Abstract: An ultrasonic dissection and coagulation system for surgical use is provided. The system includes an ultrasonic instrument, a control module, and a pedal actuator. The ultrasonic actuator has a housing and an elongated body portion extending from the housing. An ultrasonic transducer supported within the housing is operatively connected to a cutting blade by a vibration coupler. The vibration coupler conducts high frequency vibration from the ultrasonic transducer to the cutting blade. The cutting blade has a cutting surface which is angled with respect to the longitudinal axis of the elongated body portion and, thus, with respect to the axis of vibration. A clamp member having a tissue contact surface is positioned adjacent to the blade member and is movable from an open position in which the tissue contact surface is spaced form the cutting surface to a clamped position in which the tissue contact surface is in close juxtaposed alignment with the cutting surface to clamp tissue therebetween.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a cannula, attachable to an injection device comprising a needle entirely surrounded by an essentially cylindrical collapsible needle cover in order to visually hide the entire needle during the whole procedure of administration by injection. The collapsible needle cover comprises a resilient, cylindrical or vaguely conical sleeve made of a foamed polymer and is provided with an axially extended hole for the needle, alternatively the needle cover can have a bellows-like structure. Also disclosed is a method of administering a medicament by injection with needle hidden from visual impression during the whole administration process.

Abstract: A single use retractable medical device dispenses fluids from a separable carpule. A retraction mechanism having a spring loaded needle holder with a double ended needle is mounted in the front of a housing by means of a push ring (separable member) slidingly mounted on a widened portion of the needle holder. An outer edge of the push ring grips or is restrained by the inner wall surface of the housing to hold the needle holder in place. A carpule positioned through an opening in back of the housing is operated by a plunger which drives a separable two-part piston to unload medicine from the carpule through the needle. At the end of an injection, the plunger is depressed further. The carpule moves forward to remove the push ring thereby freeing the needle holder for retraction into the carpule through the front opening of the carpule. As the needle is retracted into the housing from one end, the edge of the thumb cap of the plunger disappears into an opening at the opposite end of the housing.

Abstract: A dilation catheter suitable for use in medical procedures is provided. The catheter includes a balloon disposed on an elongated tube. The tube is capable of passing fluid between the balloon and the tube for varying the balloon between an inflated expanded condition and a deflated collapsed condition. The balloon includes a longitudinally extending spiral wall which forms a longitudinally extending spiral channel spaced inwardly from the exterior surface of the balloon when the balloon is in its expanded condition to allow fluid to be perfused past the balloon.

Abstract: The apparatus includes a base engaged with a support arm, which support arm is adapted to receive a tubing clip. The tubing clip includes a slot that is adapted to receive intravenous tubing or a central venous catheter and to retain the tubing in a secure manner so as to support in a stationary manner an injection cap associated with the tubing or catheter.

Abstract: A disposable retractable needle dental syringe is provided which includes a barrel having a needle carrier mounted therein with a cannula attached thereto. A slidable piston is mounted within the barrel which includes a shaft and hub for locking to the carrier. The plunger seal is conveniently mounted about the shaft between the plunger and the hub. A removable plunger is provided for attachment to and operation of the piston. A cap is provided to cover the open end of the barrel after the carrier and needle have been retracted.

Abstract: A unique cleaning catheter adapted for use in conjunction with a fiber optic surgical device comprising an elongate flexible casing having a cleaning brush or the like affixed adjacent its distal end. The cleaning brush or the like is adapted to remove bodily tissue which may accumulate on the distal end of the fiber optic surgical device, without having to completely remove the device from the patient.

Abstract: A negator spring-powered I.V. pump of compact size resulting from imparting a non-circular, rather than a linear configuration to the negator spring; the non-circular configuration taking up less size or linear dimension which, added to the linear dimension of the syringe of the pump, results in an optimum reduced overall pump size that is convenient for portable ambulatory I.V. therapy.

Abstract: A paging receiver is disclosed which is compatible with transmissions from analog or digital paging transmitters. The paging receiver has a command structure which permits it to be dynamically programmable to change its functionality including programming of the channels which the paging receiver is to receive. The programmability of the channels permits the paging receiver to be used for making national, regional, remote area, local area, and sublocal area pages, and pages to a group in the local area and to switch from channels which are heavily used during peak paging times to lesser used channels. The paging receiver transmits paging receiver identification code digits in an order of increasing significance which significantly lessens power consumption for all paging receivers tuned to a particular channel channel for determining if a page is to be received which prolongs paging receiver battery life.

Abstract: A disposable diaper contains an absorbent layer in which an island of highly absorbent material is located where it is surrounded by an expanse of lesser absorbent material that extends throughout the remainder of the diaper. A liquid impermeable panel or coated region diverts urine from the lesser absorbent material to the island material.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to improved methods and apparatus for the collection of blood, which are particularly useful for autotransfusion purposes. The apparatus includes an upper reservoir wherein the collected blood enters the device. A lower container is placed in fluid communication with the upper reservoir. Disposed within the interior of the container is a conventional blood bag which is in turn placed in fluid communication with the upper reservoir. The upper reservoir has two external connections. The first connection is for receiving blood from the patient. The second external connection places the upper reservoir in communication with a source of vacuum. In one embodiment of the present invention a filtering structure is disposed within the upper reservoir and is connected directly to the inlet connection from the patient.

Abstract: A syringe apparatus having a syringe barrel open-ended on a first end for receiving a piston therewithin for movement down the syringe barrel, and having on the second end a constricted neck portion with a bore therethrough in communication with the bore within the syringe barrel. There would be further provided a needle portion having an upper base for mounting the upper portion of the needle, with the needle slidable within the bore of the constricted neck portion, from a position retracted into the neck portion to a position movable out of the end of the neck portion for injection. There is further provided a first and second locking members. The first locking member allows locking engagement between the slidable piston within the barrel and the lower base portion of the needle, so that when in the locked position the needle moves in relation with the piston portion.

Abstract: A microsurgery system comprising an instrument including a source of vacuum and control means, a remotely connected handpiece adapted to be disposed in the vicinity of the situs of the surgery and including an inlet and suction conduit means coupled to the inlet and to the vacuum source for carrying material away from the surgery situs. The system also includes a cassette assembly arranged for releasable securement to the instrument. The control means of the instrument includes an interrupter bar which cooperates with the cassette assembly for selectively isolating the vacuum source from the suction conduit means. The cassette assembly comprises a body portion, a collection vessel, a first port communicating with the suction conduit and a second port communicating with the vacuum source. Occludable conduit means are coupled between the first and second ports and are arranged to be engaged by the interrupter bar in response to a first signal to isolate the vacuum source from the suction means.

Abstract: A portable device for articulating a person's foot relative to the person's lower leg. A first embodiment of the device includes a pair of opposing cast portions configured to conformably fit around the person's lower leg. A pair of frame members are each connected to one of the cast portions and extend below the lower ends of the cast portions. A foot support plate is pivotally connected to the lower ends of the frame members. Detachable straps are secured in surrounding relationship about the cast portions and frame members for holding the cast portions around the person's lower leg with the foot resting on the foot support plate. A motor mechanism and a connecting rod reciprocate the foot support plate and the foot carried thereby relative to the person's lower leg. A second embodiment has selectively extensible longitudinal frame members which are laterally adjustable relative to a leg surrounding U-shaped motor mount.

Abstract: A napkin for a young child, intended to prevent or cure an abnormality of one or both hips, such as dysplasia or subluxation of the hip. The napkin is characterized by the fact that it comprises semi-rigid means for the orientation of the child's thighs in a bent position approximately at 90.degree. with respect to the pelvis and in an abduction position at 60.degree. approximately, and flexible retaining means shaped and positioned on the child's body to apply and retain the orientation means on the child's thighs and pelvis and vice versa. The orientation means may be of the ischial-sacral type and are constituted by a cross-member, by a cushion. Alternatively, the orientation means are of the ischial-pubic type and are constituted by a cushion, whereof the front end is engaged between the child's thighs.

Abstract: An arm board for clinical use including a first elongated inclined ramp joined to a relatively shorter second inclined ramp at an angle to form a fulcrum over which a human wrist may be hyperflexed. A base is provided for resting on various surfaces. A hand grip is also provided for gripping by the patient. Means may be provided to set the angle at the fulcrum to accommodate various patients hand sizes and to maximize flexion.

Abstract: A multiple unit writing instrument includes end to end relatively rotatable barrel section housing a body member rotatable with the front barrel section and a cylindrical cam rotatable with the rear barrel section and having in its outer face a longitudinal guide groove extending to the raised portion of the end cam face and slidably engaged by an actuating member. A pair of writing elements are slidable in guideways in the body member between advanced and retracted positions and carry followers engaging guide slots and the cam face.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for washing the bladder of a patient with an indwelling catheter. The method comprises introducing the tip of a prefilled bladder washing device into the catheter, expelling the liquid from the device to the bladder, latching the device in its compressed position, maintaining the liquid in the bladder a predetermined amount of time and then unlatching the device, withdrawing the previously introduced liquid thereinto, and disposing of the device. Asepsis is assured by the present method. The apparatus has guiding and expansion and contraction means associated therewith as well as latching means that do not interfere with the operation of the device yet assures secure latching in the compressed position.

Abstract: An oral appliance for persons who have suffered facial burns to prevent shrinkage of the tissues around the mouth and lips during the healing process (microstomia). The appliance is adjustable to fit the patient's mouth and can be enlarged to progressively widen the opening of the mouth if shrinkage has already occurred. It may be employed to prevent shrinkage of the mouth and the lips by other causes (scleroderma, etc.).

Abstract: A finger splint includes means for applying and maintaining a light, positive traction to the end of the splinted finger.