Abstract: Valves are provided for interconnecting a fluid source to two separate collection zones. The valves include a valve body having an inlet port communicating with the source and two outlet ports, each communicating with one of the collection zones. A valve element received within the valve body selectively establishes fluid communication between the inlet port and an outlet port. In a first position, the inlet port is in fluid communication with one of the outlet ports and the associated collection zone. The valve element is rotated to a second position within the valve body to establish fluid communication between the inlet port and the other outlet port, thereby halting flow through the first outlet port and allowing fluid communication with the other collection zone. A safety feature prevents rotation of the valve element beyond the second position or reverse rotation from the second position to the first position.

Abstract: The invention provides a flexible plastic formulation capable of being extruded, blow-molded, ethylene oxide and radiation sterilized. The plastic formulation of the invention comprises: a) from about 60 to about 94 percent by weight of a copolymer consisting essentially of ethylene and vinyl acetate units; b) from about 5 to about 25 percent by weight of a block copolymer, the block copolymer consisting essentially of a central block copolymer molecule including generally equal proportions of ethylene and butylene units, and terminal blocks of polystyrene; and c) from about 1 to about 15 percent by weight of an ultra-low density polyethylene material. The plastic formulations of the invention are useful in the manufacture of blood bags, tubing and the like.

Abstract: The present invention provides a non-PVC, non-DEHP material that can be used for medical grade tubing. Additionally, the present invention provides medical grade tubing made from such a material.

Abstract: The invention provides a flexible plastic formulation capable of being extruded, blow-molded, ethylene oxide and radiation sterilized. The plastic formulation of the invention comprises: a) from about 60 to about 94 percent by weight of a copolymer consisting essentially of ethylene and vinyl acetate units; b) from about 5 to about 25 percent by weight of a block copolymer, the block copolymer consisting essentially of a central block copolymer molecule including generally equal proportions of ethylene and butylene units, and terminal blocks of polystyrene; and c) from about 1 to about 15 percent by weight of an ultra-low density polyethylene material. The plastic formulations of the invention are useful in the manufacture of blood bags, tubing and the like.

Abstract: A steam sterilizable unit for inactivating pathogens in a body fluid is provided including a plastic structure for housing a therapeutically effective amount of a methylene blue solution. The plastic structure preferably includes at least an inner layer constructed from a non-PVC plastic. Preferably, the methylene blue solution has a pH of less than 7.0 and preferably less than or equal to approximately 6.3.

Abstract: The present invention provides a non-PVC, non-DEHP material that can be used for medical grade tubing. Additionally, the present invention provides medical grade tubing made from such a material.

Abstract: A stress-bearing umbilicus for conveying fluid between a stationary body and a rotating body comprises an umbilicus body made from an extruded first polyester elastomer material having flexibility. A support block, made from a second polyester elastomer material, is over-molded about at least one region of the umbilicus body. The second polyester elastomer material has flexibility that is greater than the flexibility of the first polyester elastomer material. Surface energy of the region between the support block and the umbilicus body is increased before over-molding to prevent delamination and peeling.

Abstract: The present invention provides a non-PVC, non-DEHP material that can be used for medical grade tubing. Additionally, the present invention provides medical grade tubing made from such a material.

Abstract: A non-PVC, non-DEHP material is provided for medical grade products such as tubing and containers. The material comprises a monolayer blend of a polyurethane based material. In an embodiment, the resultant product of the present invention has good low temperature characteristics, is autoclavable, and RF sealable. Accordingly, the resultant product can be utilized for applications which heretofore have been filled in the marketplace by DEHP plasticized PVC products.

Abstract: An umbilicus conveys fluid between a stationary body and a rotating body in a small, compact operating environment. The umbilicus comprises an elongated body including a proximal end, a distal end, and a middle region between the proximal and distal ends. A first support block is attached to the proximal end. A second support block is attached to the distal end. The first support block includes a strain relief sleeve. The umbilicus is otherwise free of any other strain relief sleeve. A thrust bearing member in the middle region spaced apart from the strain relief sleeve and the distal end. The umbilicus is otherwise free of any other thrust bearing member. The thrust bearing member has an inner annular body, an outer annular body about the inner annular body, and an array of ball bearings between the inner and outer annular bodies. The ball bearings support the inner annular body for rotation relative to the outer annular body.

Abstract: A plastic composition is disclosed which has particular application in the manufacture of blood bags and other medical products. The composition has anti-hemolytic effects when used in the storage of red blood cells. In connection with one aspect of the present invention, the plastic composition comprises the combination of a non-PVC plastic and a selected quantity citrate ester sufficient to suppress hemolysis of red blood cells. The non-PVC material is preferably a polyolefin copolymer. Materials other than citrate ester may also be used with polyolefin as a hemolysis suppressant.

Abstract: A flexible plastic container made from a flexible, autoclavable, non-PVC polymer composition capable of suppressing the hemolysis of red blood cells. The polymer contains a material selected from the group consisting of either triethylhexyltrimellitate (TEHTM) and citrate ester. In the preferred embodiment, the non-PVC plastic is comprised of a polyolefin copolymer containing a central block of ethylene and butylene units with terminal blocks of polystyrene.

Abstract: A plastic composition is disclosed which has particular application in the manufacture of blood bags and other medical products. The composition has anti-hemolytic effects when used in the storage of red blood cells. In connection with one aspect of the present invention, the plastic composition comprises the combination of a non-PVC plastic and a selected quantity citrate ester sufficient to suppress hemolysis of red blood cells. The non-PVC material is preferably a polyolefin copolymer. Materials other than citrate ester may also be used with polyolefin as a hemolysis suppressant.