With Puncturing Connecting Means Patents (Class 141/329)
  • Patent number: 6604561
    Abstract: A resealable cap for a medicament vial has a base portion formed of vulcanized rubber or like material known for providing a stable environment for the medicament contained within the vial, and a resealable portion overlying the base portion. The resealable portion is made of low-density polyethylene or like material, and can be punctured by a needle or like injection member for dispensing medicament into the vial. Prior to filling, the cap is assembled to the vial and the cap/vial assembly is sterilized. Then, a needle is inserted through the cap and medicament is introduced through the needle and into the vial. Upon withdrawal of the needle, the penetrated region of the cap is fused by laser or direct heat sealing to hermetically seal the needle hole in the cap.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 12, 2001
    Date of Patent: August 12, 2003
    Assignee: Medical Instill Technologies, Inc.
    Inventor: Daniel Py
  • Patent number: 6601721
    Abstract: An improved transferset assembly for transferring fluids between a first container, such as a medicament vial and a second container, such as a syringe, which includes an integral polymeric transfer assembly having a tubular collar portion, a radial portion overlying the rim of the first container, an outer tubular portion and an inner tubular portion which is integrally joined to the outer tubular portion by a radial intermediate web portion, a piercing member telescopically received in the inner tubular portion having a piercing end to pierce the closure sealing the open end of the first container and a removable closure which seals the open ends of the outer and inner tubular portions of the transfer assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 30, 2002
    Date of Patent: August 5, 2003
    Assignee: Becton, Dickinson and Company
    Inventors: Hubert Jansen, Jean-Claude Thibault
  • Patent number: 6591876
    Abstract: A transfer guard for use by an individual for transferring contents from a supply container into a receiver container includes a supply adapter, a receiver adapter, a support structure and a fluid conducting element. The supply adapter connects the supply container to the transfer guard, and the receiver adapter connects the receiver container to the transfer guard. The support structure couples the supply adapter with the receiver adapter, and supports the fluid conducting element which, passes through the supply adapter and the receiver adapter. The fluid conducting element provides a passage for the contents to transfer from the supply container into the receiver container. The fluid conducting element also includes at least one pointed end that is substantially protected by the transfer guard from contact with the individual.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 22, 2002
    Date of Patent: July 15, 2003
    Assignee: Medtronic MiniMed, Inc.
    Inventor: Jason H. Safabash
  • Patent number: 6581648
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 14, 2001
    Date of Patent: June 24, 2003
    Assignee: Immunex Corporation
    Inventors: William Carleton Zolentroff, Robert L. Bode, Robert C. Luciano
  • Publication number: 20030106607
    Abstract: An apparatus for holding a needle such as a medical needle, during exposure to radiation, such as X-ray radiation. The apparatus includes a needle collar and a control bar. The needle collar attaches to the needle shaft and has a first attachment point while the control bar has a second attachment point, where the first and second attachment points cooperate to releasably engage the needle collar and the control bar. In use, when the needle collar and the control bar are engaged, the user grasps the control bar to control the needle while releasing the needle and maintaining the hands of the user outside of a field of the radiation, e.g., outside of a field of the X-ray radiation. The control bar is dimensioned such that its proximal end (i.e., the end to be grasped by the user) is outside the field of radiation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 1, 2002
    Publication date: June 12, 2003
    Applicant: Cook Incorporated
    Inventors: Kieran P.J. Murphy, Christopher G. Dixon
  • Patent number: 6571837
    Abstract: A transfer set assembly for transferring fluids between a first container, such as a conventional medical vial, having a sealed open end and a second container such as a conventional IV infusion bag. The transfer set includes a collar having a proximate tubular end portion for securement to the container, a needle cannula and holder assembly, which is telescopically received in a distal tubular portion of the collar, and a closure including a tubular body portion having an open proximate end which is telescopically received over the needle cannula and holder assembly and the distal tubular portion of the collar, a closed distal end portion and an inner tubular portion which is integral with the closed distal end. The inner tubular portion includes a free end having spiral camming surfaces which mate with spiral camping surfaces on the inside surface of the tubular distal portion of the needle cannula holder.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 23, 2001
    Date of Patent: June 3, 2003
    Assignee: Becton Dickinson France S.A.
    Inventors: Hubert Jansen, Jean-Claude Thibault
  • Patent number: 6568434
    Abstract: A device for storing a liquid medicinal substance, particularly a component of a multi-component tissue adhesive, including 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 being closed by a closure body (24′) which in turn is pierced from outside by a puncture needle (74′) of a receiver cup (26′) housing the vessel (12′). P- The receiver cup (26′) has a bottom wall (28′) and a side wall (30). A plurality of tongues (38′) project upwardly from the bottom wall (28′) of the receiver cup (26′), and noses (44′) the rest frictionally grip the exterior surface of the vessel (12′).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 21, 2002
    Date of Patent: May 27, 2003
    Assignee: Omrix Biopharmaceuticals S.A.
    Inventor: Freddy Zinger
  • Patent number: 6558365
    Abstract: A fluid transfer and mixing device for use in the aseptic intermixing of a powder component with a fluid component. The device is of a simple, compact construction that includes a first adapter that can be easily connected to a container containing the powder component and a second adapter that can be removably interconnected with the first adapter and can also be readily connected to a container containing a fluid such as a diluent so as to permit aseptic intermixing of the diluent with the powder. In use a conventional needleless syringe can be easily connected to the first adapter so that the mixture of the powder and diluent can be aseptically aspirated from the first container for subsequent delivery to the patient.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 3, 2001
    Date of Patent: May 6, 2003
    Assignee: Medimop Medical Projects, Ltd.
    Inventors: Freddy Zinger, Igor Denenburg
  • Publication number: 20030070726
    Abstract: A fluid transfer assembly comprising a bottle connector and a drug bottle. The bottle has a neck with an opening covered by a closure, while the connector has a hollow needle for penetrating the closure when establishing a fluid transfer line in the fluid transfer assembly. The assembly further comprises a neck element having locking members for irreversible coupling to the neck and to the connector. The neck element and the connector further comprise interacting guiding members for directing the hollow needle to penetrate the closure at a predetermined angle when establishing the fluid transfer line.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 11, 2001
    Publication date: April 17, 2003
    Inventors: Kjell Andreasson, Jerry Strandhav
  • Patent number: 6536484
    Abstract: An enclosed container is provided comprising at least one first aperture, the first aperture(s) being provided with a first closure means and through which the contents of said container may be dispensed upon at least partial removal or opening of said first closure means, and at least one second aperture which is independent of at least one of said first aperture(s), the or each second aperture being provided with a second closure means and through which second aperture or apertures the container may be at least partially filled upon at least partial removal or opening of one or more of said second closure means. A process is also provided for filling a container which comprises positioning said container in a vending system which is provided with a dispensing means, in such an orientation and position that said dispensing means and said fill aperture are in engagement with one another.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 25, 2001
    Date of Patent: March 25, 2003
    Assignee: Shell Oil Company
    Inventors: Timothy Hewlitt, Steven Kelsey, William Maskell, Jerard O'Brien
  • Patent number: 6530399
    Abstract: A system and a method for delivering and metering a fixed volume of liquid, such as a liquid sterilant from a container into a vaporization system. The method for the delivering system includes the steps of sensing a requirement for additional liquid sterilant, determining whether the liquid sterilant to be added is acceptable for use, and delivering the liquid sterilant from a container into an accumulator. The method of metering the liquid sterilant into the vaporization system includes creating a vacuum in a chamber connected to the vaporizer and delivering the liquid sterilant into a vaporizer while continually sensing the flow of the delivery. The metering system maintains a slow, controlled flow in order to achieve efficient vaporization of the liquid sterilant and to provide accurate sensing of the gas/liquid interface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 1, 2001
    Date of Patent: March 11, 2003
    Assignee: Ethicon, Inc.
    Inventors: Nick Ngoc Nguyen, Ross G. Krogh
  • Patent number: 6524295
    Abstract: A penetrator for penetrating a stopper sealing an opening in a container. The penetrator includes a stamped piece of sheet material formed to define a shank having a length. A groove extends along the length of the shank. The shank has a pointed distal. The stamped piece of sheet material further includes a bearing plate extending from the shank at a proximal end opposite the distal end of the shank.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 20, 2000
    Date of Patent: February 25, 2003
    Assignee: Abbott Laboratories
    Inventors: Richard F. Daubert, Steven P. Hellstrom, Peter J. Karas, John K. Moore, John S. Norman, John C. Tanner, II, Donald Verlee
  • Publication number: 20030024596
    Abstract: A tire puncture sealant set comprises a bottle having a body and a threaded neck portion provided with an outlet, a puncture sealant in the bottle, an inside plug put into the outlet, an outer cap screwed onto the neck portion for covering the inside plug, an injector replaceable with the outer cap, a side wall of the body having a triple layered structure of an inner layer, an outer layer and a middle layer therebetween made of a gas barrier resin so that the body is squeezable by hand, the inside plug provided with a breakable partition wall separating the inside of the bottle from the outside, the injector comprising an adapter cap to be screwed onto the neck portion, a sticking pipe for piercing the breakable partition wall into the inside of the bottle, and a hose for injecting the sealant into a pneumatic tire.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 19, 2002
    Publication date: February 6, 2003
    Inventors: Yoshihide Kojima, Masahiro Kishida
  • Patent number: 6497697
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 2, 2000
    Date of Patent: December 24, 2002
    Inventor: Michael Cohn
  • Publication number: 20020189705
    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.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 25, 2002
    Publication date: December 19, 2002
    Inventors: Bruno Reihl, Michel Hirsiger, Bruno Boos, Hanspeter Stoller, Edgar Hommann, Paolo Pollak, Peter Latscha, Sandra Soniec, Andreas Eberhart
  • Publication number: 20020189712
    Abstract: A transfer guard for use by an individual for transferring contents from a supply container into a receiver container includes a supply adapter, a receiver adapter, a support structure and a fluid conducting element. The supply adapter connects the supply container to the transfer guard, and the receiver adapter connects the receiver container to the transfer guard. The support structure couples the supply adapter with the receiver adapter, and supports the fluid conducting element which, passes through the supply adapter and the receiver adapter. The fluid conducting element provides a passage for the contents to transfer from the supply container into the receiver container. The fluid conducting element also includes at least one pointed end that is substantially protected by the transfer guard from contact with the individual.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 22, 2002
    Publication date: December 19, 2002
    Applicant: MEDTRONIC MINIMED, INC.
    Inventor: Jason H. Safabash
  • Patent number: 6481470
    Abstract: Apparatus for puncturing an aerosol can's valve, draining its contents through the puncture, and for drawing any remaining contents from the can should there be insufficient pressure in the can for it to be fully evacuated when punctured. When the valve is replaced, the can is reusable. The puncturing apparatus has a stationary compartmented piercing tube and a housing that is free to move up and down relative to the piercing tube. The housing is spring-loaded to offer resistance to movement so that a seal is achieved between the housing and the can before the piercing tube makes contact with the can, and to return the housing to its rest position after each piercing cycle. An air cylinder is used to apply pressure to the bottom of the aerosol can so that it will move downward to engage the piercing tube and release its contents into a first compartment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 3, 2002
    Date of Patent: November 19, 2002
    Inventor: John Rubenic
  • Patent number: 6474375
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 2, 2001
    Date of Patent: November 5, 2002
    Assignee: Baxter International Inc.
    Inventors: Richard Spero, Adam Hagmann, Terry E. Laas
  • Publication number: 20020139441
    Abstract: A device for filling an ink cartridge, particularly a refilling device for filling ink cartridges of ink-jet systems, such as printers and plotters, or other automatic registering, writing or drawing apparatus, includes a refilling container and an ink cartridge connected through an adaptor and arranged essentially one above the other in the filling position. The adaptor has at least two connections for the refilling container and the cartridge to be connected. A separate ink reservoir is arranged in the ink cartridge, wherein the ink reservoir of the ink cartridge and/or the filling container of the refilling container includes an easily deformable bag, and wherein the reservoir bag and/or container bag are of a flexible, elastic material. A hermetically sealed cartridge space is formed between the cartridge housing and the separate ink reservoir.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 28, 2002
    Publication date: October 3, 2002
    Inventors: Volker Schonfelder, Gunther Tandler, Thomas Bothe
  • Patent number: 6453956
    Abstract: A transfer guard for use by an individual for transferring contents from a supply container into a receiver container includes a supply adapter, a receiver adapter, a support structure and a fluid conducting element. The supply adapter connects the supply container to the transfer guard, and the receiver adapter connects the receiver container to the transfer guard. The support structure couples the supply adapter with the receiver adapter, and supports the fluid conducting element which, passes through the supply adapter and the receiver adapter. The fluid conducting element provides a passage for the contents to transfer from the supply container into the receiver container. The fluid conducting element also includes at least one pointed end that is substantially protected by the transfer guard from contact with the individual.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 17, 2001
    Date of Patent: September 24, 2002
    Assignee: Medtronic MiniMed, Inc.
    Inventor: Jason H. Safabash
  • Patent number: 6450216
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 26, 2001
    Date of Patent: September 17, 2002
    Assignee: Valois, S.A.
    Inventor: Giuseppe Stradella
  • Publication number: 20020124905
    Abstract: A physical means of support and positioning for multi-dose vials by employing in a preferred embodiment, a specifically designed multi-sided structure whose front side is angled in such a manner as to hold the vial in proper orientation for access, and is shaped in such a manner as to firmly and securely hold vial by it's bottle neck in a closely conforming slot, and whose open anterior area permits visual inspection of vial expiration dates and actual fluid appearance and volume, and whose back provides temporary or permanent attachment to a surface in a position such that visibility of the vial's penetrable multi-dose orifice is optimal and allows access for aspiration or injection of fluid, and whose bottom perimeter is flat and sufficiently broad whereby accidental tipping over of usually cylindrical multi-dose vials and their subsequent displacement is prevented.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 12, 2001
    Publication date: September 12, 2002
    Inventors: David Gardner Draughn, Johnny Leonard Herring
  • Publication number: 20020104584
    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.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 2, 2001
    Publication date: August 8, 2002
    Applicant: Baxter Healthcare
    Inventors: Richard Spero, Adam Hagmann, Terry E. Laas
  • Patent number: 6401975
    Abstract: A fluid delivery apparatus is provided that includes a pressure tube and a first cap assembly having a control system, with the first cap assembly coupled to a first end of the pressure tube for forming a gas-tight seal thereat. The apparatus also includes a second cap assembly coupled to a second end of the pressure tube for forming a gas-tight seal thereat, with the second cap assembly supporting a fluid container that is housed in the interior space of the pressure tube.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 17, 2001
    Date of Patent: June 11, 2002
    Assignee: Hydrus, Inc.
    Inventors: Cesar Diaz, Douglas Patton, Thomas Allen
  • Patent number: 6394992
    Abstract: A connection device includes a first connecting device and a second connecting device, which are interconnectible for the purpose of transferring an aseptic fluid. The first connecting device includes an injection needle and a protecting sleeve which has an orifice that can be punctured and which at least partially surrounds the needle and is displaceable relative thereto. The second connecting device includes a rubber-like part, which is penetratable by the needle and resealable when the needle is withdrawn.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 11, 2000
    Date of Patent: May 28, 2002
    Assignee: Arom Pak International AB
    Inventor: Johan Sjöholm
  • Patent number: 6389978
    Abstract: A gun barrel cleaning shell uses a pressurized cartridge alone or within a shell casing to propel cleaning material through the bore of the firearm. Inside the cartridge is a strike pin that when the firing pin of the firearm is actuated will cause the strike pin to puncture a rupturable end of the cartridge to release the compressed fluids therein to force the cleaning material toward and through the barrel of the firearm.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 13, 2000
    Date of Patent: May 21, 2002
    Inventors: Manuel B. Hooper, Jim C. Counts
  • Patent number: 6390155
    Abstract: A system and a method for delivering and metering a fixed volume of liquid, such as a liquid sterilant from a container into a vaporization system. The method for the delivering system includes the steps of sensing a requirement for additional liquid sterilant, determining whether the liquid sterilant to be added is acceptable for use, and delivering the liquid sterilant from a container into an accumulator. The method of metering the liquid sterilant into the vaporization system includes creating a vacuum in a chamber connected to the vaporizer and delivering the liquid sterilant into a vaporizer while continually sensing the flow of the delivery. The metering system maintains a slow, controlled flow in order to achieve efficient vaporization of the liquid sterilant and to provide accurate sensing of the gas/liquid interface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 1, 2001
    Date of Patent: May 21, 2002
    Assignee: Ethicon, Inc.
    Inventor: Nick Ngoc Nguyen
  • Patent number: 6378714
    Abstract: An improved transferset assembly for transferring fluids between a first container, such as a medicament vial and a second container, such as a syringe, which includes an integral polymeric transfer assembly having a tubular collar portion, a radial portion overlying the rim of the first container, an outer tubular portion and an inner tubular portion which is integrally joined to the outer tubular portion by a radial intermediate web portion, a piercing member telescopically received in the inner tubular portion having a piercing end to pierce the closure sealing the open end of the first container and a removable closure which seals the open ends of the outer and inner tubular portions of the transfer assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 20, 1999
    Date of Patent: April 30, 2002
    Assignee: Becton Dickinson and Company
    Inventors: Hubert Jansen, Jean-Claude Thibault
  • Patent number: 6378576
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 7, 2001
    Date of Patent: April 30, 2002
    Assignee: Becton Dickinson and Company
    Inventors: Jean Claude Thibault, Hubert Jansen
  • Patent number: 6378573
    Abstract: A removing device for liquid in a flexible packing by means of which an unintentional escape of liquid and the ingress of air, dirt and microorganisms in the product accommodated in said packing can be prevented reliably and permanently. In order to achieve this, the removing device according to the present invention is provided with a tubular straw element including the inlet of the removing device and with a closure element associated with the outlet. The flexible packing according to the present invention, which is used for accommodating a liquid, is provided with an insertion area for inserting a removing device, said insertion area being defined by an opening formed in the envelope of said flexible packing and closed by a foil in the initial state, said foil being of such a nature that it will sealingly wrap itself around the introduced removing device thus forming a tentlike shape.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 7, 2000
    Date of Patent: April 30, 2002
    Inventor: Erhard Schwartz
  • Patent number: 6374876
    Abstract: A cassette is described including a housing, an inner reservoir located within the housing, a valve coupled to the inner reservoir and coupled to the housing, and a delivery conduit coupled to the inner reservoir and emerging from the delivery opening of the cassette. The cassette also includes a dispensing apparatus that defines a passage and has a first activating device that opens the valve of the cassette. The dispensing apparatus also has a second activating member capable of establishing fluid communication with a medicant container. A method of mixing a powdered drug and a liquid includes establishing fluid communication between the reservoir and the medicant container, dispensing at least a portion of the liquid into the medicant container, and transferring the mixed drug into the reservoir.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 2001
    Date of Patent: April 23, 2002
    Assignee: Deltec, Inc.
    Inventor: Gail Bynum
  • Patent number: 6371173
    Abstract: A threaded connecting assembly includes a first threaded connecting member having a body portion, an end portion, a bore extending axially from the end portion enabling the passage of a fluid through the body portion, and a plurality of spaced apart three sided threads defining grooves therebetween projecting along an exterior surface of the body portion at the end portion, and a cap member having a plurality of complementary three sided threads adapted to mate with the plurality of the three sided threads of the first threaded connecting member by seating in the grooves, and an opening configured for engagement with the bore of the first threaded connecting member to provide a passageway for the flow of the fluid therebetween.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 22, 2000
    Date of Patent: April 16, 2002
    Assignee: PermaFresh Corporation
    Inventor: George W. Liebmann, Jr.
  • Patent number: 6364180
    Abstract: A container for dispensing oil or other fluid medium into an engine or other receptacle. The container has a body with a pair of necks concentrically arranged, including an inner neck and an outer neck. The removed ends of both necks are covered with a frangible member. When the oil container is inverted and placed over the engine oil inlet the frangible member prevents oil leakage until the container is pushed against the oil inlet, then it breaks and inserts the inner neck into the engine oil inlet with outer neck being outside the circumference of the engine oil inlet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 29, 2000
    Date of Patent: April 2, 2002
    Inventor: Alberto C. Cardenas
  • Patent number: 6360794
    Abstract: An apparatus for delivering a fluid into a container has a carriage movably associated with a holding mechanism along an axis. A piston is attached to the carriage and a cylinder is slidably attached to the piston along the axis. The cylinder has a hole formed therein that extends along the axis. A needle extending along the axis is attached to the piston and passes through the cylinder hole. The needle has a first operative position relative to the piston when the needle is retracted within the cylinder and a second operative position relative to the piston when the needle extends from the cylinder.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 19, 2000
    Date of Patent: March 26, 2002
    Assignee: Bechtel BWXT Idaho, LLC
    Inventor: Terry D. Turner
  • Patent number: 6357489
    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).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 27, 2000
    Date of Patent: March 19, 2002
    Assignee: Omrix Biopharmaceuticals S.A.
    Inventor: Freddy Zinger
  • Patent number: 6358232
    Abstract: A method of removing body fluids from a patient and disposing of the body fluids, the method comprising the steps of (a) providing a container including a bottom wall having therein a drain, (b) providing a drainage device for automatically opening the drain and draining the contents of the container, (c) collecting body fluids in the container, (d) placing the container on the drainage device, and (e) operating the drainage device so that the drainage device opens the drain and drains the contents of the container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 29, 1999
    Date of Patent: March 19, 2002
    Assignee: Bemis Manufacturing Company
    Inventors: Joseph M. Hand, Barry G. Anderson, Michael C. Hollen, Mark A. Miller
  • Publication number: 20020019622
    Abstract: A penetrator for penetrating a stopper sealing an opening in a container. The penetrator includes a stamped piece of sheet material formed to define a shank having a length. A groove extends along the length of the shank. The shank has a pointed distal. The stamped piece of sheet material further includes a bearing plate extending from the shank at a proximal end opposite the distal end of the shank.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 1, 1999
    Publication date: February 14, 2002
    Inventors: RICHARD F. DAUBERT, STEVEN P. HELLSTROM, PETER J. KARAS, JOHN K. MOORE, JOHN S. NORMAN, JOHN C. TANNER, II, DONALD VERLEE
  • Patent number: 6343629
    Abstract: A coupling device for coupling a vial connector to a drug vial, comprising actuating means (112′), for bringing the drug vial and/or the vial connector (105′) into a third position in which a cannula (108′) penetrates a seal (104′) of the drug vial in a direction along an axis (A) substantially perpendicular (&agr;≈90°) to a main plane (P) of the seal (104′), and guiding means (113) controlling the direction. The actuating means (112′) are designed for applying a force on the drug vial and/or the vial connector (105′) enabling the locking means (106′, 107′) to become permanently locked around the neck (102′). The first positioning means (110′) are adjustable for holding drug vials (101′) of several different dimensions and/or the second positioning means (111′) are adjustable for holding vial connectors (105′) of several different dimensions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 2, 2000
    Date of Patent: February 5, 2002
    Assignee: Carmel Pharma AB
    Inventors: Göran Wessman, Kjell Andreasson, Ingvar Andersson
  • Publication number: 20020004637
    Abstract: A sample suction apparatus including: a first member, a second member and a third member; a drive source; and a suction needle provided on the third member, wherein the drive source reduces a distance between the first member and the third member to perform: a first action of shifting the first member toward the third member to contact the first member with a portion of a specimen vessel; a second action of shifting the second member together with the third member toward the first member to contact the second member with another portion of the specimen vessel so that the specimen vessel is sandwiched between the first and second members; and a third action of shifting the third member toward the first member to bring the third member close to the second member so that the suction needle is inserted in the specimen vessel.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 6, 2001
    Publication date: January 10, 2002
    Inventor: Masayasu Sentoh
  • Patent number: 6302159
    Abstract: An apparatus and method for chemical processing of multiple mixtures is disclosed. The apparatus provides selective purging of a liquid-phase of the mixtures. The apparatus can be used for processing many different types of mixtures under a wide variety of processing conditions, including but not limited to protein digestions, and is particularly well suited for processes requiring solid-liquid contacting. The apparatus includes an array of vessels or wells for containing the mixtures. The wells have openings that generally define a surface. A perforated plate and a film are disposed above the openings of the wells. The film is sandwiched between the perforated plate and the surface defined by the openings of the vessels, covering and sealing the vessels. A probe is used to perforate the film and to pressurize the vessels, which drives liquid out of the wells via through-holes formed in their bottoms.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 9, 2000
    Date of Patent: October 16, 2001
    Assignee: Genomic Solutions, Inc.
    Inventors: Paul Thomas Ryan, Kevin Auton
  • Patent number: 6302171
    Abstract: A self-triggering inflatable balloon device. In a preferred embodiment, the device comprises a cylinder of compressed gas having an actuating valve thereon. The other end of the actuating valve is coupled to a deflated balloon. The cylinder, valve and deflated balloon are secured to the interior of a box having a lid. An actuating member of the valve is coupled to the box lid such that the valve is opened when the box lid is raised. Upon opening of the box lid, therefore, the actuating valve is opened and the balloon is automatically inflated with the gas from the compressed gas cylinder. The device may be given as a gift wrapped present or mailed to a friend, and will produce a surprise when opened.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 8, 2000
    Date of Patent: October 16, 2001
    Inventor: Bruce D. Watts
  • Publication number: 20010025671
    Abstract: A transfer guard for use by an individual for transferring contents from a supply container into a receiver container includes a supply adapter, a receiver adapter, a support structure and a fluid conducting element. The supply adapter connects the supply container to the transfer guard, and the receiver adapter connects the receiver container to the transfer guard. The support structure couples the supply adapter with the receiver adapter, and supports the fluid conducting element which, passes through the supply adapter and the receiver adapter. The fluid conducting element provides a passage for the contents to transfer from the supply container into the receiver container. The fluid conducting element also includes at least one pointed end that is substantially protected by the transfer guard from contact with the individual.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 17, 2001
    Publication date: October 4, 2001
    Applicant: MINIMED INC.
    Inventor: Jason H. Safabash
  • Publication number: 20010025672
    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.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 7, 2001
    Publication date: October 4, 2001
    Inventors: Jean Claude Thibault, Hubert Jansen
  • Patent number: 6293318
    Abstract: This emptying station is suited for emptying contents from bulk bags, especially bulk bags containing particulate hazardous materials as their contents. The emptying station includes a bulk-bag receptacle body having a top opening and bottom outlet, a bulk-bag cutting subassembly in the receptacle body, a raisable and lowerable top closure, and a sealing structure. The cutting subassembly includes at least three cutters each having an associated blade facing upwards, with the cutters collectively arranged to define a pyramid having an apex, and puncture pin positioned at the apex to point upwardly. In operation, a bulk bag is suspended from the top closure, then lowered with the top closure to pass the bulk bag into the receptacle body and cause the substantially flat bottom of the bulk bag to be pieced by the puncture pin and cut by the blades of the cutters to start emptying contents from the bulk bags to the bottom outlet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 10, 2000
    Date of Patent: September 25, 2001
    Assignee: Degussa AG
    Inventors: Manfred Schmidt, Jurgen Ohlemacher, Johannes Ehrlich
  • Patent number: 6276567
    Abstract: A fluid delivery apparatus is provided that includes a pressure tube and a first cap assembly having a control system, with the first cap assembly coupled to a first end of the pressure tube for forming a gas-tight seal thereat. The apparatus also includes a second cap assembly coupled to a second end of the pressure tube for forming a gas-tight seal thereat, with the second cap assembly supporting a fluid container that is housed in the interior space of the pressure tube.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 29, 1999
    Date of Patent: August 21, 2001
    Assignee: Hydrus, Inc.
    Inventors: Cesar Diaz, Douglas Patton, Thomas Allen
  • Patent number: 6267161
    Abstract: A carbon-dioxide pump for tires which comprises a dispensing head which is provided with a nosepiece for coupling to the tire valve which is connected to a threaded hole for the hermetic fixing of a bottle of carbon dioxide and to a sliding hole for a needle-equipped pin for piercing the membrane of the bottle which is rigidly coupled to a flow control element of the frustum-shaped type which can be actuated manually so as to rotate in order to hermetically close the bottle after piercing the membrane, a shell for containing the bottle which is screwed hermetically onto the head and on which a handgrip is slidingly fitted with the interposition of guiding and sliding sealing elements which are suitable to provide a short manual pump in which the air compressed by the movement of the handgrip flows between the shell and the bottle and is fed to the nosepiece through a nozzle which is closed by a valve system provided in the head.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 22, 2000
    Date of Patent: July 31, 2001
    Assignee: Barbieri S.n.c. di Barbieri Nadia e Kalman
    Inventor: Adriano Barbieri
  • Patent number: 6253804
    Abstract: A transfer guard for use by an individual for transferring contents from a supply container into a receiver container includes a supply adapter, a receiver adapter, a support structure and a needle. The supply adapter connects the supply container to the transfer guard, and the receiver adapter connects the receiver container to the transfer guard. The support structure couples the supply adapter with the receiver adapter, and the needle passes through the supply adapter and the receiver adapter. The needle is attached to one of the adapters for support and provides a passage for the contents to transfer from the supply container into the receiver container. The needle also includes at least one pointed end that is substantially protected by the transfer guard from contact with the user.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 5, 1999
    Date of Patent: July 3, 2001
    Assignee: MiniMed Inc.
    Inventor: Jason Hossein Safabash
  • Publication number: 20010003996
    Abstract: A transfer set assembly for transferring fluids between a first container, such as a conventional medical vial, having a sealed open end and a second container such as a conventional IV infusion bag. The transfer set includes a collar having a proximate tubular end portion for securement to the container, a needle cannula and holder assembly, which is telescopically received in a distal tubular portion of the collar, and a closure including a tubular body portion having an open proximate end which is telescopically received over the needle cannula and holder assembly and the distal tubular portion of the collar, a closed distal end portion and an inner tubular portion which is integral with the closed distal end. The inner tubular portion includes a free end having spiral camming surfaces which mate with spiral camping surfaces on the inside surface of the tubular distal portion of the needle cannula holder.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 23, 2001
    Publication date: June 21, 2001
    Inventors: Hubert Jansen, Jean-Claude Thibault
  • Patent number: 6241890
    Abstract: To collect analyte from a supercritical fluid extractor, the collector lifts vials into place by a biasing means that guides the file up to the restrictor where it is sealed. The vial can be moved back down from the collecting mechanism even if frost forms on the vial while the restrictor means remains stationary. This vial is held in place by a guide that contains the seal for sealing the vial when it is raised in place.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 14, 1999
    Date of Patent: June 5, 2001
    Assignee: Isco, Inc.
    Inventors: Dale Lee Clay, Robert W. Allington, Philip Bernard Liescheski, III, Robin Randall Winter, Daniel Gene Jameson
  • Patent number: 6237649
    Abstract: For temporary connection of two containers (1, 3) such as vials, bottles, etc. . . . , with guaranteed tightness thanks to a cylindrical screwing closing and connection plastic sleeve (4) having a plastic perforable membrane (7) located between its upper portion (6) and lower portion (5) including an elastomer sealing ring (13) fixed around a cylindrical plastic skirt (12) located in the inner lower portion (5), and an elastomer sealing plug (18) fixed by the collar (17) and the annular rib (16) in the inner upper portion (6), a cylindrical plastic skirt (12) coming in contact with the inner neck (10) of the glass or plastic vial (1), the whole assuring complete tightness of the system when stored and when used for the reconstitution of the product (2) contained in a glass or plastic vial (1) with a corresponding solvent (23) contained in a plastic solvent bottle (3).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 25, 2000
    Date of Patent: May 29, 2001
    Assignee: Pentapharm AG
    Inventors: Franck Moisio, Franz A Klug