Abstract: A trocar having a cannula and housing which define an access channel, is configured to receive a surgical instrument. A flexible valve disposed in the channel includes first portions which define an orifice through the valve and second portions which are disposed outwardly of the first portions. The second portions are provided with a greater flexibility so that when the instrument is inserted off-axis, the second portions of the valve will deform before the first portions causing the orifice to move without substantial deformation to the off-axis location. Alternatively, levers engaging the first portions of the valve can be pivotally mounted on a floating ring to move the substantially undeformed orifice to the off-axis location. An associated method includes the steps of deforming the second portions of the valve without substantially deforming the first portions of the valve to move the orifice into axial alignment with the instrument.

Abstract: A package for a catheter having a proximal end and a distal end, includes a tube defining a cavity along an elongate axis, the cavity being configured to receive at least the distal end of the catheter. Access means includes a housing fixed to the proximal end of the tube and a cap rotatable to engage the housing in a first position to seal the cavity, and to disengage the housing in a second position to provide access to the cavity. A circumferential tear-strip is configured and disposed to provide a high degree of control over the separation of the housing and cap. An O-ring, which forms a seal between the cap and housing, is disposed relative to a circumferential shoulder which cooperates with a camming surface to cause the cap to pop from the housing when rotated. An associated method includes the steps of rotating the cap a first angular distance to engage the camming surface and a second angular distance to cause the O-ring to traverse the shoulder.

Abstract: A septum valve in a trocar assembly has a variable orifice that is responsive to a cross-sectional dimension of the surgical instrument being inserted into the trocar channel, thereby minimizing leakage of inflation gas from the body cavity, such as the abdomen, being operated on. An elastomeric septum is disposed in the channel and includes portions which define an orifice having in a relaxed state a first cross-sectional area. An actuation assembly provided with levers which pivot radially outwardly to expand the seal and thereby expand the orifice to the second cross-sectional area in response to entry of the instrument into the channel. The actuation assembly is free to float in an annular recess to accommodate an instrument which is misaligned with the trocar channel.

Abstract: An apparatus is provided for sealing around shafts or tubes of varying diameter. Its basic element comprises an elastomeric sealing body with an axial passage which is radially compressed from more than two sides to compress the passage into sealing engagement with a member extending through the passage. Radial compression is achieved by cams and followers disposed around the body which cooperate with angularly spaced radially extending lugs formed integrally with the body. The cams are spring biased to normally compress the axial passage of the sealing body. Levers operable by one hand of the user are provided to selectively release the apparatus.

Abstract: A first and second stage breathing gas regulator having a first stage redundant piston assembly with a first piston encompassing a second piston. In the eventuality the first piston fails, the second piston provides regulated gas. A safety alarm is provided when a pre-established pressure drop occurs, signalling a decrease in breathing gas by opening to provide gas to drive an audio alarm. The second stage regulator has a balanced second stage that operates with a valve lever in operative relationship to a diaphragm. A hand wheel and cammed valve permit the bypass of breathing gas around the valve of the second stage regulator when required. The outlet of the second stage regulator is provided with a trap door cover to avoid dirt and debris being introduced to the second stage regulator when a hose is not connected thereto.

Abstract: The following specification discloses a breathing gas mask having an elastomeric or plastic main body portion supported by a head band formed with a number of supporting straps for holding the mask to a user's face. The mask has a large viewing lens with an elongated protuberance in the form of a bead extending around the periphery of the viewing lens for purposes of protecting the major lens surface from exposure to impacts and scratching when it is laid on its face. The mask incorporates an oral nasal interior breathing cover with a speaking diaphragm in adjacent relationship thereto to allow for the intake of breathing gas into the oral nasal mask area while allowing for exhalation through a poppet valve in connected relationship to the oral nasal mask. The outer mask seal incorporates a flared interior seal member around the inner periphery thereof which incorporates a compound curve having variable cross sectional shapes around the periphery thereof to allow for a tightened seal to a user's face.

Abstract: Apparatus for carrying a tank of compressed breathing gas on the back of a user having a main back plate molded portion with handle openings and webs therein, and slits for receiving shoulder straps. The shoulder straps are looped through the back plate slits and webs in a continuous manner to form a combination shoulder, chest, and waist strap interconnected by means of two quick release fittings.The quick release fittings comprise an upper and lower buckle fitting. The upper buckle fitting has four transverse members and the lower buckle fitting is fundamentally a rectangular loop with two transverse members.The breathing gas tank is secured to the plastic molded back plate by means of a surrounding band assembly that is secured to the plate by means of U-bolts. The band assembly can be expanded or contracted by adjustment of the U-bolts and a hooked tongue which secures the band to the plastic plate, as well as by means of an adjustable over-center latch.