Abstract: A connector for connecting a tube within a receptacle. A latching component fits within the receptacle, and receives a plug member to which the tube is connected. One end of receptacle is adapted, for instance, to be attached to a tube on a motor drive unit of a breast pump assembly, or formed integrally therewith. The opposite end of receptacle receives components of the connector therein. The plug member is inserted into the latching component and has means thereon that engage corresponding means on the latching component such that the plug member is releasably secured within the latching component in a rotatable manner.

Abstract: A connector for connecting a tube within a receptacle. A latching component fits within the receptacle, and receives a plug member to which the tube is connected. One end of receptacle is adapted, for instance, to be attached to a tube on a motor drive unit of a breast pump assembly, or formed integrally therewith. The opposite end of receptacle receives components of the connector therein. The plug member is inserted into the latching component and has means thereon that engage corresponding means on the latching component such that the plug member is releasably secured within the latching component in a rotatable manner.

Abstract: A connector for connecting a tube within a receptacle. A latching component fits within the receptacle, and receives a plug member to which the tube is connected. One end of receptacle is adapted, for instance, to be attached to a tube on a motor drive unit of a breast pump assembly, or formed integrally therewith. The opposite end of receptacle receives components of the connector therein. The plug member is inserted into the latching component and has means thereon that engage corresponding means on the latching component such that the plug member is releasably secured within the latching component in a rotatable manner.

Abstract: A connector for connecting a tube within a receptacle. A latching component fits within the receptacle, and receives a plug member to which the tube is connected. One end of receptacle is adapted, for instance, to be attached to a tube on a motor drive unit of a breast pump assembly, or formed integrally therewith. The opposite end of receptacle receives components of the connector therein. The plug member is inserted into the latching component and has means thereon that engage corresponding means on the latching component such that the plug member is releasably secured within the latching component in a rotatable manner.

Abstract: A vessel for containing a batch quantity of chemicals for preparation of physiologic, therapeutic, or irrigation solutions, such as dialysate. The vessel has a cap and a bottle shell having features that make the vessel suitable for mounting to an apparatus for automatically opening the vessel. In a preferred embodiment, the cap has a frangible membrane sealing the vessel. A protective overcap is removable mounted to the cap to protect the cap from puncture prior to installation on the opening apparatus.

Abstract: An apparatus is described for automatically opening and dispensing the contents of a vessel, for example, a vessel containing dialysate chemicals for dispersion into a dialysate preparation tank. The apparatus comprises a housing having an open interior region, with the vessel mounted above the housing, and a spike reciprocable within the interior of the housing between upper and lower positions. The spike pierces the vessel when the spike is moved to the upper position. The spike has an upper spike element that pierces the bottle and an integral spike body concentric with the housing permitting passage of dialysate chemicals therethrough after the spike has pierced the vessel. A drive means is proved for moving the spike relative to the housing between the upper and lower positions, so as to control the operation of the spike and the automatic release of the contents of the vessel.

Abstract: A vessel storing a batch of chemicals for delivery into a dialysate preparation tank includes a machine readable indicator, permitting automatic identification of the contents of the vessel prior to operating the vessel and introduction of chemicals into a tank where the dialysate solution is mixed. Various types of machine-readable indicators may be used, such as, for example, "touch" memory buttons, bar codes, or magnetic strips. Suitable reading devices for the machine-readable indicators are provided for reading the contents of the bottle.

Abstract: A fluid connection includes a valve which blocks flow into or out of the housing until a tube is fully received within the housing. The valve preferably has structure which is biased against the valve seat in the housing until the tube is moved into the housing. The valve seat is preferably in a plane which is perpendicular to the central axis of the housing. Further, the valve preferably has surfaces which guide fluid between the radially outer surface of the valve and the interior of the tube. In one embodiment, the valve includes a forward ring which contacts a tube and which has two ribs connected to the main valve body. The valve surface is preferably a conical surface spaced axially inwardly from the forward ring. Preferably, additional conical surfaces are disposed between the ribs and guide the fluid between the valve surface and the interior of the tube. In another embodiment, the valve may have an X or Y-shaped cross-sectional ribs which contact the tube.

Abstract: An improved fluid connector has a deformable axially outer ring with latches which retain a tube within a main body of the connection. The outer ring is oval in cross-section, with the latches extending along surfaces spaced across the minor diameter of the oval. Connection portions connect the outer ring to a main body of the connector. The connection portions extend from locations spaced across the major diameter of the oval shape. An upset portion of the tube deforms the latches radially outwardly upon insertion. A removal force may be directed radially inwardly of the outer ring at locations adjacent to the connection portions to cause the latches to bow radially outwardly and allow the tube to be removed from the connector. The inventive connector bears the removal force on the relatively thicker connecting portions, and requires flexing in the relatively thinner outer ring.

Abstract: A fluid connection includes a valve which blocks flow into or out of the housing until a tube is fully received within the housing. The valve preferably has structure which is biased against the valve seat in the housing until the tube is moved into the housing. The valve seat is preferably in a plane which is perpendicular to the central axis of the housing. Further, the valve preferably has surfaces which guide fluid between the radially outer surface of the valve and the interior of the tube. In one embodiment, the valve includes a forward ring which contacts a tube and which has two ribs connected to the main valve body. The valve surface is preferably a conical surface spaced axially inwardly from the forward ring. Preferably, additional conical surfaces are disposed between the ribs and guide the fluid between the valve surface and the interior of the tube. In another embodiment, the valve may have an X or Y-shaped cross-sectional ribs which contact the tube.

Abstract: A unique retainer is disclosed having a plurality of resilient arms securing a tube within a housing bore. The arms include a radially inner section having a pair of circumferentially extending braces which increase the strength of the arms. The braces have axial ends which are bent radially outwardly and increase the strength of the arms, and also result in a more consistent, predictable buckling force for the retainer. Arm bends are formed between the arm radially inner section and a radially outer section. The axially outer bends of the braces are generally axially aligned with these arm bends, such that the bends provide a planer surface for positioning the retainer within the housing. Also, "bumps" are defined at a radially inner face of the radially inner sections of the arms to create a high force resisting tube insertion. The bumps are at an angle relative to a central axis that is greater than the angle of the remainder of the radially inner section of the arms.

Abstract: A unique plastic retainer is disclosed having a pair of axially spaced cylindrical rings. Retainer arms for retaining an upset portion of a tube within a housing bore extend from a rear ring, and a plurality of webs connect the front and rear cylindrical rings of the retainer. When a tube is initially inserted into the housing bore, it contacts an inner periphery of the arms. The retainer then moves axially forwardly within the bore for a small distance until the forward ring abuts a seal package within the housing. Further movement of the retainer is then prevented, and the upset portion of the tube causes the arm to flex radially outwardly at a flex point in the rear ring. The upset portion may then move axially beyond the arms into a fully connected position within the housing.

Abstract: A quick connector assembly has a female housing with a hair pin style retaining clip to retain a beaded conduit therein. The female housing includes a pair of slots forming ramped surfaces on the housing to enable legs of the retainer to be transversely positioned within the axial bore of the female housing to retain male fittings therein.

Abstract: A swivelable quick connect assembly for use with tubular conduits includes a housing having an axial bore for receiving one end of the conduit, and a first retainer detachably secured to the housing and is cooperable with an annular projection on the conduit for securing the conduit in its operative position within the bore. A second retainer means demountably coupled to the housing for maintaining the connection between the conduit and the housing.

Abstract: A sealing member capable of elastic deformations provides a seal from the atmosphere between the mouth of a fillpipe and a liquid dispensing nozzle having vapor recovery conduit means internal to the receptive fillpipe, typically for use with gasoline.

Abstract: A liquid dispensing nozzle suitable for use in automobile service stations having vacuum assist vapor recovery systems is disclosed. This nozzle incorporates a check valve for closing the vapor return conduit means at all times when liquid is not being dispensed and a liquid responsive means in the vapor return conduit means for automatically shutting off the dispensing of liquid in the event liquid is aspirated into the vapor return conduit means.