Abstract: An epidural catheter has a closed, soft patient end region with a side opening. The catheter is formed from a two-layer extruded tube in which the outer layer is of a harder material than the inner layer. A heated pin is inserted in one end of the tube to expand its diameter. An annular grinding tool is then moved along the expanded region to remove the outer, hard layer in this region. The end of the tube is subsequently closed and the side opening is formed.

Abstract: A syringe pump has a motor rotating a leadscrew, which drives a plunger head retainer to push a plunger along the barrel of a syringe so as to dispense medication to a patient. A force sensor in the head retainer measures the force on the plunger to detect when there is an occlusion restricting flow of medication. When an excess force is detected an alarm is generated and the motor is reversed to reduce the force to about 10% of that at which the occlusion is detected. The occlusion can be removed with a reduced risk of a bolus of medication being dispensed after which the user restarts the pump so that the plunger is driven normally.

Abstract: A tracheostomy dilator is curved along its length having a tapering patient end region (5) at one end and an oppositely curved handle region (7) at its opposite end. A passage (10) extends rearwardly along the dilator from its patient end (4) and opens on a side of the dilator at an opening (12) in the handle region (7). The passage (10) is blocked rearwardly of the opening (12) by an insert (2) with a forward ramp surface (23), which directs a guidewire (30). In use, one end of the guidewire (30) projects from the patient end (4) of the dilator and its opposite end extends along the outside of the handle region (7).

Abstract: A cuffed silicone tracheostomy tube has two tapered recesses (17) and (18) on its outer surface in which opposite ends (7) and (8) of a resilient cuff 6 are bonded using an adhesive or solvent. Two shallow ribs (22) and (23) extend around the tube on the inner edge of each recess (17) and (18), projecting outwardly to prevent the adhesive or solvent spreading onto the inflatable portion (10) of the cuff (6). The cuff (6) has several shallow ribs (9) extending around the cuff and spaced along its inflatable portion (10) to promote even inflation.

Abstract: An infra-red liquid sampling cell has a sapphire base plate with a part-spherical concave recess. A sapphire upper plate is hinged relative to the base plate larger radius of curvature than the recess. When the upper plate is lowered into contact with the base plate its convex surface contacts the liquid sample thereby excluding air bubbles and, when in contact with the edge of the recess, produces a well-defined sample thickness. An infra-red source directs radiation down through both plates and the liquid sample to a detector.

Abstract: A tracheal tube is made by the attachment proximate to its patient end an inverted cuff, so that the flash lines that result from the molding of the cuff is hidden from view, and any loose material from the flash lines of the cuff is trapped within the cuff, instead of falling into the patient. The smooth surface of the inverted cuff also prevents potential secretion buildup on the cuff and facilitates the cleaning of the tracheal tube.

Abstract: A suction control valve for a closed system suction catheter has a housing with an inlet bore and an outlet bore inclined at an angle to the inlet bore and opening into the bore via an aperture. A valve member comprises a rod member and a manually actuable plate extending longitudinally in an external channel along the housing between two walls. The rod member supports a resilient sleeve and its forward end is urged, by a spring, to engage a tapered seal within the housing forwardly of the aperture, thereby blocking flow through the valve. The valve is opened by sliding the plate rearwardly so that the valve member moves rearwardly of the aperture. A locking cap can be twisted to prevent movement of the valve member from its closed position.

Abstract: A suction arrangement includes a suction source (1) with a single inlet (13) and a connector (5) of caltrop shape with four interconnected ribbed ports 50 to 53, one of which (50) is connected to the suction inlet. The other three ports (51 to 53) are connected with tubing interconnections (15, 23, 33, 46) which each have a valve or the like (25, 35, 48) for blocking flow as necessary. The tubing interconnections connect with respective suction appliances including a suction outlet (41) above the cuff (42) of a tracheal tube (40), a tracheal suction catheter (3) and an oral suctioning catheter (2).

Abstract: A tracheostomy tube assembly includes a flexible tube (1, 1?) and a flexible introducer (2, 2?) within the tube, the introducer having a passage (22) along its length for receiving a guidewire (9) inserted into the trachea (7) through a tracheostomy (6). The tube (1) has an inwardly-projecting collar (17, 17?) at its patient end (11), which engages an outwardly-projecting shoulder (24, 24?) on the introducer (2, 2?) so that the tube does not ride rearwardly along the introducer during insertion. The flexibility of the assembly is such that it can be inserted through the tracheostomy (6) while straight and then curves to follow the guidewire (9) as its patient end enters the trachea (7).

Abstract: An HME has a generally T-shape housing (1) with a central, laterally-extending port (2) for connecting to the machine end of a patient breathing tube (3) or mask. The housing (1) extends to either side of the port (2) and is curved to follow the shape of the patient's neck. Hygroscopic HME paper elements (4) are retained at opposite ends of the housing (1) so that all gas flowing to or from the tube via the HME passes through one or other of these elements. The housing (1) has a suction aperture (60) located directly opposite the port (2).

Abstract: A gas-powered resuscitator is operable either in a manual mode or an automatic mode. The resuscitator includes an oscillatory timing valve (14) having an outlet (23) connected to a bi-stable valve (25), the operation of which is piloted by a manual valve (16). The outlet (26) of the bi-stable valve (25) connects to the outlet (2) of the resuscitator via a rotatable control (32) and a patient valve (41). The outlet (26) of the bi-stable valve (25) also connects to the control inlet (34) of the timing valve (14). The manual valve (16) has a button (62) that can be pushed down manually in the manual mode or can be held down in the automatic mode by rotating a locking ring (262). The maximum duration of cycles is limited by operation of the timing valve (14), whether the resuscitator is operated manually or automatically.

Abstract: A manual squeeze bag resuscitator has an outlet (7) connected to a face mask or breathing tube via a length of flexible tubing (40) so that the resuscitator can be operated away from the face of the patient. A tube (10) within the bag (2) limits the extent by which the bag can be compressed in order to produce more repeatable operation. The tube (10) extends between the air inlet (6) and outlet (7) and has openings into the bag. The user may wear a wrist support (30), to limit flexing of the wrist, and the surface of this and the bag (2) may have a hook and loop fastener material to improve grip.

Abstract: An upright vacuum cleaner has a hose assembly (10, 10?) attached at one end to the base (1, 1?) of the cleaner. The hose assembly is stowed alongside the handle (6, 6?) and is retained by the free end (19) of the assembly engaging a fixture (21) on the handle. The hose assembly (10, 10?) comprises a rigid wand (12, 12?) and a flexible hose (11, 11?) with a natural extended length. The hose can be retracted to a shorter length using the power of the vacuum cleaner by closing a valve (20, 20?) on the wand (12, 12?) to prevent air flow along the hose assembly and produce a reduced pressure. The wand (12, 12?) is stowed by sliding inside or outside the hose (11, 11?) and has a flange (18, 18?) at one end that engages and seals with a flange (15, 15?) at the free end of the hose when the wand is extended.

Abstract: An imaging infrared spectrometer system includes an ATR unit (10) having a sample window (12) above an optical system (19) that directs radiation through the window onto the sample and directs radiation from the sample via corrective optics (40) to an imaging detector (4). The corrective optics is in the form of a wedge-shape prism (40) with a reflective surface (28) and is located near a focus of the optical system (19). The wedge prism (40) is effective to correct the focal plane orientation and anamorphic magnification at the sample.

Abstract: An intubation detector for an endotracheal tube has a resilient bellows and a carbon dioxide, color-change indicator mounted at the machine end of the tube. Compressing and releasing the bellows indicates whether or not the patient end of the tube is occluded. When the patient end of the tube is not occluded, gas is drawn into the indicator by the bellows to provide an indication of carbon dioxide level. The detector may be mounted at the machine end of a stiff introducer tube extended along the endotracheal tube. Alternatively, the detector may be mounted by a stem directly into the bore at the machine end of the endotracheal tube.

Abstract: A manual squeeze bag resuscitator has a strap assembly extending around its central portion. The length of the strap assembly is adjustable so that it can limit the diameter of the bag and hence limit its effective volume, such as for use with smaller patients.

Abstract: A tracheostomy instrument (1) used for inserting a tracheostomy tube has a needle (10) with coloured bands (13) along its length and connected with a syringe (14) at its machine end. The syringe (14) is used to detect when the trachea (3) has been penetrated; the depth of penetration is indicated by observing which coloured band (13) aligns with the skin surface (5). The machine end of the tracheostomy tube shaft (20) has a number of coloured bands (26) corresponding to the bands (13) on the needle (10). A flange (24) is movable along the tube (2) and is locked in position against the coloured band (26) corresponding to the band (13) on the needle (10) aligned with the skin surface (5).

Abstract: A thermal probe system has a Wollaston thermal sensor connected in one arm of a bridge. The other arms of the bridge are provided by resistors and a voltage is applied from a low-noise source via several op-amps. The output of the bridge is connected with a primary winding of a step-up transformer, the output of which connects with the input of an output amplifier, which, in turn, provides an output to a display.

Abstract: Small diameter plastic catheters or tubes are end formed using a glass mould with a cavity having a smoothly-rounded closed end. The end of the mould contacts a heater so that the closed end of the cavity can be heated. The tube is loaded on a hollow, metal pin so that the pin projects from the end of the tube. This assembly of tube and pin is loaded on a carriage and is gripped by spring arms. A weight and pulley arrangement moves the assembly forwardly into the cavity so that the pin initially contacts the closed end of the cavity. The grip on the assembly is set to allow the tube to slide forwardly along the pin when the pin contacts the closed end of the cavity so that the forward end of the tube comes into contact with the heated, closed end of the cavity. The material of the tube flows around the pin, which keeps the end of the tube open. A blower then blows air onto the outside of the mould to cool it and allow the flowed material to harden slightly.