Abstract: A ball and socket coupling is provided. The ball and socket coupling includes a ball body having a passage extending therethrough and a ball portion, and a socket body having a conduit extending therethrough and a ball receiving portion configured to receive the ball portion of the ball body. The ball and socket coupling also includes retaining structure disposed in the passage of the ball body and the conduit of the socket body, where the retaining structure is configured to operatively couple the ball body and the socket body together for permitting relative motion therebetween. The ball and socket coupling further includes motion limiting structure associated with the retaining structure and configured to limit relative motion between the ball body and the socket body to rotation about a single axis that is perpendicular to the direction of fluid flow through the ball and socket coupling.

Abstract: A ball and socket coupling is provided. The ball and socket coupling includes a ball body having a passage extending therethrough and a ball portion, and a socket body having a conduit extending therethrough and a ball receiving portion configured to receive the ball portion of the ball body. The ball and socket coupling also includes retaining structure disposed in the passage of the ball body and the conduit of the socket body, where the retaining structure is configured to operatively couple the ball body and the socket body together for permitting relative motion therebetween. The ball and socket coupling further includes motion limiting structure associated with the retaining structure and configured to limit relative motion between the ball body and the socket body to rotation about a single axis that is perpendicular to the direction of fluid flow through the ball and socket coupling.

Abstract: A fluid line assembly (20) includes an outer fluid line (24) and an inner fluid line (22). The inner and outer fluid lines (22, 24) each include a slip joint (70, 80). At least one of the slip joints (70, 80) include a variable volume reservoir (86) in communication with the interior of the corresponding fluid line (22, 24). The reservoir (86) is at least partially defined by a first tube section (82), a second tube section (84) having an axially extending portion and radially extending portion, and a radially extending piston (90) connected to the first tube section (82) for movement therewith. The at least one slip joint (70, 80) also includes a resiliently compressible conductive member (98) positioned between and in contact with the piston (90) and the radially extending portion of the second tube section (84) to create an electrical path therebetween.

Abstract: A fluid line assembly (20) includes an outer fluid line (24) and an inner fluid line (22). The inner and outer fluid lines (22, 24) each include a slip joint (70, 80). At least one of the slip joints (70, 80) include a variable volume reservoir (86) in communication with the interior of the corresponding fluid line (22, 24). The reservoir (86) is at least partially defined by a first tube section (82), a second tube section (84) having an axially extending portion and radially extending portion, and a radially extending piston (90) connected to the first tube section (82) for movement therewith. The at least one slip joint (70, 80) also includes a resiliently compressible conductive member (98) positioned between and in contact with the piston (90) and the radially extending portion of the second tube section (84) to create an electrical path therebetween.

Abstract: A fluid line assembly includes an outer fluid line and an inner fluid line. The inner and outer fluid lines each include a slip joint. At least one of the slip joints include a variable volume reservoir in communication with the interior of the corresponding fluid line. The reservoir is at least partially defined by a first tube section, a second tube section having an axially extending portion and radially extending portion, and a radially extending piston connected to the first tube section for movement therewith. The at least one slip joint also includes a resiliently compressible conductive member positioned between and in contact with the piston and the radially extending portion of the second tube section to create an electrical path therebetween.

Abstract: A fluid line assembly is disclosed that includes an outer fluid line and an inner fluid line disposed substantially within the outer fluid line. The inner and outer fluid lines each include a slip joint. In an embodiment of the invention, at least one of the slip joints includes a reservoir in communication with the interior of the corresponding fluid line. Among other things, the reservoir is suitable for receiving fluid from the corresponding fluid line as the fluid line assembly is contracted and expelling fluid into the corresponding fluid line as the fluid line assembly is extended. In another embodiment of the invention, the inner and outer fluid lines include a ball joint assembly.

Abstract: A fluid line assembly is disclosed that includes an outer fluid line and an inner fluid line disposed substantially within the outer fluid line. The inner and outer fluid lines each include a slip joint. In an embodiment of the invention, at least one of the slip joints includes a reservoir in communication with the interior of the corresponding fluid line. Among other things, the reservoir is suitable for receiving fluid from the corresponding fluid line as the fluid line assembly is contracted and expelling fluid into the corresponding fluid line as the fluid line assembly is extended. In another embodiment of the invention, the inner and outer fluid lines include a ball joint assembly.

Abstract: An endotracheal tube holder or positioner is disclosed having a collar member formed from at least two body portions engaged together to form a central orifice extending axially therethrough. The body portions are engaged together by a hinge member and a clasp. Each body portion includes a radially deflective clamping member, the clamping member forming an adjustable clamping orifice designed to accommodate and grip endotracheal tubes of varying diameters.

Abstract: An endotracheal tube holder or positioner is disclosed having a collar or clamp member formed from at least two body portions engaged together to form a central orifice extending axially therethrough. The body portions rotate relative to each other to radially adapt to accommodate and grip endotracheal tubes of varying diameters.

Abstract: An endotracheal tube holder or positioner is disclosed having a collar member formed from at least two body portions engaged together to form a central orifice extending axially therethrough. The body portions are engaged together by a hinge member and a clasp. Each body portion includes a radially deflective clamping member, the clamping member forming an adjustable clamping orifice designed to accommodate and grip endotracheal tubes of varying diameters.

Abstract: A dry break coupling for joining together opposing passageways includes a male member and a female member, each of which includes a resiliently deformable rubber flap with cross-hair slits positioned to engage each other as the male and female members are moved axially toward their coupled position. Each of the male and female members also is provided with a normally closed but resiliently openable rubber septum position on the opposite side of its rubber flap from the engagement end of the respective members. The male member is provided with a blunt cannula which is fixed and a moveable carrier supporting the rubber septum. The female member is provided with an axially moveable support for the rubber flap and a fixed support for the rubber septum.

Abstract: A catheter check valve assembly has a body member with a wall defining a generally cylindrical chamber and a transverse wall having an aperture lying on the axis of such chamber. A duckbill valve and an end cap supporting a catheter are positioned on one side of the transverse wall. A separator has a major portion positioned in said cylindrical chamber and an elongated cylindrical probe extending from said major portion. The separator is axially moveable from a retracted position where the probe is out of contact with the duckbill valve to a forward position extending through and opening the duckbill valve. A trocar may be extended through the catheter check valve assembly when the separator is in the forward position.

Abstract: A ball joint assembly for interconnecting rigid conduits or ducts including spherical ball and socket elements in turn mounted in a housing for universal adjustment. The housing includes spherical segment support surfaces for engaging exterior spherical surfaces defined on the socket element to insure the range of adjustment. A spring member provides electrical continuity between the ball and socket elements comprising a bowed wire of an oblong configuration having an end attached to the ball element and resilient bows engaging the socket and ball elements such that as the elements are angularly displaced, the spring maintains a relatively constant spring load.