Abstract: A plurality of embodiments of mixing syringes are provided. Inventive key to all of the embodiments is a piston valve which divides a barrel to create a pair of chambers in which matter and liquid can be disparately and securely disposed before mixing. Each disclosed piston valve is actuated by force on an associated plunger rod which produces pressure within an associated syringe resulting in a change of the valve state from closed to open. In addition, each such valve comprises check valve action which is permissive to only distal flow through the syringe. Embodiments for both a basic mixing syringe and a mixing syringe with flush are disclosed. Considerations and methods for chamber filling without valve actuation are provided. A mixing syringe system with flush system utilizing a dual chamber syringe having a male luer fitting and a separate diluent containing vessel having a female luer fitting is also disclosed.

Abstract: A dual-chamber syringe system is disclosed. Critical system oriented elements are disclosed, including plunger valve designs for accurate measurement and true, non-canting displacement; tamper and inadvertent valve actuation indicators, as well as, valve status indicators; anti-reflux construction; novel indicia patterns for dual-chamber syringe operation; structure and method for quality assurance that no gas can be delivered from a proximal chamber of the dual-chamber syringe and a kit for single step dose transfer. In addition, a tapered fitting valve is disclosed. The tapered fitting valve comprises a single molded incompressible, but supple part and a skeletal support whereby the tapered fitting valve is opened by insertion into a tapered fitting. The preferred embodiment of an actuator portion of the valve is elliptical in shape.

Abstract: A plurality of embodiments of mixing syringes are provided. Inventive key to all of the embodiments is a piston valve which divides a barrel to create a pair of chambers in which matter and liquid can be disparately and securely disposed before mixing. Each disclosed piston valve is actuated by force on an associated plunger rod which produces pressure within an associated syringe resulting in a change of the valve state from closed to open. In addition, each such valve comprises check valve action which is permissive to only distal flow through the syringe. Embodiments for both a basic mixing syringe and a mixing syringe with flush are disclosed. Considerations and methods for chamber filling without valve actuation are provided. A mixing syringe system with flush system utilizing a dual chamber syringe having a male luer fitting and a separate diluent containing vessel having a female luer fitting is also disclosed.

Abstract: A convenience kit which is usable in an ambulatory environment for bagged products which have exposed and potentially contaminated sharps as an end product. Preferred use focus of the kit is for bagged syringes. The kit provides accessible sections for accessing the unused bagged parts and for storing excess parts once a bag is opened. A removable protective cover is provided for the unused product storage. A single step used parts disposal system comprises an elongated orifice and a pair of opposing chutes which are constructed to provide a one-way path into a containment compartment which is expanded in volume as new products are removed. As the kit may be used in an ambulatory environment permissive to rotational and vibratory forces, the upper chute is pivotally affixed to rotate and close the elongated orifice by the same forces which urge products within the compartment toward the orifice.

Abstract: Methods for making an using convenience kits for hazardous drug (liquid) transfer from vials to syringes and target IV connectors. The following methods for making and using are disclosed: (1) Using a conventional plastic bag as a vial and vial adapter enclosing shroud. (2) Using of a flange (i.e. latch arm) free vial adapter which may, therefore, be used for a large variety of vial sizes. (3) Providing a seal about an access hole through which a vial adapter dispensing portion provides a closed fluid dispensing pathway. (4) Using the shrouding bag and an associated elastic band to provide desired stability of a spiked vial. (5) Accessing, measuring and transferring vial contents directly from a vial to a target IV container via an elongated connecting tube.

Abstract: A method for remotely applying a force to a tether affixed to a sterilizing swab package to open the package for use of a swab disposed therein. The method may be applied to sterilizing a septum of a vial disposed within a bag.