Abstract: A safety apparatus is provided which includes a needle hub having an arm extending therefrom and an extensible frame connected to the needle hub. The extensible frame includes a proximal segment that is hingedly connected to a distal segment. The extensible frame is resiliently biased from a retracted position to an extended position, wherein the arm releasably enages the promixmal segment to fix the extensible frame in a position between the retracted position and the extended position. In an alternate embodiment, the safety apparatus includes an extensible frame including a proximal segment which is hingedly connected to a distal segment. A resilient member is coupled to the proximal segment and the distal segment. The resilient member is configured to bias the extensible frame from a retracted position to an extended position. A method for infusing fluids to a subject is disclosed.

Abstract: A safety apparatus is provided which includes a needle hub having an arm extending therefrom and an extensible frame connected to the needle hub. THe extensible frame includes a proximal segment that is hingedly connected to a distal segment. The extensible frame is resiliently biased from a retracted position to an extended position, wherein the arm releasably enages the promixmal segment to fix the extensible frame in a position between the retracted position and the extended position. In an alternate embodiment, the safety apparatus includes an extensible frame including a proximal segment which is hingedly connected to a distal segment. A resilient member is coupled to the proximal segment and the distal segment. The resilient member is configured to bias the extensible frame from a retracted position to an extended position. A method for infusing fluids to a subject is disclosed.

Abstract: A fluid collection apparatus is provided that includes a housing and a slide that is moveably supported by the housing. The slide has a cannula tab adapted to support a double ended needle and a plurality of connected segments that are moveably extending therefrom. Proximal movement of the slide causes the plurality of segments to contract in a configuration forming a shield about a proximal end of the double ended needle. The housing may define a slot in an outer surface thereof that is configured to receive a portion of the slide for guiding movement. The cannula tab can include a boss disposed adjacent a distal portion of the slide having the double needle mounted thereto. The cannula tab may include a segment member having a button mounted thereto which is disposed within at least a portion of the slot and slideably engages the slot to facilitate movement of the slide. The plurality of segments can include an end portion extending from a proximal end thereof.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an access device which is provided as part of the packaging of a blunt tip cannula or blunt tip cannula/syringe combination. The access device is preferably positioned within an elongate sheath which also protects the blunt tip cannula and which also includes an internal barrier which separates the distal end of the blunt cannula from the distal end of the access device and protects one of the access pin or blunt tip cannula from exposure or contamination while the other is being used.

Abstract: A fluid collection apparatus is provided that includes a housing and a slide that is moveably supported by the housing. The slide has a cannula tab adapted to support a double ended needle and a plurality of connected segments that are moveably extending therefrom. Proximal movement of the slide causes the plurality of segments to contract in a configuration forming a shield about a proximal end of the double ended needle. The housing may define a slot in an outer surface thereof that is configured to receive a portion of the slide for guiding movement. The cannula tab can include a boss disposed adjacent a distal portion of the slide having the double needle mounted thereto. The cannula tab may include a segment member having a button mounted thereto which is disposed within at least a portion of the slot and slideably engages the slot to facilitate movement of the slide. The plurality of segments can include an end portion extending from a proximal end thereof.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a sputum trap for an aspiration and respiratory support system which includes a manifold attachable to a specimen collection vial that is interposed between, and attached to, a suction control device and suction catheter device. The sputum trap allows for the collection of sputum directly from a patient through a suction catheter without causing a loss of Positive End Expiratory Pressure (PEEP) in the respiratory support system. The manifold includes a manifold body that has a first connector and a second connector for attachment to the suction control device and suction catheter, respectively, and an open port for secure attachment to the specimen collection vial. The manifold body further includes tethered first and second caps adapted for sealing the first and second connectors respectively from fluid flow communication once sufficient sputum has been collected in the specimen collection vial.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an access device which is provided as part of the packaging of a blunt tip cannula or blunt tip cannula/syringe combination. The access device is preferably positioned within an elongate sheath which also protects the blunt tip cannula and which also includes an internal barrier which separates the distal end of the blunt cannula from the distal end of the access device and protects one of the access pin or blunt tip cannula from exposure or contamination while the other is being used.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an access device which is provided as part of the packaging of a blunt tip cannula or blunt tip cannula/syringe combination. The access device is preferably positioned within an elongate sheath which also protects the blunt tip cannula and which also includes an internal barrier which separates the distal end of the blunt cannula from the distal end of the access device and protects one of the access pin or blunt tip cannula from exposure or contamination while the other is being used.

Abstract: An intravenous connection clip for preventing separation of two tubular fluid flow connectors of respective intravenous (IV) tubing sets. The intravenous connection clip includes a generally tubular bracket for surrounding the fluid flow connectors and having large portions of the tube cut away to allow for easy visualization of the fluid flow connectors and the fluid path therethrough. The bracket of the IV connection clip having a generally "C" shaped port lock on a first end of the bracket having a pair of first arms for releasably gripping a conventional port of a first IV tubing set, a generally "U" shaped cannula and luer connector lock on an intermediate portion of the bracket for releasably contacting a conventional luer connector of a second IV tubing set fluidly coupled to the port of the first IV tubing set.

Abstract: A fluid collection and disposal system which includes a reusable collection unit designed to operate in conjunction with a disposable manifold for collecting fluids aspirated from a patient during a surgical procedure, and to be cleaned by a servicing unit after use. The servicing unit removes the collected fluid from the collection unit and prepares it for reuse. The disposable manifold is removed from the collection unit prior to its attachment to the servicing unit, and a new disposable manifold is replaced on the collection unit after servicing.

Abstract: A lancet type device having a movable and retractable lancet tip is disclosed. The lancet tip extends beyond the end of a lancet body. The device includes an actuating mechanism that moves and retracts the sharp distal lancet tip linearly into and out of contact with a patient's skin. The actuating mechanism includes an arm with a substantially "V" shaped groove. In one embodiment, the arm extends away from and pivots around the proximal end of the device. In another embodiment, the arm moves transversely across the device. A cylindrical cam follower protrudes from the lancet body. Contact between the groove and the cam follower moves the cam follower, and consequently the lancet body, in a linear direction along the axis of the lancet body.

Abstract: A safety dental syringe of the type adapted to receive a medication cartridge therein but having a protective needle shield thereon which is movable between a retracted position wherein the needle is exposed and a locked and extended position wherein the needle is protected and the needle shield is prevented from returning to the retracted position. A collar is attached to the distal end of the dental syringe to selectively engage a key on the needle shield as the needle shield is moved between the retracted and extended positions. The needle shield slides longitudinally between the retracted and extended positions and may be rotated about the barrel of the dental syringe to lock the needle shield in the locked and extended position. A locking mechanism is disclosed which preferably includes a series of ramps and slots adapted to engage portions of the keys on the needle shield to retain the needle shield in the locked and extended position.

Abstract: A safety dental syringe of the type adapted to receive a medication cartridge therein but having a protective needle shield thereon which is movable between a retracted position wherein the needle is exposed and a locked and extended position wherein the needle is protected and the needle shield is prevented from returning to the retracted position. A collar is attached to the distal end of the dental syringe to selectively engage a key on the needle shield as the needle shield is moved between the retracted and extended positions. The needle shield slides longitudinally between the retracted and extended positions and may be rotated about the barrel of the dental syringe to lock the needle shield in the locked and extended position. A locking mechanism is disclosed which preferably includes a series of ramps and slots adapted to engage portions of the keys on the needle shield to retain the needle shield in the locked and extended position.

Abstract: An assembly for preventing movement of a sharp lancet tip out of a lancet device of the type having a linearly movable and retractable lancet tip is disclosed. The lancet device has a patient contacting or distal end and an opposed proximal end. The lancet device has a lancet that is substantially encased in an elongated molded plastic lancet body. The lancet has a sharp tip that extends beyond the end of the lancet and is enclosed in a removable cap. The distal end of the lancet has a pair of retainer arms that extend away from the lancet body on opposite sides of the lancet body parallel to the axis of the lancet body. The distal end of the retainer arms extend slightly beyond the distal end of the lancet body and are curved toward the axis of the lancet body to contact the outer surface of the cap. Each retainer arm has a stop, located near the distal end of the retainer arms. The distal end of the lancet body fits in a chamber in the lancet device.

Abstract: A safety dental syringe of the type adapted to receive a medication cartridge therein but having a protective needle shield thereon which is movable between a retracted position wherein the needle is exposed and a locked and extended position wherein the needle is protected and the needle shield is prevented from returning to the retracted position. A collar is attached to the distal end of the dental syringe to selectively engage a key on the needle shield as the needle shield is moved between the retracted and extended positions. The needle shield slides longitudinally between the retracted and extended positions and may be rotated about the barrel of the dental syringe to lock the needle shield in the locked and extended position. A locking mechanism is disclosed which preferably includes a series of ramps and slots adapted to engage portions of the keys on the needle shield to retain the needle shield in the locked and extended position.

Abstract: A closed ventilation and suction catheter system for aspirating or suctioning the bronchial tree or trachea of a patient including a dual lumen catheter, the proximal end of the catheter is connected to a dual valve assembly which is connected to separate irrigation fluid and suction pressure sources and the distal end of the catheter is adapted to be slidably positioned in communication with the bronchial tree of a patient. A transparent and flexible envelope surrounds the catheter to protect the catheter from direct exposure to the atmosphere. The catheter is slidable from the inside of the envelope through an adaptor and a tracheal tube to communicate with the bronchial tree or trachea of the patient. A ventilator is connected to the adaptor near the distal end of the catheter to provide for the artificial ventilation of the patient.

Abstract: A protective needle shield for use on a syringe type device wherein the shield is movable between a retracted position such that the needle is exposed and an extended or locked and extended position wherein the needle is protected and the shield is prevented from returning to the retracted position. A collar is operatively attached to the distal end of syringe device to selectively engage a key on the shield as the shield is moved between the retracted and extended positions. The shield slides longitudinally between the retracted and extended positions and may be rotated about the barrel of the syringe device to lock the shield in a locked and extended position. A locking mechanism is disclosed which preferably includes a series of ramps and slots adapted to engage portions of the keys on the shield to retain the shield in the locked and extended position.

Abstract: A check valve assembly for use in medical devices having a single valve disc therein to allow a medical fluid to be drawn from a bulk container through the inlet opening and secondary opening of the valve assembly and into a syringe and then subsequently dispensing the fluid from the syringe through the secondary opening and outlet opening of the valve assembly and into a second container or to the patient. Alternately, the valve assembly may be used with a squeeze bulb of an aspiration device such that as the bulb is squeezed, the air in the bulb passes from the secondary opening to the outlet opening of the valve assembly and then, as the bulb is released, the negative pressure from the bulb is transmitted through the secondary opening and inlet opening of the valve assembly to the aspiration device to draw fluids from the patient and into the aspiration device.

Abstract: A safety syringe having a protective barrel which is movable between a retracted position wherein the needle is exposed and a locked extended position wherein the needle is protected. A collar is attached to the distal end of the sleeve to selectively engage a key on the shield in the retracted and extended positions. The locking mechanism preferably includes a series of ramps and slots which engage portions of the shield to retain the shield in the retracted and extended positions. The shield slides longitudinally between the retracted and extended positions and may be rotated about the barrel of the syringe to irreversibly lock the shield in the extended position.