Abstract: The present invention relates to a sterile closure device that is particularly suited for flexible containers, or pouches, that contain medical fluids. The sterile closure device provides a port for a conventional spike set to puncture in order to attach a patient feeding line. The sterile closure device features at least two protection mechanisms that enhance sterility. Between the two protection mechanisms is a sterile chamber that minimizes leakage of medical fluid from the flexible container when the protection mechanisms are breached by a the spike set. The sterile closure device also features finger support to facilitate the user in grasping and puncturing the sterile closure device.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for preventing the occurrence of free fluid in a fluid delivery system consists of a valve having a sealing element and elongate body disposed within the lumen of a flexible tube. The elongate body of the valve if further disposed within the inlet port of a connector. The perimeter of the sealing element and lumen of the flexible tube provide a tight seal preventing fluid flow when the flexible tube is in a relaxed state or when the longitudinal axis of the flexible tube is in alignment with the axis of the inlet port. The medical fluid is allowed to flow when the longitudinal axis of the flexible tube is not in alignment, e.g., when angularly stretched, with the axis of the inlet port.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a sterile closure device that is particularly suited for flexible containers, or pouches, that contain medical fluids. The sterile closure device provides a port for a conventional spike set to puncture in order to attach a patient feeding line. The sterile closure device features at least two protection mechanisms that enhance sterility. Between the two protection mechanisms is a sterile chamber that minimizes leakage of medical fluid from the flexible container when the protection mechanisms are breached by a the spike set. The sterile closure device also features finger support to facilitate the user in grasping and puncturing the sterile closure device.

Abstract: A non-invasive system and method is provided for a fluid delivery system of the type including a fluid delivery pump delivering fluid in pulses through a fluid delivery tube. The non-invasive monitoring system and method includes a sensor which is brought into engagement with an outer surface of the fluid delivery tube. The sensor is adapted for being calibrated at an initial temperature and is responsive to the fluid when passing through the fluid delivery tube. In particular, the present system and method is adapted to monitor the sensor and receives data corresponding to the changes in the initial temperature of the sensor as influenced by the temperature of the fluid when passing through the fluid delivery tube. The non-invasive monitoring system and method is further adapted to process the data from the sensor indicative of both the initial and changed temperatures for determining the status of the fluid in the fluid delivery tube.

Abstract: An infusion apparatus includes a pump and a fluid delivery set. The infusion apparatus is adapted to monitor the fluid delivery set for insuring proper placement in relation to the pump. The infusion apparatus further includes a sensor which operates to detect the proper alignment of the fluid delivery set and also the proper operating position of the infusion apparatus. The infusion apparatus includes a cover which is adapted to be in a closed position when the infusion apparatus is in proper operating position. The cover operates to secure the fluid delivery set within the mounted position in the infusion apparatus.

Abstract: A closure device for connection to a fluid container which has an opening for receiving the device. The closure device has a base section which may sealably cover the container opening. The base section has a spike receiving opening passing there through with at least one air vent on the base section which is spaced from the spike receiving opening. A hydrophobic air filter, is associated with the air vent. Adjoining the base section is an internal cover, which lies over the aperture, covering it and the base section. The internal cover has a pierceable portion which is in alignment with the spike receiving opening of the base section.