Abstract: Shipping system for temperature-sensitive materials. In one embodiment, the shipping system may include an insulated container. The insulated container may include a frame surrounding a payload space, the frame including a door providing access to the payload space. The shipping system may additionally include a door brace assembly. The door brace assembly may be mounted within the payload space just inside the door and may include a door plug configured to substantially close the payload space. The door brace assembly may additionally include a door brace mounted within the door plug. The door brace may be transformable between a retracted state and an expanded state. When in its retracted state, the door brace assembly may be loaded into or removed from the insulated container. When in its expanded state, the door brace assembly engages the four corners of the frame just inside the door to keep the frame square.

Abstract: A method is provided for forming a feature on a needle. In particular, a hollow, metal cannula has a first end, a second end and a substantially constant outer diameter extending over at least a portion of its length. An annular metal sleeve is provided that has a proximal shoulder and a distal shoulder. The length of the annular sleeve is less than the length of the constant diameter portion of the cannula. The sleeve has an inner diameter approximately equal to or less than the outer diameter of the constant diameter portion of the cannula. Two edges extend axially along the length of the sleeve, from the proximal shoulder to the distal shoulder, thereby defining a slit. The sleeve is positioned on the cannula at the constant outer diameter portion in an interference fit. An additional mechanical junction may be provided to secure the sleeve to the cannula.

Abstract: A method is provided for forming a feature on a needle. In particular, a hollow, metal cannula has a first end, a second end and a substantially constant outer diameter extending over at least a portion of its length. An annular metal sleeve is provided that has a proximal shoulder and a distal shoulder. The length of the annular sleeve is less than the length of the constant diameter portion of the cannula. The sleeve has an inner diameter approximately equal to or less than the outer diameter of the constant diameter portion of the cannula. Two edges extend axially along the length of the sleeve, from the proximal shoulder to the distal shoulder, thereby defining a slit. The sleeve is positioned on the cannula at the constant outer diameter portion in an interference fit. An additional mechanical junction may be provided to secure the sleeve to the cannula.

Abstract: A method is provided for forming a feature on a needle. In particular, a hollow, metal cannula has a first end, a second end and a substantially constant outer diameter extending over at least a portion of its length. An annular metal sleeve is provided that has a proximal shoulder and a distal shoulder. The length of the annular sleeve is less than the length of the constant diameter portion of the cannula. The sleeve has an inner diameter approximately equal to or less than the outer diameter of the constant diameter portion of the cannula. Two edges extend axially along the length of the sleeve, from the proximal shoulder to the distal shoulder, thereby defining a slit. The sleeve is positioned on the cannula at the constant outer diameter portion in an interference fit. An additional mechanical junction may be provided to secure the sleeve to the cannula.

Abstract: A method is provided for forming a feature on a needle. In particular, a hollow, metal cannula has a first end, a second end and a substantially constant outer diameter extending over at least a portion of its length. An annular metal sleeve is provided that has a proximal shoulder and a distal shoulder. The length of the annular sleeve is less than the length of the constant diameter portion of the cannula. The sleeve has an inner diameter approximately equal to or less than the outer diameter of the constant diameter portion of the cannula. Two edges extend axially along the length of the sleeve, from the proximal shoulder to the distal shoulder, thereby defining a slit. The sleeve is positioned on the cannula at the constant outer diameter portion in an interference fit. An additional mechanical junction may be provided to secure the sleeve to the cannula.

Abstract: A catheter and introducer needle assembly with needle shield that is connected to the needle hub by a pleated tether. The tether defines a plurality of holes therein to allow the introducer needle to extend through the tether. Each hole defines a longitudinal dimension and a radial dimension such that the radial dimension is less than the longitudinal dimension. This configuration improves the tensile strength of the tether. The tether prevents unwanted proximal movement of the needle with respect to the needle shield once the needle has been withdrawn into the needle shield.

Abstract: A catheter and introducer needle assembly with needle shield that is connected to the needle hub by a pleated tether. The tether defines a plurality of holes therein to allow the introducer needle to extend through the tether. Each hole defines a longitudinal dimension and a radial dimension such that the radial dimension is less than the longitudinal dimension. This configuration improves the tensile strength of the tether. The tether prevents unwanted proximal movement of the needle with respect to the needle shield once the needle has been withdrawn into the needle shield.