Abstract: The present invention provides a sterile, unitized, economical device furnishing a fluid path between a plurality of solutions to be compounded and a receiving container. The device includes a plurality of fluid connectors and fluid lines sealingly connected to respective pump fittings which provide individual paths to a common junction block.The common junction block includes a portion for receiving fluid lines and preventing them from crimping thereby maintaining fluid flow. The block also includes an exit port for providing a sealingly sterile connection to the receiving container. Further, a closure is provided to protect the exit port from contamination when the port is not providing fluid communication to the receiving container.

Abstract: A dispensing system includes a support stand adapted to slidably support at least one portable modular dispenser housing in which is mounted a flexible fluid impervious container having a flowable food product contained in sealed relation therein and to which a compressible flow tube is affixed having a discharge fitment thereon facilitating removal of product from the container. A rotor is mounted within the dispenser housing for cooperation with the compressible flow tube to enable controlled portion dispensing of product from the discharge fitment through actuation of an external operating handle.

Abstract: A unique multiple configuration display sign system including a selection of a sign unit supporting and interconnecting hardware and standard sign units of special size, shape and construction as to be capable of use in any one of a multiplicity of display configurations through use of such hardware. The sign unit supporting and interconnecting hardware includes top side and bottom side linking brackets, linking plates or wall hanger brackets for abutting together one or more vertical sides of the sign units to form a selected sign configuration. The sign units supporting and interconnecting hardware integrated within an assembled display configuration to conceal such hardware so that the joined sign units appear to be free standing and unsupported by any visible structure.

Abstract: A display assembly for posters or signs includes a cover frame having a clear sealed window at the front surface thereof. The display assembly is generally rectangular, the cover frame having four outwardly facing walls configured to slide into forwardly extending closely fitting walls extending from a one piece wall-mountable shroud-forming frame. Magnetic strips affixed to interior faces of the shroud-forming frame capture and hold an inserted cover frame, and the closely fitting shroud walls and immediately confronting cover frame walls serve to defeat the insertion of conventional tools to remove the cover when so emplaced. A special spatulate tool is configured with projections stressed to spring out of the plane of the blade in the relaxed state. The extensions are temporarily pressed flat during insertion, to spring outward when inserted to maximum depth into the assembly, the extensions when thus deployed confronting and engaging a rear portion of the cover frame.

Abstract: A dispensing system is disclosed which finds particular application as a sanitary food dispensing system, and which includes a support stand adapted to releasably support at least one portable modular dispenser housing in which is mounted a flexible fluid impervious container having a flowable food product contained in sealed relation therein and to which a compressible flow tube is affixed having a discharge fitment thereon facilitating removal of product from the container. A rotor is mounted within the dispenser housing for cooperation with the compressible flow tube to enable controlled portion dispensing of product from the discharge fitment through actuation of an external operating handle.

Abstract: The present invention provides a fast, efficient, precise method and apparatus for compounding solutions for use in hyperalimentation therapy. The apparatus includes a controller for entering the volume and specific gravity of the solution to be compounded.A load cell monitors the weight of the solutions that have been transferred to a collection vessel and in connection with the controller thereby maintains the precise amount of each therein. The controller also surveys various process conditions and warns of any failure of those conditions. Peristaltic pumps are used for the delivery of the compounding solution to maintain the solutions in a sterile condition.

Abstract: Apparatus for irradiating a connected pair of tubing ends for antibacterial effect thereon. A housing carries an antibacterial radiation source such as an ultraviolet bulb. Drawer means is slidable into and out of the housing, the drawer means defining vertical slots in opposed side walls thereof having open upper ends for receiving and positioning the connected tubing ends in the drawer means when the drawer means is in open position, and for moving the tubing ends into proximity with the antibacterial radiation source by closing the drawer means.

Abstract: The fluid dispensing device (10) is utilized in a fluid dispensing system (12) which includes a syringe (22) having a cylindrical barrel (36) with an inlet/outlet opening (20) at a forward end thereof and which is open at the rearward end thereof. A plunger (38) is received in the barrel (36). A source (14) of medicinal additive is coupled by a two-way check valve (18) to the inlet/outlet opening (20). A needle (24) is mounted to the outlet (26) of the valve (18).The fluid dispensing device (10) is manipulatable to operate the syringe (22), first to draw a precise amount of medicinal additive into the syringe (22) through the valve (18) and second to dispense the precise amount of medicinal additive from the syringe (22) through the needle (24) into, for example, a receptacle (34) having a base liquid therein.

Abstract: A connector apparatus for use with various types of disposable flexible foodstuff containers, such as polymeric bags containing soft drink syrups, of the type having a fitment attached to a wall of the container. The novel fitment includes a displaceable valve means having a seal plug member slidably received within a passageway and capable of being releasably retained at a pre-fill position and lockably retained at a post-fill position. A mating probe connector is permanently attached to the food product delivery hose system and includes a probe adapter capable of being detachably secured to the novel fitment and a pointed push probe for engaging the seal plug member. Product drain and positive evacuation structures are provided to assure substantially complete draining of product from the container during use. The probe is directly manually movable.

Abstract: A peristaltic pump having a nonmetallic housing supporting an internal rotor which carries compression rollers for cooperation with a compressible flow tube looped internally of the housing so as to effect a peristaltic pumping action on the tube during rotation of the rotor. The rotor is of unitary construction and is made from a nonmetallic material. The rotor contains hub projections which are directly journaled within bearing surfaces formed within the housing, and rotatably suports at least one nonmetallic compression roller through a tubular open ended metal support shaft which enables air flow through the support tube to provide improved heat transfer during operation.

Abstract: A peristaltic pump is disclosed which includes a base plate having a pair of reaction members pivotally mounted thereon for movement between open positions spaced outwardly from a rotor about which a compressible flow tube is disposed and closed positions maintaining the flow tube in predetermined relation to the rotor. Each reaction member has a shield plate thereon adapted for cooperation with the shield plate on the other reaction member so as to substantially cover the rotor area when the reaction members are in their closed positions. A locking nut mounted on the base plate is adapted for camming cooperation with the reaction members to draw them into predetermined closed relation relative to the tube and rotor.

Abstract: A dispensing pump is disclosed for dispensing a fluent material through a compressible conduit having a portion disposed within a pump housing in which is rotatably mounted a rotor operative to effect a peristaltic pumping action on the conduit. An actuating handle is interconnected to the rotor through a unidirectional drive to effect a predetermined quantity discharge upon each movement of the actuating handle in a dispensing direction, and several alternative mechanical arrangements are provided to effect drawback through the conduit to prevent dripping after each discharge while also preventing undesirable back siphoning of the fluent material. In one embodiment, the actuating handle is connected to the rotor through a constant force extension spring operative to effect rotational multiplication of the rotor upon movement of the actuating handle.

Abstract: A peristaltic pump is disclosed having two identical hingedly connected housing sections defining mating surfaces substantially coplanar with the hinge axis and the longitudinal axis of the housing to facilitate easy opening of the housing sections for loading and manipulation of a flow tube looped internally of the housing and cooperable with rotatable displacement means to effect a peristaltic pumping action on the tube. Various pump mounting arrangements are disclosed which are particularly suitable for limited access areas and which maintain the pump sections in closed positions while facilitating quick release of the pumps for servicing and the like.