Abstract: A micro-machined absolute pressure sensor and process for making the same. A semiconductor membrane having a welled portion connected to a planar periphery is formed in recess in a silicon substrate through etching and boron diffusion. A dielectric pad is formed on a portion of the planar periphery, and a bonding layer of polysilicon or amorphous silicon is deposited over the semiconductor membrane and the dielectric pad. After an etching process that defines the outline of the semiconductor membrane, the bonding layer is bonded to a nonconductive substrate in a vacuum using electrostatic bonding or wafer bonding, forming a vacuum-sealed reference cavity. A first and a second conductor are disposed on an upper surface of the nonconductive substrate. The first conductor serves as a capacitor plate disposed within the reference cavity and is connected to a transfer lead that passes from the cavity. The transfer lead is electrically isolated from the semiconductor membrane by the dielectric pad.

Abstract: A closure system for molded plastic containers having a threaded container neck, the closure system comprising a screw cap having internal threading constructed for threaded engagement with the threaded container neck, a gasket, means for retaining the gasket on the screw cap and an abutment surface integrally formed in and extending substantially radially from the container neck for sealably contacting the gasket, wherein the screw cap and the abutment surface are constructed so that downward axial rotation of the screw cap is effective to seal the gasket against the abutment surface.

Abstract: An apparatus for making a sterile emulsion, comprising a fluid pathway, a pumping bore, a reciprocable (reciprocal) member, and a valve body. The pumping bore being in fluid communication with the fluid pathway and having a reciprocable member reciprocably disposed in the pumping bore. The reciprocable member having first portion disposed in fluid communication with the fluid pathway and a second portion isolated from the fluid pathway, said second portion having a sterilant passage adjacent thereto. The fluid pathway, reciprocable member first portion and reciprocable member second portion may be sterilized and one or more emulsion constituents may be directed into the fluid pathway defined by the piston apparatus after sterilization. The valve body defines a valve bore in communication with the fluid pathway and a valve plunger disposed therein. The valve body may also be configured to maintain emulsion sterility.

Abstract: A system for monitoring concentrations of sterilant, such as hydrogen peroxide vapor, within a sterilization apparatus, includes a self-contained, sterilant monitoring assembly that is freely positionable within the sterilization apparatus. The assembly includes a gas-detecting sensor and associated temperature sensor mounted on a portable structure, as well as a suitable data collection circuit for receiving output signals from the sensors. The assembly also includes signals connectors, such as a physical data port or a remote transmitter, or both. Signals can be transmitted concurrently with data collection, or an electronic memory may be provided for subsequent transfer of the collected data. Collected data is transferred to a remote communication unit positioned exteriorly of the sterilization apparatus.

Abstract: A combination of a package and a cartridge filled with a medicament. The package includes a tube having first and second ends and a cylindrical wall. The package further includes a plug disposed within the tube proximate the first end. A removable cover covers the first end of the tube. The cartridge is disposed within the package. The cartridge has a cylindrical wall defining an interior space. A grommet is disposed within the interior space and a septum is disposed on a first end portion of the cylindrical wall. A medicament is disposed within the cylindrical wall between the grommet and the septum.

Abstract: A method for fluoromethylation of a halogenated alcohol. The method includes refluxing a halogenated alcohol with a dihalomethane under basic conditions in a first solvent to form a halomethyl ether and fluorinating the halomethyl ether in the presence of a fluorinating agent.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an anesthetic composition containing a fluoroether compound and a physiologically acceptable Lewis acid inhibitor. This composition exhibits improved stability and does not readily degrade in the presence of a Lewis acid.

Abstract: A package is provided with a lid and container that are heat sealed together. A multi-ply sheet material is provided for being thermoformed to define the container which has a tapering wall and bulge-resistant bottom end. Prior to thermoforming the container from the sheet, the sheet is heated with oval pads on a plurality of plates which are arranged in a configuration to facilitate control of the sheet temperature. A plug is used in the thermoforming process to contact the sheet and position the sheet within a die. A lid sheet is heat sealed to the container sheet over the thermoformed containers so as to produce a pair of spaced-apart, annular bead heat seals. The package is completed by severing the sealed-together sheets at the periphery of the container with a punch and die set that produces and clean, smooth cut surface.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for driving a stepper motor such that when the motor is stepped, the velocity of the motor is substantially zero upon reaching a new stepped position, thereby eliminating overshoot and ringing, and the wasted energy associated with these effects. The method comprises energizing at least one of the stepper motor windings at a predetermined current level for a predetermined step time, wherein the current level is determined as a function of the step time and dynamic single-step response characteristics of the stepper motor and load so that the motor velocity is substantially zero when the adjacent stepped position is reached. At this point, the stepper motor windings that were energized to make the rotor of the motor move are de-energized, whereupon the rotor is held in place by the inherent detent torque of the stepper motor. Since the velocity of the motor is substantially zero when the adjacent stepped position is achieved, there is no overshoot, and thus ringing is eliminated.

Abstract: An apparatus for modifying a liquid enteral nutritional product. The apparatus includes a chamber having an inlet and an outlet. The inlet of the chamber is constructed to be fluidly connected to a supply container containing a liquid enteral nutritional. The chamber defines an interior space. The apparatus further includes a retainer disposed in the interior space defined by the chamber. The retainer is constructed to receive one or more dosage form units of beneficial agent therein. The apparatus further includes at least one dosage form unit of beneficial agent retained by the retainer.

Abstract: A method for fluoromethylation of an alcohol via halogenative decarboxylation. The method includes the step of reacting an alcohol of the formula R1C(CX3)2OH with an alpha-haloester of the formula X2CH2CO2R2 to form an alpha-alkoxy ester, wherein R1 is selected from the group consisting of hydrogen and alkyl groups, wherein R2 is selected from the group consisting of hydrogen and alkyl groups, wherein X, at each occurrence, is independently selected from the group consisting of hydrogen, bromine, fluorine, and chlorine, and wherein X2 is selected from the group consisting of bromine and chlorine. The resulting alpha-alkoxy ester is saponified to form an alpha-alkoxy acid which is heated at reflux with lead tetraacetate and a chlorinating agent to form a chloride compound of the formula R1C(CX3)2OCH2Cl. The chloride compound is converted to a fluoride compound of the formula R1C(CX3)2OCH2F with a fluorinating agent.

Abstract: A sleeve stopper for use with a port. The sleeve stopper comprises a stopper body having a central membrane portion, a female portion and a male portion, the female and male portions extending from respective opposite sides of the membrane portion. A free end of the female portion defines an inside diameter which is less than an outside diameter defined at a free end of the male portion.

Abstract: A peristaltic pump is provided with a housing, a pump head in the housing, and a receiving path defined along a housing and pump head for receiving tubing. A door is pivotable about an axis between a closed position covering the receiving path and an open position exposing the receiving path. A carrier is provided on the housing for holding an anti-free flow slide clamp on the tubing in the receiving path. The carrier is movable relative to the housing so as to automatically effect closure of the tubing by the slide clamp when the door is opened.

Abstract: A method for fluoromethylating halogenated alcohols. The method includes the step of providing an alpha-halogenated alcohol of the formula R1C(CX3)2OH, wherein R1 is selected from the group consisting of hydrogen and alkyl groups. The alpha-halogenated alcohol is reacted with a first compound of the formula CH2(OR2)2 in the presence of an acid catalyst to form an acetal. The resulting acetal is then chlorinated with a chlorinating agent to form a chloride compound of the formula R1C(CX3)2OCH2Cl. The chloride compound is then converted to a fluoride compound of the formula R1C(CX3)2OCH2F using a fluorinating agent.

Abstract: In a pump chassis (112), spring-loaded members (108a, 108b) engage a pumping cassette (114) to it in a predetermined position. The members each include pairs of latches (110a, 110b) that are each beveled to form a ramp so that the latches and associated members are forced outwardly to enable the pumping cassette to be seated within the pump chassis. The latches engage the pump cassette as it is seated, holding it securely. A release button (138) is attached to a spring-loaded shaft (144) that extends into the interior of the pump chassis. The shaft has a ramp formed on its inner end. When the user depresses the release button, the ramp rides under inwardly extending arms (162a, 162b) provided on the members, forcing the members and attached latches to move outwardly. As the members move outwardly, the pumping cassette is released and readily removed.

Abstract: An apparatus for adding a quantity of a sterile liquid to a processing system. The apparatus includes an additive reservoir constructed to retain a liquid therein and a first flow channel having a first end portion fluidly connected to the additive reservoir and having a second end portion constructed for fluid connection to a processing system. The apparatus further includes a container constructed to retain a liquid therein and a second flow channel having a first end portion fluidly connected to the container and having a second end portion in fluid communication with the additive reservoir. A filter constructed to sterilize a liquid flowing through the second flow channel is provided. A first valve constructed to control flow through said second flow channel also is included in the apparatus.

Abstract: A membrane port. The membrane port includes a flow port portion defining a lumen therethrough. A frangible connector portion is mounted on an enlarged portion of the flow port portion. A pierceable membrane is disposed in the lumen defined through the flow port portion to prevent fluid flow through said lumen. A cover portion is mounted on the frangible connector portion. The cover portion is constructed to fluidly seal a first end portion of the flow port portion.

Abstract: A method for making a stopper. The method includes the step of providing a first tool defining a first tool cavity and a second tool defining a second molding cavity. A first plug member having an upper surface and a lower surface also is provided, the upper surface of the first plug member having a concave portion. The first plug member is faced in the first cavity such that at least a portion of the lower surface of the first plug member is in contact with the first cavity. The second tool defines a hole therethrough such that the hold provides fluid contact between the second tool cavity and a point exterior to the second tool.

Abstract: A pharmaceutical product. The pharmaceutical product includes a container constructed from a material containing one or more of polypropylene, polyethylene, and ionomeric resins. The container defines an interior space. A volume of a fluoroether-containing inhalation anesthetic is contained in the interior space defined by the container.

Abstract: A method for synthesizing fluoromethyl-1,1,1,3,3,3-hexafluoroisopropyl ether. The method includes the step of combining in the presence of aluminum trichloride a quantity of hexafluoroisopropanol and a quantity of either 1,3,5-trioxane or paraformaldehyde to produce sevochlorane. The resulting sevochlorane is then combined with an alkali metal fluoride to produce fluoromethyl-1,1,1,3,3,3-hexafluoroisopropyl ether.