Abstract: A needle-less injector device for delivering a dose of fluid intradermally, subcutaneously or intramuscularly to an animal or human. The device includes an inner housing having opposed ends. A syringe is disposed in one end of the inner housing. The syringe includes a nozzle for delivering a dose of fluid held within the syringe. A plunger is movably disposed within the syringe. A spring powered hammer is movably disposed within the inner housing. The hammer cooperates with the plunger to drive the dose of medicament from the nozzle. An injection delivery spring for powering the hammer is positioned and compressed between the other end of the inner housing and the spring powered hammer. An outer housing slideably supports the inner housing. A skin tensioning spring is mounted between the inner housing and the outer housing, the skin tensioning spring biasing the nozzle of the syringe against the animal or human.

Abstract: The disclosure describes an external sensor attached to an undergarment worn by a patient that detects voiding information. The sensor stores the voiding information in a voiding log and transmits the voiding log to an external device. The external device includes a user interface that displays the voiding log to the patient for review. The patient may correct any incorrect voiding information that was logged in error or due to a non-voiding event. A user, such as a clinician or the patient, may use the voiding information to diagnose a condition of the patient. In addition, the voiding information of the voiding log may be used by the user to adjust a stimulation therapy or the external device to automatically adjust stimulation therapy. The undergarment may be disposable or washable after patient use.

Abstract: A compact fluid dispenser for use in controllably dispensing fluid medicaments, such as, antibiotics, analgesics, and like medicinal agents from the device reservoir. The fluid dispenser includes a unique stored energy mechanism which takes the form of a constant force spring member of novel design that provides the force necessary to continuously and substantially uniformly expel fluid from the device reservoir. The device also includes novel adjustable flow rate control assembly that is disposed intermediate the fluid reservoir outlet and the outlet port of the device for precisely controlling the rate of fluid flow from the outlet port toward the patient.

Abstract: An apparatus for achieving weight loss in a patient is disclosed. The apparatus has a barrier material and an applicator for dispensing the barrier material about the intestine. An injector is used to place the barrier material to block nutrient transfer from the intestine into the blood stream. The barrier material is a polymerizable adhesive that can be injected interstitially between layers of the intestine, or injected into vascular structures to partially block the flow of blood to the nutrient absorbing layers.

Abstract: A microfluidic device may include a substrate that defines a flow-control cavity and first and second channels in fluid communication with the flow-control cavity. A compliant membrane for regulating fluid flow through the flow-control cavity may surround at least a portion of the flow-control cavity.

Abstract: Therapeutic devices that provide support or pressure to tissue. Devices contain a material that is capable of being contracted from its relaxed state to an evacuated state. The material applies pressure to the tissue of a patient when the material is in its relaxed state. Reduction of pressure by application of a vacuum results in a contracted state of the device, so that the device can be applied or delivered to a patient. Release of vacuum results in a return to the relaxed state, thus providing a maximum desirable pressure to tissue and avoiding the possibility of over-pressure which can result in tissue damage or necrosis.

Abstract: Therapeutic devices that provide support or pressure to tissue. Devices contain a material that is capable of being contracted from its relaxed state to an evacuated state. The material applies pressure to the tissue of a patient when the material is in its relaxed state. Reduction of pressure by application of a vacuum results in a contracted state of the device, so that the device can be applied or delivered to a patient. Release of vacuum results in a return to the relaxed state, thus providing a maximum desirable pressure to tissue and avoiding the possibility of over-pressure which can result in tissue damage or necrosis.

Abstract: A delivery device for a primary fluid includes an elongate tubular housing containing a reservoir for the primary fluid and a chamber for an ambient fluid to which the exterior of the delivery device is exposed. The device includes an outlet from the reservoir for the primary fluid and a device for driving ambient fluid under pressure into the chamber so as to expand the chamber and to cause primary fluid in the reservoir to be displaced towards the outlet. The inlet to the driver device communicates with an opening which is exposed to the ambient fluid to which the exterior of the delivery device is exposed.

Abstract: An automatic vaccinator of eggs, consisting of a system for applying vaccine with a vaccine chamber in which vaccine bags are hung and with an air bag that, when expanded, forces the vaccine from the bags and through tubing to a distribution manifold and the injectors, so that the vaccine is delivered to the eggs, is disclosed. A pressure sensor is installed in the distribution manifold and connected to a regulator, measuring the pressure in the distribution manifold at the point farthest from the vaccine chamber and controlling the pressure in the air bag to maintain a uniform quantity of vaccine being injected into the eggs and turning off the vaccinator if the pressure falls below a critical level, signaling that the vaccine bags are empty. The mechanical unit includes a system to support, align and secure the injectors over the egg tray, composed of two plates that work independently, a support plate and an alignment plate.

Abstract: A system and method to administer a liquid agent into a body cavity of a patient is provided. One exemplary system comprises a lumen disposed into an airway of the patient and a valve assembly coupled to the lumen. The valve assembly comprises a body portion, a first port and a second port. A pump assembly for receiving the liquid agent is coupled to the valve assembly in a fluid tight relationship. The pump assembly provides the liquid to the lumen through the first port of the valve assembly. The liquid along with a portion of secretions generated by the patient are extracted through the lumen and flow out of said valve assembly through the second port for disposal responsive to a natural body function and/or a vacuum from a vacuum source.

Abstract: A compact fluid dispenser for use in controllably dispensing fluid medicaments, such as antibiotics, oncolytics, hormones, steroids, blood clotting agents, analgesics, and like medicinal agents from a plurality of prefilled containers at a uniform rate. The dispenser uniquely includes a plurality of stored energy source that are provided in the form of compressible-expandable members of novel construction that provide the force necessary to continuously and uniformly expel fluid from a plurality of device reservoirs. The apparatus further includes a plurality of fluid flow control assemblies that precisely control the flow of the medicament solutions from the plurality of device reservoirs to the patient.

Abstract: The present invention involves, in some embodiments, reusable pump drive systems, which are coupled to removable, and preferably disposable, pumping cartridges. The invention provides, in some embodiments, novel pumping cartridges for use in pumping systems. One such cartridge includes an integrated filter element therein for filtering fluids, for example fluids pumped to the body of a patient in a medical procedure. In some embodiments, the integrated filter is utilized as a blood clot removal filter and in other embodiments is used to remove particulates liquids infused to a patient. The filter element includes a filter with pores therein that are preferably sized to permit essentially unrestricted flow of individual human blood cells therethrough and to block or collect blood clots, cell clumps, particulates etc. with sizes substantially larger than the average size of a human blood cell.

Abstract: The invention features devices and methods for treatment of pain. The drug delivery device is a drug delivery system adapted for whole implantation in a subject and to provide pain relief by delivery of fentanyl or a fentanyl congener (e.g., sufentanil) over a protracted period of time (e.g., at least 3 days or more than 3 days). The device comprises a housing defining a reservoir that contains a drug formulation, a pump operatively connected to the housing so as to facilitate movement of drug out of the reservoir and out of the device, and a thermal expansion element which defines a flow pathway comprising a thermal expansion channel to accommodate thermal expansion of formulation in the reservoir. The device can further comprise a valve positioned within the flow pathway so as to prevent movement of drug out of the reservoir prior to use.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a drug delivery pump apparatus, which comprises: (a) an expandable and contractible enclosure having an interior volume that defines a medication reservoir; (b) one or more electroactive polymer actuators; (c) a medication outlet port providing fluid communication between the interior volume of the contractible and expandable enclosure and an exterior of the delivery pump apparatus; and (d) a control unit electrically coupled to the one or more actuators and sending control signals to the same. The one or more electroactive polymer actuators act to reduce the interior volume of the contractible and expandable enclosure based upon the received control signals. The present invention is also directed to a method of delivering a liquid therapeutic agent to a patient.

Abstract: The inventive suction pump is essentially comprised of three separate pump parts, namely of a drive unit located inside a main casing (1), of a collecting reservoir (8) and of a valve block (6), which is arranged directly between the casing (1) and reservoir, whereby these parts can be easily coupled to one another in a manner that enables them to be detached.

Abstract: A needle syringe, which uses an air compressor to generate suction force to withdraw the air in the syringe and form vacuum suction to withdraw drugs or blood into the syringe to attain the objective of withdrawal. Besides, the compressed air by the air compressor can be charged into the syringe to generate push force to inject drugs or blood in the syringe into patient body or a blood storage test tube. Through pressing the blocking section of the needle socket, the elastic fixture in the blocking section is loosen off to allow the needle socket along with the needles retracting into the syringe body.

Abstract: An infusion system packaged in a light weight nylon portable mesh container, which is also the pump of the system, includes a removable therapy bag holding the Rx to be infused into the patient. A bladder within the pump is inflatable to provide pressure onto the therapy bag to aid in the discharge of the Rx. When filling the therapy bag, the pharmacist, using his computer to comply with standards, simultaneously programs an EPROM with data specifying the Rx as well as instructions for dispensing the Rx. In one embodiment of the invention, the EPROM fits into a docking receptacle in the pump, while in a second embodiment the EPROM is integral with the therapy bag. A microcomputer mounted in the pump is programmed to control the flow of the Rx to the patient, reading the data from the EPROM in generating the control signals. The microcomputer cyclically drives a fluid control module which outputs a fixed amount of Rx for each cycle of operation.

Abstract: Therapeutic devices that provide support or pressure to tissue. Devices contain a material that is capable of being contracted from its relaxed state to an evacuated state. The material applies pressure to the tissue of a patient when the material is in its relaxed state. Reduction of pressure by application of a vacuum results in a contracted state of the device, so that the device can be applied or delivered to a patient. Release of vacuum results in a return to the relaxed state, thus providing a maximum desirable pressure to tissue and avoiding the possibility of over-pressure which can result in tissue damage or necrosis.

Abstract: An intradermal delivery device for delivery a substance into the skin of a patient has a fluid chamber for containing the substance, at least one micro skin penetrating member, and a valve controlling the flow of the substance from the fluid chamber to the micro skin penetrating member. An adhesive releasably attaches the device to the skin of the patient, the fluid chamber can be sized to hold a unit dose of the substance, and, in some embodiments, the fluid chamber can be releasably coupled to a housing of the device.

Abstract: A syringe system (20) includes an elongated shell (30), a pressure member (80) slidable disposed within the elongated shell (30), and a collapsible cartridge (100). The Collapsible cartridge (100) is inserted within the elongated shell (30), and collapses as the pressure member (30) is advanced within the elongated body (30) to pressurize fluid within the collapsible cartridge (100). The collapsible cartridge (100) preferably further includes a passage (130) through which the fluid passes when pressurized by the pressure member (80).

Abstract: A device for administering an injectable product including an accommodating device for an ampoule and a drive mechanism operably coupled to the ampoule in order to administer the contents of the ampoule, wherein the drive mechanism is provided in the accommodating device in such a way that in an initial state, when the ampoule is inserted, at least one part of the drive mechanism is arranged in the interior of the ampoule.

Abstract: The invention concerns a disposable injection syringe, in particular in the field of dentistry, comprising: a syringe body provided with a needle at one first end thereof, the needle comprising an external part extending outside the body and an internal part extending inside the body, the needle forming an end external to the body and an end internal to the body; means for grasping the syringe body, at a second end thereof opposite the first end; a mobile injection rod; a cartridge containing a product to be injected, arranged inside the body between the needle internal end and the body second end in an inoperative position, the cartridge capable of being moved from the inoperative position towards the body first end under the injecting rod pressure; elastic means for automatically returning the cartridge towards the inoperative position when the pressure on the injecting rod is released, to cause a depression in the cartridge.

Abstract: Therapeutic devices that provide support or pressure to tissue. Devices contain a material that is capable of being contracted from its relaxed state to an evacuated state. The material applies pressure to the tissue of a patient when the material is in its relaxed state. Reduction of pressure by application of a vacuum results in a contracted state of the device, so that the device can be applied or delivered to a patient. Release of vacuum results in a return to the relaxed state, thus providing a maximum desirable pressure to tissue and avoiding the possibility of over-pressure which can result in tissue damage or necrosis.

Abstract: A drug delivery device comprising a holding reservoir, a pump, a delivery reservoir and an outlet, said holding reservoir being connected to said delivery reservoir through said pump by a connection, said pump being operable manually whereby fluid is transferred from the holding reservoir to the delivery reservoir, said delivery reservoir being connected to the outlet through a flow restriction which controls flow to the outlet, said delivery reservoir being resiliently expandable from a minimum volume to a maximum volume whereby the pressure induced on the fluid within the delivery reservoir between a first volume and a second volume provides a generally constant rate of fluid delivery where the first volume is greater than the second volume and wherein the connection between the holding reservoir and the delivery reservoir permits flow only from the holding reservoir to the delivery reservoir while the pressure within the delivery reservoir is less than a maximum pressure, said connection having a control m

Abstract: A portable, patient-controlled medication delivery system includes an infusion pump and a catheter assembly. The infusion pump retains a treatment fluid and provides a drive mechanism for delivering the treatment fluid to a patient via the catheter assembly. The infusion pump includes a fluid reservoir, a dosage chamber, a displacement piston displacable within the dosage chamber, a charge flowpath providing fluid communication between the fluid reservoir and the dosage chamber, and a passive flow restrictor positioned in the charge flowpath. An elastic member is also positioned in the infusion pump to exert an elastic displacement force on the displacement piston, which expands the dosage chamber and draws the treatment fluid from the fluid reservoir into the dosage chamber at a charge flow rate controlled by the passive flow restrictor.

Abstract: A disposable garment includes a chassis defining one or more openings for the legs, arms, waist or the like on a wearer. At least a portion of the chassis includes a targeted elastic material including zones of high and low elastic tension in the same material, integrated during formation of the material. The targeted elastic material is positioned so that at least one high tension zone is aligned with at least one garment opening, thereby functioning as an elastic band without requiring a separately manufactured, attached elastic band.

Abstract: An apparatus for delivering fluids at a precisely controlled rate which includes a fluid dispensing component having a fluid reservoir for containing the fluids to be delivered and a reservoir fill component which can be removably interconnected with the fluid dispensing component. The reservoir fill assembly is uniquely designed to accept a vial component of conventional construction which is factory filled with the medicinal fluid to be delivered to the patient. The dispenser component embodies a highly novel fluid flow indicator that provides a readily discernible visual indication of fluid flow status through the device.

Abstract: A surgically implantable shunt system 20 is provided for controlling fluid flow from a relatively high pressure region to a low pressure region. The system 20 includes a rigid housing 22 defining a sealed chamber 24 therewithin, the housing 22 having an inlet port 26 in fluid communication with the high pressure region, and an outlet port 28 in fluid communication with the low pressure region. A conduit 44 extends through the housing 22 from the inlet port 26 to the outlet port 28 and includes a valve 46 disposed within the sealed chamber 24. The valve 46 regulates fluid flow from the high pressure region to the low pressure region, wherein operation of the valve 46 is dependent upon a pressure P.sub.c external to the conduit 44 and within the sealed chamber 24, and is not susceptible to changes in pressure outside the housing 22.

Abstract: An apparatus for delivering fluids at a precisely controlled rate which includes a fluid dispensing component having a fluid reservoir for containing the fluids to be delivered and a reservoir fill component which can be removably interconnected with the fluid dispensing component. The reservoir fill assembly is uniquely designed to accept a vial component of conventional construction which is factory filled with the medicinal fluid to be delivered to the patient. The dispenser component embodies a highly novel fluid flow indicator that provides a readily discernible visual indication of fluid flow status through the device.

Abstract: An injectable medicament dispenser for use in controllably dispensing fluid medicaments such as insulin, antibiotics, oncolytics and the like from a prefilled container at a uniform rate. The dispenser includes a unique stored energy source in the form of a compressively deformable, polymeric elastomeric member that provides the force necessary to controllably discharge the medicament from the prefilled container which is housed within the body of the device. After having been deformed, the polymeric, elastomeric member will return to its starting configuration in a highly predictable manner.

Abstract: A reservoir is connected to a manually operable pump such as an aspirating syringe via a flow control tube which has a fine bore of accurately known size. Actuation of the syringe by the patient discharges a fixed volume of drug via a non-return valve to the patient. The syringe is refilled by a return spring drawing liquid from the reservoir at a rate controlled by the bore of the flow control tube, thus setting a maximum dosage rate.

Abstract: A fluid delivery device according to the present invention has a fluid delivery device body and an electrochemical cell portion for generating a gas when supplied with a DC current. The fluid delivery device body has a partition member transformable by the pressure of a gas, and a gas introduction portion. A first compartment and a second compartment are formed in the fluid delivery device body by the partition member, and a gas generated in the electrochemical cell portion is introduced into the second compartment through the gas introduction portion. A transformable fluid reservoir having a fluid delivery portion is disposed in the first compartment. If the gas generated in the electrochemical cell portion is introduced into the second compartment, the inner pressure of the second compartment increases, and the partition member is pushed, so that a fluid in the fluid reservoir disposed in the first compartment is delivered from the fluid delivery portion.

Abstract: An injectable medicament dispenser for use in controllably dispensing fluid medicaments such as insulin, antibiotics, oncolytics and the like from a prefilled container at a uniform rate. The dispenser includes a unique stored energy source in the form of a compressively deformable, polymeric elastomeric member that provides the force necessary to controllably discharge the medicament from the prefilled container which is housed within the body of the device. After having been deformed, the polymeric, elastomeric member will return to its starting configuration in a highly predictable manner.

Abstract: An intravenous infusion system is provided comprising (a) a mechanical clamp for expelling intravenous infusion liquids from a bag containing liquids; (b) a hollow tube connected to the mechanical clamp; and (c) a hollow needle connected to the hollow tube capable of being inserted into the vein of a patient requiring an intravenous infusion.

Abstract: An extra-corporal blood pump comprises a support means equipped with a pumping means and a driving means.

Abstract: An implantable infusion system has a neutral pressure medication supply container for liquid medication to be delivered to the patient, the supply container being devised so that its volume changes according to the amount of medication it contains, and a pump for pumping medication from the supply container, via a catheter, to the patient's body. The supply container and the pump are arranged inside an enclosure to which the catheter is connectable at the output of the pump. A closed space, at least partly contained inside the enclosure, in which the supply container is arranged, and in which essentially atmospheric pressure prevails, is arranged to change its volume to a corresponding degree when the volume of the supply container changes, so that the pressure is kept essentially unchanged.

Abstract: An elastomeric bladder stored energy type infusion apparatus which includes a unique fill assembly for use in controllably filling the fluid reservoir of the dispenser portion of the apparatus. The filling assembly includes a prefilled vial which is partially received within a novel adapter assembly that functions to operably couple the prefilled vial with the fluid dispenser subassembly of the apparatus. The body of the prefilled vial is surrounded by a protective covering until immediately prior to mating the assembly with the fluid delivery device.

Abstract: A bellows type container charged with liquid medicine widens a range of use. In a bellows type container (1) charged with liquid medicine, a bellows type body (11) is provided on its one end with an outlet portion (12) for liquid medicine and on its other end with a one-way valve (13) and a foldable hook (14) the liquid medicine is injected into and ejected from said bellows type body (11) through the one-way valve (13).

Abstract: An infusion pump for providing a pressurized liquid flow from a collapsible, deformable reservoir bag includes a magnetically actuated pressurizing member that applies a pressure to the bag in response to the force of magnetic attraction applied by a magnet. In several embodiments, a bag is seated on a platen of magnetizable metal, and a magnet with a compressing surface is mounted for movement toward and away from the platen. As the magnet is moved toward the platen by the force of magnetic attraction, the bag is pressurized between the magnet and the platen. The magnet may be spring biased either toward or away from the platen to alter the relationship between the decreasing volume of the bag and the pressure applied to it, by compensating in a known manner for the change in the magnitude of the magnetic force with the distance between the magnet and the platen.

Abstract: An apparatus for accurately infusing medicinal agents into an ambulatory patient at specific rates over extended periods of time. The apparatus is of a compact, low profile, laminate construction and includes an elastic distendable membrane, which, in cooperation with a thin planar base defines a fluid chamber having a fluid outlet. Disposed within the fluid chamber is a thin fluid permeable member which precisely controls the rate of fluid flow through the fluid outlet. The apparatus also includes a highly novel fluid flow indicator that provides a readily discernible visual indication of fluid flow through the apparatus.

Abstract: An apparatus for accurately infusing medicinal agents into an ambulatory patient at specific rates over extended periods of time. The apparatus is of a compact, low profile, laminate construction and includes an elastic distendable membrane, which, in cooperation with a thin planar base defines a fluid chamber having a fluid outlet. Disposed within the fluid chamber is a thin fluid permeable member which precisely controls the rate of fluid flow through the fluid outlet.

Abstract: An infusion pump has an outer housing within which is disposed a support mandrel with a bladder secured thereon. The mandrel has a substantially uniform circular cross-section with a central channel extending from an input end to an outlet end that has an enlarged mandrel flange or collar. An infusion tube is inserted through the inlet end, through the central channel and out through the outlet end of the mandrel. A seating tube bonded at a distal end of the infusion tube becomes seated in a tapered seating portion in the central channel. Thereafter the elastomeric bladder is secured on the mandrel. After both the infusion tube and the bladder have been secured to the mandrel, the inlet end of the mandrel is inserted through a bottom opening in the housing until the collar of the mandrel becomes seated in a circular collar projecting from a lower wall of the housing.

Abstract: An apparatus for accurately infusing medicinal agents into an ambulatory patient at specific rates over extended periods of time. The apparatus is of a compact, low profile, laminate construction and includes an elastic distendable membrane, which, in cooperation with a thin planar base defines a fluid chamber having a fluid outlet. Disposed within the fluid chamber is a thin fluid permeable member which precisely controls the rate of fluid flow through the fluid outlet.

Abstract: A pump assembly (20) employs electrochemistry to selectively control the delivery rate of a dispensing fluid (21) from a dispensing reservoir (24) by selectively controlling the flow rate of a driving fluid (19) from a driving reservoir (23) to a receiving reservoir (33). A partition (25), separating the driving reservoir from the receiving fluid reservoir, includes at least one aperture (28) which is opened or closed depending upon an electrical signal from a remote programming unit. Flow into the receiving reservoir deflects a barrier member to expel dispensing fluid from the dispensing reservoir. The dispensing fluid flow rate can be programmed to provide an appropriate steady or varying flow rate; user-initiated pulses of dispensing fluid can also be provided. A method of controlled infusion of an infusate employing electrochemistry is also provided.

Abstract: An infusion pump assembly (20) is provided which employs electrochemistry to selectively control the delivery rate of a dispensing fluid (21) from a dispensing reservoir (24) by selectively controlling the flow rate of a driving fluid (19) from a driving reservoir (23) to a receiving reservoir (33). A partition (25), separating the driving reservoir from the receiving fluid reservoir, includes at least one aperture (28) which permits flow communication therebetween. As the receiving reservoir increases or expands in size due to receipt of the driving fluid, a barrier member (32) communicates with the dispensing reservoir to expel the dispensing fluid therefrom. The infusion pump assembly includes a disposable infusion pump unit (36) and a separate and remote programming unit (37) operably coupled to a plug member (30), blocking the aperture, for control of the driving fluid flowing through the aperture.

Abstract: Disclosed is an elastomeric bladder infusion pump which may be used for delivering a pharmaceutically active material to a patient at a substantially constant flow rate. A unitary internal stress member or mandrel is disposed within the bladder, prestressing the bladder in both the axial and radial dimensions.

Abstract: An implantable infusion reservoir having a resilient foam member in a rigid housing to urge fluid to an implantation site. The foam member compresses upon charging and then expands to maintain a predetermined pressure characteristic within the fluid. The foam replaces the previously used two-phase propellent and eliminates the need for a hermetic metal bellows. The foam may be either closed celled or open celled, with or without a barrier skin. The device can be conformal to any desired shape and employ various metering techniques to deliver accurate quantities of fluid.

Abstract: A wound evacuator is provided with a discharge valve assembly which permits body fluid contained within the wound evacuator to be drained to a collection bag. The discharge valve assembly is also designed to minimize leakage of body fluid when the collection bag is separated from the wound evacuator.

Abstract: A vaccum device includes a cylinder, a plunger receivable through the open end of the cylinder and having a piston movable within the cylinder to define a suction chamber; and indicia carried by the cylinder cooperable with a reference on the plunger for providing a visual indication of the suction in the suction chamber. The indicia is in the form of a curve representing the variation of pressure in the suction chamber with the volume of the chamber as indicated by a reference on the piston.

Abstract: An aspirator including a container having an internal chamber with the chamber having a suction tube connected to a closed bellows within the chamber for creating a vacuum, and also 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. The aspirator further includes an injection port by which mucus may be removed from the container and a pressure relief valve to permit air to escape from the container as the flexible bellows expands to its equilibrium state. The suction tube further includes a moisture trap to occlude gaseous flow to the mouthpiece in the event moisture enters the suction system. The apparatus further includes a clip to occlude fluid flow through the patient tube when the operation is completed. The patient tube may include a Yankauer tip or be cut with an oblique angle adjacent its tip. The bellows cap may be attached to the underside of the top of the container in one of several ways.