Abstract: A gravitational flow system for the sequential administration of medical liquids to a patient comprises a primary container connected to a primary tube, a secondary container connected to a secondary tube, and a combined air barrier and liquid sequencing valve which connects them and is in fluid communication with a common tube extending to the patient. A primary flow control device is positioned in the primary flow path and a secondary flow control device is positioned in the secondary flow path. In operation the system dispenses primary liquid unless interrupted by a flow of secondary liquid. In that instance, primary liquid flow is cut off by an air capturing pocket. At the same time, a plurality of air barriers prevent infusion of air into the patient.

Abstract: A container for liquids, preferably sterile liquids comprises a hollow body constructed of plastic material having a plurality of tubular ports integrally formed and extending therefrom. Each port has a quantity of plastic material integrally formed as a diaphragm within the port so as to seal the container. In a preferred embodiment, at least one of the ports has a resealable septum sealed within it. The diaphragm is positioned between the septum and the liquid within the container so as to prevent deterioration of the resealable septum caused by exposure to the liquid. Both the resealable septum and the diaphragm are constructed of a material which is penetrable by a hypodermic needle for use in administering sterile solutions.

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 postiioned 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: 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: An improved clamp for regulating the flow of fluid through a length of flexible tubing comprises 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: Equipment sets for the sequential administration of medical liquids wherein a primary liquid can be administered at a flow rate independent of the flow rate of a secondary liquid, and including a barrier substantially impervious to air to prevent the inadvertent administration of air when the secondary liquid is depleted. The equipment sets of this invention have a primary tube valve controlled by pilot liquid diverted from the secondary liquid flow path.

Abstract: Gravitational flow system and equipment sets for the sequential administration of medical liquids wherein a primary liquid can be administered at a flow rate independent of the flow rate of a secondary liquid, and including a barrier substantially impervious to air to prevent the inadvertent administration of air when the secondary liquid is depleted.

Abstract: Equipment sets for the sequential administration of medical liquids wherein a primary liquid can be administered at a flow rate independent of the flow rate of a secondary liquid, and including a barrier substantially impervious to air to prevent the inadvertent administration of air when the secondary liquid is depleted. The sets of this invention have a tube of reduced diameter to restrict the flow of primary liquid to a predetermined rate.

Abstract: Equipment sets for the sequential administration of medical liquids wherein a primary liquid can be administered at a flow rate independent of the flow rate of a secondary liquid, and including a barrier substantially impervious to air to prevent the inadvertent administration of air when the secondary liquid is depleted. The sets of this invention employ a novel flexible diaphragm valve as the air barrier.

Abstract: Gravitational flow system and equipment sets for the sequential administration of medical liquids wherein a primary liquid can be administered at a flow rate independent of the flow rate of a secondary liquid, and including a barrier substantially impervious to air to prevent the inadvertent administration of air when the secondary liquid is depleted. The sets of this invention employ a combined air barrier and liquid sequencing valve.

Abstract: Equipment sets for the sequential administration of medical liquids wherein a primary liquid can be administered at a flow rate independent of the flow rate of a secondary liquid, and including a barrier substantially impervious to air to prevent the inadvertent administration of air when the secondary liquid is depleted. The sets of this invention provide parallel flow paths for the secondary liquid to insure that the flow of primary liquid is interrupted while the secondary liquid is flowing. A 3-way valve is provided in the first parallel branch to facilitate priming of the set.

Abstract: Equipment sets for the sequential administration of medical liquids wherein a primary liquid can be administered at a flow rate independent of the flow rate of a secondary liquid, and including a barrier substantially impervious to air to prevent the inadvertent administration of air when the secondary liquid is depleted. The sets of this invention employ a combined air barrier and liquid sequencing valve controlled by a common flexible membrane.

Abstract: A resilient ring is fitted over a shoulder and onto the bail band indent of a bottle by an apparatus having means for supporting and locating the resilient ring, means to locate and align the bottle with the ring, and ram means for relatively displacing the ring and bottle to force the ring over the shoulder of the bottle, the ring support means engaging the shoulder of the bottle under radially inwardly directed biassing forces while supporting the ring as it is deformed to pass over the shoulder means. Preferably, the support means has a multiplicity of circumferentially spaced jaw elements displaceable under spring biassing in respective guides.

Abstract: Gravitational flow system and equipment sets for the sequential administration of medical liquids wherein a primary liquid can be administered at a flow rate independent of the flow rate of a secondary liquid, and including a barrier substantially impervious to air to prevent the inadvertent administration of air when the secondary liquid is depleted. The sets of this invention provide parallel flow paths for the secondary liquid to insure that the flow of primary liquid is interrupted while the secondary liquid is flowing.

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 a 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 means associated with the needle and lumen of the winged catheter insertion means. Means for removably connecting the proximal ends of the catheter unit and needle to stretch the flexible tubing tautly are also provided.

Abstract: An improved apparatus for collecting atmospheric samples, particularly air samples, comprises a sealed first container filled with liquid such as water, a sealed second container positioned below the first container, a vent in the first container which allows the atmosphere surrounding the apparatus to enter the first container at a controlled rate, and a vent from the second container for dispersing the atmosphere contained within the second container into the surrounding atmosphere at a controlled rate. A flow channel between the first and second containers allows the liquid in the first container to pass into the second container. Passage of the liquid from the first container to the second container creates a vacuum in the first container whereby a stream of air from the surrounding atmosphere is drawn at a controlled rate through the first container vent and into the first container where it is retained. Samples may be withdrawn from the first container through the use of a hypodermic syringe.

Abstract: A catheter-outside catheter placement unit wherein the catheter and stylet have connected hubs separable by a removable digit engageable means. Preferably, the removable digit engageable means is carried by a sleeve fitted over the catheter hub.