Abstract: An improved connector member is provided for providing sealed and preferably sterile connection between a pair of conduits which each terminate in a hollow, transparent housing where some of the wall portion of each housing comprises an opaque wall portion sealed to the remainder of the housing. The opaque wall portions of each housing are positioned in facing contact with each other and are held in sealed, retentive relationship so that exposure to radiant energy causes them to fuse and open an aperture therethrough. In accordance with this invention, improved retention means are provided to permit the respective housings to be moved together in a path which is generally parallel to the opaque walls into sliding retaining relation. Also, the conduit communicating with the housings may be internally sealed, being openable from the exterior.

Abstract: An improved connector member is provided for providing sealed and preferably sterile connection between a pair of conduits which each terminate in a hollow, transparent housing where some of the wall portion of each housing comprises an opaque wall portion sealed to the remainder of the housing. The opaque wall portions of each housing are positioned in facing contact with each other and are held in sealed, retentive relationship so that exposure to radiant energy causes them to fuse and open an aperture therethrough. In accordance with this invention, improved retention means are provided to permit the respective housings to be moved together in a path which is generally parallel to the opaque walls into sliding retaining relation. Also, the conduit communicating with the housings may be internally sealed, being openable from the exterior.

Abstract: Valve means in a flexible tube, for example, tubing for connecting blood bags, are provided, which comprises a tubular portion having a closed end, and an elongated, generally rigid member, carried on the exterior of the closed end and positioned within the flexible tube. Frangible means are provided to permit the opening of the closed end by manual manipulation of the elongated member from outside of the flexible tube. The elongated, rigid member is adapted to fit in sealing relationship within the tubular portion after opening of the closed end, to permit resealing of the valve. The elongated, generally rigid member carries longitudinal vanes to provide flow channels along its length.

Abstract: A connection may be formed between sealed conduits in which each conduit carries an opaque, thermoplastic wall portion preferably having a melting range above essentially 200.degree. C., preferably with the opaque thermoplastic wall portions being carried on the conduit about their periphery by transparent wall portions of the conduit. The opaque wall portions of the conduits are brought together into facing contact, and then exposed to sufficient radiant energy to cause the opaque wall portions to fuse together, and to open an aperture through the fused wall portions. This provides sealed communication between the interiors of the conduits.

Abstract: A rotary distributor seal for a rotary centrifuge which comprises a tubular housing having sealed ends, a relatively rotatable fluid conveying apertured spindle coaxially mounted in the housing, and several resilient, spaced ring seals positioned about the spindle to seal the annular space between the spindle and the housing, and to subdivide it into several annular chambers. Ports communicate with the chambers to provide fluid flow from the ports through the separate chambers and through the spindle. In accordance with this invention, support members are positioned in alternate, spaced chambers between pairs of ring seals to prevent collapse of the ring seal pairs together.

Abstract: A connection may be formed between sealed conduits in which each conduit carries an opaque, thermoplastic wall portion preferably having a melting range above essentially 200.degree. C., preferably with the opaque thermoplastic wall portions being carried on the conduit about their periphery by transparent wall portions of the conduit. The opaque wall portions of the conduits are brought together into facing contact, and then exposed to sufficient .Iadd.electromagnetic .Iaddend.radiant energy to cause the opaque wall portions to fuse together, and to open an aperture through the fused wall portions. This provides sealed communication between the interiors of the conduits.