Abstract: A method of collecting a blood sample, such as from an artery, in a flexible tube collector while forcing at least a portion of the air in the collector through a "nonwet" filter by means of blood pressure. This nonwet filter prevents escape of blood from the collector. The blood containing blood sampler can then be chilled in an ice bath if a test is not run immediately, and then the test sample dispensed to a machine for testing the partial pressure oxygen and carbon dioxide in the blood. If the machine does not have a vacuum extractor, blood can be stripped from the tube by a movable clamp structure.

Abstract: A device particularly suited for collecting and dispensing an arterial blood sample. A needle is connected to a flexible transparent tube that includes an air exit vent with a nonwet filter so air, but not blood, can exit the vent under arterial blood pressure. A special needle adapter prevents formation of air bubbles, and a baffle system in the needle minimizes blood and air mixing. A clamp on the reservoir pinches off an air contaminated blood segment and can longitudinally strip a different blood segment which is not air contaminated. The tubular reservoir has an oxygen blocking coating, and its internal surface includes a dry anticoagulant coating.

Abstract: A pole attached to a hospital stretcher or the like for supporting an intravenous solution container. This pole has an improved collapsible construction attaching it to the stretcher so such pole does not interfere with any stretcher operation.

Abstract: A device having one embodiment for severing a hypodermic needle at its hub and cannula with a single motion. The device has hub and cannula cutters that are joined at a slidable joint and pivoted at noncoaxial pivot points to provide increased mechanical advantage to the cannula cutter. In another preferred embodiment, the same type cutting mechanism has its cutters spaced so as to sever a hypodermic syringe barrel and a cannula of a needle attached to the syringe barrel in a single motion.

Abstract: A back opening surgical gown with a belting system with improved gown attachment structure which reduces chance of damaging the sterile barrier provided by the gown and improves donning technique.

Abstract: A urine collection bag with a folded over top sealed to a stiffening panel in a generally horizontal plane. This panel shapes the folded bag top to define a ventable gas pocket immediately below the panel. The panel has a handle flexibly connected to it for suspending the bag with its gas pocket upright. The bag construction also discloses an inverted J-shaped opaque wall structure sealed to a transparent wall.

Abstract: An intraocular lens with an iris retention loop that is attached to an optical section of the lens by a pair of shank sections. Each shank section has a noncircular cross sectional area to provide a more flattened contact surface for engaging an inner edge of the iris. Such structure reduces cutting of the iris when the iris is stretched over these shank sections to retain the lens in the eye.

Abstract: An elevator for raising and lowering a hospital stretcher or the like without binding. The stabilized elevator has a pair of intermeshed timing gears at each end of the elevator which are connected by horizontal axles that are rotationally secured to a first telescoping section of the elevator. Each timing gear intermeshes with a vertical toothed rack secured to a second telescoping section adjacent each gear. The intermeshing timing gears and racks cooperate to keep the telescoping elevator from binding, particularly when the stretcher or the like has a heavier load at one end than the other.

Abstract: A system for storing a dry powdered drug component and a liquid in separate containers and mixing them immediately prior to injection. The system has a hypodermic syringe with an axially slidable stopper, and the syringe is coupled to a rigid tubular housing with a low friction vacuum movable piston. Simple reciprocation of the syringe stopper with an attached plunger having a laterally extending thumb pad or other graspable slip resistant surface automatically reciprocates the housing's low friction piston and causes quick and complete turbulent mixing. There is no need to turn the device over and over in the operator's hands to alternately squeeze or push opposite ends of the device.

Abstract: An optical section of an intraocular lens has a pair of spaced apart threaded recesses which are threadingly locked to threaded shank sections of an iris retention loop. The shank sections are integrally joined to such loop so each shank section acts as an anchor preventing a screwing movement of the other shank relative to the optical section. A method is described of expanding a shank section of a lens retention member in situ within a threaded or other undercut recess of an optical section of an intraocular lens.

Abstract: A syringe barrel with an integral laterally flexible locking sleeve with peripheral segmenting slots and a series of integral longitudinal spring ribs on an outer surface of the flexible sleeve.

Abstract: A hypodermic needle having a hub of polycarbonate which is extremely adherent to an epoxy for securing a cannula to the hub. A syringe barrel adapter of a material softer than polycarbonate; i.e., polypropylene, is wedge fitted to the hub and compressively cold flows slightly during storage to prevent long term crazing or stress cracking of the polycarbonate hub.

Abstract: An interfitting rib structure on a hypodermic needle and its protector which have beveled ends to rotationally shift the needle and protector into proper alignment during high speed assembly.

Abstract: A needle hub with an internal plug and an external skirt which wedgingly squeeze a tubular syringe adapter therebetween to permanently lock the needle to the adapter. The adapter is of a softer material (polypropylene) than the hub (polycarbonate) and includes longitudinal crush ribs that frictionally lock the adapter and hub together while providing a sterilizing gas vent into the adapter-hub joint.

Abstract: A hypodermic syringe with a tapered adapter surrounded by an internally threaded locking sleeve. A needle hub with at least one locking ear is threaded partway onto the tapered adapter and thereafter longitudinally staked to separate pressure contact between the needle ear and thread during storage.

Abstract: A hypodermic syringe with a thermoplastic syringe barrel having an integral locking sleeve at its forward end. The locking sleeve has a slot construction positioned relative to the barrel's front end to enhance mold release flexing of the sleeve during formation and firm locking control on a hypodermic needle or the like during use.

Abstract: A hypodermic needle having a cannula secured to a transparent polycarbonate hub having a deflection temperature of approximately 270.degree. to 290.degree. F., which needle is autoclavable in the range of approximately 240.degree. to 260.degree. F. without substantial distortion.

Abstract: A needle package which can contain any one of various sizes of needles and can be sold independently of a hypodermic syringe. The needle package includes a conventional needle protector fitted with a hypodermic needle and a closure. Within the protector is a syringe treating liquid, such as an anticoagulant (heparin), for treating a syringe immediately prior to collecting a blood sample. The same needle used for treating the syringe is also used for collecting a blood sample after removal of the protector.

Abstract: A patient stretcher, bed, or the like having a tiltable mattress support section driven by an actuator having a release clutch mechanism. A sliding joint between the tiltable top section and the actuator permits the clutch to disengage at various angular positions of the tiltable top which are controlled by an adjustable limit stop.

Abstract: A "cold" gas sterilization process that operates at temperatures below 80.degree. C. in a temperature range that is generally considered nonsporicidal. The process is capable of sterilizing with gaseous hydrogen peroxide at extremely low concentrations in a gas phase, such as 0.5 mg/L. The widely used process of "cold" sterilizing with ethylene oxide is typically run at a gas concentration of 630 mg/L and 55.degree. C. Apparatus is also disclosed for use of this process in "cold" sterilization of contact lenses.