Abstract: A holding device for a container having a closure system to be pierced by a spike includes a base, a shield, and a mounting unit supporting the base. The base includes an elongate body having opposed first and second ends and an elongate body extending therebetween. The base body defines an elongate open spike cavity extending between opposing ends thereof. The channel receives an elongate spike therein so that a free end of the spike extends beyond the base body from the channel. The shield includes first and second opposed open ends and an elongate cylindrical wall extending therebetween. The shield is telescopically mounted over the base so as to be movable between a first position wherein an inserted spike is clear of inserted container cap and a second position wherein the spike pierces through the septum of the container cap at the intended location.

Abstract: A holding device for a container having a closure system to be pierced by a spike includes a base, a shield, and a mounting unit supporting the base. The base includes an elongate body having opposed first and second ends and an elongate body extending therebetween. The base body defines an elongate open spike cavity extending between opposing ends thereof. The channel receives an elongate spike therein so that a free end of the spike extends beyond the base body from the channel. The shield includes first and second opposed open ends and an elongate cylindrical wall extending therebetween. The shield is telescopically mounted over the base so as to be movable between a first position wherein an inserted spike is clear of inserted container cap and a second position wherein the spike pierces through the septum of the container cap at the intended location.

Abstract: Administration by injection or infusion to patients of an injectable liquid for diagnostic or therapeutic purposes is provided by a syringe adapter connectable with an automatic syringe pump and a syringe containing contents to be dispensed. The syringe adapter includes an adapter body receivable by the syringe pump, a syringe retainer for retaining the syringe, and a syringe driver for agitating the contents of the syringe. More particularly the invention relates to an adapter connectable with a syringe pump and methods for delivery of an injectable liquid using such adapter. By connecting an adapter according to the invention to a syringe and a syringe pump, rotation of the syringe is achieved and homogeneity of the injectable is preserved. Particularly, the injectable liquid is an ultrasound contrast agent comprising an aqueous dispersion of gas-filled microbubbles or of particulate matter.

Abstract: A package (10) comprises a plastic bottle (20), a stopper (40) removably inserted into the mouth of the bottle, and a plastic cap (50). The cap has a cover member (52) which overlies the stopper and has a region (66) which is removable to expose the upper surface of the stopper to allow piercing thereof by a needle or the like. The removable region is provided with a pull-ring (68) protected from accidental operation by a protective portion (60) projecting upwardly from the edge of the cover member (52). The protective portion is formed separately from the rest of the cap and is attached thereto.

Abstract: A package (10) includes a plastic bottle (20), a stopper (40) removably inserted into the mouth of the bottle, and a plastic cap (50). The cap has a cover member (52) which overlies the stopper and has a region (66) which is removable to expose the upper surface of the stopper to allow piercing thereof by a needle or the like. The removable region is provided with a pull-ring (68) protected from accidental operation by an annular wall (60) projecting upwardly from the edge of the cover member (52).

Abstract: An inter-network call accounting system for use in a communication network such as the public switched telephone network in Britain allows call records to be sorted according to the network operator to be charged in respect of the calls, prior to being priced and charged. A data analyzer incorporating an expert system is provided for call records which cannot be validated. The data analyzer can apply default or amended data, or can output invalid data to a suspended process awaiting updated reference information. Unfixable data is output to a sump for management purposes. A pricing and charging engine processes data already sorted according to billable entity and incorporates further data analysis for dealing with data invalid by reason of pricing and charging related information.

Abstract: An inter-network call accounting system for use in a communication network such as the public switched telephone network in Britain allows call records to be sorted according to the network operator to be charged in respect of the calls, prior to being priced and charged. A data analyzer incorporating an expert system is provided for call records which cannot be validated. The data analyzer can apply default or amended data, or can output invalid data to a suspended process awaiting updated reference information. Unfixable data is output to a sump for management purposes. A pricing and charging engine processes data already sorted according to billable entity and incorporates further data analysis for dealing with data invalid by reason of pricing and charging related information.

Abstract: An inter-network call accounting system for use in a communication network such as the public switched telephone network in Britain allows call records to be sorted according to the network operator to be charged in respect of the calls, prior to being priced and charged. A data analyzer incorporating an expert system is provided for call records which cannot be validated. The data analyzer can apply default or amended data, or can output invalid data to a suspended process awaiting updated reference information. Unfixable data is output to a sump for management purposes. A pricing and charging engine processes data already sorted according to billable entity and incorporates further data analysis for dealing with data invalid by reason of pricing and charging related information.

Abstract: An inter-network call accounting system for use in a communication network such as the public switched telephone network in Britain allows call records to be sorted according to the network operator to be charged in respect of the calls, prior to being priced and charged. A data analyzer incorporating an expert system is provided for call records which cannot be validated. The data analyzer can apply default or amended data, or can output invalid data to a suspended process awaiting updated reference information. Unfixable data is output to a sump for management purposes. A pricing and charging engine processes data already sorted according to billable entity and incorporates further data analysis for dealing with data invalid by reason of pricing and charging related information.