Abstract: An atomizing nebulizer for dispensing a substance or medicament is described. The nebulizer is formed with a reservoir base releasably secured to an effluent vent cap that together capture a diffuser and integral dispersing baffle that are further formed with an uptake lumen or channel terminating with a nozzle jet. The diffuser dispersing baffle is positioned relative to the jet nozzle to optimize atomization of any of a number of such substances so as to maximize disbursement of the substance. The reservoir base also incorporates a pressurized fluid-accelerating inlet tube terminated with a metering orifice that cooperates with the nozzle jet when the inlet tube is received within the diffuser uptake lumen or channel.

Abstract: A solution applicator includes a container, a head and a cap. The head includes a top portion for use in applying the solution, a spike member which is used to pierce or open a membrane and at least one protrusion extending from the head. The cap includes a top portion that receives the spike member, a bottom portion that connects to the container and a middle portion that defines a circumferential channel and an axial channel. The protrusion is received within the circumferential channel and the axial channel such that the head can be moved relative to the cap in first a rotational motion and then an axial motion to open the solution container.

Abstract: The invention disclosed herein relates to a sampling cannula for use in bone marrow biopsy procedures having structural features which facilitate sample retention within the device. In particular, the sampling cannula comprises an open trough-like portion, wherein the trough-like portion comprises at least one wall opening located proximal to the distal end in combination with an interior surface comprising a friction-enhancing surface texture adapted to facilitate sample retention.

Abstract: The invention disclosed herein provides a card holder device that can be attached to another object and hold a card therein in a fixed position relative to the object in a readily viewable position during the handling and/or processing of the object to which it is attached. The attachable card holder device comprises a generally planar face portion structured to receive and secure a card therein, the planar face portion having a first attachment leg extending from a first end of said face portion and a second attachment leg extending from a second end of said face portion, wherein the wherein said planar face portion, first and second attachment legs collectively form an overall bracket configuration. The planar face portion comprises a card receiving structure that can comprise a multi-sided frame surrounding an open central area, and a flexible back plate integrally hinged at one end, wherein the back plate is biased outward.

Abstract: A reconfigurable surgical apparatus that includes a surgical instrument assembly that is formed with a hollow manipulation shaft. A linearly or rotationally movable prime mover is received within the shaft and is activated by an actuator located at a proximal end. A coupler is formed about a distal end of the shaft to have a capture ledge that is configured to releasably engage an interchangeable surgical tool that is formed with an anchor adapted to releasably mate to the capture ledge. The coupler may optionally incorporate a frangible portion that severs a portion of the coupler when the interchangeable surgical tool is removed from the apparatus to ensure single use operation of the tool.

Abstract: The invention described herein relates to an improved biopsy needle which enhances the accuracy of the sampling procedure and minimizes the trauma caused by the procedure. The biopsy needle comprises a tip that reduces or minimizes undesirable bias of the needle during sampling penetration of the tissue, the tip comprising a plurality of facets arranged and oriented in a manner which improves the interaction between the needle and tissue during its advancement and penetration therein thereby improving the performance of the biopsy needle. The invention also includes a biopsy device comprising the biopsy needle of the invention.

Abstract: The invention described herein relates to a filter system for sterilization containers which secures a gas permeable filter onto a vented portion of the container. The filter system of the invention includes a locking mechanism that is comfortable and easy to use, and that requires a simple sliding movement of the users hand to lock and unlock the filter system components in place. The invention further includes a filter system structured such that the openings of the filter system plates permit transport of air across the filter while at the same time the openings are arranged to reduce or prevent undesirable physical perforation of the filter. By virtue of its structure, the need for particular rotational positioning of filter components in relation to one another is significantly reduced. The filter system of the invention also reduces or eliminates the need for perimeter gaskets.

Abstract: The present invention provides a heat and moisture exchange (HME) unit that includes a housing having a fibrous media in the housing that is designed to absorb and retain moisture and heat from exhaled air passing through the housing. The HME unit is designed to transfer the moisture and heat to inhaled air passing through the HME unit. The HME unit has an internal bypass in the housing to enable air to pass through the heat HME unit without passing through the fibrous media. The present invention also provides a breathing circuit that includes a medication bypass HME unit, a medication treatment device and a ventilator that is connected in a closed system.

Abstract: The invention disclosed herein relates to a multipositional ratchet device for use in conjunction with a surgical retractor assembly. The ratchet device of the invention permits both independent and simultaneous adjustment of the longitudinal axial positioning of a retractor blade stem relative to the device as well as the vertical tilt position of the retractor blade. Furthermore, the device is structured with the adjustment tabs positioned to permit the aforementioned adjustments using continuously maintained finger contact on the tabs using a single hand. The device affords the user improved ergonomics and accuracy of use by virtue of its structural and functional features.

Abstract: There is provided an improved sterilization wrap and a method for using the improved sterilization wrap to sterilize an article. The wrap is made of at least one sheet, and preferably two sheets, of sterilization material and in some embodiments, includes an additional sheet which may be made of an absorbent material. The sheet of absorbent material may have a smaller perimeter than at least one sheet of sterilization material. One side of at least one sheet of sterilization material includes a central portion. The absorbent material may be attached to the central portion of at least one sheet of sterilization material. The article to be sterilized is placed on the sterilization wrap and is then wrapped. The absorbent material provides sterility protection for the article in addition to the at least one sheet of sterilization material and also wicks moisture away from the article after sterilization has taken place.

Abstract: The invention disclosed herein is an improved semi-rigid flexible retainer clip which is adapted for securing components, such as posts, within a sterilization container. The sterilizable, flexible retainer clip comprises a generally “U” shaped planar body having a first planar portion, second planar portion, and an integral hinge portion. Each of the planar portions have two lateral edges and a front end located opposite the hinge portion. The first planar portion and the second planar portion are biased apart from one another. The clip comprises a pair of centrally located apertures, including a first aperture on the first planar portion and a second aperture on the second planar portion. A pair of elongated narrow ridges is located on the surface of the first planar portion, each ridge being adjacent to the first aperture. The first aperture comprises a widened region and narrow region (e.g., keyhole shape). The invention also includes an instrument sterilization system including the clip.

Abstract: A surgical instrument in the form of a biopsy needle for removing tissue samples from a patient. The device has means for preloading to excise tissue samples of a preselected one of many possible tissue sample sizes. After preloading, the procedure is easily accomplished using a single hand. The tip is rendered less traumatic by positioning the distal end of the tissue sample notch relatively close to the very distal tip of the stylet. This is accomplished by grinding the distal tip of the stylet into an elliptical shape in a plane having a lateral projection which is away from the distal end of the tissue sample notch.