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 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: 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 A cap is provided to cover the open end of the barrel after the carrier and needle have been retracted.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 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: 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.

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: A means for applying traction to a medical patient which includes a pneumatic cylinder and piston and a means for pressurizing the cylinder so as to apply a predetermined traction force. One embodiment further includes a storage cylinder to minimize change in traction force with change in position of the piston and a hand operated pumping cylinder and piston mounted in the storage cylinder. Another embodiment utilizes an extraneous source of pneumatic pressure, pressure regulating valve and a hand operated relief valve to permit cyclic application of traction.

Abstract: A one piece plastic nasal splint is presized to fit the nasal passage, an isthmus bridging the columella to provide anterior fixation while a single suture provides posterior fixation.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for applying therapeutic eye drops to the eye by metering a predetermined volume of fluid and rapidly applying a pressure to one end of the metered fluid for forcing the fluid from a nozzle of means defining a small passageway such as an open-ended tube as a droplet having sufficient velocity to travel a generally horizontal distance in space to the eye. Unit dose application and multiple dose application are included and provision is made for preventing anticipatory blinking of the eye during self-administration.

Abstract: A multiple dosage syringe comprises a hollow barrel through which a piston slides by being pushed by a piston member protruding from the rear of the barrel so that liquid material within the barrel is discharged through a discharge member at the front end of the barrel. A plurality of longitudinally spaced stops protrude outwardly from the perimeter of the piston member which protrudes from the rear of the barrel so that the foremost stop abuts a flange at the rear of the barrel. To discharge a dosage this stop is broken off along a line of maximum weakness so that the stop can enter the barrel during the discharge of the dosage which is completed when the next stop strikes the flange. This process is repeated for each dosage.