A protective cover for medical gas canisters includes a membrane that serves as a physical barrier to cross-contamination of biohazards in healthcare settings. An opening allows for insertion of the canister, and perforated access points that are permeable to gas provide access to valves. Sterilizing material in the access points help disinfect valves. The top of includes slack so that the membrane does not tear when handles and knobs are grasped and manipulated. A visual alignment marker indicates proper rotational alignment of the perforated access point with valves. The membrane is see-through so labels and gauges remain viewable. Elastic bands help provide a tight fit about the canister. A user slips the membrane over a canister, rotationally aligning the visual alignment marker with a valve, and connects a hose to a valve through the access point such that the perforated access point forms a seal over the valve.

Canisters are provided that include a cylindrical body and a cap welded to the body to define a cavity filled with carbon dioxide or other fluid. The canisters may be loaded into a medical device, e.g., to provide an energy source for operating the device. Methods for making such canisters are also provided.

The invention is directed to a hand-wheel for adjusting an outlet pressure and/or a flow-rate of a tap for a gas cylinder, the hand-wheel comprising a body; and a transparent cover fixed on the body. The hand-wheel further comprises indicia arranged between the transparent cover and the body so as to be visible by a user but not in contact with the fingers of the user. The invention is also directed to a tap for gas cylinder, comprising such a hand-wheel, as well as to a tap assembly comprising such a tap and a cover housing the tap.

A method for using CO.sub.2 as a contrast material in medical imaging procedures is disclosed. The method includes providing a source of pressurized CO.sub.2. The step of providing includes connecting the source of pressurized CO2 to a compressed gas unit for controlling delivery of the CO.sub.2. The method also includes regulating pressure of the CO.sub.2 delivered by the compressed gas unit, transmitting the pressurized CO.sub.2 from the compressed gas unit to a control valve assembly for delivery to a patient in controlled dosages, and sequentially processing the CO.sub.2 with the control valve assembly and delivering the CO.sub.2 to the patient as a contrast media.

Fluid tanks in a hospital or similar environment include sensors to detect, e.g., state and location, which can be communicated to a central station where this data can be processed to permit predictions of resource usage and enable automated management of the fluid tanks.

A method for filling a fluid container with a cryogenic fluid, the method including the step of reducing with a container temperature reducer a container temperature of the fluid container prior to adding the cryogenic fluid to the fluid container. The method can include additional steps, including: compressing with a compressor the cryogenic fluid based at least partially on the container temperature, controlling with a controller the extent that the compressor compresses the cryogenic fluid, cooling with a fin pack the cryogenic fluid, filtering with a filter the cryogenic fluid, analyzing with a fluid analyzer a fluid within the cryogenic fluid, monitoring with a water monitor a water content of the cryogenic fluid and/or monitoring with a fluid sensor a fluid property of the cryogenic fluid.

A storage tank for cryogenic liquid includes an outer tank constructed of a rigid material and an inner tank contained within and spaced inwardly from the outer tank. A supply line supplies cryogenic liquid to a plurality of cryogenic freezers. A fill line having a diameter greater than the supply line allows the storage tank to be filled at a greater speed relative to filling through the supply line and allows the storage tank to be filled while supply cryogenic liquid to the cryogenic freezers. A level sensor processes an impedance to calculate a level of the inner tank and a reporting unit displays the level and may report the level to a remote server.

Methods, systems, devices and/or apparatuses for a protective liner that protects products and/or commodities from cross-contamination during transport and/or storage using a cryogenic shipping container. The protective liner lines a shipping container, such as a dewar. The protective liner is positioned within the shipping container. The protective liner includes one or more tabs positioned on a perimeter of the protective liner. The one or more tabs are configured to interlock with a notch on an inside surface of the shipping container. The protective liner includes a clearance channel on a side of the protective barrier and configured to guide a temperature sensor lead wire.

Systems and methods are provided for in situ observation of reservoirs, such as syringes, during the freeze thaw cycle to allow for more in depth understanding of the behavior of the system. The systems and methods may include an inert environment and/or a low concentration (e.g., on the order of parts per million (ppm)) of water, which may inhibit frost formation.

Apparatuses and methods for compressed fluid vessel monitoring can permit a user to more easily order replacement vessels, monitor use, monitor inventory and return empty vessels. Embodiments can utilize a collar connectable to a vessel to help facilitate such functionality. The collar can be adapted to transmit signals to a data processing system. The data processing system can be adapted to permit a user to track the location and fill status of the vessel as well as order a replacement vessel and disposal or return of an empty vessel. Instrumented vessels can also convey sensor data to help identify a leak condition or other condition of the vessel. In some embodiments, the data processing system can be adapted for integration into a user's inventory system and/or purchasing system as well as a supplier's system to facilitate communications concerning vessel fill status, reorder, and/or vessel return.