Abstract: A process for monitoring infusion into a patient includes hanging a fluid bag from a monitoring apparatus. The weight of the fluid bag is periodically measured, using an electronic weight sensing mechanism and a microprocessor, to detect either a no-fluid-flow condition, a near empty bag condition, or a preselected amount of fluid loss condition. A switch is depressed on the monitoring apparatus for selecting the monitoring of an amount of fluid to be infused totaling less than the fluid within the fluid infusion bag. Otherwise, the apparatus detects a near empty bag condition. An alarm is activated when either the no-fluid-flow condition, the near empty bag condition, or the preselected amount of fluid loss condition has been detected. The rate of fluid loss from the fluid bag can be calculated and displayed.

Abstract: A sealing cover includes an upper cover member which is impervious to bacteria and moisture, and is attached to an annular ring member, also impervious to bacteria and moisture. The upper cover member and annular ring member are attached to each other by means of an adhesive which, when the upper cover member is detached from the annular ring member, leaves substantially no visible indication of adhesive residue on the annular ring member, while losing its adhering properties. Another layer of adhesive is provided on the bottom of the annular ring for attaching the sealing cover to the rim of the opening of a container such as an I.V. container, in a non-removable manner such that the upper cover member can be removed without removing the annular ring member from the rim of the container to which it is attached.

Abstract: A process for monitoring infusion into a patient includes hanging a fluid bag from a monitoring apparatus. The weight of the fluid bag is periodically measured, using an electronic weight sensing mechanism and a microprocessor, to detect either a no-fluid-flow condition, a near empty bag condition, or a preselected amount of fluid loss condition. A switch is depressed on the monitoring apparatus for selecting the monitoring of an amount of fluid to be infused totaling less than the fluid within the fluid infusion bag. Otherwise, the apparatus detects a near empty bag condition. An alarm is activated when either the no-fluid-flow condition, the near empty bag condition, or the preselected amount of fluid loss condition has been detected. The rate of fluid loss from the fluid bag can be calculated and displayed.

Abstract: A method for filling and using an infusion bag useful in medicinal and related applications. The infusion bag comprises a bladder having at least two ports, an inlet port and an outlet port. The inlet port includes a valve which can be moved to an open position for filling of the bladder and then moved to a closed position to seal the bladder. The outlet port communicates with a catheter or the like.

Abstract: A needleless connector includes a two-part housing with an inlet, an outlet, and a conical chamber therebetween that compressibly receives a resilient conical valve head. The conical valve head includes a stationary base, and a tip portion movably extending into the inlet. The conical valve head is concentrically positioned against the valve seat to form a seal. When the male fitting of a syringe, or some other device, is inserted into the inlet, it pushes a tip portion of the resilient valve head inwardly, so that the valve head is deformed away from the valve seat to break the seal. The needleless connector employs only three separate parts--the two-part housing, and the valve head--so that it is very economical to manufacture.

Abstract: A tamper resistant filling and containment system useful in medicinal and related applications. A bladder includes at least two ports with one of the ports having a graspable, reciprocable tube inserted therein. The tube has an axially bore formed partially therethrough which terminates at side passages which communicate with the bladder when the tube is in a filling position. Movement of the tube to a second position prevents communication of the side passages with the bladder and a weakened portion of the tube located at the side passages permits the graspable or outer portion of the tube to be broken, thereby preventing access to the tube and movement thereof to the filling position.

Abstract: Two movable members are selectable positioned to form a passageway for handling dual in-line packages. A wheel, comprising resilient material, and a spreader member are selectable positioned in correspondence with the movable members to engage the leads on either side of the package and vertically straighten them. Lateral straightness of the leads, as well as various other package anomalies, are detected by optical scanning.