ES1161159U - Apparatus for filling containers with fluids (Machine-translation by Google Translate, not legally binding) - Google Patents

Abstract

An apparatus for filling containers with fluids comprising a plurality of flexible tubes (16), each flexible tube (16) being attached to a balloon (18), wherein the flexible tubes (16) facilitate the filling of the balloons ( 18) with a fluid, characterized in that the balloons (18) are arranged in sufficient proximity to each other to push each other during filling, thereby causing the tubes (16) to flex. (Machine-translation by Google Translate, not legally binding)

Description

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DESCRIPTION

Apparatus for filling containers with fluids Technical Field

The present invention relates generally to inflatable containers for fluids and, more particularly, to an apparatus, and method of filling inflatable containers with fluids.

Background

Inflatable containers such as balloons can be filled with a variety of fluids, such as air, helium, water, medications, etc. In some cases, it may be desirable that a large number of inflatable containers be filled with fluids. For example, the amount of balloons for celebrations used as accessories at conventions, large parties, etc. It can amount to hundreds and may require considerable human effort to fill so many in a timely manner in the time available for it. In another example, water balloons used as toys for children may need to be filled in large quantities to help in various games. Various methods can be used to fill said inflatable containers. For example, a person can inflate sequentially and tie each balloon by hand or use a tank of compressed air or helium to inflate the balloon, which then has to be tied. This sequential filling takes a long time. In another example, a person can fill water balloons with water by hand one at a time, and then tie the balloons, which can take a long time. Moreover, inflatable containers can be damaged or filled to different volumes.

It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide an apparatus and method for filling containers with fluids that addresses at least some of the above-mentioned disadvantages and / or that will at least provide the public with a useful option.

Brief Description of the Invention

Therefore, in a first aspect, the present invention can be said to be an apparatus comprising:

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

- a plurality of hollow tubes, each hollow tube attached to the housing in one of the respective holes of the second end;

- a plurality of containers, each container detachably attached to one of the respective hollow tubes; Y

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- a plurality of elastic valves, each of the elastic valves respectively holding one of the containers of the plurality of containers existing to one of the hollow tubes of the plurality of existing hollow tubes, and each elastic valve being configured to automatically seal its respective container of the plurality of existing containers by separating said container from its corresponding hollow tube from the plurality of existing hollow tubes.

Preferably, the apparatus is configured to fill the containers substantially simultaneously with a fluid.

Preferably, the first end of the housing has an outer perimeter that is smaller than the outermost perimeter of the second end.

Preferably, the opening of the first end of the housing has a threaded inner surface.

Preferably, each container comprises a part that is an expandable balloon.

Preferably, each container comprises a rigid part and a flexible part, the flexible part being disposed respectively between the elastic valve and the end of one of the tubes of the existing plurality of tubes.

Preferably, each container comprises volumetric measurement marks that provide a visual reference to fill the container to a desired volume.

Preferably, the elastic valve is disposed externally to the container and respectively holds an inner surface of the container against an outer surface of one of the tubes of the existing plurality of tubes.

Preferably, the fluid comprises one or more fluids from water, air, and helium.

Preferably, each elastic valve comprises a toric (O-ring) closure configured to automatically seal the container in response to the application of a force to the container in a direction away from the housing.

Preferably, the hollow tubes are flexible.

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Preferably, the plurality of tubes comprises a first set of tubes each having a first length, and a second set of tubes, each having a second length longer than the first length.

Preferably, the housing is attached to a valve coupled to a fluid source, where the valve is configured to control the supply of the fluid to fill the plurality of containers.

Preferably, the valve includes a lever that can be rotated to a first position to open the valve and allow fluid flow to the housing, where the lever can be rotated to a second position to close the valve and stop the fluid flow. to the housing.

Preferably one end of the valve is connected to a hose connected to a water supply, and the other end is threaded to the housing.

In a second aspect, the present invention can be said to be a method of filling a plurality of containers simultaneously with a fluid, comprising:

- fixing a housing to a fluid source, wherein the housing comprises a fluid inlet (preferably a threaded opening at a first end) and a plurality of holes separated from the fluid inlet (preferably at a second end);

- a plurality of hollow tubes extending from the plurality of holes and each has a distal end with a fluid outlet orifice that is in fluid connection with the fluid inlet,

- wherein a plurality of containers are detachably attached to the plurality of hollow tubes and around the fluid outlet of each hollow tube, where an elastic valve holds each container to one of the corresponding hollow tubes;

- the supply of a fluid from the fluid source to the housing through the fluid inlet; Y

- substantially simultaneously fill the plurality of containers with the fluid.

Even more preferably it comprises separating the plurality of containers from the plurality of hollow tubes, where each container is separated from the corresponding hollow tube, the elastic valve sealing the container with the fluid inside it.

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Preferably, the separation comprises shaking the housing until the plurality of containers slide down the hollow tubes.

Preferably, the separation comprises moving the containers away from the hollow tubes.

Preferably, when the filled containers reach a threshold weight, the containers slide down and are separated from the hollow tubes.

In yet another aspect, the present invention can be said to be an apparatus comprising a tube detachably attached to at least one elastic container by means of an open elastic valve, wherein the tube facilitates the filling of the elastic container with a fluid, and The elastic valve is configured to close automatically when the tube is removed from the elastic container by sealing the fluid inside the elastic container.

Preferably, the elastic valve comprises an elastic ring or bull disposed around a neck of the elastic vessel.

In yet another aspect, the present invention can be said to be an apparatus comprising a plurality of flexible tubes, each flexible tube attached to a balloon, wherein the flexible tubes facilitate the filling of the balloons with a fluid, wherein the balloons They are arranged in sufficient proximity to each other to push each other during filling, thus causing the tubes to flex.

Preferably, the flexible tubes are of different lengths.

In yet another aspect, the present invention can be said to be an apparatus for filling balloons comprising a plurality of tubes and a plurality of balloons, wherein each balloon is connected to one of the respective tubes with a clamping force not less than an equivalent weight of one of the balloons if it is substantially filled with water, the clamping force being overcome by applying an upward acceleration on the tube, where the apparatus is configured to fill the plurality of the balloons substantially simultaneously.

Preferably, the clamping force is less than 1 Newton.

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Preferably, the clamping force is provided by an elastic valve configured to automatically seal the balloon if the clamping force is exceeded.

Preferably, each hole of the plurality of holes at the second end of the housing extends through an outer surface of the housing, said outer surface being opposite the opening at the first end of the housing.

In yet another aspect, the present invention can be said to be an apparatus that comprises or includes:

- a conduit or manifold with at least one outlet for a fluid and with an inlet for

a fluid that is conducted so that it exits at least one outlet, and

- an inflatable container with fluid with elastic collar, with elastic band and / or with a

distribution of elastic elements retained by the collar, the band and / or the distribution of elastic elements such that the fluid inlet to the container can be separated from the at least one outlet for a fluid from the conduit or manifold, but in turn found attached, sealing and surrounding the fluid outlet;

The arrangement is such that the fluid can pass through such conduit or collector in use to swell the container (s), while the collar, the band and / or the distribution of elastic elements of the or of each container maintains the fluid inlet to the attached container surrounding the fluid outlet of the duct or manifold;

and the arrangement even more is such that the weight of the fluid content and / or inertia can help or cause the release by axial separation of the fluid inlet from, or from each container surrounding the fluid outlet of the conduit or manifold consequently of which the collar, band and / or distribution of elastic elements are no longer dilated by action of the fluid outlet of the conduit or manifold and seal the fluid inlet to the container.

Preferably, the fluid outlet of the conduit or manifold is tubular.

In yet another aspect, the present invention can be said to be an apparatus that comprises or includes:

- a collector or set of collectors (hereinafter 'collector') that provides a capacity to conduct fluid that enters through an inlet and outputs it from each of the plurality of outlets,

- a plurality of fluid inflatable containers, each with its fluid inlet surrounding access around one of said outlets, and

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- a collar, band and / or distribution of elastic elements around each fluid inlet in a dilated condition so as to keep each fluid inlet tight enough around its fluid outlet from the manifold to receive the fluid load, but not so tightly that the weight of the fluid load and / or inertia cannot help and / or cause the release and / or extraction of its fluid outlet from the manifold and then the sealing of the tubular fluid inlet of the container by a contraction of its collar, band and / or distribution of elastic elements.

Preferably, the fluid inlet to the manifold is a threaded inlet.

Preferably, the manifold fluid outlets are tubular.

Preferably, the fluid inlet of the container is tubular.

In yet another aspect, the present invention can be said to be a water balloon assembly comprising:

- a plurality of balloons each with an inlet of the tubular fluid, and

- a c, band or a distribution of elements around, or at each inlet of the tubular fluid, and

- a collector or set of collectors (hereinafter 'collector') that has an inlet to receive water and that conducts such water out of it by each of a plurality of tubular outlets;

where each balloon is held tightly enough by means of the collar, the band or the distribution of elements by the liquid inlet around the tubular outlet of the collector so that water will leave the collector through its tubular outlet passing through the tubular balloon inlet to inflate it;

and where each balloon can have its fluid inlet sealed by a contraction of its collar, band or distribution of elements when it is no longer attached to the tubular fluid outlet of the manifold;

and wherein the separation of a balloon inflated with water from its outlet of fluids from the collector can be caused or assisted by the weight or inertia of the water within the balloon.

In yet another aspect, the present invention can be said to be an apparatus that comprises or includes:

- a plurality of elastically throttled inflatable water balloons, each held by its choke around its tubular fluid inlet, and as

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a sleeve, around a fluid outlet tube of a filling manifold connectable at its inlet to a water source.

Preferably, the clamping of the choke on each fluid outlet of the manifold allows, once the balloon has been swollen with water, the axial separation of the tubular fluid inlet of the balloon from its tubular fluid outlet of the manifold with the tubular outlet of the manifold being encased in the tubular balloon inlet and the subsequent sealed with the throttle of the liquid tubular inlet of the swollen balloon.

Preferably, the weight and / or inertia of the water content assist and / or cause axial separation.

In yet another aspect, the present invention can be said to be a procedure for filling a multiplicity of balloons, each to be subjected by a constriction or strangulation around its tubular fluid inlet, the method comprising the steps of:

- providing a manifold with an inlet to receive water and multiple tubular outlets, each outlet having a tubular fluid inlet of a surrounding balloon, such as a sleeve, held by the constrictor element over the tubular fluid inlet of the balloon, and

- inflate each balloon with water and allow it to fall and / or cause each balloon to fall to seal itself under the constrictor element.

In yet another aspect, the present invention can be said to be a balloon filled with water sealed by a constrictor around its tubular fluid inlet.

In yet another aspect, the present invention can be said to be a plurality of balloons filled with water without substantial separation from each other, each in a fluid communication through a manifold to a single water supply conduit.

The present invention can also be said to be a balloon filled with water sealed by a constrictor around its tubular access, such a constrictor having made the sealing after a slide from the tubular access from a filling tap.

Preferably, the filling tap was a tubular outlet of a manifold attachable by means of a thread to a suitable tap.

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The present invention can also be said to be a balloon filled with water sealed by a constrictor around its tubular access with beads, the beads assist in the location of the constrictor around the access.

In yet another aspect, the present invention can be said to be an article of commerce, comprising

- (1) an apparatus such as the one described above herein and

- (2) a package that has the apparatus inside it in order not to allow an easy separation of each balloon or container from its tubular fluid outlet from the manifold.

Preferably, the apparatus allows a threaded coupling of the fluid inlet of the manifold to a complementary tap without separating the manifold from any balloon or container.

In yet another aspect, the present invention can be said to be a suitable apparatus for providing a multiplicity of balloons filled with water and sealed with a choke or constrictor after filling the water balloons, using a collector of the apparatus, the apparatus comprising said collector with an inlet to receive water and multiple tubular outlets from which water is to be supplied, a balloon coupled around each tubular outlet to receive the supplied water, and said choke or constrictor of each balloon to serve the multiple functions:

- (a) hold your balloon to receive the water supplied,

- (b) allow the decoupling of your balloon, and

- (c) strangle or seal the water content within your balloon by a constriction at the moment when the balloon filled with water is decoupling and / or when it is decoupled.

Preferably, the hollow tubes as described hereinbefore are rigidly flexible.

Preferably, the tubes are capable of bending, and yet, maintaining the cross-sectional shape they have when they are not bent.

Preferably the balloons, in their condition prior to filling, allow the distal ends of the tubes where the balloons are attached, to be in a more condensed configuration compared to what they have when the balloons are full.

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Preferably, the tubes extend substantially parallel to each other and are adapted and configured, when they are being filled, to progressively separate outwards.

Preferably, the tubes extend from the housing generally in the same direction and are adapted and configured, when they are being filled, to progressively separate outwards.

Preferably, the tubes are adapted so as not to wrinkle, bend or twist when the balloons are filling.

Preferably, the outward separation is as a result of the expansion of the contour of the balloons as they are filled and the balloons are in contact with the adjacent balloons.

Preferably, the balloons do not contain any liquid before being filled with water.

Preferably, the balloons contain air before being filled with water.

Preferably, the air inside the balloons is in fluid connection with the ambient air.

Preferably there is no pressure differential between the air inside the balloons and the ambient air.

Preferably the balloons, before being filled with water, are flaccid.

Preferably, the balloons, once filled, are volumetrically, at least 3 times their size in a flaccid state.

Preferably, the balloons, once filled, are volumetrically, at least 5 times their size in a flaccid state.

Preferably, the balloons, once completely filled, have no more than 0.002 cubic meters.

Preferably, the balloons, once completely filled, do not contain more than 0.0014 cubic meters.

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Preferably, the balloons, once completely filled, do not contain more than 0.0005 cubic meters.

Preferably, the balloons, once completely filled, contain no more than 0.0001 cubic meters.

Preferably, the balloons comprise a flexible body and a less flexible mouth, said mouth being coupled to the respective tube.

Preferably, the flexible body or each balloon is beyond the distal end of the respective tube.

Preferably, a first group of tubes have their distal ends closer to the housing / collector than a second group of tubes, thus locating a first group of balloons closer to the housing / collector than a second group of balloons.

Preferably, the first group of tubes is located around the second group of tubes.

Preferably, the tubes are arranged in the housing / manifold in arrangements of concentric calculations.

Preferably, the second group of tubes are of concentric calculations more interior than the first group of tubes.

Preferably, when the balloons are filled, the ends of the tubes are moved to be more than 20mm apart from each other.

Preferably, when the balloons are filled, the ends of the tubes are moved to be more than 25 mm apart from each other.

Preferably, when the balloons are filled, the ends of the tubes are moved to be more than 30 mm apart from each other.

Preferably, when the balloons are filled, the ends of the tubes are moved to be more than 35 mm apart from each other.

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Preferably, when the balloons are filled, the ends of the tubes are moved to be more than 45 mm apart from each other.

Preferably, when the balloons are filled, the ends of the tubes are moved to be more than 50 mm apart from each other.

Preferably, when the balloons are filled, the ends of the tubes are moved to be more than 55 mm apart from each other.

Preferably, when the balloons are filled, the ends of the tubes are moved to be more than 60 mm apart from each other.

Preferably, when the balloons are filled, the ends of the tubes are moved to be more than 65 mm apart from each other.

Preferably, when the balloons are filled, the ends of the tubes are moved to be no more than 80 mm apart from each other.

Preferably, when the balloons are filled, the ends of the tubes are moved to be no more than 70 mm apart from each other.

Preferably, when the balloons are filled, the ends of the tubes are moved to be no more than 65 mm apart from each other.

Preferably, when the balloons are flaccid, the ends of the tubes have a spacing of less than 50 mm.

Preferably, when the balloons are flaccid, the ends of the tubes have a spacing of less than 40 mm.

Preferably, when the balloons are flaccid, the ends of the tubes have a spacing of less than 30 mm.

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Brief Description of the Drawings

In order to provide a more complete understanding of the present disclosure of the invention and features and advantages thereof, reference is made to the following description, taken in conjunction with the accompanying figures, where similar reference numerals represent similar parts, where:

Figure 1 is a simplified perspective view illustrating an example configuration of a form of realization of a system for filling containers with fluids;

Figure 2 is a simplified diagram illustrating a sectional view of examples of details of an embodiment of the system;

Figure 3 is a simplified diagram illustrating other examples of details of an embodiment of the system;

Figure 4 is a simplified diagram illustrating other examples of details of an embodiment of the system;

Figure 5 is a simplified diagram illustrating still other examples of details of an embodiment of the system;

Figure 6 is a simplified diagram illustrating still other examples of details of an embodiment of the system;

Figure 7 is a simplified diagram illustrating still other examples of details of an embodiment of the system; Y

Figure 8 is a simplified flow chart illustrating examples of operations that may be associated with an embodiment of the system.

Figure 9a is an end view of Figure 9b

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

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Figure 9c is a view of the opposite end of Figure 9b

Figure 10 is a side view showing the tubes separated apart when the balloons have been filled.

Detailed description of the invention

In a broad sense the present invention includes or uses an apparatus that includes a housing (for example, cover, collector, coating, etc., which includes a cavity therein) with a first opening in a first region and a plurality of openings In a second region. A plurality of hollow tubes extends from the plurality of openings to a plurality of containers (for example, receptacles, vessels, ampoules, test tubes, balloons, etc.). The tubes may have been integrally formed with the housing or formed separately and assembled thereto. The containers are detachably coupled to the hollow tubes. A plurality of elastic valves is used. Each elastic valve holds a container to a corresponding hollow tube, so that when the containers are filled with fluid and are separated from the corresponding hollow tubes, each elastic valve seals each container to help retain the fluid inside the container. The elastic valves may have formed integrally with the container or been formed separately and associated therewith.

Next, some examples of the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. It should be understood that the following disclosure of the invention describes several examples of ways of realization to implement different characteristics, structures or functions of the system. This document describes examples of embodiments of the components, arrangements and configurations to simplify the present disclosure of the invention. However, these examples of embodiments are simply provided as examples and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention.

The present revelation may repeat numerals and / or reference letters in the various exemplary embodiments and through the figures provided herein. This repetition is for the purpose of simplicity and clarity and does not indicate in itself a relationship between the various embodiments and / or exemplary configurations set forth in the various Figures.

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Figure 1 is a simplified diagram illustrating an exemplary embodiment of a system 10 for filling containers with fluids. The system 10 includes a housing 12 detachably coupled to a hose 14 (for example, tube, canoe, etc.) in a first region, such as at a first end A and a plurality of hollow tubes 16 in a second region, such as the second end B.

As used herein, the term "housing" encompasses a hollow space or chamber closed by a rigid or semi-rigid lining (eg, cover, skin, sleeve, sheath, etc.). The arrangement of the housing acts as a collector. In some embodiments, end A may include a threaded opening configured to engage with a corresponding thread of hose 14. In some embodiments, end A may be smaller in its circumference or area than end B. hose 14 may be connected to a fluid source, such as a water tank, a gas tank, a water supply line, etc. at end A. End B may include a plurality of openings such as holes (preferably matrix-shaped), configured to fit tubes 16. In some embodiments, tubes 16 may be integrally formed with the housing or are permanently coupled. (for example, welded, welded with material, bonded with adhesives, snapped, etc.) to the housing 12. In other embodiments, the tubes 16 can be detachably coupled (for example, with threads, under pressure, etc.) to the housing 12.

The tubes each have a distal outlet opening of the housing. A plurality of containers 18 can be attached (ie, coupled, fixed, housed, clamped, secured, etc.) to the plurality of hollow tubes 16 at the distal ends of the tube. This is preferably achieved using elastic valves 20. Each tube has a container associated therewith.

As used herein, the term "container" refers to an object that may contain something, such as fluids. It is preferably an elastic container, but does not need to be asl. The term "valve" refers to an object that regulates, directs or controls the flow of fluids, by opening, closing, or partially obstructing fluid flow passages. In an exemplary embodiment, the elastic valves 20 comprise elastic valves, such as toric seals or rubber bands. In another exemplary embodiment, the elastic valves 20 comprise corrugations, purses, elastic fibers, etc. manufactured inside the necks of the containers 18. They are adapted and configured in such a way that force is required to open the necks of the containers 18 by pulling them, and removing the force causes the necks

They contract and close. In yet another example of realization, the elastic valves

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they comprise internal or external caps attached to the necks of the containers 18, through which the tubes 16 can be pushed through to hold the containers 18 thereto.

It should be taken into account that each of the containers 18 has an opening to facilitate attachment to the tubes 16 and a cavity for containing fluid. For example, one end of a tube 16A can be placed through a hole in the end B of the housing 12, and the other end of the tube 16A can be inserted into a container 18A. An elastic valve 20A (for example, a toric seal (O-ring), which comprises a mechanical seal typically of a toroidal shape; an elastic ring, such as a rubber band) of sufficient size to expand and hold around the tube 16A It can be arranged around (that is, placed on) a neck (ie, the part just below the opening) of the container 18A, holding and sealing the container 18A to the tube 16A. Therefore, the elastic valve 20A may be in an open configuration when the container 18A is coupled to the tube 16A; In the open configuration of the elastic valve 20A, the neck of the container 18A is open, allowing the container 18A to fill with fluid. Once the container 18A is filled with fluid, it can be removed from the tube 16A, whereby the elastic valve 20A is free to close and close, thus closing the neck of the container 18A and sealing the fluid inside the same.

In an exemplary embodiment, the containers 18 may comprise inflatable balloons that can be filled with fluids such as water, air or helium. In another exemplary embodiment, the containers 18 may comprise flexible elastic containers (eg, stretchable ("stretchy"), fluffy ("springy"), etc.) that can be filled with gaseous or liquid medications. As used herein, the term "elastic" means that it refers to a property of a material that allows the material to resume its normal form spontaneously after a contraction, dilatation or distortion. In one example, an elastic material can be stretched 200% of its original length, and the material can return to its original length when the stretching force is removed.

It should be appreciated that the valve may not make a complete seal of the container. A gas or liquid leak proof seal is preferred, but some minimal leakage of fluid from the container may occur once it is removed from the tubes. Any leakage is preferably minimal for applications to which the container is subsequently placed. For example, if used for decorative balloons, a slow leak over several days is likely to be of no consequence. The leak can also be temporary if an additional seal is subsequently made by other steps. For example the balloons

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Decorative can be fastened to a stick that has some sealing functionality to offer additional sealing to the globe.

In yet another exemplary embodiment, the containers 18 may comprise flexible containers that can be filled with body fluids (eg, urine, blood), for example, to collect multiple samples simultaneously for testing. Virtually any type and class of fluid can be used within the broad scope of the embodiments. It should be taken into account that in some embodiments, the containers 18 need not be fully inflatable or flexible. For example, a lower part of the containers 18 may not be elastic (for example, glass, plastic, metal, etc., of a fixed shape and size), and an upper part may be flexible enough to be inserted around the 16 tubes and held thereon.

When the fluid source is connected, the fluid can flow through the housing 12, the tubes 16 and fill the containers 18. In some embodiments, when the housing 12 is connected to a stream of liquid, the containers 18 They can be filled with liquid. In some embodiments, the fluid can be supplied at high pressure. Virtually any mechanism that facilitates the flow of fluid through the tubes 16 can be used at a sufficient pressure to fill the containers 18 within the wide scope of the embodiments. Once the containers 18 have reached a desired size or volume, they can be separated from the tubes 16. In an exemplary embodiment, the filled containers 18 can be separated by pulling them away from the tubes 16.

In another exemplary embodiment, the clamping force that holds the containers 18 to the tubes 16 can be overcome by an upward acceleration on the tubes 16, for example, when they are shaken. In this way, the filled containers 18 can be separated by shaking the housing 12 (or the tubes 16) vigorously enough to cause the containers 18 to fall from the tubes 16. In some embodiments, the clamping force that holds the containers 18 filled to its corresponding tube is not less than the weight of the filled container; In a specific embodiment, the clamping force that holds each container to its corresponding tube is exactly equal to the weight of the full container. The clamping force can be provided by a combination of constriction forces and friction forces of the elastic valves 20.

In still other embodiments, the containers 18 can be dropped by gravity; for example, when filled containers 18 reach a threshold weight, they slide from tubes 16 because

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to gravity The threshold weight can be based on the adjustment of the elastic valves 20, the friction between the tubes 16 and the containers 18, and the force of the weight of the containers 18 (among other parameters). In various embodiments, the containers 14 can slide from the tubes 16 and the elastic valves 20 can build the necks of the containers 18, sealing them. In some embodiments, the containers 18 may be marked with volumetric measurements, and the fluid flow may be cut off when the fluid has filled the containers 18 to a desired volume.

The end of the hollow tubes may include a flared outer lip or with an increasing gradual taper towards the end, which may represent an obstacle to the elastic valve when sliding from the tube. An increased force can be applied to the container to overcome this obstacle before separation from the tube. This may be desirable in order to avoid accidental or premature separation. However, with the selection of suitable materials and their coefficients of friction for the tubes and vessels and a suitable elastic valve, accidental or premature release can also be avoided.

In some embodiments, the hollow tubes 16 may be made from a rigid material (eg, steel, glass); In other embodiments, the tubes 16 may be made from a flexible material (for example, thin plastic). In some embodiments, the tubes 16 can be thick, short and rigid; In other embodiments, the tubes 16 can be thin, long and flexible. Therefore, the hollow tubes 16 can be flexible, semi-rigid or rigid, based on their construction material, design, or a combination thereof. It should be noted that the tubes 16 can be of different lengths, for example, to prevent agglomeration and to accommodate a larger number of containers 18 than would be possible if the tubes 16 were of the same length. Therefore, at least some of the hollow tubes 16 may be of different lengths than the others.

Also, the tubes 16 can be flexible to allow the containers 18 to expand. Therefore, as the vessels 18 fill with fluid and expand, they can push against each other, flexing the tubes 16. The outermost tubes 16 can be more flexed than the innermost tubes 16 (outer and inner with reference to a central point of the housing 12, the inner tubes 16 being closer to the central point, and the outer tubes 16 being further away from the central point).

Changing to Figure 2, Figure 2 is a simplified sectional view of a part of an embodiment of the system 10. The housing 12 comprises a threaded opening 22 in the

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end A, an internal cavity 24, and an array of holes 26 at the end B. The internal cavity 24 facilitates the distribution of the fluid entering the threaded opening 22 to the array of holes 26 at the end B. In some forms of In fact, the threaded opening 22 may be configured to be fixed to a fluid supply hose 14 (for example, garden hose, plastic tube, etc.). In other embodiments, the threaded opening 22 may be coupled to the corresponding thread of a valve. The hole array 26 may be configured to connect the first ends 28 of the tubes 16 by any suitable means. In some embodiments, the first ends 28 of the tubes 16 may be connected to the corresponding holes 26 by compression or gluing. In some embodiments, a number of holes 26 in the housing 12 and a number of tubes 16 may correspond to a number of containers 18 that it is desired to fill and seal substantially simultaneously.

To clarify further, only one example of tube 16A is shown in the figure. A first end 28A of the tube 16A fits through a corresponding hole 26A in the housing 12. A second end 29A of the tube 16A is inserted into the container 18A. The elastic valve 20A can be placed around the neck of the container 18A by attaching the neck to the tube 16A. An internal volume 30A of the container 18A can be filled with fluid appropriately.

To fill and seal containers 18, the housing 12 can be coupled to a fluid supply tube (for example, a garden hose) and the fluid supply can be connected. The fluid enters into the housing 12, is distributed to the holes 26, runs through the tubes 16, and fills the containers 18. The containers 18 can be filled and can be expanded substantially simultaneously. When the containers 18 have reached a desired size and / or are filled with the desired volume of fluid, they can be removed from the tubes 16. They can be removed by falling, being shaken, pulling them by hand, etc. As each container 18A is removed from the corresponding tube 16A, the respective elastic valve 20A can build and close the neck of the container 18A, sealing it with the fluid inside.

Switching to Figure 3, Figure 3 is a simplified diagram illustrating examples of details of a valve 31 that can be coupled between the hose 14 and the housing 12 according to an embodiment of the system 10. One end of the valve 31 may be coupled to hose 14 and the other end may be coupled to threaded opening 22 of housing 12 (for example, using threads). A lever 32 can be rotated from one side (of the valve 31) to another (for example, as indicated by arrow C) to connect and disconnect the flow of fluid to the housing 12. For example, to connect the fluid flow, lever 32 can

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be turned to a first position; lever 32 can be turned to a second position (ie, different from the first position) to disconnect the fluid flow.

Switching to Figure 4, Figure 4 is a simplified diagram illustrating examples of details of a form of realization of the system 10. The housing 12 may be coupled to a tap 33 (eg, nozzle, wrench, outlet, etc.) which connects to the fluid source. The tap 33 can be switched on or off to start or stop the flow of fluid to the housing 12.

Changing to Figure 5, Figure 5 is a simplified diagram illustrating examples of details of an application of one embodiment of the system 10. The embodiments of the system 10 can be used in a variety of applications, such as for collecting numerous blood samples substantially simultaneously. Blood 34 can be drawn from a human being (or an animal) and blood 34 can be collected substantially simultaneously in the plurality of containers 18. Substantially simultaneous collection of blood in such a way can relieve the pain of patient, accelerate the sampling time, and allows multiple samples to be taken substantially simultaneously without cross contamination from one container to another or conflicting transfers between containers.

Changing to Figure 6, Figure 6 is a simplified diagram illustrating examples of details of an application of one embodiment of the system 10. The embodiments of the system 10 can be used in a variety of applications, such as for collecting numerous urine samples substantially simultaneously. Urine 36 can be extracted from a human being (or an animal) through a suitable catheter 38, and it can be collected substantially simultaneously within the plurality of containers 18.

Switching to Figure 7, Figure 7 is a simplified diagram illustrating examples of details of an embodiment of the system 10. The sample container 18A can comprise a flexible part 40 and an inflexible part 42. The flexible part 40 can be fasten on the sample tube 16A using the elastic valve of example 20A. In some embodiments, the container 18A may comprise volumetric measurement marks 44. When the fluid fills the container 18A to a desired volume, for example, as indicated by the volumetric measurement marks 44, the container 18A can be separated of the tube 16a, whereby the elastic valve 20A can close the container 18A, sealing the fluid inside it.

Changing to Figure 8, Figure 8 is a simplified flow chart 50 illustrating examples of operations that may be associated with an embodiment of the system 10. In the

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52, the housing 12 may be coupled to a fluid source (for example, through a hose 14, a tap 33, etc.) In the 54, the fluid can be supplied from the fluid source to the housing 12. In 56, the plurality of containers 18 can be filled with the fluid. In 58, the containers 18 can be separated from the corresponding tubes 16.

It should be borne in mind that in this Description, references to the various characteristics (ie elements, structures, modules, components, stages, operations, features, etc.) included in "a form of realization", "an example in the form of realization "," a form of realization "," another form of realization "," some forms of realization "," various forms of realization "," other forms of realization "," alternative realization ", and the like have It is intended to mean that any of these features are included in one or more embodiments of the present disclosure, but may or may not necessarily be combined in the same embodiments.

The elements described herein may be made from any suitable material, including metal (for example, stainless steel, copper, brass, bronze, aluminum, etc.), plastic, glass, elastomers, or any suitable combination of same. Each element can also be made from a combination of different materials (for example, the shell and tubes can be made of plastic and the containers can be made of elastic rubber; the shell and tubes can be made of stainless steel and the containers can be made of a combination of glass and flexible plastic, etc.). Any suitable material or combination of materials may be used for the components described herein without departing from the broad scope of the present description of the invention.

Also, the silhouettes shown and illustrated in the various figures are only for the purpose of example. Various other forms may be used herein without changing the scope of the present description of the invention. For example, the housing 12 can be conical, cylindrical, pyramidal, etc., without departing from the wide scope of the embodiments. In the same way, the tubes 16 can be rigid or flexible 18 without departing from the wide scope of the embodiments.

While the description of the invention refers to several particular embodiments, those skilled in the art will be able to make various modifications to the described embodiments without departing from the true spirit and scope of the disclosure. It is intended that all elements or steps that are insubstantially

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different from those cited in the claims, but which perform substantially the same functions, respectively, substantially in the same manner, to achieve the same result as claimed, are within the scope of the description.

Claims (10)

5 10 fifteen twenty 25 30 35 1. An apparatus for filling containers with fluids comprising a plurality of flexible tubes (16), each flexible tube (16) being attached to a balloon (18), wherein the flexible tubes (16) facilitate the filling of the balloons ( 18) with a fluid, characterized in that the balloons (18) are arranged in sufficient proximity to each other to push each other during filling, thereby causing the tubes (16) to flex. 2. An apparatus for filling containers with fluids according to claim 1, wherein the flexible tubes (16) are of different lengths. 3. An apparatus for filling containers with fluids according to any of the preceding claims further characterized in that each balloon (18) is connected to one of the respective flexible tubes (16) with a clamping force not less than the equivalent weight of one of the balloons (18) if it is substantially filled with water, the clamping force being overcome by applying an upward acceleration on the flexible tube (16), and because the apparatus is configured to fill the plurality of the balloons (18) substantially simultaneously. 4. An apparatus for filling containers with fluids according to claim 3, wherein the clamping force is less than 1 Newton. 5. The apparatus for filling containers with fluids of claim 3, wherein the clamping force is provided by an elastic valve (20) configured to automatically seal the balloon (18) if the clamping force to the flexible tube (16) It is surpassed. 6. An apparatus for filling containers with fluids according to any of claims 1 to 4, wherein each balloon (18) has a tubular inlet and a constrictor or choke element (20), and in which each balloon (18) is attached to its respective flexible tube (16) by means of the throttle (20) of the balloon (18) ) that throttles its tubular inlet that covers the flexible tube (16) 7. An apparatus for filling containers with fluids according to any of the preceding claims wherein each flexible tube (16) acts as a fluid outlet tube of a filling manifold (12) connectable at its inlet to a water source ( 14). 8. An apparatus for filling containers with fluids according to claim 6 wherein the throttle (20) on each flexible tube (16) and on each tubular inlet of the balloon (18) allows axial separation of the tubular inlet from the flexible tube (16) sheathed in it once the balloon (18) has swollen with water, and the subsequent sealing by means of 5 choke (20) of the tubular inlet of the balloon (18) swollen with water. 9. An apparatus for filling containers with fluids according to claim 8 characterized in that the weight and / or inertia of the water content assists and / or causes axial separation. 10. An apparatus for filling containers with fluids according to any of the claims above characterized in that each balloon (18) is in fluid communication through a manifold (12) to a single water supply conduit (14). 11. An apparatus for filling containers with fluids according to any of the preceding claims 15 wherein each balloon (18) has a throttle (20) or constrictor, said throttle (20) or constrictor serving for the multiple functions of: (a) fasten its balloon (18) to its respective flexible tube (16) to receive the water supply, (b) allow the decoupling of its balloon (18) from its flexible tube (16), and 20 (c) strangle or seal the water content within your balloon by constriction (18) at the moment when the balloon (18) filled with water is decoupling and / or uncoupled.