Abstract: An inflation valve, adapted for sealed attachment within a stem of a balloon, includes a valve body defining a longitudinal passage for receiving a fill tube therein, such as a straw. Insertion of an open distal end of the fill tube to a first position within the passage will facilitate communication of a pressurized fluid, such as air or helium, through a fill port defined in the valve body and into the inflation chamber of the balloon. After filling, the fill tube is moved axially forwardly to a second position for sealing-off communication of the open distal end of the fill tube with the fill port.

Abstract: A disposable receptacle for organizing and handling sponges contaminated during surgical procedures. The receptacle comprises a transparent bag and a pair of slightly inclined chutes from which a plurality of prongs extend generally upward. Projections which extend downwardly from the chutes are rigidly attached to inside portions of the bag so that it may be suspended between the chutes for visual observation of its contents. Each of the chutes is detachably mountable on one of the arms of a U-shaped bracket which projects horizontally from a display board. For counting purposes, only one soiled sponge is hung from each prong. Moreover, only an end portion of each soiled sponge is snagged on the prong so that the bulk of the sponge extends over the edge of the chute and downwardly into the bag. Once the prongs have been filled with sponges, the chutes are rotated into the bag. A closure tie for sealing the filled receptacle is attached to the outside of the bag.