Abstract: Apparatuses and methods for providing audio, visual and/or tactile feedback during assembly of two mating medical fluid connectors and a retention force are provided. The invention includes a first connector defining a first lumen and a second connector defining a second lumen. The first and second connectors are threaded together to enable the first lumen to initially communicate fluidly with the second lumen after the first and second connectors are engaged. The first connector defines a first engaging member and the second connector defines a second engaging member, the engaging members mating to provide (i) feedback indicating that a mating of the first and second connectors is at least substantially complete and (ii) a retention force tending to hold the first and second connectors together. An improved apparatus for releasing a sealed disinfectant is also provided.

Abstract: Apparatuses and methods for maintaining sterile connections during, for example, dialysis therapy. The present invention provides a container for a medical device and a lid therefore. The lid and the container are configured for an easy snap release using a cam-follower system. The invention also provides a method for using an assembly of the container, lid and a medical device within the container to maintain sterile connections.

Abstract: Improved cassette-based medical fluid therapy systems, apparatuses and methods are provided. In one aspect, various peristaltic pump tubing materials are provided. Cassette and membrane materials, configurations and manufacturing improvements are provided. Various aspects of the invention include: a head height sensing and compensating method and apparatus; an admixing method and apparatus; a pH measuring method and apparatus; an air detecting and removal methods and apparatuses; an active priming apparatus and method; and a volumetric accuracy improvement apparatus and method.

Abstract: Apparatuses and methods for providing audio, visual and/or tactile feedback during assembly of two mating medical fluid connectors and a retention force are provided. The invention includes a first connector defining a first lumen and a second connector defining a second lumen. The first and second connectors are threaded together to enable the first lumen to initially communicate fluidly with the second lumen after the first and second connectors are engaged. The first connector defines a first engaging member and the second connector defines a second engaging member, the engaging members mating to provide (i) feedback indicating that a mating of the first and second connectors is at least substantially complete and (ii) a retention force tending to hold the first and second connectors together. An improved apparatus for releasing a sealed disinfectant is also provided.

Abstract: Apparatuses and methods for maintaining sterile connections during, for example, dialysis therapy. The present invention provides a container for a medical device and a lid therefore. The lid and the container are configured for an easy snap release using a cam-follower system. The invention also provides a method for using an assembly of the container, lid and a medical device within the container to maintain sterile connections.

Abstract: A flexible fluid junction that links three or more fluid ducts is provided. The junction includes a pair of flexible webs with at least three tubes or fluid ducts disposed between the flexible webs. The outer periphery of the webs is sealed together and around the tubes to define a chamber. An end of each tube terminates inside the chamber so that fluid may flow from each tube through the chamber. Still further, a method of manufacturing a flexible fluid junction and a method of using a flexible fluid junction are also provided.

Abstract: A connector assembly and disinfectant system is provided for any system requiring a connection, such as during a peritoneal dialysis procedure. The connector assembly includes a transfer set connector and a disposable connector. The transfer set connector and disposable connector each include a member that join to create a fluid path. The disposable connector contains a housing that includes a ring partially saturated with disinfectant for bathing the transfer set member near the opening of the fluid path when a connection is made. The ring forms an opening through which the transfer set member passes. At disconnection, the transfer set member passes through a section of the ring having wiping properties to wipe the member dry.

Abstract: A tubing has members located on the inside surface of a tubing. The flow through the tubing is completely occluded when the tubing is clamped due to the members filling channels around the clamped site. Reduced clamping pressure is required to fully occlude the flow through the tubing. The tubing undergoes less deformation upon clamping and returns to its pre-clamped form upon recovery.

Abstract: A tubular body member has telescopingly received therein a tubular ash receiver member, closed at its outer end and having a through access opening in the side-wall thereof which is normally covered by an arcuate, extended-wall portion of the body member. A helical tension spring acting between the outer end of the body member and the inner end of the ash receiver member serves to yieldingly constrain the ash receiver member in fully closed position with respect to the tubular base member whereat the access opening is covered by the body member extended-wall portion. In use, the ash receiver member is pulled outwardly of the base member to uncover the access opening, abutment stop means being provided to temporarily maintain the ash receiver in this open position against the urging of the tension spring.