Abstract: A patient support system has a first surface formed by one or more of a choice of structures. A fluidizable surface formed by air fluidizing a mass of fluidizable material is disposed adjacent the first surface. Examples of structures suitable for the first surface include a conventional mattress, with or without springs, polyurethane foam, and a plurality of inflatable sacks. The structure forming the first surface can be disposed on an articulatable member. The two surfaces are disposed end to end, and preferably the fluidized material supports at least the buttocks of the patient. the fluidizable material is laterally restrained by a member which is at least partially, vertically collapsible so as to facilitate the patient's ingress and egress to and from the support system. An interface member such as an inflatable sack, a non-rigid panel or a polyurethane foam member forms the part of the lateral restraint member which connects the two surfaces.

Abstract: A patient support system has a fluidizable surface formed by air fluidizing a mass of fluidizable material. The fluidizable surface preferably is formed by a plurality of fluidizable cells disposed and attached atop an air permeable support with the aid of anchoring flaps, attachment flaps, and attachment mechanisms such as airtight zippers or mating elastomeric members. Each of these cells contains a discrete mass of fluidizable material and is manually, detachably removable from the support, without the aid of tools, for ease of cleaning and replacement. Each cell is laterally retained above the air permeable support by a member whcih is at least partially vertically collapsible so as to facilitate ingress and egress of the patient and the cells to and from the support system. The collapsible member can comprise an air impermeable panel which can form an inflatable elastic wall having one or more internal webs defining separately pressurizable compartments.

Abstract: A patient support system has a fluidizable surface formed by air fluidizing a mass of fluidizable material and a surface formed by a plurality of inflatable sacks disposed on an articulatable member. The two surfaces are disposed end to end so that the inflatable sacks support the head, chest and upper torso of the patient, and the fluidized material supports the buttocks, legs and feet of the patient. The fluidizable material is contained by a member which is at least partially collapsible so as to facilitate the patient's ingress and egress to and from the support system. The collapsible member can comprise an air impermeable panel which can form an inflatable elastic wall having one or more internal webs defining separately pressurizable compartments. The fluidizable surface can be formed by a plurality of fluidizable cells disposed and attached atop an air permeable support. Each of these cells is detachably removable from the support for ease of cleaning and replacement.

Abstract: A patient support system has a fluidizable surface formed by air fluidizing a mass of fluidizable material. The fluidizable material is contained by a member which is at least partially collapsible so as to facilitate the patient's ingress and egress to and from the support system. The collapsible member can comprise an air impermeable panel which can form an inflatable elastic wall having one or more internal webs defining separately pressurizable compartments. The fluidizable surface can be formed by a plurality of fluidizable cells disposed and attached atop an air permeable support. Each of these cells is detachably removable from the support for ease of cleaning and replacement. A blower inflates the sacks, the inflatable elastic wall embodiments and the fluidizable material via a network including manifolds, valves, and flexible tubing.

Abstract: A pollution control device for marine fuel tanks includes a conduit attachable to a fuel tank vent defined in the hull of a boat. The conduit is connected through an opening in a housing to an inlet tube which extends inside the housing. The floor of the housing slopes toward the inlet tube which has defined therein a liquid fuel outlet opening. A separation baffle extends from the top of the housing down toward the floor and away from the fuel outlet opening. On the side of the separation baffle opposite the side on which the inlet tube is disposed, a vapor opening is defined through the top wall of the housing. A flow turning baffle is disposed on the same side of the separation baffle as the vapor opening. A transparent section forms a portion of the housing sides and top that permits visual observation of the inlet tube, which extends into the housing to a height at a level higher than the level at which the free end of the separation baffle terminates.

Abstract: An evacuation system for nonambulatory patients from a multistory hospital or the like. A trackway is secureable to a wall of a stairwell and includes a hanger rail support. A hanger is rotatably associable with the hanger rail support and has elongated elements suspended from same for securement to a wheelchair, stretcher, or the like. A brake system is associated with the hanger to normally brake rollers, wheels, or the like of same against movement. A brake release apparatus is operatively associated with the brake system from the hanger for actuation by a patient or attendant to permit the hanger to carry the patient along the trackway.

Abstract: A system for sequential tubular administration of first and second fluids including a first reservoir to contain a first solution, e.g., a solution of medication; a second reservoir having less capacity than the volume of solution in the first reservoir with an overflow chamber. The two reservoirs are in communication with each other, and both are provided with valved solution discharge lines, the entrance to which is provided with a ball float valve. The two discharge lines meet at a wye connection having an infusion feed assembly at an outer free end of same. With a first solution in the first reservoir and with both reservoirs closed to the atmosphere, second solution, e.g., I.V. solution may be fed into the second reservoir which displaces air therefrom into the first reservoir to assist in feeding solution from the first reservoir.

Abstract: A multiple access fluid connector unit having two connector elements adapted for connection to a source of fluid or a fluid administration device and sealed on an opposite end. A plurality of spacially separate access ports are provided along the length of the elements, in communication with a fluid manifold that extends along the element. An outer end of each port has a removable cover to maintain the port sterile prior to use. Ports on one element are associable with ports on the other element to provide fluid flow through the unit. After association of two ports, when desirable to disconnect, the associated ports are severed from the elements and the element is resealed adjacent the cut. Two further of the sterile ports can thereafter be uncovered and used to reinstitute fluid flow through the unit.

Abstract: A gastric feeding device for introduction into the stomach of a patient from the nasal or oral opening thereof comprising an elongate flexible collapsible tube having a longitudinal passageway with a wall thickness incapable of independently sustaining a tubular shape in the absence of internal support in the longitudinal passageway, a relatively rigid fitting having a through passageway attached to the proximal end of the collapsible tube for introducing an elongate flexible support tube into the length of the passageway to support the same during intubation, and for introducing a fluid into and throughout the length of the collapsible tube passageway to contact the inner wall surface thereof after intubation to permit removal of the support tube therefrom.

Abstract: An improved filter and valve assembly used in combination with a medical syringe for blocking, and thereby protecting a patient against, the infusion of particulate matter. The filter element is fixed within the bore of the syringe and a tubular valve body is secured within a central opening in the filter element. A flexible closure formed integrally with the tubular valve body opens and closes the valve passage, which serves as a filter by-pass, when the plunger of the syringe is raised (withdrawn) and lowered (depressed).

Abstract: A multiple access fluid connector unit having two connector elements adapted for connection to a source of fluid or a fluid administration device and sealed on an opposite end. A plurality of spacially separate access ports are provided along the length of the elements, in communication with a fluid manifold that extends along the element. An outer end of each port has a removable cover to maintain the port sterile prior to use. Ports on one element are associable with ports on the other element to provide fluid flow through the unit. After association of two ports, when desirable to disconnect, the associated ports are severed from the elements and the element is resealed adjacent the cut. Two further of the sterile ports can thereafter be uncovered and used to reinstitute fluid flow through the unit.