Abstract: A jig for injecting a fixed amount of insulin includes: a main fixture (1) having upper and lower sandwiching portions for sandwiching and supporting an insulin injector from both sides, at upper and lower portions on the rear surface of the insulin injector; a screw fixing piece (4) formed by extending one side of upper sandwiching portions 2 of the main fixture 1 upward; and, outside of the piece 4 for fixing an appointed quantity of screws, an injection button upper-limit position setting piece (6) whose upper portion is bent inward and which is provided with a slit (7) opened at its lower part, and the injection-button upper-limit position setting piece (6) is made freely movable up and down by screw fixation to the screw fixing piece (4) by inserting screws (8) through the slit (7).

Abstract: Apparatuses and methods are described for administering a needle-less injection of a degassed fluid. Prior to filling, or after filling but prior to administration of a needle-less injection, gas is removed from the fluid. A needle-less injection may then be performed with a reduced risk of discomfort to the recipient of the injection and with lower potential for the creation of a subdermal hematoma as a result of the injection. A wide variety of needle-less injectors may be used in accordance with various embodiments of the present invention.

Abstract: A teat nozzle suitable for pediatric oral dosing of a fluid medicament comprising a tubular conduit which is engageable with a socket, and has at least one engagement part which can engage with an internal thread in the socket. The teat nozzle facilitates connection between the conduit and the socket. Dosing devices such as syringes and squeezable capsules provided with the nozzle, and a connection means for a vial having such a socket, are also described.

Abstract: A paint dispensing system including a container having a moveable piston contained therein wherein a paint containing area is defined between the piston and a portion of the container. A dispenser extends through an opening formed in the piston and by moving the piston against paint contained within the container results in paint being forced into the dispenser where the paint moves through the dispenser and through the piston to an outlet where the paint is dispensed.

Abstract: A direct dual filling device for sealing agents capable of transferring a material from a commercially available material container to a material applicator. The filling device of the present invention comprises a hood defining at least one receiving aperture, an applicator interface in communication with the hood and having at least one filling port formed thereon, at least one transfer conduit in communication with the at least one filling port, at least one withdrawal cannula located within the receiving aperture and in communication with the at least one transfer conduit, and a container support device capable of receiving and supporting at least one material container in an upright tilted position within the receiving aperture. The hood may include at least one engaging surface and at least one displacement recess.

Abstract: In a method and a device for filling needle-free injectors, it is proposed that filling takes place through the injector discharge opening and where the piston stopper has been previously inserted. Filling takes place in such a way that, independently of tolerances of the injector, the interior space is filled to the brim in an at least approximately bubble-free manner. It is not absolutely necessary to measure or dose the liquid to be filled. The filled state is either established through the disappearance of the vacuum in the interior space, or through the piston having reached a specific position during displacement.

Abstract: A device for transferring a fluid product from one container to another including a hollow needle suitable for piercing a membrane and having a first, front opening, the needle being connectable to one of the containers via a first, rear hollow needle opening so that the fluid product can be conveyed into or out of the container through the hollow needle and hollow needle openings, the needle having a second, rear opening which forms a fluid connection between the another container and a pressure compensation device or the environment while the fluid is being transferred.

Abstract: A device for aligning a vial and a syringe used for medical injections. The device includes a vial alignment portion and a syringe alignment portion, both aligned on an alignment axis extending between the two portions. The alignment portions can restrict motion of both the vial and the syringe transverse to the alignment axis so as to maintain a needle of the syringe aligned with an access port of the vial. The device can also include provisions for removing a protective cap from the vial and for removing a protective cover from the syringe needle. The syring and the vial can be packaged in a container which can also be used to align the syringe with the vial.

Abstract: An apparatus and a method for controlling a paint canister filling operation includes a controller for determining a total volume of paint required for a painting operation, calculating a required piston position and actuating a motor to move a piston in the interior of the canister to the required position. The controller opens a supply valve connected between the canister interior and a paint supply to fill the canister and monitors the torque applied by the motor to maintain the piston at the required position. When the torque exceeds a set point representing the torque value required to maintain the piston at the required position when the total required paint is in the canister interior, the controller closes the supply valve.

Abstract: A syringe guide and vial holder facilitates the insertion of a syringe into a medicine vial and the subsequent withdrawal of medicine from the vial into the syringe. The syringe guide and vial holder is constructed of a single piece of material and includes a vial holder for holding a medicine vial, a throat allowing access to the vial cap, and a syringe cradle for supporting a syringe.

Abstract: A device for transferring a fluid product from one container to another including a hollow needle suitable for piercing a membrane and having a first, front opening, the needle being connectable to one of the containers via a first, rear hollow needle opening so that the fluid product can be conveyed into or out of the container through the hollow needle and hollow needle openings, the needle having a second, rear opening which forms a fluid connection between the another container and a pressure compensation device or the environment while the fluid is being transferred.

Abstract: A device for storing and mixing an injectate includes a fluid holder removably coupled to an ampoule. The fluid holder initially contains a fluid and the ampoule initially contains a dry reagent. A breakable membrane may be included between the fluid holder and ampoule to prevent the undesirable mixing of the fluid with the dry reagent. Upon application of force to a plunger rod disposed within the fluid holder, fluid is introduced into the ampoule wherein it is mixed with the dry reagent to create an injectable mixture. Air or gas present in the ampoule may be removed therefrom; the fluid holder may be decoupled from the ampoule; and the ampoule may be further coupled to a needle-less injector for administration of an injection of the mixture. The device is particularly useful for lyophilized pharmaceuticals that rapidly lose medicinal efficacy once in solution form.

Abstract: A reservoir (10) containing a fluid to be dispensed, and provided with a closure and/or filling device for closing and/or filling said reservoir, said device comprising at least one closure element (20, 120, 220) acting as a leaktight closure stopper when at rest,-said at least one closure element (20, 120, 220) comprising: an annular portion (21, 121, 221) whose outside diameter corresponds substantially to the inside diameter of the reservoir (10), said annular portion (21, 121, 221) being inserted in leaktight manner in said reservoir; and a central portion (22, 122, 222) having an end wall (23, 123, 223) which closes off said reservoir (10) in leaktight manner when in the rest position; said reservoir being characterized in that said end wall (23, 123, 223) is provided with at least one slit (24, 124, 224) suitable for opening under the effect of at least a predetermined minimum pressure.

Abstract: A kit for facilitating filling a hypodermic syringe from a medication vial and disposing of contaminated syringes includes a syringe-filling guide and a sharps holder. The guide has a base for retaining the syringe against relative movement as the syringe plunger is displaced. An attached cover is pivotally closed over the base and, as a vial is inserted into a channel in the base, the syringe needle pierces the vial stopper for drawing the medication therefrom. The cover includes a magnifying lens through which dosage indicia on the syringe are visible in enlarged condition to facilitate filling the syringe. The holder includes a base having a storage chamber, and a cover. A tray of the holder base closes the chamber and has an elongated slot and a plurality of resilient fingers adjacent the slot for supporting a contaminated syringe. As the holder cover closes over the tray, a pusher forces the syringe through the slot into the chamber.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for reconstituting a multiple component material is disclosed. More particularly, the present invention discloses an apparatus utilizing an operator controllable pressurization device to generate a pressure differential between two receptacles attached to the device. The receptacles may contain individual components of a multiple component material, and may include liquid-liquid or liquid-solid compounds. The apparatus includes a material transfer lumen attachable to a first and second component receptacle. A pressurization lumen is connected to one of the component receptacles to facilitate material transfer. One embodiment of the present invention utilizes a negative pressure differential created in the second receptacle to facilitate transfer. In another embodiment, a positive pressure is created in the first receptacle to force material transfer between the two receptacles.

Abstract: A process and device for decanting dental filling substances (2) into special individual containers (3) for use in dental treatment. Storage container (1) is connected leakproof and pressure sealed to conically shaped jet (4) of individual container (3). By applying pressure, dental filling substance (2) is squeezed from storage container (1) through jet (4) into the container body, thereby pushing ahead of it axially movable piston (7) until same reaches a final position determined by circuit-controlled limit stop (10). Thus, a precise dosage can be guaranteed during a long service life, even while filling several individual containers (3) simultaneously. Sensor (11), placed within the range of limit stop (10), records the final position of stop rod (6) conveying the movement of piston (7).

Abstract: Devices for emptying a container of viscous fluid in an ambient medium where there exists an atmosphere under pressure and a force of gravity. The device of the invention is essentially characterized by the fact that it comprises a receptacle 1 having a main volume 2 comprising top and bottom portions 3 and 4 and in which a separation wall 5 defines two secondary volumes 6 and 7, an orifice 8 made through the wall 5 to put the two secondary volumes 6 and 7 into communication, and opening out into the secondary volume 7 in the top portion 3 of the main volume, a pump 10 mounted to co-operate with the receptacle 1, its suction inlet 11 being in the volume 6 and its outlet 12 opening out to the outside 13 of the receptacle 1, a tube 14, and means 17 for mounting the tube 14 in association with the receptacle 1 so that its outlet opening 16 is situated in the secondary volume 7 and its inlet opening 15 lies outside the receptacle 1.

Abstract: This invention relates to an improved vial transfer assembly or vial transferset which may be attached to a vial under sterile conditions and used to transfer fluid to or from a conventional vial. The transferset includes a tubular transfer member which is sealingly supported on the rim portion of a vial stopper, a piercing member having a piercing end reciprocally supported by an internal surface of the transfer member, a cap enclosing the tubular transfer member and a collar preferably formed of a malleable material which secures the assembly on the stopper, which is crimped beneath the vial rim. The piercing member has a generally longitudinal external channel which, upon piercing the planar portion of the stopper, establishes fluid communication with the vial through the tubular transfer member. The distal end of the tubular transfer member includes a Luer lock for establishing fluid communication to a syringe, IV set or the like.

Abstract: A device and method for aseptically filling high pressure reservoirs in medicament pumps is disclosed. The device preferably includes a filter, a connector having a one-way valve and a filling tube with a terminal needle. The filter is connectable to a pharmacy prepared syringe containing a drug to be transferred to the reservoir of the IDIP. The filter is connected to the connector. The connector has a first and a second inlet port fluidly connected to an outlet port. A one-way valve is located in the connector “upstream” of the point where the two inlet ports connect to the outlet port. The filling tube is connectable to the outlet port. In use, a pharmacy syringe is connected to the first inlet port. A filling syringe is connected to the second inlet port. The filling tube is connected to the outlet port. The terminal needle of the filling tube is passed through the patient's skin and into the IDIP.

Abstract: The device for storing a liquid medicinal substance, particularly a component of a multi-component tissue adhesive, comprises a vessel (12) for the medicinal substance, the vessel (12) having a bottom wall (14), a side wall (16) and an opening (22) opposite the bottom wall (14) and closed by a closure body (24) which in turn is pierceable from outside by a puncture needle placed into sealed abutment. The device further comprises a receiver cup (26) for said vessel (12), the receiver cup (26) having a bottom wall (28) and a side wall (30) formed with an edge (32) delimiting the side wall (30) at its upper end opposite the bottom wall (28).

Abstract: An apparatus for filling an ampule of a needle-less injector suitable for injecting liquid medication includes an ampule and a fluid holder. The ampule is for containing the fluid, and the fluid holder is for delivering the fluid. The fluid holder also includes a fluid plunger rod. The ampule is coupled to the fluid holder to provide fluid communication between the ampule and the fluid holder. The fluid plunger rod is depressed to load the fluid from the fluid holder into the ampule to fill the ampule. The ampule may further include an ampule plunger rod. After the ampule is loaded with fluid, the ampule plunger rod is depressed to expel bubbles back into the fluid holder from the ampule.

Abstract: A method and device for filling a syringe with a chemical solution such as a contrast agent is disclosed. The device has a cylinder holder, a piston holder, a driving mechanism to move the piston holder relative to the cylinder holder, a keyboard to input test conditions, and a computer. Based on the test conditions, the computer calculates the volume of the chemical solution necessary for a patient. The piston holder is allowed to aspirate the precise volume necessary for the patient from a bottle where the chemical solution is stored. Thus the correct and necessary volume of the chemical solution is transferred from the bottle to the syringe, which minimizes the waste of the chemical solution.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a method of filling a dispenser and to the dispenser itself. For already filling a defined part of the head piece (20) when mounting the dispenser after material has been filled into said dispenser and for ensuring an interruption-free dispensing behavior during future operation, it is suggested that, when a first point of airtight sealing of a fluid container (10) by means of a head piece (20) has been reached, the movement of the two elements towards one another should be continued along a predetermined, fixed displacement distance (X). In addition, a dispenser is provided, especially for carrying out the filling method, in which a bottom side of the head piece (20) and a filler opening of the fluid container (10), which is adapted to be coupled to said bottom side, are implemented such that they match.

Abstract: An apparatus for mixing medication and filling an ampule of a needle-less injector suitable for injecting liquid medication includes a reagent holder and a diluent holder. The regent holder is for containing a reagent, and the diluent holder is for containing a diluent. The diluent holder also includes a diluent plunger rod. The reagent holder is coupled to the diluent holder to provide fluid communication between the reagent holder and the diluent holder. The diluent plunger rod is depressed to load the diluent from the diluent holder into the reagent holder to mix with the reagent to produce the liquid medication for filling the ampule. The reagent holder may further include a reagent plunger rod. After the reagent and the diluent are mixed in the reagent holder to produce the liquid medication, the reagent plunger rod is depressed to load the liquid medication back into the diluent holder for filling the ampule.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for an automated biological reaction system is provided. In the processing of a biological reaction system, there is a need for consistently placing an amount of fluid on a slide. In order to accomplish this, several methods are used including a consistency pulse and a volume adjust means. Moreover, in order to reliably operate an automated biological reaction system, the dispenser must be reliable, easy to assemble and accurate. Among other things, in order to accomplish this, the dispense chamber is substantially in line with the reservoir chamber, the reservoir chamber piston is removed, and the flow of fluid through the dispenser is simplified. Further, in order to operate the automated biological reaction system more reliably, the system is designed in modular pieces with higher functions performed by a host device and the execution of the staining operations performed by remote devices.

Abstract: A hand held device for loading a hypodermic syringe from a medicine vial is configured for easy placement of the syringe into a closely conforming channel in the proximal end of the device, with the needle end pointing towards the other end. The other end of the device is configured for easy placement of a standard vial into a closely conforming chamber with its penetrable cap facing the needle tip. Closing the device causes or permits the further action required for piercing the vial with the syringe needle. A sliding pull tab engages the syringe plunger so that gripping and pulling on the tab withdraws the plunger from the syringe, thus drawing fluid from the vial. An amplified or enhanced readout capability visually indicates the dosage of fluid withdrawn from the vial. An auxiliary needle mounted so as to be slightly offset from the syringe, provides for a supplemental piercing of the vial so that make-up air is available when large dosages are drawn from the vial with a single pull of the plunger.

Abstract: An apparatus for charging pressurized aerosol cans with liquid is provided having a base for providing mechanical stability, a can support assembly for supporting an aerosol can being filled with liquid, and a can charging assembly having a can receiving element and including a liquid reservoir having a tapered bottom in fluid communication with a pump rod receiving aperture for receiving a main piston pump rod. The main piston pump rod has a linearly elongated shaft terminating at its lower end in a radially expanded head and a sealing ring receiving slot into which a pliable sealing ring is recessed.

Abstract: The capsule (11), which can be screwed onto the threaded neck (3) of the bottle, coaxially forms the cylinder (15) of the syringe device; an element (21) inside the capsule (11) and surrounding the cylinder (15) forms an annular leaktight seal (21A) which can be tightened onto the edge (3B) of the neck (3) and fits inside the bottle neck by means of a shaped extension piece (21B); said element (21) accommodates, via a central hole, the cylinder (15) of the syringe device and surrounds it with an annular lip (21C) which extends toward the center of the bottle so as to wipe the outer surface of the cylinder as the capsule is fitted with a safety cap (29) and a seal (33).

Abstract: Apparatus for the controlled withdrawal and delivery of volumetrically metered liquids of a type comprising a support structure able to receive a first series of vessels or bottles which contain substances in a liquid phase, and a second series of vessels or glasses able to receive one or more said substances in preset doses, means being provided for withdrawing and feeding said substances in preset doses and able to withdraw said substances individually from said bottles and discharge them into said glasses, apparatus characterized in that said withdrawal and delivery means comprise a series of single withdrawal and delivery members (7) able to be positioned in correspondence of each of said bottles and resolvably matchable with an actuation and driving head (6).

Abstract: A connecting device (1) between a first receptacle (2) and a second receptacle (4) comprising a muff joint (4a), the device comprising an apparatus (5) for perforating a stopper, including a faucet (6) and a filtering chamber (7) isolated from outside by a filter (8), two independent channels (9, 10) being provided in the perforating apparatus (5) for communicating the inside of the first receptacle (2) with the faucet (6) and the filtering chamber (7) respectively, the device further comprising an element (11) for displacing with guidance the perforating apparatus (5), an element for fastening (13) the skirt (12) on the neck (2a), a plunger (15) mounted in the internal bore (12a) on which the perforating apparatus (5) are fixed, for sliding by simple pressure, and an element (16) for definitively stopping the plunger (15).

Abstract: A generator/dispenser for mono-dispersed aerosol, with droplet size precisely controlled by a stepper motor and a nozzle array having a great number of operational micro-vias, and with fluid volume dosage control. A specified dose is delivered over an accurately controlled interval of time, by decrementing the volume of a fluid reservoir upon each of a specified number of control pulses to a stepper motor, which moves a ball screw linear actuator with great precision on each control pulse. The reservoir is closed at the aerosol delivery position by a nozzle array, which is a thin sheet with myriad micro-via holes. The micro-vias are of the same dimensions and orientation, producing for a medical inhaler the desired micro-droplet volume, for example the volume of a 3-.mu.m diameter droplet from each micro-via, for each pulse.

Abstract: An apparatus (22) for charging a pressurized system (24) comprising a lubricant canister (26). A facility (28) is for fluidly coupling the lubricant canister (26) to the pressurized system (24). An assemblage (30) is for forcing lubricant (32) out of the lubricant canister (26), through the fluidly coupling facility (28) and into a service valve (34) of the pressurized system (24).

Abstract: A syringe loading jig that includes structures for gripping and holding a medicant vial in concentric alignment with a syringe and includes a horizontal fastening mechanism for securing the syringe loading jig to a horizontal surface and a vertical fastening mechanism for securing the syringe loading jig to a vertical surface. The syringe loading jig includes a resilient molded jig structure forming a vial holding assembly and a syringe holding assembly. The vial holding assembly includes a lockable vial securing clip and a resilient vial body receiving cavity, a vial neck receiving channel and a vial cap receiving cavity. The resilient vial body receiving cavity, the vial neck receiving channel and the vial cap receiving cavity are concentrically aligned.

Abstract: A fluid dispersion and delivery assembly (16) includes first and second syringes (18,20) containing a first, fluid material (32) and a second material (34), fluidly coupled together at their distal ends (22,24) by a fluid transfer assembly (2). The fluid transfer assembly includes a double Luer fitting (4) and an elongated, hollow, perforated tube (6) extending into the interior (26) of the second syringe. This permits the first, fluid material in the first syringe to be properly dispersed into the second material within the second syringe by simply pressing the plunger (28) of the first syringe. The sizing, spacing and positioning of the holes (14) in the tube can be adjusted to provide even or uneven fluid distribution within the second syringe. After dispersion, the fluid transfer assembly is dismounted from the second syringe to permit combined material (36) within the second syringe to be dispensed.

Abstract: A cap assembly is provided for mounting over the mouth of a container which is occluded with a stopper. The cap assembly includes a housing, a moveable piercing member or penetrator within the housing, a removable overcap over the housing, and a ferrule connecting the housing to the container. A preferred form of the penetrator is fabricated from sheet metal in a progressive die stamping process. One form of the overcap includes a frangible construction that permits the upper part of the overcap to be torn away to expose the upper portion of the housing.

Abstract: A fluid transfer device for accessing fluid from vials and ampoules includes a cannula assembly. The cannula assembly includes a hub. The fluid transfer device further includes a filling straw with a proximal end, a distal end and a passageway therethrough and a housing with an outside surface fixedly attached to the proximal end of the straw. The housing has a cavity therein to receive at least a portion of the cannula assembly. The housing has at least one flexible arm attached to the housing at an inboard end, with the arm projecting and being biased outwardly from the housing. The arms each have an outboard end with a lug thereon. The fluid transfer device of the invention also has a removable shield. The invention indcludes a shield with a sidewall that has at least one elongate open slot from the open proximal end and an opening in alignment with and spaced distally to the slot. The shield is disposed so that the filling straw and at least a portion of the housing is within the shield.

Abstract: A system and method for automated filling of one or more medical syringes with desired volume(s) and concentration(s) of an injectate solution, such as a contrast solution usable for medical imaging procedures (e.g., x-ray, MRI, ultrasound). The system may incorporate an automated syringe magazine which interfaces with the programmable system controller to deliver the desired number of syringes after the syringes have been filled. Also, the system may utilize a low-pressure pumping arrangement wherein a pumping device engages each receiving syringe and withdraws the plunger of the receiving syringe to pull the desired injectate solution into the receiving syringe by negative pressure.

Abstract: A fluid dispersion and delivery assembly (49) includes first and second syringes (28,50) containing a hemostatic solution (38) and a flowable gel material (58), fluidly coupled together by a fluid transfer assembly (2). The fluid transfer assembly includes a double Luer fitting (4) and a hollow tube (6), having openings (24,22) at its ends (16,18), reciprocally mounted within the fitting. This permits the hemostatic solution in the first syringe to be evenly dispersed into the flowable gel material within the second syringe by simply pressing the plunger (46) of the first syringe. After dispersion, the fluid transfer assembly is dismounted from the second syringe to permit combined material (62) within the second syringe to be dispensed.

Abstract: A syringe guide and vial holder facilitates the insertion of a syringe into a medicine vial and the subsequent withdrawal of medicine from the vial into the syringe. The syringe guide is constructed of a single piece of material and includes a syringe trough for slidingly supporting the syringe, a vial holder for holding the medicine vial, and a throat therebetween which defines a vial cap slot that limits the movement of the vial. The syringe trough includes a magnifying wall for magnifying the contents of and any indica on the syringe.

Abstract: Liquid-transfer apparatus, and methodology employing the same, operatively interposable a syringe and a vial, and accommodating both a single-mouth-size (single-size), two-vial transfer procedure, and a two-mouth-size (two-size), two-vial transfer procedure. The apparatus includes a liquid-transfer device having a syringe-coupling end, a vial-coupling end, and liquid-passage structure effectively communicating between these ends. In the case of accommodating a single-mouth-size (single-size), two-vial procedure, only the liquid-transfer device is employed, and the same is sized with a vial-coupling end that is constructed for direct coupling to the top of the single-size vial which is used.

Abstract: A fluid transfer device for accessing fluid from vials and ampoules includes a cannula assembly including a cannula having a lumen therethrough connected to a hub having an open proximal end. A filling straw includes a housing at its proximal end, a needle portion at its distal end and a shaft portion therebetween. The housing includes a cavity in its proximal end in fluid communication with a passageway running through the filling straw. A cutting edge is provided at the distal end of the needle portion for piercing a vial stopper. The cannula assembly is removably engaged with the housing so that the open proximal end of the hub is in fluid communication with the passageway of the filling straw. An elongate shield having an open proximal end and a recess therein is removably connected to the straw so that the shaft portion and the needle portion of the straw are contained within the recess.

Abstract: A new Method and Apparatus for Self Injecting Medicine for offering a device designed to assist individuals who must give self injections. The inventive device includes a support base, a track, a sub-base, syringe plunger retainer, syringe nose retainer and a medicine vial support.

Abstract: A hypodermic syringe and method of filling the syringe with an injection fluid. The syringe includes a fluid chamber for retaining an injection fluid and a plunger assembly for expelling fluid from the chamber. The plunger assembly includes a plunger slidably disposed in the fluid chamber for creating positive pressures to cause ejection of a fluid from the chamber and an actuator coupled to the plunger for movement of the actuator between a first position with the actuator released for movement of the actuator through the fluid chamber relative to the plunger and a second position with the actuator in cooperative engagement with the plunger for driving the plunger to create the positive pressures.

Abstract: A device for aligning a syringe with a vessel having a variable internal volume and containing an injectable solution. The device includes one section for removably retaining a vessel of an injectable solution, one section for allowing insertion and extraction of a syringe, and another section adjoining the two aforementioned sections for accurately aligning the needle of the syringe with the opening of the vessel. The alignment device further includes a clip for both releasably retaining the vessel in the device and for enabling the device to be clipped to a shirt pocket.

Abstract: A fluid transfer device for accessing fluid from vials and ampoules includes a cannula assembly including a cannula having a lumen therethrough connected to a hub having an open proximal end. A filling straw includes a housing at its proximal end, a needle portion at its distal end and a shaft portion therebetween. The housing includes a cavity in its proximal end in fluid communication with a passageway running through the filling straw. A cutting edge is provided at the distal end of the needle portion for piercing a vial stopper. The cannula assembly is removably engaged with the housing so that the open proximal end of the hub is in fluid communication with the passageway of the filling straw. An elongate shield having an open proximal end and a recess therein is removably connected to the straw so that the shaft portion and the needle portion of the straw are contained within the recess.

Abstract: A fluid transfer device comprises a shield having an open proximal end, an open distal end and a sidewall therebetween defining a generally hollow cavity. A first cannula assembly including a first cannula connected to a first hub having an open proximal end and a second cannula assembly having a second cannula connected to a second hub having an open proximal end are both positioned at least partially within the cavity of the shield so that the distal end of the first cannula faces the distal end of the second cannula and the first hub and the second hub removably engage opposite ends of the shield so that the open proximal ends of the hubs are accessible for engagement with a syringe.

Abstract: A syringe or cartridge has a displaceable stopper located herein, and an apparatus for filling the syringe or cartridge has a reservoir for holding a flowable filling material and a plunger associated with the reservoir to exert pressure on the flowable material in the reservoir. The plunger includes at least one dispensing port defining a channel through the plunger for connection with the syringe or cartridge to be filled. The apparatus also has a pressurizer for applying pressure to the plunger.

Abstract: An injector nozzle which has a body defining a chamber. A portion of the body has an orifice which communicates with the chamber for allowing fluid to enter into or exit from the chamber. The nozzle body includes at least one depression which is configured and dimensioned to cooperatively engage a tab member of an associated component for coupling thereto. The depression is also configured and dimensioned to positively lock the body to the associated component. The body portion which contains the depression is spaced proximally from the orifice. Also, an adapter for coupling the nozzle to a fluid container. The adapter includes a tubular member having first and second ends and a wall therebetween. The wall includes a passageway therethrough with the first end being dimensioned and configured to cooperatively engage the nozzle. The orifice of the nozzle generally aligns with the wall passageway for fluid communication therebetween.

Abstract: Hypodermic syringe filling apparatuses and grasping apparatuses. The invention includes a hypodermic syringe grasping apparatus comprising: a) a pair of syringe support members configured for pushing inwardly on a syringe held between them; at least one of the pivotal syringe support members comprising: b) a syringe grasping portion comprising a first curved portion and a second curved portion; the first and second curved portions comprising a first curvature and a second curvature, respectively; and c) the pair of pivotal syringe support members together comprising an upwardly open cradle sized and shaped to externally engage a cylindrical syringe barrel portion of a hypodermic syringe.

Abstract: A method for refilling an inkjet cartridge such that there is little or no ink leakage. Turning the cartridge upside-down, the ink reservoir vent, on the base of the cartridge, is held facing up, allows air to vent, while the ink is dispensed into the cartridge at the opposing end of the reservoir. The components used to perform the refill operation are tapered fittings that securely lock together and make a tight seal on the fill port of the cartridge so that ink will not spill out during the filling operation. Once the cartridge has been refilled, a negative pressure reservoir is provided to create and maintain a negative pressure, or vacuum, required to keep the printer cartridge operational until it exhausts its supply of ink. The negative pressure reservoir (n.p.r.) is connected to the fill port of the cartridge, with out the need to displace or remove any ink from the cartridge. The n.p.r. is removable in order to repeat the refill procedure as many times as allowed by the performance of the printhead.