Abstract: An mixing assembly which transfers a number of nutritional fluids from individual source containers into a collection container while noninvasively sensing the type of fluid being transferred is provided. The mixing assembly utilizes a transfer set to establish fluid communication between the source containers and the collection container. A sensing assembly is configured to noninvasively sense a number of the types of fluid flowing through the transfer set to help to prevent improper mixing. For other fluids for which the sensing assembly alone may not be able to distinguish with the desired accuracy, the mixing device utilizes a method to approximate the flow rate of that fluid with the flow rate also providing an indication of that type of fluid. By combining the output of the sensing assembly with the flow rate determination, additional fluids can be identified.

Abstract: The present invention provides a connector device for establishing fluid communication between a first container and a second container. The device has a first sleeve member having a first and a second end, the first sleeve member having at the first end a first attaching member adapted to attach to the first container. The device further has a second sleeve member having a first end and a second end, the second sleeve member being associated with the first sleeve member and movable with respect thereto from an inactivated position to an activated position, the second sleeve member having at the second end a second attaching member adapted to attach the second sleeve member to the second container. First and second piercing members project from one of the first and second sleeve members for providing a fluid flow path from the first container to the second container, and the first and second piercing members are independently hermetically sealed.

Abstract: The present invention provides a connector device for establishing fluid communication between a first container and a second container. The device has a first sleeve member having a first and a second end, the first sleeve member having at the first end a first attaching member adapted to attach to the first container. The device further has a second sleeve member having a first end and a second end, the second sleeve member being associated with the first sleeve member and movable with respect thereto from an inactivated position to an activated position, the second sleeve member having at the second end a second attaching member adapted to attach the second sleeve member to the second container. First and second piercing members project from one of the first and second sleeve members for providing a fluid flow path from the first container to the second container, and the first and second piercing members are independently hermetically sealed.

Abstract: An apparatus (10) for the controlled heating of fluid comprises a general elongated electrically heating core (16) with an exterior surface (36) formed of a material having a high thermal conductivity and frustoconically shaped to slidingly receive an assembly (14) so that the assembly envelops the surface along at least a portion of the length of the core. The assembly (14) forms a sealed passageway (46) for generally unidirectional sheet-like flow upward along the core (16). A control system (20) selectively operates the heating core (16) so that the fluid, under varying flow rates, is warmed to a desired temperature without overheating, before the fluid flows from the passageway (46).

Abstract: The present invention provides a polymeric blend suitable for adhesive bonding to polar polymeric materials comprising an ultra-low density polyethylene in an amount by weight within the range of 99.999%-90.0%; and an additive selected from the group consisting of polyoxyethylene(5)oleylamine, bis(2-hydroxyethyl)soyaamine, bis(2-hydroxyethyl)oleylamine, and polyoxyethylene(5)octadecylamine, the additive in an amount by weight within the range of 0.001%-10%.

Abstract: A container is disclosed comprising a first sidewall having a first layer and a second layer. The second layer overlaps a portion of the first layer to define an overlap area. A sealing flange extends from the first layer outward of the overlap area. A second sidewall is connected to the first sidewall along the sealing flange to define an inner chamber therebetween. The second sidewall and the sealing flange define a first layered structure having a first number of layers along the sealing flange. The overlap area and the second sidewall define a second layered structure having a second number of layers. The second number of layers is greater than the first number of layers. The container is sealed by positioning peripheral edges of the first and second sidewalls into registration so that the overlap area is substantially centrally disposed over the second sidewall and applying sealing energy to the first number of layers to define a peripheral seam.

Abstract: A connector device is disclosed for establishing fluid communication between a diluent container having sidewalls and a drug vial. The connector has a piercing member having a first end and a second end and a central fluid pathway. The piercing member is mounted to the liquid container and has fluid accessing portions hermetically sealed from an outside environment. A vial receiving chamber is associated with the piercing member and is dimensioned to connect to the vial. The vial may be selectively attached to the device without piercing the closure of the vial and without breaching the hermetic seal of the fluid accessing portions of the piercing member. Means are provided for connecting the vial receiving chamber to the liquid container.

Abstract: The present invention provides a septum for sealing an end of a medical connector. The connector has an end to attach to a closure of a container, the closure of the container having a target site, the connector further having a piercing member therein for piercing the target site of the closure. The septum comprises a disk having opposing first and second surfaces, a sheath extending axially from the first surface of the disk, and an annular ridge extending from the second surface of the disk, the annular ridge having a flared distal end, the distal end being dimensioned to form a fluid tight seal with the target area of the closure.

Abstract: A multiple layer structure comprising a skin layer composed of a polypropylene copolymer with styrene ethylene-butene styrene block copolymer within a range of 0-20% by weight skin layer, and, a radio frequency ("RF") susceptible layer adhered to the skin layer. The RF layer has a first component of a propylene based polymer, a second component of a nonpropylene polyolefin, a third component of a radio frequency susceptible polymer, and a fourth component of a polymeric compatibilizing agent.

Abstract: A multiple layer structure comprising a skin layer, a barrier layer, a radio frequency susceptible layer having a first polyolefin in an amount within a range of 30-60% by weight, a second polyolefin in an amount within the range of 25-50% by weight, a radio frequency susceptible polymer in an amount within the range of 3-40% by weight, a styrene and hydrocarbon block copolymer in an amount within the range of 5-40% by weight of the sealant layer.

Abstract: The present invention provides a connector device for establishing fluid communication between a first container and a second container. The device has a first sleeve member having a first end and a second end and a sidewall defining a chamber, the first sleeve member having at the first end a first attaching member adapted to attach to the first container. The device further has a second sleeve member having a first end and a second end, the second sleeve member being associated with the first sleeve member and is movable axially with respect thereto from an inactivated position to an activated position. A second attaching member is positioned on the second end of the second sleeve and adapted to attach the second sleeve member to the second container. A piercing member positioned in the chamber and projecting from one of the first and second sleeve members is provided for establishing a fluid flow path from the first container to the second container. The piercing member is hermetically sealed.

Abstract: A cannula and injection site coupling system comprising a cannula or piercing member assembly having a blunt cannula partially surrounded by a protective shield. The protective shield is spaced apart from the blunt cannula and includes a bayonet arm, a bayonet barb, a bayonet lock and an opening or gap. The injection site has a septum with a opening and an arm. When the cannula assembly and injection site are coupled, the injection site arm is lodged within the cannula assembly lock opening.

Abstract: The present invention provides a housing for use in the administration of medical fluids comprising a body having an opening at a distal end to a chamber, the chamber is connected to an interior flow channel, and a plurality of ribs are positioned in the chamber and are circumferentially spaced, the ribs are positioned inward of the body opening.

Abstract: The invention comprises a closed system blood sampling device comprising a bifurcated capillary tube which has a first branch having a cannula shaped end for withdrawing and conveying blood to a communicating blood collection zone. The blood collection zone is for storing a quantity of withdrawn blood. It also feeds an initial fraction of withdrawn blood to a communicating blood disposal chamber which has an air permeable liquid sealed end. The second branch of the bifurcated capillary tube is connected to and is in fluid communication with the blood collection zone. It terminates in an opening adapted to receive a blood withdrawal device. Also disclosed is a method of sampling blood from a patient having an artery fitted with a venipuncture device which is attached to an injection site which contains the closed blood sampling device described.

Abstract: The present invention provides an apparatus for introducing a reconstituted drug in a drug vial into a medical liquid while venting any gas within the vial to the atmosphere. The assembly includes a receptacle disposed in the middle of a fluid conduit for the medical fluid and which has an upper chamber and lower chamber. The assembly also has a cannula assembly which mounts upon and pierces a septum of the receptacle and also a pierceable stopper of the drug vial. The cannula assembly includes a pair of coaxial cannulas which pierce the stopper of the drug vial and establish a first flow path from the upper chamber to the drug vial and a second flow path from the drug vial to the lower chamber. The cannula assemble also includes a cannula that forms a vent passage in fluid communication with an upper portion of the vial, upon the piercing of the drug vial, with an end of the vent passage communicating with the atmosphere.

Abstract: A multi-layer, flexible, gas-permeable film (10) suitable for forming a cell culture container (20), the film (10) comprising a first layer (12) composed of a polystyrene having a thickness within the range of 0.0001 inches to about 0.0010 inches and, a second layer (14) adhered to the first layer (12) composed of a polymer material having a thickness within the range of 0.004 inches to about 0.025 inches.

Abstract: A polymeric tubing having an initial diameter and suitable for connecting to rigid housings including a sidewall defining a fluid pathway and having a longitudinal axis, the sidewall of a polymeric material in an amount by weight within the range of 99.999%-90.0%, and an additive in an amount by weight within the range of 0.001%-10%, and wherein the tubing has been oriented along its longitudinal axis to decrease its diameter to define a oriented diameter.

Abstract: A valve assembly for permitting fluid flow in a first direction and for preventing fluid flow in a second direction opposite to the first direction. The valve assembly includes an upper housing, a lower housing coupled to the upper housing to form a generally axially extending housing assembly, and a valve seating section defined within an inner peripheral portion of the lower housing. The valve seating section includes an axially extending inner peripheral surface and a transversely extending surface substantially normal to the axially extending inner peripheral surface. A valve member is seated within the valve seating section of said lower housing. The valve member includes a flange that extends from the valve member in a transverse direction and defines an axially oriented outer peripheral surface thereof.

Abstract: An ambulatory pump (10) for dispensing a liquid under pressure at a predetermined flow rate includes a housing (12) having first and second end caps (14, 16) positioned on the housing (12) and enclosing the housing (12). Each end cap (14,16) has a port (18,20) formed therein. A pressurizable bladder (22) is carried by the housing (12) for receiving and dispensing the liquid. The bladder (22) is expandable between an unexpanded condition and an expanded condition. The bladder (22) has a free end (30) defining an opening in flow communication with the second end cap port (20) and a fixed end defining an opening in flow communication with the first end cap port (18). A section of flexible tubing (40) is carried by the housing (12) and extends between and is in flow communication with the bladder free end (30) opening and the second end cap port (20).

Abstract: A method of preparing fluoromethyl 2,2,2-trifluoro-1-(trifluoromethyl)ethyl ether (sevoflurane) and structurally related monofluoromethyl ethers in which the monochloromethyl ether precursor thereof is reacted with a sterically hindered tertiary amine hydrofluoride salt.