Abstract: A cell culture system for the production of cells and cell derived products includes a reusable instrumentation base device incorporating hardware to support cell culture growth. A disposable cultureware module including a cell growth chamber is removably attachable to the instrumentation base device. The base device includes microprocessor control and a pump for circulating cell culture medium through the cell growth chamber. The cultureware module is removably attached to the instrumentation base device. Cells are introduced into the cell growth chamber and a source of medium is fluidly attached to the cultureware module. Operating parameters are programmed into the microprocessor control. The pump is operated to circulate the medium through the cell growth chamber to grow cells or cell products therein. The grown cells or cell products are harvested from the cell growth chamber and the cultureware module is then disposed.

Abstract: Embodiments include an infusion pump providing safe and reliable touchless control. The infusion pump includes a pump housing, a pumping mechanism coupled to the pump housing that selectively delivers medicament to a patient, a pump control system including a processor and a memory programmable to control operation of the pumping mechanism, and a touchless control module for relaying commands to the pump control system. The touchless control module includes a first touchless user interface configured to receive a touchless programming command for the infusion pump from a user and a second touchless user interface configured to confirm the touchless programming command by receipt of a touchless confirmation command from the user.

Abstract: A pump has a housing having at least one inlet, one outlet, and an internal track with a given configuration. A piston movably positioned inside the housing has at least one protuberance movably mated to the track. As the piston is reciprocally driven by a motor, it is guided by the movement of the protuberance along the track to move bidirectionally along the housing and selectively rotate such that when the piston is moved to a first position, a fluid path is established through the inlet to enable fluid to be input into the housing. When the piston is moved to a second position, another fluid path is established through the outlet so that fluid is output from the housing. Multiple chambers may be formed in the housing to enable synchronous and selective opening and closing of respective inlets and outlets to enhance fluid flow.

Abstract: A medical tubing set can comprise a fluid conduit adapted to convey a medical fluid; an optical element coupled to the fluid conduit and configured to provide illumination; and a power source configured to power the optical element. A method of operating a medical tubing set, the medical tubing set comprising a fluid conduit adapted to convey a medical fluid, an optical element coupled to the fluid conduit and configured to provide illumination, and a power source configured to power the optical element, can comprise installing the medical tubing set in a medical device at a first end and in a patient at a second end; providing a source of power with the power source; applying the source of power to the optical element; and illuminating the fluid conduit with the optical element.

Abstract: An infusion planning system that improves timeliness and efficiency of patient care and includes methods, systems, and apparatuses for planning, visualizing, and coordinating medication delivery. These methods, systems and apparatuses can include improved scheduling capabilities for infusion pumps and other medical devices in hospitals or health care facilities. Some embodiments relate to improved recording and reporting of medical care information as well.

Abstract: A combined detectional and positional sensor for a syringe pump. The sensor can comprise a syringe thumbpress clamp that is pivotable so that an engagement pin deflects a linear membrane potentiometer first circuit thus providing a closed switch for detection of a syringe in the pump and a variable signal return for indication of plunger head position. Embodiments of the sensor can be used in relatively large syringe pumps and in relatively small syringe pumps, for example.

Abstract: An illuminated medical tubing set that provides visual indications of characteristics relating to the type and operating status of the tubing. An illuminated tubing set system generally comprises an optical element, a fluid conduit, and a power source. In general, the fluid conduit is used to transmit fluid in a critical care environment. The power source interfaces with the optical element. The optical element is configured to illuminate the tubing set after being powered by the power source. Optionally, the illuminated tubing set can further comprise a pressure sensor and a microcontroller. Additional sensors, such as to monitor other characteristics of the tubing, fluid, or surrounding environment, can also be included. For example, an occlusion sensor, temperature sensor, or flow sensor, or any combination thereof, can be included.

Abstract: A system for medical tubing detection and management could include an infusion manifold housing having at least one fluid channel therethrough. At least one fluid input port could be provided in the infusion manifold housing and could be configured to connect fluidically to illuminated medical tubing and communicate with the at least one fluid channel through the infusion manifold housing. A fluid output port could be provided in the infusion manifold housing and be configured to be in fluidic communication with the at least one fluid channel through the infusion manifold housing. At least one photosensor could be provided in the infusion manifold housing and be configured to receive light from the illuminated medical tubing; and the fluid output port could be configured to connect fluidically to fluid output tubing.

Abstract: A rotatable electrical connector can include a base housing having a bottom surface, a top housing that is rotatably engaged with the base housing, and a plurality of contact pads that are arranged radially within the base housing. The contact pads each have a top surface and a bottom surface. A plurality of signal pins are individually associated with the plurality of contact pads; and each of the signal pins correspondingly project outwardly from the bottom surface of an associated contact pad and outwardly from the bottom surface of the base housing. A center ground pad, having a top surface and a bottom surface, is provided within the base housing. A ground pin projects outwardly from the bottom surface of the center ground pad and outwardly from the bottom surface of the base housing. A plurality of conductors is arranged radially within the top housing. The conductors individually correspond to the plurality of contact pads within the base housing.

Abstract: A medication safety device and method can include an infusion pump and a drug library in communication with the infusion pump. The drug library can have upper hard and soft limits and lower hard and soft limits associated with at least one drug. A graphical user interface can display a bar chart showing upper and lower soft limit bars for the at least one drug. The upper and lower soft limit bars can be grabbed and dragged on the graphical user interface in touch screen fashion to new positions associated with new upper and lower soft limits. The graphical user interface and associated hardware and software can be configurable to responsively reanalyze data and compare a particular infusion to the new upper and lower soft limits.

Abstract: A medication safety device and method can include an infusion pump and a drug library in communication with the infusion pump. The drug library can have upper hard and soft limits and lower hard and soft limits associated with at least one drug. A graphical user interface can display a bar chart showing upper and lower soft limit bars for the at least one drug. The upper and lower soft limit bars can be grabbed and dragged on the graphical user interface in touch-screen fashion to new positions associated with new upper and lower soft limits. The graphical user interface and associated hardware and software can be configurable to responsively re-analyze data and compare a particular infusion to the new upper and lower soft limits.

Abstract: A medical infusion pump pressure plate alignment system and components that include a chassis, a sensor module, and a pressure plate in various embodiments. The pressure plate has a first end pivotally mounted to the chassis of the control module for pivotal retention and a second end selectively mounted to chassis of the control module. The pressure plate, hooks or rail contain recessed or projection features configured for receipt of the complementary features of the sensor module. Additional alignment features can include a retaining component incorporated with the hook, a guide feature on the outer surface of the pressure plate, and a kickstand feature attached to the rail.

Abstract: The invention concerns a bioreactor for production of virus and virus-like particles (VLPs), methods for production of virus and VLPs, methods for regulating the concentration of molecules inhibitory to viral and VLP yield in a cell culture chamber of a bioreactor, such as the extracapillary space of a hollow fiber bioreactor.

Abstract: A system for occlusion detection could include a syringe pump for a syringe containing a medication, wherein the syringe includes a plunger and the syringe pump includes a plunger driver. A bendable element could be integrally formed with the plunger driver, and a force sensor could also be integrally formed with the plunger driver. Upon occurrence of an occlusion, the plunger would exert a force backwardly against the bendable element, thereby deflecting the bendable element into contact with the force sensor to thereby generate a signal indicating the occurrence of the occlusion.

Abstract: The subject invention pertains to methods and apparatus for the production and purification of cell products, such as immunoglobulins. One aspect of the invention is an integrated cell culture and purification apparatus for the growth and maintenance of cells and the harvest and purification of cell products, such as immunoglobulins. Thus, the apparatus integrates a cell culture function with a purification function. Other aspects of the invention pertain to an automated method for producing immunogenic compositions such as vaccines.

Abstract: An embodiment of a medication dispenser comprises a drug pump having a control module. A medication dose request device can be in communication with the drug pump. A dispensing device, for dispensing substantially solid medication in response to activation of the medication dose request device, can be in communication with the drug pump.

Abstract: Folding assemblies for vehicles are described. In one aspect, a folding headrest assembly for a vehicle seat comprises a headrest having a frame. A pivot joint is coupled to the frame for rotatably supporting the headrest with respect to the vehicle seat between an upright position and a folded position. A support rod extends from the pivot joint and is configured for coupling to the vehicle seat. The headrest receives the pivot joint and a portion of the support rod, and the headrest defines an opening configured to provide clearance for the support rod as the headrest is rotated about the pivot joint relative to the support rod. A closeout member coupled to the support rod circumscribes at least an exposed portion of the pivot joint that is aligned with the opening of the headrest.

Abstract: Folding assemblies for vehicles are described. In one aspect, a folding headrest assembly for a vehicle seat comprises a headrest having a frame. A pivot joint is coupled to the frame for rotatably supporting the headrest with respect to the vehicle seat between an upright position and a folded position. A support rod extends from the pivot joint and is configured for coupling to the vehicle seat. The headrest receives the pivot joint and a portion of the support rod, and the headrest defines an opening configured to provide clearance for the support rod as the headrest is rotated about the pivot joint relative to the support rod. A closeout member coupled to the support rod circumscribes at least an exposed portion of the pivot joint that is aligned with the opening of the headrest.

Abstract: A flow control device comprises a housing, a flow restriction member, and a flow control ring defining a flow control port which is configured to receive the flow restriction member. The flow control ring is configured so as to be sealingly mounted onto a base pipe. The flow restriction member is at least partially inserted into the flow control port so as to at least partially define a predetermined flow restriction through the flow control ring. The housing is sealingly mounted on the flow control ring. The flow control device may be mounted on a base pipe. The flow control device may be used for controlling fluid flow, in particular, though not exclusively in oil and/or gas wells.

Abstract: An illuminated medical tubing set that provides visual indications of characteristics relating to the type and operating status of the tubing. An illuminated tubing set system generally comprises an optical element, a fluid conduit, and a power source. In general, the fluid conduit is used to transmit fluid in a critical care environment. The power source interfaces with the optical element. The optical element is configured to illuminate the tubing set after being powered by the power source. Optionally, the illuminated tubing set can further comprise a pressure sensor and a microcontroller. Additional sensors, such as to monitor other characteristics of the tubing, fluid, or surrounding environment, can also be included. For example, an occlusion sensor, temperature sensor, or flow sensor, or any combination thereof, can be included.