Abstract: An openable seal member for a container includes a tube extending across the sealed area of the container for flow communication between the interior and exterior thereof. A flexible plastic pocket member seals and encloses the outer end of the tube. Tear means are provided for opening the pocket member, comprising a circumferential line of tearing weakness positioned about the pocket member in transverse relation to the longitudinal axis of the tube. In accordance with this invention, a flexible generally conical portion is positioned between the outer end of the tube and the tear means, with the conical portion diverging outwardly and constituting an inner portion of the pocket member, to define upon opening of the seal member, an enlarged, protective area surrounding the outer end of the bore of the tube.

Abstract: In a flexible tube, for example tubing for connecting blood bags, valve means 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 the opening of the closed end, to permit resealing of the valve.

Abstract: Sealed, flexible containers may be manufactured with a sterile, openable seal member by inserting part of a thermoplastic tube between a seal in such a manner as to permit the tube to communicate across the seal. In manufacture, the outer end of the tube may be enclosed with a thermoplastic pocket member having open inner and outer ends. A mandrel is inserted through the outer end of the pocket member and the tube. The thermoplastic sheet members, tube, and inner end of the pocket member are sealed together. Following this, the mandrel is withdrawn through the outer end of the pocket member which outer end is then also sealed, for a sterile seal, if desired. A novel design for a container seal is also disclosed.

Abstract: An openable seal member for a container includes a tube extending across the sealed area of the container for flow communication between the interior and exterior thereof. A flexible plastic pocket member seals and encloses the outer end of the tube. Tear means are provided for opening the pocket member, comprising a circumferential line of tearing weakness positioned about the pocket member in transverse relation to the longitudinal axis of the tube. In accordance with this invention, a flexible, generally conical portion is positioned between the outer end of the tube and the tear means, with the conical portion diverging outwardly and constituting an inner portion of the pocket member, to define upon opening of the seal member, an enlarged, protective area surrounding the outer end of the bore of the tube.

Abstract: A sealed flexible container is disclosed with a sterile, openable seal member formed by inserting part of a thermoplastic tube between a seal in such a manner as to permit the tube to communicate across the seal. The outer end of the tube may be enclosed with a thermoplastic pocket member having open inner and outer ends. Tear means are provided on the pocket members to permit the pocket members to be manually torn, exposing the tubes. The tear means are further defined by a rupturable seal line which has an outwardly-pointing apex, facilitating the rupturing of said tear means and opening of the pocket member. A puncturable diaphragm at the inner end of the tube is also provided to preserve the sterility of the system.

Abstract: An elongated, flat-sealed flexible, collapsible container comprises a pair of facing plastic walls and a peripheral, annular heat seal joining the walls together. Access ports are positioned at one end of the container. In accordance with this invention, the peripheral heat seal defines at the end opposite to the one end a first, straight end seal section extending generally perpendicularly to the longitudinal axis of the container, and a pair of second, straight end seal sections extending from adjacent each end of the first end seal section and defining an obtuse angle to it. The container, when filled and placed in a centrifuge cup, tends to form inwardly-extending creases in the second end seal sections which do not trap portions of the contents of the container.

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 centrifuge cup, having a mouth-defining rim, carries a pair of separable cap member halves positioned together at the rim of the centrifuge cup, to define a cap over the mouth of the cup. Means, associated with the cap member halves, are provided for gripping the upper end of a flexible bag positioned in the cup, to prevent its collapse upon centrifugation. The flexible bag contains an inlet and an outlet, plus a third, sealed access port for access to blood cells after centrifugation, and a hanger member to permit the bag to be hung upside down in dispensing position.