Abstract: An elastomechanical sphincter comprising a prosthetic device for implantation about a patient's lumen such as the urethra for occluding or relaxing the lumen for the treatment of incontinence. The prosthetic sphincter includes a body of elastomeric polymer material configured to define an articulating structure having a normally closed elongated occlusion orifice arranged to embrace the patient's urethra with minimal ischemic interruption of circulatory blood flow. In a first sphincter embodiment, an integrally formed manually manipulable pressure relief cuff extends from a peripheral portion of the articulating structure in such a manner that physical pulling on the pressure relief cuff in a direction transverse to the elongation of the occlusion orifice will open the orifice and thereby open the lumen. The natural elasticity of the device results in occlusion of the lumen upon releasing of the pressure relief cuff.

Abstract: A suction control device for an aspirator system includes a generally T-shaped body having a main lumen and a passage which extends outwardly from the lumen to the exterior of the body through a vent or chimney portion of the body, and a resiliently deformable closure cap having one or more apertures therethrough which is received on the end of the chimney portion. The chimney portion is preferably formed with a flared terminal end, and the cap is resiliently depressible to a closed position wherein the apertured portion thereof is urged against the inner surface of the flared chimney portion end to obstruct the apertures in the cap and thereby close off the chimney portion. When the device is in the open position thereof, suction communication in the main lumen is interrupted by a venting effect through the chimney portion; and when the device is in its closed position, suction or negative pressure may be transmitted through the main lumen.

Abstract: A safety valve in combination with a resilient tube for preventing the free flow of fluid through the resilient tube comprises a valve body which is connected to a valve head of generally circular cross-section which is formed with a flat peripheral land. The resilient tube is disposed over the valve head for snug fluid-sealing engagement between the inner surface of the tube and the flat land on the valve head. Also, the resilient tube is fluid sealed to the valve body for fluid communication therebetween. Stretching the resilient tube separates a portion of the inner surface of the tube from the flat land on the valve head to permit fluid flow past the valve head. When the resilient tube is unstretched, the engagement between the inner surface of the tube and the flat land of the valve head prevents free fluid flow.

Abstract: A tap operated by a push button which acts to open a valve member which is biassed to the closed position, the valve member being for normal operation of the tap; also operated by the push button is a seal piercing means which pierces a diaphragm in or adjacent the tap inlet and which after initial operation of the push button remains lodged in the pierced diaphragm, the piercing means only being moved by the push button on the initial operation. The arrangement ensures an added protection against oxygen penetrating into a container fitted with the tap and is particularly useful for wine containers where the added protection ensures a longer shelf life.

Abstract: A tap operated by a push button which acts to open a valve member which is biassed to the closed position, the valve member being for normal operation of the tap; also operated by the push button, but only on initial operation of the push button, is a plugging means which plugs the inlet of the tap and which after the initial operation remains out of the inlet. The arrangement ensures added protection against oxygen penetrating into a container fitted with the tap and is particularly useful for wine containers where the added protection ensures a longer shelf life. The use of a plugging means fitted tap avoids the necessity of special sealing equipment for the containers in the winery where containers are filled.

Abstract: A device including a valving mechanism which can be operated by one hand, the device includes a housing which surrounds a resilient block of material. The housing may be squeezed to depress and deform the resilient block. Passageways extend through the resilient block to conduct liquid therethrough. A first passage includes a solid valve positioned therein. Compression of the resilient block causes displacement of the valve and distortion of the block material to break the seal around the valve. Additional material is provided strategically in this first passage to insure against leaks from system overpressure. A second passage includes a capillary to allow continuous low volume flow not controlled by an operator.

Abstract: A tap comprising a tubular body open at one end and closed at the other end by a flexible resilient diaphragm. The diaphragm is connected to a valve element arranged to close a valve seat at said one end of the body. The body of the tap is made of a material of lower permeability than that of the diaphragm, and the diaphragm is closed to the atmosphere by a cap or a coating. The edge of the valve element is flush with said one end of the body.

Abstract: A duck bill valve used to control fluid flow is contained in a sleeve whose wall is apertured to permit the application to the flaps of the valve of radial pressure to open the valve and permit fluid flow. A button located on the sleeve is provided to enable a user to apply the radial pressure when the valve is to be opened.

Abstract: An improved in-line sleeve valve comprises a modular tubular port having a stationary plug concentrically supported therein and a reciprocating tubular sleeve arranged for sealing against the stationary plug. A resilient, flexible flange connects the tubular sleeve and the tubular port. The flange is sufficiently elastic to allow easy manual displacement of the sleeve from the tubular stationary plug in order to allow the flow of liquid, but is biased in a first direction so as to return the tubular sleeve to a position abutting the stationary plug upon release thereof.

Abstract: A frangible or breakaway valve for use in a flexible tube. The valve comprises two parts: a tubular portion with a closed end and an elongated, generally rigid handle breakably attached to the closed end. The elongated handle has projections which frictionally contact the interior surface of the flexible tube and prevent the elongated handle from moving back into a closed position once the elongated handle has been broken. The valve may be used in conjunction with tubing and a plastic container of dialysis solution. The valve is opened by breaking away the elongated, generally rigid handle and moving "walking" the rigid handle down the tube by folding the tube back and forth upon itself. The projections on the rigid breakaway handle have sufficient frictional contact with the inside of the tube to assure that the handle will not move back into contact with the tubular portion, and the valve will remain open.

Abstract: A valve for an arterial monitoring set which continuously supplies a small flow of parenteral liquid, such as normal saline, into a patient's artery while arterial pressure is being continuously monitored. The valve has a flow restrictor providing a normally slow continuous flow rate and an elastically distortable tube which is manually squeezable to provide a fast flush rate. The valve is convenient for one hand operation. A method for assembling the valve by twisting the tube is also disclosed.

Abstract: A valved vent for a liquid drainage system comprising, a receptacle having a chamber to receive liquid, and a filter pervious to air and substantially impervious to the passage of bacteria, with the filter communicating with the atmosphere. The vent has a valve communicating between an upper portion of the chamber and the filter. The valve may be selectively opened to permit passage of air between the atmosphere and the chamber through the filter, and may be selectively closed to prevent passage of liquid from the chamber against the filter.

Abstract: A fluid flow control clamp for in-line insertion on flexible fluid tubing is disclosed. A flow-directing member (10) is positioned intermediate a source of sterilized water or other fluid and a medical humidifier. A blocking element (20) is provided within the flow directing member (10) and inlet and outlet ports (12, 14) are provided on either side of blocking member (20). Resilient tubing (16) is attached to inlet, outlet ports (12, 14) of an appropriate length such that it kinks or crimps (18) when relaxed and unactivated, preventing fluid flow through the clamp.The clamp is activated by insertion of fingers (24) or other opening means within the loop of resilient tubing (16), unkinking the tubing (16), and permitting fluid flow through the clamp. Release of the resilient tubing (16) causes it to resume its normal kinked position, thereby cutting off the fluid flow through the clamp.

Abstract: A frangible or breakaway valve for use in a flexible tube. The valve comprises two parts: a tubular portion with a closed end and an elongated, generally rigid handle breakably attached to the closed end. The elongated handle has projections which frictionally contact the interior surface of the flexible tube and prevent the elongated handle from moving back into a closed position once the elongated handle has been broken. The valve may be used in conjunction with tubing and a plastic container of dialysis solution. The valve is opened by breaking away the elongated, generally rigid handle and moving "walking" the rigid handle down the tube by folding the tube back and forth upon itself. The projections on the rigid breakaway handle have sufficient frictional contact with the inside of the tube to assure that the handle will not move back into contact with the tubular portion, and the valve will remain open.

Abstract: A blood pressure monitoring system in which an intravascular catheter is connected through flexible tubing to a transducer. The tubing between the catheter and the transducer is filled with physiological solution supplied from a bag under pressure of approximately 300 mm. of mercury. The supply line from the bag to the tube is in series with a capillary so that after the system is filled with the physiological solution, the capillary passes fluid from the supply to the catheter at the rate of around two to seven cc. per hour. Provision is made for bypassing the capillary for the purpose of fast flushing the system as would occur when the system is initially filled with fluid. The fast flush line consists of a plug in series with the line from the supply, the plug having upstream and downstream longitudinal grooves separated by a central collar. A flexible tube surrounds the plug and blocks passage from the upstream and downstream groove past the collar.

Abstract: A suction catheter having a vacuum regulator is useful in withdrawing and eliminating undesirable or unwanted fluids from the body. The catheter, which is essentially tubular in shape, has a longitudinal bore extending through its length and is open ended. Also provided is an opening transverse to the longitudinal bore, generally passing through the upper surface of the catheter. The portion of the catheter about this transverse opening is surrounded by a flexible band, such as a rubber band or a plastic material capable of springing back to its original conformation after deformation. The band is preferably oval-shaped with its long sides abutting the sides of the catheter, so that its top, short side is positioned away from the top surface of the catheter when the catheter is not being used or after the band has sprung back to its original conformation.

Abstract: Frangible valve means within a flexible tube. The valve means comprises a tubular portion having closed ends, and an elongated, generally rigid member carried on the exterior of the closed end and positioned within the flexible tube. Frangible means are provided to permit the opening of the tubular portion adjacent the closed end by rupture of an area of weakness by manual manipulation of the elongated member from outside of the flexible tube. In accordance with this invention, the flexible tube defines an inner end flange, while the tubular end portion of the valve means defines, at its end opposite to the closed end, a retention flange. The retention flange includes a cylindrical wall positioned generally coaxially to the tube and surrounding the periphery of the inner end flange. The cylindrical wall, in turn, carries an annular closure flange enclosing and retaining the inner end flange. A method of assembling the above structure is also disclosed.

Abstract: A valve for an arterial monitoring set which continuously supplies a small flow of parenteral liquid, such as normal saline, into a patient's artery while arterial pressure is being continuously monitored. The valve has a flow restrictor providing a normally slow continuous flow rate and an elastically distortable tube which is manually squeezable to provide a fast flush rate. The valve is convenient for one hand operation. A method for assembling the valve by twisting the tube is also disclosed.

Abstract: A connection device for connection to first and second fluid conduits for providing selective fluid communication between the two conduits. The connection device comprises a first member having first and second open ends and a fluid passageway therebetween, and a second member having a first open end and a second end with a fluid passage defined therebetween and in which the second end is disposed within the second open end of the first member. The first and second members are movable relative to one another between an open position in which the first fluid passageway in the first member and the second fluid passageway in the second member are in fluid communication with one another, and a closed position.

Abstract: Valve means in a flexible tube, for example, tubing for connecting blood bags, are provided, which comprises a tubular portion having a closed end, and an elongated, generally rigid member, carried on the exterior of the closed end and positioned within the flexible tube. Frangible means are provided to permit the opening of the closed end by manual manipulation of the elongated member from outside of the flexible tube. The elongated, rigid member is adapted to fit in sealing relationship within the tubular portion after opening of the closed end, to permit resealing of the valve. The elongated, generally rigid member carries longitudinal vanes to provide flow channels along its length.

Abstract: A sphygmomanometer pressure release means, i.e. a means for releasing the pressure in the pneumatic cuff thereof by simple bending pressure applied to the tubing extending from the "squeeze" bulb to the pneumatic cuff and at a point along the tubing adjacent the squeeze bulb.

Abstract: A closure for food containers embodying an open-ended resilient tubular elastomeric nipple adapted for connection to a source of vacuum so that air within the container may be evacuated prior to storage of the container and its contents. The nipple is provided with an inner frusto-conical wall of small slant angle which constitutes a valve seat. A spherical ball loosely disposed within the nipple is forcefully drawn against the seat incident to differential air pressure on opposite sides of the ball. Unseating of the ball to equalize the air pressure inside and outside the container is accomplished by pinching the nipple immediately below the ball. An obstruction near the upper rim of the nipple prevents escape of the ball during evacuation of the container or during handling of the closure.

Abstract: A blood tube communicating with a blood bag includes means for parting the blood tube, and exposing an internally mounted needle carried by and communicating with the blood tube for penetrating a closure of a sample tube. In accordance with this invention, the above is accomplished by means of an integral plastic member which is positioned to sealingly enclose an interrupted portion of the flexible blood tube and the needle. The plastic member includes a thin-walled, frangible portion positioned to permit separation of the plastic member into two pieces by breaking of the frangible portion to expose the needle for use, and to permit the blood tube to be separated. Manually operated means are also provided for shutting off flow through the blood tube at a point on the opposite side of the plastic member from the blood bag.

Abstract: A valve with a tubular valve body having two axially deformable bellows disposed between two flanges and flanking an annular seat which is movable axially of the body to thereby change the effective cross-sectional area of an annular passage between its internal valve surface and the valving surface of a valve element which is secured to one of the flanges by several ribs and is spacedly surrounded by the body. The device or devices which serve to move the seat relative to the valve element are located outside of the body.

Abstract: A liquid sampling device having, a tubular section of flexible material having a wall defining a lumen for passage of liquid. The device has a flow control element including a rigid valve member positioned in the lumen of the tubular section, with the valve member having an outer sealing surface sealingly engaging against an inner surface of the tubular section. The tubular section deforms when squeezed from opposed directions against the valve member to permit passage of a liquid sample between the valve member and an inner surface of the tubular section.

Abstract: A fluid such as air is tightly enclosed in a chamber which serves to plug an organic passage such as a person's nasal cavity. The fluid is supplied into the chamber through a tube so as elastically to expand the chamber and thereafter is discharged through a valve device comprising an opening formed in the tube and a valve member which normally closes the opening but can be rolled up on itself so that the fluid in the chamber can flow out through the opening.

Abstract: Mounted adjacent the end of a plastic hose remote from its connection to a kitchen sink faucet or other such water source is an improved hose-pinching clamp assembly of the present invention which enables effective watering of remotely located plants. The significant improvement in performance is that the clamp, during normal watering service, is confined to providing a desirable "soft" stream by a pliable sleeve or tube in covering relation over the clamp, said tube maintaining the clamp partially closed upon the hose so as to restrict flow to said "soft" stream. Prior art clamps, in contrast, can inadvertently be opened too much, and may therefore operate with a watering stream that splashes or otherwise is unsuitable for the purposes intended.

Abstract: A specific embodiment provides a valve structure for an evacuator system adapted to be connected to a source of negative pressure. The valve structure includes an elongated housing having a longitudinal bore extending through the housing, and a valve seat formed by a reduced diameter portion of the bore. A valve member is situated in the bore for abutting engagement with the valve seat to prevent passage of flowable materials therebetween. Biasing means is provided for urging the valve member into abutting engagement with the valve seat. A manually operable member is operatively associated with the biasing means for moving the valve member out of engagement with the valve seat to permit passage of flowable materials therebetween.

Abstract: An in-line cannula valve assembly for controlling flow through a conduit, comprising a housing, including a collapsible housing part having a flexible wall, joined to a relatively rigid housing part. A first fluid passage in the relatively rigid housing part are provided as a portion of the conduit. A cannula element is positioned with its piercing point end in the second fluid passage, and the opposite end is positioned adjacent the first fluid passage. The cannula element is adapted for longitudinal movement through the first and second passages. A longitudinal groove is defined in the cannula element extending to the opposite end, but terminating short of the piercing point end. Sealing means are positioned about the cannula element. Thus, the cannula element may be positioned in either a first, closed position in which the longitudinal groove is spaced from the sealing means, or a second.

Abstract: This invention relates to a drain valve and is particularly adapted for draining water or other liquid from the bowl of a filter for pneumatic systems. The valve includes a bendable tubular body of flexible material and there is a poppet for normally closing a drain passage through the body. The valve has a stem in the passage which is deflectable by manual bending of the body to unseat the valve for opening the drain passage. There is a means for holding the valve seated when the body is not bent, and a portion of the passage constantly bypasses such means to permit drainage flow when the valve is unseated, regardless of whether there is pressure in the bowl.

Abstract: A flow device for interaction with a fluid stream to control its direction comprises a conduit system which includes a cavity in communication with an inlet for the stream and at least one outlet for the stream. Controllable flexible means co-operative with the cavity are provided for interaction with the stream and function to deflect the stream in one direction or the other from its entering direction as it leaves the cavity. The fluid stream can be selectively directed into one or the other of two separate outlets, or a single outlet can be combined with a vortex arrangement so as to enable one to select the direction of rotation of the stream about the axis of the vortex.

Abstract: A flow control device for a fluid flow system includes a conduit having a cylindrical insert member disposed within. The insert member includes an axially-extending depression, and a flow bypass channel of progressively increasing cross-section within the depression. A roller mounted for movement along the wall compresses the wall into the depression to restrict flow to the underlying portion of the bypass channel. By positioning the roller the operative area of the bypass channel is varied to obtain a desired flow rate.

Abstract: A sealed fluid conduit, closed with a diaphragm, contains a spike having forward and rear ends and adapted for moving to rupture the diaphragm with the forward end. A transversely-enlarged, flexible, axially collapsible portion of the conduit is positioned adjacent to the spike and adapted to permit manual movement of the spike from outside of the conduit to rupture the diaphragm. In accordance with this invention, a longitudinal groove is defined in the spike extending from the front end and terminating at a point between the front and rear ends. The spike defines an annular, enlarged sealing portion of a transverse dimension which is proportioned to sealingly occlude the portion of the conduit immediately forward of the transversely enlarged collapsible portion, the sealing portion being positioned between the terminating point of the groove and the rear end of the spike. The spike is positioned so that the enlarged sealing portion normally resides within the transversely-enlarged collapsible portion.

Abstract: The dual pressure valve assembly disclosed herein is adapted for use in a ventricular shunt system and comprises a housing enclosing a pair of one-way, pressure biased valves. One of the valves is fixed in place and the second valve is adapted for shifting between an on-line position, in which the valves are in series and their bias pressures combined, and an off-line position in which the second valve is bypassed.

Abstract: A device for metering the flow of a fluid, such as a lubricating medium, at a controlled rate. The fluid is stored within a reservoir having a resiliently expandable wall which maintains the fluid under pressure. A transparent cover is provided for visual observation of the wall to indicate the volume of fluid in the reservoir. The pressurized fluid is directed from the reservoir through an elongate flow passage having a cross-sectional area which is sized in relation to the passage length to establish a predetermined rate of fluid flow. In one embodiment the device is automatically energized upon threading engagement with the opening of a structure to be lubricated, and can then be disengaged and stored in a partially full condition. In another embodiment the flow rate can be readily varied by changing the length of a circular flow passage, or the device can be energized or de-energized, by rotating the transparent cover.

Abstract: A tube valve for use in a catheter tube, the valve having two bodies inserted in the tube, the bodies filling the cross-sectional area of the tube. Each of the bodies is provided with at least one through opening which, in the closed position of the valve in which the two bodies are in coaxial alignment with one another, is closed by the tube or by the other body but can be exposed by elastic deformation of the tube while simultaneously displacing the bodies out of coaxial alignment.

Abstract: A valve having two body members and elastic means connected therebetween to normally bias the valve into the closed condition. The valve is opened by pulling one body member away from the other, and it closes automatically upon release. Biasing spring means is likewise provided to insure positive sealing.

Abstract: A pinch valve has a tubular resilient sleeve with at least one transversely elongate aperture extending through it that is opened and closed by a control member having elements engaging diametrically opposite regions of the sleeve. The control member is rotatable on the sleeve between one angular position in which said elements engage regions of the sleeve substantially co-incident with the transverse longitudinal axis of said aperture to hold the aperture open, and another angular position in which the elements engage opposite regions transverse to said axis to squeeze said aperture closed.

Abstract: The plasmapheresis assembly includes a novel Y connector valving structure to replace conventional tube clamps. This valving structure eliminates dead spaces for blood to collect and clot and provides a fluid tight seal during heat sterilization without causing deformation of the tubing for the assembly. Possible erroneous connection of assembly components with resultant contamination is eliminated by the use of unique mating connectors in place of spikes or needle connectors. These mating connectors are employed in a simple and efficient blood bag construction to provide substantially rigid access ports to facilitate rapid manual manipulation of the blood bags.