Abstract: The present invention relates to a bag for the cryopreservation of blood cells, comprising a joining piece and a shrink tube to connect the bag with a non-PVC tubing. The tubing is resistant to the liquid nitrogen temperature and can be used for RF sealing and sterile docking both before and after cryopreservation.

Abstract: A cap for a blood-sampling tube has a collar adapted to fit on the tube and a tubular extension extending from the cap, defining an axis and having an outer end remote from the cap. An annular wall is formed inside the cap spaced from the outer end and an annular lip projects axially backward from the outer end and has an outer surface spaced radially inward of an inner surface of the extension and an axially directed inner end. A pierceable flat membrane in the extension on the annular wall snugly engages the inner surface of the extension and has an outer face spaced axially from the inner end of the lip. The lip has an inner surface defining a cylindrical passage of a predetermined diameter and the wall has an inner edge defining a similarly dimensioned coaxial annular passage.

Abstract: A connecting arrangement for a medical system, having a first part including a plastic material that is dimensionally stable at a heat-treatment temperature and a second part including a plastic material that is not dimensionally stable at the heat-treatment temperature and thus tends to flow under a compressive force; in which the plastic materials do not contain any PVC or EVA. The connection is made by bringing the surfaces on the first and second parts together with subsequent heat-treatment under a compressive force, wherein the second plastic material tends to flow under the simultaneous effects of temperature and compressive force.

Abstract: Compressible lock washers for use in catheter connectors. One such lock washer (60) includes a support ring (62) and tube engagement flanges (64) extending centrally therefrom, oblique to the ring and each extending from the same side thereof. The tube engagement flanges (64) define a tube receptacle (72) through which a catheter tube (58) may be inserted. Upon compression of the lock washer (60), the tube engagement flanges (64) are forced toward the ring (62), decreasing the diameter of the tube receptacle (72). Thus, during compression of the lock washer (60), the tube engagement flanges (64) engage the catheter tube (58) which runs through the tube receptacle (72), securing the catheter tube within the catheter connector (20) with which the lock washer is associated.

Abstract: A gastrointestinal-type tube insertion or removal device includes a body portion, a finger grip portion secured to an end of the body portion, and arm lifts secured to an end of the body portion opposite the finger grip portion. One or more optional stabilizing lifts may likewise be secured to the insertion or removal device in close proximity to the arm lifts. Also methods of using the gastrointestinal-type tube insertion or removal device are described for inserting or removing a skin level gastrointestinal-type tube.

Abstract: A fluidic connector with a leak proof connection site that includes a first larger diameter portion, a second smaller diameter portion and a deformable buckling region that forms a part of both the first and second diameter portions where the two portions join. The first larger diameter portion forms a separate inner surface for receiving a plug to securely seal off the connection site from fluid communication therethrough while the second smaller diameter portion is adapted to receive and securely seal different sizes of male adapters used for attaching a lumen. The deformable buckling region forms a structural buffer between the first and second diameter portions in order to maintain the diameter of the first larger diameter portion when the second smaller diameter portion is stretched out by prolonged insertion of a nonconforming male adaptor. In addition, an adapter is provided which permits flexibility in use and provides a redundant fluid seal, without exhibiting creep.

Abstract: An adapter of the present invention useful for attaching a fluid handling device to a catheter includes a body having a proximal end, a distal end and an open passageway therethrough. The passageway includes a seat to receive the catheter and a cavity distal to the catheter seat. There is a gasket disposed in the cavity to form a substantially fluid tight seal about the catheter when the catheter is positioned on the catheter seat. The adapter further includes a retainer, disposed on the distal end of the body over the gasket with an opening therethrough that is substantially aligned with the passageway. The opening is sufficient to allow the catheter to pass through into the passageway to engage the gasket and the catheter seat. The retainer has a plurality of flexible projections into the opening that are sized and shaped to engage the catheter and be proximally deflected by the placement of the catheter on the catheter seat.

Abstract: The present invention provides a portal for subcutaneous implantation, where the portal includes a housing having a first end, a second end, an inner wall, and a lumen between the first and second open ends. In one preferred embodiment, the first open end of the housing is sealed by a elastomeric septum, which has been injection molding into place. The elastomeric septum is bonded to the inner wall of the housing adjacent the first open end. The second open end is sealed to define a reservoir accessible through the septum.

Abstract: The invention relates to a subcutaneous infusion device comprising a housing; a flow channel within the housing; a cannula extending from the housing and being in flow communication with the flow channel; a connector for delivery of fluid into the flow channel; a guide means for guiding the connector with the needle into a correct position in relation to the housing; a base part where the housing is mounted pivotably in relation to this base part. By incorporating the housing pivotably in relation to a base part it is possible to pivote the housing to an increased angle in relation to the skin surface and hereby facilitate the mounting of the connector in the housing since there is now more space present for performing this operation. Hereby the handling of the device has been simplified.

Abstract: A spike adapter and blunt cannula spike adapter assembly comprises a spike adapter having a hollow chamber extending axially therethrough from a first body end to a second body end. The hollow chamber is adapted to receive and accommodate attachment with a blunt cannula therein. A spike shaft projects axially outwardly away from the adapter body second end and has a sharpened tip at a distal end. A spike cover is disposed over the spike shaft to cover the sharpened tip. The spike shaft includes a hollow channel extending axially therethrough that is adapted to accommodate placement of a blunt cannula shaft concentrically therein to allow the blunt cannula to access medicine containers having unslit septums or stoppers. The spike adapter body includes axially extending grooves that accommodate blunt cannula tongues therein to form a tongue and groove attachment therebetween.

Abstract: A needleless injection site comprising a housing defining proximal and distal ends and including a reseal member disposed therein. The reseal member has an elastically openable and closable aperture formed therein, and normally resides within the housing in a closed position wherein the aperture is in a closed configuration. The reseal member is deformable such that the application of distally directed pressure thereto will cause the reseal member to distally advance within the housing to an open position wherein the aperture assumes an open configuration. The removal of the distally directed pressure from the reseal member will cause it to resiliently return to the closed position wherein the aperture assumes the closed configuration.

Abstract: A catheter assembly comprising two elements each having a hub disposed at the proximal end thereof. The hubs are constructed so as to be complementary and rotatably engageable as the result of a plurality of threads disposed on the hubs of the two catheter introducer elements. When the threads of the hubs of the two catheter elements are engaged axial disengagement of the hubs is inhibited. The catheter assembly also comprising a means of securing against accidental rotational disengagement. The size and location of the threads and the rotational securement means permits the catheter assembly to have a lower profile because the distance to the hemostasis gasket is reduced thus permitting easier access to the hemostasis gasket.

Abstract: A connecting device for connecting a container (1) consisting of a sealed flexible bag (3) to an external duct (2) that includes a tube (4) with a connecting opening (5). A rigid tubular coupling (6) is loosely arranged within the flexible container (1) and comprises a frusto-conical projection (7) sized in such a way that it may be force-fitted into the opening (5). A user grasps the coupling (6) and places it against the inner surface of the bag (3) while placing the opening (5) of the external duct (2) against the outer surface of the bag (3), then axially presses on the coupling (6) so that it perforates the bag (3) and sealingly engages the opening (5). The fluid in the container (1) can then flow through the coupling (6) into the external duct (2).

Abstract: A connecting system is provided with a connector adapted to be mounted to the end of a conduit for removably engaging a blunt cannula to establish fluid communication between the conduit and cannula. The connector has a housing which defines a passage for communicating with the conduit and which defines an opening to the passage. The housing also defines a generally frustoconical seating surface which decreases in diameter in the direction toward the opening. A generally fluid-impervious, resilient seal is retained within the housing passage against the seating surface. The seal defines a slit which can accommodate penetration by the blunt cannula and which can reseal upon withdrawal of the blunt cannula.

Abstract: An intravenous connection clip for preventing separation of two tubular fluid flow connectors of respective intravenous (IV) tubing sets. The intravenous connection clip includes a generally tubular bracket for surrounding the fluid flow connectors and having large portions of the tube cut away to allow for easy visualization of the fluid flow connectors and the fluid path therethrough. The bracket of the IV connection clip having a generally "C" shaped port lock on a first end of the bracket having a pair of first arms for releasably gripping a conventional port of a first IV tubing set, a generally "U" shaped cannula and luer connector lock on an intermediate portion of the bracket for releasably contacting a conventional luer connector of a second IV tubing set fluidly coupled to the port of the first IV tubing set.

Abstract: An intracranial pressure monitoring and drainage catheter having two tubes that are joined into a single tube at the catheter body distal end, each tube having a separate lumen. One tube is severed at a location proximal to the catheter body distal end and has an internal connector that may be removed from one severed end to introduce a stylet into the lumen. The stylet results in increased rigidity of the catheter body distal end to assist in placing the catheter in the patient. The wall of the distal end of the catheter has drainage apertures formed in communication with the lumen in which the stylet is placed. Reconnecting the internal connector after removal of the stylet provides a fluid path from the distal end of the catheter body to the proximal end of the catheter for drainage of fluid from the patient. A sensor may be placed in the other lumen for sensing a physical parameter of the patient, such as pressure or temperature or both.

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: The present invention provides a housing for use in the administration of medical fluids comprising a body having an opening at a distal end to a chamber, the chamber is connected to an interior flow channel, and a plurality of ribs are positioned in the chamber and are circumferentially spaced, the ribs are positioned inward of the body opening.

Abstract: A cap are disclosed that can be attached to at least two of the following hydraulic fittings found on a medical device: a blood port according to DIN 13 090, part 3, comprising a male DIN nipple and surrounding female threaded collar; a male DIN nipple according to DIN 13 090, part 3; a tapered male barb nipple; and a dialysate port according to DIN 58 352, part 2. When fully attached to one of such ports, the cap serves to maintain an internal condition, such a sterility, of the medical device until time of use. A preferred embodiment of the cap comprises a female receptacle adapted to receive one of the foregoing male nipples, a male projection adapted to be inserted into the dialysate port, a manually grippable portion facilitating manual attachment and detachment of the cap, and a channel or analogous feature defined by the female receptacle for venting of the medical device through the male nipple whenever the cap is fully attached to the male nipple.

Abstract: A needle-less three part medical fluid flowline connector comprised of a relatively rotatable male Luer housing and a female Luer valve actuator includes a compressed elastomeric valve element having a fluid passageway therein which extends from an axially aligned end on one side of the valve element to an off-center positioned end on the other side of the valve element and avoids the use of a cannula and septum which is pierced during valve opening. Rotation of the compressible valve element with respect to the housing in which it is seated is prevented by interengaged fingers and grooves on the housing and valve element. Withdrawal of the valve actuator from the housing is prevented by a abutting radially extending surfaces and an annular bulge and groove on the actuator and housing respectively. An interengageable longitudinally extending finger and diametrically spaced grooves on the actuator and housing enable the user to readily position the valve in an open or closed position.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for preventing mismatching of blood types between a blood bag and a patient. A first connector has a configuration coding corresponding to the blood type of the blood in the bag, and has means for piercing and providing access to the bag. Blood tubing fluidly connects the blood bag to the patient and has a second connector with configuration coding corresponding to the blood type of the patient. The first and second connection must have matching configurations in order to sealably connect and deliver blood to the patient, thereby preventing mismatches. Optionally, another pair of configuration coded connectors may also be provided to sealably connect the intravenous needle in the arm of the patient. These two pairs of configuration coded connectors may be used separately or together to guard against blood type mismatches.

Abstract: A flexible tubing device is used for intravenous infusion of medicine, particularly antibiotics, to all lumens of a multi-lumen central venous line catheter. The single input arm of the tubing device is connected to a source of medicine, and each of the several output legs of the tubing device are connected to different ports on the central venous line catheter. It allows a single input to be divided into a plurality of outputs. To allow this, the free end of the input arm has a female tube connector fitting while the free end of each of the output legs have a male tube connector fitting.

Abstract: Apparatus and method wherein a housing with an outlet has a cap with an inlet and is affixed to the housing with a flexible flange that depends from the inlet of the cap to engage and circumferentially seal a fitting as it enters the inlet, the housing containing an interior seat for a flexible plug that extends within the housing to the cap for circumferentially sealing the inlet at the flexible flange, with the plug expanding from a circular to an elliptical cross section by the insertion of a Luer fitment into the inlet of the cap to a stop position within the housing, and the plug having an interior passageway extending from an open end to a head with a slit extending therethrough at the inlet.

Abstract: A urine sampling device includes a urine collection vessel having an open end. A cap member seals the vessel open end. The cap member includes a vent to allow air displacement during fluid sampling. A connector element including a hollow piercing element is in fluid communication with the cap member. The urine sampling device is useable in combination with a urine drainage and collection device including a source tube having inlet and outlet ends for receiving and communicating urine. The source tube includes a pierceable connector for receiving the piercing element and is disposed between the source tube inlet and outlet ends. A fluid metering device including an inlet and an outlet is connected to the source tube outlet allowing gravitational fluid flow from the source tube into the metering device. A valve disposed between the pierceable connector and fluid metering device controls the gravitational fluid flow into the metering device.

Abstract: A pre-slit injection site (34) includes a housing (40) with a flow path therethrough. A first end (42) of the housing (40) carries a pre-slit septum (52). One form of a blunt cannula (98), usable with the injection site (34), carries a locking member (100). When the pre-slit injection site (34) slidably receives the blunt cannula (98), the locking member (100) latches to the injection site (34) and creates a mechanically coupled unit. Another form of the cannula (280) includes a tube having a tapered distal end region (298) and having elongate discharge slots (294) for reducing contact surface area and for directing the flow laterally out of the cannula. The cannula may also include a rounded lead post (330), an annular barb (394), and axially oriented grooves (268).

Abstract: A corporeal access tube assembly including a tube segment in which a coil spring is embedded along a portion of the segment. A retention balloon is secured to the tube segment around a portion which does not contain the coil spring. The balloon is inflated into a preformed shape when in operation but its walls are not stretched to any noticeable extent. A bolus on one end of the tube segment includes a stylet pocket in which a stylet is inserted to stretch the balloon axially and decrease its size radially for purposes of insertion and removal of the tube assembly.

Abstract: An adjustable length cannula which may be longitudinally extended or retracted in order to accommodate a range of body cavity wall thicknesses. The cannula includes an annular flange which abuts the skin surface to provide lateral stability to the inserted cannula and to prevent the associated trocar from being inserted too far into the body cavity. A low external profile of the cannula further contributes to its lateral stability. An adjustable length trocar for use with one embodiment of the adjustable length cannula is also disclosed.

Abstract: Methods for the sterile transfer of a solution are disclosed, including sterilizing the inlet to a connector by flowing a sterilizing fluid around the connector inlet, sterilizing a penetrating element for the connector by flowing a sterilizing solution around the penetrating element, and penetrating the sterilized inlet by the sterilized penetrating element in order to transfer the solution through the penetrating element on the connector. Apparatus for such sterile transfer of a solution is also provided.

Abstract: A fluid transfer device has a resilient reservoir connected to a rigid hollow punch made of synthetic resin. The punch is precisely sized to enable manual penetration of rubber stoppers found on standard evacuated tubes which are commonly used for blood sampling. The diameter of the punch also allows for transfer of the fluid from the sample tube to the device in a reasonable amount of time. A method of transferring blood or blood products from the sample tube to testing apparatus involves using the device to penetrate a rubber cap on an evacuated tube and then transfer the blood to the device. The blood can then be transferred to a testing apparatus without exposure to the atmosphere.

Abstract: A connector assembly includes a first fitting defining a first aperture, and a second fitting couplable to the first fitting and defining a second aperture. In some embodiments, each of the first and second fittings includes a sealing layer sealing its aperture. In other embodiments, each of the first and second fittings includes a removable layer overlying its aperture. The connector assembly may include a stem member which is mounted in the first fitting and includes a head axially movable into the aperture of the second fitting.

Abstract: A straw for storing a biological liquid such as animal semen, the straw comprising a fine tube open at both ends and closed by a plug engaged in one of said ends, said plug being formed by a powder suitable for transforming, on contact with the liquid, into a paste that is impermeable and leakproof, which powder is interposed between an external wad and an internal wad of a fiber material that is permeable to air and to liquids. The length of the external wad is at least twice as long as the length of the internal wad.

Abstract: A medication injector assembly has dual functionality in that it can be configured as a needle syringe injector for intramuscular injections and the like or as a blunt injector for injection at a Y-site in an intravenous line and the like. A cartridge for holding a volume of injectable liquid medication has an injector fitting integral with the cartridge at one end. The injector fitting forms a blunt, elongate injection tip suitable for use as a blunt injector at the Y-site. The cartridge has a second, open end for receiving a hand-operable plunger for forcing the injectable liquid from the cartridge through the injection tip. A needle subassembly has an injection needle integrally mounted to a base. The needle subassembly has a socket to form a fluid-tight, operationally secure interconnection with the injection tip of the injector fitting, and means for locking attachment to the injector fitting.

Abstract: An improved device and process of assuring separation of an anticoagulant type fluid from a saline type fluid each of which is utilized in the process and operation of a plasma-pheresis apparatus or the process of collecting donor blood, is disclosed. The improvement includes a cross-spike prevention receptacle which is dimensioned, and installed positionally in reference to a plasmapheresis or blood donor apparatus, to receive an anticoagulant fluid container to which a proper respective supply communication line will connect, and to exclude and not receive a saline fluid container or container holding a similar type of fluid, whose fluid line will not reach and connect to the installed cross-spike prevention receptacle.

Abstract: A device for aligning a syringe with a vessel having a variable internal volume and containing an injectable solution. The device includes one section for removably retaining a vessel of an injectable solution, one section for allowing insertion and extraction of a syringe, and another section adjoining the two aforementioned sections for accurately aligning the needle of the syringe with the opening of the vessel. The alignment device further includes a clip for both releasably retaining the vessel in the device and for enabling the device to be clipped to a shirt pocket.

Abstract: A Luer-Lock fitting comprising a tubular body having at one end an outer Luer cone connector coaxially surrounded by an innerly threaded attachment cup-like element, and a detachable cap sealingly fitted axially over the Luer cone connector. The cap is formed by a tubular member interposed between the Luer cone connector and the attachment element, which carries a transverse filtering barrier and whose inner end is forcedly coupled onto the outer surface of the Luer cone connector, in proximity of the bottom of the attachment element, so as to define along a substantial portion of the outer surface of the Luer cone connector an annular interspace, opening towards the filtering barrier.

Abstract: A disconnect device for placement in a medical tubing set of the present invention includes a first portion with a first passageway therethrough that has a first valve therein. While the first valve is biased in a normally closed position to close the first passageway, it is operative to an open position. The disconnect device of the invention has a second portion with a second passageway therethrough that has a second valve therein. The second valve is also biased in a normally closed position to close the second passageway and it also is operative to an open position. The second portion is releasably attached to the first portion, connecting the first and second passageways in fluid communication, to overcome the bias of the first valve and the second valve, to open the valves and to allow a fluid flow through the device.

Abstract: A medical adapter having both a needleless valve and a sharpened cannula is used to connect or adapt pierceable septa containers or other devices having different sizes to needleless connection. The adapter includes a needleless site at one end and a sharpened cannula at the other end protected by spring arms. These arms include claws at their distal ends to grasp the neck of the pierceable septum device to which the sharpened cannula is to be inserted. The claws include sharpened points for gripping the device. The arms are located on either side of the adapter body and are connected to the body through springs. Handles are also included on the arms for use by the operator to separate the arms against the spring forces during engagement of the adapter with the septum. In one case, the handles include finger grips located above the springs for pressing the handles inward to open the arms and claws and in another case, the handles are located closer to the distal ends of the arms for pulling the arms outward.

Abstract: A manually-severable coupling device for coupling two tubes (12a, 12b), particularly useful in peritoneal dialysis, including a flexible plastic member having passageways (30) therethrough and formed with tubular end sections (31, 32) for receiving tubes (20, 24) to be coupled, an annular groove (33) formed intermediate the tubular end sections defining a flexible, weakened, annular web (33) capable of being severed by rotating one of the tubular end sections (31, 32) with respect to the other, and a finger gripping formation (34, 35) integrally formed in each tubular end section (31, 32) on opposite sides of the weakened annular web (33) grippable by a user to rotate the tubular end sections with respect to each other to sever them from each other along the weakened annular web (33).

Abstract: An injection site and unsharpened drug transfer spike for facilitating coupling a syringe to a fluid line. The injection site has a uniquely designed housing and septum comprised of only two parts. The drug transfer spike has a positive locking member for restricting retraction from the injection site once it is inserted for injecting a medicant. The positive locking member preferably comprises a annular ridge defined about the shaft of the drug transfer spike. The septum includes a pair of axially aligned, oppositely oriented conical recesses with adjacent apices either separated by a thin membrane or intersecting at the time of manufacture. The housing has an inlet for receiving the septum and comprises a plurality of fingers with inwardly extending tabs for constraining the septum therewithin. The septum is ideally adapted to be applied to injection sites, Y-connectors, vial adaptors, single or multi-dose vials and blood collection tubes.

Abstract: A drug vial adapter according to the invention includes: a first coupling member having a female luer connector (preferably a luer lock) with a fluid path therethrough, a flange having a first sealing ring seat formed therein and a first mating structure; a second cylindrical coupling member having a centrally located septum piercing tube with a fluid path therethrough and a second mating structure; and a valve member including a valve stem and a resilient valve body having an annular sealing surface. A valve body seat is formed in the interior of the second coupling member by a plurality of radially arranged stepped vanes. According to a preferred embodiment, the second coupling member is formed as a stepped cylinder having a relatively large diameter adjacent the point of the septum piercing tube, a relatively small diameter adjacent the valve body seat and an intermediate diameter therebetween.

Abstract: A medical coupling has male and female members (1, 2) which push fit together, and a screw cap (7) which secures the members against separation. To prevent unintentional release of the cap, locking means, such as a ratchet and pawl mechanism, are provided between the cap and female member. Au outer shell (25) can enclose the cap for providing an enclosure around the fluid connection to deter bacterial contamination. Alternatively a separate capsule can enclose the coupling for this purpose. The two members and cap are connectable by holding gripping portions which are located remotely from the parts forming the fluid connection to reduce risk of contamination. A valve system is associated with the female member for closing a flexible tube connected to this member and to displace liquid to fill the space left in this member when the male member is disconnected from it.

Abstract: A connector/clamp assembly for a transfer set includes an inlet connector with a base, a shank extending from one end of the base and an I.V. tube extending from the opposite end of the base. The base interfits with a housing having opposite ends, a bottom wall and a pair of side walls extending from the bottom wall, so that the shank extends from one end of the housing and the tube extends along the bottom wall to the opposite end of the housing. A clamp is present in the housing opposite the tube and which is movable within the housing between a first position wherein the clamp collapses the tube against the housing bottom wall thereby blocking the tube lumen and a second position wherein the clamp does not collapse the tube sufficiently to appreciably occlude the lumen.

Abstract: A disconnect device for placement in a medical tubing set of the present invention includes a first portion with a first passageway therethrough that has a first valve therein. While the first valve is biased in a normally closed position to close the first passageway, it is operative to an open position. The disconnect device of the invention has a second portion with a second passageway therethrough that has a second valve therein. The second valve is also biased in a normally closed position to close the second passageway and it also is operative to an open position. The second portion is releasably attached to the first portion, connecting the first and second passageways in fluid communication, to overcome the bias of the first valve and the second valve, to open the valves and to allow a fluid flow through the device.

Abstract: A flow-through blood treatment device such as a hemodialyzer comprises a housing, a blood inlet, a blood outlet, and at least one membrane in the housing defining a blood flow path between the blood inlet and outlet on one side of the membrane, plus a second flow path defined on the other side of the membrane. At least one of the blood inlet and outlet is connected to blood flow tubing, which blood flow tubing carries a connector spaced from the housing for access to the vascular system of a patient. The blood flow tubing also defines at least one connection site along its length permitting repeated, temporary connection and subsequent disconnection with branch conduits, for connection with sources of additive solutions or measuring devices. Typically, the blood flow tubing is free of permanently attached, flexible branch tubings.

Abstract: A fluid interconnect connects an ink pen to a carriage on an ink-jet printer. The ink pen has an inlet assembly having a septum. The carriage has an outlet assembly that includes a collar and a needle with a lateral hole. The inlet assembly is insertable into the outlet assembly to move the collar from a closed position, in which the collar covers the lateral hole, into an open position, in which the lateral hole is exposed within the inlet assembly, to allow ink to flow through the outlet assembly into the inlet assembly. The septum occludes fluid flow from the inlet assembly when the inlet and outlet assemblies are uncoupled. The septum has a blister that seals the inlet assembly against the outlet assembly when the inlet and outlet assemblies are coupled. The inlet assembly also has a ridge for attracting, by capillary attraction, any fluid that may escape from the interconnect.

Abstract: A connector assembly includes first and second fittings including first and second membrane assemblies, respectively, and a stem member. A fluid delivery system includes a connector assembly, a container for holding fluids and tubing which couples the container to one of the first and second fittings. A method for making a contaminant-free connection comprises mating first and second fittings, and establishing a fluid flow path through the first and second fittings. The systems, assemblies and methods according to the invention may be used, for example, to handle a biological fluid while maintaining the fluid free of viable contaminating microorganisms or preserving its sterility.

Abstract: An automatic fluid control having a first and second tube members and a slidable valve element capable of moving from a sealed closed position to an open position permitting fluid passage therethrough. In a preferred first embodiment, the elastomeric valve element is slidingly received with a passageway in the first tube. The valve element has a flange portion containing a plurality of slits that, when inverted and stretched, permit fluid to pass therethrough, but when closed, are in contact with the inner wall of the first tube and prevents fluid from passing therethrough. The valve element also can have a rigid plug attached within an opening in the top surface to present a preferably non-deformable contact point for a male luer tip, which, when pressed downward on the valve element, breaks a seal between the valve element and the first tube inner wall.

Abstract: A fluid transfer device comprises a shield having an open proximal end, an open distal end and a sidewall therebetween defining a generally hollow cavity. A first cannula assembly including a first cannula connected to a first hub having an open proximal end and a second cannula assembly having a second cannula connected to a second hub having an open proximal end are both positioned at least partially within the cavity of the shield so that the distal end of the first cannula faces the distal end of the second cannula and the first hub and the second hub removably engage opposite ends of the shield so that the open proximal ends of the hubs are accessible for engagement with a syringe.

Abstract: A tube connecting apparatus includes first and second tube holders holding flexible tubes, a cutting blade for heating, melting and cutting the tubes held by the holders between the holders, and a holder displacing mechanism for relatively displacing the second holder to the first holder to closely contact and connect cutting ends of the tubes each other. Each of the first and second tube holders has a tube holding portion which holds the tubes in a state that the circular cylindrical surfaces of the tubes which are contacting each other.

Abstract: The invention relates to a microcatheter set with a minimized dead space which has a medicine application and flushing device especially suitable for intensive paediatric-neonatologial medicine. It makes it possible not only to apply infusion therapy via a microcatheter inserted into a large body vein but also to administer drugs repeatedly without any danger via the medicine application and flushing device integrated within the set, even with highly pharmacologically effective additives to the general infusion solution, and/or to do away with partial and total catheter shut-offs. This thus excludes additional stress on and risk for the patient by the repeated application of peripheral infusions or the use of surgically inserted double-lumen central catheters for the intravenous administration of drugs.