Abstract: An automatic cleaning device for delivering a cleaning fluid to a vacuum hose of a dental suction system is provided which automatically dispenses a measured amount of cleaning fluid into the vacuum hose each time that a dental instrument is changed. The automatic cleaning device includes a housing having a first end and a second end. The first end of the housing is adapted to releasably receive a hollow dental instrument, such as a suction tube. The second end of the housing is coupled to the vacuum hose. The housing of the automatic cleaning device includes a cavity which extends from the first end to the second end and a reservoir is disposed within the housing, the reservoir containing a cleansing fluid. A hollow piston is disposed within the housing and coupled to the first end of the housing such that receipt of the hollow dental instrument in the first end of the housing causes a forward-backward longitudinal movement of the hollow piston.

Abstract: A system and a method are provided for admixing solutions. The system includes containers separately accessible by one or more pumps for mixture of the solutions in a container immediately before administration to a peritoneal cavity of a patient. Alternatively, the system and method allow for direct administration of the mixed solution to the peritoneal cavity of a patient without intermediate mixing thereof. The solutions may be mixed in predetermined ratios as input to the system prior to delivery.

Abstract: Apparatus for adding a beneficial agent to a liquid for drinking during oral administration includes a support structure extending transversely across an imperforate walled zone such as the upper end or neck of a bottle or vessel, or of a funnel-like adapter attached to the top of the vessel, with a retention pocket with liquid penetrable walls held by the support structure and comprising at least one beneficial agent secured therein whereby the beneficial agent is taken up in the liquid for drinking during or just prior to oral administration. The beneficial agent may be in either or both of controlled release dosage form or non-controlled release dosage form and may be one or more of nutrients, medicaments, probiotics, electrolytes, rehydration solutions and diagnostic agents, to which a flavoring agent may be added.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to an oral active agent delivery system and method for delivering discrete units of an active agent to a patient. An elongate tubular member having first and second ends comprises first and second flow paths. Either or both of said flow paths contains an active agent. Liquid is drawn up into the first end of the member, and the liquid and active agent is drawn out of the second end of the member and into the patient's mouth.

Abstract: A portable analgesic system comprises a liquid medicine supply unit which stores a given amount of liquid medicine temporarily and then discharges the liquid medicine automatically, a first three-way connector connected to an outlet of the liquid medicine supply unit, an intermittent injection line for liquid medicine connected to one outlet of the first three-way connector, a continuous injection line for liquid medicine connected to the other outlet of the first three-way connector, and a second three-way connector for intercommunicating with outlets of the both lines.

Abstract: A medical connector is for use in transferring fluids to and from a patient. The connector has a primary conduit, which has an upstream branch in fluid communication with a primary source of fluid and a downstream branch in fluid communication with a patient. The connector also has a secondary conduit in fluid communication with said primary conduit. Additionally, the connector has a hollow, resilient valve positioned such that the primary fluid can flow through the valve when the valve is in a decompressed state. The valve has a tab extending into the secondary conduit such that a luer inserted in the secondary conduit compresses the tab, thereby preventing flow of the primary fluid through the connector while permitting both flow of fluid to the patient from the luer and flow of fluid from the patient to the luer.

Abstract: An arrangement for mixing together two fluids includes a base and first, second, and third holding members each secured to the base. The first holding member is constructed and arranged to hold a first fluid holding device, such as a syringe, relative to a second fluid holding device, such as a syringe, and a connector. The second holding member is constructed and arranged to hold the second fluid holding device relative to the first fluid holding device and the connector. The third holding member is constructed and arranged to hold the connector relative to the first fluid holding device and second fluid holding device. The third holding member is positioned on the base in axial alignment with both the first holding member and the second holding member. A method for mixing two fluids includes connecting first and second syringes with a three-way stopcock. The connected syringes are positioned on a base containing three holding members.

Abstract: A connector adapted to facilitate medicinal access into an intravenous tube includes a housing having a base and a cap defining a channel through the housing. A valve element disposed in the channel includes a plug and elastomeric shaft which biases the plug into sealing engagement with the housing. Operation of the connector by inserting a male Luer fitting in the housing axially compresses the valve element to a canted position thereby permitting medicinal access through the channel and into the intravenous tube. Canting of the valve element can be facilitated by providing a finger along the channel or by providing a predetermined buckling section along the valve element. The shaft of the valve element can be rounded and disposed in an arcuate cavity of the housing to further facilitate canting of the valve element.

Abstract: An apparatus for accurately infusing fluids into a patient at specific rates over an extended period of time. The apparatus is of a low profile, laminate or layered construction having a stored energy source in the form of a distendable membrane, which in cooperation with the base of the apparatus, defines one or more fluid reservoirs, each having a fluid inlet and a fluid outlet. The apparatus further includes, a novel, conformable ullage made of yieldable materials which uniquely conform to the shape of the elastomeric membrane as the membrane returns to its less distended configuration. This arrangement will satisfy even the most stringent medicament delivery tolerance requirements and will elegantly overcome the limitations of materials selection encountered in devices embodying solely a rigid ullage construction. Additionally, in one form of the invention, the apparatus includes a novel fill assembly for controllably filling the reservoirs of the device in the field.

Abstract: An apparatus and method are disclosed for modifying a liquid enteral nutritional product during delivery thereof from a supply to a feeding tube delivering the modified liquid enteral nutritional product to the gastrointestinal tract of a patient. At least one beneficial agent not in controlled release dosage form in a useful, dose unit, amount, is disposed within a formulation chamber so as to be taken up in a liquid enteral nutritional product traversing the formulation chamber while feeding the modified nutritional product into the gastrointestinal tract of a patient. The beneficial additive(s) are selected from nutrients, medicaments, probiotics, or diagnostic agents, or mixtures thereof, each in a dosage form that is dispersible in the medium of the liquid enteral nutritional product in less than two hours.

Abstract: An apparatus is useful for dye marking a liquid enteral nutritional product during delivery thereof from a supply container to a feeding tube delivering the nutritional product to the gastrointestinal tract of a patient. A formulation chamber, such as a drip chamber, is connectable to the supply container. At least one sustained release reservoir containing a physiologically acceptable marker dye is positioned within the formulation chamber, or if not, is included as part of a kit. The sustained release reservoir may be in the form of a coated tablet, osmotically driven device, coated capsule, microencapsulated microspheres, agglomerated molecular sieving material, or chopped hollow fibers having permeable walls. A liquid communication means connects the formulation chamber to the feeding tube of a patient. The marker dye may be a colorant dye or a fluorescing dye or a mixture thereof.

Abstract: A method of administering a drug to a patient comprises the steps of filling a dispenser (20) with a predetermined total volume of a liquid containing the drug and administering a predetermined volume of the liquid in the dispenser to the patient (10) The liquid in the dispenser is then replaced with a diluent (22). The administration of liquid and replacement with diluent (22) are then repeated from time to time so that diminishing doses of the drug are administered to the patient (10). Preferably the diluent (22) is drawn into the dispenser (20) prior to the drug containing liquid being administered. The method is preferably- patient (10) controlled via control push button (48). The invention extends to apparatus which is used to carry out the method.

Abstract: A method for dye marking a liquid enteral nutritional product during delivery thereof from a supply container to a feeding tube delivering the nutritional product to the gastrointestinal tract of a patient includes the steps of: (1) providing apparatus such as a formulation chamber, e.g., a drip chamber, connectable to the supply container, with at least one sustained release reservoir containing a physiologically acceptable and dispersible marker dye positioned within the formulation chamber, and, liquid communication means connecting the formulation chamber to the feeding tube of a patient; (2) providing a supply container containing the nutritional product; (3) connecting the formulation chamber to the supply container and the liquid commmunication means to the feeding tube; and (4) flowing the dye-marked nutritional product through the apparatus and into the feeding tube.

Abstract: A method is disclosed for modifying a liquid enteral nutritional product during delivery thereof from a supply container to a feeding tube delivering the nutritional product to the gastrointestinal tract of a patient. During enteral tube feeding the nutritional product passes through a formulation chamber, e.g., a drip chamber, having located therein at least one controlled release dosage form unit containing at least one beneficial agent. The beneficial agent may be selected from nutrients, medicaments, probiotics, or diagnostic agents or mixtures thereof, and any such together with a physiologically acceptable marker dye in controlled release dosage form and/or the same or different additional beneficial agent not in controlled release dosage form. Controlled release dosage forms may be of a conventional sustained release type or an osmotically driven delivery device.

Abstract: An apparatus is disclosed for modifying a liquid enteral nutritional product during delivery thereof from a supply thereof, such as a hangable container, to a feeding tube delivering the liquid enteral nutritional product to the gastrointestinal tract of a patient. The apparatus has at least one formulation chamber, such as a drip chamber, with at least one controlled release dosage form unit in the form of a coated tablet, osmotically driven device, coated capsule, microencapsulated microspheres, agglomerated molecular sieving type material, or a quantity of fine hollow permeable fibers located therein. The controlled release dosage form unit or units contain at least one beneficial agent selected from nutrients, medicaments, probiotics, or diagnostic agents or mixtures thereof, to any of which a physiologically acceptable marker dye in controlled release dosage form and/or the same or different beneficial agent not in controlled release dosage form may be added.

Abstract: A fluid manifold includes a housing having a first inlet and an outlet and a plurality of inlets intermediate the first inlet and the outlet which are provided with check valve action to prevent retrograde flow through the valved inlets, yet allow individual inlets to pass fluid when the fluid pressure in any individual inlet exceeds that of the interior of the chamber by a predetermined cracking pressure, and retrograde flow through the first inlet is controlled by a flapper portion which may be biased to an open position to allow unrestricted flow from the first inlet to the outlet or configured so as to be in sealing contact with a valve seat in order to preferentially inhibit flow.

Abstract: Apparatus for adding a beneficial agent to a liquid for drinking during oral administration includes a support structure extending transversely across an imperforate walled zone such as the upper end or neck of a bottle or vessel, or of a funnel-like adapter attached to the top of the vessel, with a retention pocket with liquid penetrable walls held by the support structure and comprising at least one beneficial agent secured therein whereby the beneficial agent is taken up in the liquid for drinking during or just prior to oral administration. The beneficial agent may be in either or both of controlled release dosage form or non-controlled release dosage form and may be one or more of nutrients, medicaments, probiotics, electrolytes, rehydration solutions and diagnostic agents, to which a flavoring agent may be added.

Abstract: In general, the medical infusion device of the present invention includes at least one check valve chamber through which a primary intravenous stream is arranged to pass by way of a primary fluid inlet port and a primary outlet port. Each check valve chamber has at least one physically associated infusion port through which a medicational or nutritional fluid can be injected in any number of possible ways. Each check valve chamber has an interior volume, a check valve opening formed between its interior volume and its associated infusion port, a check valve chamber opening formed through the check valve chamber and axially aligned with the check valve opening, a flexible check valve element, and a check valve support element.

Abstract: A syringe is provided for dispensing single and multi-component compositions while minimizing the entrainment of air. The syringe includes a barrel having a nozzle positioned at one end, a plunger slidably received in the other end, and a sidewall extending between the ends. The barrel has an interior surface defining a chamber for holding the composition. An access port extends through the sidewall to communicate with the chamber. The access port is positioned and configured so that the composition can initially be delivered though the access port and into the chamber near the nozzle. A sufficient amount of composition is positioned to fill the chamber up to the access port. When multi-component compositions are used, an elongated paddle is provided for insertion into the chamber through the second end of the barrel to facilitate mixing of the components within the chamber. As the paddle is removed, a scraper is provided for removing the composition from off the paddle.

Abstract: In general, the medical infusion device of the present invention includes at least one check valve chamber through which a primary intravenous stream is arranged to pass by way of a primary fluid inlet port and a primary outlet port. Each check valve chamber has at least one physically associated infusion port through which a medicational or nutritional fluid can be injected in any number of possible ways. Each check valve chamber has an interior volume, a check valve opening formed between its interior volume and its associated infusion port, a check valve chamber opening formed through the check valve chamber and axially aligned with the check valve opening, a flexible check valve element, and a check valve support element.

Abstract: A dispensing system and apparatus for introducing contrast media intravascularly during catheterization procedures, which apparatus includes connected segments of tubing that serve as a flow path into the vascular system. A spike is provided at one end of a first segment of the tubing for "spiking" a bottle of contrast media. A stopcock is also provided in the first segment of tubing and a luer lock fitting is attached to the stopcock for connecting a second segment of tubing to the stopcock. A top check valve is provided in the second segment of tubing, which extends from the stopcock. A bottom check valve is provided in the second segment of tubing spaced from the first check valve and a bottom stopcock is also provided in the second segment of tubing below the bottom check valve. A third length of IV tubing projects from the bottom stopcock and receives a second luer lock fitting for securing the bottom end of the third length of IV tubing to a conventional manifold.

Abstract: A multi-cartridge dispenser for delivering two liquid medications through a single needle. The dispenser includes independent dual channel metering mechanism, dual channel drive mechanisms, and dual channel lock and pullback mechanisms. The wing must be in its "up" position for metering to take place. The wing reciprocatingly moves a driver between a pre-injection position and a post-injection position to reciprocatingly advance the leadscrews upon an injection stroke. The dosage indicator automatically rotates to its initial zero position upon the injection stroke. The lock and pullback mechanism automatically prevents rotation of the leadscrew upon metering and injection. It also locks out the cartridge retainers so that the retainers can be removed from the housing only while the wing is in its "down" position. The pullback sleeve unloads a pullback key during a cartridge change in order to enable the leadscrew to be spun freely back to its home position.

Abstract: A system for managing delivery of contrast media from a contrast media source to a patient. The system includes a chamber for receiving fluid from the contrast media source in a controlled manner. Attached at one end of the chamber is an inlet line and, at the opposite end, an outlet line. Disposed in the outlet line is a valve. The valve provides a first position which permits the flow of contrast media through the line. The valve further provides a second position which permits flow of fluid from the point of the valve toward the patient, while at the same time venting the system at the point of the valve.

Abstract: An apparatus (20, 30) operative from a first liquid pressure only and configured to generate and selectively direct a stream of first liquid or a third liquid is disclosed. Since no electrical power is used, the apparatus can be safely operated in any moist environments (e.g. a shower). In preferred embodiments, the apparatus is configured to operate in series with a showerhead (22) and a sink tap (32) for dental irrigation. Either water or dental solution which is comprised of water mixed with dental concentrate, can be independently selected. A mixer valve (48) controls the concentration of the irrigating solution. A handheld syringe (40) contains all other controls necessary for operation.

Abstract: A method for dye marking a liquid enteral nutritional product during delivery thereof from a supply container to a feeding tube delivering the nutritional product to the gastrointestinal tract of a patient includes the steps of: (1) providing apparatus such as a formulation chamber, e.g., a drip chamber, connectable to the supply container, with at least one sustained release reservoir containing a physiologically acceptable and dispersible marker dye positioned within the formulation chamber, and, liquid communication means connecting the formulation chamber to the feeding tube of a patient; (2) providing a supply container containing the nutritional product; (3) connecting the formulation chamber to the supply container and the liquid commmunication means to the feeding tube; and (4) flowing the dye-marked nutritional product through the apparatus and into the feeding tube.

Abstract: A receptacle (500) is provided for coupling an adaptor (10) having a vial (54) including a beneficial agent to an IV administration set (526). In an embodiment, the receptacle (500) includes an injection site (512) for receiving a cannula (26) from the adaptor (10). A resilient divider (516) separates the receptacle (500) into two sections defined by an upper fitment (508) and a lower fitment (510). A container (520) holding a solution is in fluid communication with the receptacle (500) via an inlet (502). A through bore (518) allows the solution from the container (520) to pass through the resilient divider (516) when the adaptor (10) is removed from the receptacle (500).

Abstract: An apparatus and method are disclosed for modifying a liquid enteral nutritional product during delivery thereof from a supply to a feeding tube delivering the modified liquid enteral nutritional product to the gastrointestinal tract of a patient. At least one beneficial agent not in controlled release dosage form in a useful, dose unit, amount, is disposed within a formulation chamber so as to be taken up in a liquid enteral nutritional product traversing the formulation chamber while feeding the modified nutritional product into the gastrointestinal tract of a patient. The beneficial additive(s) are selected from nutrients, medicaments, probiotics, or diagnostic agents, or mixtures thereof, each in a dosage form that is dispersible in the medium of the liquid enteral nutritional product in less than two hours.

Abstract: An apparatus is disclosed for modifying a liquid enteral nutritional product during delivery thereof from a supply thereof, such as a hangable container, to a feeding tube delivering the liquid enteral nutritional product to the gastrointestinal tract of a patient. The apparatus has at least one formulation chamber, such as a drip chamber, with at least one controlled release dosage form unit in the form of a coated tablet, osmotically driven device, coated capsule, microencapsulated microspheres, agglomerated molecular sieving type material, or a quantity of fine hollow permeable fibers located therein. The controlled release dosage form unit or units contain at least one beneficial agent selected from nutrients, medicaments, probiotics, or diagnostic agents or mixtures thereof, to any of which a physiologically acceptable marker dye in controlled release dosage form and/or the same or different beneficial agent not in controlled release dosage form may be added.

Abstract: A method is disclosed for modifying a liquid enteral nutritional product during delivery thereof from a supply container to a feeding tube delivering the nutritional product to the gastrointestinal tract of a patient. During enteral tube feeding the nutritional product passes through a formulation chamber, e.g., a drip chamber, having located therein at least one controlled release dosage form unit containing at least one beneficial agent. The beneficial agent may be selected from nutrients, medicaments, probiotics, or diagnostic agents or mixtures thereof, and any such together with a physiologically acceptable marker dye in controlled release dosage form and/or the same or different additional beneficial agent not in controlled release dosage form. Controlled release dosage forms may be of a conventional sustained release type or an osmotically driven delivery device.

Abstract: An apparatus is useful for dye marking a liquid enteral nutritional product during delivery thereof from a supply container to a feeding tube delivering the nutritional product to the gastrointestinal tract of a patient. A formulation chamber, such as a drip chamber, is connectable to the supply container. At least one sustained release reservoir containing a physiologically acceptable marker dye is positioned within the formulation chamber, or if not, is included as part of a kit. The sustained release reservoir may be in the form of a coated tablet, osmotically driven device, coated capsule, microencapsulated microspheres, agglomerated molecular sieving material, or chopped hollow fibers having permeable walls. A liquid communication means connects the formulation chamber to the feeding tube of a patient. The marker dye may be a colorant dye or a fluorescing dye or a mixture thereof.

Abstract: An injection site designed for use with a needleless syringe includes a housing placed in an infusion line and an inlet for engaging the syringe and conveying a fluid to be mixed with the infusate to the interior of the housing. A liner within the housing controls flow of fluid through the inlet by sealing the inlet when the pressure in the housing is equal to or exceeds the pressure in the syringe. The housing is made of two parts, each of which includes a flange. When assembled, the spaced flanges are on opposite ends of the liner, which is not directly attached to the housing, to limit movement of the liner to maintain its position in the housing.

Abstract: An apparatus for trapping bubbles in blood flowing in a circuit, such as blood in an extracorporeal circuit, is provided. The apparatus includes a housing which defines a substantially vertical chamber. Blood is introduced into the chamber through an inlet tube extending downwardly into the chamber and is removed from the chamber at an exit port near the lower end of the housing. A diverter having a container base and rim is positioned within the chamber. Blood is introduced near the container base. The blood is redirected upward upon contact with the container base and is then redirected downward over the rim. The redirection of blood flow provides an opportunity for bubbles in the blood to separate from the blood in the chamber and also helps prevent stagnation of blood in the chamber which might otherwise lead to clotting and separation of the blood. Blood is introduced into a chamber of the apparatus in a generally downward direction below the level of blood already present in the chamber.

Abstract: A removable manifold assembly for attachment to the outlet end of a multi-cartridge injection device. The manifold assembly comprises two rigid plastic housings which encapsulate a rubber septum. Check valves are formed by compressing the front surface of the septum against a seal face of the rear housing to form a fluid tight interface therebetween. A first fluid path is formed from each cartridge in the injector through the manifold assembly to a patient delivery needle. A second fluid path is formed in the manifold assembly from the first fluid path to a back surface of the septum in order to enable a residual fluid force to be exerted against the back surface of the septum, thereby forcing the respective check valve in its closed position. The manifold assembly includes a unique geometry that permits the manifold to be snapped into engagement with the housing only when properly oriented with the housing.

Abstract: A valve for medical use has a cannula mounted on a hub and fixed in a fluid conduit so that the cannula points upstream. An elastomeric valve element is mounted on the hub within the conduit so as to enclose the cannula. The valve element has a first solid portion of circular cross-section disposed upstream of the cannula point which closes the conduit, a second hollow frustoconical portion within which the cannula point is disposed, and a third hollow cylindrical portion surrounding the cannula downstream from its point and fixed to the hub. The second portion has a frustoconical interior passageway. In use, the valve element is compressed by application of a medical appliance to the valve element first portion to cause the cannula point to pierce the first portion to provide a path for fluid flow through the conduit.

Abstract: A fluid manifold includes a housing having a first inlet and an outlet and a plurality of inlets intermediate the first inlet and the outlet which are provided with check valve action to prevent retrograde flow through the valved inlets, yet allow individual inlets to pass fluid when the fluid pressure in any individual inlet exceeds that of the interior of the chamber by a predetermined cracking pressure. The check valve action is provided by a single resilient backcheck member which is deformably urged against annular valve seats by support members embodied in the housing opposite and central to the valved inlets. A conventional injection site may be provided in the housing so that additional fluids may be injected into the interior of the manifold through an inserted cannula.

Abstract: A dispensing system and apparatus for introducing contrast media intravascularly during catheterization procedures, which includes connected segments of tubing that serve as a flow path into the vascular system. A spike is provided at one end of a first segment of the tubing for "spiking" a bottle of contrast media. A stopcock is also provided in the first segment of tubing and a luer lock fitting is attached to the stopcock for connecting a second length of IV (intravascular) tubing fitted with a companion luer lock fitting. In a first preferred embodiment a top check valve is provided in the second segment of tubing, which terminates in the top of a reservoir. A second stopcock is connected to the bottom of the reservoir and a third length of IV tubing projects from the second stopcock and receives a bottom check valve and a second luer lock fitting for securing the bottom end of the third length of IV tubing to a conventional manifold.

Abstract: The invention is directed to a blood bag system for blood products comprising a bag (3) and at least one tubing (11) connected thereto, the system being made of at least partly transparent plastics material, wherein photoactive substances (31) may be enclosed in a closed-off section (A) of the tubing (11) of the ready-for-use system, which may be handled individually as an independent unit. Every blood bag system of this kind is adapted to be combined with another blood bag system, which may comprise one or several bags (3, 5, 7, 9) and may likewise be handled as an independent unit, by interconnecting both systems.

Abstract: A device (2) used to transfer the liquid contents (156) of a glass ampule (8) to a vial (10) includes a telescoping ampule body (12, 14) defining a collapsible, substantially air-tight region (22) within which the ampule is housed, which collapses when one part (12) is threaded onto the other part (14). This collapse increases the pressure within the collapsible region housing the ampule. The ampule is broken within the region, such as at the end of the collapsing of the telescoping members by snapping off the tip (64) of the ampule and breaking the base (48, 53) of the ampule. When used with a vial, a vial (10) is mounted to the ampule body via a vial body (80, 92). A vial spike (120) passes through the vial septum (128). The ampule body and the vial body defines a flow path (74, 100) between the vial spike and the ampule region. Once the flow path is open, the liquid from the ampule within the region flows along the flow path and into the vial because of the pressure created within the region.

Abstract: An apparatus for separately storing a first component, such as a drug and for mixing this first component with a second component, such as a sterilized diluent, to form a beneficial agent which can be delivered to a patient from the container containing the second component. The device includes novel means for interconnecting a container, such as a glass vial containing a first component, such as a drug, with a second container such as a flexible bag containing the second component such as a parenteral liquid, and then for mixing the components under sterile conditions.

Abstract: A system for packaging and using granulated solid dialysate concentrate. A bag is constructed to hold granulated or powder concentrate, having a V-shaped bottom with an access port in the bottom. Water is flowed through the access port and into the bag using suitable water control means. The incoming water lifts and suspends the granules or powder in a turbulent flow, thereby filling the container simultaneous with dissolving the granules or powder. The water with dissolve concentrate then constitutes the dialysis solution and is ready for use or transfer to a dialysate delivery machine.

Abstract: An apparatus is provided for separately storing and selectively mixing a first component, which is in a liquid form, and a second component. The apparatus is formed of a first container made of a flexible material, having a communication mouth with an isolator and adapted to store the first component therein, a supporting case connected to the communication mouth, a second container having a mouth portion held in the case and a plug fitted in the mouth portion and adapted to store the second component, and a hollow, inflexible communication device capable of penetrating through the isolator and the plug. The communication device is accommodated in the first container and is attached to the communication mouth movably therein.

Abstract: A dispenser (2) includes a body (4), a needle (110) and one or more hollow cylinders (28) and pistons (144). The needle is movable between predelivery position and a delivery position, at which the inner needle end (112) opens a ball check valve (142) to permit free fluid flow from the cylinder, along a flow path (46) and through the needle. A threaded dose adjuster (164, 166) is mounted within the body and engages a threaded stem (150). The stem is prevented from rotating so that a rotation of the dose adjuster in one direction causes the dose adjuster to move axially away from the piston to compress a drive spring (176) and preload the stem. Moving the needle assembly to the delivery position causes the dose of pressurized pharmaceutical to be automatically driven from the cylinder and through the needle. The cylinder can be refilled by the user through the needle by opening (88, 92, 94) a supplemental pathway (54, 52) and rotating the dose adjuster in the opposite direction.

Abstract: A set for conveying blood between a patient and blood treatment apparatus such as a dialyzer. The set comprises a blood flow conduit, connecting with a patient's vascular system, and means for connecting the conduit with the dialyzer. A portion of the conduit comprises an enlarged-diameter, tubular pump segment connected at each pump segment end with a connector. The connectors also are each connected in substantially straight-line relation to other portions of the blood flow conduit. Typically, both connectors also each connect to a branch line in a relation substantially parallel to the connection of the other blood flow conduit portion and the connected tubular pump segment. Thus, the set is more capable of being rolled up and packaged in an automated manner, since it can be free of branching connections which connect at a substantial angle to the overall axis of the set.

Abstract: A method for use in an intravenous tube assembly comprises the steps of automatically monitoring liquid flow along a fluid flow path extending through an intravenous catheter to detect at least a partial cessation of flow along the fluid flow path and, upon detecting a diminution of liquid flow along the fluid flow path, automatically feeding an anticlotting agent to the fluid flow path. An assembly for implementing the method takes the form of a systolic actuator for dividing the fluid flow into successive aliquots which can be timed. The systolic actuator extracts energy from the fluid stream and monitors the stream via the extracted energy. Alternatively, a pressure device is operatively connected to the catheter for automatically detecting at least a partial cessation of liquid flow along a fluid flow path extending through the catheter.

Abstract: A blow molded, rigid plastic venous chamber for hemodialysis, for use in a venous hemodialysis set. The chamber defines a plurality of first access ports adjacent to a first end thereof. A second access port is provided at an opposed end. A tubular plastic filter is positioned in close-fitting relation within the second access port to project into the chamber. Unique advantages are provided by such a blow-molded, filter-carrying chamber.

Abstract: An apparatus for controllably intermixing two or more components in a sterile, closed environment to produce a flowable substance and then for expelling the flowable substance from the apparatus at a precisely contolled rate. The apparatus is particularly useful for medical applications and includes a dispenser portion with its own stored energy element provided in the form of an elastomeric membrane and a coupling mechanism for coupling a drug vial to the dispenser portion for controlled mixing a medicament contained within the drug vial with a diluent stored within the dispenser portion of the apparatus via a sterile pathway.

Abstract: A fluid delivery apparatus for administering contrast media or other fluids to a patient. The apparatus includes a reusable main supply system, a disposable fluid administration system, and a transfer syringe. The transfer syringe is used to transfer fluid from the main supply system to the fluid administration system. The administration system includes an air valve and filter to allow for complete drainage of the fluid in the fluid administration system while reducing the likelihood of contaminating the fluid.

Abstract: Injection apparatus for injecting at least two components to be brought into reaction with one another, comprising a hollow injection needle that can be charged by a plurality of syringe coupling connections corresponding in number to the number of components, preferably for endoscopic purposes and fashioned displaceable in a catheter on the basis of a grip member, whereby the syringe coupling connections are provided at the catheter in this case, characterized in that the components can be supplied to the injection needle (3) through a corresponding plurality of hoses (4, 5; 17) preferably proceeding through the catheter (1) and respectively connected to one of the syringe coupling connections (6, 7) in the grip member (2), whereby the components discharge in a common plane (30) wherein the reaction of the components is initiated.

Abstract: A variable ratio, blood-additive solution, mixing device and delivery system that permits the varying of the ratio of blood to solution from either all blood to pure solution and any ratio of the two, either continuously or intermittently, prior to or during cardiovascular and cardiac perfusion procedures, particularly warm or cold cardioplegia procedures for open heart surgery.

Abstract: A closed system for flushing an IV site comprises a unitary reservoir assembly of a first fluid reservoir for containing a first flush fluid, a second fluid reservoir for containing a second flush fluid, a tubing array for connecting the first and the second reservoirs to an IV site comprising a common tube having a connector on one end thereof for connection to the site, and mounted in a housing having depressible panels for selectively controlling the flow of a fluid from each of the first and the second reservoirs.