Abstract: The present invention provides a method for fabricating flexible medical tubings comprising the steps of providing a tubing of a polymer material, the tubing having a longitudinal axis and an initial diameter, orienting the tubing along the longitudinal axis of the tubing to reduce the diameter of the tubing to define a oriented diameter, and applying heat to the oriented tubing to heat set the tubing to maintain dimensional stability of the tubing over a temperature to which the tubing will normally be exposed.

Abstract: The present invention provides a polymeric blend suitable for adhesive bonding to polar polymeric materials comprising an ultra-low density polyethylene in an amount by weight within the range of 99.999%-90.0%; and an additive selected from the group consisting of polyoxyethylene(5)oleylamine, bis(2-hydroxyethyl)soyaamine, bis(2-hydroxyethyl)oleylamine, and polyoxyethylene(5)octadecylamine, the additive in an amount by weight within the range of 0.001%-10%.

Abstract: A multiple layer structure comprising a skin layer composed of a polypropylene copolymer with styrene ethylene-butene styrene block copolymer within a range of 0-20% by weight skin layer, and, a radio frequency ("RF") susceptible layer adhered to the skin layer. The RF layer has a first component of a propylene based polymer, a second component of a nonpropylene polyolefin, a third component of a radio frequency susceptible polymer, and a fourth component of a polymeric compatibilizing agent.

Abstract: Plastic compositions, containers useful in the storage of red blood cells, and methods for providing such red blood cell storage containers and for storing red blood cells are disclosed. The plastic composition includes a polyolefin copolymer and a plasticizer. The flexibility of such plastic compositions and containers made thereof is substantially unchanged upon heating to a high temperature relative to its flexibility before such heating.

Abstract: A multi-layer, flexible, gas-permeable film (10) suitable for forming a cell culture container (20), the film (10) comprising a first layer (12) composed of a polystyrene having a thickness within the range of 0.0001 inches to about 0.0010 inches and, a second layer (14) adhered to the first layer (12) composed of a polymer material having a thickness within the range of 0.004 inches to about 0.025 inches.

Abstract: A polymeric tubing having an initial diameter and suitable for connecting to rigid housings including a sidewall defining a fluid pathway and having a longitudinal axis, the sidewall of a polymeric material in an amount by weight within the range of 99.999%-90.0%, and an additive in an amount by weight within the range of 0.001%-10%, and wherein the tubing has been oriented along its longitudinal axis to decrease its diameter to define a oriented diameter.

Abstract: Multiple component polymer compositions for fabrication into articles. In particular, polymeric compositions comprising a heat resistant polymer; a radio frequency ("RF") susceptible polymer; a compatibilizing polymer; the composition having physical properties within the range a<40,000 psi; b>=70%; c<30%; d>1.0; e<0.1%; f<0.1%; g>=0.05; h<=60%; i=0; wherein: a is the mechanical modulus of the composition measured according to ASTM D-882; b is the percent recovery in length of the composition after an initial 20% deformation; c is the optical haze of the composition being 9 mils in thickness according to ASTM D-1003; d is the loss tangent of the composition at 1 Hz measured at melt processing temperatures; e is the elemental halogen content by weight of the composition; f is the low molecular weight water soluble fraction of the composition; g is the dielectric loss between 1 and 60 MHz and over temperatures of 25.degree. to 250.degree. C.

Abstract: Multiple component polymer compositions for fabrication into articles. In particular, polymeric compositions comprising a heat resistant polymer; a radio frequency ("RF") susceptible polymer; a compatibilizing polymer; the composition having physical properties within the range a<40,000 psi; b>=70%; c<30%; d>1.0; e<0.1%; f<0.1%; g>=0.05; h<=60%; i=0; wherein: a is the mechanical modulus of the composition measured according to ASTM D-882; b is the percent recovery in length of the composition after an initial 20% deformation; c is the optical haze of the composition being 9 mils in thickness according to ASTM D-1003; d is the loss tangent of the composition at 1 Hz measured at melt processing temperatures; e is the elemental halogen content by weight of the composition; f is the low molecular weight water soluble fraction of the composition; g is the dielectric loss between 1 and 60 MHz and over temperatures of 25.degree. to 250.degree. C.

Abstract: The coating of a RF active material on a non-RF active substrate material of typical thickness for packaging purposes, can generate sufficient thermal energy to effect strong bonding of the substrate materials. The RF active material may be-deposited on less than the entire inner surface area of the substrate material, preferably, at or near the portion of the substrate surface which represents the heat seal interface. In this manner of application, additional coating or printing of other substances on the substrate surface can be achieved without hampering the heat sealing process. Flexible medical containers capable of containing a product which is maintained and removed under sterile conditions, can be constructed on commercial production machines from these coated non-RF active substrate materials.

Abstract: A flexible fluid junction that links three or more fluid ducts is provided. The junction includes a pair of flexible webs with at least three tubes or fluid ducts disposed between the flexible webs. The outer periphery of the webs is sealed together and around the tubes to define a chamber. An end of each tube terminates inside the chamber so that fluid may flow from each tube through the chamber. Still further, a method of manufacturing a flexible fluid junction and a method of using a flexible fluid junction are also provided.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method for fabricating flexible medical tubings including the steps of providing a polymeric material, forming a tubing from the polymeric material, the tubing having a longitudinal axis and an initial diameter, and orienting the tubing along the longitudinal axis of the tubing to reduce the diameter of the tubing to define an oriented diameter.

Abstract: An improved system and method for providing sterile connections. To this end, a device is provided comprising a body, a chamber defined, at least in part, by a portion of the body, the chamber including an interior having a solid sterilizing agent that can sublimate at ambient conditions, and a member that defines., in part, the chamber and is so constructed and arranged to allow the solid sterilizing agent to release in a rate controlled manner through the member.

Abstract: Multiple component polymer compositions for fabrication into articles. In particular, polymeric compositions comprising a heat resistant polymer; a radio frequency ("RF") susceptible polymer; a compatibilizing polymer; the composition having physical properties within the range a<40,000 psi; b>=70%; c<30%; d>1.0; e<0.1%; f<0.1%; g>=0.05; h<=60%; i=0; wherein: a is the mechanical modulus of the composition measured according to ASTM D-882; b is the percent recovery in length of the composition after an initial 20% deformation; c is the optical haze of the composition being 9 mils in thickness according to ASTM D-1003; d is the loss tangent of the composition at 1 Hz measured at melt processing temperatures; e is the elemental halogen content by weight of the composition; f is the low molecular weight water soluble fraction of the composition; g is the dielectric loss between 1 and 60 MHz and over temperatures of 25.degree. to 250.degree. C.

Abstract: The invention provides a flexible plastic formulation capable of being RF sealed, extruded, cast or blow-molded, gas, steam and radiation sterilized. The plastic formulation of the invention comprises: a) from about 40 to about 90 percent by weight of a polyolefin polypropylene based material; b) from about 3 to about 25 percent by weight of a functionialized block copolymer, the functionalized block copolymer consisting essentially of a central block copolymer molecule including generally equal proportions of ethylene and butylene units, and terminal blocks of polystyrene; and c) from about 3 to about 20 percent by weight a nylon. The plastic formulations of the invention are useful in the manufacture of blood bags, tubing and the like.

Abstract: The coating of a RF active material on a non-RF active substrate material of typical thickness for packaging purposes, can generate sufficient thermal energy to effect strong bonding of the substrate materials. The RF active material may be deposited on less than the entire inner surface area of the substrate material, preferably, at or near the portion of the substrate surface which represents the heat seal interface. In this manner of application, additional coating or printing of other substances on the substrate surface can be achieved without hampering the heat sealing process. Flexible medical containers capable of containing a product which is maintained and removed under sterile conditions, can be constructed on commercial production machines from these coated non-RF active substrate materials.

Abstract: A method is provided for creating a plastic component constructed, at least in part, from polychlorotrifluoroethylene, having improved properties. The method creates a component from a composition that has polychlorotrifluoroethylene, heats the component to a temperature that is greater than the melting point of the composition, and rapidly quenches the component in a cold medium.

Abstract: An improved adaptor and protector for same which is removably sealing an opening of the adaptor located at an end of a tubular member. The adaptor has a longitudinal passageway for receiving a cannula. An upper end of the adaptor has an interior diameter defining a first end of the passageway for receiving the cannula. A lower end of the adaptor has an interior diameter defining a second end of the passageway adapted for receiving an injection site wherein the diameter of the first end is larger than the diameter at the second end. A middle portion intermediate the first end and the second end has a tapering interior diameter for directing the cannula to the injection site and further having an exterior surface with gripping surfaces. The tapering interior diameter of the middle portion of the adaptor includes guiding members to direct the cannula or other injection devices. The adaptor may also be provided with a protector removably sealing an opening located at an end of the adaptor.

Abstract: An anhydrous solid water-soluble composition and method for direct controlled administration of beneficial agents to a flowing medical fluid. The beneficial agents are geometrically dispersed in a solid matrix and isolated from one and other to allow administration of mutually reactive agents.

Abstract: An improved adaptor and protector for same which is removably sealing an opening of the adaptor located at an end of a tubular member. The adaptor has a longitudinal passageway for receiving a cannula. An upper end of the adaptor has an interior diameter defining a first end of the passageway for receiving the cannula. A lower end of the adaptor has an interior diameter defining a second end of the passageway adapted for receiving an injection site wherein the diameter of the first end is larger than the diameter at the second end. A middle portion intermediate the first end and the second end has a tapering interior diameter for directing the cannula to the injection site and further having an exterior surface with gripping surfaces. The tapering interior diameter of the middle portion of the adaptor includes guiding members to direct the cannula or other injection devices. The adaptor may also be provided with a protector removably sealing an opening located at an end of the adaptor.

Abstract: Improved Implant assemblies and methodologies provide immuno-protection for implanted allografts, xenografts, and isografts. The assemblies and methodologies establish an improved boundary between the host and the implanted cells. The boundary structure is laminated, combining elements having different characteristics beneficial to the survival of the implanted cells. Filaments of adhesive material lay in between the elements. The filaments of adhesive material have been melted in place by the application of heat and solidified in place by cooling to secure the elements together into a composite laminated structure.