Abstract: Compositions comprising glutamine in combination with other ingredients such as N-acetyl-cysteine are disclosed. Such compositions can be administered to treat patients with certain conditions of the body.

Abstract: Multipurpose fluid applicators, particularly suitable for surgical purposes, are disclosed. The applicators are specifically designed for dispensing various combinations of sterile pressurized gas, suction, irrigation and sealant agents, including a mixed liquid sealant agent. Preferred embodiments employ a dual-acting valve selectively to control the flow of gas or suction which valve is capable of simultaneously varying flow from a source and the venting of that flow to atmosphere.

Abstract: The present invention provides a multilayer film. The film has a first layer of a blend of a first component selected from the group of: (1) ethylene and a-olefin copolymers having a density of less than about 0.

Abstract: Multipurpose fluid applicators and applicator tips, particularly suitable for surgical purposes, are disclosed. The applicators and applicator tips are specifically designed for dispensing various combinations of sterile pressurized gas, suction, irrigation and sealant agents, including a mixed liquid sealant agent. Preferred embodiments employ a dual-acting valve selectively to control the flow of gas or suction which valve is capable of simultaneously varying flow from a source and the venting of that flow to atmosphere.

Abstract: A needless connector is provided which utilizes a resealable preslit septum valve. The valve is resiliently restrained relative to a housing with the valve and housing configured to accept a standard male luer lock having a luer tip which penetrates the valve through the opening to extend within the housing and a luer locking flange of the luer lock extending about the housing. The valve includes a disk shaped upper portion covering the opening, a lower portion spaced from the housing and extending downward from the disk shaped portion into a passageway defined by the housing, and an annular skirt to attach the septum to the housing. The connector exhibits satisfactory leak pressure after multiple connections and disconnects to the luer lock fitting and long periods of indwell of the luer tip.

Abstract: An in-line web-centering apparatus for centering a web of material in an aseptic internal area of a form-fill-seal packaging machine. The web-centering apparatus has a support member, a tracking assembly, and an alignment mechanism, each contained within the internal aseptic area of the packaging machine. The support member is internally fixed to the form-fill-seal packaging machine. The tracking assembly is mounted to the support member and pivots about the support member. The pivoting of the tracking assembly positions the tracking assembly at an angle with respect to the support member, such that when the alignment mechanism is activated the angle of the tracking assembly is modified, thereby adjusting a flow path of the web of material in the packaging machine.

Abstract: A container capable of containing components of a mixture in chambers separated by a peelable seal constructed from a multi-layer film. The multi-layer film has at least one layer of a RF-responsive material and an interior layer of non-RF responsive material. When the layers are subjected to RF energy, the RF-responsive layer heats the interior layers resulting in a bond in the form of a peelable seal between the interior layers. The peelable seal is capable of withstanding external pressures to the container, such as from dropping the container. The seal may be selectively opened to allow mixture of components contained therein.

Abstract: The present invention provides a multiple layered non-PVC containing tubing structure. The tubing structure has a first and a second layer.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method for using a polymeric cement to assemble medical devices. The method includes the steps of: (1) providing a first article of a low crystallinity polymer; (2) providing a second article of a low crystallinity polymer; (3) providing a cement composition having a first component of a cyclic olefin containing polymer or a bridged polycyclic hydrocarbon containing polymer and a second component of an effective amount of a solvent having a solubility parameter of less than about 20 (MPa)1/2; applying the cement composition to one of the first and second articles to define a bonding area; and (4) attaching the first article to the second article along the bonding area to fixedly attach the first article to the second article.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method for preparing submicron sized particles of an organic compound, the solubility of which is greater in a water-miscible first solvent than in a second solvent which is aqueous, the process including the steps of (i) dissolving the organic compound in the water-miscible first solvent to form a solution, (ii) mixing the solution with the second solvent to define a pre-suspension; and (iii) adding energy to the pre-suspension to form particles having an average effective particle size of 400 nm to 2 microns.

Abstract: A pre-slit injection site includes a housing with a flow path therethrough. A first end of the housing carries a pre-slit septum. One form of a blunt cannula, usable with the injection site, carries a locking member. When the pre-slit injection site slidably receives the blunt cannula, the locking member latches to the injection site and creates a mechanically coupled unit. Another form of the cannula includes a tube having a tapered distal end region and having elongate discharge slots for reducing contact surface area and for directing the flow laterally out of the cannula. The cannula may also include a rounded lead post, an annular barb, and axially oriented grooves.

Abstract: A coupler for receiving a threaded male luer fitting in sealed relationship includes a housing having an attachment end, a conduit end opposite the attachment end and defining a central passageway for providing fluid communication between the luer fitting and a conduit. An arrangement is attached to the housing for establishing a sealed connection between a luer tip and the central passageway. The conduit end has a relatively larger diameter than the attachment end and defines a shoulder at a junction of the attachment end and the conduit end. A resilient member is disposed on the attachment end adjacent the shoulder for exerting an axially directed compressive force upon the male luer fitting as it is threadably engaged upon the attachment end.

Abstract: The present invention provides a polymer composition having: a first component selected from homopolymers and copolymers of cyclic olefin containing polymers and bridged polycyclic hydrocarbon containing polymers, the first component being present in an amount from about 1-99% by weight of the composition; and a second component is selected from homopolymers and copolymers of a diene having from 4 to 12 carbons, the second component being present in an amount from about 99% to about 1% by weight of the composition.

Abstract: A pre-slit injection site (34) includes a housing (40) with a flow path therethrough. A first end (42) of the housing (40) carries a pre-slit septum (52). One form of a blunt cannula (98), usable with the injection site (34), carries a locking member (100). When the pre-slit injection site (34) slidably receives the blunt cannula (98), the locking member (100) latches to the injection site (34) and creates a mechanically coupled unit. Another form of the cannula (280) includes a tube having a tapered distal end region (298) and having elongate discharge slots (294) for reducing contact surface area and for directing the flow laterally out of the cannula. The cannula may also include a rounded lead post (330), an annular barb (394), and axially oriented grooves (268).

Abstract: The present invention provides a novel method for selectively dispensing inventoried items, such as pharmaceutical and therapeutic agents in a hospital.

Abstract: A multilayered film exhibiting good transparency, welding resistance, puncture resistance and impact strength having an outer layer selected from the group consisting of: (1) homopolymers of polypropylene, (2) ethylene/propylene copolymers and (3) blends of (a) high density polyethylene and (b) propylene and ethylene block copolymers; an inner layer of a different composition from the outer layer and selected from the group consisting of ethylene and &agr;-olefin copolymers, and ethylene and &agr;-olefin copolymers blended with low density polyethylene; and a complex intermediate layer joining the outer layer to the inner layer, the complex intermediate layer having a plurality of sublayers defining an upper nucleus B1, a core B2 and a lower nucleus B3, the upper nucleus being a propylene and ethylene copolymer and the lower nucleus being an ethylene copolymer with an ethylene content greater than the upper nucleus.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method for fabricating a medical tubing. The method includes the steps of: (1) providing a material selected from the group consisting of ethylene homopolymers and ethylene copolymers, wherein the ethylene copolymers are obtained by copolymerizing ethylene with a comonomer selected from the group consisting of lower alkyl olefins, lower alkyl esters of a carboxylic acid and lower alkene esters of a carboxylic acid, the lower alkyl and lower alkene each have from 3-18 carbons, or blends thereof; (2) providing an extruder with an extrusion die; (3) extruding the material into a medical tubing; (4) providing a surface modifier solution; (5) preheating the surface modifier solution to a temperature within the range of 50-80° C.; and (6) applying the preheated solution onto the tubing at it exits the extrusion die when the tubing is in a molten state or a semi-molten state.

Abstract: A filtering chamber for a set for the administration of fluids is provided. The chamber includes a housing providing a passageway for the fluid in the administration set. Within the chamber is a filter of screen which filters the fluid flowing through the housing. The filter or screen is attached to the housing during molding of the housing without the use of bonding agents, resulting in a chamber component which may be produced automatically and economically.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a daily regimen for oncology patient suffering from mucositis, stomatis, and cachexia wherein the daily regimen involves administering to the patient at least one dose of an oral composition in unit dosage form which comprises L-glutamine, vitamin A, vitamin C, vitamin E, and selenium; and at least four glutamine lozenges throughout the day which comprises about 2 grams of glutamine each, beginning 4-7 days prior to said treatment and continuing through said treatment.

Abstract: The present invention provides a non-PVC, non-DEHP material that can be used for medical grade tubing. Additionally, the present invention provides medical grade tubing made from such a material.