Abstract: An apparatus for forming coiled tubular assemblies is provided. The apparatus includes a pair of dies formed from a radio frequency (RF) conducting material. The dies each have contoured leading surfaces with these surfaces having grooves with lands between adjacent grooves. The lands of the dies cooperate to form web forming chambers when the pair of dies are moved together in their operative position. In the operative position, the tubes are captured in the aligned grooves with portions of the tubes being squeezed or extruded into the web forming chamber. Application of RF energy to the dies causes the tube portions in the chambers to plasticize and form webs between the coils of the tubes with a predetermined configuration substantially the same as that of the web forming chambers. Both radially coiled and axially coiled tube assemblies are contemplated by the invention. In addition, an easy-to-separate or peel tubular assembly is formed with the above apparatus.

Abstract: A parenteral fluid delivery bag having a line set formed integral with the bag, the line set being peelably releasable from the remainder of the bag so as to assume a deployed position adapted to enter into fluid communication with a patient. In an alternate embodiment, a plurality of bags connected by an integrally formed wye-junction are adapted for delivery to a patient and retrieval of fluid from a patient.

Abstract: A method of making a peelable tube assembly (76,80,84,88) having a plurality of adjacent tube portions (62) joined by intermittent breakable webs (72) of plastic allowing the individual portions (62) to be peeled from the tube assembly, including providing a plurality of plastic tube portions (62) each having a tube wall (66) defining a flow passage (70). The tube portions (62) are aligned adjacent to one another in a die assembly (12) having compression channels (30). Narrow confined flow chambers (32) are defined between adjacent portions (62) of the tube walls (66), and between the ends of the tube walls (66). The tube portions (62) are radially compressed without occluding the flow passage (70). Small compressed portions of the tube walls (66) proximate the flow chambers (32) are heated and plasticized.

Abstract: A connector having an occluder which transposes between a first position and a second position is provided for maintaining a sterile environment during connection and disconnection of fluid communication between a container and a fluid line. The occluder is in the form of a spherical ball integrally formed with a length of tubing. The occluder has a diameter slightly larger than an end of the connector such that the occluder rolls into the end upon disconnecting from the system. An interface may be provided to receive a single connector or a pair of connectors to assist in fluid control between the container and the fluid line.

Abstract: A method of radio frequency sealing attaches a seal member to a cylindrical, hollow, access port of a container. The method uses two sets of spaced apart die elements to generate an axial electric field along a region where the port and seal member overlap. An external peripheral ring is formed about an exterior surface of the port. The method can be used with containers having a sealed periphery as well as those previously filled with a fluid.

Abstract: Described is a lancet cartridge for drawing blood samples from the finger of a patient which includes a first housing for receiving a lancet disk having a plurality of radially extending lancets, each lancet having a tooth projecting from the end thereof, and a second housing engageable with the first housing, the housings being rotatable with respect to each other, the one housing includes a ramp for receiving the end of the lancets whereby the lancet is elevated when the cartridge housing is rotated. A platform is positioned in one of the housings to receive the lancet as it is elevated by the ramp to thereby place the lancet in a cocked position. The second housing member includes at least one opening through which the end of the lancets can project to pierce the patient's finger. A trigger is positioned to be activated when a finger is placed in the opening to release the cocked lancet from the platform and pierce the patient's finger.

Abstract: Apparatus for removing a first connector from a second connector and reconnecting the first connector with the third connector by mechanical means so that the visually impaired can do it, without touching critical areas where sterility should be retained. The apparatus finds particular use in the field of peritoneal dialysis where the catheter or set connecting to the patient must be disconnected from one container of solution and reconnected to another under the most aseptic conditions possible. A platform is provided having track means for permitting controlled movement of a first retention means between a first position, permitting disconnection between the first and second connectors, and a second position permitting connection between the first and third connectors when the first, second, and third connectors are respectively carried in the first, second, and third retention means.

Abstract: A frangible or breakaway valve for use in a flexible tube. The valve comprises two parts: a tubular portion with a closed end and an elongated, generally rigid handle breakably attached to the closed end. The elongated handle has projections which frictionally contact the interior surface of the flexible tube and prevent the elongated handle from moving back into a closed position once the elongated handle has been broken. The valve may be used in conjunction with tubing and a plastic container of dialysis solution. The valve is opened by breaking away the elongated, generally rigid handle and moving "walking" the rigid handle down the tube by folding the tube back and forth upon itself. The projections on the rigid breakaway handle have sufficient frictional contact with the inside of the tube to assure that the handle will not move back into contact with the tubular portion, and the valve will remain open.

Abstract: A frangible or breakaway valve for use in a flexible tube. The valve comprises two parts: a tubular portion with a closed end and an elongated, generally rigid handle breakably attached to the closed end. The elongated handle has projections which frictionally contact the interior surface of the flexible tube and prevent the elongated handle from moving back into a closed position once the elongated handle has been broken. The valve may be used in conjunction with tubing and a plastic container of dialysis solution. The valve is opened by breaking away the elongated, generally rigid handle and moving "walking" the rigid handle down the tube by folding the tube back and forth upon itself. The projections on the rigid breakaway handle have sufficient frictional contact with the inside of the tube to assure that the handle will not move back into contact with the tubular portion, and the valve will remain open.

Abstract: There is disclosed herein an improved needle assembly or fistula set which includes a hollow metal needle, a larger plastic fluid-carrying conduit, and plastic spacers between the needle and the conduit. The conduit and spacers are heat sealed to each other so as to provide a fluid-tight junction with the needle.A method for heat sealing the fistula set is also disclosed. In that method, the needle is used as one electrode and the other electrode includes jaw-like members which engage and surround the conduit at the junction where the heat seal is to be formed. During the heat sealing operation, the conduit and needle are maintained in substantial coaxial alignment so as to assure coaxial alignment thereafter.A fixture or tooling apparatus is also disclosed for effecting heat sealing and assuring substantial coaxial alignment.

Abstract: A gripper member comprises an openable and closable pair of handles interconnected by a hinge member. Each handle defines, adjacent its hinge member, an arcuate recess positioned to face the corresponding recess of the other handle and defining gripping projections therein. A wall member is positioned longitudinally on each handle to cross each arcuate recess, both wall members being positioned at the same side of their respective recesses. Accordingly, a plastic tube may be surrounded and gripped in the arcuate recesses of the handles for rotational retention thereof as a connector member is inserted into or withdrawn from the tube. At the same time, the wall members pinch the tube into closed, sealed relation with the handles in closed position.

Abstract: A blood reservoir comprises a rigid casing and a perforated tubular member positioned within the casing and extending between the edges thereof. An inlet aperture is at a position at the upper end of the reservoir in communication with the bore of the tubular member while an outlet aperture is positioned adjacent the bottom of the casing exterior to the tubular member. The bore of the tubular member contains first blood-defoaming means, and the tubular member carries a blood filter. In accordance with this invention, second blood defoaming means are positioned about the exterior of the tubular member to dissipate the fine bubbles without interference from the larger bubbles, which have been previously removed by passage through the first blood defoaming means.

Abstract: Improvements are provided in the sealing arrangment and in an inflatable shim for a membrane diffusion device which comprises a stack of membrane sections and means for defining interleaving flow paths for two different fluids, separated by the membranes.

Abstract: An improved valving system is provided in a dialysis system in which the dialysis solution flow path through the dialyzer may be sealed off adjacent the inlet and outlet of the dialyzer, with the pumped dialysis solution being shunted so that the pump and heater do not need to be turned off. As ultrafiltration takes place over a predetermined period of time, it can be directly measured by monitoring the liquid level of a reservoir connected to the sealed portion of the dialysis solution flow path. The dialysis unit itself is held in a bracket which defines the valving system by means of a longitudinally movable and clampable retention member for bearing against the top of and holding the dialyzer member.

Abstract: A gripper member comprises an openable and closable pair of handles interconnected by a hinge member. Each handle defines, adjacent its hinge member, an arcuate recess positioned to face the corresponding recess of the other handle and defining gripping projections therein. A wall member is positioned longitudinally on each handle to cross each arcuate recess, both wall members being positioned at the same side of their respective recesses. Accordingly, a plastic tube may be surrounded and gripped in the arcuate recesses of the handles for rotational retention thereof as a connector member is inserted into or withdrawn from the tube. At the same time, the wall members pinch the tube into closed, sealed relation with the handles in closed position.