Abstract: A toilet cleaning dispenser system adapted for placement in a toilet tank includes a hanger, a dispenser housing and a cartridge device removably coupled to the dispenser housing. The cartridge device, which includes a cleanser tablet enclosed within a cartridge housing, is inserted into a cavity of the dispenser housing and turned in one direction to lock the device and, alternatively, in an opposite direction to unlock the device. The cartridge housing may be formed to turn as one unit, or be formed as a basket and a rotatable cap that can be turned with respect to the basket. The dispenser housing includes an inlet water trap and an outlet water trap, each comprising a pair of concentric, nested tubes that retain liquid after flushing so as to prevent fumes from exiting the dispenser housing into the toilet tank.

Abstract: A pneumatic system for transporting a carrier includes a first transport tube coupled to a first transport station and a second transport tube coupled to a second transport station. A distributor coupled to the first transport tube and the second transport tube includes a carousel having at least one storage chamber. The carousel is rotatable about an axis to align the storage chamber with the first transport tube and the second transport tube. A source of airflow coupled to the distributor facilitates movement of the carrier through the first transport tube and into the storage chamber of the carousel, and facilitates movement of the carrier from the storage chamber of the carousel into the second transport tube. An associated method for transporting the carrier includes the step of moving the carrier from the first transport tube in a first direction into the storage chamber of the distributor.

Abstract: Apparatus for insufflating a body conduit or cavity includes a needle having a lumen defined by an inner surface and a sharp distal tip. An obturator, disposed within the lumen of the needle and movable axially between a proximal position and a distal position, includes an extension member which defines an insufflation channel with the inner surface of the needle. A blunt distal terminus on the extension member is disposed distally of the sharp tip of the needle when the obturator is in the distal position.

Abstract: A fluid spray apparatus includes a pump providing fluid at an elevated pressure and a delivery system coupled to the pump to spray the fluid in a predetermined configuration. The delivery system includes a flexible hose and a nozzle receiver adapted to receive one of a plurality of nozzles each having an associated spray pattern. A nozzle retainer coupled to the delivery system is adapted to releasably retain the nozzles in proximity to the distal end of the delivery system. An associated method includes the step of retaining the nozzles when not in use in an ordered pattern relative to the retainer and in proximity to the distal end of the delivery system. A nozzle cleaner having a configuration similar to that of the nozzles includes a pin and a guard pivotally mounted to cover the pin.

Abstract: A dermabrasion handpiece adapted for use to abrade the skin of a patient includes a housing extending along an axis between a proximal end and a distal end. Portions of the housing define a hole at the distal end with an abrasion element disposed in the housing in proximity to the hole. The housing is adapted for connection to a vacuum source to pull a portion of the skin through the hole and to move the skin portion into contact with the abrasion element. Movement of the abrader relative to the skin abrades tissue from the skin portion extending through the hole. The abrader can be provided in the form of a roller or blade moveable relative to the housing to abrade the skin. The abrasion element can be selected from a series of elements each having different abrasion characteristics and can be mounted in either the cap or the base of the housing.

Abstract: A surgical device for cleaning and removing obstructing material from within a vascular conduit or other bodily passageway. The device comprises a balloon catheter having an independently operable outer woven sleeve having a plurality of mesh openings. The woven sleeve surrounds the radially expandable and contractible balloon. In one embodiment, the outer woven sleeve is configured into a predetermined shape through manipulation of the catheter and used to maintain the inflated balloon within that predetermined configuration. In another embodiment, the woven sleeve is radially expanded by the inflated balloon such that the woven mesh is driven into the vascular conduit. The woven sleeve may be used to abrade the surface of the vascular conduit and increase the flow passage or alternatively as traction for various other surgical procedures within the vascular conduit.

Abstract: A surgical instrument having an elongate body includes an operative section at its distal end and a operating section at its proximal end. A pair of scissorshandles form a handle assembly in the operating section and are operable in a normal plane of operation to control the operative section. A ratchet assembly including a ratchet pawl and a series of ratchet teeth is enclosed within the handle assembly to avoid contamination by debris. The ratchet assembly can be engaged and disengaged with forces limited to the natural plane of operation; no unnatural lateral forces are required. A portion of one of the handles is moveable in the plane of operation in a first direction to engage the ratchet assembly and is moveable in the plane of operation in a second direction to disengage the ratchet assembly.

Abstract: A toilet fill valve (16) includes a fill tube (21) which is mounted through a hole (14) in a toilet tank wall (12), having isolating means for isolating the fill tube (21) from direct contact with the toilet tank wall (12), as well as isolating water-borne noise and vibration in the fill tube (21) from direct transmission to the wall (12) of the tank (10).

Abstract: A flush valve is adapted to be mounted in the tank of a toilet and includes a selector assembly and a flush valve. The selector assembly is accessible from outside the toilet and provides for initiation of the flushing operation and an alternative choice between a larger flush water volume and a smaller flush water volume. A support structure provides for both axial and radial movement of the selector assembly relative to the flush valve in order to facilitate mounting and aligning of the flush valve assembly. A slide mechanism provides for variation of at least the smaller flush water volume.

Abstract: Microdermabrasion and suction massage apparatus are included in a single unit and alternatively connectable through a mode switch to a source of vacuum. The microdermabrasion section of the unit includes a crystal pick up station operating with a venturi effect to draw crystals through a hole into an air stream. The size of the hole is variable to control crystal density. A bleed valve is provided to control crystal velocity without controlling crystal density, while a bypass valve is provided to control crystal density without controlling crystal velocity. In an associated method, a microdermabrasion procedure is performed on the skin of a patient at an operative site. The mode switch is operated to activate the suction massage apparatus within the unit. This step is followed by performing a suction massage procedure at the operative site in order to promote healing of the abraded skin. The unit can be back flushed by connecting various portions of the unit to a pressurized output of the source of vacuum.

Abstract: A self-deploying catheter assembly comprises an anchoring device mounted to a tube. A distal end of the anchoring device is held in a fixed position by a releasable suture while a proximal end is freely movable between a proximal position and a distal position defined by a stop on the tube. During insertion into a body cavity, the anchor automatically maintains a low-profile state with the ends spaced apart. Once fully inserted, the anchor self converts into a high-profile state when the tube is slightly withdrawn, bringing the ends closer together. The suture is disengaged to release the distal end of the anchor in order to facilitate a low-profile state for withdrawal of the assembly.

Abstract: The disclosed stent is formed of an elongate, flexible duct having a very thin wall and a preformed diameter, length, and shape. The stent is constructed of a woven tubular structure of multiple strands or elements. The woven tubular structure is thermally set to a predetermined diameter and length, so that the “at rest” or natural condition of the tubular structure is predictable. A retention or holding member can be formed at one or both of the ends of the stent. This retention member can be reduced in diameter for insertion into the body passage. The woven tubular structure provides a path for fluids to flow in and around the stent, while a patent lumen is being developed. The woven tubular structure allows the stent to be extended or stretched over a guidewire or other noncompressive member, to thereby reduce the diameter of the stent for insertion of the stent into a body passage.

Abstract: A surgical clamp includes opposing jaws and a covering enhancing traction between the jaws and a body conduit. A multiplicity of fibers oriented to extend longitudinally between the clamp and conduit may be composed of filaments and either woven or non-woven to form a fabric. A variety of weaves are contemplated to provide different textures, each having its own traction characteristics. The nature of the weave can control characteristics such as smoothness, absorption, and texture. The fibers or filaments may be formed from any solid or semi-solid material, adding its own characteristics to the resulting fabric insert or clamp.

Abstract: A source of sewage is coupled to a septic tank by an influent line. The outlet line is coupled to a sewage treatment plant by an outlet line. Sewage travels from the source to the septic tank where solid matter is filtered. Liquid matter passes through the septic tank into the outlet line where it transported to the sewage treatment plant to be treated. The outlet line may consist of an indefinite number of intermediary lines and valves, such as an effluent line adjacent to the septic tank, a distribution line adjacent to the sewage treatment plant, and a valve disposed in between the effluent line and the distribution line. The valve may be coupled to a leach field so that liquid matter traveling from the effluent line to the valve may be directed either to the leach field or the distribution line leading to the sewage treatment plant.

Abstract: An apparatus and method are disclosed for purifying a contaminated fluid stream, for example an air stream contaminated with volatile organic compounds. A sorption media is directed between narrowly spaced plates which control the depth of sorbant flow. In an adsorber the plates are porous to allow the contaminated air to pass into an adsorption chamber where the media removes the contaminates from the fluid stream. In a desorber the plates may be transmissive or reflective of microwave energy and porous to a purging gas in a desorption chamber where the media releases the contaminates to refresh the media. An inclined plane or conical surface is contemplated for a desorber which can be coupled to an adsorber in a closed loop system.

Abstract: A drainage catheter is adapted to drain fluid from the body cavity through a body conduit and includes an elongate tube having a distal end and a retention member disposed at the distal end and adapted for movement between the low-profile state facilitating insertion of the catheter and a high-profile state facilitating the tension of the catheter in its operative position. A woven mesh forms at least a portion of one of the tube and the retention member, and can be made permeable or impermeable in various regions of the catheter. The woven mesh can be formed of filaments heat-settable so that the catheter automatically moves to the high-profile state. Insertion of the catheter can be facilitated using an obturator and a guidewire in an associated method, an obturator facilitating insertion of the catheter can be removed to permit the catheter to automatically return to a normal, high-profile state.

Abstract: A ureteral access sheath adapted for insertion into a urethra includes an elongate tube extending between a proximal end and a distal end. A handle assembly is disposed at the proximal end and includes enlarged portions which inhibit migration of the sheath into the urethra. The enlarged portions are shaped like the bell of a horn with a concave, distally-facing outer surface and a convex, proximally-facing inner surface. The inner surface functions as a funnel while the outer surface is sized and configured to receive adjacent fingers of a user's hand held in its natural position. In an associated method, this shape of the handle assembly facilitates maintaining the sheath in a stationary position during insertion and removal of instrumentation. The handle assembly can be movable on the tube to facilitate variation of the sheath link in situ.

Abstract: A cleaning dispenser assembly to be used in connection with a toilet tank is coupled to a fill valve and an overflow tube of the tank. The dispenser assembly includes a container with a removable lid. A refill tube is coupled to a fill valve of the tank and the container. Tall and short discharge tubes are coupled to the container at different heights to facilitate the withdrawal of fluid from the container while preventing a vacuum from developing within the closed container. U-traps are formed in the refill tube and the discharge tubes to retain a portion of liquid in a steady state so as to seal the passageways in order to prevent gases from escaping into the tank.

Abstract: A flush valve is adapted to be mounted in the tank of a toilet and includes a selector assembly and a flush valve. The selector assembly is accessible from outside the toilet and provides for initiation of the flushing operation and an alternative choice between a larger flush water volume and a smaller flush water volume. A support structure provides for both axial and radial movement of the selector assembly relative to the flush valve in order to facilitate mounting and aligning of the flush valve assembly. A slide mechanism provides for variation of at least the smaller flush water volume.