Abstract: A bag construction adapted for ease of opening. A tubular pocket, defined by the configuration of a separable top seal, allows the tip of a forefinger to position between opposing front and rear panels of the bag and to locate at the side of a commodity-confining compartment. So positioned, the forefinger may be moved toward a side of the bag in an action which will separate the top seal and effect a bag mouth for access to a confined commodity.

Abstract: An external catheter for use with male patients. The catheter is constructed of a resilient material such as a latex, and is characterized by a rearward portion adapted to loosely receive the penis, adhesively attach thereto, and fittingly mold about the same to effect a liquid-tight seal.

Abstract: A drainage device for urine, the device being of the external or condom catheter variety and incorporating at least one adhesive-surfaced foamed tape bonded to the inner surface of a flexible catheter sleeve member formed into a catheter roll. The foamed tape, or a plurality of foamed tapes, extend away from the catheter roll and are provided to adhesively attach to the penis to prevent a displacement of the penis from an intended position within the device as the catheter roll is unrolled over the penis.

Abstract: A bag construction adapted for reclosing. An elongated material separation arrangement of substantial width and transversely defined by an upper marginal region of the bag receives and positionally holds a folded over portion of the bag after an opening of same. A lower portion of a top seal is separated or removed to provide access to the contents of the bag. The upper marginal region of the bag may be fashioned in a variety of ways to convenience the opening of the bag.

Abstract: Particularly a rectal catheter for the removal of fluent material from the rectal cavity. The rectal catheter (18) comprises an elongated tubular member (20) forwardly insertable within the rectal cavity. The tubular member includes a pair of opposing eyelets (28a and 28b) in the vicinity of a forward end (22) which lead to a centrally open drainage lumen (26), and also includes a ventilation lumen (32) substantially coextensive in length therewith. The ventilation lumen receives atmospheric air from a take-off tube (40) depending from the rearward portion of the tubular member and directs atmospheric air toward the forward end of the tubular member when suction is applied to the drainage lumen.

Abstract: To function as intended, it is desirable that an external or condom catheter be properly applied and maintained upon the penis. An ill-fitting of the device commonly occurs when the catheter is being unrolled during application, and action which tends to push the free end of the penis away from an intended position within the conical body portion of the catheter. Addtionally, an unrolling of the catheter tends to rearwardly displace the relatively loose and relaxed penile skin, causing a displacement of the free end of the penis within the conical body portion once the penile skin returns to its relaxed state. A twisting or kinking of the catheter, leading to outlet obstruction and backflow problems, often results. The solution is one or a plurality of rearwardly or proximally extending flap members emerging preferably from within the conical body portion of the external catheter and adhesively securable to the penis prior to an unrolling the catheter.

Abstract: An endotracheal tube (10) is adapted to cooperate with a marking insert (36) for the purpose of providing means for the indication of a correct depth of placement of the endotracheal tube as it resides appropriately positioned within the intubated pathway. The marking insert is included to the receptive interior of a secondary passage (26) defined by the wall (14) of the tubular member (12) of the endotracheal tube and is slidably adjusted into a postion to space-relate a suitable portion of the marking insert with a stationary reference means such as the patient's lips (56A and 56b). The adjustment of the insert into a marking position is made at a time when the position of the forward end (20) of the endotracheal tube is known to be correctly distant from the tracheal bifurcation (54). The forward termination (40) of the insert may be used to adjacently space-relate with the stationary reference means and may be visible through the transparent wall of the endotracheal tube.

Abstract: An endotracheal tube is provided with a placement marker to mark and monitor a correct depth of placement of the endotracheal tube within the breathing pathway. In a preferred embodiment, the forward termination of a marking insert is positioned and retained within a member passage of an endotracheal tube in a spaced relation with a stationary reference structure such as the lips or naris of a patient. Correct tube placement, so distinguished, is thereby ascertainable on a continuing basis by inspection for a continuation of the achieved spaced relation between the forward termination of the marking insert and the stationary reference structure.

Abstract: A tracheal tube (20) provides an expansible channel (40) along its length. The channel normally maintains a generally concealed attitude within the trachael tube wall and adapts by expansion for the insertion of a suction catheter (60), guiding the catheter at various depths within the channel for the removal of secretions and other substances which accumulate around the tube when in use within the intubated pathway. Ports (46), located at strategic locations along the tube wall and leading to the channel, afford access to these accumulations. Among the various embodiments of the invention is a valve-like arrangement which opens the ports only when a catheter is inserted within the channel. Also, a novel means for directing and concentrating suction forces at individual ports is disclosed.

Abstract: An endotracheal tube (18) is adapted to incorporate an elongated passage (40) along its length. Ports (48) are located along the elongated passage (40) and arranged to provide for removal of secretions that accumulate outside the endotracheal tube and between the endotracheal tube and a substantial length of the intubated pathway wall (50) when the endotracheal tube is in place. The positioning of ports (48) is such that direct contact of the port openings with the mucosa is avoided, thereby minimizing blockage of these openings. The elongated passage provides a shield for a suction catheter (54) which is insertable into the elongated passage (40) and used to transport the secretions out of the intubated pathway. The suction catheter (54) is easily removed to allow for cleaning or replacement.

Abstract: A protective closure for an implement such as a pencil or pen. The closure comprises a retractable sheath intended for an attached relation to the implement body portion. The sheath having fold means is shortened or contracted longitudinally to achieve an exposing position when opposing sections of the sheath are urged together, achieving an intermediate, cross-sectionally continuous fold thereby. The fold means is further adapted to self-retain.