Self-sealing, Piercable-type Closure Patents (Class 215/247)
  • Patent number: 7810529
    Abstract: A device defining a chamber for receiving a substance and a thermoplastic portion in fluid communication with the chamber is provided along with a method of filling and sealing the substance within the chamber. The thermoplastic portion defines a penetrable region that is penetrable by a filling member and is heat resealable to hermetically seal an aperture therein by applying laser radiation at a predetermined wavelength and power. The thermoplastic portion comprises a thermoplastic body defining a predetermined wall thickness and includes a styrene block copolymer, an olefin and a predetermined amount of pigment allowing the body to absorb laser radiation at the predetermined wavelength, substantially prevent the passage of radiation through the predetermined wall thickness, and hermetically seal the aperture in the penetrable region in a predetermined time period.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 13, 2009
    Date of Patent: October 12, 2010
    Assignee: Medical Instill Technologies, Inc.
    Inventor: Daniel Py
  • Patent number: 7795036
    Abstract: A method for obtaining the contents of a fluid-holding vessel having a cap secured to an open end thereof. The method includes penetrating a surface of the cap with a fluid transfer device and forming one or more air passageways between the penetrated surface of the cap and the fluid transfer device to allow air to be vented from the vessel. At least a portion of the contents of the vessel is then drawn into the fluid transfer device before the fluid transfer device is removed from the vessel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 18, 2007
    Date of Patent: September 14, 2010
    Assignee: Gen-Probe Incorporated
    Inventors: Shirley J. Johnson, Bruce W. Anderson, Mordi I. Iheme, Kathleen A. Dickey, Daniel L. Kacian, Nick M. Carter
  • Patent number: 7785299
    Abstract: A vascular access device for communicating with the vascular system of a patient may include a status indicator. The status indicator may detect and signal that a period of time has elapsed in relation to the use of the vascular access device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 7, 2007
    Date of Patent: August 31, 2010
    Assignee: Becton, Dickinson and Company
    Inventors: Mark A. Crawford, Austin Jason McKinnon, Marty L. Stout, Weston F. Harding, Glade H. Howell, Kelly D. Christensen
  • Publication number: 20100206834
    Abstract: The disclosed invention relates to a reaction bottle comprising a container with a container opening and a container interior, a septum associated with the container and configured to releasably seal the container opening, a needle holder associated with the container, the needle holder defining a holder cavity, a needle associated with the needle holder, the needle disposed at least partially within the holder cavity, wherein the septum is deformable between a sealing rest state and a punctured state, and the septum is deformable into puncturable impingement with an end of the needle when the septum is in the punctured state.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 11, 2008
    Publication date: August 19, 2010
    Applicant: Q LABTECH LLC
    Inventor: Weimin Qian
  • Publication number: 20100176080
    Abstract: A closure (2) for closing an opening of a container (1) for storing and removing sterile or moisture-sensitive media has a closure cap (3), which can be connected to the container in a fluid-tight manner, and a piercable, self-closing septum (20), which closes at least one removal opening (7) in the closure cap (3) in a fluid-tight manner, wherein the closure (2) has a rotatably mounted protective cap (4) with a cutout (5). The cutout (5) is arranged off-centre in the protective cap (4) and the closure cap (3) has off centre a closure region (9) which is not impinged by the at least one removal opening (7) and is larger than the cutout (5) in the protective cap (4). The closure (2) has a latching mechanism, which is suitable for arranging the protective cap (4) in relation to the closure cap (3) in such a way that the cutout (5) in the protective cap (4) is aligned either in line with the or a removal opening (7) in the closure cap (3) or at a distance from the removal opening or openings (7).
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 2, 2008
    Publication date: July 15, 2010
    Applicant: MERCK PATENT GESELLSCHAFT
    Inventors: Lothar Grunert, Andreas Mrass, Peter Mueller, Kemal Eray, Thorsten Hassenzahl, Klaus Oswald
  • Patent number: 7736712
    Abstract: A seal for a valve for use in a pharmaceutical dispensing device, which seal is formed from an elastomeric composition comprising: (a) an isobutylene polymer or co-polymer thereof; (b) a cross-linking agent for the isobutylene polymer or co-polymer thereof; and (c)) an accelerator for the cross-linking agent, wherein the accelerator includes a polysulphide compound derived from a substituted dithiocarbonic acid or derivative thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 18, 2003
    Date of Patent: June 15, 2010
    Assignee: Consort Medical PLC
    Inventors: Daljit S Ohbi, Sally Beken
  • Patent number: 7726357
    Abstract: Disclosed is a uniquely configured medicament vial assembly which includes a storage vial, a stopper member and a securing ring. The vial assembly is configured to improve healthcare worker safety by providing a shielded gripping location to aid in the reduction of accidental needle sticks. The storage vial has a body portion which defines an interior chamber for storing a predetermined medicament and a neck portion through which medicament is received into and withdrawn from the interior chamber. The stopper member is inserted into the mouth of the vial and establishes a first seal. The securing ring is engaged with the mouth of the vial and adapted and configured for retaining the stopper member within the vial mouth and effectuating a second seal. The securing ring is formed from a thermoplastic and/or elastic material. Preferably, the securing ring is formed by molding the thermoplastic and/or elastic material over a portion of the storage vial and stopper member when engaged within the vial mouth.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 31, 2007
    Date of Patent: June 1, 2010
    Assignee: Medical Instill Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Daniel Py, Norbert M. Assion
  • Patent number: 7726498
    Abstract: It is the object of the present invention to provide a sealed container which comprises a container comprising a thermoplastic resin and a stopper which is hardly slackening even when used in combination with the container, and a vacuum specimen-sampling container comprising the sealed container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 16, 2004
    Date of Patent: June 1, 2010
    Assignee: Sekisui Chemical Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Hideo Anraku, Masahiro Nakaizumi, Mitsuru Naruta
  • Patent number: 7691332
    Abstract: A cap which can form an essentially leak-proof seal with an open-ended vessel capable of receiving and holding fluid specimens or other materials for analysis. To minimize potentially contaminating contact between a fluid sample present in the vessel and humans or the environment, the present invention features a cap having a frangible seal which is penetrable by a plastic pipette tip or other fluid transfer device. The cap further includes a filter for limiting dissemination of an aerosol or bubbles once the frangible seal has been pierced. The filter is positioned between the frangible seal and a retaining structure. The retaining structure is positioned on the cap above the filter and may be used to contain the filter within the cap. The material of the retaining structure may be penetrable by a fluid transfer device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 9, 2007
    Date of Patent: April 6, 2010
    Assignee: Gen-Probe Incorporated
    Inventors: Daniel L. Kacian, Mark R. Kennedy, Nick M. Carter
  • Publication number: 20100065526
    Abstract: A perforable closure for a container, is provided with at least a annular portion (2) fit to joint the container and connected to an end portion (3), perforable by means of a perforator (P) of an outflow or the like. At least the annular (2) and end (3) portions of said closure (1) are integral.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 18, 2006
    Publication date: March 18, 2010
    Applicant: BREVETTI ANGELA S.R.L.
    Inventors: Roberto Consolaro, Angelo Consolaro
  • Patent number: 7680001
    Abstract: A cap assembly for a container that holds a perishable product. The cap assembly defines an opening through which the perishable product inside the container can be accessed. At least one obstruction plate is present within the cap assembly. Each obstruction plate is positionable between an open position, where the obstruction plate is clear of the opening, and a closed position where the obstruction plate obstructs the opening. A mechanism is provided within the cap assembly that automatically moves each obstruction plate from its open position to its closed position when the shelf life of the perishable product has expired. Optionally, the cap assembly may also include at least one condition sensor for detecting a condition harmful to the perishable product in the container. The mechanism also closes each obstruction plate if such a harmful condition is detected by the condition sensor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 19, 2007
    Date of Patent: March 16, 2010
    Inventors: Lindsay L. D'Annunzio, Anthony J. D'Annunzio, Courtney L. D'Annunzio, Russell A Shannon, John Quiter
  • Patent number: 7677270
    Abstract: A hydraulic or other type of high-pressure hose fitting can be temporarily sealed using a special type of plug. The plug is made of a rubber like material and can be used both as a male plug or a female plug. The plug contains a plug body with a tapered end portion that can be pushed into and seal against the tapered seat of a female hydraulic fitting. The plug also contains an internal open ended bore that can be pushed over a male fitting with the threads of the male fitting tightly pressing into the rubber material to form a seal and minimize the plug being blown off the fitting.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 19, 2006
    Date of Patent: March 16, 2010
    Inventor: Jody Horan
  • Publication number: 20100051575
    Abstract: The disclosure is directed to a sealing assembly. The sealing assembly includes a cap having a top surface and a bottom surface, an adhesive layer adjacent the bottom surface of the cap, and a septum adjacent to the adhesive layer. The adhesive layer includes a self-bonding silicone composition and the septum includes at least one fluoropolymer layer. The disclosure is further directed to methods for making the aforementioned sealing assembly.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 29, 2008
    Publication date: March 4, 2010
    Applicant: SAINT-GOBAIN PERFORMANCE PLASTICS CORPORATION
    Inventors: Duan Li Ou, Scott R. Johnson, Charles D. Klann, Leland E. Moll
  • Patent number: 7632260
    Abstract: According to the inventive method, a first element (22) of the assembly which is formed by the base (8) and the cap (22) of the device, is produced from a harder material than the second element (8) of said assembly (8, 22), the first element (22) is provided with at least one peripheral edge (30) for tightly penetrating an area facing the second element and the/each edge (30) of the first element (8) is/are covered with a lubricating agent which is suitable for forming a lubricating film (26) once the covering process is complete. Said film remains in place on the sealed edge(s), during the relative displacement of the cap (22) and the base (8), as well as when the cap (22) and base (8) are immobile in relation to each other. This film ensures that the cap can be fairly easily disassembled from the base.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 6, 2000
    Date of Patent: December 15, 2009
    Assignee: Biodome
    Inventor: Aneas Antoine
  • Patent number: 7611502
    Abstract: A connector for use in connecting a container of liquid nutrients to an enteral feeding tube to supply the liquid nutrients to a patient includes an integrally formed spike projecting into a cavity defined by an interior surface of a body of the connector. An air passage in communication with the cavity extends through the spike to outside the connector. A filter is secured to the end of the passage outside the connector. The body of the connector is free of structure that both defines any portion of the liquid passage and is formed for penetrating the puncturable seal of the container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 20, 2005
    Date of Patent: November 3, 2009
    Assignee: Covidien AG
    Inventor: Paul J. Daly
  • Patent number: 7604138
    Abstract: A closure device (10) for a container (12) includes a filling device (14) that can be attached to an opening (16) of the container (12) A closure structure such as a membrane (18), a system (34), or a duckbill closure (54, 84) is attached to the filling device (14) in such a way that the opening (16) of the container (12) is sealed when the filling device (14) is attached to the opening (16). The closure structure is coated at least partially with polytetrafluoroethylene (22, 38, 60, 94) on one side (20, 40, 58, 90) that is accessible from outside the container (12) in the assembled state of the filling device (14) on the container (12).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 3, 2004
    Date of Patent: October 20, 2009
    Assignee: Koninklijke Philips Electronics N.V.
    Inventors: Jens-Peter Seher, Christopher Sprague Boit
  • Publication number: 20090257922
    Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a septum, e.g., for a sample container. A septum may comprise a first layer comprising a sheet of rubberized silicone compound and a second layer comprising a sheet of polytetrafluoroethylene. A second layer may be bonded to a first layer. The present disclosure also relates, in some embodiments, to a septum assembly. A septum assembly may comprise, for example, a septum and a cap. A cap may have an aperture (e.g., to permit insertion and/removal of a sampling device) A septum may be fitted into a cap such that the second layer is adjacent to the aperture. In some embodiments, the present disclosure further relates to a storage assembly. A storage assembly may comprise, for example, a septum assembly and vessel configured and arranged to contain a sample therein. A vessel may be capped by the septum assembly.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 15, 2009
    Publication date: October 15, 2009
    Inventor: Tony Baker
  • Publication number: 20090229702
    Abstract: A device and method are provided for needle penetrating and filling a chamber with a predetermined substance, and laser resealing a resulting needle hole in the device. A needle penetrable and laser resealable portion of the device is pierceable with a needle to form a needle aperture therethrough to fill the chamber through the needle, and is laser resealable to hermetically seal the needle aperture by applying laser radiation at a predetermined wavelength and power thereto. The needle penetrable and laser resealable portion defines a predetermined wall thickness in an axial direction thereof, and includes a thermoplastic that substantially prevents the formation of particles released into the chamber from the needle penetrable and laser resealable portion during penetration by and withdrawal of the needle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 10, 2009
    Publication date: September 17, 2009
    Inventor: Daniel Py
  • Publication number: 20090166311
    Abstract: A pharmaceutical closure is made from rubber or thermoplastic elastomer and has an amount of TiO2 present in the closure. The closure has a marking made by laser thereon. A method for manufacturing the closure consists of producing a rubber sheet, forming a plurality of closures on the rubber sheet, with the closures remaining integrally connected with each other through remaining sheet parts, marking each of the closures with a laser marking, and separating the closures from each other by punching.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 27, 2007
    Publication date: July 2, 2009
    Inventor: Albert Louis Victor Jozef Claessens
  • Publication number: 20090139953
    Abstract: A container comprising a container body defining a storage chamber for receiving a substance and a container closure removably attached to the container body for sealing the storage chamber. The container closure includes a base defining an aperture in fluid communication with the storage chamber, and a needle penetrable and thermally resealable stopper overlying the aperture for aseptically filling the storage chamber with the substance and sealing the substance within the storage chamber with respect to the ambient atmosphere. A sealing portion engages the container body prior to filling and forms a substantially dry hermetic seal between the container closure and container body. The container further comprises an over closure engageable with the container closure such that removal or movement of the over closure from a first position to a second position results in substantially simultaneous removal of the container closure and stopper to allow dispensing of the substance.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 20, 2008
    Publication date: June 4, 2009
    Inventor: Daniel Py
  • Publication number: 20090134114
    Abstract: A closure system for a vial comprising: an elastic closure part to engage the mouth opening, a clamp part to hold the closure part in a closing relationship with the mouth opening, the clamp part defining an upper aperture through which a region of the upper surface of the closure part is exposed when the clamp part is engaged with the vial, a cover part to engage the clamp part to cover the exposed region, the cover part engaging with the closure part to provide two or more concentric ring-shaped seals, at least part of the cover part being removable from the vial to allow access to the closure.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 15, 2006
    Publication date: May 28, 2009
    Inventor: Jacques Thilly
  • Publication number: 20090107948
    Abstract: A cap and bottle device is provided that includes a cap, a septum, and a container that individually and collectively improves the capacity of the assembly to securely contain substances. The cap includes internal threads that mate external threads of the container containing the substance. The cap further includes flexible teeth for engaging rigid lugs that are molded into the finish on the neck of the container. The septum sealably fits between the cap and within an opening of the container to provide barrier between the contained substance and the surrounding environment.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 24, 2007
    Publication date: April 30, 2009
    Applicant: SIGMA ALDRICH COMPANY
    Inventors: Larry Brand, Erik Lomas, Robert S. Ricci
  • Publication number: 20090065465
    Abstract: A reaction bottle comprising: a container, with a container top and a container interior; a bottle cap removeably attachable to the container top, the bottle cap having a cap top and a cap cavity; a septa attached to the bottle cap and configured to releasably seal the container when the bottle cap is attached to the container top; a needle holder attached to the cap top; a hollow needle attached to the needle holder and located in the cap cavity; a needle conduit in fluid communication with the hollow needle; wherein the septa is configured to deform from an at rest state into a punctured state when pressure within the container interior reaches a first threshold value and the septa deforms into the cavity and is punctured by the hollow needle, and the septa is further configured to return to the at rest state when the pressure within the container reaches a second threshold value and the septa reseals upon being no longer punctured by the hollow needle.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 12, 2007
    Publication date: March 12, 2009
    Inventor: Weimin Qian
  • Publication number: 20090057258
    Abstract: Device (24) for transferring a fluid (22) to and/or from a fluid container (12) having a sealing member (14). The device (24) comprises a piercing member (16) for penetrating the sealing member (14) and an elongated body defining a longitudinal flow channel (18) through which a fluid (22) may flow into and/or out of the fluid container (12) and at least one opening (20) that communicates with the flow channel (18). Said at least one opening (20) is arranged to extend along at least 1% of the length (l) of the piercing member (16) to ensure that at least part of said at least one opening (20) is located substantially adjacent to the innermost side (14b) of a sealing member (14) when the device is in use.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 30, 2007
    Publication date: March 5, 2009
    Inventor: Hakan Tornqvist
  • Publication number: 20090057259
    Abstract: A system includes a cap having an opening, and a septum configured to engage with the cap. The septum includes a first portion having a first width, and a second portion having a second width smaller than the first width. The second portion is sized and shaped to be received by the opening of the cap.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 31, 2007
    Publication date: March 5, 2009
    Inventors: Scott R. Johnson, Daniel Salvatore Montuori
  • Publication number: 20090054865
    Abstract: The invention relates to a closing cap for containers that are filled with medical liquids. The closing cap includes removal and injection sites. The removal site has a first opening for removing the medical liquid and is obturated by a first pierceable self-sealing membrane. The injection site includes a second opening for injecting an additive and is obturated by a second pierceable self-sealing membrane. The first and second membranes are configured differently.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 12, 2005
    Publication date: February 26, 2009
    Inventors: Torsten Brandenburger, Ismael Rahimy, Gerald Wegner
  • Patent number: 7490639
    Abstract: A device defining a chamber for receiving a substance and a thermoplastic portion in fluid communication with the chamber is provided along with a method of filling and sealing the substance within the chamber. The thermoplastic portion defines a penetrable region that is penetrable by a filling member and is heat resealable to hermetically seal an aperture therein by applying laser radiation at a predetermined wavelength and power. The thermoplastic portion comprises a thermoplastic body defining a predetermined wall thickness and includes a styrene block copolymer, an olefin and a predetermined amount of pigment allowing the body to absorb laser radiation at the predetermined wavelength, substantially prevent the passage of radiation through the predetermined wall thickness, and hermetically seal the aperture in the penetrable region in a predetermined time period.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 3, 2007
    Date of Patent: February 17, 2009
    Assignee: Medical Instill Technologies, Inc.
    Inventor: Daniel Py
  • Patent number: 7488311
    Abstract: A port closure system for use with a fluid container having fluid ports includes administrative and additive port closure assemblies. The administrative assembly receives a piercing pin and includes an administrative housing which seals closed one fluid port. A sleeve extends from an interior surface past a base surface in the administrative housing. The sleeve has an upper portion and a lower portion, of differing diameters. A cap assembly mates with the administrative housing, sealing the interior surface of the administrative housing. A removable cap provides access to the interior surface. The additive assembly receives a needle and includes a reseal housing which seals closed another fluid port. Another cap assembly mates with the reseal housing, sealing an interior face of the reseal housing. Another removable cap provides access to the interior face. A reseal element is mechanically retained between the reseal housing and cap assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 23, 2004
    Date of Patent: February 10, 2009
    Assignee: Hospira, Inc.
    Inventors: John Domkowski, Richard E. Burg, Glenn A. Caspary, Marc M. Daniels, Mark I. Ostler, Joseph Pasini, Stanley F. Pytel, John Sergot
  • Publication number: 20090008354
    Abstract: A hermetically sealed thermoplastic container is equipped with a unitary closure that includes a draining spike access aperture occluded by a removable, twist-off cap and an internal draining spike stabilizer situated in the neck portion of the container.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 5, 2007
    Publication date: January 8, 2009
    Inventors: Gerhard H. Weiler, Kathleen E. Kurek
  • Publication number: 20080277370
    Abstract: A seal member for a bulk liquid dispensing cartridge includes a flat circular seal disk, a frustoconical wall extending away and outwardly from an intermediate portion of the seal disk, and a ring positioned at an open end of the frustoconical wall. The seal member may be assembled with a cap. The cap has an end wall and a depending cylindrical skirt wall. The skirt wall has an internal diameter and the seal member ring has an outer diameter slightly less than the skirt wall internal diameter. The ring abuts an interior surface of the cap end wall. The cap has a central opening through the end wall with a diameter no larger than an inner diameter of the ring. The dispensing cartridge has a cylindrical mouth wall with inner and outer diameters. The cap skirt wall has an internal diameter sized to receive the mouth wall outer diameter and the diameter of the seal disk is larger than the mouth wall inner diameter.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 7, 2007
    Publication date: November 13, 2008
    Applicant: WHIRLPOOL CORPORATION
    Inventor: DOUGLAS LYNN MIKKELSEN
  • Publication number: 20080262466
    Abstract: Storage containers for storing fluids are generally discussed herein with particular discussions on storage containers having a rubber septum for port access. Aspects of the present invention further include provisions for a gasket to displace an internal space between a cap and a nozzle of a storage container to minimize or eliminate seepage into the same space.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 17, 2008
    Publication date: October 23, 2008
    Inventors: Steve Smith, Joachim Beine
  • Publication number: 20080251489
    Abstract: A pierceable cap may be used for containing sample specimens during storage and transport. The pierceable cap may prevent unwanted escape of sample specimen before transfer with a transfer device. The pierceable cap may fit over a vessel. An access port in the pierceable cap may allow passage of a tip of a transfer device though the pierceable cap. A frangible layer may be disposed across the access port. One or more extensions proximate to the frangible layer may be coupled to the pierceable cap by coupling regions or other similar devices. The one or more extension may rotate around the one or more coupling regions during insertion of the transfer device. The movement of the one or more extensions may pierce the frangible layer to create airways and allow air to escape from a vessel at a reduced velocity.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 16, 2007
    Publication date: October 16, 2008
    Inventors: Dwight Livingston, Dustin Diemert, Ammon David Lentz
  • Patent number: 7426998
    Abstract: A molding die assembly includes an upper die and a lower die, wherein at least one of the upper and lower dies is provided with a cavity corresponding to the shape of a rubber member to be molded, wherein at least one of the upper and lower dies is provided with an annular projection around a cavity. The distance between the upper and lower dies at the annular projection is made smaller than the distance between the opposed surface portions, other than the cavity, of the upper and lower dies. A rubber member produced by the above mentioned molding die assembly is also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 18, 2001
    Date of Patent: September 23, 2008
    Assignee: Daikyo Seiko, Ltd.
    Inventors: Masamichi Sudo, Morihiro Sudo, Kouichi Asai
  • Publication number: 20080216312
    Abstract: A plug insertion device for inserting a plug into a container. The device includes sides defining an opening therebetween. The opening receives a plurality of containers having openings at the upper end thereof. A platen having a plurality of insertion pins is pivoted over the sides. A sheet of plugs is positioned over the openings in the containers. The insertion pins engage the plugs and insert them into the containers upon application of a force to the platen. A return spring returns the insertion pins to their retracted position allowing for the removal of the plugged containers.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 10, 2008
    Publication date: September 11, 2008
    Inventors: Lendell J. Williams, Mark L. Bannan
  • Publication number: 20080119820
    Abstract: The present invention provides methods for reducing pain in a subject in need of such pain reduction by delivering, e.g., intrathecally or epidurally, a volatile anesthetic such as a halogenated ether compound in an amount effective to reduce pain. Chronic or acute pain may be treated, or the anesthetic may be delivered to the subject to anesthetize the subject prior to a surgery. In certain embodiments, isoflurane, halothane, enflurane, sevoflurane, desflurane, methoxyflurane, xenon, and mixtures thereof may be used. Dosing regimens including a one-time administration, continuous and/or periodic administration are contemplated.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 20, 2007
    Publication date: May 22, 2008
    Inventors: Phillip C. Phan, Allen W. Burion
  • Publication number: 20080110846
    Abstract: A plastic cap having multiple wedge-shaped sections that are structurally interrelated to a closed side wall and adapted to be moveably engaged by a fluid transfer device penetrating the cap. A seal fixed to the cap covers the wedge-shaped sections.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 30, 2007
    Publication date: May 15, 2008
    Applicant: GEN-PROBE INCORPORATED
    Inventors: Bruce W. Anderson, Nick M. Carter, Mordi I. Iheme, Shirley J. Johnson, Daniel L. Kacian, James P. Light, Gus G. Tseo
  • Publication number: 20080000870
    Abstract: A stopper for flasks for pharmaceutical products, characterized in that it comprises, in combination: a plug with resilient means for adjustment to the inner face of the neck and of the mouth of the container and an upper stoppering wall; means for defining a position for pre-stoppering of the flask, before the stoppered position; a protector joined to the plug which comprises a lateral wall of synthetic material, said lateral wall having a projection for engagement with an annular protuberance located on the mouth of the container; the aforesaid protector having an extension which, when the stopper is in its pre-stoppered position, creates a labyrinth closure with respect to the particles which might be present in the surroundings in which the container is being handled.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 7, 2007
    Publication date: January 3, 2008
    Applicant: GRIFOLS, S.A.
    Inventors: Diego Lopez Alvarez, Sergi Roura Adell, Jose Ramon Sanchez Sabate
  • Patent number: 7309469
    Abstract: A collection device comprising an open-ended vessel for receiving and holding a fluid substance and a cap configured to position a specimen retrieval device along an inner surface of the vessel when the cap is fixedly associated the vessel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 17, 2003
    Date of Patent: December 18, 2007
    Assignee: Gen-Probe Incorporated
    Inventors: Bruce W. Anderson, Nick M. Carter, Mordi I. Iheme, Daniel L. Kacian
  • Publication number: 20070284330
    Abstract: A two-piece seal vial assembly. The first piece is a vial defining an aperture adapted to contain a liquid. The vial has a base, a crown disposed opposite the base, and an upright side wall extending from the base to the crown and including a tapered inner diameter and a flange located proximate the crown. The second piece is a seal top defining an opening that runs through the length of the seal top. The seal top has a top portion providing a neck finish and, when the seal top and the vial are assembled, a snap groove releasably receiving the flange of the vial and a tapered portion that frictionally engages the tapered inner diameter of the vial. Although not one of the two main components of the assembly, a cap may be included to releasably engage the neck finish of the seal top to close the seal top.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 7, 2006
    Publication date: December 13, 2007
    Inventor: James G. Finneran
  • Patent number: 7297216
    Abstract: A method of fusing a component to a sterilized storage or delivery device formed of a cyclic olefin polymer which includes forming the storage or delivery device from a cyclic olefin polymer, forming a second member or component having at least a surface layer formed of the second polymer, wherein the Hansen relative energy distance Ra/Ro of the second polymer relative to the cyclic olefin polymer is equal to or less than 0.7, applying the second member to the storage or delivery device, and heating the assembly to the sterilization temperature, thereby causing the second polymer to chemically interact with the cyclic olefin polymer, fusing the second component to the storage or delivery device. The preferred embodiment of the invention is a medical container, such as a vial, wherein the vial is formed of a cyclic olefin polymer and the cap, closure or collar is formed of a second polymer heat fused to the vial or container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 12, 2003
    Date of Patent: November 20, 2007
    Assignee: Becton, Dickinson and Company
    Inventors: Kevin George Hetzler, Thea Lubrecht, Roger William Groskopf
  • Patent number: 7294308
    Abstract: A cap which can form an essentially leak-proof seal with an open-ended vessel capable of receiving and holding fluid specimens or other materials for analysis. To minimize potentially contaminating contact between a fluid sample present in the vessel and humans or the environment, the cap has a frangible seal which is penetrable by a plastic pipette tip or other fluid transfer device. The cap further includes a filter for limiting dissemination of an aerosol or bubbles once the frangible seal has been pierced. The filter is positioned between the frangible seal and a retainer. The retainer is positioned on the cap above the filter and may be used to contain the filter within the cap. The material of the retainer may be penetrable by a fluid transfer device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 29, 2004
    Date of Patent: November 13, 2007
    Assignee: Gen-Probe Incorporated
    Inventors: Daniel L. Kacian, Mark R. Kennedy, Nick M. Carter
  • Patent number: 7276383
    Abstract: A method for obtaining the contents of a fluid-holding vessel having a cap secured to an open end thereof. The method includes penetrating a surface of the cap with a fluid transfer device and forming one or more air passageways between the penetrated surface of the cap and the fluid transfer device to allow air to be vented from the vessel. At least a portion of the contents of the vessel is then drawn into the fluid transfer device before the fluid transfer device is removed from the vessel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 18, 2003
    Date of Patent: October 2, 2007
    Assignee: Gen-Probe Incorporated
    Inventors: Mordi I. Iheme, Daniel L. Kacian, Mark R. Kennedy
  • Patent number: 7243689
    Abstract: A device and method are provided for needle penetrating and filling a chamber with a predetermined substance, and laser resealing a resulting needle hole in the device. A needle penetrable and laser resealable portion of the device is pierceable with a needle to form a needle aperture therethrough to fill the chamber through the needle, and is laser resealable to hermetically seal the needle aperture by applying laser radiation at a predetermined wavelength and power thereto. The needle penetrable and laser resealable portion defines a predetermined wall thickness in an axial direction thereof, and includes a thermoplastic that substantially prevents the formation of particles released into the chamber from the needle penetrable and laser resealable portion during penetration by and withdrawal of the needle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 21, 2006
    Date of Patent: July 17, 2007
    Assignee: Medical Instill Technologies, Inc.
    Inventor: Daniel Py
  • Patent number: 7198685
    Abstract: A method of fusing a component to a sterilized storage or delivery device formed of a cyclic olefin polymer which includes forming the storage or delivery device from a cyclic olefin polymer, forming a second member or component having at least a surface layer formed of the second polymer, wherein the Hansen relative energy distance Ra/Ro of the second polymer relative to the cyclic olefin polymer is equal to or less than 0.7, applying the second member to the storage or delivery device, and heating the assembly to the sterilization temperature, thereby causing the second polymer to chemically interact with the cyclic olefin polymer, fusing the second component to the storage or delivery device. The preferred embodiment of the invention is a medical container, such as a vial, wherein the vial is formed of a cyclic olefin polymer and the cap, closure or collar is formed of a second polymer heat fused to the vial or container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 12, 2003
    Date of Patent: April 3, 2007
    Assignee: Becton, Dickinson and Company
    Inventors: Kevin George Hetzler, Thea Lubrecht, Roger William Groskopf
  • Patent number: 7198757
    Abstract: Protected stopper for test-tubes, including a substantially cylindrically extending elastomer inner body arrangeable to close a test-tube including a sealing portion formed to be inserted inside the mouth of the test-tube and a collar piece connected above the sealing portion and projecting radially with respect to the latter to receive, in bearing contact therewith, the mouth of said test-tube. The stopper includes a substantially cylindrical cover, closed at the top and mounted to cover the inner body. An engaging mechanism for simultaneously securing the inner body to the cover and the stopper to the test-tube are included, consisting of a plurality of projections extending on the inside of the side wall of the cover, coming into contact with the outer wall of the test-tube and spaced from the closing wall of the cover to form a contact step capable of constraining the projecting collar piece of the inner body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 17, 2003
    Date of Patent: April 3, 2007
    Assignee: Vacutest Kima S.r.l.
    Inventor: Ulisse Chiarin
  • Patent number: 7188734
    Abstract: A separating mechanism for inserting in a receptacle chamber of a container receptacle having a longitudinal axis comprises two adjacently disposed components and a sealing device which is directed towards an internal wall of the container receptacle. The components have two ends spaced apart from one another in the direction of the longitudinal axis, and a flow passage extends therebetween. The components can be applied against the internal wall by at least one pressing element and, in an initial position, the flow passage is established between the adjacently disposed components spaced apart from one another by the pressing element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 28, 2002
    Date of Patent: March 13, 2007
    Assignee: Greiner Bio-One GmbH
    Inventor: Franz Konrad
  • Patent number: 7163114
    Abstract: A plug body for chemical container capable of preventing the contact thereof with chemical and preventing ruptured film from falling into the chemical, comprising a valve (1) having an insert hole (3) formed at the center thereof, a cover (2) for holding the valve (1) by covering at least the upper peripheral edge of the valve (1), and a locking means for locking an insert body to the cover (2) by using the edge part of the cover (2) having a fitting hole formed therein when the insert body is inserted into the insert hole (3), wherein the rear surface peripheral part of the valve (1) is held by a pedestal part (5), and a film (4) covering the rear surface of the valve is disposed on the upper surface of the pedestal part (5).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 8, 2005
    Date of Patent: January 16, 2007
    Assignee: JMS Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Tadashi Okiyama
  • Patent number: 7144739
    Abstract: A pressure-sealing, pressure-monitoring closure for non-invasively sealing a reaction vessel to a defined release pressure in microwave-assisted chemistry is disclosed. The closure includes a pressure-resistant, microwave-transparent reaction vessel, one portion of which defines a mouth, a flexible pressure-transmitting releasable cover assembly on the mouth of the vessel, a pressure transducer on the cover and external to the vessel for monitoring the pressure in the vessel as exerted against the flexible cover, and a clamp for urging the vessel, the cover and the transducer together under a defined force so that when the pressure in the vessel exceeds the defined force, the cover can flex and release the pressure from the vessel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 26, 2002
    Date of Patent: December 5, 2006
    Assignee: CEM Corporation
    Inventor: William E. Jennings
  • Patent number: 7128228
    Abstract: A closure means adapted to fit into the neck or mouth of a container, said closure means comprising a plug of resilient material said plug incorporating a slit which extends through the body of the plug characterized that, in a resting configuration and prior to insertion of the closure means into a container, the breadth of the slit is non-uniform along the length of the slit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 6, 2001
    Date of Patent: October 31, 2006
    Assignee: Advanced Biotechnologies Limited
    Inventor: Peter Anthony Collins
  • Patent number: 7100646
    Abstract: Disclosed is a uniquely configured medicament vial assembly which includes a storage vial, a stopper member and a securing ring. The vial assembly is configured to improve healthcare worker safety by providing a shielded gripping location to aid in the reduction of accidental needle sticks. The storage vial has a body portion which defines an interior chamber for storing a predetermined medicament and a neck portion through which medicament is received into and withdrawn from the interior chamber. The stopper member is inserted into the mouth of the vial and establishes a first seal. The securing ring is engaged with the mouth of the vial and adapted and configured for retaining the stopper member within the vial mouth and effectuating a second seal. The securing ring is formed from a thermoplastic and/or elastic material. Preferably, the securing ring is formed by molding the thermoplastic and/or elastic material over a portion of the storage vial and stopper member when engaged within the vial mouth.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 3, 2003
    Date of Patent: September 5, 2006
    Assignee: Medical Instill Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Daniel Py, Norbert M. Assion