Abstract: Several improvements are disclosed for a drug delivery pack with dry reagent in a housing, each of which can be employed independently or in conjunction with others of the improvements. A novel spring is provided with two spring columns extending in parallel between a spring top and a spring bottom. The spring is particularly designed for fitting within the housing and compacting a dry reagent bed. A plunger mechanism to ratchet housing portions between two positions. In one position, a compression component adjacent the reagent bed is relatively uncompressed, such that it does not “set” over time. When the user is about to use the drug delivery device, the plunger is slid to compress the compression component so that it exerts pressure on the reagent bed. A similar sliding mechanism can also divert a stream of diluent through the housing from a priming path, where diluent bypasses the reagent bed, to a functional path passing through and eroding the reagent bed.

Abstract: Several improvements are disclosed for a drug delivery pack with dry reagent in a housing, each of which can be employed independently or in conjunction with others of the improvements. A novel spring is provided with two spring columns extending in parallel between a spring top and a spring bottom. The spring is particularly designed for fitting within the housing and compacting a dry reagent bed. A plunger mechanism to ratchet housing portions between two positions. In one position, a compression component adjacent the reagent bed is relatively uncompressed, such that it does not “set” over time. When the user is about to use the drug delivery device, the plunger is slid to compress the compression component so that it exerts pressure on the reagent bed. A similar sliding mechanism can also divert a stream of diluent through the housing from a priming path, where diluent bypasses the reagent bed, to a functional path passing through and eroding the reagent bed.

Abstract: Several improvements are disclosed for a drug delivery pack with dry reagent in a housing, each of which can be employed independently or in conjunction with others of the improvements. A novel spring is provided with two spring columns extending in parallel between a spring top and a spring bottom. The spring is particularly designed for fitting within the housing and compacting a dry reagent bed. A plunger mechanism to ratchet housing portions between two positions. In one position, a compression component adjacent the reagent bed is relatively uncompressed, such that it does not “set” over time. When the user is about to use the drug delivery device, the plunger is slid to compress the compression component so that it exerts pressure on the reagent bed. A similar sliding mechanism can also divert a stream of diluent through the housing from a priming path, where diluent bypasses the reagent bed, to a functional path passing through and eroding the reagent bed.

Abstract: A solvent-bonded joint between plastic members, particularly useful where such members are intended to convey flowable materials such as sterile medical solutions. The joint includes a pair of members joined at a zone of interference, a tapered crevice between the members, a solvent bond in the tapered crevice, and a series of spacers extending along the entrance to the crevice.

Abstract: A solvent-bonded joint between plastic members, and a method of making the same, particularly useful where such members are intended to convey flowable materials such as sterile medical solutions. The joint includes a pair of members joined at a zone of interference, a tapered crevice between the members, a solvent bond in the tapered crevice, and a series of spacers extending along the entrance to the crevice. The spacers or nubs are provided by one or both of the members and maintain the walls at the entrance of the crevice in uniformally-spaced and stressed condition to facilitate introduction of solvent and to insure proper bonding of the parts even where such parts are formed of flexible plastic material.

Abstract: An improved seal between a flexible plastic container and its closure cap, wherein the cap is provided with an internal annular shoulder engaging the tapered side surface of an annular lip provided by the neck of the container. The shoulder bears inwardly against the lip with a force sufficient to flex that lip inwardly and maintain the same in a condition of stress. Ideally, the cap is formed of a plastic of limited heat shrinkability at autoclaving temperatures; therefore, heat sterilization of the sealed container and its contents results in slight contraction of the cap and further increases the integrity of the seal. Where the container is formed of plastic material capable of softening slightly at autoclaving temperatures, the shoulder tends to penetrate the lip to a limited extent during such autoclaving to create an undercut in the lip.

Abstract: A device that permits local or remote access to data circuits for the purpose of monitoring, testing and performing diagnostics. It may be used to issue commands to perform various functions whereby the device couples a given circuit to a telephone line in response to coded signals identifying the device and the circuit to be interrogated.

Abstract: A closure system for a medical liquid container having a dispensing outlet surrounded by a flange over which is fitted a plastic cap. The cap is externally threaded and has an outwardly-projecting brim at its lower end overlying the flange. The brim is sealed to the flange along an annular zone having an inner boundary defining an annular line of weakness, and an internally-threaded breakaway ring is threadedly disposed on the cap. The breakaway ring includes a plurality of circumferentially-spaced depending projections for stressing the brim along portions of the annular line of weakness and for initiating and propagating the rupture of the brim as the breakaway ring is screwed downwardly upon the cap.