Abstract: An apparatus for measuring the flow of medical liquids within an intravenous solution administration set comprises a primary tube, a secondary tube and a tertiary tube. A constricter mechanism is positioned in the primary tube proximate the opening to the tertiary tube in order to restrict the flow of liquid therethrough. As a result a pressure differential is created between the secondary tube and the tertiary tube when liquid flows through the primary tube. At least a portion of the secondary or tertiary tubes are transparent in order to determine the relative position of liquid in the tube. A series of markings on the tubes represent designated rates of flow. Consequently, the relative position of the liquid is used to display the rate of flow within the system.

Abstract: The invention relates generally to an improved catheter insertion device of the type having a drum-like receptacle which advances the catheter when it is rotated relative to the base, causing the catheter to move through a tubular outlet. The improvement comprises a removable needle which extends coaxially through a tubular housing tangentially affixed to the dispenser. A flexible cannula telescopically surrounds the distal portion of the needle. The cannula is connected to a catheter outlet from the receptacle and is adapted to be inserted into the vein of a patient during venipuncture. Once venipuncture is performed, the needle is slidably removed from the cannula and catheter outlet, and the catheter is telescopically inserted into and through the cannula and thereby into the vein of the patient. The base and receptacle may then be easily separated and removed from the catheter.

Abstract: An apparatus for measuring the flow of medical liquids within an intravenous solution administration set comprises a primary tube, a secondary tube and a tertiary tube. A constricter mechanism is postiioned in the primary tube proximate the opening to the tertiary tube in order to restrict the flow of liquid therethrough. As a result, a pressure differential is created between the secondary tube and the tertiary tube when liquid flows through the primary tube. At least a portion of the secondary or tertiary tubes are transparent in order to determine the relative position of liquid in the tube. a series of markings on the tubes represent designated rates of flow. Consequently, the relative position of the liquid is used to display the rate of flow within the system.

Abstract: A unidirectional, needle outside, reel-type catheter placement unit is disclosed. The unidirectional unit obviates severing of the catheter by the needle, which can occur when the catheter is retracted in bidirectional units. Preferably, the catheter placement unit comprises an overcap or cover which is only coupled to the reel of the reel-type catheter placement unit by a ball clutch when the overcap is rotated in a direction that advances the catheter from the unit.