Abstract: Featured is a device for draining fluids and/or gas from body cavities, including at least a pressure control chamber and a collection chamber being fluidly coupled by a one-way valve thereby establishing a waterless seal between the collection chamber, including the patient, and the suction source. The pressure control chamber also includes a waterless suction pressure control regulator that controls and maintains the suction pressure at or about a selected value. Preferably, the regulator includes a spring operated valve. The device also includes a vent path arrangement having an intermediate chamber and at least two passages that are perpendicular to two adjacent surfaces within the intermediate chamber. The two passages and intermediate chamber are arranged so liquid in the collection chamber does not flow and contaminate the upstream portions of the device when the device is resting on its front side or backside.

Abstract: A bag for transferring fluid from a source of fluid to a fluid delivery system including three sheets of flexible material joined to form first and second adjacent compartments. Fluid is transferred into the first compartment via a perforated tube connected to the fluid source at a first end. The tube extends into the first compartment and is further connected to the fluid delivery system at a second end. The second compartment may be selectively inflated to exert force on the first compartment and control the rate of fluid flow through the tube to the delivery system.

Abstract: A transfer bag apparatus is disclosed which is adapted to be used in the autologous transfusion of blood to a patient by collecting the blood from the collection bottle of a drainage device for the chest cavity of the patient. The transfer bag comprises a flexible bag, having means at one end of the bag to be placed in fluid communication with an infusion set to transfuse the patient with blood, and means at the other end of the bag adapted to be placed in fluid-tight communication with the interior of the collection bottle to transfer blood to the interior of the blood bag. The method of autologously transfusing a patient by means of the present invention involves collecting blood in the collection bottle, placing the transfer bag assembly in communication with the blood in the collection bottle, transferring the collected blood from the collection bottle to the transfer bag, and allowing the blood collected in the transfer bag to be infused into the patient.

Abstract: A transfer bag apparatus is disclosed which is adapted to be used in the autologous transfusion of blood to a patient by collecting the blood from a primary blood reservoir (e.g., the collection chamber of a drainage device for the chest cavity of the patient or a cardiotomy reservoir). The transfer bag comprises a flexible bag, having means on one part of the bag to be placed in fluid-tight communication with an infusion set to transfuse the patient with blood, and spike means on another part of the bag adapted to be placed in fluid-tight communication with the interior of the primary blood reservoir to transfer blood to the interior of the blood bag.

Abstract: An articulated ladder-like type traction device for selectively stabilizing the load and torque characteristics for use in the rear suspension system of a vehicle. The traction device includes a lower frame member adapted to be pivotally connected at one end to a vehicle chassis and pivotally connected at the other end to the rear axle of the vehicle. A second frame member is fixedly attached to the first member adjacent the first pivotal connection and extends at an angle in a generally vertical plane to the first mentioned frame member, and terminates in a pivotal connection to one end of a turn buckle type link arrangement. The turn buckle type link is pivotally connected at its other end to the rear wheel axle. An upstanding member fixedly connects the frame members adjacent the second pivotal connection.