Abstract: A disconnect transfer conduit comprising flexible tubing; a deformable sleeve surrounding a portion of the flexible tubing; wherein the sleeve is attached to the flexible tubing and is formed of a material having plasticity such that pressure applied to the sleeve causes the sleeve to deform about and seal the flexible tubing and upon continued application of pressure to the sleeve, the sleeve and flexible tubing are cut and the sleeve retains a deformed shape substantially sealing the tubing. Also provided is a method of sealing flexible tubing comprising applying pressure to a sleeve attached to flexible tubing to deform the sleeve and seal the tubing; wherein, applying further pressure to the sleeve to cut the sleeve and tubing, thereby leaving the tubing substantially sealed where cut.

Abstract: A device is provided for transferring fluid into or out of a tank and is particularly useful in transferring fluid in a substantially aseptic, hygienic, or sterile manner. The device has a body with an elongate passage extending through the body. The body has a proximal end and a distal end. A longitudinally displaceable cannula is disposed in and extends along the passage in the body. A septum sealing the passage is at a first location; the septum being pierceable and self-sealing. A diaphragm sealing the passage is at a second location intermediate the septum and the distal end of the passage. The cannula extends through and is secured to the diaphragm and has a sharpened end disposed adjacent to or in the septum. Longitudinal displacement of the cannula causes its sharpened end to pierce and project through the septum, the diaphragm stretching to accommodate the displacement of the cannula while maintaining its aseptic seal of the passage.

Abstract: A disconnect transfer conduit comprising flexible tubing; a deformable sleeve surrounding a portion of the flexible tubing; wherein the sleeve is attached to the flexible tubing and is formed of a material having plasticity such that pressure applied to the sleeve causes the sleeve to deform about and seal the flexible tubing and upon continued application of pressure to the sleeve, the sleeve and flexible tubing are cut and the sleeve retains a deformed shape substantially sealing the tubing. Also provided is a method of sealing flexible tubing comprising applying pressure to a sleeve attached to flexible tubing to deform the sleeve and seal the tubing; wherein, applying further pressure to the sleeve to cut the sleeve and tubing, thereby leaving the tubing substantially sealed where cut.

Abstract: A fluid transfer device for transferring fluid into or out of a fluid vessel, such as a tank, and is particularly useful in transferring fluids with particulates or high viscosity in a substantially aseptic, hygienic, or sterile manner. The device has a body with an elongate passage extending through the body. The body has a proximal end and a distal end. A longitudinally displaceable substantially hollow substantially hollow shaft is disposed in and extends along the passage in the body. A plug sealing the passage is at a first location. A diaphragm sealing the passage is at a second location intermediate the plug and the distal end of the passage. The shaft extends through and is secured to the diaphragm and has a fluid transfer opening between the diaphragm and the plug.

Abstract: A fluid transfer device for transferring fluid into or out of a fluid vessel, such as a tank, and is particularly useful in transferring fluids with particulates or high viscosity in a substantially aseptic, hygienic, or sterile manner. The device has a body with an elongate passage extending through the body. The body has a proximal end and a distal end. A longitudinally displaceable shaft is disposed in and extends along the passage in the body. A plug sealing the passage is at a first location. A diaphragm sealing the passage is at a second location intermediate the plug and the distal end of the passage. The shaft extends through and is secured to the diaphragm. A fluid transfer opening is located in the passage between the diaphragm and the plug. Longitudinal displacement of the shaft causes the fluid transfer opening to be in fluid communication with a fluid vessel, the diaphragm stretching to accommodate the displacement of the shaft while maintaining an aseptic seal of the passage.

Abstract: An improved peristaltic pump whereby the elastomeric tubing communicates with the peristaltic pump in a way that allows for axial movement of the tubing thereby extending the flex life of the pump tubing. A tubing element is fitted with a flange that allows tension to be applied to the tubing in a way that changes depending upon the location of the rotor at any given time. The tension can be applied via an elastic material located between the flange and the housing or between the housing and a device that communicates with the flange. The dynamic tension reduces the amount of stress on the tubing material when the rollers first engage the tubing on the suction side of the pump and when they depart the tubing on the discharge side of the pump. The invention is particularly useful for materials that have limited axial flexibility and for those with very large axial flexibility.

Abstract: An improved fluoroplastic lined elastomeric tube that can maintain a stable flow rate while pumping aggressive chemicals in a peristaltic pump for an extended period of time and is fabricated in sizes ranging from 0.5 mm to 100 mm in inside diameter. The inner fluoroplastic liner comprises a composite of expanded polytetrafluoroethylene and a fluoroplastic polymer resulting in improved flex life over single component fluoroplastics. The inventive liner is bonded to either an unreinforced elastomer or a fiber reinforced elastomer for use in both low and high pressure peristaltic pump applications.

Abstract: A dental floss holder including a pair of arms, each arm having a middle portion and first and second opposite end portions. The first end portion of each arm curves outwardly away from its respective middle portion wherein the middle portions of the arms are positioned proximate one another so as to define a pivot. The second end portions are movable between a first position in which the first end portions of the arms diverge away from one another, and a second position in which the first end portions are moved toward one another. Dental floss material has one end secured to the first end portion of one arm and an opposite end secured to the first end portion of the other arm. The dental floss material has a first tension when the first end portions are in their spaced apart position and a second tension when the first end portions are moved toward one another, said first tension being greater than the second tension. Also disclosed is a filament, such as a dental floss, that contains fumed silica.

Abstract: There is provided an infrared radiation curable organopolysiloxane composition having a poly(alkenylorganosiloxane), a siloxane hydride, an infrared radiation absorbent material, such as carbon black, and an effective amount of a platinum group metal catalyst. The infrared radiation curable organopolysiloxane composition can be used as a binder for a desiccant, such as a zeolite, useful in making multi-panel thermal pane windows.

Abstract: A method is provided for making fumed silica aggregate having an average convex perimeter in the range of about 0.12 micron to about 0.6 micron based on the combustion of a mixture of a silicon compound, such as an organosilane, an oxygen containing gas, such as air and a fuel such as hydrogen. The fumed silica aggregate has been found to enhance properties in heat curable filled silicone compositions.

Abstract: A method is provided for making a rigid spacer, containing a silicone bound desiccant which is useful for a multi-pane sealed window. An infrared radiation curable silicone is used as a binder for a desiccant such as a zeolite which is injected in a continuous manner into a U-shaped or V-shaped semi-rigid spacer such as a steel channel.

Abstract: A free flowing silicone powder having a primary particle size in the range of 0.1-200 nm and an aggregate size of 10 nm to 200 microns which is a product formed by spray drying an organic solvent dispersion of an organosiloxane hydrolyzate having triorganosiloxy units and tetrasiloxy units.

Abstract: A method for making a substantially silanol-free silicone resin powder having a primary particle size in the range of about 0.1-200 nm and an aggregate particle size of 10 nm to 200 microns is provided. An organic solvent dispersion of an organosiloxane hydrolyzate having triorganosiloxy units and tetrasiloxy units is treated with an organo nitrogen compound, such as a silazane and thereafter spray dried. The substantially silanol-free organosilicon powder has been found useful in making heat curable organopolysiloxane compositions, such as pressure sensitive adhesives.