Abstract: A system for dispensing medication includes a dispensing device unto which a prepackaged cassette can be releasably installed. The cassette contains medication that has been prepackaged in individual pockets along a strip. The strip is wound between a supply reel and a take up reel within the cassette. A control mechanism associated with the dispensing device advances the strip within the cassette by winding the strip onto the take up reel, while unwinding the strip from the supply reel, and while moving a dispensing mechanism also associated with the device into contact with the strip for opening a medication pocket to expel the medication from the strip and out of the cassette.

Abstract: A dispensing device for medication that has been prepackaged in individual pockets along a strip includes a first holder for securing one end of the strip and a second holder for securing the opposite end of the strip. A drive mechanism advances the strip along a predetermined path leading from the first holder, through a dispensing mechanism and to the second holder. The dispensing mechanism has a first assembly that moves into contact with the strip and opens a medication pocket. A second assembly presses against the strip as it is further advanced to expel the medication from the opened pocket.

Abstract: A novel technique of connecting two or more pumping modules under a laminar flow hood is described. The technique includes the use of a novel manifold which is specifically designed to enhance laminar air flow across the outlet port of the manifold when connected to one of the pumping modules. The manifold includes a cylindrical housing having an axially extending outlet port, and two or more sets of radially extending inlet ports eminate from the cylindrical housing. The inlet ports of each set are closely spaced with respect to one another to minimize the length of the cylindrical housing. A common fluid channel extends substantially through the length of the cylindrical housing to connect each of the inlet ports to the single outlet port.

Abstract: An automatic cycler for performing Continuous Cycling Peritoneal Dialysis (CCPD) and Intermittent Peritoneal Dialysis (IPD) is provided. The apparatus of the present invention is a safe and convenient cycler apparatus for performing peritoneal dialysis in either home or clinical environment. The apparatus provides a stable base by storing dialysate at a relatively low position. Tubing administration set length is reduced to a minimum by the use of individual, separated valves and by the elimination of redundant, duplicate tube sections. Administration set complexity is reduced by the use of a conventional design dialysate container for heating and weighing of an infusing dialysate dosage. The apparatus allows for gravity feed to a patient with an optional capability of adjusting the pressure head for the gravity feed.

Abstract: A disposable swab for application of medicament and the like to the skin, which comprises a flat, sheet-like strip and a pad member centrally attached to at least one side of the strip. The first inner pair of fold lines is transversely positioned in the strip, with each fold line of the first pair being positioned on opposite sides of, and adjacent opposite ends of, the pad member by generally equal distances, to permit opposed terminal portions of the strip to be folded rearwardly relative to the pad. A second, outer pair of fold lines may be transversely positioned in the strip, each fold line of the second pair being positioned adjacent opposite ends of the strip by generally equal distances to permit end portions of the rearwardly folded terminal portions to be pinched by the fingers together into flat, abutting relation. Accordingly, the strip can form a structure which is generally triangular in cross section, with the base of the trianglar cross section carrying the pad member.

Abstract: A disposable swab for application of medicament and the like to the skin, which comprises a flat, sheetlike strip and a pad member centrally attached to at least one side of the strip. The first inner pair of fold lines is transversely positioned in the strip, with each fold line of the first pair being positioned on opposite sides of, and adjacent opposite ends of, the pad member by generally equal distances, to permit opposed terminal portions of the strip to be folded rearwardly relative to the pad. A second, outer pair of fold lines may be transversely positioned in the strip, each fold line of the second pair being positioned adjacent opposite ends of the strip by generally equal distances to permit end portions of the rearwardly folded terminal portions to be pinched by the fingers together into flat, abutting relation. Accordingly, the strip can form a structure which is generally triangular in cross section, with the base of the triangular cross section carrying the pad member.

Abstract: A membrane plasmapheresis module (10) comprises semipermeable membrane means (11) capable of permitting blood plasma to pass therethrough while preventing the passage of blood cells, and sealed housing means (18, 19) defining a blood inlet port (43) and blood outlet port (44) positioned adjacent opposite ends of a first flow path (60) extending along one side of the membrane (11). The housing (18, 19) also defines a plasma outlet port (38) adjacent one end of separate, second flow paths (62) extending along the other side of the membrane (11). The membrane (11) may be folded together about a fold line (12) to define a pair of membrane portions (14, 16) lying against each other. The first flow path (60) extends between the membrane portions (14, 16) and the second flow path (62) may optionally extend between each membrane portion (14, 16) and a wall of the sealed housing means (18, 19), or alternatively an adjacent fold (12) of the membrane portion.