Abstract: Variable fill drug delivery devices for delivering a therapeutic agent to a patient are provided. A variable fill drug delivery device includes a drug container to store a variable amount (or user-selectable amount) of a therapeutic agent. A plunger of the variable fill drug delivery device is positioned in the drug container. An infusion engine of the variable fill device is coupled to the plunger. The infusion engine retains the plunger prior to activation of the variable fill drug delivery device and releases the plunger after activation of the variable fill drug delivery device. After activation, the infusion engine drives the plunger from a first position within the drug container to a second position within the drug container to expel the variable amount of the therapeutic agent from the drug container for delivery to a patient.

Abstract: The invention includes a device having a chamber within a syringe. A fluid passageway extends through a syringe piston. A valve is associated with the passageway controlling fluid passage through the piston. The invention includes a piercing structure having a head segment and a body portion, with a channel through the body portion and through at least one surface of the head without passing through the tip. In another aspect the invention encompasses a method of preparing an agent for administration to an individual. A first component is provided within a syringe and a second component is provided within a vial. A closed valve is associated with a fluid passageway between the vial and the syringe barrel through a piston. Valve repositioning allows fluid passage and sliding of the piston joins the first and second components. Repeated sliding of the piston mixes the components to produce the medication agent.

Abstract: A breast pump including a container, a host unit disposed above and communicating with the container, an electric heating cup disposed at the front end of the host unit and communicating with the container, an electric heating element, and heat insulation. The electric heating cup includes an inner cover and an outer cover which are integrated. The electric heating element and the heat insulation are disposed between the inner cover and the outer cover. The heat insulation is disposed between the electric heating element and the outer cover. Positive and negative electrodes of the electric heating element are connected to conducting plates disposed in the inner side of the outer cover via connection wires. The conducting plates extend to the outer side of the outer cover and are in electric connection to contact chips disposed at the lower front end of the host unit.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for providing a field environment filled proximal chamber of a multi-chamber syringe and for filling a prime-free syringe are disclosed. In addition, methods for resetting valves of a multi-chamber syringe without special tools or insertion of foreign objects into the syringe are disclosed. A valve for interfacing with syringes telescopically inserted into a larger syringe and which are generally used as proximal chambers in multi-chamber syringes used in mixing and serial delivery applications is disclosed. Four embodiments of novel resettable valves are disclosed. Also, a syringe assembly for delivering a saline-dose-saline medication sequence is disclosed.

Abstract: A medicated module comprising a connecting body configured for attachment to a drug delivery device. A first needle is fixed within the connecting body and an outer body operatively coupled to the connecting body. A needle guard operatively coupled to the outer body and a biasing member positioned between the outer body and needle guard. A second needle fixed within the outer body and a recess within the connecting body defines a reservoir. The reservoir contains at least one dose of a medicament and is configured for fluid communication with the first and second needle.

Abstract: Described herein are syringe devices, systems and methods. In general, the syringe may include a first chamber and a cartridge movable within the first chamber. The cartridge may include a cartridge chamber and a valve in fluid communication with the cartridge chamber and the first chamber and having an open configuration and a closed configuration. The valve may allow movement of a liquid out of the cartridge chamber while in a open configuration. The cartridge may also include a second end, movable within the cartridge chamber, and a locking mechanism having a locked configuration and an unlocked configuration, the locking mechanism preventing movement of the second end within the cartridge chamber while in the locked configuration.

Abstract: A syringe piston used in fat transplantation is structured such that free oil is easily separated from suctioned fat by a syringe piston having a filter and naturally discharged through the rear side thereof. The syringe piston without a shaft, used in fat transplantation, disposed in a syringe-shaped cylindrical vessel, includes a piston body without the shaft, a packing coupled with an outer surface of the piston body to seal between the piston body and the syringe-shaped cylindrical vessel, a free oil discharging hole communicated with the front side and the rear side of the piston body, an opening and closing device for opening and closing the free oil discharging hole, and a filtering device disposed in a passage through which free oil is discharged to filter fat and pass the free oil.

Abstract: Ambulatory infusion pumps, pump assemblies, cartridges, baseplates, cannulas, insertion tools, and related components as well as combinations thereof and related methods. One method of dispensing medicament from a cartridge includes pushing a plunger so as to controllably dispense out of a medicament reservoir within the cartridge in accordance with a stored delivery profile an amount of medicament of 0.1% or less of the total filled volume of the reservoir and with a single-dose precision of better than plus or minus 20%. The single-dose precision is obtained after a time-to-precision period of less than eight hours, which begins at the onset of the first plunger pushing for the cartridge, during which the plunger is being pushed in accordance with the stored delivery profile.

Abstract: A combining syringe wherein multiple fluids are dispensed through a primary plunger into a primary cylinder when a force is applied to the secondary plunger shaft. The fluids are combined and dispensed from the primary cylinder's attaching end when a force is applied to the primary plunger shaft. The primary plunger shaft has a primary plunger attaching end opposite a primary pressure applying end. The primary plunger is connected to the primary plunger attaching end. The primary plunger shaft accepts a secondary cylinder and secures it with an attaching element. The secondary cylinder has a secondary plunger receiving end opposite a dispensing end. The secondary cylinder's dispensing end is inserted into an opening of the primary plunger. The secondary plunger shaft has a secondary plunger attaching end opposite a secondary pressure applying end. The secondary plunger is connected to the secondary plunger attaching end.

Abstract: A microbial detection assembly is disclosed which includes a tubular body, a pierceable septum, and a plunger. The tubular body defines a longitudinal axis and has a first end and a second end. The pierceable septum is configured to seal the first end of the tubular body. The plunger head is configured to substantially close the second end of the tubular body. Together, the plunger head, the pierceable septum, and the tubular body define a reservoir dimensioned to receive a medium and a sample substance. Additionally, the plunger head is positioned and is movable within the tubular body in response to changes in pressure within the reservoir.

Abstract: A method of supplying a flush/lock solution to a catheter assembly is disclosed which includes the steps of securing a distal end of a syringe assembly to the catheter assembly, advancing a plunger rod of the syringe assembly within a body of the syringe assembly until the plunger bottoms out on a distal wall of the body to eject a first fluid from a first fluid reservoir of the body from the fluid outlet of the syringe assembly, and after the plunger bottoms out on the distal wall of the body, advancing the plunger rod further within the body to advance a piercing member to pierce the plunger to eject a second fluid from a second fluid reservoir defined by the plunger from the fluid outlet.

Abstract: The invention relates to an injection device for the needle-free injection of a medium. Said injection device comprises an injector device and an ampoule unit, said ampoule unit comprising a base (4) holding the medium to be injected. Said base comprises a jacket (5) which exerts pressure on the base, and jacket completely enveloping the base in the longitudinal axial direction.

Abstract: A system to minimize fluid turbulence inside a tissue cavity during endoscopic procedures. A body tissue cavity of a subject is distended by continuous flow irrigation using a solenoid operated pump on the inflow side and a positive displacement pump, such as a peristaltic pump, on the outflow side, such that the amplitude of the pressure pulsations created by the outflow positive displacement pump inside the said tissue cavity is substantially dampened to almost negligible levels. The present invention also provides a method for accurately determining the rate of fluid loss into the subject's body system during any endoscopic procedure without utilizing any deficit weight or fluid volume calculation, the same being accomplished by using two fluid flow rate sensors. The present invention also provides a system of creating and maintaining any desired pressure in a body tissue cavity for any desired cavity outflow rate.

Abstract: A metering device, a metering element, and a method for operating same, the metering element having a storage container open on one side for receiving the substances to be metered and a plunger which is axially movable and reversibly seals the opening of the storage container and which preferably has at least one centrally located metering opening for metering the substances provided in the storage container, the plunger including a separation device for particles.

Abstract: An interface device is described which includes a body defining one or more cylindrical bores which are dimensioned to receive a standard luer lock syringe. Each bore includes a plunger movably positioned therein from a retracted position to an advanced position. The plunger and the distal end of the bore defines a first fluid reservoir and the standard syringe assembly defines a second fluid reservoir. The interface device and the syringe assembly are operable to sequentially deliver multiple fluids from the interface device to a catheter assembly.

Abstract: A syringe assembly is disclosed which includes a syringe body defining a first fluid reservoir and a fluid outlet. A plunger assembly includes a plunger rod and a plunger. The plunger is supported on a distal end of the plunger rod and defines a second fluid reservoir. The plunger is movable within the syringe body from a retracted position to an advanced position to eject fluid from the first fluid reservoir. A piercing member is supported on a distal end of the plunger rod within the second fluid reservoir. The piercing member is movable to pierce the plunger to eject fluid from the second fluid reservoir when a predetermined force is applied to the plunger in the advanced position.

Abstract: A syringe device includes a syringe barrel and piston having a fluid passageway extending from a vial port. Another syringe device includes a syringe barrel, a piston sleeve and an insert. A channel extends along a side of the insert. A valve controls fluid communication between the channel and the syringe barrel. Another syringe device has a syringe barrel, a piston sleeve and an insert. A valve controls fluid communication between a compartment within the insert and the syringe barrel. A method of preparing a medication includes providing a component within a syringe barrel and another component within a compartment of a piston insert. A seal is over-molded onto a tip of the insert and an end of a piston sleeve. The sleeve is rotated relative to the insert to establish fluid communication between the compartment and the barrel chamber.

Abstract: The prefilled syringe filled with a drug in advance, leaking of liquid from the cap is prevented, gas barrier properties are given to the whole of the barrel filled with the drug and the shoulder section so that degradation of the drug is prevented, permeation of microbial contaminants is prevented to a high extent, and efficiency of packing as a compact container can be increased. The prefilled syringe includes a guard-shaped extension projecting from the outer periphery of a shoulder section of the syringe barrel on the nozzle side, and a range from a part where a gasket of the plunger is positioned on the outer surface of the syringe barrel filled with the drug to the guard-shaped extension is covered with barrier packaging.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a syringe assembly comprising a syringe body member forming a syringe barrel having a syringe passageway passing through the length thereof; a discharge port being smaller in diameter than the syringe passageway and communicating with the syringe passageway at a front end thereof; at least one plunger member situated in the syringe barrel and dividing said syringe passageway into at least a first chamber at the front end of said syringe passageway and a second chamber at the back end of said syringe passageway, and comprising a plunger rod for actuating said plunger member; wherein said at least one plunger member being adapted for providing a flow connection between said chambers.

Abstract: A syringe piston used in fat transplantation is structured such that free oil is easily separated from suctioned fat by a syringe piston having a filter and naturally discharged through the rear side thereof. The syringe piston without a shaft, used in fat transplantation, disposed in a syringe-shaped cylindrical vessel, includes a piston body without the shaft, a packing coupled with an outer surface of the piston body to seal between the piston body and the syringe-shaped cylindrical vessel, a free oil discharging hole communicated with the front side and the rear side of the piston body, an opening and closing device for opening and closing the free oil discharging hole, and a filtering device disposed in a passage through which free oil is discharged to filter fat and pass the free oil.

Abstract: A discharge assembly is disclosed which partitions a conventional syringe into proximal and distal chambers to provide a multi-chamber, sequentially dispensing syringe apparatus. Incorporated in the discharge assembly is a syringe stopper body and an associated valve stem which in combination form a valve. A syringe plunger communicates through fluid in the proximal chamber to force displacement of the discharge assembly. The valve is actuated by collision between a rigid member which is a part of the valve stem and the distal internal surface of the syringe. The discharge assembly may be made from two parts: (1) the stopper body (made from conventional syringe stopper material); (2) the valve (actuating) stem made from rigid material similar to material from which the syringe barrel is made.

Abstract: A drug loading apparatus includes a plunger with a through hole or slit valve located in the top face of the plunger. A dispensing chamber housing located in a drug delivery device is configured to receive the plunger so that a dispensing chamber is formed when the plunger is located in the dispensing chamber housing. The drug can then be loaded into the dispensing chamber through the plunger, and a piston with an end configured to seal the through hole or engage the plunger with the slit valve can then be inserted.

Abstract: A container or vial (1) for a fluid, the container (1) comprising a casing defining an interior for storage of the fluid and a closure member (2). The closure member (2) comprises a body and at least one resilient projection (7) to seal in a storage condition an outlet of the casing, wherein upon an increase in the pressure of the interior of the container (1) the at least one resilient projection (7) is deflected to accommodate outflow of fluid through the outlet. The pressure in the interior of the container (1) may be increased by displacing the closure member (2) into the container (1) or by displacing some other element such as a bung (61, 82) into the container (1). The container (1) and closure member (2) may be used in a dispenser (90) and the closure element may be used in a valve (110).

Abstract: A discharge assembly is disclosed which partitions a conventional syringe into proximal and distal chambers to provide a multi-chamber, sequentially dispensing syringe apparatus. Incorporated in the discharge assembly is a syringe stopper body and an associated valve stem which in combination form a valve. A syringe plunger communicates through fluid in the proximal chamber to force displacement of the discharge assembly. The valve is actuated by collision between a rigid member which is a part of the valve stem and the distal internal surface of the syringe. The discharge assembly may be made from two parts: (1) the stopper body (made from conventional syringe stopper material); (2) the valve (actuating) stem made from rigid material similar to material from which the syringe barrel is made.

Abstract: An appliance for facilitating the blood drawing process comprising a band to be worn across the wrist of the phlebotomist intending to draw the blood, the wrist band including a holder for retaining a blood collection barrel in place on the phlebotomist's wrist and in clear view while both of the phlebotomist's hands are free to perform the blood drawing process.

Abstract: The invention provides a syringe for preventing anemia resulting from withdrawal of blood from a patient for analysis, the syringe including a cylindrical tube having a nozzle at its lower end to which a needle is attachable; a piston disposed within the tube and apiston handle protruding from the upper end of hte tube; the syringe being further adapted to a be placed in a centrifuge for separating blood drawn from the patient into supernatant plasma component and a packed-cells component, and further comprising means for separating or removing at least a portion of teh plasma, thereby facilitating the injection of the packed-cells back into the patient The invention also provides a method for preventing anemia resulting from the withdrawal of blood from a patient for analysis.

Abstract: A device for treating a fluid-like sample, in particular whole blood, with treatment fluid. The device comprises a tubular container with a first piston and a second piston, with a piston gap between them in which the treatment fluid is located in the initial position. The device further comprises an inlet port to which a capillary can be connected and an outlet port to which a filter can be connected.

Abstract: A displaceable valved stopper is disclosed which partitions a conventional syringe into proximal and distal chambers to provide a multi-chamber, mixing syringe assembly. Also the valved stopper and a valve assembly are disclosed for use in a single conventional syringe to provide dual chamber mixing plus a disparate and sequentially dispensed flush. Incorporated in the valve assembly is another valved stopper and a separator which filters out gas from liquid being dispensed through the valve assembly. Each valved stopper is made as a single molded part which may be made from basic syringe plunger material. Also, each valved stopper may have a bi-state valve (e.g. a domed, slit valve). The separator is a single molded part which may be molded from basic syringe material. Each valve is actuated to a different state by differential pressure of a force greater than the associated valved stopper displacement force.

Abstract: A valve assembly is disclosed which partitions a conventional syringe into proximal and distal chambers to provide a multi-chamber, sequentially dispensing syringe apparatus. Incorporated in the valve assembly is a valved stopper having a valve (e.g. a slit valve) and a separator which filters out gas from liquid being dispensed through the valve assembly. A syringe plunger communicates through fluid in the proximal chamber to force displacement of the valve assembly. The valve is actuated by differential pressure of a force greater than the valve assembly displacement force. The valve assembly may be made from two parts: (1) a valved stopper (may be molded from basic syringe plunger material); (2) a separator (may be injection molded from syringe barrel material).

Abstract: A valve assembly is disclosed which effectively partitions a syringe into proximal and distal chambers to provide a multi-chamber, sequentially dispensing syringe apparatus. The valve assembly may be effectively used with a variety of standard, currently available commercial syringes and pre-filled syringes. Incorporated in the valve assembly is a valved stopper having a valve (which may be a slit valve), an impact sensor which opens the valve upon impact between the valve assembly and internal distal end of the syringe and a gas separator which separates liquid from gas disposed in the proximal chamber to assure gas is not delivered therefrom. The valve assembly is displaced as a plunger of the syringe is displaced via communication through fluid in the proximal chamber of the syringe. The actuator has a latching feature which latches the valve to an open state after being opened by the impact sensor. The gas separator has a proximally disposed orifice which facilitates priming.

Abstract: A safety syringe has a hollow barrel, a plunger, a tube, a needle hub, a spring and a plug. The hollow barrel has an outside surface, a proximal open end and a distal closed end. The plunger is mounted slidably inside the hollow barrel. The tube has a proximal open end and a distal open end and is attached longitudinally to the outside surface of the hollow barrel. The needle hub and the spring are mounted inside the tube, and the needle can extend out of the distal open end of the tube. A first through hole defined in the hollow barrel and a second through hole is defined in the tube align with each other. The needle is extended out from the distal end of the tube to take a blood sample. The used needle is retracted into the tube after use to keep people from getting injured or infected.

Abstract: A syringe apparatus and process for using the same is provided, the syringe apparatus having a barrel, a plunger movable within the barrel, a needle assembly attached to an end of the barrel and having a passageway therethrough, a deformable base positioned within the barrel, flexible supports included on the deformable base, a spring within the passageway of the needle assembly, a hollow needle passing through the passageway, an enlarged head on the needle, and a rupturable web on an end of the plunger, whereby when the plunger moves through the barrel toward the needle assembly, a fluid can be moved from the barrel through the hollow of the needle, and continued movement of the plunger flexes the supports and moves the deformable base downwardly until such time a sufficient force is imparted to the rupturable web by the enlarged head to tear the web, the deformable base then releasing the needle due to force applied by the spring to project the needle into the interior of the plunger.

Abstract: A needle-bearing device for injecting medicinal fluid from a pre-filled vial is provided. After use, the needle is retracted into the body of the device to prevent inadvertent contact with the sharpened end of the needle. In one embodiment, the invention provides a manually actuable button that effectuates retraction of the needle after use. In another embodiment, retraction is effectuated automatically after the injection is complete.

Abstract: A non-reusable syringe. The syringe comprises a cylinder having a plunger, with the cylinder being adapted to receive a needle. The plunger has a piston rod with a piston at one end thereof and a handle at the opposed end, with the piston being within the cylinder and the handle extending from the cylinder. The piston is movable within the cylinder to permit filling of the cylinder with liquid. The cylinder has a section of reduced diameter in sliding engagement with the piston rod, the section of reduced diameter preventing removal of the piston from the cylinder. The piston has at least one orifice therethrough filled with a non-toxic substance that is dissolvable in the liquid.

Abstract: The invention is directed to a device (V) for the output of a liquid (2) in partitioned amounts (2') from a store room (3), preferably in form of a cartridge (K), over an output mouth piece (4), preferably in form of an injection needle (5), and has the object the application of exactly reproducible amounts from a reserve amount and its safe application. This is obtained by an intermediate reservoir (17) taking up the partitioned amount (2') from the store room (3), whereby for the intermediate reservoir (17) an output piston (19) is provided with a penetration canal (18) to fill the intermediate reservoir (17).

Abstract: A needle-bearing device for injecting medicinal fluid from a pre-filled cartridge is provided. After use, the needle is retracted into the body of the device to prevent inadvertent contact with the sharpened end of the needle. In one embodiment, the invention provides a manually actuable button that effectuates retraction of the needle after use. In another embodiment, retraction is effectuated automatically after the injection is complete.

Abstract: A hypodermic needle of the present invention includes an elongate hollow tube with a proximal end, a distal end and has a bore therethrough. The proximal end of the needle of the invention has a hub fixedly attached thereto to connect the needle releasably to a fluid handling device with the distal end having a point for facilitating penetration of the needle into a patient's tissue. The outside surface of the tube has a proximal portion with a lower coefficient of sliding friction with the patient's tissue than the coefficient of sliding friction with the patient's tissue than a distal portion of the outside surface of the tube. The higher coefficient of friction of the distal portion enables a practitioner to substantially discriminate the needle's penetration of structures in the patient's tissue while the lower coefficient of friction proximal portion substantially reduces drag force for passage of the proximal portion through the structures already penetrated by the distal portion.

Abstract: The invention relates to a portable and non-implantable device to enable a patient to self-administer, on demand, successive doses of a liquid while ensuring that the period of time between two successive administrations cannot be less than a reference value. The device has a liquid reservoir formed in a piston which can be pushed in a chamber to expel the contents of the chamber via an injection outlet and which is returned in the opposite direction by a return. The liquid reservoir communicates with the inside of the chamber via a passage formed through the piston and is provided with a flow rate limiter so that the time required to fill the chamber corresponds to a reference value. The invention is suitable for medical applications.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for dispensing topical medication. The apparatus consists of a dispenser comprising a piston assembly slidably engaged with a housing, and a nozzle frictionally attached to the housing. The housing comprises an upper reservoir, lower reservoir and nozzle reservoir. The piston assembly comprises a piston attached to a rod, the rod reciprocating within a housing rod aperture, and the piston reciprocating within a housing bore. The upper reservoir is defined by a housing top, the housing bore, and the piston. The lower reservoir is defined by the piston, housing bore, and a lower reservoir floor. The upper reservoir communicates with the exterior of the housing by means of a normally closed upper reservoir valve, and with the lower reservoir by means of a normally open piston valve.

Abstract: An injection device for administration of fluid medication is provided with a retraction mechanism for safety retracting the injection needle after administration of the injection. The device comprises a barrel for receiving a pre-filled medication cartridge containing a supply of fluid medication and sealed by a slidable plug. A plunger is positioned in the barrel. The plunger includes a rear portion for engaging and puncturing the plug, and for holding the plug at a stationary position as the cartridge is merged into the barrel to administer the injection. The player further includes a formal end for releasing the needle for the needle retraction mechanism when the cartridge has been urged into the barrel after the and of an injection stroke.

Abstract: Device for mixing a pharmaceutical composition stored in a chamber (44) in said device with an agent to be added shortly before administration to form a preparation to be adminstered. The device should be capable of being shaken without leaking. It comprises a hollow body (2) having an outlet (4) sealed by a removable closure (12) and a plunger (6), which is slidable therein in sealing contact with the inner wall of the hollow body (2). The plunger (6), the hollow body (2) and the removable closure (12) define said chamber (44). An actuating means (22) is connected to the plunger (6) for displacing the same in the hollow body (2). A filling conduit (19) for said agent is connected to the chamber (44). A check valve (30) is associated with the conduit (19) and the chamber (44), which prevents flow from the chamber (44) but permits flow into said chamber through said conduit (19).

Abstract: Absorbable, segmented copolymers of aliphatic polyesters based on lactone monomers lactide, and p-dioxanone are described. The segmented copolymers exhibit a broad range of properties, especially high strength and long elongations. This unique elastomeric behavior makes the copolymers of the present invention useful in a variety of medical device applications, especially adhesion prevention barriers and hemostatic devices.

Abstract: A positive displacement ampule for storing a fluid therein and dispensing the fluid therefrom. The ampule includes an elongate vessel for storing the fluid having a large diameter base portion at one end thereof joined to a small diameter stem portion at the other end thereof, a piston disposed in the vessel at the base end thereof for forcing the fluid from the vessel, a fracture probe for fracturing the base end of the vessel and a needle for inserting into the fractured base end of the vessel and for piercing the piston such that one end of the needle protrudes outwardly from the vessel and the other end of the needle communicates with the fluid in the vessel. In this manner, the fluid is pumped from the vessel through the needle by pushing the piston in the direction of the fluid.

Abstract: A blood sampling system incorporates a fluid storage mechanism which can be disposed along the longitudinal axis of a fluid line extending from an injection site to a fluid supply. Both the main body portion of the fluid storage mechanism and a fluid draw element of the fluid storage mechanism are axially aligned with the longitudinal axis of the fluid line. The fluid storage mechanism also incorporates a vortex inducer element at the distal end of the fluid draw element to induce a swirl of fluid to cleanse the fluid storage mechanism once a sample drawn into the fluid storage mechanism has been returned to the patient. An alternative embodiment of the fluid storage mechanism includes a volume control device.

Abstract: A telescoping, pharmaceutical mixing container (2) includes outer and inner containers (4, 6) telescopically mounted to one another with the inner end (16) of the inner container situated within the outer container. The inner container has a piston cap (28) mounted to it so to provide a piston-like seal between the inner and outer containers, and houses a piston (22) within its interior. The piston cap defines a flow path (32) between first and second variable volume regions (34, 36) within the inner and outer containers respectively. Reciprocating the inner container within the outer container causes the pharmaceutical (38) to pass through the flow path and between the variable volume regions and mix. The mixing container is preferably used with a metering assembly (52) including a metering stop (74), threadably positionable along the axis (25) of the mixing container, and a driver (70) secured to the inner container.

Abstract: A positive displacement ampule for storing a fluid therein and dispensing the fluid therefrom. The ampule includes an elongate vessel for storing the fluid having a large diameter base portion at one end thereof joined to a small diameter stem portion at the other end thereof, a piston disposed in the vessel at the base end thereof for forcing the fluid from the vessel, a fracture probe for fracturing the base end of the vessel and a needle for inserting into the fractured base end of the vessel and for piercing the piston such that one end of the needle protrudes outwardly from the vessel and the other end of the needle communicates with the fluid in the vessel. In this manner, the fluid is pumped from the vessel through the needle by pushing the piston in the direction of the fluid.

Abstract: This invention relates to novel copolymers containing carbonate repeat units and ester repeat units.

Abstract: A disposable syringe for the dual extraction of a fluid for a plurality of vacuum glass tubes and other types of fluid reservoirs or alternately the delivery of an injectable fluid. A plunger of the syringe also functions as a conduit with one end thereof capable of sealably accepting a blood collection needle of a blood collection receptacle, and as such, allowing a fluid to flow from within the syringe, through said conduit, and into said plurality of vacuum glass tubes, without loss of the piston's ability to generate a positive or negative pressure within said syringe by advancing said plunger in a distal or proximal direction, respectively. Several embodiments of the plunger-conduit system are described.

Abstract: Apparatus for administering liquid medication to an animal is provided and includes an elongated administering rod having a first one way valve adjacent to the tip thereof and which rod is connected to a hollow housing in which there is located a barrel syringe so that measuring indicia thereon is visible, a hollow piston mounted for reciprocal movement in the barrel syringe, a closure member for holding the barrel syringe in place and through which a hollow piston rod having the piston attached thereto reciprocates. Apparatus is provided for reciprocating the piston rod and piston. A fitting is attached to the piston rod and is connected by a flexible tube to a supply of liquid medication and a second one way valve is mounted in the fitting. When the liquid medication is being administered, the first one way valve is open and the second one way valve is closed. When the liquid medication is being aspirated into the barrel syringe, the first one way valve is closed and the second one way valve is open.

Abstract: A disposable syringe for the dual extraction of arterial blood or venous blood into the barrel of said disposable syringe and a plurality of vacuum glass tubes.