Abstract: A reusable aseptic connector is provided. The connector may be used to provide fluid communication between a bag-in-box (BIB) container and a beverage dispenser. The connector may provide aseptic properties of the connection by insulation of an inner volume of a first part and an inner volume of a second part, with the beverage component kept from contacting any of the part of the connector structure that are exposed to the environment and have a risk of induced contamination. The connector may comprise a resilient membrane and a sliding tube wherein the sliding tube is configured to have a portion move toward and through the resilient membrane to establish fluid communication between the first part and the second part, and for the portion to move away from the resilient membrane to destablish fluid communication between the first part and the second part when desired.

Abstract: A reusable aseptic connector is provided. The connector may be used to provide fluid communication between a bag-in-box (BIB) container and a beverage dispenser. The connector may provide aseptic properties of the connection by insulation of an inner volume of a first part and an inner volume of a second part, with the beverage component kept from contacting any of the part of the connector structure that are exposed to the environment and have a risk of induced contamination. The connector may comprise a resilient membrane and a sliding tube wherein the sliding tube is configured to have a portion move toward and through the resilient membrane to establish fluid communication between the first part and the second part, and for the portion to move away from the resilient membrane to destablish fluid communication between the first part and the second part when desired.

Abstract: An apparatus comprising a heater configured to heat smokeable material to volatilize at least one component of the smokeable material, wherein the heater comprises a plurality of heating projections arranged sequentially along a longitudinal axis of the heater; and the projections are configured to heat smokeable material located between the projections. An elongate smokeable material cartridge comprising a plurality of smokeable material sections is also described.

Abstract: A product includes a container including a neck, and a ring non-removably secured to the neck of the container. The ring may be used to non-removably couple a fitment to the container and/or may be adapted irreversibly to change a characteristic of the ring that is visible from outside of the container to advise a user that the package has been opened.

Abstract: A system, method, and device for preserving blood and its components is described. The system and method generally include a device having a body defining a chamber, the chamber being configured to receive at least one bag containing blood or its components, the at least one bag being permeable to gas, for example, xenon. A cover is hermetically sealable to the body. An inlet is in fluid communication with the chamber. A pressure indicator is configured to indicate pressure in the chamber, the pressure indicator including a conduit containing a liquid. A portion of the conduit is transparent such that the liquid is visible. A source of pressurized gas, such as xenon, is provided to provide the pressurized gas to the chamber.