Abstract: A medical device comprises: a feeding tube (70) including a feeding lumen (80) with an opening (152) at a distal end of the feeding tube and an electrical lumen (84) having access openings (120) spaced apart along the feeding tube; a set of insulated electrical conductors (82) disposed in the electrical lumen, the set of insulated electrical conductors having electrically exposed portions (132, 132a, 132b) proximate to the access openings; and electrodes (72, 73, 74, 75, 78, 79, 140) comprising electrically conductive material portions (140) disposed in the access openings and electrically contacting the proximate electrically exposed portions of the set of insulated electrical conductors disposed in the electrical lumen. The electrodes include at least one upper or proximal electrode (74, 75, 78, 79) disposed above an expected patient heart electrical centerline (CL) and at least one lower or distal electrode (72, 73) disposed below the expected patient heart electrical centerline.

Abstract: A neonatal feeding tube (10) includes electronics and instrumentation for monitoring a neonate and for provides nourishment to the neonate. The tube (10) includes electrodes (20) for sensing ECG signals of the neonate. Thermistors (22, 24, 28, 30) are placed at various points along the tube (10) to measure the neonate's temperature at those points. Breathing effort is measured by calculating a pressure differential at two pressure ports (32, 34). Pulse and SpO2 are measured at a fiber optic window (35). The electrodes (20), a distal electrode (64) and a light source (66) aid in helping a caregiver position the tip (12) of the tube (10) correctly in the stomach of the neonate.

Abstract: A medical device comprises: a feeding tube (70) including a feeding lumen (80) with an opening (152) at a distal end of the feeding tube and an electrical lumen (84) having access openings (120) spaced apart along the feeding tube; a set of insulated electrical conductors (82) disposed in the electrical lumen, the set of insulated electrical conductors having electrically exposed portions (132, 132a, 132b) proximate to the access openings; and electrodes (72, 73, 74, 75, 78, 79, 140) comprising electrically conductive material portions (140) disposed in the access openings and electrically contacting the proximate electrically exposed portions of the set of insulated electrical conductors disposed in the electrical lumen. The electrodes include at least one upper or proximal electrode (74, 75, 78, 79) disposed above an expected patient heart electrical centerline (CL) and at least one lower or distal electrode (72, 73) disposed below the expected patient heart electrical centerline.

Abstract: A neonatal feeding tube (10) includes electronics and instrumentation for monitoring a neonate and for provides nourishment to the neonate. The tube (10) includes electrodes (20) for sensing ECG signals of the neonate. Thermistors (22, 24, 28, 30) are placed at various points along the tube (10) to measure the neonate's temperature at those points. Breathing effort is measured by calculating a pressure differential at two pressure ports (32, 34). Pulse and SpO2 are measured at a fiber optic window (35). The electrodes (20), a distal electrode (64) and a light source (66) aid in helping a caregiver position the tip (12) of the tube (10) correctly in the stomach of the neonate.

Abstract: A combination cap and handle for use with a detachable humidifier reservoir tank. Extending through the cap is a tubular aperture containing a biased plunger that interacts with a base pin in the water receiving portion of the humidifier. The plunger is attached to a flap such that when the reservoir tank is placed into the body of the humidifier, the plunger and flap are urged into the reservoir tank, allowing the water in the reservoir to fill the humidifier. Extending radially from the plunger aperture on the external surface of the cap are raised handles. These handles allow for a mechanical advantage when the user wishes to remove the cap from the reservoir, or to transport the reservoir more easily both when full and when empty.

Abstract: A valve (18) is disclosed for venting a liquid dispensing container. The valve comprises a valve body upper end (76), an intermediate portion (78) adapted to mount through a sidewall aperture, and a semi-spherical lower end portion (80). An air passageway (96) extends into the valve upper end (76), and through the portion (78) to the lower portion (80). A slit opening (94) extends through the lower portion (80) and communicates with the passageway (96). The slit widens to equalize pressure in the container, and annular shoulder surfaces (92) and internal surfaces (62) of the container sidewall are compressed together. When equalization in pressure has been achieved, the lower valve portion (8) decompresses and resumes its normal configuration whereby causing the slit (94) to close. Surfaces (92, 62) have a complimentary downward angle to facilitate the return of the lower portion (80) into its semi-spherical shape.

Abstract: A container lid (10) is disclosed for enclosing a container (12). The lid has a top wall (14), and a peripheral rim flange (18) dimensioned to flex outward and receive the upper rim of the container therebetween. The rim flange (18) terminates at a downturned skirt (20). A lever arm skirt portion (32) is provided to extend vertically downward from the lid rim flange, and tapers inward from a top end (38) to a bottom end (40). The lever arm (32) is pivotal outward, whereby applying a force moment to the rim flange (18) which serves to break the seal between the rim flange and the outside rim surface (34) of the container (12), and allow the lid to be easily removed therefrom.

Abstract: A valve (18) is disclosed for venting a liquid dispensing container. The valve comprises a valve body upper end (76), an intermediate portion (78) adapted to mourn through a sidewall aperture, and a semi-spherical lower end portion (80). An air passageway (96) extends into the valve upper end (76), and through the portion (78) to the lower portion (80). A slit opening (94) extends through the lower portion (80) and communicates with the passageway (96). The slit widens to equalize pressure in the container, and annular shoulder surfaces (92) and internal surfaces (62) of the container sidewall are compressed together. When equalization in pressure has been achieved, the lower valve portion (80) decompresses and resumes its normal configuration whereby causing the slit (94) to close. Surfaces (92, 62) have a complimentary downward angle to facilitate the return of the lower portion (80) into its semi-spherical shape.

Abstract: A container lid (10) is disclosed for enclosing a container (12). The lid has a top wall (14), and a peripheral rim flange (18) dimensioned to flex outward and receive the upper rim of the container therebetween. The rim flange (18) terminates at a downturned skirt (20). A lever arm skirt portion (32) is provided to extend vertically downward from the lid rim flange, and tapers inward from a top end (38) to a bottom end (40). The lever arm (32) is pivotal outward, whereby applying a force moment to the rim flange (18) which serves to break the seal between the rim flange and the outside rim surface (34) of the container (12), and allow the lid to be easily removed therefrom.