Abstract: A system for automatically connecting tubing to a medical fluid machine includes at least one fluid container including a tube having a cap on an end of the tube, a shuttle configured to receive the tube, a driving mechanism configured to translate the shuttle, a cap removal device configured to remove the cap from the end of the tube, and a control unit programmed to cause (i) the driving mechanism to translate the shuttle holding the tube in a first direction towards the cap removal device so that the cap removal device can engage the tube cap, (ii) the driving mechanism to translate in a second direction away from the cap removal device so that the cap removal device removes the cap from the end of the tube, and (iii) the driving mechanism to translate the shuttle in the first direction with the cap removed from the tube so that the tube can be mated with the medical fluid machine.

Abstract: A medical fluid system including: fluid containers and a tube extending from same, each tube including a cap; a pumping cassette including port spikes; a medical fluid machine including: occluders; a shuttle configured to receive the tubes, wherein each tube is associated with one of the occluders; a driving mechanism translating the shuttle; a cap removal device between the cassette and the shuttle; and a control unit programmed to cause: (i) the occluders to pinch their tubes, (ii) cause the driving mechanism to translate the shuttle towards the fluid pumping cassette, the cap removal device engaging the tube caps, (iii) the driving mechanism to translate the shuttle away from the fluid pumping cassette and cap removal device, pulling the tube caps off of the tubes, and (iv) the driving mechanism to translate the shuttle back towards the fluid pumping cassette for the port spikes to spike the occluded tubes.

Abstract: A system for automatically connecting tubing to a medical fluid machine includes at least one fluid container including a tube having a cap on an end of the tube, a shuttle configured to receive the tube, a driving mechanism configured to translate the shuttle, a cap removal device configured to remove the cap from the end of the tube, and a control unit programmed to cause (i) the driving mechanism to translate the shuttle holding the tube in a first direction towards the cap removal device so that the cap removal device can engage the tube cap, (ii) the driving mechanism to translate in a second direction away from the cap removal device so that the cap removal device removes the cap from the end of the tube, and (iii) the driving mechanism to translate the shuttle in the first direction with the cap removed from the tube so that the tube can be mated with the medical fluid machine.

Abstract: A protective storage capsule is disclosed for a nasal cannula. The protective storage capsule may be used in conjunction with a nasal cannula assembly. The protective storage capsule includes a housing adapted to receive the nasal cannula and a cap to cover and protect the nasal cannula from dirt and debris when not being worn by a patient. The protective storage capsule slides along one or more of the support tubes of the nasal cannula assembly. The surfaces of the protective storage capsule may be treated with an antimicrobial film or be infused with antimicrobial nanoparticles.

Abstract: A protective storage capsule is disclosed for a nasal cannula. The protective storage capsule may be used in conjunction with a nasal cannula assembly. The protective storage capsule includes a housing adapted to receive the nasal cannula and a cap to cover and protect the nasal cannula from dirt and debris when not being worn by a patient. The protective storage capsule slides along one or more of the support tubes of the nasal cannula assembly. The surfaces of the protective storage capsule may be treated with an antimicrobial film or be infused with antimicrobial nanoparticles.

Abstract: A fluid dispensing machine, such as a peritoneal dialysis or hemodialysis machine, includes a dispenser or cassette that pumps a medical fluid for dialysis or other treatments for patients. The machine includes and uses an autoconnect device for connecting containers of liquid, such as bags of dialysis fluid or medication fluids, to the machine, while maintaining the sterility of the connection. The autoconnect device removes the cap from the fluid bag and pierces the scaling membrane on tubing from the bag. This makes it easier for patients to receive treatment, especially home treatment. Other embodiments are useful for dispensing other liquids from other types of dispensing or pumping machines.

Abstract: A partition system which includes a hollow body, plastic panel, a connector link member, a plurality of inserts for the panel, a trim element for mounting to the panel, a leveling member for adjusting the orientation of the panel relative to a floor surface, a friction ring for cooperative engagement with the connector link member, and a plurality of fasteners for mounting the inserts, the connector link member, and the trim element to the panel. The panel can include a first face surface, a second face surface, a pair of opposing ends, a top surface, a bottom surface, and a shear wall wherein the first and second face surfaces are connected together. The panel can be formed in a blow-molding process. A pair of connector link members can be joined together to define a connector link assembly for joining a pair of panels together. The connector link assembly is adapted to allow the joined panels to be oriented with respect to each other over a range of angles.

Abstract: An auxiliary footrest for removably mounting to a chair having a post is disclosed. The footrest includes a clamp configured to be removably mounted to the post of the chair and generally C-shaped frame fixed to the clamp. The frame includes a foot support bar and opposite ends which define respective mounting rods for mounting the frame to clamp. The clamp includes a first bracket and a second bracket, each of which may be generally W shaped. Each of the brackets is mounted between the respective mounting rods of the frame, receiving the post between opposed V-shaped wall sections of the brackets. The brackets are secured to exert a squeezing force against generally opposite sides of the post, thereby fixing the footrest to the chair so that the foot support bar is cantilevered forwardly and elevated above the floor. The user can install and/or adjust the footrest at a desired vertical level for custom comfort.

Abstract: A portable flipchart plastic blow molded easel having a display portion telescopically arranged on a pedestal base portion having legs pivotally secured to and foldable away from the base portion for holding the easel upright, the legs and portions having cooperating interconnected means for securing the easel in selected extended or collapsed condition, for table top or floor use and having nesting structure for holding like collapsed easels stacked together during transport and storage.

Abstract: A portable flipchart plastic blow molded easel having a display portion telescopically arranged on a pedestal base portion having legs pivotally secured to and foldable away from the base portion for holding the easel upright, the legs and portions having cooperating interconnected means for securing the easel in selected extended or collapsed condition, for table top or floor use and having nesting structure for holding like collapsed easels stacked together during transport and storage.

Abstract: A panel system for office workstations wherein a display board is removably secured to a hanging bar, The bar has a bracket assembly for selectively and removably hanging it onto a selected surface and has flanges arranged in the bar which may receive the bracket assembly and which removably secure the display board on the hanging bar when the display board is oriented with the flanges in a predetermined position. The display board has a frame defined by top, bottom and side extrusions and corner members joining the extrusions together, utilizing channels arranged in the extrusions, and hangers slideably fixed in the extrusion channels which are adapted to be secured in channels when properly oriented therewith. A tray may also be removably secured in the channels of the display board extrusions in selected removably secured positions.