Abstract: A manifold assembly is provided for monitoring hemodynamic pressures. The manifold assembly comprises a base having first, second and third flush valves mounted thereon. A first three port stopcock is also mounted on the base having one of its ports in fluid flow communication with the first flush valve. One of the ports is in fluid flow communication with an arterial catheter and one of the ports is in fluid flow communication with a pressure monitoring means for determining arterial pressure. A first T-connector is fastened to the second flush valve. A second T-connector is fastened to the third flush valve. A second three port stopcock is mounted on the base with one of its ports in fluid flow communication with the second flush valve through the first T-connector. One of the ports of the second three port stopcock is in fluid flow communication with the third flush valve through the second T-connector.

Abstract: An assembly which can be mounted to a wheelchair to provide easy removal of the drive wheels of a wheelchair comprises a connector block mounted on a wheelchair frame, which connector 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 pivotaly linked to the first arm.

Abstract: A method for receiving and disposing of fluids from the human body includes the steps of disposing a semi-rigid burst resistive container within a rigid outer canister and supporting the inner container such that there is a space defined between the side walls of the semi-rigid inner container and the rigid outer canister. The open end of the semi-rigid inner container is fixedly covered and the fluids from the body are received within the inner container through this cover. A vacuum is applied both to the interior of the semi-rigid inner container and the space around the periphery thereof to provide an equalized pressure on both sides thereof. When the body fluids are received within the semi-rigid inner container, both the cover and the semi-rigid inner container are removed as an integral unit for disposal thereof.

Abstract: A device for collecting samples of blood and other fluids for clinical testing purposes. The device includes an open-ended vial and a cap equipped with a capillary tube for drawing samples into the wall. The cap is internally threaded and the vial is provided at its open end with at least one arcuate flange engagable with the threads of the cap to shift the parts axially as they are rotated with respect to each other. A vent opening in the cap is sealed by the flange when the parts are threaded tightly together and is unsealed to allow passage of air to and from the vial when the parts are unthreaded but still connected. Retention lips provided by the cap retain the parts together when they are in their unthreaded condition.

Abstract: A method of forming a catheter having at least two separate lumens, one containing a gas required in connection with the operation of a pressure responsive element adjacent the catheter's distal end and the other for conveying liquid to and from a port spaced proximally from the pressure responsive element. The two lumens are separated by a longitudinal septum and combine to perform a third function--that of enclosing an electrical conductor which extends through that portion of the gas-containing lumen proximal to the port and through that portion of the liquid-conveying lumen beyond the port. The conductor switches from one lumen to the other through a sealed aperture in the septum. A piercing tool is inserted through the port at an angle to form the aperture distally of the port. The wire is threaded through one duct, through the aperture and through the second duct. Finally a sealable liquid sealing plug is inserted into the area distally of the port for sealing purposes.

Abstract: A tubing clip is disclosed herein which comprises a body member forming a pair of channels through which a flexible tube may be passed, each of which is provided with a means for narrowing said channel at one end which narrows the channel sufficiently to prevent the tubing from slipping through the channels unaided while permitting the flow passage of the tube to remain open.

Abstract: A tablet dispenser for dispensing a solid tablet or a predetermined number of tablets of a substantially uniform size from a storage area containing a relatively large number of tablets into a dispensing orifice upon operation of an external actuating mechanism. The tablet dispenser comprises a hollow body having an upper portion for storing the relatively large number of tablets and a lower base portion having the dispensing orifice formed in its bottom. A gate member is mounted for reciprocal movement above the tablet dispensing orifice and has a tablet receiving area formed therein. A field organizing member is mounted for reciprocal movement below the tablet storage portion and above the gate member and has a tablet receiving area formed therein which communicates with the tablet storage portion.

Abstract: A method for the treatment or prophylaxis of cardiac disorders in a mammal, comprising administering to such mammal a short-acting .beta.-blocking compound of the formula: ##STR1## wherein X is an ester-containing group; R may be lower alkyl, aralkyl or an ester-containing group; R.sub.1 may be lower alkyl; and Ar may be substituted or unsubstituted aromatic; or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof. Novel compounds possessing short acting .beta.-adrenergic blocking activity are also disclosed.

Abstract: A method for the treatment of glaucoma or lowering intraocular pressure in a mammal, involving topically administering to the eye of such mammal a selectively metabolized beta-blocking compound of the formula ##STR1## wherein R may be lower alkyl, lower hydroxyalkyl, lower alkynyl, aralkyl, or an ester-containing group and Ar may be substituted or unsubstituted aromatic; or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof. Because of a relatively long duration of action of such compounds in ocular fluids and a relatively short duration of action in the systemic circulation, such compounds are useful for the treatment of excessive intraocular pressure without substantial systemic effects.

Abstract: A device for collecting micro samples of arterial or venous blood from patients and for transporting and delivering such samples to suitable blood analysis equipment such as a conventional blood gas analyzer. An essential component of the device is a tubular elastomeric adapter-handle having integral body and tip sections, the body section having a tapered bore for receiving and holding the end portion of a heparinized glass microcapillary tube and the tip being both internally and externally tapered (in reverse directions) to permit releasable attachment of the tip to the hub of a hypodermic needle and, after a sample has been collected, to the inlet of a blood analyzer.

Abstract: A cardiac pacer has separate digital filter circuits for sensing atrial and ventricular activity. Parameter data stored in memory is used by the digital filters for identifying the various components of cardiac activity, such as the P, R and T waves, as well as for identifying Premature Ventricular Contractions (PVC). A Ventricular Rate Time Out period is established from the last natural beat or stimulating pulse; and if a P wave or natural R wave is not sensed during that period, the system generates a stimulating pulse and, using T wave parameters in the ventricular filter, tests to verify capture. Loss of capture increases stimulating pulse width and amplitude to regain capture. If a P wave is sensed before the Rate Time Out period ends, the system establishes a predetermined P-R interval period to override the Ventricular Rate Time Out period in which the ventricular filter is set to detect a natural R wave in an effort to synchronize the ventricle with the atrium.

Abstract: An apparatus and method are described for converting a continuous fluid stream into a succession of discrete fluid segments or boluses traveling independently of each other in a capillary passage, the menisci of the boluses so generated providing a clear basis for observing, accurately measuring, and controlling fluid flow. The meniscus generator is surrounded by a second fluid immiscible with the first fluid, and the wall of the capillary passage is provided with a longitudinal slit for reducing the effect of surface tension, for the spontaneous formation of boluses of the first fluid, for eliminating the effect of differential pressure on the boluses, and for maintaining separation of the boluses.

Abstract: A filter device used to filter medical anesthesia gases and other inhalable respiratory gases. The filter device has a ported housing, and a filter member within the housing. The filter member is a porous sheet that is transversely pleated and draped to define a peripheral foot of such porous sheet. The peripheral foot is sealed along its entire periphery to the housing. Two sets of intermeshing hangers are provided with both sets of the hangers being anchored to the housing and distortingly maintaining the porous sheet in such a pleated condition.

Abstract: A method for the treatment of prophylaxis of cardiac disorders in a mammal, comprising administering to such mammal a short-acting .beta.-blocking compound of the formula: ##STR1## wherein R may be lower alkyl, aryl, or aralkyl; n may be an integer from 0 to about 10; x may be an integer from 1 to 3; Ar may be substituted or unsubstituted aromatic; R.sub.1 may be lower alkyl, or aralkyl; and pharmaceutically accepted salts thereof. Novel compounds possessing short-acting .beta.-adrenergic blocking activity are also disclosed.

Abstract: A device particularly suited for collecting and dispensing an arterial blood sample. A needle is connected to a flexible transparent tube that includes an air exit vent with a nonwet filter so air, but not blood, can exit the vent under arterial blood pressure. A special needle adapter prevents formation of air bubbles, and a baffle system in the needle minimizes blood and air mixing. A clamp on the reservoir pinches off an air contaminated blood segment and can longitudinally strip a different blood segment which is not air contaminated. The tubular reservoir has an oxygen blocking coating, and its internal surface includes a dry anticoagulant coating.

Abstract: A valve for an arterial monitoring set which continuously supplies a small flow of parenteral liquid, such as normal saline, into a patient's artery while arterial pressure is being continuously monitored. The valve has a flow restrictor providing a normally slow continuous flow rate and an elastically distortable tube which is manually squeezable to provide a fast flush rate. The valve is convenient for one hand operation. A method for assembling the valve by twisting the tube is also disclosed.

Abstract: A low ionic strength suspending medium for immunologic reactions which includes a salt solution, a buffer, gelatin, albumin, and an organic solute to control osmolality.

Abstract: A system for applying relatively large adhesive backed bandages to a patient for a wound dressing, burn dressing, surgical incise drape, etc. The system includes an applicator handle that is substantially less flexible than the bandage, which is joinable to the bandage during application, but which is removed from the bandage so as not to interfere with the flexible functioning of such bandage on a patient's anatomy.