Abstract: A protector is disclosed for protecting an elongated portion of a rope or webbing. The protector includes a flexible material including a first inner edge having a first length and about which the protector is wrapped such that a second outer edge is exposed. The first inner edge includes an elongated protector surface adjacent the first inner edge that is in continuous contact with a protected portion of the rope or webbing. The protected portion has a length that is substantially the same as the length of the protector.

Abstract: An improved readily fabricated catheter having a detectable marker incorporated therein wherein the catheter is a conventional flexible and transparent polymeric tube of any usual or desired length, but wherein one end of which is relieved to define a socket or counterbore of an internal diameter somewhat greater than the normal fluid flow bore of the tubing. The catheter further includes a shorter length of tubing having at one end a usual angled or cut face, and having at its other end a short neck of reduced diameter carrying thereon a detectable metallic, magnetic, or radiopaque marker element. The two components are easily telescoped together over their relatively short lengths to confine the marker between the inside and outside walls of the tubing, and the telescoped portions are sealed together to prevent fluid flow or leakage therethrough.

Abstract: A safety needle and blood collection and sampling system precluding needlstick injury by contaminated needles wherein a used needle is captured immediately within its carrier upon retraction of the needle flush with the carrier. Blood sampling is effected without reverse flow through the system and without reuse or exposure of a contaminated needle. Simplified means of assembling the needle are also set forth to minimize cost with maximum reliability notwithstanding a minimum of components.

Abstract: A safety needle and blood collection and sampling system precluding needlstick injury by contaminated needles wherein a used needle is captured immediately within its carrier upon retraction of the needle flush with the carrier. Blood sampling is effected without reverse flow through the system and without reuse or exposure of a contaminated needle. Simplified techniques of assembling the needle are also set forth to minimize cost with maximum reliability notwithstanding a minimum of components.

Abstract: A disposable medical needle assembly having unique insertion and removal means from tissue, including means for fully shielding the used or contaminated needle from hazardous access or exposure. Various such means are disclosed in cooperation with needle guide and manipulation means.The assembly may also be utilized in conjunction with catheter placement, blood collection, and like purposes, while maintaining full and automatic safety shielding of the needle after use.

Abstract: A catheter and a method of making the same, which catheter has a means for interferring with an electromagnetic field to allow accurate detection of the catheter through tissue, the catheter comprising a first tube extruded over a continuous, solid core material having a diameter equivalent to the desired diameter of the inner passageway of the catheter, bands of metal fused to the first tube at various locations, and a second tube which is extruded over the first and the metal bands. The double-walled continuous tube is then cut into individual tubes and the core material is removed to form the catheter of this invention, which has a smooth outer surface and an embedded metal band.

Abstract: A device for accurately detecting and monitoring the position of an object inside biological tissue, particularly an endotracheal tube inside a patient's throat, comprising a circuit which generates an electromagnetic field of limited width and depth, and which is disturbed by the presence of material having a high magnetic permeability such as a metal band on the distal end of such an endotracheal tube, but which is otherwise stable and not affected by temperature or other such factors. Included in the invention is a probe for generating the electromagnetic field, which probe is insensitive to temperature changes.

Abstract: A tape drive is mounted on a carriage alongside a horizontal or vertical rack of tape cartridges. The carriage supports an arm with a linear actuator for removing a selected cartridge from the rack and inserting it in the tape drive and for extracting the cartridge from the drive and returning it to the rack. The actuator advances a cartridge in the insertion stroke by pushing it from the back and in the extraction stroke by hooking a notch on the cartridge.

Abstract: A safety needle and blood collection and sampling system precluding needlstick injury by contaminated needles wherein a used needle is captured immediately within its carrier upon retraction of the needle flush with the carrier. Blood sampling is effected without reverse flow through the system and without reuse or exposure of a contaminated needle. Simplified means of assembling the needle are also set forth to minimize cost with maximum reliability notwithstanding withstanding a minimum of components.