Abstract: The invention relates to a multipurpose container made in two pieces and having three distal and two proximal connectors arranged concentrically in one another and coaxially to one another and made differently and having a venting passage. The multipurpose container is used in gravity-assisted and pump-assisted enteral feeding and serves for the connection of transfer systems to storage containers, in particular to nutrient and balancing liquid containers having differently designed openings. The invention also relates to a set for enteral application comprising a transfer system and the multipurpose container in accordance with the invention and furthermore to the use of the multipurpose container or of the set.

Abstract: A vial adapter suitable for use in transferring fluid from a vial to a needleless syringe, the vial having a top end sealed with a septum.

Abstract: Disclosed is a fluid transfer system for transferring a substance from one vessel to another vessel while avoiding leakage of liquid and gas contaminants. The transfer system includes a needle safe design that is facilitated by a housing that shrouds a tip of a fluid transfer cannula such that the cannula tip is not exposed for inadvertent puncture. This feature may also be enhanced by use of a blunt tipped cannula. The fluid transfer system permits multiple access by enabling the easy swabbing of a septum prior to use.

Abstract: In certain embodiments, a vial adaptor for removing liquid contents from a vial comprises a piercing member and a bag. The bag can be contained within the piercing member such that the bag is introduced to the vial when the vial adaptor is coupled with the vial. In some embodiments, the bag expands within the vial as liquid is removed from the vial via the adaptor, thereby regulating pressure within the vial. In other embodiments, a vial comprises a bag for regulating pressure within the vial as liquid is removed therefrom. In some embodiments, a vial adaptor is coupled with the vial in order to remove the liquid. In some embodiments, as the liquid is removed from the vial via the adaptor, the bag expands within the vial, and in other embodiments, the bag contracts within the vial.

Abstract: A container shaped in the form of a teardrop is used interchangeably in upright and inverted orientations. The container is used in an upright orientation to allow a person to directly drink liquids. In the inverted orientation, the container is mounted at a height over the user and allows versatile and controlled administration of liquids even to bedridden patients. The controlled administration provides the advantages of precise and measured dispensation of liquids, on-site or remote monitoring of dispensation, and control of dispensation by a patient or a care-giver. This type of liquid dispensation is not as invasive as other medical treatments (e.g., intravenous treatment), and therefore can be employed both at home and at hospitals with comparable effectiveness.

Abstract: A fluid ducting assembly enables flow communication between a syringe and one of a vessel and a dispenser for dispensing a fluid contained therein. The fluid ducting assembly includes a base having first, second, and third members for connection to and providing flow communication with the syringe, the vessel and the dispenser, respectively. The fluid ducting assembly further includes a flow controller within the base enabling a flow path between the first and second members or between the first and third members. The flow controller has a first operative position in which the flow path between the first and second members is enabled or a second operative position in which the flow path between the first and third members is enabled. The flow controller is readily switchable from its first to its second operative position but not readily switchable from its second to its first operative position.

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.

Abstract: The invention concerns a connection device comprising a base (10) adapted to be mounted on a receptacle (2) and forming a sliding sleeve (15) for a piston (16) which moves or forms a hollow needle (16), an annular skirt (20) for locking the base plate (10) in snap-on configuration on the neck (4), and a cap (30) designed to isolate the plate (10) and/or the piston (16) from ambient atmosphere. The cap (30) is provided with at least one protuberance (33) designed to be engaged in the internal volume (V) of said skirt (20), said protuberance (33) extending radially relatively to a central axis (X-X?) of the cap (30) over a distance (R33) greater than the minimum distance (R25) between said central axis (X-X?) and an edge (23) of the opening (O?) providing access to the internal volume (V) of said skirt. The protuberance remains integral with the rest (31a) of the cap when the latter is removed from the device.

Abstract: A filling system for syringes utilizing short needles to be filled from a vial having a thick septum is described. The system may be useful in any situation where the septum or vial stopper of a medication container is thicker than the usable length of the needle on the delivery device. Preferably, the syringe is filled just prior to use. The short needle includes an optional limiter which only permits a certain predetermined length of the needle cannula to protrude beyond the limiter a distance which limits penetration of the needle tip into both the skin and a vial stopper. The system and adapter may be useful for needles having a protrusion distance from approximately 0.5 mm to 3 mm, or any needle with a protrusion length shorter that the thickness of a septum to be accessed. Furthermore, a device is provided with shielding capabilities to shield the needle of the device.

Abstract: A device for delivering buffer solution into a buffer cartridge comprises a needle assembly and a pusher. The septa of a buffer cartridge and an anesthetic cartridge are advanced onto a transfer needle, and the pusher advances a plunger into the buffer cartridge to deliver buffer through the transfer needle into the anesthetic cartridge. A separate exhaust needle allows excess anesthetic from the anesthetic cartridge to be exhausted. A compression member is usually provided to maintain a force against the plunger on the buffer cartridge to pressurize and stabilize the contents during sterilization and/or storage.

Abstract: A recipient has a body designed to contain a fluid and an orifice by which the fluid may be introduced into the body. The recipient is equipped with a system for the sterile transfer of the fluid from inside the body. The transfer system comprises a deformable and impervious wall, wherein the wall is positioned with respect to the recipient so that it forms a closed and sterile space inside which the orifice is located, a fluid communication device between the closed space and the outside of the recipient, wherein the device may be handled without compromising the sterility, and a seal structure associated with the orifice, wherein the seal structure is at least partially located inside the closed space so that it may be moved between an open position and a closed position of the orifice.

Abstract: Vacuum break vial assembly and method for reducing the incidence of nosocomial infections, comprising a vial stopper having a 2-part withdrawn-fluid volume compensation assembly having a barbed vent element that secures an apertured needle sheath, a bladder-retainer tube and an expandable/unfoldable bladder. The vial has an aluminum cap holding a plastic flip-off top that removes a central portion of the cap to permit access by hypodermic needle through the stopper into the needle sheath. No pre-pressurization of the vial by ambient contaminated air via the hypodermic can occur. Rather, the needle is inserted in the vial through the stopper and the medicinal fluid withdrawn. Air is inlet into the separate bladder which expands to permit withdrawal of fluid into the hypodermic without vacuum lock. No air having pathogen vectors is introduced into the vial medicinal fluid as the bladder isolates volume-compensating air from the medicinal fluid. Plural embodiments are shown.

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.

Abstract: A needleless access port is assembled from parts sealed to a flexible container, such as a container for intravenous infusion, parenteral nutrition or transfusion. The port includes a lower housing for sealing to the container, the lower housing having an upright tower for mounting an upper housing. The upper housing has at least one connector or valve and a sleeve for mounting to the tower. The sleeve includes connectors so the upper housing can be mounted in a first, upper resting position, and a second lower, active position, for adding liquid to the container or for removing liquid from the container. Even after assembly to a container, the upper housing may be removed and the lower housing may be used instead with a standard IV spike set.

Abstract: A needle assembly is disclosed, which includes a needle hub, a metal cannula and a plastic tip. The needle hub defines a fluid flow path therethrough. The metal cannula is supported on a distal end of the needle hub, where the metal cannula defines a fluid flow path into the distal end of the needle hub. The plastic tip member is connected to a distal end of the metal cannula, where the plastic tip member defines a fluid flow path into the distal end of the metal cannula. Plastic tip further includes a channel groove that runs along the length of the plastic tip to allow fluid to flow into a distal end of the metal cannula. Additionally, the plastic tip member is configured to pierce a septum of a vial.

Abstract: A device for expelling fluid from a pre-filled vial includes a hollow needle that is axially mounted on a syringe body. A guard, also mounted on the syringe body, is moveable between a first position wherein it is held to expose a distal portion of the needle and a second position wherein, after being released, it covers the distal portion. In operation, the vial is engaged in fluid communication with the needle, and it is then advanced on the syringe body. During this advancement, fluid is expelled from the vial through the needle, and the vial releases the guard for its movement from the first to the second position.

Abstract: A fluid collection apparatus is provided that includes a housing configured for receipt of fluid and/or tissue for collecting fluid therefrom. A holder is configured with the housing to receive an evacuated tube. The holder can include a needle hub supporting a needle cannula in fluid communication with a port extending into a fluid well of the housing. A sloped bottom surface of the housing directs fluid to the fluid well. A sidewall extension or support component extends downward beyond the sloped bottom surface to allow the housing to be stood upright on a flat surface. In certain embodiments, the apparatus includes a tubular cavity to provide a recessed location of the needle cannula for preventing accidental needle injuries. An optional cap provides further shielding from needle cannula and safely maintains fluid in housing after use.

Abstract: The present invention provides a container system for releasably storing a substance. The container system includes a vial having a sample storage chamber and a piercing member for piercing a membrane in the lid, which membrane seals a substance within a reservoir in the lid until the membrane is pierced by the piercing member. The container system optionally includes a funnel. There is also provided a method and kit for use of such a container system.

Abstract: A drug storage and delivery device (1) comprising a reservoir (2) containing a liquid, a vial (3) containing a dry drug, such as a lyophilized drug, means (6) for forcing the liquid from the reservoir (2) to the vial (3), via an established fluid connection, and locking means adapted to prevent the means (6) for establishing a fluid connection from re-establishing a previously disconnected fluid connection between the reservoir and the vial. Thereby the dry drug is reconstituted, and the forcing means (6) may subsequently be used for forcing reconstituted drug out of the device (1). The reservoir (2), the vial (3), the fluid connection and the forcing means (6) may form an at least substantially integral unit. This is an advantage because the number of steps needed to be performed by the user is reduced, the risk of contamination is reduced, the risk of incorrect reconstitution and dosage is reduced, and the device is easy to operate, e.g. using just one hand.

Abstract: The present invention relates to devices and methods for the filling syringes. One medical apparatus in accordance with the present invention include a body member for releasably holding syringe barrels and an actuator apparatus slidably mounted on the body member to engage syringe plungers to cause the syringe plunger to be retracted. A fluid delivery apparatus is releasably mounted to the body member. The fluid delivery apparatus has an inlet port and a plurality of outlet ports. The inlet port is in fluid communication with each of the plurality of outlet ports. One method for filling a plurality of syringes in accordance with the present invention includes the steps of mounting a plurality a syringes to a syringe holding member and connecting a fluid delivery apparatus to the syringe holding member to mate with each of the tips of the syringe barrels.

Abstract: A conversion device is provided that is effective for converting/adapting a spiked medical device/disposable to a valve/port on a container, such as for example a reflux-valve port on a container. The conversion device includes an attachment feature, at least one membrane port usually on an end opposite the attachment feature, and an intermediate structure disposed between the attachment feature and membrane port.

Abstract: Liquid drug transfer devices including a vial adapter designed for failsafe correct snap fitting on a medicinal vial for ensuring flow communication with the vial's interior. The vial adapters include at least two non-adjacent vial retention flex members for snap fitting over a vial opening for vial retention purposes and at least two non-adjacent vial guidance flex members longer than their counterpart vial retention flex members for guiding a vial adapter with respect to a vial prior to snap fitting the vial adapter thereon.

Abstract: The invention relates to a connector device for establishing fluid communication between a first and a second container. The device includes a first tube member for engaging the first container and a second tube member in fluid communication with said first tube member at a first end and having at a second end an engagement member for engagement of said second container. The second tube member includes a second piercing means. The engagement member allows, in an activated position, for piercing of the second container by the second piercing means and prevents separation of the second container and the device, so that the piercing of the second container cannot be undone, and so that the second container cannot be separated from the connector device after it has been pierced.

Abstract: A tool for use with a medication vial and a syringe includes a housing having a top side, a bottom side, and a surrounding edge. A slotted aperture is defined in the housing and including a flange shaped to engage a vial cap. A cylindrical aperture is defined in the housing and sized to permit placement of a forward portion of the syringe including a cap into the cylindrical aperture. An actuator button is mounted to the housing, and a gripper is mounted within the housing having a pair of opposed edges. The gripper is responsive to movement of the actuator button to permit movement of the edges between a retracted position in which the edges are disposed away from a central portion of the cylindrical aperture, and an extended position in which the edges are displaced toward the central portion of the cylindrical aperture.

Abstract: A formed, filled, and sealed container, access port and method for establishing fluid flow from the container to an administrative set is provided. The container is collapsible and has an inlet and an outlet. A hollow port is sealed to the container and a perforator inside the port pierces and becomes embedded in the container. Solution in the container is withdrawn into the port. A line attached to the port and an administrative set further establishes flow between the container and the administration set. The port may be operated with a single-hand to establish fluid flow from the container to the administrative set. After the perforator is embedded in the container, a lock on the port prevents the perforator from removal from the container. Activation of the lock produces an audible and/or visible notification.

Abstract: Medical transfer device conducts fluid from a container to a bottle having a neck, which has a closing element pierceable by a needle. Transfer device includes a first tubular-shaped part telescopically displaceable in a second tubular-shaped part between an inserted position and an extracted position. A holding part is provided inside first tubular-shaped part. A cannula extends from holding part into second tubular-shaped part without axially overlapping into the extracted position. Cannula includes a lateral opening on its distal end. Conical-shaped receiving element connects a detachably sealed connection of conical-shaped receiving elements with the container, and is connected to the inside of the cannula in the holding part. The tubular-shaped parts are detachably locked by locking tongues, so that the tip of the cannula is located inside the tubular-shaped part, avoiding injury risk. Rotation of the tubular-shaped parts determines penetration depth of the tip of the cannula in the bottle.

Abstract: In certain embodiments, a vial adaptor for removing liquid contents from a vial comprises a piercing member and a bag. The bag can be contained within the piercing member such that the bag is introduced to the vial when the vial adaptor is coupled with the vial. In some embodiments, the bag expands within the vial as liquid is removed from the vial via the adaptor, thereby regulating pressure within the vial. In other embodiments, a vial comprises a bag for regulating pressure within the vial as liquid is removed therefrom. In some embodiments, a vial adaptor is coupled with the vial in order to remove the liquid. In some embodiments, as the liquid is removed from the vial via the adaptor, the bag expands within the vial, and in other embodiments, the bag contracts within the vial.

Abstract: In certain embodiments, a vial adaptor for removing liquid contents from a vial comprises a piercing member and a bag. The bag can be contained within the piercing member such that the bag is introduced to the vial when the vial adaptor is coupled with the vial. In some embodiments, the bag expands within the vial as liquid is removed from the vial via the adaptor, thereby regulating pressure within the vial. In other embodiments, a vial comprises a bag for regulating pressure within the vial as liquid is removed therefrom. In some embodiments, a vial adaptor is coupled with the vial in order to remove the liquid. In some embodiments, as the liquid is removed from the vial via the adaptor, the bag expands within the vial, and in other embodiments, the bag contracts within the vial.

Abstract: In certain embodiments, a vial adaptor for removing liquid contents from a vial comprises a piercing member and a bag. The bag can be contained within the piercing member such that the bag is introduced to the vial when the vial adaptor is coupled with the vial. In some embodiments, the bag expands within the vial as liquid is removed from the vial via the adaptor, thereby regulating pressure within the vial. In other embodiments, a vial comprises a bag for regulating pressure within the vial as liquid is removed therefrom. In some embodiments, a vial adaptor is coupled with the vial in order to remove the liquid. In some embodiments, as the liquid is removed from the vial via the adaptor, the bag expands within the vial, and in other embodiments, the bag contracts within the vial.

Abstract: In certain embodiments, a vial adaptor for removing liquid contents from a vial comprises a piercing member and a bag. The bag can be contained within the piercing member such that the bag is introduced to the vial when the vial adaptor is coupled with the vial. In some embodiments, the bag expands within the vial as liquid is removed from the vial via the adaptor, thereby regulating pressure within the vial. In other embodiments, a vial comprises a bag for regulating pressure within the vial as liquid is removed therefrom. In some embodiments, a vial adaptor is coupled with the vial in order to remove the liquid. In some embodiments, as the liquid is removed from the vial via the adaptor, the bag expands within the vial, and in other embodiments, the bag contracts within the vial.

Abstract: Fluid transfer devices for use with syringes and cartridges having an open ended tube hermetically sealed by a rubber stopper and a slidable seal at opposite leading and trailing ends, respectively. The fluid transfer devices include a syringe port and a cartridge port for correspondingly slidingly receiving a syringe and a cartridge. The cartridge port preferably includes a primary puncturing member and a secondary puncturing member for correspondingly puncturing a cartridge's rubber stopper offset from its center for fluid transfer purposes between a syringe and a cartridge, and venting purposes. The fluid transfer devices are preferably used with stopping devices for preventing ejection of a cartridge's seal during a filling procedure.

Abstract: An access port for a medical fluid container is provided and in one embodiment includes: (i) a shell; (ii) a perforator located within the shell, the perforator including an end configured to pierce a medical fluid container; and (iii) a safety tab connected to the perforator, the safety tab initially preventing the perforator from piercing the medical fluid container, the safety tab manually removable to enable the perforator to pierce the medical fluid container. The shell can include a pair of hingedly moving arms and members connected hingedly to the arms, the members operable to push the perforator towards the medical fluid container when the arms are pushed. The safety tab can include a plurality of frangible fixtures, the fixtures collectively providing a suitably high tamper resistance force, the fixtures individually providing a suitably low tab removal force.

Abstract: In certain embodiments, a vial adaptor for removing liquid contents from a vial comprises a piercing member and a bag. The bag can be contained within the piercing member such that the bag is introduced to the vial when the vial adaptor is coupled with the vial. In some embodiments, the bag expands within the vial as liquid is removed from the vial via the adaptor, thereby regulating pressure within the vial. In other embodiments, a vial comprises a bag for regulating pressure within the vial as liquid is removed therefrom. In some embodiments, a vial adaptor is coupled with the vial in order to remove the liquid. In some embodiments, as the liquid is removed from the vial via the adaptor, the bag expands within the vial, and in other embodiments, the bag contracts within the vial.

Abstract: The present invention concerns a female piercing member protection device for connection with a male connection part, as well as a method for connecting such protection device to a male connection part. The female piercing member protection device comprises; an outer casing, a connection member wherein the connection member is arranged to, and at least partly enclosed in, the outer casing. Further is the outer casing arranged to be moved between a first and a second position, wherein when the outer casing is in its first position, the connection member is substantially locked from movement along the longitudinal axis A, and when the outer casing is in its second position the connection member is able to move along the longitudinal axis A. The female piercing member protection device also comprises an activated position and an inactivated position.

Abstract: A holding device for a container having a closure system to be pierced by a spike includes a base, a shield, and a mounting unit supporting the base. The base includes an elongate body having opposed first and second ends and an elongate body extending therebetween. The base body defines an elongate open spike cavity extending between opposing ends thereof. The channel receives an elongate spike therein so that a free end of the spike extends beyond the base body from the channel. The shield includes first and second opposed open ends and an elongate cylindrical wall extending therebetween. The shield is telescopically mounted over the base so as to be movable between a first position wherein an inserted spike is clear of inserted container cap and a second position wherein the spike pierces through the septum of the container cap at the intended location.

Abstract: A syringe safety device coupling between a vial and a syringe, including a tubular connector having a first axial end receiving the vial and a second, opposing axial end releasably receiving a syringe. The tubular connector encloses a sliding joint having opposing open axial ends and a passageway between the ends. A first sliding joint end is adapted to engage a syringe needle. A second sliding joint end is configured to releasably engage a needle receiver. The syringe is releasably removable from the sliding joint after fluid coupling with the vial through the sliding joint, without removal of the needle or the sliding joint from the connector, which captures the needle with the sliding joint in the connector. The first end of a joint includes a receiver, adapted to releasably receive a removable syringe needle, and a mount, adapted to releasably receive a releasable needle receiver of a syringe.

Abstract: A port spike for medical fluid containers, such as infusate bags, for example, provides two ports to permit recirculation of fluids within the container. The recirculating flow allows bubbles to settle out which can't happen effectively if the flow is sucked out immediately after entering the container. The spike provides two openings inside the container which prevent such short-circuit flow by ensuring that fluid entering the container is not greatly affected by the suction zone of the flow leaving the container.

Abstract: A device for providing sterilized or cleaned fluid to a receptacle and thereby facilitate conveyance of a substance out of the receptacle, comprising a connector and a container which form an integrated unit. The connector is provided with a first means for connection to a receptacle. Sterilized or cleaned fluid is transferred from the container to the receptacle.

Abstract: This device comprises means for supporting a first and a second chamber, means for allowing these chambers to communicate with each other, and a movable member for applying a suitable force to reduce the volume of the first chamber. The means for supporting the first and second chambers comprise two tubular bodies, each open at one end, the dimensions of these openings being such as to allow these tubular bodies to be brought together and slid one into the other, a double-ended needle, with associated guide means, being interposed between the said chambers in such a way that when the said tubular bodies are slid towards each other, the respective ends of the said needle pass into the chambers and the volume of the chamber is reduced.

Abstract: A reconstitution assembly includes: a flexible bag containing a diluent; a drug vial containing a drug; a reconstitution device further comprising: a first sleeve connected to the first container; a second sleeve connected to the second container, the second sleeve being associated with the first sleeve and movable axially with respect thereto from an inactivated position to an activated position; a piercing member positioned in the sleeves, the piercing member providing a fluid pathway between the bag and vial when the sleeves are in the activated position.

Abstract: A re-forming device in particular for mixing substances in the medical field, includes a hollow needle pointed at its two tips and fixed on a support defining two coaxial sleeves enclosing each end of the needle and designed to receive, one, the plug opening of a vial, the other, the hub of an injection tube of a flexible bag, so as to communicate, by perforating the plug and hub, the vial and the flexible bag via the needle. The sleeve, on the side of the flexible bag, is dimensioned and designed to be engaged on the hub in a first stable position wherein the device is secured to the bag without the needle being in contact with the hub and the sleeve is mounted sliding on the hub so as to pass, through simple depression of the device on the hub, from the first position into a second position, corresponding to the perforation of the hub by the needle.

Abstract: A method and a set for transferring fluid between a first container a second container. The first container is connected to an end of a first transfer body, a first sealing member preventing the fluid communication between these two elements. The second container is closed by a second sealing member. The second container is assembled with a fastening member provided at an end of a second transfer body which is in an inactivated position of the transfer set wherein at least a part of this body is partially inserted within the other end of the first transfer body. Each transfer body has one central passage coaxial to accommodate at least one end of a mobile piercing member. The part of the second transfer body moves along an axis from the inactivated position to an activated position of the transfer set wherein the fluid communication between these two containers is established.

Abstract: Disclosed is a chemical reaction cartridge comprising: an elastic member as a component; a flow path and a plurality of chambers which are connected to each other by the flow path, the flow path or the chambers or both of the flow path and the chambers being partially blocked by applying external pressure to the elastic member from outside so that a fluid substance in the flow path or in the chambers is moved or blocked, and one of the chambers being a sample collecting chamber to temporarily retain a sample supplied from outside; and an injection needle to connect the sample collecting chamber and an outside portion of the sample collecting chamber.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for dispensing biological fluids. The system may provide supply (stock) vessels of refrigerated biological fluids that remain connected to dispensers as the dispensers are operated to distribute the biological fluids to receiver vessels. Each receiver vessel may be engaged selectively with a suitable set of one or more dispensers to select the type and amount of biological fluid to be dispensed to the receiver vessel. The dispensers may be configured to permit the biological fluids to be selectively dispensed to receiver vessels under sterile conditions, so that the biological fluids may remain in a substantially closed environment as they are transferred between vessels.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a method includes puncturing, with a piercing element of a hollow connector, an opening of a membrane that encloses the hollow connector in a gas that is essentially sterile. The puncturing of the opening of the membrane generates a laminar flow of the gas along sides of the opening. The method also includes transferring the fluids, through the opening with the piercing element of the hollow connector.

Abstract: A medical lancing device including a replaceable multi-lancet cartridge. The lancing device includes an advancing mechanism that advances lancets within the cartridge into an active position, separates a protective cap from the active lancet, and energize a drive mechanism of the lancing device. A cap displacement mechanism moves the separated cap out of the travel path of the active lancet. In a first example embodiment, the cap displacement mechanism includes a cantilevered spring arm that displaces the detached cap of the active lancet. In a second example embodiment, the cap displacement mechanism includes a spring-biased cam-driven plunger that displaces the detached cap of the active lancet. Then an activation mechanism releases the energized active lancet to traverse the unobstructed lancing stroke path to pierce the subject's skin at a desired lancing site.

Abstract: Some methods and related apparatus for manipulating a fluid conduit for insertion into a substantially re-sealable membrane include determining an orientation and position of a fluid conduit relative to the membrane. In an illustrative example, a syringe needle having a beveled leading edge may be manipulated by an automated device to be oriented and aligned with an aperture made upon a previous insertion of a needle into a membrane. In some examples, a predetermined number of insertions may be made in the same aperture by aligning and orienting one or more needles with the aperture. In some examples, multiple needle insertions may be controlled to produce apertures that are substantially spaced apart. Such procedures may, for example, advantageously extend the integrity of the membrane against leakage and/or contamination.

Abstract: A syringe adapter element for use in a drug mixing system including a housing element having a syringe port adapted for fluid connection with a syringe and a fluid port adapted for fluid connection with a fluid flow adapter element, a needle and at least one septum disposed in the housing element, the needle having a sealed orientation wherein the at least one septum blocks fluid flow through the needle and a fluid flow orientation wherein the needle punctures the at least one septum so as to permit fluid to flow through the needle, and an anti-separation device adjacent the fluid port, such that when the syringe adapter element is connected to a fluid flow adapter element, the anti-separation device applies a force that acts against separating the syringe adapter element from the fluid flow adapter element.

Abstract: In certain embodiments, a vial adaptor for removing liquid contents from a vial includes a piercing member and a bag. The bag can be contained within the piercing member such that the bag is introduced to the vial when the vial adaptor is coupled with the vial. In some embodiments, the bag expands within the vial as liquid is removed from the vial via the adaptor, thereby regulating pressure within the vial. In other embodiments, a vial includes a bag for regulating pressure within the vial as liquid is removed therefrom. In some embodiments, a vial adaptor is coupled with the vial in order to remove the liquid. In some embodiments, as the liquid is removed from the vial via the adaptor, the bag expands within the vial, and in other embodiments, the bag contracts within the vial.

Abstract: A fluid ducting assembly for enabling flow communication between a syringe and either one of a vessel and a dispenser for dispensing a fluid contained, a priori in the syringe or in the vessel. The fluid ducting assembly includes a base having a first member, a second member, and a third member for connection to and providing flow communication with the syringe, the vessel and the dispenser, respectively. The fluid ducting assembly further includes a flow controller within the base enabling any one of a flow path between the first member and the second member and a flow path between the first member and the third member. The flow controller has either a first operative position in which the flow path between the first member and the second member is enabled or a second operative position in which the flow path between the first member and the third member is enabled.