Abstract: The present invention relates to an illumination fiber optic (20) or an assembly including illumination fiber optics contained in a first polymeric layer (26) or in a channel and the first layer or channel including intumescent or other fire retardant material, and further contained within a second outer layer (28) or jacket made of a polymeric material which has the property of containing the combination sufficient to hinder the propagation of the fire and eventually extinguishing the flame. The fiber optic may be side light emitting, with the core, layer, channel and fire retardant materials being transparent or translucent, or may be end light emitting with the fiber optic being a layer core fiber optic and the outer layer being opaque.

Abstract: Disclosed is a catheter insert device 10 employing a collection tube 12 having a conical end 18 with a needle 16 extending therefrom. A catheter 20 is removably mounted on the conical end 18 and is pushed off this end by a guard member 14 mounted to move along the longitudinal axis of the collection tube 12. Locking means 60 and 48 between the guard member and the collection tube permanently lock the guard member 14 in an extended position covering the tip 16a of the needle 16 after the catheter 20 has been inserted into the body 21 of a patient.

Abstract: Disclosed is a blood withdrawing device including an elongated needle to which is bonded during molding a unitary polymeric structure. This unitary structure has a tube holding section and a locking section for locking a guard member in a permanently forward position which covers the tip of the needle. The guard member is mounted concentrically to the locking member and movable axially along the needl's shaft from a retracted position where the top of the needle is exposed and a forward position where the tip is covered. The locking member includes an elongated stem which is formed during the molding process. A second tip of the needle extends into the tube holding means and is displaced inwardly from an open mouth in the tube holding means which allows a vacuum tube to be inserted into the open mouth.

Abstract: Disclosed is an improved medical device of the type where a needle is protected by a guard member moved axially along the needle shaft to a permanently locked position. The improvement is the use of an elongated stem member extending from the locking element covering a substantial portion an essentially fail-safe bond between the locking element and the needle and to facilitate manufacture of the device.