Abstract: A device for intubating an ostomy, formed by a percutaneous endoscopic technique including a multi-lumen tube, having at least a fluid delivery lumen and an inflation lumen. The tube includes a port near one end to dispose the inflation lumen to ambient air and an outlet at an other end to convey fluid from within the fluid lumen into a patient. An inflatable member, is joined near the other end of the tube and is inflatable and deflatable through the inflation lumen. In a deflated state, the member assumes an edge-free outer configuration to facilitate intubation of the device into the patient. In a fully inflated state, the member assumes an outer configuration defining an edged, generally flat surface to more diffusely contact and abut against inner tissue surfaces surrounding the gastrostomy. Joined to the one end of the tube is an elongated tapered sleeve which encloses the one end of the tube. The tapered end of the sleeve carries a suture loop for use in intubating the device.

Abstract: An improved device for aspetic dispensing of enteral feeding solutions from shape retentive, pre-filled containers. The device including a distensible hanger member formed around only the end panels of the container to suspend the container in an orientation to define only a single uppermost corner and a single lowermost corner. The device further including corner attachment members for firmly securing a therapeutic fluid dispensing column only to the uppermost and lowermost corners of the container. The fluid dispensing column having venting and dispensing spikes. The spikes having an outer configuration which forms leak-proof seals with an aperture formed in the container. The spikes further including an arrangement of laterally opposed inlet ports joined to a large diameter axial bore.

Abstract: A unique device for intubating an ostomy, formed by a percutaneous endoscopic technique including a multi-lumen tube, having at least a fluid delivery lumen and an inflation lumen. The tube includes a port near one end to dispose the inflation lumen to ambient air and an outlet at an other end to convey fluid from within the fluid lumen into a patient. A retention member, preferably an inflatable cuff, is joined near the other end of the tube and is inflatable and deflatable through the inflation lumen. In a deflated state, the cuff assumes an edge-free outer configuration to facilitate intubation of the device into the patient. In a fully inflated state, the cuff assumes an outer configuration defining an edged, generally flat surface to more diffusely contact and abut against inner tissue surfaces surrounding the gastrostomy. Joined to the one end of the tube is an elongated tapered sleeve which encloses the one end of the tube.

Abstract: A device for dispensing enteral feeding solutions and other therapeutic fluids from penetrable, shape retentive containers comprising a unitary dispensing spike for penetrating a topside panel of such containers which are suspended in an orientation to define an uppermost end and a lowermost end. The dispensing spike of the present invention includes an ambient air vent integrally formed therein. The present invention further includes a fluid visualization chamber which permits a user to determine the volume of fluid within the container.

Abstract: The invention is a device for angular fixation of a delivery or drainage tube at, for example, the point where that tube exits through the skin from a body cavity. The tube may be used for delivery, extraction, or evacuation of fluids or gases through a surgically formed stoma in a patient. In the enteral feeding, or delivery, embodiment, an enteral feeding tube extends outwardly from the patient to support the components of the device. The components include a sleeve disposed along and movable along the feeding tube and a base elbow unit through which the feeding tube passes. The base elbow unit includes a subdermal portion, a sleeve engaging portion, and a generally cylindrical tube-engaging portion. The feeding tube is movable from a first, substantially straight position to a second, acutely angled position. In this second, acutely angled position, the tube is immobilized by locking engagement to the tube engaging portion.

Abstract: A combination weighing apparatus and method are provided particularly adapted for utilization with difficult to handle product. A series of in-line transfer conveyors form product feed lanes with individual volumetric cups designed to receive and hold a product charge. A scale and weighing hopper is associated with each transfer conveyor. The transfer conveyors are each advanced in stepped fashion so as to deliver a product charge from one volumetric cup at any single time to the associated weighing hopper. A washer unit cleans residue and the product buildup from the cups after delivery of the product charge. Once the product charge is delivered to the weighing hopper, the weight of the charge is registered by a control unit. The control unit scans various combinations of scales, calculates the total weight of product in the combination and selects the first combination that falls within an acceptable range above the target weight.

Abstract: A unique device for intubating an ostomy, formed by a percutaneous endoscopic technique including a multi-lumen tube, having at least a fluid delivery lumen and an inflation lumen. The tube includes a port near one end to dispose the inflation lumen to ambient air and an outlet at an other end to convey fluid from within the fluid lumen into a patient. A retention member, preferably an inflatable cuff, is joined near the other end of the tube and is inflatable and deflatable through the inflation lumen. In a deflated state, the cuff assumes an edge-free outer configuration to facilitate intubation of the device into the patient. In a fully inflated state, the cuff assumes an outer configuration defining an edged, generally flat surface to more diffusely contact and abut against inner tissue surfaces surrounding the gastrostomy. Joined to the one end of the tube is an elongated tapered sleeve which encloses the one end of the tube.

Abstract: An improved, non-occluding high fluid flow enteral feeding tube including a non-collapsible bolus carried on a distal end of the tube. The bolus having at least one opening defining a tube outlet. The one opening being defined by generally vertical bolus side walls having a selected transverse sectional height ranging from a height equal to at least one-half the inner diameter of the tube to no more than a height equal to the sum of the tube inner diameter and the thickness of the tube wall. The bolus further including an upwardly inclining internal bolus floor to gradually direct fluid from the tube, through the bolus and out of the opening minimizing disturbance of fluid flow rate.

Abstract: An enteric feeding bag having unique fluid dispensation features comprising a supplying chamber within the bag being coupled to an inlet, a feeding chamber of smaller volume than the supplying chamber being coupled to an inlet, a feeding chamber of smaller volume than the supplying chamber being coupled to an outlet, a channel placing the chambers in selective fluid communication upon tilting of the bag, a partition between the chambers having at least one aperture to receive a clamp in which the aperture coincides with volumetric graduations on the feeding chamber, an elongated flap appended to the exterior peripheral edge of the feeding chamber also having at least one aperture horizontally coinciding with the aperture on the partition and, a clamp inserted through the apertures for transversely sealing together the side walls of the feeding chamber at one aperture.

Abstract: A stylet to be used in combination with a feeding tube assembly for administration or aspiration of fluids to a patient comprising a wire with an elongated loop of variable length and width at its distal end. The width of the loop may be adjusted so as to be greater than the diameter of any apertures in feeding tubes thereby preventing the stylet from exiting the tube assembly and minimizing the possibility of injury to a patient during stylet intubation.

Abstract: A feeding assembly for the administration of fluids to a patient comprising a tube having a rigid bolus near its distal end to facilitate the peristaltic movement of the assembly during insertion. The bolus has openings for fluid flow, said openings are oriented to prevent the tip of a stylet from escaping from the tube assembly to minimize the possibility of injury to a patient during stylet intubation.

Abstract: Method and apparatus are disclosed for triggering a flash lamp without the use of a conventional high voltage trigger pulse. In accordance with the invention, gas molecules in the flash lamp are ionized by the application of radiant energy to lower the impedance of the flash lamp. An energy discharge device (e.g., a capacitor) is thus able to discharge abruptly through the flash lamp causing the lamp to flash.

Abstract: A casting process is disclosed including the steps of fabricating a multi-piece pattern from cellular plastic material, assembling the pieces to form a pattern, coating the pattern with a magnesium silicate ceramic coating and imbedding the pattern in dry, loose sand within a box or flask. The box includes a plurality of perforated side walls and a sprue is connected to the pattern.

Abstract: A battery operated torque wrench having a digital display to give a numerical representation of torque applied to a rotational workpiece, such as a socket head bolt. Applied torque is sensed by variable resistors responsive to mechanical strain in a flexure element in the head of the wrench. The variable resistors are connected in a bridge circuit which yields an electrical analog signal when the bridge is unbalanced due to mechanical strain in the variable resistors. The electrical analog signal is tracked and converted into a digital equivalent by a servo-type feedback circuit. Each iteration of the feedback circuit generates a counting pulse which is registered on a set of binary coded decimal (BCD) counters connected in cascade. The outputs of the BCD counters are displayed on light emitting diode displays on the wrench handle. Overrange, underrange, and low power indicator means and power strobing means are also disclosed.

Abstract: A frost proof sillcock having an outer section with a fluid chamber therein and a discharge opening, a round tubular body connected to the external section and communicating with the chamber, and a seat end section of substantially the same diameter as the tubular body connected integrally with the body to form a substantially even external surface between the body and the section. The seat end section contains a valve seat and a plurality of thread segments, and a stem extends through the chamber in the external section and through the body, and contains a valve element on the inner end thereof for seating on the seat. A hand wheel for rotating the stem to seat and unseat the valve element is secured to the outer end of the stem.

Abstract: An annular, rigid reinforcement ring embedded in a body of molded elastomeric material forms a valve seat for a butterfly valve. The seat has a pair of diametrically aligned shaft openings for the valve disc supporting and actuating shaft. These holes extend through the elastomeric material and the reinforcement ring and, during molding of the elastomeric material, are occupied by removable cores which center the reinforcement ring about the cores between the end faces of the mold and position it concentrically between the inner and outer circumferential walls of the mold cavity. To prevent the reinforcement ring from rotating about the cores and to center it positively between the end faces of the mold, a pair of support extensions are provided aligned axially of the ring. One support extension protrudes from each edge or end face of the reinforcement ring. The pair of support extensions maintains proper alignment of the reinforcement ring with the end faces of the mold.

Abstract: A valve seat for a butterfly valve having an annular, rigid reinforcement ring embedded in a body of molded elastomeric material. The seat has a pair of diametrically aligned shaft openings for the valve disc supporting and actuating shaft. These holes extend through the elastomeric material and the reinforcement ring and, during molding of the elastomeric material, are occupied by removable cores which center the reinforcement ring about the cores between the end faces of the mold and position it concentrically between the inner and outer circumferential walls of the mold cavity. To prevent the reinforcement ring from rotating about the cores and to center it positively between the end faces of the mold, a pair of aligned pins are provided, one in each of the mold end faces, which clamp the reinforcement ring between them. These pins are located circumferentially along the reinforcement ring approximately halfway between the cores.