Abstract: A design and method of operation are disclosed for a fluid control conduit of a blood reservoir. The venous blood inflow conduit includes a fluid control nozzle and a base. When assembled together, the nozzle and base form a trap feature which prevents reflux of air or other gas upwardly into the nozzle of the conduit. As a result, during use of the reservoir the conduit normally runs full of venous blood and turbulence of the blood is prevented. In addition, the conduit also functions to divert the downward flowing venous blood in the nozzle into the base at an optimum fluid velocity to overcome the buoyancy effect of air or gas bubbles within the blood.

Abstract: A flexible container is provided for the storage and mixing together of diluents and medicaments. The container incorporates multiple compartments, separated by peelable seals, in which the diluents and medicaments are stored. The container is constructed of thermoplastic materials having high oxygen and moisture barrier properties which allows the container to be stored for extended periods of time without degrading the contents. The seals are ruptured by manipulation of the container to thereby mix the contents together for delivery through standard IV arrangement to a patient. The seals are constructed to provide a non-linear resistance characteristic to hydraulic pressure, which causes the seal to peel open completely along its length. The container also includes a locking tab and retaining slot to secure the bag in a folded-over condition.

Abstract: A disposable absorbent article having a breathable fluid impervious backsheet. The disposable absorbent article preferably includes a fluid pervious topsheet, a breathable, fluid impervious backsheet secured to the topsheet, and an absorbent core disposed between the topsheet and the backsheet. The breathable, fluid impervious backsheet exhibits substantially zero dynamic fluid transmission when subjected to an impact energy of about 1000 joules/m2, and exhibits a mass vapor transmission rate of at least about 2000 g/m2/24 hr.

Abstract: There is provided herein a multilayer laminate comprised of a layer of a film and a layer of a nonwoven fabric. The film is made from polymers and has as one surface a semi-crystalline/amorphous or “heterophasic” polymer, an optional inner, less expensive, filler type polymer, and as the other surface, a polymer with a lower coefficient of friction. The nonwoven fabric may be a spunbond or meltblown fabric, preferably spunbond and preferably also including a heterophasic polymer. The film and nonwoven components are bonded together using thermal point bonding preferably while the film is stretched at least 5 percent. Such a laminate may be made into a personal care product like a diaper, training pant, absorbent underpants, adult incontinence product, and feminine hygiene product.

Abstract: Method and systems for separating a first material, e.g., cholesterol or fat, from lymphatic fluid flowing through a duct within the body of a living being, so that the material is removed from the being's body or recirculated. The system includes a filter for separating that material, and an elongated conduit implanted within the vascular system and having a distal end in fluid communication with the duct and a proximal end in fluid communication with the filter. An implantable pump may be provided to enhance the operation of the system.

Abstract: A bag for an infusion solution has front and back wall portions each formed of a flexible plastic film and provided with a plurality of chambers which are filled with one infusion solution and another infusion solution or medicament, independently. The chambers are sectioned by a boundary portion having at least one weak seal portion which is closed by separably bonding inside surfaces of the plastic films mutually facing at the boundary portion so that the one infusion solution and the another infusion solution or medicament in the respective chambers are mixed together when the weak seal portion is opened. The weak seal portion is formed by applying a separable coating material, which provides a reduced bonding strength in a heat sealing process, on one or both inside surfaces of the plastic films mutually facing at the boundary portion and then effecting heat sealing process to the boundary portion. The separable coating material is applied in a form of a dot-pattern through a printing process.

Abstract: Apparatus for irrigating wounds in which a housing contains a water filter and an anti-biotic, connected between a water supply and a hand spray unit, with the housing containing a hand operated valve for directing the water from the water supply through either the anti-biotic and filter or directly to the hand spray unit. A water temperature display is also included in the housing.

Abstract: An adapter utilized to interconnect a fluid container and a tubing set having a retractable spike and a rolling seal diaphragm for establishing fluid flow communication between a nutrition container and an administration tubing set while maintaining a fluid-tight seal. The rolling seal diaphragm includes a rolling seal portion which sealingly engages the retractable spike which remains engaged with the spike while the spike is biased between an engaged position and a disengaged position.

Abstract: The present invention provides a container for holding medical solutions, wherein the container comprises a fluid-tight chamber, the chamber having opposing first and second edges and opposing first and second surfaces, and a flap extending from an edge of the chamber and being hingedly connected to the chamber.

Abstract: The invention relates to an apparatus and method for a one-handed procedure that encapsulates the connector of a blood evacuation system prior to reinfusion. The blood evacuation system comprises a separable, flexible inner bag inside an outer rigid container for reinfusing shed blood drawn from the collection chamber of a chest drainage unit. The outer rigid container includes a suction port connected to a source of vacuum for applying a negative pressure within the interstitial space between the rigid container and the inner flexible bag which causes blood to be drawn into the bag. Once the bag is filled to a desired level, it is removed from the container and suspended using a suitable suspension means within the vicinity of a patient for reinfusion. The container further includes a lid with a nest formed on the outside surface of the lid for employing a one-handed procedure for encapsulating a blood spike.

Abstract: A method and article for delivery of skin care agents. Freeze-dried liposomes are used to encapsulate agents for delivery to specific cells in the skin. The applicable agents include perfumes, moisturizers, vitamins and therapeutic compounds as well as others. The agents are encapsulated in liposomes specifically selected to carry the agents to the target cells thereby increasing effectiveness and efficiency and minimizing systemic absorption. The liposomes are at least partially freeze-dried to improve shelf-life and improve delivery to the skin. After freeze-drying, the liposomes are deposited on or in a fabric-like pad. The liposomes are rehydrated either immediately prior to application to the skin or on the skin using natural moisture or a hydrating solution. An applicator is also provided to secure and hold the impregnated pad during use. The applicator may provide steam or vapor to rehydrate the liposomes during application.

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 venting device is provided for venting the interior of a blood culture bottle by passing the tip of a hollow needle through a sealing stopper of the bottle. The device includes a collapsible shield for shielding the needle, a needle support in the vicinity of one end of the shield for holding the needle and incorporating a vent passage providing fluid communication between the hollow interior of the needle and the atmosphere, and a detachable sterilizing cap on the other end of the shield. The two ends of the shield are reciprocable relative to one another in the direction of the length of the needle against the action of a compression spring. Venting of the bottle is effected by placing the end of the shield against the sealing stopper with the shield in an extended condition, and applying pressure to the device in a direction towards the sealing stopper.

Abstract: A catamenial collector, in an embodiment, has a receptacle with a flexible hollow rim capable of inflation and has a handle with substantially the length of a female vagina. The collector may have a string, in one embodiment, extending through the rim and at least a portion of the handle so that a pulling force axially applied to a string end causes the receptacle to close. In another embodiment, an elastic member is so configured that deflation of the rim also causes the receptacle to close. The collector and associated methods of use provide for the sanitary collection and disposal of menses.

Abstract: A drop dispenser having a sleeve carrying a closure and resilient dosage receiving fitting. The sleeve is treadably mounted an a fluid containing container having a nipple thereon. The closure on the sleeve has a configuration corresponding to the configuration of the nipple for sealing the nipple in the closed position. The fitting is filled with fluid from the container by turning the sleeve in a direction away from the closed position on the nipple to an open position to thereby establish fluid communication between the container and fitting. The fluid is dispensed from the fitting by squeezing the fitting after the closure has been returned to the closed position on the nipple, thereby preventing fluid from flowing from the resilient fitting back into the container. Cooperating stop members are provided between the sleeve and bottle neck to limit the movement of the sleeve relative to the bottle neck.

Abstract: A flexible container is provided for the storage and mixing together of diluents and medicaments. The container incorporates multiple compartments, separated by peelable seals, in which the diluents and medicaments are stored. The container is constructed of thermoplastic materials having high oxygen and moisture barrier properties which allows the container to be stored for extended periods of time without degrading the contents. The seals are ruptured by manipulation of the container to thereby mix the contents together for delivery through standard IV arrangement to a patient. The seals are constructed to provide a non-linear resistance characteristic to hydraulic pressure, which causes the seal to peel open completely along its length. The container is folded-over along the line of one of the seals and also includes a locking tab and retaining slot to secure the bag in a folded-over condition.

Abstract: A resealable access site (10) is provided for allowing a cannula (18) multiple accesses to an internal cavity (35) defined by a container (12). The access site (10) includes a first conduit (28) defining a passageway (29) forming a fluid path to the cavity within the container. Sealingly attached to the conduit (28) is a housing (26) with a lower portion (26a) and a lower flange (68) attached to a lower end of the lower portion and extending radially inward from the lower portion. A septum (24) is disposed and compressed within the lower portion, with the septum defining an opening (46) extending upward through at least a portion of the septum. The opening (46) is sized for insertion of the cannula (18) through the septum (24) with the septum sealing about the exterior of the cannula. The septum (24) is maintained in the housing by the support provided by the opposing flange (68) and conduit (28).

Abstract: A trocar having a cannula and a valve housing with a polygonal configuration, provides for a floating septum where the float is encouraged in a first direction and restricted in a second direction. The septum includes multiple septum valves which may function with a comnron zero-closure valve, or individually in a valve assembly with an associated zero-closure valve. Various seals can be configured to prevent blow-back. Cup valves, check valves, and reciprocating valves are contemplated, along with various skirt configurations for maintaining pressurized air within the trocar.

Abstract: The invention relates to an injection set (10) including at least one sterilized injection needle (18) and at least one needle protection sleeve (16) slipped onto each such needle, the injection set (10) additionally containing at least one small tube (24) as a syringe filling aid, with each tube (24) being attachable to an outer taper (44) each of a point (26) of a medical syringe (28).

Abstract: A cartridge for actuating a piston-like or accordion-like dispenser-vial for applying medicament to an eye. The cartridge includes a housing for holding the dispenser-vial and a telescoping cylinder for compressing the dispenser-vial in the longitudinal direction to actuate the vial. The cartridge includes a locking mechanism for locking the telescoping cylinder to restrict its movement and a trigger mechanism for releasing the cylinder from the locked position so that a drop is released from the dispenser. The housing includes a finger for engaging the lower eyelid and exposing the conjunctival cul de sac.