Abstract: A rigid receptacle has an open top, and a removable lid seals by vacuum onto the open top. The lid carries dependent therefrom into the receptacle a flexible disposable collection bag. The bag is supported from the lid by means of an inlet fitting and an outlet fitting which extends from the lid. The inlet fitting is for attachment to a tube which extends into the thoracic cavity of the patient. The outlet fitting has an outwardly facing check valve therein to prevent buildup of pressure within the collection bag. The lid is also provided with a vacuum connection, by which vacuum can be drawn into the receptacle but outside of the collection bag to close vacuum in the vacuum bag without the need for continuous vacuum or the connection of a vacuum line to the interior of the collection bag.

Abstract: Plastic, natural or synthetic rubber surgical appliances such as gloves, condoms, drains, catheters and tubing are coated with a nontoxic chemical formulation to inhibit sticking during storage and to ease the installation of the device. The coating disclosed herein is a water soluble nontoxic chemical compound that incorporates Na (sodium) or K (potassium) in varying chemical combinations with carbonates, acetates, bicarbonates, acetate trihydrates and citrate dihydrate.