Abstract: A lancet injector is provided which has a tubular housing, a slidable lancet holder in the housing, a compression spring connected between the holder and one end of the housing, and a holder control member extending through a longitudinal slot in the sidewall of the housing. The control member is operable to move the lancet holder to a latched retracted position against the force of the spring, release the holder so that it moves linearly under the force of the spring and inertia to a skin piercing position and then back to a neutral position in which the spring is in a free length condition.

Abstract: A method of making a double-cuffed endotracheal tube is disclosed which includes forming a unitary double-cuff member, inserting and inverting one of the cuffs into the other cuff and connecting the cuffs on a plastic tube, and sealingly connecting the ends of the cuffs to the tube. A method of sealingly connecting one end of the inner cuff which is within the outer cuff to the tube includes inserting a pipe into the tube and through a sidewall opening in the tube, and flowing sealant material through the tube to seal one end of the inner cuff to the tube.

Abstract: A plastic tube is provided which has a main lumen, an auxiliary lumen, and an integral connector at one end for connecting the main lumen in fluid communication with another device. The auxiliary lumen extends longitudinally within the side wall of the tube with the integral tube connector free of the auxiliary lumen. The tube can be made by extruding thermoplastic material through a die having a hollow main lumen die pin and a hollow auxiliary lumen die pin adjacent the die outlet orifice. Air under pressure is supplied to both die pins to produce tubing extrudate having main and auxiliary lumens. The pressure of the air supplied to the auxiliary lumen forming pin is reduced at programmed intervals during the extrusion of the tubing so that selected portions are free of an auxiliary lumen or have a lumen of limited size. The tubing can be severed so that it has a selected portion at one end that can serve as an end connector.

Abstract: A blood collection device includes a tube for receiving a sample of whole blood for centrifugal separation into the lighter phase, plasma or serum, and the heavier cellular phase. The tube has a needle-pierceable stopper at the opposite end for maintaining a negative pressure in the tube. A blood phase partitioning device is disposed within the tube and includes upper and lower members with the upper member having a greater specific gravity greater than that of the lower member but together having a specific gravity between that of the lighter phase and that of the heavier phase. A sealant is disposed between the members and in contact with each member and has a specific gravity equal to the average of the two members.

Abstract: A thoracic drainage device including a fluid collection chamber for receiving drainage fluid from the pleural cavity of a patient is provided with a strap capable of being used to conveniently support the drainage device in various ways. The upper and lower ends of the drainage device are provided with openings for receiving the strap in each of a plurality of different device supporting conditions. The strap can be adjusted so as to be useable as a shoulder strap, a hand-held strap, a strap for hanging the drainage device from a bed rail or other support, or in other arrangements. The strap can be arranged to provide a relatively short support without having unused portions dangling from the device.

Abstract: A thoracic drainage device including a rigid container having a drainage collection chamber and a liquid seal chamber centered above the collection chamber. A tube adapted for connection with the pleural cavity of a patient is connected to the lid of the device and extends into the liquid seal chamber to a point below the level of an initial amount of liquid provided therein. The liquid seal chamber has a relatively small height relative to its length and width so that it contains a relatively large amount of liquid of shallow depth. The seal chamber has an upper wall with a central opening for the flow of liquid through the opening and into the collection chamber, the upper wall preventing or reducing the flow of liquid out of the liqud seal chamber due to an inadvertent tipping of the device or sloshing during movement from one location to another.

Abstract: The method of making a catheter with integral Luer locking means including extruding plastic material to form a tube having a relatively thin-walled portion of relatively small diameter and a relatively thick-walled portion of relatively large diameter. The tube is inserted into a heat forming mold having a Luer lock forming portion, and a mandrel, having a Luer taper, is forced into the portion of large diameter to heat form an integral catheter connector portion with an internal taper and an integral external flange having Luer locking lugs adapted for locking engagement with a complementary Luer lock connector. The catheter can be used in a intravenous catheter or cannula placement unit.