Medical Patents (Class 215/DIG3)
  • Patent number: 6145688
    Abstract: An injection molded assembly forming a sealing device for a threaded or non-threaded container using a double cap concept with pressure responsive convex sealing; also disclosed is a wiping mechanism, a one piece construction, a tamper resistant construction, a limited air exchange construction while allowing easy access to fluid contents, a sterile air venting and filter construction, a one piece tamper evident closure with a tethered container, and a frangible thether means molded with the formation of the sealing device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 16, 1997
    Date of Patent: November 14, 2000
    Inventor: James C. Smith
  • Patent number: 6095355
    Abstract: The invention relates to a tamper evident seal for container orifices of the connector type, comprising a closure part. In accordance with the invention, on its bottom side, the closure part has an annular section, whose lower rim area is sealably retained in an annular gap formed in the opening area of the orifice.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 4, 1997
    Date of Patent: August 1, 2000
    Assignee: Fresenius Medical Care Deutschland GmbH
    Inventors: Claus Jessen, Franz Kugelmann, Martin Lauer, Ismael Rahimy
  • Patent number: 6092682
    Abstract: A flanged closure insert is provided for the socket of a hermetically sealed thermoplastic container. The closure insert has an outwardly extending peripheral flange that facilitates sealing of the container. The thermoplastic material of the container may be welded to the flange for an enhanced seal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 23, 1996
    Date of Patent: July 25, 2000
    Assignee: Automatic Liquid Packaging, Inc.
    Inventor: Gerhard H. Weiler
  • Patent number: 6090093
    Abstract: A connector assembly for a vial is disclosed. The connector assembly features a protective cap, a collar attachable to the rim of the vial, and a crimp cap for securing the collar to the rim. The collar features a flexible skirt provided adjacent the proximal end of the collar that is foldable about the underside portion of the vial rim. One or more ribs are provided adjacent a distal portion of the collar to seal against the stopper obturating the vial. The crimp cap can be supplied preattached to the collar in an uncrimped condition. When crimped, the crimp cap exerts a force against the distal end of the collar and the flexible skirt folded about the rim to secure the collar to the vial.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 25, 1997
    Date of Patent: July 18, 2000
    Assignee: Becton Dickinson and Company
    Inventors: Jean Claude Thibault, Hubert Jansen, Herve Abry
  • Patent number: 6074615
    Abstract: An analyzer for performing automated assay testing. The analyzer includes a storage and conveyor system for conveying cuvettes to an incubation or processing conveyor, a storage and selection system for test sample containers, a storage and selection system for reagent containers, sample and reagent aspirating and dispensing probes, a separation system for separating bound from unbound tracer or labeled reagent, a detection system and date collection/processing system. All of the sub-units of the machine are controlled by a central processing unit to coordinate the activity of all of the subunits of the analyzer. The analyzer is specificallysuited for performing heterogeneous binding assay protocols, particularly immunoassays.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 28, 1999
    Date of Patent: June 13, 2000
    Assignee: Bayer Corporation
    Inventors: Scott C. Lewis, Mary Beth Whitesel
  • Patent number: 6068148
    Abstract: A hermetically sealed, molded thermoplastic dispensing container is provided which includes a nozzle having a resilient and unitary annular bead about the periphery thereof. The nozzle is sized to receive the hub of a dispensing assembly in a mating relationship and the bead provides a secure friction fit and liquid seal between the hub and the nozzle. The method of forming a container with a nozzle having such a bead includes the use of seal molds having a groove conforming to the shape of the bead and a vacuum passage in communication with such groove and the step of creating a vacuum through the passage and the groove to pull a portion of a parison into the groove to form the bead.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 26, 1998
    Date of Patent: May 30, 2000
    Assignee: Automatic Liquid Packaging, Inc.
    Inventor: Gerhard H. Weiler
  • Patent number: 6066374
    Abstract: A transparent, light resistant container is provided for storage of medicinal agents, such as tablets, capsules, and the like. In broad terms, the container includes a container body having self-sustaining wall structure of predetermined thickness formed from a synthetic resin composition. A quantity of a coloring agent dispersed in the resin composition. The quantity of the coloring agent is correlated with the thickness of the wall structure to permit transmission through the wall structure of no more than 10% of light having a wavelength of between about 400 nm to 450 nm while permitting transmission through the wall structure of adequate visible light to allow external visual inspection of printed characters on solid medicinal tablets and capsules stored in the container. In addition, an amount of a UV absorber is dispersed in the resin composition.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 7, 1995
    Date of Patent: May 23, 2000
    Assignee: Alphapointe Association for the Blind
    Inventors: Thomas E. Healy, Robert B. Nichols, Richard D. Knight
  • Patent number: 6056135
    Abstract: A liquid transfer device for use in combination with a container and a syringe to facilitate removal of liquid from a container by the syringe includes an obstruction member positioned in an outlet of the container. The obstruction member has a concave inner surface facing the container interior to direct liquid to a passageway in the obstruction member when the container is inverted. A seal is formed between the obstruction member and the syringe spout and the spout is positioned by the obstruction member with the distal end of the spout located either in the passageway or projecting from the passageway toward the container interior and disposed closely adjacent to the inner surface of the obstruction member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 16, 1997
    Date of Patent: May 2, 2000
    Inventor: Michael L. Widman
  • Patent number: 6045539
    Abstract: A unique external injection port cover is provided that is open at one end, closed at the other end, and includes a set of spiraling screw threads on the inside. It is designed to be screwed into place over a specially adapted external injection port having its own corresponding screw threads. The inside of the closed end of the cover includes an inwardly pointing projection. A sponge is provided inside the open end, and a shatterable plastic capsule containing a combination of antiseptic, bactericidal and virucidal agents is provided between the sponge and the projection. A flexible o-ring seal is provided on the inside of the cover near the open end.When the present invention is screwed into place over an injection port, the o-ring first creates a seal over the end of the port. As the invention is tightened down, the pressure between the projection and the breakable capsule causes the capsule to rupture thereby releasing the antiseptic agents inside to be soaked up by the sponge.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 7, 1998
    Date of Patent: April 4, 2000
    Inventor: Steve Z. Menyhay
  • Patent number: 6012596
    Abstract: An adaptor cap for a container. The adaptor cap includes a skirt constructed to engage a fluid container and to retain the adaptor cap on the fluid container. The adaptor cap further includes a dome projecting outwardly from said skirt. The dome defines an interior chamber. The dome further defines a spike port providing fluid communication between the chamber and an exterior environment of the dome, the spike port being constructed to receive and retain a hollow spike therein. The dome also defines at least one vent aperture therethrough, the vent aperture providing fluid communication between the chamber and the exterior environment of the dome. The adaptor cap further includes a microbial filter mounted on the dome across the vent aperture.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 19, 1998
    Date of Patent: January 11, 2000
    Assignee: Abbott Laboratories
    Inventors: Richard K. Oglesbee, William J. Hook, Julie L. Soltesz
  • Patent number: 6006931
    Abstract: A cap for a blood-sampling tube has a collar adapted to fit on the tube and a tubular extension extending from the cap, defining an axis and having an outer end remote from the cap. An annular wall is formed inside the cap spaced from the outer end and an annular lip projects axially backward from the outer end and has an outer surface spaced radially inward of an inner surface of the extension and an axially directed inner end. A pierceable flat membrane in the extension on the annular wall snugly engages the inner surface of the extension and has an outer face spaced axially from the inner end of the lip. The lip has an inner surface defining a cylindrical passage of a predetermined diameter and the wall has an inner edge defining a similarly dimensioned coaxial annular passage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 9, 1998
    Date of Patent: December 28, 1999
    Assignee: Sarstedt AG & Co.
    Inventor: Walter Sarstedt
  • Patent number: 6003702
    Abstract: A resealable vial featuring a fluid access device having a membrane for selectively opening or sealing a fluid passageway between the bottle and the fluid access device. The vial includes a body disposed on said bottle. The fluid access device can be configured as a spike assembly, a needle assembly, or a luer lock assembly, and features a hollowed rod in sliding, fluid-tight relation to an orifice defined by the body. A membrane, preferably formed from an elastomeric material, is secured across both the orifice and the open top of the bottle, and may be retained between the top surface of the bottle and the body. The membrane preferably includes a central area sealing the orifice from the open top of the bottle, with one or more fluid passages defined on a portion of the membrane outside of the central area.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 27, 1995
    Date of Patent: December 21, 1999
    Assignee: Becton Dickinson France, S.A.
    Inventors: Jean-Pierre Grimard, Jean-Claude Thibault
  • Patent number: 5971181
    Abstract: Universal closure assembly designed for use in various containers having a fluid port for access to the content of the container. The universal closure assembly incorporates an elastomeric membrane capable of being ruptured by an access means such as a luer connector or a syringe having a sharp or blunt cannula or a sharp or blunt spike for fluid communication between the content of the container and the access means. The elastomeric membrane reseals itself after being ruptured by an access means.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 16, 1998
    Date of Patent: October 26, 1999
    Assignee: Brocco Research USA Inc.
    Inventors: John J. Niedospial, Jr., Mark E. Gabbard, Timothy J. Gabbard
  • Patent number: 5954957
    Abstract: A cap are disclosed that can be attached to at least two of the following hydraulic fittings found on a medical device: a blood port according to DIN 13 090, part 3, comprising a male DIN nipple and surrounding female threaded collar; a male DIN nipple according to DIN 13 090, part 3; a tapered male barb nipple; and a dialysate port according to DIN 58 352, part 2. When fully attached to one of such ports, the cap serves to maintain an internal condition, such a sterility, of the medical device until time of use. A preferred embodiment of the cap comprises a female receptacle adapted to receive one of the foregoing male nipples, a male projection adapted to be inserted into the dialysate port, a manually grippable portion facilitating manual attachment and detachment of the cap, and a channel or analogous feature defined by the female receptacle for venting of the medical device through the male nipple whenever the cap is fully attached to the male nipple.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 8, 1997
    Date of Patent: September 21, 1999
    Assignee: Althin Medical, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael Leon Chin-Loy, Benjamin Fernandez
  • Patent number: 5924584
    Abstract: A closure is provided for mounting across the mouth of a container and through which liquid can be withdrawn with a fluid transfer device having a male member. The closure includes a body for being disposed on the container across the container mouth. The body defines a passage with an exterior opening for matingly receiving the male member of the fluid transfer device. A frangible seal initially extends across the passage in the body to occlude the passage. The seal is broken when it is engaged by the male member of the fluid transfer device, thereby establishing fluid communication between the fluid transfer device and the interior of the container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 28, 1997
    Date of Patent: July 20, 1999
    Assignee: Abbott Laboratories
    Inventors: Steven P. Hellstrom, Peter J. Karas, John K. Moore, John S. Norman, John C. Tanner, II, Donald Verlee
  • Patent number: 5921419
    Abstract: Universal closure assembly designed for use in various containers having a fluid port for access to the content of the container. The universal closure assembly incorporates an elastomeric membrane capable of being ruptured by an access means such as a luer connector or a syringe having a sharp or blunt cannula or a sharp or blunt spike for fluid cormunication between the content of the container and the access means.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 4, 1998
    Date of Patent: July 13, 1999
    Assignee: Bracco Research USA
    Inventors: John J. Niedospial, Jr., Mark E. Gabbard, Timothy J. Gabbard
  • Patent number: 5899349
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 2, 1997
    Date of Patent: May 4, 1999
    Assignee: Beckman Instruments, Inc.
    Inventor: Patrick Q. Moore
  • Patent number: 5895662
    Abstract: A hollowed pet treat for medicating a pet is provided including a vial constructed entirely of an edible product and defining an interior space and an open top. Next provided is a cap formed entirely of the edible product for being removably coupled to the open top of the vial for containing a predetermined medicine within the interior space.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 31, 1997
    Date of Patent: April 20, 1999
    Inventor: Martha C. Meyer
  • Patent number: 5893476
    Abstract: A closure for sealing a sample tube and a method for establishing vacuum conditions within the tube while the closure is loosely positioned on the tube are provided. The closure comprises: (a) an inner stopper portion for insertion into the tube; and (b) an outer skirt portion for enclosing the tube, the skirt portion including at least two radially inwardly directed extensions for loosely positioning the closure on the tube, the extensions defining at least two passageways therebetween for exchanging gases between the interior of the tube and the surrounding atmosphere when the extensions are positioned on the tube. Preferably, the inner stopper portion and the outer skirt portion are integrally made.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 16, 1997
    Date of Patent: April 13, 1999
    Assignee: Estar Technologies Ltd.
    Inventor: Aaron Esteron
  • Patent number: 5890610
    Abstract: A connector assembly provided for efficient flow of liquid into and/or out of a vial, such as a vial containing a lyophilized drug. The connector assembly features a collar mountable to the rim of the vial in a locked position and thereafter removable by an end-user when disposal of the device is desired. A protective cap mountable over the collar includes an annulus-type ring at its proximal end which mounts over locking structure associated with the collar. The ring is secured to the protective cap via one or more user-severable connections. As the cap is urged proximally, the ring places the collar in the locked position with the vial rim, exerting an inwardly-directed force onto the locking structure to secure the collar to the vial rim. The cap can be separated from the ring at its user-severable connections, and the device used in its ordinary matter. When disposal is desired, the ring may be urged proximally out of engagement with the locking structure of the collar.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 3, 1997
    Date of Patent: April 6, 1999
    Inventors: Hubert Jansen, Jean Claude Thibault, Bernard Sams
  • Patent number: 5881894
    Abstract: A combination bottle cap and pre-measured medicine dispenser for a medicine bottle having a threaded neck and a body a substance therein. The combination bottle cap and pre-measured medicine dispenser includes a cap for detachably sealing the threaded neck of the medicine bottle from leakage of the substance and a measuring vial interconnected with the cap for measuring a predetermined amount of substance poured out of the threaded neck from the body of the medicine bottle after the cap is removed from the threaded neck of the medicine bottle so that the substance can be dispensed therefrom. The cap includes a cone shaped cover wall having a recess extending therethrough and a skirt depending from the cone shaped cover wall for engaging and sealing the threaded neck. A stopper including a flat base for supporting the combination bottle cap and pre-measured medicine dispenser is used to close the recess extending through the cone shaped cover wall.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 27, 1997
    Date of Patent: March 16, 1999
    Inventor: Cathy Gargano
  • Patent number: 5871110
    Abstract: A resealable transfer assembly for a container such as a bottle or vial featuring a membrane for selectively opening or sealing a fluid path between the bottle and a medical delivery device introduced into the assembly. The assembly includes a body disposed on the bottle, and a luer connector hub which may be separately provided with the body or formed integrally therewith. A free plug rests in a cavity defined within the luer connector hub. The free plug includes an orifice dimensioned to accept a luer tip associated with the medical delivery device. A membrane, preferably formed from an elastomeric material, is secured across both the opposed end of the luer connector hub and the open top of the bottle, and may be retained between the top surface of the bottle and the body. The membrane preferably includes a central area sealing the opposed end of the luer connector hub from the open top of the bottle, with one or more fluid openings defined on a portion of the membrane outside of the central area.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 12, 1996
    Date of Patent: February 16, 1999
    Inventors: Jean-Pierre Grimard, Herbert Jansen
  • 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: 5820604
    Abstract: A cannula cap embodiment includes a monolithic elastomeric cap body having a sidewall portion for engaging a proximal end of a cannula, and an end portion connected to the cylindrical sidewall portion. The cannula cap also includes a monolithic flapper valve positioned within an interior of the cap body. The monolithic flapper valve includes a flapper portion, a ringed-shaped flapper mounting portion connected to adjacent interior portions of the cap body, and an integrally formed hinge portion connecting the flapper mounting portion to the flapper portion for permitting the flapper portion to move to an open position when an instrument is positioned within the instrument receiving passageway, and for biasing the flapper portion toward a closed position when an instrument is removed from the instrument receiving passageway.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 11, 1996
    Date of Patent: October 13, 1998
    Assignee: Endolap, Inc.
    Inventors: Richard Q. Fox, Larry A. Gilstrap
  • Patent number: 5803284
    Abstract: A sterile closure assembly for a container or vial includes an elastomeric closure for sealing the open top of a medicament container. The elastomeric closure features a plug for sealing the open top of the container and a top surface facing away from the open top of the container. A washer is secured in surface contact with the top surface of the closure. The washer defines an opening that delimits an access area on the top surface of the closure for access by a fluid delivery device such as a syringe. A membrane is removably secured over the washer and hermetically encloses the access area of the elastomeric closure. The sterile closure assembly can be provided pre-assembled in a sterile state to assure the sterility of the top surface of the closure, obviating the need to sterilize the top surface of the closure, such as with an alcohol solution, prior to use of the vial.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 27, 1996
    Date of Patent: September 8, 1998
    Assignee: Becton Dickinson and Company
    Inventor: Jean-Pierre Grimard
  • 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: 5785691
    Abstract: A syringe assembly has a syringe body adapted to be filled with an injectable liquid and having an annular neck defining an axis forming an axially outwardly open outlet and a needle insert fitting in and blocking the outlet and formed with an axially throughgoing passage so that a needle can be inserted axially through the passage of the insert into the body. A retaining collar engaged around the neck holds the insert in the outlet and a plug engaged in the passage fits over the retaining collar. A retaining ring fixed around the collar at the neck holds the collar on the neck and has an annular and axially outwardly directed end edge. A cup-shaped safety cap bearing axially inward on the plug has an annular and axially inwardly directed end edge confronting the retaining-ring edge and spaced axially therefrom by a gap which is bridged by a plurality of angularly spaced frangible webs unitarily formed with the ring and with the cap and extending from the cap edge to the ring edge.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 1996
    Date of Patent: July 28, 1998
    Assignee: Arzneimittel GmbH Apotheker Vetter & Co. Raversburg
    Inventors: Helmut Vetter, Thomas Otto
  • Patent number: 5775506
    Abstract: A pharmaceutical container having a body defining a chamber therein. The body includes a first end portion and a second end portion. A terminal end is included on the second end portion. A plug is positioned in the chamber defined by the body such that the plug is spaced from the terminal end. The plug and the body define a first chamber portion of the chamber between the plug and the first end portion of the body. The plug and the body define a second chamber portion of the chamber between the plug and the terminal end of the second end portion. The plug substantially fluidly seals the second chamber portion from the first chamber portion. The body is frangible at a position on the second end portion between the plug and the terminal end.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 25, 1996
    Date of Patent: July 7, 1998
    Assignee: Abbott Laboratories
    Inventor: Richard W. Grabenkort
  • Patent number: 5772652
    Abstract: A stab cap for a vial wherein an open-ended sleeve functions not only as a closure for sealing against a seal disc on the open end of a vial but also as a support for a tubular member having a depending tubular portion terminating in a sharp end portion for puncturing the seal disc to facilitate the transfer of fluid from the vial to a syringe. A flexural connection is provided between the sleeve and tubular member, the connection being integral with the tubular member and formed of the same material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 14, 1997
    Date of Patent: June 30, 1998
    Assignee: Comar, Inc.
    Inventor: Peter M. Zielinski
  • Patent number: 5762878
    Abstract: A sample container segment assembly for use in an automated, continuous, and random access analytical system is disclosed. The assembly includes a sample container which is received by a sample container segment, and the sample container segment is received on a carousel of the automated analytical instrument. The test sample container includes an upper skirt and a body having a reservoir for receipt of the test sample. The segment includes a base, a frame, and a handle. The frame has a shelf for which the upper skirt of the test sample container rests on, and has openings for receipt of the body of the sample container. The carousel has a carousel trough for receipt of the base of the sample container segment, and has a plurality of alignment pins disposed in the carousel trough. The base of the sample container segment has a circular slot and an elongated slot for receiving the alignment pins and positioning the sample container segment relative to the carousel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 9, 1996
    Date of Patent: June 9, 1998
    Assignee: Abbott Laboratories
    Inventors: Frederick L. Clark, Kendall B. Hendrick, Richard R. Martin, Larry W. Moore, William J. Raymoure, Paul R. Schrier, Edna S. Walker, Donny Ray Walker, Gary E. Winter, Kevin M. Cloonan, David A. Yost, John M. Clemens, William J. Kanewske, III, Douglas D. McDowell, Carl M. Oleksak, William D. Rumbaugh, B. Jane Smith, James A. Vaught, Apparao Tayi, Robert A. Wohlford, James E. Mitchell, Robert B. Hance, Peter A. Lagocki, Richard A. Merriam, Charles D. Pennington, Linda S. Schmidt, Adrian M. Spronk, Richard L. Vickstrom, William E. Watkins, III, Gilbert Clift, Alyn K. Stanton, David B. Hills
  • Patent number: 5755712
    Abstract: A port and cap assembly for a solution container is provided. The port includes a tubular wall having a first end and second end, the first end securable to the container and the second end being open and opposite to the first end. An annular flange extends perpendicularly outward from the cylindrical wall between the first end and the second end to define a neck portion of the cylindrical wall. A circumferential sleeve extends longitudinally downward from the annular flange. A radial lip extends generally perpendicularly inward from the sleeve. A resilient cap is also provided which includes a first portion resiliently stretched to cover the open end of the port and a second portion removably captured between the annular flange and the radial lip. The second portion of the cap after being removed from between the annular flange and the radial lip is not recapturable between the annular flange and the radial lip so as to indicate that the port has been uncovered.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 22, 1994
    Date of Patent: May 26, 1998
    Assignee: Abbott Laboratories
    Inventors: Walter T. Szempruch, Victor M. Trentadue, Stephen C. Yeaton
  • Patent number: 5718348
    Abstract: An overcap assembly for a gear finish vial having a cap constructed and arranged to contain either a stopper-type closure or a sealing disc closure. A plurality of radially inwardly extending ribs are provided in the cap to maintain the closure in the cap and to cooperate with teeth on the gear finish to prevent turning of the cap assembly when in the sealing position on the vial. A plurality of inwardly extending tabs are provided on the lower end of the cap for selectively engaging shoulders on the vial neck for holding the overcap assembly upwardly from the neck of the vial in an unsealed position during the lyophilization procedure and downwardly on the neck of the vial when in the sealed position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 12, 1996
    Date of Patent: February 17, 1998
    Assignee: Comar, Inc.
    Inventor: David A. Manera
  • Patent number: 5702019
    Abstract: A resealable assembly for a container such as a bottle or vial featuring a membrane for selectively opening or sealing a fluid path between the bottle and a medical delivery device introduced into the assembly. The assembly includes a body disposed on said bottle, and a luer connector hub which may be separately provided with the body or formed integrally therewith. The luer connector hub features a connector end open for access by the medical delivery device, and an opposed end which is disposed for fluid communication with the open top of the bottle. A membrane, preferably formed from an elastomeric material, is secured across both the opposed end of the luer connector hub and the open top of the bottle, and may be retained between the top surface of the bottle and the body. The membrane preferably includes a central area sealing the opposed end of the luer connector hub from the open top of the bottle, with one or more fluid openings defined on a portion of the membrane outside of the central area.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 27, 1995
    Date of Patent: December 30, 1997
    Assignee: Becton Dickinson France S.A.
    Inventor: Jean Pierre Grimard
  • Patent number: 5658456
    Abstract: A vessel storing a batch of chemicals for delivery into a dialysate preparation tank includes a machine readable indicator, permitting automatic identification of the contents of the vessel prior to operating the vessel and introduction of chemicals into a tank where the dialysate solution is mixed. Various types of machine-readable indicators may be used, such as, for example, "touch" memory buttons, bar codes, or magnetic strips. Suitable reading devices for the machine-readable indicators are provided for reading the contents of the bottle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 17, 1995
    Date of Patent: August 19, 1997
    Assignee: Aksys, Ltd.
    Inventors: Rodney S. Kenley, Dawn Matthews, Douglas L. Wilkerson, Dennis M. Treu, Donald C. Walker
  • Patent number: 5573525
    Abstract: A medicine bottle is formed with a neck that defines an opening and a closed bottom opposite the opening. A closure element is engaged with the neck to block the opening, and the closure element is formed with a fluid passageway. A fitting is positioned in the fluid passageway. The fitting is configured for receiving the hub of a needleless syringe, and a tube which has a proximal end is positioned in the bottle with the proximal end in fluid communication with the fitting. The tube also has a distal end disposed near the bottom of the bottle. Consequently, the syringe can be engaged with the fitting for drawing liquid from the bottle into the syringe without inverting the bottom of the bottle over the neck of the bottle, even when the bottle is nearly empty.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 13, 1995
    Date of Patent: November 12, 1996
    Inventors: Thomas L. Watson, Jaleh Shaban-Watson
  • Patent number: 5554135
    Abstract: A unique external injection port cover is provided that is open at one end, closed at the other end, and includes a set of spiraling screw threads on the inside. It is designed to be screwed into place over a specially adapted external injection port having its own corresponding screw threads. The inside of the closed end of the cover includes an inwardly pointing projection. A sponge is provided inside the open end, and a shatterable plastic capsule containing a combination of antiseptic, bactericidal and virucidal agents is provided between the sponge and the projection. A flexible O-ring seal is provided on the inside of the cover near the open end. When the present invention is screwed into place over an injection port, the O-ring first creates a seal over the end of the port. As the invention is tightened down, the pressure between the projection and the breakable capsule causes the capsule to rupture thereby releasing the antiseptic agents inside to be soaked up by the sponge.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 17, 1995
    Date of Patent: September 10, 1996
    Inventor: Steve Z. Menyhay
  • Patent number: 5549574
    Abstract: A cartridge assembly for use in a pen-type medicament injector includes a cartridge for holding a medicament suspension with an open end and an opposite capped end configured to receive a needle therethrough to permit the exit of the medicament suspension, and includes a plunger sized to be received and to seal the open end and to be telescopically movable therein, and the plunger defining a top surface and including at least one monolithic mixing vane formed therefrom and extending from the top surface and inwardly of the cartridge when the plunger is sealingly engaged with the open end.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 30, 1994
    Date of Patent: August 27, 1996
    Assignee: Eli Lilly and Company
    Inventor: Michael W. Townsend
  • Patent number: 5531341
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 13, 1995
    Date of Patent: July 2, 1996
    Inventor: Brian Shlisky
  • Patent number: 5522518
    Abstract: A closure for a tube is a two piece stopper. The inner piece extends into the tube and the outer piece engages the exterior of the tube's sidewall. The outer piece has an inwardly extending shoulder which supports a projection of the inner piece. The two pieces are held together by a C-shaped washer that rests above the inner piece and in a channel formed in the outer piece.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 4, 1993
    Date of Patent: June 4, 1996
    Assignee: C.A. Greiner & Sohne Gesellschaft m.b.H
    Inventors: Franz Konrad, Gunther Pakanecz, Manfred Lederer
  • Patent number: 5520677
    Abstract: An infusion container has a first connection for feed of a medication and a second connection for removal of the contents of the container. The first connection and the second connection are configured of one piece with a plug. The plug is inserted in a neck part of the infusion container and is connected tightly with this neck part. The two connections form two supports projecting on the outside of the plug and face away from the inside of the container. Each support incorporates a conduit passing through the plug.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 22, 1995
    Date of Patent: May 28, 1996
    Inventor: Bernd Hansen
  • Patent number: 5498253
    Abstract: An improved adaptor and protector for same which is removably sealing an opening of the adaptor located at an end of a tubular member. The adaptor has a longitudinal passageway for receiving a cannula. An upper end of the adaptor has an interior diameter defining a first end of the passageway for receiving the cannula. A lower end of the adaptor has an interior diameter defining a second end of the passageway adapted for receiving an injection site wherein the diameter of the first end is larger than the diameter at the second end. A middle portion intermediate the first end and the second end has a tapering interior diameter for directing the cannula to the injection site and further having an exterior surface with gripping surfaces. The tapering interior diameter of the middle portion of the adaptor includes guiding members to direct the cannula or other injection devices. The adaptor may also be provided with a protector removably sealing an opening located at an end of the adaptor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 23, 1993
    Date of Patent: March 12, 1996
    Assignee: Baxter International Inc.
    Inventors: Andrew D. Aswad, Dale Severs, Joyce Silvestri, Hugh M. Forman, Lecon Woo, Thomas D. Hiller, Lisa S. Walsh, Sandra Wade, Eddie Chan, Patrick Balteau, Franco Peluso, Eric Henaut
  • Patent number: 5464048
    Abstract: A liquid dispenser bottle with reservoirs for droppers comprising a bottle having cylindrical side walls with a flat circular bottom and an open cylindrical top, the top being formed with external screw threads. A dropper has a cylindrical cap with downwardly extending sidewalls with internal screw threads removably couplable with the exterior screw threads of the bottle, a squeeze ball operatively coupled to the cap thereabove, and a cylindrical tube therebelow terminating in a spherical end with an aperture at its lowermost point for receiving and dispensing liquid through the squeezing and releasing of the bulb, the lower end of the cylinder having a diameter less than fifty percent of the diameter of the open cylindrical top of the bottle to allow insertion of the tube into the bottle at a predetermined angle, the length of the tube being less than the length of the cylinder but greater than the distance to a reservoir.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 22, 1994
    Date of Patent: November 7, 1995
    Inventor: Edward Allen
  • Patent number: 5454805
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 14, 1994
    Date of Patent: October 3, 1995
    Inventor: Seth K. Brony
  • Patent number: 5433330
    Abstract: Disclosed is a stopper for use with containers to provide needleless access to the container with a cannula having a blunt penetrating tip. Also disclosed is a system comprising the stopper, container and cannula. The stopper includes a disc having an upper face and a lower face, and a plug extending from the disc into the container. Also included is a diaphragm, defined by a target region in the upper face and a cross channel in the disc for controlling the force needed to penetrate the stopper with the cannula. The plug includes a first inward surface for guiding the cannula and a second inward surface for engaging the cannula to minimize wetting of the outside of the cannula. In a preferred embodiment, the first surface extends down from the cross channel on the lower side of the disc, radially outwardly to a maximum diameter and the second inwardly facing surface extends down from the first surface radially inwardly to a minimum diameter to form the cannula seal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 23, 1994
    Date of Patent: July 18, 1995
    Assignee: The West Company, Incorporated
    Inventors: Thomas Yatsko, Jerome D. Olivas, Edward F. Vander Bush, William A. Conard, Steven C. Jepson, Thomas E. Dudar
  • Patent number: 5429256
    Abstract: Apparatus for withdrawing medicine from a vial with a needle penetrable to gasket. The apparatus snap fits on top of the vial. Inner walls of the apparatus chassis are connected at their base to the lower end of a cylindrical hollow adapter, a cylindrical hollow holds the ferrule with a sharp lance at the bottom is slidable within the hollow ferrule from a recessed position to a forward position to penetrate the vial gasket. A lance at the lower end of the ferrule penetrates the gasket only when a syringe, without a needle, is screwed on the adapter end and driving the ferrule lance through the gasket to establish flow communication with the syringe. A cap with a window for determining if the device has been used previously is provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 24, 1994
    Date of Patent: July 4, 1995
    Inventor: Alan D. Kestenbaum
  • Patent number: 5425465
    Abstract: A valved medication container for facilitating needleless transfer of medication from the container to a patient. Four embodiments of valve members are disclosed. The first embodiment employs a slidable actuator which is engaged by the nose portion of a syringe and deflected into the container through a slit elastomeric membrane. A second embodiment employs a duckbill which the nose of the syringe biases to an open position. The third embodiment uses axially opposed flapper valves which the nose of the syringe pushes open. The fourth embodiment employs a slidable actuator with a T-shaped passageway which is moved to the open position by the syringe. A vent having a one-way valve for influx of air is provided for larger containers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 3, 1993
    Date of Patent: June 20, 1995
    Inventor: Patrick M. Healy
  • Patent number: 5409125
    Abstract: A liquid containing thermoplastic unit dose container (1) which comprises a body portion (2), a neck portion (3) and an outlet opening (7) at the end of the neck portion (3) which is sealed by a non-resealable cap (4). The outside wall of the neck portion (3) comprises a thread engagement portion (8) which is located at or proximate the outermost edge of the neck portion (3) so that after removal of cap (4) thread engagement portion (8) is adapted to engage within an inwardly facing screw thread channel (14) at the end of a syringe. This enables sealing connection of the container (1) to the syringe so that liquid within container (1) may be directly transferred from the container (1) to the syringe.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 3, 1993
    Date of Patent: April 25, 1995
    Assignee: Aktiebolaget Astra
    Inventors: Michael B. Kimber, Anders T. Kers, Borje Jonsson
  • Patent number: 5385253
    Abstract: A closure for a tubular administration port is formed by inner and outer members having upper ends joined together in sealing relationship. The inner member has a sealed bottom end and is configured to fit within the administration port. The outer member is configured to engage about an exterior of the tubular port. The inner member includes radially outwardly extending ribs that engage against the interior of the administration port in an interference fit relationship.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 2, 1992
    Date of Patent: January 31, 1995
    Assignee: Baxter International Inc.
    Inventors: Michael W. Scharf, Joseph N. Veillon, Jr., Thomas Yatsko
  • Patent number: 5372997
    Abstract: It has been found that aluminum, which is considered as to cause various diseases such as dialysis dementia, bone diseases, hypochromic anemia and Alzheimer's disease, would be eluted into a conventional albumin preparation preserved in a hard glass container, which increases the aluminum concentration of the preparation. According to the present invention, it has been found that the substitution of the conventional hard glass container with a soft glass container dealkalized by, for example, treatment with sulfurous acid gas or ammonium sulfate solution for preserving an albumin preparation can make it possible to prevent the elution of aluminum from the container, thus giving a highly safe albumin preparation which can be maintained with an extremely low aluminum concentration over a long period of time.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 28, 1993
    Date of Patent: December 13, 1994
    Assignee: The Green Cross Corporation
    Inventors: Masahiro Inoue, Hirokazu Ito, Shinji Tomioka, Sadao Yabushita, Koei Ikariya, Kohichi Furuta
  • Patent number: 5364386
    Abstract: An infusion unit has a flexible container and an open-ended pipe having a first opening in communication with the container and a second opening axially opposite the first. The pipe has smaller and larger diameter portions with the smaller diameter portion located between the second opening and the larger diameter portion. An axially moveable plug is receivable within the smaller diameter portion to seal the second opening of the pipe. An axially moveable engaging member with an end for engaging the plug and a needle at the opposite end for piercing the stopper of a vial. The plug may be pushed by the engaging member from the smaller diameter section to the larger diameter section so as to permit flow through the pipe between the first and second openings to the vial and container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 5, 1993
    Date of Patent: November 15, 1994
    Assignee: Hikari Seiyaku Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Hisaji Fukuoka, Tatsuji Yoshida, Suminori Kobayashi, Toshikazu Sakurai