Abstract: The present invention relates to a needle-stick protector for an intravenous catheter having a body, a needle hub, a needle, and means for ensuring that the needle-stick protector is not removed from a catheter hub before the needle is fully retracted and locked in the body of the needle-stick protector.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a valve assembly in an intravenous catheter that facilitates the administration of fluid to a patient through the intravenous catheter by a needleless device. The valve assembly of the present invention contains means for providing a positive displacement of fluid from the catheter at a time when a needleless device is removed from the valve assembly following its connection to the valve assembly.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a needle-stick protector for an intravenous catheter having a body, a needle hub, a needle, and means for ensuring that the needle-stick protector is not removed from a catheter hub before the needle is fully retracted and locked in the body of the needle-stick protector.

Abstract: A two-mode therapeutic mattress system is provided, including a non-powered air mattress, a pressure dispersion cushion, and a selectively operable air diffusion coverlet in a common modular assembly for improved medical management of skin care. The non-powered air mattress includes longitudinal air cylinders providing a static air support system inflated to predetermined pressure. The longitudinal air cylinders are in pressure communication with elasticized reservoirs, in that the air level in the elasticized reservoirs dynamically reacts to changes in pressure in the longitudinal air cylinders, for example upon receipt of a patient upon the mattress system. The pressure dispersion cushion facilitates pressure relief with a number of lateral and longitudinal cuts resulting in a plurality of separate upright support cells, the size and construction of which may vary over the surface of the pressure dispersion cushion so as to provide selective support characteristics.

Abstract: A foam chair cushion having transverse support ribs is provided for reduction of shear stress between a person's skin and the surface of the chair cushion. The chair cushion may include transverse, lateral support ribs upon the support surface of the cushion. The support ribs have a predetermined cross-sectional geometry that is curvilinear, with a superior aspect generally disposed for receipt of a person and a inferior aspect opposite. The inferior aspect of the cross-section of the support ribs may undercut the portion of the support ribs vertically above it. Having such cross-sectional geometry, the support ribs are directionally oriented, either toward the one end or the other of the chair cushion. The chair cushion may include support ribs that are directionally oriented toward the foot of the chair in regions adapted for the person's upper torso, buttocks, and lower legs, and directionally oriented toward the head of the chair in a region adapted for the person's thighs.

Abstract: A foam mattress system having transverse support ribs is provided for reduction of shear stress between a person's skin and the surface of the mattress system. The mattress system may include a mattress to be used independent of other mattresses or springs, or a mattress pad to be used atop other mattresses or springs, and either may be used on both a flat bed and a bed with an inclined torso section. The mattress system includes transverse, lateral support ribs upon the support surface of the mattress. The support ribs have a predetermined cross-sectional geometry that is curvilinear with a superior aspect generally disposed for receipt of a person and a smaller inferior aspect opposite. The inferior aspect of the cross-section of the support ribs may undercut the portion of the support ribs vertically above it. Having such cross-sectional geometry, the support ribs are thereby directionally oriented, either toward the foot or toward the head of the mattress system.