Abstract: A wound drainage reservoir which is a container having a resilient sidewall that defines a chamber within the container and wherein an opening extends through the sidewall. A helmet extends through the opening, which helmet has an extending lip that engages a portion of the sidewall of the container which surrounds the opening. A collar encircles and is bonded to the helmet for sealing such a portion of the sidewall between the lip of the helmet and the collar. A first inlet is on the helmet to provide a first fluid-flow conduit to the chamber. A second inlet is on the helmet to provide a second fluid-flow conduit to the chamber. A drainage outlet is on the helmet to provide a fluid-flow conduit from the chamber. A plurality of ribs extend laterally along the sidewall.

Abstract: A linear peristaltic pump, and a disposable casette therefor, particularly suitable for the infusion of parenteral fluids. The pump includes a housing having a power-driven shaft and a series of small bearing assemblies having their inner members eccentrically mounted upon that shaft. A thin elastomeric membrane extends along the series of bearing assemblies for engagement with the outer members thereof along a first band or linear zone of contact lying in the same plane as the axis of the shaft. The disposable casette is removably supported by the housing and takes the form of a rigid, planar, perimetric frame having an opening across which is stretched a section of elastomeric tubing.

Abstract: Hematologic control and calibration standards are disclosed which are essentially plasma-free. These controls are prepared by the suspension of red blood cells in an appropriate buffer containing a stabilization effective amount of disaccharides, and other optional ingredients. Control and calibration standards prepared in the foregoing manner are suitable in the control and calibration of hematology analyzers for the following parameters: white cell count, red cell count, hemoglobin, hematocrit and the common derived parameters (i.e., mean cell volume, mean cell hemoglobin and mean cell hemoglobin concentration). The addition of platelets to the foregoing suspensions is also contemplated to provide a control for platelet parameters.

Abstract: Improved port and closure constructions are disclosed for medical solution containers, particularly collapsible containers intended for storing and administering parenteral solutions. An outlet port includes a tubular neck with an elastomeric sealing disc held against the distal end of the neck by a tear-off cap, the disc having planar surfaces and a circumferential rib spaced from each of those surfaces for sealingly engaging the inside of the cap. Within the outlet port is an annular collar that slopes and tapers distally inwardly for engaging the spike of an administration set. An inlet port is also provided, such inlet port having a neck with an internal annular distally-facing shoulder and a plurality of longitudinal internal ribs located distal to the shoulder. The ribs are useful for guiding a stopper into sealing engagement with the shoulder without interfering with the seal as so formed.

Abstract: A container for holding a small quantity of liquid. The container comprises an elongated housing having a fluid receptacle disposed in the upper end thereof. The dimensions of the receptacle are substantially less than the overall dimensions of the housing, thereby facilitating the handling of the container and inhibiting evaporation of the liquid therein.

Abstract: An apparatus comprising a compact, portable peristaltic pump particularly suitable for medical use in infusing or removing fluids. The pump includes a series of small bearing assemblies each having concentric inner and outer members capable of free rotation with respect to each other. The inner members are eccentrically mounted upon a power-driven shaft with their centers arranged in a helix about the axis of the shaft. A thin elastomeric membrane is disposed along the series of bearing assemblies with the outer members having their surfaces tangentially engaging one side of the membrane along a first band or linear zone of contact. An elastomeric tube extends along the opposite side of the membrane, engaging that membrane along a second band or linear zone of contact directly opposite the first band of contact.

Abstract: A process for the preparation of implantable biological tissue, and in particular bioprosthetic heart valves, which are prone to calcification after implantation. The process includes the incorporation of biocompatible polymers into the tissue in an amount effective in reducing calcification of the implanted tissue.

Abstract: A multichannel spectrophotometer has a single radiant energy source formed into a multiplicity of radiant energy beams which are each simultaneously intercepted by segments of a rotary source filter wheel, the spectral radiant energy output selected by each filter segment being directed into a separate source radiant energy conduit and transmitted to a remote sample station where a cuvette containing a sample to be analyzed is located, the radiant energy outputs of each cuvette being directed into a separate detector radiant energy conduit where each conduit is intercepted by a filter segment of a second rotating detector filter wheel identical to the source filter wheel and rotated in aligned synchronism therewith, the spectral radiant energy outputs of each segment of the detector filter wheel being further directed into a separate radiant energy detector and signal processing electronics associated with that sample station or spectrophotometer channel from which the radiant energy signal being detected and

Abstract: An automated liquid dispenser for dispensing reagents or diluting samples with reagent automatically with enhanced accuracy, precision and speed, which comprises a dispenser frame carrying demountable precision metering syringes that are reciprocated and a rotary valve for each syringe that is stepped in accord with a programmed local microprocessor or remote computer control to connect the syringe selectively in sequence to one of a sample probe, reagent reservoir, atmosphere or another syringe cylinder.

Abstract: A fetal shunt is disclosed which comprises a tubular body having a proximal end and a distal end. The proximal end is provided with openings which extend into a lumen which forms a fluid-flow passageway extending between the proximal and distal ends. Either flanges or inflatable cuffs, which can be inflated to form a balloon extending around the tubular body, are provided intermediate the length of the tubular body. The outwardly projecting flanges or the inflated cuff portions form projections which maintain the position of the fetal shunt after it is implanted. The distal end of the tubular body of the shunt is provided with a valve for permitting fluid flow outwardly of the tubular body. The shunt provides a method for transferring cerebral spinal fluid from the fetal cranium to the amniotic fluid surrounding the fetus.

Abstract: A servo controlled actuator for an automated liquid dispenser for dispensing reagents or diluting samples with reagent automatically in accord with a programmed local microprocessor or remote computer control. The dispenser has at least one reciprocable syringe, valving for it and a syringe actuator driven by a hybrid servo control. The actuator includes a bi-directional variable speed motor and an encoder developing a pulse train which in number is representative of the position of the syringe piston and in repetition rate is representative of piston velocity. A microprocessor controls the piston stroke from the pulse train by comparison to a memory-stored count and controls piston velocity in predetermined relation to the terminal end of piston travel.

Abstract: An assembly which can be mounted to a wheelchair to provide easy removal of the drive wheels yet retain mobility of a wheelchair includes a connector block mounted on a wheelchair frame, which connector block has a first orifice extending therethrough for receiving an axle of a drive wheel of a wheelchair and a second orifice extending therethrough and at least partially intersecting the first orifice. A drive wheel axle having an annular groove at one end extends into the first orifice of the connector block such that the annular groove aligns with the second orifice. A rod rotatable about its longitudinal axis extends through the second orifice of the connector block with at least a portion of the rod having a generally circular cross section and a slot therealong. The slot aligns with the first orifice of the connector block. A first arm is fastened to and extends radially from the rod and moves with rotation of the rod. A second arm is pivotally linked to the first arm.

Abstract: A surgical instrument is described for use with a flexible endoscope. The instrument includes a tubular member such as a catheter, in which a surgical tool is placed. The tool is formed of a working end and a control wire connected thereto and formed of a helically twisted flat ribbon sized to slidingly fit within the lumen of the tubular member. With a helically twisted control wire, the instrument may be bent and flexed in any plane without breakage, yet preserving accurate axial positional control substantially without longitudinal backlash. A distal end of the tubular member has a predetermined bend, with a channel cut therein in a manner selected to enable the working end of the tool, such as a knife, to be automatically moved into the channel and thus reliably extended from a side of the distal end of the catheter. A manipulator is used at the proximal end of the endoscope to precisely control the position of the working end of the surgical tool.

Abstract: A disposable or reusable "crawl resistant" flexible mattress formed of panels sealed together to define alternately inflatable passages between the panels for sequentially supporting structure for a long term bed patient to reduce decubitus ulcers, bed sores, etc. The mattress has vent holes in its top for ventilating the patient with inflation gas and a crawl resistant layer bonded to a bottom of the mattress to prevent the mattress from "crawling" relative to the bed and patient during use. In one form of the mattress, crawling is reduced by a separation between the inflation passages so individual sections of the mattress can more readily conform to a patient's body contour.

Abstract: A syringe valve and clamping mechanism for an automated liquid dispenser using a demountable precision metering syringe for automatically dispensing reagents or diluting samples with reagent.

Abstract: A sterilization container for holding medical or surgical items during steam (or gas) sterilization procedures is formed entirely of resin-treated nonwoven material which provides a bacterial filter. The container includes a tray and a cover having correspondingly shaped seal flanges formed to provide a double seal and a tortuous path establishing a bacterial barrier. The lid and tray each have body portions adapted to be firmly gripped or handled with separate hands and the body portions are spaced from and related to the seal flanges in such a manner that the sterilized container may be opened and its contents presented or dispensed while maintaining sterile technique. The container is soft yet semi-rigid even after being subjected to steam sterilization.

Abstract: The present invention relates to new compounds of the formula ##STR1## alkylene, or --S-- where R.sub.1 is hydrogen, alkyl, or aryl; W is hydrogen, hydroxy, amino, alkyloxy, aryloxy, O-alkyl, or O-aralkyl; (Y).sub.A is --CH.sub.2 NR.sub.2 R.sub.3 where R.sub.2 and R.sub.3 may be hydrogen, substituted alkyls, aryls, or together with N form a 5 to 7 membered heterocyclic group; and Ar is a substituted or unsubstituted heteroaryl. These compounds are useful in the treatment of various cardiac arrhythmias.

Abstract: A shunt system for implantation in the body which can be used for transferring cerebrospinal fluid is disclosed. The shunt system comprises a body having an upper and lower surface and a distal and proximal end. The body includes a central cavity through the upper surface at a first and second port. A proximal fluid flow channel extends through the proximal end of the body and opens at a third port on the upper surface. A distal fluid flow channel extends through the distal end of the body and opens at a fourth port on the upper surface. A resilient dome comprised of a self-sealing material is attached to and extends over the upper surface of the body. A first portion of the resilient dome extends over the first and third ports on the upper surface defining a first chamber. The first portion of the resilient dome cooperates upon flexing with the third port to occlude the third port. A second portion of the resilient dome extends over the second and fourth ports on the upper surface defining a second chamber.