Abstract: A male urinary incontinence device comprises a cylindrical sheath with an open first end to receive the penis and a tubular connector at a second end for discharge of collected urine. A viscous gel strip is applied to the penis of a user and then to the upper inner circumference of the sheath as the sheath is applied to the penis. An elastic strap is applied to the upper outer circumference of the sheath, the gel strip and strap acting cooperatively to retain the sheath on the penis and to render the sheath leak proof in use. The sheath also includes a connector assembly for attachment of tubing and a urine collection vessel.

Abstract: A male urinary incontinence device comprises a cylindrical sheath with an open first end to receive the penis and a tubular connector at a second end for discharge of collected urine, the sheath having a longitudinal opening along at least one side to allow ready placement of the penis therein. A viscous gel strip is applied to the upper inner circumference of the sheath and an elastic strap is applied to the upper outer circumference of the sheath the gel strip and strap acting cooperatively to retain the sheath on the penis and to render the sheath leak proof in use. The sheath also includes a connector assembly for attachment of tubing and a urine collection vessel. Placement of the device may also include a mounting ring and a strap assembly.

Abstract: A system for sensing a characteristic of fluid flowing to or from the body of a human or animal comprising a conduit having a first end adapted to be outside the body, a second end adapted to be received within the body, and a flow passage through which fluid can flow between the first and second ends and a probe including a sensor for sensing a characteristic of the fluid. The probe is mounted on the conduit with the sensor in the flow passage. The sensor is isolated from the fluid flowing in the flow passage.

Abstract: An apparatus for forming a fluid tight seal around a penis of a user comprising for controlling male urinary incontinence, the apparatus having a substantially fluid impermeable sheath having a proximal end and a distal end, an inner surface and an outer surface, wherein, in use, at least a portion of the inner surface contacts the skin of the penis. The sheath has a first longitudinally compliant portion and a second radially compliant portion positioned between the proximal and distal ends. The longitudinally compliant portion can take the form of bellows, and the radially compliant portion can take the form of flutes. A retention arrangement, such as a strap for retaining the radially compliant portion about the circumference of the penis of a user can also be provided. The sheath is, in use, attached at the proximal end to a retention ring attached to a user.

Abstract: A system for sensing a characteristic of fluid flowing to or from the body of a human or a comprising a conduit having a first end adapted to be outside the body, a second end adapted to be received within the body, and a flow passage through which fluid can flow between the first and second ends and a probe including a sensor for sensing a characteristic of the fluid. The probe is mounted on the conduit with the sensor in the flow passage. The sensor is isolated from the fluid flowing in the flow passage.

Abstract: A manually operable clip operable as a hemostasis valve for use with intravenously inserted catheters. The valve preferably comprises a unitary piece of wire formed to have first and second jaw portions defining front and back ends that preferably include transversely extending arms formed thereon. The valve is further formed such that a spring portion is provided interconnecting the first and second jaw portions that extends intermediate the front and back ends thereof and between said transversely extending arms which is operable to bias the front ends towards each other such that when positioned upon the catheter, such biasing force causes the lumen thereof to assume a closed state. The back ends of the first and second jaw portions may be manually actuated to release the clip from the catheter.

Abstract: A needle point cover assembly for securely covering and protecting the needle point after a syringe has been used includes a cover in the form of an elongated hollow member that is open at one end for receiving the needle therein, and at its other end is mostly enclosed by an end wall having a hole through which the needle can pass. A lid encloses the otherwise open end of the cover member. The lid has a hole through which the needle may pass so that the needle may extend through both the lid hole and the hole in the end wall. When the syringe is being used to make an injection, the needle point projects through the hole in the end wall. After an injection has been made and the syringe is ready for disposal, a manually actuable extensible frame slides the cover to where its end wall is beyond the extremity of the needle point.

Abstract: A bag closure comprising a cylindrical tube having a slit along its length, a notch in line with the slit on at least one end of the tube and an elevated bead formed around at least one end of the tube, the bead functioning to maintain the tube in its cylindrical shape. The bag closure may additionally include a flange or pad to aid in attaching the bag closure to a second structure.

Abstract: A novel enhanced needle splitting through-the-needle cannula placement apparatus includes a hinged housing, a scored splittable needle, a needle splitting means and sliding means for facile removal of a needle while leaving the cannula within a body vessel. A method of its use is also taught.

Abstract: A needle point cover assembly for securely covering and protecting the needle point after a syringe has been used includes a cover in the form of an elongated hollow member that is open at one end for receiving the needle therein, and at its other end is mostly enclosed by an end wall having a hole through which the needle can pass. A lid encloses the otherwise open end of the cover member. The lid has a hole through which the needle may pass so that the needle may extend through both the lid hole and the hole in the end wall. When the syringe is being used to make an injection, the needle point projects through the hole in the end wall. After an injection has been made and the syringe is ready for disposal, a manually actuable extensible frame slides the cover to where its end wall is beyond the extremity of the needle point.

Abstract: A device for removing odors and undesirable gases from ambient air comprising an absorbent material enclosed in a tubular shaped container designed to encourage flow of the ambient gases through the container and over and through the absorbent material. In particular, the container includes a plurality of rising channels within the wall of the container, each channel having an opening to the interior space in the vessel, the interior space holding the absorbent material.

Abstract: A fluid collection apparatus for the controlled collection of body fluids comprising a collection vessel housed in a carrier, a vacuum pump mounted in the carrier, and means for powering pump for continuous operation mounted therein. The collection vessel includes a valved exit port, and inlet port connected to a body mounted fluid collection apparatus, a vacuum control means, liquid level control means an tilt sensing means all operatively connected. Also described are a vented drainage valve assembly, and sound and odor absorbing components.

Abstract: A portable rack for medical or laboratory tubes where it is desirable that the tubes be supported in either generally vertical or generally horizontal positions as the user desires. The illustrated rack includes a center panel having openings for receiving the tubes and a pair of end panels, one longer and one shorter. The geometry of the holder allows the holder to be supported with the larger end panel resting on a supporting surface so as to position the tubes extending generally horizontally. The geometry of the rack further allows the rack to be positioned upon the unattached edges of the side panels so that the tubes are held generally upright. A handle is provided for carrying the rack so that the tubes will be extending generally horizontally. The openings are shaped to hold the tubes in a fixed rotational orientation as may be desired for particular tubes.

Abstract: A cover for placement on a container to allow transfer of fluid from the container to a second container comprising a lid having a skirt at its outer edge for liquid-tight attachment to the liquid filled container, a valved region centrally located on the lid, a connector located within the valve portion, and normally closed ports located within the connector. After the second container is attached to the connector the liquid-filled container with the lid attached is inverted and the lid is flexed causing the port to open and the fluid to flow from the first liquid filled container into the second container.

Abstract: Disclosed is a fluid delivery system comprising a bladder to hold a fluid, the bladder being enclosed in a structure formed from a cap connected to a drive mechanism. The drive mechanism includes a piston driven by a constant force spring, the piston resting against the bladder. Activation of the drive mechanism delivers the fluid at a rate pre-determined by the design of the spring.

Abstract: An automatic centrifuge, especially useful with the Censlide.TM. containers, enables automatic operation in the centrifuging of samples. The centrifugal speed is ramped up to a first speed for about 45 seconds, the first speed maintained for about 15 seconds, the speed is then ramped down to a second speed during a 15 second time interval, and the second speed maintained while the samples are flicked a predetermined number of times. The centrifugal speed is then ramped down to zero. The automatic operation, and flicking enables the samples to be examined in their containers as soon as the automated cycle, requiring a time period of from one and one half minutes to about two minutes, is ended.

Abstract: The present invention provides conformable intralumen electrodes for use with medical catheters. The electrodes are made of a conductive polymeric material that is introduced into the lumen of a catheter through an opening cut in the peripheral wall in the catheter. A conductive lead threaded through the lumen of the catheter terminates in a distal end at the opening in the catheter and is completely embedded within the polymeric material introduced into the opening, thereby establishing electrical contact between the conductive polymeric electrode and the conductive lead. The conductive polymeric material fills the opening adhering to the walls of the catheter tube, thereby ensuring secure, long lasting attachment.

Abstract: A flexible tip catheter for electrically stimulating the heart comprising an elongated body having an elongated passage therein and an elongated conductor partially in the passage. The elongated conductor has a distal end portion outside of the passage which is flexible and resilient along its length. The distal end portion includes a flexible resilient electrode exposed at the outer periphery of the catheter so that current can be passed along the conductor to the electrode to electrically stimulate the heart. The distal end portion is more flexible at distal locations than at proximal locations along its length. The flexibility of the distal end portion and of the electrode greatly reduces the risk of penetration of the heart wall.

Abstract: An apparatus for injecting a fluid into the heart and making temperature measurements within the pulmonary artery comprising an elongated flexible tube having a distal end portion, a temperature sensor mounted on the distal end portion, a peripheral wall, at least one lumen extending longitudinally within the tube and an injectate port opening in the peripheral wall proximally of the temperature sensor. The tube can be advanced through a vein, the right atrium and the right ventricle to place the distal end portion in the pulmonary artery and the injectate port in the right atrium facing generally toward the inferior vena cava. The temperature sensor is oriented on the distal end portion so as to materially reduce the likelihood that it will contact the wall of the pulmonary artery during use.

Abstract: A guiding catheter adapted to be passed through the right side of the heart into the pulmonary artery and comprising a catheter body having at least first and second lumens extending longitudinally in the catheter body and a port extending from the first lumen to the exterior of the catheter body. The port is between the ends of the catheter and is in the right heart when the catheter is in use. An elongated stiffening element is locked within the second lumen and extends from a location on the proximal side of the port to a location on the distal side of the port. The stiffening element is flexible, but it is sufficiently stiff to cause the catheter to be gently curved along the stiffening element without forming a kink when the catheter is in use. The first lumen is adapted to have an inner catheter passed through it and out of the port into the right heart.