Abstract: An apparatus for selectively enabling power including a power supply, and a device having a controller and an input activated by a user. The controller is selectively powered by the power supply. While the device is in a sleep state, a sensing circuit senses activation of the input by the user and enables the power supply to provide power to the controller in response to the sensed activation of the input by the user. A latch circuit causes the power supply to continue to provide power to the controller. The controller is responsive to the sensed activation of the input by the user for enabling the latch circuit and for disabling the latch circuit, thereby reentering the device into a sleep state.

Abstract: Disclosed is an ECG electrode lead wire connector which provides improved electrical and mechanical coupling of the ECG electrode press stud to the lead wire, provides enhanced ergonomics to the clinician, and may alleviate patient discomfort associated with the attachment and removal of ECG leads. The connector may be engaged and disengaged with little or no force imparted to the patient or the ECG pad, which significantly minimizes the risk of inadvertent dislodgement of the pad. In one embodiment the disclosed connector provides a thumb cam lever which affirmatively engages the press stud to the connector, and provides tactile feedback to the clinician that the connector is properly engaged. In other embodiments, the connector provides a pushbutton to enable the clinician to easily engage and disengage the connector from the ECG stud. The disclosed connectors may also decrease clinician fatigue, and may provide more reliable ECG results.

Abstract: A plunger rod assembly for use with a syringe barrel is provided and includes a plunger rod slidably disposable within the syringe barrel, wherein the plunger rod includes a hub extending distally from a distal end thereof and at least two tabs extending outwardly therefrom. The syringe further includes a plug configured for slidable disposition in the syringe barrel and configured for selective connection to the plunger rod via a bayonet-type engagement. The plug includes a base wall having at least two resilient fingers supported on a first side thereof, wherein each resilient finger is configured to snap-fit engage a respective tab of the plunger rod during connection of the plug to the plunger rod; and a plunger tip supported on a second side of the base wall, opposite the first side, and being configured to form a substantially fluid tight seal with an inner surface of the syringe barrel.

Abstract: Conductive compositions whose electrical properties do not change significantly due when stored open to the atmosphere, methods for preparing the compositions, and medical electrodes that comprise the compositions are disclosed. The compositions are hydrogels that comprise about 33 wt % to about 68 wt % of a humectant or a mixture of humectants; about 1 wt % to about 8 wt % of an electrolyte or mixture of electrolytes; about 6 wt % to about 20 wt % of water; about 18 wt % to about 45 wt % of a copolymer. The copolymer comprises, in polymerized form, about 80 mol % to about 95 mol % of a first monomer, which is a mixture of acrylic acid and a salt thereof, about 5 mol % to 20 mol % of a second monomer, preferably a salt of 2-acrylamido-2-methylpropane sulfonic acid, and, optionally a crosslinking agent. The conductive composition has a pH of about 7.0 or less.

Abstract: An electronic thermometer is configured for ease and accuracy in construction. A probe of the thermometer includes a flex circuit containing electronic components used to measure temperature and transmit signals to a calculating unit of the thermometer. A resilient locator can function to pre-position the flex circuit prior to final fixation so that the electronic components are reliably positioned in manufacture.

Abstract: A safety shield incorporating a locking clip to prevent inadvertent sticks or punctures by a needle is provided. The needle can be a needle cannula or other piercing member, disposed in a sliding orientation in the safety shield, such that the needle slides within the locking clip between an aperture at a proximal end of the locking clip and a trigger hole at a distal end of the clip. Upon withdrawal of the needle after use, a binding orientation is triggered when the needle tip is withdrawn from the trigger hole. As further protection to the bi-directional lock afforded by the binding orientation, the needle is provided with a safety stop to prevent movement of the needle tip through the aperture. In other aspects, the safety shield includes a trigger bushing, in which the needle cannula is slidably received, that is sized larger than the aperture.

Abstract: A needle assembly is disclosed, which includes a needle hub, a metal cannula and a plastic tip. The needle hub defines a fluid flow path therethrough. The metal cannula is supported on a distal end of the needle hub, where the metal cannula defines a fluid flow path into the distal end of the needle hub. The plastic tip member is connected to a distal end of the metal cannula, where the plastic tip member defines a fluid flow path into the distal end of the metal cannula. Plastic tip further includes a channel groove that runs along the length of the plastic tip to allow fluid to flow into a distal end of the metal cannula. Additionally, the plastic tip member is configured to pierce a septum of a vial.

Abstract: A kit for medical waste disposal comprising a plurality of containers; a hood assembly configured to substantially cover an open end of a respective one said containers, the hood assembly defining a passage through which medical waste can be passed to the open end of said container; and a plurality of lids, separate from the hood assembly, each configured to be placed over an open end of a respective container and to substantially close the open end of said container when said container is at least partially filled with medical waste; each of said containers being configured for separation from the hood assembly for disposal.

Abstract: A needle assembly is able to collect a sample of biological material in a needle of the assembly. The needle assembly has a safety shield capable of being moved on the needle assembly to cover a sharp tip of the needle assembly. The shield can be locked in place over the sharp tip by a locking mechanism. The assembly further includes an obturator that can be inserted into the needle to remove the sample from the needle. A reset member, which in some embodiments is associated with the obturator, is capable of operatively engaging the locking mechanism to release the locking mechanism and allow the shield to be moved away from the sharp tip.

Abstract: Certain embodiments of the present invention include a male luer connector having a valve arrangement for keeping a passage that extends through the male luer connector closed when the male luer connector is not attached to a corresponding female luer connector. This passage of the male luer connector may opened by connecting the male luer connector to a female luer connector. The valve arrangement of the male luer connector may include a movable sealing element arranged around a central fluid conduit. In some embodiments, the male luer connector may include a filter that is permeable to gas, but substantially impermeable to liquid, thus allowing gas to be purged from the male luer connector while substantially preventing liquid from leaking from the connector at least when the male luer connector is not connected to a female luer connector.

Abstract: A medical valve device includes a valve unit. The valve unit includes two fluid channels and is positionable to selectably connect two inlet ports and an outlet port such that in one position, fluid introduced at a first inlet port is caused to flow in a first fluid channel to a second inlet port and thence in a second fluid channel from said second inlet port to said outlet port.

Abstract: An I.V. catheter assembly and needle safety device are disclosed which allow for the safe removal of a needle from a catheter assembly. The safety device includes a locking assembly which includes lock housing a rotatable locking member and a locking clip. The needle and the locking member are configured such that withdrawal of the needle from the catheter assembly effects rotation of the locking member. The locking clip is positioned and configured to obstruct rotation of the locking member after the needle has been retracted within the housing to obstruct re-advancement of the needle.

Abstract: A cassette of tympanic thermometer probe covers includes a frame and probe covers releasably attached to the frame. The probe covers can be individually attached over a probe of a tympanic thermometer to protect the probe from contamination. The probe covers are constructed to releasably secure themselves to the probe. The force required to secure the probe covers to the frame is less that the force which is required to detach the probe covers from the frame so that the probe cover is held by the frame while being attached to the thermometer probe. The probe cover is connected to the frame by frangible connections that are arranged to inhibit pivoting of the probe cover when being attached to the thermometer probe. A method of securing a probe cover to a probe of a tympanic thermometer is also disclosed.

Abstract: A sensor array apparatus for monitoring medical signals includes a first flexible substrate defining a central focal point and a second flexible substrate associated with the central focal point. A plurality of medical electrodes are disposed on the periphery of the first flexible substrate and a reference electrode is disposed on the second flexible substrate. A connector is in electrical communication with the medical electrodes and the reference electrode and adapted to connect to an electronic system. Bio-electric information is monitored between one of the medical electrodes and the reference electrode.

Abstract: An aspiration instrument includes a compliant protective guard for minimizing injury to internal organs and other soft tissue while removing fluids from the body cavity. The compliant protective guard may be constructed from foam, plastic or other like material, including polyethylene and polypropylene. A preferred embodiment of the protective guard takes the shape of a bell. The compliant guard may be connected with the aspiration instrument using adhesives, such as glue or epoxy, or with a snap or friction fit. The compliant guard may define a single opening in fluid communication with the yankauer. The compliant guard may also define a plurality of openings for removing fluids from the body.

Abstract: A phlebotomy device includes a needle defining a lumen and having a proximal end portion and a distal end portion. The distal end portion includes a sharpened tip configured to pierce tissue. The phlebotomy device further includes a sensor disposed at least partially within the lumen. The sensor has a first state and a second state and is configured to transition from the first state to the second state upon exposure to blood at physiological temperature.

Abstract: A needle assembly is able to collect a sample of biological material in a needle of the assembly. The needle assembly has a safety shield capable of being moved on the needle assembly to cover a sharp tip of the needle assembly. The shield can be locked in place over the sharp tip by a locking mechanism. The assembly further includes an obturator that can be inserted into the needle to remove the sample from the needle. A reset member associated with the obturator is capable of engaging the locking mechanism to release the locking mechanism and allow the shield to be moved away from the sharp tip.

Abstract: Positive displacement fluid lock ports for use in combination with an indwelling catheter and a syringe during a flushing/locking procedure are provided. The fluid lock port includes a housing having a distal and a proximal end; a resilient conduit supported within the housing, wherein the conduit defines a lumen therethrough; and at least one biasing member supported in the housing and being operatively associatable with the resilient conduit. The at least one biasing member has a first condition restrained from deforming the resilient conduit and a second condition operatively engaged with the resilient conduit to at least partially occlude the lumen of the resilient conduit.

Abstract: A biomedical electrode connector for coupling with a biomedical electrode of the type including an electrode base and a male terminal projecting from the electrode base is provided.

Abstract: A refuse receptacle system comprising a frame and a plurality of refuse containers supported by the frame is provided. Each of the refuse containers have a receptacle and a complimentary lid reciprocally movable with respect to the receptacle. The receptacle of each of the containers is supported by the frame and is disposed at an angle in a range from about 10 to about 20 degrees from a vertical axis. A plurality of linkages are associated with the frame, whereby each linkage is coupled to the complimentary lid of one of the containers and is configured for reciprocation of the complementary lid between an open position and a closed position with respect to the receptacle.