Apparatus, system and method for filling containers with fluids

The invention relates generally to systems that can be filled with a fluid, and in particular to a device, a system and a method for filling containers with fluids.

Fillable containers, such as balloons, can be filled with a variety of fluids, such as air, helium, water, medication, etc. In some cases it may be desirable to fill many fillable containers with fluids. For example, festive balloons used as props in gatherings, large gatherings, etc., can be on the order of hundreds and require a significant human effort to fill them in a timely manner. In another example, it may be necessary to fill a large number of water balloons used as children's toys so that they can participate in various games. Various methods of filling these fillable containers can be used. For example, an individual can inflate and hand-tie each balloon one at a time, or use a tank of compressed air or helium to inflate the balloons, which are then tied. This successive filling is time consuming. In another example, an individual may hand fill one water balloon at a time and then tie the balloons, which can be time consuming overall. In addition, it can happen that the fillable containers are damaged or filled with different volumes.

It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide an apparatus, system, and method for filling containers with fluids that address at least some of the disadvantages noted above and / or provide the public with at least one useful choice.

Accordingly, in a first aspect of the invention, an apparatus may comprise:

a housing having an opening at a first end and a plurality of holes at a second end;

a plurality of hollow tubes, each hollow tube being attached to a corresponding hole at the second end of the housing;

a plurality of containers, each container being releasably attached to one of the hollow tubes; and a plurality of resilient connecting means, each resilient connecting means connecting a respective container with a respective hollow tube and each resilient connecting means

2/32 is formed for the automatic sealing of the respective container when it is removed from the respective hollow tube.

The device is preferably designed to fill the containers essentially simultaneously with a fluid.

The first end of the housing preferably has an outermost circumference that is smaller in length than an outermost circumference at the second end.

The opening at the first end of the housing preferably has an inner surface with threads.

Each container preferably has an expandable balloon portion.

Each container preferably has a fixed portion and a resilient portion, the resilient portion being disposed between the resilient connecting means and the end of a respective one of the plurality of tubes.

Each container preferably includes a volumetric measurement label that provides a visual reference for filling the container to a desired volume.

The elastic connecting means is preferably arranged outside the container and biases an inner surface of the container against an outer surface of a corresponding tube.

The fluid preferably comprises water and / or air and / or helium.

Each resilient connecting means preferably comprises an O-ring configured to automatically seal the container when a force is applied to the container along a direction away from the housing.

The hollow tubes are preferably flexible.

The plurality of tubes preferably include a first set of tubes each having a first length and a second set of tubes each having a second length that is greater than the first length.

The housing is preferably attached to a tap which is connected to a fluid supply, the tap being designed to control an output of the fluid for filling the plurality of containers.

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The faucet preferably comprises a lever that can be pivoted to open the faucet to a first position and allows fluid flow to the housing, wherein the lever can be pivoted to a second position to close the faucet and interrupt fluid flow to the housing.

One end of the faucet is preferably connected to a hose line attached to a water supply and the other end attached to the housing.

In a second aspect, the invention can provide a method of filling a plurality of containers with a fluid simultaneously, the method comprising:

attaching a housing to a fluid supply, the housing including a fluid inlet (preferably a threaded opening at a first end) and a plurality of holes spaced from the fluid inlet (preferably at a second end) with a plurality of hollow tubes extending extending from the plurality of holes and each having a distal end with a fluid outlet opening in fluid communication with the fluid inlet, a plurality of containers being releasably attached to the plurality of hollow tubes and to the fluid outlet of each hollow tube, a resilient connecting means connecting each container to a respective hollow tube;

supplying the housing with a fluid of the fluid supply via the fluid inlet; and filling the plurality of containers with the fluid substantially simultaneously.

The method further preferably includes removing the plurality of containers from the plurality of hollow tubes, the resilient connecting means sealing the containers with a fluid therein as each container is removed from the corresponding hollow tube.

Removal preferably includes shaking the housing until the plurality of containers slide off the hollow tubes.

The removal preferably comprises withdrawing the containers from the hollow tubes.

Preferably, the containers slide off the hollow tubes when the filled containers reach a surge load.

In yet another aspect, the invention can provide a device, the device comprising a tube which is releasably connected to at least one elastic container via an open elastic valve, the tube assisting in filling the elastic container with a fluid, the valve for automatic closing when removed

4/32 tion of the resilient container is formed from the tube to seal the fluid within the resilient container.

The elastic valve preferably comprises an elastic ring which is arranged around a neck of the elastic container.

In yet another aspect, the invention can provide an apparatus, the apparatus comprising a plurality of flexible tubes, each flexible tube being connected to a balloon, the flexible tubes assisting in filling the balloons with a fluid, the balloons in one are sufficiently close to each other that they press against each other during filling, thereby bending the tubes.

The flexible tubes are preferably of different lengths.

In yet another aspect of the invention, there is provided a balloon inflation apparatus comprising a plurality of tubes and a plurality of balloons, each balloon being connected to a respective one of the plurality of tubes by a connecting force not less than a load, which corresponds to one of the balloons when it is essentially filled with water, wherein the connecting force can be overcome by applying an upward acceleration to the tube, the device being adapted to inflate the plurality of balloons substantially simultaneously.

The connecting force is preferably less than 1 Newton.

The connecting force is preferably provided by a resilient valve which is designed to automatically seal the balloon when the connecting force is overcome.

Each hole of the plurality of holes at the second end of the housing preferably extends through an outer surface of the housing, the outer surface opposing the opening at the first end of the housing.

In yet another aspect, the invention can provide a device comprising a conduit or claw having at least one outlet and having an inlet for a fluid directed for dispensing through the or each outlet, and one having an elastic collar, a elastic band and / or an elastic bead provided, with a fluid fillable container, which through the collar, the band and / or

5/32 the bead is limited, so that its fluid inlet at the or its outlet can be released, but seals it;

the arrangement being designed so that the fluid can flow through the line or the claw in use in order to fill the container (s), while the collar, the band or the bead of the or each container at the fluid inlet is detachable, but seals it ;

and the arrangement is further configured so that the fluid content weight and / or inertia the removal is supported or effected by laterally separating the fluid inlet of the or each container from the or its outlet, whereupon the or each collar, the or each band and / or the or each bead that is no longer stretched at the or its tubular outlet that closes the or its fluid inlet.

The outlet is preferably tubular.

In yet another aspect, the invention can provide an apparatus, the apparatus comprising a claw or claw assembly (manifold) capable of directing fluid supplied via an inlet to drain from each of a plurality of outlets, including a plurality of with a fluid-fillable container, each having its inlet at an outlet, and an elastic collar, an elastic band and / or an elastic bead from and / or on each inlet in a stretched state, whereby the inlet should be kept sufficiently tight at its outlet to accommodate a fluid filling, but not so tight that the fluid filling weight and / or the Fluid inertia does not support and / or cause the loosening and / or removal of its outlet and then the fluid seal of the tubular inlet by a contraction of its collar, its band and / or its bead seals.

The inlet is preferably a threaded inlet.

The outlets are preferably each tubular.

The inlet is preferably tubular.

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In yet another aspect, the invention can provide a water balloon assembly comprising a plurality of balloons each disposed on a tubular inlet and a collar, band or bead on or from each tubular inlet, and a claw or claw assembly (Manifold) having an inlet for receiving water and discharging the water from the plurality of tubular outlets;

each balloon being kept sufficiently tight by the collar, band or bead, the liquid inlet being arranged around its tubular outlet of the claw through which water passes from its tubular outlet through its tubular inlet for filling the balloon;

and wherein the tubular inlet of each balloon is sealed by a contraction of its collar, band or bead when its tubular outlet is no longer held;

and wherein a separation of a water-filled balloon with respect to its claw outlet is effected or assisted by the weight or the inertia of the water in the balloon.

In yet another aspect, the invention can provide a device comprising a plurality of water-fillable balloons with an elastic neck piece, each of which is held by its neck piece around its tubular inlet and, as a cuff, on an outlet tube of a filling collecting piece that is attached to its Inlet can be connected to a water supply.

The neck piece held at each outlet of the claw can preferably enable a lateral spacing of the tubular inlet with cuff from its tubular outlet after filling with water and then seal the tubular inlet of the water-filled balloon through the neck piece.

The weight and / or the inertia of the water content support and / or preferably effect the lateral separation.

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In yet another aspect, the present invention can provide a filling procedure for multiple balloons, each balloon being sealed by a constriction at its tubular inlet, the procedure comprising the following steps of providing a claw with an inlet for receiving water and a plurality of tubular outlets each outlet having a tubular inlet, which is held as a collar by the constriction at the tubular entrance, and filling each balloon with water and allowing each balloon to fall off and / or causing each balloon to automatically seal at its constriction.

In yet another aspect, the invention can provide a water-filled balloon which is sealed by a constriction at its tubular inlet.

In yet another aspect, the invention can provide a plurality of juxtaposed water-filled balloons each in fluid communication with a single water supply line via a claw.

The present invention can also provide a balloon filled with water, which is sealed by a constriction at its tubular inlet, the constriction causing the seal after it has slid off the tubular inlet of a filling tap.

The fill cock is preferably a tubular outlet of claw threads that can be engaged with a suitable cock.

The present invention can also provide a water-filled balloon which is sealed with a constriction at its tubular inlet with a bead, the bead assisting in an arrangement of the constriction around the inlet.

In yet another aspect, the invention can provide a commodity comprising (1) a device as previously described, and (2) a package having the device therein for easy separation of each balloon or container from the associated one to prevent tubular outlet of the claw.

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The device preferably allows the inlet of the claw to be threadedly connected to a complementary faucet without disconnecting a balloon or container from the claw.

In yet another aspect, the invention can provide a device which is used to provide a plurality of balloons filled with water and sealed by a bead or constriction which are sealed during the filling of the balloons with water using a claw of the device, the The device comprises the claw having an inlet for receiving water and a plurality of tubular outlets through which water is dispensed, wherein a balloon is coupled to each tubular outlet to receive dispensed water, and the bead or throat of each balloon serves several functions:

(a) holding the balloon to receive dispensed water, (b) allowing the balloon to decouple, and (c) sealing the water content in the balloon by the neck piece or constriction when the water-filled balloon is uncoupled and / or uncoupled therefrom .

The hollow tubes described above are preferably rigid-flexible.

The tubes can be bent, preferably while maintaining their non-bent cross-sectional shape.

The balloons, in their pre-inflation state, preferably allow the distal ends of the tubes to which the balloons are attached to be in a compressed configuration as compared to inflated balloons.

The tubes preferably extend essentially parallel to one another and are designed and adapted for increasing outward spreading when being filled.

The tubes preferably extend away from the housing in generally the same direction and are adapted and configured to expand outwardly as they are filled.

The tubes are preferably adapted not to be wrinkled, folded, or kinked when the balloons are filled.

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The outward expansion is preferably a result of the expansion of the circumference of the balloons as they are inflated and the balloons contact adjacent balloons.

Before being filled with water, the balloons preferably have no liquid.

The balloons preferably have air before being filled with water.

The air in the balloons is preferably in fluid communication with the ambient air.

There is preferably no pressure difference between the air in the balloons and the ambient air.

The balloons are preferably flaccid before being filled with water.

Once the balloons are filled, their volume is at least 3 times greater than their flaccid size.

Once the balloons are filled, the balloons are preferably no more than 0.002 cubic meters.

Once the balloons are filled, the balloons are preferably no more than 0.0014 cubic meters.

Once the balloons are filled, they are preferably no more than 0.0005 cubic meters.

Once the balloons are filled, they are preferably no more than 0.0001 cubic meters.

The balloons preferably comprise an expandable body and a less expandable spout, the spout engaging a corresponding tube.

The expandable body of each balloon is preferably positioned beyond the distal (distal) end of a corresponding tube.

The distal ends of a first group of tubes are preferably closer to the housing / claw than a second group of tubes, with a first group of balloons being closer to the housing / claw than a second group of balloons.

The first group of balloons is preferably arranged at the second group of tubes.

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<img file="AT515987A2_D0001.tif" />

The tubes are preferably arranged on the housing / claw in an array of concentric circles.

The second group of tubes preferably comprises inner concentric circles relative to the first group of tubes.

The ends of the tubes are preferably offset from one another by more than 20 mm when the balloons are filled.

The ends of the tubes are preferably offset by more than 25 mm from one another when the balloons are filled.

The ends of the tubes are preferably offset from one another by more than 30 mm when the balloons are filled.

The ends of the tubes are preferably offset from one another by more than 35 mm when the balloons are filled.

The ends of the tubes are preferably offset by more than 40 mm from one another when the balloons are filled.

The ends of the tubes are preferably offset by more than 45 mm from one another when the balloons are filled.

The ends of the tubes are preferably offset by more than 50 mm from one another when the balloons are filled.

The ends of the tubes are preferably offset by more than 55 mm from one another when the balloons are filled.

The ends of the tubes are preferably offset by more than 60 mm from one another when the balloons are filled.

The ends of the tubes are preferably offset by more than 65 mm from one another when the balloons are filled.

The ends of the tubes are preferably not offset by more than 80 mm from one another when the balloons are filled.

The ends of the tubes are preferably not offset by more than 70 mm from one another when the balloons are filled.

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······ · · · ·· ·· ·· ······ &lt;Λ

The ends of the tubes are preferably not offset by more than 65 mm from one another when the balloons are filled.

The ends of the tubes are preferably less than 50 mm apart from one another in the flaccid state of the balloons.

The ends of the tubes are preferably less than 40 mm apart from one another in the flaccid state of the balloons.

The ends of the tubes are preferably less than 30 mm apart from one another in the flaccid state of the balloons.

The ends of the tubes are preferably less than 20 mm apart from one another in the flaccid state of the balloons.

For a more complete understanding of the description and features and advantages thereof, reference is made to the following description together with the accompanying figures, wherein like reference characters designate similar parts, and wherein:

1 shows a simplified perspective view illustrating an exemplary configuration of an embodiment for a system for filling containers with fluids;

FIG. 2 is a simplified diagram depicting a cross-sectional view of exemplary details of one embodiment of the system;

3 is a simplified diagram showing other exemplary details of one embodiment of the system;

Figure 4 is a simplified diagram showing still other exemplary details of one embodiment of the system;

Figure 5 is a simplified illustration showing still other exemplary details of an embodiment of the system;

Figure 6 is a simplified diagram showing still other exemplary details of one embodiment of the system;

7 is a simplified diagram showing still other exemplary details of one embodiment of the system;

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<img file="AT515987A2_D0003.tif" />

8 shows a simplified flow diagram illustrating example operations associated with one embodiment of the system.

Figure 9a shows an end view of Figure 9b.

Figure 9b shows a side view of an example of the present invention.

Fig. 9c shows a view of an opposite end to Fig. 9b.

Fig. 10 is a side view showing tubes which are expanded further when the balloons have been inflated.

The invention broadly encompasses or uses a device comprising a housing (e.g., an encapsulation, casing, claw, cover, etc. having a recess therein) having a first opening at a first area and a plurality of openings at a second Area. A plurality of hollow tubes extend from the plurality of openings to a plurality of containers (e.g., vessels, containers, ampoules, test tubes, balloons, etc.). The tubes can be formed integrally with the housing or separately connected thereto. The containers are releasably connected to the hollow tubes. A plurality of elastic connecting means is used. Each resilient connecting means connects a container to a corresponding hollow tube so that when the containers are filled with a fluid they can be removed from the respective hollow tubes, with each resilient connecting means sealing each container to continue to retain the fluid within the container. The connecting means can be formed integrally with the container or separately therefrom.

Some examples of the invention will now be described with reference to the accompanying figures. The present description explains various exemplary embodiments for implementing different features, structures or functions of the system. Example embodiments of components, arrangements, and configurations are described herein for ease of illustration.

In the description, reference symbols and / or letters may be repeated in the various exemplary embodiments and across the figures provided herein. These repetitions are for simplicity and clarity and are not intended to represent a relationship between the various exemplary embodiments and / or configurations shown in the various figures.

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1 shows a simplified representation of an exemplary embodiment of a system 10 for filling containers with fluids. The system 10 includes a housing 12 that is terminated with a hose 14 (eg, with a channel, tube, etc.) at a first area, such as a first end A, and with a plurality of hollow tubes 16 at a second area, such as for example the second end B, is detachably attached.

The term housing, as used herein, encompasses a hollow space or chamber which is enclosed by a solid or semi-solid casing (e.g. cover, skin, jacket, collar, etc.). A claw assembly or manifold 12 is provided by the housing. In some embodiments, the end A may have a threaded opening configured for connection to corresponding threads of a hose 14. In some embodiments, the end A may be smaller in circumference or area than the end B. The hose 14 may be connected to a fluid supply such as a water tank, gas tank, water supply line, and so on. The end B may include a plurality of openings, such as holes (preferably arranged in an array), which are configured for connection to the tubes 16. In some embodiments, the tubes 16 may be formed integrally with the housing or permanently (e.g., by welding, soldering, gluing, pressing, etc.) attached to the housing 12. In other embodiments, the tubes 16 may be releasably attached to the housing 12 (e.g., by threading, crimping, etc.).

The tubes have an outlet opening remote from the housing. A plurality of containers 18 may be supported (e.g., attached, attached, clamped, riveted, snapped, stapled, secured, etc.) to the distal ends of the tubes 16. This is preferably achieved using resilient valves 20. Each tube has a container 18 connected thereto.

The term container, as used herein, refers to an object that can contain something, such as fluids. It is preferably a resilient container, but this is not required. The term valve refers to an object that regulates, directs or controls the flow of fluids, for example by opening, closing or partially blocking passages for the flow of fluid. In one example, elastic valves 20 include elastic connecting means, such as O-rings or rubber bands. In other exemplary embodiments, resilient valves 20 include corrugations, resilient fibers, pleated trim, etc. formed in the necks of containers 18. They are adapted and designed so that a force is required to pull open the necks of the containers 18, and a release of the force causes the necks to be constricted and closed. In another at 14/32 • · · · · · · · * • · · · ··· • · e · · «• · · · · * • · · · · ·· · ♦ ·· ·· ·· In an exemplary embodiment, the resilient valves comprise inner or outer plugs attached to the necks of the containers 18 through which the tubes 16 can be pushed in order to attach the containers 18 thereto.

Each container 18 has an opening to aid attachment to tubes 16 and a recess for receiving fluid. For example, one end of an exemplary tube 16A can be fitted through a hole in one end B of the housing 12 and the other end of the tube 16A can be inserted into an exemplary container 18A. An exemplary elastic valve 20A (e.g. an O-ring with a mechanical sealing washer typically annular in shape; a resilient ring (such as a rubber band) of sufficient size to expand and fit around the tube 16A may be placed around (e.g., above) a neck (e.g., an area just below the opening) of the container 18A, the Container 18A is attached to tube 16A and this is sealed. The resilient valve 20A can thus be in an open configuration when the container 18A is attached to the tube 16A; in an open configuration of the resilient valve 20A, the neck of the container 18A is open, which enables the container 18A to be filled with a fluid. After the container 18A has been filled with a fluid, the fluid can be removed from the tube 16A, whereupon the resilient valve 28A can close and close, thereby closing the neck of the container 18A and sealing the fluid inside.

In an exemplary embodiment, containers 18 can include fillable balloons that can be filled with fluids, such as water, air or helium. In another exemplary embodiment, containers 18 can include resilient (eg, stretchable, resilient, etc.) containers that can be filled with gaseous or liquid medicaments. The term elastic, as used herein, refers to a property of a material that allows the material to spontaneously return to its normal shape after a contraction, elongation, or disruption. In one example, an elastic material can be stretched up to 200% of its original length and the material can return to its original length when the stretching force is removed.

The valve does not necessarily completely seal the container. A gas-tight or liquid-tight seal is preferred, but minimal leakage of the fluid from the container after removal from the tubes may be acceptable. Leakage is preferably minimal for the uses of the container to which it will later be exposed. For example, for decorative balloons, a slow leak over a period of days is likely to be of no further consequence. Leakage can also be temporary, in which a subsequent additional seal can take place through other steps. For example, decorative balloons can be attached to a stick, which provides an additional seal for the balloon via a sealing function.

In yet another exemplary embodiment, the containers 18 can comprise elastic containers which can be filled with body fluids (for example urine, blood) in order, for example, to collect several test samples simultaneously. Virtually any type of fluid within the breadth of the embodiments can be used. In some embodiments, the containers 18 are not necessarily completely fillable or completely elastic. For example, a bottom portion of the containers 18 can be non-resilient (e.g., glass, plastic, metal, etc. of a fixed size and shape) and a top portion can be resilient enough that the tubes 16 can be attached thereto.

When the fluid supply is opened, fluid can flow through the housing 12 and tubes 16 and fill the containers 18. In some examples, the containers 18 can be filled with the liquid when the housing 12 is connected to a flow of liquid. In some embodiments, the fluid can be applied under high pressure. As a practical matter, within the breadth of the embodiments, any mechanism that enables fluid to flow through the tubes 16 under sufficient pressure can be used to fill the containers 18. After the containers 18 have reached a certain size or volume, they can be removed from the tubes 16. In an exemplary embodiment, filled containers 18 can be removed by pulling them off the tubes 16.

In another exemplary embodiment, the connecting force that holds the filled containers 18 to the tubes 16 can be overcome by an upward acceleration of the tubes 16, for example when they are shaken. As a result, by shaking the housing 12 (or tubes 16), the filled containers 18 can to some extent help remove the filled containers 18, causing the containers 18 to fall off the tubes 16. In some embodiments, the holding force holding the filled containers to the respective tubes is not less than the weight of the filled containers; In a special embodiment, the holding force that holds each container on its associated tube is the same as the weight of the filled container. The connecting force can be provided by a combination of constricting forces and frictional forces of the elastic valves 20.

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In still other embodiments, the containers 18 can fall under the action of gravity; for example, they can slide off the tubes 16 due to gravity when the filled containers 18 reach a threshold weight. The threshold weight can depend on the tightness of the elastic valves 20, the friction between the tubes 16 and the containers 18 and the weight of the containers 18 (among other parameters). In various embodiments, the containers 14 can slide off the tubes 16 and the resilient valves 20 can constrict the necks of the containers 18, sealing them. In some embodiments, the containers 18 can be marked with a volumetric measurement identifier and fluid flow can be turned off when the fluid filling the containers 18 reaches a desired volume.

The end of the hollow tubes may have an expanded lower lip or may gradually increase towards the end which is an obstruction to the resilient valve as it slips off the tube. Increasing force can be applied to the container to overcome this obstruction before the container is removed from the tube. This may be desirable to prevent accidental or premature removal. However, by choosing suitable materials and their coefficients of friction for the tubes and containers and a suitable elastic valve, the containers can be prevented from accidentally or prematurely loosening.

In some embodiments, the hollow tubes 16 can be formed from a solid material (e.g., steel, glass); in other embodiments, the tubes 16 can be formed from a pliable material (eg, a thin plastic material). In some embodiments, the tubes 16 can be thick, short, and strong; in other embodiments, the tubes 16 can be slimmer, longer, and flexible. Accordingly, the hollow tubes 16 can be flexible, semi-rigid, or rigid, depending on the material of manufacture, design, or a combination thereof. The tubes 16 can be of different lengths, for example to prevent overloading and to accommodate a greater number of containers 18 than would otherwise be possible if the tubes 16 were of the same length. Accordingly, at least some of the hollow tubes 16 can be of different lengths.

The tubes 16 can be flexible to allow the containers 18 to expand. As a result, when the containers are filled with a fluid, the containers can compress and expand, causing the tubes 16 to flex. The outermost tubes 16 can bend more than the innermost tubes 16 (outer and inner tubes are referred to with respect to a center point of the housing 12, with the inner tubes 16 being closer to the center point and the outer tubes 16 being further from the center point).

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2 shows a simplified cross-sectional view of a portion of an embodiment of the system 10. The housing 12 includes a threaded opening 22 at one end A, an inner recess 24 and an arrangement of holes 26 at one end B. The inner recess 24 enables one Distribution of the fluids entering through opening 22 towards the array of holes 26 at end B. In some embodiments, the opening 22 may be adapted for attachment to a fluid supply line 14 (e.g. Garden hose, plastic pipe, etc.). In other embodiments, the opening 22 can be attached to corresponding threads of a faucet. The array of holes 26 can be configured for connection to first ends 28 of the tubes 16 by suitable means. In some embodiments, the first ends 28 of the tubes 16 can be connected to corresponding holes 26 by crimping or gluing. In some embodiments, a number of holes 26 in housing 12 and a number of tubes 16 may correspond to a number of containers 18 to be filled and sealed simultaneously.

For further clarification, an exemplary tube 16A is shown in FIG. A first end 28A of tube 16A is fitted in housing 12 through a corresponding hole 26A. A second end 29A of tube 16A is inserted into container 18A. The resilient valve 20A may be disposed around the neck of the container 18A with the container 18A attached to the neck of the tube 16A. An inner volume 30A of the container 18A can be suitably filled with a fluid. For filling and sealing the container 18, the housing 12 can be attached to a fluid supply pipe (for example garden hose) and the fluid supply can be opened. The fluid enters the housing 12, is distributed to the holes 26, goes down through the tubes 16 and fills the containers 18. The containers 18 can be filled and expand at the same time. When the containers 18 have reached a desired size and / or are filled to a desired volume of fluid, they can be removed from the tubes 16. They can be removed by dropping them, shaking them off, pulling them off by hand, etc. Each container 18A is removed from the corresponding tube 16A with corresponding resilient valves or valves. generally closure members 20A can constrict and close the neck of the container 18A, the fluid being sealed inside.

3 shows a simplified illustration which shows exemplary details of a tap 31 which, according to an embodiment of the system 10, can be attached between the hose 14 and the housing 12. One end of the stopcock 31 can be attached to the hose 14 and the other end can be attached to the threaded opening 32 of the housing 12 (eg, using threads). A lever 32 can move from one side of the valve 31 to another side (e.g. indicated by the arrow C) to switch a fluid flow to the housing 12 on and off. To turn on the fluid flow

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For example, the lever 32 can be pivoted into a first position; the lever 32 can be pivoted to a second position (eg different from the first position) in order to shut off the fluid flow.

FIG. 4 shows a simplified illustration that shows exemplary details of an embodiment of the system 10. The housing 12 may be attached to a faucet 33 (eg, a nozzle, faucet, outlet, etc.) that is in communication with the fluid supply. The tap 33 can be opened or closed in order to switch on or interrupt a fluid flow to the housing 12.

FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating exemplary details of an application of an embodiment of the system 10. Embodiments of the system 10 can be used in a variety of applications, such as collecting a plurality of blood samples simultaneously. Blood 34 can be drawn from a human (or animal) and the blood 34 can be collected in a plurality of containers 18 at substantially the same time. The essentially simultaneous collection of the blood can in this way reduce patient pain, decrease the sampling time for the sample and result in multiple samples being taken essentially simultaneously without cross-contamination from one container to another or an impure one Transfer between containers occurs.

6 shows, by way of example, details of another application of an embodiment of the system 10. Embodiments of the system 10 can be used in a variety of applications, such as, for example, a substantially simultaneous collection of a plurality of urine samples. Urine 36 can be withdrawn from a human (or animal) via a suitable catheter 38 and collected in a plurality of containers 18 substantially simultaneously.

FIG. 7 shows a simplified diagram illustrating exemplary details of an embodiment of the system 10. An exemplary container 18A may have an elastic region 40 and a non-elastic region 42. The resilient portion 40 may be attached to an exemplary tube 16A using a resilient valve or closure member 20A. In some embodiments, the container 18A can include a volumetric gauge 44. When the container 18A has been filled with a fluid to a desired volume, such as indicated by the volumetric gauge 44, the container 18A can be removed from the tube 16A, whereupon the resilient valve 20A can close the container 18A with the fluid is sealed inside.

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8 shows a simplified flow diagram 50 depicting example operations that may be performed with respect to one embodiment of the system 10. At 52, housing 12 can be attached to a fluid supply (e.g., through hose 14, faucet 33, etc.). At 54, the fluid of the fluid supply can be fed to the housing 12. At 56, a plurality of containers 18 can be filled with the fluid. At 58, the containers 18 can be removed from the corresponding tubes 16.

9A, 9B and 9C show top, side and bottom views of a device with manifolds, tubes and containers. A schematic sectional view of a manifold housing with connected tubes and containers is shown in FIG.

This description refers to various features (e.g. Elements, structures, modules, components, steps, operations, properties, etc.) included in an embodiment, an exemplary embodiment, an embodiment, another embodiment, some embodiments, various embodiments, further embodiments, alternative embodiment and the like, whereby these should mean that each corresponding feature can be provided in one or more embodiments of the description, necessarily or not necessarily in combination with the same embodiments.

The elements described herein can be made of suitable materials including metal (e.g., stainless steel, copper, bronze, sheet metal, aluminum, etc.), plastic, glass, elastomers, or any suitable combination thereof. Each element can also be made from a combination of different materials (e.g. Housing and tubes can be made of a plastic and the containers can be made of resilient rubber; Housing and tubes can be made of stainless steel and the containers can be formed from a combination of glass and a resilient plastic; etc.) be formed. Any suitable material or combination of materials can be used for the components described herein without departing from the scope of the description.

In addition, the shapes shown and illustrated in the various figures are only exemplary. Various other shapes can be used here without changing the scope of the description. For example, the housing 12 may be conical, cylindrical, pyramidal, etc. without departing from the breadth of the embodiments. Similarly, the tubes 16 can be rigid or flexible 18 without departing from the scope of the broad embodiments.

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