Abstract: A locator device precisely identifies a predetermined spot which is hidden by a skin. The device is an outer washer and an inner washer with both washers being magnetized. The inner washer is positioned underneath the skin to mark the location of the predetermined spot therein. The outer washer aligns with the inner washer when proximate thereto to thereby locate said predetermined spot.

Abstract: A liquid injection needle (10) includes a hollow needle part (2) for injecting a liquid (8) and a supporting part (3), to which the needle part (2) is fixed. The needle part (2) includes an anchoring part (22) that extends through the inside of the supporting part (3) and a puncturing part (21) that extends from the supporting part (3) for making a puncture in a living body. The puncturing part (21) has a distal side outer diameter equal to or greater than 0.1 mm and equal to or less than 0.25 mm, and a proximal side outer diameter than the distal side outer diameter.

Abstract: A system and method for a patch-like, self-contained substance infusion device which provides one or more substantially hidden patient needles which can be placed in fluid communication with a fluid reservoir subassembly that includes a rigid bladder portion used in conjunction with a non-distensible bladder film, such as a metallized film. Simple removal of an interlock allows a disk, or Belleville spring assembly to apply an essentially even and constant pressure to the contents of the fluid reservoir assembly, and allows the device to then be attached to a skin surface via an adhesive contact surface. A push button activation assembly is provided which can then be used to release and seat one or more spring-loaded patient needles into the skin surface, and establish a fluid communication path between the patient needles and the pressurized fluid reservoir contents thereby delivering an infusion into the skin.

Abstract: A fixed needle syringe has a syringe barrel with its distal portion modified to accept a needle protective housing. In particular, the distal portion is formed with the a groove dimensioned to accept a collar that is attached to the housing. The inside surface of the collar is provided with a number of flanges that fit within the groove formed at the distal portion of the syringe barrel of the fixed needle syringe. Protrusions are provided at the inside surface of the collar to frictionally act against the syringe barrel, so that the needle protective housing does not freely rotate, but is rotatable relative to the syringe barrel by the application of a predetermined torque to either the collar or the housing attached thereto. An internal hook is provided in the housing to grasp the needle of the syringe, when the housing is pivoted to cover the needle extending from the needle hub of the syringe.

Abstract: The invention concerns a medical device comprising an inflatable sheath (2), a tubing (3) integral with a non-return valve (4), a rigid disc (5) forming a horizontal platform above the chamber (2) and means for receiving (6, 7, 18) the cannula (13, 20).

Abstract: An infusion pump unit includes a housing sized to allow the pump unit to be carried as a portable unit. The housing contains a controllable pumping system for pumping fluid. The pump actuator is lighter, smaller, quieter and less power consuming.

Abstract: A medication discharge assembly useful in patient systems includes a tubular element and a stylet. In a first, closed position, the stylet is seated within the tubular element and may provide a piercing point facilitating insertion of the tubular element to a treatment site. In a second, open position, the stylet is removed from the tubular element, and the tubular element provides a travel pathway for a drug introduced to the tubular element at a proximal connection port for specific interstitial and subcutaneous diffusion and dispersion of medication along the tubular element's length near a distal discharge port through disparate perforations, which may be formed as striations of increasing length nearer the distal discharge port. The stylet in the first position may be oriented to seal this travel pathway. Depth-finding features associated with the tubular element, visually perceptible and particularly useful for placement of the assembly, may be included.

Abstract: A cylindrical elongate body having proximal and distal ends and enclosing two similar longitudinally extending lumens separated by a septum and a further lumen within the septum. A convergently tapered tip extending from the distal end of the body defines part of the further lumen that extends distally beyond the longitudinally extending lumens, while a connector at the proximal end of the body couples plural access tubes in fluid communication with respective individual of the lumens. Openings providing access to each of the longitudinally extending lumens are spaced from one another longitudinally along the body. The further lumen terminates at an opening at the distal end of the tip. The longitudinally extending lumens are blocked immediately distally of the openings.

Abstract: A portable, hands-free and user friendly breast pump for facilitating breast-feeding, incorporates a dome-shaped housing having a servomotor mechanism; a hat-shaped flange having a chamber portion, a brim portion and an outlet, the chamber portion being formed so as to be placed over a nipple on a breast so as to define a chamber between the flange and the breast, and the brim portion being formed to surround the nipple and thereby form a suction seal therebetween; and a one-way venting element formed to operatively communicate with the chamber so as to vent pumped milk from the chamber via the outlet. The housing, the flange and the venting element are connected into an integral device held against the breast and underneath clothing so as to keep the integral device hidden. Breast milk is collected via a plastic collection bag that connects directly with the pump underneath clothing such that the milk is isolated from any contaminants in the air and may be easily stored immediately after being collected.

Abstract: A gravity-fed drinking dispenser for unassisted self-administration of liquids by a bedridden user includes a non-pressurized liquid container adapted to be positioned above the user's head, a flexible tubing assembly connected therewith with a mouthpiece at its free end, and a normally closed solenoid valve between the container and the mouthpiece which, when opened, allows liquid to flow by gravity to the mouthpiece. A low-voltage D.C. electrical source connected with the solenoid valve supplies direct current thereto. Operation of the solenoid valve is controlled by an ergonomic pressure-sensitive microswitch connected between the power source and the solenoid valve, which has a generally oval-shaped housing with a bulbous upper portion shaped to receive the palm of the user and allow the user to put their fingers around it and actuate the microswitch by applying light pressure thereto for unassisted self-administration of liquids.