Abstract: An apparatus for ensuring proper engagement between connectors in external pneumatic compression devices. Two or more compression bladders are connected via tubing to a controller by a mated connector unit. Each mated connector includes an upstream portion and a downstream portion. The upstream portion includes a shut-off valve per individually addressed bladder. The downstream portion includes structure which defeats or opens the shut-off valve in the upstream connector and allows for fluid flow. Internally and externally, the mated connectors are configured for reciprocal engagement. Even if visual orientation of the connectors fails, the reciprocal structure of the connectors prevents incorrect engagement therebetween.

Abstract: A vascular assist device which maintains a static graduated pressure as the minimum pressure at all times during use. At least two inflatable chambers which wrap around selected portions of a limb apply elevated pressure to selected portions of a limb to disgorge blood therefrom. The inflatable chambers also apply static pressure which is graduated from distal to proximal along selected portions of a limb, such as from the ankle to the hip. A separate inflatable foot chamber can be included and is not necessarily utilized in conjunction with the compression phases for the ankle, calf, or thigh inflatable chambers. A desired pressure level is generated and maintained in a pressure accumulator, and a pressure regulator and regulator valve control the pressure in the inflatable chambers. The inflatable chambers between the ankle and hip are inflated to a predetermined and uniform dynamic pressure which is maintained in the inflatable chambers for a predetermined amount of time.

Abstract: An apparatus and a method are provided for vascular examination of a limb by inflation of a flexible-walled pneumatic chamber mounted to the limb and calibration of the pressure within the chamber in units of volume. Calibration is accomplished by inflating the chamber to a preselected reference pressure, altering the volume of the chamber, and measuring the calibration pressure at the altered volume. The calibration pressure is stored for use off-line in scaling subsequent pressure fluctuations as changes in limb volume.

Abstract: A combined and integral pump and check valve combination is disclosed herein for the control of fluid flow through a fluid pump portion having an inlet port leading to a gland cavity occupied by a movable sealing element yieldably held in position closing or sealing the inlet port by a self-biasing member such as an open-cell foam material. A retaining ring used during the assembly procedure is disposed between the edge marginal regions of the self-biasing member and the movable sealing element which may function to stabilize the element. A sealed retaining plate is attached to the pump supporting the self-biasing member and the movable element combination and further defines an outlet port or duct on the side of the movable element opposite to its side which is adjacent to the inlet port.

Abstract: A rate meter for use with an IV fluid administration system having a vertical transparent drip chamber, the rate meter having an elongated housing having a notch therein for receiving the drip chamber, and a spring bias moveable portion which engages the drip chamber so that the housing is held to the drip chamber in a horizontal manner, the housing having two light emitters positioned on one side of the drip chamber and a photodetector on the other side, the light path between the light emitters and the photodetector being affected by passages of drops of fluid through the drip chamber, circuitry for computing a volumetric flow rate based on the frequency of detected drops, an indicator for displaying the detected flow rate and a self-contained battery. The two light emitters are arranged to provide equal light intensity on the photodetector.

Abstract: A rate meter for use with an IV fluid administration system having a vertical transparent drip chamber, the rate meter having an elongated housing having a notch therein for receiving the drip chamber, and a spring bias moveable portion which engages the drip chamber so that the housing is held to the drip chamber in a horizontal manner, the housing having two light emitters positioned on one side of the drip chamber and a photodetector on the other side, the light path between the light emitters and the photodetector being affected by passages of drops of fluid through the drip chamber, circuitry for computing a volumetric flow rate based on the frequency of detected drops, an indicator for displaying the detected flow rate and a self-contained battery. The two light emitters are arranged to provide equal light intensity on the photodetector.

Abstract: An arterial thrombus detection system (4) measures and displays the elapsed times (ET1, ET2, etc.) for an arterial pulse to travel between selected pairs of locations (A and B, B and C) along the length of a patient's limb (10, 12). The arterial pulse sensors comprise inflatable cuffs (A, B, C) with pressure sensors (A, B, C) that are flexibly secured together to form a sleeve (6, 8) which is wrapped around the limb (10, 12). A pair of start/stop timers (46, 48) are controlled in accordance with arterial detection pulses to measure the elapsed times (ET1, ET2, etc.). Display of elapsed times (ET1, ET2, etc.) which are significantly different signifies a thrombus in the section of the limb associated with the relatively longest elapsed time.

Abstract: A method of determining the pressure applied to a limb by an inflatable garment by placing a flexible pressurizable cuff between the garment and the limb to receive the compressive garment forces and then determining the pressure in the cuff due to those compressive forces alone. The cuff pressure component due to compression of the garment is determined by extrapolating from a plot of cuff pressure versus bias pressure. The bias pressure is required to obtain an accurate reading of cuff pressure and is eliminated as a component in determining the garment pressure by means of the extrapolation. A preferred transducer for converting cuff pressure to electrical signals employs a manometer tube extending between two plates of a capacitor.

Abstract: A pressure generating device for applying compressive pressures from a compressor against a patient's limb through means of a flexible, pressurizable sleeve which encloses the limb having an overpressure circuit which causes venting of the pressurizable sleeve and termination of power to the compressor in the event of the pressure assuming an excessive value. The sleeve has a ventilation chamber and a controller which generates electrical signals to actuate a solenoid controlled valve to periodically connect the compressor to the ventilation chamber during cooling cycles.

Abstract: A device for applying indicia in a first geometric form to an elongated elastic web comprising, a device for longitudinally stretching the elastic web, and a device for printing the first geometric form onto a surface of the web in the stretched configuration such that the first geometric form assumes a second geometric form when the web is relaxed.

Abstract: A sterile cover for an instrument comprising, a tray having an upright post, with the post having an upper end and a lower end. The cover has a sleeve of flexible material having an open end and a closed end. The sleeve is placed on the post with the closed end being located adjacent the upper end of the post, with the sleeve extending over the post from the upper end toward the lower end of the post, and with the open end of the sleeve being accessible to a user to remove the sleeve from the post.

Abstract: A pressure generating device for applying compressive pressures from a compressor against a patient's limb through means of a flexible, pressurizable sleeve which encloses the limb having an overpressure circuit which causes venting of the pressurizable sleeve and termination of power to the compressor in the event of the pressure assuming an excessive value. The sleeve has a ventilation chamber and a controller which generates electrical signals to actuate a solenoid controlled valve to periodically connect the compressor to the ventilation chamber during cooling cycles.

Abstract: A device for applying compressive pressures against a patient's limb from a source of fluid comprising, a sleeve for placement about the patient's limb and having at least one inflatable chamber. The compressive device has a device for intermittently inflating and deflating the chamber, a first conduit connecting the inflating device and the chamber, and a second conduit communicating with the first conduit upstream from the chamber. The compressive device has a pressure determining gauge communicating with the second conduit, and an element for providing resistance against fluid flow passing through the second conduit intermediate the first conduit and the gauge.

Abstract: A therapeutic device comprising, a sleeve for covering a portion of a patient's body and having a space to receive liquid, a device for circulating a liquid through the space of the sleeve, and a device for cooling the circulated liquid.

Abstract: A method of determining the pressure applied to a limb by an inflatable garment by placing a flexible pressurizable cuff between the garment and the limb to receive the compressive garment forces and then determining the pressure in the cuff due to those compressive forces alone. The cuff pressure component due to compression of the garment is determined by extra-polating from a plot of cuff pressure versus bias pressure. The bias pressure is required to obtain an accurate reading of cuff pressure and is eliminated as a component in determining the garment pressure by means of the extrapolation. A preferred transducer for converting cuff pressure to electrical signals employs a manometer tube extending between two plates of a capacitor.

Abstract: A precordial ECG strip comprising, a plurality of electrode assemblies with each comprising a housing having a front surface, a recess received in the front surface of the housing, an ECG electrode received in an inner part of the recess, and a conductive lead having one end electrically connected to the electrode. The electrode assemblies are connected together in a row with the leads of the electrode assemblies extending along the row of the electrode assemblies.

Abstract: A device for applying compressive pressures against a patient's limb from a source of pressurized fluid. The device has an elongated pressure sleeve for enclosing a length of the patient's limb, with the sleeve having a plurality of laterally extending separate fluid pressure chambers progressively arranged longitudinally along the sleeve from a lower portion of the limb to an upper portion of the limb proximal the patient's heart relative to the lower portion. The device has a plurality of conduits and connecting devices for connecting the conduits to a plurality of the chambers. The device also varies the effective lumen size associated with a plurality of the connecting members and conduits to vary the pressure rise times in the chambers.

Abstract: A vital signs monitor comprising, a plurality of pads having a front surface for contacting the chest of a patient, and containing equipment for monitoring a body function of the patient. The monitor has a device connected between a pair of pads for detecting expansion and contraction of the patient's chest.

Abstract: A device for normally applying compressive pressures with a pair of sleeves against a patient's limbs from a source of pressurized fluid. The device has a first elongated pressure sleeve for enclosing a length of the patient's limb having fluid pressure chambers in the sleeve. The device has an apparatus for intermittently inflating and deflating the pressure chambers, and a device for simulating operation of one of the sleeves when only the other sleeve is in use, with the simulating device being connected to the inflating apparatus.

Abstract: A pressure transducer assembly is disclosed for directly monitoring pressure in a fluid which flows through the assembly. The assembly includes a housing defining a chamber therewithin and having an inlet port and an outlet port in fluid-flow communication with the chamber. An electrically insulated body element is sealed within the chamber dividing the chamber into a first chamber and a second chamber. The first chamber is in fluid-flow communication with the inlet and outlet ports. The second chamber is separated from the first chamber by a fluid-tight seal such that any fluid present in the first chamber cannot enter the second chamber. A pressure transducer sensor is secured in the insulated body and exposed to the first chamber such that the sensor can determine the pressure in a fluid in the first chamber and convert the pressure into electric impulses. The sensor is separated from the fluid in the first chamber by an insulating medium across which fluid pressure can be determined.