Patent Publication Number: US-11639240-B2

Title: Fluid manifold systems and methods of manufacture

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     This application is a continuation of U.S. application Ser. No. 16/385,775, filed Apr. 16, 2019, U.S. Pat. No. 11,148,836, which is a divisional of U.S. application Ser. No. 14/728,717, filed Jun. 2, 2015, U.S. Pat. No. 10,308,378, which is a continuation of U.S. application Ser. No. 14/131,872, filed Jan. 9, 2014, U.S. Pat. No. 9,073,650, which is a US nationalization of PCT Application No. PCT/US2012/046095, filed Jul. 10, 2012, which claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 61/506,283, filed Jul. 11, 2011, which are incorporated herein by specific reference. 
    
    
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     1. The Field of the Invention 
     The present invention relates to manifolds for dispensing fluids. 
     2. The Relevant Technology 
     During the manufacturing and processing of sterile liquid products by the biotechnology and pharmaceutical industries, a manifold is often used to simultaneously dispense the sterile liquid product from a storage container into a plurality of smaller containers, generally bags, that are then used for processing, testing or other purposes. Conventional manifolds are typically manufactured from a plurality of tube sections that are manually connected together using T&#39;s and other connectors. The plurality of bags are then manually connected to the assembled tubes. While such manifolds allow the liquid product to be successfully transferred between the storage container and the smaller containers, there are a number of shortcomings with such systems, especially with regards to sterile liquids. 
     Initially, the traditional manifolds are time-consuming and labor intensive to assemble. The tube assembly can also be unwieldy and difficult to work with. In addition, the large number of connections required by the conventional manifold creates an increased risk that a connection may fail, i.e., leak, thereby contaminating the sterile liquid being processed. Furthermore, because the manifolds are made from tube sections that are cut and pressed together, particulate matter from the cutting or assembling process can become trapped within the tubes. In turn, the unwanted particulate matter can become suspended within the fluid traveling through the tubes and be carried in the bags with the fluid. This results in unwanted particulate within the fluid. 
     In addition to housing particulate matter, the tubes are also occupied by a gas, such as air. As the fluid flows through the tubes to the containers, the fluid pushes the gas into the containers. This gas is unwanted as it occupies space that could be used for fluid and because the gas can have a negative influence on the fluids. Finally, because the tubes can have a fairly large passage extending therethrough, a significant amount of fluid can be retained within the tubes after the containers are filled. This fluid can be difficult to remove from the tubes and can thus result in an unwanted waste of the fluid. 
     Accordingly, what is needed in the art are improved fluid manifold systems that overcome one or more of the above shortcomings. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       Various embodiments of the present invention will now be discussed with reference to the appended drawings. It is appreciated that these drawings depict only typical embodiments of the invention and are therefore not to be considered limiting of its scope. In the drawings, like numerals designate like elements. Furthermore, multiple instances of an element may each include separate letters appended to the element number. For example two instances of a particular element “ 20 ” may be labeled as “ 20   a ” and “ 20   b ”. In that case, the element label may be used without an appended letter (e.g., “ 20 ”) to generally refer to every instance of the element; while the element label will include an appended letter (e.g., “ 20   a ”) to refer to a specific instance of the element. 
         FIG.  1    is a block diagram of a manifold system according to one embodiment; 
         FIG.  2    is a top plan view of a manifold system according to one embodiment, in which the manifold is formed from opposing sheets; 
         FIG.  3    is a perspective view of a manifold according to one embodiment; 
         FIGS.  4 A and  4 B  are cross sectional side views of a portion of the manifold shown in  FIG.  2   , showing a portion of the fluid flow path in an empty ( FIG.  4 A ) and a filled ( FIG.  4 B ) state; 
         FIG.  5    is a close up view showing the attachment of the inlet coupler to the fluid inlet; 
         FIG.  6    is a cross sectional side view of one embodiment of a fluid coupling between the manifold and the receiving container; 
         FIG.  7    is a cross sectional side view of another embodiment of a fluid coupling between the manifold and the receiving container; 
         FIG.  8    is a cross sectional side view of one embodiment of a fluid coupling between the manifold and the receiving container that incorporates an aseptic connector; 
         FIG.  9    is a cross sectional side view of another embodiment of a fluid coupling between the manifold and the receiving container; 
         FIG.  10 A  is a top plan view of a manifold according to another embodiment; 
         FIG.  10 B  is a cross sectional side view of the manifold shown in  FIG.  10 A , taken along the line  10 B- 10 B; 
         FIG.  11    is a perspective view of a manifold according to another embodiment; 
         FIG.  12    is a top plan view of a manifold system in which a pair of manifolds are fluidly cascaded in series; 
         FIG.  13    is a top plan view of a manifold system according to another embodiment in which the receiving containers are also formed from the opposing sheets; 
         FIG.  14    is a perspective view of one embodiment of a weld plate that can be used to form the manifold system depicted in  FIG.  13   ; 
         FIG.  15    is a side view showing one method of using the weld plate shown in  FIG.  14    to weld a manifold system; 
         FIG.  16    is a side view showing a method of using the weld plate shown in  FIG.  14    to concurrently weld multiple manifold systems; 
         FIG.  17    is a side view showing a pair of manifold systems that can be welded together to form a port therebetween; 
         FIG.  18    is a side view showing the pair of manifold systems shown in  FIG.  17    having a coupling material disposed therebetween; 
         FIG.  19 A  is a perspective view showing a connector used to couple manifold systems together; 
         FIGS.  19 B and  19 C  are side views showing the pair of manifold systems shown in  FIG.  17    being coupled by an embodiment of the connector shown in  FIG.  19 A . 
         FIGS.  20 A- 20 B  disclose a table that can be used with the manifold system according to one embodiment; 
         FIGS.  21 A- 21 D  disclose a method of dispensing a fluid according to one embodiment; 
         FIG.  22    is a perspective view of an alternative embodiment of a fluid manifold system wherein receiving container assemblies can be vertically oriented for supporting on a rack; 
         FIG.  23    is a perspective partially exploded view of the fluid manifold system shown in  FIG.  22   ; 
         FIG.  24    is a perspective view of an alternative embodiment of the fluid manifold system shown in  FIG.  22    wherein the manifold has a different connection to the receiving container assemblies; 
         FIG.  25    is a perspective partially exploded view of the fluid manifold system shown in  FIG.  24   ; and 
         FIG.  26    is a further alternative embodiment of the fluid manifold system shown in  FIG.  22    wherein only single receiving containers are connected to the manifold. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS 
     As used in the specification and appended claims, directional terms, such as “top,” “bottom,” “up,” “down,” “upper,” “lower,” “proximal,” “distal,” and the like are used herein solely to indicate relative directions and are not otherwise intended to limit the scope of the invention or claims. 
     The present disclosure relates to fluid manifold systems through which a sterile or non-sterile fluid, such as a liquid, powder, gas, or other materials, or combinations of materials, can flow. As used in the Detailed Description, Abstract, and appended claims herein, the term “fluid connection” or equivalent phrasing means a connection through which a fluid can pass but which is not limited to “liquids.” For example, in different embodiments of the present invention the inventive connector systems can form “fluid connections” through which liquids, gases, powders, other forms of solids, and/or combinations thereof are intended to pass. 
     The fluid manifold systems can be used in a variety of different fields for a variety of different applications. By way of example and not by limitation, the fluid manifold systems can be used in the biotechnology, pharmaceutical, medical, and chemical industries in the manufacture, processing, treating, transporting, sampling, storage, and/or dispensing of sterile or non-sterile liquid products. Examples of sterile liquid products that can be used with the fluid manifold systems include media, buffers, reagents, cell and microorganism cultures, vaccines, chemicals, blood, blood products and other biological and non-biological fluids. 
     To avoid the requirement for cleaning or maintenance, the fluid manifold systems can be designed to be disposable. Alternatively, they can also be reusable. Although the fluid manifold systems of the present invention can be used to form a sterile connection for moving sterile materials, it is appreciated that the fluid manifold systems can also be used for making connections that are non-sterile or are sterile to a limited extent. 
     Depicted in  FIG.  1    is an exemplary dispensing system  100  in which one embodiment of the inventive manifold system can be used. Dispensing system  100  includes a dispensing container  102 , a manifold system  104  fluidly coupled thereto, and a pump  106  for moving fluid therebetween. Dispensing system  100  can be used for dispensing sterile or non-sterile biological or other type of fluids. 
     Dispensing container  102  can be any type of container or structure capable of storing a fluid. For example, dispensing container  102  can comprise a rigid vessel, such as a stainless steel container, in which the fluid is housed or can comprise a flexible bag in which the fluid is housed, the flexible bag typically being disposed within a support housing. Dispensing container  102  can also comprise different functional types of container systems such as mixing vessels, fermentors, or bioreactors used to grow cells or microorganisms. One example of a bioreactor that can be used is disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 7,487,688, which issued on Feb. 10, 2009 and which is hereby incorporated by specific reference. Other types of dispensing containers  102  as are known by those skilled in the art can also be used. 
     Pump  106  is used for controlling fluid flow between dispensing container  102  and fluid manifold system  104 . When pump  106  is activated, fluid is caused to flow in a controlled manner from dispensing container  102  and into fluid manifold system  104  through a conduit  107 . Pump  106  can comprise any pump used in conventional dispensing systems as are known by those skilled in the art. For example, pump  106  typically comprises a peristaltic pump that operates in conjunction with conduit  107  for pumping the fluid therethrough. In this embodiment, conduit  107  typically comprises a flexible tube. In alternative embodiments, pump  106  can comprise a conventional fluid pump where the fluid passes directly through the pump. 
     In some embodiments, pump  106  can be omitted and fluid manifold system  104  can be fluidly connected directly to dispensing container  102 . For example, pump  106  may be omitted in a dispensing system that uses gravity to cause the fluid to flow from dispensing container  102  through conduit  107  to fluid manifold system  104 . 
     Conduit  107  between dispensing container  102  and fluid manifold system  104  can comprise flexible tubing, a hose, a rigid pipe, or any other type of conduit as is known in the art. If desired, one or more filters can be fluid coupled with conduit  107  for filtering and/or sterilizing the fluid as it passes therethrough. 
     Fluid manifold system  104  comprises a manifold  108  and one or more receiving containers  110  removably fluid coupled thereto. Turning to  FIG.  2   , each receiving container  110 , also known in the art as a fill bag, comprises a main body  258  extending from a proximal end  260  to a spaced apart distal end  262 . Main body  258  typically comprises a flexible bag made of one or more sheets of flexible, polymeric material, although other materials may also be used. More specifically, main body  258  typically comprises a two-dimensional pillow-type bag where two polymeric sheets are overlaid and then seamed around a perimeter to bound a fluid compartment. In other embodiments main body  258  can comprise a 3-dimensional bag. Main body  258  can be made of the same types of materials as manifold  108 , discussed below. In one embodiment, main body  258  is made of the same materials as manifold  108 . 
     One or more hanger holes  264  can extend through a seamed perimeter edge of main body  258  at distal end  262  or at other locations. Hanger holes  264  are used to hang receiving container  110  after receiving container  110  has been filled, as is known in the art. 
     Main body  258  includes an outer wall  266  having an inner surface  268  bounding a compartment  270 . A fluid inlet  272  and a fluid outlet  274  extend through outer wall  266  to fluidly communicate with compartment  270 . Through fluid inlet  272 , fluid is passed into compartment  270  from manifold  108 ; through fluid outlet  274 , fluid is passed out of compartment  270  after receiving container  110  has been filled. In the depicted embodiment, fluid inlet  272  and fluid outlet  274  are positioned on the opposite end (i.e., proximal end  260 ) of main body  258  as hanger holes  264 , although this is not required. Furthermore, although fluid inlet  272  and fluid outlet  274  are depicted as being positioned on the same end as each other, this also is not required. For example, fluid outlet  274  can extend from distal end  262 . 
     Turning to  FIG.  7   , receiving container  110  further comprises one or more connectors positioned at fluid inlet  272  and/or fluid outlet  274  of main body  258 . Each connector can comprise a port, a tube, or other connector that can provide fluid connection through fluid inlet  272  or fluid outlet  274  to compartment  270 . For example, in the embodiment shown in  FIG.  7   , the connector can comprise a tube  180  having a lumen  181  extending completely therethrough from a first end  178  to a spaced apart second end  182 . First end  178  is coupled to receiving container  110  at fluid inlet  272 . Second end  182  is configured to fluidly connect to manifold  108 , as discussed below. Tube  180  can be welded, glued, press fit, fastened, or otherwise secured to receiving container  110 . 
     Similarly, a tube  192  having a lumen  194  extending completely therethrough from a first end  196  to a spaced apart second end  198  can be coupled to receiving container  110  at fluid outlet  274 . Tube  192  can be secured to receiving container  110  in a similar manner as tube  180 . Because tube  192  is used to dispense fluid from compartment  270  after compartment  270  has been filled, second end  198  of tube  192  can be clamped or sealed closed before compartment  110  is filled with fluid, and then be opened or unsealed when it is desired to dispense the fluid. To seal tube  192 , second end  198  thereof can be welded or otherwise seamed closed, as is known in the art. When it is desired to allow fluid to flow out of compartment  270  through tube  192 , sealed second end  198  can be cut off, thereby opening lumen  194  to allow the fluid passage therethrough. Alternatively, a connector can be attached to second end  198  to seal tube  192 . For example, an aseptic connector, similar to those discussed below, can be attached to second end  198 . 
     Tubes  180  and  192  can be of any length desired, based on the filling requirements and end use of receiving container  110  and are typically flexible. Furthermore, tube  180  can be the same or different length as tube  192 . 
     As shown in  FIG.  2   , manifold  108  has a perimeter edge  112  comprising a proximal edge  114 , a spaced apart distal edge  116 , and first and second lateral edges  118 ,  120 . A fluid inlet  122  is disposed on proximal edge  114  to receive fluid from dispensing container  102  and/or pump  106  through conduit  107 . A plurality of fluid outlets  124  are disposed on one or both lateral edges  118 ,  120 . It is appreciated that fluid inlet  122  and fluid outlets  124  can be disposed on any portion of perimeter edge  112  as desired. The number of fluid outlets  124  can vary. For example in some embodiments two to eight fluid outlets are common. In some embodiments, at least two, at least four, at least six, or at least eight fluid outlets  124  are used. Other numbers of fluid outlets can also be used. 
     A fluid flow path  126  is formed in manifold  108  to fluidly couple fluid inlet  122  to each fluid outlet  124 . Fluid flow path  126  includes a primary flow path  128  that communicates with fluid inlet  122  and extends from proximal edge  114  toward distal edge  116 . A plurality of spaced apart secondary flow paths  130  are also included that branch off of primary flow path  128  at separate fluid junctures  132 . Each secondary flow path  130  communicates with a corresponding one of the plurality of spaced apart fluid outlets  124 . As such, the number of secondary flow paths  130  typically equals the number of fluid outlets  124 , although that is not required. 
     Fluid flow path  126  can be designed so that all receiving containers  110  are filled at substantially equal rates, if desired. For example, primary flow path  128  can be tapered along its length, as shown in the depicted embodiment. Tapering of primary flow path  128  can help maintain a substantially constant fluid pressure into each secondary flow path  130 . In addition, each secondary flow path  130  can be pinched or closed off at one or more locations to control the flow of fluid into corresponding receiving container  110  thereby allowing equal amounts of fluid to flow through each secondary flow path  130 . Alternatively, each secondary flow path  130  can be pinched or closed off only after a corresponding receiving container  110  has been filled to the desired amount. In this manner, fluid may flow into each receiving container  110  at a different rate and the corresponding secondary flow path  130  can be closed off sooner or later than the others. Furthermore, primary flow path  128  and secondary flow paths  130  can be selectively pinched or closed off so that receiving container  110  can be sequentially filled either one at a time or in predetermined combinations, as discussed in more detail below. 
     Primary flow path  128  can have a maximum cross sectional diameter or unexpanded width that ranges between about 0.2 cm to about 10 cm with about 0.2 cm to about 5 cm being common. Other maximum cross sectional diameter or unexpanded width ranges are also possible. Secondary flow paths  130  can have the same or smaller maximum cross sectional diameters or unexpanded width as primary flow path  128  and can extend orthogonally from primary flow path  128  or extend at an angle therefrom, as in the depicted embodiment. 
     In the depicted embodiment, manifold  108  is substantially rectangular. Other shapes can also be used. For example, manifold  108  can also be oval, circular, polygonal or have other regular or irregular shapes. For example,  FIG.  10 A  shows an embodiment in which the manifold is substantially circular. 
     In one embodiment, manifold  108  includes a main body  138  comprising opposing flexible sheets coupled together to form the fluid flow path  126  therebetween. For example, as shown in  FIG.  3   , main body  138  is comprised of a first flexible sheet  140   a  and a second flexible sheet  140   b , each respectively having an inside face  142   a ,  142   b  and an opposing outside face  144   a ,  144   b . First flexible sheet  140   a  is positioned on second flexible sheet  140   b  such that the inside faces  142   a  and  142   b  of both flexible sheets lie directly against each other. As will be discussed below in greater detail, inside faces  142   a  and  142   b  are selectively secured together along seam lines to form fluid flow path  126  therebetween. One or more aligning holes  145  can be positioned on each sheet to aid in alignment thereof during manufacturing of the manifold, as discussed below. 
     Each sheet  140  can be comprised of a flexible, fluid and/or gas impermeable material such as a low-density polyethylene or other polymeric sheets having a thickness in a range between about 0.1 mm to about 5 mm with about 0.2 mm to about 2 mm being common. Other thicknesses can also be used. Each sheet  140  can be comprised of a single ply material or can comprise two or more layers which are either sealed together or separated to form a double wall structure. Where the layers are sealed together, the material can comprise a laminated or extruded material. The laminated material can comprise two or more separately formed layers that are subsequently secured together by an adhesive. 
     The extruded material can comprise a single integral sheet that comprises two or more layers of different materials that can be separated by a contact layer. All of the layers can be simultaneously co-extruded. One example of an extruded material that can be used in the present invention is the HyQ CX3-9 film available from HyClone Laboratories, Inc. out of Logan, Utah. The HyQ CX3-9 film is a three-layer, 9 mil cast film produced in a cGMP facility. The outer layer is a polyester elastomer coextruded with an ultra-low density polyethylene product contact layer. Another example of an extruded material that can be used in the present invention is the HyQ CX5-14 cast film also available from HyClone Laboratories, Inc. The HyQ CX5-14 cast film comprises a polyester elastomer outer layer, an ultra-low density polyethylene contact layer, and an EVOH barrier layer disposed therebetween. In still another example, a multi-web film produced from three independent webs of blown film can be used. The two inner webs are each a 4 mil monolayer polyethylene film (which is referred to by HyClone as the HyQ BM1 film) while the outer barrier web is a 5.5 mil thick 6-layer coextrusion film (which is referred to by HyClone as the HyQ BX6 film). 
     The material is approved for direct contact with living cells and is capable of maintaining a solution sterile. In such an embodiment, the material can also be sterilizable such as by ionizing radiation. Examples of materials that can be used in different situations are disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 6,083,587 which issued on Jul. 4, 2000 and United States Patent Publication No. US 2003-0077466 A1, published Apr. 24, 2003 which are hereby incorporated by specific reference. 
     It is appreciated that first and second flexible sheets  140   a  and  140   b  can alternatively be formed from a single sheet that has been folded over to form two separate portions. In those embodiments, first and second flexible sheets  140   a  and  140   b  respectively correspond to each of the two separate folded portions. It is also appreciated that more than two sheets  140  can be used to form manifold  108  (see, e.g.,  FIG.  11   ). 
     In one embodiment, fluid flow path  126  is formed by selectively welding flexible sheets  140   a  and  140   b  together. For example, in the embodiment depicted in  FIG.  3   , first and second flexible sheets  140   a  and  140   b  have been welded along seam lines  146  that outline the perimeter of and form fluid flow path  126  therebetween. Welding of flexible sheets  140   a  and  140   b  to form seam lines  146  can be performed by using conventional welding techniques such as heat welding, RF energy, ultrasonic, and the like. Other conventional techniques can also be used to form seam lines  146  such as adhesives, crimping or other conventional attaching or fastening techniques or other methods known in the art. 
     If desired, seam lines  147  can also be formed around the perimeter edge of sheets  140   a  and  140   b  and particularly through the areas of aligning holes  145 . It is also appreciated that all of the areas of sheets  140   a  and  140   b  could be seamed together except for the area of flow path  126 . However, this extent of seaming may be inefficient and unnecessary. By forming main body  138  by using the above process, manifold  108  can be easily and inexpensively manufactured having any desired configuration for flow path  126 . 
     Each of flexible sheets  140  is configured to flex outward to allow fluid to more easily flow through fluid flow path  126 . For example,  FIGS.  4 A and  4 B  respectively depict a portion of fluid flow path  126  when flow path  126  is empty and when fluid is flowing through flow path  126 . In the non-flowing position shown in  FIG.  4 A , the inside surfaces  142   a ,  142   b  of flexible sheets  140   a ,  140   b  lie against each other such that very little space is disposed within fluid flow path  126 . As such, there is minimal gas or fluid within flow path  126 . In the flowing position shown in  FIG.  4 B , however, both sheets  140   a ,  140   b  have flexed outward so that inside surfaces  142   a ,  142   b  no longer lie against each other, thereby opening up fluid flow path  126  to allow fluid to freely flow therethrough. 
     Prior to use, fluid flow path  126  is initially in the non-flowing position of  FIG.  4 A  and thus there is minimal gas within flow path  126 . When fluid flows between dispensing container  102  and receiving containers  110 , fluid flow path  126  moves to the flowing position shown in  FIG.  4 B . The flowing fluid pushes the gas within flow path  126  into receiving containers  110 . However, because there is minimal gas within flow path  126 , there is minimal gas pushed into receiving containers  110 . It is desirable to minimize the gas within receiving container  110  since the gas can occupy desired space for the liquid and can have negative effects on the liquid. Once receiving containers  110  have been filled to the desired amount, the flow of fluid to receiving containers  110  is terminated by stopping flow from dispensing container  102  or crimping, pinching or sealing the flow through flow path  126  or by otherwise sealing the flow to receiving containers  110  as discussed below. 
     If desired, once the flow of fluid has been stopped, fluid that remains within fluid flow path  126  of manifold  108  can be easily squeezed or scraped into a receiving container  110  or into some other container. For example, a process can be used to progressively collapse the fluid flow path along at least a portion of the length of the manifold so as to force a portion of the fluid within the fluid flow path into one of the receiving containers. This can be accomplished by using a squeegee, scraper, roller, or other tool to press down on flexible sheet  140   a  and pass along all or portions of flow path  126  to force the fluid down the flow path and into a container. This minimizes waste of the fluid. In some embodiments, flexible sheets  140  are resilient so that once the flow of fluid through fluid flow path  126  has ended, fluid flow path  126  returns to the non-flowing state of  FIG.  4 A , thereby causing any remaining fluid within fluid flow path  126  to flow into a container. 
     In contrast, because conventional manifolds are typically made of tubing, it can be significantly more difficult to squeeze or scrape the fluid out of conventional manifolds, especially at the joints that are commonly rigid. Likewise, because tubing is fully expanded prior to use, the tubing contains a significant amount of undesirable gas that is pushed by the fluid into the receiving containers during the filling stage. 
     Thus, the present invention is advantageous over conventional manifolds as less fluid is wasted and less gas is pushed into the receiving containers. In many instances, the fluid that is moved through the manifolds is expensive, e.g., thousands of dollars an ounce or more. In these cases, employing embodiments of the present invention can amount to a substantial monetary savings. 
     Sheets  140  can be designed to prevent liquid and gas transfer therethrough and to keep flow path  126  and the fluid that flows therethrough sterile. To that end, flexible sheets  140  can be made of a single layer or a plurality of layers each composed of the same or different material to provide similar or different properties, as desired. By choosing multiple layers each with different properties, manifolds  108  can be formed that meet the individual needs of the specific use for which the manifolds are created. 
     Returning to  FIG.  3   , manifold  108  further comprises one or more connectors positioned within fluid inlet  122  and/or fluid outlets  124  of main body  138 . Each connector can comprise a coupling device and/or a port or other connector that can establish a fluid connection. For example, in the depicted embodiment an inlet coupler  150  is secured within fluid inlet  122  and a number of outlet couplers  152  and  153  are secured within various fluid outlets  124 . A port  155  is secured within another of the fluid outlets  124 .  FIG.  5    is a close up view of inlet coupler  150  secured within fluid inlet  122 .  FIGS.  6  and  7    include close up views of outlet couplers  152  and  153 , respectively, secured within fluid outlets  124 . 
     As shown in  FIG.  5   , inlet coupler  150  comprises a tubular body  154  extending from a first end  156  to a spaced apart second end  158 . Body  154  bounds a passageway  160  extending therethrough. First end  156  is secured between sheets  140   a  and  140   b  at fluid inlet  122  by welding, glue, press-fit, fastener, or any other securing method known in the art. Second end  158  of inlet coupler  150  is configured to receive an end  162  of conduit  107  whose other end is fluidly coupled with dispensing container  102  or pump  106 , as discussed above. Conduit  107  can be welded, glued, fastened, press fit or otherwise secured to inlet coupler  150 . 
     Although not required, one or more barbs  168  or other securing member can also be included on inlet coupler  150  to aid in securing conduit  107  to inlet coupler  150 . In this embodiment, conduit  107  can be slid over barb  168  and then a tie can be cinched around end  162  so as to form a sealed connection. Inlet coupler  150  can be made of a polymeric material, metal, ceramic, or any other material or combination thereof and is typically more rigid than conduit  107  in which it is received. It is appreciated that other conventional fluid connectors such as a luer lock or aseptic connector can be used to fluid couple inlet coupler  150  and conduit  107 . (See, e.g., aseptic connector  256  in  FIG.  12   .) In yet other embodiments, end  162  of conduit  107  can be sealed directly between sheets  140   a  and  140   b  at fluid inlet  122 . 
     As shown in  FIG.  6   , each outlet coupler  152  can also comprise a tubular body  170  extending from a first end  172  to a spaced apart second end  174 . Body  170  bounds a passageway  176  extending therethrough. First end  172  is secured between sheets  140   a  and  140   b  at fluid outlet  124  by welding, glue, press-fit, fastener or any other securing method known in the art. Second end  174  of outlet coupler  152  is configured to receive an end of the connector extending from fluid inlet  272  of one of receiving containers  110 . For example, in the depicted embodiment, second end  174  of outlet coupler  152  is connected to second end  182  of outlet tube  180  whose first end  178  is fluidly coupled with one of receiving containers  110  at fluid inlet  272 , as discussed above. Outlet tube  180  can be welded, glued, press fit, or otherwise secured within or onto outlet coupler  152 . Other securing methods can also be used. Similar to inlet coupler  150 , one or more barbs  184  or other securing member can also be included on each outlet coupler  152  to aid in securing outlet tube  180  to outlet coupler  152 . Outlet couplers  152  can be made of the same type of materials as inlet coupler  150  discussed above. 
     Turning to  FIG.  7   , an alternative outlet coupler  153  is used to produce fluid communication between receiving container  110  and manifold  108 . Outlet coupler  153  is similar to outlet coupler  152  except that outlet coupler  153  does not include a barb extending radially away therefrom. To attach receiving container  110  to manifold  108 , first end  172  of outlet coupler  153  is positioned within fluid outlet  124  of manifold  108  and second end  174  of outlet coupler  153  is positioned within outlet tube  180  of receiving container  110 . Manifold  108  and tube  180  can then be welded, glued, fastened, or otherwise secured to outlet coupler  153 . 
     Inlet coupler  150  and outlet couplers  152  and  153  can be used to create sterile or non-sterile connections. For sterile fluid connections, manifold system  104 , including manifold  108  and receiving containers  110 , can be sterilized as a unit once manifold system  104  and receiving containers  110  have been fluidly secured to each other. Alternatively, manifold  108  and receiving containers  110  can be separately sterilized. Receiving containers  110  can then be selectively coupled to manifold  108  as needed. 
     For example, as shown in  FIG.  8   , aseptic connectors  186  can be used to attach manifold  108  to receiving containers  110  and/or dispensing container  102 . Aseptic connector  186  typically comprises two mating portions  188  and  190 , each sealed so that the internal sections can remain sterile once sterilized. Mating portions  188  and  190  are respectively secured to outlet coupler  153  and tube  180 . To fluidly attach receiving container  110  to manifold  108 , mating portions  188  and  190  are secured together, after which the seals are removed from the mating portions to allow fluid communication between the two halves. Because the seals are not removed until mating portions  188  and  190  have been secured to one another, the internal sections thereof remain sterilized. 
     By way of example only, a PALL KLEENPACK® connector can be used as aseptic connector  186  in place of inlet coupler  150  or outlet couplers  152  and  153  or in combination thereof to provide a sterile connection between manifold  108  and receiving containers  110  and dispensing container  102 . This will allow receiving containers  110  to be detached from manifold  108  yet retain the sterility of the fluid therein. The PALL connector is described in detail in U.S. Pat. No. 6,655,655, the content of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. 
     A port can also be positioned within any fluid inlet or outlet, alone or in conjunction with a coupler. For example,  FIGS.  3 ,  9 , and  10    show ports  155 ,  276 , and  202 , respectively, positioned at a manifold outlet  124  positioned in upper sheet  140   a , container inlet  272 , and a manifold inlet  214  positioned on an upper sheet  204   a . Ports  155 ,  276 , and  202  provide alternative embodiments to connecting to receiving container  110  and manifold  108 . 
     Turning to  FIG.  9   , port  276  is positioned at fluid inlet  272  of receiving container  110  and outlet tube  180  is attached to port  276 . Port  276  comprises a tubular body  220  extending from a first end  222  to a spaced apart second end  224 . Body  220  bounds a passageway  226  extending therethrough. A flange  228  extends radially outward from tubular body  220  at first end  222 . Port  276  is positioned within fluid inlet  272  so that second end  224  of tubular body  220  extends outward from receiving container  110  and flange  228  is secured to inner surface  268  of outer wall  266  in which fluid inlet  272  is formed. Flange  228  can be secured to inner surface  268  by welding using conventional welding techniques such as heat welding, RF energy, ultrasonic, and the like or by using adhesives or any other conventional attaching or fastening techniques known in the art. One or more barbs  230  or other securing member can be included on or near second end  224  of inlet port  276  to aid in securing tube  180  or a coupler to port  276 . Port  276  can be made of a polymeric material, metal, ceramic, or any other material or combination thereof. 
     Ports  155  have a similar structure as port  276  and can be made of the same type of materials. Port  155  can be used in place of couplers  152  and  153 , as shown in  FIG.  3   . Port  202  can be used in place of inlet coupler  150 , as shown in  FIGS.  10 A and  10 B . 
       FIGS.  10 A and  10 B  show an alternative embodiment of a manifold  200 . Similar to manifold  108 , manifold  200  has a pair of flexible sheets  204   a  and  204   b  with inside surfaces  206   a  and  206   b  facing each other. Also similar to manifold  108 , manifold  200  has formed therebetween a fluid flow path  208  comprising a primary flow path  210  and a plurality of secondary flow paths  212  extending between fluid inlet  214  and a plurality of fluid outlets  216 . Flow paths  210  and  212  are formed by seam lines  146 , as discussed above, that are formed by welding or otherwise securing together flexible sheets  204   a  and  204   b . Manifold  200  also has a perimeter edge  218 , but instead of having a rectangular shape, manifold  200  is substantially circular. Furthermore, fluid inlet  214  is centrally positioned on manifold  200  instead of being located on perimeter edge  218  and is only formed on one of the sheets  204 . Fluid outlets  216  are positioned around perimeter edge  218  so that secondary flow paths  212  form a substantially spoke-like pattern with fluid inlet  214  being positioned at the hub of the spoke. 
     As noted above, inlet port  202  is positioned within fluid inlet  214  so that second end  224  of tubular body  220  extends outward from manifold  200  and flange  228  is secured to inside surface  206  of the sheet  204  in which fluid inlet  214  is formed. Flange  228  can be secured to inside surface  206  of sheet  204  in a similar manner to that discussed above with regards to the securing of flange  228  of port  276  to receiving container  110 . One or more barbs  230  or other securing member can also be included on or near second end  224  of inlet port  202  to aid in securing an inlet tube or a coupler to inlet port  202 . 
     As noted above, a manifold according to embodiments of the present invention can be comprised of more than two sheets. For example,  FIG.  11    depicts a manifold  240  that includes third and fourth sheets  140   c  and  140   d  positioned between first and second sheets  140   a  and  140   b  and sealingly secured thereto along perimeter edge  112 . Portions of either of the extra sheets  140   c  or  140   d  can be omitted between first and second sheets  140   a  and  140   b  to allow a space to be formed between inside surfaces  142   a  and  142   b  ( FIG.  3   ) of sheets  140   a  and  140   b , if desired. For example, extra sheets  140   c  and  140   d  can be shaped so that they are positioned between sheets  140   a  and  140   b  only around the perimeter edge and/or about or adjacent to the flow paths. Accordingly, as shown in  FIG.  7   , fluid outlets  124  and the related fluid flow path can be completely or partially bounded by all four sheets. Third and fourth sheets  140   c  and  140   d  can be rectangular or take any other shape, as desired. Furthermore, although two extra sheets are shown in the depicted embodiment, it is appreciated that only one extra sheet or three or more extra sheets can also be used. As previously discussed, the different sheets can have the same or different properties depending on desired objectives. For example, sheets  140   c  and  140   d  can be gas barrier layers. 
       FIG.  12    shows an alternative embodiment of a manifold  250  that can be used if it is desired to use a plurality of manifolds in series. Manifold  250  is similar to manifold  108  except for a few things. Unlike manifold  108  in which primary flow path  128  tapers, primary flow path  128  in manifold  250  maintains a substantially constant cross sectional area along its entire length, although this is not required. In addition, in manifold  250 , primary flow path  128  extends to an extender outlet  252  on distal edge  116 . As a result, a connector can be secured within extender outlet  252  to fluidly connect manifolds together. The connector can comprise a coupler or a port, such as coupler  254 , similar to any of the couplers and ports described above. 
     The coupler or port can be fluidly connected by a tube to fluid inlet  122  on another manifold. Alternatively, as shown in  FIG.  12   , opposing portions of an aseptic connector  256  similar to those discussed above can be used to connect manifolds  250  and  108  together. Portions of aseptic connector  256  can be connected to the couplers or ports extending through inlet  122  and extender outlet  252  so that a sealed connection will be maintained when the portions are connected. By using aseptic connectors  256 , each manifold  250  can be separately sterilized and used as needed. As a result, adding additional manifolds  250  in series can be a simple manner of simply daisy-chaining the manifolds  250  together by connecting the aseptic connectors  256  between them. The system can remain sterile due to the use of the aseptic connectors  256 . 
     By using the manifolds in series, the number of receiving containers can be increased. For example, by coupling two manifolds together, the number of receiving containers  110  can be doubled. Although only two manifolds  108  and  250  are shown connected together, it is appreciated that three or more manifolds can be connected together by simply connecting manifolds having extender outlets  252  together in whatever quantity is desired. As noted above, the sterility of each manifold can be maintained by using aseptic connectors to fluidly couple the manifolds. Manifolds may also be connected in parallel such that two or more manifolds are attached directly to the output of a single manifold. Other combinations can also be used. The number of manifolds that can be coupled in series is, in theory, unlimited. However, practical considerations such as fluid pressure loss, number of receiving containers, amount of fluid, etc. will likely define a practical desired limit. 
     In embodiments of the fluid manifold system described above, the manifolds are comprised of at least a pair of sheets selectively welded together and the manifolds are fluidly attached to receiving containers using connectors. In an alternative embodiment, the receiving containers or at least the flexible bodies thereof can be integrally formed as a unitary structure with the manifold or flexible body thereof instead of being separately attached thereto by connectors. For example,  FIG.  13    depicts a fluid manifold system  300  having a manifold  302  and receiving containers  304  that are formed within the same sheets by selective welding or the like. 
     Similar to embodiments of manifolds discussed above, manifold  302  has a flexible body  303  comprised of a pair of flexible sheets  306   a  and  306   b  with inside surfaces  308   a  and  308   b  facing each other and opposing outside surfaces  309   a  and  309   b . A fluid flow path  310  is formed within manifold  302  by seam lines  146 , as discussed above, that are formed by welding or otherwise securing together flexible sheets  306   a  and  306   b . Fluid flow path  310  comprises a main flow path  312  extending from a fluid inlet  313  and a plurality of secondary flow paths  314  extending therefrom. Body  303  can have inlet coupler  150  ( FIG.  3   ) secured at fluid inlet  313 . However, instead of secondary flow paths  314  extending all the way to a perimeter edge  316  of the sheets, secondary flow paths  314  extend to receiving containers  304  formed from the same sheets  306   a  and  306   b . As shown in  FIG.  13   , main flow path  312  can extend to an extender outlet  317  to allow manifold  302  to be connected in series to other manifolds, as discussed above. Alternatively, extender outlet  317  can be sealed or omitted so that no fluid will pass therethrough. 
     By being formed from the same sheets as manifold  302 , receiving containers  304  are flexible and can also be referred to as flexible bags. Each receiving container  304  can be formed in the same way that the manifolds discussed herein are formed. That is, each receiving container  304  can be formed by selectively welding flexible sheets  306   a  and  306   b  to form seam lines  318  that outline the perimeter of receiving container  304 . 
     Similar to receiving containers  110 , each receiving container  304  comprises a main body  320  extending from a proximal end  322  to a spaced apart distal end  324  and having an outer wall  326  with an inner surface  328  bounding a closed compartment  330 . A fluid inlet  332  and a fluid outlet  334  respectfully extend through the proximal and distal ends  322  and  324  of outer wall  326  to fluidly communicate with compartment  330 . A fluid pathway  335  is also formed that communicates with compartment  330  and extends toward manifold  302  from fluid inlet  332 . Similar to receiving containers  110 , one or more hanger holes  336  can also extend through main body  320 . 
     Because receiving containers  304  are formed from the same sheets  306  as manifold  302 , each secondary flow path  314  can be formed so as to seamlessly flow through fluid pathway  335  into a corresponding fluid inlet  332  without the use of couplers. That is, each secondary flow path  314  can be integrally formed with fluid pathway  335  and its corresponding fluid inlet  332 . Thus, the flexible body of manifold  302  can be formed from a first portion of sheets  306   a  and  306   b  while the flexible body of the receiving containers  304  can be formed from a continuous second portion of sheets  306   a  and  306   b.    
     Similar to receiving containers  110 , one or more connectors can be welded or otherwise fluidly connected to fluid outlet  334  of body  320  of receiving container  304  to pass fluid out of compartment  330  after compartment  330  has been filled. Each connector can comprise a port, a tube, or the like, similar to other connectors discussed herein. For example, in the depicted embodiment, the connector comprises a pair of tubes  338  secured within fluid outlet  334  of receiving container  304 . Tubes  338  can be welded, glued, fastened, or otherwise secured to receiving containers  304  at fluid outlet  334 , similar to other tubes discussed herein. 
     If desired, manifold system  300  can include means for easily detaching receiving containers  304  from manifold  302  after the containers have been filled. For example, for each receiving container  304 , a plurality of perforations  340  can extend through both sheets  306   a  and  306   b  in a line extending from the perimeter edge  316  of flexible sheets  306 , around the corresponding receiving container  304 , and back to perimeter edge  316 . The exception is that perforations  340  are not formed across fluid flow path  310 . As a result, each receiving container  304  can be detached from manifold  302  by simply tearing along perforations  340  corresponding to the receiving container  304 , as has been done with receiving container  304   a . As shown in the depicted embodiment, portions of perforations  340  can be shared by more than one receiving container  304 . 
     Whether using perforations  340  or not, before detaching receiving container  304  from manifold  302 , fluid inlet  332  of receiving container  304  and secondary flow path  314  of manifold  302  should be isolated and sealed from each other somewhere along fluid pathway  335 . If both fluid inlet  332  and secondary flow path  314  are not sealed, fluid may leak out from receiving container  304  and/or manifold  302  when separated and contaminants may enter therein. In one embodiment, fluid inlet  332  and secondary flow path  314  are sealed by selective welding. This can be accomplished by welding the portions of sheets  306   a  and  306   b  corresponding to a location along fluid pathway  335  after passing the fluid from manifold  302  into receiving container  304 . For example, in  FIG.  13    fluid pathway  335   b  corresponding to receiving container  304   b  has been welded closed at weld seam  342 . As depicted, the welding should be aligned with the perforations  340  corresponding to the receiving container  304 . By so doing, when receiving container  304  is detached from manifold  302  by tearing along perforations  340 , as is the case with receiving container  304 A, a cut can be made across welded seam  342  so that a portion  342 A of seam  342  can remain with manifold  302  while a separate portion  342   b  of seam  342  can go with receiving container  304 A. This allows receiving container  304  and manifold  302  to both be sealed after separation. The cut can be made as part of the welding process or subsequent thereto. 
     As noted above, the manifolds described herein can be formed by selectively welding two or more sheets together. Also as noted above, in some embodiments the receiving containers can also be formed by selectively welding within the same sheets. In one embodiment, a weld plate can be used to weld the sheets together as is known in the art.  FIG.  14    shows an example of a weld plate  350  that can be used to form manifold system  300  shown in  FIG.  13   . Weld plate  350  comprises a plate  352  having a top surface  354 . A number of raised portions  356  extend from top surface  354  of plate  352  to an outer surface  358 . 
     As shown in  FIG.  15   , weld plate  350  is configured so that outer surface  358  of raised portions  356  will contact the topmost sheet  306   a  during manufacture of manifold system  300  and conduct heat to sheets  306   a  and  306   b . As a result, weld seams will be formed between sheets  306   a  and  306   b  only where outer surface  358  of weld plate  350  contacts top most sheet  306   a . As such, outer surface  358  of weld plate  350  corresponds to the desired positions of the weld seams on the sheets  306   a  and  306   b . Weld plate  350  is generally made of a metal but other materials that can conduct heat can also be used. 
     In some embodiments, more than one manifold system can be manufactured simultaneously. For example,  FIG.  16    shows a pair of manifold systems  300   a  and  300   b  that can be formed simultaneously using weld plate  350 . As discussed above, each manifold system  300   a  and  300   b  includes a pair of sheets  306   a  and  306   b  having inner surfaces  308  and outer surfaces  309 . As depicted, manifold systems  300   a  and  300   b  are stacked on top of each other so that bottom sheet  306   b  of manifold system  300   b  is positioned directly above top sheet  306   a  of manifold system  300   a . In this embodiment, inner surfaces  308  are coated or made from a material that allows welding to occur, while outer surfaces  309  are coated or made from a material that precludes welding of the sheets together. As a result, when weld plate  350  is pressed against manifold system  300   b , the heat from weld plate  350  passes through both manifold systems  300   a  and  300   b , but only the inner surfaces  308  become welded together. As a result, when weld plate  350  is removed, the outer surfaces  309  of top sheet  306   a  of manifold system  300   a  and bottom sheet  306   b  of manifold system  300   b  are separable, thereby allowing manifold systems  300   a  and  300   b  to be separated. Although only two manifold systems  300   a  and  300   b  are depicted, it is appreciated that more than two manifold systems can be simultaneously formed in a similar manner. 
     In addition, if desired, one or more ports can be formed between the simultaneously formed manifold systems. For example, in the embodiment shown in  FIG.  17   , a portion of top sheet  306   a  of manifold system  300   a  and a portion of bottom sheet  306   b  of adjoining manifold system  300   b  are removed so as to form apertures  400  and  402  on each sheet that align with each other. The portions of the outer surfaces  309  of both sheets  306   a  and  306   b  that surround apertures  400  and  402  are then coated with a material that allows welding to occur, after which the coated outer surfaces  309  are welded together surrounding apertures  400  and  402 . This welding of outer surfaces  309  can occur concurrently with forming the manifold systems using weld plate  350 , or it can be done some time thereafter. If it is done concurrently, then apertures  400  and  402  are formed before forming of the manifold systems. The welding together of apertures  400  and  402  permits fluid communication between manifold systems  300   a  and  300   b . In this embodiment and the below discussed embodiments, apertures  400  and  402  are typically formed on a portion of the manifold  302  ( FIG.  13   ) of the manifold systems. As such, fluid can be delivered in series to the different manifolds  302  which can then be delivered to the different receiver containers. 
     In an alternative embodiment shown in  FIG.  18   , a coupling material  406  is positioned between manifold systems  300   a  and  300   b  so as to cover apertures  400  and  402  on both sheets  306   a  and  306   b . The coupling material  406  also bounds an aperture  408  extending therethrough. The coupling material  406  can be circular or any other shape that can encircle apertures  400  and  402 . The coupling material  406  is comprised of a material that can be welded to both outer surfaces  309  of top and bottom sheets  306   a  and  306   b  or is coated with a weldable coating. The coupling material  406  is positioned so that aperture  408  aligns with apertures  400  and  402  in top and bottom sheets  306   a  and  306   b  and then is welded to both sheets in a conventional manner. As with the prior embodiment, welding can occur concurrently with the formation of the manifold systems using weld plate  350  or can be done some time thereafter. 
     In another embodiment shown in  FIGS.  19 A-C , a rigid or substantially rigid connector  410  can be used to attach the adjoining manifold systems  300   a  and  300   b  together through apertures  400  and  402 . Connector  410  can be a single integral unit as shown in  FIG.  19 A , or can be comprised of multiple portions  412  and  414  that are attached together, as shown in  FIGS.  19 B and  19 C . As shown in  FIG.  19 A , connector  410  comprises a hollow stem  416  that extends between annular flanges  418  and  420  that radially extend outward from stem  416 . A passageway  422  extends all the way through stem  416  between the two flanges  418  and  420 . Each flange  418 ,  420  is positioned against the inner surface  308  of the top and bottom sheets  306   a  and  306   b  of adjoining manifold systems  300   a  and  300   b  so that stem  416  extends between the manifold systems through apertures  400  and  402 . 
     As shown in  FIG.  19 C , when assembled, the manifold systems  300   a  and  300   b  are fluidly coupled together through passageway  422 . Flanges  418  and  420  are welded to inner surfaces  308  either during formation of the manifold systems by weld plate  350 , or at some other time, using a known welding technique. In the depicted embodiment, connector  410  is comprised of two separate portions  412  and  414  that are first inserted through apertures  400  and  402  as shown in  FIG.  19 B  and then attached together by adhesive, welding, or other attachment method, as shown in  FIG.  19 C . The single, integral connector  410  can be used if the manifold top and bottom sheets  306   a  and  306   b  are flexible and/or expandable. 
     Although each method of coupling manifold systems together discussed above with regard to  FIGS.  17 - 19    are directed to a single coupling through apertures  400  and  402 , it is appreciated that multiple apertures can be coupled between manifold systems. For example, if desired, each receiving container  304  of one manifold system  300  can be coupled to a corresponding receiving container  304  in an adjacent manifold system using the above methods. It is also appreciated that a different method can be used for each coupling if desired. 
     Although weld plate  350  corresponds to manifold system  300 , it is appreciated that other weld plates can be used that correspond to any of the other manifold systems described herein, including those in which the receiving containers are not formed with the manifolds. 
       FIG.  20 A  shows a table  370  that can be used with manifold system  300  according to one embodiment of the present invention. Although table  370  is designed to be used with manifold system  300 , it is appreciated that table  370  can be adapted to be used with any of the manifold systems described or envisioned herein. 
     Table  370  comprises a top member  372  supported on one or more legs  374 . Alternatively, top member  372  can be used without any legs  374 , if desired. Top member  372  has a top surface  376  extending between two lateral sides  378 ,  380  and two ends  382 ,  384 . One or more manifold positioning aids can be used to aid in positioning the manifold system. As sheets  306  that make up manifold system  300  may be quite flexible, having a manifold positioning aid can help in flattening out sheets  306  and optimally positioning manifold system  300  on table  370 . For example, in the depicted embodiment four aligning posts  386  extend up from top surface  376  and are positioned so that aligning holes  145  of manifold system  300  are aligned with aligning posts  386  when manifold system  300  is placed on table  370 . Other types of manifold positioning aids, such as clamps, adhesive, connectors or the like can also be used as the manifold positioning aids. 
     If desired, one or more measuring devices can be included in table  370  to determine how much fluid has been loaded into each receiving container. For example, table  370  can include a plurality of load cells  388 , positioned on table  370  so as to be aligned with the corresponding receiving containers  304  formed on manifold system  300 . Each load cell  388  can act as a scale to determine the weight of the corresponding receiving container  304  as receiving container  304  is filled. As such, the amount of fluid loaded into each receiving container  304  can be limited to a predetermined amount by stopping the flow of fluid into the receiving container as soon as the predetermined weight has been met. In alternative embodiments, flow meters or other measuring devices can be used. 
     As shown in  FIG.  20 A , manifold system  300  can be lowered onto top surface  376  of table  370  so that aligning posts  386  are received within aligning holes  145 , as shown in  FIG.  20 B . When manifold system  300  is positioned thusly, load cells  388  can lie directly under receiving containers  304 . As noted above, other positioning aids, such as clamps, adhesives, connectors, or the like can also be used to position manifold system  300  on table  370 . 
     Once manifold system  300  has been positioned on table  370 , fluid can be passed through manifold  302  and into receiving containers  304 . If a measuring device is used, such as, e.g., load cells  388 , the flow of fluid into any receiving container  304  can be cut off when the measurement of the receiving container  304  reaches a predetermined amount. The cut off of fluid can be accomplished by using a restricting device, such as one or more pinch offs  390 , as shown in  FIG.  20 B . Each pinch off  390  extends to a distal end  392  that can be positioned over fluid pathway  335 . When the cut off point is reached, as determined by the measuring device, pinch off  390  can be activated, causing pinch off  390  to be lowered onto manifold system  300  with enough force to pinch fluid pathway  335 , thereby stopping the flow of fluid into corresponding receiving container  304 . 
     Due to potentially different flow rates into each receiving container  304 , the time required to reach the cut off point may vary between different receiving containers. To take this into account, a separate pinch off  390  can be positioned over fluid pathways  335  corresponding to each receiving container  304  and activated at different times. It is appreciated that variable pressures can be used with pinch offs  390  to slow the flow of fluid rather than completely stop the flow, if desired. Pinch offs  390  can also be used if only a subset of the receiving containers  304  are desired to be filled. For example, if only four of the six receiving containers  304  of manifold system  300  are needed to be filled, pinch offs  390  corresponding to two of the receiving containers  304  can be activated to prevent any fluid from flowing into the particular receiving containers  304 . In addition, pinch offs  390  can also be used with manifold systems in which the receiving containers are not formed integrally with the manifold. 
       FIGS.  21 A- 21 D  disclose a method of dispensing a fluid using manifold system  300  according to one embodiment of the present invention. Although the method is directed to manifold system  300 , it is appreciated that the method steps can apply to any of the manifold systems described or envisioned herein. 
     Manifold system  300  can be first positioned as desired. For example, manifold system can be positioned on table  370  as shown in  FIG.  20 B , with or without the help of a manifold positioning aid, such as aligning posts  386 . Turning to  FIG.  21 A , a fluid source, such as dispensing container  102  is fluidly coupled via conduit  107  to manifold system  300 , which is formed from opposing flexible sheets  306 , as discussed above. As noted above, a pump may be used, if desired to control the flow of fluid into manifold system  300 . Also as discussed above, manifold system has a manifold  302  and a plurality of receiving containers or bags  304  formed within flexible sheets  306 . Fluid flow path  310  extends from fluid inlet  313  to a compartment or chamber  330  of each of the flexible bags  304 . If fluid flow path  310  extends to an extender outlet, such as extender outlet  317 , manifold system  300  can be connected serially to other manifolds. Alternatively, extender outlet  317  can be sealed closed, as discussed above. For example, in the depicted embodiment, a plug  344  is positioned within extender outlet  317 . 
     Turning to  FIG.  21 B , once the dispensing container  102  is fluidly coupled to manifold system  300 , a fluid is then passed from fluid source  102  through fluid flow path  310  and into chambers  330  of flexible bags  304  through fluid flow path  310 . This occurs until a desired amount of fluid has been passed into each chamber  330 . As noted above, a restricting apparatus can be used to stop or slow the flow into any of the flexible bags  304 . For example, as discussed above, one or more pinching members, such as pinch off  390  ( FIG.  20 B ) can be used to pinch the secondary flow path  314  corresponding to the flexible bag  304  for which slowing of the flow is desired. 
     Turning to  FIG.  21 C , once chambers  330  are filled with fluid to the desired amount, secondary flow path  314  corresponding to each flexible bag  304  is sealed closed at intersection  342  so that each chamber  330  is sealed closed. As discussed above, this can be done by welding, as depicted in  FIG.  21 C , or by any other sealing method known in the art. In embodiments in which receiving containers are not integrally formed with the manifold, the tubes extending between the receiving container and the manifold, such as tubes  180  shown in  FIG.  6   , can be welded closed. If external connectors are used, such as aseptic connector  186  shown in  FIG.  8   , additional sealing may not be required. 
     Turning to  FIG.  21 D , once each chamber  330  has been filled and sealed, each flexible bag  304  is then removed from manifold  302 . As discussed above, this can be done by tearing flexible sheets  306   a  and  306   b  at perforations  340  ( FIG.  21 C ). Other separation methods can also be used. For example, scissors or other sharp apparatus can be used to cut sheets  306   a  and  306   b  to separate flexible bags  304  from manifold  302 . In embodiments in which receiving containers are not integrally formed with the manifold, scissors can also be used to cut tube  180  where tube  180  is sealed. If external connectors are used, the connectors may be able to be separated without cutting or tearing. 
     Depicted in  FIG.  22    is another alternative embodiment of a fluid manifold system  450  incorporating features of the present invention. Manifold system  450  comprises a manifold  452  and a plurality of receiving container assemblies  454   a - 454   f  that are fluid coupled to manifold  452  at spaced apart locations. Any desired number of receiving container assemblies can be attached to manifold  450 . As with previously discussed manifolds, manifold  452  includes a flexible body  455  that is comprised of a first flexible sheet  456   a  that overlaps a second flexible sheet  456   b . Sheets  456   a  and  b  are welded together to form seam lines  458  that bound a primary fluid path  460  extending along the length of body  455 . 
     As depicted in  FIG.  23   , manifold  452  further comprises a fluid inlet  462  formed at a first end  463  of body  455  and a plurality of spaced apart fluid outlets  464   a - f  formed at spaced apart locations along a side edge of body  455 . Each inlet  462  and outlet  464  is bounded between sheets  456   a  and  b  and communicates with primary fluid path  460 . A tubular inlet connector  466  is received within fluid inlet  462  while tubular outlet connectors  468   a - f  are received within corresponding fluid outlet  464   a - f . Inlet connector  466  and outlet connectors  468  can be welded or otherwise secured between sheets  456   a  and  b  and are in fluid communication with primary fluid path  460 . In one embodiment, inlet connector  466  is a rigid, barbed stem while outlet connectors  468  are flexible tubes that all outwardly project from body  455 . In other embodiments, alternative connectors can be used. 
     Returning to  FIG.  22   , each receiving container assembly  454  includes a flexible body  469  that comprises a pair of overlapping flexible sheets  470   a  and  470   b  that have been welded together to form seam lines  472 . The seam lines  472  bound four separate receiving containers  474   a - d  that each bound a compartment  476 . Any desired number of receiving containers  474  can be formed. The seam lines  472  also bound, for each receiving container  474 , a fluid inlet  478  that communicates with compartment  476  and a fluid outlet  480  that likewise communicates with compartment  476 . A tube  482 , fluid line or other connector is secured within fluid outlet  480  for dispensing fluid out of compartment  476 . 
     Seam lines  472  also form a secondary fluid path  484  that extends along an upper edge of body  469  so as to communicate with each fluid inlet  478  of each receiving container  474 . As depicted in  FIG.  23   , a fluid inlet  486  communicates with secondary fluid path  484  through a side edge of body  469 . A tubular inlet connector  488  is secured within fluid inlet  486 . In a depicted embodiment, inlet connector  488  comprises a bared stem that is more rigid than outlet connectors  468  of manifold  452 . As a result, during assembly, each inlet connector  488  that is coupled to a corresponding receiving container assembly  454  can be pushed into a corresponding outlet connector  468  on manifold  452  to form a sealed fluid connection therebetween. 
     As shown in  FIG.  22   , a plurality of spaced apart openings  490   a - d  laterally pass through the upper edge of body  469  of each receiving container assembly  454 . Openings  490  enable receiving container assemblies  454  to be mounted in spaced apart alignment on a rack so that the receiving container assemblies  454  can be vertically suspended in the orientation as depicted in  FIG.  22    and manifold  452  can be horizontally positioned. This orientation and use of the rack facilitates easy organization, filling, sealing, removal, and other processing of receiving containers  474 . The rack can comprise rods that laterally pass through aligned openings  490  of the different receiving container assemblies  454  or can comprise rods that have a catch, such as a hook, that is received within each opening  490 . Other rack configurations can also be used. Reinforcing rods can be embedded within the upper edge of each body  469  above openings  490  to prevent openings  490  from tearing out as receiving containers  474  are filled with fluid. 
     Once fluid manifold system  450  is fully assembled, as depicted in  FIG.  22   , and sterilized, manifold  452  can be supported on a rack and fluid inlet  462  of manifold  452  can be fluid coupled with dispensing container  102  ( FIG.  1   ). In one method for filling, primary fluid path  460  can be clamped closed between outlet connectors  468   a  and  b  and secondary fluid path  484  on receiving container assembly  454   a  can be clamped closed between fluid inlet  478   a  and  478   b . Fluid then travels from dispensing container  102 , into manifold  452 , into secondary fluid path  484  of receiving container assembly  454   a  and then finally into chamber  476  of receiving container  474   a . Once receiving container  474   a  is filled with a desired volume of fluid, fluid inlet  478   a  is sealed closed such as by forming a seam line or otherwise welding together sheets  470   a  and  b  that bound fluid inlet  478   a . Secondary fluid path  484  is then unclamped between fluid inlets  478   a  and  478   b  and clamped closed between fluid inlets  478   b  and  478   c . As a result, the fluid now flows from manifold  452  into chamber  476  of second receiving container  474   b . The process is then repeated until all of receiving containers  474   a - d  of first receiving container assembly  454   a  are filled to a desired volume and all of fluid inlets  478   a - d  are sealed closed. 
     Next, the clamp on manifold  452  can be moved to between fluid outlets  468   b  and  c . The same process as described above can now be used to sequentially fill each of receiving containers  474   a - d  of second receiving container assembly  474   b . The above process can then be used to subsequently fill each of the receiving containers  474   a - d  of each of the subsequent receiving container assemblies  454 . Prior to the filling of the last receiving container  474 , the fluid within primary fluid path  460  and/or the secondary fluid path  484  can be pushed into the final receiving container  474  by passing a squeegee, roller or other tool, as previously discussed, over primary fluid path  460  and/or the secondary flow path  484  and forcing the fluid to flow into of the last receiving container  474 . As a result, only a minimal amount of unused fluid remains within primary fluid path  460  and/or the secondary flow path  484  when the filling process is completed. Once a receiving container  474  is filed and sealed closed, the receiving container can be separated from the other receiving containers by cutting across the sealed inlet opening  478  and tearing along perforations  494  located between seam lines  472  between the different receiving containers  474  and between secondary flow path  484  and the receiving container  474 . 
     Depicted in  FIG.  24    is an alternative embodiment of a fluid manifold system  450 A incorporating features of the present invention. Like elements between fluid manifold system  450  and  450 A are identified by like reference characters. Fluid manifold system  450 A includes a manifold  502  and a plurality of receiving container assemblies  504   a - f  that are fluid coupled to manifold  502  along the length thereof. Similar to manifold  452 , manifold  502  includes flexible body  455  having seam lines  458  that bound a primary fluid path  460 . However, in contrast to having outlet connectors  468  that are welded between flexible sheets  456   a  and  b , manifold  502  includes outlet connectors  506  that, as depicted in  FIG.  25   , include a barbed stem  508  having a flange  510  radially outwardly projecting from an end thereof. Flange  510  is welded or otherwise secured to an interior surface of sheet  456 A so that stem  508  passes through a fluid outlet  512  that communicates with primary fluid path  460 . 
     In turn, receiving container assemblies  504  each include flexible body  469  as previously discussed. However, in contrast to using inlet connectors  488  that are in the form of rigid tubular stems, receiving container assembly  504  includes inlet connectors  514  that include a flexible tube. Inlet connector  514  is welded within fluid inlet  486 . Barbed stem  508  which is more rigid than connector  514  is then pressed into the opposing end of connector  514  so as to form a fluid tight seal therebetween. In yet other alternative embodiments, it is appreciated that any number of different tubes, couplers, and other types of connections can be used to form liquid tight fluid connections between manifold  502  and receiving container assemblies  504 . 
     Depicted in  FIG.  26    is a fluid manifold system  450   b . Like elements between fluid manifold systems  450  and  450   b  are identified by like reference characters. Fluid manifold system  450   b  includes manifold  452  as previously discussed. However, in contrast to using receiving container assemblies  454 , manifold system  450   b  includes single receiving containers  524   a - f  that are fluid coupled with manifold  452 . Each receiving container  524  includes a flexible body  526  comprised of overlaying sheets  528   a  and  528   b . The sheets  528   a  and  b  are welded together to form seam lines  530  that bound a compartment  532 . Compartment  532  has a fluid inlet  534  formed between sheets  528   a  and  b  and a fluid outlet  536  disposed at the opposing end of body  526 . Inlet connector  488  is welded or otherwise secured to body  524  so as to communicate with fluid inlet  534 . Inlet connector  488  is selectively coupled with outlet connector  468  to provide sealed fluid communication between manifold  452  and receiving container  524 . Once a receiving container  524  is filled with a fluid to a desired level, fluid inlet  534  is sealed closed by welding sheets  528 A and B together across fluid inlet  534 . Receiving container  524  can then be separated from manifold  452  by cutting across the sealed fluid inlet  534 . Each receiving container  524   a - f  can be filled sequentially using substantially the same process as previously discussed with regard to fluid manifold system  450 , i.e., individual receiving containers can be filled by moving clamps along the length of manifold  452 . The above discussion discloses a number of different embodiments of fluid manifold systems. In still other embodiments, it is appreciated that the different manifolds, connectors, receiving containers and other parts can be mixed and matched. In addition, different connectors can be used to establish fluid communication between the manifold and the receiving containers. 
     The inventive fluid manifold systems disclosed herein have a number of unique benefits over the prior art. By way of example and not by limitation, because the receiving containers and/or manifolds can be formed from overlapping polymer sheets that are welded together, the manifold systems are easy to manufacture to desired specifications. The manifold systems also decrease the number of separate connections required and thereby decrease the risk of leaking and contamination while lowering assembly time. As previously discussed, the manifold systems also minimize the amount of gas that is pushed from the manifold into the receiving containers while making it easy to strip any remaining fluid within the manifold into a receiving container. 
     Another benefit of the inventive manifold systems is that they can be manufactured with a fewer number of different fluid contact surfaces. In traditional manifold systems, the receiving containers are separated from the manifold, which is comprised of tubing and connectors, by heat sealing and cutting the tube extending from the receiving container. Effective heat sealing of the tubing, however, typically required that the tubing be made of a different material than the receiving containers. In contrast, the receiving containers of the present invention are separated from the manifold by sealing and cutting overlapping sheets of the receiving container. In this configuration, because tubing or tubular connectors are not being heat sealed, the manifolds, connectors, and receiving containers of the manifold system can be made with the same fluid contact surface, thereby minimizing the risk of unwanted leaching of material into the fluid being processed. 
     Furthermore, because the inventive manifold systems reduce the number of cut tubing sections that are used, there is less risk for any particulate from the cut tubing entering the fluid. Likewise, the inventive manifold systems are more easily managed than traditional systems in that the inventive systems can be configured for mounting on a support rack or organized and secured to other surfaces. 
     The present invention may be embodied in other specific forms without departing from its spirit or essential characteristics. The described embodiments are to be considered in all respects only as illustrative and not restrictive. The scope of the invention is, therefore, indicated by the appended claims rather than by the foregoing description. All changes which come within the meaning and range of equivalency of the claims are to be embraced within their scope.