Patent Description:
The effect of a drug dispensed by a medical device such as a drug-eluting stent can be reduced by the reaction of the drug with moisture and oxygen. To ensure long-term efficiency of the medical device, gases need to be removed from the surrounding environment of the medical device. However, during the production process, gases are part of the surrounding environment. In particular, gases are a mandatory part of the environment during the sterilisation process. For example, the sterilisation can be performed by exposing the medical device to ethylene oxide.

To remove a gas, an absorber component can be used. The absorber component can be applied after the sterilisation process, since otherwise the absorber component would become saturated during the production process.

An existing solution uses standardised absorber components with use of two separate pouches. With the use of two separate pouches, there is an inner gas-permeable pouch and an outer gas-permeable pouch. The product, in particular the medical device, is packaged and sterilised in the inner gas-permeable pouch. The outer pouch is filled with the packaged and sterilised product and the absorber component and is then closed. When using such a two-pouch-system, the user has to open two pouches, such that it is not user-friendly. Since two pouches are needed, greater material costs are incur and more waste is produced. The packing process is more complex, thus incurring greater process costs. Because of the larger packing volumes, a larger storage volume is necessary, which can also incur the costs. Moreover, the outer surface of the inner pouch is not sterile.

A further existing solution uses standardised absorber components with use of a specific pouch design, wherein the pouch comprises two chambers, in particular a product chamber and an absorber chamber, which make it possible to add an absorber after sterilisation without opening the product chamber. The gas exchange between absorber chamber and product chamber occurs via a porous membrane. Packagings of this type are known for example from <CIT>. A disadvantage of a pouch having two chambers is constituted generally by the additional material costs caused by a relatively complex pouch design with additional material layers. There is also more waste produced by the additional packaging material.

Another existing solution is disclosed in <CIT>. The described packaging comprises a container arranged in the interior space of the packaging. The absorber is arranged in the container. When an object is positioned in the interior space of the packaging and the packaging is closed, the container opens such that the absorber can absorb gas from the interior space of the packaging.

<CIT> relates to an intermediate product for a vacuum insulation panel which includes an outer covering member having a sealed space, a core material disposed in the sealed space and having heat insulation properties, and a first gas absorbent disposed in the sealed space, sealed by a container having gas barrier properties and absorbing a first specific gas, wherein the first specific gas is sealed in the sealed space, and an unsealing member configured to unseal the container when a pressing force is applied from an outside is attached to the container.

<CIT> relates to an opener which opens a hole in the gas impermeable container by a needle part as external force is added on a head in the direction toward the gas impermeable container in which a gas absorption material is sealed. Further, a protecting member prevents damage to the sealed container by a tip of the needle part. The gas absorption device is configured such that when both of the head and the protecting member are while contacting respectively with walls of the sealed container and a vibration is added to the head via the wall of the sealed container in the direction in which an interval of the needle part and the protecting member changes, the vibration added by the head transmits directly to the protecting member from the needle part and the vibration transmitted from the protecting member transmits to the wall of the sealed container contacting the protecting member if the needle part opens the hole normally in substantially-flat two surfaces, of the gas impermeable container, opposing each other. Thereby, it can be determined whether the gas impermeable container is opened based on the strength of the transmitted vibration. The object of the present invention is to further improve the absorption of gases upon the production and/or the sterilisation process.

The object is achieved by an absorber device according to claim <NUM>, a packaging system according to claim <NUM> and by a method to absorb according to claim <NUM>. Embodiments of these aspects of the present invention are stated in the corresponding sub claims and are described below.

A first aspect of the invention is related to an absorber device for absorbing a fluid residing in an inner space enclosed by a package of a medical device, the package comprising a wall enclosing the inner space of the package. According to the invention, the absorber device comprises a container, wherein the container comprises a wall enclosing an inner space of the container, wherein the wall comprises a contact section, wherein the contact section is configured to be mechanically penetrated (e.g. pierced). The absorber device comprises an absorber arranged in the inner space of the container, and a movable penetration device. The penetration device is configured to be moved from a first position to a second position, wherein in the first position, the penetration device is positioned in the inner space of the container, and wherein in the second position, the penetration device is configured to penetrate the contact section and the wall of the package, when the contact section is arranged on an outer surface of the wall of the package, such that the inner space of the container is fluidically connected to the inner space of the package to thereby allow fluid from the inner space of the package to pass to the inner space of the container and be absorbed by the absorber. Further, the absorber device comprises a counter member, wherein the counter member comprises a further contact section facing the contact section, wherein the container and the counter member are configured to be movable towards each other to clamp the package between the container and the counter member, wherein the container and the counter member are connected to one another.

The fluid can be a gas, in particular air. It can comprise oxygen (O<NUM>) and/or water (H<NUM>O).

The package can be configured to be closed. In particular, the package can be closed after a medical device has been positioned in the inner space of the package (enclosed by the wall of the package).

The medical device can be sterilised in the inner space of the package. The medical device can be sterilised by ethylene oxide, particularly gaseous ethylene oxide. The package can generate a sterile barrier.

The medical device can be a stent, particularly a drug-eluting stent. The medical device can be a catheter such as a balloon catheter. The medical device can be one of a biosensor, a dialysis unit, a drug delivery system, an electrode, a vascular cuff, a pacemaker, a cardiac pacemaker, a defibrillator, a cardioverter, a brain pacemaker, a neuroprosthetic, electrodes/electronics for artificial limbs, a nerve stimulator, a barostimulator, a kidney pacemaker, a duodenal pacemaker, a heart implant, a tumour- monitoring implant, an artificial heart, an artificial heart valve primarily with artificial or natural tissue, a shunt, a brain shunt, a hydrocephalus implant, an occluder, natural tissue, preferably dried natural tissue, a telemetry unit, a receiving unit, a transmitting unit, a pressure sensor, an organ replacement, an energy harvesting implant, a bio fuel cell, a catheter, a cochlear implant, a retina implant, a dental implant, an artificial implantable lens system, an implant for joint replacement, and a vascular prosthesis; in particular if these implants comprise an antibacterial coating or a coating delivering an active substance. Contact lenses and bone implants, such as nails or screws, can also be packaged in the inner space of the package.

However, the package can also be used in other fields apart from the medical engineering, for example in the food or pharmaceutical industries.

The container of the absorber device can comprise a wall. According to the invention, the wall comprises a penetrable contact section. The wall can comprise a back wall opposing the contact section. The wall can comprise a side wall connecting the back wall and the contact section. In an embodiment, the wall of the container is impervious to fluids. In an embodiment, the wall of the container is gas-tight. In other words, the wall of the container can be impervious to gases.

The absorber can be arranged in the inner space of the container. In an embodiment, the absorber is packed gas-tightly in the inner space of the container.

The container can be positioned on the package. The container can be arranged such with respect to the package that the contact section is arranged on an outer surface of the wall of the package. The contact section can be pressed against the outer surface of the wall of the package. The contact section can be connected to the outer surface of the wall of the package (e.g. by way of a substance-to-substance bond).

The contact section is penetrable. This means that the contact section can be configured such that a pointed item can pass through it to form at least one through-hole into the contact section. According to an embodiment, the contact section is configured to be penetrated (e.g. pierced) by the penetration device of the absorber device, when the penetration device is in the second position.

In the first position, the penetration device can be arranged in the inner space of the container. In particular, the contact section can be closed, when the penetration device is in the first position.

In the second position, the penetration device penetrates the contact section. In particular, at least a part of the penetration device can pass through the contact section thereby destroying a corresponding portion of the contact section. When passing through the contact section, the penetration device can generate a through-opening in the contact section. In the second position, at least a first part of the penetration device can be positioned outside of the inner space of the container. In an embodiment, a second part of the penetration device is positioned in the inner space of the container, when the penetration device is in the second position.

When the contact section is arranged on an outer surface of the wall of the package, the penetration device can penetrate the contact section and the wall of the package, in particular, an access section of the wall of the package at which the contact section is arranged. The penetration device can generate a through-opening in the contact section and in the wall of the package, in particular in the access section.

By penetration of the contact section and the wall of the package arranged on the contact section, the inner space of the container is fluidically connected to the inner space of the package. The inner space of the container and the inner space of the package can be fluidically connected via the through-opening in the contact section and the access section.

When the inner space of the container and the inner space of the package are fluidically connected, the fluid from the inner space of the package can pass to the inner space of the container. The fluid can pass via the through-opening in the contact section and the access section.

According to the invention, the penetration device is movable. In particular, the penetration device is movable from the first position to the second position. The penetration device can be moved from the first position to the second position along a transfer direction. The transfer direction can extend perpendicular to the contact section.

The absorber device can be configured such that the absorber device is compatible with a commercially available package. Advantageously, the absorber device is applicable with a well-established package, i.e. commercially available package. This means that an existing package can be used in combination with the absorber device. No additional costs occur due to the necessity of buying a specific (expensive) package in order to be compatible with the absorber device according to the invention because existing package can be used.

The waste usually accumulated can be reduced, because no further packaging chambers and/or pouches have to be provided to absorb an inadvertent fluid from a package.

A further advantage of the absorber device according to an embodiment is that the absorber is gas-tightly packed in the inner space of the container. Hence, the absorber is shielded. In particular, the container (the wall of the container) can protect the absorber from the surrounding environment, which might consume or even saturate the absorber, such that the absorber could not absorb the fluid from the inner space of the package.

The protection of the absorber by the container advantageously simplifies the handling of the absorber during the production process. Absorber arranged in the absorber device according to the invention can easily be stored.

In an embodiment, the contact section comprises an outer surface, wherein the outer surface of the contact section is capable of connecting, in particular in a gas-tight manner, to the wall of the packaging. In one embodiment the outer surface of the contact section is adhesive.

According to an embodiment, the outer surface of the contact section can be coated with an adhesive.

In an embodiment, the outer surface of the contact section is configured such that the outer surface of the contact section sticks together with the wall of the packaging, when the contact section is arranged on the wall of the packaging. In particular, the outer surface of the contact section can be configured to adhere to the outer surface of the wall of the package, when the contact section is arranged on the wall of the package. The contact section can be attached firmly to the wall of the packing via the adhesive outer surface of the contact section, such that the contact section can be positively connected to the outer surface of the wall of the package.

The wall of the package contact section and the contact section adhered to the wall of the package can form a joint sterile barrier.

By means of the adhesive outer surface of the contact section the contact section can be easily connected, particularly positively connected, to the outer surface of the wall of the package. The joint sterile barrier can be easily generated by sticking together the outer surface of the contact section and the outer surface of the wall of the package. In one embodiment the outer surface of the contact section may be configured to have a concave form facilitating the onset of the contact section at the summit of the concave surface and a subsequent airtight connection with the counterpart from the summit downwards.

Also other ways of connecting the contact section to the wall of the packaging are conceivable besides a contacting based on adhesives. One option is based on chemical or physical activation of both surfaces, reversible or permanent, the one of the contact section and the other on the wall of the packaging. Also, positive or non-positive air tight connection can be applied. In addition a sealing can be implemented.

According to a further embodiment, the contact section comprises or consists of aluminium or an aluminium alloy. In an embodiment, the contact section comprises or consists of a foil comprising or consisting of aluminium or an aluminium alloy. Also, the contact section comprises or consists of gas-tight polymers, for example ethylene-vinyl alcohol copolymer (EVOH) and polyvinylidene chloride (PVdC), glass or glass-based materials or other suitable metals or metal alloys.

The contact section can comprise a plastic-reinforced aluminium alloy. In an embodiment, the contact section consists of a plastic-reinforced aluminium alloy. According to an embodiment, the contact section consists of a plastic-reinforced foil comprising an aluminium alloy. The contact section can comprise a plastic-reinforced foil comprising an aluminium alloy.

The contact section can be bond to the wall, particularly the side wall, of the container. The contact section can be welded to the side wall of the container.

A foil comprising or consisting of aluminium or the aluminium alloy can be easily penetrated by the penetration device. A foil comprising or consisting of aluminium or an aluminum alloy that is reinforced by plastic can increase the protection of the absorber by the container because it can be more stable such that it protects better against an inadvertent penetration of the contact section e.g. during storage of the absorber device.

The wall of the container can comprise or consist of aluminium or an aluminium alloy, glass or plastic, in particular plastic impervious to fluids, in particular gas-tight plastic. In an embodiment, the back wall comprises gas-tight plastic. The back wall can consist of plastic, particularly gas-tight plastic. According to an embodiment, the back wall comprises aluminium or an aluminium alloy. In a further embodiment, the back wall consists of aluminium or the aluminium alloy. The side wall can comprise aluminium, an aluminium alloy, glass or a gas-tight plastic. The side wall can consist of aluminium, aluminium alloy, glass or a gas-tight plastic.

According to an embodiment, the back wall is configured to be depressible. The back wall can be configured to be pressed into the inner space of the container, in particular, by a force acting with a vector component along the transfer direction of the penetration device.

In an embodiment, the penetration device comprises at least one tapered element.

According to an embodiment the tapered element comprises a pointed end. The tapered element can form a tip for penetration. The tapered element can comprise a tip for penetration. The pointed end can be the tip for penetration. The tapered element can be a needle. In an embodiment the tapered element is a spike. In another embodiment the tapered element is a blade, in particular configured to cut the contact section and the wall of the packaging along a cutting line.

The tapered element can be configured to penetrate the contact section, when the penetration device is in the second position. In an embodiment, the tapered element is configured to penetrate the contact section and the wall of the package, when the contact section and the wall of the package form the joint sterile barrier and the penetration device is in the second position.

In an embodiment, the penetration device comprises a plurality of tapered elements.

In a further embodiment the absorber comprises or consists of an oxygen absorber. According to an embodiment, the absorber comprises or consists of a moisture absorber.

In an embodiment, the absorber is a standard absorber which is commercially available. The absorber can be the PharmaKeep KD-<NUM> absorber by MGC.

In an embodiment the inner space of the container is sterile.

According to an embodiment, the inner space of the container and the absorber arranged in the inner space of the container are sterile. The inner space of the container and the perforation device can be sterile. In an embodiment, the inner space of the container, the perforation device and the absorber are sterile.

The sterilisation of the inner space of the container and the absorber can be obtained by radiation. In an embodiment, the inner space of the container is sterile upon alpha radiation. In a further embodiment, the inner space of the container is sterile upon beta radiation. The inner space of the container can be sterile upon gamma radiation.

The absorber can be positioned in the inner space of the container during the sterilisation by radiation. Upon radiation the absorber can remain its capability to absorb inadvertent fluid.

In an embodiment, the container is movable towards the counter member to clamp the package between the container and the counter member. According to an embodiment, the counter member is movable towards the container to clamp the package between the container and the counter member.

The further contact section can be arranged on the wall of the package. In an embodiment, the further contact section can be arranged on the outer surface of the wall of the package.

In an alternative embodiment that is not part of the invention, the counter member is arranged in the inner space of the package. The counter member can be configured such that it can be arranged on an inner surface of the wall of the package. The inner surface of the wall of the package can face towards the inner space of the package.

The counter member can be configured to provide an abutment for the container. In particular, the counter member can constitute an abutment for the container, when the package is clamped between the container and the counter member.

In an embodiment, the further contact section is configured to be penetrated.

In particular, the further contact section can be configured to be penetrated by the penetration device. The further contact section can be configured to be penetrated by the tapered element of the penetration device.

The further contact section can comprise or consists of aluminium alloy. According to an embodiment, the further contact section comprises or consists of a foil comprising an aluminium alloy. The further contact section can comprise or consist of a foil consisting of aluminium alloy.

According to an embodiment, the further contact section comprises a plastic-reinforced aluminium alloy, in particular a respective foil. The further contact section can consist of a plastic-reinforced aluminium alloy, in particular a respective foil.

According to an embodiment, the further contact section comprises an outer surface opposing the outer surface of the contact section, wherein the outer surface of the further contact section is adhesive.

According to an embodiment, the outer surface of the further contact section can be coated with an adhesive.

In an embodiment, the outer surface of the further contact section is configured such that the outer surface of the further contact section sticks to the wall of the packaging, when the further contact section is arranged on the wall of the packaging. The further contact section can be attached firmly to the wall of the packing via the adhesive outer surface of the further contact section.

In an embodiment, the further contact section is arranged distant to the contact section such that the package is positionable between the contact section and the further contact section, when the penetration device is in the first position.

According to an embodiment, the absorber device is configured such that the contact section extends parallel to the further contact section. The contact section and the further contact section can be separated by a gap. The package can be positioned in the gap, in particular when the penetration device is in the first position. The gap can be configured such that the package is insertable in the gap.

In a further embodiment, when the penetration device is in the second position, the penetration device penetrates the contact section, the wall of the package and the further contact section, when the contact section is arranged on the wall of the package and the further contact section is arranged on the wall of the package.

The contact section can be arranged on the outer surface of the wall of the package. In particular, the outer surface of the contact section can be arranged on the outer surface of the wall of the package. The outer surface of the contact section can be arranged on the access section of the wall of the package.

The further contact section can be arranged on the outer surface of the wall of the package. In particular, the outer surface of the further contact section can be arranged on the outer surface of the wall of the package. The outer surface of the further contact section can be arranged on a further access section of the wall of the package. According to an embodiment, the access section opposes the further access section.

When the package is clamped between the container and the counter member and the penetration device is in the second position, the penetration device can penetrate the contact section, the wall of the package and the further contact section.

Clamping the package between the contact section and the further contact section can generate the joint sterile barrier and the further joint sterile barrier.

When the joint sterile barrier and the further joint sterile barrier are generated and the penetration device is in the second position, the penetration device can penetrate the contact section, the wall of the package and the further contact section. This means that the penetration device, particularly the tapered element, can penetrate the joint sterile barrier and the further joint sterile barrier, when the penetration device is in the second position.

The counter member can comprise an inner space. According to an embodiment, when the penetration device is in the second position and the contact section is arranged on the wall of the package and the further contact section is arranged on the wall of the package, such that the penetration device penetrates the contact section, the wall of the package and the further contact section, the inner space of the container can be fluidically connected to the inner space of the package and the inner space of the counter member.

The container and the counter member can be connected such that the contact section of the container and the further contact section of the counter member extend parallel to each other. In an embodiment, the counter member and the container are configured and connected such that the contact section and the further contact section face each other. The container and the counter member can be connected such that the contact section and the further contact section are distant to each other when the penetration device is in its first position. In an embodiment, the container and the counter member are movably connected. In particular, the container and the counter member can be connected such that they are movable towards each other.

According to an embodiment, the container is connected to the counter member via a connector.

A second aspect of the invention is related to a packaging system preferably for a medical device, comprising a package, wherein the package comprises a wall enclosing an inner space of the package, wherein the package is configured such that the object to be packed, preferably a medical device, is arrangeable in the inner space of the package, and an absorber device, in particular the absorber device according to the invention.

In an embodiment, a sterile medical device is arrangeable in the inner space of the package. The packaging system according to the invention can also be used in the context of packing of objects other than medical devices, for example food or pharmaceuticals. The package of the packaging system can be configured such that the particular object can be arrangeable in the inner space of the package.

According to an embodiment which is not part of the invention, the packaging system comprises a counter member arranged in the inner space of the package, wherein the counter member and the container are arranged and configured such that the container is movable towards the counter member to clamp the wall of the package between the container and the counter member.

According to an embodiment which is not part of the invention, the counter member is arrangeable on an inner surface of the wall of the package. The inner surface of the wall of the package can be directed towards the inner space of the package.

A further aspect of the invention is related to a method to absorb a fluid residing in an inner space of a package, for instance of a medical device, comprising the steps of:.

In an embodiment, the method comprises the steps of:.

According to a further embodiment of the method, the method comprises the steps of:.

In the following, further features, advantages and embodiments of the present invention are explained with reference to the Figures, wherein.

In <FIG>, <FIG> and <FIG>, an embodiment of an absorber device <NUM> is presented. The figures further show an embodiment of a package <NUM>. The absorber device <NUM> and the package <NUM> illustrated in <FIG> and <FIG> could form a packaging system.

The package <NUM> can comprise a wall <NUM> of the package <NUM> delimiting an inner space <NUM> of the package. The wall <NUM> of the package <NUM> can form a sterile barrier <NUM>. The wall <NUM> can comprise an outer surface <NUM> and an opposing inner surface <NUM>. The wall <NUM> of the package <NUM> can comprise a front side <NUM>. The wall <NUM> can comprise a top side <NUM>. The wall <NUM> of the package <NUM> can comprise an opposing bottom side <NUM>.

The inner space <NUM> of the package <NUM> can comprise a residing portion <NUM>. According to an embodiment, the inner space <NUM> of the package <NUM> comprises an access portion <NUM>.

An object <NUM> can be arranged in the inner space <NUM> of the package <NUM>. In particular, the object <NUM> can be arranged in the residing portion <NUM>. The wall <NUM> of the package <NUM> can enclose the object <NUM>. In an embodiment, the object <NUM> is a medical device <NUM>. The object <NUM> can be a catheter <NUM>.

A fluid <NUM> can be arranged in the inner space <NUM> of the package <NUM>. The fluid <NUM> can flow around the object <NUM> arranged in the inner space <NUM> of the package <NUM>.

The absorber device <NUM> can comprise a container <NUM>. The container <NUM> can comprise a wall <NUM>. The wall <NUM> of the container <NUM> can comprise a back wall <NUM>. The absorber device <NUM> can comprise a contact section <NUM>, wherein the contact section <NUM> can comprise an outer surface <NUM>. The wall <NUM> of the container can comprise the contact section <NUM>. The contact section <NUM> can be positioned opposite to the back wall <NUM>. An inner space <NUM> can be delimited by the wall <NUM> of the container <NUM>. The outer surface <NUM> of the contact section <NUM> can face away from the inner space <NUM> of the container <NUM>. The outer surface <NUM> of the contact section <NUM> can be adhesive.

A penetration device <NUM> can be arranged in the inner space <NUM> of the container <NUM>. The penetration device <NUM> can comprise a tapered element <NUM>, in particular a plurality of tapered elements <NUM>. The tapered element <NUM> can comprise a pointed end <NUM>. The tapered element can form a tip <NUM> for penetration. The tapered element <NUM> can comprise a base <NUM> opposing the pointed end <NUM>.

In an embodiment, the respective tapered element <NUM> is arranged, particularly fixed, on a mounting plate <NUM> via its base <NUM>. Particularly, each tapered element <NUM> of the plurality of tapered elements <NUM> is arranged on the mounting plate <NUM>. In an embodiment, the respective tapered elements <NUM> point in the same direction. The pointed ends <NUM> of the tapered elements <NUM> can point in the same direction. According to an embodiment, the penetration device <NUM> is configured and arranged such in the inner space <NUM> of the container <NUM> that the tapered element <NUM> tapers towards the contact section <NUM>, when the penetration device <NUM> is in the first position. In an embodiment, the penetration device <NUM> is configured such that the pointed end <NUM> of the tapered elements <NUM> points towards the contact section <NUM>, when the penetration device <NUM> is in the first position (see <FIG>, <FIG>).

An absorber <NUM> can be arranged in the inner space <NUM> of the container <NUM>. The absorber <NUM> can be positioned between the wall <NUM> of the container and the penetration device <NUM>. In an embodiment, the absorber <NUM> is positioned between the mounting plate <NUM> of the penetration device <NUM> and the wall <NUM> of the container <NUM>, in particular the back wall <NUM> of the container.

The absorber device <NUM> can comprise a counter member <NUM>. The counter member <NUM> can comprise a wall <NUM> of the counter member <NUM>. The wall <NUM> of the counter member <NUM> can define an inner space <NUM> of the counter member <NUM>. The counter member <NUM> can comprise a further contact section <NUM>. According to an embodiment, the further contact section <NUM> comprises an outer surface <NUM>.

The counter member <NUM> can face the container <NUM>. In particular, the outer surface <NUM> of the counter member <NUM> can face the outer surface <NUM> of the contact section <NUM> of the container <NUM>. In an embodiment, the outer surface <NUM> of the further contact section <NUM> runs in parallel with the outer surface <NUM> of the contact section <NUM>. According to an embodiment, the outer surface <NUM> of the container <NUM> and the outer surface <NUM> of the counter member <NUM> are separated from each other by a gap G.

In an embodiment, the container <NUM> and the counter member <NUM> are connected with each other via a connector <NUM>. The connector <NUM> can be curved.

The absorber device <NUM> can be moved from an initial position towards a contact position. The absorber device can be moved from a contact position towards a penetration position.

<FIG> illustrates the absorber device <NUM> in the initial position. In the initial position, the penetration device <NUM> can be in the first position. This means that the penetration device <NUM> can be positioned in the inner space <NUM> of the container <NUM>. In the initial position, the gap G between the outer surface <NUM> of the contact section <NUM> and the outer surface <NUM> of the further contact section <NUM> can be configured such that the package <NUM> can be arranged in the gap G. This means that the package <NUM> can be positioned between the outer surface <NUM> of the contact section <NUM> and the outer surface <NUM> of the further contact section <NUM>. The package <NUM> can be positioned such in the gap G that the top side <NUM> of the wall <NUM> of the package <NUM> points towards the outer surface <NUM> of the contact section <NUM> and the bottom side <NUM> of the wall <NUM> of the package <NUM> points towards the outer surface <NUM> of the further contact section <NUM>. In the initial position, the wall <NUM> of the package <NUM> can be distant to the outer surface <NUM> of the container <NUM>. The wall <NUM> of the package <NUM> can be distant to the outer surface <NUM> of the further contact section <NUM>. The front side <NUM> of the wall <NUM> of the package <NUM> can point towards the connector <NUM>.

The absorber device <NUM> can be arranged such with respect to the package <NUM> that the outer surface <NUM> is arranged above a section of the top side <NUM> delimiting the access portion <NUM> of the inner space <NUM> of the package <NUM>. The absorber device <NUM> can be arranged such with respect to the package <NUM> that the outer surface <NUM> of the counter member <NUM> is arranged below a section of the bottom side <NUM> delimiting the access portion <NUM> of the inner space <NUM> of the package <NUM>. The access portion <NUM> of the inner space <NUM> of the package can be arranged in the gap G.

The connector <NUM> can be in a relaxed state with a relaxed curvature C.

<FIG> illustrates the absorber device <NUM> in a contact position. In the contact position, the penetration device <NUM> is in the first position. In the contact position, the gap G' between the outer surface <NUM> of the contact section <NUM> and the outer surface <NUM> of the further contact section <NUM> can be smaller than the gap G in the initial position (compare <FIG> and <FIG>).

The container <NUM> and the counter member <NUM> can be moved towards each other from the initial position towards the contact position. In particular, the container <NUM> can be moved from the initial position along a moving direction M towards the counter member <NUM>, such that the absorber device <NUM> is in the contact position. The moving direction M can be perpendicular to the outer surface <NUM> of the contact section <NUM>. The moving direction M can be perpendicular to the outer surface <NUM> of the further contact section <NUM>. In an embodiment, the counter member <NUM> is moved towards the container <NUM> in a direction opposing the moving direction M.

According to an embodiment, in the contact position, the connector <NUM> is in a tensed state with a tensed curvature C'. The tensed curvature C' can be greater than the relaxed curvature C in the initial position (compare <FIG> and <FIG>).

In the contact position, the outer surface <NUM> of the contact section <NUM> can contact the top side <NUM> of the wall <NUM> of the package <NUM>. In particular, the outer surface <NUM> of the contact section <NUM> of the container <NUM> can be positively connected with the wall <NUM> of the package <NUM>, particularly with the top side <NUM> of the wall <NUM> of the package <NUM>. In particular, the outer surface <NUM> of the contact section <NUM> of the container <NUM> can contact the outer surface <NUM> of the wall <NUM> of the package <NUM>. The outer surface <NUM> of the further contact section <NUM> can contact the bottom side <NUM> of the wall <NUM> of the package <NUM>. In particular, the outer surface <NUM> of the counter member <NUM> can be positively connected with the wall <NUM> of the package <NUM>, particularly with the bottom side <NUM> of the wall <NUM> of the package <NUM>. This means that in the contact position, the container <NUM> can contact the wall <NUM> of the package <NUM> via the outer surface <NUM> of the contact section <NUM>. The outer surface <NUM> of the further contact section <NUM> of the counter member <NUM> can contact the outer surface <NUM> of the wall <NUM> of the package <NUM>. In the contact position, the counter member <NUM> can contact the wall <NUM> of the package <NUM> via the outer surface <NUM> of the further contact section <NUM>. In the contact position, the container <NUM> can contact the top side <NUM> of the wall <NUM> of the package <NUM> via the outer surface <NUM> of the contact section <NUM> and the counter member <NUM> can contact the opposing bottom side <NUM> of the wall <NUM> of the package <NUM> via the outer surface <NUM> of the further contact section <NUM>.

In an embodiment, in the contact position, the package <NUM> is partly pressed together by the absorber device <NUM>. In an embodiment, the access portion <NUM> of the inner space <NUM> of the package <NUM> is pressed together by the absorber device <NUM> in the contact position.

In an embodiment, the outer surface <NUM> of the contact section <NUM> is adhesive. In the contact position shown in <FIG>, the outer surface <NUM> of the contact section <NUM> can adhere to the wall <NUM> of the package <NUM>, in particular to the top side <NUM> of the wall <NUM> of the package <NUM>. The outer surface <NUM> of the contact section <NUM> and the wall <NUM> of the package <NUM> can positively connect. When the outer surface <NUM> of the contact section <NUM> is positively connected with the wall <NUM> of the package <NUM>, they can form a joint sterile barrier <NUM>.

According to an embodiment, the outer surface <NUM> of the further contact section <NUM> is adhesive. In the contact position shown in <FIG>, the outer surface <NUM> of the further contact section <NUM> can adhere to the wall <NUM> of the package <NUM>, in particular to the bottom side <NUM> of the wall <NUM> of the package <NUM>. The outer surface <NUM> of the further contact section <NUM> and the wall <NUM> of the package <NUM> can positively connect. When the outer surface <NUM> of the further contact section <NUM> is positively connected with the wall <NUM> of the package <NUM>, they can form a further joint sterile barrier <NUM>.

In the contact position, the penetration device <NUM> can be moved along a transfer direction T toward the counter member <NUM>. The movement of the penetration device <NUM> along the transfer direction T can transfer the absorber device <NUM> from the contact position to a penetrating position. <FIG> illustrates an embodiment of the absorber device <NUM> in a penetrating position.

In an embodiment, a force F is exerted on the back wall <NUM> of the container <NUM> such that the back wall <NUM> is pressed in the inner space <NUM> of the container <NUM>. The force F can be directed along the moving direction M. The force F can be directed along the transfer direction T. The transfer direction T can be directed parallel to the moving direction M. The transfer direction T can be directed perpendicular to the contact section <NUM> of the container <NUM>. Pressing the back wall <NUM> in the inner space <NUM> of the container <NUM> can move (particularly push) the penetration device <NUM> along the transfer direction T towards the counter member <NUM>.

Pushing of the back wall <NUM> of the container <NUM> into the inner space <NUM> of the container <NUM> can move the absorber <NUM> along the transfer direction T.

In the penetration position, the penetration device <NUM> can penetrate the contact section <NUM>. In the penetration position, the penetration device <NUM> can penetrate the outer surface <NUM> of the contact section <NUM>. In the penetration position, the penetration device <NUM> can penetrate the wall <NUM> of the package <NUM>. In particular, in the penetration position, the penetration device <NUM> can penetrate the top side <NUM> of the wall <NUM> of the package <NUM>. According to an embodiment, the penetration device <NUM> penetrates the joint sterile barrier <NUM>. In particular, the tapered element <NUM> of the penetration device <NUM> can penetrate the contact section <NUM>. The tapered element <NUM> can penetrate the wall <NUM> of the package <NUM>. According to an embodiment, in the penetration position, the tapered element <NUM> can penetrate the j oint sterile barrier <NUM>.

In an embodiment, the penetration device <NUM>, particularly the tapered element <NUM>, forms a through-opening <NUM> in the joint sterile barrier <NUM>, when penetrating the joint sterile barrier <NUM>. In an embodiment, a pointed end <NUM> of the tapered element <NUM> can stick into the inner space <NUM> of the package <NUM> (see also <FIG>).

By penetrating the contact section <NUM> and the top side <NUM> of the wall <NUM> of the package <NUM>, the inner space <NUM> of the container <NUM> can be connected, particularly fluidically connected, with the inner space <NUM> of the package <NUM>. When the inner space <NUM> of the package <NUM> and the inner space <NUM> of the container <NUM> are connected, the fluid <NUM> from the inner space <NUM> of the package <NUM> can pass to the inner space <NUM> of the container <NUM>. In the inner space <NUM> of the container <NUM>, the fluid <NUM> can contact the absorber <NUM>.

According to an embodiment, in the penetration position, the penetration device <NUM> penetrates the bottom side <NUM> of the wall <NUM> of the package <NUM>. The penetration device <NUM> can penetrate the further contact section <NUM>. In particular, in the penetration position, the penetration device <NUM> can penetrate the further joint sterile barrier <NUM>. In an embodiment, the tapered element <NUM> can penetrate the bottom side <NUM> of the wall <NUM> of the package <NUM>.

The tapered element <NUM> can penetrate the further contact section <NUM> of the counter member <NUM>. In particular, the tapered element <NUM> can penetrate the further joint sterile barrier <NUM>. In an embodiment, the pointed end <NUM> of the tapered element <NUM> of the penetration device <NUM> can stick into the inner space <NUM> of the counter member <NUM>.

The penetration of the bottom side <NUM> of the wall <NUM> of the package <NUM> and the further contact section <NUM> of the counter member <NUM> can connect the inner space <NUM> of the package <NUM> and the inner space <NUM> of the counter member <NUM>. In particular, the inner space <NUM> of the counter member <NUM> can be fluidically connected with the inner space <NUM> of the package <NUM>, when the penetration device <NUM> penetrates the bottom side <NUM> and the further contact section <NUM>.

In an embodiment, the penetration device <NUM>, particularly the tapered element <NUM>, forms a further through-opening <NUM> in the further joint sterile barrier <NUM>, when penetrating the further joint sterile barrier <NUM>.

In an embodiment, the pointed end <NUM> of the tapered element <NUM> can stick into the inner space <NUM> of the counter member <NUM>.

In an embodiment, the penetration device <NUM>, particularly the tapered element <NUM> penetrates the contact section <NUM>, the top side <NUM> of the wall <NUM> of the package <NUM>, the bottom side <NUM> of the wall <NUM> of the package <NUM> and the further contact section <NUM>. This means that the penetration device <NUM> can penetrate the joint sterile barrier <NUM> and the further joint sterile barrier <NUM>.

Penetrating the joint sterile barrier <NUM> and the further joint sterile barrier <NUM> can connect the inner space <NUM> of the container with the inner space <NUM> of the counter device <NUM> via the inner space <NUM> of the package <NUM>. In particular, the inner space <NUM> of the container <NUM> can be fluidically connected with the inner space <NUM> of the counter member <NUM>. In other words, penetrating the joint sterile barrier <NUM> and the further joint sterile barrier <NUM> can connect the inner space <NUM> of the package <NUM> with the inner space <NUM> of the container and the inner space <NUM> of the counter device <NUM>.

According to an embodiment, in the penetration position, the mounting plate <NUM> of the penetration device <NUM> is positioned in the inner space <NUM> of the container <NUM>. In the penetration position, the absorber <NUM> can be positioned in the inner space <NUM> of the container <NUM>.

<FIG> illustrates a further embodiment of an absorber device <NUM> not according to the invention.

The absorber device <NUM> can comprise a container <NUM> as described above. In particular, the container <NUM> can comprise a wall <NUM> comprising a contact section <NUM> which comprises an outer surface <NUM>. The wall <NUM> can delimit an inner space <NUM> of the container <NUM>. According to an embodiment, the absorber device <NUM> further comprises an absorber <NUM> and a penetration device <NUM>, comprising at least one tapered element <NUM>.

The package <NUM> can comprise the components as described above. In particular, the package <NUM> can comprise a wall <NUM> delimiting an inner space <NUM> of the package <NUM>. An object <NUM> can be positioned in the inner space <NUM> of the package <NUM>. The wall <NUM> of the package <NUM> can comprise a top side <NUM> and an opposing bottom side <NUM>. The wall <NUM> of the package <NUM> can comprise an outer surface <NUM> and an inner surface <NUM>.

In the embodiment presented in <FIG>, a counter member <NUM> is positioned in the inner space <NUM> of the package <NUM>. The counter member <NUM> can comprise a wall <NUM> of the counter member <NUM>. In particular, the counter member <NUM> can comprise a back wall <NUM> of the counter member <NUM>. The back wall <NUM> of the counter member <NUM> can extend parallel to the bottom side <NUM> of the wall <NUM> of the package <NUM>. The back wall <NUM> of the counter member <NUM> can extend parallel to the top side <NUM> of the wall <NUM> of the package <NUM>.

The outer surface <NUM> of the contact section <NUM> can contact the wall <NUM> of the package <NUM>, particularly the top side <NUM> of the wall <NUM> of the package <NUM>. The outer surface <NUM> of the contact section <NUM> can be positively connected with the wall <NUM> of the package <NUM>. The outer surface <NUM> of the contact section <NUM> can connected with the outer surface <NUM> of the wall <NUM> of the package <NUM>. In an embodiment, the outer surface <NUM> of the contact section <NUM> is adhesive such that the outer surface <NUM> of the contact section <NUM> can adhere to the wall <NUM> of the package <NUM>. When the outer surface <NUM> of the contact section <NUM> is positively connected with the wall <NUM> pf the package <NUM>, they can form a joint sterile barrier <NUM>.

The container <NUM> can contact the outer surface <NUM> of the wall <NUM> of the package <NUM>. In an embodiment, the counter member <NUM> can contact the inner surface <NUM> of the wall <NUM> of the package <NUM>. When clamping the package <NUM> between the container <NUM> and the counter member <NUM>, the wall <NUM> of the package can be clamped between the container <NUM> and the counter member <NUM>.

The container <NUM> can be arranged such with respect to the wall <NUM> of the package <NUM> that the container <NUM> faces the counter member <NUM>.

In <FIG>, a penetration position is illustrated. In the penetration position, the penetration device <NUM> can penetrate the contact section <NUM>. In the penetration position, the penetration device <NUM> can penetrate the wall <NUM> of the package <NUM>, particularly the top side <NUM> of the wall <NUM>. The penetration device <NUM> can penetrate the joint sterile barrier <NUM>. According to an embodiment, the tapered element <NUM> can penetrate the joint sterile barrier <NUM>. This means that the penetration device <NUM> can insert a through-opening <NUM> in the joint sterile barrier <NUM>. The pointed end <NUM> of the tapered element <NUM> can stick into the inner space <NUM> of the package <NUM>. Via the through-opening <NUM>, the inner space <NUM> of the container <NUM> can be connected, particularly fluidically connected, with the inner space <NUM> of the package <NUM>.

<FIG> shows a schematic top view of an embodiment of a package <NUM> and an embodiment of an absorber device <NUM>, wherein the absorber device <NUM> is arranged on the package <NUM>. <FIG> shows an embodiment of a packaging system <NUM>.

Claim 1:
An absorber device (<NUM>) for absorbing a fluid (<NUM>) residing in an inner space (<NUM>) enclosed by a package (<NUM>) (<NUM>), the package (<NUM>) comprising a wall (<NUM>) enclosing the inner space (<NUM>) of the package (<NUM>), wherein the absorber device (<NUM>) comprises:
- a container (<NUM>), wherein the container (<NUM>) comprises a wall (<NUM>) enclosing an inner space (<NUM>) of the container (<NUM>), wherein the wall (<NUM>) comprises a contact section (<NUM>), wherein the contact section (<NUM>) is configured to be penetrated,
- an absorber (<NUM>) arranged in the inner space (<NUM>) of the container (<NUM>),
- a movable penetration device (<NUM>), wherein the penetration device (<NUM>) is configured to be moved from a first position to a second position, wherein in the first position, the penetration device (<NUM>) is positioned in the inner space (<NUM>) of the container (<NUM>), and wherein in the second position, the penetration device (<NUM>) is configured to penetrate the contact section (<NUM>) and the wall (<NUM>) of the package (<NUM>), when the contact section (<NUM>) is arranged on an outer surface (<NUM>) of the wall (<NUM>) of the package (<NUM>), such that the inner space (<NUM>) of the container (<NUM>) is fluidically connected to the inner space (<NUM>) of the package (<NUM>) to thereby allow fluid (<NUM>) from the inner space (<NUM>) of the package (<NUM>) to pass to the inner space (<NUM>) of the container (<NUM>) and be absorbed by the absorber (<NUM>), and characterised in that the absorber device comprises a counter member (<NUM>), wherein the counter member (<NUM>) comprises a further contact section (<NUM>) facing the contact section (<NUM>), wherein the container (<NUM>) and the counter member (<NUM>) are configured to be movable towards each other to clamp the package (<NUM>) between the container (<NUM>) and the counter member (<NUM>), wherein the container (<NUM>) and the counter member (<NUM>) are connected to one another.