station according to the sixth aspect can include one or more features of the fluid transfer station according to the seventh aspect.

[0142] According to a eighth aspect of the presently disclosed subject matter, there is provided a fluid transfer system operable for transferring fluid between a container via a container-adaptor and a fluid transfer assembly, and having an X-axis, a Y-axis, and a Z- axis mutually orthogonal to each other, said fluid transfer system comprising at least one fluid transfer station according to any one of the examples of the sixth and seventh aspects described above.

[0143] As referred to herein, a “container-receiving module” may include a module which receives, holds and optionally moves one or more containers, e.g. vials, IV bags, syringes, pumps and / or other containers suitable for containing and / or transferring fluid. The container-receiving module can be a permanent part of the pharmaceutical preparation system, for example, it can be permanently mounted onto a platform of the system. The pharmaceutical preparation system may comprise any one or more of a containerreceiving module which is a component of a dilution station, namely a reconstitution station where any type of a dilutant is added to a drug which is in solid, fluid and / or liquid form. Further, the container-receiving module may be a component of a one or more of a filling station, namely a compounding station where an at least partially or fully prepared drug is transferred into a container.

[0144] It is noted that the dilution station and the compounding station may be physically separate, or may be combined by sharing the same container receiving modules. In a non limiting example, an IV bag receiving module may comprise a plurality of IV bag receiving modules, in which a first module receives an IV bag comprising a dilutant used for diluting a drug in a vial, and the second module receives an IV bag used to be filled by a diluted drug. In a non-limiting example, the dilution of a drug is performed by transferring a dilutant from an IV bag, via a fluid transfer assembly (e.g. syringe) to a vial containing a concentrated drug. The drug is diluted in the vial and thereafter is transferred by a fluid transfer assembly directly to a patient, as a prepared pharmaceutical dose, or is transferred to an IV bag for further compounding of the drug including further preparation of the drug and / or for delivery to a patient, as a prepared pharmaceutical dose.

[0145] “Fluid transfer” as described herein includes transfer of any fluid between any vessels (e.g. containers and fluid transfer assemblies). In some embodiments, the fluid transfer is in between a container and a fluid transfer assembly. As referred to herein, a “manipulator” may include a structure and / or a mechanism configured to controllably interact with at least one container (e.g. a container loaded onto the system) and / or with other components or structures of the pharmaceutical preparation system. The manipulator can be configured to move the at least one container. The manipulator can be configured to cause or urge fluid transfer processes, for example, transfer fluid from one container to another, involving for example withdrawal of fluid and / or insertion (e.g. injection) of fluid. The manipulator can include an actuator, e.g. a motor for facilitating its operation.

[0146] In an example, a syringe manipulator can include an actuator for pulling or pushing a plunger of a syringe. It is noted that while a manipulator is described herein mostly in the context of being a syringe manipulator, the manipulator can be configured to receive and manipulate other types of fluid containers such as a vial, an IV bag, tubing and / or other suitable container.

[0147] The robotic pharmaceutical preparation systems and the fluid transfer stations thereof are configured for performing the operations related to transfer of drugs between different fluid transfer apparatuses including containers, fluid transfer assemblies, connectors, conduits, pumps, syringes, vials, IV bags, adaptors, needles, etc. The robotic pharmaceutical preparation systems (or robotic systems) according to the disclosed subject matter include robotic stations, robotic arms, motors, control units (controllers), mechanisms to control the transfer of fluid, etc.

[0148] A “container” is described herein with reference to a vial and / or an intravenous (IV) bag, and it is to be understood that the container can be any other container. For example, the container can constitute a container assembly having the container along with a container connector (or adaptor) for establishing the fluid communication of the container with other components of the fluid transfer apparatus. For example, the container can be a vial along with a vial adaptor, or an IV bag along with a spike adaptor. For example, the container can be one or more of: a syringe, IV bag, elastomeric pump, vial, bottle, ampule, or generally any vessel or receptacle suitable for holding fluids or liquids. The container can be accessible via a container septum which can be a septum of the container lid, container port, or can be a part of the connector. In some examples, the container can be a syringe, a fluid transfer pipe, conduit, etc.

[0149] A fluid transfer assembly is described herein with reference to a syringe assembly including a syringe with or without and a syringe connector, and it is to be understood that that the fluid transfer assembly can include analogous components for transfer of drugs. In some examples, the fluid transfer assembly can include a pumping mechanism and a fluid transfer pipe configured to be connected to the container for the transfer of drug. In some examples, the fluid transfer assembly can include a fluid transfer connector (or adaptor) for establishing fluid communication between a fluid transfer unit (a fluid transfer pipe, conduit, pump, syringe, etc.) and the container. In some examples, the fluid transfer assembly may not include the fluid transfer connector and the fluid transfer connecter can constitute a part of the robotic system operating the fluid transfer assembly. In some examples, the fluid transfer assembly can include a vial or an IV bag for transfer of fluid with other containers.

[0150] As referred to herein, a “vial” may include a closable vessel, formed for example of glass or plastic, such as an ampule or bottle, and containing a drug in liquid or powder form. The vial can be a single or multiple use vial. The vial can be tubular or bottle shaped, having a neck portion in proximity to the vial opening. The vial can be topped with a cap.

[0151] As referred to herein, a “vial assembly” may include: a vial alone, or a vial onto which a vial adaptor is mounted. A septum for at least partially sealing access to the vial can be located as part of the vial itself and / or as part of the vial adaptor.

[0152] A vial adaptor can be used as part of the vial assembly referred to herein. The vial adaptor may include a device mountable onto a vial, for facilitating transfer of the vial itself (by grasping onto the adaptor instead of grasping the vial) and / or for facilitating fluid transfer into or from the vial. The vial adapter may provide closed access to the contents of the vial. The vial adaptor may be a single use or multiple use, sterilized device. It is noted that the terms “vial” and “vial assembly” may be alternately used along this application.

[0153] As referred to herein, fluid typically comprises a drug, a diluent, saline solution, water or any other fluid used for pharmaceutical preparation. The terms “pharmaceutical” and “drug” are used interchangeably.

[0154] The fluid transfer is performed in between the container and the fluid transfer assembly via openings formed in a port of the container or fluid transfer assembly and / or via openings formed in a septum of the container or fluid transfer assembly and / or in adaptors of the container or fluid transfer assembly. EMBODIMENTS

[0155] A more specific description is provided in the Detailed Description whilst the following are non-limiting examples of different embodiments of the presently disclosed subject matter.

[0156] 1. A pharmaceutical preparation system configured for being positioned within an enclosure and for being operated for performing transfer of fluid between at least one container and at least one fluid transfer assembly while being positioned therewithin, said enclosure comprising an airflow source operative to generate an airflow along a vertical airflow path, said pharmaceutical preparation system having a vertical axis that extends along the vertical airflow path when the system is positioned within the enclosure and comprising: at least one platform comprising a platform upper surface; at least one container-receiving module configured to receive the container, the container-receiving module comprising a main body and a fluid interface portion configured to accommodate a fluid transfer element of the container for said transfer of fluid to be performed therethrough, the main body being positioned at least partially vertically above the platform upper surface and at least a part of the fluid interface portion extending from the main body away from the platform upper surface in a direction transverse to the vertical axis; and a virtual vertical column extending along the vertical axis and including the fluid interface portion, wherein when the pharmaceutical preparation system is positioned within the enclosure and the airflow is being generated, said vertical virtual column at least partially defines a portion of said airflow path, said vertical virtual column comprising an upper column portion extending above the fluid interface portion and a lower column portion extending below the fluid interface portion, at least said upper column portion being at least selectively free of nonlaminar obstructions at least along the vertical axis.

[0157] 2. The system according to embodiment 1, wherein a maximal dimension of the virtual vertical column in a horizontal plane is equal to a maximal dimension of a projection of the fluid interface portion on the horizontal plane. 3. The system according to embodiment 1, wherein a maximal dimension of the virtual vertical column in a horizontal plane is greater than a maximal dimension of a projection of the fluid interface portion on the horizontal plane.

[0158] 4. The system according to embodiment 3, wherein the maximal dimension of the virtual vertical column in the horizontal plane is about 10 to 20 percent greater than the maximal dimension of the projection of the fluid interface portion on the horizontal plane.

[0159] 5. The system according to embodiment 1, wherein a maximal dimension of the virtual vertical column in a horizontal plane is smaller than a maximal dimension of a projection of the fluid interface portion in the horizontal plane.

[0160] 6. The system according to embodiment 5, wherein the maximal dimension of the virtual vertical column in the horizontal plane is about 10 to 20 percent smaller than the maximal dimension of the projection of the fluid interface portion in the horizontal plane.

[0161] 7. The system according to any one of embodiments 1 to 6, wherein a shape of the virtual vertical column in a horizontal plane is the same as a shape of a projection of the fluid interface portion on the horizontal plane.

[0162] 8. The system according to any one of embodiments 1 to 7, wherein a vertical dimension of the virtual vertical column is equal to a maximal vertical dimension of the system.

[0163] 9. The system according to any one of embodiments 1 to 7, wherein a vertical dimension of the virtual vertical column is smaller than a maximal vertical dimension of the system.

[0164] 10. The system according to embodiment 9, wherein the vertical dimension of the virtual vertical column is about 10 to 20 percent smaller than the maximal vertical dimension of the system. 11. The system according to any one of embodiments 1 to 10, wherein the virtual vertical column allows a laminar airflow through the portion of the airflow path defined thereby.

[0165] 12. The system according to embodiment 11, wherein the nonlaminar obstructions include obstructions configured to cause the laminar airflow to be nonlaminar, when said obstructions are positioned within the airflow path.

[0166] 13. The system according to any one of embodiments 1 to 12, wherein at least 80 percent of said virtual vertical column being at least selectively free of said nonlaminar obstructions at least along the vertical axis.

[0167] 14. The system according to any one of embodiments 1 to 13, further comprising at least one fluid transfer component constituting at least partially said nonlaminar obstructions and operable for performing said transfer of fluid, said at least one component being configured to move with respect to the container-receiving module and to be selectively at least partially positioned within the virtual vertical column.

[0168] 15. The system according to embodiment 14, wherein the at least one fluid transfer component comprises a manipulator for manipulating said fluid transfer assembly.

[0169] 16. The system according to embodiment 14 or 15, wherein the at least one fluid transfer component is configured to at least partially be positioned within the virtual vertical column during said transfer of fluid at said fluid interface portion.

[0170] 17. The system according to embodiment 16, wherein a majority of said virtual vertical column is free of said nonlaminar obstructions when the at least one fluid transfer component moves out of the virtual vertical column.

[0171] 18. The system according to any one of embodiments 14 to 17, wherein the fluid transfer component is configured to be at least partially positioned within one of the upper column portion and the lower column portion during said transfer of fluid, while the other one of the upper column portion and the lower column portion is free of the nonlaminar obstructions.

[0172] 19. The system according to embodiment 18, wherein the other one of the upper column portion and the lower column portion is free of the nonlaminar obstructions during the entire duration of the transfer of fluid.

[0173] 20. The system according to embodiment 18 or 19, wherein the other of the upper column portion and the lower column portion is free of the nonlaminar obstructions during the entire operation of the system.

[0174] 21. The system according to any one of embodiments 18 to 20, wherein the other one of the upper column portion and the lower column portion is the upper column portion.

[0175] 22. The system according to any one of embodiments 18 to 20, wherein the other one of the upper column portion and the lower column portion is the lower column portion.

[0176] 23. The system according to any one of embodiments 1 to 22, wherein the lower column portion is selectively free of the nonlaminar obstructions.

[0177] 24. The system according to any one of embodiments 1 to 23, wherein when the pharmaceutical preparation system is positioned within the enclosure and the airflow is being generated, the upper column portion defines at least partially the airflow path.

[0178] 25. The system according to any one of embodiments 1 to 24, wherein the system comprises a plurality of fluid interface portions including said fluid interface portion and a plurality of virtual vertical columns including said vertical virtual column, each one of the plurality of fluid interface portions being positioned within respective one of the plurality of virtual vertical columns.

[0179] 26. The system according to embodiment 25, wherein during the transfer of fluid at one or more of the plurality of fluid interface portions, at least the upper column portions of the corresponding virtual vertical columns including one or more of the remaining of the plurality of fluid interface portions are free of nonlaminar obstructions.

[0180] 27. The system according to embodiment 25 or 26, wherein at least the upper column portion of each one of said plurality of virtual vertical columns is selectively free of nonlaminar obstructions.

[0181] 28. The system according to embodiment 27, when dependent on embodiment 14, wherein the at least one fluid transfer component is configured to be selectively at least partially positioned within each one of the plurality of virtual vertical columns.

[0182] 29. The system according to embodiment 28, wherein when the at least one fluid transfer component is at least partially positioned within one of the plurality of virtual vertical columns, at least the upper column portions of one or more of the remaining of the plurality of virtual vertical columns are free of nonlaminar obstructions.

[0183] 30. The system according to any one of embodiments 25 to 29, wherein one or more of the plurality of fluid interface portions are positioned at least partially colinearly with respect to each other along a displacement axis, which is transverse to the vertical axis.

[0184] 31. The system according to embodiment 30, when dependent on embodiment 14, wherein the at least one fluid transfer component is configured to move along the displacement axis.

[0185] 32. The system according to any one of embodiments 25 to 31, wherein each of the plurality of fluid interface portions is spaced apart from an adjacent one of the plurality of fluid interface portions.

[0186] 33. The system according to any one of embodiments 25 to 32, wherein the system comprises a plurality of container-receiving modules including said container-receiving module, each of the plurality of container-receiving modules comprising a respective main body and a respective one of the plurality of fluid interface portions. 34. The system according to embodiment 33, wherein each of the plurality of container-receiving modules is spaced apart from an adjacent one of the plurality of container-receiving modules.

[0187] 35. The system according to embodiment 34, wherein said space between the adj acent container-receiving modules is dimensioned to allow said airflow to pass therethrough at least along the vertical axis.

[0188] 36. The system according to any one of embodiments 1 to 35, wherein the containerreceiving module comprises an IV bag holder, said main body being configured to hold an IV bag.

[0189] 37. The system according to any one of embodiments 1 to 35, wherein the containerreceiving module comprises a vial manipulator configured to hold a vial and to intermittently position the fluid interface portion together with its virtual vertical column at a first vial position at which the majority of the virtual vertical column is free of the nonlaminar obstructions and a second vial position at which at least one of the nonlaminar obstructions is positioned within the virtual vertical column.

[0190] 38. The system according to embodiment 37, wherein the vial manipulator is rotatable to position the fluid interface portion together with the virtual vertical column at the first vial position and the second vial position.

[0191] 39. The system according to any one of embodiments 1 to 38, wherein when the pharmaceutical preparation system is positioned within the enclosure and the airflow is being generated, the upper column portion, when free of the nonlaminar obstructions, allows the airflow to be a laminar flow.

[0192] 40. The system according to embodiment 39, wherein the upper column portion, when free of the nonlaminar obstructions, allows the airflow to be a laminar flow in a direction extending vertically downwards. 41. The system according to any one of embodiments 1 to 40, wherein when the pharmaceutical preparation system is positioned within the enclosure and the airflow is being generated, the vertical virtual column, when including the nonlaminar obstructions therewithin, prevents the airflow from being a laminar flow.

[0193] 42. The system according to any one of embodiments 1 to 41, wherein said at least one platform constitutes a first platform and said platform upper surface constitutes a first platform upper surface, and the system further includes a second platform comprising at least one device configured to perform an operation associated with the container, said operation being associated with said transfer of fluid, the second platform being positioned at least partially vertically at a distance from the first platform and formed with a second platform upper surface, wherein: a first area is defined by a projection of the first platform upper surface on a virtual horizontal plane perpendicular to said airflow path and positioned above the first platform and the second platform; a second area defined by a projection of the second platform upper surface on the virtual horizontal plane; and an overlapping area in which the first area overlaps with the second area, is smaller than a first area exposed portion in which the first area is free of an overlap with the second area and is exposed to said airflow along the vertical axis when the system is positioned with the enclosure and the airflow is being generated.

[0194] 43. The system according to embodiment 42, wherein the overlapping area includes at least a portion of the first area and at least a portion of the second area.

[0195] 44. The system according to embodiment 42 or 43, wherein the first area exposed portion comprises the first area excluding the overlapping area.

[0196] 45. The system according to any one of embodiments 42 to 44, wherein said overlapping area is about 40% of the first area. 46. The system according to any one of embodiments 42 to 44, wherein said overlapping area is about 10% of the first area.

[0197] 47. The system according to any one of embodiments 42 to 46, further comprising a second area exposed portion comprising the second area excluding the overlapping area.

[0198] 48. The system according to embodiment 47, wherein the second area exposed portion is larger than the overlapping area.

[0199] 49. The system according to embodiment 48, wherein the second area exposed portion is at least 50% of the second area.

[0200] 50. The system according to any one of embodiments 42 to 49, wherein the overlapping area is at most 50% of the second area.

[0201] 51. The system according to any one of embodiments 42 to 50, wherein each one of the at least one container-receiving module comprises a respective fluid interface portion configured to accommodate a fluid transfer element of the container for said transfer of fluid to be performed therethrough, wherein a respective fluid interface portion area is defined by projection of each one of the fluid interface portions on the virtual horizontal plane, each one the fluid interface portion areas being at least partially free of overlap with the first area and the second area.

[0202] 52. The system according to embodiment 51, wherein a fluid interface area is cumulatively defined by the fluid interface portion areas, and at least a portion of the fluid interface area is free of overlap with the first area and the second area.

[0203] 53. The system according to embodiment 52, wherein at least a majority of the fluid interface area is free of overlap with the first area and the second area.

[0204] 54. The system according to embodiment 53, wherein the entire fluid interface area is free of overlap with the first area and the second area. 55. The system according to any one of embodiments 51 to 54, wherein each one of the fluid interface portions is exposed to said airflow when the system is positioned with the enclosure and the airflow is being generated.

[0205] 56. The system according to any one of embodiments 42 to 55, wherein the second platform is positioned vertically above the first platform, along a vertical axis.

[0206] 57. The system according to any one of embodiments 42 to 55, wherein the second platform is positioned vertically below the first platform, along a vertical axis.

[0207] 58. The system according to any one of embodiments 42 to 57, wherein a device area is defined by a projection of the at least one device on the virtual horizontal plane, and at least a portion of the device area is disposed within the second area.

[0208] 59. The system according to embodiment 58, when dependent on embodiment 47, wherein the entire device area is disposed in the second area exposed portion.

[0209] 60. The system according to embodiment 58 or 59, wherein the at least one device comprises at least two devices, defining two corresponding device areas, which are horizontally separated by the overlapping area.

[0210] 61. The system according to any one of embodiments 58 to 60, wherein the device area is exposed to said airflow when the system is positioned within the enclosure and the airflow is being generated.

[0211] 62. The system according to any one of embodiments 42 to 61, wherein said at least one device comprises an imaging device operative to image the container.

[0212] 63. The system according to embodiment 62, wherein said operation associated with the container comprises imaging the container.

[0213] 64. The system according to any one of embodiments 42 to 63, wherein the system has a body of material that is disposed within a virtual symmetrical envelope defined by extreme endpoints of the system in each one of a first plane, a second plane, and a third plane, said first, second, and third planes being orthogonal to each other, wherein the first plane intersects a transverse axis, transversing the vertical axis and a horizontal axis, the second plane intersects the horizontal axis and the third plane intersects the vertical axis.

[0214] 65. The system according to embodiment 64, wherein a volume of the body of material is smaller than a volume of the virtual symmetrical envelope.

[0215] 66. The system according to embodiment 65, wherein said volume of the body of material is less than 50% of said volume of the virtual symmetrical envelope.

[0216] 67. The system according to embodiment 65 or 66, wherein said volume of the body of material is less than 30% of said volume of the virtual symmetrical envelope.

[0217] 68. The system according to any one of embodiments 64 to 67, wherein when the system is positioned within the enclosure and the airflow is being generated, the system allows at least a majority of the airflow along the vertical airflow path to be a laminar flow within the virtual symmetrical envelope.

[0218] 69. A pharmaceutical preparation system configured for being positioned within an enclosure and for being operated for performing transfer of fluid between at least one container and at least one fluid transfer assembly while being positioned therewithin, said enclosure comprising an airflow source operative to generate an airflow along a vertical airflow path, said pharmaceutical preparation system having a vertical axis that extends along the vertical airflow path when the system is positioned within the enclosure, and comprising: a first platform comprising at least one container-receiving module configured to receive the container, the first platform being formed with a first platform upper surface; and a second platform comprising at least one device configured to perform an operation associated with the container, said operation being associated with said transfer of fluid, the second platform being positioned at least partially vertically at a distance from the first platform and formed with a second platform upper surface, wherein: a first area is defined by a projection of the first platform upper surface on a virtual horizontal plane perpendicular to said airflow path and positioned above the first platform and the second platform; a second area defined by a projection of the second platform upper surface on the virtual horizontal plane; and an overlapping area in which the first area overlaps with the second area, is smaller than a first area exposed portion in which the first area is free of an overlap with the second area and is exposed to said airflow along the vertical axis when the system is positioned with the enclosure and the airflow is being generated.

[0219] 70. The system according to embodiment 69, wherein the overlapping area includes at least a portion of the first area and at least a portion of the second area.

[0220] 71. The system according to embodiment 69 or 70, wherein the first area exposed portion comprises the first area excluding the overlapping area.

[0221] 72. The system according to any one of embodiments 69 to 71, wherein said overlapping area is about 40% of the first area.

[0222] 73. The system according to any one of embodiments 69 to 71, wherein said overlapping area is about 10% of the first area.

[0223] 74. The system according to any one of embodiments 69 to 73, further comprising a second area exposed portion comprising the second area excluding the overlapping area.

[0224] 75. The system according to embodiment 74, wherein the second area exposed portion is larger than the overlapping area.

[0225] 76. The system according to embodiment 75, wherein the second area exposed portion is at least 50% of the second area.

[0226] 77. The system according to any one of embodiments 69 to 76, wherein the overlapping area is at most 50% of the second area. 78. The system according to any one of embodiments 69 to 77, wherein each one of the at least one container-receiving module comprises a respective fluid interface portion configured to accommodate a fluid transfer element of the container for said transfer of fluid to be performed therethrough, wherein a respective fluid interface portion area is defined by projection of each one of the fluid interface portions on the virtual horizontal plane, each one the fluid interface portion areas being at least partially free of overlap with the first area and the second area.

[0227] 79. The system according to embodiment 78, wherein a fluid interface area is cumulatively defined by the fluid interface portion areas, and at least a portion of the fluid interface area is free of overlap with the first area and the second area.

[0228] 80. The system according to embodiment 79, wherein at least a majority of the fluid interface area is free of overlap with the first area and the second area.

[0229] 81. The system according to embodiment 80, wherein the entire fluid interface area is free of overlap with the first area and the second area.

[0230] 82. The system according to any one of embodiments 78 to 81, wherein each one of the fluid interface portions is exposed to said airflow when the system is positioned with the enclosure and the airflow is being generated.

[0231] 83. The system according to any one of embodiments 69 to 82, wherein the second platform is positioned vertically above the first platform, along the vertical axis.

[0232] 84. The system according to any one of embodiments 69 to 82, wherein the second platform is positioned vertically below the first platform, along the vertical axis.

[0233] 85. The system according to any one of embodiments 69 to 84, wherein a device area is defined by a projection of the at least one device on the virtual horizontal plane, and at least a portion of the device area is disposed within the second area. 86. The system according to embodiment 85, when dependent on embodiment 74, wherein the entire device area is disposed in the second area exposed portion.

[0234] 87. The system according to embodiment 85 or 86, wherein the at least one device comprises at least two devices, defining two corresponding device areas, which are horizontally separated by the overlapping area.

[0235] 88. The system according to any one of embodiments 85 to 87, wherein the device area is exposed to said airflow when the system is positioned within the enclosure and the airflow is being generated.

[0236] 89. The system according to any one of embodiments 69 to 88, wherein said at least one device comprises an imaging device operative to image the container.

[0237] 90. The system according to embodiment 89, wherein said operation associated with the container comprises imaging the container.

[0238] 91. The system according to any one of embodiments 69 to 90, wherein the system has a body of material that is disposed within a virtual symmetrical envelope defined by extreme endpoints of the system in each one of a first plane, a second plane, and a third plane, said first, second, and third planes being orthogonal to each other, wherein the first plane intersects a transverse axis, transversing the vertical axis and a horizontal axis, the second plane intersects the horizontal axis and the third plane intersects the vertical axis.

[0239] 92. The system according to embodiment 91, wherein a volume of the body of material is smaller than a volume of the virtual symmetrical envelope.

[0240] 93. The system according to embodiment 92, wherein said volume of the body of material is less than 50% of said volume of the virtual symmetrical envelope.

[0241] 94. The system according to embodiment 92 or 93, wherein said volume of the body of material is less than 30% of said volume of the virtual symmetrical envelope. 95. The system according to any one of embodiments 91 to 94, wherein when the system is positioned within the enclosure and the airflow is being generated, the system allows at least a majority of the airflow along the vertical airflow path to be a laminar flow within the virtual symmetrical envelope.

[0242] 96. The system according to any one of embodiments 69 to 95, wherein the containerreceiving module comprises a main body and a fluid interface portion configured to accommodate a fluid transfer element of the container for said transfer of fluid to be performed therethrough, the main body being positioned at least partially vertically above the first platform upper surface and at least a part of the fluid interface portion extending from the main body away from the first platform upper surface in a direction transverse to the vertical axis, said system further comprising a virtual vertical column extending along the vertical axis and including the fluid interface portion, wherein when the pharmaceutical preparation system is positioned within the enclosure and the airflow is being generated, said vertical virtual column at least partially defines a portion of said airflow path, said vertical virtual column comprising an upper column portion extending above the fluid interface portion and a lower column portion extending below the fluid interface portion, at least said upper column portion being at least selectively free of nonlaminar obstructions at least along the vertical axis.

[0243] 97. The system according to embodiment 96, wherein a maximal dimension of the virtual vertical column in the virtual horizontal plane is equal to a maximal dimension of a projection of the fluid interface portion on the virtual horizontal plane.

[0244] 98. The system according to embodiment 96, wherein a maximal dimension of the virtual vertical column in the virtual horizontal plane is greater than a maximal dimension of a projection of the fluid interface portion on the horizontal plane.

[0245] 99. The system according to embodiment 98, wherein the maximal dimension of the virtual vertical column in the virtual horizontal plane is about 10 to 20 percent greater than the maximal dimension of the projection of the fluid interface portion on the virtual horizontal plane. 100. The system according to embodiment 96, wherein a maximal dimension of the virtual vertical column in the virtual horizontal plane is smaller than a maximal dimension of a projection of the fluid interface portion in the virtual horizontal plane.

[0246] 101. The system according to embodiment 100, wherein the maximal dimension of the virtual vertical column in the virtual horizontal plane is about 10 to 20 percent smaller than the maximal dimension of the projection of the fluid interface portion in the virtual horizontal plane.

[0247] 102. The system according to any one of embodiments 96 to 101, wherein a shape of the virtual vertical column in the virtual horizontal plane is the same as a shape of a projection of the fluid interface portion on the virtual horizontal plane.

[0248] 103. The system according to any one of embodiments 96 to 102, wherein a vertical dimension of the virtual vertical column is equal to a maximal vertical dimension of the system.

[0249] 104. The system according to any one of embodiments 96 to 102, wherein a vertical dimension of the virtual vertical column is smaller than a maximal vertical dimension of the system.

[0250] 105. The system according to embodiment 104, wherein the vertical dimension of the virtual vertical column is about 10 to 20 percent smaller than the maximal vertical dimension of the system.

[0251] 106. The system according to any one of embodiments 96 to 105, wherein the virtual vertical column allows a laminar airflow through the portion of the airflow path defined thereby.

[0252] 107. The system according to embodiment 106, wherein the nonlaminar obstructions include obstructions configured to cause the laminar airflow to be nonlaminar, when said obstructions are positioned within the airflow path. 108. The system according to any one of embodiments 96 to 107, wherein at least 80 percent of said virtual vertical column being at least selectively free of said nonlaminar obstructions at least along the vertical axis.

[0253] 109. The system according to any one of embodiments 96 to 108, further comprising at least one fluid transfer component constituting at least partially said nonlaminar obstructions and operable for performing said transfer of fluid, said at least one component being configured to move with respect to the container-receiving module and to be selectively at least partially positioned within the virtual vertical column.

[0254] 110. The system according to embodiment 109, wherein the at least one fluid transfer component comprises a manipulator for manipulating said fluid transfer assembly.

[0255] 111. The system according to embodiment 109 or 110, wherein the at least one fluid transfer component is configured to at least partially be positioned within the virtual vertical column during said transfer of fluid at said fluid interface portion.

[0256] 112. The system according to embodiment 111, wherein a majority of said virtual vertical column is free of said nonlaminar obstructions when the at least one fluid transfer component moves out of the virtual vertical column.

[0257] 113. The system according to any one of embodiments 109 to 112, wherein the fluid transfer component is configured to be at least partially positioned within one of the upper column portion and the lower column portion during said transfer of fluid, while the other one of the upper column portion and the lower column portion is free of the nonlaminar obstructions.

[0258] 114. The system according to embodiment 113, wherein the other one of the upper column portion and the lower column portion is free of the nonlaminar obstructions during the entire duration of the transfer of fluid. 115. The system according to embodiment 113 or 114, wherein the other of the upper column portion and the lower column portion is free of the nonlaminar obstructions during the entire operation of the system.

[0259] 116. The system according to any one of embodiments 113 to 115, wherein the other one of the upper column portion and the lower column portion is the upper column portion.

[0260] 117. The system according to any one of embodiments 113 to 115, wherein the other one of the upper column portion and the lower column portion is the lower column portion.

[0261] 118. The system according to any one of embodiments 96 to 117, wherein the lower column portion is selectively free of the nonlaminar obstructions.

[0262] 119. The system according to any one of embodiments 96 to 118, wherein when the pharmaceutical preparation system is positioned within the enclosure and the airflow is being generated, the upper column portion defines at least partially the airflow path.

[0263] 120. The system according to any one of embodiments 96 to 119, wherein the system comprises a plurality of fluid interface portions including said fluid interface portion and a plurality of virtual vertical columns including said vertical virtual column, each one of the plurality of fluid interface portions being positioned within respective one of the plurality of virtual vertical columns.

[0264] 121. The system according to embodiment 120, wherein during the transfer of fluid at one or more of the plurality of fluid interface portions, at least the upper column portions of the corresponding virtual vertical columns including one or more of the remaining of the plurality of fluid interface portions are free of nonlaminar obstructions.

[0265] 122. The system according to embodiment 120 or 121, wherein at least the upper column portion of each one of said plurality of virtual vertical columns is selectively free of nonlaminar obstructions. 123. The system according to embodiment 122, when dependent on embodiment 109, wherein the at least one fluid transfer component is configured to be selectively at least partially positioned within each one of the plurality of virtual vertical columns.

[0266] 124. The system according to embodiment 123, wherein when the at least one fluid transfer component is at least partially positioned within one of the plurality of virtual vertical columns, at least the upper column portions of one or more of the remaining of the plurality of virtual vertical columns are free of nonlaminar obstructions.

[0267] 125. The system according to any one of embodiments 120 to 124, wherein one or more of the plurality of fluid interface portions are positioned at least partially colinearly with respect to each other along a displacement axis, which is transverse to the vertical axis.

[0268] 126. The system according to embodiment 125, when dependent on embodiment 109, wherein the at least one fluid transfer component is configured to move along the displacement axis.

[0269] 127. The system according to any one of embodiments 120 to 126, wherein each of the plurality of fluid interface portions is spaced apart from an adjacent one of the plurality of fluid interface portions.

[0270] 128. The system according to any one of embodiments 120 to 127, wherein the system comprises a plurality of container-receiving modules including said container-receiving module, each of the plurality of container-receiving modules comprising a respective main body and a respective one of the plurality of fluid interface portions.

[0271] 129. The system according to embodiment 128, wherein each of the plurality of container-receiving modules is spaced apart from an adjacent one of the plurality of container-receiving modules.

[0272] 130. The system according to embodiment 129, wherein said space between the adjacent container-receiving modules is dimensioned to allow said airflow to pass therethrough at least along the vertical axis. 131. The system according to any one of embodiments 96 to 130, wherein the containerreceiving module comprises an IV bag holder, said main body being configured to hold an IV bag.

[0273] 132. The system according to any one of embodiments 96 to 130, wherein the containerreceiving module comprises a vial manipulator configured to hold a vial and to intermittently position the fluid interface portion together with its virtual vertical column at a first vial position at which the majority of the virtual vertical column is free of the nonlaminar obstructions and a second vial position at which at least one of the nonlaminar obstructions is positioned within the virtual vertical column.

[0274] 133. The system according to embodiment 132, wherein the vial manipulator is rotatable to position the fluid interface portion together with the virtual vertical column at the first vial position and the second vial position.

[0275] 134. The system according to any one of embodiments 96 to 133, wherein when the pharmaceutical preparation system is positioned within the enclosure and the airflow is being generated, the upper column portion, when free of the nonlaminar obstructions, allows the airflow to be a laminar flow.

[0276] 135. The system according to embodiment 134, wherein the upper column portion, when free of the nonlaminar obstructions, allows the airflow to be a laminar flow in a direction extending vertically downwards.

[0277] 136. The system according to any one of embodiments 96 to 135, wherein when the pharmaceutical preparation system is positioned within the enclosure and the airflow is being generated, the vertical virtual column, when including the nonlaminar obstructions therewithin, prevents the airflow from being a laminar flow.

[0278] 137. A vial alignment mechanism for rotationally aligning a vial assembly, said vial alignment mechanism comprising: a first rotary arrangement comprising a first rotation element operable for rotating along a first rotational axis, said first rotary arrangement comprising a first body at least partially housing the first rotation element; a vial assembly holder operatively connected to the first rotation element, said vial assembly holder comprising a holder opening for receiving at least partially therewithin a top portion of the vial assembly, said holder opening comprising at least partially a rotation fixing mechanism for rotationally fixing the top portion of the vial assembly within the holder opening when the top portion of the vial assembly is received within the holder opening, thereby allowing the top portion of the vial assembly to rotate together with the first rotation element; and a body through-passage passing through at least the first body and the vial assembly holder along the first rotational axis, said body through-passage coinciding at least partially with the holder opening along the first rotational axis.

[0279] 138. The vial alignment mechanism according to embodiment 137, wherein the holder opening at least partially defines the body through-passage.

[0280] 139. The vial alignment mechanism according to embodiment 137 or 138, wherein the body through-passage includes the first rotational axis.

[0281] 140. The vial alignment mechanism according to any one of embodiments 137 to 139, wherein the body through-passage passes through at least the first rotation element along the first rotational axis.

[0282] 141. The vial alignment mechanism according to any one of embodiments 137 to 140, wherein the first body comprises a body top portion and a body bottom portion, the first rotation element being positioned between the body top portion and the body bottom portion, wherein the body through-passage passes through the body top portion and the body bottom portion along the first rotational axis.

[0283] 142. The vial alignment mechanism according to any one of embodiments 137 to 141, wherein the first body comprises a body top surface having a convex curvature when seen from exterior of the first body. 143. The vial alignment mechanism according to any one of embodiments 137 to 142, wherein the fixing mechanism comprises a first fixing element formed on the holder opening, said first fixing element being configured to engage a second fixing element formed on the vial assembly when the top portion of the vial assembly is received within the holder opening, thereby rotationally fixing the top portion of the vial assembly within the holder opening.

[0284] 144. The vial alignment mechanism according to embodiment 143, wherein the first fixing element is a non-circumferential element.

[0285] 145. The vial alignment mechanism according to any one of embodiments 137 to 144, wherein the vial assembly holder comprises: at least one holder connection arm connected at least indirectly to the first rotation element; and a holding portion extending from the at least one holder connection arm and comprising the holder opening.

[0286] 146. The vial alignment mechanism according to any one of embodiments 137 to 145, wherein the vial assembly holder extends from the first body along the first rotational axis.

[0287] 147. The vial alignment mechanism according to any one of embodiments 137 to 145, wherein the holder opening is moveable with respect to the first body in a direction transverse to the first rotational axis.

[0288] 148. The vial alignment mechanism according to embodiment 147, wherein the vial assembly holder is moveable with respect to the first body in the direction transverse to the first rotational axis.

[0289] 149. The vial alignment mechanism according to embodiment 148, wherein the first rotation element is moveable with respect to the first body in the direction transverse to the first rotational axis. 150. The vial alignment mechanism according to embodiment 149, wherein the first rotation element is spaced from an interior wall of the first body along the direction transverse to the first rotational axis, said space between the first rotation element and the interior wall of the first body allowing the movement of the first rotation element within the first body in the direction transverse to the first rotational axis.

[0290] 151. The vial alignment mechanism according to any one of embodiments 137 to 150, further comprising an actuator operatively connected to the first rotation element and operable for rotating the first rotation element along the first rotational axis together with the top portion of the vial assembly when the top portion of the vial assembly is rotationally fixed within the holder opening.

[0291] 152. The vial alignment mechanism according to any one of embodiments 137 to 151, further comprising: a second rotary arrangement comprising a second rotation element operable for rotating along a second rotational axis, spaced from the first rotational axis in a direction transverse to the first rotational axis; and a rotation transfer member operatively connecting the first and second rotation elements with each other.

[0292] 153. The vial alignment mechanism according to embodiment 152, when dependent on embodiment 151, wherein at least one of the second rotary arrangement and the rotation transfer member constitutes at least partially the actuator.

[0293] 154. The vial alignment mechanism according to embodiment 152 or 153, wherein the rotation transfer member comprises a belt.

[0294] 155. The vial alignment mechanism according to any one of embodiments 152 to 154, wherein the second rotary arrangement comprises a motor operable to rotate the second rotation element, said rotation transfer member being operable to transfer the rotation of the second rotation element to the first rotation element. 156. The vial alignment mechanism according to embodiment 155, wherein at least one of the motor and the rotation transfer member constitutes at least partially the actuator.

[0295] 157. The vial alignment mechanism according to any one of embodiments 152 to 156, further comprising a rotation transfer member cover at least partially housing the rotation transfer member and extending at least partially between the first rotary arrangement and the second rotary arrangement, said rotation transfer member cover comprising at least one cover through-passage passing through the rotation transfer member cover in a direction extending along the first rotational axis.

[0296] 158. The vial alignment mechanism according to embodiment 157, wherein the rotation transfer member comprises a first member portion extending at least partially between the first rotary arrangement and the second rotary arrangement and a second member portion spaced apart from the first member portion and extending at least partially between the first rotary arrangement and the second rotary arrangement, wherein the rotation transfer member cover comprises a first cover portion at least partially housing the first member portion and a second cover portion spaced apart from the first cover portion and at least partially housing the second member portion, said at least one cover through-passage being positioned between the first and second cover portions.

[0297] 159. The vial alignment mechanism according to embodiment 157 or 158, wherein at least a part of the rotation transfer member cover is integrally formed with at least a part of the first body.

[0298] 160. The vial alignment mechanism according to embodiment 157 or 158, wherein at least a part of the rotation transfer member cover is unitarily formed with at least a part of the first body.

[0299] 161. The vial alignment mechanism according to any one of embodiments 157 to 160, wherein the rotation transfer member cover comprises a cover top surface having a convex curvature when seen from exterior of the rotation transfer member cover. 162. A vial alignment mechanism for rotationally aligning a vial assembly, said vial alignment mechanism comprising: a first rotary arrangement comprising a first rotation element operable for rotating along a first rotational axis, said first rotary arrangement comprising a first body at least partially housing the first rotation element; a vial assembly holder operatively connected to the first rotation element, said vial assembly holder comprising a holder opening for receiving at least partially therewithin a top portion of the vial assembly, said holder opening comprising at least partially a rotation fixing mechanism for rotationally fixing the top portion of the vial assembly within the holder opening when the top portion of the vial assembly is received within the holder opening, thereby allowing the top portion of the vial assembly to rotate together with the first rotation element; a second rotary arrangement comprising a second rotation element operable for rotating along a second rotational axis, spaced from the first rotational axis in a direction transverse to the first rotational axis; and a rotation transfer member operatively connecting the first and second rotation elements with each other, and being operable to transfer the rotation of the second rotation element to the first rotation element.

[0300] 163. The vial alignment mechanism according to embodiment 162, wherein the second rotary arrangement comprises a motor operable to rotate the second rotation element.

[0301] 164. The vial alignment mechanism according to embodiment 162 or 163, wherein the rotation transfer member comprises a belt.

[0302] 165. The vial alignment mechanism according to any one of embodiments 162 to 164, further comprising an actuator operatively connected to the first rotation element and operable for rotating the first rotation element along the first rotational axis together with the top portion of the vial assembly when the top portion of the vial assembly is rotationally fixed within the holder opening. 166. The vial alignment mechanism according to embodiment 165, wherein at least one of the second rotary arrangement and the rotation transfer member constitutes at least partially the actuator.

[0303] 167. The vial alignment mechanism according to any one of embodiments 162 to 166, further comprising a body through-passage passing through at least the first body and the vial assembly holder along the first rotational axis, said body through-passage coinciding at least partially with the holder opening along the first rotational axis.

[0304] 168. The vial alignment mechanism according to embodiment 167, wherein the holder opening at least partially defines the body through-passage.

[0305] 169. The vial alignment mechanism according to embodiment 167 or 168, wherein the body through-passage includes the first rotational axis.

[0306] 170. The vial alignment mechanism according to any one of embodiments 167 to 169, wherein the body through-passage passes through at least the first rotation element along the first rotational axis.

[0307] 171. The vial alignment mechanism according to any one of embodiments 167 to 170, wherein the first body comprises a body top portion and a body bottom portion, the first rotation element being positioned between the body top portion and the body bottom portion, wherein the body through-passage passes through the body top portion and the body bottom portion along the first rotational axis.

[0308] 172. The vial alignment mechanism according to any one of embodiments 162 to 171, wherein the first body comprises a body top surface having a convex curvature when seen from exterior of the first body.

[0309] 173. The vial alignment mechanism according to any one of embodiments 162 to 172, wherein the fixing mechanism comprises a first fixing element formed on the holder opening, said first fixing element being configured to engage a second fixing element formed on the vial assembly when the top portion of the vial assembly is received within the holder opening, thereby rotationally fixing the top portion of the vial assembly within the holder opening.

[0310] 174. The vial alignment mechanism according to embodiment 173, wherein the first fixing element is a non-circumferential element.

[0311] 175. The vial alignment mechanism according to any one of embodiments 162 to 174, wherein the vial assembly holder comprises: at least one holder connection arm connected at least indirectly to the first rotation element; and a holding portion extending from the at least one holder connection arm and comprising the holder opening.

[0312] 176. The vial alignment mechanism according to any one of embodiments 162 to 175, wherein the vial assembly holder extends from the first body along the first rotational axis.

[0313] 177. The vial alignment mechanism according to any one of embodiments 162 to 175, wherein the holder opening is moveable with respect to the first body in a direction transverse to the first rotational axis.

[0314] 178. The vial alignment mechanism according to embodiment 177, wherein the vial assembly holder is moveable with respect to the first body in the direction transverse to the first rotational axis.

[0315] 179. The vial alignment mechanism according to embodiment 178, wherein the first rotation element is moveable with respect to the first body in the direction transverse to the first rotational axis.

[0316] 180. The vial alignment mechanism according to embodiment 179, wherein the first rotation element is spaced from an interior wall of the first body along the direction transverse to the first rotational axis, said space between the first rotation element and the interior wall of the first body allowing the movement of the first rotation element within the first body in the direction transverse to the first rotational axis.

[0317] 181. The vial alignment mechanism according to any one of embodiments 162 to 180, further comprising a rotation transfer member cover at least partially housing the rotation transfer member and extending at least partially between the first rotary arrangement and the second rotary arrangement, said rotation transfer member cover comprising at least one cover through-passage passing through the rotation transfer member cover in a direction extending along the first rotational axis.

[0318] 182. The vial alignment mechanism according to embodiment 181, wherein the rotation transfer member comprises a first member portion extending at least partially between the first rotary arrangement and the second rotary arrangement and a second member portion spaced apart from the first member portion and extending at least partially between the first rotary arrangement and the second rotary arrangement, wherein the rotation transfer member cover comprises a first cover portion at least partially housing the first member portion and a second cover portion spaced apart from the first cover portion and at least partially housing the second member portion, said at least one cover through-passage being positioned between the first and second cover portions.

[0319] 183. The vial alignment mechanism according to embodiment 181 or 182, wherein at least a part of the rotation transfer member cover is integrally formed with at least a part of the first body.

[0320] 184. The vial alignment mechanism according to embodiment 181 or 182, wherein at least a part of the rotation transfer member cover is unitarily formed with at least a part of the first body.

[0321] 185. The vial alignment mechanism according to any one of embodiments 181 to 184, wherein the rotation transfer member cover comprises a cover top surface having a convex curvature when seen from exterior of the rotation transfer member cover. 186. A fluid transfer station, having an X-axis and a Y-axis orthogonal to each other, being operable for use within a pharmaceutical preparation system operable for transferring fluid between one or more containers via corresponding one or more container-adaptors and a fluid transfer assembly, said fluid transfer station comprising an IV bag support unit comprising a unit base and an IV bag support panel operatively connected to the unit base, said IV bag support panel comprising an IV bag support surface for at least partially supporting thereupon an IV bag constituting a first container of the one or more containers at least during said transfer of fluid between the first container and the fluid transfer assembly, wherein a projection of the IV bag support panel on a horizontal XY plane including the X-axis and the Y-axis has a first maximal dimension along the X-axis and a second maximal dimension along the Y-axis, wherein a material area occupied by a projection of a material of the IV bag support panel within the projection of the IV bag support panel on the XY plane is at most half of a total area occupied by a virtual rectangle having two dimensions equal to the first maximal dimension and the second maximal dimension.

[0322] 187. The fluid transfer station according to embodiment 186, wherein the material area occupied by the projection of the material of the IV bag support panel within the projection of the IV bag support panel on the XY plane is at most one-third of the total area occupied by the virtual rectangle.

[0323] 188. The fluid transfer station according to embodiment 186 or 187, wherein the material area occupied by the projection of the material of the IV bag support panel within the projection of the IV bag support panel on the XY plane is at most one-fourth of the total area occupied by the virtual rectangle.

[0324] 189. The fluid transfer station according to any one of embodiments 186 to 188, said IV bag support panel comprising at least one panel through-passage passing through the IV bag support panel in a direction transverse the IV bag support surface.

[0325] 190. The fluid transfer station according to embodiment 189, wherein the IV bag support surface has a surface area constituted by an area of a material of the IV bag support panel in a surface plane of the IV bag support surface, and each one of the at least one panel through-passage has a corresponding passage area in the surface plane, the passage areas of all of the at least one panel through-passage constituting together a total passage area in the surface plane.

[0326] 191. The fluid transfer station according to embodiment 190, wherein the total passage area is larger than the surface area.

[0327] 192. The fluid transfer station according to embodiment 190 or 191, wherein a sum of the total passage area and the surface area constitutes a total panel area of the IV bag support panel in the surface plane, wherein the total passage area is at least 60 percent of the total panel area.

[0328] 193. The fluid transfer station according to embodiment 192, wherein the total passage area is at least 75 percent of the total panel area.

[0329] 194. The fluid transfer station according to any one of embodiments 186 to 193, further comprising a base-panel connection arrangement operable for operatively connecting the IV bag support panel to the unit base.

[0330] 195. The fluid transfer station according to embodiment 194, wherein the base-panel connection arrangement is operable for detachably connecting the IV bag support panel to the unit base.

[0331] 196. The fluid transfer station according to embodiment 194 or 195, wherein the basepanel connection arrangement comprises a base connection part associated with the unit base and a panel connection part associated with the IV bag support panel, said base connection part and said panel connection part being operable to connect to each other.

[0332] 197. The fluid transfer station according to embodiment 196, wherein the base connection part and the panel connection part are operable to detachably connect to each other. 198. The fluid transfer station according to any one of embodiments 194 to 197, wherein the base-panel connection arrangement comprises a quick-fit connection arrangement.

[0333] 199. The fluid transfer station according to any one of embodiments 194 to 198, wherein the base-panel connection arrangement comprises a quick-release connection arrangement.

[0334] 200. The fluid transfer station according to any one of embodiments 186 to 199, further comprising a panel aligner operable to align the IV bag support panel with respect to the unit base, at least during connection of the IV bag support panel to the unit base.

[0335] 201. A fluid transfer station for use within a fluid transfer system having an X-axis, a Y- axis, and a Z-axis mutually orthogonal to each other, said fluid transfer system being operable for transferring fluid between a container via a container-adaptor and a fluid transfer assembly, said fluid transfer station comprising: a container support unit configured to at least partially support the container during said transfer of fluid; and an adaptor holder associated with the container support unit and configured for at least partially holding the container-adaptor at least during said transfer of fluid, said adaptor holder comprising a holder protruding portion protruding from the container support unit, said holder protruding portion having a maximum width-dimension along the X-axis and a maximum depth-dimension along the Y-axis, wherein a material area occupied by a projection of a material of the holder protruding portion on an XY plane, including the X-axis and the Y-axis, is at most half of a space area occupied by a virtual rectangle having two dimensions equal to the maximum depth-dimension and the maximum width-dimension, respectively.

[0336] 202. The fluid transfer station according to embodiment 201, wherein said holder protruding portion has a maximum height-dimension along the Z-axis, wherein a material volume occupied by a material of the holder protruding portion is at most half of a space volume occupied by a virtual cuboid having three dimensions equal to the maximum depth-dimension, the maximum width-dimension, and the maximum height-dimension, respectively. 203. The fluid transfer station according to embodiment 202, wherein the material volume occupied by the material of the holder protruding portion is at most one-third of the space volume occupied by the virtual cuboid.

[0337] 204. The fluid transfer station according to any one of embodiments 201 to 203, wherein the material area occupied by the projection of the material of the holder protruding portion on the XY plane is at most one-third of the space area occupied by the virtual rectangle.

[0338] 205. The fluid transfer station according to any one of embodiments 201 to 204, wherein the material area occupied by the projection of the material of the holder protruding portion on the XY plane is at most one-fourth of the space area occupied by the virtual rectangle.

[0339] 206. The fluid transfer station according to any one of embodiments 201 to 205, wherein the holder protruding portion has a top surface facing upwards, wherein the top surface has curved edges.

[0340] 207. The fluid transfer station according to any one of embodiments 201 to 206, wherein the Z-axis is oriented along a vertical direction.

[0341] 208. The fluid transfer station according to any one of embodiments 201 to 207, wherein the container support unit comprises a base and a support panel connected to the base, said support panel being configured to support the container.

[0342] 209. The fluid transfer station according to embodiment 208, wherein the support panel comprises a support surface configured for allowing the IV bag to be positioned thereupon.

[0343] 210. The fluid transfer station according to embodiment 209, wherein the adaptor holder is configured for at least partially holding a spike adaptor. 211. The fluid transfer station according to any one of embodiments 201 to 210, wherein the adaptor holder comprises: a hanger element having an adaptor receiving region configured for insertion of the container-adaptor therewithin, and a blocking element configured to selectively block the removal of the containeradaptor from the adaptor receiving region, wherein the adaptor holder is configured to be manipulated between an unblocking state in which the blocking element allows the removal of the container-adaptor from the adaptor receiving region and a blocking state in which the blocking element blocks the removal of the container-adaptor from the adaptor receiving region.

[0344] 212. The fluid transfer station according to embodiment 211, wherein when the adaptor holder is in the blocking state, the material area occupied by the projection of the material of the holder protruding portion on the XY plane is at most half of the space area occupied by the virtual rectangle.

[0345] 213. The fluid transfer station according to embodiment 211 or 212, wherein when the adaptor holder is in the unblocking state, the material area occupied by the projection of the material of the holder protruding portion on the XY plane is at most half of the space area occupied by the virtual rectangle.

[0346] 214. The fluid transfer station according to any one of embodiments 211 to 213, wherein the adaptor holder comprises a hanger connection portion connecting the hanger element to the container support unit, and a blocking element connection portion connecting the blocking element to the container support unit, said hanger connection portion at least partially overlapping the blocking element connection portion when seen in a direction along the Z-axis.

[0347] 215. The fluid transfer station according to embodiment 214, wherein the adaptor protruding portion is at least partially constituted by the hanger element, the blocking element, the hanger connection portion, and the blocking element connection portion. 216. The fluid transfer station according to any one of embodiments 211 to 215, further comprising: an actuator operatively connected to at least one of the hanger element and the blocking element, and operable to move said at least one of the hanger element and the blocking element for manipulating the adaptor holder between the blocking and unblocking states; and a processing circuitry operatively connected to the actuator and configured to control the operation of the actuator to manipulate the adaptor holder between the blocking and unblocking states.

[0348] 217. The fluid transfer station according to any one of embodiments 211 to 216, wherein the adaptor receiving region is configured for insertion of the container-adaptor therewithin along the Z-axis, and in the unblocking state, the blocking element allows the removal of the container-adaptor from the adaptor receiving region along the Z-axis, and in the blocking state, the blocking element blocks the removal of the container-adaptor from the adaptor receiving region along the Z-axis.

[0349] 218. The fluid transfer station according to embodiment 217, wherein in the blocking state, the blocking element restricts a movement of the container-adaptor along the Z- axis.

[0350] 219. The fluid transfer station according to embodiment 217 or 218, wherein in the blocking state, the blocking element at least partially overlaps the adaptor receiving region when seen in a direction along the Z-axis.

[0351] 220. The fluid transfer station according to any one of embodiments 217 to 219, wherein the Z-axis is oriented along a vertical direction, and the adaptor receiving region is configured for insertion of the container-adaptor therewithin along a vertically downward direction, and in the blocking state, the blocking element blocks the removal of the container-adaptor from the adaptor receiving region along a vertically upwards direction.

[0352] 221. A fluid transfer system operable for transferring fluid between a container via a container-adaptor and a fluid transfer assembly, and having an X-axis, a Y-axis, and a Z- axis mutually orthogonal to each other, said fluid transfer system comprising at least one fluid transfer station according to any one of embodiments 186 to 220.

[0353] 222. A pharmaceutical preparation system configured for being positioned within an enclosure, and for being operated for establishing an interconnection between a first fluid transfer member and a second fluid transfer member, said enclosure comprising an airflow source operative to generate an airflow along a vertical airflow path, said pharmaceutical preparation system comprising: a region of interest, in which said interconnection is at least temporarily located; and an airflow direction arrangement operable for at least selectively altering a flow profile of the airflow towards the region of interest when the interconnection is at least temporarily located in the region of interest.

[0354] 223. The pharmaceutical preparation system according to embodiment 222, said airflow direction arrangement being operable to change at least one of direction and speed of the airflow for said altering the flow profile.

[0355] 224. The pharmaceutical preparation system according to embodiment 222 or 223, said airflow direction arrangement being operable to change a direction of the airflow towards the region of interest.

[0356] 225. The pharmaceutical preparation system according to any one of embodiments 222 to 224, said airflow direction arrangement being operable for altering the flow profile of the airflow at least during said establishment of the interconnection.

[0357] 226. The pharmaceutical preparation system according to any one of embodiments 222 to 225, further comprising a fluid interface portion, said pharmaceutical preparation system being operable to perform transfer of fluid between the first and second fluid transfer members within the fluid interface portion.

[0358] 227. The pharmaceutical preparation system according to embodiment 226, wherein the fluid interface portion at least partially overlaps the region of interest. 228. The pharmaceutical preparation system according to embodiment 227, said airflow direction arrangement being operable for altering the flow profile of the airflow at least during said performance of transfer of fluid.

[0359] 229. The pharmaceutical preparation system according to any one of embodiments 222 to 228, wherein the airflow direction arrangement comprises an airflow generator operable to generate a directing airflow for interfering with the airflow and to direct the airflow towards the region of interest.

[0360] 230. The pharmaceutical preparation system according to embodiment 229, wherein the airflow generator is operable to generate the directing airflow in a direction transverse to the vertical airflow path.

[0361] 231. The pharmaceutical preparation system according to any one of embodiments 222 to 230, wherein the airflow direction arrangement comprises a suction unit operable to create a negative pressure within the region of interest, thereby altering the flow profile of the airflow towards the region of interest.

[0362] 232. The pharmaceutical preparation system according to any one of embodiments 222 to 231, wherein the airflow direction arrangement comprises an airflow diverter operable for diverting the airflow from the vertical airflow path towards the region of interest.

[0363] It is to be understood herein that the examples described in this description (with reference to the drawings and otherwise) have been described with reference to only a few components of the fluid transfer apparatuses out of all which are encompassed by the scope of the present subject matter for the purposes of conciseness and clarity of the present description. Various examples analogous to those described herein with different components of the fluid transfer apparatuses and with different robotic stations, including different combinations of the components of the fluid transfer apparatuses and the robotic stations, should be considered within the scope of the present description. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0364] In order to better understand the subject matter that is disclosed herein and to exemplify how it may be carried out in practice, embodiments will now be described, by way of non-limiting example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0365] FIGs. 1 A and IB are each a schematic illustration of a pharmaceutical preparation system positioned within an enclosure in a first and second perspective view, respectively, according to embodiments of the presently disclosed subject matter;

[0366] FIGs. 2A and 2B are each a front view of the pharmaceutical preparation system showing various aspects of the system, according to embodiments of the presently disclosed subject matter;

[0367] FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the pharmaceutical preparation system, according to embodiments of the presently disclosed subject matter;

[0368] FIGs. 4A and 4B are each a top view of the pharmaceutical preparation system showing various aspects of the system, according to embodiments of the presently disclosed subject matter;

[0369] FIGs. 5A and 5B a front view and a top view, respectively, of the pharmaceutical preparation system, according to other embodiments of the presently disclosed subject matter;

[0370] FIG. 6 is a perspective view of the pharmaceutical preparation system shown during an operational stage thereof, according to embodiments of the presently disclosed subject matter;

[0371] FIGs. 7A and 7B are each a perspective view of the pharmaceutical preparation system each shown during a different operational stage, according to embodiments of the presently disclosed subject matter;

[0372] FIG. 8 is a perspective view of the pharmaceutical preparation system of Fig. 3, showing various aspects of the system according to embodiments of the presently disclosed subject matter;

[0373] FIG. 9A is a front view of a pharmaceutical preparation system showing various options of airflow directing arrangement of the system, according to embodiments of the presently disclosed subject matter; FIG. 9B is a front view of a pharmaceutical preparation system showing another option of airflow directing arrangement, according to other embodiments of the presently disclosed subject matter;

[0374] FIG. 9C is a front view of the pharmaceutical preparation system of FIG. 9A showing another option of airflow directing arrangement, according to embodiments of the presently disclosed subject matter;

[0375] FIG. 9D is a front view of the pharmaceutical preparation system of FIG. 9B showing yet another option of airflow directing arrangement, according to other embodiments of the presently disclosed subject matter;

[0376] FIG. 10A is a perspective view of a portion of a pharmaceutical preparation system, according to embodiments of the presently disclosed subject matter;

[0377] FIG. 10B is the same view as that of Fig. 10A of the pharmaceutical preparation system without its vial manipulator;

[0378] FIG. IOC is a cross-sectional view taken along line A-A in Fig. 10B;

[0379] FIG. 10D is an enlarged view of portion EPl of FIG. IOC;

[0380] FIG. 10E is the same view as that of Fig. 10B of the pharmaceutical preparation system without its vial assembly;

[0381] FIG. 1 OF is a cross-sectional view taken along line B-B in Fig. 10E;

[0382] FIG. 10G is an enlarged view of portion EP2 of FIG. 10F;

[0383] FIG. 11 A is a bottom perspective view of a portion of a vial alignment mechanism, according to embodiments of the presently disclosed subject matter;

[0384] FIG. 1 IB is a bottom view of the portion of the vial alignment mechanism of FIG. 11 A;

[0385] FIG. 12A is a top perspective view of a portion of a pharmaceutical preparation system, according to embodiments of the presently disclosed subject matter;

[0386] FIG. 12B is a cross-sectional view taken along line C-C in Fig. 12A;

[0387] FIG. 12C is an enlarged view of portion EP3 of FIG. 12B;

[0388] FIG. 13 A is a perspective view of a portion of a pharmaceutical preparation system, according to embodiments of the presently disclosed subject matter;

[0389] FIG. 13B is a perspective view of a fluid transfer station of the pharmaceutical preparation system of Fig. 13 A;

[0390] FIG. 13C is a perspective view of an IV bag support panel of the fluid transfer station of Fig. 13B; FIG. 13D is a top view of a horizontal plane having a projection of the IV bag support panel of Fig. 13C;

[0391] FIG. 13E is another perspective view of the fluid transfer station of Fig. 13B;

[0392] FIG. 13F is a cross-sectional view taken along line D-D in Fig. 13E;

[0393] FIGS. 14A to 14D schematically illustrate top views of IV bag support panels, according to various examples of the presently disclosed subject matter;

[0394] FIG. 15A illustrates a top perspective view of a fluid transfer station, according to an example of the presently disclosed subject matter, with its adaptor holder in unblocking state;

[0395] FIG. 15B illustrates a horizontal plane having thereupon a projection of a portion of the fluid transfer station of Fig. 15 A;

[0396] FIG. 15C illustrates a top perspective view of the fluid transfer station of Fig. 15 A, with its adaptor holder in blocking state;

[0397] FIG. 15D illustrates a horizontal plane having thereupon a projection of a portion of the fluid transfer station of Fig. 15C;

[0398] FIG. 15E illustrates a side view of the fluid transfer station of Fig. 15 A;

[0399] FIG. 15F illustrates a side view of the fluid transfer station of Fig. 15C;

[0400] FIG. 15G illustrates a top view of the fluid transfer station of Fig. 15 A; and

[0401] FIG. 15H illustrates a top view of the fluid transfer station of Fig. 15C.

[0402] DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS

[0403] A pharmaceutical preparation system 100 is shown in Figs. 1 A- 3 and is configured for being positioned within an enclosure 102. The enclosure 102 forms a controlled environment, generally a sterile environment facilitated for reducing or preventing exposure of the system 100 to contaminants. In some embodiments, such as shown in Fig. 1 A, the enclosure 102 comprises a hood, such as a standard fume hood or a laminar flow hood.

[0404] In some embodiments, the enclosure comprises a clean room, a bio safety cabinet, an isolator, or any other suitable enclosure in which environmental conditions can be controlled.

[0405] In some embodiments, the system 100 can be positioned in an open, unenclosed, or uncontrolled environment. The enclosure 102 defines a volume spanning along a vertical axis XI from a base 104 to a ceiling 106 (Fig. IB) of the enclosure, and along a horizonal axis X2 in between mutually spaced apart, lateral walls 110. The enclosure 102 comprises an airflow source 114 operative to generate a flow or stream of air. In some embodiments as shown in Fig. IB, the airflow source 114 may be located at the ceiling 106, or in proximity thereto and the air flows along a vertical airflow path towards the base 104.

[0406] In some embodiments, the airflow source 114 may be disposed at any location within the enclosure 102 or externally thereto. For example, an airflow source disposed along the lateral walls 110 may generate an airflow along the horizonal axis X2.

[0407] The airflow is generated by the airflow source 114 or any other fluid is generated by a source, so as to sterilize the enclosure volume and the surfaces of the system 100 by removing contaminants accumulated on surfaces of the system 100 and / or the enclosure 102. The contaminants are captured by the airflow and flushed thereby along the airflow path. The flushed contaminants are generally collected at the base 104 to be expelled out of the enclosure volume. The contaminants may include hazardous fluids, fumes, vapors, gases, dust and / or any other unsterile substance.

[0408] Efficient removal of the contaminants is performed by an airflow stream, free of turbulence or with minimal turbulence or in other words by a laminar airflow, so as to ensure the contaminates are flushed by the airflow away from the system 100 and / or the enclosure 102. Laminar airflow may be generally described as a flow of fluid in which fluid moves in separate layers where one layer slides past the adjacent layers, as opposed to turbulent flow, where the fluid layers undergo intermixing. Laminar airflow may be referred to as a streamline airflow. Laminar airflow is facilitated where the airflow path is free or with minimal nonlaminar obstructions.

[0409] The laminarity or turbulence offered by an object within an airflow path may be determined based on its bounding surface and the boundary layer formed therearound. The boundary layer is a relatively thin layer of air in the immediate vicinity of the bounding surface, which is formed by the air flowing along the surface. In a laminar boundary layer, the air moves in separate layers where one layer slides past the adjacent layers. In a turbulent boundary layer, the air layers undergo intermixing. In some embodiments, a nonlaminar obstruction constitutes an object having bounding surfaces shaped so as to form turbulent boundary layers therearound, when the object is placed in an airflow path. In other words, the nonlaminar obstructions include obstructions configured to cause the laminar airflow to be nonlaminar, when the obstructions are positioned within the airflow path.

[0410] It is noted that though the removal of contaminants is described with reference to air, it is appreciated that the any sterilizing fluid may be used to remove contaminates from the system 100 and / or the enclosure 102 and the description related to air includes any sterilizing fluid.

[0411] It is further noted that the term “laminar airflow” disclosed herein and its declensions, includes airflow patterns which are majorly laminar, which may include in some embodiments, at least 50% laminar airflow; in some embodiments, the majorly laminar airflow includes at least 60% laminar airflow; in some embodiments, the majorly laminar airflow includes at least 70% laminar airflow; in some embodiments, the majorly laminar airflow includes at least 80% laminar airflow; in some embodiments, the majorly laminar airflow includes at least 90% laminar airflow; in some embodiments, the majorly laminar airflow includes at least 95% laminar airflow, subranges and discrete values thereof.

[0412] In accordance with an embodiment of the present application, the system 100 is shaped and sized to promote, namely maximize, the laminar flow along its surfaces and in its vicinity, as described in detail herein.

[0413] Generally, the system 100 is configured for being operated for performing transfer of fluid between at least one container 116, and at least one fluid transfer assembly 118 (Fig. 2A). Typically, the fluid transfer is performed while the system 100 is positioned in the enclosure 102, as shown in Fig. 1 A.

[0414] In some embodiments as shown in Figs. 1A-3, the system 100 comprises at least a first platform 120 having a first platform upper surface 122 and at least one containerreceiving module 124 at least partially mounted on the platform upper surface 122 or on any other surface of the first platform 120. In some embodiments, the container receiving module may not be mounted onto the first platform 120, and may be mounted to any other component of the system while being at least partially positioned vertically above the first platform. The container-receiving module 124 is formed of a main body 130 and a fluid interface portion 134. The main body 130 is positioned above the first platform 120, and is configured to receive a container portion of the container 116. The fluid interface portion 134 is configured to accommodate a fluid transfer element of the container 116 for transfer of fluid to be performed through the fluid interface portion 134. The fluid transfer element may be a part of the container 116 which is held at the fluid interface portion 134. In some embodiments, the fluid transfer element of container can be a septum, an adaptor, connector, or any other element generally operable for facilitating fluid transfer with the container. The main body 130 is positioned at least partially vertically above the platform upper surface 122, along vertical axis XI. At least a part of the fluid interface portion 134 extends from the main body 130 away from the platform upper surface 122 in a direction transverse to the vertical axis XI. This transverse direction may be parallel to a transverse axis X3, which is orthogonal to the vertical axis XI and the horizontal axis X2 (Fig. 2A).

[0415] In some embodiments, the container-receiving module 124 comprises an IV bag receiving module 140 including one or more main bodies 130 formed as panels for supporting IV bags 144 thereon. Transfer of fluid between an IV bag 144 and fluid transfer assembly 118, comprising a syringe, is performed at or through the fluid interface portion 134, as shown in Fig. 6.

[0416] In some embodiments, the container-receiving module 124 comprises a vial receiving module 150 (Fig. 2A) including one or more main bodies 130 formed as a vial manipulator 152 configured to move a vial 154. The fluid interface portion 134 in the vial receiving module 150 is configured to grip and support the vial 154. Transfer of fluid between the vial 154 and fluid transfer assembly 118 is performed at or through the fluid interface portion 134 as shown in Fig. 3.

[0417] In some embodiments, the system 100 is configured with a relatively low throughput, such as shown in Figs. 1A-4 and 6-8, where the system 100 is facilitated to prepare a single pharmaceutical container dose for patient use during an operation cycle. In other embodiments, the system 100 is configured with a relatively high throughput, such as shown in Figs. 5A-B, where the system 100 is facilitated to prepare a multiplicity of pharmaceutical container doses for patient use, generally by performing a plurality of simultaneous operational cycles in the system 100. Both low and high throughput systems 100 are configured to maximize the laminar flow along the system surfaces and in their vicinities. Though most of the features of the system 100 are described with reference to the low throughput system of Figs. 1A-4 and Figs. 6-8, these features are applicable to the high throughput system shown in Figs. 5A-B, mutatis mutandis.

[0418] According to some embodiments of the present application, the system 100 is configured to at least minimize or omit the presence of contaminants at fluid transfer regions. Fluid transfer regions are region in which any fluid transfer occurs. In some embodiments, as shown herein, the fluid transfer may occur in between a container 116 and a fluid transfer assembly 118. A fluid transfer region comprises the fluid interface portion 134, which is the component of the system 100 in which the fluid transfer occurs via fluid transfer openings typically comprising a port or septum of the container 116 or fluid transfer assembly 118. Accordingly, presence of contaminants at the fluid interface portion 134 may be particularly hazardous, since contaminants may inadvertently penetrate into the container 116 or fluid syringe assembly 118 via the openings.

[0419] In simple terms, the fluid interface portion 134 is spatially positioned within the system 100 and / or within the enclosure 102, such that the airflow laminarly, or with minimal turbulence, flows thereabout. In some embodiments, this laminar airflow is facilitated by configuring the airflow path around the fluid interface portion 134 to be free of or with minimal nonlaminar obstructions.

[0420] As seen in Fig. 2B, the laminar airflow within the airflow path, including the fluid interface portion 134, may be described by a virtual vertical column 180 which occupies a volume within the enclosure volume. The vertical virtual column 180 includes the fluid interface portion 134 and at least partially defines a portion of the airflow path. The vertical virtual column 180 is at least selectively free of nonlaminar obstructions at least along the vertical axis XI, when the system 100 is positioned within the enclosure 102 and the airflow is being generated. An exemplary embodiment of the laminar layers 182 of the airflow being selectively free of nonlaminar obstructions, is schematically illustrated in Fig. 2B.

[0421] The virtual vertical column 180 may include an upper column portion 184, which is the volume extending above the fluid interface portion 134, a lower column portion 186, which is the volume extending below the fluid interface portion 134, and an intermediate column portion 188, intermediate the upper and lower column portions 184 and 186, respectively. The intermediate column portion 188 accommodates the fluid interface portion 134.

[0422] The vertical virtual column 180 comprises dimensions of a volume which occupies a portion of the airflow path that effects the degree of laminarity of the airflow about the fluid interface portion 134, which in this respect may include some of the fluid interface portions 134 in the system 100 or each fluid interface portion 134 in the system 100. The dimension, in this context, may include any suitable contour, shape and / or size of the vertical virtual column 180, such as, in a non-limiting example, an area along any plane intersecting any axis oriented in any direction, a circumference and / or a diameter along such a plane and / or a breadth, width and / or height or length extending along any axis oriented in any direction.

[0423] As seen in Fig. 3, in some embodiments, the dimensions of the vertical virtual column 180 can be defined by an area DI spanning along a horizontal plane Pl, and a vertical dimension D2. The horizontal plane Pl may be defined as the plane orthogonally intersecting vertical axis XI and the vertical dimension D2 is measured as the height of the vertical virtual column 180 along the vertical axis XI.

[0424] In some embodiments, the area DI is measured in relation to the fluid interface portion 134, such as in relation to a projection D3 of the fluid interface portion 134 on the horizontal plane Pl.

[0425] In some embodiments, a maximal dimension of the virtual vertical column 180 in the horizontal plane Pl is equal to a maximal dimension of the projection D3 of the fluid interface portion on the horizontal plane Pl.

[0426] In some embodiments, a maximal dimension of the virtual vertical column 180 in the horizontal plane Pl, i.e., area DI, is greater than a maximal dimension of the projection D3 of the fluid interface portion 134 on the horizontal plane Pl. In some embodiments, the maximal dimension of the virtual vertical column 180 in the horizontal plane Pl, i.e. area DI, is about 2 to 50 percent greater than the maximal dimension of the projection D3 of the fluid interface portion 134 on the horizontal plane Pl, and subranges and discrete values thereof. In some embodiments, the maximal dimension of the virtual vertical column 180 in the horizontal plane Pl, i.e. area DI, is about 5 to 40 percent greater than the maximal dimension of the projection D3 of the fluid interface, and subranges and discrete values thereof. In some embodiments, the maximal dimension of the virtual vertical column 180 in the horizontal plane Pl, i.e. area DI, is about 5 to 30 percent greater than the maximal dimension of the projection D3 of the fluid interface portion 134 on the horizontal plane Pl, and subranges and discrete values thereof. In some embodiments, the maximal dimension of the virtual vertical column 180 in the horizontal plane Pl, i.e., area DI, is about 10 to 20 percent greater than the maximal dimension of the projection D3 of the fluid interface portion 134 on the horizontal plane Pl, and subranges and discrete values thereof. In some embodiments, a maximal dimension of the virtual vertical column 180 in the horizontal plane Pl, i.e. area DI, can be smaller than a maximal dimension of the projection D3 of the fluid interface portion 134 on the horizontal plane Pl. In some embodiments, the maximal dimension of the virtual vertical column 180 in the horizontal plane Pl, i.e. area DI, can be about 2 to 50 percent smaller than the maximal dimension of the projection D3 of the fluid interface portion 134 on the horizontal plane Pl, and subranges and discrete values thereof. In some embodiments, the maximal dimension of the virtual vertical column 180 in the horizontal plane Pl, i.e. area DI, can be about 5 to 40 percent smaller than the maximal dimension of the projection D3 of the fluid interface, and subranges and discrete values thereof. In some embodiments, the maximal dimension of the virtual vertical column 180 in the horizontal plane Pl, i.e. area DI, can be about 5 to 30 percent smaller than the maximal dimension of the projection D3 of the fluid interface portion 134 on the horizontal plane Pl, and subranges and discrete values thereof. In some embodiments, the maximal dimension of the virtual vertical column 180 in the horizontal plane Pl, i.e. area DI, can be about 10 to 20 percent smaller than the maximal dimension of the projection D3 of the fluid interface portion 134 on the horizontal plane Pl, and subranges and discrete values thereof.

[0427] In some embodiments, the shape assumed by the virtual vertical column 180 in the horizontal plane Pl is the same as the shape of the projection D3 of the fluid interface portion 134 on the horizontal plane Pl. In some embodiments, the shape assumed by the virtual vertical column 180 in the horizontal plane Pl is different, being smaller or larger than the shape of the projection D3 of the fluid interface portion 134 on the horizontal plane Pl.

[0428] In some embodiments, the vertical dimension D2 is measured in relation to the vertical dimension, namely the height of the system 100 or of the enclosure 102 along vertical axis XI.

[0429] In some embodiments, the vertical dimension D2 of the virtual vertical column 180 is equal to a maximal vertical dimension of the system 100, e.g. height Hl, or a maximal vertical dimension of the enclosure 102 (1A).

[0430] In some embodiments, the vertical dimension D2 of the virtual vertical column 180 is smaller than a maximal vertical dimension of the system 100, e.g. height Hl, or a maximal vertical dimension of the enclosure 102. In some embodiments, the vertical dimension D2 of the virtual vertical column 180 is about 10 to 20 percent smaller than a maximal vertical dimension of the system 100, e.g. height Hl, or than a maximal vertical dimension of the enclosure 102. In some embodiments, the vertical dimension D2 of the virtual vertical column 180 is about 5 to 40 percent smaller than a maximal vertical dimension of the system 100, e.g. height Hl, or than a maximal vertical dimension of the enclosure 102, and subranges and discrete values thereof.

[0431] In some embodiments, at least a majority of the vertical virtual column 180 is at least selectively free of nonlaminar obstructions at least along the vertical axis XI, when the system 100 is positioned within the enclosure 102 and the airflow is being generated. The majority of the vertical virtual column 180 may include in some embodiments, at least 50% of the volume occupying the vertical virtual column 180; in some embodiments, the majority of the vertical virtual column 180 may include at least 60% of the volume occupying the vertical virtual column 180; in some embodiments, the majority of the vertical virtual column 180 may include at least 70% of the volume occupying the vertical virtual column 180; in some embodiments, the majority of the vertical virtual column 180 may include at least 80% of the volume occupying the vertical virtual column 180; in some embodiments, the majority of the vertical virtual column 180 may include at least 90% of the volume occupying the vertical virtual column 180; in some embodiments, the majority of the vertical virtual column 180 may include at least 95% of the volume occupying the vertical virtual column 180, subranges and discrete values thereof.

[0432] It is to be understood herein that for the purposes of the present description, the phrase “at least selectively” is intended to mean either selectively or permanently. For instance, the vertical virtual column being at least selectively free of nonlaminar obstructions means that either the vertical virtual column is permanently free of the nonlaminar obstructions or is selectively (temporarily) free of the nonlaminar obstructions. In other words, the term “at least selectively” is intended to cover within its scope at least temporarily, i.e., free of nonlaminar obstructions at certain times and not free of nonlaminar obstructions at certain times as well as permanently, i.e., free of nonlaminar obstructions at all times.

[0433] In some embodiments, the upper column portion 184 is at least selectively free of nonlaminar obstructions at least along the vertical axis XI during the operation of the system 100. In some embodiments, the upper column portion 184 is free of nonlaminar obstructions at least along the vertical axis XI all during transfer of the fluid at the fluid interface portions 134 at the IV bag receiving module 140.

[0434] In some embodiments, at least a majority of at least one of the upper column portion 184 and / or the lower column portion 186 is selectively free of the nonlaminar obstructions. In some embodiments, the other one of the upper column portion 184 and the lower column portion 186 is free of the nonlaminar obstructions during the entire duration of the transfer of fluid at least at one of the container receiving modules 124.

[0435] It is to be understood herein that it is important that at least the upper column portion is selectively free of the nonlaminar obstructions. For instance, the airflow between the airflow source and the fluid interface portion being laminar (by virtue of the upper column portion being free of the nonlaminar obstructions) facilitates effective cleaning and sterility of the fluid interface portion, especially immediately after the transfer of fluid when the manipulator moves out of the virtual vertical column 180. In some embodiments, for the above-mentioned the upper column portion 184 is free of the nonlaminar obstructions during the entire operation of the system 100.

[0436] The majority of at least one of the upper column portion 184 and the lower column portion 186 may comprise a majority of the volume of any one of the respective upper and lower column portions 184 and 186, e.g. at least a 50% of the volume of any one of the respective upper and lower column portions 184 and 186; e.g. at least a 60% of the volume of any one of the respective upper and lower column portions 184 and 186; e.g. at least a 70% of the volume of any one of the respective upper and lower column portions 184 and 186; e.g. at least a 80% of the volume of any one of the respective upper and lower column portions 184 and 186; e.g., at least a 90% of the volume of any one of the respective upper and lower column portions 184 and 186; e.g. at least a 95% of the volume of any one of the respective upper and lower column portions 184 and 186; and e.g. at least a 100% of the volume of any one of the respective upper and lower column portions 184 and 186, subranges and discrete values thereof.

[0437] It is recognized that the fluid transfer is performed by at least one fluid transfer component constituting at least partially a nonlaminar obstruction. In some embodiments, the fluid transfer component is configured to move with respect to the container-receiving module 124 and to be selectively at least partially positioned within the virtual vertical column 180. In a non-limiting example, the fluid transfer component comprises a manipulator 200 (Fig. 2A) configured for manipulating the fluid transfer assembly 118. The manipulator 200 is operative to grip and move the fluid transfer assembly 118 towards the fluid interface portion 134 and position the fluid transfer assembly 118 thereat so as to allow transfer of fluid in between the container 116 and the fluid transfer assembly 118. The manipulator 200, or any one of the fluid transfer components, is configured to at least partially be positioned within the virtual vertical column 180 at the fluid interface portion 134 during the transfer of fluid, such as shown in Fig. 6.

[0438] Accordingly, it is noted that the virtual vertical column 180, a majority thereof and / or any one of the upper column portion 184 and lower column portion 186, is selectively free of nonlaminar obstructions.

[0439] In some embodiments, the majority of the virtual vertical column 180 is free of nonlaminar obstructions after the fluid transfer component moves out of the virtual vertical column 180, such as when the manipulator 200 moves out of the virtual vertical column 180, upon cessation of fluid transfer at the fluid transfer interface 134.

[0440] In some embodiments, when the manipulator 200 is positioned during fluid transfer within the lower column portion 186, the lower column portion 186 is free of nonlaminar obstructions after the fluid transfer component moves thereout following cessation of the fluid transfer, while the upper column portion 184 at the IV bag receiving module 140, is free of nonlaminar obstructions during the entire duration of the transfer of fluid.

[0441] In some embodiments, the fluid transfer component is configured to be at least partially positioned within one of the upper column portion 184 and the lower column portion 186 during the fluid transfer, while the other one of the upper column portion 184 and the lower column portion 186 is free of the nonlaminar obstructions at least during the entire duration of the transfer of fluid and in some embodiments during the entire duration of the operation of the system 100, e.g. at the IV-bag receiving module 140. The entire duration of the operation of the system 100 may comprise any one of the following: all during the positioning of the system 100 within the enclosure 102; the entire duration from turning on the power of the system 100 until shutting the power of system 100; all during preparation of a single prepared pharmaceutical dose; all during preparation of a multiplicity of prepared pharmaceutical doses ; all during a preparation cycle designated to yielding a predetermined number of prepared pharmaceutical doses; the entire duration from the first fluid transfer at the fluid transfer portion 134 to the last fluid transfer at the fluid transfer portion 134, while preparing a single prepared pharmaceutical dose or a multiplicity of prepared pharmaceutical doses in any one of the low and high thruput systems; and during the first fluid transfer at the fluid transfer portion 134 at the IV bag receiving module 140 and / or at the vial receiving module 150.

[0442] As seen in Figs. 1A-C, the system 100 comprises a plurality of fluid interface portions 134 and a plurality of virtual vertical columns 180, each one of the plurality of fluid interface portions 134 being positioned within respective one of the plurality of virtual vertical columns 180.

[0443] In some embodiments, during the transfer of fluid at one or more of the plurality of fluid interface portions 134, the corresponding majority of the virtual vertical columns including one or more of the remaining of the plurality of fluid interface portions 134, are free of nonlaminar obstructions. In some embodiments, during the transfer of fluid at one or more of the plurality of fluid interface portions 134, at least the upper column portions of the corresponding virtual vertical columns including one or more of the remaining of the plurality of fluid interface portions 134, are free of nonlaminar obstructions. Any of the one or more of the plurality of fluid interface portions 134 and the one or more of the remaining of the plurality of fluid interface portions 134 may comprise a fluid interface portion 134 of the IV bag receiving module 140 and / or a fluid interface portion 134 of the vial receiving module 150.

[0444] In a non-limiting example as shown in Fig. 6, the fluid transfer assembly 118 is positioned in a single lower column portion 186 during fluid transfer at a fluid transfer portion 134 of a middle IV-bag receiving module 140. The upper column portion 184 is shown to be free of nonlaminar obstructions, as well as the remaining virtual vertical columns 180 of the lateral fluid transfer portions 134 of the IV bag receiving module 140 and of the virtual vertical columns 180 of the vial receiving module 150.

[0445] In some embodiments, at least a majority of each one of the plurality of virtual vertical columns 180 is selectively free of nonlaminar obstructions.

[0446] In some embodiments, at least a majority of the plurality of virtual vertical columns 180 may comprise at least half of the total virtual vertical columns 180 of the system 100; in some embodiments at least three or more of the virtual vertical columns 180 remain free of nonlaminar obstructions in a system 100 with a total of four or more virtual vertical columns 180. In some embodiments, the fluid transfer component is configured to be selectively at least partially positioned within each one of the plurality of virtual vertical columns 180. In some embodiments. The fluid transfer component is at least partially positioned within one of the plurality of virtual vertical columns 180 and then one or more of the remaining of the plurality of virtual vertical columns 180 is free of nonlaminar obstructions.

[0447] In some embodiments, the spatial arrangement of the movement between one of the fluid interface portions 134 to another, is configured to promote and enhance the laminar airflow or otherwise minimize turbulent airflow about the fluid interface portion 134 and / or any one of the system 100 and the enclosure 102.

[0448] In some embodiments, the one or more of the plurality of fluid interface portions 134 is positioned at least partially or entirely colinearly with respect to other fluid interface portions, along a displacement axis X4 (Fig. 2A). Displacement axis X4 is orthogonal to the vertical axis XI, such that the fluid transfer component is configured to move along the displacement axis X4. In a non-limiting example, the manipulator 200 is configured to move in between the fluid transfer portions 134 only along the displacement axis X4, thereby minimizing the interference to the laminar airflow caused by the manipulator 200, since the manipulator 200 constitutes a nonlaminar obstruction.

[0449] Further, in some embodiments, the spatial arrangement of the components of the system 100 is configured to promote and enhance the laminar airflow, or otherwise minimize turbulent airflow about the fluid interface portion 134 and / or any one of the system 100 and the enclosure 102. In a non-limiting example, at least two or more or each of the plurality of fluid interface portions 134 is spaced apart from an adjacent one of the plurality of fluid interface portion 134 by a gap LI, so as to allow airflow therebetween and particularly laminar airflow therebetween. Gap LI (Fig. 4A) is measured between lateral edges 190 of adjacent plurality of fluid interface portions 134. In some embodiments, the gaps LI are equi dimensional.

[0450] In some embodiments, the gap LI is dimensioned with a breath extending along the horizontal axis X2, to extend longer than a breadth of adjacent boundary layers formed by adjacent surfaces of adjacent lateral edges of adjacent plurality of fluid interface portions 134.

[0451] Moreover, in some embodiments, the system 100 comprises a plurality of containerreceiving modules 124, each comprising a respective main body 130 and a respective fluid interface portion 134. In a non-limiting example, each of the plurality of containerreceiving modules 124 is spaced apart from an adjacent one of the plurality of containerreceiving modules. The space L2 (Fig. 4A) between the adjacent container-receiving modules 124 is dimensioned to allow the airflow to pass therethrough at least along the vertical axis XI.

[0452] Further yet, as seen in Figs. 7A-B, in some embodiments, the container-receiving module 124 comprises the vial manipulator 152 and the fluid interface portion 134 is configured to hold a vial 154 and to intermittently position the fluid interface portion 134 together with its virtual vertical column 180 at a first vial position (Fig. 7A) e.g. at the front of the system 100 with respect to the reader, and a second vial position (Fig. 7B) e.g. at the rear of the system 100. At the first vial position the majority of the virtual vertical column 180 and particularly the upper column portion is free of the nonlaminar obstructions. At the second vial position, the vial manipulator 152 is rotated about vertical axis XI (Fig. 1A) and is positioned at the rear of the system 100. At least one of the nonlaminar obstructions is positioned within the virtual vertical column 180 at the rear of the system 100, such as the passive element 172’, which is shown in Fig. 7B above vial 154 and within the virtual vertical column 180.

[0453] The intermittent positioning of the fluid interface portion 134 in the first and second vial positions may be facilitated by forming the main body, e.g. the vial manipulator 152 to be rotatable to position the fluid interface portion 134 together with the virtual vertical column 180 at the first vial position and thereafter at the second vial position.

[0454] In some embodiments, for example, as illustrated herein, the system 100 comprises a second platform 160 having a second platform upper surface 162 (Fig. 2 A). The second platform 160 is positioned at least partially vertically at a distance from the first platform 120, such as above the first platform 120, as shown in Figs. 1A-3, or below the first platform 120. The second platform 160 comprises at least one device 168 configured to perform an operation associated with the container, which is associated with the transfer of fluid. In a non-limiting example, the device may comprise one or more imaging devices, such as cameras 170 (Fig. 6) operative to image the container 116 and the operation associated with the container comprises imaging the container by the camera 170. In some embodiments, the device may comprise a container aligner 172 (Fig. 6) for controllably positioning the container 116 with respect the fluid transfer assembly 118 and the operation associated with the container comprises aligning the container. In some embodiments, the device may comprise a passive element 172’ formed as a wall of the second platform 160 configured to resist upward forces, which are exerted on the fluid transfer assembly 118 by the container 116 during fluid transfer.

[0455] It is to be understood that although all the embodiments illustrated herein have been shown to have the second platform 160, however, it is to be considered well within the scope of the present description that the systems described herein may not include a second platform. For instance, in some embodiments, the system may not include the second platform, and can include only the first platform, the container receiving modules, and the vertical virtual columns, and all the description provided above with respect thereto may apply to such system.

[0456] According to the illustrated embodiments, the first platform 120 and the second platform 160 may be spatially arranged within the system 100, so as to promote, namely maximize, the laminar flow along its surfaces and in its vicinity, such as by arranging the second platform 160 to minimally overlap the first platform 120 so as to allow the airflow to flow uninterrupted, e.g. laminarly or with minimal turbulence, along the vertical axis XI and to reach the surfaces of the system 100 and at least the interface portions 134.

[0457] To further demonstrate this arrangement, a first area Al (Fig. 4B) is defined by a projection of the first platform upper surface 122 on the virtual horizontal plane Pl, perpendicular to the orientation of the airflow path, typically along the vertical axis XI (Fig. 3). The virtual horizontal plane Pl is positioned above the first platform 120 and the second platform 160 or at any other suitable location. A second area A2 is defined by a projection of the second platform upper surface 162 on the virtual horizontal plane Pl.

[0458] An overlapping area A3 is the area in which the first area Al overlaps with the second area A2. A first area exposed portion A4 is the area in which the first area Al is free of an overlap with the second area A2.

[0459] In accordance with an embodiment of the present application, the overlapping area A3 is smaller than the first area exposed portion A4, at least when the system is positioned with the enclosure 102 and the airflow is being generated.

[0460] In some embodiments, the overlapping area A3 includes at least a portion of the first area Al and at least a portion of the second area A2. In some embodiments, the first area exposed portion A4 comprises the first area Al excluding the overlapping area A3.

[0461] In some embodiments, the overlapping area A3 is less than about 40% of the first area Al. In some embodiments, the overlapping area A3 is less than about 30% of the first area Al. In some embodiments, the overlapping area A3 is less than about 20% of the first area Al. In some embodiments, the overlapping area A3 is less than about 10% of the first area Al. In some embodiments, there is no overlap between the first area Al and the second area A2.

[0462] A second area exposed portion A5 comprises the second area A2 and excludes the overlapping area A3. In some embodiments, the second area exposed portion A5 is larger than the overlapping area, A3. Namely the majority of the second area A2 is not comprised of the overlapping area A3. In some embodiments, the second area exposed portion A5 is at least twofold or more of the second area A2.

[0463] Furthermore, in some embodiments, the fluid interface portions 134 are spatially arranged on the system 100 such that they don’t overlap or overlap to a relatively small degree with the overlapping area A3, i.e., they don’t overlap or overlap to a relatively small degree with the first area Al and the second area A2.

[0464] In some embodiments, the projection D3 (Fig. 3) of the fluid interface portion 134 on the horizontal plane Pl is at least partially free of overlap with the first area Al and the second area A2.

[0465] In some embodiments, the system 100 comprises a plurality of fluid interface portions 134 and each projection D3 of the plurality of fluid interface portions 134 is at least partially free of overlap with the first area Al and the second area A2.

[0466] In some embodiments, the fluid interface area is cumulatively defined by the fluid interface areas D3. At least a portion of the cumulative fluid interface area D3 is free of overlap with the first area Al and the second area A2.

[0467] In some embodiments, at least a majority of the fluid interface area D3 is free of overlap with the first area Al and the second area A2. In some embodiments, the entire fluid interface area D3 is free of overlap with the first area Al and the second area A2. Accordingly, in some embodiments, each one of the fluid interface portions 134 is exposed to the airflow when the system 100 is positioned within the enclosure 102 and the airflow is being generated.

[0468] Moreover, in some embodiments, the devices 168 are spatially arranged at the second platform 160 such that they don’t overlap or overlap to a relatively small degree with the overlapping area A3, i.e., they don’t overlap or overlap to a relatively small degree with the first area Al and the second area A2. In some embodiments, a device area A6 (Fig. 3) is defined by a projection of any one or more of the devices 168 on the virtual horizontal plane Pl, and at least a portion of the device area A6 is disposed within the second area A2 (Fig. 4B). In some embodiments, the entire device area A6 is disposed in the second area exposed portion A5.

[0469] In some embodiments, the system 100 comprises at least two or more devices defining two corresponding device areas A6, which are horizontally separated by the overlapping area A3. For example, the camera 170 (Fig. 6) is disposed at a first side of the second platform 160 and the passive element 172’ is disposed at an opposite side of the second platform 160. In some embodiments, the device 168 is exposed to the airflow when the system 100 is positioned within the enclosure 102 and the airflow is being generated.

[0470] As seen in Figs. 1A-8 the system 100 is configured with a relatively streamlined structure. The streamlined structure may include any one of: minimal material of the system 100 and / or first and second platforms 120 and 160, respectively, being formed with relatively small dimensions, such as a relatively short breadth along the horizontal axis X2 and a relatively thin width along the transverse axis X3.

[0471] In some embodiments, the system 100 may be described as disposed within a virtual symmetrical envelope 210 (Fig. 8), which is defined by extreme planes El, E2 and E3 of the system 100. El defines transverse planes, E2 defines horizontal planes, and E3 defines vertical planes. The first, El transverse planes intersect the transverse axis X3 and define the transverse limit of the envelope 210, the second, E2 planes intersect the horizontal axis X2 and define the horizontal limit of the envelope 210, the third, E3 planes intersect the vertical axis XI and define the vertical limit of the envelope 210. In some embodiments, a volume of the body of material is smaller than a volume of the virtual symmetrical envelope 210. In some embodiments, the volume of the body of material is less than 50% of the volume of the virtual symmetrical envelope 210. In some embodiments, the volume of the body of material is less than 30% of the volume of the virtual symmetrical envelope 210.

[0472] Accordingly, at least a majority of the airflow along the vertical airflow path within the virtual symmetrical envelope 210 is laminar.

[0473] In some embodiments, the virtual symmetrical envelope 210 is spatially arranged to extend within at least a majority (e.g. over 50%) of the volume of the enclosure 102, at least along the vertical axis XI. As seen in Fig. 1A, the system 100 vertically extends from the base 104 towards the ceiling 106 and terminates in relative proximity to the ceiling 106. Yet, though the system is structured to occupy the majority of the enclosure volume, rendering it crowded, the system 100 is configured to facilitate laminar flow thereabout due to the configuration, structure and spatial arrangement described herein with reference to Figs. 1-8.

[0474] In some embodiments, the surfaces of the system 100, e.g., the surfaces of the first and second platforms 120 and 160, respectively, are formed with a smooth surface texture, namely with surfaces formed of a relatively low surface roughness.

[0475] It is to be understood herein that although all the embodiments illustrated herein have been shown to have the first platform 120, the second platform 160, and the vertical virtual column 180 however, it is to be considered well within the scope of the present description that the systems described herein may not include the features described above with respect to the vertical virtual column 180. For instance, in some embodiments, the system may not include the feature described above with respect to the virtual vertical columns, and can include only the first platform, the container receiving modules, and the second platform, and all the description provided above with respect thereto may apply to such system. In some embodiments, the system may include all of the first platform 120, the second platform 160, and the vertical virtual columns 180, and all of the description provided above with respect thereto may apply to such system.

[0476] In some embodiments the hood may comprise components for providing sterile air such as fans, high efficiency particulate air (HEP A) filters and / or ultraviolet (UV) lamp.

[0477] Reference is now made to Figs. 9A to 9D illustrating a pharmaceutical preparation system 100, according to various embodiments of the presently disclosed subject matter. It is to be understood herein that although the system 100 has been shown in Figs. 9A and 9C as having all the features and components of the system 100 shown in Figs. 1A-4B and Figs. 6-8, and the system 100 has been shown in Figs. 9B and 9D as having all the features and components of the system 100 shown in Figs. 5A-5B, however, the system 100 of any one or all of Figs. 9A to 9D may or may not include some or all of the features and components of the system described above with respect to Figs. 1 A to 8.

[0478] The system 100 described below with reference to any or all of Figs. 9A to Fig. 9D can be any pharmaceutical preparation system configured for being operated for establishing an interconnection between a first fluid transfer member and a second fluid transfer member, and optionally for performing transfer of fluid between the fluid transfer members. In the illustrated examples, the first fluid transfer member can be constituted by contained s), as described above with reference to Figs. 1 A to 8, and the second fluid transfer member can be constituted by container adaptor(s) and / or fluid transfer assembly, as described above with reference to Figs. 1A to 8. The system 100 is operable for performing transfer of fluid between the fluid transfer members. In some examples, the system 100 may not be operable for performing transfer of fluid between the fluid transfer members, and may be operable for establishing an interconnection between the fluid transfer members. For example, the system 100 can be operable to establish an interconnection between the container and the fluid transfer assembly or between the container and a container connector (or adaptor). The interconnection between the container and the fluid transfer assembly or between the container and the container connector has been generally referred to herein as interconnection, whether it be a fluid interconnection (between the container and the fluid transfer assembly), via which transfer of fluid occurs, or not a fluid interconnection (between the container and the container connector).

[0479] As can be seen in Fig. 9A, the system 100 comprises a plurality of fluid interface portions 134, at each of which a corresponding interconnection between a container 116 and a fluid transfer assembly 118 can be established for facilitating transfer of fluid therebetween. Each of the fluid interface portions 134 constitutes (or in some examples, can overlap with) a corresponding region of interest ROI. As can be seen in Fig. 9B, the system 100 comprises a robotic arm RA configured for establishing interconnection between a container and a container connector, for example within the region of interest ROI.

[0480] The system 100 further includes an airflow directing arrangement 250, 260, 270, 270’, 280, 280’, and / or 290 for at least selectively altering a flow profile (direction and / or speed) of an airflow (for example, a laminar airflow generated by an airflow source (such as an airflow source of the enclosure operative to generate an airflow along a vertical airflow path) separate from the airflow directing arrangement 250, 260, 270, 270’, 280, 280’, and / or 290) towards the regions of interest ROI, for example at the interconnections during transfer of fluid and / or during establishment of the interconnection when the interconnection is at least temporarily positioned within the region of interest ROI.

[0481] The airflow directing arrangement 250, 260, 270, 270’, 280, 280’, and / or 290, each can change at least one of direction and speed of the airflow towards the region of interest ROI thereby altering the flow profile of the airflow generated by an airflow source. In some examples, the airflow directing arrangement can interfere and re-direct (divert) and / or alter the speed of the vertical laminar airflow (as described above with respect to Figs. 1 A to 8) towards the regions of interest. The alteration of the flow profile by the airflow directing arrangement can be selectively performed during the establishment of the interconnection between the fluid transfer members and / or during the transfer of fluid between the fluid transfer members.

[0482] It is to be understood herein that Figs. 9A to 9D show different options for placement of the airflow directing arrangement, whereas each of the airflow directing arrangements 250, 260, 270, 270’, 280, 280’, and 290 schematically represent nonlimiting options for placement thereof within the system 100. The airflow directing arrangements 250, 260, 270, 270’, 280, 280’, and 290 can be installed individually or in any combination, i.e., any one of them can be installed or any two, three, four or all of them can be installed. In some examples, any of the airflow directing arrangements 250, 260, 270, 270’, 280, 280’, and 290 can be external to the system 100 can be operatively connected to the system, for example, to be controlled by a controller thereof at least during operation of the airflow directing arrangement.

[0483] In some examples, the system 100 can include the airflow directing arrangement 250 which has been schematically shown as constituting an active main airflow directing arrangement 250 including a fan filter unit configured to generate an airflow (for example, a laminar airflow). The airflow directing arrangement 250 can be positioned at any location suitable to direct the airflow generated thereby in a sideward direction (in the illustrated example) at one or more of the interconnections or regions of interest RO I, and can be mounted to any part or component of the system 100. In some examples, the airflow directing arrangement 250 can be positioned on a robotic arm to be moved thereby for selectively positioning at a location suitable to direct the airflow generated thereby at one or more of the interconnections or regions of interest ROI. In some examples, the airflow directing arrangement 250 can be configured to interfere and re-direct (divert) the vertical laminar airflow (as described above with respect to Figs. 1A to 8) towards the interconnections.

[0484] In some examples, the system 100 can include any one or some or all of the airflow directing arrangements 260, 270, and 280, each of which has been schematically shown in Figs. 9A and 9B as constituting an active micro airflow directing arrangement including an airflow generator (for example, a fan filter unit FFU) configured to generate an airflow (for example, a laminar airflow) that can interfere with and alter the flow profile of the vertical laminar airflow. The airflow directing arrangements 260, 270, 280 can be positioned at any location in proximity to a fluid interface portion suitable to direct the airflow generated thereby at the corresponding interconnection, and can be mounted to any part or component of the system 100. In some examples, any or some or all of the airflow directing arrangements 260, 270, 280 can be positioned on a robotic arm to be moved thereby for selectively positioning at a location suitable to direct the airflow generated thereby at the corresponding interconnection. For example, the airflow directing arrangement 260 has been shown as being mounted at a robotic arm 261 mounted at the manipulator 200, and configured to selectively position the airflow directing arrangement 260 at an operational location during the transfer of fluid or during establishment of interconnection, and at a resting location at other times so that the airflow directing arrangement 260 does not interfere with other functioning of the manipulator 200. In some examples, any or some or all of the airflow directing arrangements 260, 270, and 280 can be configured to interfere and re-direct (divert) the vertical laminar airflow (as described above with respect to Figs. 1 A to 8) towards the interconnections.

[0485] In some examples, the system 100 can include the airflow directing arrangement 290, which has been schematically shown as constituting a passive airflow directing arrangement 290 including an airflow diverter 290 configured to interfere with and divert (or re-direct) an airflow, for example, the laminar vertical airflow as described above with respect to the Figs. 1 A to 8, towards the interconnection. In the illustrated example, the airflow diverter 290 has been shown as having a flat structure which is pivotable (as shown by arrow 291) to be in an operational location, depicted as 290 A, in which it interferes with and re-directs the vertical airflow towards the interconnection at the fluid interface portion 134. In the resting location, depicted as 290, the airflow diverter 290 does not interfere with the vertical airflow, or at least does not constitute a non-laminar obstruction. In some examples, the airflow diverter 290 can be fixed in its operational location. In some examples, the airflow diverter 290 can include a conduit for allowing the vertical airflow to enter via an inlet and emit the airflow from an outlet in a direction transverse to the vertical direction.

[0486] Although only one airflow directing arrangement 290 has been shown, it is to be understood herein that the system may include any number of airflow directing arrangements 290 associated with some or all of the fluid interface portions 134 and / or regions of interest ROI.

[0487] In the example shown in Fig. 9C, the system 100 is same as that shown in Fig. 9A with the only difference being that instead of the airflow directing arrangement 270, which is an airflow generator in Fig. 9A, the airflow directing arrangement 270’ is shown, which is a suction unit. Further, in the example shown in Fig. 9D, the system 100 is same as that shown in Fig. 9B with the only difference being that instead of the airflow directing arrangement 280, which is an airflow generator in Fig. 9B, the airflow directing arrangement 280’ is shown, which is a suction unit. The description of Figs. 9A and 9B apply analogously to Figs. 9C and 9D as well. It is to be understood herein one or more of the other airflow directing arrangements 250, 260, 270 and 290 can also be replaced by a suction unit 270’ or 280’.

[0488] The suction units 270’ and 280’ has been shown schematically and any suction unit can include a structure suitable to generate a negative or low pressure at (or in the vicinity of) a corresponding region of interest ROI. In some examples, the suction unit can include a suction pump, vacuum pump, or a blower operable to suck the air from the region of interest thereby generating a low or negative pressure there as compared to the regions surrounding the region of interest. The negative pressure or low pressure can be varied according to the needs and requirements within the system, for example to be vacuum or below atmospheric pressure.

[0489] It is to be understood herein that the direction of laminar airflow generated by the airflow source (for example, an airflow source associated with the enclosure) can be along a vertical airflow path (for example, that can be referred to as original airflow path), and the direction in which the airflow directing arrangement(s) direct the airflow can be lateral (sidewards) direction transverse to the vertical direction, thereby changing the direction of the airflow along a modified airflow path (for example, that can be referred to as directed airflow path). In some examples, the direction in which the airflow directing arrangements direct the airflow can be selected according to the orientation of the system and / or components thereof such the airflow is directed towards the regions of interest including the interconnections between the fluid transfer members.

[0490] In the illustrated examples, the direction of transfer of fluid between the container and the fluid transfer assembly is vertical, and thus the direction in which the airflow directing arrangements direct the airflow is a lateral (sidewards) direction transverse to the vertical direction. In some examples, the direction in which the airflow directing arrangements direct the airflow can be selected according to the orientation of the system and / or fluid transfer components thereof such the airflow is directed towards the regions of interest including the interconnections between the fluid transfer members.

[0491] In some examples, any of the airflow directing arrangements can selectively be positioned in (or in vicinity of) a vertical virtual column and interfere with the vertical laminar flow described above with respect to Figs. 1 A to 8 to constitute a non-laminar obstruction. Accordingly, the airflow directing arrangements can be configured to be selectively operated (positioned in operational locations and / or switched ON) and selectively not operated (positioned in resting locations and / or switched OFF or speed of fan lowered) so as not to interfere with the vertical airflow at times when the airflow directing arrangements are not required, for example when the interconnection is not established and / or transfer of fluid is not taking place. The airflow directing arrangements can be controlled in synchronization with other operations of the system by a controller, which can be the system controller or a separate controller.

[0492] Reference is now made to Figs. 10A to 10G, 11A to 11B, and 12A to 12C, illustrating a vial alignment mechanism (interchangeably referred to herein as vial aligner or a container aligner) 172 of a pharmaceutical preparation system 100, according to some embodiments of the presently disclosed subject matter. It is to be understood herein that only a portion of system 100 has been shown herein, and the system 100 of Figs. 10A to 10G, 11 A to 1 IB, and 12A to 12C can include some or all of the features of the system 100 shown in Figs. 1 A-4B and Figs. 6-9A, and or the system 100 shown in Figs. 5A-5B and 9B. The vial aligner can be operable for controllably positioning a container assembly (including only the container or the container together with the container adaptor) with respect to any other components of the system.

[0493] The system 100 described below with reference to Figs. 10A to 10G, 11 A to 1 IB, and 12A to 12C can be any system configured for being operated for performing transfer of fluid between at least one container and at least one fluid transfer assembly, or between two containers, and can be configured to establish an interconnection between the container and the fluid transfer assembly or between the container and a container connector (or adaptor). The interconnection between the container and the fluid transfer assembly or between the container and the container connector has been generally referred to herein as interconnection, whether it be a fluid interconnection (between the container and the fluid transfer assembly), via which transfer of fluid occurs, or not a fluid interconnection (between the container and the container connector).

[0494] The pharmaceutical preparation system 100 of Figs. lOA to 10G, HA to 11B, and 12A to 12C can be configured for being positioned within an enclosure, for example an enclosure 102 described herein above with respect to Figs. 1A and IB. For instance, the enclosure can form a controlled environment, generally a sterile environment facilitated for reducing or preventing exposure of the system 100 to contaminants. In some embodiments, the enclosure can comprise a hood, such as a standard fume hood or a laminar flow hood.

[0495] In some embodiments, the enclosure can comprise a clean room, a bio safety cabinet, an isolator, or any other suitable enclosure in which environmental conditions can be controlled.

[0496] In some embodiments, the system 100 can be positioned in an open, unenclosed, or uncontrolled environment.

[0497] The enclosure can comprise an airflow source operative to generate a flow or stream of air (or any other sterilizing fluid). In some embodiments, the airflow source can be located at a ceiling, or in proximity thereto, of the enclosure and the air can flow along a vertical airflow path towards a base of the enclosure. In some embodiments, the airflow source can be disposed at any location within the enclosure or externally thereto.

[0498] It is to be understood herein that the enclosure and / or the airflow source can operate in the similar manner as described herein above with respect to Figs. 1 A and IB and Figs. 9 A and 9B.

[0499] A vial assembly can comprise a vial and a vial adaptor connected thereto, and a sealed connection between the vial assembly and a fluid transfer assembly (for example a syringe) can require a certain rotational alignment of the vial assembly with respect to the fluid transfer assembly. Accordingly, the vial aligner can be operable to rotate the vial assembly (or in some embodiments, only its connector or adaptor) for aligning the vial assembly according to the fluid transfer assembly.

[0500] In general, a vial alignment mechanism can comprise a first rotary arrangement comprising a first rotation element operable for rotating along a first rotational axis. The first rotation element can be at least indirectly (i.e., either directly or indirectly) associated with the vial assembly and can rotate the vial assembly for aligning the vial assembly. The first rotation element can be constituted by a shaft, rotor, spool, gear arrangement, bar, rod, wheel, or any other equivalent structure operable for rotating about a rotational axis. The first rotary arrangement can comprise a first body at least partially housing the first rotation element. In some embodiments, the body can have a hollow structure within which at least some components of the first rotary arrangement can be housed.

[0501] A vial alignment mechanism can further include a vial assembly holder operatively connected to the first rotation element and operable to hold the vial assembly at least when the vial alignment mechanism aligns the vial assembly. For instance, the vial assembly holder can comprise a holder opening for receiving at least partially therewithin a portion (for example a top portion) of the vial assembly (for example, the vial connector). The vial assembly holder can be so operatively connected to the first rotation element that rotation of the first rotation element can rotate the vial assembly together therewith when the vial assembly is held by the vial assembly holder. For example, the holder opening can comprise at least partially a rotation fixing mechanism for rotationally fixing the top portion of the vial assembly within the holder opening when the top portion of the vial assembly is received within the holder opening, and thus the top portion of the vial assembly can rotate together with the first rotation element.

[0502] In some examples, the vial assembly holder can be operatively connected to the first rotation element so as to rotate therewith, and thus the rotation of the first rotation element can rotate the vial assembly holder, which when holding the vial assembly can rotate the vial assembly together therewith.

[0503] In general, a vial alignment mechanism can comprise a body through-passage passing through at least the first body and the vial assembly holder along the first rotational axis. The body through-passage can coincide at least partially with the holder opening along the first rotational axis. The body through-passage allows the airflow (for example, from the airflow source of the enclosure) to pass through the body of the first rotary arrangement, thereby allowing sterility at the top portion of the vial assembly when the vial assembly is held at the vial alignment mechanism, through the body through- passage. In some embodiments, the body through-passage can be vertical, and thus allowing the vertical airflow to pass therethrough. The body through-passage passes through an upper portion and a lower portion of the body to allow the airflow to pass all through the body to facilitate first contact of the airflow with the top portion of the vial assembly where the interconnection with the fluid transfer assembly is to take place. Thus, the sterility of the system is ensured. In some embodiments, a vial alignment mechanism can comprise a second rotary arrangement comprising a second rotation element operable for rotating along a second rotational axis, spaced from the first rotational axis in a direction transverse to the first rotational axis. Accordingly, the second rotation element can be located remote from the first rotation element. The vial alignment mechanism can further comprise a rotation transfer member operatively connecting the first and second rotation elements with each other, and operable to transfer the rotation of the second rotation element to the first rotation element. For instance, the second rotary arrangement can comprise a driver, for example a motor, for rotating the second rotation element, and the rotation of the second rotation element can be transferred to the first rotation element, causing the first rotation element to rotate, by the rotation transfer member.

[0504] The second rotation element can be constituted by a shaft, rotor, spool, gear arrangement, bar, rod, wheel, or any other equivalent structure operable for rotating about a rotational axis, for example when driven by a driver, such as a motor. The rotation transfer member can be constituted by an elongated member operatively connected to the first and the second rotation elements operable to operable to transfer the rotation of the second rotation element to the first rotation element. The rotation transfer member can be constituted by a belt, band, rope, chain, a cam arrangement, a gear arrangement, or any other equivalent structure operable for transferring the rotation of the second rotation element to the first rotation element.

[0505] Accordingly, the second rotary arrangement and / or the rotation transfer member can constitute an actuator operable for rotating the first rotation element. This facilitates positioning of the bulky structure, for example the motor, remote from the first rotary arrangement, thereby allowing the first rotary arrangement to have a compact structure to allow a laminar flow of air in the region where the vial assembly is positioned, for example for the alignment.

[0506] It is to be understood herein that in some embodiments, the actuator for rotating the first rotation element, for example a motor, can be located at the first rotary arrangement and the laminar flow of air can be allowed by virtue of the body through-passage, as described herein. In such examples, the vial alignment mechanism may not include a second rotary arrangement. In some embodiments, the vial alignment mechanism may not include a body through-passage and the laminar flow of air can be allowed by virtue of the bulky structure, for example the motor, being remote from the first rotary arrangement, which can thus have a compact structure. In some embodiments, the vial alignment mechanism can include both the body through-passage and the second rotary arrangement.

[0507] In the illustrated embodiments, the vial alignment mechanism 172 includes a first rotary arrangement 172 A and a second rotary arrangement 172B. The first rotary arrangement 172A has a first rotation element 173 A rotatable about a first rotational axis RAI and the second rotary arrangement 172B has a second rotation element 173B rotatable about a second rotational axis RA2. The first rotational axis RAI and the second rotational axis RA2 are spaced apart from each other in a direction transverse to the first and second rotational axis RAI and RA2. In the illustrated embodiments, the first rotation element 173 A and the second rotation element 173B include respectively a first rotor

[0508] 173 A and a second rotor 173B, which are operatively connected to each other by a belt

[0509] 174 constituting the rotation transfer member 174. The second rotary arrangement 172B comprises a motor M operatively connected to the second rotor 173B for rotating the second rotor 173B about the second rotational axis RA2. The belt 174 transfers the rotation of the second rotor 173B to the first rotor 173 A. Accordingly, in the illustrated embodiments, the second rotor 173B and the belt 174 constitutes an actuator operable for rotating the first rotor 173 A along the first rotational axis RAI.

[0510] The first rotary arrangement 172A comprises a first body 175A housing therewithin the first rotation element 173 A. A vial assembly holder 176 extends along the first rotational axis RAI from the first body 175A and has a holder opening 176A for receiving therewithin a top portion of the vial assembly, for example the vial assembly VA. The holder opening 176A comprises partially a fixing mechanism 176A-1 for rotationally fixing the top portion of the vial assembly VA within the holder opening 176A when the top portion of the vial assembly VA is received within the holder opening. For instance, a part of the fixing mechanism 176A-1 is formed as a recess 176A-1 A in a bottom surface 176A-2 of the holder opening 176A-1 constituting a first fixing element 176A-1A of the fixing mechanism 176A-1. The recess fixing mechanism 176A-1A is not a circumferential element, i.e., does not extend along at least a majority of the circumference of the holder opening 176A. A second fixing mechanism 176A-1B is formed as a protrusion 176A-1B on the top portion of the vial assembly VA. When the protrusion 176A-1B engages (is received within) the recess 176A-1A, the vial assembly gets rotationally fixed with the vial assembly holder 176. Thus, the rotation of the rotor 173 A causes the vial assembly VA to rotate.

[0511] The protrusion 176A-1B is received within the recess 176A-1A, when either or both of the vial assembly holder 176 and the vial assembly VA is moved towards the other one. In case, a vertical alignment of the protrusion 176A-1B does not match with that of the recess 176A-1A and either or both of the vial assembly holder 176 and the vial assembly VA is moved towards the other one, the protrusion 176A-1B engages the bottom surface 176A-2 and then exerts a force on the vial assembly holder 176 pushing the vial assembly holder 176 upwards against a biasing force of a spring S. The vial alignment mechanism comprises a controller (not shown) operable to sense that the vial assembly holder 176 is pushed upwards, and accordingly rotate the vial assembly holder 176 (for example by rotating the first rotor 173 A via the second rotor 173B). The rotation of the vial assembly holder 176 causes the bottom surface 176A-2 to rotate while sliding against the protrusion 176A-1B. Once, the recess 176A-1A aligns with the protrusion 176A-1B, the vial assembly holder 176 moves downwards by virtue of the biasing force of the spring S, thereby receiving the protrusion 176A-1B into the recess 176A-1A, thereby rotationally fixing the vial assembly VA with the holder opening 176A and thus the vial assembly holder 176.

[0512] In some embodiments, the rotation of the vial assembly holder 176 can be controlled based on image data received from one or more imagers positioned and configured to image the vial assembly and the recess 176A-1A. In an example of use, a current rotational orientation of the vial assembly and the recess 176A-1A is assessed based on an acquired image, the vial assembly holder is then rotated to place the recess directly above the protrusion of the vial assembly.

[0513] In the illustrated example, the vial assembly holder 176 is operatively connected to the first rotor 173 A and is rotatable therewith. Accordingly, the vial assembly holder 176 rotates together with the first rotor 173 A and thus rotates the vial assembly VA when the vial assembly VA is held at the vial assembly holder 176.

[0514] The vial alignment mechanism 172 further comprises a body through-passage BP passing through the first body 175A and the vial assembly holder 176 along the first rotational axis RAI. The body through-passage BP allows the laminar flow of air from a region above the first body 175 A to a region below the first body 175 A through the first body 175A. The body through-passage BP coincides with the holder opening 176A to allow the laminar flow of air to contact the top portion of the vial assembly VA when held at the vial assembly holder 176. In other words, the holder opening 176A defines a portion of the body through-passage BP. In the illustrated embodiments, the body through-passage BP is a vertical passage that passes through both of an upper portion 175A-1 of the first body 175 A and a lower portion 175A-2 of the first body 175 A and includes the first rotational axis RAI therewithin. In other words, in the illustrated embodiments, the body through-passage BP passes through a central portion of the first body 175A and includes the first rotational axis RAI therewithin. Accordingly, the body through-passage BP passes through the first rotor 173 A positioned between the upper portion 175A-1 of the first body 175 A and the lower portion 175A-2 of the first body 175A, i.e., the first rotor 173A is located around the body through-passage BP.

[0515] In the illustrated example, the vial alignment mechanism 172 comprises a rotation transfer member cover 177 at least partially housing the rotation transfer member 174, i.e., the belt 174. The rotation transfer member cover 177 extends at least partially between the first rotary arrangement 172 A and the second rotary arrangement 172B, and comprises three cover through-passages CP passing through the rotation transfer member cover 177 in a direction extending along the first rotational axis RAI. In some embodiments, the rotation transfer member cover 177 can comprise one cover through- passage. In some embodiments, the rotation transfer member cover 177 can comprise more or a lesser number of cover through-passages than three as shown here. The cover through-passage CP allows the laminar flow of air from a region above the rotation transfer member cover 177 to a region below the rotation transfer member cover 177 through the rotation transfer member cover 177.

[0516] In addition to the body through-passage BP and cover through-passage CP, the vial alignment mechanism has a structure that offers minimal resistance to the flow of air in a vertically downward direction. For instance, the first body 175 A has a body top surface 175A-4 having a convex curvature when seen from exterior of the first body 175A. Also, the rotation transfer member cover 177 comprises a cover top surface 177-1 having a convex curvature when seen from exterior of the rotation transfer member cover 177. The convex top surfaces have curved edges with the corresponding side surfaces, which allows improved aerodynamics around the vial alignment mechanism 172 by offering minimal resistance to the flow of air in a vertically downward direction. In the illustrated embodiments, the rotation transfer member 174, i.e., the belt 174, comprises a first member portion 174A, i.e., a first belt portion 174A, and a second member portion 174B, i.e., a second belt portion 174B. Both the first and second belt portions 174 A and 174B extend at least partially between the first rotary arrangement 172A and the second rotary arrangement 172B. The rotation transfer member cover 177 comprises a first cover portion 177A housing the first member portion 174A and a second cover portion 177B spaced apart from the first cover portion 177A and housing the second member portion 174B. The first and second cover portions 177A and 177B being spaced apart from each other provides a space for the cover through-passage CP being positioned therebetween. In the illustrated embodiments, the first and second cover portions 177A and 177B are connected to each other by connecting beams 177C providing strength to the rotation transfer member cover 177.

[0517] It is to be understood herein that any one or both of the first and second cover portions 177A and 177B can be integrally formed with, or mounted to, or unitarily formed with at least a part of the first body 175 A.

[0518] In general, the holder opening can be moveable with respect to the first body in a direction transverse to the first rotational axis. In some embodiments, the horizontal movement of the holder opening can be achieved by virtue of the vial assembly holder being moveable with respect to the first body in the direction transverse to the first rotational axis. In some embodiments, the horizontal movement of the holder opening and / or the vial assembly holder can be achieved by virtue of the first rotation element being moveable with respect to the first body in the direction transverse to the first rotational axis.

[0519] The horizontal movement of the holder opening allows a degree of freedom to the holder opening along a direction transverse to the first rotational axis that facilitates effective alignment of: the holder opening with respect to the vial assembly, for example while the vial assembly is being fitted into the holder opening, and / or the holder opening together with the vial assembly, for example while the vial assembly is being aligned.

[0520] In general, the vial assembly holder can comprise at least one holder connection arm connected at least indirectly to the first rotation element, and a holding portion extending from the at least one holder connection arm and comprising the holder opening.

[0521] In the illustrated embodiments, the vial assembly holder 176 comprises two holder connection arms 176-1 extending from the first body 175A along the first rotational axis RAI. The holder connection arms 176-1 are connected indirectly to the first rotor 173 A and are rotatable therewith. A holding portion 176-2 extends from and connects the holder connection arms 176-1, and includes the holder opening 176A.

[0522] The first rotor 173A is spaced apart from an interior wall 175A-3 of the first body 175A along the direction transverse to the first rotational axis RAI . The space SP between the first rotor 173A and the interior wall 175A-3 of the first body 175A allows the movement of the first rotor 173A within the first body 175A in the direction transverse to the first rotational axis RAI, thereby allowing the above-described horizontal movement of the vial assembly holder 176 and the holder opening 176A.

[0523] It is to be understood herein that in the illustrated embodiments, the second rotary arrangement is positioned within a central structure of the system 100, thereby not contributing to any obstructions to the laminar airflow. In some embodiments, the second rotary arrangement can be positioned within a respective body separate of the central structure of the system 100. In addition, the central structure has a top surface which is convex when seen from exterior of the central structure of the system 100.

[0524] Reference is now made to Figs. 13 A to 13F illustrating a fluid transfer station 224 of a pharmaceutical preparation system 100, according to some embodiments of the presently disclosed subject matter. It is to be understood herein that only a portion of system 100 has been shown herein, and the system 100 of Figs. 13 A to 13F can include some or all of the features of the system 100 shown in Figs. 1A-4B, Figs. 6-9A, and or the system 100 shown in Figs. 5A-5B and 9B.

[0525] The fluid transfer station 224 corresponds to the container receiving module 124 described herein above and can include some or all of the features thereof. For example, the fluid transfer station 224 includes a fluid interface portion 234 that corresponds to the fluid interface portion 134 described herein above and can include all of some of the features of the fluid interface portion 134 described herein above, and accordingly, the description of the fluid interface portion 134 provided herein above can apply to the fluid transfer station 224 as well.

[0526] The system 100 described below with reference to Figs. 13 A to 13F can be any system configured for being operated for performing transfer of fluid between at least one container and at least one fluid transfer assembly, or between two containers, and can be configured to establish an interconnection between the container and the fluid transfer assembly or between the container and a container connector (or adaptor). The interconnection between the container and the fluid transfer assembly or between the container and the container connector has been generally referred to herein as interconnection, whether it be a fluid interconnection (between the container and the fluid transfer assembly), via which transfer of fluid occurs, or not a fluid interconnection (between the container and the container connector). In some embodiments, the system 100 described below with reference to Figs. 13 A to 13F can be any pharmaceutical preparation system operable for transferring fluid between one or more containers via corresponding one or more container-adaptors and a fluid transfer assembly.

[0527] The pharmaceutical preparation system 100 of Figs. 13A to 13F can be configured for being positioned within an enclosure, for example an enclosure 102 described herein above with respect to Figs. 1 A and IB. For instance, the enclosure can form a controlled environment, generally a sterile environment facilitated for reducing or preventing exposure of the system 100 to contaminants. In some embodiments, the enclosure can comprise a hood, such as a standard fume hood or a laminar flow hood.

[0528] In some embodiments, the enclosure can comprise a clean room, a bio safety cabinet, an isolator, or any other suitable enclosure in which environmental conditions can be controlled. In some embodiments, the system 100 can be positioned in an open, unenclosed, or uncontrolled environment.

[0529] The enclosure can comprise an airflow source operative to generate a flow or stream of air (or any other sterilizing fluid). In some embodiments, the airflow source can be located at a ceiling, or in proximity thereto, of the enclosure and the air can flow along a vertical airflow path towards a base of the enclosure. In some embodiments, the airflow source can be disposed at any location within the enclosure or externally thereto.

[0530] It is to be understood herein that the enclosure and / or the airflow source can operate in the similar manner as described herein above with respect to Figs. 1 A and IB and Figs. 9 A and 9B.

[0531] In general, a fluid transfer station can comprise an IV bag support unit having a unit base and an IV bag support panel operatively connected to the unit base. The unit base can be operable to mount the fluid transfer station within the system, for example to a platform 120 of the system. The IV bag support panel can comprise an IV bag support surface for at least partially supporting thereupon an IV bag. The IV bag can constitute a first container (of the one or more containers) to be involved in the transfer of fluid by the system. The IV bag support surface can be operable for supporting thereupon an IV bag at least during the transfer of fluid between the IV bag and the fluid transfer assembly, for example a syringe assembly.

[0532] The fluid transfer station can have (extend in) a horizontal X-axis and a horizontal Y-axis. The IV bag support panel can have a projection on a horizontal XY plane including the X-axis and the Y-axis. The projection can have a first maximal dimension along the X-axis and a second maximal dimension along the Y-axis. A material area occupied by a projection of a material of the IV bag support panel within the projection of the IV bag support panel on the XY plane can be at most half of a total area occupied by a virtual rectangle having two dimensions equal to the first maximal dimension and the second maximal dimension. For instance, the virtual rectangle having two dimensions equal to the first maximal dimension and the second maximal dimension can define a total area of the projection of the IV bag support panel on the horizontal XY plane. The material (of the structure) of the IV bag support panel can define the material area within the projection of the IV bag support panel on the horizontal XY plane. The remaining area of the projection (other than the material area) can correspond to portions of the IV bag support panel without (or free of) the material.

[0533] In some embodiments, the material area occupied by the projection of the material of the IV bag support panel within the projection of the IV bag support panel on the XY plane can be at most one-third of the total area occupied by the virtual rectangle. In some embodiments, the material area occupied by the projection of the material of the IV bag support panel within the projection of the IV bag support panel on the XY plane can be at most one-fourth of the total area occupied by the virtual rectangle. In some embodiments, the material area occupied by the projection of the material of the IV bag support panel within the projection of the IV bag support panel on the XY plane can be at most one-fifth of the total area occupied by the virtual rectangle. In some embodiments, the material area occupied by the projection of the material of the IV bag support panel within the projection of the IV bag support panel on the XY plane can be at most one- sixth of the total area occupied by the virtual rectangle.

[0534] The material area being smaller than the total area signifies that the IV bag support panel has material-free portions that allow the vertical laminar airflow to pass through the IV bag support panel, thereby offering minimal obstructions to the laminar airflow. For example, the IV bag support panel can comprise one or more panel through-passages passing through the IV bag support panel in a direction transverse the IV bag support surface. The panel through-passages allow the vertical laminar airflow to pass through the IV bag support panel.

[0535] In some embodiments, the IV bag support surface can have a surface area constituted by an area of a material of the IV bag support panel in a surface plane of the IV bag support surface. Each one of the one or more panel through-passage can have a corresponding passage area in the surface plane. All the passage areas of the one or more panel through-passages collectively (sum of all the passage areas) constitute a total passage area in the surface plane. The total passage area can be larger than the surface area. A sum of the total passage area and the surface area can constitute a total panel area of the IV bag support panel in the surface plane. In some embodiments, the total passage area can be at least 60 percent of the total panel area. In some embodiments, the total passage area can be at least 75 percent of the total panel area. In some embodiments, the total passage area can be at least 50 percent of the total panel area. In some embodiments, the total passage area can be at least 65 percent of the total panel area. In some embodiments, the total passage area can be at least 70 percent of the total panel area. In some embodiments, the total passage area can be at least 80 percent of the total panel area. In some embodiments, the total passage area can be at least 85 percent of the total panel area. In some embodiments, the total passage area can be at least 90 percent of the total panel area. In some embodiments, the total passage area can be at least 95 percent of the total panel area.

[0536] It is to be understood herein that in some embodiments, the total panel area in the surface plane can correspond to the total area of the projection of the IV bag support panel on the XY plane, the area of the material of the IV bag support panel in the surface plane of the IV bag support surface can correspond to the material area occupied by the projection of the material of the IV bag support panel within the projection of the IV bag support panel on the XY plane, and the total passage area in the surface plane can correspond to the remaining area of the projection (other than the material area) of the IV bag support panel on the XY plane.

[0537] In the illustrated embodiments, the fluid transfer station 224 comprises an IV bag support unit 225 having a unit base 226 and an IV bag support panel 228 operatively connected to the unit base 226. The IV bag support panel 228 comprises an IV bag support surface 229 for at least partially supporting thereupon an IV bag, for example during the transfer of fluid between the IV bag and the fluid transfer assembly, for example a syringe assembly.

[0538] The IV bag support panel 228 casts a projection 230 on the horizontal XY plane 231. The projection 230 has a first maximal dimension MD1 along the X-axis and a second maximal dimension MD2 along the Y-axis. A virtual rectangle 232 having dimensions MD1 and MD2 occupies a total area ARI of the projection 230. The material of the IV bag support panel 228 occupies material area AR2 within the projection 230. The remaining area AR3 is equal to the total area ARI minus material area AR2. The material AR2 is at most half of the total area ARI .

[0539] In the illustrated embodiments, the IV bag support panel 228 comprises four panel through-passages 233 passing through the IV bag support panel in a direction transverse the IV bag support surface 229. The IV bag support surface 229 defines a surface plane, i.e., a plane in which the IV bag support surface 229 extends. It is to be understood herein that in some embodiments, the surface plane can be curved. The IV bag support surface 229 has a surface area AR4 constituted by an area of a material of the IV bag support panel 228 in the surface plane. Each one of the panel through-passages 233 has a corresponding passage area in the surface plane, collectively constituting a total passage area AR5. A sum of the total passage area AR5 and the surface area AR4 constitutes a total panel area AR6 of the IV bag support panel 229 in the surface plane. The total passage area AR5 is larger than the surface area AR4, and the total passage area AR5 is at least 60 percent of the total panel area AR6.

[0540] In the illustrated embodiments, the total panel area AR6 in the surface plane can corresponds to the total area ARI, the surface area AR4 corresponds to the material area AR2, and the total passage area AR5 corresponds to the remaining area AR3.

[0541] In general, fluid transfer station can comprise a base-panel connection arrangement operable for operatively connecting the IV bag support panel to the unit base. In some embodiments, the base-panel connection arrangement can be operable to detachably connect the unit base and the IV bag support panel. The base-panel connection arrangement can include a quick-fit and / or quick-release connection arrangement, which can have any structure including snap-fit arrangement, snug-fit arrangement, magnetic arrangement, electrical arrangement, threaded connection arrangement, or equivalents of these structures suitable to allow detachable connection between the IV bag support panel and the unit base. For instance, the base-panel connection arrangement can comprise a base connection part associated with the unit base and a panel connection part associated with the IV bag support panel. The base connection part and the panel connection part can be operable to connect to each other. In some embodiments, the base connection part and the panel connection part can be operable to detachably connect to each other.

[0542] In the illustrated embodiments, the fluid transfer station 224 comprises a base-panel connection arrangement 235 having a base connection part 235 A associated with the unit base 226 and a panel connection part 235B associated with the IV bag support panel 228. The base connection part 235 A and the panel connection part 235B are operable to detachably connect to each other. For instance, the base connection part 235 A, formed as a protrusion 235 A, is received within the panel connection part 235B, formed as a recess 235B.

[0543] The fluid transfer station 224 further comprises a panel aligner 236 operable to align the IV bag support panel 228 with respect to the unit base 226, for example during connection of the IV bag support panel 228 to the unit base 226. The panel aligner 236 comprises a first aligner part 236A associated with the unit base 226 and a second aligner part 236B associated with the IV bag support panel 228. The first aligner part 236 A engages the second aligner part 236B and assures a required alignment of the IV bag support panel 228 with the unit base 226. In some embodiments, the panel aligner 236 can contribute to the connection of the IV bag support panel 228 with the unit base 226.

[0544] Reference is now made to Figs. 14A to 14D illustrating four examples of an IV bag support panel. It is to be understood herein that any one of the examples of the IV bag support panel illustrated in Figs. 14A to 14D can be used with any of the fluid transfer stations described herein.

[0545] According to the example shown in Fig. 14 A, the structure of IV bag support panel comprises a wire mesh 16-1 being formed of wires 16-1’ having see-through windows between the intersections of the wires 16-1’. The wires 16-1’ can have any thickness, cross-sectional shape, density of wires, or structure suitable to allow the IV bag to be positioned thereupon. For instance, the wire mesh 16-1 comprises an IV bag support surface 16-1 A constituted collectively by the top surfaces of the wires 16-1’ for positioning thereupon the IV bag. The outermost wires can constitute a frame F. The see- through windows 16-1’ are empty, i.e., without any material, and accordingly, allow air to flow therethrough in a laminar flow. According to the example shown in Fig. 14B, the structure of IV bag support panel comprises a grid-like framework 16-2 being formed of horizontal and vertical grid bars 16-2’ having see-through windows between the intersections of the grid bars 16-2’. The grid bars 16-2’ can have any thickness, cross-sectional shape, density or number of grid bars, or structure suitable to allow the IV bag to be positioned thereupon. For instance, the grid-like framework 16-2 comprises an IV bag support surface 16-2 A constituted collectively by the top surfaces of the grid bars 16-2’ for positioning thereupon the IV bag. The outermost horizontal and vertical grid bars 16-2 can constitute a frame F. The see-through windows between the intersections of the grid bars 16-2’are empty, i.e., without any material, and accordingly, allow air to flow therethrough in a laminar flow.

[0546] According to the example shown in Fig. 14C, the structure of IV bag support panel comprises a frame F being formed of bars 16-3’ having a see-through window between the frame F. The frame F can be made of single bar formed into the frame F or by connecting multiple bars forming the frame F. The bars 16-3’ can have any thickness, cross-sectional shape, or structure suitable to allow the IV bag to be positioned thereupon. For instance, the frame F comprises an IV bag support surface 16-3A constituted collectively by the top surfaces of the bars 16-3’ for positioning thereupon the IV bag. The dimensions of the top surface of the bars 16-3’ can be selected according to the requirements of the IV bag support surface. The see-through window between the frame is empty, i.e., without any material, and accordingly, allows air to flow therethrough in a laminar flow.

[0547] According to the example shown in Fig. 14D, the structure of IV bag support panel comprises a frame F being formed of bars 16-4’ having see-through windows between the bars 16-4’. The frame F can be made from a single piece of material (monolithic) formed into the frame F or by connecting multiple bars forming the frame F. The bars 16- 4’ can have any thickness, cross-sectional shape, or structure suitable to allow the IV bag to be positioned thereupon. For instance, the frame F comprises an IV bag support surface 16-4A constituted collectively by the top surfaces of the bars 16-4’ for positioning thereupon the IV bag. The dimensions of the top surface of the bars 16-4’ can be selected according to the requirements of the IV bag support surface. The see-through windows between the bars 16-4’ are empty, i.e., without any material, and accordingly, allow air to flow therethrough in a laminar flow. In some examples, the IV bag support panel can allow visibility through at least a majority of area covered by the IV bag support panel in a plane parallel to the IV bag support surface, which in the illustrated examples is the plane of the paper. The IV bag support panel allowing visibility therethrough enables the visibility of the components disposed behind the IV bag support panel.

[0548] Reference is now made to Figs. 15A to 15H illustrating a fluid transfer station 10 of a pharmaceutical preparation system, according to some embodiments of the presently disclosed subject matter. It is to be understood herein that the fluid transfer station 10 can be used in any of the pharmaceutical preparation systems described according to various examples herein above. For example, a pharmaceutical preparation system can be any pharmaceutical preparation system operable for transferring fluid between one or more containers via corresponding one or more container-adaptors and a fluid transfer assembly. A pharmaceutical preparation system can be configured for being positioned within an enclosure, for example according to any one of the enclosures described herein above. An enclosure can comprise an airflow source operative to generate a laminar flow or stream of air (or any other sterilizing fluid). In some examples, the airflow source can be located at a ceiling, or in proximity thereto, of the enclosure and the air can flow along a vertical airflow path towards a base of the enclosure. In some embodiments, the airflow source can be disposed at any location within the enclosure or externally thereto. It is to be understood herein that the enclosure and / or the airflow source can operate in the similar manner as described herein above with respect to Figs. 1 A and IB and Figs. 9A and 9B.

[0549] The fluid transfer station 10 corresponds to the container receiving module 124 and the fluid transfer station 224 described herein above and can include some or all of the features thereof. For example, an adaptor holder of the fluid transfer station 10 corresponds to the fluid interface portion 234 and the fluid interface portion 134 described herein above and can include all of some of the features thereof, and accordingly, the description of the fluid interface portion 134 provided herein above can apply to the fluid transfer station 10 as well.

[0550] In general, the fluid transfer station 10 can comprise a container support unit for at least partially supporting a container, for example, during transfer of fluid between said container and another container. The container can be an IV bag, elastomeric pump, vial, or any other generally known container used in drug preparation procedures. The container support unit can include one or more features of various examples of the container support units of the fluid transfer stations described herein above, and the corresponding description of the container support unit and components thereof applies to the container support unit of the fluid transfer station 10 described below.

[0551] In general, the fluid transfer station 10 can further comprise an adaptor holder associated with the container support unit and configured for at least partially holding a container-adaptor in fluid communication with the container, at least during the transfer of fluid. The adaptor holder can include one or more features of various examples of the adaptor holders or fluid interface portions described herein above, and the corresponding description thereof applies to the adaptor holder of the fluid transfer station 10 described below.

[0552] In general, the adaptor holder comprises a holder protruding portion protruding from the container support unit. The holder protruding portion has a maximum widthdimension along the X-axis and a maximum depth-dimension along the Y-axis, and a material area occupied by a projection of a material of the holder protruding portion on an XY plane including the X-axis and the Y-axis is at most half of a space area occupied by a virtual rectangle having two dimensions equal to the maximum depth-dimension and the maximum width-dimension respectively.

[0553] It is to be understood herein that a maximum dimension along an axis is a distance between two planes perpendicular to that axis and including the corresponding maximal extent points along that axis. For instance, the maximum width-dimension of the protruding portion along the X-axis is a distance between two YZ planes (perpendicular to the X-axis) including corresponding two maximal extent points of the protruding portion along the X-axis. Similarly, the maximum depth-dimension of the protruding portion along the Y-axis is a distance between two XZ planes (perpendicular to the Y- axis) including corresponding two maximal extent points of the protruding portion along the Y-axis.

[0554] In some examples, the material area occupied by the projection of the material of the holder protruding portion on the XY plane can be at most two-third, one-third, one- fourth, one-fifth, one-sixth of the space area occupied by the virtual rectangle. The conditions of above-specified ratio of the material area occupied by the projection of the material of the holder protruding portion on the XY plane and the space area occupied by the virtual rectangle can be fulfilled at the blocking as well as unblocking state of the adaptor holder.

[0555] The above-specified ratio of the material area occupied by the projection of the material of the holder protruding portion on the XY plane and the space area occupied by the virtual rectangle allows a laminar flow of air through the adaptor holder, especially at the fluid interface region. For instance, the enclosure in which the fluid transfer system can be positioned, can comprise an airflow source operative to generate a flow or stream of air (or any other sterilizing fluid). In some examples, the airflow source can be located at a ceiling of the enclosure, or in proximity thereto and the air flows along a vertical airflow path towards a base or floor of the enclosure. In some examples, the airflow source can be disposed at any location within the enclosure or externally thereto. For example, an airflow source disposed along lateral walls of the enclosure can generate an airflow along a horizonal axis.

[0556] The airflow is generated by the airflow source as to sterilize the enclosure volume and the surfaces of the fluid transfer system by removing contaminants accumulated on those surfaces. The contaminants are captured by the airflow and flushed thereby along the airflow path. The contaminants may include hazardous fluids, fumes, vapors, gases, dust and / or any other unsterile substance. Efficient removal of the contaminants is performed by an airflow stream, free of turbulence or with minimal turbulence or in other words by a laminar airflow, so as to ensure the contaminates are flushed by the airflow away from the fluid transfer system. Laminar airflow may be generally described as a flow of fluid in which fluid moves in separate layers where one layer slides past the adjacent layers, as opposed to turbulent flow, where the fluid layers undergo intermixing. Laminar airflow may be referred to as a streamline airflow. Laminar airflow is facilitated where the airflow path is free or with minimal nonlaminar obstructions (obstructions that can disturb the laminarity of the airflow).

[0557] It is further noted that the term “laminar airflow” disclosed herein and its declensions, includes airflow patterns which are majorly laminar, which may include in some embodiments, at least 50% laminar airflow; in some embodiments, the majorly laminar airflow includes at least 60% laminar airflow; in some embodiments, the majorly laminar airflow includes at least 70% laminar airflow; in some embodiments, the majorly laminar airflow includes at least 80% laminar airflow; in some embodiments, the majorly laminar airflow includes at least 90% laminar airflow; in some embodiments, the majorly laminar airflow includes at least 95% laminar airflow, subranges and discrete values thereof.

[0558] In accordance of the above, it is to be understood herein that above-specified ratio of the material area occupied by the projection of the material of the holder protruding portion on the XY plane and the space area occupied by the virtual rectangle allows efficient removal of contaminations by a vertical airflow, especially in the fluid interface region where the transfer of fluid is performed. In some examples, a top surface of the holder protruding portion, i.e., a surface that faces upwards, can have curved edges to allow smooth flow of air at the edges.

[0559] In some examples, the holder protruding portion can have a maximum heightdimension along the Z-axis, and a material volume occupied by a material of the holder protruding portion can be at most half of a space volume occupied by a virtual cuboid having three dimensions equal to the maximum depth-dimension, the maximum widthdimension, and the maximum height-dimension respectively. The maximum heightdimension of the protruding portion along the Z-axis is a distance between two XY planes (perpendicular to the Z-axis) including corresponding two maximal extent points of the protruding portion along the Z-axis.

[0560] In the illustrated example, the adaptor holder 20 comprises a holder protruding portion 60 protruding from the container support unit 12. The holder protruding portion 60 is constituted by a hanger element 22, a blocking element 24, and parts of hanger connection portion 26 and blocking element connection portion 28 that protrude outwardly from the connector support unit 12.

[0561] In the unblocking state of the adaptor holder 20, the blocking element 24 does not overlap with a container receiving region 23, defined by the hanger element 22, when seen along the Z-axis, which is the direction of insertion and removal of a containeradaptor, for example a spike adaptor, into and from the container receiving region 23. Thus, the container-adaptor can be inserted into the container receiving region 23 along the Z-axis by lowering the container-adaptor along the vertically downward direction and can be removed from the container receiving region 23 along the Z-axis by lifting the container-adaptor along the vertically upward direction, for example, because the blocking element 24 does not obstruct the path of insertion and removal of the containeradaptor along the Z-axis. In the blocking state of the adaptor holder 20, the blocking element 24 overlaps with the container receiving region 23 when seen along the Z-axis, which is the direction of insertion and removal of the container-adaptor into and from the container receiving region 23. Thus, the container-adaptor cannot be removed from (as well as inserted into) the container receiving region 23 along the Z-axis, for example, because the blocking element 24 obstructs the path of insertion and removal of the container-adaptor along the Z-axis, and restricts the movement of the container-adaptor along the Z-axis. Accordingly, the container-adaptor is locked in the adaptor holder 20.

[0562] In some examples, the adaptor holder 20 can comprise an actuator (not shown) operatively connected to at least one of the hanger element and the blocking element, and operable to move the at least one of the hanger element and the blocking element for manipulating the adaptor holder between the blocking and unblocking states. In some examples, the adaptor holder 20 can comprise a processing circuitry (not shown) operatively connected to the actuator and configured to control the operation of the actuator to manipulate the adaptor holder between the blocking and unblocking states.

[0563] The holder protruding portion 60 has the maximum width-dimension W along the X-axis and a maximum depth-dimension D along the Y-axis. The material area A’ l (shaded in Figs. 15B and 15D) occupied by the projection P of a material of the holder protruding portion 60 on the XY plane 62 is less than half of the space area A’2 (D multiplied by W) occupied by the virtual rectangle 64 having two dimensions equal to the maximum depth-dimension D and the maximum width-dimension W respectively.

[0564] The maximum width-dimension W of the protruding portion 60 along the X-axis is the distance between two YZ planes YZ-1 and YZ-2 including corresponding two maximal extent points 60A of the protruding portion 60 along the X-axis. The maximum depth-dimension D of the protruding portion along the Y-axis is a distance between two XZ planes XZ-1 and XZ-2 including corresponding two maximal extent points 60B of the protruding portion 60 along the Y-axis. The maximum height-dimension H of the protruding portion along the Z-axis is the distance between two XY planes XY-1 and XY- 2 including corresponding two maximal extent points 60C of the protruding portion 60 along the Z-axis. The material volume VI occupied by a material of the holder protruding portion 60 is about half of the space volume V2 occupied by the virtual cuboid 66 having three dimensions equal to the maximum depth-dimension D, the maximum widthdimension W, and the maximum height-dimension H, respectively. As can be best seen in Figs. 15G and 15H, the hanger connection portion 26 overlaps the blocking element connection portion 28 when seen in a direction along the Z-axis, so to offer minimum resistance to the laminar airflow. Also, the top surface 61 of the holder protruding portion 60 has curved edges 61 A to allow smooth flow of air at the edges 61 A.

[0565] While various inventive examples have been described and illustrated herein, those of ordinary skill in the art will readily envision a variety of other means, materials, or structure for performing the function, obtaining the results, or one or more of the advantages described herein, and each of such variations or modifications is deemed to be within the scope of the inventive examples described herein. More generally, those skilled in the art will readily appreciate that all parameters, dimensions, materials, and configurations described herein are meant to be for example only and that the actual parameters, dimensions, materials, and configurations will depend upon the specific application or applications for which the inventive teachings is / are used. Those skilled in the art will recognize or be able to ascertain using no more than routine experimentation, many equivalents to the specific inventive examples described herein. It is, therefore, to be understood that the foregoing examples are presented by way of example only and that, within the scope of the appended claims, equivalents thereto, and any claims supported by the present disclosure, inventive examples may be practiced otherwise than as specifically described and claimed. Inventive examples of the present disclosure are directed to each individual feature, system, article, material, composition, kit, method, and step, described herein. In addition, any combination of two or more such features, systems, articles, materials, compositions, kits, methods, and steps, if such features, systems, articles, materials, compositions, kits, methods, and steps, are not mutually inconsistent, is included within the inventive scope of the present disclosure.

[0566] Examples disclosed herein may also be combined with one or more features, functionality, or materials, as well as complete systems, devices or methods, to yield yet other examples and inventions. Moreover, some examples, may be distinguishable from the prior art by specifically lacking one and / or another feature disclosed in the particular prior art reference(s); i.e., claims to some examples may be distinguishable from the prior art by including one or more negative limitations.

[0567] Also, as noted, various inventive concepts may be embodied as one or more methods, of which an example has been provided. The acts performed as part of the method may be ordered in any suitable way. Accordingly, examples may be constructed in which acts are performed in an order different than illustrated, which may include performing some acts simultaneously, even though shown as sequential acts in illustrative examples.

[0568] Any and all references to publications or other documents, including but not limited to, patents, patent applications, articles, webpages, books, etc., presented anywhere in the present application, are herein incorporated by reference in their entirety. Moreover, all definitions, as defined and used herein, should be understood to control over dictionary definitions, definitions in documents incorporated by reference, and ordinary meanings of the defined terms.

[0569] The indefinite articles “a” and “an,” as used herein in the specification and in the claims, unless clearly indicated to the contrary, should be understood to mean “at least one.”

[0570] The phrase “and / or,” as used herein in the specification and in the claims, should be understood to mean “either or both” of the elements so conjoined, i.e., elements that are conjunctively present in some cases and disjunctively present in other cases. Multiple elements listed with “and / or” should be construed in the same fashion, i.e., “one or more” of the elements so conjoined. Other elements may optionally be present other than the elements specifically identified by the “and / or” clause, whether related or unrelated to those elements specifically identified. Thus, as a non-limiting example, a reference to “A and / or B”, when used in conjunction with open-ended language such as “comprising” can refer, in one example, to A only (optionally including elements other than B); in another example, to B only (optionally including elements other than A); in yet another example, to both A and B (optionally including other elements); etc.

[0571] As used herein in the specification and in the claims, “or” should be understood to have the same meaning as “and / or” as defined above. For example, when separating items in a list, “or” or “and / or” shall be interpreted as being inclusive, i.e., the inclusion of at least one, but also including more than one, of a number or list of elements, and, optionally, additional unlisted items. Only terms clearly indicated to the contrary, such as “only one of’ or “exactly one of,” or, when used in the claims, “consisting of,” will refer to the inclusion of exactly one element of a number or list of elements. In general, the term “or” as used herein shall only be interpreted as indicating exclusive alternatives (i.e. “one or the other but not both”) when preceded by terms of exclusivity, such as “either,” “one of,” “only one of,” or “exactly one of.” “Consisting essentially of,” when used in the claims, shall have its ordinary meaning as used in the field of patent law.

[0572] As used herein in the specification and in the claims, the phrase “at least one,” in reference to a list of one or more elements, should be understood to mean at least one element selected from any one or more of the elements in the list of elements, but not necessarily including at least one of each and every element specifically listed within the list of elements and not excluding any combinations of elements in the list of elements. This definition also allows that elements may optionally be present other than the elements specifically identified within the list of elements to which the phrase “at least one” refers, whether related or unrelated to those elements specifically identified. Thus, as a non-limiting example, “at least one of A and B” (or, equivalently, “at least one of A or B,” or, equivalently “at least one of A and / or B”) can refer, in one example, to at least one, optionally including more than one, A, with no B present (and optionally including elements other than B); in another example, to at least one, optionally including more than one, B, with no A present (and optionally including elements other than A); in yet another example, to at least one, optionally including more than one, A, and at least one, optionally including more than one, B (and optionally including other elements); etc.

[0573] In the claims, as well as in the specification above, all transitional phrases such as “comprising,” “including,” “carrying,” “having,” “containing,” “involving,” “holding,” “composed of,” and the like are to be understood to be open-ended, i.e., to mean including but not limited to. Only the transitional phrases “consisting of’ and “consisting essentially of’ shall be closed or semi-closed transitional phrases, respectively.

[0574] Although various example embodiments have been described in detail herein, however, in view of the present disclosure many modifications are possible in the example embodiments without materially departing from the concepts of present disclosure. Accordingly, any such modifications are intended to be included in the scope of this disclosure. Likewise, while the disclosure herein contains many specific combinations, these specific combinations should not be construed as limiting the scope of the disclosure or of any of the appended claims, but are provided as a description pertinent to one or more specific embodiments that may fall within the scope of the disclosure and the appended claims. Any described features from the various embodiments disclosed may be employed in combination with other disclosed embodiments. In addition, other embodiments of the present disclosure may also be devised which lie within the scopes of the disclosure and the appended claims.

[0575] This disclosure provides various examples, embodiments, and features which, unless expressly stated or which would be mutually exclusive, should be understood to be combinable with other examples, embodiments, or features described herein.

Claims

CLAIMS1. A pharmaceutical preparation system configured for being positioned within an enclosure and for being operated for performing transfer of fluid between at least one container and at least one fluid transfer assembly while being positioned therewithin, said enclosure comprising an airflow source operative to generate an airflow along a vertical airflow path, said pharmaceutical preparation system having a vertical axis that extends along the vertical airflow path when the system is positioned within the enclosure and comprising: at least one platform comprising a platform upper surface; at least one container-receiving module configured to receive the container, the container-receiving module comprising a main body and a fluid interface portion configured to accommodate a fluid transfer element of the container for said transfer of fluid to be performed therethrough, the main body being positioned at least partially vertically above the platform upper surface and at least a part of the fluid interface portion extending from the main body away from the platform upper surface in a direction transverse to the vertical axis; and a virtual vertical column extending along the vertical axis and including the fluid interface portion, wherein when the pharmaceutical preparation system is positioned within the enclosure and the airflow is being generated, said vertical virtual column at least partially defines a portion of said airflow path, said vertical virtual column comprising an upper column portion extending above the fluid interface portion and a lower column portion extending below the fluid interface portion, at least said upper column portion being at least selectively free of nonlaminar obstructions at least along the vertical axis.

2. The system according to claim 1, wherein a maximal dimension of the virtual vertical column in a horizontal plane is equal to a maximal dimension of a projection of the fluid interface portion on the horizontal plane.

3. The system according to claim 1, wherein a maximal dimension of the virtual vertical column in a horizontal plane is greater than a maximal dimension of a projection of the fluid interface portion on the horizontal plane.

4. The system according to claim 3, wherein the maximal dimension of the virtual vertical column in the horizontal plane is about 10 to 20 percent greater than the maximal dimension of the projection of the fluid interface portion on the horizontal plane.

5. The system according to claim 1, wherein a maximal dimension of the virtual vertical column in a horizontal plane is smaller than a maximal dimension of a projection of the fluid interface portion in the horizontal plane.

6. The system according to claim 5, wherein the maximal dimension of the virtual vertical column in the horizontal plane is about 10 to 20 percent smaller than the maximal dimension of the projection of the fluid interface portion in the horizontal plane.

7. The system according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein a shape of the virtual vertical column in a horizontal plane is the same as a shape of a projection of the fluid interface portion on the horizontal plane.

8. The system according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein a vertical dimension of the virtual vertical column is equal to a maximal vertical dimension of the system.

9. The system according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein a vertical dimension of the virtual vertical column is smaller than a maximal vertical dimension of the system.

10. The system according to claim 9, wherein the vertical dimension of the virtual vertical column is about 10 to 20 percent smaller than the maximal vertical dimension of the system.

11. The system according to any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein the virtual vertical column allows a laminar airflow through the portion of the airflow path defined thereby.

12. The system according to claim 11, wherein the nonlaminar obstructions include obstructions configured to cause the laminar airflow to be nonlaminar, when said obstructions are positioned within the airflow path.- I l l -13. The system according to any one of claims 1 to 12, wherein at least 80 percent of said virtual vertical column being at least selectively free of said nonlaminar obstructions at least along the vertical axis.

14. The system according to any one of claims 1 to 13, further comprising at least one fluid transfer component constituting at least partially said nonlaminar obstructions and operable for performing said transfer of fluid, said at least one component being configured to move with respect to the container-receiving module and to be selectively at least partially positioned within the virtual vertical column.

15. The system according to claim 14, wherein the at least one fluid transfer component comprises a manipulator for manipulating said fluid transfer assembly.

16. The system according to claim 14 or 15, wherein the at least one fluid transfer component is configured to at least partially be positioned within the virtual vertical column during said transfer of fluid at said fluid interface portion.

17. The system according to claim 16, wherein a majority of said virtual vertical column is free of said nonlaminar obstructions when the at least one fluid transfer component moves out of the virtual vertical column.

18. The system according to any one of claims 14 to 17, wherein the fluid transfer component is configured to be at least partially positioned within one of the upper column portion and the lower column portion during said transfer of fluid, while the other one of the upper column portion and the lower column portion is free of the nonlaminar obstructions.

19. The system according to claim 18, wherein the other one of the upper column portion and the lower column portion is free of the nonlaminar obstructions during the entire duration of the transfer of fluid.

20. The system according to claim 18 or 19, wherein the other of the upper column portion and the lower column portion is free of the nonlaminar obstructions during the entire operation of the system.

21. The system according to any one of claims 18 to 20, wherein the other one of the upper column portion and the lower column portion is the upper column portion.

22. The system according to any one of claims 18 to 20, wherein the other one of the upper column portion and the lower column portion is the lower column portion.

23. The system according to any one of claims 1 to 22, wherein the lower column portion is selectively free of the nonlaminar obstructions.

24. The system according to any one of claims 1 to 23, wherein when the pharmaceutical preparation system is positioned within the enclosure and the airflow is being generated, the upper column portion defines at least partially the airflow path.

25. The system according to any one of claims 1 to 24, wherein the system comprises a plurality of fluid interface portions including said fluid interface portion and a plurality of virtual vertical columns including said vertical virtual column, each one of the plurality of fluid interface portions being positioned within respective one of the plurality of virtual vertical columns.

26. The system according to claim 25, wherein during the transfer of fluid at one or more of the plurality of fluid interface portions, at least the upper column portions of the corresponding virtual vertical columns including one or more of the remaining of the plurality of fluid interface portions are free of nonlaminar obstructions.

27. The system according to claim 25 or 26, wherein at least the upper column portion of each one of said plurality of virtual vertical columns is selectively free of nonlaminar obstructions.

28. The system according to claim 27, when dependent on claim 14, wherein the at least one fluid transfer component is configured to be selectively at least partially positioned within each one of the plurality of virtual vertical columns.

29. The system according to claim 28, wherein when the at least one fluid transfer component is at least partially positioned within one of the plurality of virtual vertical columns, at least the upper column portions of one or more of the remaining of the plurality of virtual vertical columns are free of nonlaminar obstructions.

30. The system according to any one of claims 25 to 29, wherein one or more of the plurality of fluid interface portions are positioned at least partially colinearly with respect to each other along a displacement axis, which is transverse to the vertical axis.

31. The system according to claim 30, when dependent on claim 14, wherein the at least one fluid transfer component is configured to move along the displacement axis.

32. The system according to any one of claims 25 to 31, wherein each of the plurality of fluid interface portions is spaced apart from an adjacent one of the plurality of fluid interface portions.

33. The system according to any one of claims 25 to 32, wherein the system comprises a plurality of container-receiving modules including said container-receiving module, each of the plurality of container-receiving modules comprising a respective main body and a respective one of the plurality of fluid interface portions.

34. The system according to claim 33, wherein each of the plurality of containerreceiving modules is spaced apart from an adjacent one of the plurality of containerreceiving modules.

35. The system according to claim 34, wherein said space between the adjacent container-receiving modules is dimensioned to allow said airflow to pass therethrough at least along the vertical axis.

36. The system according to any one of claims 1 to 35, wherein the containerreceiving module comprises an IV bag holder, said main body being configured to hold an IV bag.

37. The system according to any one of claims 1 to 35, wherein the containerreceiving module comprises a vial manipulator configured to hold a vial and to intermittently position the fluid interface portion together with its virtual vertical column at a first vial position at which the majority of the virtual vertical column is free of the nonlaminar obstructions and a second vial position at which at least one of the nonlaminar obstructions is positioned within the virtual vertical column.

38. The system according to claim 37, wherein the vial manipulator is rotatable to position the fluid interface portion together with the virtual vertical column at the first vial position and the second vial position.

39. The system according to any one of claims 1 to 38, wherein when the pharmaceutical preparation system is positioned within the enclosure and the airflow is being generated, the upper column portion, when free of the nonlaminar obstructions, allows the airflow to be a laminar flow.

40. The system according to claim 39, wherein the upper column portion, when free of the nonlaminar obstructions, allows the airflow to be a laminar flow in a direction extending vertically downwards.

41. The system according to any one of claims 1 to 40, wherein when the pharmaceutical preparation system is positioned within the enclosure and the airflow is being generated, the vertical virtual column, when including the nonlaminar obstructions therewithin, prevents the airflow from being a laminar flow.

42. The system according to any one of claims 1 to 41, wherein said at least one platform constitutes a first platform and said platform upper surface constitutes a first platform upper surface, and the system further includes a second platform comprising at least one device configured to perform an operation associated with the container, saidoperation being associated with said transfer of fluid, the second platform being positioned at least partially vertically at a distance from the first platform and formed with a second platform upper surface, wherein: a first area is defined by a projection of the first platform upper surface on a virtual horizontal plane perpendicular to said airflow path and positioned above the first platform and the second platform; a second area defined by a projection of the second platform upper surface on the virtual horizontal plane; and an overlapping area in which the first area overlaps with the second area, is smaller than a first area exposed portion in which the first area is free of an overlap with the second area and is exposed to said airflow along the vertical axis when the system is positioned with the enclosure and the airflow is being generated.

43. The system according to claim 42, wherein the overlapping area includes at least a portion of the first area and at least a portion of the second area.

44. The system according to claim 42 or 43, wherein the first area exposed portion comprises the first area excluding the overlapping area.

45. The system according to any one of claims 42 to 44, wherein said overlapping area is about 40% of the first area.

46. The system according to any one of claims 42 to 44, wherein said overlapping area is about 10% of the first area.

47. The system according to any one of claims 42 to 46, further comprising a second area exposed portion comprising the second area excluding the overlapping area.

48. The system according to claim 47, wherein the second area exposed portion is larger than the overlapping area.

49. The system according to claim 48, wherein the second area exposed portion is at least 50% of the second area.

50. The system according to any one of claims 42 to 49, wherein the overlapping area is at most 50% of the second area.

51. The system according to any one of claims 42 to 50, wherein each one of the at least one container-receiving module comprises a respective fluid interface portion configured to accommodate a fluid transfer element of the container for said transfer of fluid to be performed therethrough, wherein a respective fluid interface portion area is defined by projection of each one of the fluid interface portions on the virtual horizontal plane, each one the fluid interface portion areas being at least partially free of overlap with the first area and the second area.

52. The system according to claim 51, wherein a fluid interface area is cumulatively defined by the fluid interface portion areas, and at least a portion of the fluid interface area is free of overlap with the first area and the second area.

53. The system according to claim 52, wherein at least a maj ority of the fluid interface area is free of overlap with the first area and the second area.

54. The system according to claim 53, wherein the entire fluid interface area is free of overlap with the first area and the second area.

55. The system according to any one of claims 51 to 54, wherein each one of the fluid interface portions is exposed to said airflow when the system is positioned with the enclosure and the airflow is being generated.

56. The system according to any one of claims 42 to 55, wherein the second platform is positioned vertically above the first platform, along a vertical axis.

57. The system according to any one of claims 42 to 55, wherein the second platform is positioned vertically below the first platform, along a vertical axis.

58. The system according to any one of claims 42 to 57, wherein a device area is defined by a projection of the at least one device on the virtual horizontal plane, and at least a portion of the device area is disposed within the second area.

59. The system according to claim 58, when dependent on claim 47, wherein the entire device area is disposed in the second area exposed portion.

60. The system according to claim 58 or 59, wherein the at least one device comprises at least two devices, defining two corresponding device areas, which are horizontally separated by the overlapping area.

61. The system according to any one of claims 58 to 60, wherein the device area is exposed to said airflow when the system is positioned within the enclosure and the airflow is being generated.

62. The system according to any one of claims 42 to 61, wherein said at least one device comprises an imaging device operative to image the container.

63. The system according to claim 62, wherein said operation associated with the container comprises imaging the container.

64. The system according to any one of claims 42 to 63, wherein the system has a body of material that is disposed within a virtual symmetrical envelope defined by extreme endpoints of the system in each one of a first plane, a second plane, and a third plane, said first, second, and third planes being orthogonal to each other, wherein the first plane intersects a transverse axis, transversing the vertical axis and a horizontal axis, the second plane intersects the horizontal axis and the third plane intersects the vertical axis.

65. The system according to claim 64, wherein a volume of the body of material is smaller than a volume of the virtual symmetrical envelope.

66. The system according to claim 65, wherein said volume of the body of material is less than 50% of said volume of the virtual symmetrical envelope.

67. The system according to claim 65 or 66, wherein said volume of the body of material is less than 30% of said volume of the virtual symmetrical envelope.

68. The system according to any one of claims 64 to 67, wherein when the system is positioned within the enclosure and the airflow is being generated, the system allows at least a majority of the airflow along the vertical airflow path to be a laminar flow within the virtual symmetrical envelope.

69. A pharmaceutical preparation system configured for being positioned within an enclosure and for being operated for performing transfer of fluid between at least one container and at least one fluid transfer assembly while being positioned therewithin, said enclosure comprising an airflow source operative to generate an airflow along a vertical airflow path, said pharmaceutical preparation system having a vertical axis that extends along the vertical airflow path when the system is positioned within the enclosure, and comprising: a first platform comprising at least one container-receiving module configured to receive the container, the first platform being formed with a first platform upper surface; and a second platform comprising at least one device configured to perform an operation associated with the container, said operation being associated with said transfer of fluid, the second platform being positioned at least partially vertically at a distance from the first platform and formed with a second platform upper surface, wherein: a first area is defined by a projection of the first platform upper surface on a virtual horizontal plane perpendicular to said airflow path and positioned above the first platform and the second platform; a second area defined by a projection of the second platform upper surface on the virtual horizontal plane; and an overlapping area in which the first area overlaps with the second area, is smaller than a first area exposed portion in which the first area is free of an overlap with thesecond area and is exposed to said airflow along the vertical axis when the system is positioned with the enclosure and the airflow is being generated.

70. The system according to claim 69, wherein the overlapping area includes at least a portion of the first area and at least a portion of the second area.

71. The system according to claim 69 or 70, wherein the first area exposed portion comprises the first area excluding the overlapping area.

72. The system according to any one of claims 69 to 71, wherein said overlapping area is about 40% of the first area.

73. The system according to any one of claims 69 to 71, wherein said overlapping area is about 10% of the first area.

74. The system according to any one of claims 69 to 73, further comprising a second area exposed portion comprising the second area excluding the overlapping area.

75. The system according to claim 74, wherein the second area exposed portion is larger than the overlapping area.

76. The system according to claim 75, wherein the second area exposed portion is at least 50% of the second area.

77. The system according to any one of claims 69 to 76, wherein the overlapping area is at most 50% of the second area.

78. The system according to any one of claims 69 to 77, wherein each one of the at least one container-receiving module comprises a respective fluid interface portion configured to accommodate a fluid transfer element of the container for said transfer of fluid to be performed therethrough, wherein a respective fluid interface portion area is defined by projection of each one of the fluid interface portions on the virtual horizontal plane, eachone the fluid interface portion areas being at least partially free of overlap with the first area and the second area.

79. The system according to claim 78, wherein a fluid interface area is cumulatively defined by the fluid interface portion areas, and at least a portion of the fluid interface area is free of overlap with the first area and the second area.

80. The system according to claim 79, wherein at least a majority of the fluid interface area is free of overlap with the first area and the second area.

81. The system according to claim 80, wherein the entire fluid interface area is free of overlap with the first area and the second area.

82. The system according to any one of claims 78 to 81, wherein each one of the fluid interface portions is exposed to said airflow when the system is positioned with the enclosure and the airflow is being generated.

83. The system according to any one of claims 69 to 82, wherein the second platform is positioned vertically above the first platform, along the vertical axis.

84. The system according to any one of claims 69 to 82, wherein the second platform is positioned vertically below the first platform, along the vertical axis.

85. The system according to any one of claims 69 to 84, wherein a device area is defined by a projection of the at least one device on the virtual horizontal plane, and at least a portion of the device area is disposed within the second area.

86. The system according to claim 85, when dependent on claim 74, wherein the entire device area is disposed in the second area exposed portion.

87. The system according to claim 85 or 86, wherein the at least one device comprises at least two devices, defining two corresponding device areas, which are horizontally separated by the overlapping area.

88. The system according to any one of claims 85 to 87, wherein the device area is exposed to said airflow when the system is positioned within the enclosure and the airflow is being generated.

89. The system according to any one of claims 69 to 88, wherein said at least one device comprises an imaging device operative to image the container.

90. The system according to claim 89, wherein said operation associated with the container comprises imaging the container.

91. The system according to any one of claims 69 to 90, wherein the system has a body of material that is disposed within a virtual symmetrical envelope defined by extreme endpoints of the system in each one of a first plane, a second plane, and a third plane, said first, second, and third planes being orthogonal to each other, wherein the first plane intersects a transverse axis, transversing the vertical axis and a horizontal axis, the second plane intersects the horizontal axis and the third plane intersects the vertical axis.

92. The system according to claim 91, wherein a volume of the body of material is smaller than a volume of the virtual symmetrical envelope.

93. The system according to claim 92, wherein said volume of the body of material is less than 50% of said volume of the virtual symmetrical envelope.

94. The system according to claim 92 or 93, wherein said volume of the body of material is less than 30% of said volume of the virtual symmetrical envelope.

95. The system according to any one of claims 91 to 94, wherein when the system is positioned within the enclosure and the airflow is being generated, the system allows at least a majority of the airflow along the vertical airflow path to be a laminar flow within the virtual symmetrical envelope.

96. The system according to any one of claims 69 to 95, wherein the containerreceiving module comprises a main body and a fluid interface portion configured to accommodate a fluid transfer element of the container for said transfer of fluid to be performed therethrough, the main body being positioned at least partially vertically above the first platform upper surface and at least a part of the fluid interface portion extending from the main body away from the first platform upper surface in a direction transverse to the vertical axis, said system further comprising a virtual vertical column extending along the vertical axis and including the fluid interface portion, wherein when the pharmaceutical preparation system is positioned within the enclosure and the airflow is being generated, said vertical virtual column at least partially defines a portion of said airflow path, said vertical virtual column comprising an upper column portion extending above the fluid interface portion and a lower column portion extending below the fluid interface portion, at least said upper column portion being at least selectively free of nonlaminar obstructions at least along the vertical axis.

97. The system according to claim 96, wherein a maximal dimension of the virtual vertical column in the virtual horizontal plane is equal to a maximal dimension of a projection of the fluid interface portion on the virtual horizontal plane.

98. The system according to claim 96, wherein a maximal dimension of the virtual vertical column in the virtual horizontal plane is greater than a maximal dimension of a projection of the fluid interface portion on the horizontal plane.

99. The system according to claim 98, wherein the maximal dimension of the virtual vertical column in the virtual horizontal plane is about 10 to 20 percent greater than the maximal dimension of the projection of the fluid interface portion on the virtual horizontal plane.

100. The system according to claim 96, wherein a maximal dimension of the virtual vertical column in the virtual horizontal plane is smaller than a maximal dimension of a projection of the fluid interface portion in the virtual horizontal plane.

101. The system according to claim 100, wherein the maximal dimension of the virtual vertical column in the virtual horizontal plane is about 10 to 20 percent smaller than the maximal dimension of the projection of the fluid interface portion in the virtual horizontal plane.

102. The system according to any one of claims 96 to 101, wherein a shape of the virtual vertical column in the virtual horizontal plane is the same as a shape of a projection of the fluid interface portion on the virtual horizontal plane.

103. The system according to any one of claims 96 to 102, wherein a vertical dimension of the virtual vertical column is equal to a maximal vertical dimension of the system.

104. The system according to any one of claims 96 to 102, wherein a vertical dimension of the virtual vertical column is smaller than a maximal vertical dimension of the system.

105. The system according to claim 104, wherein the vertical dimension of the virtual vertical column is about 10 to 20 percent smaller than the maximal vertical dimension of the system.

106. The system according to any one of claims 96 to 105, wherein the virtual vertical column allows a laminar airflow through the portion of the airflow path defined thereby.

107. The system according to claim 106, wherein the nonlaminar obstructions include obstructions configured to cause the laminar airflow to be nonlaminar, when said obstructions are positioned within the airflow path.

108. The system according to any one of claims 96 to 107, wherein at least 80 percent of said virtual vertical column being at least selectively free of said nonlaminar obstructions at least along the vertical axis.

109. The system according to any one of claims 96 to 108, further comprising at least one fluid transfer component constituting at least partially said nonlaminar obstructions and operable for performing said transfer of fluid, said at least one component beingconfigured to move with respect to the container-receiving module and to be selectively at least partially positioned within the virtual vertical column.

110. The system according to claim 109, wherein the at least one fluid transfer component comprises a manipulator for manipulating said fluid transfer assembly.

111. The system according to claim 109 or 110, wherein the at least one fluid transfer component is configured to at least partially be positioned within the virtual vertical column during said transfer of fluid at said fluid interface portion.

112. The system according to claim 111, wherein a majority of said virtual vertical column is free of said nonlaminar obstructions when the at least one fluid transfer component moves out of the virtual vertical column.

113. The system according to any one of claims 109 to 112, wherein the fluid transfer component is configured to be at least partially positioned within one of the upper column portion and the lower column portion during said transfer of fluid, while the other one of the upper column portion and the lower column portion is free of the nonlaminar obstructions.

114. The system according to claim 113, wherein the other one of the upper column portion and the lower column portion is free of the nonlaminar obstructions during the entire duration of the transfer of fluid.

115. The system according to claim 113 or 114, wherein the other of the upper column portion and the lower column portion is free of the nonlaminar obstructions during the entire operation of the system.

116. The system according to any one of claims 113 to 115, wherein the other one of the upper column portion and the lower column portion is the upper column portion.

117. The system according to any one of claims 113 to 115, wherein the other one of the upper column portion and the lower column portion is the lower column portion.

118. The system according to any one of claims 96 to 117, wherein the lower column portion is selectively free of the nonlaminar obstructions.

119. The system according to any one of claims 96 to 118, wherein when the pharmaceutical preparation system is positioned within the enclosure and the airflow is being generated, the upper column portion defines at least partially the airflow path.

120. The system according to any one of claims 96 to 119, wherein the system comprises a plurality of fluid interface portions including said fluid interface portion and a plurality of virtual vertical columns including said vertical virtual column, each one of the plurality of fluid interface portions being positioned within respective one of the plurality of virtual vertical columns.

121. The system according to claim 120, wherein during the transfer of fluid at one or more of the plurality of fluid interface portions, at least the upper column portions of the corresponding virtual vertical columns including one or more of the remaining of the plurality of fluid interface portions are free of nonlaminar obstructions.

122. The system according to claim 120 or 121, wherein at least the upper column portion of each one of said plurality of virtual vertical columns is selectively free of nonlaminar obstructions.

123. The system according to claim 122, when dependent on claim 109, wherein the at least one fluid transfer component is configured to be selectively at least partially positioned within each one of the plurality of virtual vertical columns.

124. The system according to claim 123, wherein when the at least one fluid transfer component is at least partially positioned within one of the plurality of virtual vertical columns, at least the upper column portions of one or more of the remaining of the plurality of virtual vertical columns are free of nonlaminar obstructions.

125. The system according to any one of claims 120 to 124, wherein one or more of the plurality of fluid interface portions are positioned at least partially colinearly with respect to each other along a displacement axis, which is transverse to the vertical axis.

126. The system according to claim 125, when dependent on claim 109, wherein the at least one fluid transfer component is configured to move along the displacement axis.

127. The system according to any one of claims 120 to 126, wherein each of the plurality of fluid interface portions is spaced apart from an adjacent one of the plurality of fluid interface portions.

128. The system according to any one of claims 120 to 127, wherein the system comprises a plurality of container-receiving modules including said container-receiving module, each of the plurality of container-receiving modules comprising a respective main body and a respective one of the plurality of fluid interface portions.

129. The system according to claim 128, wherein each of the plurality of containerreceiving modules is spaced apart from an adjacent one of the plurality of containerreceiving modules.

130. The system according to claim 129, wherein said space between the adjacent container-receiving modules is dimensioned to allow said airflow to pass therethrough at least along the vertical axis.

131. The system according to any one of claims 96 to 130, wherein the containerreceiving module comprises an IV bag holder, said main body being configured to hold an IV bag.

132. The system according to any one of claims 96 to 130, wherein the containerreceiving module comprises a vial manipulator configured to hold a vial and to intermittently position the fluid interface portion together with its virtual vertical column at a first vial position at which the majority of the virtual vertical column is free of thenonlaminar obstructions and a second vial position at which at least one of the nonlaminar obstructions is positioned within the virtual vertical column.

133. The system according to claim 132, wherein the vial manipulator is rotatable to position the fluid interface portion together with the virtual vertical column at the first vial position and the second vial position.

134. The system according to any one of claims 96 to 133, wherein when the pharmaceutical preparation system is positioned within the enclosure and the airflow is being generated, the upper column portion, when free of the nonlaminar obstructions, allows the airflow to be a laminar flow.

135. The system according to claim 134, wherein the upper column portion, when free of the nonlaminar obstructions, allows the airflow to be a laminar flow in a direction extending vertically downwards.

136. The system according to any one of claims 96 to 135, wherein when the pharmaceutical preparation system is positioned within the enclosure and the airflow is being generated, the vertical virtual column, when including the nonlaminar obstructions therewithin, prevents the airflow from being a laminar flow.

137. A vial alignment mechanism for rotationally aligning a vial assembly, said vial alignment mechanism comprising: a first rotary arrangement comprising a first rotation element operable for rotating along a first rotational axis, said first rotary arrangement comprising a first body at least partially housing the first rotation element; a vial assembly holder operatively connected to the first rotation element, said vial assembly holder comprising a holder opening for receiving at least partially therewithin a top portion of the vial assembly, said holder opening comprising at least partially a rotation fixing mechanism for rotationally fixing the top portion of the vial assembly within the holder opening when the top portion of the vial assembly is received within the holder opening, thereby allowing the top portion of the vial assembly to rotate together with the first rotation element; anda body through-passage passing through at least the first body and the vial assembly holder along the first rotational axis, said body through-passage coinciding at least partially with the holder opening along the first rotational axis.

138. The vial alignment mechanism according to Claim 137, wherein the holder opening at least partially defines the body through-passage.

139. The vial alignment mechanism according to Claim 137 or 138, wherein the body through-passage includes the first rotational axis.

140. The vial alignment mechanism according to any one of Claims 137 to 139, wherein the body through-passage passes through at least the first rotation element along the first rotational axis.

141. The vial alignment mechanism according to any one of Claims 137 to 140, wherein the first body comprises a body top portion and a body bottom portion, the first rotation element being positioned between the body top portion and the body bottom portion, wherein the body through-passage passes through the body top portion and the body bottom portion along the first rotational axis.

142. The vial alignment mechanism according to any one of Claims 137 to 141, wherein the first body comprises a body top surface having a convex curvature when seen from exterior of the first body.

143. The vial alignment mechanism according to any one of Claims 137 to 142, wherein the fixing mechanism comprises a first fixing element formed on the holder opening, said first fixing element being configured to engage a second fixing element formed on the vial assembly when the top portion of the vial assembly is received within the holder opening, thereby rotationally fixing the top portion of the vial assembly within the holder opening.

144. The vial alignment mechanism according to Claim 143, wherein the first fixing element is a non-circumferential element.

145. The vial alignment mechanism according to any one of Claims 137 to 144, wherein the vial assembly holder comprises: at least one holder connection arm connected at least indirectly to the first rotation element; and a holding portion extending from the at least one holder connection arm and comprising the holder opening.

146. The vial alignment mechanism according to any one of Claims 137 to 145, wherein the vial assembly holder extends from the first body along the first rotational axis.

147. The vial alignment mechanism according to any one of Claims 137 to 145, wherein the holder opening is moveable with respect to the first body in a direction transverse to the first rotational axis.

148. The vial alignment mechanism according to Claim 147, wherein the vial assembly holder is moveable with respect to the first body in the direction transverse to the first rotational axis.

149. The vial alignment mechanism according to Claim 148, wherein the first rotation element is moveable with respect to the first body in the direction transverse to the first rotational axis.

150. The vial alignment mechanism according to Claim 149, wherein the first rotation element is spaced from an interior wall of the first body along the direction transverse to the first rotational axis, said space between the first rotation element and the interior wall of the first body allowing the movement of the first rotation element within the first body in the direction transverse to the first rotational axis.

151. The vial alignment mechanism according to any one of Claims 137 to 150, further comprising an actuator operatively connected to the first rotation element and operable for rotating the first rotation element along the first rotational axis together with the topportion of the vial assembly when the top portion of the vial assembly is rotationally fixed within the holder opening.

152. The vial alignment mechanism according to any one of Claims 137 to 151, further comprising: a second rotary arrangement comprising a second rotation element operable for rotating along a second rotational axis, spaced from the first rotational axis in a direction transverse to the first rotational axis; and a rotation transfer member operatively connecting the first and second rotation elements with each other.

153. The vial alignment mechanism according to Claim 152, when dependent on Claim 151, wherein at least one of the second rotary arrangement and the rotation transfer member constitutes at least partially the actuator.

154. The vial alignment mechanism according to Claim 152 or 153, wherein the rotation transfer member comprises a belt.

155. The vial alignment mechanism according to any one of Claims 152 to 154, wherein the second rotary arrangement comprises a motor operable to rotate the second rotation element, said rotation transfer member being operable to transfer the rotation of the second rotation element to the first rotation element.

156. The vial alignment mechanism according to Claim 155, wherein at least one of the motor and the rotation transfer member constitutes at least partially the actuator.

157. The vial alignment mechanism according to any one of Claims 152 to 156, further comprising a rotation transfer member cover at least partially housing the rotation transfer member and extending at least partially between the first rotary arrangement and the second rotary arrangement, said rotation transfer member cover comprising at least one cover through-passage passing through the rotation transfer member cover in a direction extending along the first rotational axis.

158. The vial alignment mechanism according to Claim 157, wherein the rotation transfer member comprises a first member portion extending at least partially between the first rotary arrangement and the second rotary arrangement and a second member portion spaced apart from the first member portion and extending at least partially between the first rotary arrangement and the second rotary arrangement, wherein the rotation transfer member cover comprises a first cover portion at least partially housing the first member portion and a second cover portion spaced apart from the first cover portion and at least partially housing the second member portion, said at least one cover through-passage being positioned between the first and second cover portions.

159. The vial alignment mechanism according to Claim 157 or 158, wherein at least a part of the rotation transfer member cover is integrally formed with at least a part of the first body.

160. The vial alignment mechanism according to Claim 157 or 158, wherein at least a part of the rotation transfer member cover is unitarily formed with at least a part of the first body.

161. The vial alignment mechanism according to any one of Claims 157 to 160, wherein the rotation transfer member cover comprises a cover top surface having a convex curvature when seen from exterior of the rotation transfer member cover.

162. A vial alignment mechanism for rotationally aligning a vial assembly, said vial alignment mechanism comprising: a first rotary arrangement comprising a first rotation element operable for rotating along a first rotational axis, said first rotary arrangement comprising a first body at least partially housing the first rotation element; a vial assembly holder operatively connected to the first rotation element, said vial assembly holder comprising a holder opening for receiving at least partially therewithin a top portion of the vial assembly, said holder opening comprising at least partially a rotation fixing mechanism for rotationally fixing the top portion of the vial assembly within the holder opening when the top portion of the vial assembly is received withinthe holder opening, thereby allowing the top portion of the vial assembly to rotate together with the first rotation element; a second rotary arrangement comprising a second rotation element operable for rotating along a second rotational axis, spaced from the first rotational axis in a direction transverse to the first rotational axis; and a rotation transfer member operatively connecting the first and second rotation elements with each other, and being operable to transfer the rotation of the second rotation element to the first rotation element.

163. The vial alignment mechanism according to Claim 162, wherein the second rotary arrangement comprises a motor operable to rotate the second rotation element.

164. The vial alignment mechanism according to Claim 162 or 163, wherein the rotation transfer member comprises a belt.

165. The vial alignment mechanism according to any one of Claims 162 to 164, further comprising an actuator operatively connected to the first rotation element and operable for rotating the first rotation element along the first rotational axis together with the top portion of the vial assembly when the top portion of the vial assembly is rotationally fixed within the holder opening.

166. The vial alignment mechanism according to Claim 165, wherein at least one of the second rotary arrangement and the rotation transfer member constitutes at least partially the actuator.

167. The vial alignment mechanism according to any one of Claims 162 to 166, further comprising a body through-passage passing through at least the first body and the vial assembly holder along the first rotational axis, said body through-passage coinciding at least partially with the holder opening along the first rotational axis.

168. The vial alignment mechanism according to Claim 167, wherein the holder opening at least partially defines the body through-passage.

169. The vial alignment mechanism according to Claim 167 or 168, wherein the body through-passage includes the first rotational axis.

170. The vial alignment mechanism according to any one of Claims 167 to 169, wherein the body through-passage passes through at least the first rotation element along the first rotational axis.

171. The vial alignment mechanism according to any one of Claims 167 to 170, wherein the first body comprises a body top portion and a body bottom portion, the first rotation element being positioned between the body top portion and the body bottom portion, wherein the body through-passage passes through the body top portion and the body bottom portion along the first rotational axis.

172. The vial alignment mechanism according to any one of Claims 162 to 171, wherein the first body comprises a body top surface having a convex curvature when seen from exterior of the first body.

173. The vial alignment mechanism according to any one of Claims 162 to 172, wherein the fixing mechanism comprises a first fixing element formed on the holder opening, said first fixing element being configured to engage a second fixing element formed on the vial assembly when the top portion of the vial assembly is received within the holder opening, thereby rotationally fixing the top portion of the vial assembly within the holder opening.

174. The vial alignment mechanism according to Claim 173, wherein the first fixing element is a non-circumferential element.

175. The vial alignment mechanism according to any one of Claims 162 to 174, wherein the vial assembly holder comprises: at least one holder connection arm connected at least indirectly to the first rotation element; and a holding portion extending from the at least one holder connection arm and comprising the holder opening.

176. The vial alignment mechanism according to any one of Claims 162 to 175, wherein the vial assembly holder extends from the first body along the first rotational axis.

177. The vial alignment mechanism according to any one of Claims 162 to 175, wherein the holder opening is moveable with respect to the first body in a direction transverse to the first rotational axis.

178. The vial alignment mechanism according to Claim 177, wherein the vial assembly holder is moveable with respect to the first body in the direction transverse to the first rotational axis.

179. The vial alignment mechanism according to Claim 178, wherein the first rotation element is moveable with respect to the first body in the direction transverse to the first rotational axis.

180. The vial alignment mechanism according to Claim 179, wherein the first rotation element is spaced from an interior wall of the first body along the direction transverse to the first rotational axis, said space between the first rotation element and the interior wall of the first body allowing the movement of the first rotation element within the first body in the direction transverse to the first rotational axis.

181. The vial alignment mechanism according to any one of Claims 162 to 180, further comprising a rotation transfer member cover at least partially housing the rotation transfer member and extending at least partially between the first rotary arrangement and the second rotary arrangement, said rotation transfer member cover comprising at least one cover through-passage passing through the rotation transfer member cover in a direction extending along the first rotational axis.

182. The vial alignment mechanism according to Claim 181, wherein the rotation transfer member comprises a first member portion extending at least partially between the first rotary arrangement and the second rotary arrangement and a second member portion spaced apart from the first member portion and extending at least partiallybetween the first rotary arrangement and the second rotary arrangement, wherein the rotation transfer member cover comprises a first cover portion at least partially housing the first member portion and a second cover portion spaced apart from the first cover portion and at least partially housing the second member portion, said at least one cover through-passage being positioned between the first and second cover portions.

183. The vial alignment mechanism according to Claim 181 or 182, wherein at least a part of the rotation transfer member cover is integrally formed with at least a part of the first body.

184. The vial alignment mechanism according to Claim 181 or 182, wherein at least a part of the rotation transfer member cover is unitarily formed with at least a part of the first body.

185. The vial alignment mechanism according to any one of Claims 181 to 184, wherein the rotation transfer member cover comprises a cover top surface having a convex curvature when seen from exterior of the rotation transfer member cover.

186. A fluid transfer station, having an X-axis and a Y-axis orthogonal to each other, being operable for use within a pharmaceutical preparation system operable for transferring fluid between one or more containers via corresponding one or more container-adaptors and a fluid transfer assembly, said fluid transfer station comprising an IV bag support unit comprising a unit base and an IV bag support panel operatively connected to the unit base, said IV bag support panel comprising an IV bag support surface for at least partially supporting thereupon an IV bag constituting a first container of the one or more containers at least during said transfer of fluid between the first container and the fluid transfer assembly, wherein a projection of the IV bag support panel on a horizontal XY plane including the X-axis and the Y-axis has a first maximal dimension along the X-axis and a second maximal dimension along the Y-axis, wherein a material area occupied by a projection of a material of the IV bag support panel within the projection of the IV bag support panel on the XY plane is at most half of a total area occupied by a virtual rectangle having two dimensions equal to the first maximal dimension and the second maximal dimension.

187. The fluid transfer station according to Claim 186, wherein the material area occupied by the projection of the material of the IV bag support panel within the projection of the IV bag support panel on the XY plane is at most one-third of the total area occupied by the virtual rectangle.

188. The fluid transfer station according to Claim 186 or 187, wherein the material area occupied by the projection of the material of the IV bag support panel within the projection of the IV bag support panel on the XY plane is at most one-fourth of the total area occupied by the virtual rectangle.

189. The fluid transfer station according to any one of Claims 186 to 188, said IV bag support panel comprising at least one panel through-passage passing through the IV bag support panel in a direction transverse the IV bag support surface.

190. The fluid transfer station according to Claim 189, wherein the IV bag support surface has a surface area constituted by an area of a material of the IV bag support panel in a surface plane of the IV bag support surface, and each one of the at least one panel through-passage has a corresponding passage area in the surface plane, the passage areas of all of the at least one panel through-passage constituting together a total passage area in the surface plane.

191. The fluid transfer station according to Claim 190, wherein the total passage area is larger than the surface area.

192. The fluid transfer station according to Claim 190 or 191, wherein a sum of the total passage area and the surface area constitutes a total panel area of the IV bag support panel in the surface plane, wherein the total passage area is at least 60 percent of the total panel area.

193. The fluid transfer station according to Claim 192, wherein the total passage area is at least 75 percent of the total panel area.

194. The fluid transfer station according to any one of Claims 186 to 193, further comprising a base-panel connection arrangement operable for operatively connecting the IV bag support panel to the unit base.

195. The fluid transfer station according to Claim 194, wherein the base-panel connection arrangement is operable for detachably connecting the IV bag support panel to the unit base.

196. The fluid transfer station according to Claim 194 or 195, wherein the base-panel connection arrangement comprises a base connection part associated with the unit base and a panel connection part associated with the IV bag support panel, said base connection part and said panel connection part being operable to connect to each other.

197. The fluid transfer station according to Claim 196, wherein the base connection part and the panel connection part are operable to detachably connect to each other.

198. The fluid transfer station according to any one of Claims 194 to 197, wherein the base-panel connection arrangement comprises a quick-fit connection arrangement.

199. The fluid transfer station according to any one of Claims 194 to 198, wherein the base-panel connection arrangement comprises a quick-release connection arrangement.

200. The fluid transfer station according to any one of Claims 186 to 199, further comprising a panel aligner operable to align the IV bag support panel with respect to the unit base, at least during connection of the IV bag support panel to the unit base.

201. A fluid transfer station for use within a fluid transfer system having an X-axis, a Y- axis, and a Z-axis mutually orthogonal to each other, said fluid transfer system being operable for transferring fluid between a container via a container-adaptor and a fluid transfer assembly, said fluid transfer station comprising: a container support unit configured to at least partially support the container during said transfer of fluid; andan adaptor holder associated with the container support unit and configured for at least partially holding the container-adaptor at least during said transfer of fluid, said adaptor holder comprising a holder protruding portion protruding from the container support unit, said holder protruding portion having a maximum width-dimension along the X-axis and a maximum depth-dimension along the Y-axis, wherein a material area occupied by a projection of a material of the holder protruding portion on an XY plane, including the X-axis and the Y-axis, is at most half of a space area occupied by a virtual rectangle having two dimensions equal to the maximum depth-dimension and the maximum width-dimension, respectively.

202. The fluid transfer station according to Claim 201, wherein said holder protruding portion has a maximum height-dimension along the Z-axis, wherein a material volume occupied by a material of the holder protruding portion is at most half of a space volume occupied by a virtual cuboid having three dimensions equal to the maximum depthdimension, the maximum width-dimension, and the maximum height-dimension, respectively.

203. The fluid transfer station according to Claim 202, wherein the material volume occupied by the material of the holder protruding portion is at most one-third of the space volume occupied by the virtual cuboid.

204. The fluid transfer station according to any one of Claims 201 to 203, wherein the material area occupied by the projection of the material of the holder protruding portion on the XY plane is at most one-third of the space area occupied by the virtual rectangle.

205. The fluid transfer station according to any one of Claims 201 to 204, wherein the material area occupied by the projection of the material of the holder protruding portion on the XY plane is at most one-fourth of the space area occupied by the virtual rectangle.

206. The fluid transfer station according to any one of Claims 201 to 205, wherein the holder protruding portion has a top surface facing upwards, wherein the top surface has curved edges.

207. The fluid transfer station according to any one of Claims 201 to 206, wherein the Z-axis is oriented along a vertical direction.

208. The fluid transfer station according to any one of Claims 201 to 207, wherein the container support unit comprises a base and a support panel connected to the base, said support panel being configured to support the container.

209. The fluid transfer station according to Claim 208, wherein the support panel comprises a support surface configured for allowing the IV bag to be positioned thereupon.

210. The fluid transfer station according to Claim 209, wherein the adaptor holder is configured for at least partially holding a spike adaptor.

211. The fluid transfer station according to any one of Claims 201 to 210, wherein the adaptor holder comprises: a hanger element having an adaptor receiving region configured for insertion of the container-adaptor therewithin, and a blocking element configured to selectively block the removal of the containeradaptor from the adaptor receiving region, wherein the adaptor holder is configured to be manipulated between an unblocking state in which the blocking element allows the removal of the container-adaptor from the adaptor receiving region and a blocking state in which the blocking element blocks the removal of the container-adaptor from the adaptor receiving region.

212. The fluid transfer station according to Claim 211, wherein when the adaptor holder is in the blocking state, the material area occupied by the projection of the material of the holder protruding portion on the XY plane is at most half of the space area occupied by the virtual rectangle.

213. The fluid transfer station according to Claim 211 or 212, wherein when the adaptor holder is in the unblocking state, the material area occupied by the projection of thematerial of the holder protruding portion on the XY plane is at most half of the space area occupied by the virtual rectangle.

214. The fluid transfer station according to any one of Claims 211 to 213, wherein the adaptor holder comprises a hanger connection portion connecting the hanger element to the container support unit, and a blocking element connection portion connecting the blocking element to the container support unit, said hanger connection portion at least partially overlapping the blocking element connection portion when seen in a direction along the Z-axis.

215. The fluid transfer station according to Claim 214, wherein the adaptor protruding portion is at least partially constituted by the hanger element, the blocking element, the hanger connection portion, and the blocking element connection portion.

216. The fluid transfer station according to any one of Claims 211 to 215, further comprising: an actuator operatively connected to at least one of the hanger element and the blocking element, and operable to move said at least one of the hanger element and the blocking element for manipulating the adaptor holder between the blocking and unblocking states; and a processing circuitry operatively connected to the actuator and configured to control the operation of the actuator to manipulate the adaptor holder between the blocking and unblocking states.

217. The fluid transfer station according to any one of Claims 211 to 216, wherein the adaptor receiving region is configured for insertion of the container-adaptor therewithin along the Z-axis, and in the unblocking state, the blocking element allows the removal of the container-adaptor from the adaptor receiving region along the Z-axis, and in the blocking state, the blocking element blocks the removal of the container-adaptor from the adaptor receiving region along the Z-axis.

218. The fluid transfer station according to Claim 217, wherein in the blocking state, the blocking element restricts a movement of the container-adaptor along the Z-axis.

219. The fluid transfer station according to Claim 217 or 218, wherein in the blocking state, the blocking element at least partially overlaps the adaptor receiving region when seen in a direction along the Z-axis.

220. The fluid transfer station according to any one of Claims 217 to 219, wherein the Z-axis is oriented along a vertical direction, and the adaptor receiving region is configured for insertion of the container-adaptor therewithin along a vertically downward direction, and in the blocking state, the blocking element blocks the removal of the containeradaptor from the adaptor receiving region along a vertically upwards direction.

221. A fluid transfer system operable for transferring fluid between a container via a container-adaptor and a fluid transfer assembly, and having an X-axis, a Y-axis, and a Z- axis mutually orthogonal to each other, said fluid transfer system comprising at least one fluid transfer station according to any one of Claims 186 to 220.

222. A pharmaceutical preparation system configured for being positioned within an enclosure, and for being operated for establishing an interconnection between a first fluid transfer member and a second fluid transfer member, said enclosure comprising an airflow source operative to generate an airflow along a vertical airflow path, said pharmaceutical preparation system comprising: a region of interest, in which said interconnection is at least temporarily located; and an airflow direction arrangement operable for at least selectively altering a flow profile of the airflow towards the region of interest when the interconnection is at least temporarily located in the region of interest.

223. The pharmaceutical preparation system according to Claim 222, said airflow direction arrangement being operable to change at least one of direction and speed of the airflow for said altering the flow profile.

224. The pharmaceutical preparation system according to Claim 222 or 223, said airflow direction arrangement being operable to change a direction of the airflow towards the region of interest.

225. The pharmaceutical preparation system according to any one of Claims 222 to 224, said airflow direction arrangement being operable for altering the flow profile of the airflow at least during said establishment of the interconnection.

226. The pharmaceutical preparation system according to any one of Claims 222 to 225, further comprising a fluid interface portion, said pharmaceutical preparation system being operable to perform transfer of fluid between the first and second fluid transfer members within the fluid interface portion.

227. The pharmaceutical preparation system according to Claim 226, wherein the fluid interface portion at least partially overlaps the region of interest.

228. The pharmaceutical preparation system according to Claim 227, said airflow direction arrangement being operable for altering the flow profile of the airflow at least during said performance of transfer of fluid.

229. The pharmaceutical preparation system according to any one of Claims 222 to 228, wherein the airflow direction arrangement comprises an airflow generator operable to generate a directing airflow for interfering with the airflow and to direct the airflow towards the region of interest.

230. The pharmaceutical preparation system according to Claim 229, wherein the airflow generator is operable to generate the directing airflow in a direction transverse to the vertical airflow path.

231. The pharmaceutical preparation system according to any one of Claims 222 to 230, wherein the airflow direction arrangement comprises a suction unit operable to create a negative pressure within the region of interest, thereby altering the flow profile of the airflow towards the region of interest.

232. The pharmaceutical preparation system according to any one of Claims 222 to 231, wherein the airflow direction arrangement comprises an airflow diverter operable for diverting the airflow from the vertical airflow path towards the region of interest.