With Puncturing Connecting Means Patents (Class 141/329)
  • Patent number: 6234350
    Abstract: A device for removing liquid from a closed cavity, such as from a shock absorber of a motor vehicle, is proposed; the device compresses a drill, which is guided displaceably in a guide housing, a preloading device at one end of the guide housing for displacing the drill in the guide housing, an intermediate piece at the other end of the guide housing, the intermediate piece having a central bore for the drill bit to pass through and at least one fluid connection on the outer circumference for the removal of liquid, and compressing a gripping device, which is fitted to the device and fixes the latter to the wall of the cavity to be emptied.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 13, 1999
    Date of Patent: May 22, 2001
    Inventor: Josef Dagn
  • Patent number: 6220482
    Abstract: By providing an adapter which is mountable to a product retaining container and incorporating seal cutting means, a dispensing system for chemical products retained in sealed containers is achieved which is capable of opening the sealed container and producing the transfer of concentrated chemical products from the storage container to a dilution vessel or tank in a completely closed, spill-free manner. Furthermore, the entire contents of the container can be transferred or, if desired, repeated transfer of measured dosage can be made in order to assure the dispensing of a precise quantity of product from the storage container to the dilution vessel. In the preferred embodiment, a product dispensing valve assembly, constructed for being opened by only mating authorized equipment, is securely affixed to the adapter which is mounted to the sealed container within which the desired chemical product is retained.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 8, 2000
    Date of Patent: April 24, 2001
    Assignee: Link Research and Development Inc.
    Inventors: Thomas L. Simmel, Craig A. Baker
  • Patent number: 6209738
    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: October 20, 1999
    Date of Patent: April 3, 2001
    Assignee: Becton, Dickinson and Company
    Inventors: Hubert Jansen, Jean-Claude Thibault
  • Patent number: 6202714
    Abstract: An air pump comprises a head member, an inner tube, a check valve, and one-way air valve. The head member is provided therein with a control valve which is provided at one end thereof with an air nozzle and at other end thereof with a press rod for controlling the control valve. The head member is provided in one side thereof with a connection portion which is in turn provided with a channel and a guide cell. The inner tube is connected with the connection portion and is provided therein with a receiving space in communication with the channel and the guide cell. The receiving space is in communication with the atmospheric air via an air duct in which the check valve is disposed. The inner tube is fitted into an outer tube such that a compressible space is formed therebetween, and that the outer tube moves in relation to the inner tube.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 9, 2000
    Date of Patent: March 20, 2001
    Inventor: Lopin Wang
  • Patent number: 6202708
    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: November 9, 1998
    Date of Patent: March 20, 2001
    Assignee: SIMS Deltec, Inc.
    Inventor: Gail Bynum
  • Patent number: 6202716
    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: March 24, 1999
    Date of Patent: March 20, 2001
    Assignee: Deutsche Sisi-Werke GmbH & Co. Betriebs KG
    Inventor: Erhard Schwartz
  • Patent number: 6196281
    Abstract: A fluid transfer system suitable for emptying a container or flask closed by a liquid-tight removable frangible closure obtained from a material that can be recycled. Photoprocessing materials are transferred from a first container having the frangible container into an adjoining second container. The frangible closure has a single closure sheet fixed to a lateral skirt for mounting the frangible closure on the spout of the flask, for example with a screw. The flask is emptied by tipping the flask onto a perforation device that perforates a central weakness in the closure sheet which connects with a radial weakness at the seam of the closure sheet and lateral skirt, allowing for lower puncture forces.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 17, 1999
    Date of Patent: March 6, 2001
    Assignee: Eastman Kodak Company
    Inventors: Scott H. Schwallie, Linn C. Hoover, Gerald L. Johnson, John M. Rzepka
  • Patent number: 6192948
    Abstract: A closure for a transportable container used in the transfer of materials to or from an enclosed process area is described. The container docks with a port in a wall of the process area forming a sealed connecting chamber which is sterilized by irradiation. Communication between the interiors of the container and the process area is then established. The closure has a collar and a lid, which portions are formed so that all the surfaces which form part of the connecting chamber in use are in the direct line of the sterilizing radiation, which is normally ultra-violet or pulsed white light radiation. No relevant surface is shadowed from the radiation. The lid may be formed integrally with the collar with a thin web separating the two to define a fracture line. The lid is provided with a grip which can be grasped from within the process area. Application of a pulling force to the grip causes the lid to be pealed away from the collar without the generation of particulates.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 3, 1999
    Date of Patent: February 27, 2001
    Assignee: Duras Trading Limited
    Inventors: Albert Louis Victor Jozef Claessens, Austin McDonald, Gerhard Liepold, Donald Stollenmaier
  • Patent number: 6189580
    Abstract: The improved vial transfer assembly or vial transferset 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: December 6, 1999
    Date of Patent: February 20, 2001
    Assignee: Becton, Dickinson and Company
    Inventors: Jean Claude Thibault, Hubert Jansen
  • Patent number: 6135172
    Abstract: The invention concerns a hollow needle axially mobile so as to pierce a container stopper. Said needle comprises a pointed end with a cutting edge tangent to the needle cylindrical body generatrix, an oblique shape linking the edge to said cylindrical body and a side outlet orifice of the channel centred on said generatrix and a site spaced from the edge, said orifice being centred perpendicular to the needle longitudinal axis. This invention is applicable to automatic and semiautomatic analytical equipment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 19, 1999
    Date of Patent: October 24, 2000
    Assignee: Junior Instruments
    Inventors: Patrick Fere, Patrick Perin, Alain Rousseau
  • Patent number: 6070397
    Abstract: The present invention provides a means and method of exhausting air from, and sealing a container of the type used for sealing food products. The means includes a self adhering patch for attachment to the exterior side wall of the container, or alternately, a patch that is constructed as part of a commercial container such as a baggie, and a suction probe which may be attached to a source of suction such as a suction pump for drawing air from the container when the suction probe is inserted through the patch and into the container. When the air has been removed, the probe is removed and the patch self-closes to seal the puncture.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 17, 1998
    Date of Patent: June 6, 2000
    Inventor: Michael W. Bachhuber
  • Patent number: 6070762
    Abstract: A device (1) for emptying closed containers which are under pressure, especially fuel filters, which can be detachably fastened to the container, firmly seated thereon, and which has a drain channel with a drain opening, in which a drill (12) which can be actuated via a spindle drive (9) is arranged for drilling through the container wall (54). To break a vacuum generated during the emptying, a vent hole is created by a piercing spike (7) in the container wall (54) on the side opposite the drill (12). The piercing spike (7) is part of the entire device (1) and is used together with the drill (12) as a holding element for clampingly receiving the container during the drilling of the container by the drill (12).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 10, 1997
    Date of Patent: June 6, 2000
    Assignee: Angelika Weibhaar
    Inventor: Horst Klann
  • Patent number: 6070623
    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).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 9, 1999
    Date of Patent: June 6, 2000
    Assignee: Biodome
    Inventor: Antoine Aneas
  • Patent number: 6068031
    Abstract: A sterile transfer system between a bag and a enclosure suitable for use in the pharmaceutical industry, characterized on the one hand of a first part of a bag having a mouth in the form of a pocket, in which the bottom is constituted by a flexible partition separating the interior spaces of the pocket and the bag and capable of being heat-cut, on the other hand a lock chamber installed at the entrance to the sterile enclosure which includes a fixed part on which the pocket can be mounted, this part presenting a central opening receiving a mobile element constituting the door of the lock chamber, the fixed and mobile parts each being equipped with a heatable blade with closed outline overlapping and joined at their apex in airtight manner when the bag is in the closed state, vacuum outlets being provided for applying the flexible partition by means of suction against the heatable blades and effecting the cutting of it by fusion of the zones which come into contact with the blades.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 21, 1998
    Date of Patent: May 30, 2000
    Assignee: Laboratoires MSD- Chibret
    Inventors: Gilbert Lataix, Charles Wicky
  • Patent number: 6053362
    Abstract: A can-breaker including a first and a second clamping members pivotally connected with each other by a pivot member. The second clamping member is disposed with a thrusting section having a first fixing seat and a thrusting sting. An outer cover is fitted on outer side of the thrusting section. The outer cover is pivotally connected with the second clamping member. One end of the outer cover is disposed with a second fixing seat. A resilient member is connected between the first and second fixing seats. The thrusting sting is prevented from be bent or deformed. So, it can prolong the using life of the can-breaker.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 15, 1998
    Date of Patent: April 25, 2000
    Inventor: Hsi Chung Lin
  • Patent number: 6041573
    Abstract: An apparatus for charging a closed metallic canister with a gas under pressure comprising means for forming a gas filling opening in the canister, and dispensing means for sequentially injecting a high pressure gas through the gas filling opening to charge the canister, and depositing and fusing a fusible body in the gas filling opening, while continuing to inject gas into the canister and utilize the force of the gas to urge the dispensing means into sealing engagement with the canister being charged.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 25, 1997
    Date of Patent: March 28, 2000
    Assignee: RWC, Inc.
    Inventors: Ronald W. Richardson, Jr., James Harrington
  • Patent number: 6039093
    Abstract: An adaptor for drawing a liquid from a container that is sealed with a plug or for filling the container. The container being sealed with a plug that is attached by a flange cap. At least one mandrel on the front end of the adaptor for penetrating the plug, a connecting part with an inner cone at the rear end for hooking up medical devices, and a flat gripping element in the intermediate area for facilitating the adaptation process. A funnel that is open toward the rear end is arranged on the connecting part of the adaptor. In addition, an elastic centering and gripping part is arranged toward the front end of the adaptor on the gripping element. The inner contour of the centering and gripping part approximately corresponds, at least in terms of area, to the outer contour of the flange cap that attaches the plug to the injection container. The inner contour also has locking elements that engage behind the flange cap at least in sections.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 27, 1998
    Date of Patent: March 21, 2000
    Assignee: Schering Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Werner Mrotzek, Bernd Graf, Ingoberth Schonke
  • Patent number: 6021824
    Abstract: A kit for mixing comprises a housing accommodating an ampoule containing a solid and a container containing a solvent which is either pre-pressurized or which may be pressurized when it is desired to mix to the liquid and solid components. A needle unit comprises a first needle, the opposite ends of which pierce rubber membranes closing the ampoule and the container, to establish a transport channel through which pressurized solvent flows from the container to the ampoule. The ampoule is vented through a second needle inserted through the membrane of the ampoule and provided with a micro-filter. In one embodiment, the needle unit is displaceable to cause the ends of the needles to pierce the respective membranes, and locked in place by a spring biased locking mechanism. A branch passage from the needle is connected to a cylinder containing a piston coupled to the locking mechanism. When the ampoule is full, pressure in the branch passage will rise, actuating the piston and releasing the locking mechanism.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 26, 1997
    Date of Patent: February 8, 2000
    Assignee: Novo Nordisk A/S
    Inventors: Andre Larsen, Gabriel J.o slashed.rgensen, Peter Norland Jensen, James M. Flink, Peter Christian Klitgaard
  • Patent number: 6003566
    Abstract: The improved vial transfer assembly or vial transferset 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: February 26, 1998
    Date of Patent: December 21, 1999
    Assignee: Becton Dickinson and Company
    Inventors: Jean Claude Thibault, Hubert Jansen
  • Patent number: 5996844
    Abstract: A container for storing liquids such as ink to be refilled in an used, empty ink cartridge for computer printers being to be formed with at least two holes so as to allow the ink to discharge. A hole is made in the container at its mouth portion and then another hole is opened at the main chamber of the container by a piercing device attached to the container or by revealing an air passage so as to introduce external air into the container so as to pressure out the ink into the ink cartridge.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 9, 1998
    Date of Patent: December 7, 1999
    Assignee: Mitsubishi Pencil Corporation of America
    Inventor: Hiroyuki Ito
  • Patent number: 5992475
    Abstract: An evacuating kit (10) having a puncturing device (14) for evacuating aerosol cans into a drum (12), on which the puncturing device is mounted at a first bung hole (36), also includes a filter canister (16) for being coupled to a second bung hole (77) of the drum by a flexible transfer hose (20) so that the filter canister can be supported by a floor supporting the drum. The puncturing device further includes a valve at a second end (32) of a tubular wall (23) of a housing (22) of the puncturing device with a valve poppet (50) positioned beyond the second end for opening and closing a second-end opening (28) using the second end of the housing as a valve seat. The valve has a valve stem (48) mounted for linear movement in a web (44) of the housing extending across the second opening. The stem includes circumferentially spaced stem fingers (56) for contacting a pressurized container being punctured to open and close the valve poppet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 21, 1998
    Date of Patent: November 30, 1999
    Inventor: Michael C. Campbell
  • Patent number: 5967368
    Abstract: A connecting device for connecting a container (1) consisting of a sealed flexible bag (3) to an external duct (2) that includes a tube (4) with a connecting opening (5). A rigid tubular coupling (6) is loosely arranged within the flexible container (1) and comprises a frusto-conical projection (7) sized in such a way that it may be force-fitted into the opening (5). A user grasps the coupling (6) and places it against the inner surface of the bag (3) while placing the opening (5) of the external duct (2) against the outer surface of the bag (3), then axially presses on the coupling (6) so that it perforates the bag (3) and sealingly engages the opening (5). The fluid in the container (1) can then flow through the coupling (6) into the external duct (2).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 17, 1998
    Date of Patent: October 19, 1999
    Inventor: Bernard Guillermier
  • Patent number: 5967196
    Abstract: The device comprises a holder (10), which has a bottom (11) with a sealing element (17) for sealing off the air supply opening to a bubble generator of print head (2) and, at the top, an arm (15) with a passage bore (16). A spike (23) serves for boring or piercing an opening (28) to the ink reservoir in a cover area (5) of the print head (2). An ink reservoir (27) is inserted with a hollow needle into the created opening (28). The reservoir (27) has in a bore (32) of lid (31) a cone (33). A closing element (22) serves for closing an air supply opening (6) of a lung of the print head (2).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 1, 1998
    Date of Patent: October 19, 1999
    Assignee: Pelikan Produktions AG
    Inventor: Markus Moser
  • Patent number: 5964261
    Abstract: An implant assembly and methods for loading implant devices which avoids the accidental deposition of transplanted material or other contaminates on the exterior of the device during transportation, storage, and handling are disclosed. The implant assembly of the invention may be used with a large variety of implant devices for implanting a variety of materials such as cells, tissue or other materials into a host. The implant assembly includes an implant device having an elongated port and a first chamber for holding material for implantation and a container with a second chamber for holding the implant device. The container functions to maintain the sterility and protect the physical integrity of the implant device during loading, storage, cryopreservation and transportation and is removed immediately prior to implantation of the device. The container may optionally include liquid media for cellular growth, maintenance, cryostorage, or transportation purposes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 28, 1997
    Date of Patent: October 12, 1999
    Assignee: Baxter International Inc.
    Inventors: Steven Neuenfeldt, Joanne Daugird, James Brauker, Robin Lee Geller, Scott Fredericksen, Mark Jones, Thomas Loudovaris, David Maryanov, Stephanie Shors
  • Patent number: 5961011
    Abstract: Disclosed is a fitment for insertion into the neck of a container for liquid concentrate that can be opened by insertion of the container into a reservoir. The fitment comprises a substantially cylindrical body comprising an exterior mating surface that can sealingly engage the container and an internal web within the cylindrical body closing the fitment having a fracture zone permitting opening the fitment. The web also comprises a hinged fracture zone defined by a straight hinge portion and a partially circular recess in the web.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 10, 1998
    Date of Patent: October 5, 1999
    Assignee: Ecolab Inc.
    Inventors: John E. Thomas, Daniel K. Boche, John E. McCall, Jr., Eric R. Balz, Elizabeth J. Gladfelter, Daniel E. Pedersen
  • Patent number: 5957166
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 16, 1997
    Date of Patent: September 28, 1999
    Assignee: Fusion Medical Technologies, Inc.
    Inventor: Jason H. Safabash
  • Patent number: 5954104
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 28, 1997
    Date of Patent: September 21, 1999
    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
  • Patent number: 5950696
    Abstract: A dispenser device for facilitating the gravity pouring of liquids from a necked container having an impervious sealing sheet over its opening, into a receptacle chamber, such as typically utilized on conventional containers for internal combustion engine lubricants, the device comprising a lower section having a centered, upwardly projecting wedge shaped protrusion terminating in a point adapted to pierce the sealing sheet when the container opening is passed onto the point, and an upper section formed so as to be seatably engaged on and within an opening to the chamber through which the liquid is to be poured, while maintaining the point in a somewhat centered position with respect to the opening and within the chamber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 12, 1998
    Date of Patent: September 14, 1999
    Inventors: Yves R. Barsalou, Michel M. Gauthier
  • Patent number: 5927351
    Abstract: An improved drawing station system for handling radioactive material for use in syringes in the health care industry. The system includes a drawing station, a syringe shield and two different radiopharmaceutical pigs. The drawing station has a base with a support and two arms mounted thereto to support a first radiopharmaceutical pig enclosing a container of radioactive material. The radiopharmaceutical pig is releasably mounted to the second arm so that the radiopharmaceutical pig is pivotable about two predetermined axes to position the container for penetration by the syringe needle to draw radioactive material from the container into the syringe.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 30, 1997
    Date of Patent: July 27, 1999
    Assignee: Syncor International Corp.
    Inventors: Bing Bing Zhu, Monty Mong Chen Fu, Richard L. Green, Haig S. Bagerdjian
  • Patent number: 5909752
    Abstract: The invention relates to a container for the sealing of tires with punctures, with which it is possible to first mix a liquid sealant and a filler when sealing is to take place, but to keep them separate during the prior storage. The container has a first chamber for filler and a second chamber for the liquid sealant. The chambers are fixedly or movably connected together and at least one of the chambers can be compressed. Between the chambers there is a partition wall, which consists at least in part of a rupturable member which is torn so that the liquid sealant and the filler mix before injection of the mixture into the tire via an outlet valve by compression of the chamber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 5, 1997
    Date of Patent: June 8, 1999
    Assignee: SP Reifenwerke GmbH
    Inventors: Manfred Gerresheim, Hans-Bernd Fuchs, Ulrich Steinbrecht
  • Patent number: 5908054
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 30, 1998
    Date of Patent: June 1, 1999
    Assignee: Fusion Medical Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Jason H. Safabash, Christopher S. Dauer
  • Patent number: 5901759
    Abstract: A fluid recovery system and method for accessing the contents of a target container. A preferred embodiment of the fluid recovery system includes an auxiliary processing vessel for housing a container to be accessed, a cylinder rupture vessel for housing the auxiliary processing vessel, and a tapping assembly positioned within the cylinder rupture vessel for accessing the contents of a target container. One or more fluid seals may be formed. The use of the auxiliary processing vessel of the preferred embodiment provides an extra level of protection against exposure to the contents of the container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 18, 1997
    Date of Patent: May 11, 1999
    Assignees: Earth Resources Corporation, Teledyne Brown Engineering
    Inventors: Dan A. Nickens, Charles C. Mattern, David R. Childers
  • Patent number: 5894870
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 10, 1997
    Date of Patent: April 20, 1999
    Assignee: Pharmacia & Upjohn Company
    Inventor: Andrew A. Maxwell
  • Patent number: 5894869
    Abstract: A pressurization and regulating device uses a CO.sub.2 cartridge for pressurizing a fluid container such as the fuel tank of a gasoline lantern or stove, a garden or lawn sprayer, and the like. The device includes an elongated body having an open end for receiving the cartridge and a cap for forcing the cartridge toward the body. The other end of the body is provided with a fluid outlet opening. An outlet cap is mounted on the second end of the body. A piston is reciprocably mounted in the outlet opening of the body, and a seal on the piston is engageable with a valve seat in the outlet opening for closing the outlet opening. A spring in the outlet cap biases the piston away from the valve seat. An eccentric shaft is rotatably mounted in the outlet cap and engages the piston. The eccentric shaft is rotatable between a first position in which the seal engages the valve seat and a second position in which the spring moves the seal away from the valve seat.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 12, 1997
    Date of Patent: April 20, 1999
    Assignee: Crosman Corporation
    Inventor: Kevin R. Mussack
  • Patent number: 5893397
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 12, 1996
    Date of Patent: April 13, 1999
    Assignee: Bioject Inc.
    Inventors: Steven F. Peterson, Michael F. Deily
  • Patent number: 5891129
    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: February 28, 1997
    Date of Patent: April 6, 1999
    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
  • Patent number: 5887633
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 26, 1998
    Date of Patent: March 30, 1999
    Assignee: Becton, Dickinson and Company
    Inventors: Mark C. Yale, Gary Cohen, Alvin T. Olsen, Paul R. Capaccio
  • Patent number: 5862840
    Abstract: In a device for sterile filling of containers, especially before removal of the container from the mold of a blow molding machine used for its manufacture, a sterile filling chamber housing is constructed to be pressure-resistant and is provided with connections for feeding and discharging of cleaning fluid, vapor and sterile air. Each opening present in the floor of the sterile filling chamber housing for the passage of a filling tap can be closed tightly by a movable shutter. The shutter engages tightly on the outside of the housing floor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 21, 1995
    Date of Patent: January 26, 1999
    Inventor: Bernd Hansen
  • Patent number: 5860456
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 22, 1996
    Date of Patent: January 19, 1999
    Assignee: Eli Lilly and Company
    Inventors: Roland Joseph Bydlon, Javan Eronmy Collins, William Harold Morrison, Jr., Bradley Ray Newman
  • Patent number: 5845682
    Abstract: An apparatus and method for refilling ink into a used, empty ink cartridge for ink-jet printers using an ink refill station and an ink refill adapter, the ink refill station accommodating the cartridge so that the head section of the cartridge is separated by a pressing or shearing force applied by a threaded screw that is provided in the refill station, and the ink refill adapter being placed on the main section of the cartridge after the head section is removed so that ink is transferred from an ink container to the main section of the cartridge via needles provided in the ink refill adapter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 28, 1996
    Date of Patent: December 8, 1998
    Assignee: Mitsubishi Pencil Corporation of America
    Inventor: Sakae Hayao
  • Patent number: 5832971
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 22, 1996
    Date of Patent: November 10, 1998
    Assignee: Becton, Dickinson and Company
    Inventors: Mark C. Yale, Gary Cohen, Alvin T. Olsen, Paul R. Capaccio
  • Patent number: 5833089
    Abstract: A connector for connecting two containers includes a first portion releasably secured to the neck of the first container and a second portion having an access opening. A closure member for sealing the access opening of the connector includes a cover for sealably closing the access opening, the cover being fixed to the connector so as to include a breakable point of attachment and a zone of weakness disposed on the periphery of the cover. The cover includes a tab disposed generally perpendicular to the cover and a strut angularly disposed between the tab and the cover such that the exertion of pressure substantially normal to the tab causes the cover to release from the connector at the zone of weakness and the rotation of the cover causes release of the cover from the connector at the breakable point of attachment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 2, 1992
    Date of Patent: November 10, 1998
    Inventors: Charles Manni, Jean Pierre Augier
  • Patent number: 5826631
    Abstract: A waste cylinder rupture vessel for release and recontainerization of toxic contents of compressed gas cylinders is defined by an enclosed chamber which accommodates a plurality of bearing surfaces for supporting and positioning a target cylinder thereon. A puncture spike disposed within the chamber is adapted to puncture the target cylinder at its mid-section, thereby releasing its contents. Connections are provided communicating with the enclosed chamber for evacuating and recontainerizing the contents released by a punctured cylinder without release of the contents into the environment. All of the cylinder processing operations may be provided remotely.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 20, 1995
    Date of Patent: October 27, 1998
    Assignee: Earth Resources Corporation
    Inventors: Jeffrey W. Gold, Dan A. Nickens
  • Patent number: 5823236
    Abstract: An aerosol can puncturing machine comprising a lower housing section which is adapted to receive at least a portion of an aerosol can, and an upper housing section which is removably attachable to the lower housing section. The upper and lower housing sections fully encase the aerosol can when attached to each other. Connected to the lower housing section is a locking mechanism which is movable between an unlocked position wherein the upper housing section is detachable from the lower housing section, and a locked position wherein the upper housing section is maintained in locked engagement to the lower housing section. Also connected to the lower housing section is a puncturing mechanism which is operable to selectively puncture the aerosol can encased within the attached upper and lower housing sections.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 25, 1997
    Date of Patent: October 20, 1998
    Assignee: Northrop Grumman Corporation
    Inventors: James E. Kirby, Glen Silva Abad, Ralph E. Jaffke
  • Patent number: 5788099
    Abstract: A vessel for containing a batch quantity of chemicals for preparation of physiologic, therapeutic, or irrigation solutions, such as dialysate. The vessel has a cap and a bottle shell having features that make the vessel suitable for mounting to an apparatus for automatically opening the vessel. In a preferred embodiment, the cap has a frangible membrane sealing the vessel. A protective overcap is removable mounted to the cap to protect the cap from puncture prior to installation on the opening apparatus.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 5, 1996
    Date of Patent: August 4, 1998
    Assignee: AKYSYS, Ltd.
    Inventors: Dennis M. Treu, Dilip H. Shah, Donald C. Walker, Kenneth E. Pawlak
  • Patent number: 5784854
    Abstract: A perforating and plugging device for a dye-dispensing machine comprising at least one output nozzle and a support structure for a container, comprises a perforating member for forming a hole in the container substantially in vertical alignment with the nozzle of the dispensing machine. A plugging member which can house a plug is movable selectively from a rest position to an operative position in order to fit the plug in the hole formed in the container. The perforating member is mounted on a slide element movable horizontally and interacting with articulation means which can move the plugging member, rotating it substantially through an angle of 90.degree. from the rest position to the operative position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 5, 1996
    Date of Patent: July 28, 1998
    Assignee: Corob S.p.A.
    Inventor: Leopoldo Mazzalveri
  • Patent number: 5775390
    Abstract: Apparatus for extracting fluent material from a container, for example to remove oil or toxic fluid from a submerged or sunken container, e.g., a tank in a sunken ship, has a device for locating (29) and securing (21, 27) the apparatus against a wall of such a container, a device for forming an aperture in the wall (15, 17), a device for extracting the fluid through the aperture, and a closure device for the aperture. Preferably the apparatus has two parts, a first upper module (1) comprising a driving device and a drilling or milling device (17) for making an aperture in the wall, and a second lower module (4), comprising the closure device (12) operable mechanically or hydraulically by the first module. The first and second modules are releasably connected together and can be separated under control of the first module. The apparatus is moved into position by thruster drive units (29) and may be guided remotely from a remote monitor connected to a video camera mounted on the apparatus.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 28, 1996
    Date of Patent: July 7, 1998
    Inventor: Frank Mohn
  • Patent number: 5769138
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 1, 1996
    Date of Patent: June 23, 1998
    Assignee: Medi-Ject Corporation
    Inventors: Peter L. Sadowski, Sheldon Nelson, David Schiff, Walter Stoeckmann
  • Patent number: 5746733
    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 proximal end, a distal end, and a passageway therethrough. The straw further includes a needle portion at the distal end and a shaft portion between the needle portion and the proximal end. 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 filling straw 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, an open distal end and a side wall therebetween defining a recess in the shield. The shield is removably connected to the straw so that the shaft portion and the needle portion of the straw are contained within the recess. A seal plug having a proximal end and a distal end is provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 22, 1997
    Date of Patent: May 5, 1998
    Assignee: Becton, Dickinson and Company
    Inventors: Paul R. Capaccio, Gary Cohen, Alvin T. Olsen, Mark C. Yale
  • Patent number: 5743312
    Abstract: An apparatus for combining liquid or solid components stored in containers includes a cylindrical hollow body for receiving end closures of the containers and at least one cannula for penetrating the end closures. The cannula is mounted in a cannula holder movable in the hollow body, and retainer bridges connect the cannula holder to an inner wall surface of the hollow body. The retainer bridges fracture after the cannula penetrates the end closure in the first container so that the cannula moves toward the second container to penetrate the closure in the second container.Also disclosed is a system including the apparatus, two containers, and outer packaging enclosing the containers and the hollow body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 9, 1996
    Date of Patent: April 28, 1998
    Assignee: Behringwerke Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventors: Thomas Pfeifer, Dietmar Weitzel, Wolfgang Kneip, Bernhard Vohwinkel, Axel von Brand