Patents Examined by J. L. Kruter
  • Patent number: 4747843
    Abstract: A control module for regulating the flow of gases in a suction drainage apparatus. The drainage apparatus includes a collection container in communication with a body cavity to receive body fluids (including liquids and gases) therefrom and a suction source for creating a negative pressure within the collection container and removing the gases of the body fluids. The control module includes a serial arrangement of chambers and a plurality of flow control means in a unitary compact structure which fits within a recess provided in the collection container. The control module is adapatable to different sizes and types of collection means and does not add appreciably to the overall size of the device. Baffle means are provided to prevent the loss of the indicator liquid from the air leak indicator means if the device is tipped in any direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 15, 1986
    Date of Patent: May 31, 1988
    Assignee: C.R. Bard, Inc.
    Inventors: Augustus Felix, John Uhoch
  • Patent number: 4744352
    Abstract: An artificial vagina releaseably attached to one end of a phantom mare. The phantom includes a body section that is adjustable such that the vertical height and angle of inclination can be set to accommodate stallions of all sizes. The body section also includes a recessed area to simulate the shape and size of a mare's body and to provide the stallion with a gripping area. The phantom of the present invention makes collection more natural for the stallion and will be less work for the handler.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 16, 1987
    Date of Patent: May 17, 1988
    Inventor: Joseph B. Emery
  • Patent number: 4744789
    Abstract: A body fat injection syringe holder with a mechanism for retracting the barrel of a syringe to the plunger and a mechanism for retracting the plunger simultaneously retracting the plunger with the barrel. A trigger apparatus for variably controlling the rate of retraction of the barrel relative to the retraction of the plunger.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 18, 1987
    Date of Patent: May 17, 1988
    Inventor: Gerald W. Johnson
  • Patent number: 4743236
    Abstract: A urine collection device having a meter and collection chamber formed by a heat sealed portion which separates the two chambers. A passageway formed by the heat sealed portion and a sealed edge allows the collected urine to pass from one chamber to the other and dispensed from a discharge port when the urine collection device is hung selectively from either of two hangers located on the edges of the device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 24, 1986
    Date of Patent: May 10, 1988
    Assignee: Plastronics, Inc.
    Inventor: James G. Manschot
  • Patent number: 4738672
    Abstract: A collection chamber for fluids and a wide diameter pathway for the removal of air due to leaks from the lung after operation or injury to the contents of the thorax is described. The collection chamber is provided with ports for the attachment of tubing extending from the chest cavity and for connection to a vacuum pump. A water level control vacuum regulator is integral with the chamber which allows a parallel pathway for the removal of large volumes of air from the pleural space without the necessity of a high vacuum. A one-way valve is provided which is open during the drainage mode but which closes during the respiratory inhalation mode to prevent the back flow of air or fluid into the pleural space. In the event of vacuum pump failure, a pressure relief valve is provided to relieve excess positive pressure within the collection chamber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 8, 1986
    Date of Patent: April 19, 1988
    Inventor: William G. Malette
  • Patent number: 4738673
    Abstract: An elastomeric tubular sheath is secured over the user's penis having an operative end in a forwardly spaced position. A strainer is provided at the forward end having filtering means with openings sized to retain calculi but to otherwise allow the passage of urine therethrough.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 9, 1987
    Date of Patent: April 19, 1988
    Inventor: Barry Shepard
  • Patent number: 4738669
    Abstract: A fluid dispenser having a handle portion supporting at least three spaced-apart, flexible prongs or tines that meet at a pyramidal apex to form a fluid-containing cradle. The cradle holds a precise amount of fluid therein by surface tension between the prongs and the fluid. The small cradle pocket formed at the apex of these prongs has a capillary channel disposed ahead of it, which terminates at the tip of the prongs. When the tip of the prongs are contacted to a body surface in question and slightly flexed, fluid will flow from the cradle through the capillary channel to this surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 30, 1987
    Date of Patent: April 19, 1988
    Inventor: David G. Vlock
  • Patent number: 4735610
    Abstract: A surgical suction cassette for use with a microsurgical apparatus having a surgical handpiece connected by tubing with a control cabinet contains a tank to receive aspirated material from the microsurgical site, fluid connections for the tubes providing suction, pressure and irrigation fluid to the handpiece, fluid connections for connecting sources of pressure, vacuum and vent within the cabinet, fluid connection for an external source of irrigation fluid, and internal tubing providing connections between the connections to the handpiece and the connections to the cabinet. Solenoid actuated occluders in the cabinet compress the tubing in the cassette to turn the various fluid streams on and off. The cassette is provided with a drain for automatically removing the contents without changing the cassette. A latch hook, centrally located between the fluid connections to the cabinet holds the cassette in the cabinet when in use.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 10, 1986
    Date of Patent: April 5, 1988
    Assignee: CooperVision, Inc.
    Inventors: Tamer Akkas, Mark E. Steen, John W. Berkman
  • Patent number: 4735605
    Abstract: An improved lipectomy device, or cannula, is disclosed having inner and outer tubes. The outer tube has an elongated aspiration aperture, and the inner tube has a spiral slot. A mechanism inside the handle of the device causes the inner tube to rotate, creating a traveling hole effect along the aspiration aperture. This obviates the necessity of the surgeon repeatedly pushing the cannula in and out.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 15, 1986
    Date of Patent: April 5, 1988
    Inventor: Barry E. Swartz
  • Patent number: 4731064
    Abstract: To function as intended, it is desirable that an external or condom catheter be properly applied and maintained upon the penis. An ill-fitting of the device commonly occurs when the catheter is being unrolled during application, and action which tends to push the free end of the penis away from an intended position within the conical body portion of the catheter. Addtionally, an unrolling of the catheter tends to rearwardly displace the relatively loose and relaxed penile skin, causing a displacement of the free end of the penis within the conical body portion once the penile skin returns to its relaxed state. A twisting or kinking of the catheter, leading to outlet obstruction and backflow problems, often results. The solution is one or a plurality of rearwardly or proximally extending flap members emerging preferably from within the conical body portion of the external catheter and adhesively securable to the penis prior to an unrolling the catheter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 23, 1987
    Date of Patent: March 15, 1988
    Inventor: Eugene L. Heyden
  • Patent number: 4731056
    Abstract: The ventricular drainage system includes an antisiphon device comprising a flow through body which has an interior chamber and which is adapted to be positioned for vertical flow therethrough. The device further includes an inflow tract at the lower end of the body, adapted to be coupled to a ventricular catheter, and an outflow tract at the upper end of said body adapted to be coupled to a drainage tubing. The device also includes a ball in the chamber which is capable of closing the inflow tract when there is no flow of fluid from the ventricular catheter, capable of allowing fluid flow through the body during normal flow of liquid from the catheter and capable of closing the outflow tract upon a rush of fluid from the catheter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 24, 1986
    Date of Patent: March 15, 1988
    Assignee: Cordis Corporation
    Inventor: William S. Tremulis
  • Patent number: 4731050
    Abstract: An improved moxibustion case also performs acupressure. The moxibustion case is constructed with a cylindrical body having a moxa holder attached to its end portion to hold a cylindrical moxa slidably in its longitudinal direction and a cap member having a rear end portion fitted rotatably to the front end portion of the cylindrical body and a front wall having a discharge opening for a moxa combustion gas to treat a desired part of the body. Air supply openings at the circumference and along the length of the cylindrical body near its middle to control the moxa fire-force.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 9, 1986
    Date of Patent: March 15, 1988
    Inventors: Minoru Harada, Hiroji Harada
  • Patent number: 4731052
    Abstract: A method for delicately and gently removing an egg from the human ovary for use in in vitro fertilization and a disposable or semi-disposable surgeon's aspirating and flushing valve for performing such a removal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 14, 1987
    Date of Patent: March 15, 1988
    Inventor: H. Michael Seitz, Jr.
  • Patent number: 4729765
    Abstract: A multi-component meconium aspirator, adapter and endotracheal tube are manipulated, by one-handed use, to keep them assembled and to control suction level, during meconium removal from an infant.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 22, 1986
    Date of Patent: March 8, 1988
    Inventors: John F. Eckels, Kenneth C. Cook
  • Patent number: 4728324
    Abstract: A multiple sample valve assembly for a urine collection system with a valve for taking small urine samples in a safe manner. The valve also has a valve for taking large urine samples while having a frangible portion for indicating that the large sampling valve was used, so as to alert medical personnel to the possibility of contamination or infection if proper procedures are not undertaken. The element for indicating use comprises frangible panels or bands which may be disturbed by opening the valve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 15, 1986
    Date of Patent: March 1, 1988
    Assignee: The Kendall Company
    Inventors: Carl J. Steigerwald, Terry N. Layton
  • Patent number: 4723949
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for filling an underwater drainage device is provided with a rotatable funnel and cap which is positioned between the manometer chamber and water seal chamber in a pleural drainage device. In use the cap may be removed and the funnel positioned to fill the manometer chamber to the desired level and the funnel may then be rotated to fill the underwater seal chamber to the desired level. A positive pressure relief valve is provided in the cap.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 15, 1986
    Date of Patent: February 9, 1988
    Assignee: ConMed, Inc.
    Inventors: John S. Gentelia, Stephen J. Roberts
  • Patent number: 4723952
    Abstract: An ostomy device is disclosed which comprises a simple, rigid frame having an opening which is registered with the stoma of an ostomate and secured on his torso by an elastic belt. The tension of the belt cause the frame to press into the user's flesh and thus stabilize the peristomal region within the confines of the frame opening. The peristomal region is given sufficient firmness to insure secure attachment of an adhesive sheet of a waste management adjunct. This frame is also employed in a method which obviates the need for a collection container for body wastes. In this method, a protective sheet may be adhered to the peristomal skin, with an opening registered with the stoma. A absorbent pad is held against the stoma by the frame as it stabilizes the peristomal region. The solid matter is then periodically removed by replacement of the pad.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 13, 1986
    Date of Patent: February 9, 1988
    Inventor: Thomas Esposito
  • Patent number: 4723951
    Abstract: An ostomy bag has a filter attached to it by a series of plural sequentially peelable adhesive annuli.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 19, 1986
    Date of Patent: February 9, 1988
    Assignee: Craig Medical Products Ltd.
    Inventor: Peter L. Steer
  • Patent number: 4723944
    Abstract: A urine collection receptacle has a body formed by walls sealed along the periphery. First and second sheets form a drape which is situated between the walls. The drape extends across the body below the inlet, with the side edges of the drape sealed along opposing sections of the periphery. The sheets are sealed to each other along spaced vertical lines to define the body of a flap valve. The vertical sealed lines are severed to detach the flap valve body from the remainder of the drape. The sheets may also be sealed along oppositely oriented, downwardly inclined lines to form a funnel to direct liquid from the inlet toward the flap valve. The structure facilitates manufacture because the drape is sealed to the receptacle body in the same automated operation which seals the periphery of the walls.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 5, 1986
    Date of Patent: February 9, 1988
    Inventor: Ole R. Jensen
  • Patent number: 4717382
    Abstract: A noninvasive apparatus for temporarily assisting in the treatment of a sucking chest wound wherein a dome-shaped element having a one-way valve therein or connected thereto is positioned over the wound and strapped in substantially fluid-tight relationship with the patient's body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 5, 1986
    Date of Patent: January 5, 1988
    Assignee: Emergency Management Products, Inc.
    Inventors: R. Michael Clemens, Kenneth A. Zseltvay