Abstract: A trap device for placement on the overflow standpipe provided in the sump of an evaporative cooler for blocking the high velocity inflow of sewer gasses or other contaminants through the standpipe into the cooler during operation thereof without interfering with the water draining functions of the standpipe. The trap device is in the form of an inverted cupshaped body which is mountable in substantially concentric relationship with the standpipe and has a closed top which is spaced above the top of the standpipe and an open bottom end which is submerged in the operational water supply contained in the sump of the evaporative cooler. The closed top of the trap device is provided with a knock-out plug so that the drain hose of a bleed-off system may be sealingly inserted therein when the cooler is so equipped.

Abstract: An apparatus for taking samples of a toxic or radioactive substance by inducing such substance into sample vessels, comprising a rotatable cylinder containing a recess movable between two positions for receiving a sample vessel; a needle head filling assembly disposed at the first position; a stripper located between the cylinder and the filling assembly for causing the filling assembly to disengage from the sample vessel during downward axial movement of the cylinder after filling; a housing which is open at the top, and a cover closing the top of the housing, with the cylinder, filling assembly and stripper being disposed in the housing, and the cover being provided with an opening above the needle filling assembly and dimensioned to permit passage of the filling assembly through the opening; a supply conduit for supplying substance to the filling assembly; and a support disc located in the housing and provided with a receiving bore for supporting the filling assembly while permitting the assembly to be rem

Abstract: An apparatus for taking a sample of a toxic and/or radioactive substance by ntroducing such substance into a sample vessel. The apparatus includes a rotatable cylinder containing a recess for receiving a sample vessel. A drive shaft is connected to the cylinder for imparting rotary and axial movements to the cylinder for moving the recess of the cylinder between first and second positions. A needle head filling system is arranged above the cylinder at the first position for filling a sample vessel with toxic and/or radioactive substances. The cylinder is lifted by the shaft for engagement with the needle head filling system when being filled and lowered by the shaft after being filled. An inlet and outlet conduit is provided having one end for receiving from and discharging into the recess of the cylinder a sample vessel, the one end being located above the cylinder at the second position.

Abstract: A microwave sterilizer for sterilizing a connector or coupling that interconnects a first conduit from a source of liquid to be infused into a living body to a second conduit implanted in the body. The apparatus of the invention comprises a housing having first and second members forming a guided wave structure adapted to be removably closed around the coupling or connector and further including first and second clamping means. The clamping means are adapted to clamp respective conduits and are operable to isolate a charge of the liquid within the connector. A microwave source is used to generate energy which in turn is coupled to the guided wave structure to cause heating of the liquid charge to a temperature level to cause sterilization so as to destroy substantially all form of bacteria therein. After a predetermined heating sequence, the apparatus is released and the bag side clamping means is first released so as to pass the sterilized charge of liquid into the source or bag.

Abstract: A first container having a first material therein has a piercing tip on a dispensing member which is movable relative to the container to control flow from the container. The first container has a movable portion for facilitating introduction of air into the container. A second container having a second material therein has an inlet and an outlet. The inlet is closed and adapted to be pierced by said tip to facilitate introduction of the first material into the second container.

Abstract: A plurality of sealed blood sample tubes are housed in a rack and a plurality of these racks are vertically stacked, with the sample tubes lying horizontally. The racks are successively deposited onto a horizontal conveyor belt which is housed in and moves longitudinally on a table that rocks around its longitudinal axis to mix the samples in a semi-inverting mode as a rack is stepped from the stack to a sample aspiration station and/or thereat. The aspiration station preferably includes a sample segmenting and diluting valve and a sample identification reader. Aspiration is accomplished by pushing a sample tube partially out from the carrier rack and onto a seal piercing tip of the aspiration probe. The tube then is returned to the rack. The other tubes in that rack similarly are aspirated after the rack is stepped to align each tube with the aspiration probe, with table rocking and sampling mixing accompanying each advancing step of the rack.

Abstract: A reconstitution device for constituting a drug in a standard drug vial with a liquid in a second container such as a parenteral solution container is provided. The reconstitution device 10 includes a housing 52 and a hollow, double-pointed needle 54 mounted within the housing. The housing includes a sheath 70 having a substantially circular base 72 and a skirt 74 depending from the base. The skirt 72 includes a free end 76, a substantially cylindrical inner surface 78 and an outer surface 80. A plurality of inwardly projecting bumps 82 are intermittently spaced about the inner surface 78. The bumps are disposed a substantially equal distance from the base 72, the distance being substantially equal to the width of the malleable band.

Abstract: A gas supply device contains a pressurized gas container having a plurality of inserted pressure-resistant gas flasks. The gas flasks are partially filled with liquid gas, such as carbon dioxide or nitrous oxide, before being inserted and are closed by an openable closure component. Each closure component of the gas flasks has associated with it an opening device effective at initiation of operational readiness of the gas supply device, at least one of which opening devices opens its associated closure component under the influence of an external force. It is possible to actuate the opening devices associated with the second gas flask and with further gas flasks by the gas escaping from the first opened gas flask. This gas supply device is especially suitable for applications where a large storage capacity is desired.

Abstract: An arrangement in apparatus for preparing solutions from dry harmful materials, such as cytostaticum, radioactive, toxic and allergy-producing substances, includes a glass ampoule (1) for accommodating the dry substance. The ampoule communicates with a device (4) for enlarging the internal volume of the ampoule, so as to equalize the pressure generated therein when preparing the solution.Solvent is introduced into the ampoule (1) and solution removed therefrom through a cannula (8) which is constantly sheathed against contamination by means of an elastic sheath (10). The sheath is provided with self-sealing means (11) arranged to sealingly abut the ampoule (1) when withdrawing solution therefrom, in a manner to tightly seal the ampoule against the surroundings.

Abstract: A hose assembly for use to regulate flow from a dispensing device that provides a generally constant pressure on a liquid to be dispersed. The hose assembly includes a length of capillary tubing through which the liquid must pass as it is dispersed which has a length of at least 45 centimeters and a volume of less than about 0.25 cubic centimeters so that the assembly can provide a slow steady predetermined flow rate while containing a small amount of the liquid being dispensed.

Abstract: A device for transferring a liquid from a bottle at substantially atmospheric pressure to a bottle at a low pressure comprises a hollow needle of steel or the like mounted in a grip or handle member having a configuration to facilitate the pushing of the needle through a bottle stopper at either end of the device. The needle is sharply pointed at both ends and the handle consists of a strip of steel or other suitable metal bent at its ends to provide stops having holes to accommodate the needle which extends beyond the stop at each end. The strip is bent or bowed toward the center portion of the needle and is soldered or otherwise secured to the needle. The sloping portions of the strip provide thumb rests for pushing the needle in either direction.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device to one end of which a syringe can be connected and to the other end of which the mouth or opening of a bottle containing a drug or medicine can be connected. The device comprises a closed chamber having enclosed therein a needle which is in connection with the syringe. Members are provided by means of which the mouth or opening of the bottle is steadily connected to the device and means enabling the needle to perforate a seal plug and then a small rubber plug mounted on the bottle only when the device is blocked onto the bottle so that in any case it cannot be disconnected therefrom. Such a device can be disconnected from the bottle only after the needle has been caused to reenter the closed chamber, so as to prevent any possible dripping of the liquid outside of the device.

Abstract: The invention relates to an assembly for preparing and dispensing a solution and to the stopper for such an assembly, said assembly comprising a first bottle containing a first liquid component, with an elongated head; a second bottle containing a second component, liquid or solid; a stopper for this second bottle presenting a recess whose shape is homologous of the head of the first bottle, and in which said head is for example screwed. The bottom of the recess is constituted by a membrane of deformable material comprising an axial orifice which is hermetically closed, in the absence of deformation of the membrane, by the natural radial constriction of the material of the membrane. By screwing the first bottle in the stopper, the membrane is axially deformed and the orifice is radially distended, thus allowing the two bottles to be placed in communication in reversible manner. The invention also relates to a process for making the stopper.

Abstract: A device is disclosed for preventing air contamination when transferring a substance from one vessel to a second vessel. The device is attached or connectible to the vessel and comprises a first member, in which a puncturing member e.g. a needle, provided with a passage is enclosed. The first member has a sealing member, e.g. a membrane, through which the needle can be passed. The device further comprises a second chamber, which is detachably connectable to the first member and which also has a sealing member, e.g. a membrane. When the first and second members are connected to each other the two sealing members are located in a position with respect to each other so that they can be penetrated by the puncturing member which is movable with respect to the sealing members.

Abstract: A hydraulic shock absorber is formed as a sealed assembly and subsequently, at a desired time, an opening is non-contaminantly pierced in the outer shell and the shock absorber is pressurized by passing a pressurized fluid through the opening and the opening is then non-contaminantly sealed with a metal ball by welding to make the hydraulic shock absorber permanently gas pressurized. The shock absorber assembly, the method of making it and the apparatus for making it are disclosed in this specification.

Abstract: An adapter used in association with conventional bottled water dispensers which normally accept five gallon bottles of water and dispense hot or cold water or only cold water into a receptacle upon actuation of a manually operated spigot. The adapter enables multiple smaller containers to be supported on top of an existing water dispenser after the water bottle has been removed therefrom with the existing reservoir or reservoirs on the dispenser being provided with a closure uniquely communicating the reservoir with the multiple containers in a quick, easy and sanitary manner. The adapter also includes a support structure for the multiple containers, a spill plate which channels any water spills into the regular overflow basin of the dispenser and fittings, connectors and valve assemblies associated with the containers.

Abstract: An improved method and apparatus for perforating and applying grease through a resilient seal using a solid or hollow needle, said solid needle puncturing the seal with a sufficiently small perforation that, as the device is maintained in contact with the seal and pressurized lubricant is applied, the perforation is hydraulically opened by the grease, and wherein, upon removal of the device, the perforation will self-seal due to the resilient character of the seal material.

Abstract: A bottle containing injection liquid from which liquid is intended to be withdrawn by inserting a hollow needle into the bottle is provided with a fitment for sterilizing the needle as it is introduced into the bottle. The fitment comprises connector attached to the bottle and a detachable cap having a body part which is received within a tubular part of the connector. The cap is in the form of an enclosure containing a body of absorbent material impregnated with sterilizing substance and incorporating an end wall having an integral removable portion separable therefrom by rupturing the material of the end wall so as to form an aperture in the end wall through which the point of the needle may pass into the enclosure. The point of the needle is thereby sterilized as it is moved through the enclosure into the bottle to withdraw liquid therefrom and is sterilized for a second time on withdrawal from the fitment.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a system for locating a vial in a predetermined location with respect to a needle which is used to penetrate a septum in the vial. The system includes a vial carrier having a well for receiving a vial. A penetrable septum is disposed in an opening in the vial. At least one needle penetrates the septum at periodic intervals. Locating means are provided within the vial carrier for establishing a predetermined location of the vial in relation to the needle. The locating means includes a plurality of contact points and urging means for establishing contact between the contact points and the locating surface. The urging means presses substantially on one side of the vial, which side is substantially opposite the locating means.

Abstract: An automatic inflator which inflates gas-inflatable articles by the release of compressed gas from a gas-containing capsule by the piercing of a seal on the capsule. The inflator has an elongated housing having first and second end portions, the housing receiving a compressed gas-containing capsule for longitudinal movement with respect thereto and with the seal on the capsule disposed adjacent the second end portion of the housing. A piercing pin is mounted on the second end portion of the housing to confront the seal of a capsule mounted therein, there being a spring at the first end portion of the housing for constantly urging the capsule longitudinally of the housing toward the second end portion thereof.

Abstract: An apparatus for connection to the oil input of an engine which facilitates the emptying of oil contained within a can into the engine. The apparatus comprises a cutting element connected concentrically above the side wall of a base by means of a stand. During use, the operator positions the can above the cutting element and pushes downwardly causing the cutting element to puncture the bottom of the can thereby emptying the oil through the cutting element and through an aperture in the base into the engine. The cutting element includes a rounded step to facilitate removal of the can after emptying. An orientation device is provided to orient the base with respect to the oil input to facilitate easy access to the cutting element. In the preferred embodiment, the orientation device comprises a downwardly biased sprocketed flange which engages a protrusion extending upwardly from the bottom of the base.

Abstract: The present invention is a stripping apparatus for a machine that provides a filling in the interior of an article, such as a cake, continuously conveyed through the machine. The machine includes a filling manifold to which filling needles are rigidly attached. The filling manifold is raised and lowered to inject the needles into and retract them from the articles while moving synchronously with the articles. The stripping apparatus substantially prevents relative lateral movement between the articles and stripper bars that contact the articles. The stripping apparatus includes a stripper frame, carrying the stripper bars, that is slidably mounted to the machine frame by slide blocks. Scissors-links that link the slide blocks to the filling manifold synchronize the movement of the stripper bars with the movement of the filling manifold.

Abstract: Apparatus for gasifying a liquid with a fluid supplied in liquid form has a discharge conduit for the fluid in which there are one or more restricted cross-section flow paths in a material providing a heat source for converting the fluid to a dry gas. Sealing means are urged resiliently against the open lip of a liquid-filled container into which the discharge conduit projects. Control means for the discharge rate of the dry gas flow from the conduit limit the pressure rise in the container. The sealing means comprises portions of greater flexural compliance permitting excess pressure to be vented from the container. The apparatus may comprise two telescopically movable parts, one holding the liquid container and the other holding a sealed bulb of the gasifying fluid. Said container and bulb are mounted in the parts such that said telescoping movement adjusts itself to accommodate different sizes of container and capsule.

Abstract: The invention's application is suited in particular to the lubricated turning pairs of crawler tracks. It makes provision for the sealing of the lubricant reservoir by means of an elastomer plug, and for the introduction of a needle into and through the plug. The needle serves to effect evacuation of any existing air from within the reservoir, and the subsequent introduction of lubricating oil. The needle is then withdrawn from the plug which, by virtue of the elastic properties of the elastomer, automatically re-encloses the puncture produced by the needle.

Abstract: Two forms of a tool for draining fuel from the sumps of aircraft are disclosed, wherein a hollow body is fitted with an adjustable needle at its front end, the needle being mounted in a fuel block fixed in closely spaced relation to the upper end of the body. The fuel runs down the outside of the solid needle, collects in the cup formed by the fuel block, and then drains through openings in the block through the inside of the body and into a container. This facilitates turn around time, allows inspection of the fuel while it is draining, and clearly indicates the completion of the draining operation.

Abstract: There is disclosed an aseptic flexible walled container having a rigid fitment member cooperative with an aseptic filling apparatus and including a neck, outer flanges surrounding the neck, a frangible membrane and an outer end rim receptive of an hermetically sealed lid. The neck is formed with an internal chamferred seating shoulder for fluid-tight engagement with a fill tube. One outer flange cooperates with clamping jaws of the aseptic filling apparatus for detachably sealing the fitment to a sterilizing chamber and placing it in position for insertion of the filling tube which ruptures the membrane and permits the aseptic introduction of product to the container's interior. The other outer flange is secured to an opening in a wall of the flexible container. The joined fitment and container are presterilized prior to filling.

Abstract: A liquid transfer device is disclosed which comprises a body having a wall defining a cavity within the body. Two hollow conduits extend from the cavity through the wall and project outwardly from the body. Two resilient tubes extend through the body and are attached in fluid flow communication to each of the hollow conduits. A roller clamp is provided within the cavity of the body for selectively applying or releasing compressive force on the resilient tubes to selectively permit or prevent fluid flow through such resilient tubes. A double lumen needle is attached to the body such that the needle engages the two hollow conduits projecting outwardly from the body. Each lumen within the needle is in fluid flow communication with one of the hollow conduits and thereby one of the resilient tubes. One of the resilient tubes is connected at its distal end to a liquid source to be transferred. The remaining resilient tube is connected at its distal end to a vacuum source.

Abstract: A sterile coupling enabling the selective establishment of a sterile pathway between two separate receptacles. A preferably injection molded plastic junction is made about at least the end portions of access means to each of the separate receptacles. The junction provides a sterile coupling so as to selectively bring the access means into pathway communication and thereby establish a sterile pathway between the receptacles through the access means. Also disclosed are methods for manufacturing a sterile coupling and methods for establishing a sterile pathway between the receptacles, as well as a method for low pressure injection molding.

Abstract: This invention concerns apparatus for injecting a special ingredient into a pre-filled product container having superatmospheric internal pressure. Structurally, a coupling member is fabricated to define a cavity that snugly receives a portion of the container body to establish alignment therewith. This coupling member includes a mounting structure for use in positioning a syringe assembly with respect to a pierceable portion of the container body. A syringe assembly includes a syringe body that is mounted on the mounting structure and defines an internal chamber for containing a metered amount of a fluid product ingredient or amendment, the syringe assembly further including a cannulated needle fastened to the syringe body in fluid-transfer relationship with the product ingredient chamber. A wrench member is assemblable with the coupling member and includes an actuator for selectively engaging the syringe assembly and forceably reducing the internal volume of the product ingredient chamber.

Abstract: A sterile coupling enabling the selective establishment of a sterile pathway between two separate receptacles. A preferably injection molded plastic junction is made about at least the end portions of access means to each of the separate receptacles. The junction provides a sterile coupling so as to selectively bring the access means into pathway communication and thereby establish a sterile pathway between the receptacles through the access means. Also disclosed are methods for manufacturing a sterile coupling and methods for establishing a sterile pathway between the receptacles, as well as a method for low pressure injection molding.

Abstract: A hole, particularly an accidental perforation, is closed by manoeuvering a bladder (g) into the hole employing a hollow rod (f) on which the bladder is mounted at one end. An operator operating from the other end of the rod actuates a device such as a triggered valve to cause the components of a settable foamed plastics material to pass (via tubes b and rod f) from their sources (in a) to fill the bladder (g) so that it closes the hole. The settable foamed plastics material is preferably polyurethane foam. The bladder may be of natural or synthetic rubber and may be protected against tearing by a textile envelope. The sources of foamed plastics material may be either in a portable kit (a) or rupturable containers within the bladder (g) or rod (f).

Abstract: The disclosure relates to a self-sealing test probe for use in measuring the resistance between a point within an insulated wire and some external point without degrading the conductor insulation integrity. This is accomplished by utilizing a probe in the form of a hypodermic needle, the needle being electrically conductive and being coupled through appropriate circuitry to appropriate metering to determine resistance. The hypodermic is loaded with an appropriate nonelectrically conductive adhesive which, upon and during removal of the probe from the insulation, forces the adhesive through the hollow portion of the probe into the aperture in the insulation formed by the probe, thereby filling the aperture with the adhesive or sealant to fill the pinhole or void caused by the needle penetration. The amount of sealant injected can be preset or automatically metered.

Abstract: A pressurized additive transfer device for storing and transferring of a fluid material to a solution container such as a rigid container or an I.V. bag having an exposed pierceable closure or port. The transfer device is self-pressurized and includes a closure with channel portions to permit the introduction of a pressurizing media. The closure also has a central opening in alignment with a pierceable diaphragm. A piercing member having a double pointed end is disposed in the central opening which affords a movement of the piercing member toward the pierceable diaphragm to pierce it. Frictional engagement elements are provided between the piercing member and the central opening to hold the piercing member when it punctures the diaphragm as well as the solution container closure or port. In one embodiment, a vent slot is provided in the piercing member to serve as a vent for the solution container.

Abstract: Inflation apparatus for hollow flexible wall objects, such as playballs, in which the source of inflation gas or air is normally inoperative until the object to be inflated is moved into engagement with a gas injection needle for energizing the source of inflation gas, and the source of inflation gas is returned to its normally inoperative state upon the object reaching its desired inflated size. Upon the removal of the inflated object the apparatus is returned to a condition where a subsequent object to be inflated can be supplied with the inflation gas.

Abstract: A sterile fluid transfer unit for intravenous fluids includes a large diameter silicone rubber tubing for use with a peristaltic type roller pump firmly pre-connected between two pieces of one-eighth diameter tubing, for connection respectively to a manufacturer's "Piggy-Back" bottle, and to a large container of diluent. The connections between the silicone rubber tubing and the smaller diameter plastic tubing are accomplished by the use of custom fitted spike-type plastic fittings which penetrate the silicone rubber tubing and which are cemented to the plastic tubing, and avoid any possibility of the seals being broken and liquid being spilled. One of the two smaller diameter plastic tubes has a shut-off clamp and a large vented spike connection for coupling to the large container supplying the diluent, and the other plastic tubing is provided with a threaded Luer type connection for receiving a small vented spike for filling of I.V.P.B.

Abstract: A household system wherein suction is provided through a needle valve (38) that is connected to suction port (26) of suction tube (10) through flexible tube (36). Food placed and sealed in container (30) is vacuum packed by penetrating a bladder section (34) of container (30) and removing air through needle valve (38).

Abstract: A machine for mixing paints and their toners, comprising a plurality of toner containers wherefrom required quantities of selected toners are added to a basic paint can. Each toner container is at its upper end provided with a back pressure valve allowing air to enter into the container as the toner level sinks but preventing air from leaving the container.

Abstract: A gas-pressurizer is disclosed. An enclosed canister surrounds a piercing chanism, over the end of a pressure-conducting pipe. The piercing mechanism is comprised of an end-cap with portals therethrough, a stub, and a gas dispensing, piercing pintle riding upon the stub. When pressurized gas is sent through the pipe, it forces the pintle through the upper end of the canister, allowing the gas to pressurize a storage tank.

Abstract: A filter device for injectable fluids which comprises a container secured in the open end of a vial partially filled with the injectable fluid in which the container and vial are sealed at their open ends by a rupturable sealing member and in which a filter member seals a passage communicating the interior of the container with the interior of the vial to filter gases and fluids passing through the compartment into and out of the vial.

Abstract: A transfer device for use in mixing substances in different containers normally closed by a stopper of resilient material having a puncturable diaphragm consisting of a central body portion and a pair of aligned spikes or cannulas projecting from opposite sides of said central body portion. Each of the cannulas terminates in a tip portion remote from the central body portion and there are at least one pair of transfer passages extending through the cannulas, the opening at one tip portion of one of the transfer passages is of smaller cross section than the opening of said transfer passage at the tip of the other cannula. The other transfer passage is the reverse of the first transfer passage; that is, the cross sectional relationships of the openings at the tips are the opposite of the first transfer passage.

Abstract: A system for eluting a daughter radioisotope from a parent radioisotope and containerizing the resultant eluate in an evacuated container having a rubber stopper, providing for delivery of eluant from a reservoir through a charge of the parent radioisotope in a generator and thence to a tubular needle adapted to be pierced through the stopper of the evacuated container for suctioning the eluant from the sealed eluant supply into the generator and for suctioning the resultant eluate into the container. The needle is at the lower end of a valve body having a valve plug rotatable therein between a closed and open position. The plug is adapted to be pushed down to push the valve body down to cause the needle to pierce the stopper, after which the plug is rotated to open position, in which it effects venting of the eluant reservoir to atmosphere, delivery of eluant from the reservoir to the generator, and delivery of eluate from the generator to the needle.

Abstract: The combination of an automated hematology analyzer (21) with an input device (20) enabling closed transfer of blood to said analyzer to a sealed specimen container having a perforable closure, and the input device itself.

Abstract: An apparatus is provided for filling the wells of an antibiotic plate with different concentrations of fluid including an array of fluid containers, each having a single needle valve inserted through a stopper member which is held in an open end of the container. Each needle valve includes an inner tube for supplying pressurizing air to one end of the containers which forces the fluid through an outer tube of the needle valve and out the opposite end of the container. A length of flexible tubing connected to each of the needle valve outer tubes carries the fluid through one of a plurality of slots formed in a pinch valve assembly. The pinch valve assembly includes slide members and resilient pinch rods extending laterally from sides thereof. In a first position, the slide members are held such that the pinch rods close the flexible tubing to prevent passage of the fluid into the wells of the antibiotic plate.

Abstract: A sealed container especially adapted for medical usage to receive and dispense fluids without contamination has a two orifice closure system whereby contaminants are kept out by a microfilter when an inlet orifice is opened for additions, and by a valve when an outlet orifice is opened for withdrawals. The closure has an upper removable seal and a lower fixed seal spaced from the upper removable seal and cooperating therewith in defining an operative space compartment sealed from both the interior of the container and the outside. In some embodiments, the lower seal has inlet and outlet passageways joining the interior of the container with the operative space compartment. An independent seal accessible from the operative space compartment is provided for the inlet passageway which is associated with the microfilter for stopping ingress of contaminants into the container. The valve provided at the outlet passageway is accessible from the operative space compartment to control outflow.

Abstract: A hollow needle is mechanically inserted into a piece of meat prior to admission of pulverulent salt into its interior. The leading end of the axial passage in the needle is sealed by a retractible plunger during introduction of the needle. The plunger is thereupon retracted and a first valve is opened to admit pulverulent salt which trickles into the needle from above by gravity flow. The admission of salt into the needle is promoted by a vibrator which agitates the magazine for salt and/or the needle. A second valve is opened simultaneously with or subsequent to opening of the first valve to admit into the needle compressed gas at a pressure slightly exceeding atmospheric pressure whereby the gas urges the column of pulverulent salt into the hole, which has been formed by the needle, while the needle is being extracted from meat. The pressure of gas is less than that pressure at which salt would be expelled into and would expand the piece of meat in inserted condition of the needle.

Abstract: An intravaginal contraceptive system for the pre-programmed, unattended delivery of an antifertility steroid is disclosed. The system comprises (a) an antifertility steroid, (b) a delivery module comprising a reservoir for storing the steroid in an amount for execution of the program, a rate controller which maintains the rate of steroid delivered in a contraceptive effective amount throughout the life of the system, an energy source for transferring steroid from the reservoir to the vagina, and a portal for releasing the steroid from the module to the vagina, (c) a platform which integrates the module into a unit sized, shaped and adapted for insertion and retention in a vagina, and (d) a contraceptive program which provides for the controlled release of steroid to produce an antifertility effect over a prolonged period of time.

Abstract: A method and apparatus is proposed for sealing hard gelatine capsules or similar hollow containers filled with liquid, so that a secure sealing of the fill opening is attained with the aid of a sealant and in which an escape of the sealant--as a result of which the fill opening would be sealed either incorrectly or not at all--is avoided.

Abstract: An additive transfer device for storing and transferring of a medicament to a solution container such as an I.V. bag having an exposed port. The transfer device is accommodated in the neck of an additive container having a pierceable sealing element. A piercing guide member has a projecting tubular portion which extends into the tubular neck and affords a guide passageway for a piercing member with interlocking means being disposed in conjunction with the piercing guide member and the piercing member whereupon after their interlocking, the sealing element in the neck of the additive container is pierced. Wall means are provided from either the piercing guide member or the piercing member and fits over the tubular port of the I.V. bag. In the preferred embodiment, a needle guard member is utilized to actuate the interlocking means and afford the piercing of the pierceable sealing element. When the opposing pointed end of the piercing element is pierced through the I.V.

Abstract: A connecting device which will provide a sterile connection between a container for sterile solutions and tubing for delivery of the fluid. A piercing pin is provided having a pointed end with a pin sheath surrounding the pointed end and in contact with it. The sheath surrounds the hub member of the pin and upon contact with a pierceable diaphragm, the sheath breaks away from the pointed end of the pin allowing it to become exposed with the sheath then surrounding in a uniform manner the hub member of the pin. To facilitate the uniform movement of the sheath around the hub, a shoulder section is provided in the sheath for contact with an accommodating shoulder portion of the container closure having the diaphragm. In a preferred manner, two pierceable diaphragms are provided in the closure system on the container.

Abstract: An alimentation kit comprising a plurality of cylindrical rigid vials, each containing a liquid concentrate of an alimentary component and a resilient slidable sealing piston stopper within the vial. The kit also includes a transfer device for the sequential addition of the liquid contents of each of said vials to a conventional container of intravenous solution. The transfer device has a cannula which is provided with a longitudinally extending rigid support, in proximity to one end of the rigid support a laterally extending flange, the laterally extending flange being adapted to act as a stop to limit the extent of advancement of the cannula. The other end portion of the cannula extends beyond the other end of said rigid support and terminates in a sharpened outer end. A thin resilient tube is provided over the sharpened outer end.