Abstract: A multilumen catheter having a distal portion with a soft tip and reduced cross-section. The multilumen catheter of the present invention includes a flexible, elongated first catheter tube and a flexible, elongated, dual-lumen catheter tube which has a first and second lumens integrally formed and is disposed within the first catheter tube. The cross-section of the dual-lumen catheter tube is smaller than that of the first catheter tube and therefore, an independent, single lumen is defined in the space between the first catheter tube and the dual-lumen catheter tube. The dual-lumen catheter tube extends beyond the distal end of the first catheter tube thereby providing an overall reduced cross-section of the distal portion of the present multilumen catheter. Furthermore, the dual-lumen catheter tube may be formed from a softer material than that of the first cathether tube thereby providing a softer distal portion of the present multilumen catheter.

Abstract: An absorbent structure of a superabsorbent material which superabsorbent material defines a chamber, said chamber containing an amount of an osmotic material. The presence of the chamber and osmotic material within the chamber has been found to increase the absorptive capacity of the superabsorbent material on a gram per gram basis.

Abstract: A method for producing a water-swellable, water-insoluble carboxyalkyl starch. The steps of the method involving forming an aqueous dispersion of starch; adding to said aqueous dispersion carboxyalkylating reactants under conditions sufficient to form a water-soluble carboxyalkyl starch having an average degree of substitution between about 0.25 and 1.5; and recovering the carboxyalkyl starch by evaporative drying at a temperature within the range of from about 50.degree. C. to about 150.degree. C.

Abstract: A unitary adapter is disclosed for placing a catheter in fluid communication with a syringe or other source of liquid medication. The adapter has a catheter connector for releasably securing the proximal end of a catheter extending from a patient's body and a connector releasably engaging the liquid medication source, the connectors being attached to one another and movable between an open position for inserting the catheter end and a closed position for securing the catheter end within the connector.The adapter is designed to prevent accidental opening and the resulting falling out of the catheter when the connectors are in the closed position.

Abstract: A stepped needle comprising, a proximal hollow hub, a first elongated tubular portion extending from the hub of a first larger diameter, and a second elongated tubular end portion located distal the first tubular portion of a second smaller diameter.

Abstract: A stepped needle comprising, a proximal hollow hub, a first elongated tubular portion extending from the hub of a first larger diameter, and a second elongated tubular end portion located distal the first tubular portion of a second smaller diameter.

Abstract: A component of a breathing circuit for directing air to a patient requiring treatment. The component comprises a tubular conduit having a male end and a female end. A locking clip is disposed on the housing adjacent the male end of the component. A plurality of annular rings are disposed on the outer side of the female end. The annular rings are engagable by a locking clip of an adjacent component. A sampling port is disposed through the housing to permit sampling of the air within the breathing circuit.

Abstract: A urine meter attached to a flexible urine collection bag. The urine meter comprises a rigid container which is dischargeable into the collection bag. A valve is disposed at the bottom of the rigid container to permit small samples to be taken in a sterile, multiple use, manner. The valve also permits large urine samples to be taken from the container, by the release of a bias device on the valve. The large samples are taken infrequently. The small samples are taken from a reusable sampling port which reseals itself when the sampling device, such as a hypodermic needle, is withdrawn.

Abstract: A urine meter comprising, a receptacle having a wall defining a cavity and an opening at the top of the metered receptacle communicating with the cavity. The urine meter has a container having flexible walls defining a chamber, with the container being secured to the top of the receptacle and having an opening communicating with the chamber and the cavity through the receptacle opening. The urine meter has an inlet conduit extending through the container to a position aligned with the cavity for draining liquid into cavity. The receptacle is movably mounted between a first lower upright position to collect liquid in the cavity, and a second upper tilted position sufficient to dump collected liquid from the cavity into the chamber.

Abstract: The invention comprises a swivel adapter for a ventilator breathing system serving an incapacitated patient. The swivel adapter utilizes a pair of corrugated hoses which mate with a pair of arms which are permitted to swivel on the body of the adapter. A ribbed collar is disposed on the body of the adapter and receives an endo-tracheal tube inserted within the trachea of the patient. A locking means secures the branches of the body to the swivelable arms of the adapter, and a circumferential sealing means, in the form of an `o`-ring is disposed between the branch and its receiving orifice in its respective arm, to permit secure swiveling thereof, while preventing leakage of any gases therefrom.

Abstract: A meatal pad for use with a catheter applied to a urinary tract for drainage thereof. The pad comprises a cylindrically shaped block of foam material coated on on longitudinal end with covering of silicone, latex, or polyurethane. The pad and coating have a longitudinal bore therethrough, which has a slit radially directed therefrom, to facilitate mating of said pad with a catheter shaft. The pad may be treated with an anti-bacterial compound, and the uncoated pad is directed towards the meatus of the catheterized patient, thus minimizing bacterial growth thereat.

Abstract: A stepped needle comprising, a proximal hollow hub, a first elongated tubular portion extending from the hub of a first larger diameter, and a second elongated tubular end portion located distal the first tubular portion of a second smaller diameter.

Abstract: A urine meter comprising, a receptacle having a wall defining a cavity and an opening at the top of the metered receptacle communicating with the cavity. The urine meter has a container having flexible walls defining a chamber, with the container being secured to the top of the receptacle and having an opening communicating with the chamber and the cavity through the receptacle opening. The urine meter has an inlet conduit extending through the container to a position aligned with the cavity for draining liquid into the cavity. The receptacle is movably mounted between a first lower upright position to collect liquid in the cavity, and a second upper tilted position sufficient to dump collected liquid from the cavity into the chamber.

Abstract: Medical equipment mounting apparatus with a plurality of pivotally connected members including a first upright member designed for snug upright support of receipt within a standard IV pole hole, or mounting bracket, of a hospital bed. The equipment is releasibly detachable from the mounting means, and the mounting apparatus itself is releasibly detachable from the bed frame to facilitate its easy use at different bed locations. The pivotal connection between the arms enables 180 degrees of movement in either of two directions between some of the arms, so that the medical equipment can be located alongside the bed frame in parallel relationship therewith. The first upright member has couplers at opposite ends of different diameters for mating receipt within pole holes of different diameters. Alternately, the effective diameter of the first member is selectively altered to fit within different sized IV pole mounting holes.

Abstract: A tamper-evident band for a liquid drainage system comprising an elastic catheter having an elongated shaft, a connector adjacent the proximal end of the catheter, and a drainage lumen extending through a major portion of the catheter and the connector. The tamper-evident band comprises elastomeric annular band of stepped diameter which is fit over the juncture between the connector and the proximal end of the catheter. The band has a slot longitudinally arranged on one outer peripheral portion of the band. It also has a semi-circumferential tear tab disposed on one end thereof. To separate the connector from the proximal end of the catheter, the band must be broken. The tab may be pulled and the band separated along its longitudinal slot. A small ring comprising the remaining stepped portion of the band remains on the adapter after the tab has been pulled, the slot fractured and the top band portion removed.

Abstract: Phosgene is removed from an off gas containing phosgene by contacting the off gas with an aqueous solution containing alkali metal hydroxide and a tertiary amine compound having 3 to 20 carbon atoms. The concentration of the alkali metal hydroxide can vary from 1 to 25 weight percent and the concentration of the tertiary amine can be any amount which is effective in the contact apparatus chosen. The amines found to be useful are trialkyl amines having 1 to 4 carbon atoms and pyridines having 0 to 3 alkyl groups of 1 to 5 carbon atoms and diamines such as 4-dimethylaminepyridine.

Abstract: Absorbent articles are rendered more blood absorptive by incorporating water soluble amido compounds having the formulaH.sub.2 N--X--NH.sub.2where X is --CO--, --CS--, --SO-- or --SO.sub.2 --, and nonionic surfactants into the articles.

Abstract: A connecting device for medical liquid administration sets, particularly for use in continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis comprises a tubular port extending from a medical liquid container. The tubular port has a pierceable diaphragm positioned within and sealing the same. A hollow tubular piercing pin having a sharpened tip is used for penetrating the pierceable diaphragm. A length of flexible tubing extends from the piercing pin and is connected to a catheter positioned in the peritoneum of the patient. A locking mechanism is utilized for selectively retaining the piercing pin within the tubular port following insertion, and for asepticizing the connection. The locking mechanism comprises a tubular clasp which closes around the piercing pin and telescopes over the tubular port. A plurality of ratchets on the inside of the clasp lock the pin and port together following connection.