Abstract: A protective sheath assembly is provided that combines the functions of an introducer, a protective sheath and a sealing valve in an integrated assembly. The protective sheath assembly generally comprises a protective sheath with a connecting member or a hub. The protective sheath has a proximal end, a distal end, and an elongated hollow body defining a lumen along the longitudinal axis. The protective sheath accommodates and protects a medical device during insertion through a hemostasis valve into a patient's vasculature. The protective sheath also provides a seal around the medical device to prevent blood back flow.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a keyboard with an interchangeable device is disclosed. The keyboard comprises a standard, or near standard keyboard for use with a computer. The keyboard includes at least one device that can be inserted into the keyboard. The insertable device can be an input device such as a trackball or touchpad which can be removed and replaced with another input device.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a low profile catheter valve comprising a movable sealer portion positioned within the inflation lumen of a catheter. The sealer portion forms a fluid tight seal with the inflation lumen by firmly contacting the entire circumference of a section of the inflation lumen. The sealer portion may be positioned proximally of a side-access inflation port on the catheter, to establish an unrestricted fluid pathway between the inflation port and an inflatable balloon on the distal end of the catheter. As desired, the clinician may move the sealer portion to a position distal of the inflation port, thereby preventing any fluid from being introduced into or withdrawn from the balloon via the inflation port. Also disclosed herein is an inflation adaptor for moving the sealer portion within the catheter to establish or close the fluid pathway between the inflation port and the inflatable balloon.

Abstract: A plug system for a low profile hollow catheter or other guidewire or balloon catheter, which catheter has a distal portion and a proximal portion and at least one lumen in fluid communication therebetween. The catheter further has an outer diameter in the range of about 0.01″ to 0.04″ and an inner diameter in the range of about 0.007″ to 0.035″. The plug system comprises an elastomeric plug for engaging and sealing a proximal open end of the catheter in such a way that the maximum outer diameter of the plug does not exceed the outer diameter of the catheter. A low profile fluid delivery and sealing system for a catheter with a lumen comprises a pierceable and self-resealable member sealably coupled to the lumen at a proximal portion of the catheter forming an assembly. The transverse cross sectional area of the assembly as viewed along a longitudinal axis of the catheter does not exceed 150% of the original transverse cross sectional area of the catheter.

Abstract: An integrated inflation/deflation device provides easy, precise delivery of a small amount of fluid for proper inflation of a low volume surgical balloon and similarly provides easy and fast deflation of the balloon. A preferred embodiment includes a low volume syringe and large syringe mounted together within a housing. A port in the low volume syringe is in communication with the large syringe barrel. The low volume syringe plunger is controlled by a knob disposed on the housing. The large syringe is used to prime the surgical balloon system, including a catheter, and the low volume syringe delivers a precise, predetermined volume of fluid to inflate the balloon. The low volume syringe is also used to deflate the balloon. Preferably, indicia on the housing adjacent the knob direct the required rotation of the knob to deliver the correct volume of fluid to be injected to match a balloon of a given size and shape so that the balloon is properly inflated.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a low profile catheter valve comprising a movable sealer portion positioned within the inflation lumen of a catheter. The sealer portion forms a fluid tight seal with the inflation lumen by firmly contacting the entire circumference of a section of the inflation lumen. The sealer portion may be positioned proximally of a side-access inflation port on the catheter, to establish an unrestricted fluid pathway between the inflation port and an inflatable balloon on the distal end of the catheter. As desired, the clinician may move the sealer portion to a position distal of the inflation port, thereby preventing any fluid from being introduced into or withdrawn from the balloon via the inflation port. Also disclosed herein is an inflation adaptor for moving the sealer portion within the catheter to establish or close the fluid pathway between the inflation port and the inflatable balloon.

Abstract: A bulb socket consisting of an inner piece and a hollow outer piece guidingly receiving the inner piece. The inner piece has a pair of channels for accommodating an electrical connecting wire, a web physically separating the pair of channels and a pair of slits each extending in a respective channel for anchoring a contact blade associated with the electrical connecting wire. The hollow outer piece has a pair of curved recesses complementary in shape to the pair of channels. After the inner and outer pieces are brought together, the pair of channels and the pair of curved recesses form a respective hole formation which securely retain the electrical connecting wires in position, thereby preventing undesired bending of the wires which might lead to short circuit and electrical hazard. The channels and the curved recesses in their modified form are able to accommodate two electrical connecting wires and associated contact blades.

Abstract: An apparatus is provided for facilitating substantially bloodless insertion into and withdrawal from a patient's body of a longitudinal member having a proximal end portion and having a distal end portion which is adapted to extend into the patient's body. The apparatus comprises a longitudinally extending sleeve having proximal and distal end portions and defining a lumen extending there along. The longitudinal member is positioned along the lumen. The sleeve has a line extending longitudinally along it which is either split or splittable so that the sleeve can be separated along the line for removal from about the longitudinal member while the distal end portion of the longitudinal member remains extended into the patient. A valve structure serves for preventing blood flow through the lumen. An access is present for allowing substantially bloodless insertion and withdrawal of the longitudinal member through the lumen.

Abstract: A Christmas light string includes a chain including a plurality of pairs of first and second plastic links each defining at least one socket-receiving aperture. Each first link includes two protrusions each including a head shaped as an arrow head. Each second link defines two protrusion-receiving apertures. The protrusions are engageable in the plastic links. A plurality of sockets are each insertable in one of the socket-receiving apertures. A plurality of bulbs each include a husk insertable in one of the sockets.

Abstract: A socket assembly which includes a socket, an annular positioner and two leaf conductors. The socket includes two slots defined in a bottom and a groove defined in an internal surface. The annular positioner includes an opening defined therein and a ridge formed on an external surface. The ridge is received in the groove when the annular positioner is received in the socket to restrain rotation of the annular positioner with respect to the socket. The leaf conductors are inserted through the slots. One of the leaf conductors includes an upper tip inserted through the opening to be retained between the socket and the annular positioner to prevent bending thereof and engagement between the leaf conductors when a bulb is received in the socket.

Abstract: An apparatus is provided for facilitating substantially bloodless insertion into and withdrawal from a patient's body of a longitudinal member having a proximal end portion and having a distal end portion which is adapted to extend into the patient's body. The apparatus comprises a longitudinally extending sleeve having proximal and distal end portions and defining a lumen extending there along. The longitudinal member is positioned along the lumen. The sleeve has a line extending longitudinally along it which is either split or splittable so that the sleeve can be separated along the line for removal from about the longitudinal member while the distal end portion of the longitudinal member remains extended into the patient. A valve structure serves for preventing blood flow through the lumen. An access is present for allowing substantially bloodless insertion and withdrawal of the longitudinal member through the lumen.

Abstract: A tape withdrawal and positioning system is provided for withdrawing tape from its initial position within a tape cassette and positioning it in proximity to or in contact with a tape recording and/or reproducing apparatus. The tape withdrawal and positioning system comprises a pair of lever arms having tape guide posts adjustable between an initial position wherein the tape guide posts are positioned behind an access portion of the tape within the tape cassette and an operating position whereon the lever arms are extended and the tape guide posts are positioned in proximity to the recording and/or reproducing apparatus. In the operating position, and tape is in contact with a portion of the recording and/or reproducing apparatus.