Abstract: A lid is disclosed having a pressure compensation device comprising a gas permeable, liquid impermeable membrane and a surge protection element comprising a gas permeable material which serves to break the surge pressure exerted on the membrane by the container contents. The lid is designed as an injection molded plastic part with the membrane being integrated in an upper cover portion of the lid by injection molding.

Abstract: A flash sterilization container (10) comprises a pan (12) forming the bottom of the container holding a tray (14), with a cover (16) forming the top of the container, and a filter element (20). The filter (20) covers an opening in the cover (16) so that the inside of the container (10) formed when the cover is removably sealed to the pan (12) can communicate with the atmosphere surrounding the sealed container allowing steam to enter and exit the container passing through the filter (20). Items to be sterilized are placed on the tray (14) and the cover (16) is attached and sealed to the pan (12). The sealed container in then placed in an autoclave or other source of pressurized steam. The filter (20) allows the steam to enter the interior of the container and sterilize any items contained therein. After sterilization, the container (10) is removed from the autoclave and any remaining steam escapes from the interior of the container through the filter (20).

Abstract: A vented closure is provided in which a PTFE membrane layer comprises a vent for releasing accumulated gas pressure. The membrane is carried on a structural support which may vary from a fabric type backing to a porous plastic stem, the support permitting a variety of improved vent architecture to be utilized including vents with reduced material requirements, improved geometry, and better handling characteristics.

Abstract: A cap assembly for use with a centrifuge container includes a stopper (plug) member to provide a fluid-tight seal of an open end of the container. The stopper member includes a channel therethrough. A lid receives the combination of a stopper fitted into the open end of the container. Depending portions on the underside of the lid press upon the stopper to ensure a reliable seal of the container. In addition, the depending portions are adapted to close off an opening of the channel when the lid and stopper are assembled. Removal of the lid opens the channel allowing air to flow into the container, and in this way any vacuum that develops in the container during a centrifugation run is released by such action.

Abstract: A container having a closure comprising a closure wall having a puncturable region in communication with the interior of the vessel, and having on an inwardly facing region of the closure wall a desiccant material separated from the interior of the vessel by a semi-permeable membrane which permits transmission of water vapor therethrough but is substantially impermeable to liquid water.

Abstract: A multiwell tissue culture assembly for culturing cells comprising a plate and a lid. The plate includes a plurality of wells for accommodating a cell culture insert and the lid includes means for varying the gas diffusion into and out of the assembly and for substantially minimizing biological contamination of the cells being cultured in the cell culture insert. The means for varying the gas diffusion is a gas permeable membrane provided in an opening in the lid and a removable thin impermeable film label is provided for selectively occluding passage of gases through the gas permeable membrane.

Abstract: A closure member for use in closing vials that are subjected to lyophilization conditions is described where the member is a resilient stopper that has a plug movable within a passageway in the stopper. The plug is movable between a first raised venting position and second downwardly engaging, sealing position whereby fluid from the vial or container is precluded from flowing through the fluid passageway in the cap. The passageway has a venting medium filter covering it which allows passage of water vapor, but not bacteria.

Abstract: A capsule for placement over bottle tops, particularly tops of bottles of wine having a flanged bottle top which defines a pouring surface surrounding an opening of the bottle closed with a cork and an exterior undercut. The capsule is constructed of a heat shrinkable material, covers the pouring surface, engages the undercut, and includes a weakened break line positioned so that the break line overlies the periphery of the bottle top flange. The capsule is transparent and includes an opaque band at its free, lower end which is dimensioned and positioned to overlie and thereby hide from view a lower end of the cork and a fill line formed by the wine in the bottle. The base of the capsule includes a hole which is about the same size as or slightly larger than the bottle opening. An opaque, preferably metallic, disk is affixed e.g.

Abstract: The present invention is drawn to an apparatus for filtering sediment from beverages, especially port and other fine wines, comprising a cork or stopper member having a central aperture; a tube disposed through said central aperture of said cork or stopper, said tube having a first end and a second end; a first filter member disposed generally around and extending from one end of said tube, forming a junction with said tube, said first filter member being of a fine mesh for straining solids and sediment; and a second filter member interposed at or about said junction of said filter member and said tube, said second filter member being of a finer mesh than the mesh of said first filter member.

Abstract: A liquid dispenser having a closing member which is provided with an outlet opening for the dispensing of a liquid containing in the dispenser. In order to prevent the outlet opening from being blocked, a disc shaped filter member is provided which comprises a plurality of holes. The individual holes are smaller in diameter than the outlet opening. The filter member can be fixed to the dispenser in the region of its outlet opening by means of the closing member. In order to provide for a simple centering of the filter member on the dispenser, the filter member comprises a tapered circular rib running along its outer edge. Moreover, the filter member is provided with a plurality of notches along its peripheral edge to form a plurality of yielding tongues.

Abstract: A dual cap lining for bi-directional venting comprising a substantially shaped, laminated or secured, fluid-impermeable, gas-permeable material bottom layer congruent with a container opening, and having an extruded and cast polyethylene material top layer which is provided with channels on the lower surface of the top layer, and the material of construction of the laminated bottom layer is gas-permeable such that the dual lining allows bi-directional gas flow therethrough, for gases which have built-up in the interior of the connected container to safely escape by venting from the interior of the container to the external ambient atmosphere through openings existing between the spiral screw threads of the cap closure and threads of the container neck, and the reverse venting to equilibrate for relatively increased external pressure, without passage of solid or liquid material from the interior of the container through the lining to the closure and to the exterior of the container.

Abstract: A cap for a storage jar or the like for hospital use in storing syringe needles preparatory to disposal, in the construction of which alternating discs of steam permeable construction material and non-needle puncturable construction material, the latter with steam passageway openings, are embodied in the cap so that the syringe needles can be steam autoclaved through the cap, moving through the steam permeable discs and the steam passageway openings of the other discs, so as to sterilize the stored syringe needles, and the steam passageway openings are held out of register or alignment with each other so as to prevent projection of any stored syringe needle out of the jar and coming into contact with a hospital employee or other individual.

Abstract: A closure for providing selective access to and for closing a cell culture vessel includes an open cylindrical first portion for attaching the closure to the cell culture vessel. The first portion includes a passageway for access to the vessel. The closure includes a second portion attached to the first portion by a hinge for closing the access passageway. The second portion additionally includes a vent which has a porous membrane covering it to prevent passage of microorganisms through the vent. The closure includes a third portion which is attached by a hinge to the second portion for closing the vent. Either the vent or the access passageway may be opened with one hand providing easy access and selective closure of the cell culture vessel.

Abstract: A link for use between a needleless syringe and a liquid medicine vial may be used equally well with both Luer lock and slip tip syringes. An adapter flange forms both an anchor for a conventional Luer lock and a receiving receptacle for a conventional slip tip syringe. The bottom end of the receiving receptacle is capped with a cylindrical sieve providing multiple fluid flow paths. The vial end of the link is formed with a pocket for collecting fluid when the vial is inverted. Two separate versions are provided, with one having a flip-top cap flush with the top of the medicine vial and the other having a twist-off top extending above the top of the vial. An outer jacket, surrounding the vial top is an optional variation on either version and provides for resealing of multiple dose vials.

Abstract: A refillable compressed gas capsule, in particular, for household uses and for compressed-gas hand-operated devices, includes a valve body pretensioned by a spring and slidably held against a valve seat by the inner pressure of the compressed-gas capsule and against the pretension towards the interior of the capsule, which body is held in a holding means inserted into an opening provided in the face side of the capsule limiting the opening path of said valve body and comprising at least one opening leading into the interior of the capsule. In order to produce such a compressed-gas capsule in a very simple manner, it is provided that the holding means and the valve seat are held at least indirectly by an inwardly directed flanged edge of the capsule.

Abstract: A closure device for fermentation test tubes or flasks (vessels) comprises a cylindrical cap which is either molded integrally with the vessel as one piece or is molded separately and is snugly fitted over the neck of the vessel, in a fashion which not only allows for free gaseous flow between the contents of the vessel and the ambient atmosphere but also facilitates easy access to the contents of the vessel without having to detach the closure from the vessel. Particular features of the cover permit manipulation with the fingers of the hand holding the vessel. Embodiments disclosed include those adapted to function selectively in aerobic or anaerobic procedures.

Abstract: A vessel and closure assembly for culturing cells wherein a gas permeable membrane is provided in the closure to allow rapid and uniform equilibration of gases between the atmosphere of the vessel and the atmosphere of the incubator. A plug is provided for occluding passage of gases through the gas permeable membrane when the vessel is removed from the controlled atmosphere of the incubator.

Abstract: An apparatus is provided for continuous and regular liberation of active constituents into domestic water supplies. The apparatus comprises a receptacle having a body portion which is impermeable to water and to the active constituent. The receptacle is provided with an aperture closed by a membrane which is permeable to water and to the active constituent. An operculum surrounds the membrane to secure the membrane to the receptacle. The active constituent is provided into the receptacle and is released through the membrane in a controlled manner over an extended period of time. Preferably, the membrane has a mean pore diameter greater than 0.05 microns.

Abstract: Over thirty years of frustrations associated with the inadequate performance of "coffee mugs" that were adapted for use as "shaving mugs" prompted my development of a true SHAVING MUG designed specifically to hold a typical shaving soap cake in a manner that is convenient to the user. A shaving mug made in accordance with this patent application will:a. Hold the soap cake secure enough to prevent dislodging during use, cleaning, or even rough handling.b. Protect the soap cake from contamination.c. Prevent soap or water residue from leaking out during storage.d. Permit the soap cake to dry quickly between use.e. Not break easily.These attributes represent significant design improvements resulting in a shaving mug designed specifically for brush type shaving lather products and clearly corrects the deficiencies of the existing mugs.

Abstract: A blanking plug is used for sealing provisionally connection openings (3) of non-installed liquid-operated units, in particular of oil-hydraulic systems (1) for motor vehicles. A section (12) of the blanking plug (10) is inserted into, and fills up, the connection opening (3). The section (12) is provided with a hollow space communicating with a closed portion of the connection opening (3). The hollow space is filled with a material tending to absorb the respective liquid, for example a tampon (17).

Abstract: A dispenser is provided for liquid nutrients used to sustain the metabolism of biological filter media used in purifying aquarium water which comprises: a rigid container having an opening therein adapted to permit the introduction of liquid nutrients into the container; means for preventing the flow out of the container through said opening of liquid nutrient introduced therein; and means for allowing the permeation to the exterior of the container of liquid nutrient introduced therein.

Abstract: A water dispenser supports a bottle having a filter neck accommodating a water filter and a fill neck closed with a cap equipped with a water refill counter. The cap can be removed from the fill neck to allow the bottle to be filled with water without removing the filter from the filter neck. The filter neck has a plurality of inwardly directed projections that are engaged by the filter to position the filter in the filter neck and prevent the filter from being pushed into the chamber of the bottle. A ring having an air bleed hole mounted on the filter neck engages the filter to retain the filter on the filter neck.

Abstract: A closure which permits the opening of a membrane seal of an enteral nutritional product container in a single-action motion while maintaining product sterility. This closure includes a general cylindrical side wall having threads along the inner surface thereof, a planar top surface having first and second upwardly extending projections. The first projection is associated with a filter means for allowing air to enter the container, while the second projection has a base which is a spikable membrane. A bottom surface having an annular raised portion is provided. The bottom surface has a downwardly projecting plow member as well abutting against gasket means positioned between the annular raised portion and the inner surface of the side wall.

Abstract: A closure containing an internalized microbial filter for use in enteral delivery set assemblies. The closure comprises a generally cylindrical side wall, a planar top surface having first and second projections, the first projection being associated with the spikable membrane while the second projection is associated with a filter and with means to limit air access to the filter. The closure also includes a bottom surface having an aperture which extends through the closure to the top surface thereof with the filter being secured to the bottom surface and extending across the opening of the aperture.

Abstract: According to the present invention, a locking means is provided for a filter cartridge and head unit. This locking means comprises a spring driven plunger, which preferably is supported by the head and comprises at least one detent, which preferably is disposed in the cartridge in the top wall upper surface thereof, whereby inadvertent disengagement of the cartridge from the head is prevented by engagement of the plunger and the detent, and whereby replacement of the cartridge is permitted by first lifting the plunger before rotating the cartridge through a requisite 90 degrees for disengagement thereof. By using the spring driven plunger and cooperating detent, the problem is avoided of a person, or a child, being able to inadvertently disengage the securing tabs from the securing tab receptacles.

Abstract: A liquor bottle capping assembly comprising a perforated member fixedly attachable to the liquor bottle in covering relationship with a threaded opening in the liquor bottle for preventing flame propagation into the liquor bottle.

Abstract: A liquor bottle capping assembly comprising a perforated member fixedly attachable to the liquor bottle in covering relationship with a threaded opening in the liquor bottle for preventing flame propagation into the liquor bottle; a penetration discouraging device operatively associated with the perforated member for discouraging and providing evidence of penetration of the perforated member as by a hypodermic needle; a sheet fixedly attached to the penetration discouraging device and tearably removably attached to the perforated member for sealing the bottle opening and for providing evidence of tampering with the capping assembly; a cap threadably attachable and detachable on the threaded opening for providing a removable and reattachable closure for the liquor bottle opening.

Abstract: A bottle closure device having a stem member with an enlarged top portion, a collar resiliently biased away from the top portion, a retainer member on the end of the stem, and an O-ring between the retainer member and the collar. When the end of the stem is placed within the mouth of a bottle, the biasing means acts to cause the retainer member to press the O-ring radially outward against the collar to form a fluid-tight seal with the mouth of the bottle.

Abstract: A dirt and bacteria tight connection between a container for chemicals and the suction pipe of a metering pump is disclosed, which may in particular be used for the treatment of drinking water. In this way it is achieved that only degerminated air may enter the interior of the container when sucking metering fluid from the container.

Abstract: This invention relates to a device for maintaining vessels substantially free of moisture. The device is a cap or stopper having a hollow section to contain a drying agent, a nonporous top member having at least one pinhole therein and a porous bottom member.

Abstract: A container for pooling plasma and the like has an integral cap. The cap includes an air vent with an inline bacterial filter. The cap also includes a fluid passage to which a length of tubing can be integrally connected to transfer fluid into the container. The transfer tubing can be sealed and severed close to the cap. The cap includes a pocket which receives the remaining sealed end portion of the tubing to protect the sealed end portion from inadvertent contact and damage during subsequent handling. The cap also includes a cover which closes the pocket to further enhance the protection of the sealed tubing end. The cover includes a plug which, when the pocket is closed, hermetically seals the vent and, thus, the entire container.

Abstract: The invention is a device and a method for preparing serum from blood. The invention is used in conjunction with the centrifugal separation of serum from blood for filtering fibrin and other particulates from the separated serum and for partitioning the serum filtrate from unfiltered blood. During the first phase of centrifugation, a detent holds the serum preparator in check within the centripedal end of a tube containing the blood while the components of blood separate by sedimentation and backflow. Once all cellular components have sedimented to the pellet, the second phase of centrifugation begins and the sedimentation of the serum preparator is initiated by a triggering centrifugal force. During sedimentation, the serum preparator forces displaced serum to pass across a filter spanning an aperture through the serum preparator. The sedimentation velocity of the device and the rate of filtration are controlled by a brake on the serum preparator.

Abstract: A vessel is disclosed which is particularly suited to the sterility testing of drugs and medical equipment. The vessel comprises a glass container with a flat bottom and a plain cylindrical wall and a molded nylon cap which fits over the open end of the container. The cap has a skirt portion including a sealing ring which forms an airtight seal around the container and a top portion having a removable filter element held in place by a clip and which permits venting of the container.

Abstract: A filter device for injectable fluids which includes a tubular member secured in sealing relation in the open end of a vial partially filled with the injectable fluid and a rupturable sealing disc sealing the tubular member and which includes a filter means within the tubular member for filtration of fluid during passage through said tubular member.

Abstract: An internally threaded dispensing closure for an externally threaded pharmaceutical container having a pour lip. The top surface of the closure defines a first opening surrounded by an upwardly extending port having a membrane therewithin. The spike of an administration set or the like may be inserted into the port to pierce the membrane. The top surface of the closure also defines a second opening having a hydrophobic filter communicating with the air above the top portion and also below the top portion. A gasket is carried by the underside of the top portion for sealing engagement with the pour lip of the container.

Abstract: A collection container 10 for sterile liquids, such as blood plasma, of a thermoplastic material having specially designed receptacles in the top for receiving the connecting tubes of a liquid transfer apparatus and for providing a permanent venting arrangement. The container comprises a bottle body 12 of clear polypropylene and a top portion 14 secured to the mouth of the body having pre-formed sleeves 34, 36, 40 depending from the interior side of the top. One of the sleeves 40 provides a venting aperture and locates a plug of venting material. The other sleeves 34, 36 receive the connecting tubes or plungers 38 of the transfer apparatus. The top portion and mouth of the bottle are provided with mating protuberances 42, 44 to facilitate joining by sonic welding.

Abstract: The invention relates generally to the art of hydroponic germinating of seeds for their sprouts. The device comprises a frusto-conical transparent jar, a cooperating screen member and a cooperating water receptacle. The jar and screen member are positioned on and above the water receptacle.

Abstract: A blood filtration unit for filtering multiple units of blood comprising means for attaching the unit to a blood reservoir, a drip chamber and a segmental filtration compartment for filtering blood.

Abstract: Method and apparatus is disclosed relating to the use of a plasma receiving assembly including a container and closure cap adapted to permit aseptic handling, storage and shipment of blood plasma. One aspect of the method is to form the plasma receiving assembly by placing a plasma receiving container within an overwrap having a gas permeable bacterial filter such that the container and overwrap may be gas sterilized followed by mechanical sealing of the container while still in the overwrap. The method further provides for use of the overwrap to lessen the chances of contamination during handling and transfer of the blood plasma including the steps of forming the container in a rigid standardized cylindrical form and limiting the volume of plasma placed in each container so that the plasma may be frozen and removed automatically.