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: A medical treatment administration system 610 for delivering a medical treatment to a patient 618. The system 610 has a medical device 612 disposed in a first location, an electronic processor 628 coupled to the medical device 612, a sensor 616 coupled to the processor 628, and a remote controller 646 disposed at a second location remote from the first location. The remote controller 646 has an input device to control operation of the electronic processor 628. The sensor 616 receives one or more signals which it transfers 624 to the processor 628. The signals can be derived from the patient's physiological condition and/or the environment of the patient. The processor 628 receives the signals and performs a calculation 630 of the signal. Based on the result of the calculation, the processor 628 regulates the distribution of medical treatment to the patient 618 over a period of time.

Abstract: A method of detecting an occlusion within a flexible infusion tube by measuring samples indicative of pressures relative to instances in time. Difference values for the samples are created. The difference values are compared to percentages of other difference values. When appropriate, an occlusion signal is generated in response to a comparison of a difference value to a percentage of another difference value.

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: A vacuum demand valve for delivering a flowable material is disclosed. The valve has a housing having a proximal end, a distal end, an intermediate segment therebetween defining a passageway wherein the flowable substance can flow from the proximal end to the distal end. The housing can be a tubing. A valve member is located along the intermediate segment. The valve member has a closed condition wherein the flow of the flowable material from the proximal end to the distal end is stopped and an open condition wherein the flow of the flowable material from the proximal end to the distal end is unstopped. The valve member is biased in the closed condition and is responsive to a partial vacuum provided by the user through the passageway for placing the valve member in the open condition.

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: A method of detecting an occlusion within a flexible infusion tube by measuring samples indicative of pressures relative to instances in time. Difference values for the samples are created. The difference values are compared to percentages of other difference values. When appropriate, an occlusion signal is generated in response to a comparison of a difference value to a percentage of another difference value.

Abstract: An acoustic transducer is disclosed including: a fixed perforated member; a freely movable diaphragm spaced from the perforated member; a support ring in the perforated member maintaining the proper spacing between the diaphragm and the perforated member near the perimeter; means of suspension allowing the diaphragm to rest freely on the support ring and yet mechanically decouples the diaphragm from the perforated member; means of applying an electrical field in the space between the perforated member and the diaphragm; means of detecting the change of electrical capacitance between the perforated member and the diaphragm when the diaphragm moves in response to an incident acoustic sound pressure wave.

Abstract: A process for the preparation of a solid pharmaceutical dosage form comprising a carrier and, as active ingredient, a compound which exists, in solution, in an equilibrium between a free acid or free base form and a salt form, and for which there is a difference in volatility between the free acid or free base form and the salt form. The process includes the steps of solidifying a mixture of the compound and carrier in a solvent, and subsequently removing the solvent from the solidified mixture. A pH modifier is added to the mixture prior to solidification to shift the equilibrium to favor the less volatile form of the active ingredient.

Abstract: The present invention provides a polymer blend for fabricating medical products. The blend has a first ethylene and &agr;-olefin copolymer obtained using a single-site catalyst present in an amount by weight of from about 0% to about 99% by weight of the blend and having a melt flow index from about 0.1 g/10 min to about 5 g/10 min, a second ethylene and &agr;-olefin copolymer obtained using a single-site catalyst and being present in an amount by weight of the blend from about 0% to about 99% and having a melt flow index from higher than about 5 g/10 min to about 20 g/10 min; and a third ethylene and &agr;-olefin copolymer obtained using a single-site catalyst and being present in an amount by weight of the blend from about 0% to about 99% and having a melt flow index greater than about 20 g/10 min.

Abstract: A can end for a two-piece beverage can including a generally flat radially extending portion; a score panel defined in the generally flat radially extending portion by an arcuate score, the score panel having a central, longitudinal axis projecting in a first axial direction and a second axial direction opposite the first direction; an annular emboss bead formed in the score panel and projecting in a first axial direction; and an annular deboss bead formed in the score panel and projecting in the second axial direction.

Abstract: A food material dispensing apparatus for adding a sauce to a target food is claimed. The dispensing comprises a pump, a supply manifold, and a dispensing manifold. The pump draws a quantity of sauce from a source into the supply manifold and forces the sauce through the dispensing manifold to the target food. The supply manifold receives the sauce from the source. The sauce is transferred to the dispensing manifold through which the sauce material is transferred to the target food. A baffle suspended in the dispensing manifold. The baffle has a peripheral edge and a central portion displaced a distance from a substantially horizontal plane defined by the peripheral edge by a positioning portion which connects the central portion to the peripheral edge. A pattern plate is positioned downstream from the baffle and has a plurality of apertures for delivering the predetermined quantity of sauce in a predetermined pattern to the target food.

Abstract: Release liners and processes for making the same are disclosed. The release liners include no more than about 1.5 micrograms/square centimeter of nonreacted silicone materials (extractables). The release liners are prepared using solvent coating of radiation curable silicone release materials.

Abstract: The present invention is an electrical circuit protection device having a PTC element with a first common electrode affixed to a first surface of the PTC element and at least two second electrodes affixed to a second surface of the PTC element. The at least two second electrodes are physically separated from one another such that when the at least two second electrodes are connected to a source of electrical current, the current travels from the at least two second electrodes, respectively, through the PTC element, to the first common electrode.