Needle bundle driver and methods

This invention provides apparatus and methods for aseptically transferring fluid into or out of a closed aseptic processing system. The apparatus comprises a novel fluid transfer station, including a needle bundle driver, a mounting base mounting the driver to a tank, and a fluid receiver assembly. The needle bundle driver includes a needle bundle holder which holds a needle bundle while the ends of the needles are driven into the tank through the fluid receiver assembly. The cooperation between the needle holder and the needle bundle includes a pair of clamp arms which extend outwardly from the needle bundle, and terminate in top and bottom pods. The top and bottom pods cooperate with the top surface of a support block and a bottom surface with an overhead clamping block, for locking the needle bundle into the needle holder, immobilizing the needle bundle between the clamping block and the support block. With the needle bundle thus immobilized, the needle bundle is driven toward the tank, driving the ends of the needles through the plug and into the tank, thereby establishing fluid communication through the needles, between the needle holder and the tank. Fluid is then passed through the needles and into or out of the tank.