Mounted On One Container And Used To Pierce Another Container Or Closure Patents (Class 604/414)
  • Patent number: 7297140
    Abstract: A connector according to the invention comprises a hollow needle fastened to a body. A first tubular receptacle provided with a first foil surrounds a first end section of the needle. A second tubular receptacle provided with a second foil surrounds a second end section of the needle. The tubular receptacles are able to slide on the body. The holding sleeve moves the body toward the first foil over a first piercing stroke to pierce it, and then moves the second foil toward the body over a second piercing stroke to pierce it. In this way there may be obtained simultaneous piercing of the foils and foils or stoppers of containers such as flasks or sachets pressed against the foils, to provide a connection under optimum conditions of sterility.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 28, 2005
    Date of Patent: November 20, 2007
    Assignee: P2A Medical
    Inventors: Alain Orlu, Pierre-André Commaret
  • Patent number: 7247153
    Abstract: Cannula with protection cap for medical infusion lines and the like, comprising a hollow body provided at one end with a female luer lock connector and at the other end with an axial tubular ferrule. The hollow body and the protection cap are provided with respective formations for mutual torsional coupling acting in the direction of rotation corresponding to the unscrewing of the female luer lock connector relative to a male luer lock connector of the medical line.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 25, 2003
    Date of Patent: July 24, 2007
    Assignee: Industrie Borla S.p.A.
    Inventor: Gianni Guala
  • Patent number: 7175615
    Abstract: An intravenous drug access system. In one embodiment of the invention, the drug access system includes an IV bag having an inlet port and outlet port, whereby the inlet port is a female luer integral therewith. The integral female luer fitting may be fitted with a sealed end cap comprising a male luer insert with a closed end. An alternative embodiment of the present invention comprises a discrete pre-molded connector made with one spike at one end and a female luer fitting at the opposing end. The spike is used to penetrate a standard IV bag through a conventional inlet port.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 27, 2004
    Date of Patent: February 13, 2007
    Assignee: ICU Medical, Inc.
    Inventors: Kevin B. Hanly, Frank O'Brien, Salvadore F. Palomares, William S. Phillips, Bruce Hubrecht, William M. Porter, Evelyn L. Foss
  • Patent number: 7100646
    Abstract: Disclosed is a uniquely configured medicament vial assembly which includes a storage vial, a stopper member and a securing ring. The vial assembly is configured to improve healthcare worker safety by providing a shielded gripping location to aid in the reduction of accidental needle sticks. The storage vial has a body portion which defines an interior chamber for storing a predetermined medicament and a neck portion through which medicament is received into and withdrawn from the interior chamber. The stopper member is inserted into the mouth of the vial and establishes a first seal. The securing ring is engaged with the mouth of the vial and adapted and configured for retaining the stopper member within the vial mouth and effectuating a second seal. The securing ring is formed from a thermoplastic and/or elastic material. Preferably, the securing ring is formed by molding the thermoplastic and/or elastic material over a portion of the storage vial and stopper member when engaged within the vial mouth.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 3, 2003
    Date of Patent: September 5, 2006
    Assignee: Medical Instill Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Daniel Py, Norbert M. Assion
  • Patent number: 7086431
    Abstract: A filling apparatus for cartridges includes a housing for holding a vial of fluid, a severing device for severing the septum of the vial, a fluid chamber for receiving the discharged fluid, a valving structure for effecting the discharge of fluid from the vial and for directing the fluid into a cartridge upon the decreasing of the size of the fluid chamber, and air inlet system for admitting air to the vial upon discharge of the fluid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 8, 2003
    Date of Patent: August 8, 2006
    Assignee: D'Antonio Consultants International, Inc.
    Inventors: Nicholas F. D'Antonio, Richard O. Colvin, Linda F. D'Antonio
  • Patent number: 7074216
    Abstract: The present invention provides a reconstitution device (10) for placing a first container (12), such as a liquid container (e.g. flexible container or syringe), in fluid communication with a second container (14), such as a drug vial. To this end, there is provided a connector device (10) for establishing fluid communication between the diluent container (12) and the drug vial (14). The connector device (10) has a first sleeve member (32) having a first end (36) and a second end (38). The first sleeve member (32) has at the first end (36), a first attaching member (30) adapted to attach to the liquid container (12). The connector device (10) also has a second sleeve member (34) having a first end (48) and a second end (50). The second sleeve member (34) is movable axially with respect to the first sleeve member (32) from an inactivated position to an activated position. The second sleeve member (34) has a protuberance (66) on an inner surface of the second sleeve member (34).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 26, 2002
    Date of Patent: July 11, 2006
    Assignee: Baxter International Inc.
    Inventors: Thomas A. Fowles, Robert J. Weinberg, Thomas J. Progar
  • Patent number: 6997916
    Abstract: A fluid transfer system has a holder that is made of a cylindrical member having a closed end and an open end. The closed end has fitted thereto a luer and a cannula that extends into the interior of the holder. The holder has a distal portion that has a first cross section and a proximal portion that has a second cross section. The cross section of the distal portion is smaller than the cross section of the proximal portion. The distal and proximal portions are joined by a shoulder. The fluid transfer system also includes an adapter that is inserted to the holder from the open end of the holder. The adapter has a base having a central opening and a cylindrical tube that extends from the central opening. The diameter of the cylindrical tube is slightly smaller than the diameter of the distal portion and is configured to accept a first type of fluid collection store such as a vacuum tube.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 2, 2004
    Date of Patent: February 14, 2006
    Assignee: Smiths Medical ASD, Inc.
    Inventors: Robert Simas, Jr., David MacLean
  • Patent number: 6997917
    Abstract: A vial having a V-shaped bottom to minimize the amount of medical fluid left in the vial at the end of the fluid withdrawal process. The vial is equipped with a vial access adapter having a fluid withdrawal spike which extends into the V-shaped bottom. The vial access adapter may be vented or non-vented. When the medical fluid is a nuclear drug, the vial and vial access adapter is enshrouded in a protective container containing lead to provide a safety to medical personnel from irradiation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 5, 2004
    Date of Patent: February 14, 2006
    Assignee: Bracco Diagnostics, Inc.
    Inventors: John J. Niedospial, Jr., Jason M. Voytilla
  • Patent number: 6979307
    Abstract: The invention provides a system for preparing an autologous solid-fibrin web suitable for regenerating tissue in a living organism. The system includes a sealed primary container containing a separation medium and a low-density high-viscosity liquid. The separation medium separates red blood cells from plasma when the container contains blood and is centrifuged, and the primary container has a first pressure. The system further includes a sealed secondary container containing a calcium-coagulation activator. The secondary container has a second pressure that is less than the first pressure. The system also comprises a transfer device including a cannula having a first end and a second end. The first and second ends puncture the sealed primary and secondary containers in order to provide fluid communication between the first and second containers. The low-density high-viscosity liquid of the primary container blocks flow through the cannula upon entering therein.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 15, 2002
    Date of Patent: December 27, 2005
    Assignees: Cascade Medical Enterprises LLC
    Inventors: Roberto Beretta, Nicholas A. Grippi
  • Patent number: 6929620
    Abstract: An injector for liquid medicine comprises a cylindrical body 1, first and second gasket 2, 3 contained in a lumen of cylindrical body 1. The cylindrical body 1 is provided with a fluid inlet 13 and a fluid outlet 14 in opposite sides of the cylindrical body 1 with respect to the longitudinal axis thereof. Second gasket 3 is spaced from the first gasket 2 to form a fluid chamber 4 between them. The first gasket 2 is adapted to be moved by sliding along the inner wall of the cylindrical body 1 from a first position to the distal end 11 of cylindrical body 1 via a second position. The fluid inlet 13 is opened at a position closer to the distal end 11 of the cylindrical body 1 than the outlet 14 is. The first gasket 2 is stopped at a second position where the fluid chamber 4 is communicated with the fluid outlet 14 but prevented from fluid-communication with the fluid inlet 13.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 2002
    Date of Patent: August 16, 2005
    Assignee: Nipro Corporation
    Inventor: Mitsuru Hasegawa
  • Patent number: 6901975
    Abstract: The drug solution container with a connector for communicating contains a drug solution container having at a tip end thereof an injection needle connecting part, and a hollow connector for communicating attached to a tip end of the drug solution container, and the connector for communicating contains a cylindrical guide part with a bottom capable of being slidably attached to an opening of a vial, and a hollow penetrating member provided at a center of the bottom of the guide part to penetrate the bottom. The penetrating member contains a penetrating needle at a tip end side with respect to the bottom, and a connecting part at a base end side with respect to the bottom, and the connecting part is connected to the injection needle connecting part through a fragile portion. According to the drug solution container with a connector for communicating, an operation for preparation of a drug solution can be easily carried out in a short period of time without causing injury of an operator or coring.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 2003
    Date of Patent: June 7, 2005
    Assignee: Nipro Corporation
    Inventors: Masafumi Aramata, Hideki Yagi, Toshikazu Hirayama, Satoru Igarashi, Yoshihisa Murai, Teruhisa Hirobe
  • Patent number: 6890328
    Abstract: A connector device is disclosed for establishing fluid communication between a diluent container having sidewalls and a drug vial. The connector has a piercing member having a first end and a second end and a central fluid pathway. The piercing member is mounted to the liquid container and has fluid accessing portions hermetically sealed from an outside environment. A vial receiving chamber is associated with the piercing member and is dimensioned to connect to the vial. The vial may be selectively attached to the device without piercing the closure of the vial and without breaching the hermetic seal of the fluid accessing portions of the piercing member. Means are provided for connecting the vial receiving chamber to the liquid container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 17, 2003
    Date of Patent: May 10, 2005
    Assignee: Baxter International Inc.
    Inventors: Thomas A. Fowles, Robert J. Weinberg
  • Patent number: 6875203
    Abstract: A connector device is disclosed for establishing fluid communication between a diluent container having sidewalls and a drug vial. The connector has a piercing member having a first end and a second end and a central fluid pathway. The piercing member is mounted to the liquid container and has fluid accessing portions hermetically sealed from an outside environment. A vial receiving chamber is associated with the piercing member and is dimensioned to connect to the vial. The vial may be selectively attached to the device without piercing the closure of the vial and without breaching the hermetic seal of the fluid accessing portions of the piercing member. Means are provided for connecting the vial receiving chamber to the liquid container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 3, 2000
    Date of Patent: April 5, 2005
    Inventors: Thomas A. Fowles, Robert J. Weinberg
  • Patent number: 6875205
    Abstract: A vial adapter having a needle-free valve, a sharpened cannula used to perforate a vial's rubber stopper, and a circular array of claws of different lengths to engage vial closures of different diameters. The array of claws includes a first set of claws each having a first length extending inwardly from the periphery of the housing of the adapter and a second set of claws alternating with the first set of claws and each having a longer length. The second set of claws are mounted so that they deflect and plastically deform out of the way in the case where the adapter is engaged with a vial that exceeds a predetermined size. The housing includes a shroud that is at least as long as the sharpened cannula to protect medical personnel who use the adapter from inadvertent punctures. The needle-free valve includes a resiliently deformable piston element with a naturally open bore. The interior of the piston provides a fluid flow path through the adapter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 8, 2002
    Date of Patent: April 5, 2005
    Assignee: Alaris Medical Systems, Inc.
    Inventor: Karl R. Leinsing
  • Patent number: 6875204
    Abstract: A connector suitable for connection of at least three different types of containers to administration sets, preferably enteral administration sets, and feeding tubes. The containers contain nutritional feed for administration thereof to various types of patients who require enteral nutrition. In one aspect, the connector comprises three different segments: (a) a first segment for connecting containers having mouths having a relatively large diameter, such as, for example, plastic and glass bottles having mouths having diameters of approximately 40 mm; (b) a second segment for connecting containers having mouths having a relatively intermediate diameter, such as, for example, crown cap bottles having mouths having diameters of approximately 26 mm; and (c) a third segment for connecting containers having mouths having relatively small diameters, such as, for example, flexible pouches having mouths having diameters of approximately 12.5 mm.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 2000
    Date of Patent: April 5, 2005
    Assignee: Abbott Laboratories
    Inventors: Brian J. Hopkins, Paul Barron, Thomas J. Walsh, Bernard Anthony Cotter
  • Patent number: 6852103
    Abstract: The present invention provides a connector device for establishing fluid communication between a first container and a second container. The device has a first sleeve member having a first and a second end, the first sleeve member having at the first end a first attaching member adapted to attach to the first container. The device further has a second sleeve member having a first end and a second end, the second sleeve member being associated with the first sleeve member and movable with respect thereto from an inactivated position to an activated position, the second sleeve member having at the second end a second attaching member adapted to attach the second sleeve member to the second container. First and second piercing members project from one of the first and second sleeve members for providing a fluid flow path from the first container to the second container, and the first and second piercing members are independently hermetically sealed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 16, 2003
    Date of Patent: February 8, 2005
    Assignee: Baxter International Inc.
    Inventors: Thomas A. Fowles, Thomas J. Progar, Robert J. Weinberg, Craig A. Fuller
  • Patent number: 6832994
    Abstract: A vial having a V-shaped bottom to minimize the amount of medical fluid left in the vial at the end of the fluid withdrawal process. The vial is equipped with a vial access adapter having a fluid withdrawal spike which extends into the V-shaped bottom. The vial access adapter may be vented or non-vented. When the medical fluid is a nuclear drug, the vial and vial access adapter is enshrouded in a protective container containing lead to provide a safety to medical personnel from irradiation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 27, 2001
    Date of Patent: December 21, 2004
    Assignee: Bracco Diagnostics Inc.
    Inventors: John J. Niedospial, Jr., Jason M. Voytilla
  • Publication number: 20040199139
    Abstract: The present invention provides a connector device or reconstitution device (10) for placing a first container (12), such as a liquid container (e.g. flexible container or syringe), in fluid communication with a second container (14), such as a drug vial. The connector device (10) has a first sleeve (32) having a first end (36) and a second end (38). The first sleeve (32) has at the first end (36), a first attaching member (30) adapted to attach to the liquid container (12). The connector device (10) also has a second sleeve (34) having a first end (48) and a second end (50). A second attaching member (28) is attached on the second end (50) of the second sleeve (34) and is adapted to attach to the second container (14). The second attaching member (28) has a sealing member (84). A piercing member (76) projects within the sleeves (32,34) for providing a fluid flow path from the first container (12) to the second container (14).
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 23, 2003
    Publication date: October 7, 2004
    Inventors: Thomas A. Fowles, Robert J. Weinberg
  • Publication number: 20040116892
    Abstract: A kit and needle assembly for reconstituting a quantity of a lyophilized pharmaceutical. The kit of the invention may include a reconstituting appliance having a non-transparent needle covering portion with a hollow adapted to receive the inserted stoppered end of the injection pen cartridge, which needle covering portion extends around a side-firing cannula to hide the cannula from side view. A shiftable alignment member retained within the needle covering portion at a first axial position, and shiftable to a second axial position when abutted by the injection pen cartridge during its insertion, may be included. The kit includes an injection pen cartridge including a barrel filled with a quantity of a lyophilized drug, a slidable plunger used during pen operation to eject the reconstituted drug, and a stopper penetrable by the cannula during drug reconstituting.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 19, 2003
    Publication date: June 17, 2004
    Inventors: Andrew Christopher Burroughs, Shu Kun Chang, Mark James Fisher, Benjamin L Rush, Richard Charles Thorne
  • Publication number: 20040111078
    Abstract: A connector system for sterile connection includes a male type connector having a tube connecting portion at a rear end portion thereof, a protective cap for the patient side connector, an inner cap held in the protective cap and including a ring-shaped portion that supports a disinfectant-impregnated member therein, and a female type connector including an outer cylinder and an inner cylinder fixed at one end of the outer cylinder, where the inner cylinder includes an internal end portion located inside the outer cylinder and an external end portion exposed outside the outer cylinder. When the protective cap is fitted with the male type connector, the disinfectant-impregnated member contacts with the male type connector. When the protective cap is removed therefrom, the inner cap becomes retained in the male type connector.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 28, 2003
    Publication date: June 10, 2004
    Applicant: JMS Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Hideyasu Miyahara
  • Patent number: 6743214
    Abstract: The withdrawal spike comprises a piercing thorn (10) and a housing (12) having filter chambers for air and fluid. In a connecting piece (23) for connection of an external device a self-closing valve (31) is arranged. Said valve (31) is adapted to prevent fluid from unintentionally flowing out of the withdrawal spike.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 26, 2001
    Date of Patent: June 1, 2004
    Assignee: B. Braun Melsungen AG
    Inventors: Norbert Heil, Bernd Siemon, Klaus Siemon
  • Patent number: 6726672
    Abstract: An intravenous drug access system. In one embodiment of the invention, the drug access system includes an IV bag having an inlet port and an outlet port, whereby the inlet port is a female luer integral therewith. The integral female luer fitting may be fitted with a sealed end cap including a male luer insert with a closed end. An alternative embodiment of the present invention comprises a discrete pre-molded connector made with a spike at one end and a female luer fitting at the opposing end. The spike is used to penetrate a standard IV bag through a conventional inlet port.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 19, 2000
    Date of Patent: April 27, 2004
    Assignee: ICU Medical, Inc.
    Inventors: Kevin B. Hanly, Frank O'Brien, Salvadore F. Palomares, William S. Phillips, Bruce Hubrecht, William M. Porter, Evelyn L. Foss
  • Publication number: 20040059312
    Abstract: The invention concerns an ampule comprising a tubular body (2) made of synthetic material having two chambers (3, 4) tightly isolated by a membrane (9) capable of being perforated or a removable or fragible wall, one (31) of which contains the liquid or the powder (6), and the other is accessible from outside to be connected during transfer, the frangible membrane (9) or wall being arranged at the end of a tube (8) integral with the ampule and emerging into the chamber (4) capable of communicating with outside, said tube (8) containing a tubular element (14) having a pointed tip (17) oriented towards the membrane. The tubular element (14) and the tube (8) comprise means (13, 16) preventing the tubular element (14) from being separated from the tube (8) after one has been mounted into the other.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 15, 2003
    Publication date: March 25, 2004
    Inventors: Pierre Frezza, Alain Botella
  • Patent number: 6709424
    Abstract: A connector system consists of a coupling system and a port system for coupling a flexible tubing system to a container containing medicinal fluids. The coupling system includes a spike to which the flexible tubing system can be connected and a sheath enveloping the spike over its entire length. The spike sheath consists of two parts that can be screwed together for telescopic elongation or shortening. For connection of the coupling system to the port system, the spike sheath is connected to the port system. Then the first part is screwed onto the second part completely, whereby the spike advances and pierces a diaphragm of the port system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 15, 2000
    Date of Patent: March 23, 2004
    Assignee: Fre{overscore (s)}nius Kabi Deutschland GmbH
    Inventor: Bernd Knierbein
  • Patent number: 6706031
    Abstract: A needleless access system adapted to be mounted on a vial comprising a generally elongated tubular housing having an interior dividing wall, flexible hooks projecting upwardly from the dividing wall which are diametrically opposed, a pair of confronting splines projecting upwardly from the interior dividing wall, a hub insert having a piercing tip normally supported in an armed position by hook elements, a series of outwardly projecting teeth which engage and are guided in the splines during axial displacement of the hub insert relative to the splined housing, and said hub insert having means for mounting a syringe assembly whereby the hub insert maybe activated axially guided by the splines so that the piercing tip engages the stopper in a vial aligned therewith.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 12, 2001
    Date of Patent: March 16, 2004
    Assignee: Comar, Inc.
    Inventor: David A. Manera
  • Publication number: 20040044327
    Abstract: A transfer needle assembly includes a tubular guide member 1 having a top surface 11, a skirt portion 13, and a puncture needle insertion portion 12; and a puncture member 2 of which tip 223 is fitted in the puncture needle insertion portion 12 such that the tip 223 can slide from a position where it is receded into the skirt portion 13 to a position where it projects from the skirt portion 13. The puncture member 2 is a tubular member having a tip fitting portion 21 at the proximal end thereof and, at the distal end thereof, a puncture needle 22 to be inserted into the puncture needle insertion portion 12. The puncture needle 22 is provided with a liquid passage 222 that communicates with the tip fitting portion 21 and a gas passage 221 that is open to the outside through an air filter 231.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 2, 2003
    Publication date: March 4, 2004
    Inventor: Mitsuru Hasegawa
  • Patent number: 6699229
    Abstract: A fluid transfer and mixing device for use in the aseptic intermixing of a powder component with a fluid component. The device is of a simple, compact construction that includes a first adapter that can be easily connected to a container containing the powder component and a second adapter that can be removably interconnected with the first adapter and can also be readily connected to a container containing a fluid such as a diluent so as to permit aseptic intermixing of the diluent with the powder. In use a conventional needleless syringe can be easily connected to the first adapter so that the mixture of the powder and diluent can be aseptically aspirated from the first container for subsequent delivery to the patient.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 16, 2003
    Date of Patent: March 2, 2004
    Inventors: Freddy Zinger, Igor Denenburg
  • Patent number: 6695829
    Abstract: A container closure system for delivering a fluid. The system includes a stopper constructed to seal fluidly a container. A closure member is mounted on an upper surface of the stopper. The closure member includes a base having an upper surface and a lower surface. The closure member further includes an outer wall and an inner wall extending from the upper surface of the base with the inner wall spaced from the outer wall. The base defines therethrough a needle access port between the inner and outer walls. The inner wall defines a chamber therein. The base further defines therethrough an aperture adjacent the chamber defined by the inner wall. A piercing member is movably disposed within the chamber defined by the inner wall. The piercing member has a first end portion and a second end portion, the first end portion being positioned proximally to the stopper. A piercing tip is mounted on the first end portion and is constructed to pierce the stopper.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 12, 2000
    Date of Patent: February 24, 2004
    Assignee: Abbott Laboratories
    Inventors: Steven P. Hellstrom, Peter J. Karas, John C. Tanner, II
  • Publication number: 20040024354
    Abstract: A transfer device and method for deploying one or more pharmaceutical components between a medicine vial and a syringe.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 14, 2003
    Publication date: February 5, 2004
    Inventor: David L. Reynolds
  • Patent number: 6685692
    Abstract: A drug delivery system stores a beneficial agent and mixes the beneficial agent with a component in a reservoir, the mixture to be delivered to a patient. A plunger in the drug delivery system delivers the beneficial agent to a reservoir containing a component, such as diluent. The beneficial agent and component are mixed in the reservoir and the mixture flows from the reservoir to an access port in the drug delivery device to an administration set or other device to be delivered to a patient.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 8, 2001
    Date of Patent: February 3, 2004
    Assignee: Abbott Laboratories
    Inventor: Marwan A. Fathallah
  • Patent number: 6684918
    Abstract: A teat nozzle suitable for pediatric oral dosing of a fluid medicament comprising a tubular conduit which is engageable with a socket, and has at least one engagement part which can engage with an internal thread in the socket. The teat nozzle facilitates connection between the conduit and the socket. Dosing devices such as syringes and squeezable capsules provided with the nozzle, and a connection means for a vial having such a socket, are also described.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 13, 2001
    Date of Patent: February 3, 2004
    Assignee: SmithKline Beecham Biologicals s.a.
    Inventors: Jacques Thilly, Christian Vandecasserie
  • Patent number: 6681810
    Abstract: A needleless injector cartridge has an adaptor for introducing fluid from a filling device into an orifice of the cartridge. The adaptor has a frangible connection which is broken to allow removal of the filling device after the cartridge is filled with the fluid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 13, 2000
    Date of Patent: January 27, 2004
    Assignee: Aradigm Corporation
    Inventor: Terence Edward Weston
  • Publication number: 20040015148
    Abstract: The invention concerns a re-forming device in particular for mixing substances in the medical field, comprising a hollow needle (2) pointed at its two tips and fixed on a support (3) defining two coaxial sleeves enclosing each end of the needle and designed to receive, one (8), the plug opening (9) of a vial (10), the other (4), the hub (6) of an injection tube (6) of a flexible bag (7), so as to communicate, by perforating said plug (9) and hub (6), the vial (10) and the flexible bag (7) via said needle (2).
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 3, 2003
    Publication date: January 22, 2004
    Inventor: Jean Curutcharry
  • Patent number: 6673038
    Abstract: A needleless injector cartridge, comprises an injection component (1) defining a void (17) therein for receiving medicament, and having an injection discharge orifice communicating with the void. The cartridge further comprises a transfer device (2) comprising a liquid-containing reservoir (4), and transfer means for causing the liquid (5) to flow from the reservoir, through a reservoir outlet, into the void in the injection component.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 26, 2001
    Date of Patent: January 6, 2004
    Assignee: Aradigm Corporation
    Inventor: Terence Edward Weston
  • Patent number: 6666852
    Abstract: Axially activated vial access adapter allowing repeated withdrawal of a medical fluid contained in the container by the use of a needleless device such as a syringe barrel or IV set having a luer connector. The axially activated vial access adapter includes: an elastomeric stopper having a cavity extending from its distal end to its proximal end; a bottom insert positioned in the cavity of the elastomeric stopper; and a top insert of tube-like configuration slideably positioned in the bottom insert. The top insert contains a plug on its proximal end, and a male luer connector on its distal end for attachment to a syringe barrel or an IV set having a female luer connector. Moving the top insert distally or proximally, the plug on the proximal end of the top insert opens or closes the cavity in the elastomeric stopper thereby opening or closing fluid communication between the medical fluid contained in the container and the syringe barrel or IV set having a luer connector.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 4, 2000
    Date of Patent: December 23, 2003
    Assignee: Bracco Diagnostics, Inc.
    Inventor: John J. Niedospial, Jr.
  • Publication number: 20030192791
    Abstract: A closure device is designed for attachment on a neck portion (1) of a separate container (2), preferably of glass material, which holds a first substance. The closure device defines a passage (10) extending between opposite first and second openings (11, 13) of the closure device. A sealing means (30) is arranged to close off the first opening (11) and confine a second substance in the passage (10). A penetration means (33) is incorporated in the device and operable to penetrate the sealing means (30) such that fluid communication is established between the passage (10) and the container (2). In a method of mixing the first and second substances, a medical practitioner exposes the second opening (13) by removing a non-resealable cap (8), by introducing and engaging the end of a syringe directly in the second opening (13), and by operating the penetration means (33) to penetrate the sealing means (30).
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 18, 2003
    Publication date: October 16, 2003
    Applicant: AstraZeneca AB.
    Inventors: Arne Eek, Billy Nilsson
  • Publication number: 20030171735
    Abstract: A hypodermic syringe (1, 2) includes a needle (3) covered by a needle sheath (4) that comprises a tubular sheath body (5) with a removable end cap (6). Injectant is transferred into the main body (1) of the syringe by removing the end cap, inserting the needle together with the sheath body (5) into a source of injectant and operating the plunger so as to draw the injectant through open end (6) of the plunger through the needle into the main body. The process is carried out without exposing the needle to the user's touch.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 31, 2003
    Publication date: September 11, 2003
    Inventors: David William Parker, Colin Hamilton Burgess
  • Patent number: 6610040
    Abstract: The present invention provides a connector device for establishing fluid communication between a first container and a second container. The device has a first sleeve member having a first and a second end, the first sleeve member having at the first end a first attaching member adapted to attach to the first container. The device further has a second sleeve member having a first end and a second end, the second sleeve member being associated with the first sleeve member and movable with respect thereto from an inactivated position to an activated position, the second sleeve member having at the second end a second attaching member adapted to attach the second sleeve member to the second container. First and second piercing members project from one of the first and second sleeve members for providing a fluid flow path from the first container to the second container, and the first and second piercing members are independently hermetically sealed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 8, 2000
    Date of Patent: August 26, 2003
    Assignee: Baxter International Inc.
    Inventors: Thomas A. Fowles, Thomas J. Progar, Robert J. Weinberg, Craig A. Fuller
  • Patent number: 6581648
    Abstract: A device for aligning a vial and a syringe used for medical injections. The device includes a vial alignment portion and a syringe alignment portion, both aligned on an alignment axis extending between the two portions. The alignment portions can restrict motion of both the vial and the syringe transverse to the alignment axis so as to maintain a needle of the syringe aligned with an access port of the vial. The device can also include provisions for removing a protective cap from the vial and for removing a protective cover from the syringe needle. The syring and the vial can be packaged in a container which can also be used to align the syringe with the vial.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 14, 2001
    Date of Patent: June 24, 2003
    Assignee: Immunex Corporation
    Inventors: William Carleton Zolentroff, Robert L. Bode, Robert C. Luciano
  • Patent number: 6582415
    Abstract: A connector device is disclosed for establishing fluid communication between a diluent container having sidewalls and a drug vial. The connector has a piercing member having a first end and a second end and a central fluid pathway. The piercing member is mounted to the liquid container and has fluid accessing portions hermetically sealed from an outside environment. A vial receiving chamber is associated with the piercing member and is dimensioned to connect to the vial. The vial may be selectively attached to the device without piercing the closure of the vial and without breaching the hermetic seal of the fluid accessing portions of the piercing member. Means are provided for connecting the vial receiving chamber to the liquid container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 2, 2000
    Date of Patent: June 24, 2003
    Inventors: Thomas A. Fowles, Robert J. Weinberg
  • Patent number: 6575955
    Abstract: A high-sterility and high-capacity connector for lines for outflow from bottles for containing fluid-liquid substances for medical use, comprising an elongated cylindrical body, in a lower portion of which an anatomically shaped grip portion is provided and at an upper end of which a protruding piercing element which is functionally combined with means for engaging the rim of the neck of the bottle is provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 8, 2001
    Date of Patent: June 10, 2003
    Inventor: Graziano Azzolini
  • Patent number: 6571837
    Abstract: A transfer set assembly for transferring fluids between a first container, such as a conventional medical vial, having a sealed open end and a second container such as a conventional IV infusion bag. The transfer set includes a collar having a proximate tubular end portion for securement to the container, a needle cannula and holder assembly, which is telescopically received in a distal tubular portion of the collar, and a closure including a tubular body portion having an open proximate end which is telescopically received over the needle cannula and holder assembly and the distal tubular portion of the collar, a closed distal end portion and an inner tubular portion which is integral with the closed distal end. The inner tubular portion includes a free end having spiral camming surfaces which mate with spiral camping surfaces on the inside surface of the tubular distal portion of the needle cannula holder.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 23, 2001
    Date of Patent: June 3, 2003
    Assignee: Becton Dickinson France S.A.
    Inventors: Hubert Jansen, Jean-Claude Thibault
  • Publication number: 20030088232
    Abstract: The present invention may be regarded as a container cap for attachment to a secondary container to facilitate the transfer of liquid materials from a device into the secondary container. The container cap includes a cap body configured to attach to the secondary container. The inner surface of the cap body may include screw threads that enable the cap to be attached to the secondary container. The cap body may include a ribbed or rough outer surface used for gripping in order to facilitate attachment of the container cap to the secondary container. The container cap includes a male or female luer connector used for facilitating the transfer of the fluids from the device to the secondary container.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 8, 2001
    Publication date: May 8, 2003
    Inventor: Todd Duell
  • Patent number: 6558365
    Abstract: A fluid transfer and mixing device for use in the aseptic intermixing of a powder component with a fluid component. The device is of a simple, compact construction that includes a first adapter that can be easily connected to a container containing the powder component and a second adapter that can be removably interconnected with the first adapter and can also be readily connected to a container containing a fluid such as a diluent so as to permit aseptic intermixing of the diluent with the powder. In use a conventional needleless syringe can be easily connected to the first adapter so that the mixture of the powder and diluent can be aseptically aspirated from the first container for subsequent delivery to the patient.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 3, 2001
    Date of Patent: May 6, 2003
    Assignee: Medimop Medical Projects, Ltd.
    Inventors: Freddy Zinger, Igor Denenburg
  • Patent number: 6554818
    Abstract: A needleless injector drug capsule assembly comprising a container, a housing therefor, a piston, and resilient seals to permit filling and sealing thereafter to maintain sterility of the contents. A seal carrier holds a seal through which filling of the capsule is carried out via its outlet orifice, and after filling the seal carrier is closed off, for example by a plug or by heat sealing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 7, 2000
    Date of Patent: April 29, 2003
    Assignee: Weston Medical Limited
    Inventors: Terence Edward Weston, John Nicholas Walker
  • Patent number: 6544246
    Abstract: A vial access adapter for withdrawal of a medical fluid contained in a vial which includes a vial access adapter body having a circular top wall with a plurality of vent holes, a circular second wall spaced from the top wall, and a cylindrical side wall which walls define a chamber for holding an anti-bacterial filter. A first spike centrally located in the vial access adapter body extends through the top wall, chamber, and bottom wall, with one end extending above the top wall terminating in a threaded luer connector, while the other end terminates in a sharp point. A flow channel extends through the first spike designed for withdrawal of the medical fluid from the vial. A second spike positioned parallel to the first spike extends from the second wall, one end of which extends into the chamber, and the other end terminates in a sharp point. A flow channel extends through the second spike designed for air flow from the chamber into the vial.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 23, 2000
    Date of Patent: April 8, 2003
    Assignee: Bracco Diagnostics, Inc.
    Inventor: John J. Niedospial, Jr.
  • Patent number: 6527758
    Abstract: A vial docking station for simultaneously sliding the spouts of a plurality of liquid medicament vials into an engaged position with matching receptacles of a like plurality of liquid reconstitution diluent bags.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 11, 2001
    Date of Patent: March 4, 2003
    Inventor: Kam Ko
  • Patent number: 6503240
    Abstract: A vial access adapter for withdrawal of a medical fluid contained in a vial which includes a vial access adapter body having a circular top wall with a plurality of vent holes, a circular second wall spaced from the top wall, and a cylindrical side wall which walls define a chamber for holding an anti-bacterial filter. A first spike centrally located in the vial access adapter body extends through the top wall, chamber, and bottom wall, with one end extending above the top wall terminating in a threaded luer connector, while the other end terminates in a sharp point. A flow channel extends through the first spike designed for withdrawal of the medical fluid from the vial. A second spike positioned parallel to the first spike and is integral with the first spike extends from the second wall, one end of which extends into the chamber, and the other end terminates in a sharp point co-joined with the sharp point of the first spike.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 20, 2000
    Date of Patent: January 7, 2003
    Assignee: Brocco Diagnostics, Inc.
    Inventors: John J. Niedospial, Jr., Jacqueline M. Kline, Michael N. Eakins, Ernest Balestracci
  • Patent number: 6497697
    Abstract: A syringe guide and vial holder facilitates the insertion of a syringe into a medicine vial and the subsequent withdrawal of medicine from the vial into the syringe. The syringe guide and vial holder is constructed of a single piece of material and includes a vial holder for holding a medicine vial, a throat allowing access to the vial cap, and a syringe cradle for supporting a syringe.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 2, 2000
    Date of Patent: December 24, 2002
    Inventor: Michael Cohn
  • Patent number: 6494869
    Abstract: A method of removing body fluids from a patient and disposing of the body fluids, the method comprising the steps of (a) providing a container including a bottom wall having therein a drain, (b) providing a drainage device for automatically opening the drain and draining the contents of the container, (c) collecting body fluids in the container, (d) placing the container on the drainage device, and (e) operating the drainage device so that the drainage device opens the drain and drains the contents of the container.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 26, 2000
    Date of Patent: December 17, 2002
    Assignee: Bemis Manufacturing Company
    Inventors: Joseph M. Hand, Barry G. Anderson, Michael C. Hollen, Mark A. Miller