Abstract: A system for metering nutrient media to cell culture containers includes a media flow conduit which defines at one end means for substantially aseptic communication with the source of the media. In a preferred embodiment, sterile connectors may be used for essentially sterile conditions. A branch conduit extends from the flow conduit at a location spaced from the ends. The branch conduit communicates with means for receiving a predetermined-volume aliquot of media through the media flow conduit from said one end. The flow conduit also defines a portion downstream from the branch conduit, which communicates with at least one cell culture container, each container being a flexible bag. At least part of the flexible bag is made of a material capable of providing at least 2 times the oxygen diffusion and at least 2 times the carbon dioxide diffusion between the bag interior and exterior, compared with an identically-sized, sealed bag having polyethylene walls 0.013 inch thick.

Abstract: A tubular fluid transfer device is operative by itself to seal the end of a conduit. By coupling two of the devices together, a fluid path can be selectively established between two conduits by applying heat energy. The device includes a generally planar surface having a meltable region. The generally planar surface of one device is slidable against the generally planar surface of another one of the devices to bring the meltable regions into registration. The device includes a coupling mechanism which guides the meltable regions into the desired alignment as registration occurs. Furthermore, as the meltable regions register, the coupling mechanism generates forces which bias the meltable regions into intimate contact. The coupling mechanism thereafter releasably retains the devices in this snug interlocked relationship, so that the energy can be applied to jointly heat the meltable regions and melt open a fluid path between the two devices.

Abstract: Equipment for continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis in which a solution container is coupled via flexible tubing to a patient's tube that communicates with the patient's peritoneal cavity by means of a catheter, usually a surgically implanted catheter. The equipment includes a flexible, foldable plastic dialysis solution container having a transfer port. A flexible tube having a luer connector at its distal end extends from the transfer port, for connecting to a luer connector carried by the patient's tube. The flexible tube carries a frangible member which normally blocks fluid flow but permits fluid flow after the frangible member is broken. A particulate filter and a manually-operable clamp are in series with the flexible tube.Peritoneal dialysis is accomplished by connecting the luer connector from a fresh dialysis solution bag to the patient's tube luer connector, breaking the frangible member, and opening the clamp on the flexible tubing.

Abstract: A closure system for a conduit defining a connector at its end is provided having increased convenience of use and reliability of sterile sealing. A tubular closure member is provided which may be positioned about the connector in telescoping relation. The closure member surrounds but is spaced from the forward portion of the connector to provide space for antiseptic to be provided, to flow both inside of the connector member and about preferably at least 0.5 centimeter of the exterior forward portion thereof for improved antibacterial effect on the connector. An end closure such as a screw threaded cap may be provided.

Abstract: Equipment for continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis in which a solution container is coupled via flexible tubing to a patient's tube that communicates with the patient's peritoneal cavity by means of a catheter, usually a surgically implanted catheter. The equipment includes a flexible, foldable plastic dialysis solution container having a transfer port. A flexible tube having a luer connector at its distal end extends from the transfer port, for connecting to a luer connector carried by the patient's tube. The flexible tube carries a frangible member which normally blocks fluid flow but permits fluid flow after the frangible member is broken. A particulate filter and a manually-operable clamp are in series with the flexible tube.Peritoneal dialysis is accomplished by connecting the luer connector from a fresh dialysis solution bag to the patient's tube luer connector, breaking the frangible member, and opening the clamp on the flexible tubing.

Abstract: A contamination protector for a medical device, principally for use in surrounding and protecting a connection between a plastic dialysis solution container (10) and tubing (22) carried by a patient practicing continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis. The protector is generally cylindrical in shape, and opens and closes much like a "clamshell." The inner wall surface (34) of the protector is adapted to carry a material (36) which holds a sterilizing agent in contact with a medical connection when the protector is in the closed position.

Abstract: A luer lock connection device for medical use, for example, in continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis in which a solution container is coupled via flexible tubing to a patient's tube that communicates with the patient's peritoneal cavity.The luer lock connection device includes a cooperating male luer lock connector and a female luer lock connector, with visual indicating means provided to indicate that the male and female connectors are assembled properly for use when they are in a predetermined relationship. The male and female luer lock connectors are structured to provide a double sealing arrangement for aiding in maintaining an uncontaminated connection.

Abstract: A gripper member comprises an openable and closable pair of handles interconnected by a hinge member. Each handle defines, adjacent its hinge member, an arcuate recess positioned to face the corresponding recess of the other handle and defining gripping projections therein. A wall member is positioned longitudinally on each handle to cross each arcuate recess, both wall members being positioned at the same side of their respective recesses. Accordingly, a plastic tube may be surrounded and gripped in the arcuate recesses of the handles for rotational retention thereof as a connector member is inserted into or withdrawn from the tube. At the same time, the wall members pinch the tube into closed, sealed relation with the handles in closed position.

Abstract: A copolyester compositon which exhibits good bonding characteristics to polyvinyl chloride, good impact resistance, and improved resistance to crazing or cracking in the presence of solvents such as alcohol. The composition consists essentially of (a) 80 to 95 percent by weight of a generally rigid poly(ethylene cyclohexanedimethylene terephthalate) in which from 2 to 20 molar parts of ethylene units are present per one molar part of cyclohexanedimethylene units, and (b) from 5 to 20 percent by weight of a flexible copolymer containing alternating covalently bonded blocks of poly(butylene terephthalate) and poly(1,4-butylene ether).

Abstract: A sterile connector system is provided for continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis in which a dialysate solution container having a transfer port is coupled to tubing extending from a patient's peritoneal cavity. The transfer port is connected to one end of a flexible housing and the patient's tubing is connected to the opposite end of the flexible housing. A sterilizing agent is introduced into the housing and in contact with the transfer port and the patient's tubing. The sterilized transfer port is thereafter connected to the sterilized patient's tubing within the housing.

Abstract: A touch-contamination protected spike connector is provided for coupling a plastic fluid conduit to a port extending from a medical solution container. The spike defines a longitudinal bore and has an angled tip, and carries a flange which extends outwardly from the spike. A tube surrounds and is concentric with a major portion of the spike, with the tube having a dimension suited for coupling to the port with a snug pressure fit. A spacer is interposed between the spike and the tube. The flange and surrounding tube cooperate to enable the spike to be connected to the port with the chance of bacterial contamination caused by accidental touching of the spike being minimized.