Abstract: A non-reusable device for collecting bodily fluids such as vascular blood from a patient, the device being configured for example to receive a blood collection tube and having a retractable needle attached to a rearwardly biased needle holder that is constrained prior to needle retraction by a rotatably mounted lug ring and that is released during retraction by depressing a trigger pivotably connected to the body of the device to rotate the lug ring, whereby the needle holder is driven into a retraction cavity disposed inside the trigger and the front tip of the needle is retained inside the body of the device.

Abstract: A device having a housing; a cannula projecting forwardly from the housing; a connector useful for attaching the device to a fluid source or receptacle; a fluid flow path establishing fluid communication between the cannula and the connector; a retraction mechanism biasing the cannula away from its projecting position; and an actuator supported by the housing and configured to modify the fluid flow path so as to terminate fluid flow through the device, seal off the fluid flow path, and release the retraction mechanism to retract the cannula into the housing. The subject device is particularly preferred for use in the medical field, for example, as part of an infusion set or as a collection device for blood, or other fluids or flowable matter.

Abstract: The Invention comprises a body, an actuator pivotally connected to the body, and a retractable needle adapted to provide fluid communication between a patient and a fluid collection tube, typically a blood collection tube, attachable to the device. A significant feature of the subject device is a retraction cavity disposed inside the actuator that is manually positionable to receive a portion of the needle retraction assembly following removal of the blood collection tube. Retraction is initiated by depressing the forwardly extending end of the actuator relative to the body, thereby causing a retainer clip to release the needle holder, after which the needle holder and a part of the needle are propelled into the retraction cavity by expansion of a compressed spring. The needle is thereby withdrawn from the patient and into the housing, reducing the likelihood of accidental needle sticks and preventing reuse of the device.

Abstract: A device having a housing; a cannula projecting forwardly from the housing; a connector useful for attaching the device to a fluid source or receptacle; a fluid flow path establishing fluid communication between the cannula and the connector; a retraction mechanism biasing the cannula away from its projecting position; and an actuator supported by the housing and configured to modify the fluid flow path so as to terminate fluid flow through the device, seal off the fluid flow path, and release the retraction mechanism to retract the cannula into the housing. The subject device is particularly preferred for use in the medical field, for example, as part of an infusion set or as a collection device for blood, or other fluids or flowable matter.

Abstract: A syringe, particularly preferred for use as a prefilled syringe, that has a retractable needle and is characterized by a liquid containment chamber of variable volume, the liquid containment chamber being further defined by surfaces made of glass or an elastomeric material, and not of plastic, and the syringe having no glass part directly contacting another glass part.

Abstract: A tool that is useful for cleaning the attachment surfaces of a device used in medical applications, the tool having a housing with an open end, a closed end, a sidewall disposed between the open end and the closed end, and a positioning collar seated adjacent to the sidewall between the open and closed ends with a sponge extending through and releasably held by the positioning collar, a treating liquid disposed inside the housing, and a releasable fluid-tight seal disposed over the open end.

Abstract: A non-reusable device for collecting bodily fluids such as vascular blood from a patient, the device being configured for example to receive a blood collection tube and having a retractable needle attached to a rearwardly biased needle holder that is constrained prior to needle retraction by a rotatably mounted lug ring and that is released during retraction by depressing a trigger pivotably connected to the body of the device to rotate the lug ring, whereby the needle holder is driven into a retraction cavity disposed inside the trigger and the front tip of the needle is retained inside the body of the device.

Abstract: A tool that is useful for cleaning and disinfecting the attachment surfaces of a fluid connector device used in medical applications, the tool having a housing with an opening of defined shape and a chemically treated flexible insert positionable inside the housing that substantially conforms to the inside wall of the housing and, when placed over the attachment surfaces of a fluid connector device, can be manipulated axially and rotationally relative to the attachment surfaces to contact, clean and disinfect the surfaces. Some embodiments can also be used for topical cleaning of skin or other surfaces.

Abstract: A tool that is useful for cleaning and disinfecting the attachment surfaces of a fluid connector device used in medical applications, the tool having a housing with an opening of defined shape and a chemically treated flexible insert disposed inside the housing that substantially conforms to the inside wall of the housing and, when placed over the attachment surfaces of a fluid connector device, can be manipulated axially and rotationally relative to the attachment surfaces to contact, clean and disinfect the surfaces.

Abstract: A device having a housing; a cannula projecting forwardly from the housing; a connector useful for attaching the device to a fluid source or receptacle; a fluid flow path establishing fluid communication between the cannula and the connector; a retraction mechanism biasing the cannula away from its projecting position; and an actuator supported by the housing and configured to modify the fluid flow path so as to terminate fluid flow through the device, seal off the fluid flow path, and release the retraction mechanism to retract the cannula into the housing. The subject device is particularly preferred for use in the medical field, for example, as part of an infusion set or as a collection device for blood, or other fluids or flowable matter.

Abstract: A syringe configured with a limited maximum usable capacity. The syringe of the invention desirably has a retractable needle to prevent reuse. In the preferred embodiment, a dose-limiting structure includes a stop-ring member on the head of the plunger that abuts a constriction in the housing when the plunger is moved away from the needle to prevent the further rearward movement of the plunger. Preferably, the syringe of the invention is configured such that a user is tactilely signaled when the plunger has reached a position corresponding to a nominal fixed-dose. If the user attempts to force the stop-ring member beyond the constriction, the plunger seal is stripped off or removed from the plunger head and the syringe rendered inoperable. The features of the invention can also be applied to a nonretracting syringe.

Abstract: A syringe configured with a limited maximum usable capacity. The syringe of the invention desirably has a retractable needle to prevent reuse. In the preferred embodiment, a dose-limiting structure includes a stop-ring member on the head of the plunger that abuts a constriction in the housing when the plunger is moved away from the needle to prevent the further rearward movement of the plunger. Preferably, the syringe of the invention is configured such that a user is tactilely signaled when the plunger has reached a position corresponding to a nominal fixed-dose. If the user attempts to force the stop-ring member beyond the constriction, the plunger seal is stripped off or removed from the plunger head and the syringe rendered inoperable. The features of the invention can also be applied to a nonretracting syringe.

Abstract: A fixture for suspending banners, signs and the like on the sides of multistory buildings, includes a U-shaped bracket adapted to engage the sides and end of a vertical parapet or a horizontal overhang. The fixture supports a powered winch over which cables connected to the banner or the like are arranged so as to allow the raising and lowering of the banner by powering the winch. Clamps on the U-shaped brackets securely retain the fixture in position on the building.

Abstract: A method is disclosed for altering in the field the operating instructions used by an industrial process transmitter to collect, manipulate and transmit output signals representing the state of an industrial process. The method is used with an industrial process transmitter that includes at least one alterable storage device that has a first set of operating instructions stored therein. A controller device is connected to the alterable storage device and a configuration device is connectable to the industrial process transmitter via a communication link. The method includes entering a user-defined second set of operating instructions in the configurations device and then translating the second set of operating instructions into a format readable by the controller device. A communications link between the configuration and controller device is next established.

Abstract: An integral hydraulic valve and cylinder assembly for power steering a marine drive. The assembly is operatively connected between the propulsion unit and the steering wheel of a boat and includes a common valve body for housing both the cylinder and the valve. A valve spool located within a spool-receiving bore formed in the valve body is axially slidable therein in response to movement of the steering wheel between neutral and operational positions for selectively establishing fluid communication of an inlet port with outlet ports and work passages in the valve body leading to the cylinder. A core wire is connected to the steering arm of the propulsion unit and is axially slidable within an internal bore in the valve body. In response to valve spool movement, hydraulic assistance is properly directed to aid in steering the boat.