Abstract: An improved system and method for providing sterile connections. To this end, a device is provided comprising a body, a chamber defined, at least in part, by a portion of the body, the chamber including an interior having a solid sterilizing agent that can sublimate at ambient conditions, and a member that defines., in part, the chamber and is so constructed and arranged to allow the solid sterilizing agent to release in a rate controlled manner through the member.

Abstract: Multiple component polymer compositions for fabrication into articles. In particular, polymeric compositions comprising a heat resistant polymer; a radio frequency ("RF") susceptible polymer; a compatibilizing polymer; the composition having physical properties within the range a<40,000 psi; b>=70%; c<30%; d>1.0; e<0.1%; f<0.1%; g>=0.05; h<=60%; i=0; wherein: a is the mechanical modulus of the composition measured according to ASTM D-882; b is the percent recovery in length of the composition after an initial 20% deformation; c is the optical haze of the composition being 9 mils in thickness according to ASTM D-1003; d is the loss tangent of the composition at 1 Hz measured at melt processing temperatures; e is the elemental halogen content by weight of the composition; f is the low molecular weight water soluble fraction of the composition; g is the dielectric loss between 1 and 60 MHz and over temperatures of 25.degree. to 250.degree. C.

Abstract: The coating of a RF active material on a non-RF active substrate material of typical thickness for packaging purposes, can generate sufficient thermal energy to effect strong bonding of the substrate materials. The RF active material may be deposited on less than the entire inner surface area of the substrate material, preferably, at or near the portion of the substrate surface which represents the heat seal interface. In this manner of application, additional coating or printing of other substances on the substrate surface can be achieved without hampering the heat sealing process. Flexible medical containers capable of containing a product which is maintained and removed under sterile conditions, can be constructed on commercial production machines from these coated non-RF active substrate materials.

Abstract: A method is provided for creating a plastic component constructed, at least in part, from polychlorotrifluoroethylene, having improved properties. The method creates a component from a composition that has polychlorotrifluoroethylene, heats the component to a temperature that is greater than the melting point of the composition, and rapidly quenches the component in a cold medium.

Abstract: The present invention provides an improved coextruded medical port tubing. The medical port tubing provides characteristics that are desirable in the medical industry and therefore can be used as a medical port tubing in, for example, renal therapy or blood donor tubes. To this end, the present invention provides a coextruded medical grade port tubing comprising: an outer layer comprising a blend of polypropylene copolymer and styrene-ethylene-butylene-styrene copolymer; a tie layer; and a core layer comprising polyvinyl chloride.

Abstract: The present invention provides an improved coextruded medical grade port tubing. The medical grade port tubing provides characteristics that are desirable in the medical industry and therefore can be used as a medical port tubing in, for example, renal therapy or blood donor tubes. To this end, the present invention provides a non-PVC coextruded medical grade port tubing including: an outer layer comprising a blend of polypropylene copolymer and styrene-ethylene-butylene-styrene copolymer; a tie layer; and a core layer including a blend of polyamide and ethylene vinyl acetate.

Abstract: An apparatus for sealing a web of film in a packaging machine. The apparatus includes a sealing bar for heating a web of film to a temperature sufficient to melt at least a portion of the web of film. The sealing bar includes a surface that directly contacts the web of film and does not include a release layer. The surface includes thereon a measuring member for measuring the temperature of the molten area of the film. The apparatus further includes a cooling member for cooling the melted portion of the film to its crystallization point during a cycle time of the packaging machine.

Abstract: An apparatus for sealing and severing a web of film is provided. The apparatus includes a sealing bar having a body portion including first and second sidewalls and a top portion for melting and severing a portion of a web of film. A backup member is provided located on an opposite side of the film from the sealing bar for urging the film against a portion of the sealing bar. The apparatus also includes a holder for holding the sealing bar, the holder includes a first side and a second side that define a center region for receiving at least a portion of the body of the sealing bar, and first and second sides having shoulders. The shoulders and top portion of the sealing bar are so constructed and arranged that they deflect a bead generated at a molten area of the film when the film is sealed and severed and substantially limit the creation of a resultant bead in a final cooled product.