Abstract: A method and a related apparatus for disinfecting, for reuse, separation devices for blood is disclosed. Devices which may be disinfected, for reuse, include dialyzers, filters and membrane plasmapheresis devices including their interconnected and associated blood lines and intravenous administration sets. Subsequent aseptic reuse of the separation devices for blood and their connected, associated blood lines and intravenous administration sets is possible.

Abstract: A drip chamber assembly is provided which includes a chamber that is flexible but is non-collapsible under a negative pressure condition. The chamber, being flexible, yields to priming easily, but when restriction is added to the inlet port the chamber will not collapse and aspirate air to the patient. A flexible chamber is formed of a vinyl plastic material having a thickness of about 0.04 inch to 0.08 inch and a durometer reading of about 61 shore A to 81 shore A. End caps rigidly support each of the ends of the chamber with the end caps each having a contact length along the chamber of at least 0.2 inch.

Abstract: Apparatus for removing a first connector from a second connector and reconnecting the first connector with the third connector by mechanical means so that the visually impaired can do it, without touching critical areas where sterility should be retained. The apparatus finds particular use in the field of peritoneal dialysis where the catheter or set connecting to the patient must be disconnected from one container of solution and reconnected to another under the most aseptic conditions possible. A platform is provided having track means for permitting controlled movement of a first retention means between a first position, permitting disconnection between the first and second connectors, and a second position permitting connection between the first and third connectors when the first, second, and third connectors are respectively carried in the first, second, and third retention means.

Abstract: A pressure pump for fluids having a pressure member 12, 12a of generally circular periphery, means 14, 14a for moving the pressure member in an orbital motion about an axis of rotation, and a sleeve member 16, 16a made of a pair of hinged jaws 22, 22a positionable about the pressure member and spaced for receiving and retaining flexible tubing 18, 18a in an annular space between the pressure member and the sleeve member with the tubing surrounding the pressure member for pumping of fluids through the tubing. In accordance with this invention the jaws define end surfaces which abut together in the closed position having slots 34, 34a defined through the end surfaces communicating between the annular space and the outside to receive lengths of the flexible tubing occupying the annular space and extending into and out of the annular space through the slots.

Abstract: A method is disclosed for forming, filling and hermetically sealing a blowmolded container having a sterile integral inner dispensing outlet, all in a single sterile operation. The method is directed toward establishing a preferably hermetic seal between the inner dispensing outlet and the container neck, by establishing the seal early in the blowmolding cycle. This is accomplished by mounting the dispensing outlet-defining tubular member about a unique fluid supply mandrel. The supply mandrel thereby also serves as a check and the tubular member of the to-be-formed container serves as a tool in blowmolding. The dispensing outlet/container neck seal is thus formed before the blowmolding step.

Abstract: There is disclosed herein a liquid processing apparatus for use in centrifugal apheresis in which whole blood is received from a donor, separated into therapeutic components and selectively collected. The apparatus includes a processing chamber support system for cooperating in controlling the volume of a variable-volume blood processing chamber during apheresis. The support system is constructed to spin about a spin axis and is substantially symmetric about said axis.The elements of the support system include a chamber cover for receiving a variable-volume chamber. A mandrel is provided for engaging the variable-volume chamber and applying a conforming force to the chamber by urging the chamber toward the cover and thereby causing the chamber to conform to the shape of the cover. Thus the chamber is positioned between the cover and mandrel during apheresis, and the cover and mandrel cooperate in controlling the volume and shape of the chamber.

Abstract: A generally non-transparent substrate is rendered substantially transparent, for example at a particular location or locations thereon, by electrostatically depositing finely divided transparentizing particles onto the substrate and then heating those particles to facilitate their flow into the intersticies of the substrate. The transparentizing particles have an optical refractive index that is substantially the same as that of the substrate, and these transparentizing particles have a melting point greater than that encountered during handling and storage and less than the temperature at which the substrate would be damaged.

Abstract: The present invention provides an accurate method and apparatus for sensing and monitoring any buildup in the downline tubing pressure in a fluid infusion system. The initial fluid pressure as indicated by the tubing location is sensed after a delay period and is utilized as a base pressure if it is within allowable limits. The infusion tubing location or pressure is then monitored and compared with the base location or pressure. The system will alarm if a preset differential location or pressure change is exceeded.

Abstract: A fluid pumping assembly includes a prepackaged, self-contained fluid circuit module which is selectively movable by an operator into and out of operative association with one or more pump rotors of an associated apparatus. The module includes a housing which supports two or more flexible conduits, which together define a prearranged fluid circuit. Portions of the flexible fluid conduits are outwardly disposed from the housing in upright, freestanding positions, even when the module is out of operative association with the pump rotors. The upright portions are purposely arranged relative to each other to facilitate only a particular operative relationship between the fluid circuit and the pump rotors when the module is subsequently moved into operative association therewith.

Abstract: In a parenteral solution administration set, the porous hydrophilic filter member which can control the liquid level and prevent the passage of gas downwardly through the set can be located adjacent the lower end of the drip chamber to control flow out of the lower end and to be submerged in liquid held in the drip chamber during operation thereof. Significant advantages are obtained. Particularly, the set becomes conveniently usable with parenteral solution pumps. Also the drip chamber may contain an elongated member projecting inwardly of the lower end of the chamber and carrying indicia along its length to indicate liquid volume in the chamber as a function of liquid level.

Abstract: A cellular seal coating is provided for uses such as assembling composite packages, which cellular seal coating is formed by electrostatically depositing finely divided, electrostatically chargeable bonding agent particles onto a preassembly member. Such bonding agent particles include a chemical blowing or foaming agent or system which forms gas bubbles when heated or otherwise energized in order to alter the thickness and strength of the seal coating so that it may, for example, fill gaps along assembly locations of a package or other article.

Abstract: Container bags for intravenous solution of one-piece, blow-molded construction typically have a fill port or tube and at least an administration port in one end of the container bag. A method, an apparatus and an article of manufacture are provided where a fill port or tube on a polyolefin or other plastic container bag is sealed into a dome shape where the solid wall, dome-shaped material closing the port or tube effects the seal. The method provides for sealing the open end of a thermoplastic tube or port by using respectively hot and cold dies. Resistance of the tube or port to forming a seal at adjoining interfaces is overcome by rotating at least one of the dies. Disruption and mixing of the plastic at the interface or closure line is accomplished, forming a substantially homogenous mass which seals the port opening.

Abstract: A unique container is disclosed which has at least three chambers for the separate storage and selective mixing of at least two components. The container includes two outer flexible sheets and an inner, diaphragm sheet, all sealed about their peripheries in the preferred embodiment. Multiple breakable lines of securement are formed between one of the outer sheets and the inner, diaphragm sheet. Multiple permanent lines of securement are formed between the inner diaphragm sheet and the other outer sheet, extending substantially parallel to and substantially the length of the respective breakable lines of securement. Such a container structure defines two chambers which have no common boundary and an intermediate chamber. In the preferred embodiment of the invention, the intermediate chamber does not store any substance; rather, it serves as a buffer or barrier chamber and also acts as a test for seal integrity. In another embodiment of the invention, the intermediate chamber holds a third component for mixing.

Abstract: A disposable swab for application of medicament and the like to the skin, which comprises a flat, sheet-like strip and a pad member centrally attached to at least one side of the strip. The first inner pair of fold lines is transversely positioned in the strip, with each fold line of the first pair being positioned on opposite sides of, and adjacent opposite ends of, the pad member by generally equal distances, to permit opposed terminal portions of the strip to be folded rearwardly relative to the pad. A second, outer pair of fold lines may be transversely positioned in the strip, each fold line of the second pair being positioned adjacent opposite ends of the strip by generally equal distances to permit end portions of the rearwardly folded terminal portions to be pinched by the fingers together into flat, abutting relation. Accordingly, the strip can form a structure which is generally triangular in cross section, with the base of the trianglar cross section carrying the pad member.

Abstract: There is disclosed herein a flow-through medical filter element which includes surface or depth filter media and a frame-like structure for supporting and positioning the media. The frame-like structure is a molded member which includes a ring-like inlet, a fluid-impervious terminal end spaced from the inlet and a plurality of rib-like members which extend between and interconnect the inlet end and terminal end. The inlet end includes internally-extending pleat-supporting projections and the terminal end has complementary externally-extending pleat-supporting shoulders. The frame-like structure is symmetrical about an axial plane which includes the mold parting line. The external shoulders are formed at angles which permits separation of a mold along the parting line and release of the part. The filter media also includes longitudinal pleats and is secured at its ends to the pleat-supporting projections associated with the inlet end and to the external pleat-supporting shoulders at the terminal end.

Abstract: The present invention provides an uncomplicated quick disconnect rotor assembly for peristaltic pumps. The assembly includes a magnetic carrier mounted on the pump drive shaft which has a mating configuration with a recess in the rotor. The rotor includes at least one magnet, preferably with segments on opposite sides of an axial drive shaft alignment passageway. The carrier and rotor are assembled and held in operation only with the magnetic force therebetween, which eliminates tools and mechanical moving parts from the assembly.

Abstract: The present invention provides a fast, efficient, precise method and apparatus for compounding solutions for use in hyperalimentation therapy. The apparatus includes a controller for entering the volume and specific gravity of the solution to be compounded.A load cell monitors the weight of the solutions that have been transferred to a collection vessel and in connection with the controller thereby maintains the precise amount of each therein. The controller also surveys various process conditions and warns of any failure of those conditions. Peristaltic pumps are used for the delivery of the compounding solution to maintain the solutions in a sterile condition.

Abstract: A one-piece integral plastic container is disclosed which has an outer closure or overcap removable along a frangible line of weakness, and a separately-formed inner closure that is maintained in sterile condition by the outer closure until the container contents are dispensed. The inner closure comprises a tubular member inserted in fluid-tight relationship within the container neck after the container body and neck are molded, but prior to formation of the outer closure. The tubular member thus provides the dispensing outlet for the container and is maintained in sterile condition by the overcap which encloses it.