Abstract: The present invention comprises a urine collection bag with a tilt bag indicator on the front wall thereof. The indicator comprises a clear patch or housing disposed to the side of the input conduit of the containment bag. An orifice is disposed through the front wall to provide communication between the chamber of the collection bag and the chamber defined by the transparent patch and the front wall of the bag. If the bag is tilted, urine will escape the collection bag chamber and go into the indicator chamber, and be trapped there. This will alert appropriate medical personnel that a reflux of urine up the input conduit, thus allowing whatever corrective action be taken, as necessary.

Abstract: A drainage tap can be readily fixed in a face-to-face manner to the wall of a plastics drainage bag and is easily operated by a user. The tap has a body and a valve member therein, and the latter is held within the body by engagement of an external rib on the valve member in a slot which extends into a flange of the body.

Abstract: A drainage device is provided with a disposable collection chamber which is attachable to a nondisposable section. The nondisposable section of the drainage device includes the suction control regulator and a valve to prevent admission of atmospheric air to the collection chamber. A receptacle is provided in the nondisposable section to indicate contamination of the nondisposable section in the event liquid from the collection chamber flows into the nondisposable section. A liquid biocidal chamber is provided in the collection chamber to prevent contaminates and infectious material from passing from the collection chamber into the nondisposable section.

Abstract: A female urinary drain assembly includes a waist band for encircling the waist of the wearer; a web of material suspended from the waist band so as to be located at the crotch of the wearer, the web having an opening through it; a urine collection funnel extending through the opening in the web and having a distal end forming a urine outlet and a proximal open end; a flange fixed on the funnel and locatable so as to bear against the inside face of the web to retain the funnel in position; and at least two leg straps connected to the web for encircling the legs of the wearer.

Abstract: A one-way valve for a leg urinal or similar container comprising a thin, elastic tube formed with a permanent spiral twist giving it a memory that positively closes the tube against liquid backflow. The tube is nonetheless highly sensitive to internal pressure and unwinds to open the tube and permit forward liquid flow or even tiny volumes of liquid. The tube is stretch fit on an inexpensively molded nipple member and the tube and nipple member form a unit that is readily operationally insertable into and removable from the container to be discarded and replaced or to permit easy access for cleaning the container.

Abstract: Apparatus for selectively blocking passage of lipids in a liquid flow path. A baffle interposed in the liquid flow path is of nonpolar material and is arranged to permit liquid flow therethrough with contact of said liquid with the nonpolar material of the baffle for removing lipids from the flow. In one embodiment, the baffle is interposed between the wound drain connection and vacuum connection in a drain reservoir and protects the hydrophobic filter which is at the end of the vacuum passage communicating with the interior of the drain reservoir bottle. The baffle enables use of a nonpolar material for the hydrophobic filter and avoids coating and thereby clogging of the hydrophobic filter by lipids in the liquid drained from a wound.

Abstract: A urine meter attached to a flexible urine collection bag. The urine meter comprises a rigid container which is dischargeable into the collection bag. A valve is disposed at the bottom of the rigid container to permit small samples to be taken in a sterile, multiple use, manner. The valve also permits large urine samples to be taken from the container, by the release of a bias device on the valve. The large samples are taken infrequently. The small samples are taken from a reusable sampling port which reseals itself when the sampling device, such as a hypodermic needle, is withdrawn.

Abstract: An ileostomy valve comprising an attachment plate having a central opening passing therethrough which communicates with a support housing is shown. The support housing has an elongated central member which defines a passageway which communicates with the opening in the attachment plate and which terminates at the remote end of the elongated second member. A cover plate has a central drainage opening extending therethrough. The cover plate is positioned contiguous the attachment plate positioning the coacting member to engage and coact with the attachment plate. An elongated flexible tubing member extends through the central drainage opening in the covering plate, through the opening in the attachment plate, through the passageway in the elongated central member to the second opening in the elongated central member.

Abstract: A female urinary incontinence device including a periurethral cup having a neck portion with laterally outwardly facing adhesive surfaces for sealingly engaging the inwardly facing surfaces of the labia minora (also the labia majora) to provide an effectively sealed flow path for urinary outflow into a collection receptacle. In a preferred embodiment, a second adhesive zone is also provided along the rim of the cup for sealing engagement with the periurethral floor. A one-way valve and a vent are also included to prevent backflow, protect the adhesive seals, and provide vacuum relief even at low urinary flow rates.

Abstract: A pressure controlled valve apparatus for use with a catheterized bladder or the like to selectively control fluid flow therefrom comprising a fluid reservoir including a primary fluid reservoir chamber and a secondary fluid reservoir chamber in open fluid communication relative to each other to receive fluid from the catheterized bladder and a fluid flow control including a primary control valve and a secondary control valve each selectively movable between a first and second position, the primary control valve disposed to seal the primary fluid reservoir chamber when in the first position and to unseal the primary fluid reservoir chamber when in the second position in response to a first predetermined pressure to release fluid from the catheterized bladder and the primary fluid reservoir chamber to a fluid collection container and the secondary control valve disposed to seal the secondary fluid reservoir chamber when in the first position and to unseal the secondary fluid reservoir chamber when in the secon

Abstract: A flexible chest drainage bag or the like has an inlet with a flutter valve, and a venting outlet formed by a rigid or semi-rigid tube. The tube projects downwardly into the bag alongside the flutter valve to its lower end so as to resist folding of the bag in the region of the valve. The tube has an open lower end and several apertures along its opposite sides between the walls of the bag, so that the apertures are not obstructed by the material of the bag. One aperture is located close to the top of the bag to allow fluid to be drained from the bag when the bag is inverted. The upper end of the tube is external of the bag and is provided with a plastic cage to prevent occlusion of the tube.

Abstract: A drainage device for draining fluids from the pleural cavity into a collection chamber, the device including a housing having a collection chamber therein and apparatus for supporting a liquid seal chamber in the chamber above the collection chamber. The liquid seal chamber includes a connection to a drainage device in a patient and apparatus enabling visible monitoring of the condition in the liquid seal chamber including at the location where fluids and gases from the patient enter the liquid seal chamber. The device has a novel overflow arrangement for materials to move from the liquid seal chamber into the collection chamber and it has a novel baffle assembly located in the liquid seal chamber to separate the liquid seal chamber into distinct chamber portions.

Abstract: A urine-collecting container-valve assembly particularly intended for use when taking urine from the urinal bladder of a patient, particularly a bed-ridden patient. The assembly comprises a container, made of thin plastic material, having an inlet port which accommodates a non-return valve arrangement. The valve arrangement is housed in a valve housing having an inlet and an outlet. Arranged in the interior of the valve housing is a perforated plate-like element which extends transversely to the longitudinal axis of the valve housing in liquid-tight abutment with the walls of the housing. The housing also has arranged therein a pressure-activated buoyant body which is freely movable between the mutually opposing surfaces of the plate-like element and the bottom wall of the valve housing. The invention is characterized by means which co-act with the buoyant body in a manner to guide the body axially during its movement from one terminal position to another terminal position.

Abstract: A liquid drainage system comprising, a container having a cavity to receive the liquid. The system has an array of a plurality of associated pairs of light emitters and light detectors disposed generally vertically along the container. Each of the associated pairs of emitters and detectors are changeable between a first state with the light from the emitters impinging upon the associated detectors, and a second state with the light from the emitters passing away from the associated detectors dependent upon the presence of liquid in the container between the emitters and detectors.

Abstract: A urine collection device having a meter and collection chamber formed by a heat sealed portion which separates the two chambers. A passageway formed by the heat sealed portion and a sealed edge allows the collected urine to pass from one chamber to the other and dispensed from a discharge port when the urine collection device is hung selectively from either of two hangers located on the edges of the device.

Abstract: This invention relates to a novel and improved chest drainage apparatus characterized by a bottle housing a fluid collection chamber and a fluid inlet connectable to receive fluid and air from a chest cavity to be drained, air inlet and exhaust ports downstream of the fluid inlet open to the atmosphere within the air space above the fluid collected, and a U-tube between the fluid inlet and the air exhaust port capable of collecting and retaining an amount of fluid effective to provide a visual indication of any air flow into the system; a subassembly including an air chamber containing a check valve effective when connected to receive air from the exhaust port of the bottle to prevent backflow thereof into the system; and a negative pressure relief valve connected to the air intake port automatically operative to limit the negative pressure, if any, in the air space above the fluid to a predetermined maximum.

Abstract: A multiple sample valve assembly for a urine collection system with a valve for taking small urine samples in a safe manner. The valve also has a valve for taking large urine samples while having a frangible portion for indicating that the large sampling valve was used, so as to alert medical personnel to the possibility of contamination or infection if proper procedures are not undertaken. The element for indicating use comprises frangible panels or bands which may be disturbed by opening the valve.

Abstract: A combination anti-reflux valve and gas venting device for use in a urinary drainage bag is described. In the preferred embodiment, the device is made of a flapper valve having a gas venting portion inside the urinary drainage bag. The flapper valve is connected to a gas venting connector means for passage of gas between the outside and inside connector means.

Abstract: A urine drainage bag having an outlet tube housing a microcidal tube is disclosed. The microcidal tube is manufactured from polymeric materials capable of absorbing and releasing antimicrobial substances in a controllable sustained time release mechanism, activated upon contact with droplets of urine, thereby preventing the retrograde migration of infectious organisms into the drainage bag.

Abstract: A urine collection receptacle has a body formed by walls sealed along the periphery. First and second sheets form a drape which is situated between the walls. The drape extends across the body below the inlet, with the side edges of the drape sealed along opposing sections of the periphery. The sheets are sealed to each other along spaced vertical lines to define the body of a flap valve. The vertical sealed lines are severed to detach the flap valve body from the remainder of the drape. The sheets may also be sealed along oppositely oriented, downwardly inclined lines to form a funnel to direct liquid from the inlet toward the flap valve. The structure facilitates manufacture because the drape is sealed to the receptacle body in the same automated operation which seals the periphery of the walls.

Abstract: A bag having a flap valve beneath an opening at the top edge and a second valve including a longitudinally slidable valve member having a downwardly extending tube. When the slidable valve is in the open position the downwardly extending tube passes through the flap valve to provide sterile access to the liquid within the bag.

Abstract: This invention relates to an improved chest fluid drainage bottle of the type having a fluid collection chamber connectable to receive fluid sucked from the patient's chest, the improvement consisting of an improved air leak detection system characterized by a fluid filled U-tube downstream of the air space overlying the fluid collecting chamber cooperating therewith to define an air leak detector substantially insensitive to small intermittent variations in upstream pressure while, at the same time, providing an observer with a reliable visual indication of a continuous upstream leak. The improvement also encompasses an anti-splash baffle adjacent the outlet of the U-tube effective to prevent the fluid therein from leaving same and, perhaps, entering the vacuum system upon the application of larger than normal intermittent upstream positive pressure surges.

Abstract: A collection system for body fluids comprising, a receptacle having a collection chamber for retaining the body fluids, a first container having a supply chamber for retaining a bactericide, and a second container having a holding chamber, with the holding chamber being located above a lower portion of the collection chamber, and the supply chamber being located above a lower portion of the holding chamber. The system has a first valve member permitting the passage of bactericide from the supply chamber into the holding chamber, and a second valve member permitting the passage of the bactericide from the holding chamber into the collection chamber.

Abstract: A liquid collection system for collecting and discharging urine from a catheterized patient. A collection bag receives urine through the catheter, and has a drain system therein, which comprises a valve having a bactericide element over which the urine must flow as it is being drained from the bag. The bactericide element is held in an openable cage, so as to permit replacement of the bactericide element as an "as needed" basis. The bactericide disposed within the valve helps prevent retrograde contamination of the liquid collection system.

Abstract: Apparatus for selectively blocking passage of lipids in a liquid flow path. A baffle interposed in the liquid flow path is of nonpolar material and is arranged to permit liquid flow therethrough with contact of said liquid with the nonpolar material of the baffle for removing lipids from the flow. In one embodiment, the baffle is interposed between a wound drain connection and vacuum connection in a drain reservoir and protects a hydrophobic filter which is at the end of a vacuum passage communicating with the interior of the drain reservoir. The baffle enables use of a nonpolar material for the hydrophobic filter and avoids coating and thereby clogging of the hydrophobic filter by lipids in the liquid drained from a wound.

Abstract: A novel self actuating anti-reflex device is provided having two anti-reflex valves in fluid connection with each other and cooperatively functioning whereby the first self actuating valve permits passage of fluid and/or gaseous matter therethrough yet senses fluid or gaseous pressure within, for example, an attached receptacle for receiving the matter being passed therein and effectively closes the passageway to the receptacle in response to the fluid and/or gaseous pressure, whereby the second anti-reflex device self actuates permitting fluid and/or gaseous matter to exit therefrom wherein the second anti-reflex valve may optionally be made inoperative. A novel, fully portable drainage collection system incorporating the foregoing self actuating anti-reflex device is also provided and made adaptable for use in connection with the drainage of gastric matter using conventional gastric systems including suction systems in conjunction with the gravity drainage of gastric matter from patients.

Abstract: A drain tube for urine is connected at its distal end to a urine meter. The tube has a predetermined point of weakness so that when the meter is lifted to dump the urine therefrom, the tube kinks off at the point of weakness, thereby preventing passage of urine from the meter back up the drain tube during dumping. The point of weakness is formed by simultaneously stretching and heating a section of the tube while the inner diameter of the tube is held constant on a mandrel.

Abstract: A device for preventing or hindering obturation of an inlet valve of a urine collector bag, the device being a trifurcate member of unitary construction being generally planar and incorporated in the bag. The central limb of the device is curved in cross-section and seats the valve so that even when the bag or valve is crushed, twisted or shortened, the valve remains open, being supported and strengthened by the device. The limbs of the device are situated at the sides of the bag in use.

Abstract: A shallow collection vessel with liquid sensors and a resilient lip allows air around the genital-urinary area when not activated. Liquid urine in the vessel causes the sensors to activate a vacuum pump drawing the lip against the body of the user for a liquid tight seal and pumping the urine from the vessel through a tube and one-way valve to a temporary storage tank. Close and random spacing of the sensors creates a very sensitive device activated when the device is in any spacial orientation which might cause urine to contact the body by a minimal amount of urine, effecting the vacuum pump to remain active evaporating the urine within the vessel until the vessel is substantially dry. Paired electrical contacts or paired fibre optic elements are alternate liquid sensor means. Liquid level indicators within the tank signal a desired level for emptying and cause the pump to shut off upon reaching a dangerously full level. A condensation collecting trap keeps liquid out of the pump.

Abstract: Valve-provided tube connecting device to connection with a liquid line intended to be connected to a patient, preferably for draining of body liquids. Said connection device consists of a drip chamber house, a connecting house containing a spring loaded valve body, which connecting house is designed to connection with a connector. The valve body consists of a conical upper sealing part, a guide part and a solid, conical lower sealing part. The device attained a closed system, which decreases the risk of bacteria infections and spillage.

Abstract: A rigid urine meter with an enclosed relatively flexible burette has a passageway at the lower end of the meter behind the burette to continuously equalize the fluid levels in the meter on either side of the burette. A groove and ribs are formed in the rear panel of the meter to support the burette, maintain its generally circular cross-section, and to provide strength and rigidity to the meter itself. The outlet port of the urine meter is directly sealed to the front panel of a drainage bag and the meter includes a lip at the port which extends into the drainage bag.

Abstract: The replaceable cassette is integrally formed with a small primary container for fast response time when aspirating, and an integrally formed, larger secondary container into which the contents of the primary container are periodically flushed. During aspiration, the secondary container is sealed from the primary container and, therefore, has no adverse effect on aspiration response time. The primary container is located above the secondary container and the two containers are connected by a standpipe through which substances are flushed by the force of gravity in emptying the contents of the primary container into the secondary container. Although the cassette will operate with microsurgical consoles having two separate vacuum sources, only one vacuum source is required.

Abstract: A drip chamber apparatus wherein the base of the drip chamber includes an apertured disk with a series of concentric stepped recesses against which is positioned a valve diaphragm. There is provided a pre-biasing member which applies pressure to the valve diaphragm to maintain the valve seated in a closed position. The pre-biasing member is axially adjustable to vary the pre-biasing pressure.

Abstract: Return valve for a bag (1) for collecting liquid excretions from a human body, which valve comprises a valve flap (9,10) made of flexible film and placed between a reservoir portion (8) of the bag and a portion having a coupling to be connected with corresponding fastening means placed around an opening in the body. In order to ensure an extreme security against leakage through the return valve, the return valve further comprises a second valve flap (13, 14) arranged downstream of the first valve in the direction of the flow of the liquid secretions, which second valve flap comprises a film portion passing the opening (at 11) of the first valve, and together with the valve flap of the first valve forming a passage to the region between the first and second valves.

Abstract: A container, which is flat in its empty condition, of plastic, rubber or another flexible material, especially for the collection of urine and/or faeces. The container comprises two outer walls (2) joined together in a surrounding seam (6), an inlet (54) and, if desired, an outlet (58). The inlet is provided with a non-return valve formed by enveloping a tube end (76) in two intermediate layers having the same extent as the outer walls (2) in the width direction of the container, the intermediate layers having free edges (80) spaced from the mouth (78) of the tube. The intermediate layers lie closely against each other in an area (56) situated between the edges (80) and the mouth (78) and delimited laterally by seams (72,74) joining the intermediate layers.

Abstract: A liquid drainage system comprising, a urine meter comprising a first container having a compartment to receive the liquid, and a second container having a cavity alongside the first container, with the first container having an opening adjacent an upper portion of the first container communicating between the compartment and cavity to permit passage of liquid between the compartment and cavity. The system has a receptacle having a chamber supported below the urine meter, a first conduit communicating between the compartment and receptacle chamber, and a second conduit communicating between the cavity and the receptacle chamber. The system has a device for simultaneously opening and closing the first and second conduits to empty the contents of the compartment and cavity into the receptacle chamber.

Abstract: A device for collecting urine from an incontinent patient includes two synthetic resin foils having enlarged portions and narrow, neck-like portions projecting therefrom. These foils are registered in superimposed relation and sealed around the enlarged portions and along the edges of the neck-like portions to define a flexible receptacle for urine between the enlarged portions and a duct between the neck-like portions. A one way valve and an external catheter are in fluid connection with one end of the duct and through the duct with the receptacle. The device is attached to the patient's leg and the inner wall of the duct in contact with the user's leg is of smaller width than the outer wall of the duct so that the outer wall is in flaccid, collapsed condition against the inner wall but may flex away from the inner wall to define a passage for urine into the receptacle.

Abstract: A valve for a body fluid storage container comprises a valve body (11) and a manually operable valve member (10) rotatable in a through aperture (14) therein, between an open disposition in which a touch surface (30,31) of the valve member stands away from the fluid flow path (15) through the valve and a closed disposition in which it lies close to it. The valve member has a unitary construction in which a first limb (33) extends from an insert portion (37) of the valve member, at one end of the through aperture, to the touch surface, and a second limb extends from the touch surface to a retaining portion (40) which engages, at the other end of the through aperture, with a leading end (42) of the insert portion to hold the valve member in position in the valve body. This two-part valve provides a cheap disposable item for use with disposable containers.

Abstract: A drainage bag includes front and rear walls of plastics material and is combined with a support. The walls are welded together along their top edges in such a way as to define a plurality of linearly-spaced through holes which do not communicate with the interior of the bag. These holes are capable of accepting hooks or studs on a support (or hanger) separate from the bag. The support has spaced hooks or studs constructed to be respectively received in the holes.The hanger may be molded in one piece of synthetic plastic.

Abstract: The present inventive apparatus measures the output of urine optically, totalizes it and prints it on a self-adherent paper which can easily be afixed to the hospital chart. The apparatus includes a measurement column, an optical sensor to determine when the measurement column is empty, a peristaltic pump to empty the measurement column at a known rate, into a collection bag or specimen bottle and control logic to determine the volume removed from the column based on the pump rate. A display is also provided for easy observation of current output statistics. Specimens can be collected under automatic or manual control for biochemical analysis without contamination by contact or alteration by electrical current. An alarm may be sounded when the collection bag is in need of replacement, or when the urine output falls or rises to predetermined rates.

Abstract: A drainage bag employs a non-return valve assembly including at least one baffle positioned between the top and bottom of the bag. Each baffle extends completely across the interior of the bag and includes an upper portion which is continuously attached to one face of the bag and a lower portion which is attached to an opposite face of the bag at spaced intervals so as to form at least one opening adapted to permit liquid to flow readily from the top of the bag to the bottom of the bag while inhibiting liquid from flowing from the bottom of the bag to the top of the bag.

Abstract: A liquid drainage system comprising, a receptacle having a chamber to receive liquid, and a depending annular wall in an upper portion of the receptacle. The system has a valve comprising a cup-shaped member of elastic material having a lower wall extending across the cup-shaped member, an upper annular wall extending from the lower wall, with an upper portion of the valve annular wall being snugly received on a lower portion of the receptacle wall, and a hinge member extending outwardly from the cup-shaped member at one side of the lower wall. The cup-shaped member has a slit extending through the cup-shaped member to the hinge member at a location slightly above the lower wall. The slit defines a valve seat above the lower wall with the lower wall serving as a valve element which may sealingly engage against the seat, with the hinge member connecting the lower wall and valve annular wall.

Abstract: A liquid drainage system comprising, a receptacle having a chamber to receive and collect the liquid. The system has a drip chamber having a vent with a bacteria filter covering the vent, and an annular wall having a lower edge defining a valve seat, with the seat being disposed at an acute angle relative to the horizontal when the receptacle is in an upright position. The system has an anti-reflux valve comprising a sheet of flexible material extending across the drip chamber such that the sheet is sufficiently large to engage against the seat peripherally around the drip chamber. The system has a device for retaining an upper portion of the valve against an upper portion of the seat, such that a lower portion of the valve flexes away from the seat when the receptacle is placed in an upright position, and the lower portion of the valve flexes against the seat when the receptacle is disposed in a horizontal position.

Abstract: A liquid drainage system comprising, a receptacle having a chamber to receive liquid, and a depending annular wall defining a valve seat at a lower portion thereof and an opening in the region of the seat. The system has a valve element comprising a sheet of flexible relatively stiff material being sufficiently large to extend across the opening and sealingly engage against the seat peripherally around the wall. The system has a device for retaining a central portion of the valve element adjacent the seat.

Abstract: An external ventricular drainage assembly includes a ventricular drainage catheter which can be placed in the ventricles of a patient's brain and which is connected to a suture tab for securing the catheter to the patient and for preventing relative movement between the catheter and patient. A valve is connected to the catheter for selectively opening and closing the external ventricular drainage assembly to fluid flow. An adapter is connected to the valve for providing access to the fluid flow path within the assembly. A one-way valve is connected to the adapter. A first length of flexible tubing is connected to the one-way valve and is joined through a connector to a second length of flexible tubing. A collection reservoir is connected to the second length of flexible tubing and includes an entry and outlet port. A drip chamber is positioned between the second length of flexible tubing and the collection reservoir.

Abstract: Apparatus used with a seated patient for separately catching successive streams of urine for taking samples for laboratorial and bacteriological examination. The apparatus enables an automatic separation of initial, median, and final streams caught in a vessel. The vessel also is used to transport the sample from the patient to a laboratory.

Abstract: A liquid drainage system comprising, a receptacle having a chamber to receive liquid, a depending annular wall defining a valve seat at a lower portion thereof and an opening in the region of the seat, and a retainer assembly extending across the opening and having an aperture extending therethrough in the opening. The system has a valve element of elastic material comprising a disc being sufficiently large to extend across the opening and sealingly engage against the seat peripherally around the wall. The valve element has a stem extending from the disc and being slidably received in the aperture. The stem has a boss spaced from the disc with dimensions larger than the aperture such that the boss maintains the stem in the aperture. The stem has a sufficient length between the boss and disc such that the disc is spaced from the seat when the boss engages against the retainer assembly.

Abstract: A fast response vacuum aspiration collection system includes a pair of sealed collection containers, one container having a significantly smaller volume. The larger container is connected to a fixed vacuum source, the smaller container is connected to a controlled, variable vacuum source, and the containers are connected together by an exchange line passing through a normally closed first pinch valve. A surgical probe line is connected to the exchange line, and extends through a normally closed second pinch valve to an aspirating surgical instrument. The controlled vacuum applied to the smaller container is conducted through the exchange line and the surgical line to the surgical instrument, with the small volume of the small container quickly assuming the vacuum level applied to that container.

Abstract: A device for collecting body fluids from a patient comprising, a container having a chamber to receive the body fluids. The device has a receptacle associated with the container and having a cavity to retain an antiseptic agent, with the receptacle cavity communicating with the container chamber through a relatively small opening, and a device for generating pressure in the receptacle cavity to cause passage of the agent from the receptacle cavity to the container chamber through the opening.

Abstract: A tap for a drainage bag includes a rotatable valve which is adapted to be readily taken apart for cleaning. The valve includes a body, having a cylindrical recess formed therein, and a cylindrical valve member which fits into the cylindrical recess in the body. The body is secured to a flat flange of plastic, which flange is typically welded, or adhesively fixed, in a face-to-face manner to a wall of the bag. The construction method used to make the tap is particularly well suited to rapid mass-production methods of manufacture.