Abstract: An adjustable, shoulder-strap assisting device having an elongate support member with a non-smooth surface on a shoulder engaging side. The elongate support member also has a deformable, rigid insert disposed therein such that the support member is capable of being custom fitted about the shoulder of the user in a non-slipping position. The shoulder-strap assisting device conforms to the contour of the user's shoulder and receives the shoulder strap of a backpack, golf bag, suitcase or the like and prevents the shoulder strap from moving relative to the device such that the load carried by the strap does not shift on the shoulder of the user.

Abstract: A needle assembly is provided with a needle securely mounted to a needle hub. A shield assembly includes a plurality of telescoped tubes concentrically surrounding the needle. One of the telescoped tubes is securely connected to the needle hub. The other tubes in the assembly may be slid away from the needle hub. The tubes have combined lengths to enable complete shielding of the needle when the tubes are telescopingly extended. The distal-most tube, when the tubes are telescopingly extended, includes a tip guard which resiliently moves over the distal tip of the needle as the shield assembly is fully extended. The distal-most tube, when the tubes are telescopingly extended, of the shield assembly frictionally engages a catheter adapter to prevent withdrawal of the needle from the shield assembly until the tubes are fully telescopingly extended. As full shielding of the needle is reached, the shielded needle is separated from the catheter adapter.

Abstract: A valved adapter for connecting a fluid handling device to a medical device includes a body with a longitudinal axis and having a female luer fitting at a proximal end, a distal end and a passageway therethrough. The passageway has a chamber intermediate the proximal end and the distal end containing a valve having a normally closed position but operative to an open position. The valve includes a relatively elongate resilient member with a proximal end and an axis substantially coaxial to the longitudinal axis of the adapter. The valve further includes a pusher disposed at the proximal end of the elongate resilient member. The pusher includes a telescopic portion having an extended position and a collapsed position. The telescopic portion is biased to the extended position.

Abstract: A catheter having a side port for selective infusion of fluids is disclosed. The side port may be deactivated so that the catheter can be used as a non-side port catheter. The side port is rotable about the catheter housing to; block off access to the catheter lumen from the side port when the side port is deactivated. The catheter is also provided with a valve to facilitate the selective infusion of fluid from the side port into the catheter lumen.

Abstract: Apparatus for regulating pressure in and for controllably pressurizing infusion devices includes a flow-through pressure gauge for indicating and regulating the pressures within such infusion devices between minimum and maximum desirable pressures. Such apparatus includes a gauge, coupled between a fluid source and the bladder portion of the pressure infusion device. The gauge receives pressurized fluid from the fluid source, provides fluid to the bladder, indicates a range of fluid pressures in the bladder and maintains the pressure of fluid in the bladder between minimum and maximum pressures. The gauge includes a telescopingly coupled member to indicate a range of pressures in the bladder. A first valve permits the passage of fluid through the gauge and into the bladder when the fluid pressure exceeds a minimum pressure. A second valve prevents the passage of fluid through the gauge and into the bladder when the fluid pressure exceeds a maximum pressure.

Abstract: Pressure infusion apparatus for controllably pressurizing infusion bags includes a flow-through pressure gauge for indicating the pressures within such infusion bags between minimum and maximum desirable pressures. A lower housing member includes a chamber and an inlet to the chamber for receiving a flow of fluid from suitable sources of pressurized fluid. A resilient member seals the chamber and is used in cooperation with telescoping members in a downstream portion of the gauge for indicating a range of pressures within the chamber from predetermined minimum pressures, below which the gauge will not indicate, and predetermined maximum pressures, above which is dangerous for continuing use of the pressure infusion apparatus. The gauge is adaptable for both use in applications which are axial and transverse with respect to the flow of fluid therethrough.

Abstract: A check valve, including an inlet housing portion and outlet housing portion which are adapted to be snap-fit together, is inexpensively and quickly produced using valve disks which are capable of providing variable fluid flow resistance. The valve disk is stamped from flexible materials having a Shore A durometer hardness in the range of from about thirty to about one hundred (e.g., a thermoplastic elastomer). Flat, circular shapes having at least three, arcuately-shaped windows defined therein, with an outer sealing periphery being joined to a circular closing member by webs which separate the windows, provide a valve disk of substantial manufacture ease.

Abstract: A medication infusion device comprises a retainer for holding a medication-containing receptacle of the type which is actuatable to expel the contents of medication therefrom. A sensor is included for sensing a characteristic related to the amount of medication within the receptacle. A timing device allows the selection of the period of time over which the contents of the receptacle are to be expelled. A control mechanism, associated with the sensor and the timing device, actuates the receptacle to expel its contents at a controlled rate over the selected period of time.

Abstract: A valve stem seal for an intake or an exhaust valve in an internal combustion engine consists of an elastomeric portion, an insert and a retaining member. The elastomeric portion and insert are interconnected and the elastomeric portion has a cylindrical wall engaging the valve stem. Both the elastomeric portion and insert portion are positioned on the top surface of the valve guide boss and retained thereon by a retaining member which engages the boss.

Abstract: A disposable reservoir cassette for use with a roller pump delivery system comprises a flexible reservoir tube, an air-permeable, liquid-impermeable element engaging one end of the reservoir tube, a pierceable delivery septum engaging the other end of the reservoir tube and a rigid housing containing the reservoir tube. The housing includes a backstop which supports the tube in a circular path while allowing access to the septum. The housing is adapted to be secured to the roller pump such that the circular path of the tube is adjacent to the path of a pump roller wherein motion of the pump roller compresses the reservoir tube sufficiently to drive any fluid contained therein in the direction of the delivery septum.

Abstract: A valve assembly is disclosed for permitting relatively free flow in a first direction and for preventing flow in the path in a second, opposite direction. The assembly includes a resilient flow regulator including a pair of lips arranged to define a normally closed slit at the outer ends of the lips. An annular flange extends outwardly about the opposite end of the regulator. A housing outlet portion defines a housing interior having an outlet port and an open sealing end, with an annular collar disposed outwardly about the sealing end. The regulator is disposed within the housing outlet portion with the flange contained within the collar. A cover plate is attached to the collar for securing the regulator and for sealing the housing. The housing outlet portion defines a first sealing ring and the cover plate defines a second sealing ring such that the first and second sealing rings are disposed on opposite sides of the flange.

Abstract: A valve assembly is disclosed for permitting relatively free flow in a flow path in a first direction and for preventing flow in the path in a second, opposite direction. The assembly includes a resilient flow regulator including a pair of lips arranged in a converging relationship to define a normally closed slit at the outer ends of the lips. An annular flange extends outwardly about the opposite end of the regulator. A housing outlet portion defines a housing interior approximating the shape of the regulator. The housing outlet portion further includes an annular collar disposed outwardly adjacent the base of each planar surface. The regulator is diposed within the housing outlet portion with the flange contained within the collar, and with the lips being adjacent to but not in contact with the interior housing surface. A cover plate is attached to the collar for securing the regulator and for sealing the housing.