Abstract: A flow control device which will limit the maximum flow rate of liquid through a length of flexible tubing such as utilized in a parenteral administration set so as to prevent a runaway condition. A base and a cover member are provided which are hingedly attached to each other and have a groove for the placement of the tubing therein. The groove or grooves are of a dimension such that when the tubing is seated therein and the cover and base members brought together, the tubing is prevented from expanding beyond a predetermined dimension. Frictional engaging means are provided on the base and the cover member so as to provide a temporary closing of the cover and base members over the tubing.

Abstract: A disposable intravenous pump chamber cassette for an intravenous administration set which is specifically fabricated for use with the administration of blood. The pump chamber is specifically constructed to be utilized in conjunction with an intravenous pump having a driver to activate a diaphragm member and includes an improved outlet valve member having an outwardly extending lateral wall surface to direct the blood away from the biasing mechanism for the outlet valve member to thereby substantially reduce hemolysis.

Abstract: A continuous low flow rate dispenser of the syringe type wherein a fluid medicament can be administered at a slow and controlled rate to a patient over a long period of time. A syringe carrier having biasing means in the form of spiral coiled springs will be placed under tension as an abutment member is moved away from an opposing slidable driver member. A standard syringe has the plunger moved to an activated position and placed in the syringe carrier with the abutment member in contact with the engagement surface at the end of the plunger rod and the opposing slidable driver member in contact with the engagement surfaces (finger flanges) on the barrel member. A control means is placed in a closed position which will hold the fluid medicament in the syringe barrel but under the biased tension of the biasing means.

Abstract: A gas venturi tube assembly for a barbecue grill which can be utilized in a wide variety of gas barbecue grill burner elements and base portions. The venturi tube and the gas intake member telescope together in the usual manner. However, adjustable securing mechanisms are provided between the venturi tube and the gas intake member so that the gas intake member is in communication with the gas supply pipe irrespective of the placement of the burner element on the floor of the barbecue grill base. The adjustable securing mechanisms include a screw carried by the gas intake member for engagement with the venturi tube which can also have indented dimples or screw threads disposed in the venturi tube and gas intake member.

Abstract: A pressurized additive transfer device for storing and transferring of a fluid material to a solution container such as a rigid container or an I.V. bag having an exposed pierceable closure or port. The transfer device is self-pressurized and includes a closure with channel portions to permit the introduction of a pressurizing media. The closure also has a central opening in alignment with a pierceable diaphragm. A piercing member having a double pointed end is disposed in the central opening which affords a movement of the piercing member toward the pierceable diaphragm to pierce it. Frictional engagement elements are provided between the piercing member and the central opening to hold the piercing member when it punctures the diaphragm as well as the solution container closure or port. In one embodiment, a vent slot is provided in the piercing member to serve as a vent for the solution container.

Abstract: A washing apparatus for small parts which will permit the loading of the parts into the apparatus in a fast and efficient manner and at the same time will afford maximum cleaning of the parts. The particular component parts for which the machine is specifically designed are utilized in the fabrication of intravenous solution administration sets. The washing apparatus includes a plurality of basket members which are pivotally carried by a rotatable carrier member. The baskets are pivoted in such a manner in conjunction with the apparatus that they can be extended outwardly for emptying purposes, yet are locked into the carrier so that the parts are retained therein. A spray system is also provided in the washing apparatus so as to afford maximum cleaning of the parts as well as a rinsing of the washing solution with subsequent drying.

Abstract: A hanger construction for a collapsible container for medical fluids which is fabricated in such a manner that it is scrapless and positioned within the confines of the container. The hanger is formed with tear and hinge lines so that one or more tab portions are easily torn from and displaced from the bag surface to provide a hanger hole. Hinge lines are positioned to afford a biasing of the displaced portions outwardly from the bag surface so that they will not "reclose" in the hanger hole. A tear point is utilized for ease in initiating the tearing away of the tab portions. The resulting hanger hole is of a geometric configuration in that it will accommodate most any support structure and the displaced portions are of a configuration in that they will not "hang up" or "dig" into the support structure. These features permit ease of fabrication and placement of the bag over a support device.

Abstract: A device which will permit the introduction of a length of catheter tubing through a needle and into the epidural space of a patient wherein the chance of the tubing being kinked is substantially reduced. In one version, an adapter having two opposing protruding sections is provided with one protrusion fitting inside the hub cavity of an epidural needle and the other extending outwardly to provide a finger engaging orifice surface. With one of the protruding sections placed in the needle hub cavity a continuous passageway is provided from the outwardly protruding section having the finger engaging surface and through the passageway of the adapter which will be aligned with the passageway in the epidural needle ultimately communicating with the needle.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for placing component parts on the ends of flexible tubing which is employed in an I.V. administration set. Flexible tubing is continuously supplied in a rectilinear manner and cut into predetermined lengths. These lengths have the ends thereof moved in a substantially transverse manner with respect to the original direction. Each end is then placed in a solvent-type solution and subsequently into a cavity of a component part. All of the foregoing functions are accomplished continuously and automatically in a device which employs a conveyor system for the cut tubing and a separate conveyor system for the component parts. The conveyors travel over a substantial elliptical pathway and along a horizontal axis. The upper conveyor is positioned with respect to the lower conveyor such that their pathways overlap a substantial distance. The upper conveyor provides a multiplicity of carrier members to which are fed and positioned predetermined cut lengths of flexible tubing.

Abstract: A closure is provided for a container such as a flexible bag for I.V. liquids which is easily removed therefrom with a minimum amount of force. The easily-removable cap structure affords a sterile closure system, yet at the same time is susceptible of different geometric configurations which concentrate pulling forces in a confined area and in conjunction with a pre-weakened tear line so that a force not exceeding more than about 12 pounds will initiate a tearing away of the cap structure so as to expose the port and the contents of the container.

Abstract: An I.V. administration set is provided with a flexible expansion section so as to accommodate an additional volume of liquid without the use of excessive lengths of tubing. The expansion section is in the form of pleated or corrugated tubing which, upon the introduction of liquid into an I.V. set such as by means of a hypodermic syringe, will accommodate an additional portion of liquid which is known in the I.V. administration art as a retrograde volume.

Abstract: A one-piece soap dish which can be molded as a single part yet will permit the lifting of projectable portions by movement of a tab portion so that a soap bar can be lifted and tilted from the dish. The lifting of the projectable portions is provided by an integral hinge which is placed between the tab portion and the floor. The one-piece soap dish can be molded with an integral bottom drip tray as well as wall members to provide a confinement for the soap.

Abstract: A two-step release valve unit for a feminine syringe wherein a valve member and nozzle serve to open and close a dispensing port for an expandable syringe bag. The valve unit includes a slidable nozzle member which in one position will open a valve element. A two-step frictional engagement is provided between the nozzle member and the valve member housing so that the nozzle is retentively held out of contact with the valve element in a first position yet can be released therefrom to engage and open the valve element in the second position. When the nozzle member is removed, the bag is easily filled through a filling orifice in the valve member.