Abstract: A fluid delivery set for delivering fluid from a primary container to a patient. The set includes a conduit defining a fluid flow path. A first connector constructed to be fluidly connected to a primary container is mounted on a first end portion of the conduit. A second connector is mounted on a second end portion of the conduit. The second connector includes a first end portion and a second end portion, the first end portion of the second connector being mounted on the second end portion of the conduit. The second connector defines a fluid flow path therethrough. A pierceable seal is disposed in and fluidly seals the fluid flow path defined through the second connector. The second connector further includes a piercing member having a piercing tip. The piercing tip is constructed to pierce the pierceable member when relative movement is effected between the pierceable member and the piercing member, whereupon fluid communication is established through the pierceable seal.

Abstract: A reusable connector is provided for mounting on an anesthetic vaporizer to connect the vaporizer with an anaesthetic container and hold the container in an inverted orientation. Cooperating engaging structures are employed to pull the container and connector together. In a preferred form, the container has a closure defining at least one port occluded by a recessed, pierceable membrane. A screw thread is provided on the container. The connector has a base provided with a first coupling for connecting the base to the vaporizer.

Abstract: A fluid delivery set has three lengths of flexible tubing. The first length of flexible tubing at one end is connectable to or integral with a supply container for enteral or parenteral fluid, and at the other end is connected to the inlet of a drip chamber. The second length of flexible tubing is connected at one end to the outlet of the drip chamber, and at the other end to the inlet of a retention/connector device that has about a 90.degree. bend therein. The third length of flexible tubing is connected at one end to outlet of the retention/connector device, and at the other end is connectable to or integral with a means for introducing an enteral or parenteral fluid into the body of a patient. Preferably, a tension responsive pinch valve is operatively associated with the second length of flexible tubing.

Abstract: A method of stabilizing bleomycin solutions and to the stable bleomycin solutions resulting therefrom are described. In the method described, bleomycin solution is stabilized by solubilizing bleomycin powder in an aqueous solution and storing the solution at reduced temperature while it awaits use.

Abstract: The present invention provides an apparatus and method for testing seal strength and integrity of packages and for testing container and lid integrity, during an on-line production processing environment. Air pressure is introduced in a unique way to test the container and/or container seal in an additional step of an otherwise typical processing environment. A computer may be in communication with the testing sensors to control the processing in the event a failure is detected. The present invention provides a way to meet the continuously increasing line speed in form, fill and seal production processes with a unique ability of having complete package integrity testing for any odd shapes and package combinations.

Abstract: The present invention is an improved stylet for a enteric or nasoenteric feeding tubes. In broadest terms, the present invention comprises: a stylet for a feeding tube, the stylet having: (a) a stylet hub having a bore therethrough and adapted to be attached to one end of the feeding tube, the bore having an inner surface; (b) a longitudinally extending reinforcement member adapted to extend through the feeding tube, the reinforcement member having a proximal end; and (c) a hollow member having an outer surface and having an aperture, the hollow member disposed in the bore so as to hold the inlet end of the reinforcement member between the outer surface and the inner surface through an interference fit.

Abstract: A method for conducting an ultrasound procedure on an object having a target surface. The method includes the step of providing an ultrasound probe having an acoustical wave emitting end portion. A pad for transmitting acoustical waves between the ultrasound probe and a target surface of an object also is provided. The pad includes a first layer having a first porous portion which defines first layer pores therethrough. The first layer pores have a first layer pore dimension. The pad further includes a second layer having a first porous portion which defines second layer pores therethrough. The second layer pores have a second layer pore dimension. The second layer is attached to the first layer so as to define a space therebetween. The first porous portion of the first layer overlies the first porous portion of the layer. An ultrasound couplant is disposed in the space defined between the first layer and the second layer.

Abstract: The present invention relates to devices and methods for enhancing the rate and efficacy of permeation of a drug into and through skin and into the circulatory system utilizing ultrasound.

Abstract: A system of infusing fluids in a patient includes an infusion pump for infusing fluids into a patient in accordance with instructions to carry out a desired course of infusion therapy. The system includes a physiological sensor for sensing conditions of the patient during the course of the infusion and a remote infusion controlling system for monitoring the course of the infusion and generating suggested adapted instructions.

Abstract: A suction container usable to suction fluids from the surgical field in an operating room environment. The container has a rigid cover overlying a flexible body portion attached thereto, the cover including a pour spout having a tubular body portion, a segmented thread disposed on an inner wall as a tubular body, the thread having a plurality of spaced segments, each segment defining a ramp and a stop. A locking cap is provided for mounting on the pour spout, the locking cap having a complementary tubular body for insertion into the pour spout, with complementary spaced ramped locking elements disposed on an outer surface of the tubular body for engaging the thread segments in locking the cap on the pour spout in fluid-tight engagement.

Abstract: A method of assembling telescopically a flexible tubular segment with a length of tubing involves the use of an assembly apparatus which controllably stretches a tubular segment. The free end of a portion of an end of a length of tubing is inserted through the stretched tubular segment a preselected distance. The stretched tubular segment is allowed to relax around the inserted portion of an end of the length of tubing, thus assembling the tubular segment with the end portion of a length of tubing. The tubular segment and portion of an end of a length of tubing that have been assembled together are then ejected simultaneously from the assembly apparatus.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are provided for controlling the dispensing of a primary liquid from a pressurized source of primary liquid. Primary liquid is admitted through an inlet valve to a primary chamber having a primary element which is biased toward an initial position but is movable away from the initial position when subjected to the source pressure of the primary liquid. A sensor determines when the primary element has moved away from an initial position to a predetermined final position, and the inlet valve is closed in response thereto. The difference between the initial and final positions defines a predetermined dispensing volume. An outlet valve is opened to dispense the dispensing volume under the biasing force of the primary element which returns to the initial position. A sensor determines when the primary element has returned to the initial position, and the outlet valve is closed in response thereto.