Abstract: A valve for selectively permitting a fluid flow between first and second medical implements is disclosed. The valve has a housing with an interface suitable for receiving a connector portion of a first medical device such as a catheter, and a seal made of a flexible material. The seal has a first end in fluid communication with the interface, a second end suitable for receiving the second medical device, and at least one slit in fluid communication with the first end and the second end. The slit defines a restricted fluid flow path and a relatively small interior volume when in an undisturbed state, defines an expanded fluid flow path and a larger interior volume upon the introduction of the second medical instrument into the slit, and retracts to define a restricted flow path and a small interior volume upon the withdrawal of the second medical device from the seal.

Abstract: The urinary catheter system includes a urinary catheter, a connector and a medical implement which is readily attached to or removed from the connector. When a medical implement such as a collection appliance is attached to the connector, fluid such as urine can flow from the patent and into the collection appliance. Alternatively, when a syringe is attached to the connector, the catheter system may be irrigated to remove debris and other foreign matter, or the syringe may be used to provide medication to the patient. The system is preferably a closed system in which the connector includes a resealable valve which prevents the flow of fluid through the connector if a medical implement is not attached.

Abstract: A valve for selectively permitting a fluid flow between first and second medical implements is disclosed. The valve has a housing with an interface suitable for receiving a connector portion of a first medical device such as a catheter, and a seal made of a flexible material. The seal has a first end in fluid communication with the interface, a second end suitable for receiving the second medical device, and at least one slit in fluid communication with the first end and the second end. The slit defines a restricted fluid flow path and a relatively small interior volume when in an undisturbed state, defines an expanded fluid flow path and a larger interior volume upon the introduction of the second medical instrument into the slit, and retracts to define a restricted flow path and a small interior volume upon the withdrawal of the second medical device from the seal.

Abstract: A closed system, spikeless, positive-flow valve device includes a body defining an internal cavity. At the proximal end of the body is an opening which is preferably sufficiently large to receive an ANSI standard tip of a medical implement. The valve includes a plastic, resilient silicon seal which fills the upper cavity and opening with an oval seal cap having a slit. The opening presses the oval seal cap to keep the slit closed in the decompressed state. The slit opens as the nose of the medical implement compresses the seal into the cavity and the seal cap is free from the opening. The housing also includes a fluid space which facilitates fluid flow between the medical implement and a catheter tip.

Abstract: A medical valve device for use in selectively establishing a fluid flow between first and second medical implements is disclosed. The valve has a body defining a passage from a first port to a second port. The valve defines a first fluid volume when both medical implements are connected thereto, and a second, smaller volume when one of the implements is disconnected, thereby causing a positive flow of fluid from the valve to the second medical implement when the first implement is disconnected.

Abstract: A demand valve resuscitator having a reduced manual flow control. The resuscitator connects between a source of pressurized gas and a breathing mask. A patient may draw a flow of gas on demand through the resuscitator by inhaling. A pressure-responsive diaphragm within a pressure chamber, actuated on demand or manually, acts on a tilt valve in a gas intake port. Alternatively, an attendant may supply a reduced flow of gas to a patient by depressing a manual control button, which tilts the intake valve. The manual control of the gas flow is overridden by excess pressure within the pressure chamber of the resuscitator and the button must be released to reassert manual control. A baffle plate in the pressure chamber provides a venturi assist to reduce pressure adjacent the diaphragm to enable the patient to obtain maximum gas flow on demand with slight inhale suction. An anti-suffocation valve allows the patient to breath ambient air in the absence of a predetermined gas inlet pressure.

Abstract: Disclosed is a medical connector for introducing medication to a patient in a safe, convenient way by releasably locking an influent fluid line to a receiving port, and method of manufacturing the same. The connector comprises a cannula recessed within a cavity defined by a housing. The housing contains a retaining ridge and gripping members to prevent accidental disconnection of the connector for the port.

Abstract: Disclosed is a backboard for use by paramedics and the like constructed of a hollow plastic shell with supporting beams extending substantially its length. The beams are encapsulated within hollow ribs extending along the bottom of the shell with several spacers and plugs to help position the beams. The beams provide rigidity to the backboard in the primary load bearing direction.

Abstract: A patient demand valve is automatically cycled open to provide selected volumes of oxygen at selected intervals. A pneumatic controller connected to an oxygen supply provides a control pressure to operate the demand valve, with the cycling provided by pneumatic timers. The oxygen supply to the patient is also through the controller to the demand valve. A tidal volume flow control valve provides an adjustable flow rate when open. In one embodiment, the patient demand valve is in an assembly which includes a safety subassembly, which incorporates a signaling device that indicates an over-pressure condition in the assembly as a result of a blockage of gas flow to the patient, and also includes an anti-suffocation valve.

Abstract: An inexpensive, disposable aspirator is provided with a cover of unitary construction threadable onto a container for retaining body fluids removed from a patient. Instead of sterilizing the aspirator after the removal of body fluids, the aspirator is simply thrown away, thus minimizing contact with body fluids contaminated with infectious diseases such as AIDS. The aspirator is provided with a valve for controlling the flow of gas through the aspirator.

Abstract: A flat plate is die cut into a desired shape that is then bent into the shape of a closed loop yoke for mounting a pressure regulator on the end of a compressed gas cylinder. The yoke is clamped in that shape by a threaded bushing extending through holes in overlapping end segments. Index pins formed in the die cut plate are bent from the plane of the plate to extend into the interior of the yoke.