Abstract: A flexible spray tip device is provided so that the user may bend and rigidly hold a spray tip at the end of a syringe. Alternately, the spray tip may be rotated around 360.degree., to provide orientation and angulation of the device while simultaneously attached to the syringe.

Abstract: A looseleaf notebook is provided for retaining bar code listings which denote conditions of a patient in a hospital. The notebok includes a strap which encircles the binding of the notebook. Preferably this strap is fixed in place between the notebook ring mechanism and the inside of the binding panel of the notebook. The strap is also preferably adjustable or resiliently stretchable. The strap permits the notebook to be held open and manipulated by a user who slides a hand between the strap and the binding panel while supporting the opened covers of the notebook with the thumb and fingers of the hand. With the notebook being held in one hand in this manner, the user's other hand is free to manipulate a bar code reader over the patient condition bar codes, or to perform other information-gathering or medical functions.

Abstract: A hemostatic clip for surgical use is disclosed having grooves on the inner surfaces of the legs which form an asterisk type pattern upon closure, knee bends in each leg which are opposed by notches or grooves that enhance the ability of the legs to fully straighten upon closure, and distal flat surfaces on the ends of the clip legs to prevent scissoring and ensure hemostasis when the clip is closed.

Abstract: A fluid delivery system where two reactive fluids are delivered simultaneously and separately from a pair of syringes to a delivery site. In one embodiment, a length of tubing exits one syringe and passes through a cannula exiting from the other syringe, to deliver both fluids, separately, but in a controlled volume and space to the delivery site. Alternately, the fluids can mix within the cannula, but its configuration prevents clogging at the delivery site.

Abstract: A holder for dental brackets having a frame which has an adhesive face on one side. The frame is foldable around a central line. Within each part of the frame is a transparent plastic. Thus, the dental brackets fit within the transparent plastic pouch formed by the frame and are manageable, identifiable, and remain sanitarily safe during transport. In addition, the stackable nature of the frame makes them easier to store.

Abstract: A trocar, used to introduce wound drain catheters is disclosed. The trocar have a reduce cross sectional area that allows the trocar to be bent by the user to a desired configuration.

Abstract: A lancet ejector device for use in combination with a lancet injecting mechanism. The lancet ejector of the present invention enables the user to eject a lancet from the lancet injecting device without touching a used lancet.

Abstract: A surgical hemostatic clip which afford substantially gapless closure includes a longitudinal groove formed in the tissue-contacting surface of one leg, and an opposing longitudinal tongue formed on the tissue-contacting surface of the other leg. In a preferred embodiment the longitudinal tongue and groove do not extend to the distal ends of the legs so as to provide distal flat surfaces on the tissue-contacting distal leg ends. Transverse grooves may be formed across the tongue and in intersection with the longitudinal groove to enhance the tissue-gripping characteristics of the hemostatic clip.

Abstract: An oval cheek retractor enclosing an oval work area and attached to a handle. The cheek retractor has a pair of lip extenders at either oval end so that the user can either push or pull the cheeks without changing the hand being used.

Abstract: A one piece needle and suture holder is described in which a rounded channel is formed for retention of the suture. One end of the suture exits the channel toward the interior of the channel and is attached to a needle located in a needle holder in the interior of the channel. The channel is formed with an open side, to which are attached a plurality of hinged doors. After the suture is wound in the open channel, the doors are folded over the open side of the channel and are locked in place to retain the suture within the channel. In an alternative embodiment a paper cover is utilized to complete the enclosing channel. To afford ease of winding the suture the bottom of the channel is perforated for the application of a vacuum to the channel during suture winding. Also disclosed is a needle park for retaining the needle in the center of the package.

Abstract: A molded two-piece suture package is disclosed which encloses and defines an oval channel in which sutures may be wound. The oval channel has two semicircular end sections connected by straight side sections. An opening in the channel is provided at the juncture of a straight section and an end section, permitting sutures to be withdrawn from the channel at the end of a straight section. In a preferred embodiment the interior wall of the channel is formed by alternating engaging sections formed in the respective package pieces. To prevent the wrapped suture from becoming entrapped when the two pieces are engaged, the top and bottom of the channel is alternately raised and lowered in alignment with the alternating wall sections, causing the wound suture to bridge those areas where it may become entrapped between the mating package pieces. Entrapment of the suture end at the outside of the channel is prevented by alternately recessing the outer wall of the channel.

Abstract: A through the needle catheter device is described which includes apparatus for threading a catheter into a blood vessel. The apparatus is irreversible during the threading process. The catheter device also includes means for irreversibly withdrawing and splitting the needle. A technique is provided for inserting the needle, threading the catheter, and withdrawing the needle from a patient.

Abstract: A through the needle catheter device is described in which a catheter is located inside a splittable needle for insertion into the body. Means are provided for preventing rearward motion of the catheter relative to the needle as the needle and catheter are inserted into the body. As the needle is withdrawn from the body, a splitting mechanism splits the needle, releasing the enclosed catheter. Means are provided for preventing forward motion of the needle relative to the catheter as the needle is withdrawn, thereby preventing inadvertent perforation of the catheter during withdrawal. After the needle has been withdrawn and split, the catheter assembly, including a catheter cannula, a section of extension tubing and a luer, fall away from the patient-facing side of the device. In a preferred embodiment a taping wing is provided at the proximal end of the catheter cannula.

Abstract: A surgical stapling instrument is provided which employs a highly pressurized gas as its source of energy. The highly pressurized gas is conducted to means for indicating the presence of the pressurized gas and to a pressure regulator. The pressure regulator controllably develops gas pressurized to a desired operating pressure. The pressure regulator supplies gas at a fixed or variable pressure to a tissue clamping mechanism and to the trigger mechanism of the instrument. In response to actuation of the trigger mechanism gas at the desired stapling pressure is supplied to a stapling mechanism. In a preferred embodiment, pressurized gas is maintained at the stapling mechanism until the trigger mechanism is reset for a subsequent stapling procedure.

Abstract: An I.V. catheter is described, including a catheter and hub assembly and a needle and hub assembly. A needle guard, including a tubular distal portion and a split proximal flange, is located about the needle at the distal end of the needle hub. The needle includes a slot near the needle tip. As the needle assembly is withdrawn from the catheter, the needle guard slides along the needle until the split flange engages the needle slot, which locks the tubular distal portion of the guard over the needle tip.

Abstract: A dual source parenteral infusion system includes a primary controller which controls the flow rate of a parenteral solution, a display which displays parameters associated with the delivery of a primary solution, and pushbuttons for entering solution delivery parameters into the controller. The primary controller communicates with a secondary infusion module which is programmed to deliver solution from a secondary source, with the flow rate being controlled by the primary controller. The secondary infusion module includes a display for displaying parameters associated with the delivery of the secondary solution and a drop detector, and mounts about a drip chamber for the secondary solution. The module may also include pushbuttons for entering fluid delivery parameters for the secondary solution into the module.

Abstract: An applicator with attachable tips for tooth stain removal. The applicator can be used manually or in conjunction with the dentist's drill. The tips are generally disposable.

Abstract: A surgical stapling instrument is provided having safety and sequencing features to mandate proper operation of the instrument during surgical clamping and stapling of tissue. The instrument is powered by pressurized gas, and includes a manual control for supplying gas to a clamping mechanism in the stapler head and a trigger for actuating a stapling mechanism therein. The instrument prevents actuation of the trigger until the tissue has been clamped. The trigger may not be actuated to implant staples until a trigger safety has been actuated. Following actuation of the stapling mechanism, the instrument is either automatically reset to its initial condition, or may require manual control by the user to restore the clamping and stapling mechanisms to their initial conditions. The instrument affords correct sequencing of operation and prevents inadvertent stapling.

Abstract: A needle having three fluted edges, all of the same angular size. The needle presents a five sided cross-section at a tapered end. This results in easier tissue penetration, reduced cross-sectional needle area, better wound opening area performance, and minimized tissue distortion.