Abstract: A blood pressure measuring device is disclosed which uses an inflatable cuff to apply external pressure to a patient's body member. The device detects and measures amplitude of pressure oscillations induced in the cuff by blood flow in the body member as the cuff pressure is decreased in steps from a magnitude above the expected systolic pressure to a magnitude below the expected diastolic blood pressure. The means arterial blood pressure is measured at the step at which the pressure oscillations reach a maximum. Systolic blood pressure is determined by making a first linear approximation to a plurality of amplitude measurements occurring below the expected systolic pressure and making a second linear approximation to a plurality of points occurring above the expected systolic pressure. The systolic pressure is calculated by setting the two approximations equal.

Abstract: A molded one-piece, self-sealing gasket maintains its seal at all times including during insertion of a tube, such as a catheter, as well as after the tube is withdrawn.

Abstract: A urine drainage bag having an outlet tube provided with a hydrophilic coating on its inner wall surface and an antimicrobial substance such as iodine carried within a frangible capsule adapted to be received within the tube and said substance being absorbable by the coating when the capsule is ruptured. A method of treating a urine drainage bag outlet tube to prevent multiplication or growth of microorganisms utilizing a frangible carrier within the tube is taught.

Abstract: A diagnostic catheter for use in performing cystometrograms and urethral pressure profile tests having a shaft of conventional elastomeric construction closed at the distal end and having a CMG port adjacent to this end. An inflation lumen extends to a second port which underlies a thin inflatable member secured to the shaft up to the edges of the second port so that when inflated, the member only expands outwardly over the area of the port. Back pressure readings may be taken during catheter removal for precise location of urethral obstructions.

Abstract: An electrical terminal for making conductive connection with a printed circuit conductor on one side of a dielectric sheet comprises a wiper section adapted to make contact with the printed circuit conductor and a blade section adapted to make contact with the opposite side of the sheet, the wiper section being struck from the blade section but leaving a part of the wiper section within the perimeter of the strike out opening so that upon insertion of the sheet between the blade and wiper sections, those sections spread apart and apply opposed clamping pressure to opposite sides of the sheet. The terminals are intended to provide electrical connections between a wiring harness and skin contact electrodes for measuring physiologic functions.

Abstract: There is disclosed an electrode construction of the type including a terminal arrangement and support structure for said terminal arrangement, said support structure adapted for the transcutaneous application of the electrode to a patient. The support structure may be fabricated from a layer of foam or microporous material, or plural layer employing a combination of both, or from a layer of conductive adhesive. The terminal arrangement may be of single terminal or multi-terminal design, and is provided by a conductive pattern printed on a semi-flexible plastic-like sheet, wherein said pattern is printed with a conductive ink of the type employing a conductive metal, such as silver, in a binder composition. The disclosure also contemplates novel structure for connection of the electrode to a lead wire, as well as several novel, overall designs for the construction of the electrode support means.

Abstract: A copolymer-based film former composition and delivery system is disclosed for establishing a breathable, compliant, water-insoluble barrier film for protection of the skin from exposure to, and irritation by, urine or fecal waste. The film formed establishes a protective barrier film that aids in maintaining a normal skin environment such as at the site of an interface between the skin and the adhesive of an ostomy appliance. In a preferred embodiment the copolymer comprises a plasticized solution of 50/50 n-butyl/iso-butyl methacrylate. The film former is applied to the skin by delivery means adapted to essentially preclude cross-contamination, assure that the film intimately conforms to the skin, and in a preferred delivery system enables the essentially simultaneous removal of a previously deposited film with stomal contaminant thereon while establishing a new film formed of the copolymer composition.

Abstract: There is disclosed an electrode construction of the type including a terminal arrangement and support structure for said terminal arrangement, said support structure adapted for the transcutaneous application of the electrode to a patient. The support structure may be fabricated from a layer of foam or microporous material, or plural layer employing a combination of both, or from a layer of conductive adhesive. The terminal arrangement may be of single terminal or multi-terminal design, and is provided by a conductive pattern printed on a semi-flexible plastic-like sheet, wherein said pattern is printed with a conductive ink of the type employing a conductive metal, such as silver, in a binder composition. The disclosure also contemplates novel structure for connection of the electrode to a lead wire, as well as several novel, overall designs for the construction of the electrode support means.

Abstract: A urine flow monitor for displaying preferably in digital form total patient urine output and also urine flow rate. Urine from the patient passes through a catheter and into a calibrated volume chamber of special configuration which permits use even under conditions of vertical misalignment and wherein electronically controlled valve means are located both above and below the chamber and optical sensor means are provided above the chamber and below the top valve means. With the lower valve means closed, filling of the chamber takes place until the point where the urine level reaches the optical sensor at which time, by virtue of electronic control, the upper valve will close and the lower valve will open, allowing the urine to pass into a collection receptacle such as a urine drainage bag. Concurrently with the operation of the valve means, a signal is sent to a console monitor to record the volume dumped into the receptacle and also to commence operation of the flow rate recorder.

Abstract: A flexible body fluid drain tube has substantially flat cross section with a pair of parallel longitudinal internal ribs along one substantially flat wall which are spaced apart a distance greater than their respective distances from the adjacent edges of the flat wall, a central internal longitudinal rib along the opposite substantially flat wall, and a pattern of drain holes along both flat walls in line with the parallel ribs. The ribs prevent the tube from collapsing even when the tube is subject to a very high vacuum and/or strong lateral compression forces due to body movements of the patient and the healing process at the drainage site. The central rib can wipe back and forth across the opposite wall to keep the tube passageway and drain holes clear when the flat tube walls are moved laterally relative to one another by body movements of the patient and the healing process.

Abstract: A unitary carrying handle-support hook assembly for urine drainage bags molded from a single plastic piece and including a pair of hanger hooks connected by a living hinge to a main frame which is provided with finger receiving apertures. The hooks can be stowed and latched in a nonuse position. The assembly includes opposed arm members receivable in pockets adjacent the top of the drainage bag.

Abstract: A urine meter bag for accurately measuring and storing urine passing from a patient including a meter for receiving the urine flow having a large measuring chamber and a smaller calibrated chamber into which the flow initially passes. Upon filling of the calibrated chamber, overflow passes into the large chamber. The meter rests in tandem against a flexible drainage bag and is in fluid communication therewith near the top so that the meter can be tipped and its contents emptied into the bag. A special support assembly pivoted on the bag hanging bracket includes slotted side arms which straddle the meter and receive pivot pins on the meter which facilitate support and emptying of the meter into the bag.

Abstract: A nebulizer and heater system for delivering a heated aerosol spray to a patient. The nebulizer includes a nebulization chamber where an aerosol spray is formed and a subsequent heating chamber. Large liquid particles are collected in a well formed in the heating chamber. The heater is configured such that it can easily be joined to and removed from the nebulizer. The heater has a heating rod which extends into the well and heats the liquid collected therein. The heated liquid, in turn, heats the aerosol as it passes through the heating chamber.

Abstract: Disclosed is a chest drainage collection system including a manifold to which a suction control container, a water seal container, and one or more collection containers are releasably secured. The manifold includes a first passage communicating between the suction control and water seal containers and a second passage communicating between the water seal and collection containers. The system includes a suction control apparatus including means for reducing the loss of liquid in the suction control container due to entrainment in air and means for attenuating noise in the suction control container. A flexible plastic sleeve is provided for transmitting atmospheric air into an air chamber above the liquid in the suction control container without contact with the liquid in that container during the transmission.

Abstract: A thermodilution injection system comprising a syringe for delivering a measured amount of injectate in an accurately predetermined time period, and an injectate cooling device positioned in serial relation to the syringe for cooling the injectate when it is dispensed from the syringe.

Abstract: An improved blood oxygenator including a first chamber having a plurality of oxygenator tubes disposed therein with each tube having an elongated cross-section. A blood inlet for introducing blood and a oxygen inlet for introducing oxygen gas into the blood are located on the oxygenator such that a mixture of blood and oxygen flows through the tubes where the blood is oxygenated. A blood foam exits from the tubes and then flows through a ring of reticulated polyurethane causing the blood to be further oxygenated. A defoamer is disposed about the first chamber and defoams the blood. The blood is then filtered and collected in a reservoir and can be withdrawn from the oxygenator through a blood outlet port.

Abstract: A nebulizer device for producing an aerosol spray via a flow of gas at varying oxygen concentrations is disclosed. The nebulizer device comprises a body defining an initial nebulization chamber, a subsequent baffling chamber and a venturi formed therebetween. Air intake ports are disposed on the body adjacent the nebulization chamber for providing the nebulization chamber with air in predetermined quantities. Regulating means are disposed about the nebulization chamber for regulating the flow of the air through the intake ports. An aerosol system for producing an aerosol of fine particles of liquid is located in the nebulization chamber upstream of the venturi such that the flow of the aerosol spray through the venturi encourages the atmospheric fluid to enter the device through the intake ports thereby diluting the aerosol. The venturi is located downstream of the intake ports and increases the flow rate of the atmospheric fluid through the intake ports.