Abstract: An injector for infusion or transfusion systems utilizes a housing having a duct extending longitudinally therethrough. The inner surface of a penetrable membrane covers an end of the duct, with the edge of the surface abutting an annular shoulder of the housing. A ring is disposed in an annular indentation on the periphery of the outer surface of the membrane, with the outer edge of the inner surface of the ring abutting a second annular shoulder of the housing. The outer surface of the ring and the central portion of the outer surface of the membrane are flush.

Abstract: A disposable light weight, easily stored, low cost, cervical spine board made of wax or plastic coated (possibly) segmentally reinforced, double walled, corrugated board or similar radiolucent, flexible, inexpensive, water-resistant material, having score lines therein for folding said board around the sides of the head, and around the sides of the body. Chin tabs are secured and the body fitting wings are secured by duct tape or other two inch tape, optionally pre-attached to said board.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method for relief of pain in mammals based on the use of a pressure-application device which is applied to any of a number of points selected and located according to the principles and practices of traditional acupressure and/or acupuncture therapy practice, which produces a highly-localized self-induced massage of the acupressured point which results in relief of pain in an area of the body not necessarily at the point acupressured, which relief lasts for an extended period of time past the time at which the device is removed according to the method of the invention.

Abstract: A sanitary napkin. The sanitary napkin comprises a central absorbent pad and flaps extending from each longitudinal edge of the central absorbent pad. The body of each flap contains a flexible axis about which the flap can fold on itself. The sanitary napkin preferentially bends at the line of juncture between each flap and the longitudinal edge of the central absorbent pad. When the sanitary napkin is in a panty for use, each flap bends upwardly at the lines of juncture between the flaps and the longitudinal edges of the central absorbent pad to form the base of a wall. This wall extends to the flexible axis in the body of the flap which is folded around the edge of the crotch portion of the panty. The sanitary napkin of the present invention provides effective protection to the user during the menstrual period by preventing body and clothing soiling while being comfortable to wear.

Abstract: Liquid loaded pads useful as wound and burn dressings are prepared from pellicles of microbially-produced cellulose obtained, for example, by culturing Acetobacter xylinum. A pellicle having a thickness from about 0.1 to 15 millimeters or greater is processed to replace the culture medium with water or other physiologically compatible liquid. The liquid-loaded pellicle is sterilized prior to its use as a dressing or in other medical applications.

Abstract: An intravenous drip rate control device includes a trough in the rear face of the housing for receiving intravenous tubing. The intravenous tubing is placed within the trough between and in functional communication with a pair of resilient bands. A cam driven by a reversible DC motor moves a lever between a first and second position. In the first position, a blade extending upwardly from the lever is capable of contacting and engaging the tubing and restricting the tubing opening. A tubing door is pivotable about the rear face of the housing between an open and closed position. In the closed position, a plastic material layer extending downwardly from the tubing door contacts and engages the tubing to restrict the tube opening and also provides support for the tubing when the blade applies an upward force on the tubing. The resilient bands ensure minimal "plastic flow" of the tubing and constantly resist the tendency of the side walls of the tubing to extend out and thus the tubing to flatten out.

Abstract: A device for long-term fixation of a tube in the patient's body, including housing provided with a flexible annular base to secure the tube in the housing, provided with a bushing stationary mounted coaxially with respect to the housing, and ribs connecting the bushing with the flexible annular base and confining a cavity disposed between the base and the patient's body and closed with a cover.

Abstract: A syringe for use with collapsible ampoules pre-filled with a liquid medicament includes a body that forms an open receptacle for the ampoule and a handle attached by a hinge to one end of the body so as to be in opposed relationship with the ampoule. The handle carries a compression pad on its underside, so that the handle can be squeezed toward the body to compress the ampoule. The body has a fitting at its proximal end for the attachment of a double-ended disposable needle. When the needle is attached to the fitting, the distal end of the needle passes through the fitting and punctures the ampoule, allowing the contents of the ampoule to flow into the needle as the ampoule is compressed. In one embodiment, the handle is hinged to the proximal end of the body; in a second embodiment, it is hinged to the distal end. In both embodiments, the pad is maintained in substantially parallel alignment with the longitudinal axis of the body.

Abstract: A ventricular hydrocephalus treatment system is provided which includes a right angle connector having a self-sealing port that is in general alignment with a distal end opening of the right angle connector in order to provide for implanting passage of a stylet through the self-sealing port and into a ventricular catheter projecting through the proximal end opening. The ventricular catheter is an integral part of a tubing assembly that also includes a hydrocephalus valve for regulating the flow of cerebrospinal fluid through the ventricular catheter after implantation into a ventricle of the brain.

Abstract: An external pulmonary brace has a pair of spaced brackets receiving and surrounding the tricep area of a user's upper arms, the brackets being connected to a central brace portion which extends across and substantially covers the user's chest. The central section and the brackets may be in the form of a unitary element, or the central section may be of elastic material joined to the brackets. By undertaking a downward movement of the upper arms toward the sides of the body, the patient may apply selected amounts of pressure to the chest area as needed to assist coughing or expectoration.

Abstract: A transcutaneous access device for permanent placement in blood vessels includes a unitarily constructed, substantially U-shaped tubular member that includes a first leg having means for connecting the transcutaneous access device to external equipment, a mid-portion having at least one aperture, and a second leg terminating in a needle barb. The angular orientation of the device is such that the planes that include the first leg and the second leg that are orthogonal to the mid-portion are substantially parallel, and the second leg is at an acute angle with respect to the plane that includes the mid-portion and said first leg.

Abstract: An elastomechanical sphincter comprising a prosthetic device for implantation about a patient's lumen such as the urethra for closing and opening the lumen. The prosthetic sphincter includes a body of flexible polymeric material configured to define an articulating structure having an elongated occlusion orifice arranged to embrace the patient's urethra with minimal ischemic interruption of circulatory blood flow. An integrally formed manually manipulable pressure relief cuff extends from a peripheral portion of the articulating structure in such a manner that physical pulling on the pressure relief cuff in a direction transverse to the elongation of the occlusion orifice will open the orifice which thereby opens the lumen. The natural elasticity of the device results in a closing of the lumen upon releasing of the pressure relief cuff. In one embodiment, by way of example, the pressure relief cuff may be positioned within the folds of the loose skin of the posterior scrotum.