The Latest in Fillers

Compact Capsule Filler
Designed for R&D labs, clinical trials, and small batch outputs, a modular, compact capsule filler is fully automatic and can operate in either continuous or intermittent mode, depending on the type of dosing unit installed. The LABBY can fill up to 3500 capsules per hour and is designed to handle all kinds of powder, including API without excipients or bulking agents. It is ideal for dosing weights from 0.5 mg to 20 mg, without compaction and with 100% net dosage weight-checking. The LABBY can be used to dose powder (dosators), low dosages of powder to be inhaled without compaction (dosators), microdosages of powder without compaction (vibration), powder (tamping pin), pellets, tablets, microtablets (counting), capsule into capsule, and liquids. A universal tablet feeder is also available. The unit is complete with a 100% microweighing control system of the net product weight and control system accuracy of ±0.1 mg of the net weight, depending on the target weight and product characteristics. In addition to capsule-filling machines, the company offers a range of packaging equipment designed to meet the needs of the pharmaceutical, cosmetic, and food industries in the United States, Canada, and Puerto Rico. MG America, Fairfield, NJ;  973/808-8185; www.mgamerica.com.

Monoblock Filler/Capper
Net weigh scales are integrated with a monoblock filler/capper, allowing it to verify fill amounts with an accuracy of ±2 mg. The system handles speeds up to 70 containers per minute, including such packages as bottles, micro-tubes, vials, and syringes. Integrated scales measure and record the weight of the container prior to and again after filling. A large, full-color touch screen provides an operator interface to adjust the servo controls for the diving nozzles as well as the pump fill rates. Containers with incorrect fill weights are automatically rejected while correct containers are capped or closed and  allowed to exit the Monoblock for further processing downstream. Feedback controls on the system may be configured to automatically adjust the filling nozzles to maintain precise filling volume. Constructed to meet cGMP standards, the Monoblock’s stainless-steel exterior and hard-anodized aluminum inner frame offer easy cleaning. Standard machine guarding is constructed of aluminum profile with Lexan panels to ensure safe operating conditions. ESS Technologies Inc., Blacksburg, VA; 540/ 961-5716; knorris@esstechnologies.com

Sterile Connections
Connectors for single-use processing are designed to reduce complexity and risk of operator error. AseptiQuik Connectors enable sterile media transfer, even in non-sterile environments. Extensive validation testing completed on post gamma and autoclave sterilized connectors confirms that external organisms are prevented from entering the flow path before, during, or after connection. Whether suite-to-suite transfer or filling operations, manufacturers can protect valuable product with sterile connection technology. No additional clamps, fixtures, or tube welders are necessary. Colder Products Co., St. Paul, MN;  651/645-0091; www.colder.com.