Abstract: A reliable, contamination-resistant, single-use, disposable, medical, non-ventilating, aspirating device and method. The device releasibly connects to and aligns with an indwelling endotracheal tube to accommodate advancing of an aspirating catheter tube of the device by manual manipulation through a sterile, flexible envelope and selective evacuation of lung secretions through a closed and sterile two-position, normally-closed, manually-operable valve at the proximal end of the device, while simultaneously accommodating voluntarily respiration by the patient.

Abstract: A device for monitoring a delivery system comprising a volumetric micropump, a measuring element or sensor located in the infusion line, a matching system and an analyzing system. The devices are preferably for use in insulin administration when treating type-I diabetes and in analytical laboratories, the chemical and pharmaceutical industries and other technologies.

Abstract: An improved irrigation control valve for endoscopic instruments is herein described wherein the valve body is bilaterally symmetrical and includes a housing, a plurality of valve chambers, pistons for reciprocal movement within each of said chambers, an inlet port for connection to a source of an irrigation fluid and a vacuum port for connection to a source of vacuum and symmetrical opposed fittings for mounting a probe in either one of two positions to accommodate both the right handed and left handed clinician. The design of both the pistons and valve body are unique, compatible with injection molding fabrication techniques and further provide for replacement and/or into change of the probe. Such interchange and/or replacement of the probe can be accomplished without clamping off of either the source of irrigation fluid or the source of suction because of the proximal location of the probe connection to the valve body relative to both the irrigation and suction valves.

Abstract: An aspirating hypodermic syringe and method for injecting dental anesthetic in which anesthetic flow through the needle is established independently of the fingers of the operator and in which different rates of flow are provided, including positive flow while the needle is entering the tissue. Effective aspiration in syringes which use expendable anesthetic vials is assured by means of a yieldable resistance member in the syringe which holds the vial with sufficient force to enable the syringe plunger to lock positively onto the piston of the vial.

Abstract: An irrigation system for irrigating and pressurizing a body cavity during an endoscopic procedure, such as during arthroscopy, includes a source of irrigation liquid, a pneumatically driven pump for pumping irrigation liquid from the source into the body cavity. The pump develops pulsatile flow and its operation is controlled by a pressure regulator that regulates the pressure of air applied to the pump. The system enables disablement of the pumping function of the pump while permitting gravity flow of irrigation liquid to the body cavity. The pump and associated tubing is inexpensive and adapted for one-time, disposable use.

Abstract: An arrangement for monitoring the pressure of fluid flowing through pliant tubing forming part of a system for the intravenous supply of fluids to a patient under medical treatment in which the tubing is caused to assume an elongate cross-section and a linear voltage displacement transducer having a spring loaded plunger is arranged to apply pressure in a flattened region of the tubing wall to provide indications of contact area movement and thus variations in fluid pressure. Compensation for movement of the contact area after pressure is applied due other than to variations in pressure is provided by a sampler which regularly samples the output of tranducer and provides inputs to a comparator directly and via a shift register so that one sample is compared with an immediately preceding sample. If the difference exceeds the threshold of a threshold circuit, which is indicative of fluid pressure change, an alarm is sounded.

Abstract: A disposable suction swab formed from an elongated stem shaped at one end for connecting to a suction source and having at the opposite end an enlarged, resilient tip. A transverse aperture is formed in the tip is registration with a hole in the stem, the aperture being larger in cross section than the hole. Means is provided for controlling suction within the stem to thereby control the amount of suction in the aperture in the tip.

Abstract: A dual-diaphragm, adjustable-rate, pressure-compensated infusion regulator includes a housing having inlet and outlet ports and an intermediate member, and a flexible main diaphragm retained along a peripheral portion thereof in the intermediate member. The regulator further includes a flow-regulating valve consisting of a valve head accessible to a high-pressure source and a valve stem which is attached to the valve head, and a flow-attenuating element of adjustable attenuating effect. A flexible auxiliary diaphragm is retained along a peripheral portion thereof in a high-pressure region and incorporates a valve seat for the valve head, the valve seat and the valve head defining between them a gap through which the liquid passes on its way from the high-pressure source into the inlet chamber.

Abstract: Apparatus for applying a disinfectant solution which may include hydrogen peroxide, a salt and a buffer to an instrument wherein the instrument can be inserted into an opening in the wall of a vessel containing a disinfectant normally at a level below the opening. A floatation plunger is urged downwardly to displace the disinfectant to a level in engagement with the instrument and the electrodes are energized to activate the disinfectant. A magnetic latch holds the floatation plunger in place during disinfection and the disinfectant level is sensed to enable energization of the electrodes only when the level is sufficient to engage the instrument.

Abstract: An apparatus for thermal regulation, or temperature control of intravenous fluid. The apparatus includes four subassemblies to control intravenous fluid temperature during rapid time varying fluctuations in fluid flow rates independent of ambient air temperature and initial fluid temperature. The first subassembly is an intravenous infusion subassembly containing a fluid reservoir, flexible tubing and a syringe for injecting fluid into a human. The second subassembly is a disposable heat exchange subassembly containing a wire heat exchanger and temperature and flow sensors. The heat exchanger is fabricated into the flexible tubing of the infusion subassembly. The third subassembly is a controller subassembly including a microprocessor system to control the heat exchange subassembly and power supplies.

Abstract: An infusion system for administering multiple infusates at individually programmable rates, volumes, and sequences in any order from any one or more of plural fluid input ports through a patient output port and into the circulatory system of a patient. Infusates may be either continuously or time sequentially administered, and infusates may be either intermittently administered at selectively regular intervals or in time overlap to administer a dilution. Various error conditions are automatically detected and alarms generated in the event of conflicts between infusates, to identify times of no infusions, and to identify system malfunctions. The system is selectively operable, among others, in a priming mode, a maintenance mode, a normal-on mode, and a manual override mode. The system is operative to adapt actual to desired flow rates in normal operation. All fluids flow through a unitary disposable cassette without making any other system contact.

Abstract: There is provided a medical fluid cassette made of thermoformed plastic material which cooperates with a medical control unit having retaining structure cooperable with the cassette to assist in controlling the flow of fluid through tubing associated with the cassette.

Abstract: Patient pressure monitoring systems require constant monitoring and adjustment by patient care specialists because of erroneous indications of changes in blood pressure readings which occur is such systems. The changes are due to errors produced by the sensing system caused by patient movement with respect to the pressure sensor. Such erroneous changes are eliminated by the addition of a second fluid path which is maintained at atmospheric pressure and controllably is connected to the prime fluid path to normalize any change in pressure in the prime path due to changes in relative positions of the sensor and the patient.

Abstract: The Rapid Infusion Device is a mechanical pumping system for the rapid delivery of filtered, bubble free, warmed volume to a patient suffering from acute hypovolemia. The principle of operation is one of overcoming resistance mechanically, The flow of fluids is totally regulated by the resistance encountered at the smallest tubing orifice along the infusion pathway. The RID components, assembled as a system, provide the capability for the rapid infusion of filtered, bubble free, and warm volume. The word volume is used to describe the fluid delivered by the device as any desired fluid may be delivered by the device. The RID is composed of two systems, i.e., durable permanent equipment and a disposable unit for one time use. Durable equipment consists of a roller pump, its controls, a permanently mounted heating element and its controls, and a mounting bracket to attach the heating element to the housing of the roller pump. The disposable unit is made of molded plastic cast in two halves.

Abstract: A drug delivery system for implantation into a living body having a pressure actuated infusion pump and an adjustable flow regulator. The regulator comprises a body having a regulator cavity divided by a diaphragm into two chambers. One chamber serves as a pressure sensor and the other as a conduit through which fluid flows. The outlet from the conduit chamber can be sealed by diaphragm movement as a function of pressure increase or the flow restricted. The outlet itself is mounted on an adjustable fitting that is movable relative to the diaphragm. The distance between the outlet and the diaphragm may be set as a calibration of the regulator.

Abstract: A medical suction tube which is opened at the distal end thereof and connected at the proximal end thereof to a suction means. A linear cut is made in the intermediate portion of the tube so as to extend obliquely from the proximal end side toward the distal end side of the tube so that, when the tube is bent, the cut is opened and ambient air is sucked into the tube through the cut, whereas, when the tube is straightened, the cut is closed and suction is performed through the distal end opening. A suction control apparatus for an endoscope that utilizes the above-described medical suction tube.

Abstract: Pressure infusion apparatus for controllably pressurizing infusion bags includes a flow-through pressure gauge for indicating the pressures within such infusion bags between minimum and maximum desirable pressures. A lower housing member includes a chamber and an inlet to the chamber for receiving a flow of fluid from suitable sources of pressurized fluid. A resilient member seals the chamber and is used in cooperation with telescoping members in a downstream portion of the gauge for indicating a range of pressures within the chamber from predetermined minimum pressures, below which the gauge will not indicate, and predetermined maximum pressures, above which is dangerous for continuing use of the pressure infusion apparatus. The gauge is adaptable for both use in applications which are axial and transverse with respect to the flow of fluid therethrough.

Abstract: An implantable valve accumulator pump for the delivery of medication is disclosed. The implantable pump comprises a drug reservoir maintained at constant pressure vapor. The medication metering assembly comprises a fixed volume accumulator positioned between a pair of valves. The valves alternately open and close to admit medication from the reservoir into the accumulator and to dispense a precise volume spike to an outlet catheter. In order to minimize dead volume and insure complete discharge, the accumulator employs a titanium diaphragm seated in one position by a recessed stop and in the discharge position by a spacer plate having a concentric groove pattern. The grooves are in fluid communication with the inlet and outlet. Also, a wide groove extending between inlet and outlet provides fluid communication between the grooves. The unit is externally programmed.

Abstract: Ocular perfusion during intraocular surgery of the anterior or posterior ocular cavity is optimized through the method of using a gas pump having a discernible and controllable output pressure to pressurize a reservoir of liquid infusate, which is supplied under pressure to a surgical infusion instrument for perfusion of the selected ocular chamber (Gas Forced Liquid Infusion, GFLI). The infusate selection and the infusate pressure can be controlled with a high degree of accuracy and both can be rapidly varied by audible command. Preferentially a human sensible indication of pressure is constantly available at the gas pump.

Abstract: A fluid handling system is disclosed for use with a surgical handpiece in microsurgery. Included is a fluid interface block apparatus which is structurally adapted to be removably and firmly secured to a control unit of the type which controls the fluidics of a microsurgery system. The system includes a plurality of peristaltic pumps arranged with respect to each other so as to minimize the effects of fluid pressure pulsations produced by each one.

Abstract: An arthroscope cannula including inner and outer intimately engaged concentric tubes with the inner tube having a longitudinally extending wall depression defining, in conjunction with the outer tube, a pressure passage. The inner tube receives the scope which is restrained therein by the wall depression to define an inflow fluid passage. The outer tube is selectively removable from about the inner tube with both tubes mounting on and projecting from a flow controlling and directing bridge assembly.

Abstract: A cannula adapted for antegrade administration of cardioplegic solutions during surgical procedures on the heart. The cannula includes a flow lumen having a smooth interior surface to reduce hemolysis when blood is passed therethrough during reperfusion. Structures are included to allow the wall of the vessel, generally the aortic root, to be readily pierced so that fluid may pass through the flow lumen of the cannula into the heart. A suture flange is provided to secure the cannula to the heart. A pressure lumen is provided to communicate the pressure within the heart to a location where it can be monitored. A vent line is also provided to allow a surgeon to readily vent fluids out of the heart.

Abstract: For an endoscopic resection or examination of a body cavity or joint where a physiological liquid is pumped at one location to a joint from a feed conduit connected to a feed pump and withdrawn at another location from the joint through a suction conduit connected to a suction pump, this suction pump is operated at a rate corresponding to a generally constant low rate of flow in the suction conduit and the feed pump is operated in accordance with the pressure detected in the joint to maintain the pressure above a predetermined desired level. Furthermore when a tool carrying one end of an auxiliary suction conduit is inserted into the joint so that periodically this conduit can be connected to the pump so that liquid can be withdrawn from the joint through this auxiliary conduit, the method comprises the step of automatically increasing the suction-pump rate when the auxiliary conduit is connected to the suction pump to a predetermined relatively high rate.

Abstract: A pressure-transmitting diaphragm system for infusions, especially for infusions supplied by a pressure-generating pump, with an infusion line leading from the infusion receptacle to the catheter and with a pressure transducer that operates in conjunction with a pressure sensor to activate a signal generator.The object of the present invention is to provide a pressure-transmitting diaphragm system for infusions of the aforesaid type that can be employed with different types of infusion system and will immediately indicate excessive pressure in the infusion line, especially when it is occasioned by an obstructed or displaced catheter.A closed pressure line (9) communicates with both the infusion line (1) and the pressure transducer (8).

Abstract: A self powered vacuum evacuation device adapted for medical applications employing cylinderical body with piston member which is instantly energizable to a preselected variable vacuum level by using locking members and having automatic flow control valve system so that the device can be continuously cycled in operation without connecting and disconnecting to a source of fluid and drainage reservoir.

Abstract: Intravenous fluid is supplied under the control of a microprocessor from a reservoir to a cannula through a flow member and a flow control device which responds, via the microprocessor, to the line pressures upstream and downstream of the control device. First and second transducers and first and second check valves are connected respectively upstream and downstream of the control device, and a constant flow resistance device is connected in series with the flow-control device to enhance the accuracy of the system.

Abstract: A pressure sensor assembly includes two spacedly positioned flexible supports which support an elongated rod, with one end of the elongated rod contacting a pressure detector section on a disposable pumping cassette; the pressure sensor assembly can detect pressures in the cassette both above and below atmospheric (i.e., zero psig); when pressure changes in the cassette, the pressure detection section causes axial movement of the rod and the rod, in turn, flexes the two flexible supports. Position detection means associated with one of the two supports monitors the flexural movement of the one support, providing an indication of the pressure within the cassette.

Abstract: An apparatus for locating a body cavity having a fluctuating fluid pressure by signaling the fluctuating pressure when the cavity is entered and then transporting fluid either into or out of the cavity.

Abstract: A multi-pressure injector device, having utility as an angiographic syringe or as an inflation device for balloon angioplasty, wherein an inner barrel/plunger is reposed slidably reposed in an outer barrel, with a second plunger slidably reposed in the inner barrel/plunger, and with the inner barrel/plunger and outer barrel being selectively longitudinally lockable relative to one another along the length of travel of the inner barrel/plunger in the outer barrel. A quick-lock/release structure is disclosed, which is particularly suitable for use with inflation devices for balloon angioplasty. In one aspect, the injector comprises a rotatable connector which is mounted at a distal end of the injector, and includes a distal threaded neck portion and a proximal collar portion of greater diameter than the injector barrel. Such rotatable connector construction facilitates ease of use in attaching the injector to complementary matable structure of catheters, manifolds, and other fluid delivery means.

Abstract: A chest drainage device is provided for draining fluid and gases from the pleural cavity of a patient. The drainage device has three chambers; a collection chamber, a water seal chamber, and suction control chamber. The suction control chamber includes a first column which has an upper end adapted to be open to the atmosphere, and a second column, which has a substantially larger cross-sectional area than the first column. A filter member on the lower end of the first column disperses the atmospheric air into small diameter bubbles as it enters liquid present in the lower end of the second column. The present invention provides an improved means for muffling the sound of the atmospheric air as it bubbles through the liquid in the second column. Additionally, the present invention provides a means for increasing the accuracy of the vacuum pressure actually being applied to the pleural cavity of the patient as compared to the prescribed vacuum pressure.

Abstract: A syringe assembly having a hollow barrel, a plunger and a hypodermic needle and is discardable after a single use. The hypodermic needle has a first end fixedly secured to and in communication with the barrel and has a free end for the discharge of medication therefrom upon the downward movement of the plunger within the barrel. The barrel is covered by a two-part hollow cylindrical sheath having a first part extending, when in a first position, along the barrel a distance allowing at least the partial exposure of the hypodermic needle and having a second part extending, when in the first position, a distance beyond the free end of the needle to substantially cover the same. The second part of the sheath has one end coupled to the first part by a breakable joint which can be broken so that the second part may be discarded prior to use.

Abstract: A flow set for administering peritoneal dialysis solution in automated peritoneal dialysis which comprises interconnecting flow conduits for connecting respectively with (1) a patient's catheter, (2) a container for warming dialysis solution, (3) a drain line, and (4) a source of dialysis solution. The flow conduit (4) for connecting with the source of dialysis solution defines at least three branching conduits having connectors on their respective ends for communication with separate containers of dialysis solution. In accordance with this invention, means are provided for causing the flow path resistance through the conduit (4) of the respective flow paths passing through each of said branch conduits to be substantially equal.

Abstract: For an endoscopic resection or examination of a body cavity or joint where a physiological liquid is pumped at one location to a joint from a feed conduit connected to a feed pump and withdrawn at another location from the joint through a suction conduit connected to a suction pump, this suction pump is operated at a rate corresponding to a generally constant low rate of flow in the suction conduit and the feed pump is operated in accordance with the pressure detected in the joint to maintain the pressure above a predetermined desired level. Furthermore when a tool carrying one end of an auxiliary suction conduit is inserted into the joint so that periodically this conduit can be connected to the pump so that liquid can be withdrawn from the joint through this auxiliary conduit, the method comprises the step of automatically increasing the suction-pump rate when the auxiliary conduit is connected to the suction pump to a predetermined relatively high rate.

Abstract: A device for cleansing the colon includes an elastic housing with an oval-shaped end and provided with an aspiration channel and a discharge channel isolated from each other, each channel having its own outlet port in the end of the housing. An endoscope is built into the aspiration channel and is provided with a transparent balloon on its working portion, while the discharge channel accommodates an open-end capillary tube whose open end is brought outwards through the end of the housing, the other end of the tube being connected to a pressure measurement instrument.

Abstract: A linking mechanism for irrigation/aspiration machines which includes a coupling member having a plug that is inserted into an opening in a receptacle on the face of the I/A machine. The plug projection is sealed in air tight relation to the wall surrounding the opening and an auxiliary prong(s) prevent rotation of the plug as well as lock the plug in the receptacle. The receptacle includes an arming switch activated responsive to proper seating of the plug in the receptacle to arm the peristaltic pump that is subsequently operated by a foot switch to generate a vacuum in the aspirant line.

Abstract: Apparatus for pumping fluid through plural flow lines comprising a pump having an inlet and an outlet for transporting the fluid therethrough, first and second flow lines that are selectively connectable to the pump inlet via a first valve, and third and fourth flow lines that are selectively connectable to the outlet via a second valve, whereby the pump can be used to selectively pump fluid through different flow paths.

Abstract: Tumors in the body of a patient are studied in situ by a monitor, such as computer assisted tomography, X-ray or the like, while optimal flow paths through the tumor area are established. A catheter with a suction lumen and an infusion lumen, with seals associated with each, is placed in the patient's vein near the tumor. Flow is then sealed in the vein with the infusion seal. A carrier medium dye is injected into the tumor at selected flow rates and differential pressures. Flow of the dye through the tumor is observed on the monitor to determine optimal retrograde perfusion paths through the tumor for the selected flow rates and differential pressures. Once the optimal perfusion paths are noted, a preferential attack area in the tumor is located using a different, less dense carrier dye and increased fluid back pressure in the infusion system.

Abstract: A modular, power augmented medical infusion apparatus to provide rapid transfusion of relatively large quantities of blood, blood components, colloid, and fluids to patients. All components of the infuser that contact blood are sterlie, disposable, and easily assembled. Disassembled or partially assembled the components are also easily transportable. The major components comprise a pair of filtered cardiotomy reservoirs, an air embolus sensor, a modular double roller pump, a heat exchanger, a bubble trap-filter and disposable fluid conduits. The bubble trap-filter is located in the distal most location of the recirculating loop just upstream of the Y-connector to the patient and the air sensor just downstream of the cardiotomy reservoir in the proximal location of the recirculating loop.

Abstract: An injection spray gun with a holder comprising: a sheathing adapted to receive a cylindrical ampule; a handle fastened to the gun; an actuating lever pivotally attached to the handle; a plunger guided in the holder and connected with the actuating lever; a piston located in the cylindrical ampule wherein movement of the plunger causes forward thrust of the piston; and a pressure limiting device being provided for acting on at least one of the actuating lever and/or the plunger.

Abstract: A pressure controller device for selectively applying and relieving a measured pressure upon a closed volume of fluid includes a housing, a barrel defining a fluid chamber and a plunger for axial movement within the fluid chamber for applying measured pressure to a fluid therewithin. The barrel has a port for delivery of fluid at measured pressure, and moves axially within the housing in a first axial direction in response to increased pressure within the chamber. The housing and barrel are biased apart, e.g., by a first biasing spring acting with a known force upon the barrel in an opposed, second axial direction. Indicia upon the barrel and housing indicate the relative positions of barrel and housing. As pressure in the fluid chamber increases, the barrel is urged in a first direction with a force proportional to the measured pressure to overcome the known force in the second direction, the relative positions of barrel and housing providing a measure of the pressure within the fluid chamber.

Abstract: Systems for monitoring fluids such as blood being treated extracorporeally are disclosed, including a monitor for monitoring the fluid flow through a tube system between a fluid inlet, fluid treatment means and a fluid outlet. The monitor disclosed includes a monitor housing which contains at least one pressure sensor, and a cassette which is adapted to be removably coupled to the monitor housing, the cassette including pressure transmission ducts for transmitting the pressure within the tube system to a pressure transmitting cavity adapted to be juxtaposed with the pressure sensor when the cassette is coupled to the monitor housing so that the pressure within the tube system can be directly measured by the pressure sensor when the cassette is coupled to the monitor housing. In one embodiment of the monitor the cassette includes a portion of the tube system, while in another embodiment a conventional tube system can be affixed to the cassette.

Abstract: A method and a device are proposed for the injection of very small amounts of samples into cells (74) with the aid of a microcapillary (10). During the injection, a constant injection pressure of about 0.12 bar, provided by a pressurized cylinder (46) is applied ot the microcapillary (10), which is reduced after the completion of the injection to a holding pressure of 0.02 bar until the next cell (64) is to be injected. A high-pressure (p.sub.1) supplied from another pressurized cylinder (44) serves for blowing out the microcapillary tip (12). A three-way valve (42) permits simple and rapid switching between the various pressure (p.sub.1, p.sub.2 and p.sub.3). Reproducible amounts of sample in the range from 10.sup.-11 ml to 10.sup.-13 ml can be injected reprodicibly, simply and rapidly.

Abstract: A tubing set, the major portions of which are defined from a trilumen section of tubing, comprises three lines including an inflow line, an outflow line and a pressure sensing line. The inflow line includes a header portion engageable about the rollers of a peristaltic pump, a delivery tube mounting a male luer fitting for engagement with a patient cannula, and a pair of clampable supply tubes with bag spikes for communication with saline bags. The pressure sensing line includes a pressure transmitting elongate tubular diaphragm mounted within a fluid chamber directly adjacent the patient end of the line. The pressure transmitting diaphragm communicates with an elongate dry or air tube which, at the remote end, communicates with an appropriate pump-mounted pressure transducer or the like.

Abstract: A fine tip hand-held medical suction device is provided having a vent orifice in the sidewall of the tip remote from the suction orifice of the tip and the hand holding portion of the device to regulate the negative pressure at the suction orifice. A fluid flow restriction orifice in the flow passage is disposed close to the vent orifice.

Abstract: Coronary perfusion apparatus in which a catheter is held in place in the coronary artery by an intra-aortic balloon. The catheter carries a pressure sensor which is positioned adjacent the heart valves. The pump supplies oxygenation blood to the catheter at a predetermined time in the cardiac cycle which exists downstream of the occlusion through openings in the catheter under the control of a synchronizing means which determines the time of perfusion in response to cardiac signals and to signals corresponding to the measurement mode by the pressure sensor.

Abstract: A method for detecting probe penetration of human (i) target tissue having predetermined internal pressure and (ii) epidural space having essentially negative gauge pressure relative to atmosphere pressure and enlarging the epidural space in the neighborhood of said probe which includes inserting a hollow probe into the human body towards the internal target tissue and gradually increasing pressure in a closed volume defined by the probe interior and a conduit communicating therewith until a moveable piston slideably resident within the conduit and having a passageway therethrough connecting the portion of the conduit interior communicating with the hollow probe with an orifice in a laterial surface of the moveable piston slideably contacting said conduit interior, moving in response to pressure within the conduit opposing predetermined bias force applied to the moveable piston, reaches a predetermined position, at which the laterial surface orifice of the moveable piston communicates with ambient air via a p

Abstract: An aspirator includes two chambers with one chamber having a suction tube connected to a closed bellows within the chamber for creating a vacuum, and the second container having a patient tube for insertion into the body cavity of a patient for sucking removal of mucus and other excess bodily fluids by the vacuum, with the two chamber being connected for gaseous communication.

Abstract: An aspirator includes two closed containers with one container having a suction tube connected to a closed bellows within the container for creating a vacuum, and the second container having a patient tube for insertion into the body cavity of a patient for sucking removal of mucus and other excess bodily fluids by the vacuum, with the two containers being connected for gaseous communication.

Abstract: A therapeutic suction device includes an operating vacuum chamber connected to a motor operated pump to create a vacuum pressure therein and a pressure controlling means to maintain a predetermined pressure in the vacuum chamber. The vacuum pressure in the operating vacuum chamber can be pre-arranged so as to provide a suction force by a pressure difference even when there is a shortage of electricity.

Abstract: A pressure sensor comprising a main body having an inlet connectable to a source of liquid under pressure, an outlet, a passage extending through the main body from the inlet to the outlet and a surface outside of the passage. A flexible diaphragm confronts the surface and is coupled to the main body to at least partially define a sensing chamber. The main body has a port extending from the passage to the sensing chamber to provide communication between liquid under pressure in the passage and the sensing chamber. The port has a transverse cross section with at least one dimension which is no greater than about 0.060 inch.