Abstract: A system for metering nutrient media to cell culture containers includes a media flow conduit which defines at one end means for substantially aseptic communication with the source of the media. In a preferred embodiment, sterile connectors may be used for essentially sterile conditions. A branch conduit extends from the flow conduit at a location spaced from the ends. The branch conduit communicates with means for receiving a predetermined-volume aliquot of media through the media flow conduit from said one end. The flow conduit also defines a portion downstream from the branch conduit, which communicates with at least one cell culture container, each container being a flexible bag. At least part of the flexible bag is made of a material capable of providing at least 2 times the oxygen diffusion and at least 2 times the carbon dioxide diffusion between the bag interior and exterior, compared with an identically-sized, sealed bag having polyethylene walls 0.013 inch thick.

Abstract: A blood component separating device comprises a centrifuge bowl adapted for rotation about its axis in a centrifuge. The bowl defines an outer arcuate wall plus an inner circumferential wall, spaced from the outer wall, to define a arcuate slot adapted for receiving blood components. Access tubing is adapted for communication with the slot. Preferably, an elongated, flexible, collapsible inner liner is provided in the slot. Individual access tubing also may communicate with an elongated container interior between the ends of the elongated, collapsible container. Furthermore, a portion of the slot may define the shape of an outwardly extending spiral, to provide an increasing gravitational field upon fluids therein as the fluid moves along the slot.

Abstract: A method and composition of regenerating tissue. More specifically, a method for regenerating pancreatic islet tissue having the histological and insulin-containing properties of islets typically found in neonatal or adult animals is described. The regenerated islet tissue is produced by fetal mesenchyme acting upon an epithelium such that an inductive message causes the epithelium to differentiate into islet tissue.

Abstract: An external introducer for a ventricular catheter that is part of a hydrocephalus shunt system. The introducer includes a stylet assembly that mates with a cannula assembly. The cannula assembly comprises a cannula having a bent tip and an opening on the sidewall of the cannula, and a cannula hub into which a catheter is clipped. The stylet assembly includes a flexible stylet attached to a stylet hub. When the stylet hub is locked to the cannula hub, the stylet protrudes slightly from the end of the cannula at an angle. The introducer holds the catheter approximately straight for insertion into the ventricle of the brain.

Abstract: A solution is described that can be used to maintain the patency of an I.V. catheter or other vascular access device having a lumen. The density and osmolarity of the solution are adjusted so that the density and osmolarity of the solution are approximately equal to the density and osmolarity of whole blood in a patient. The solution can be injected into the lumen of the vascular access device to prevent blood from the patient from entering the lumen.

Abstract: A multiple fluid delivery system usable for the delivery of intravenous fluids to a patient from a plurality of fluid sources includes flexible tubing members for coupling the sources to a fluid junction member. The fluid junction member, wherein little or no interfluid mixing occurs, is coupled by an output conduit to a controllable pump. Output from the pump, via a further fluid flow conduit, can be coupled to the patient's catheter. The system can multiplex a plurality of different fluids. Spaced apart sequences of fluid quanta are injected into the output conduit from the fluid flow junction. The fluids are either mixed, or not, in the output conduit as desired. Operator interaction and control of the system can occur either through a display screen or by means of a bar code sensor. Hard copy records can be provided of fluid flow delivery schedules or other related information.

Abstract: A guide system for improving the orientation of a web of film as it passes around a fill tube structure in a form, fill, seal packaging machine is provided. The guide system comprises at least two members removably coupled to the fill tube structure, and so constructed and arranged that they increase the cross-sectional perimeter of the fill tube structure when they are secured thereto. The members cooperating with the fill tube structure to stretch the web of film as it passes around the fill tube structure. An improved apparatus for attaching fitments to a web of film and method is also provided.

Abstract: Device for continuous cleaning and/or decontaminating a band of a thermoplastic film comprising a housing (1) where the band (7) follows a sinuous trajectory between return cylinders (8, 10, 40, 41, 9) and is subjected to the action of demineralized and/or distilled water jets projected by nozzles, (20, 43, 45, 22) mounted on spraying ramps (19, 42, 46, 21), the direction of jets being preferably opposite to the feed direction of the band (7).

Abstract: A method is provided for individuals under treatment for or at risk of atherosclerotic, vascular, cardiovascular, and/or thrombotic disease by administering a composition which comprises a protein source; a carbohydrate source; and at least one lipid selected from the group consisting of: gamma-linolenic acid; eicosapentaenoic acid; docosahexaenoic acid; sterodonic acid; and linolenic acid. Both an enteral and parenteral composition are provided.

Abstract: A large bore tubing roller clamp assembly for regulating the flow rate of a liquid through large bore tubing is disclosed. The roller clamp assembly comprises a substantially rigid elongated plastic frame, a generally cylindrical roller, and a length of a large bore tubing disposed within the frame. The flow rate through the tubing is controlled by moving the roller along an inclined roller track and over the tubing, thereby selectively compressing tubing to attain the desired flow rate.

Abstract: A set for the isolation of cryoprecipitate includes a hollow vessel with a closed first end, a second end and a longitudinal axis, and a nipple extending from and closing the second end, said nipple enclosing a volume of approximately 2 to 5 percent of the volume of the hollow vessel. In one embodiment, the vessel is formed of a semi-rigid material and the first end is closed by a cap containing a micro-porous filter for venting the vessel. In another or further embodiment, the nipple has a tapered tip portion which may be sliced off to permit extrusion of the isolated cryoprecipitate by squeezing the vessel. In a different further embodiment, the nipple has a twist-lockable connector, for attachment to a syringe or to an applicator tip. In yet another embodiment a piston mounts on the cap within the vessel for directly extruding separated cryoprecipitate from the nipple.

Abstract: An apparatus for producing and/or administering medicines and nutritional solutions to a patient. The apparatus includes a multiway valve having a plurality of inlets, an outlet and a collecting reservoir between the inlets and the outlet. The multiway valve may also have an injection site and connection that can be used both as an inlet and an outlet. The inlets, outlets and injection site each include a one-way valve which allows flow only in the direction from the inlets to the patient. A syringe may be connected to the inlet/outlet connection to draw an amount of solution form one or more of the solution bags and then move the solutions together into a mixing bag connected at the outlet, to prepare a medicine or nutritional solution.

Abstract: A set for the isolation of cryoprecipitate includes a hollow vessel with first and second ends and a tapered body extending to a narrow sump closing the second end, said sump enclosing a volume of approximately 2 to 5 percent of the volume of the hollow vessel. A port enters the vessel in the tapered body above the sump. In one embodiment, the vessel is formed of a rigid or semi-rigid material and the first end is closed by a cap containing a micro-porous filter for venting the vessel. In another or further embodiment, the sump has a tapered tip portion which may be sliced off to permit extrusion of the isolated cryoprecipitate by squeezing the vessel. In a different embodiment, the vessel contains an inner filter column, or bag with a filter matrix, accessible via an access port. Cellular material placed in the column is frozen, thawed and centrifuged to separate out antigen-free platelet growth factor with the cryoprecipitate.

Abstract: Methods and systems for collection of blood components, such as plasma, from donors are provided. One method includes the steps of collecting a unit of whole blood froma donor; forcing the collected blood unit through a plasma separator; accumulating the plasma in a container; and returning concentrated cells to the donor. One system includes a disposable blood collection set and a reusable fixture into which the collection set can be mounted. The fixture is operated by a self-contained energy source, requiring no exterior electrical connection or other external source of energy.

Abstract: A centrifugal separator system is provided for extracting lighter matter from a liquid suspension. The separator includes a housing having an axis, an inlet port, a lighter matter outlet port and a heavier matter outlet port spaced from the inlet port. A rotatable interior double shell rotor is disposed within the housing. The rotor includes outer and inner shells and defines a centrifugation gap therebetween. The rotor is spaced from the housing by a flow gap. The outer shell includes means providing communication between the centrifugation gap, the inlet port and the heavier outlet port. Means are provided in the double shell rotor for conducting lighter matter from the centrifugation gap to the lighter matter outlet port.

Abstract: A device for guiding a web of flexible film that has been folded back upon itself so as to maintain the edges of the web of film precisely positioned for subsequent sealing. The device includes a smooth support plate positioned so as to be received between two folds of the web of film with pressure being applied to hold the folds against the plate by means of rollers. The rollers are mounted to maintain the folds against the support plate and to assume different orientations relative to the direction of movement of the web.

Abstract: A cell culture media container is provided. The container comprises a body constructed from flexible film and defining a containment area for containing the cell culture media, the body including a front face and a back face, the front and back face being sealed to each other along at least three sides thereof. The container includes a fill port for filling the containment area with cell culture media, the port being sealed to a face of the body and being so constructed and arranged that it extends from the face normal thereto. The container is constructed from a high barrier, optically clear, radiation sterilizable film.

Abstract: A stable and highly maneuverable home care intravenous container stand is provided. The present device includes a base defining a low center of gravity which is supported by front casters and back wheels. A main pole is removably retained in a clamp secured to the base. An adjustable sub-pole having a support arm is telescopically carried to the main pole. A vertically adjustable handle is provided on the main pole.

Abstract: An infusor (10) is disclosed for dispensing a liquid under pressure at a predetermined flow rate. The infusor (10) includes a housing (12) containing an elastomeric bladder (16) for receiving the liquid under pressure. The liquid is delivered from the bladder to a patient through tubing (36). A non-adjustable, preselected flow regulator (38) includes a capillary bore (48). The flow regulator (38) is disposed at the distal end of the tubing (36), such that the tubing may be primed quickly, in a time period virtually unaffected by the flow regulator (38). Distal placement of the flow regulator (38) results in a more constant temperature, and thus a more constant flow rate, of fluid flowing through the flow regulator.