Abstract: A closure member for pierceable access ports of flexible containers of the type adapted for effective safe storage and use of parenteral fluids and similar sterile solutions, the access port having a pierceable access closure diaphragm, wherein the closure member includes a base portion in sealed engagement over the neck of the access port on the container, with a rigidifying and strengthening portion or an insert in sealed engagement therebetween, and a free-standing portion extending from the base portion and having a sealed end, the free-standing portion being connected to the base portion by a fragible thinned material section adapted to be ruptured to permit the free-standing portion to be removed, thereby providing access to the pierceable diaphragm for insertion therethrough of a parenteral solution administration spike.

Abstract: A novel construction for electrically illuminated medical diagnostic instruments, particularly otoscopes and ophthalmoscopes. The invention fills a need for instruments that are relatively low cost and yet of good quality, the lower cost being achieved in part by the materials used and in part by the ease with which the components can be assembled. In addition to being economical, the instruments disclosed are easy to use and maintain. They are lightweight and compact, and for ease of maintenance are provided with an easily removable light source unit in which the lamp and batteries are mounted. This greatly facilitates changing these expendable items when such becomes necessary.BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTIONThis invention relates generally to medical instruments, and has particular reference to a novel construction for electrically illuminated diagnostic instruments such as otoscopes and ophthalmoscopes.

Abstract: A breast pump comprises an outer cylinder having an open and closed ends, an inner cylinder having two open ends and adapted to be inserted into said outer cylinder and displaced therein and a packing for sealing a clearance between said outer and inner cylinders.

Abstract: An improved nasopharyngeal speculum is disclosed. The subject speculum is especially designed to permit exposure of and provide a direct line of sight to the nasopharynx and thereby serve to facilitate the performance of medical procedures such as adenoidectomies and subsequent hemostasis.

Abstract: This invention relates to hospital apparatus, and in one embodiment comprises a urine collector comprising an elongated, substantially cylindrical tube of material which is impermeable to materials produced by the body, said tube being capable of being lapped into a lapped storage configuration, and being retained in open position by reinforcing means integral therewith.

Abstract: Apparatus for fixing retractors in an adjustable, predetermined position relative to a patient on an operating table. The apparatus comprises an anchor frame including a base member having at least one extension member projecting substantially perpendicular to the base member. A plurality of spaced apart, inwardly projecting anchor rings are serially arranged along the anchor frame, and a support frame, including upstanding post members is connected for supporting the base member of the anchor frame. Legs are adjustably clamped to the post members, the legs in turn being adjustably connected to the operating table. The adjustable connection of the legs to the post members is such as to clamp the post members and thus the anchor frame at a preselected and predetermined height relative to a patient on the operating table.

Abstract: A suction bottle assembly for effecting drainage from a patient. The assembly has a float, which is responsive to the level of drainage in the bottle, that is connected to the cover by a preferably parallel bar bracket. The bracket causes the float to rise substantially vertically and also seals off the vacuum inlet and opens a vacuum relief valve to create a pressure balance within the bottle with the outside atmospheric pressure, thus preventing overflow.

Abstract: Disclosed are enterostomy applicance assemblies employing a collection pouch element, a flexible sealing band element and an abdominal wall-contacting gasket element including an apertured gasket back wall portion which is relatively convex and flexible and a gasket front wall surface which is relatively planar and rigid and which is provided with a relatively rigid outwardly-extending frustoconical flange member. The flange member and the gasket front wall portion establish a continuous groove with two adjacent sealing surfaces at acute angles to each other for fluid-tight attachment of the pouch to the gasket with the sealing band.

Abstract: Equipment for medical or surgical uses is provided for purposes, for example, of withdrawing or draining body liquids from cavities tending to accumulate such liquids, for instance as a result of wounds, surgical procedures or of pathological conditions in the body. The equipment comprises a vacuum chamber adapted to receive a disposable collection bag, having a suction line with a catheter for receiving the body liquids, together with control systems for regulating the vacuum in the vacuum chamber and thus the suction in the collection bag.

Abstract: A suction wand having a weighted, reusable handle in cooperation with a disposable suction conduit, the suction conduit having a suction tip at one end and adapted to couple with a suction tubing at the other end. The weighted handle imparts a pre-selected weight and feel to the wand and is selectively reusable with a variety of disposable suction conduit systems.

Abstract: A surgical laparotomy pad having uniquely useful properties comprises a hydrophilic polyurethane sponge in which the sponge pores have a surfactant coating to accelerate absorption of body fluids into the pores at medically desirable rates, the fluids being retained therein by capillarity to affect removal of the fluids from the body. The sponge is flexible, and substantially free from lint, toxicity, and abrasiveness, making it particularly suitable for use in contact with raw living tissue to absorb blood or fluids, and retain tissues temporarily in position during surgical procedures.

Abstract: An endoscope is equipped with a tube consisting of at least two layers and having a passage through which forceps or catheter is inserted. One layer constituting an inner layer is made of a relatively rigid material whose frictional coefficient is small. The other layer constituting an outer layer is made of a flexible or pliable material and is thicker than the inner layer.

Abstract: A cup of absorbent material of a size to cap the male organ for absorbing urine moisture after urination and provided with a tab or handle for manipulating the same.

Abstract: Aspirator and aspirators assemblies, particularly adapted for use by dentists and oral surgeons, include a tubular member having an adaptor tip at one end which is configured to coact with varying sizes of suction hose and/or adaptors whereby the aspirator is readily useable regardless of the type of vacuum utility service provided by the building. The adaptor tip is configured to have a smaller diameter tapered portion to be received in and coupled to a small diameter suction hose, a larger diameter portion at its proximal end dimensioned to be received within and coupled to an intermediate diameter suction hose, and with the larger diameter portion dimensioned to coact with an adaptor dimensioned to be received within and coupled to a large diameter suction hose by means of which the aspirator tip is coupled to such large hose.

Abstract: A sliding tube is disposed within a cylindrical insertion pipe. Around the insertion pipe there is provided a surrounding wall member defining a space with the pipe, said space communicating with a suction instrument via a suction pipe and simultaneously with the interior hole of the insertion pipe via a communicating port. The opening planes of the respective upper end opening portions of the insertion pipe and space are rendered substantially flush with each other, each of said upper end opening portions having a size large enough to permit it to be closed by the operator's finger. When an injection instrument is fitted into the upper end opening of the insertion pipe, the sliding tube is lowered to close said communicating port. The surrounding wall member is detachably fitted to a receiving member secured to an endoscope body.

Abstract: A pumping syringe and attachment for withdrawing fluids from patients and other objects, wherein the fore part of the syringe is provided with a T-passageway configuration accommodating double check valves which need not be spring loaded. Successive withdrawals of the plunge relative to the barrel of the syringe produces successive withdrawals of respective charges of withdrawn liquid; subsequent, respective depressions automatically change the fluid circuit, via check valve self-adjustment, so that fluid is ejected into a laboratory-type or other container or sump.

Abstract: The invention provides a combination of a sheet of thin pliable material adapted to be placed in sealing engagement with the skin of a patient in the location of a body opening made by an incision or wound, with the sheet being adapted to have an aperture formed therein to expose the opening, together with a removable cap preferably of transparent plastic material which can be adhesively secured to the outer face of the sheet. Drains placed in the body opening can be observed through the cap and the opening can be treated and the tubes withdrawn in increments by simply removing the cap which thereafter can be replaced.

Abstract: A filter for arresting the flow of a liquid entrained, deformable solid or semi-solid body through a tubular vessel or conduit, the filter including a plurality of convergent legs in generally conical array and joined at their convergent ends to an apical hub, each leg having a reversely bent hook at its end which is distal with respect to the hub. Each leg also includes a plurality of bends intermediate its length, which bends decrease the solids by-pass capability of the filter without concurrent fluid occlusion.An intrument for inserting the filter in a tubular environment is provided and includes a carrier for supporting the filter in a collapsed, compact status, an ejector mounted in the carrier for ejecting or releasing the filter from the carrier and an elongated flexible tube connected to the carrier for moving the carrier and filter to the locus of use of the filter, and for supplying an ejector actuating fluid to the ejector.

Abstract: A diagnostic device for a liquid sample comprising, a receptacle having a cavity containing a culture medium, and means for establishing communication with the sample. The device has pump means for withdrawing and expelling liquid, and valve means for separately establishing communication of the establishing means and the receptacle with the pump means, in order that a liquid sample may be withdrawn by the pump means through the establishing and valve means and expelled by the pump means through the valve means into the receptacle for inoculation of the culture medium.

Abstract: A disposable plastic speculum is used on an infrared sensing thermometer used by placing it in the patient's ear for sensing body temperature through the tympanic membrane. The speculum has the general shape of a funnel with relatively shallow and relatively steep tapered frustoconical sections. The speculum is placed on a speculum retainer on the thermometer for use. The exterior of the speculum retainer has the general shape of interior of the speculum and includes a peripheral enlargement near its smaller end. When the speculum is placed on the retainer it is stretched by the enlargement and thereby retained in place. The speculum is made of a plastic having limited resistance to stress cracking so that the stretched portion over the enlargement cracks during retention on the speculum retainer. Since the speculum thus inherently destroys itself, it is assured that the speculum will be discarded and a new one used for each patient.