Abstract: A connecting device for medical liquid administration sets, particularly for use in continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis comprises a tubular port extending from a medical liquid container. The tubular port has a pierceable diaphragm positioned within and sealing the same. A hollow tubular piercing pin having a sharpened tip is used for penetrating the pierceable diaphragm. A length of flexible tubing extends from the piercing pin and is connected to a catheter positioned in the peritoneum of the patient once the piercing pin and port are connected. A locking mechanism is utilized for selectively retaining the piercing pin within the tubular port following insertion, and for asepticizing the connection.

Abstract: An improved in-line sleeve valve comprises a modular tubular port having a stationary plug concentrically supported therein and a reciprocating tubular sleeve arranged for sealing against the stationary plug. A resilient, flexible flange connects the tubular sleeve and the tubular port. The flange is sufficiently elastic to allow easy manual displacement of the sleeve from the tubular stationary plug in order to allow the flow of liquid, but is biased in a first direction so as to return the tubular sleeve to a position abutting the stationary plug upon release thereof.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for effectively eliminating the risk of introducing air bubbles into a fluid delivery system such as to administer parenteral fluids to a patient. The apparatus comprises a baffle positioned within a drip chamber for deflecting fluid expelled from a fluid resistor in order to eliminate turbulence and the formation of micro-bubbles during rapid filling or flushing of the fluid delivery system. The drip chamber also comprises a filter membrane positioned across the outlet of the drip chamber. The filter membrane is attached to a filter carrier assembly which enables the filter membrane to be momentarily displaced so that air bubbles trapped beneath the filter membrane may escape.

Abstract: A needle-inside, catheter placement assembly including a spliced, two-part needle and a catheter unit comprising a catheter, winged catheter insertion means, flexible tubing and tube hub, wherein axial and rotational alignment of the needle and catheter unit are maintained by mechanically interlocked complementary portions of the needle and lumen of the winged catheter insertion means.

Abstract: A needle-inside, catheter placement assembly including needle and catheter units. The needle unit comprises a needle joined by a flexible line to a needle hub. The catheter unit comprises a catheter, winged catheter insertion means, flexible tubing and tube hub, wherein an area of reduced thickness on each wing of the insertion means provides improved flexibility for the wing. The needle is captured within the winged catheter insertion means when the wings are simultaneously held in a vertical position and axial and rotational alignment of the needle and catheter units are maintained by mechanically interlocked complementary means associated with the needle and lumen of the winged catheter insertion means.

Abstract: Equipment sets for the sequential administration of medical liquids allow primary liquid to be administered at a flow rate independent of the flow rate of a secondary liquid. The sets include a combined air barrier and liquid sequencing device to prevent the inadvertent administration of air when secondary liquid is depleted. The device also prevents the flow of primary liquid when secondary liquid is being dispensed.

Abstract: A combination quick disconnect coupling and fluid cutoff valve particularly adapted for use in continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis comprises a first tubular member connected to a length of flexible tubing and having a fluid passageway therethrough, and a second tubular member connected to a second length of flexible tubing and constructed for telescopic reception of the first tubular member. A rotatable sleeve is disposed within the first tubular member (partially closed at a first end). By rotating the sleeve the fluid passageway may be selectively opened or closed. A coupling mechanism, such as a bayonet lock is used for retaining the first and second tubular members together. A series of lugs extend inwardly from the second tubular member and are arranged to engage the rotatable sleeve as the first tubular member is inserted into the second tubular member, so as to advance the movable sleeve to an open position during coupling thereby opening the fluid passageway.

Abstract: An improved connecting device for medical liquid containers comprises an elongated tubular member having a lumen extending therethrough. Pivotable finger tabs are hingedly attached to and extend from the elongate tubular member, adapted for engagement with the fingers so as to facilitate application of the device to the liquid container. The finger tabs are pivotable in order to allow folding of the tabs against the elongate tubular member in a first position or selective extension of the tabs to a position perpendicular from the tubular member prior to use. The tabs are thereby compactly stored so that when a bag, such as a peritoneal dialysis or irrigation bag must be carried by the patient, the tabs are not in an extended position which would cause discomfort to the patient.

Abstract: An apparatus for measuring the flow of medical liquids within an intravenous solution administration set comprises a primary tube, a secondary tube and a tertiary tube. A constricter mechanism is positioned in the primary tube proximate the opening to the tertiary tube in order to restrict the flow of liquid therethrough. As a result a pressure differential is created between the secondary tube and the tertiary tube when liquid flows through the primary tube. At least a portion of the secondary or tertiary tubes are transparent in order to determine the relative position of liquid in the tube. A series of markings on the tubes represent designated rates of flow. Consequently, the relative position of the liquid is used to display the rate of flow within the system.

Abstract: An improved venipuncture device comprises a catheter having a catheter hub at one end, with a needle having a needle hub at one end and a sharpened tip at the second end extending through the catheter and catheter hub. A resilient reseal is mounted in the catheter hub for sealing the catheter upon removal of the needle. The improvement comprises a wing hub having an axial bore adapted for telescopic reception and attachment to the catheter portion. A pair of oppositely extending flexible wings are integrally formed and extend from the wing hub. An area of reduced thickness on each of the flexible wings along a portion of the width of the wings adjacent to the wing hub allows the wings to be easily folded upward. As a result, the wings may be pinched together between the thumb and index finger, thus, making it easier to insert the needle into the vein of the patient.

Abstract: The invention relates generally to an improved catheter insertion device of the type having a drum-like receptacle which advances the catheter when it is rotated relative to the base, causing the catheter to move through a tubular outlet. The improvement comprises a removable needle which extends coaxially through a tubular housing tangentially affixed to the dispenser. A flexible cannula telescopically surrounds the distal portion of the needle. The cannula is connected to a catheter outlet from the receptacle and is adapted to be inserted into the vein of a patient during venipuncture. Once venipuncture is performed, the needle is slidably removed from the cannula and catheter outlet, and the catheter is telescopically inserted into and through the cannula and thereby into the vein of the patient. The base and receptacle may then be easily separated and removed from the catheter.

Abstract: An improved apparatus for collecting atmospheric samples, particularly air samples, comprises a sealed collapsible receptacle which includes a hollow body having a base, top and side walls. At least the side walls are constructed of a flexible material. A venting mechanism introduces the atmosphere surrounding the apparatus into the receptacle at a controlled rate. The receptacle includes means for progressively expanding after being compressed. This progressive expansion creates a vacuum within the receptacle, thereby aspirating a measured volume of atmosphere per unit of time through the venting mechanism. Further provided are means for removing a desired quantity or sample of the retained atmosphere from the receptacle, as required.

Abstract: A combination quick disconnect coupling and liquid cutoff valve comprises a first tubular member, and a second tubular member having a cylindrical sheath slidably disposed about and extending therefrom, sized for telescopic insertion into the first tubular member. The first and second tubular members may be coupled together and retained in that position as required. Two fluid passageways extend through the second tubular member. A third tubular member is concentrically positioned within the second tubular member and has a resilient, releasable, penetrable diaphragm at one end. A piercing pin is disposed within the movable cylindrical sheath so that when the piercing pin is exterior to the diaphragm, a first liquid passes through the connector, but when the piercing pin is inserted through the penetrable diaphragm, a second liquid passes through the connector and the flow of the first liquid is shut off.

Abstract: An improved clamp for regulating the flow of fluid through a length of flexible tubing comprising a clamp body for supporting the tubing, having opposing walls extending from the surface of the clamp body so as to present a passage for the flexible tubing. A platen is mounted between the walls for contacting the tubing. Guide surfaces are arranged in the walls with a roller positioned within the guide surfaces. The platen is movably positioned between the roller and the flexible tubing so as to present a compression surface against the tubing along the path of travel of the roller. The combination of the platen and the roller exerts a compressive force against the tubing and distributes the force over a wide area of the tubing so as to prevent permanent deformation of the tubing. This compressive force constricts the tubing and thereby regulates flow of liquid therethrough.

Abstract: An improved venipuncture device comprises a catheter having a catheter hub at one end, with a needle having a needle hub at one end and a sharpened tip at the second end extending through the catheter and catheter hub. The needle is adapted for insertion and removal from the catheter. A fin extends substantially vertically from the needle hub and is constructed and arranged for gripping the device in a manner which facilitates venipuncture.

Abstract: Equipment sets for the sequential administration of medical liquids allow primary liquid to be administered at a flow rate independent of the flow rate of a secondary liquid. The sets include a combined air barrier and liquid sequencing device to prevent the inadvertent administration of air when secondary liquid is depleted. The device also prevents the flow of primary liquid when secondary liquid is being dispensed.