Abstract: The present invention resides in an improvement to a syringe having a syringe housing and a plunger slidably positioned therein and extendable therefrom, and includes a novel locking member mounted on the plunger externally of the housing and angularly movable thereon between a first position in which the locking member can move longitudinally along the plunger and a second position in which the locking member becomes engaged with the plunger to hold the members together in fixed condition for movement in concert. The locking member is also shaped to move into abutment with the syringe housing where the plunger is moved to limit movement of the plunger when in its locked position.

Abstract: An enteral feeding bag apparatus comprising an open-mouth flexible bag which is maintained in open condition by means of an opening maintaining plate member, is sealable by means of a liquid tight zipper lock closure means and is suspendable by a reinforced hanger portion for filling and/or administration of an enteric feeding composition.

Abstract: Apparatus for obtaining test results from microbiological test trays and strips includes an inspection station of which test trays may be inspected to determine the results of microbiological tests, a video camera disposed to form images of the test trays at the inspection station, and an image processor for receiving the images from the video camera and processing them to determine test results. Only predetermined areas of interest in the image made by the camera are electronically analyzed. Each well of a given tray is assigned a positive or negative partial result based upon the electronic analysis of the area or areas of interest within that well.

Abstract: An intercavity catheter having a distal end portion with serrations on the inner wall thereof.

Abstract: An autotransfusion device for a chest drainage unit is provided that includes a collapsible blood collection and reinfusion bag assembly that includes a collapsible bag with pliable walls and stiffener members, and a holder which receives the assembly. The holder maintains compressive forces on the sides of the stiffener members so they bow outwardly and, in turn, maintain the bag assembly in an expanded conditions for collecting blood while suction is applied to the bag during drainage operations. The collapsible bag assembly can be removed from the holder for reinfusion of the collected blood.

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

Abstract: A catheter and stylet assembly is provided which includes a silicone rubber catheter for insertion into the left ventricle of the heart. A stylet of malleable metal covered by a plastic cover is inserted into the catheter to permit the catheter and stylet to be manually shaped into a desired form before insertion into the patient. The stylet is removable from the catheter after the catheter is in the patient.

Abstract: A nasal cannula harness is provided which includes a pair of sheet members in facing relation and holding the distal end portions of a pair of narine tubes in position for insertion into the nares of a patient. The nasal cannula harness may be made by folding a molded sheet member and securing the sections of the folded member together with the distal portions of the narine tubes between the sections and with portions extending outwardly for insertion into the nares of a patient.

Abstract: An incubation chamber for incubating a number of microbiological test trays such as susceptibility trays and identification trays holds a number of tray carriers in a pair of stacks. An elevator is provided to move any given carrier to a position at which it can be removed from the incubation chamber and moved to an inspection station at which the trays thereon may be inspected to determine the results of the microbiological tests. The image of the test tray at the inspection station is processed to determine test results.

Abstract: A valve retainer for securely attaching a valve to a flexible tube of a medical device comprising a tubular body having tabs extending from one end of the retainer that are deflectable inwardly of the retainer to positions extending adjacent the inner surface of the retainer and the outer portion of the tube so that the tabs prevent withdrawal of the valve from the flexible tube.

Abstract: A fine tip hand-held medical suction device is provided having a vent orifice in the sidewall of the tip remote from the suction orifice of the tip and the hand holding portion of the device to regulate the negative pressure at the suction orifice. A fluid flow restriction orifice in the flow passage is disposed close to the vent orifice.

Abstract: The present invention provides a catheter for nasogastric intubation comprising a plastic sheath tube and a fixing means of said tube at nose, said tube having a longitudinal tear-off line over the full length thereof and having elasticity and rigidity slightly larger than those of said catheter, said catheter being inserted entirely in said plastic sheath tube slidably.

Abstract: A cannula for insertion into a body incision is provided with a tip having an opening in the sidewall and a pair of recesses in the outer surface of the tip forming a longitudinally extending ridge on one side on the tip for facilitating the insertion of the tip into the incision and dilating the incision.

Abstract: A bone marrow biopsy device is provided that includes a cannula member and a stylet member each having arcuate handles having a length greater than the width thereof, a luer lock connector, and a handle locking arrangement. The cannula member handle has a recess which receives a collar on the stylet member handle. A radial pin and an axially extending luer lock connector are disposed in the recess. The collar has a slot which receives the pin for locking the stylet and cannula members together.

Abstract: A nasal cannula harness is provided which includes a pair of sheet members in facing relation and holding the distal end portions of a pair of narine tubes in position for insertion into the nares of a patient. The nasal cannula harness may be made by folding a molded sheet member and securing the sections of the folded member together with the distal portions of the narine tubes between the sections and with portions extending outwardly for insertion into the nares of a patient.

Abstract: This invention provides an improvement in a method of surgically treating an esophageal varix utilizing an endoscope wherein air under pressure is directed to expand a patient's esophagus and wherein the varix is located, punctured and injected with a sclerosing material. The subject improvement involves directing a dual-lumen balloon tube through the patient's esophagus, the dual-lumen balloon tube including a primary suction lumen and a secondary inflation lumen. After the vatix is located, punctured and injected with sclerosing material, the balloon tube is partially withdrawn to position the balloon adjacent the varix and fluid under pressure is directed through the secondary lumen to inflate the balloon to thereby compress the varix to assist in stemming the flow of blood therefrom. Suction is then applied to the primary lumen to relieve pressure in the patient's stomach.

Abstract: A medical underwater seal, chest drainage apparatus is provided which includes a catheter having a main lumen and an auxiliary lumen for insertion into a chest cavity to be drained of body fluid. The main lumen is connected to a drainage collection device and the auxiliary lumen is adapted to be connected to a variable setting venting valve so that an adjustable flow rate of air from the atmosphere can flow into the auxiliary lumen for venting the cavity.

Abstract: Apparatus for obtaining test results from microbiological test trays and strips includes an inspection station at which test trays may be inspected to determine the results of microbiological tests, a video camera disposed to form images of the test trays at the inspection station, and an image processor for receiving the images from the video camera and processing them to determine test results. Only predetermined areas of interest in the image made by the camera are electronically analyzed. Each well of a given tray is assigned a positive or negative partial result based upon the electronic analysis of the area or areas of interest within that well.

Abstract: An incubation chamber for incubating a number of microbiological test trays such as susceptibility trays and identification trays holds a number of tray carriers in a pair of stacks. An elevator is provided to move any given carrier to a position at which it can be removed from the incubation chamber and moved to an inspection station at which the trays thereon may be inspected to determine the results of the microbiological tests. The image of the test tray at the inspection station is processed to determine test results.