Abstract: This invention pertains to apparatus and methods for breaking a web along spaced lines of weakness. The invention includes a compact breaker bar assembly comprising at least one breaker bar in a gap. The apparatus also includes driving apparatus to power the breaker bar assembly in breaking the web. In some embodiments, one or more breaker bars engage and stress the web along a single transverse line across the web, breaking the web. In other embodiments, at least first and second breaker bars engage and stress the web along spaced first and second transverse lines across the web. The breaker bars can be mounted on one or more rotary elements, or can be mounted on one or more belts or other breaker bar carriers, traversing closed-loop paths.

Abstract: This invention pertains to apparatus and methods for breaking a web along spaced lines of weakness. The invention includes a compact breaker bar assembly comprising at least one breaker bar in a gap. The apparatus also includes driving apparatus to power the breaker bar assembly in breaking the web. In some embodiments, one or more breaker bars engage and stress the web along a single transverse line across the web, breaking the web. In other embodiments, at least first and second breaker bars engage and stress the web along spaced first and second transverse lines across the web. The breaker bars can be mounted on one or more rotary elements, or can be mounted on one or more belts or other breaker bar carriers, traversing closed-loop paths.

Abstract: This invention pertains to apparatus and methods for breaking a web along spaced lines of weakness. The invention includes a compact breaker bar assembly comprising at least one breaker bar in a gap. The apparatus also includes driving apparatus to power the breaker bar assembly in breaking the web. In some embodiments, one or more breaker bars engage and stress the web along a single transverse line across the web, breaking the web. In other embodiments, at least first and second breaker bars engage and stress the web along spaced first and second transverse lines across the web. The breaker bars can be mounted on one or more rotary elements, or can be mounted on one or more belts or other breaker bar carriers, traversing closed-loop paths.

Abstract: A multi-tubing ribbon wherein the side-by-side lengths of plastic tubing are ultrasonically welded together at spaced intervals along the length of the ribbon whereby to provide a multi-tubing ribbon having non-welded sections spaced along its length which renders it very adaptable for use in a variety of situations and a process and apparatus for fabricating same.

Abstract: A multi-tubing ribbon wherein the side-by-side lengths of plastic tubing are ultrasonically welded together at spaced intervals along the length of the ribbon whereby to provide a multi-tubing ribbon having non-welded sections spaced along its length which renders it very adaptable for use in a variety of situations and a process and apparatus for fabricating same.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a pointed adapter which enables a blunt entry device such as a blunt cannula to readily penetrate an elastomeric closure such as a conventional vial stopper. The adapter includes a breakaway collar which initially protects the adapter point from touch contamination and from accidental stick to the user.

Abstract: A prefilled, two-constituent system is provided with first and second containers. The first container includes a first chamber having a dispensing end. The dispensing end defines a dispensing passage communicating through the dispensing end to accommodate the dispensing of fluid from the first chamber. A movable seal is slidably disposed in the first chamber, and a first constituent is provided in the first chamber between the dispensing end and the seal. A second container includes a barrel that is sized to be disposed in the first container and that has a discharge end defining a discharge passage communicating through the discharge end to accommodate the discharge of fluid from the barrel. A plunger is slidably disposed within the barrel. A liquid second constituent is provided in the barrel between the discharge end and the plunger.

Abstract: A valve including a substantially rigid cannula and a valve member connected for operable communication with the cannula. The valve member is formed from a substantially resilient material and is movable with respect to the cannula between a first closed position and a second open position. The cannula cooperates to extend through the valve member during movement from the first closed position to the second open position to establish a fluid flow path through the cannula and the valve member. A sealing member is also provided which operates independent from a flow of fluid within the fluid flow path and independent from any component utilized with the valve to automatically provide positive sealing of an opening within the valve member when the valve member is positioned in the first closed position, the cannula extending through the opening during movement of the valve member.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a waste treating reservoir for treating waste collected using an associated suction system. A disposable receptacle connected to an associated suction system includes a sealed chamber such as a liner and a lid with a pour spout. The waste treating reservoir includes a closed container with an open mouth for storing a waste treating agent. A cylindrical wall forms a diffuser cap and has an open end portion and a substantially closed end portion. The closed end portion has a plurality of apertures opening radially through the cylindrical wall. The open end portion of the cylindrical diffuser cap fits telescopically over the open mouth of the agent container. The reservoir system further includes a double-walled sleeve having an inner wall and a generally concentric outer wall for attaching the combined diffuser cap and agent container to the spout of the disposable receptacle lid.

Abstract: A valve including a substantially rigid cannula and a valve member positioned for operable communication with the cannula. The valve member is formed from a substantially resilient material, having a slit extending therethrough, and movable with respect to the cannula between a first closed position and a second open position. The slit is substantially closed by the resiliency of the material of the valve member when the valve member is positioned in the first closed position and the cannula cooperates to extend through the slit during movement of the valve member from the first closed position to the second open position to establish a fluid flow path through the cannula and the valve member. A sealing member is also provided independent from a flow of fluid within the fluid flow path to provide positive sealing of the slit when the valve member is positioned in the first closed position.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a sterile form, filled and sealed flexible solution container and an attached port assembly that allows for the sterile dispensing of the solution. In particular, the present invention relates to a sterile formed, filled and sealed flexible solution container and a sterile administration port assembly which is attached without interrupting the complete sealing of the hermetically sealed fluid container and which allows for the sterile packaging, storage and delivery of a sterile medical solution without heat degradation or oxygen permeation.

Abstract: A securable collar is used with two connectors to prevent the inadvertent disconnection of IV tubing sets. The securable collar includes a housing supported by one of the connectors, a radial flange extending from the housing, a collar having a frustum-shape, two notches that separate the collar into two longitudinal segments, a transition portion on the exterior of the collar, and a sliding annular locking ring. The locking ring slides on the collar from a small diameter portion over the transition portion to a larger diameter portion. The annular locking ring compresses the larger diameter portion to pivot the longitudinal segments radially inward at the radial flange to grip the second connector.

Abstract: This invention pertains to an intravenous infusion set and in particular, a winged needle assembly used for venipuncture having an integral hollow tubular protective member to reduce accidental needle sticks from such infusion set. The tubular member has a slot engagable by the wing on the rotatable hub and needle. Once aligned, the winged hub is pulled back into the slot and disengages at a lock-out position. The lateral notch retains the hub and needle within the tubular member.

Abstract: Medical drug formulation and delivery system includes a reverse osmosis device for purifying water from a source comprising a housing having an inlet for passage of water from the source, a first outlet for passage of purified water from the housing and a second outlet for passage of waste water remaining after purification. A first reverse osmosis multilayer assembly is disposed within the housing in fluid communication with the inlet for purification of at least a first portion of the water from the source. Water treatment chemicals can be positioned in a core about which the first reserve osmosis multilayer assembly is wound. The treatment chemicals are in fluid communication with the first reverse osmosis multilayer assembly to receive the first purified portion of water and for removal of at least chemical contaminants therefrom.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a sterile form, filled and sealed flexible solution container and an attached port assembly that allows for the sterile dispensing of the solution.

Abstract: A stick-like holder and packaging, including an overcap and a sealed, light, moisture and tamper resistant foil pouch, for a hardened, medicated matrix affixed to one end of the holder including detent means for releaseably mounting the overcap on the matrix end of the holder and with the holder having a flat, label receiving handle at its other end and a flange to prevent swallowing of the holder when placed in a patient's mouth to medicate or pre-medicate the patient.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are provided for use in the delivery of an inhalation anesthetic to a patient while employing a closed loop or re-breather gas recirculation system. The method and apparatus control the system temperature to minimize heat buildup, including heat buildup resulting from an exothermic reaction between a patient's exhaled breath and a scrubbing substance that removes a selected constituent from the patient's exhaled breath. The apparatus includes an enclosure containing a scrubbing substance. The enclosure defines an influent opening for admitting the exhaled breath along a first path into the scrubbing substance and defines an effluent opening through which gases can be discharged from the enclosure. The apparatus also includes a second path adjacent the first path between inlet and outlet openings whereby a coolant fluid can flow along the second path to remove heat from the interior of the enclosure.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a pointed adapter which enables a blunt entry device such as a blunt cannula to readily penetrate an elastomeric closure such as a conventional vial stopper. The adapter also includes a collar which initially protects the adapter point from touch contamination and from accidental stick to the user.

Abstract: An injector assembly and method are provided for assembling the injector assembly to a patient controlled analgesic infuser unit. The injector assembly is provided in one-piece and includes an injector element having first and second portions with a cannula extending therebetween. The first portion is configured for connection to a stopper of a vial containing an analgesic where the connection enables the analgesic to flow out of the vial and through the cannula to the second portion of the injector element upon advancement of the stopper and the connected injector element within the vial by the infuser unit. A drug administration set is permanently connected to the second portion of the injector element for receiving the analgesic from the cannula.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a syringe plunger for use to administer a solution front a syringe of the type having an axially slidable piston sealing an axially extending barrel having a nozzle. The plunger includes a rigid stem member axially extending from a distal end to a proximal end. The plunger also includes threads or other attaching mechanism at the proximal end of the stem for removable attachment to the slidable piston. The stem member includes a first surface at the distal end of the stem for application of axial force to the stem so as to move the slidable piston in the barrel. Advantageously according to the invention, the stem also includes a second surface at an axially intermediate position on the stem for alternative application of axial force to the stem so as to initially move the slidable piston in the barrel, which is especially convenient for syringe users with small hands.