MULTI-CONTAINER SYSTEMS AND USES THEREOF

Abstract

A multi-container system apparatus comprising at least two independent containers, each container of said at least two containers for containing at least one component of the final formulation of a medium; a connector; a connecting tubing line connected to the connector; at least two output tubing lines, the first and second output tubing lines of said at least two output tubing lines connecting the first and second containers of said at least two containers, respectively, to the connecting tubing line.

Claims

1. A multi-container system apparatus comprising at least two independent containers, each container of said at least two containers for containing at least one component of the final formulation of a medium; a connector; a connecting tubing line connected to the connector; at least two output tubing lines, the first and second output tubing lines of said at least two output tubing lines connecting the first and second containers of said at least two containers, respectively, to the connecting tubing line.

2. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the at least one component is selected from a solid, a semi-solid, a liquid and a gas.

3. The apparatus of claim 2, wherein the solid is in a form selected from the group consisting of a powder, a crystal and a granule.

4. The apparatus of claim 2 or 3, wherein the solid is a salt.

5. The apparatus of any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein at least one of the tubing lines comprises a clamp.

6. The apparatus of any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein at least one of the tubing lines comprises a check valve.

7. The apparatus of any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein at least one of the tubing lines comprises a locking connector.

8. The apparatus of any one claims 1 to 7, wherein at least one of the tubing lines comprises a filter.

9. The apparatus of any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein at least one container of said at least two independent containers comprises a housing diaphragm at the outlet of the container.

10. The apparatus of claim 9, wherein the housing diaphragm is a breakable seal.

11. The apparatus of any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein each container of said at least two independent containers is for storing a separate component of the final formulation of the medium.

12. The apparatus of any one of claims 1 to 11, wherein the apparatus is configured such that the at least one component of the first container of said at least two independent containers is caused to flow into the second container of the at least two independent containers to admix the at least one component of said first container with the at least one component of said second container to reconstitute the medium.

13. The apparatus of any one of claims 1 to 12, wherein the apparatus is configured such that the at least one component of the second container of said at least two independent containers is caused to flow into the first container of said at least two independent containers to admix the at least one component of said second container with the at least one component of said first container to reconstitute the medium.

14. The apparatus of claim 13, wherein the apparatus is configured such that the admixture is caused to flow back and forth at least two times, between the first container and the second container.

15. The apparatus of any one of claims 1 to 14, wherein one of the at least two independent containers is used as a drain container or a sampling container, once the at least one component has been transferred partially or completely out, thus transforming the apparatus into a double bag system.

16. The apparatus of any one of claims 1 to 15, wherein the at least two independent containers are three independent containers and the at least two output tubing lines are three output tubing lines.

17. The apparatus of claim 16, wherein the three independent containers are connected in parallel such that the first, second and third output tubing lines of the three output tubing lines connect the first, second and third containers of said three independent containers, respectively, to the connecting tubing line.

18. The apparatus of claim 17, wherein at least one of the output tubing lines of the three output tubing lines and the connecting tubing line comprises a check valve.

19. The apparatus of claim 17 or 18, wherein at least one of the output tubing lines of the three output tubing lines and the connecting tubing line comprises a clamp.

20. The apparatus of any one of claims 17 to 19, wherein at least one of the output tubing lines of the three output tubing lines and the connecting tubing line comprises a locking connector.

21. The apparatus of claim 17, wherein each of the first, second and third output tubing lines and the connecting tubing line comprises a check valve and a clamp.

22. The apparatus of claim 21, wherein the third output tubing line of the third container comprises a locking connector such that the third container is detachable from the apparatus.

23. The apparatus of claim 22, wherein the first output tubing line of the first container comprises a locking connector such that the first container is detachable from the apparatus.

24. The apparatus of claim 22, wherein the apparatus further comprises a drain container and a drain tubing line connecting the drain container to the connecting tubing line.

25. The apparatus of claim 24, wherein the drain tubing line comprises a check valve.

26. The apparatus of claim 25, wherein drain tubing line further comprises a locking connector such that the drain container is detachable from the apparatus.

27. The apparatus of claim 16, wherein the third container of the three independent containers is connected in series with the first container.

28. The apparatus of claim 27, wherein the first output tubing line of the first container is connected to the third container and the second and third output tubing lines of the second and third containers, respectively, are connected to the connecting tubing line.

29. The apparatus of claim 28, wherein at least one of the output tubing lines of the three output tubing lines and the connecting tubing line comprises a check valve.

30. The apparatus of claim 28 or 29, wherein at least one of the output tubing lines of the three output tubing lines and the connecting tubing line comprises a clamp.

31. The apparatus of any one of claims 28 to 30, wherein at least one of the output tubing lines of the three output tubing lines and the connecting tubing line comprises a locking connector.

32. The apparatus of claim 28, wherein each of the first, second and third output tubing lines and the connecting tubing line comprises a check valve.

33. The apparatus of claim 32, wherein each of the first and second output tubing lines and the connecting tubing line comprises a clamp.

34. The apparatus of claim 16, wherein the third container of the three independent containers is connected in series with the second container.

35. The apparatus of claim 34, wherein the third output tubing line of the third container is connected to the second container and the first and second output tubing lines of the first and second containers, respectively, are connected to the connecting tubing line.

36. The apparatus of claim 35, wherein at least one of the output tubing lines of the three output tubing lines and the connecting tubing line comprises a check valve.

37. The apparatus of claim 35 or 36, wherein at least one of the output tubing lines of the three output tubing lines and the connecting tubing line comprises a clamp.

38. The apparatus of any one of claims 35 to 37, wherein at least one of the output tubing lines of the three output tubing lines and the connecting tubing line comprises a locking connector.

39. The apparatus of claim 36, wherein each of the first, second and third output tubing lines and the connecting tubing line comprises a check valve.

40. The apparatus of claim 37, wherein each of the first and second output tubing lines and the connecting tubing line comprises a clamp.

41. The apparatus of claim 38, wherein the second output tubing line comprises a locking connector such that the second and third containers are detachable from the apparatus.

42. The apparatus of claim 16, wherein the third container of the three independent containers is connected in series with both the first and second containers and the apparatus further comprises a drain container and a drain tubing line connecting the drain container to the connecting tubing line.

43. The apparatus of claim 42, wherein the first output tubing line of the first container is connected to the third container, the third output tubing line of the third container is connected to the second container and the second output tubing line of the second container is connected to the connecting tubing line.

44. The apparatus of claim 43, wherein at least one of the output tubing lines of the three output tubing lines, the connecting tubing line and the drain tubing line comprises a check valve.

45. The apparatus of claim 43 or 44, wherein at least one of the output tubing lines of the three output tubing lines, the connecting tubing line and the drain tubing line comprises a clamp.

46. The apparatus of any one of claims 43 to 45, wherein at least one of the output tubing lines of the three output tubing lines, the connecting tubing line and the drain tubing line comprises a locking connector.

47. The apparatus of claim 44, wherein each of the first and second output tubing lines comprises a check valve.

48. The apparatus of claim 45, wherein each of the second output tubing lines, the connecting tubing line and the drain tubing line comprises a clamp.

49. The apparatus of claim 43, wherein each of the first and second output tubing lines comprise a check valve and each of the second output tubing line, the connecting tubing line and the drain tubing line comprises a clamp.

50. The apparatus of claim 46 or 49, wherein each of the first and third output tubing lines comprises a locking connector such that the third container is removable from the apparatus.

51. The apparatus of claim 50, wherein the third output tubing line comprises a filter between the locking connector and the second container.

52. The apparatus of claim 16, wherein the second and third containers are arranged in parallel with each other and simultaneously arranged in parallel and in series with the first container.

53. The apparatus of claim 52, wherein each of the first, second and third output tubing lines of the first, second and third containers, respectively is connected to the connecting tubing line and wherein the apparatus further comprises a first input tubing line connecting the first output tubing line with the second container and a second input tubing line connecting the first input tubing line with the third container.

54. The apparatus of claim 53, wherein at least one of the output tubing lines, the input tubing lines and the connecting tubing line comprises a check valve.

55. The apparatus of claim 53 or 54, wherein at least one of the output tubing lines, the input tubing lines and the connecting tubing line comprises a clamp.

56. The apparatus of any one of claims 53 to 55, wherein at least one of the output tubing lines, the input tubing lines and the connecting tubing line comprises a locking connector.

57. The apparatus of claim 54, wherein each of the first output tubing line and the input tubing lines comprises a check valve and the connecting tubing line comprises two check valves.

58. The apparatus of claim 55, wherein each of the first output tubing line and the connecting tubing line comprises a clamp.

59. The apparatus of any one of claims 1 to 15, wherein the at least two independent containers are four independent containers and the at least two output tubing lines are four output tubing lines.

60. The apparatus of claim 59, wherein the four independent containers are connected in parallel such that the first and second output tubing lines of the four output tubing lines connect the first and second containers of the four independent containers, respectively, to the connecting tubing line and the third and fourth output tubing lines of the four output tubing lines connect the third and fourth containers of the four independent containers to the first and second output tubing lines, respectively.

61. The apparatus of claim 60, wherein at least one of the output tubing lines of the four output tubing lines and the connecting tubing line comprises a check valve.

62. The apparatus of claim 60 or 61, wherein at least one of the output tubing lines of the four output tubing lines and the connecting tubing line comprises a clamp.

63. The apparatus of any one of claims 60 to 62, wherein at least one of the output tubing lines of the four output tubing lines and the connecting tubing line comprises a locking connector.

64. The apparatus of claim 61, wherein each of the first, second, third and fourth output tubing lines and the connecting tubing line comprises a check valve.

65. The apparatus of claim 62, wherein each of the first and second output tubing lines and the connecting tubing line comprise a clamp.

66. The apparatus of claim 60, wherein each of the first, second, third and fourth output tubing lines and the connecting tubing line comprises a check valve and each of the first and second output tubing lines and the connecting tubing line comprises a clamp.

67. The apparatus of claim 60, wherein the four independent containers are arranged in parallel with each other and the third and fourth containers of the four independent containers are simultaneously arranged in parallel and in series with the second container.

68. The apparatus of claim 67, wherein each of the first, second, third and fourth output tubing lines of the first, second, third and fourth containers, respectively is connected to the connecting tubing line and wherein the apparatus further comprises a first input tubing line connecting the second output tubing line of the second container with the third container and a second input tubing line connecting the first input tubing line with the fourth container.

69. The apparatus of claim 68, wherein at least one of the output tubing lines, the input tubing lines and the connecting tubing line comprises a check valve.

70. The apparatus of claim 68 or 69, wherein at least one of the output tubing lines, the input tubing lines and the connecting tubing line comprises a clamp.

71. The apparatus of any one of claims 68 to 70, wherein at least one of the output tubing lines, the input tubing lines and the connecting tubing line comprises a locking connector.

72. The apparatus of claim 69, wherein each of the first output tubing line, the input tubing lines and the connecting tubing line comprises a check valve and the second output tubing line comprises two check valves.

73. The apparatus of claim 70, wherein each of the first and second output tubing lines and the connecting tubing line comprises a clamp.

74. The apparatus of claim 71, wherein the first output tubing line comprises a locking connector such that the first container is removable from the apparatus.

75. The apparatus of claim 68, wherein each of the first output tubing line, the input tubing lines and connecting tubing line comprise a check valve, the second output tubing line comprises two check valves and each of the first and second output tubing lines and the connecting tubing line comprises a clamp.

76. The apparatus of claim 5, wherein each of the first and second output tubing lines and the connecting tubing line comprises a clamp.

77. The apparatus of claim 6, wherein each of the first and second output tubing lines and the connecting tubing line comprises a check valve.

78. The apparatus of claim 7, wherein each of the first and second output tubing lines and the connecting tubing line comprises a locking connector.

79. The apparatus of claim 8, wherein each of the first and second output tubing lines and the connecting tubing line comprises a filter.

80. The apparatus of claim 5, wherein each of the first and second output tubing lines and the connecting tubing line comprises a clamp and a check valve.

81. The apparatus of claim 80, wherein the first output tubing line further comprises a locking connector between the check valve and the clamp such that the first container is removable from the apparatus, and a filter between the locking connector and the clamp.

82. Use of the multi-container apparatus as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 81 for peritoneal dialysis.

83. The use of claim 82, wherein the peritoneal dialysis is continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis.

84. Use of the multi-container apparatus as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 81 for administering a medical solution to a patient.

85. Use of the multi-container apparatus as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 81 for administering feeding fluids to a patient for parenteral nutrition.

87. The use claim 84 or 85, wherein the administration is intravenous.

88. Use of the multi-container apparatus as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 81 for storing, preserving and rehydrating dehydrated foods.

89. Use of the multi-container apparatus as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 81 for mixing paint colours.

90. A peritoneal dialysis set comprising: at least two supply containers, the first supply container of the at least two supply containers for containing at least one component of a final dialysate for filling a patient, and the second supply container of the at least two supply containers for containing at least one component of the final dialysate; a connector; a connecting tube connected to the connector; at least two supply tubes, the first supply tube of the at least two supply tubes connecting the first supply container to the connecting tube and the second supply tube of the at least two supply tubes connecting the second supply container to the connecting tube.

91. The peritoneal dialysis set of claim 90, wherein the connector is a junction.

92. The peritoneal dialysis set of claim 90, wherein the connector is a Y-junction or a T-junction.

93. The peritoneal dialysis set of claim 90, wherein the connector is a patient connector configured to connect to a patients' transfer set.

94. The peritoneal dialysis set of claim 90 further comprising at least three clamps, the first, second and third clamps of the at least three clamps for selectively clamping any one of the supply and connecting tubes.

95. The peritoneal dialysis set of claim 94, wherein the at least three clamps is manually operated.

96. The peritoneal dialysis set of claim 90, wherein at least one of the at least two supply containers comprises an apparatus for hanging the supply container.

97. The peritoneal dialysis set of claim 90, wherein each of the at least two supply containers comprise at least one port for the introduction or the removal of the at least one component of the final dialysate.

98. The peritoneal dialysis set of claim 90 further comprising a flow control device for selectively clamping any one of the supply and connecting tubes.

99. The peritoneal dialysis set of claim 90, wherein at least one of the at least two supply containers is a two liter container.

100. The peritoneal dialysis set of claim 90, wherein at least one of the supply and connecting tubes is fitted with a removable plug.

101. The peritoneal dialysis set of claim 90, wherein the connecting tube is sized to extend to and fit within a drain container when a patient connected to the set is sitting or standing.

102. The peritoneal dialysis set of claim 90, wherein one of the at least two supply containers is a drain container.

103. The peritoneal dialysis set of claim 30 further comprising at least one cap to close the connector during at least one patient dwell.

104. The peritoneal dialysis set of claim 90, wherein at least one of the at least two supply containers is initially full.

105. The peritoneal dialysis set of claim 90, wherein at least the second supply container of the at least two supply containers is filled with a different component of the final dialysate than the first supply container of the at two supply containers.

106. The peritoneal dialysis set of claim 90, wherein the at least two supply containers are separated by a frangible plug.

107. A peritoneal dialysis system for use with the peritoneal dialysis set as claimed in claim 90, the system comprising at least one of: (i) a drain container configured to receive and secure the connecting tube and (ii) a patient transfer set configured to connect to the connector.

108. A peritoneal dialysis method comprising: connecting at least two supply containers to a connector, each of the first and second supply containers of the at least two supply containers full of at least one component of a final dialysate for filling a patient; transferring the at least one component of the second supply container to the first supply container to form the final dialysate; connecting the connector to a patient's transfer set; draining the used dialysate of a previous dwell from the patient through the connector into a drain container; and filling the patient from the first supply container.

109. The peritoneal dialysis method of claim 108, wherein the transfer of the at least one component of the second supply container to the first supply container is partial.

110. The peritoneal dialysis method of claim 108, wherein the transfer of the at least one component of the second supply container to the first supply container is complete.

111. The peritoneal dialysis method of claim 108, wherein connecting the at least two supply containers to the connector comprises connecting the at least two supply containers to a connecting tube connected to the connector.

112. The peritoneal dialysis method of claim 108, wherein connecting the connector to the patient's transfer set includes at least one of: (i) providing a cap on the connector that is removed for connection; and (ii) configuring the connector to be connected fluidly to the patients' transfer set.

113. The peritoneal dialysis method of claim 108, wherein draining the used dialysate from a previous dwell from the patient through the connector comprises preventing flow from the at least two supply containers to the connector, preventing flow from the first supply container to the second supply container, and urging flow from the patient to the drain container.

114. The peritoneal dialysis method of claim 108, wherein urging flow from the patient to the drain container comprises lowering the drain container below the patients' access point.

115. The peritoneal dialysis method of claim 108, wherein filling the patient from the first supply container comprises preventing flow from the connector to the second supply container, preventing flow from the first supply container to the second supply container, and urging flow from the first supply container through the connector to the patient.

116. The peritoneal dialysis method of claim 108, wherein the drain container is the second supply container.

117. The peritoneal dialysis method of claim 108, wherein urging flow from the first supply container through the connector to the patient comprises raising the first supply container above a patients' access point.

118. The peritoneal dialysis method of claim 108, wherein transferring the at least one component of the second supply container to the first supply container comprises preventing flow from the second supply container to the connector and urging flow from the second supply container to the first supply container.

119. The peritoneal dialysis method of claim 108, wherein urging flow from the second supply container to the first supply container comprises lowering the first supply container below the second supply container.

120. The peritoneal dialysis method of claim 108, further comprising flushing the supply and connecting tubes by preventing flow from the second supply container to the first supply container and urging flow from the first supply container through the supply and connecting tubes to the drain.

121. The peritoneal dialysis method of claim 108, further comprising allowing for a dialysate dwell by preventing flow from the at least two supply containers to the connector and flow from the connector to the drain.

122. The peritoneal dialysis method of claim 108, further comprising disconnecting the patients' transfer-set from the connector during the dialysate dwell.

123. The peritoneal dialysis method of claim 108, wherein filling a patient with a dialysate comprises filling the first supply container containing at least one component of the dialysate with at least another component of the dialysate from the second supply container to form the final dialysate and filling the patient with the final dialysate from the first supply container.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0126] The present invention will be further understood from the following detailed description with references to the following drawings in which:

[0127] FIG. 1a illustrates one embodiment of the peritoneal dialysis set of the present invention showing two supply containers, each storing at least one component of a final dialysate and both connected to a connecting tube via their respective supply tubes.

[0128] FIG. 1b illustrates the embodiment of FIG. 1a wherein the first supply container is lowered to position relative to the second supply container for performing a mixing phase using the peritoneal dialysis set of the present invention.

[0129] FIG. 1c illustrates the embodiment of FIGS. 1a and 1b wherein the relative positions of the first and second supply containers are exchanged for performing a drain phase followed by a filling phase.

[0130] FIG. 2a illustrates another embodiment of the peritoneal dialysis set of the present invention showing three supply containers, the third supply container positioned in series with the first supply container.

[0131] FIG. 2b illustrates another embodiment of the peritoneal dialysis set of the present invention showing three supply containers and a drain container, the third supply container positioned between, and in series with, the first and second supply containers.

[0132] FIG. 2c illustrates an alternative embodiment of the peritoneal dialysis set illustrated in FIG. 2b wherein the third supply container is detachable.

[0133] FIG. 3 illustrates another embodiment of the peritoneal dialysis set of the present invention showing four supply containers arranged in parallel, the third supply container connected to the first supply tube via a third supply tube and the fourth supply container connected to the second supply tube via the fourth supply tube.

[0134] FIG. 4a illustrates another embodiment of the peritoneal dialysis set of the present invention showing four supply containers wherein the third and fourth supply containers are located in the common tubing of the main system.

[0135] FIG. 4b is an alternative embodiment of the peritoneal dialysis set of FIG. 4, wherein the first supply container has been eliminated.

[0136] FIG. 5a illustrates an alternative embodiment of the peritoneal dialysis set illustrated in FIG. 2a wherein third supply container is an optional detachable container that when added to the set, is arranged in parallel with the first and second supply containers and is connected to the connecting tube via a third supply tube.

[0137] FIG. 5b illustrates the embodiment of the peritoneal dialysis set of FIG. 5a wherein multiple third supply containers may be added to, and removed from, the set one after another.

[0138] FIG. 6a illustrates an alternative embodiment of the peritoneal dialysis set illustrated in FIG. 5a showing a drain container connected to the connecting tube via a drain tube.

[0139] FIG. 6b illustrates an alternative embodiment of the peritoneal dialysis set illustrated in FIG. 6a wherein the drain container is detachable.

[0140] FIG. 7 illustrates an alternative embodiment of the peritoneal dialysis set illustrated in FIG. 5a wherein the first supply container is also detachable.

[0141] FIG. 8 illustrates an alternative embodiment of the peritoneal dialysis set illustrated in FIG. 1a wherein the first supply container is detachable.

[0142] FIG. 9 illustrates an alternative embodiment of the peritoneal dialysis set illustrated in FIG. 1a wherein the second supply container is detachable and the set further comprises a third supply container arranged in series with second supply container.

[0143] Similar references are used in different figures to denote similar components.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0144] Referring now to the drawings and in particular to FIGS. 1a, 1b and 1c, one embodiment of the multi-container system apparatus of the present invention is shown. To demonstrate an application of the apparatus of the present invention, a peritoneal dialysis double bag system is used to illustrate the administration of a normal peritoneal dialysis treatment. The peritoneal dialysis set 10 of the present invention includes a first supply container 12 containing at least one component 14 of a final dialysate for filling a patient (not shown) and fluidly connected to a connecting tube 16 via a first supply tube 18. The set 10 also includes a second supply container 20 containing at least another component 22 of the final dialysate that is fluidly connected to the connecting tube 16 via a second supply tube 24. First supply container 12 is provided with a port 26 for connecting to the connecting tube 16 via supply tube 18. Second supply container 20 is provided with port 28 for connecting to the connecting tube 16 via supply tube 24. The connecting tube 16 terminates with a patient connector 30 that is configured to mate in a releasable and fluid tight manner (e.g., threaded with o-ring seal) with a patient's transfer set (not shown), which leads to a catheter (not shown) implanted inside the patient's peritoneum (not shown). The first and second supply tubes 18 and 24 carry frangibles, in this embodiment check valves 32 that must be broken to allow flow into and out of the respective first and second supply containers 12 and 20. The first and second supply tubes 18 and 24 also carry clamps, in this embodiment reusable manual clamps 34 for controlling the flow into and out of the respective first and second supply containers 12 and 20. The connecting tube 16 also carries a frangible, in this embodiment a check valve 32 that must be broken to allow flow into and out of the patient and a clamp 34 for controlling the flow into and out of the patient. Filters (not shown), in one embodiment, micron filters, may be integrated into any supply tube or connecting tube or into any port or within any part or parts of the multi-container system apparatus of the present invention.

[0145] In one embodiment, supply containers 12 and 20, supply tubes 18 and 24, connecting tube 16 and connector 30 are made of medical grade materials, such as Class VI materials or better, e.g., PVC or polyolefin-based non-PVC material. Connector 30 can also be made of Hytrel, PVC or polycarbonate. Supply tubes 18 and 24 and connecting tube 16 can be any length. In one embodiment, supply tubes 18 and 24 can be about three feet in length and connecting tube 16 can be about 2.5 feet in length.

[0146] With the peritoneal dialysis set 10 of the present invention, supply containers 12 and 20 are both initially full and hold the patient's prescribed one cycle treatment volume (e.g., 2-3 liters) collectively in one embodiment (plus an extra amount for flushing). With the peritoneal dialysis set 10 of the present invention, the separated components 14 and 22 are used to re-generate the desired composition of the final dialysate for filling the patient. Gravitational force is used to affect the transfer of the separated components 14 and 22 and of the final dialysate throughout the entire system.

[0147] Starting with the application, the two supply containers 12 and 20 are placed at an upper altitude, level 1 (see FIG. 1a). By choice, when ready to complete the desired final formulation of the dialysate, first supply container 12 is lowered to position level 3 (see FIG. 1b). Check valves 32 of supply tubes 24 and 18, respectively are broken in sequence to open, in sequence, the supply tubes 24 and 18, respectively. Clamps 34 of supply tubes 18 and 24 respectively are then opened in sequence. By gravity, the component 22 is transferred from supply container 20 to supply container 12, where it mixes with the component 14. The resultant product (14+22) is mixed thoroughly in supply container 12 producing the final formulation of the complete dialysate for filling the patient. Then the position of supply container 12 is exchanged with the position of supply container 20, i.e., supply container 12 is moved to the higher position level 1 and the supply container 20, now empty, is moved to the lower position level 3, to become a drain container.

[0148] The patient, connected to the patient line connector 30, now drains his/her used dialysate into the second supply container 20. For safety and by practice, a small amount of the resultant product (14+22) may be drained out of supply container 12 into supply container 20 to flush the supply tubes 18 and 24 and the connecting tube 16 before filling the patient. The sterile mixed dialysate contents (14+22) in supply container 12 may now be discharged out through the patient connector 30 to the patient.

[0149] It may be acceptable to redirect the resultant product (14 and 22) back and forth between supply containers 12 and 20 more than once, if so wished, to produce efficient mixing of 14 with 22 before the final product is discharged. If preferred, the mixed product 14+22 may be stored in, and discharged from, supply container 20 rather than supply container 12. If that were the case, supply container 12 would become the empty drain container to be positioned at level 3. Then the supply container 20 would be at the highest position, level 1.

[0150] The transfer of contents from supply container into another may be achieved using gravitational force, i.e., by lowering one supply container with respect to the other. For example, when supply container 12 is placed lower than supply container 20, the medium 22 flows into supply container 12 to mix with medium 14. Persons skilled in the art knowledgeable in hydrodynamic principles would understand that media transfer, whole or partial, from one container to the others, could be achieved using other applied forces such as pressure, pumps, vacuum, centrifugal, electromagnetic, Hall Effect, screws etc. Hence, the present invention includes within its scope all applicable principles that are capable of transporting and/or transferring media, in whole or in part, from one place to another.

[0151] It may be necessary to separate the required desirable product into more than two independent components, i.e., into three or more independent components. FIGS. 2a, 2b, 2c, 3, 4a, 4b, 5a, 5b, 6a, 6b, 7 and 9 demonstrate alternate embodiments of such requirements. Some of the supply containers may not be attached to the main system to start with as shown in FIGS. 2c, 5a, 5b, 6a, 6b, 7, 8 and 9. For peritoneal dialysis, the additional container(s) may be empty or may contain at least one component of the final dialysate for filling a patient that is the same as, similar to, or different from, the at least one component contained in any of the other supply containers. The additional container(s) may contain at least one component of the final dialysate for filling a patient in an amount that is the same as, similar to, or different from, the at least one component contained in any of the other supply containers. The additional container(s) may contain at least one component of the final dialysate for filling a patient at a volume that is the same as, similar to, or different from, the at least one component contained in any of the other supply containers. For example, the additional container(s) may contain electrolytes, buffering agents and/or osmotic agents. More specifically, an additional supply container may contain either bicarbonate or dextrose concentrate to produce a final dialysate for filling a patient selected from the group consisting of a 1.5%, 2.5% and 4.25% dialysate, or other percentages of osmotic agent.

[0152] FIG. 2a illustrates another embodiment of the peritoneal dialysis set 10 of the present invention wherein a third supply container 36 is arranged in series with the first supply container 12 such that the first supply container 12 is connected to the third supply container 36 through port 38 via the first supply tube 18 and the third supply container 36 is connected through port 40 to the connecting tube 16 via the third supply tube 42. Third supply container 36 may contain at least one component 44 of the final dialysate that is the same as, similar to or different from, the at least one component 14 and 22 of the first and second supply containers 12 and 20, respectively.

[0153] FIG. 2b illustrates another embodiment of the peritoneal dialysis set of the present invention wherein a third supply container 36 is arranged between, and in series with, the first and second supply containers 12 and 20, respectively such that the first supply container 12 is connected to the third supply container 36 via the first supply tube 18 and the third supply container 36 is connected to the second supply container 20 through port 46 via the third supply tube 42 and the second supply container 20 is connected to the connecting tube 16 via the second supply tube 24. Third supply container 36 may contain at least one component 44 of the final dialysate that is the same as, similar to or different from, than the at least one component 14 and 22 of the first and second supply containers 12 and 20, respectively. In this embodiment, the peritoneal dialysis set 10 also contains a drain container 48 connected to the connecting tube 16 through port 50 via a drain tube 52. In this embodiment, the first and second supply tubes 18 and 24, respectively carry check valves 32, and second supply tube 24, connecting tube 16 and drain tube 52 carry clamps 34.

[0154] FIG. 2c illustrates an alternative embodiment of the peritoneal dialysis set 10 illustrated in FIG. 2b wherein the third supply container 44 is readily attachable/detachable. In particular, the first and third supply tubes 18 and 42, respectively carry a locking connector 54 comprised of male and female engaging portions 56 and 58, respectively. In this embodiment, the third supply tube 42 carries a filter 59 between male engaging portion 56 of the locking connector 54 and port 46 of the second supply container 20.

[0155] FIG. 3 illustrates another embodiment of the peritoneal dialysis set 10 of the present invention with additional third and fourth supply containers 36 and 60, respectively, arranged in parallel with first and second supply containers 12 and 20, respectively. Third supply container 36 is connected to the first supply tube 18 via the third supply tube 42 and fourth supply container 60 is connected to the second supply tube 24 through port 62 via the fourth supply tube 64. Each of third and fourth supply containers 36 and 60, respectively, may be empty or may contain the same, similar or different components and/or volumes contained in first and second supply containers B1 and B2, respectively. In this embodiment, third and fourth supply containers 36 and 60, respectively contain a component 44 and 66, respectively of the final dialysate.

[0156] FIG. 4a is an alternative embodiment of the peritoneal dialysis set 10 illustrated in FIG. 3 carrying third and fourth supply containers 36 and 40 arranged in parallel with the first supply container 12 and simultaneously arranged in parallel and in series with the second supply container 20. In particular, the third supply container 36 is connected to the second supply tube 24 through port 38 via a first input supply tube 68 and to the connecting tube 16 through port 40 via third supply tube 42. The fourth supply container 60 is connected to the first input supply tube 68 through port 70 via a second input supply tube 72 and to the connecting tube 16 through port 62 via fourth supply tube 64. In this embodiment, the first and second input supply tubes 68 and 72, respectively, carry check valves 32 and the second supply tube 24 carries a second check valve 32 located between the connection with the connecting tube 16 and the connection with the first input supply tube 68. The media 22 of the second supply container 20 may be circulated through the third supply container 36 or the fourth supply container 60 independently, or through both the third and fourth supply containers 36 and 60, respectively together, to produce a desired mixed product. Although not shown here, some of the tubing lines may have dual channels to facilitate re-circulation or bi-directional flow accordingly.

[0157] FIG. 4b is an alternative embodiment of the peritoneal dialysis set 10 illustrated in FIG. 4a wherein the first supply container 12 and its associated components have been eliminated.

[0158] The illustrations shown in FIG. 5a, FIG. 5b, FIG. 6a, FIG. 6b, FIG. 7, FIG. 8 and FIG. 9 teach alternate embodiments whereby some containers may not be attached to the main system from the beginning. They also give the flexibility for selecting alternate media and/or additives to be used at any time. A typical application is providing a safe, a reliable and a needle-less apparatus for adding medications into saline bags for IV infusion. The third supply container 36 or similar can be in the form of a syringe, and/or an infusion pump etc. The third supply container 36 may contain a medium produced at different time and/or at a different place, and be connected to the main apparatus via a locking connector 54, whenever required for modification and/or for completion of the desired product.

[0159] FIG. 5a illustrates an alternative embodiment of the peritoneal dialysis set 10 illustrated in FIG. 2a wherein the third supply container 36 is an optional detachable container that may be added later onto the system via a locking connector 54. The third supply container 36 may not be attached to the main system to start with and may not even be connected to the system at all. If and when the third supply container 36 is attached to the system, it is arranged in parallel with first and second supply containers 12 and 20, respectively. In this embodiment, supply container 36 is detachable at locking connector 54.

[0160] FIG. 5b illustrates an alternative embodiment of the multi-container system apparatus 10 illustrated in FIG. 5a employing multiple detachable third supply containers 36 that may be coupled to the female engaging portion 58 of the locking connector 54, one at a time, one after another, to extend the application of the system. No micron filter is shown here. But for such a system, placement of a filter between the locking connector 54 and clamp 34 is highly recommended. In this embodiment, first supply container 12 may be empty or not. However, first supply container 12, may also double up as a drain container if necessary. It is also possible for those schooled in the art to produce variations of the arrangements demonstrated above. The containers may also be arranged and used in sequential order of preferred steps of combining/mixing of the required media.

[0161] Some of the media may be gases, solids, powders, crystals, granular and/or salts etc., so packaged in the dry states, to avoid growth of bacteria. If this were the case, then to produce the desired resultant media, fluid may first be directed to flow from liquid containing containers into the container(s) storing the dry media, to dissolve such said dry media accordingly. It is also possible that under certain favorable arrangements the reverse procedure may be possible.

[0162] FIG. 6a illustrates an alternative embodiment of the multi-container system apparatus 10 illustrated in FIG. 5a wherein a drain container 48 is attached to the connecting tube 16 and is employed to accommodate partial flushing of any container, that is originally attached and/or to be attached later. The addition of drain container 48, gives the flexibility for the patient to start draining his/her used dialysate into drain container 48 whilst the contents of the first, second and third supply containers 12, 20 and 36, respectively are being mixed together as explained above. In this embodiment, the drain tube 52 carries a check valve 32.

[0163] FIG. 6b illustrates an alternative embodiment of the multi-container system apparatus 10 illustrated in FIG. 6a wherein there is an alternate attachment for drain container 48 in the form of a locking connector 54 in the drain tube 52 leading to drain container 48. This allows drain container 48 to be used as either a drain and/or a sampling container. The locking connector 54 makes it possible for drain container 48 to be added to the system 10 at a later time. It also allows the flexibility for collecting samples of media through the locking connector 54. It is possible to first couple the third supply container 36 to the locking connector 54 in the third supply tube 42, empty its contents 44 then relocate the third supply container 36 at the locking connector 54 in the drain tube 52 and use the third supply container 36 as a drain container 48. This would eliminate the use of the additional drain container 48. Again, the flexibility of this invention makes it possible for any arrangement shown from FIGS. 1 to 9, to employ drain container 48 accordingly.

[0164] FIG. 7 is another alternate embodiment of FIG. 5 already discussed above. This illustration shows the two additives, 14 and 44, contained in optional first and third supply containers 12 and 36, respectively, to be added now and/or later, or may be entirely omitted. The locking connectors 54 of the first and third supply tubes 18 and 42, respectively may accommodate unlimited multiple containers. This embodiment also allows either first supply container 12 or third supply container 36 to be used later as drain and/or sample container.

[0165] FIG. 8 illustrates an alternate embodiment of the apparatus 10 illustrated in FIG. 1. In FIG. 8 the first supply container 12 is detachable from the apparatus 10 via locking connector 54 carried by first supply tube 18. First supply tube 18 carries a filter 59 between the locking connector 54 and the clamp 34. In this embodiment, first supply container 12 is detachable from the apparatus 10 and may double up as a drain and/or sample container. The filter H1, in one embodiment, may be a Micron Filter HP.

[0166] FIG. 9 illustrates an alternate embodiment of the apparatus 10 illustrated in FIG. 2a. In FIG. 9, the third supply container 36 is connected to second supply container 20 via the third supply tube 42 and the second supply tube 24 of the second supply container 20 carries a locking connector 54 such that the second and third supply containers 20 and 32 respectively are detachable from the apparatus 10. The second and third supply containers 20 and 36 could form multiple sub-sets of different component combinations and/or additives that could be added onto the apparatus 10 at the time of application.

[0167] All or some of the containers, especially the detachable ones, may bear markers and/or graduations at their sides that may be used to discharge in whole or in part, or ratios of their contents, to generate required overall desired product and/or formulations.

[0168] The embodiments of the present invention, one of which is as shown in FIG. 1 and all the alternatives as described above and/or implied, could equally be fitted with similar storage/drain containers, detachable coupling connectors, and/or micron filters wherever applicable, desirable and/or needed. For example, a micron filter HP could be employed at every detachable connector.

[0169] For the purpose of illustration, the following examples are presented which should not be considered as limiting to the scope of the present invention.

EXAMPLES

Example #1

Peritoneal Dialysis

[0170] The demonstration of this application for peritoneal dialysis refers to the basic embodiment illustrated in FIG. 1a and its extensions FIG. 1b and FIG. 1c.

Step 1

[0171] (i) Close all clamps [0172] (ii) Lower bag 12 to Level 3 (Ground Level) [0173] (iii) Open Clamp 34 on line 18 [0174] (iv) Open Clamp 34 on line 24 [0175] (v) Break to open valve 32 in line 18 [0176] (vi) Break to open valve 32 in line 24 [0177] (vii) Allow fluid from bag 20 to empty completely into bag 12 [0178] (viii) Shake bag 12 to mix thoroughly the composite fluid (14+22) in bag 12 [0179] (ix) Close Clamp 34 on line 18

Step 2

[0180] (i) Move bag 12 to Level 1 [0181] (ii) Move bag 20 to Level 3, below both Level 1 and Level 2 (patient's height)

Step 3

[0182] (i) Connect Patient Line Connector 30 to the patient's Transfer set (not shown) or patient's line (not shown) [0183] (ii) Open clamp on the patient's Transfer Set (not shown) [0184] (iii) Open Clamp 34 on line 16 [0185] (iv) Break to open valve 32 in line 16 [0186] (v) Allow patient to drain waste dialysate (used dialysis fluid currently in the peritoneum) into bag 20 (serving as a Drain Bag)

Step 4: Flush-Before-Fill

[0187] (i) Close clamp 34 in line 16 [0188] (ii) Open Clamp 34 in line 18 for about 5 seconds to flush solution from bag 12 into bag 20 [0189] (iii) Close Clamp 32 on line 24

5: Filling Patient

[0190] (i) Open Clamps on Transfer Set (not shown here) [0191] (ii) Open Clamp 34 on line 16 [0192] (iii) Allow dialysate (composite fluid) to flow from bag 12 into patient through Patient Line Connector 30

Step 6: Disconnecting Patient

[0193] (i) Close all clamps; Clamps (34) and, Clamp on Transfer Set (not shown). [0194] (ii) Disconnect Patient Line Connector 30 from Transfer Set connector (not shown here). [0195] (iii) Safely and quickly cap off the end of Transfer Set connector with Disinfectant Cap (not shown here) [0196] (iv) Cap off Patient Line Connector 30 [0197] (v) Safely discard the Multi-Container System Set

Example #2

Medicated Solution

[0198] This will demonstrate application for producing desirable medicated solution for medical treatment. For example, for administering medications (i.e., intravenous (i.v.)) and/or for providing feeding fluids for parenteral nutrition. These could be made possible using illustrations shown in FIGS. 5a, 5b, 6a, 6b, 7 and/or 8. Referring to the embodiment shown in FIG. 8 as a typical example, steps for producing safe medicated IV solutions are set out below. With this application a Micron Filter 59, although highly recommended, is optional.

Initial Step 1

[0199] (i) Close all clamps (34) [0200] (ii) Check and select the prepared medication dosage stored in container 12. [0201] (iii) Attach container 12 via locking connector 54 to the main set carrying the container with the appropriate base solution 22, (saline etc.) [0202] (iv) Break to open valve 32 in line 18 [0203] (x) Open Clamp 34 on line 18 [0204] (xi) Break to open valve 32 in line 24 [0205] (xii) Open Clamp 34 on line 24 [0206] (xiii) Allow the correct amount of medication 14 to flow into container 20 [0207] (xiv) Close clamp 34 on line 18 [0208] (xv) Close clamp 34 on line 24 [0209] (xvi) Shake bag 20 to mix thoroughly the composite fluid (14+22) in bag 20

Step 2: Application

[0210] (i) Attach line connector 30 to IV line or to infusion pump (not shown here) [0211] (ii) Break to open valve 32 in line 16 [0212] (iii) Open clamp 34 on line 16 [0213] (iv) Open clamp 34 on line 24 [0214] (v) Start the infusion therapy as per direction

Step 3: Ending Therapy

[0215] (i) At the end of infusion, close clamp 34 on line 24 [0216] (ii) Close clamp 34 on line 16 [0217] (iii) Disconnect line connector 30 from the infusion pump or the IV line (not shown here) [0218] (iv) Discard the set accordingly

[0219] The illustration shown in FIG. 7 may be used for the process described above if two different medications are to be added to saline accordingly. Then container 36 may house the second medication 44. All the medications may be pre-filled and labeled accordingly by the pharmacists.

Example #3

Food Packaging, Preservation and/or Storage

[0220] A practical application for food packaging, preservation and/or storage and the final usage is demonstrate by the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 8.

[0221] Dehydrated food such as wheat, oats*, baby food (may be in flour or granular format), corn flour, food for soldiers (to be carried and used during field combats), and special formulated food for astronauts etc., may be packaged under vacuum in container 20. [It makes it easier for long-term preservation. In dehydrated form, these packages are also very lightweight for transporting around]. The packaged system may be sterilized accordingly if so desired.

Step 1: Connections.

[0222] (i) Close all clamps (34) [0223] (ii) Take the appropriate container 12 housing the desired fluid: Water, milk, soup, etc., (may be heated before use) [0224] (iii) Remove the covers off the locking connector 56 & 58 [0225] (iv) Attach 12 to the appropriate system using locking connector 54 [0226] (v) Break to open valve 32 attached to output 26 [0227] (vi) Open clamp 34 of line 18 [0228] (vii) Open clamp 34 of line 24 [0229] (viii) Break to open valve 32 in line 24 [0230] (ix) Transfer the fluid 14 from container 12 through the Micron Filter 59** into container 20 by applying pressure to container 12, or by lowering container 20 below container 12 [0231] (x) Close clamp 34 in line 24 [0232] (xi) Give required time for the food in 20 to hydrate properly. [0233] (xii) The final food could be warmed or heated up before consumption if so desired.
NOTE:* These food products may be grated and roasted to produce hydrated granular or flour, that could be preserved for months. They may be sealed under vacuum.

[0234] ** The Micron Filter 59 may be essential to purify water and/or fluid that may be suspect of contaminations as the case may be, in the developing World or in certain uncontrolled locations such as campgrounds, wildlife, recreational areas and/or battlefields.

Example #4

Mixing Paint Colours

[0235] The present invention may be applied for mixing paints using embodiment shown in FIG. 7. Here, variations of extended embodiments illustrated in FIG. 3 and FIG. 7 may be used to demonstrate practical applications for mixing paint colors.

[0236] Sighting FIG. 7 for this demonstration, container 20 may contain the basic white paint or the desired base color. Two additional colors may be housed in containers 12 and 36.

Step 1: Connections

[0237] (i) Close all clamps (34) [0238] (ii) Select the main system that contains the base color in 20. [0239] (iii) Select containers 12 and 36 housing the colors to be added in ratio. (These containers will have appropriate graduations on them). [0240] (iv) Remove the covers from their respective connectors [0241] (v) Attach container 12 to the system via locking connector 54 in line 18 [0242] (vi) Attach container 36 to the system via locking connector 54 in line 42

Step 2: Adding the First Color

[0243] (i) Break open valve 32 of container 12 [0244] (ii) Open clamp 34 on line 18 [0245] (iii) Break open valve 32 in line 24 [0246] (iv) Apply pressure to container 12 or raise it high above container 20 [0247] (v) Open clamp 34 on line 24 [0248] (vi) Allow the correct amount of additive paint 14 to flow into container 22 [0249] (vii) Close clamp 34 on line 18 [0250] (viii) Close clamp 34 on line 24

Step 3: Adding the Second Color

[0251] (i) Break open valve 32 of container 36 [0252] (ii) Open clamp 34 on line 42 [0253] (iii) Apply pressure to container 36 or raise it high above container 20 [0254] (iv) Open clamp 34 on line 24 [0255] (ix) Allow the correct amount of additive paint 44 to flow into container 22 [0256] (v) Close clamp 34 on line 42 [0257] (vi) Close clamp 34 on line 24 [0258] (vii) Shake container 20 thoroughly to obtain the desired color [0259] (viii) The paint may be discharged for use through line connector 30.

[0260] Note: Alternate or different color additives may be housed in alternate containers to 12 and 36 etc. and could be added via either locking connectors 54 respectively following the same procedure stated above.

[0261] Any one of the embodiments of this invention, the Multi-Container System, may be operated manually or with an assistance of a device, equipment and/or a machine.

[0262] While the foregoing provides a detailed description of preferred embodiments of the present invention, it is to be understood that it is intended that all material contained herein be interpreted as illustrative of the present invention only and not in a limiting sense. Furthermore, numerous modifications, variations and adaptations may be made to the particular embodiments of the present invention described above without departing from the scope of the present invention, which is defined in the claims.