Abstract: A connector valve for selectively permitting the transfer of fluids therethrough is described. Multiple-way valve means communicates with a plurality of conduits and selectively permits and prevents flow between the conduits. The multiple-way valve means comprises outer walls made of a substantially ultraviolet-transmissive material, with the outer walls of the multiple-way valve means preferably enclosing an elastomeric seal member defining rotatable channel means for communication with differing conduits at differing rotational positions, and also providing a rotatable seal against inner surfaces of the outer walls to maintain an antimicrobial seal of said conduits. The channel means is exposed along its entire length to an inner surface of an outer wall, to facilitate the anitmicrobial effect of ultraviolet radiation. Also, a novel method of practicing continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis, and an ultraviolet light applicator, is disclosed.

Abstract: Apparatus for automatically connecting and disconnecting a pair of connectors includes first and second relatively movable means to carry the connectors and to move them back and forth between connected and disconnected positions. Rack and gear means may be used having a variable mechanical advantage at different positions to facilitate connection and disconnection of the connectors. The apparatus may also have means for providing radiation for antibacterial effect on the connectors, typically ultraviolet radiation.

Abstract: A method for making a hollow fiber separation device including the steps of forming an integral structure which comprises at least one tubular housing portion and an elongated chamber portion extending in elongated relation to the tubular housing portion and communicating with the housing portion adjacent opposed ends thereof. One provides an aperture in a central area of the elongated chamber and inserts hollow fibers for diffusion into the housing portion. One then provides closed ends to the housing portion and spins the structure on an axis between the ends, adding potting compound to the chamber portion through the aperture. Accordingly, the potting compound migrates radially outwardly through the chamber to the closed ends of the housing portion, to encase the ends of the hollow fibers in the potting compound.

Abstract: Containers used for storing and dispensing liquids for medical applications include a closure, and medical connection device include cooperating connector members. An article of manufacture and a method are provided where a plastic outer closure is applied over container closures or over connection devices. The application of the plastic outer closure exerts an antibacterial effect in the juncture area defined by the interface of the outer closure and the container inner closure and neck, or defined by the interface of the outer closure and the connection site of the connector members. The outer closure is of a type of plastic that releases an antibacterial agent, which exerts an antibacterial effect in the juncture area.

Abstract: A container adapted for the mixing of a liquid and a solid initially placed in separate compartments. The compartment containing the solid has two access ports so liquid can pass through the compartment carrying the solid with it for better mixing.

Abstract: A system is provided for connection of a transfer spike on the end of a tube with another tube, in which the connection portions may be ultraviolet sterilized prior to connection. Both the spike and the tube for connection communicate with a housing member having a tubular, collapsible sheath member which is ultraviolet transparent. Also, a clamping system may be provided for closing flow through the system.

Abstract: A connector member (11) is disclosed for sealed connection with a second connector member (30), to permit sealed flow of material through the joined connector members. The connector member (11) is made of a material selected from the group consisting of aliphatic hydrocarbon resins, aliphatic polyester resins, copolymers of olefins and vinyl acetate, and olefin-acrylate copolymers. The material also contains an effective amount of an antioxidant agent being selected to provide to the material the characteristic of permitting transmission of at least 15 percent of at least one wavelength of ultraviolet radiation having a wavelength between 220 and 300 nanometers through a thickness of 0.003 inch of the material.

Abstract: A silicone rubber catheter carries radiopaque stripes comprising a mixture of silicone rubber and the finely divided radiopaque material, the stripes being spaced from each other by transparent, longitudinal segments. The radiopaque stripes are preferably positioned in diametrically opposed, spaced relation to each other about the circumference of the catheter and occupy a total of 50.degree. to 270.degree. of the catheter circumference. The elongation of the catheter portion defining the stripes is preferably at least as great as the elongation of the catheter portion defining the transparent, longitudinal segments, and the tensile and tear strengths of the transparent segments are preferably higher, so that upon stretching of the catheter most of the stress can be diverted to the transparent segments of the catheter.

Abstract: A method of synthesizing fluoromethylhexafluoroisopropyl ether, comprising mixing hexafluoroisopropyl alcohol, formaldehyde, hydrogen fluoride, and a protonating, dehydrating and fluoride ion-generating agent under conditions suitable to generate fluoromethylhexafluoroisopropyl ether, and then recovering the fluoromethylhexafluoroisopropyl ether.

Abstract: Containers used for storing and dispensing liquids for medical applications and formed in a one-piece, molded construction include a neck defining a dispensing outlet and an annular lip, a closure for the outlet and a frangible section coupling the closure to the neck. An article of manufacture and a method are provided where a frangible section couples the closure to the neck and defines an annular channel between the outlet lip and the closure. Completing the article of manufacture and method, the neck has an overmold which engages the closure whereby the molding of the overmold may tend to reduce the bio-burden at the area of contact of the overmold and the neck and whereby displacement of the overmold ruptures the frangible section permitting removal of the overmold and closure for opening of the container.

Abstract: A closure system for a non-refillable container is provided. In the system, an internally threaded cap is carried in threaded cooperation on the neck of the container. Removal of the cap from a capped container is prevented through a combination of locking lugs and camming ramps having end stops. Locking lugs can be either on the cap or on the container neck with corresponding camming ramps located, respectively, on either the container neck or the cap. The locking lugs radially flex over the camming ramps as the cap is screwed onto the neck and radially snap back when out of camming relation with the camming ramp. Removal of the cap is prevented by contact of the locking lugs with the end stops of the camming ramps when the cap is attempted to be removed.

Abstract: In a fluid flow set defining connector means at one end of a length of tubing for forming a sealed essentially aseptic connection with the second connector to permit fluid transfer through the joined connectors. The improvement of a flexible, tubular shield member threaded about the length of tubing in telescoping relation and movable along its length for shielding the connection.

Abstract: Blood-compatible, chlorine-free polymers such as a flexible, non-toxic, sterilizable polyester plastic formulation may contain from 5 to 70 percent by weight of a blood-extractable ester such as di-2-ethylhexylphthalate, to cause blood which is stored in contact with the polymer to exhibit a surprisingly low hemolysis rate when compared with corresponding polymers which are free of the plasticizer. Accordingly, blood bags, tubing and other medical blood-contacting devices may be advantageously made from these polymers.

Abstract: An article of manufacture and a method are provided where a protective cap for a connector provides antibacterial effect to the connector by fixedly lining a chamber of the protective cap with an absorbent material retaining an antiseptic. By mating a skirt on the protective cap with a corresponding flange on a medical connector, a contamination proof seal is also provided which functions to limit contamination from the outside of the cap and retain a liquid antiseptic on the inside of the cap.

Abstract: Equipment for continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis in which a solution container is coupled via flexible tubing to a patient's tube that communicates with the patient's peritoneal cavity by means of a catheter, usually a surgically implanted catheter. The equipment includes a flexible, foldable plastic dialysis solution container having a transfer port. A flexible tube having a luer connector at its distal end extends from the transfer port, for connecting to a luer connector carried by the patient's tube. The flexible tube carries a frangible member which normally blocks fluid flow but permits fluid flow after the frangible member is broken. A particulate filter and a manually-operable clamp are in series with the flexible tube.Peritoneal dialysis is accomplished by connecting the luer connector from a fresh dialysis solution bag to the patient's tube luer connector, breaking the frangible member, and opening the clamp on the flexible tubing.

Abstract: There is disclosed herein a dual flow control clamp for use in continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis wherein a patient is connected to the source of dialysis solution through a branched flow path. One branch controls flow to the patient and the other branch controls flow from the patient. The clamp provides for selectively controlling flow in one or both flow paths, while never permitting flow simultaneously in both flow paths.

Abstract: A one-piece hydraulic circuit is provided for use with a blood dialyzer for performing functions currently performed with a multiplicity of blood inlet and outlet sets and related items comprising flexible tubing and the like.

Abstract: A fluid transfer assembly includes first and second connector members, each associated with a fluid conduit and having a meltable wall which normally seals the connector member, and thus the associated conduit. The connector members can be coupled together, with the meltable walls positioned in facing contact. One of the meltable walls includes a radiant energy absorbing material. The other meltable wall is relatively non-absorbant of radiant energy, but does conduct heat energy. By exposing the coupled assembly to a source of radiant energy, the one wall melts in response to thermal radiation, while the other wall conducts heat energy from the melting wall to also melt. By melting, the walls open a fluid path between the fluid conduits.

Abstract: Apparatus for irradiating a connected pair of tubing ends for antibacterial effect thereon. A housing carries an antibacterial radiation source such as an ultraviolet bulb. Drawer means is slidable into and out of the housing, the drawer means defining vertical slots in opposed side walls thereof having open upper ends for receiving and positioning the connected tubing ends in the drawer means when the drawer means is in open position, and for moving the tubing ends into proximity with the antibacterial radiation source by closing the drawer means.

Abstract: A pair of separate conduits, each having an internal seal zone, may be joined by the method which comprises sealingly joining the ends of the conduits together; thereafter adding an antiseptic into the area of the joined conduits between internal seals formed in the zones; and then opening said internal seals without separating the conduits to permit internal fluid flow through the joined conduits.