Abstract: A blood collection device is disclosed which includes a body defining a receptacle dimensioned to receive a blood collection tube. The body has a first open end and a second end supporting a needle having a proximal end extending into the receptacle and a distal end extending distally of the body. Retaining structure is supported on the body. The retaining structure extends into the receptacle and is configured to releasably retain the blood collection tube within the receptacle.

Abstract: A medical device including a barrel having an open first end and capable of supporting a needle at a second end of the barrel is provided and includes a lid releasably adhered to and overlying the open first end of the barrel in a fluid tight manner; and a pad secured to a surface of the lid such that the pad is disposed within a cavity of the barrel when the lid is adhered to the barrel, wherein the pad comprises a disinfecting solution.

Abstract: A blood collection device is disclosed which includes a body defining a receptacle dimensioned to receive a blood collection tube. The body has a first open end and a second end supporting a needle having a proximal end extending into the receptacle and a distal end extending distally of the body. Retaining structure is supported on the body. The retaining structure extends into the receptacle and is configured to releasably retain the blood collection tube within the receptacle.

Abstract: A medical device including a barrel having an open first end and capable of supporting a needle at a second end of the barrel is provided and includes a lid releasably adhered to and overlying the open first end of the barrel in a fluid tight manner; and a pad secured to a surface of the lid such that the pad is disposed within a cavity of the barrel when the lid is adhered to the barrel, wherein the pad comprises a disinfecting solution.

Abstract: A blood collection device is disclosed which includes a body defining a receptacle dimensioned to receive a blood collection tube. The body has a first open end and a second end supporting a needle having a proximal end extending into the receptacle and a distal end extending distally of the body. Retaining structure is supported on the body. The retaining structure extends into the receptacle and is configured to releasably retain the blood collection tube within the receptacle.

Abstract: A valve is provided that comprises a valve body including an inlet, an outlet, and a check valve chamber having an opening through the side of the valve body. The valve has a cover secured within the side opening in the valve body. A first valve opening is disposed between the inlet chamber and outlet chamber. A control valve is movable relative to the first valve opening to regulate fluid flow through the first opening when fluid flow is in the inlet-to-outlet direction, and is movable to engage the first valve opening to restrict fluid flow in the outlet-to-inlet direction. The valve comprises a second valve opening disposed between the check valve chamber and the outlet chamber. A check valve member is movable relative to the second valve opening to restrict forward flow and permit reverse flow through the second valve opening.

Abstract: A phlebotomy needle is disclosed which includes structure to facilitate visualization of flashback. In one embodiment, a central portion of the needle includes a hole or opening which communicates with a flow channel defined by the needle and a transparent housing is positioned about the opening to facilitate visualization of blood flow through the needle. A material which allows passage of air and provides an indication of blood flow through the needle is positioned over the opening. In one embodiment, the material is in the form of a plug or, alternately, in the form of a patch or collar. The material can be encased in or provide a window in the transparent housing. In another embodiment, the phlebotomy needle includes a needle and a housing having a passive vent and a viewing region for visualizing blood flow in the housing.

Abstract: A valve is provided that comprises a valve body including an inlet, an outlet, and a check valve chamber having an opening through the side of the valve body. The valve has a cover secured within the side opening in the valve body. A first valve opening is disposed between the inlet chamber and outlet chamber. A control valve is movable relative to the first valve opening to regulate fluid flow through the first opening when fluid flow is in the inlet-to-outlet direction, and is movable to engage the first valve opening to restrict fluid flow in the outlet-to-inlet direction. The valve comprises a second valve opening disposed between the check valve chamber and the outlet chamber. A check valve member is movable relative to the second valve opening to restrict forward flow and permit reverse flow through the second valve opening.

Abstract: A three-dimensional waveguiding structure for a microcavity surface-emitting laser is described in which native aluminum oxide layers provide control of intracavity waveguiding and the laser optical mode structure of the emitted beam. Microcavity lasers described herein account for the blueshift of the emission wavelength as the laser lateral dimensions are reduced to or below the emission wavelength.

Abstract: A device for use in regulating the flow of a working fluid, such as a refrigerant, includes a body defining an axial opening, and a piston received within the axial opening. The piston is moveable in the body and has first and second ends. An actuator, which in one embodiment, is a stepper motor, is coupled to the first end of the piston for providing a force to the piston. An inlet and an outlet are coupled to the body such that the input, the output and the body define a passageway for the working fluid. An articulating seat assembly is coupled to the second end of the piston.