Abbott Laboratories Corporation

Francois X Bertaud

Richard W Grabenkort

Gerald G Vurek

Beverly A Magrane

Hans J Siedler

A device for storing and delivering a sensor through a catheter. A sensor delivery device (10, 10') includes an elongate tube (20), which is attached to a rigid housing (22, 22'). A sensor (12), stored within a sterile environment comprising an interior of the sensor delivery device, has an attached signal line (16) that extends along the longitudinal axis of the delivery device and through its proximal end. The proximal end is open when the sensor is in its stored position. An eversible sheath (34) extends between the rigid housing and the signal line, sealingly separating the sterile environment (48) in which the sensor is stored from the open end of the rigid housing. To use the sensor, the signal line is moved into the rigid housing, causing the eversible sheath to turn inside out as the sensor is advanced through the catheter into its use position. The protection afforded by the eversible sheath permits the sensor to be withdrawn through the catheter and then reinserted without introducing contamination. A probe stop (54) abuts an inner surface of a catheter fitting (17), precisely controlling the distance that the sensor extends beyond a distal end of the catheter.

Sensor delivery device

A device for storing and delivering a sensor through a catheter. A sensor delivery device (10, 10') includes an elongate tube (20), which is attached to a rigid housing (22,22'). A sensor (12), stored within a sterile environment comprising an interior of the sensor delivery device, has an attached signal line (16) that extends along the longitudinal axis of the delivery device and through its proximal end. The proximal end is open when the sensor is in its stored position. An eversible sheath (34) extends between the rigid housing and the signal line, sealingly separating the sterile environment (48) in which the sensor is stored from the open end of the rigid housing. To use the sensor, the signal line is moved into the rigid housing, causing the eversible sheath to turn inside out as the sensor is advanced through the catheter into its use position. The projection afforded by the eversible sheath permits the sensor to be withdrawn through the catheter and then reinsertd without introducing contamination. A probe stop (54) abuts an inner surface of a catheter fitting ( 17), precisely controlling the distance that the sensor extends beyond a distal end of the catheter.

A closure device for severing the frangible section between the cap and body of a blow-fill-seal plastic container comprising an expandable ring constructed and arranged to encircle the container cap, an outer ring having at one end internal threads compatible with the external threads located on the neck of the container body and a tamper proof overcap. Counterclockwise rotation of the outer ring transmits uniform upward pressure to the expandable ring which causes tension between the container cap and container body, rupturing the frangible line of weakness on the container, to permit opening of the container. Conversely, clockwise rotation of the outer ring causes compression to rupture the frangible line of weakness. Subsequent counterclockwise rotation opens the container. In either case the container cap is retained within the outer ring and is replaceable on the container.

Expandable ring closure device

A tamperproof sterile solution closure system which will permit the machine assembly of the closure cap to the container without engagement of the threads of the cap with the container threads. The screw type cap member has internal threading, a tear-away portion and a skirt portion. The container has an abutment surface for sealable contact with the skirt portion and in a position such that the threads in the cap and on the neck are not engaged. To activate the closure, a tear-away portion is removed which will allow the threads to engage. Simultaneously, a contact portion on the cap will engage a weakened flange in the neck to cause it to be separated. A projection extending from the cap is positioned in an annular recess in the cap to serve as a captive means for the separated dome portion of the cap for replacement purposes.

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Libertyville, IL, United States of America

Francois X Bertaud