Abstract: A CDU hanger mount assembly and hanger is provided. The mount assembly and hanger allows the CDU to be supported by an object for supporting the CDU while the connecting point between the hanger mount and the pivot end of the hanger may be selectively moved from a point midway between the front and back of the CDU top toward the back of the CDU. This allows the CDU to be less displaced from the vertical upon displacing contact with an object such as a bedframe piece. The hanger and hanger mount assembly allows the alignment of the indicia on the CDU with the top surface of the material collected in the CDU to be a more accurate representation of the actual volume of material collected in the CDU. The mount assembly and hanger may also be used with medical devices other than CDUs.

Abstract: A safety dental syringe of the type adapted to receive a medication cartridge therein but having a protective needle shield thereon which is movable between a retracted position wherein the needle is exposed and a locked and extended position wherein the needle is protected and the needle shield is prevented from returning to the retracted position. A collar is attached to the distal end of the dental syringe to selectively engage a key on the needle shield as the needle shield is moved between the retracted and extended positions. The needle shield slides longitudinally between the retracted and extended positions and may be rotated about the barrel of the dental syringe to lock the needle shield in the locked and extended position. A locking mechanism is disclosed which preferably includes a series of ramps and slots adapted to engage portions of the keys on the needle shield to retain the needle shield in the locked and extended position.

Abstract: A sanitary protective cover or sheath for the ear canal probe of a tympanic thermometer. The speculum has a generally tubular body portion and an infrared transparent membrane attached to and sealing the forward end of the body portion. While the tubular body portion is being injection molded of plastic material such a polypropylene or polyethylene, a film of a similar plastic material is mated to the forward end of the membrane and is thus severed from the film and one side thereof thermally bonded to the tubular body portion. At the same time a bonding ring of roughly the same diameter as the forward end of the tubular body portion is injection molded. The ring is thermally bonded to the opposite side of the film in alignment with the forward end of the tubular body portion.

Abstract: A guide wire feeding device for operation by a single hand of a physician is disclosed. The device includes an elastic locking ring which allows the guide wire to be fixed in relative position with the feeding device if desired.

Abstract: A tamper-evident closure seal for containers such as syringes or syringes with an attached needle or the like is disclosed. The seal includes a plurality of slits therein which inhibit removal of the seal from the container once the seal has been placed thereon. The invention includes a method of manufacturing the seal which includes deformation of a portion of the slitted area of the seal in order to strengthen the seal in the area of the slits so as to improve removeability of the seal from its release liner prior to attachment thereof to the container, without inadvertent or premature destruction of the seal.

Abstract: A process and method for preventing a separated material from interfering with the portion of a fluid to be sampled for use in a serum or plasma collection device including a gel material for partitioning and separating heavier and lighter phases of a fluid sample such as a blood sample. The device preferably includes a member such as a disc-shaped or ring-shaped member or a combination thereof to prevent the separated material from interfering with the sampling of the separated fluid sample. The member is preferably formed of hydrophobic and/or non-wetted material and has a specific gravity different from the specific gravity of the lighter phase. The process may also include a member which physically separates the separated material from the fluid to be sampled to allow the user to obtain an uncontaminated fluid sample.

Abstract: A fluid collection and disposal system which includes a reusable collection unit designed to be cleaned by a servicing unit after use. The servicing unit performs an automatic servicing cycle to remove the collected fluid from the collection unit and prepare it for reuse.

Abstract: The invention relates to a respiratory support system (10) which includes a suction catheter device (41), a suction control valve (36), and a ventilator manifold (11). The ventilator (11) includes an access port (15) for attachment and detachment of the suction catheter device (41) thereto without interruption of continuous respiratory support of the patient. The access port (15) has a normally closed valve (16) therein which remains closed regardless of the pressure changes within the manifold (11). The normally closed valve (16) is positioned in the port (15) such that placement of a specially designed connector (40) of the suctioning device (41) therein forces the normally closed valve (16) to an open position, The manifold (11) and valve (16) are adapted to allow cleaning of the catheter (54) therethrough without detachment thereof.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a stop-cock valve useable in conjunction with a fluid delivery set for delivering fluids such as intravenous fluids or enteral fluids from one or more containers to a patient. The valve includes a shear-away interference member which holds the valve in a closed position prior to use in order to prevent accidental premature free flow of fluid therethrough. The valve also includes a venting passage for allowing access of sterilization gas into all fluid flow passages of the valve even when the valve stem is rotated to a closed position.

Abstract: A medical device is coated with a solution of TDMAC heparin and then allowed to air dry. Thereafter, the coated medical device is exposed to gamma ray radiation. The gamma radiation strengthens the bond of the TDMAC to the material of the medical device. In a variation of this method, TDMAC heparin coated and gamma ray irradiated medical device is heated for an extended period of time. This heating has been found to further strengthen the bond of the TDMAC heparin to the medical device.

Abstract: The invention relates to a sputum trap for an aspiration a respiratory support system which includes a sleeved suction catheter device, a suction control valve, and a ventilator manifold. The sputum trap allows collection of sputum directly from a patient through a suction catheter without causing a loss of PEEP in the respiratory support system. The sleeved suction catheter device includes a sputum trap/suction control valve end connector having a valve therein which prevents air flow through the catheter until the sputum trap or suction control valve is attached thereto. The manifold includes a one-way check valve which is opened upon insertion of the manifold end connector of the sleeved suction catheter therein. The suction control valve includes an actuator which is linearly movable between a first position in which suction therethrough is prevented, to a second position in which the valve is open to suction therethrough.

Abstract: A suction catheter is disclosed having a tubular, bellowed flexible proximal or patient contacting end creating a rigidity to not permit bending and twisting during the catheter's insertion and operation, a flexibility to prevent injuring a patient's trachea or bronchial tube and having a good suction efficiency. A lumen leads to openings in the catheter made at the bellowed proximal end that fluidly connects the lumen with the exterior of the catheter.

Abstract: A drop detector circuit and method are provided for a drop detector of the type including a drop chamber and a light emitter and corresponding detector located on opposite sides of the drop chamber. The detector is saturated by light emitted from the light emitter to produce a saturated detector output signal. The detector circuit senses variations in the detector output signal caused by drops passing through the drop chamber between the emitter and detector that block light emitted by the emitter from reaching the detector. The detector circuit senses the slope of the variations in the detector output signal and produces a control signal when the slope exceeds a threshold value.

Abstract: A device for sealing incisions in the body of a patient wherein the device includes a bioabsorbable sealing member having an elongate shaft member and an elastomeric and flexible balloon member. The device may also include a preformed or injectable collagenous material associated therewith to hemostatically seal the incision in the body of the patient. The shaft member may include one or more lumens extending therethrough in flow communication with one or more balloon members thereon to provide a relatively simple device which effectively seals an incision in the body of a patient.

Abstract: A safety dental syringe of the type adapted to receive a medication cartridge therein but having a protective needle shield thereon which is movable between a retracted position wherein the needle is exposed and a locked and extended position wherein the needle is protected and the needle shield is prevented from returning to the retracted position. A collar is attached to the distal end of the dental syringe to selectively engage a key on the needle shield as the needle shield is moved between the retracted and extended positions. The needle shield slides longitudinally between the retracted and extended positions and may be rotated about the barrel of the dental syringe to lock the needle shield in the locked and extended position. A locking mechanism is disclosed which preferably includes a series of ramps and slots adapted to engage portions of the keys on the needle shield to retain the needle shield in the locked and extended position.

Abstract: An assembly for preventing movement of a sharp lancet tip out of a lancet device of the type having a linearly movable and retractable lancet tip is disclosed. The lancet device has a patient contacting or distal end and an opposed proximal end. The lancet device has a lancet that is substantially encased in an elongated molded plastic lancet body. The lancet has a sharp tip that extends beyond the end of the lancet and is enclosed in a removable cap. The distal end of the lancet has a pair of retainer arms that extend away from the lancet body on opposite sides of the lancet body parallel to the axis of the lancet body. The distal end of the retainer arms extend slightly beyond the distal end of the lancet body and are curved toward the axis of the lancet body to contact the outer surface of the cap. Each retainer arm has a stop, located near the distal end of the retainer arms. The distal end of the lancet body fits in a chamber in the lancet device.

Abstract: A breathable, comfortable, elastic pressure sensitive, permanent tacky, adhesive bandaging material is disclosed. The material includes a fabric formed of stretch and non-stretch filling and warp yarns which are coated with a release agent, a stiffening agent, and an adhesive material. Both the agents and adhesive material are applied to the backside of the fabric, with a small amount of the release agent being absorbed through the fabric to the face surface thereof. The adhesive material may include a solvent which tends to plasticize the stiffening agent to a small degree when applied thereto. The resulting bandaging material exhibits characteristics of good tearability along with a relatively soft face surface and an improved hand. The material is manufactured by applying the agents and adhesive to the fabric when the fabric is in a relaxed state. When subsequently stretched, the adhesive is pulled into a random, nonuniform and discontinuous layer.

Abstract: A self packaged medical device, such as a syringe assembly, having a hollow body and an operative element therein for the controlled dispensing or entry of fluid into the body. An extension member operatively connected to the operative element and extending proximally beyond the proximal end of the body. The device further including a proximal barrier between the extension member and the body and a distal barrier to maintain the sterility of the interior of the device prior to use. The medical device is also disclosed in combination with a safety syringe wherein a needle protective shield is movably mounted about the body and is movable between retracted and extended positions.

Abstract: A handle attachment for use with a chest drainage unit (CDU) having a pair of hangers extending above the CDU to support the CDU on a bedrail or the like. The handle attachment being used to capture both CDU hangers to allow the CDU to be transported within a medical facility by the necessary medical personnel in an easy, one-handed manner.