Abstract: A device for the drainage of a pleural effusion through an operatively engaged chest tube in the chest wall. The device employs a check valve situated between a vacuum source communicating with the chest tube to prevent reversal of the fluid flow out of the patient's body and possible contamination. A valve mounted on a vacuum bottle provides user control of communication of negative pressure from the vacuum bottle to the chest tube. Opening the valve on the bottle communicates negative pressure to the chest tube relative to the pressure in the tube thereby initiating a fluid flow out of the tube and the patient. Once the valve on the bottle is closed, fluid flow ceases and the check valve prevents reversal of the flow.

Abstract: A system, method and device are provided, for creating multimedia playlists. A visual module aggregates at least one image file targeted from one or more visual media fields. A music module aggregates multiple audio files targeted from one or more audio media fields. A time module registers allocated mix duration and references elapsed mix duration versus the allocated mix duration, A news module aggregates topical information targeted from one or more news fields, pertaining to at least one of the sound files, as the sound file is added to the playlist. A publishing module compiles the aggregated visual and sound files, respectively, while updating the aggregated news. Provided the elapsed mix duration is less than or equal to the allocated mix duration, a discrete playlist is displayed on a User interface console as the sound files are played, when prompted by the system or the User.

Abstract: The diaper monitor has a sensor housing that can be slipped into a pocket formed in a diaper at the time of use and secured in place by a pivotal clip. The housing has a pair of conductive strips for sensing wetting of a diaper and a responsive wireless transmitter to emit a responsive signal. The clip may also complete a circuit in the wireless transmitter when moved into the closed position.

Abstract: A device for the drainage of a pleural effusion through an operatively engaged chest tube in the chest wall. The device employs a check valve situated between a vacuum source communicating with the chest tube to prevent reversal of the fluid flow out of the patient's body and possible contamination. A valve mounted on a vacuum bottle provides user control of communication of negative pressure from the vacuum bottle to the chest tube. Opening the valve on the bottle communicates negative pressure to the chest tube relative to the pressure in the tube thereby initiating a fluid flow out of the tube and the patient. Once the valve on the bottle is closed, fluid flow ceases and the check valve prevents reversal of the flow.

Abstract: A device for the drainage of a pleural effusion through an operatively engaged chest tube in the chest wall. The device employs a check valve situated between a vacuum source communicating with the chest tube to prevent reversal of the fluid flow out of the patient's body and possible contamination. A valve mounted on a vacuum bottle provides user control of communication of negative pressure from the vacuum bottle to the chest tube. Opening the valve on the bottle communicates negative pressure to the chest tube relative to the pressure in the tube thereby initiating a fluid flow out of the tube and the patient. Once the valve on the bottle is closed, fluid flow ceases and the check valve prevents reversal of the flow.

Abstract: A device for the drainage of a pleural effusion through an operatively engaged chest tube in the chest wall. The device employs a check valve situated between a vacuum source communicating with the chest tube to prevent reversal of the fluid flow out of the patient's body and possible contamination. A valve mounted on a vacuum bottle provides user control of communication of negative pressure from the vacuum bottle to the chest tube. Opening the valve on the bottle communicates negative pressure to the chest tube relative to the pressure in the tube thereby initiating a fluid flow out of the tube and the patient. Once the valve on the bottle is closed, fluid flow ceases and the check valve prevents reversal of the flow.

Abstract: A valve assembly and system designed to enable an operator to withdraw a sample of a liquid from a source, typically for collection in a collection vessel. The valve assembly includes a valve housing, a sleeve secured to the valve housing and having an inner surface being at least partially threaded for mating with a threaded section disposed on the valve stem body. The valve stem has an internal longitudinal bore, a sealing boot, circumferential seals, and openings to the bore, and is movable between an open position (wherein the fluid flows from the source through the valve assembly) and a closed position (wherein the valve stem prevents the fluid from flowing from the source into the valve assembly).

Abstract: A valve is provided for mounting on the hub of an introducer needle to provide a flashback chamber, to prevent outflow of blood from the introducer needle and to allow a guide wire to be inserted into the introducer needle in a bloodless seal-tight manner. The valve employs a seal ring having a slit through which the guide wire may be passed. A port is also provided to vent air from the introducer needle through an air filter that prevents passage of blood.

Abstract: The method of mounting a disc-shaped septum within a connector includes a step of deforming a thin annular wall at the end of the connector into a curled over shape so as to secure the septum in place. Curling over of these wall occurs under heat energy which is applied only to the end of the connector without heating of the main body of the connector. Deformation of the thin end wall of the connector causes an outward bulging of a peripheral edge of the connector as well as bulging of the opposite ends of the connector into a domed shape.