Abstract: An IEEE 802.3 compliant physical layer device provides efficient loading of configuration information of the physical layer device. The configuration information is written into a volatile memory in the physical layer device, and then uploaded to at least one EEPROM. The configuration information is downloaded to the volatile memory during startup of the physical layer device. The system controller can also directly access the EEPROMs, bypassing the volatile memory. By providing a bridge between the system controller and the EEPROMs and providing additional bits in the volatile memory of the physical layer device, the system controller can read and write the EEPROMs one byte at a time. During reset time, the content of the EERPOMs is written to registers in the physical layer device to configure the physical layer device.

Abstract: A pressure indicator for a chest drainage unit is provided. The indicator includes an outer casing having a longitudinal axis and a first end with an opening exposed to ambient air and a second end with an opening coupled to communicate with the collection chamber inside a chest drainage unit for reading patient pressure. A linear force resistance element in the form of a spring compressed inside a bellows is disposed inside the outer casing and aligned along the longitudinal axis. An indicator cap is disposed inside the outer casing and coupled to a tip portion of the bellows element. The interior of the bellows communicates with the collection chamber pressure such that the spring and bellows expands and contracts inside the casing to indicate the degree of suction pressure in the collection chamber.

Abstract: A modular chest drainage assembly is provided, having a collection module formed from a first base mold. The collection module defines a collection chamber having a patient fluid intake port. The assembly further includes a flow control module formed from a second base mold. A separate flow coupling is attachable to the collection module and flow control module to place the two modules in fluid communication. A pre-assembled pressure regulation module is coupled to the flow control module to regulate the pressure inside the collection module and flow control module. The assembly further includes a face plate, to which the collection module and flow control module are bonded such that the flow control module defines a first fluid flow pathway from the flow coupling to a suction port on the flow control module, for transmitting a suction flow from the collection chamber to the suction port.

Abstract: A mechanism for transporting a medical device, wherein the medical device may be quickly and/or conveniently disconnected from a patient or a member of a healthcare provider's medical staff transporting the medical device. Also, a method of transporting a medical device, wherein the method provides for the quick and/or convenient detachment of the medical device from a patient or medical staff member transporting the medical device.

Abstract: A pressure indicator for a chest drainage device includes an outer casing with a longitudinal axis and first and second end portions defining first and second openings. A flexible element is disposed inside the outer casing to define a collapsible pressure-holding inner space in fluid communication with the second opening. An indicator element is disposed inside the outer casing configured to translate along the longitudinal axis. The flexible element, indicator element and outer casing together define a variable interior space inside the outer casing in fluid communication with the first opening. A force resistance element is placed in the casing to resist the translation of the indicator element along at least one direction along the longitudinal axis when a pressure differential exists between the first and second openings.

Abstract: An attachment system for a medical device, wherein the attachment system is compatible with a wide variety of structures, at least in the sense that it may be used to hang the medical device in a level position. Also, a method for attaching a medical device to a wide variety of structures that allows for the medical device to be hung in a level position. The attachment system and method are often used in conjunction with a chest drainage unit as the medical device.

Abstract: An anti-spillover flow coupling for a chest drainage assembly including at least a first and a second flow chamber. The coupling includes an intake port adapted to couple to the first flow chamber and exit port adapted to couple to the second flow chamber. The coupling defines a flow passageway between the intake port and exit port. The flow coupling further includes an anti-spill means for preventing the flow of liquid between the first flow chamber and second flow chamber. The anti-spill means can include a valve means including a ball member and valve seat member, the valve means being open when a valve axis is aligned substantially against the direction of gravity. Or the anti-spill means includes at least one filter element disposed over one of the intake port or exit port, the filter element permitting the passage of gases but not liquids.

Abstract: A floor stand for a relatively small medical device. The floor stand stabilizes and/or levels the medical device when the device is on the floor. When the device is being carried or moved, the floor stand is completely underneath the device, so as to minimize the possibility of the stand coming into contact with an exterior person or item. Also, a method of stabilizing and/or leveling a small medical device.

Abstract: Featured is a device for draining fluids and/or gas from body cavities, including at least a pressure control chamber and a collection chamber being fluidly coupled by a one-way valve thereby establishing a waterless seal between the collection chamber, including the patient, and the suction source. The pressure control chamber also includes a waterless suction pressure control regulator that controls and maintains the suction pressure at or about a selected value. Preferably, the regulator includes a spring operated valve. The device also includes a vent path arrangement having an intermediate chamber and at least two passages that are perpendicular to two adjacent surfaces within the intermediate chamber. The two passages and intermediate chamber are arranged so liquid in the collection chamber does not flow and contaminate the upstream portions of the device when the device is resting on its front side or backside.

Abstract: Featured is a device for draining fluids and/or gas from body cavities, including at least a pressure control chamber and a collection chamber being fluidly coupled by a one-way valve thereby establishing a waterless seal between the collection chamber, including the patient, and the suction source. The pressure control chamber also includes a waterless suction pressure control regulator that controls and maintains the suction pressure at or about a selected value. Preferably, the regulator includes a spring operated valve. The device also includes a vent path arrangement having an intermediate chamber and at least two passages that are perpendicular to two adjacent surfaces within the intermediate chamber. The two passages and intermediate chamber are arranged so liquid in the collection chamber does not flow and contaminate the upstream portions of the device when the device is resting on its front side or backside.

Abstract: Featured is a device for draining fluids and/or gas from body cavities, including at least a pressure control chamber and a collection chamber being fluidly coupled by a one-way valve thereby establishing a waterless seal between the collection chamber, including the patient, and the suction source. The pressure control chamber also includes a waterless suction pressure control regulator that controls and maintains the suction pressure at or about a selected value. Preferably, the regulator includes a spring operated valve. The device also includes a vent path arrangement having an intermediate chamber and at least two passages that are perpendicular to two adjacent surfaces within the intermediate chamber. The two passages and intermediate chamber are arranged so liquid in the collection chamber does not flow and contaminate the upstream portions of the device when the device is resting on its front side or backside.