Abstract: A surgically implanted occluding assembly comprises an implant body having a longitudinally split generally “C”-shaped cross-section tube circumscribing an anatomical lumen. In one embodiment, the surgically implanted occluding assembly is a male continence device selectively occluding a urethra. In some embodiments an occluding magnet is rigidly affixed with the implant body, and an external selective occlusion control assembly is used to selectively activate the surgically implanted occluding assembly. The external assembly has a magnet, and body supporting the magnet. The external selective occlusion control assembly is configured to be selectively placed and retained adjacent to the surgically implanted occluding assembly.

Abstract: A fluid control device for endoscope includes a gas feeding conduit, an operation button and a deforming portion. The deforming portion is disposed on a downstream side with respect to the operation button, and has a closing portion which is brought into contact with an inner wall of the gas feeding conduit in a state where the operation button is not pushed.

Abstract: A pump for treating a patient is disclosed that includes a spring-biased plunger biased toward actuation against a tube; a cam shaft configured to actuate the spring-based plunger; a lever actuatable between a closed position and an open position; a shaft coupled to the lever, the shaft having a central axis centrally along the length of the shaft, the shaft coupled to the lever to rotate around the central axis in accordance with actuation of the lever; and a lift cam pivotally coupled to the shaft, wherein the lift cam pivots around a lift cam axis, the lift cam axis of the lift cam is parallel to the central axis of the shaft, and the lift cam engages with the spring-based plunger to lift the spring-biased plunger off of the cam shaft as the shaft rotates in accordance with actuating the lever to the open position.

Abstract: A hub for an optical shape sensing reference includes a hub body (606) configured to receive an elongated flexible instrument (622) with a shape sensing system coupled to the flexible instrument within a path formed in the hub body. A profile (630) is formed in the hub body in the path to impart a hub template configured to distinguish a portion of the elongated flexible instrument within the hub in shape sensing data. An attachment mechanism (616) is formed on the hub body to detachably connect the hub body to a deployable instrument such that a change in a position of the hub body indicates a corresponding change in the deployable device.

Abstract: A pinch clamp and mount are provided. The pinch clamp includes a first member and second member including rounded pinch surfaces. The second member is pivotably coupled to the first member at a first end. A threaded shaft is pivotably coupled to a second end of the first member. A second end of the second member includes a seat configured to receive the threaded shaft and a nut thereon. The seat includes protrusions at the second end that prevent the nut from sliding out of the seat. The mount includes a body having a flat bottom surface. An internal wall defines a through hole in the flat bottom surface. Two guide rails on a top surface of the body define a central slot configured to receive the clamp. A pair of keyed slots within the two guide rails are configured to receive a pair of keyed projections on the clamp.

Abstract: A clamping device includes at least one clamp-in unit for clamping in at least one flexible-tube delivery element of a delivery device, wherein, for a delivery of a medium, a drive force is exertable on said flexible-tube delivery element by a drive unit of the delivery device, when the flexible-tube delivery element is arranged in the clamp-in unit, the clamp-in unit is configured to clamp the flexible-tube delivery element so that it is curved as a whole, and includes at least one clamping element, which includes a convex abutment element realizing an abutment surface for the flexible-tube delivery element, wherein the clamp-in unit includes at least the clamping element, which has at least one angled clamping surface, and which includes at least one adhesive element that is arranged on the clamping surface of the clamping element.

Abstract: The present invention provides a lid assembly with a rotary trigger mechanism in combination with a seal assembly useful for actuating to open or close drink orifices and/or gas vent and is also able to selectively open the type of drink orifice as desirable. The invention also relates to a beverage container comprising such a lid assembly.

Abstract: An apparatus, module, methods and systems for automated, standardized assessment and analysis of a human olfactory system's odor detection ability as an indicator or predictor of cognitive impairment or change in cognitive health, and other health conditions such as diabetes. Notably, the present invention is operable for use across all age groups of humans and provides quantitative detection and analysis of a human olfactory system's detection ability compared to a relevant demographic population.

Abstract: An access cannula which includes a dwell tube that serves as an access during treatment. A blocking device that maintains the dwell tube kinked in an idle position. In the idle position, the dwell tube is maintained kinked, preferably at a predetermined kink point that corresponds to a position in which a force exerted by the blocking device upon the dwell tube, the elastic reset force of the dwell tube and, where appropriate, a pressure prevailing in the dwell tube, balance one another.

Abstract: The invention relates to a pinch valve comprising at least a body having connecting flanges, a sleeve made of elastic material and an actuator, wherein said pinch valve comprises first pinching means that is movable towards the sleeve, wherein as a response to an operation of the actuator, said first pinching means squeezes the sleeve at least partially to control a flow in said sleeve. In the pinch valve, the sleeve is curved, and said connecting flanges are not parallel, whereupon said sleeve is fixed to the body in such a manner that openings of said sleeve are not parallel either.

Abstract: A tubing assembly for use with a fluid delivery system has a first fluid line having a distal end and a proximal end for connecting to a first fluid source, and a second fluid line having a distal end and a proximal end for connecting to a second fluid source. The tubing assembly further has a third fluid line having a distal end and a proximal end, and a connector assembly for connecting the distal end of the first fluid line and the distal end of the second fluid line to the proximal end of the third fluid line. A tubing holder receives at least a portion of the third fluid line. The tubing holder has a first portion and a second portion movable relative to the first portion to selectively block fluid flow through the third fluid line.

Abstract: A peristaltic pump rotor comprising a body, an arm pivotally mounted to the body at an arm-body pivot point, the arm being movable between a deployed condition in which the arm is arranged, in use, to contact tubing in a peristaltic pump so as to effect pumping, and a retracted condition in which the arm is withdrawn from the tubing so that pumping is not effected; an actuator for effecting movement of the arm between the deployed and retracted conditions, the actuator comprising a first link pivotally mounted to the body at one end thereof and to a second link at the other end thereof, the second link being pivotally mounted to the first link at one end thereof and to the arm at the other end thereof at a point on the arm spaced from the arm-body pivot point; the links and pivot points being arranged such that the arm is retained in the deployed condition by the first and second links being arranged over center when the arm is in the deployed condition.

Abstract: A pinch valve may use a spring force to close a collapsible tube at a pinch point, and may open with a cam mechanism, which may be controlled using an electric motor. The open and closed positions of the pinch valve may be stable without the use of continuing electrical energy, and electrical energy may be consumed during a change between positions. One arrangement may use multiple tubes in a circular arrangement with a cam that may operate one or more of the valves at a time. The cam mechanism may be driven by an electric motor.

Abstract: Thoracic/lumbar and cervical spinous process staples which staple/fuse adjacent spinous processes are disclosed. Thoracic/lumbar transverse process staples which staple/fuse adjacent transverse processes are also disclosed. Each embodiment has upper and lower claws connected by a ratchet spring mechanism, along with a multiplicity of bone fastener prongs attached to the upper and lower claws. Two sets of prongs on each staple claw are spaced by a distance approximately equal to the distance separating adjacent spinous or transverse processes so as to facilitate stapling/fusion of two adjacent processes. Also disclosed are staple prongs with multiple perforations which enable incorporation of bone fusion material thereby facilitating stapling/fusion of spinal elements.

Abstract: There is provided a method for initiating a sleeve evacuation process in a controlled atmosphere workstation that comprises a chamber, at least one porthole that may be opened for enabling a user to access the chamber, and a sleeve secured to the least one porthole. The method involves placing the hand of a user within the sleeve with the sleeve engaging the forearm of the user, and initiating the sleeve evacuation process in response to the hand and forearm within the sleeve. In an embodiment of the invention the user forms a fist and moves the fist towards the porthole. This creates a pressure increase that can be detected to initiate the evacuation process. Alternatively the user may wear on his or her hand or forearm an element such as a magnetic element or an RFID chip that can be detected at the porthole to begin the evacuation process.

Abstract: Magnetically actuated gating devices, magnetically actuated gating systems, magnetically actuated gating kits, and methods of treatment using a magnetically actuated gating device are described herein. An example embodiment of a magnetically actuated gating device comprises a housing, a rotatable member, a compression member, and a membrane. The rotatable member has a first magnetic field that is configured to interact with a second magnetic field produced by an external element to move the rotatable member between a first position and a second position.

Abstract: A holding apparatus for holding at least one tube clamp on a medical tube, the tube clamp including at least one, usually two, clamping section(s) for altering a luminal cross-section of a medical tube during use, includes at least one receiving structure for detachably receiving at least one section of the tube clamp. A medical tube with at least one holding apparatus as well as a method for sterilizing a medical tube are also described.

Abstract: An automatic pump hydration delivery system includes a power source, master power switch, electric pump, timer delay module, pressure switch, backflow prevention structure (such as a one-way valve), conduit or tubing, bite valve, and may contain a reservoir or be retrofitted onto prior-art reservoirs or hydration bladders.

Abstract: A fixed sequence activation handle is described that forces a predetermined activation sequence. Such handles are suitable for use in the delivery of medical devices or for other application that require a fixed sequence of activations.

Abstract: A surgical cassette clamping system includes a mounting plate having a first side and a second side. A bracket system may be disposed adjacent the first side of the mounting plate. A clamp motor may be disposed adjacent the mounting plate and fixed relative to the mounting plate. The clamp motor may be operably connected to the bracket system to displace the bracket system relative to the mounting plate. The system may also include a plurality of pivot arms pivotably connected to the bracket system and extending adjacent the second side of the mounting plate. An engagement portion may be attached to each of the plurality of pivot arms that cooperatively engages the second side of the mounting plate, the engagement portion being operable to pivot the pivot arms when the bracket system moves relative to the mounting plate.

Abstract: A medical fluid infusion system includes a pump system configured to deliver a fluid drug to a patient. The system includes a device and method for detecting when the level of a fluid in a fluid supply container (such as an IV bag) is exhausted or near exhausted.

Abstract: A pinch valve includes first and second pinch arms pivotally mounted about respective pivot axes. A spring interconnects the first and second pinch arms to mutually bias the pinch arms towards each other and provide a pinching force for pinching respective first and second conduits. A cam engages with each of the pinch arms and provides an unpinching force for either one of the pinch arms against the bias of the sprint.

Abstract: An apparatus includes a light foil device configured to move based on radiation pressure associated with light received by the light foil device. The apparatus includes a mechanism configured to transition between operational states in response to the movement of the light foil device, or includes a valve configured to control a flow of material through a conduit based, at least in part, on the movement of the light foil device.

Abstract: A squeeze-off apparatus and method for at least partially locally interrupting the flow of a fluid in a resilient tube or pipe are described. Tubes may be accessed from a single direction, thereby eliminating the need for significant excavation around a buried tube. Squeeze-off is performed using a pair of jaws which close in a parallel manner, the closed distance between the jaws being adjustable depending on the wall thickness of the tubing, thereby permitting the tube to remain integral for at least one such crimping and release cycle. Embodiments of the squeeze-off apparatus may be locked in place once the tube is crimped, thereby permitting the flow to be reduced or shut off without continued application of force to the crimping jaws of the apparatus.

Abstract: Embodiments of a clamp for compressing a flexible tube are disclosed herein. In one such embodiment, the clamp includes a first member, a second member moveably coupled to the first member to move into and out of a clamping position to apply a compressive force to the tube, a locking member to hold the first and second members in the clamping position, a third member moveably retained between a pair of sidewalls of one of the first member and the second member, and a fourth member moveably coupled to one of the first member and the second member and engageable with the third member to apply an additional compressive force to the tube.

Abstract: A device and method to constrict or occlude the lumen of a flexible tube may include an occluder under the influence of an elastic force, such as a spring force, that can compress a portion of the wall of the flexible tube. The occluder can be under the influence of the elastic force, but prevented from occluding the tube by a stop. The stop can be connected to a tube gripping feature, so that a pulling force on the tube near the gripping feature can disengage the stop from the occluder, releasing the occluder to compress the tube. In some embodiments, the pulling force applied to the tube causes movement of the gripping feature by taking up slack in a portion of the tube held in the device. In other embodiments, the pulling force applied to the tube causes the tube to stretch elastically near the gripping feature, causing the gripping feature to move, and disengaging the stop from the occluder.

Abstract: Process for closing and cutting into sections a flexible tube, with a cutting element and a pinching closing device for cutting into sections with two cross-sections, each with two parts with indentations that can be placed in removable extension by combination elements and that make a passage with an access, whereby the pinching closing device is in the open or closed state where the cross-sections are closed by locking members and where the surfaces form a pinching closing passage of the tube; the pinching region of the tube is positioned in the indentation of a cross-section; the other cross-section is brought opposite the preceding one and the pinching closing device in the closed state, with cooperation of the locking elements, the tube being positively pinched and closed in two positive pinching zones, and thus held in place; the tube is cut into sections between the parts in the closed state, using the cutting element by passing it into the passage without it interfering with the pinching closing devic

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a pinch valve having upper and lower casings respectively supporting upper and lower pinch elements. The upper and lower casings are adapted for receiving a sleeve. A synchronization mechanism drives movements of the upper and lower pinch elements for pinching the sleeve. The upper and lower casings are connected by a pivot allowing pivoting of one or the other of the upper and lower casings for opening of the pinch valve, and for ease of access to the sleeve for maintenance purposes.

Abstract: A rotary pinch valve includes a valve body having an inlet and an outlet; the valve body supporting a pinch tube and a pair of pivotally mounted pinch arms, the pinch tube forming part of an axial flowpath from said inlet to said outlet. A valve actuator dial is received on the valve body and formed with a pair of internal cam lobes engageable, respectively, with cam follower surfaces on each of the pair of pivotally mounted pinch arms upon rotation of the valve actuator dial to pivot the pair of pinch arms from an open position out of engagement with the pinch tube to a closed position where the pinch arms engage and close the pinch tube to thereby shut off flow through the valve body.

Abstract: A medical clamp having a semi-circular front engagement portion with reciprocal transverse grooves formed in the opposing clamp surface. The semi-circular engagement portion allows for easy alignment, safe operation and completely eliminates the possibility of misalignment and unintentional release.

Abstract: A valve having a valve body with a first end, a second end, a longitudinal axis extending between the first end and the second end, and an inclined sliding surface having a longitudinal slot therein. The valve also includes a tubular member with walls defining a passageway extending through the valve body from the first end to the second end; and a slidable member mounted on the valve body and moveable between a first position and a second position. The slidable member is adapted to urge walls of the tubular member towards mutual contact when moved from the first position to the second position.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention provide a vacuum valve apparatus and method to provide a vacuum to equipment. The vacuum valve can include an air port tube, a vacuum port tube, a motor, and a control arm coupled to the vacuum port tube and the motor. The motor can cause the control arm to move in an arc in order to flex the vacuum port tube and selectively create the vacuum and vent the vacuum provided to the equipment.

Abstract: A clamp for selectively compressing a portion of tubing, such as an extension leg of a PICC or other catheter, is disclosed. The clamp is able to be opened or closed with a thumb and finger of a single hand of a user and is slidably attached to the tubing so as to enable its placement as desired along the tube. In one embodiment, the tubing clamp comprises a body including first and second body portions hingedly connected to one another in a clamshell configuration, a latch for releasably latching the first and second body portions together, and at least two tube compression members. The tube compression members cooperate to compress and occlude a portion of tubing passing through the tubing clamp when the first and second body portions are latched to one another.

Abstract: The invention provides a switching device for an irrigation system. The switching device provides selective communication between a supply port to which a supply of fluid under pressure can be attached and a balloon port to which a fixing balloon of a catheter can be attached, and between the supply port and a port to which a liquid reservoir can be attached. By use of a selection handle, the user can deform conduits in a pre-determined sequence and thus control an irrigation procedure by opening and closing fluid flow in various conduits. The invention further provides an irrigation device incorporating the switching device and a method of controlling a fluid flow e.g. in an irrigation system.

Abstract: A clamping assembly includes a body having a base and an arcuate body portion secured to the base. The arcuate body portion defining at least one opening dimensioned to receive a tubular member having a lumen. The clamping assembly further includes a slide member adapted to slide along the arcuate portion between an open position and a closed position. The slide member is movable along the arcuate body portion to compress the tubular member received within the body against the base to obstruct the lumen of the tubular member when the slide member is in the closed position.

Abstract: A squeeze-off apparatus and method for at least partially locally interrupting the flow of a fluid in a resilient tube or pipe are described. Tubes may be accessed from a single direction, thereby eliminating the need for significant excavation around a buried tube. Squeeze-off is performed using a pair of jaws which close in a parallel manner, the closed distance between the jaws being adjustable depending on the wall thickness of the tubing, thereby permitting the tube to remain integral for at least one such crimping and release cycle. Embodiments of the squeeze-off apparatus may be locked in place once the tube is crimped, thereby permitting the flow to be reduced or shut off without continued application of force to the crimping jaws of the apparatus.

Abstract: Systems, methods, and devices for preparation of purified water and medicaments for various uses including blood treatment are described. Methods, devices, and systems for creating multiple-treatment batches are described.

Abstract: A squeeze-off apparatus and method for at least partially locally interrupting the flow of a fluid in a resilient tube or pipe are described. Tubes may be accessed from a single direction, thereby eliminating the need for significant excavation around a buried tube. Squeeze-off is performed using two pairs of jaws which close in a parallel manner, the closed distance between the jaws being adjustable depending on the wall thickness of the tubing, thereby permitting the tube to remain integral for at least one such crimping and release cycle. Embodiments of the squeeze-off apparatus may be locked in place once the tube is crimped, thereby permitting the flow to be reduced or shut off without continued application of force to the squeeze-off jaws of the apparatus.

Abstract: The invention relates to a clamp (10) for a flexible tube, in particular an infusion tube, composed of a substantially U-shaped plastic band, the free end (111) of the first branch (11?) of the U being bent over, so as to form the head (11) of the clamp, to the free end (121) of the second branch, called the back (12), in such a way that, in the closed position, the free end (121) of the back (12) is situated resting under the free end (111) of the head (11), whereas, in the opened position, the free end (121) of the back (12) is situated at a distance above the free end (111) of the head (11), the clamp having a pair of openings (114, 134) to allow a flexible tube to extend through the clamp and be supported by the latter, and two opposite projections (113, 123) for obturating the flexible tube by compressing it when the clamp is in the closed position.

Abstract: A medical catheter comprising a first return lumen, a plurality of withdrawal lumens, a first clamping member and a plurality of intake extension tubes. Each intake extension tube communicates with an intake lumen of the catheter to provide fluid communication with the respective intake lumens. The intake extension tubes are positioned in a stacked arrangement, and the clamping member has a plurality of posts to receive the stacked tubes to limit lateral movement thereof.

Abstract: A leaf clamp for installation on tubing to control the flow of fluid therethrough, the leaf clamp comprising opposing rectilinear frameworks between which the tubing is threaded. A flexible leaf interconnects the opposing frameworks and extends generally parallel above the tubing positioned between the rectilinear frameworks. A snap-lever, generally L-shaped, is pivotally connected between the upper portions of the frameworks such that the shorter leg of the L-shaped lever is aligned with and engages the leaf member to urge it downwardly into engagement with the tubing as the longer leg of the L-shaped snap-lever is pivoted from a generally transverse “open” position to a generally parallel “closed” position.

Abstract: A valve for restricting and closing plastic tubing, comprising a base having a surface for holding a plastics tube, two side guides extending from the base, a top provided with a restriction member and means for raising and lowering the restriction member on to a seat. One of the side guides is pivotally connected to the base and connectable to the top. The top having a bifurcation to accept the guide, a seat being provided on the bifurcation to hold a head on the side guide. The valve can be placed round a plastics tube and the restriction member positioned to set the flow through the tube. To remove the valve from the tubing, depression of the top releases the head of the side guide from its seat opening the valve.

Abstract: Pinch valves having a multi-piece valve body to receive flexible tubing are described herein. An example pinch valve includes a first body portion having a first recess and a second body portion having a second recess. The first body portion is movable relative to the second body portion. The first recess and the second recess define a passageway to receive a flexible tubing when the first body portion is coupled to the second body portion and the passageway is to retain the flexible tubing to prevent the flexible tubing from moving relative to the first and second body portions in an axial direction.

Abstract: The beverage dispensing spigot comprises a rigid first conduit that communicates with the interior of the container, pipe, or manifold to which the spigot is attached. The first conduit communicates with a flexible second conduit internal to the body of the spigot. The flow of liquid through the flexible second conduit is regulated by the position of two opposing flanges, one of which is attached to the rigid body of the spigot and the other to a moveable actuator lever. The actuator lever is biased to a closed position by an elastomeric closure, and can be pushed to the open position by a user pushing on the portion of the lever that extends below the spigot. When a user pushes a cup or personal beverage container against the actuator lever, the moveable flange separates from the fixed flange, allowing the flexible second conduit to open and liquid to flow into a rigid third conduit that smoothes and straightens the flow and directs it into the cup or personal beverage container.

Abstract: Surgical fasteners are disclosed for terminating flow of fluid through a body lumen, including an outer barrel having an annular side wall having at least a pair of radial slots formed therein, and an inner barrel rotatably and concentrically coupled within the outer barrel. The inner barrel has an annular side wall including a radial slot formed therein corresponding to each radial slot formed in the outer barrel. The surgical fastener has an open position in which the radial slots of the inner of the outer barrel are radially aligned with the corresponding radial slots of the inner barrel and a closed position in which the radial slots of the outer barrel are out of radial alignment with the corresponding radial slots of the inner barrel and constrict the body lumen at two locations along the length thereof. An applier is provided for applying the surgical fasteners.

Abstract: An electrically actuatable clamp for the clamping of hoses including an electric drive, two scissor levers which can be pivoted relative to one another about a pivot axis between an open position and a clamping position and which have respective clamping surfaces, and a translation device by means of which a movement of the electric drive can be translated into a movement of the scissor levers.

Abstract: A medical fluid delivery system for the use in the delivery of medical fluids. The medical fluid delivery system may include a pumping system, a disposable medical fluid line set and a valve operating system. The disposable tubing line set may include valves adapted to interface with the valve operating system. The valve operating system may be adapted to operate only selected valves using a single drive means. The pumping system may be operated over a wide range of medical fluid delivery rates by employing a bi-directional drive member and a transmission interfaced with the drive member and a pump.

Abstract: A valve construction for dispensing liquid from a flexible bag, comprising an elongated hollow valve body with an inwardly tapered head portion on an inner end thereof having apertures in communication with the hollow interior of the valve body, a narrow tip at an inner end of the head portion and an enlarged annular lip facing outwardly on the outer end of the head portion. A locking member is movably mounted on the valve body between a first unlocked position where it is spaced outwardly from the annular lip on the head portion and a second locked position wherein it is in engagement with the annular lip.

Abstract: An application device for applying a dispensable material is disclosed having a closed state and an open state, the application device comprising an elastic part made of an elastic material and having a through channel being configured for engaging a cavity of a receptacle, further comprising a holder supporting a dispensing means fluidly connected with the through channel. A pinch seal is used for sealing the through channel when being in the closed state. Long-term storage is made possible, since leakage of the pinch seal is prevented by a cap effecting the pinch seal which is partially fitted into a collar.

Abstract: A tube clamp having first and second opposed jaws (1012, 1014) joined by a hinge (1016), the jaws (1012, 1014) movable between open and closed positions, the tube clamp adapted to attach to a flexible plastic tube (1024) so that the tube (1024) passes between the jaws (1012, 1014), whereby the flow of fluid through the tube (1024) is permitted when the jaws are open but is blocked when the jaws are brought together to the closed position to pinch closed the tube there-between, and locking means (1048, 1036, 1042) to effect substantially permanent and irreversible locking of the jaws (1012, 1014) in the closed position.