Sealed containers and methods of filling and resealing same

Abstract

A container and method for filling same. The container includes a penetrable and resealable portion that is resealable, and a container body having a sealed empty chamber in fluid communication with the penetrable and resealable portion for receiving therein a substance. The resealable member may be dome-shaped or have a convex outer surface. A method of filling the container includes penetrating the penetrable and resealable portion with an injection member and introducing a substance into the chamber, withdrawing the injection member, and resealing the penetration hole in the resealable member made by the injection member during penetration.

1 - 19 . (canceled) 
     
     
         20 . A method, comprising:
 (a) penetrating an elastic septum a device with an injection member, wherein the device defines a sealed, empty sterile chamber in fluid communication with the elastic septum, and the elastic septum defines a dome shape or a convex outer surface;   (b) introducing a substance through the injection member and into the sterile chamber of the device;   (c) withdrawing the injection member from the elastic septum;   (d) allowing the elastic septum to reseal itself at a penetration aperture resulting from withdrawal of the injection member; and   (e) maintaining the chamber sterile throughout steps (a) through (d).   
     
     
         21 . A method as defined in  claim 20 , wherein the elastic septum defines a substantially convex exterior surface, and a substantially concave interior surface opposite the convex exterior surface. 
     
     
         22 . A method as defined in  claim 21 , wherein the elastic septum includes a penetration zone defining an approximate dome shape, and the penetrating step includes penetrating the elastic septum in the dome-shaped penetration zone. 
     
     
         23 . A method as defined in  claim 22 , wherein the approximately dome-shaped penetration zone defines a substantially convex exterior surface and a substantially concave interior surface. 
     
     
         24 . A method as defined in  claim 20 , wherein the elastic septum is self-closing and substantially prevents the ingress of fluid through the resulting penetration aperture. 
     
     
         25 . A method as defined in  claim 20 , further comprising resealing the penetration aperture of the elastic septum with respect to ambient atmosphere. 
     
     
         26 . A method as defined in  claim 25 , wherein the resealing step is performed by applying heat or energy to the elastic septum. 
     
     
         27 . A method as defined in  claim 25 , wherein the elastic septum is compressed inwardly in at least a penetration zone thereof to facilitate resealing of the penetration aperture. 
     
     
         28 . A device that is sterile filled by an injection member, wherein the device comprises:
 a body defining a sealed, empty, sterile chamber; and   an elastic septum defining a dome shape or a convex outer surface, wherein the elastic septum is in fluid communication with the sealed empty chamber and is penetrable by the injection member to form a penetration aperture and permit substance to be dispensed therethrough.   
     
     
         29 . A device as defined in  claim 28 , wherein the elastic septum defines a substantially convex exterior surface, and a substantially concave interior surface opposite the convex exterior surface. 
     
     
         30 . A device as defined in  claim 28 , wherein the elastic septum includes a penetration zone penetrable by the injection member and defining an approximate dome shape. 
     
     
         31 . A device as defined in  claim 30 , wherein the approximately dome-shaped penetration zone defines a substantially convex exterior surface and a substantially concave interior surface. 
     
     
         32 . A device as defined in  claim 28 , wherein the elastic septum is self-closing and substantially prevents the ingress of fluid through the resulting penetration aperture. 
     
     
         33 . A device as defined in  claim 28 , wherein the elastic septum is resealable or capable of being resealed at the penetration aperture to seal the chamber from ambient atmosphere. 
     
     
         34 . A device as defined in  claim 33 , wherein the resulting penetration aperture is resealable through application of heat or energy to the elastic septum. 
     
     
         35 . A device as defined in  claim 33 , wherein the elastic septum is compressed inwardly in at least a penetration zone thereof to facilitate resealing the penetration aperture. 
     
     
         36 . A device that is sterile filled by an injection member, wherein the device comprises:
 first means defining a sealed, empty, sterile chamber; and   second means in fluid communication with the sealed, empty sterile chamber that is penetrable by the injection member for forming a penetration aperture and permitting substance to be dispensed therethrough, and for resealing itself at the penetration aperture to substantially prevent the ingress of fluid through the penetration aperture.   
     
     
         37 . A device as defined in  claim 36 , wherein the second means is an elastic septum that defines a dome shape or a convex outer surface.