Abstract: A trailer hitch assembly sized and shaped to fit within a trailer hitch receptacle, wherein the trailer hitch assembly includes a first tubular element and a second tubular element. Each tubular element has an angled end, wherein the angled ends of the first tubular element and the second tubular element are complementary to each other. The trailer hitch assembly may further include at least one guide to assist in aligning the first tubular element with the second tubular element along the angled ends. The trailer hitch assembly may further include an actuator configured to engage both the first tubular element and the second tubular element and to diagonally displace the first tubular element relative to the second tubular element.

Abstract: A trailer hitch assembly sized and shaped to fit within a trailer hitch receptacle, wherein the trailer hitch assembly includes a first tubular element and a second tubular element. Each tubular element has an angled end, wherein the angled ends of the first tubular element and the second tubular element are complementary to each other. The trailer hitch assembly may further include at least one guide to assist in aligning the first tubular element with the second tubular element along the angled ends. The trailer hitch assembly may further include an actuator configured to engage both the first tubular element and the second tubular element and to diagonally displace the first tubular element relative to the second tubular element.

Abstract: Hitch mount assemblies include a trailer hitch receiver, a hollow sleeve inserted into the trailer hitch receiver, and a hitch mount inserted into the hollow sleeve. First and second planar end surfaces of sidewalls of the hollow sleeve lie in a common plane that is oriented at an acute angle to a central longitudinal axis of the hollow sleeve. Additional hitch mount assemblies include a trailer hitch receiver, a hitch mount, and a hollow sleeve that includes a first L-shaped elongated member and a complementary second L-shaped elongated member. Further hitch mount assemblies include a trailer hitch receiver, a hitch mount including an elongated bar inserted into and extending from the trailer hitch receiver, and a hollow sleeve at least substantially fully covering the portion of the elongated bar extending from an opening of the trailer hitch receiver.

Abstract: A trailer hitch assembly sized and shaped to fit within a trailer hitch receptacle, wherein the trailer hitch assembly includes a first tubular element and a second tubular element. Each tubular element has an angled end, wherein the angled ends of the first tubular element and the second tubular element are complementary to each other. The trailer hitch assembly may further include at least one guide to assist in aligning the first tubular element with the second tubular element along the angled ends. The trailer hitch assembly may further include an actuator configured to engage both the first tubular element and the second tubular element and to diagonally displace the first tubular element relative to the second tubular element.

Abstract: A pressurizing apparatus for pressurizing fluid contained in a patient fluid bag is described which has a novel teardrop pressurizing chamber. The pressure apparatus includes a door and base which each have complimentary teardrop cavities formed therein. When the door is in the closed position over the base, the teardrop pressurizing chamber is formed. A teardrop bladder bag is located interior to the base and can be inflated to apply pressure to a patient fluid bag. A regulator allows adjustment of the desired pressure. A gauge allows monitoring of the pressure. A valve allows the pressurizing device to be turned on and off. The teardrop pressurizing chamber allows the pressurizing apparatus to come up to pressure in a more expeditious manner. The conformance of the pressurizing means to the teardrop pressurizing chamber also adds to the efficiency of the pressurizing of the patient fluid bag and, additionally, allows for uniform pressure throughout a procedure.

Abstract: A disposable, in-line heating cassette and apparatus for raising the temperature of fluids. The cassette comprises a spacer defining a sinuous or serpentine flow pathway interposed between flexible foils and mounted on a frame. The frame comprises inlet and outlet tubes and related input and output ports which communicate with the serpentine path. Juxtaposed heating plates in direct contact with the cassette substantially contact the entire heating surface of the foils, providing a highly efficient thermal path from the heating plate to the foil, and then to the fluid. The heating blocks have several electrically conductive strips thereon for generating a gradation of heat energy such that more heat energy is available for transfer at the inlet end than the outlet end of the serpentine flow path.

Abstract: A multi-functional endoscopic probe apparatus to selectively apply either a low or high frequency voltage to cut and cauterize. The apparatus has an elongated multi-lumen tube that is attached to a pistol grip having a multiplicity of functions contained thereon. The multi-lumen tube has a first lumen for the passage of either a high or a low pressure irrigation stream therethrough, a second lumen for suction to remove excess fluid and debris, and a third lumen for the passage of a slidably extendable and retractable electro-surgical cutting tip. The pistol grip handle has a wheel which enables the surgeon to rotate the multi-lumen tube containing the surgical cutting tip relative to the pistol grip. A plurality of push-button valves enable the selective application a negative pressure for withdrawing excess fluids and removing incident tissue debris from the surgical site and to operatively apply a flood irrigation stream or a precise irrigation stream to the surgical site to wash and cleanse the tissue.

Abstract: An apparatus for heating parenteral fluids for intravenous delivery to a patient. The apparatus includes a disposable cassette which in one presently preferred embodiment is made up of a unitary member which is divided to form a serpentine flow path by a plurality of path separators. Thin, flexible metallic foil membranes are sealingly joined to the unitary member on the upper and bottom surfaces thereof to form an enclosed, fluid-tight serpentine flow path between the plurality of path separators. The entire periphery of the unitary member and the thin, flexible heat conductive foil membranes are sealingly held by a framework. The disposable cassette slides between first and second heating blocks which contact the thin, flexible heat conductive foil membranes so as to provide heat transfer to fluid flowing in the serpentine flow path.

Abstract: A combination catheter and duct clamp apparatus and method. The apparatus includes a hollow member with a substantially planar clamping surface at one end and a sliding member with a substantially planar clamping surface at one end which is telescopically slidable within the hollow member. A spring maintains an essentially constant clamping pressure between the clamping surfaces.The clamp is ideally suited for use during cholangiography where it may be used for inserting a catheter within the cystic duct and for thereafter clamping the cystic duct around the catheter. The clamping pressure provides an adequate seal of the cystic duct and does not occlude the inserted catheter. Multiple clamping angles give the clamp unique versatility during the surgical procedure. Being constructed out of a radiolucent material, the clamp may be left in place while a cholangiogram is taken without interfering with the completed cholangiogram.

Abstract: A cannula and method for bidirectional blood flow, the cannula being constructed so as to provide a bifurcated flow path, each branch of the flow path independently communicating through telescoping cannulae and a venipuncture needle initially projecting beyond the exterior cannula to facilitate venipuncture and thereafter being displaceable away from the venipuncture site to permit unobstructed simultaneous fluid flow in opposite directions through each of the bifurcated flow paths.