Abstract: A port and closure assembly is provided. The port and closure assembly comprises a port including a tubular portion that extends from a base, the tubular portion terminating at an end including an opening. A closure is provided for sealing at least a portion of the end of the port, the port and closure being constructed from materials that create a tack seal when the closure is positioned on the port and the port and closure are sterilized, the tack seal functioning to secure the closure to the port.

Abstract: A flow set for administering peritoneal dialysis solution in automated peritoneal dialysis which comprises interconnecting flow conduits for connecting respectively with (1) a patient's catheter, (2) a container for warming dialysis solution, (3) a drain line, and (4) a source of dialysis solution. The flow conduit (4) for connecting with the source of dialysis solution defines at least three branching conduits having connectors on their respective ends for communication with separate containers of dialysis solution. In accordance with this invention, means are provided for causing the flow path resistance through the conduit (4) of the respective flow paths passing through each of said branch conduits to be substantially equal.

Abstract: Device for welding a mouthpiece to a thermoplastic film comprising a frame, a support plate carried by the frame and moveable with respect to the latter, a welding head rigidly connected to the support plate, and at least one annular heating resistance carried by the welding head and having electric supply rods arranged at two diametrically opposite points. The device comprises diffusion means for diffusing a cooling gas at the vicinity of the fixation of the supply rods to the heating resistance; preferably, the cooling gas diffusion means comprise channels extending in the welding head and surrounding the supply rods.The invention also relates to the mounting of the welding device on a moveable frame and its association with a film blocking device.

Abstract: A method of radio frequency sealing attaches a seal member to a cylindrical, hollow, access port of a container. The method uses two sets of spaced apart die elements to generate an axial electric field along a region where the port and seal member overlap. An external peripheral ring is formed about an exterior surface of the port. The method can be used with containers having a sealed periphery as well as those previously filled with a fluid.

Abstract: A fluid delivery system has a container with an integrally attached sample cell. A selected fluid can be accumulated in the container. The sample cell can be filled with part of the fluid in the container and then isolated from the container by heat or dielectric sealing. The fluid in the sample cell can be brought into contact with selected test reagents. The test reagents can provide a visual indicia of the presence of selected characteristics in the fluid.

Abstract: A coupling device for establishing fluid communication between a first container and a second container is provided. The device includes a first sleeve member including at a first end thereof, a member for connecting and securing the first sleeve member to a first container. A second sleeve member is provided and is so constructed and arranged that it receives a portion of the first sleeve, and is operatively adapted for axial sliding engagement thereon, including at one axial end thereof a member for releasably engaging and securing the second sleeve member to a second container. Piercing members located within an area defined by the first and second sleeves are provided for providing fluid flow from the first container to the second container. The coupling device includes a resilient seal for sealing an end of the second sleeve member, located in said second sleeve member at said end adapted to be connected to said second container.

Abstract: Nutritional compositions for management of hepatic failure are improved by eliminating certain ammonotelic amino acids and reducing the proportion of essential ammonotelic amino acids. A composition is provided which is optimized for nutritional therapy and suppression of hyperammonemia.

Abstract: A surgical procedure tray for supporting disposable medical devices in a surgical procedure pack. The tray and components are wrapped with a sterile wrap. The tray includes a substantially flat bottom portion and a border surrounding the periphery of the bottom portion. The border has a series of bends and includes an upwardly extending lip of a predetermined thickness. The distal end of the lip narrows to connect to a thinner rounded elbow which joins a downwardly slanting ledge. The distal end of the ledge is connected to a tip which is connected to a bead. The thinner outer portions and numerous bends of the border flex so that damage to the sterile wrap covering the tray is reduced.

Abstract: A shaping device for a web of flexible film having projecting ports comprising a shaping plate having a slit, for receiving the film, and an opening for receiving the port. An adjustable member is provided for limiting the length of the slit. A member is also provided for guiding the port into the opening.

Abstract: An apparatus for sterilizing packaging material is provided. The apparatus includes a container or bath for containing a liquid sterilant through which the packaging material is drawn and guided. The container having an entry opening and exit opening, and guide rollers. At least one spray nozzle located at a position above the level of liquid sterilant for spraying the packaging material with recirculated filter liquid sterilant after it has passed through the liquid sterilant bath is provided.

Abstract: An apparatus for continuously filling flexible bags or pouches with a perfusion liquid contained in a reservoir to which the perfusion liquid is fed from a source.The apparatus comprises regulating means including a sensor which sends a signal as a function of the level of the liquid in reservoir and is connected to a regulator that continuously regulates the feeding of the perfusion liquid to said reservoir, so as to maintain the level of the liquid in reservoir close to a pre-set level.

Abstract: Apparatus for disconnecting, sterilizing and making new tubing connection. The apparatus includes electromechanical means for sensing the presence of a clamp to prevent fluid leaks during operation. The apparatus also includes means for forcing compliance with a predetermined sequence of operations. All electronic components are contained in the top of the apparatus to isolate same from any potential fluid leads which will naturally flow over and into the base of the apparatus.

Abstract: A material is formed into hollow fiber form, and the surface characteristics of the interior bore is selectively modified in a predetermined fashion by a reactive lumen fluid. Nucleophilic materials, such as regenerated cellulose, can be formed into hollow fibers and simultaneously modified to improve their biocompatibility in accordance with the invention.

Abstract: An adaptive filter concentrate flow control system and method includes a filter system, a pumping system driving feed fluid, concentrate and filtrate flowing through the filter system and a flow control system controlling the pumping system to maintain optimum filtrate flow rates along a control curve in a transmembrane pressure--feed fluid rate--filtrate flow rate three dimensional space. Actual sensed operating point data is used to locate the control curve so as to assure an optimized filtrate flow rate at which reversible blocking of the membrane has begun to occur without irreversible plugging. The system is advantageously employed to control and maximize the flow of plasma in a plasmapheresis system.

Abstract: A self-priming injection site having a stopper that resists dislocation or removal from the injection site. The stopper is positioned within the plastic housing between a top with an open center and an intermediate ledge having an upturned lip. The stopper includes an annular groove that receives the upturned lip of the intermediate ledge, to assist in holding the stopper in compression within the housing. An arm portion allows the intravenous fluid to enter the injection site on a path approximately parallel to and immediately adjacent to the ledge and the bottom of the stopper. A check valve may be positioned within the arm portion.

Abstract: A housing is provided for insertion in an intravenous delivery system including a fluid source and a fluid conduit. The housing is adapted for receiving a beneficial agent to be mixed with fluid flowing through the fluid conduit. The beneficial agent is reconstituted within the housing, eliminating the need for manual reconstitution. The housing may comprise a separate receptacle and cartridge in which the receptacle is manufactured "in-line" in an administration set and the cartridge is adapted for receiving a beneficial agent. In one embodiment of the invention, the cartridge is a standard drug vial.

Abstract: A naso-gastric feeding tube (10) includes a hollow, flexible tube (12) having an open, proximal end (14) permanently secured to a hollow adapter (16), forming an integral unit. A stylet (56) is removably mounted within the stylet port (42) of the adaptor (16). A syringe (72) may be secured to the placement port (44) in order to conduct the placement confirmation test to assure proper insertion of the feeding tube within the patient, eliminating the need for removing and then reinserting the stylet to confirm proper insertion of the feeding tube (10). Additionally, the feeding tube (10) permits delivery of a second prescribed product without disconnecting the tube (10) from the source of the first prescribed product.

Abstract: A non thrombogenic quarternary ammonium/heparin complex coating for a medical article is disclosed where the organic cationic salt is an alkylbenzyldimethyl ammonium ion present in an amount of at least 50% by weight and having the following formula: ##STR1## where R is a uniform alkyl group containing between 16 to 18 carbon atoms.

Abstract: An air knife is positioned to direct a stream or blast of air across the tip of a sample probe as it is withdrawn from a cuvette containing a reagent, diluent, and patient sample solution. After the probe is flushed with diluent, the air knife drives any droplets of diluent fluid off the probe tip into the cuvette and thereby prevents contamination or dilution of the sample material in the sample containers.

Abstract: An apparatus for feeding a liquid from a reservoir is provided. A distribution duct that defines a channel extending from the reservoir is provided that is in fluid communication with a feeding duct that defines a channel. A valve seat is located between the distribution duct and the feeding duct. The channels defined by the distribution and feeding duct extend in the same plane at the valve seat. The valve seat is located at an acute angle with respect to that plane. A closing device, for regulating fluid flow from the distribution duct to the feeding duct is provided. The closing device includes a movable valve, movable in a direction that is at an acute angle to the flow if the fluid from the distribution duct to the feeding duct, for mating with the valve seat. A member is coupled to the valve for urging the valve toward the valve seat. Members are provided for adjusting the member for causing the closing device to move.