Abstract: An apparatus for handling a patient's blood during a medical procedure which is convertible for use after the procedure for at least one further use. The apparatus comprises a reservoir having a port comprising at least one opening. A primary device, alignable with the port for adapting the reservoir for use during the procedure. The apparatus further comprises one or more secondary devices each alignable with the port means for adapting the reservoir for one or more further uses after the procedure. The primary device and the secondary devices are slidably mounted on the apparatus between tracks, with the primary device initially aligned with the port to allow the reservoir to be used during the medical procedure. The tracks allow the primary device to be moved out of alignment with the port and allow at least one of the secondary devices to be moved into alignment with the port so that the reservoir can be used after the medical procedure.

Abstract: An improved arterial cannula tip of the type comprising a hollow tube having a bent inlet conduit, the improvement comprising constructing the cannula tip so that the wall of the cannula tip is thicker at the inside of the bend than in the surrounding areas. The cannula is preferably formed by taking a generally tubular blank having an area in which the wall of the blank is thicker than the surrounding areas, and bending the blank in this area of increased thickness. The blank may be formed by molding the blank in a mold with a core pin bent or configured to form the area of increased thickness on one side of the blank.

Abstract: Apparatus for producing flexible kink resistant tubing having one or more non-reinforced section(s) and one or more spirally-reinforced section(s). The apparatus includes a rotatable member having an extrusion passgeway for extruding a second thermoplastic material in a filament within a first thermoplastic material to form a reinforcing filament in tubing formed by the first thermoplastic material. The rotatable member is rotated at a predetermined velocity to form the reinforcing filament in a spiral or helical pattern in the wall of the tubing. A diverter valve is provided for selectively providing the second thermoplastic material so that filament reinforced and non-reinforced longitudinal sections of tubing may be formed without interruption. A method of producing such kink resistant tubing is also disclosed.

Abstract: A kink-resistant, dual-drainage, venous return catheter preferably completely comprised of a polyvinyl chloride material and molded in a conventional injection molding process. This catheter comprises a smaller portion dimensioned to be received in a vena cava, a larger portion and a transition portion between the two other portions. In one embodiment, the transition portion comprises means for stinting the larger portion so that it can't enter the vena cava, a plurality of inlet openings and a plurality of reinforcing channels connecting the inlet openings to the larger portion so that fluid entering the inlet openings is channeled into the larger portion. All of these openings are preferably peripherally chamfered on the inside generally away from the smaller catheter portion and on the outside generally towards and away from the smaller catheter portion.

Abstract: A medical catheter and a method for infusing blood into a patient. The medical catheter has first and second inlet openings, an outlet opening, a passageway connecting the openings, and a flexible valve member between the inlet openings. The valve member controls the size of the passageway between the inlet openings. The method includes inserting a conventional occlusion catheter into the medical catheter through the valve member and extending the tip of the occlusion catheter beyond the outlet opening of the medical catheter so that the blood vessel within the patient can be restrained.

Abstract: A cardioplegia system in which cardioplegia medication or a mixture of arterial blood and medication is delivered to the heart of a patient undergoing open heart surgery. A cooling system incorporates flat coils vertically disposed in upright tanks in which the level of cooling liquid is controlled and thus the percentage area of the coil which is immersed. This permits the control of the cooling while isolating the blood or medication from the cooling system.

Abstract: A washing apparatus for cleaning paint applicators of the roller type in which a housing is provided for resiliently retaining a roller; a washing cylinder is provided for contact with the roller. Water power is utilized to rotate the washing cylinder and also distributes flushing washer to the roller during the rotation cycle. A directional valve can control the water flow to the roller or to the drain for providing a rinsing cycle and a ring cycle.

Abstract: A bubble trap for a cardioplegia system in which cardioplegia medication or a mixture of arterial blood and medication is delivered to the heart of a patient undergoing open heart surgery which includes a bubble trap in conjunction with the delivery system which separates air from the arterial flow and provides visual indication of an increase of air in the system, together with a flow means for lengthening the path of flow through the trap to achieve maximum separation of air from the arterial flow.

Abstract: A cardioplegia system in which cardioplegia medication or a mixture of arterial blood and medication is delivered to the heart of a patient undergoing open heart surgery. A cooling system incorporates flat coils vertically disposed in upright tanks in which the level of cooling liquid is controlled and thus the percentage area of the coil which is immersed. This permits the control of the cooling while isolating the blood or medication from the cooling system.

Abstract: A portable toilet of the type having two vertically stacked sections, the lower section (12) being a holding tank, and the upper section (14) including a toilet bowl (22), a water tank (26) for storage of water for flush purposes, and a pump (30) for flushing the toilet bowl. To provide a source of chemicals for inserting into the holding tank, a storage chamber (66) is formed in the top wall (38) of the holding tank so as to be confined within the walls (18) of the upper section. To provide a source of toilet tissue paper, a storage chamber (76) is provided between the upper and lower sections (12) and (14) and a toilet tissue paper holder (78) is mounted therein.

Abstract: A portable sanitation unit is disclosed of the type having two vertically stacked sections, the lower section being a holding tank and the upper section including a toilet bowl, a water tank for storage of water for flush purposes, and an improved pump apparatus for flushing the toilet bowl, said apparatus comprising an electrically operated pump that can be energized from any suitable electrical source, such as a portable battery, an electrical receptacle in a motor vehicle, a cottage, a marine vessel, or the like.

Abstract: A portable toilet that has a lower holding tank with an inlet port in the top wall, and removably supported thereon an upper unit that contains a toilet bowl with an oulet port in registry with said inlet port, a flush water storage tank and flush means for discharging flush water from the storage tank into said bowl. Improved features include apparatus in the adjacent top and bottom walls of the holding tank and upper unit for releasably clamping them together, a discharge spout for the holding tank located between the adjacent walls so that the outlet of the spout is in a cavity in the bottom wall of the upper unit above the liquid level of the holding tank, and a valve-and-nozzle assembly and associated flexible conduit from the flush pump which is constructed and arranged to press fit all of the components together and mount them in proper location with respect to the toilet bowl.

Abstract: Apparatus for venting a sealed holding tank of a portable toilet to equalize the atmosphere and tank pressures before opening and closing the inlet port of the holding tank, said holding tank including a valve assembly for opening and closing the inlet port of the tank, and a vent port means in the tank associated with the valve assembly so that when the valve assembly is moved toward its open position, the vent means will be opened immediately prior to opening of the inlet port and when the valve assembly is moved toward its closed position, the vent port will be closed immediately after closing of the inlet port.