Abstract: A method is disclosed for securing a fluid meter to a fluid collection bag. The method includes the steps of providing a meter having a housing defining a fluid receptacle and at least one drain opening, providing a collection bag defining a fluid reservoir and having at least one inlet opening and securing the meter to the bag using an RF welding device to allow fluid communication between the fluid receptacle and the fluid reservoir. In one embodiment, the housing includes a raised surface positioned about the at least one drain opening to which the collection bag is welded.

Abstract: Disclosed is a device for maintaining an adjustable loop in the drain tube of a urine collection and/or monitoring system. The clip, band or bands act to maintain the adjustable loop such that the adjustment in size of the loop created in the drain tube varies the effective length of the drain tube. Further disclosed is a method for preventing back pressure from developing in the drain tube of urine collection and/or monitoring system.

Abstract: A urine meter is provided for use in a urine collection system. The urine meter includes a housing defining at least one fluid receptacle and having a concave upper wall having first and second ends and a central portion of reduced height. The housing defines first and second drain openings positioned adjacent respect ends of the upper wall. The housing also defines an inlet port extending through the central portion of the upper wall. A drain tube having a discharge end is positioned through the inlet port to direct fluid into the fluid receptacle. The drain tube has an internal surface having substantially no discontinuities. In one embodiment, the housing defines a centrally located first fluid receptacle and a second fluid receptacle which is positioned about the first fluid receptacle.

Abstract: A urine collection bag is provided which includes at least one sheet of flexible material defining a collapsible fluid reservoir and a support member defining a fluid channel and including a spout having an outlet opening. The support member is configured such that the longitudinal axis of the spout defines an acute angle with a horizontal axis when the fluid reservoir is empty but moves to a position wherein the longitudinal axis of the spout is substantially parallel to a vertical axis when the fluid reservoir is filled. The support member is configured to support a discharge valve such that the discharge valve is more accessible when the fluid reservoir is filled with fluid.

Abstract: A urine collection system adapted to be connected to a urinary catheter includes a drain tube and a collection bag. The collection bag has an inlet port and outlet port. The drain tube is positioned to communicate fluid from the catheter to the inlet port of the collection bag. A sampling port is provided which is in fluid communication with the drain tube upstream of the collection bag. In one embodiment, the sampling port is adapted to engage a slip-tip or luer lock type syringe. In another embodiment, the sampling port includes a flexible pierceable member. The urine collection system may also include an in-line vent positioned upstream of the collection bag. In yet another embodiment, the collection system includes a support member including vertically spaced mounting structures which are securable to the collection bag to facilitate mounting of the collection bag to a support structure at one of two vertically spaced positions.

Abstract: A urine collection bag formed of at least one flexible sheet of material defining a fluid reservoir is disclosed which includes an anti-reflux valve. The anti-reflux valve includes a housing defining a fluid receptacle which opens into the fluid reservoir. The housing is secured to the urine collection bag such that the opening of the receptacle is covered by the at least one sheet of material. A cut-out is formed in the sheet of material below the housing opening to define a flap which overhangs the opening in the fluid receptacle. The flap is movable into the fluid reservoir to allow fluid to flow from the receptacle into the reservoir. Fluid flow from the reservoir towards the receptacle causes the flap to seal against a peripheral rim of the housing and, thus, is substantially prevented.

Abstract: A surgical instrument (10) is provided that includes a handle (18) defining a longitudinal axis (20). The handle has an outer surface (22) including a plurality of longitudinal fins (24) that define a plurality of longitudinal grooves (26) therebetween. At least one of the longitudinal fins may project radially from the outer surface of the handle. A pair of the fins may project radially from the outer surface of the handle and are diametrically opposed. A pair of the fins may be opposed and disposed in a plane tangential to the outer surface of the handle. Two separate pairs of the fins can project radially from the outer surface of the handle and are diametrically disposed. The two separate pairs are offset 90° relative to the longitudinal axis. Two separate pairs of the fins can be opposed and disposed in alternate planes tangential to the outer surface of the handle.

Abstract: A combination urine meter and drainage receptacle including a liquid meter of semi-rigid transparent material and a flexible liquid drainage receptacle. The meter and drainage receptacle are connected together at the upper portions thereof by a semi-rigid tubular assembly having a flow conduit therethrough of relatively large diameter and short longitudinal length. Drainage of liquid from the meter to the receptacle can be simply and effectively accomplished by tilting the meter with respect to the flexible receptacle from a vertical hanging position to a drainage position. When so tilted, the drainage bag will retain its substantially vertical hanging position to insure a positive drainage flow between the two containers.

Abstract: A combination urine meter and drainage receptacle including a liquid meter of semi-rigid transparent material and a flexible liquid drainage receptacle. The meter and drainage receptacle are connected together at the upper portions thereof by a semi-rigid tubular assembly having a flow conduit therethrough of relatively large diameter and short longitudinal length. Drainage of liquid from the meter to the receptacle can be simply and effectively accomplished by tilting the meter with respect to the flexible receptacle from a vertical hanging position to a drainage position. When so tilted, the drainage bag will retain its substantially vertical hanging position to insure a positive drainage flow between the two containers.