Abstract: A method for collecting a sterilized fluid includes passing a fluid through an inlet stem and into a chamber of a storage container so that the fluid collects within the chamber of the storage container; and applying a beam of radiation to the inlet stem so that the beam of radiation passes through the inlet stem and through at least a portion of the fluid passing through the inlet stem, the beam of radiation at least partially sterilizing the fluid passing through the inlet stem and into the chamber of the storage container.

Abstract: A sterilization system for sterilizing an article is disclosed. The sterilization system may include a hydrogen peroxide generation system configured to generate hydrogen peroxide, a hydroxyl generation system configured to produce a flow of hydroxyl radicals that causes deterioration of the hydrogen peroxide to produce hydroxyl ions, and a sterilization chamber configured to expose the article to the hydroxyl ions to sterilize the article. Additionally, methods for sterilizing articles are disclosed. Those methods may include generating hydrogen peroxide, producing a flow of hydroxyl radicals that causes deterioration of the hydrogen peroxide to produce hydroxyl ions, and exposing the article to the hydroxyl ions to sterilize the article.

Abstract: A method for collecting a sterilized fluid includes passing a fluid through an inlet stem and into a chamber of a storage container so that the fluid collects within the chamber of the storage container; and applying a beam of radiation to the inlet stem so that the beam of radiation passes through the inlet stem and through at least a portion of the fluid passing through the inlet stem, the beam of radiation at least partially sterilizing the fluid passing through the inlet stem and into the chamber of the storage container.

Abstract: A container includes a first wall and an opposing second wall that extend between a first end and an opposing second end, a first fluid flow path being bounded between the first wall and the second wall. An inlet is formed at the first end and communicates with the first fluid flow path. An outlet is formed at the second end and communicates with the first fluid flow path. The first wall includes a primary wall portion having a first opening extending therethrough in alignment with the first fluid flow path. A secondary wall portion extends over the first opening and is secured to the primary wall portion so as to seal the first opening closed, the secondary wall portion being comprised of a film having a thickness that is less than a thickness of the primary wall portion.

Abstract: A container includes a first wall and an opposing second wall that extend between a first end and an opposing second end, a first fluid flow path being bounded between the first wall and the second wall. An inlet is formed at the first end and communicates with the first fluid flow path. An outlet is formed at the second end and communicates with the first fluid flow path. The first wall includes a primary wall portion having a first opening extending therethrough in alignment with the first fluid flow path. A secondary wall portion extends over the first opening and is secured to the primary wall portion so as to seal the first opening closed, the secondary wall portion being comprised of a film having a thickness that is less than a thickness of the primary wall portion.

Abstract: A container includes a first wall made of a polymeric material, a second wall made of a polymeric material, and a plurality of elongated baffles, spacers or seam lines formed between the first wall and the second wall to form a plurality of separate fluid flow paths. Each of the plurality of fluid flow paths are separated from the other fluid flow paths by at least one of the baffles, spacers or seam lines. Each of the plurality of fluid flow paths have a first end in fluid communication with an inlet and have a second end in fluid communication with an outlet.

Abstract: A container includes a first wall made of a polymeric material, a second wall made of a polymeric material, and a plurality of elongated baffles, spacers or seam lines formed between the first wall and the second wall to form a plurality of separate fluid flow paths. Each of the plurality of fluid flow paths are separated from the other fluid flow paths by at least one of the baffles, spacers or seam lines. Each of the plurality of fluid flow paths have a first end in fluid communication with an inlet and have a second end in fluid communication with an outlet.

Abstract: A system for sterilizing a fluid includes a sterilization container bounding a fluid flow path that can be coupled with a fluid source. The sterilization container is comprised of one or more polymeric walls. A beam generator is configured to direct a beam of electromagnetic radiation through at least a portion of the fluid flow path of the sterilization container, the beam of electromagnetic radiation being sufficient to sterilize a fluid within the fluid flow path.

Abstract: A system for sterilizing a fluid includes a sterilization container bounding a fluid flow path that can be coupled with a fluid source. The sterilization container is comprised of one or more polymeric walls. A beam generator is configured to direct a beam of electromagnetic radiation through at least a portion of the fluid flow path of the sterilization container, the beam of electromagnetic radiation being sufficient to sterilize a fluid within the fluid flow path.

Abstract: A system for sterilizing a fluid includes a fluid source and a sterilization container bounding a fluid flow path that is in fluid communication with the fluid source. The sterilization container is comprised of one or more polymeric walls. An electron beam generator is configured to direct an electron beam through at least a portion of the fluid flow path of the sterilization container, the electron beam being sufficient to sterilize a fluid within the fluid flow path.

Abstract: A tube connection assembly having an elastomeric tube defining a fluid channel therethrough, and a retention sleeve, composed of a cross-linked PEX material having memory retention properties, disposed around the distal portion of tube device. Prior to partial assembly, the retention sleeve is expanded about 15% to about 50% from an unexpanded natural condition to an expanded condition, enabling placement onto the tube device. The tube distal portion and disposed retention sleeve can then be connected to a barbed male portion of a connector fitting, where the sleeve will radially retract back toward the natural condition, generating significant, radially uniform, hoop forces around the tube distal portion for fluid tight mounting to the connector fitting.

Abstract: A system for sterilizing a fluid includes a fluid source and a sterilization container bounding a fluid flow path that is in fluid communication with the fluid source. The sterilization container is comprised of one or more polymeric walls. An electron beam generator is configured to direct an electron beam through at least a portion of the fluid flow path of the sterilization container, the electron beam being sufficient to sterilize a fluid within the fluid flow path.

Abstract: A system for forming a fluid connection includes a first connector and a second connector. Both connectors include a tubular body having a membrane mounted on a distal end thereof. A support member facilitates the coupling of the connectors together so that the membranes are abutted together. Radiant energy is applied to the abutted membranes so as to first sterilize the membranes and then melt the membranes so that a passage is formed therethrough.

Abstract: A system for forming a fluid connection includes a first connector and a second connector. Both connectors include a tubular body having a membrane mounted on a distal end thereof. A support member facilitates the coupling of the connectors together so that the membranes are abutted together. Radiant energy is applied to the abutted membranes so as to first sterilize the membranes and then melt the membranes so that a passage is formed therethrough.

Abstract: A system for forming a fluid connection includes a first connector (12) and a second connector (14). Both connectors include a tubular body (18,18?) having a membrane (19,19?) mounted on a distal end (27) thereof. A support member (16) or other fastener (214,220) facilitates the coupling of the connectors together so that the membranes are abutted together. Radiant or other form of energy is applied to the abutted membranes so as to sterilize the membranes and melt the membranes so that a passage is formed therethrough.

Abstract: The connection, assembly, or fill of two or more pre-sterilized components having at least one terminal end each for attachment to another component, and an apparatus for performing such a connection, while maintaining the sterility of the components is disclosed. The resulting connection is made permanent by bonding the contacting components together using either a solvent bonding technique, a radio frequency sealer, a heat sealer, or any other suitable process. The connection is preferably made within an active sterile field. Using a low-voltage electron beam instrument, such as the MIN-EB™, a suitable sterile field sphere can be created. The terminal ends of the multiple components remain within the sterile field sphere until the possibility of contamination within the sealed components is significantly reduced to industry acceptable standards.

Abstract: A system for forming a fluid connection includes a first connector and a second connector. Both connectors include a tubular body having a membrane mounted on a distal end thereof. A support member facilitates the coupling of the connectors together so that the membranes are abutted together. Radiant energy is applied to the abutted membranes so as to first sterilize the membranes and then melt the membranes so that a passage is formed therethrough.

Abstract: The connection, assembly, or fill of two or more pre-sterilized components having at least one terminal end each for attachment to another component, and an apparatus for performing such a connection, while maintaining the sterility of the components is disclosed. The resulting connection is made permanent by bonding the contacting components together using either a solvent bonding technique, a radio frequency sealer, a heat sealer, or any other suitable process. The connection is preferably made within an active sterile field. Using a low-voltage electron beam instrument, such as the MIN-EB™, a suitable sterile field sphere can be created. The terminal ends of the multiple components remain within the sterile field sphere until the possibility of contamination within the sealed components is significantly reduced to industry acceptable standards.

Abstract: A feed bag includes a body bounding a compartment, the compartment being adapted to hold a feed material. The body has a first end with an outlet formed thereat and an opposing second end. A vent port is formed on the body so as to communicate with the compartment. In one embodiment a filter is coupled with the vent port. A fluid port is formed on the body so as to communicate with the compartment. The fluid port is adapted to receive a fluid line for delivering a fluid into the compartment of the body.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for sealing a peripheral attachment member onto a sealed pouch that has been previously filled with a product. The invention also relates to a pouch that includes a peripheral attachment member sealingly attached to at least one of its faces. The method includes a step of providing a multi-layer pouch that is configured so as to provide an inner sealant adapted to form a closed enclosure along sealing lines and an outer sealant that forms at least one external face of the pouch wherein the outer sealant has a melting point that is lower than the melting point of the inner sealant.