Abstract: The female incontinence control device includes a conduit having inlet and outlet openings for receiving, conducting and discharging urinary fluid. The device also includes stabilizing structure for holding the conduit in its installed position relative to the urethra and bladder such that a drainage inlet opening can receive fluid from the bladder, and the outlet discharge opening is positioned outside the urethra. The conduit includes a manually actuatable drainage control valve adapted to be positioned outside the urethra. Manual actuation of the valve from a closed position to an open position is thus easily accomplished by manipulating an actuator member at a distal end portion of the conduit to selectively control urinary discharge from the conduit. The actuator member can be formed as an extension of a valve member or interconnected with the valve member through a flexible connecting link.

Abstract: An apparatus for selectively providing irrigation or evacuation to a patient during surgery which includes valve arrangements to prevent reflux of fluid and the drawing of irrigation fluid from a reservoir in the event the patient line becomes blocked.

Abstract: A drain valve is disclosed which is adapted to be attached to the frame of a wheelchair, bed, or other object for draining a catheter reservoir bag without any part of the reservoir bag contents coming in contact with the valve. The valve has an integral spring-loaded plunger which pinches closed the drain tubing of the reservoir bag. The plunger is connected through a flexible cable to a control device. The valve is normally closed pinching closed the drain tubing, and the reservoir bag is filled through the inlet tubing attached to the patient. When the reservoir bag is to be drained, the control device is activated by the patient to retract the spring-loaded plunger in the valve opening the drain tubing and allowing the reservoir bag to darin. In one embodiment, the control device is a remotely operated hand lever mechanism connected to the cable. In another embodiment, the control device is a solenoid operator connected to the cable.

Abstract: A rotatable rigid material valve operator is provided having a threaded shank threadedly engaged within a threaded blind bore formed in a valve member constructed of thermo plastic elastomer having an 80-90 "SHORE" scale durometer hardness and snugly slidingly disposed within a valve body bore against rotation relative thereto, the threaded shank being rotatable relative to the valve body against axial displacement relative thereto such that rotation of the threaded shank translates into axial shifting of the valve member within the valve body bore.

Abstract: A catheter with a double membrane gasket and a locking needle guard is disclosed. The gasket prevents blood from seeping through the catheter hub. The locking needle guard prevents the user from inadvertent needle sticks.

Abstract: A placement device for a catheter and guide wire comprising, a valve assembly having a proximal end, a distal end for connection to the catheter, an elastic valve member having a least one slit and a slide member being slidably received in the valve assembly and being movable between a first position spaced from the valve member with the valve member being closed, and a second position engaged against the valve member with the valve member being open, with the slide member having a bore extending therethrough. The device has a valve opener having an elongated stem on an end of the opener with an outer diameter sufficiently small to be received in the bore of the slide member, with the stem having sufficient length to extend through the slide member and open the valve member with the valve opener extending through the valve member, and with the stem having a channel with an inner diameter sufficiently large to receive the guide wire.

Abstract: Pressure infusion apparatus for controllably pressurizing infusion bags includes a flow-through pressure gauge for indicating the pressures within such infusion bags between minimum and maximum desirable pressures. A lower housing member includes a chamber and an inlet to the chamber for receiving a flow of fluid from suitable sources of pressurized fluid. A resilient member seals the chamber and is used in cooperation with telescoping members in a downstream portion of the gauge for indicating a range of pressures within the chamber from predetermined minimum pressures, below which the gauge will not indicate, and predetermined maximum pressures, above which is dangerous for continuing use of the pressure infusion apparatus. The gauge is adaptable for both use in applications which are axial and transverse with respect to the flow of fluid therethrough.

Abstract: A valved infusion port of an infusion system comprising an injection unit having a primary infusion port and at least one secondary infusion port, characterized by the improvement to the secondary infusion port comprising: a bidirectional valve means disposed about the secondary infusion port; whereby the bidirectional valve means is capable of opening and closing the secondary infusion port to permit the administration of a secondary infusion without the use of a needle.

Abstract: A sterilizable medical/dental syringe having a handle with a nozzle at one end is provided with means for releasably coupling the other end of the handle to a flexible supply hose providing compressible gases and/or noncompressible liquids. When disconnected from the flexible hose supply line, automatic sealing valves prevent the contents of the supply line from escaping. A readily repairable flow control valve for the nozzle is also disclosed.

Abstract: An apparatus for selectively providing irrigation or evacuation to a patient during surgery which includes valve arrangements to prevent reflux of fluid and the drawing of irrigation fluid from a reservoir in the event the patient line becomes blocked.

Abstract: A flow regulator for liquid to be administered parenterally to a patient comprises a first member having a flow passage therein for the liquid and a second member arranged to be adjustably telescoped in the passage. The first and second members are constructed such that they can be telescopingly positioned to form a flow rate controlling channel which restricts the flow rate as a function of the length of the channel. The length of the channel is adjustable by changing the relative position of the first and second members. An adjustment force applied to the outside of the regulator is transmitted to the second member within the flow regulator for changing the channel length and therefore the flow rate. The flow regulator can include a drip chamber positioned immediately above the second member for convenient adjustment of the flow rate. Sealing against leakage of air into the flow regulator is attainable because the flow rate controlling second member is located entirely within the first member.

Abstract: A hermaphroditic coupling especially useful in an anatomical thermal system between the pad means and control unit thereof, the hermaphroditic coupling including a pair of parallel lumens with the coupling being divided into two units having identical hermaphroditic, engageable ends and with releasable latch means connecting the two elements of the hermaphroditic coupling.

Abstract: The present invention is generally related to a suction aspirator for suctioning out liquids during surgical interventions. The subject suction uses a built-in interrupting valve as a means to control simultaneously the vacuum suction flow and the vacuum suction noise. The suction noise is a disturbing noise generated when a vacuum suction flow passes through the suction device. The said valve mechanism is simply constructed and easily operated by one finger of the same hand that is holding the suction device. The said valve assembly is so incorporated that it is unbiased to any working position with the suction device. The said suction device is so constructed that it can be sterilized and can be used with sterile technique required for surgery.

Abstract: A metering device for adjusting a flow rate of a flow of liquid comprises a flow-rate adjusting device including a rotatable adjusting member, and an actuating member for rotating the adjusting member. The actuating member is connectable with the adjusting member and may be disengaged therefrom in a respective adjusted position in order to avoid unintentional or incomplete adjustment of the metering device. A hexagonal head and a mating hexagonal recess are provided on either the adjusting member or the actuating member to effect engaging and disengaging of these members.

Abstract: A shutoff valve (26) including a plunger (28) slidably mounted in a housing (30). The plunger (28) being slidable between an open and a closed position. The plunger (28) having a front end and a back end and defining a path flow of fluid therethrough. A back end (32) of the plunger (28) having inclined surfaces (50). Projections (34) extend from the back end (32) of the housing (30) and cooperate with the inclined surfaces (50) to bias the plunger (20) into the closed position.

Abstract: A needleless injection port arrangement (10) for intravenous fluid systems wherein the arrangement (10) includes a valving unit (12) disposed in a valve housing unit (11) having a dual port upper valve housing member (13): wherein, the valving unit (12) includes a valve head member (50) mounted on a resilient biasing member (40) to control the introduction of medicant fluids through a medicant fluid port (18) formed in the upper valve housing member (13).

Abstract: A pulsed liquid injection device for injection of predetermined dosage volumes of medication at predetermined intervals of time over an extended period is described. A relatively large supply of medication is maintained in a bag under pressure, and metered portions thereof are released at time intervals by an electronically controlled metering device. The metering device includes a simple valve arrangement containing three flexible resilient elements arranged and controlled in such a way as to provide shut off of medication supply in the event of a malfunction, either electrical or mechanical.

Abstract: A reciprocating pump suitable for use in an implantable medication dosage device has a piston movable in a chamber connected to a medication reservoir, the chamber having an output closable by a check valve. The check valve includes a movable element which is acted upon by a biasing system to urge the moveable element in a direction to close the check valve. The moveable element has a sealing surface against which an end face of the piston presses with tight adjacency as the piston moves to an extreme position during its output stroke.

Abstract: A cassette for use with an I.V. infusion pump has a housing with a first inlet, a second inlet, an outlet, and a port to the I.V. infusion pump. A valve body is positioned within the housing to selectively establish fluid communication from the first inlet to the port, or from the second inlet to the port, or from the port to the outlet. Movement of the valve body within the housing into yet another position allows for the free flow of fluid directly between the first inlet or the second inlet and the outlet.

Abstract: A vascular access fistula includes a smooth, continuous PTFE tube having a hard sintered tube section integrally joined at its opposing ends with expanded PTFE tube sections. Inlet and outlet access port holes are formed in the hard sintered tube section to provide acute access to the fistula. A port collar surrounds the hard sintered tube section to facilitate the attachment of dual lumen tubing thereto. Following implantation of the access fistula, the dual lumen tubing temporarily extends through the skin to provide acute access while the access fistula heals. The port collar houses a slide valve which selectively couples the inlet and outlet access port holes to the dual lumen tubing for acute access. After the access fistula has healed, the slide valve is closed, the dual lumen tubing is cut off from the port collar, and chronic vascular access is provided by percutaneous cannulation of the implanted PTFE tube.

Abstract: Catheters are disclosed which are adapted for insertion into the heart and which include at least one inlet opening at the front end thereof, at least one outlet opening at the other end thereof, and at least one intermediate opening therebetween, and which include a cylindrical sleeve for opening and closing the intermediate opening so that it can be selectively opened and closed thereby. These catheters are employed most particularly for the withdrawal of blood from both the inferior vena cava and from the right auricle and/or from the superior vena cava of the heart.

Abstract: One end (4a) of a supply tube (4) opening out into the three-way connector is closed by a diaphragm (9) and filled with fresh fluid. This end is situated opposite one end of a duct (3b;36) to which a connection tube (3) is connected, with which it is axially aligned. This duct end has a pointed tip (8; 37) of hard plastic material. The end of the supply tube is axially displaceable in a chamber (2) of the three-way connector. By moving this end toward the tip of the duct end, the diaphragm is pierced by the tip, so that the fresh fluid can flow from the supply tube into the connection tube. One end of a drain tube (5) runs perpendicular to the duct end and opens out in the chamber. This closed three-way connector cannot be contaminated, is easy to use, and is largely proof against incorrect manipulation.

Abstract: A clamp with a clamping body to accommodate a flexible hose extending through the bottom of a recess and bending over to lie along the bottom of the recess through a channel created by the recess with a slider movable thereover. The flexible tube can be used to provide access to a human stomach, being placed through the stomach wall by surgical methods with the clamp used to control flows therethrough.

Abstract: A novel urinary catheter, hygiene unit and daily process for cleansing this catheter while in place within the user's bladder. This equipment and process are intended to reduce the occurrence of urinary tract infections and associated sepsis in individuals with chronic, long-term indwelling urinary catheters. Pressurized fluids delivered through a specially configured catheter dislodge, rinse and remove bacteria and bacterial growth medium formed by mucus, crystalline urinary deposits and urinary debris from the inner aspect or urinary lumen of the catheter. Special safety features of the catheter provide for a separation of the inner aspects of the catheter from the bladder lumen while the cleansing process is occuring and prevent attachment of the hygiene unit to the catheter unless this separation is accomplished. These safety features prevent the introduction of cleansing fluids into the user's body.

Abstract: An electromagnetic valve comprising a housing having fluid containing region and first and second ports in communication therewith, an electromagnet carried by the housing located external to the region, and a thin fluid impermeable diaphragm barrier hermetically isolating the electromagnet from the region. An armature in the housing is movable within a body of magnetically permeable material and has a pole portion located for magnetic attraction by the electromagnet and has a valve portion located for opening and closing one of the ports to place the ports in fluid communication through the region in one state of the valve and to block fluid communication between the ports in another state of the valve. The armature is moved from a rest position through a forward stroke when attracted by the electromagnet and is returned by a biasing spring to the rest position.

Abstract: An injection system and method for delivering fluids to a subcutaneous body site such as an analgesic to the ventricle is disclosed. A reservoir containing a plurality of doses of the fluid is adapted to be subcutaneously located in the abdomen. This reservoir is connected by a catheter to a subcutaneous unit containing a valve and a pump. This unit is then connected to the ventricle of the user. By the simultaneous actuation of the valve and the pump, the analgesic is pumped to the ventricle of the user. Preferably, the reservoir includes an expandable bag and a bubble member on the outermost surface of the bag which is penetrable by a small needle on the outersurface and impenetrable on the innersurface. A fluid passageway then connects the bag and the bubble member so that the bag is easily refilled. The pump and valve are preferably operated by flexible portions on the subcutaneous unit, which flexible portions are preferably recessed to prevent inadvertent actuation.

Abstract: A flow control device for use with flowing fluids to monitor pressure during blood pressure measurements having at least one passage extending from an inlet to an outlet. This passage has two flow paths, one a non-closable, narrow flow path including a capillary bore for normal flow. The other is a flushing chamber having a larger crossectional opening which is closable by a rapid flush valve. The rapid flush valve includes a valve body made of elastically deformable material and disposed in the flushing chamber. The valve body may be stretched by a plunger which thereby reduces its crossection. In the normal position, the outside of the valve body contacts the wall of the flushing chamber and blocks the flow path through the chamber. If the plunger is depressed, the valve body is deformed elastically, elongating it to thereby reduce its crossection and spacing it from the walls of the flushing chamber. This opens the flow path through the flushing chamber.

Abstract: An IV tube activator for use with a peristaltic IV infusion pump comprises means that require the closure of a tube associated clamp upon engagement of the IV tube with the pump and upon any subsequent disengagement of the IV tube from the pump. The activator further comprises means which simultaneously move the tube associated clamp to open the IV tube when the pump is being operated.

Abstract: A hypodermic device including a main body having a plurality of open sockets with a corresponding number of upstanding needles therein. In one embodiment, each upstanding needle is commonly interconnected to a main passage through the body. The ends of the upstanding needles are capped with resilient plugs which are displaced when one or more vacuum tubes are pressed onto the ends of the upstanding needles. In an alternative embodiment of the device, the upstanding needles are secured to movable plugs with each plug having a passage therein which is selectively movable into coaxial alignment with the main passage through the body. In yet another embodiment of the device, the sockets are spaced apart along the length of the main body with valves being connected to the main body in the spaces between the sockets. Each valve is slidably movable within a well formed within the body.

Abstract: An implement providing an irrigator/evacuator primarily intended for use in connection with urological surgery, includes a reservoir connected to one side of the barrel of a pump having an outlet opening at one end. A compressible bulb attached to the end of the barrel opposite the outlet opening can be utilized to displace fluid within the implement outwardly through the outlet opening for irrigation purposes, and subsequently to draw fluid into the implement for evacuation purposes. A free piston is housed within the pump so as to freely movable along the length of the barrel. Fluid drawn into the implement causes movement of the piston to a retracted position, allowing substantially unrestricted passage of pieces of tissue or other material into the reservoir.

Abstract: A multiple solution IV administration system includes a plurality of IV fluid sources which are connected by flexible tubing to the inlet of an IV pump. A sequence valve suspended from the tubing selectively pinches off all but one tube so that one source at a time is connected to the inlet. The sequence valve is controlled as a function of the accumulated volume pumped by the pump for each fluid and a stored volume limit for that fluid. When the accumulated volume of one IV fluid reaches its volume limit, the sequence valve is changed to connect a different source to the inlet of the IV pump.

Abstract: An infusion pump is disclosed in which a canister of compressed gas is regulated to provide a continuous source of pressure to one or more compressible fluid sources. Valves on the outlets of the sources prevent fluid from escaping except when the valves are opened. The valves are opened by solenoids which are selectively activated to open the valves.

Abstract: An anti-air embolism device for use between a patient's CVP catheter and source of fluid comprising inlet connection mean adapted to connect said device with a source of fluid; an outlet means including means for locking said device to the patient's CVP catheter; a passageway connecting said inlet and outlet connection means for fluid passage, and an occluder interposed within said passageway to prevent the entrainment of air within the patient's CVP catheter upon disconnection of a source of fluid at said inlet connection means.

Abstract: For diagnosing bodily functions of a patient by analyzing individual, samples several blood samples are taken from the patient automatically in sequence at predetermined time intervals, collected together separately from one another, retained until the completion of all the samples, and then analyzed. The blood samples are fed into a single collecting container one after another in time sequence with the aid of a control valve and are held separated from one another by the introduction of a separating medium between them or they are fed individually in sequence into separate containers. An anti-coagulant prevents the blood samples coagulating before analysis, and so the patient can wear the apparatus for taking the blood samples and can move about and behave normally throughout the sampling sequence.

Abstract: A blood extraction cannula cap is provided with a skirt which can be inserted over a tube for receiving the blood, the upper portion of the skirt being closed and having a cannula bore for receiving a needle and a push button resiliently mounted on the end of the cap with the push button being connected to a closing member which closes a bore connecting the cannula to the interior of the cap.

Abstract: An aortic cannula, including a head which has a front end adapted for being inserted into the aorta, and a base communicating with a blood supply tube; the head is shaped as an oblate cone that flares out from the front end which is an ellipse in cross-section, towards the base which is a circle in cross-section, while the tube is provided with a plurality of through holes or perforations located in an immediate vicinity of the place where it is joined with the base, and has a slidable sleeve adapted to operatively cover the perforations.

Abstract: A flow regulator for use in medical apparatus for adjusting the flow of fluid in which there is a valve body with a valve member having a helical flow passage through which the fluid must flow. In order to facilitate quick adjustment of the fluid, the pitch and depth of the groove both progressively change from one end of the flow regulating device to the other, the depth of the groove becoming less as the pitch of the groove becomes finer. The valve member is longitudinally movable with respect to the valve body, and provision is made for adjusting the longitudinal position either by rotation of a threaded valve stem or by longitudinal movement of the valve stem to quickly adjust the flow rate. The helical groove may be either rectangular in cross-section, or V-shaped in cross-section. Suitable means are provided for sealing against leakage through the valve adjusting means.

Abstract: An escapement device to be disposed between a source of fluid and a receiver of fluid. The device allows fluid to escape from the source and then intermittently takes a fixed, measured quantity of such fluid and transfers that quantity to the receiver. The device is useful in intervenous infusion systems, automatic blood testing equipment, and like equipment where small but highly accurate measures of fluid are needed.

Abstract: An implantable valve for allowing the passage of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) from a ventricle of the brain to a suitable drainage location in the body includes a movable diaphragm, one side of which is in pressure communication with the drainage location of the body and the other side of which is in pressure communication with the ventricular spaces of the brain. A valve assembly, actuable by displacement of the diaphragm in response to applied pressure differentials, regulates passage of CSF from the ventricular spaces to the drainage location. When the pressure differential is relatively small, the valve operates in a constant pressure mode to maintain a predetermined pressure differential across the valve. In response to a sudden increase in differential pressure, the valve mechanism operates in a constant flow mode to maintain a desired relatively constant CSF flow rate through the valve.

Abstract: A catheter is flushed intermittently at a flushing flow rate higher than a seeping flow rate with the aid of a valve connected to a supply of flushing liquid. The valve has an operator of an elastic material providing an integral elastic sleeve about a valve stem, for biasing the operator to a rest position before and after manual actuation to a depressed position for a temporary opening of the valve. The operator is protected against accidental depression at all points thereof by a shield completely surrounding and surpassing the operator, so that a human finger has to penetrate into the shield for engagement of the operator prior to depression from its rest position against the bias of the elastic sleeve for an opening of the valve. The seeping flow rate is realized with a capillary passage which may extend along either a valve body or a valve seat in the valve and which is laterally bounded either by the valve seat or the valve body when the valve body is seated in the valve seat.

Abstract: Disclosed is a syringe having two or more barrels for injection of two or more liquids into a patient in predetermined sequence. The syringe includes a valve, either a slide valve or a rotary valve, which places the barrels one at a time in predetermined sequence in communication in the needle of the syringe. Preferably the syringe is prefilled with the desired injectable liquids and the valve is preset so that the barrel containing the first liquid to be dispensed is in communication in the needle.

Abstract: Dual syringe for either simultaneous or sequential injection of two different injectable liquids. The syringe includes two barrels, each having a plunger for the injection of liquid, and a manually operable three-position rotary valve which controls the filling of the syringe and the outflow of liquid from the syringe. The three positions of the valve permit liquid to be dispensed either from the first barrel only, the second barrel only, or both barrels simultaneously.

Abstract: For an intervenous infusion system and the like, an escapement device to be disposed between a source of fluid and a receiver of fluid. The device allows fluid to escape from the source and then intermittently takes a fixed, measured quantity of such fluid and transfers that quantity to the receiver.

Abstract: A pulsed liquid injection device for injection of predetermined doses of medication at predetermined intervals of time is described. A bag containing medication is maintained under pressure and is connectable via a three way valve, operable by means of an electronic timing device, to a second pressurized metering container which is smaller than the bag containing the medication. The pressure in the bag is higher than that of the metering device and the metering container is always at a pressure required for injection. The timing device operates the valve at intervals to (a) charge the metering container from the bag and (b) inject the charge in the metering container into the patient. The valve includes a blanking device to eliminate the possibility of injecting the patient directly from the bag.

Abstract: A sterile intravenous flow valve includes in-line valve mechanism which is maintained sterile in all of its positions. The valve also includes an adjustment member and a locking mechanism for selectively locking the adjustment member in place to thereby assure accurate flow rate settings. Sterility is achieved by providing a sealed chamber formed by a snap-fit engagement between the adjustment member and the main body member of the valve.

Abstract: A surgical nozzle apparatus used for removing an undesired tissue with a jet of pressurized fluid. A handpiece including a fluid injecting nozzle piece and a valve assembly capable of cutting off the supply of the pressurized fluid to the nozzle piece, further includes a suction nozzle opening at a position downstream of the nozzle piece. The suction nozzle is connected to external suction means so that the waste fluid and the separated tissue at a surgically treated part are simultaneously sucked and discharged during the operation.

Abstract: A miniature implantable magnetically actuated valve relatively insensitive to normally-encountered shock loads includes a housing for containing a movable ferromagnetic valve member. Inlet and outlet passages are provided in the housing at least one of which has an internal valve seat which is engageable by the valve member to close that passage. The valve member is resiliently suspended within the housing by special flat multiply-started spiral springs which permit the valve member only a single degree of freedom toward and away from the valve seat. The valve member is biased in one direction or the other and the valve is actuated transcutaneously by a magnet juxtaposed to the valve outside the body which produces a magnetic force on the valve member which exceeds and opposes the biasing force.

Abstract: Valved adaptors are disclosed permitting the introduction of a drug-containing vial in the delivery tube of an I.V. administration set. The adaptors have a three position operation characterized by a bypass mode, a dilution mode, and a delivery mode, the adaptors being manually changed from mode to mode. The disclosed adaptors include gravity operated valves, reciprocating spool valves, and rotating spool valves, each including a spike to penetrate the stopper of a vial and a vent to permit air to escape the vial as liquid is introduced to dilute the vial contents.

Abstract: Catheter patency flow-flush controller comprising push-button valve mechanism with fast flow flush path surrounding the valve member, normally closed by a valve element and valve seat interposed between the inlet and outlet of the internal passageway of the controller by a coil spring located external of the internal passageway, the coil spring also compressively retaining a resilient seal at all times about the entry way through which the valve plunger enters the controller internal passageway. Preferably, the valve member push-button actuator includes a top cap member with dependent skirt which serves also as an alignment guide during valve movement by sliding engagement with an upwardly open skirt associated with the controller housing. Other features of the invention are also disclosed and claimed.

Abstract: An intravenous flow control valve includes in-line valving mechanism wherein flow through the valve at low flow settings increases slowly with displacement of a valve controller disc. The disc, which is free to rotate with respect to an axis but is longitudinally fixed, includes a threaded stem which engages a threaded bore and a sluice gate member. The gate member is permitted to move only longitudinally in a valve control chamber in response to disc rotation and includes a control passage defined therethrough which tapers in the direction of gate member motion so as to graduate the cross-sectional area of the passage exposed to flow as the disc rotates. A locking arrangement permits the disc to be positionally locked to avoid inadvertent change of the valve setting. The disc and stem provide an hermetic seal for the valve control chamber to avoid contamination of the intravenous fluid being controlled.