Abstract: The catheter insertion valve of the present invention comprises a central tubular body and a non-removable tubular cap that can be screwed onto the body wherein a bore extending through the body and the cap defines a pathway for a catheter. Such catheters are inserted into arteries, organs or body cavities for the purpose of introducing medications of instruments for treatment, diagnosis or the performing of in vivo procedures. A seal located within the central body of the valve is used to form a fluid-tight seal about the catheter, guidewire or other instrument extending therethrough. Alternatively, the seal can completely close off the pathway when it is not being used for catheter insertion thereby preventing air entrainment. The central body is provided with one or more seal position indicators to indicate to the operator that a seal has been formed about a catheter or guidewire of standard dimension. The seal is manually adjusted by rotating the non-removable cap.

Abstract: A radioactivity shielding assembly, suitable for transferring a radioactive substance with a reduced risk of human exposure and environmental contamination, includes a protective shield casing having a reservoir disposed in the casing for receiving the radioactive substance. Associated with the casing is a coupling structure for coupling the reservoir and casing directly to a receiver into which the radioactive substance is to be transferred. The casing includes a side shielding structure in which the reservoir is retained and two end shield structures which are removably attached to the side shield structure. The two end shield structures are removed from the side shield structure at the location at which the radioactive substance is to be discharged, but such removal leaves the reservoir protectively received in the side structure to maintain continued protection against radioactive exposure or contamination. A related method of transferring the radioactive substance is also described.

Abstract: A one-way septum valve in a connector device to maintain sterility is provided. The device prevents the backward flow of blood and body fluids through the connector to an injection device such as a syringe, I.V. unit, and the like.The valve includes a slit, resilient septum mounted within the connector, and a moveable plug spaced a short distance from the septum and adapted to move forward slightly upon contact with the injection device.When the injection device is moved forward, it will contact and drive the plug a short distance into the septum causing it to open and deform inwardly. This enables fluid from the I.V. unit, syringe, etc., to be fed through the septum opening and into a patient. When the injection device is retracted out of contact with the plug, the septum resiliency forces the plug back out of the septum which then closes and seals.

Abstract: The apparatus for medical purposes comprises a sleeve-type catheter hub (10) having a cylindrical longitudinal channel (11) and a flexible catheter capillary (24) which, through an orifice portion (11a) of the longitudinal channel (11) extends into an expanded intermediate section (11c) of the longitudinal channel (11). The catheter capillary (24) includes a thicker head portion (23) tightened in the expanded intermediate section (11c) of the longitudinal channel (11) by an annular shoulder (22) of a radial annular collar (20) which is formed by ultrasonic welding into the wall of the longitudinal channel (11). To obtain a stepless passage of the cylindrical channel (11), an adapter (18) with a conical passage (19) is joined by press fit to the annular collar (20). The catheter capillary (24) is firmly anchored. In addition, the conical passage (19) serves as an insertion aid for a probe or the like.

Abstract: A storage receptacle sealing and transfer apparatus is disclosed for selectively enabling sealing and transfer of material to and from the receptacle. The apparatus is particularly useful for maintaining and later transferring drug and associated materials, under sterile conditions, to achieve mixing, as, is necessary, for example, in reconstituting a drug by mixing the drug with a diluent prior to delivery to a patient. The transfer apparatus is mounted at the aperture, or mouth, of a storage receptacle to seal the aperture until the contents are needed, and then to permit sterile transfer from one receptacle to another receptacle through a central passage.

Abstract: A pair of medical tube connectors are interconnected in fluid tight relation. A tamper-evident indicator of breakable material, such as paper, has a pair of strips respectively encircling said connectors, and at least one breakable strip having a width substantially less than the circumference of the tube connectors extending between the strips to provide an indication if the connectors have been separated.

Abstract: A method of utilizing an apparatus of the type comprising a vial container hazardous material in the vial container in a condition requiring a diluent to be mixed therewith to form the liquid solution, and an assemblage carried by the vial container for providing (1) a sealed medicament chamber within the vial container within which the hazardous material is disposed, (2) a filter vented control chamber and (3) a sealed variable volume control chamber between the vented control chamber and the medicament chamber. The method is such as to enable an open end of a syringe needle of a diluent syringe having a syringe chamber containing diluent in communication therewith to be moved into and withdrawn successively from the chambers so as to mix the diluent with the hazardous material. The method also contemplates procedures for separately refilling a dosage syringe and for relieving any residual pressure in the vial chamber with the use of an empty syringe prior to initial or final refilling of a dosage syringe.

Abstract: The quick connect/disconnect tubing adapter is used for capturing a tubing within the adapter in a generally sterile manner. The adapter comprises two mating body portions which have passageways for receiving a tubing end portion. A tubing is received in and fixed in the passageways and is adapted to contract around the tubing end portion when the body portions are pulled away from each other. Additionally, a locking mechanism is provided for releasably locking the body portions together in a pulled apart position with the tubing end portion captured in the tubing.

Abstract: A three part ostomy coupling has a first part having a flange, a central chute and an array of space projections. A second part has a peripheral seal for engaging and surrounding the outer wall of the chute an outwardly projecting rim which can be snap fitted on the space projection. A third part is rotatable to effect a positive lock between the rim the projections, for example by deforming the projections inwardly.

Abstract: Thermoplastic tubes are welded together in a dry condition with the tubes being open and maintained in their undistorted condition during the welding step. In an alternative technique a branch tube is welded to a main tube by placing the tubes in a non-parallel orientation in a holding device. A wafer cuts completely through one tube to form two tube sections. The wafer also cuts a notch from the other tube. One of the tube sections is shifted to become aligned with the notched other tube and welded thereto. A further technique includes placing at least one tube in a holding device which has a false floor for pressing against an area of the tube while the tube is being flattened at two spaced locations on opposite sides of the area. When the false floor is moved away from the tube a partial vacuum results. An air pocket is formed when the tube is severed by a wafer by air flowing into the cut tube.

Abstract: This invention pertains to a medicator securing device for use in an I.V. administration in which a needle is inserted into a resilient cap member to add drugs and the like to an infusion procedure. This inserted needle is retained in inserted condition and position in this cap by this securing device. A flexible, substantially transparent plastic film having one surface coated with a self-stick adhesive is applied tightly to a frame of semi-rigid material. This frame provides at least one window-like opening which is covered by the adhesively-coated film. A release sheet member is applied to the window-like area until a time of use and application of the securing device, at which time the release sheet is removed and the adhesive surface of the film within said window is brought to and around the connection, with a fold made of the device so that the film is engaged tightly around the connection.

Abstract: An IV lock for preventing IV connectors from separating. The IV lock has two split-fork locks at each end for releasably securing a male IV fitting or connector to the IV lock and for releasably securing a catheter to the IV lock. The IV lock may also include a snap-fit clamp intermediate the two split-fork locks for securing an intermediate connector coupled between the male IV fitting and the catheter fitting from moving laterally and axially relative to its length. The male IV fitting and catheter are prevented from moving axially and transversely of their length when secured in the IV lock.

Abstract: The present invention provides a sterile, unitized, economical device furnishing a fluid path between a plurality of solutions to be compounded and a receiving container. The device includes a plurality of fluid connectors and fluid lines sealingly connected to respective pump fittings which provide individual paths to a common junction block.The common junction block includes a portion for receiving fluid lines and preventing them from crimping thereby maintaining fluid flow. The block also includes an exit port for providing a sealingly sterile connection to the receiving container. Further, a closure is provided to protect the exit port from contamination when the port is not providing fluid communication to the receiving container.

Abstract: A pass-through tube for use in conveying intravenous fluid to a patient in a pressurized chamber, the tube including a tubular body having an outer surface shaped and sized to sealably mate with the interior surface of a connector passing through the wall of a pressurized chamber, a first end having a first generally cylindrical surface adapted to sealably engage a similarly shaped surface of a mating first connector and first locking members for locking with mating locking members on the first connector, a second end having a second generally cylindrical surface adapted to sealably engage a similarly shaped surface of a mating second connector and second locking members for locking with mating locking members on the second connector. Also disclosed is a kit including a pass-through tube, a flexible internal tube, and a valve connected to the external end for connection to an intravenous supply line.

Abstract: A method of forming a unitary, sterile fluid dispensing assembly includes forming a fluid-filled container with a vinyl disposing port and forming a fluid transfer set with a vinyl spike connector. The spike connector is inserted into the vinyl disposing port thereby placing the set in fluid flow communication with the fluid in the container. The assembly is sterilized in an autoclave. The heat of sterilization melds at least a surface portion of the vinyl spike connector and softens an interior adjacent surface portion of the port on the container. After sterilization, the transfer set is permanently bonded to the container. The presence of the fluid in the transfer set during sterilization prevents fusing and closing of the lumens of the set due to the heat of sterilization.

Abstract: An ambulatory dialysis system and connector which effectively prevents peritoneal infections such as peritonitis. The connector is comprised of a cylinder containing a disinfecting solution which continuously bathes the male and female connectors of a tube during use. A highly absorbent material is packed in the cylinder and saturated with a disinfectant and bathes the male and female connectors when connection is made and continually bathes them during use. A connection is provided by a male fitting on the end of a tube connected to a container of dialysate fluid or an abdominal opposing tube. A male connector is inserted into the female connector through the cylinder containing the absorbent material saturated with the disinfectant. The absorbent material is packed such that the male connector contacts the absorbent material during insertion to disinfect the opposing ends simultaneously while connection is being made.

Abstract: This invention pertains to a medicator securing device for use in an I.V. administration in which a needle is inserted into a resilient cap member to add drugs and the like to an infusion procedure. This inserted needle is retained in inserted condition and position in this cap by this securing device. A flexible, substantially transparent plastic film having one surface coated with a self-stick adhesive is applied tightly to a frame of semi-rigid material. This frame provides at least one window-like opening which is covered by the adhesively-coated film. A release sheet member is applied to the window-like area until a time of use and application of the securing device, at which time the release sheet is removed and the adhesive surface of the film within said window is brought to and around the connection, with a fold made of the device so that the film is engaged tightly around the connection.

Abstract: A linear welding process and apparatus connects fluid-filled tubes in a sterile manner. The linear welder includes a base on which a carriage is slidably mounted. A pair of side by side arms are secured to the carriage as are a pair of tube holders. A pair of clamping jaws are mounted on the arms to clamp a pair of tubes in the holders. The arms are movable for passing the clamped tubes into contact with a heated wafer which cuts the tubes into tube sections. The tube sections are realigned and a pair of sections are butt welded together.

Abstract: A secondary lock for preventing separation of a pair of connected tubular members comprises an elongated body which carries a toothed rack. A first transversely extending retention member is carried adjacent one end of the body, with a sliding member slidably mounted on the body for longitudinal movement therealong. The sliding member carries a second transversely extending retention member. Each of the retention members are proportioned to grip and retain one of the tubular members. A pawl is provided for engaging the rack to permit the sliding member to be moved toward the first member but not away from the first member. However, the pawl is disengageable to permit the sliding member to be moved away from the first member when desired.

Abstract: A body is provided with members for coupling it to one end of a bottle or the like. The body has a seat for housing the free end of a syringe, with a hole for allowing for the syringe needle to pass through. The free end of a syringe may be housed and threaded in the seat. On the side opposite surfaces of the body seat and at the syringe end provided for insertion in the seat, there are formed radially projecting longitudinal teeth and slanted resilient fins which are deflected by the teeth as the syringe is threaded to the body. The teeth abut against the fins, thereby preventing the syringe from being screwed off the body.

Abstract: A fluid collection system includes an input unit having a hollow needle coupled through a section of flexible conduit to an anticoagulant reservoir which is in turn coupled via a second section of hollow conduit to a first sterile connector. A collection container, which can be a dry, flexible, plastic bag, is coupled by a plastic conduit to second and third sterile connectors. The first and second connectors can be joined together and sealed to form a sterile system. A transfer container includes a flexible plastic container coupled via a hollow plastic conduit to a fourth sterile connector. The fourth sterile connector is joinable with the third sterile connector to form a sterile two container system. Fluids collected in the primary container can then be transferred to the secondary container.

Abstract: In order to withdraw pharmaceutical products from sterile vials by means of a syringe, apparatus is used on one end of which a syringe possibly containing a liquid solvent is mounted and at the other end of which a seat is provided for housing the mouth of a vial. The syringe needle can puncture the rubber or similar stopper by which the vial is sealed, while the needle itself remains enclosed and protected by said apparatus. The invention relates to a device which, when the vial has been removed, can itself be housed in said apparatus seat to enable the needle to puncture a rubber stopper provided on the device, which is connected to one end of a cannula having for example mounted on its other end a needle for transfusion purposes. In this manner, the liquid can be discharged from the syringe while the needle remains enclosed and protected by the said apparatus.

Abstract: One end (4a) of a supply tube (4) opening out into the three-way connector is closed by a diaphragm (9) and filled with fresh fluid. This end is situated opposite one end of a duct (3b;36) to which a connection tube (3) is connected, with which it is axially aligned. This duct end has a pointed tip (8; 37) of hard plastic material. The end of the supply tube is axially displaceable in a chamber (2) of the three-way connector. By moving this end toward the tip of the duct end, the diaphragm is pierced by the tip, so that the fresh fluid can flow from the supply tube into the connection tube. One end of a drain tube (5) runs perpendicular to the duct end and opens out in the chamber. This closed three-way connector cannot be contaminated, is easy to use, and is largely proof against incorrect manipulation.

Abstract: Connector devices residing on the ends of conduits or lines and intended to connect conduits or lines in flow relation are the subject matter of this invention. Caps for capping the connectors to isolate the open ends of the connectors and close them when desired are also taught herein. Caps and connectors disclosed by this invention are suited for use as medical connectors and caps.

Abstract: A medical instrument is assembled by inserting a mating portion of a first tubular member of flexible resin having a Shore D hardness of 45 or lower into a mating portion of a second tubular member of flexible resin having a Shore D hardness of 45 or lower. The mating portions are joined with a curable, preferaly UV curable, adhesive which shows a Shore D hardness of 70 or lower after curing, thereby forming a firm bond.

Abstract: A port/catheter tube assembly which insures a stable essentially inseparable connection between the hollow male outlet stem of the port and the proximal end of the catheter tube, thereby insuring a continual supply of medication to the desired patient site while preventing inadvertent harm caused by unintended leakage of such medication into improper tissue sites due to separation of the catheter tube from the port or due to kinking.

Abstract: Thermoplastic tubes are welded together in a dry condition with the tubes being open and maintained in their undistorted condition during the welding step. In an alternative technique a branch tube is welded to a main tube by placing the tubes in a non-parallel orientation in a holding device. A wafer cuts completely through one tube to form two tube sections. The wafer also cuts a notch from the other tube. One of the tube sections is shifted to become aligned with the notched other tube and welded thereto. A further technique includes placing at least one tube in a holding device which has a false floor for pressing against an area of the tube while the tube is being flattened at two spaced locations on opposite sides of the area. When the false floor is moved away from the tube a partial vacuum results. An air pocket is formed when the tube is severed by a wafer by air flowing into the cut tube.

Abstract: An apparatus comprising a vial container hazardous material in the vial container in a condition requiring a diluent to be mixed therewith to form the liquid solution, and an assemblage carried by the vial container for providing (1) a sealed medicament chamber within the vial container within which the hazardous material is disposed, (2) a filter vented control chamber and (3) a sealed variable volume control chamber between the vented control chamber and the medicament chamber, the arrangement being such as to enable an open end of a syringe needle of a diluent syringe having a syringe chamber containing diluent in communication therewith to be moved into and withdrawn successively from the chambers so as to mix the diluent with the hazardous material in such a way as to substantially prevent the hazardous material from entering the immediate atmospheric environment.

Abstract: A process and system is provided for making a connection between two fluid-filled plastic tubes that ensures total containment of potentially dangerous fluids and maintaining sterility of the connection. The tubes are folded to remove all fluid from the weld site and positioned to cause the connection to take place in this fluid free zone. Each folded section is first cauterized to create a bacteria free zone, the tubes are slit in the zone, and cauterized a second time to insure sterility and melt the tube ends. The tubes are urged together and as the thermoplastic resin cools, a totally contained, sterile weld is formed.

Abstract: Disclosed is a connector for introducing medication into a patient in a safe, convenient way. It comprises a pair of plastic tubular members adapted to be manually pushed together to engage in a male-female relationship, and a locking mechanism that detachably secures the members together. The male member has a sealed entry port at its end, and the female member safely houses within it a needle which centrally pierces the seal of the port upon engagement of the members. Preferably, the locking mechanism provides a "click" sound when it locks the members together.

Abstract: A connector (2) for peritoneal dialysis comprises a female connector piece (4) and a male connector piece (6). The male connector piece comprises a central tube section (22) whose diameter tapers at a step (26). Furthermore, the female connector piece (4) comprises a valve means (52) which consists of an annular seal (54) and a valve plate (58) which is pressed by means of a pressure spring (60) against the sealing ring (54). On connection of the female connector piece (4) with the male connector piece (6) at least one pin (46) on the male connector piece engages in a guide groove (48) which is formed in a sleeve (10) in which the female connector piece (4) is provided.

Abstract: A pair of separate conduits, each having an internal seal zone, may be joined by the method which comprises sealingly joining the ends of the conduits together; thereafter adding an antiseptic into the area of the joined conduits between internal seals formed in the zones; and then opening said internal seals without separating the conduits to permit internal fluid flow through the joined conduits.

Abstract: A process and apparatus for sterile docking of plastic tubes or the like is disclosed in which the tube ends to be joined are sealed by a transverse weld seam and aligned along a common axis. A heating unit is moved between the tube ends at a distance thereto to melt the latter. After retracting the heating unit, the tube ends are urged together. Prior to and during the heating, the tube ends are squeezed behind the weld seam. Immediately after contacting together the tube ends, the squeezing action is discontinued to provide a sterile docking and an opening of the sealed ends.

Abstract: This connection system has particular application to releasably securing a flexible catheter to a rigid portal outlet stem received in the catheter lumen. The system includes a radial enlargement on the outlet stem and a retainer sleeve having a tubular distal segment which encircles the catheter at a location adjacent to the free end of the stem therein and a proximal segment which is composed of a pair of mirror image, hinged together, semicylindrical clamping sections, one of which is an integral extension of the distal sleeve segment and the other of which can be moved between open and closed positions so as to enable the sections to clamp around the stem enlargement and a segment of the catheter encircling the stem. A locking ring snugly encircles the sleeve and is slidable therealong between a locking position wherein it tightly engages around the sleeve clamping sections and an unlocking position wherein it encircles the distal sleeve segment.

Abstract: A bag having a flap valve beneath an opening at the top edge and a second valve including a longitudinally slidable valve member having a downwardly extending tube. When the slidable valve is in the open position the downwardly extending tube passes through the flap valve to provide sterile access to the liquid within the bag.

Abstract: A medical instrument for transferring liquid therethrough is provided, comprising a connector of a rigid resin including a generally cylindrical portion having a passage extending throughout the connector and one open end, the cylindrical portion at said one open end including a recess extending circumferentially and axially from the open end, the outside surface of the recess being provided with at least one substantially circumferential rib; and a tube of a flexible resin inserted into the recess and bonded thereto with an adhesive to define a continuous passage communicating the connector and the tube.

Abstract: A tamper discouraging device in a liquid drainage system comprising, an elastic catheter having an elongated shaft, a connector adjacent a proximal end of the catheter, and a drainage lumen extending through a major portion of the catheter and the connector. The device has a hollow drainage tube having a hollow adapter at an upstream end of the drainage tube, with the adapter being received in the catheter connector. The device has a circumferential band being heat shrunk against the catheter over the connector and adapter.

Abstract: A tamper-evident band for a liquid drainage system comprising an elastic catheter having an elongated shaft, a connector adjacent the proximal end of the catheter, and a drainage lumen extending through a major portion of the catheter and the connector. The tamper-evident band comprises elastomeric annular band of stepped diameter which is fit over the juncture between the connector and the proximal end of the catheter. The band has a slot longitudinally arranged on one outer peripheral portion of the band. It also has a semi-circumferential tear tab disposed on one end thereof. To separate the connector from the proximal end of the catheter, the band must be broken. The tab may be pulled and the band separated along its longitudinal slot. A small ring comprising the remaining stepped portion of the band remains on the adapter after the tab has been pulled, the slot fractured and the top band portion removed.

Abstract: A simplified aseptic connector assembly for tubes or conduits to conduct sterile fluids and comprising interconnectable complementary male and female connector members respectively connectable to the ends of tube sections to be connected, one of the members having a socket open at one end and dimensioned to slidably receive the other member which also has an axial socket open at the outer end which is adapted to be received in the socket of the one member, the axial socket in the other member being tapered and complementary in shape to a tubular prong extending axially within the socket of the one member for frictional reception within the tapered socket of the other member and the prong having a piercing tip terminating short of the open face of the open end of one member, each of the open ends of the sockets of the members initially being sealed by membranes to maintain the interiors of the sockets in aseptic condition; the sealed ends of the connector members being adapted to be dipped in a disinfecting so

Abstract: An implantable treatment device has a housing portion defining a chamber and a self-resealable cover portion which closes off the chamber to provide a fluid receiving reservoir. An exit port extends from the reservoir to the external surface of the housing, and a locking member affixed to the device permits a twist-lockable catheter connection to be securely sealed to the exit port. In one embodiment the locking member is a base plate having a slot therein to capture the flange of a catheter connection. A protruding tab on the catheter connection may be sutured to hold the twist-locked connection in a fixed orientation. A multi-reservoir and multi-catheter embodiment is shown. A preferred implantable multi-reservoir device includes tactile features palpable through the skin for distinguishing the different reservoirs, or identifying the contents thereof.

Abstract: A plug assembly for puncture has a cylindrical member of a rigid resin having first and second openings one at each end thereof and a channel for communication between the first and second openings. The cylindrical member has a mating tapering surface on an outer side of the first opening. The assembly also includes an elastic member of a synthetic resin arranged at least in the channel extending toward the second opening of the cylindrical member so as to block the channel of the cylindrical member. The elastic member permits a needle penetration and assuring a re-sealability after an injection needle has been withdrawn. The cylindrical member and the elastic member are molded in an integral fashion.

Abstract: A multiple passage tube connector fitting is provided which includes a pair of connectors each having a passage open at one end. The fitting has a single-piece elastomeric tube adapter and plug device having a coupling element for connecting it to the connector. The device includes a tube adapter having a passage through it which is connected by a flexible strap to the coupling element and is adapted to fit in the passage of the connector. Another plug is connected by a strap to theadapter for closing the adapter passage. The device also has a plug connected to the coupling element by flexible strap for closing the passage of the other connector.

Abstract: The present invention provides a medical needle assembly comprising in part a hub and a protector, each discrete from the other and having a lumen passing continuously therethrough. A hollow needle is enclosed within the continuous lumens and fixed to the base of the protector. A thin-walled weak point for separation of the hub and protector is provided near to the periphery of the area of hub and protector attachment. The hub and protector are attached using a solvent capable of dissolving the hub and protector materials, or an adhesive, the use of a plasticized vinyl chloride polymer paste resin being especially desirable. The present invention also provides a medical device in which the above medical needle assembly is incorporated in, and forms part of, a tubing line connected to a container holding blood.

Abstract: An ambulatory dialysis system and connector which effectively prevents peritoneal infections such as peritonitis. The connector is comprised of a cylinder containing a disinfecting solution which continuously bathes the male and female connectors of a tube during use. A highly absorbent material is packed in the cylinder and saturated with a disinfectant and bathes the male and female connectors when connection is made and continually bathes them during use. A connection is provided by a male fitting on the end of a tube connected to a container of dialysate fluid or an abdominal opposing tube. A male connector is inserted into the female connector through the cylinder containing the absorbent material saturated with the disinfectant. The absorbent material is packed such that the male connector contacts the absorbent material during insertion to disinfect the opposing ends simultaneously while connection is being made.

Abstract: A device automatically uncouples two connectors and forms a new coupling between one of the connectors and another connector in a aseptic manner, without touch contamination from the user. The device automatically readies itself for use after every operation.

Abstract: A device for a traumatic access to a blood vessel of a living organism through the cutaneous surface thereof. The device includes in combination an implantable device comprising a tubular segment for access to the blood vessel; a valving element for the tubular segment; a mechanism for controlling the blood flow through the valving element; a cover for sealing the proximal end of the tubular segment in the absence of the blood control mechanism; and a porous coating adapted to be colonized by tissue ingrowth and at least partially surrounding the implantable device. The porous coating is formed from a carbon-carbon composite material comprising a reinforcement formed from a carbon fiber porous substrate embedded in a carbonaceous matrix design to densify only partially the fiber substrate while connecting the carbon fibers together.

Abstract: A penetrator for fully draining the liquid in multi-dose vials when drawing liquid into a syringe is disclosed. The apparatus also provides a cuff and a sleeve that are encoded for preventing misidentification of the contents of a syringe by identifying the syringe with the vial from which the contents of the syringe were drawn. The cuff is mounted on the penetrator and the sleeve is mounted on the port end of the syringe, so that a mismatch between the cuff and sleeve is readily detected when the port end of the syringe is attached to the penetrator to withdraw liquid from the vial.

Abstract: A disposable "third hand" holder for CAPD exchange sets holds a set connector and a cap in an aseptic condition until ready for use. The holder is adhesively secured to a work surface. After the set connector has been removed from the holder and the exchange is under way, a sterilant tube can be connected to the holder in place of the set connector, and its contents can be squeezed out through a passage within the holder into the interior of the cap. When the patient's catheter is eventually capped, the sterilant in the cap maintains all interior surfaces of the catheter connector in an aseptic condition.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a locking mechanism for locking an endotracheal tube to a respirator, and the method of using the same. The locking mechanism comprises two clamp mechanisms and a strap interconnecting them. One of the clamp mechanisms is tightened around the endotracheal tube, and the other clamp mechanism is a quick-release clamp that is clamped onto the respirator connector in a quickly releasable manner.

Abstract: A coupling member is disclosed for use in connecting together flexible tubes and the like. The coupling member is adapted for connection with a mating coupling member, and includes an outer rigid coupling component which is thermally resistant and an inner coupling component which is thin and flexible, so that the inner coupling component can provide a penetrable seal and whereby the overall coupling member is capable of withstanding autoclaving temperatures so that it can be sterilized prior to use. A coupling device including such a coupling member is also disclosed, including a second coupling member which is capable of mating with the first coupling member and which includes a penetrating portion so that when the two coupling members are mated, the penetrating portion of the second coupling member penetrates the inner coupling component of the first coupling member.