Abstract: An autotransfusion device for a chest drainage unit is provided that includes a collapsible blood collection and reinfusion bag assembly that includes a collapsible bag with pliable walls and stiffener members, and a holder which receives the assembly. The holder maintains compressive forces on the sides of the stiffener members so they bow outwardly and, in turn, maintain the bag assembly in an expanded conditions for collecting blood while suction is applied to the bag during drainage operations. The collapsible bag assembly can be removed from the holder for reinfusion of the collected blood.

Abstract: Mechanical means and methods for delivery of solder preforms arranged in generally rectilinear patterns and oriented so that the ends of the solder preforms may join two planar surfaces upon the application of heat are disclosed. Several embodiments facilitate the delivery of solder preforms in the forms of posts, clips and rings.

Abstract: A drain tube for urine is connected at its distal end to a urine meter. The tube has a predetermined point of weakness so that when the meter is lifted to dump the urine therefrom, the tube kinks off at the point of weakness, thereby preventing passage of urine from the meter back up the drain tube during dumping. The point of weakness is formed by simultaneously stretching and heating a section of the tube while the inner diameter of the tube is held constant on a mandrel.

Abstract: A rigid urine meter with an enclosed relatively flexible burette has a passageway at the lower end of the meter behind the burette to continuously equalize the fluid levels in the meter on either side of the burette. A groove and ribs are formed in the rear panel of the meter to support the burette, maintain its generally circular cross-section, and to provide strength and rigidity to the meter itself. The outlet port of the urine meter is directly sealed to the front panel of a drainage bag and the meter includes a lip at the port which extends into the drainage bag.

Abstract: A spacer is disposed between the flexible front and rear panels of a urinary drainage bag, which bag has an inlet in fluid communication with the outlet of a relatively rigid urine meter. The spacer has ribs which extend out perpendicularly from its body to hold the front and rear panels of the drainage bag apart when urine is dumped from the meter into the bag.

Abstract: A support for suspending a body fluid drainage bag from a structure includes a generally planar one-piece body having first and second opposed ends including a hanger at the first end to which a drainage bag can be attached. A support arm depends from the second end and is connected via a living hinge to the body, the body, the living hinge and the support arm being of one piece. The support arm is movable from a first position in the plane of the body to a second position perpendicular thereto. The support arm and body include cooperating locking members to lock the support arm in the second position while at the same time removing the load from the living hinge. The support arm is configured to accomodate two different sizes of standard hospital bed frames and auxiliary string support attachments are provided to allow the drainage bag to be supported a continuously variable distance below the structure from which it is suspended.