Abstract: An acidic solution of glycine and a fatty acid of 3 to 12 carbon atoms provides an improved solution for cleaning and storing blood dialyzers and other separation devices, particularly those intended for contact with blood after they have once been used.

Abstract: A constant current battery charging circuit is provided by which the battery receives a full charge until the battery voltage reaches a threshold. When the battery voltage is above the threshold, the battery receives a trickle charge. The actual battery voltage is compared with a reference voltage to determine whether the full charge circuit should be in operation. Hysteresis is provided for preventing a rapid on/off operation around the threshold. The reference voltage is compensated for temperature variations. The hysteresis system and temperature compensation system are independent of each other. A separate test circuit is provided for testing the battery voltage. During testing of the battery, the full charge circuit is inoperative.

Abstract: A flow control system, for example for blood plasma or other medical fluids, comprises a plurality of flexible, collapsible flow conduits for the selective and aseptic transfer of fluids between various locations through said conduits. Switching means are provided for selectively collapsing a plurality of separate sections of the conduit to block fluid flow therethrough, to selectively define specific and variable fluid flow paths in the flow conduit. In accordance with this invention, the switching means defines a cam plate, which in turn defines a generally flat face positioned adjacent portions of the flow conduit. Pivot means are provided causing the cam plate to be rotatable about an axis normal to the flat face. Also, a cam connecting system is disclosed, to adapt it to pass through an openable door.

Abstract: A lingual placement device for positioning orthodontic attachments, such as, brackets, on the lingual side of teeth is described. The device includes a handle which is pivoted to a handle extension to permit access to both anterior and posterior teeth in the mouth of a patient. A tooth engagement plate, which engages the front side of a tooth, is pivoted about a horizontal transverse axis. An orthodontic bracket holder is mounted to the handle extension for both horizontal and vertical movement to permit placement of an orthodontic bracket on the lingual side of a tooth. In operation, the tooth engagement plate is positioned in engagement with the front side of the tooth, the bracket is located in its desired position adjacent the lingual side of the tooth by up and down movement of the handle and vertical movement of the bracket holder.

Abstract: A method of quantitatively determining the amount of exposure of an object to ethylene oxide gas. A pre-weighed ethylene oxide-permeable container, which encloses a predetermined amount of catalyst for the reaction of the ethylene oxide gas to form a liquid, is placed adjacent to the object. The object and container are then exposed to ethylene oxide gas for controlled time and at a known humidity and temperature. The container is then reweighed. The weight gain of the container is a quantitative indication of the amount of exposure to ethylene oxide gas. The test system may be calibrated against its effect in known concentrations of ethylene oxide gas, so that the precise amount of exposure to ethylene oxide gas can be determined.

Abstract: A thermoplastic member such as a length of tubing for forming a catheter balloon is sealed by radiant heat to a thermoplastic shaft of a medical device such as a Foley catheter. Radiant heat is supplied as a narrow annular band by an apparatus which also automatically locates portions of the shaft at the narrow annular band. A length of shrink tubing is placed over the balloon tubing and adjoining portions of the shaft, is then preshrunk while at that location, and is further shrunk therearound and is subjected to radiant heat by the apparatus in order to seal the balloon tubing onto the shaft and complete assembly of a balloon catheter. It is especially preferred that the shrink tubing be tinted so as to enhance the seal formed beneath the shrink tubing.

Abstract: Ultrasonic bubble detection apparatus utilizes a typically one-piece, rigid housing having a channel defined therein for receiving flow tubing in which bubbles are to be detected. First and second ultrasonic sending and receiving transducers are positioned on opposite sides of the channel, with an aperture communicating between each of the transducers and the channel, the aperture being filled with an elastomeric material capable of transmitting ultrasound energy between the channel and each transducer means. An air-containing slot may be positioned at the bottom of the channel to hinder the propagation of ultrasound energy through the housing from the first to the second transducer by a route other than one passing through the elastomeric material. Also, a novel shape for the apertures, and the elastomeric material filling them, is disclosed.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for joining sealingly incompatible plastic materials is disclosed. A coextruded connector (10) with separate, telescopically related layers (12,14) is affixed to one of the materials. The outer layer (14) of connector (10) is composed of a polymer specifically selected to melt or deform at a temperature lower than that of inner layer (12). The connector is frictionally fit within a second material to be joined and the connection is heated to a temperature sufficient to melt or deform outer layer (14) without melting inner layer (12). Outer layer 14 is thereby securely fused to the second material or blood container.A secondary embodiment is disclosed for joining materials of similar composition. Two coextruded connectors (40,46), having telescopically related layers composed of different polymer materials, are formed, as above, but the layer sequence of each connector is opposite to the other.

Abstract: A closure system for a conduit defining a connector at its end is provided having increased convenience of use and reliability of sterile sealing. A tubular closure member is provided which may be positioned about the connector in telescoping relation. The closure member surrounds but is spaced from the forward portion of the connector to provide space for antiseptic to be provided, to flow both inside of the connector member and about preferably at least 0.5 centimeter of the exterior forward portion thereof for improved antibacterial effect on the connector. An end closure such as a screw threaded cap may be provided.

Abstract: A pressure pump for fluid in which tubing is wound about an orbitally movable pressure member inside of a sleeve member which is defined by a pair of pivotally mounted, substantially semi-circular jaws to permit opening and closing of the jaws about the pressure member to facilitate installation of tubing. Sliding gripper means may be carried by the pump and positioned to interact in one position with grippable means on the free ends of the jaws to hold them in closed relation, and for the sliding gripper means to be moved to a second position to permit the jaws to open. Simultaneously, the sliding gripper means can serve as a latch for a lid of the casing in which the pump is carried. Also the casing may have a partition with groove means having an enlarged portion for receiving joined connectors in the tubing, and a power source such as a battery may be attached to a removable portion of the casing in such a manner as to prevent accidental reverse installation of the battery.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing a tear-off port protector for a container comprises placing flexible, typically extruded tubing on a mandrel that fills the bore of the tubing, with the tubing preferably outwardly stretched by the mandrel. A cutting blade is spaced a predetermined distance of less than the tubing wall thickness from the mandrel. One then causes the cutting blade to form an annular cut about the tubing, while maintaining the predetermined distance, and thereafter one removes the tubing from the mandrel.

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 antimicrobial effect of ultraviolet radiation. Also, a novel method of practicing continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis, and an ultraviolet light applicator, is disclosed.

Abstract: A system for the delivery of liquids in predetermined amounts, such as in meat tenderization, through a plurality of relatively small conduits includes a manifold chamber communicating with the relatively small conduits, a source of liquid for delivery, and conduit means providing flow communication between the source of liquid and the manifold chamber. Centrifugal pump means are positioned to pump liquid from the source of liquid to the manifold chamber, with the pump being of a capacity sufficient to create and maintain a generally constant liquid pressure in the manifold chamber irrespective of whether one or all of the relatively small conduits are open to permit liquid flow therethrough. The system typically utilizes a series of liquid delivery stations, with a microprocessor system controlling the amount of liquid delivery through each of the relatively small conduits in a manner dependent upon the weight of the object to which the liquid is being delivered.

Abstract: A flow regulating device and specifically an improved roller clamp with a length of conduit exhibiting low compression set properties disposed therein. The clamp includes an elongated box-like body having a fluid inlet at one end with a fluid outlet at the opposite end which are joined by the conduit to provide a flow lumen through the clamp. The roller is captured within a track in the body to selectively compress or release the conduit towards or away from a compression surface disposed at an angular variance to the track. The flow rate is regulated by appropriately positioning the roller. The conduit is captured within the body so as to be unaffected by external pulling or tugging forces.

Abstract: A solution bag formed of three plastic walls sealed together about their peripheries to define a pair of separate chambers is provided for peritoneal dialysis and the like.

Abstract: A plurality of lengths of fibers may be disposed into a sheet-like array with the fibers being spaced from each other and defining channels therebetween. A pair of membranes is brought into adhering relation with opposed sides of the fibers of the sheet-like array to form a multichanneled flow device.

Abstract: The ends of bundles of microporous tubing may be potted in otherwise conventional manner for assembly as a diffusion device for oxygenation of blood, blood plasmapheresis, or the like. In accordance with this invention, prior to impregnating the bundle ends in sealant, the micropores of the capillary tubing are filled with a liquid capable of entering the micropores, with the result that air in the bores of the tubing cannot migrate outwardly through the micropores as the sealant impregnates the bundle ends. This, in turn, prevents the sealant from advancing into the bores of the tubing to the level occupied by the sealant outside of the bores of the tubing, so that the ends of the potted bundle may be transversely cut within the block of cured sealant to expose open bores of the tubing.

Abstract: A rotatable processing bowl-type apparatus for separating blood components where a plurality of flexible umbilical tubes are positioned to establish communication with a processing bowl at one end thereof. Certain segments of each of the cables are stiffer than other segments of the same cables for improved life and performance. Also, outer portions of portions of the cables are impregnated with silicone oil.

Abstract: A device for suspension of a solution container in both an infusion and drain position, easily foldable or rollable for storage or carrying. The device comprises an elongated, flexible, foldable strap (10) attached at one end to a bracket (12), the bracket adapted to be secured to an elevated surface. There is an adjusting means, preferably a bolt (18) integral with the bracket to enable attachment and detachment of the bracket to an elevated surface. Finally, there are support means (24, 30) for suspension of the solution container, the support means being adjustably engagable with the strap at any desired location on the strap. Although primarily intended for use by patients practicing the medical procedure of continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis (CAPD), the device is readily usable for suspension of other container types.

Abstract: A frangible or breakaway valve for use in a flexible tube. The valve comprises two parts: a tubular portion with a closed end and an elongated, generally rigid handle breakably attached to the closed end. The elongated handle has projections which frictionally contact the interior surface of the flexible tube and prevent the elongated handle from moving back into a closed position once the elongated handle has been broken. The valve may be used in conjunction with tubing and a plastic container of dialysis solution. The valve is opened by breaking away the elongated, generally rigid handle and moving "walking" the rigid handle down the tube by folding the tube back and forth upon itself. The projections on the rigid breakaway handle have sufficient frictional contact with the inside of the tube to assure that the handle will not move back into contact with the tubular portion, and the valve will remain open.