Abstract: A web of film capable of being constructed into a flexible container is provided. The web of film comprises: a first layer of polyester; a second layer of polyvinyl chloride that does not include a DEHP plasticizer or epoxidized oil; a third gas barrier layer; a fourth layer of polyvinyl chloride that does not include a plasticizer; and a fifth layer of polyester. A container made from the film is also provided.

Abstract: A peristaltic pump comprising a housing (19), including a base (21), a resilient tube (27) and a peristaltic pumping fingers (31) carried by the supporting structure. The tube (27) is positionable on the base (21) in a proper position and an improper position. In the proper position, the peristaltic pumping fingers (31) can properly progressively squeeze the tube to pump a fluid through the tube and in an improper position. A door (23) is mounted on the housing (19) for movement between an open position and a closed position. A latch (25) includes a pivotable latch member (51) on the door (23) and a fixed latch member (55) on the housing (19). The pivotable latch member (51) is movable between a latching position in which the door (23) is locked in the closed position and a releasing position in which the door (23) is not locked in the closed position. If the tube (27) is in the improper position, the pivotable latch member (51) is prevented from being placed in the latching position.

Abstract: A port and closure assembly for a container is provided. The port and closure assembly includes a port having a tubular portion that extends from a base and terminates at an end including an opening. The tubular portion is divided into an upper and lower section by a pierceable membrane. The upper section including an end that terminates at the opening and including a resealing injection site. A closure member for removably surrounding at least a portion of the end of the port including the opening is provided. The closure includes a sleeve that circumscribes at least a portion of an outer surface of the upper section of the tubular portion. The sleeve is so constructed and arranged as to cause portions of the upper section to contact the resealing member during a sterilization step that softens the portions and further causes the portions of the upper section to retain the resealing injection site within the tubular portion after the portions have hardened.

Abstract: A sterilizable, plastic medical container has a body section formed of thin, multi layer film. The film has a first layer formed of cross-linkable plastic free or essentially free of extractable plasticizers, such as poly(ethylene vinyl acetate), and a second layer formed of a substantially non-cross-linkable plastic having a higher melting temperature than the first layer, such as high density polyethylene. The first layer is inwardly oriented in contact with the contents of the container. A port formed of the same plastic can be heat sealed to the body section. The container is irradiated to effect cross-linking, filled with fluid, and the port sealed. The fluid filled container can then be heat or steam sterilized.

Abstract: An apparatus (60) and system (20) are disclosed for the patient-controlled delivery of an analgesic or other beneficial agent 142, while preventing administration of a toxic quantity of the beneficial agent. The invention permits delivery of fractional doses to a patient in quantities which are directly proportional to the time period since the last dose or fraction thereof was delivered to the patient. In the preferred embodiments the apparatus includes a housing (58) including a casing (88) and a back plate (86), the housing containing a control switch (84) for opening and closing downstream conduit (62) and for depressing a floating plate (100) that thereby compresses a dose reservoir (90) with the beneficial agent (142) therein. A spring (124) biases the control switch (84).

Abstract: A medical fluid administration set is disclosed which may be used for the passive reconstitution and delivery of a drug or other beneficial agent with liquid flowing through the administration set. A receptacle mounted in the administration set is adapted for receiving a cartridge containing the beneficial agent. Also disclosed is an adapter for connecting the cartridge and the receptacle and an air flask within the administration set.

Abstract: The invention provides a flow control system well suited for use in intravenous fluid delivery systems comprising a flow restrictor wafer having one or more flow limiting flow restrictor paths formed thereon. The system provides fixed flow rate control. The system also provides means for selectively orienting at least two flow restrictor paths relative to the main fluid passage to varying the flow rate.

Abstract: A vacuum biased disposable infuser is provided having a liquid chamber (14) and at least one vacuum chamber (44). The liquid chamber (14) includes a liquid plunger (26) contained therein while the vacuum chamber (44) includes a vacuum plunger (48). The plungers (26, 48) are connected by an arm such that when liquid under pressure is provided to the liquid chamber (14), the vacuum plunger (48) is drawn back in the vacuum chamber (44). The device is further preloaded such that at the end of infusion, the vacuum plunger (48) does not abut against the vacuum chamber (44).

Abstract: An apparatus for positioning a port within an aperture of a web of film, including a chain loop having a plurality of forks for releasably retaining ports. The chain loop is fed around a first, a second, and a third rotatable sprocket. The first and second rotatable sprockets are coupled to a frame and located in a substantially aligned relationship to each other, perpendicular to a portion of the film, the third sprocket is located at a position offset from a plane defined by the first and second sprockets. The first and second sprockets can be moved from a first position to a second position and from the second position to the first position. During operation, the rotation of the third sprocket is releasably prevented, to accurately regulate the rotation of the first sprocket an indexer is provided.

Abstract: The present invention provides film structures for creating two identical webs of film. Preferably, the so created webs of film include a sterile surface. The webs of film are suitable for being processed into flexible containers.

Abstract: A solution is described that can be used to maintain the patency of an I.V. catheter or other vascular access device having a lumen. The density and osmolarity of the solution are adjusted so that the density and osmolarity of the solution are approximately equal to the density and osmolarity of whole blood in a patient. The solution can be injected into the lumen of the vascular access device to prevent blood from the patient from entering the lumen.

Abstract: A large bore tubing roller clamp assembly for regulating the flow rate of a liquid through large bore tubing is disclosed. The roller clamp assembly comprises a substantially rigid elongated plastic frame, a generally cylindrical roller, and a length of a large bore tubing disposed within the frame. The flow rate through the tubing is controlled by moving the roller along an inclined roller track and over the tubing, thereby selectively compressing tubing to attain the desired flow rate.