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 fulids 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.

Abstract: A body fluid drainage device that includes a wedge-shaped reservoir evacuator which has a first sidewall and a second sidewall integrally formed and joined along a coextending common edge. A third collapsible bellows-shaped sidewall extends between the nonjoined edges and is sealed to the nonjoined edges of the first sidewall and second sidewall to enclose and form a fluid tight reservoir between the first, second and third sidewalls. An inlet port and outlet port are provided in fluid communication with the reservoir. A one-way valve is provided in the inlet port for permitting fluid flow into the reservoir but preventing fluid flow out of the inlet port. A spring element is provided for storing energy to force the first sidewall away from the second sidewall following compression of the first sidewall towards the second sidewall such that as the first sidewall moves away from the second sidewall a partial vacuum is created within the reservoir for drawing fluid into the reservoir.

Abstract: An external male urinary catheter and collection system utilizes a sheath-like member for accepting the male penis, a negative pressure evacuation device communicating with the sheath-like member, the negative pressure causing the penis to elongate in a simulated erection, and a thin-walled sealing portion of the sheath-like member to provide an air-tight seal about the elongated penis. A one-way drainage tube to permit draining of urine into the evacuation device and a one-way air tube to permit equalization of the negative pressure between the sheath-like member and the evacuation device after urine has been voided into the evacuation device are also provided. The evacuation device may be worn attached to the leg of the wearer.

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 Yankower tip or a Murphy tip. The bellows cap may be attached to the underside of the top of the container in one of several ways.

Abstract: A compression device, which enables standard-size flexible solution containers to infuse at a constant flow rate, comprises a rigid external casing, in combination with two leak-proof sacs inflatable by a low pressure gas, and a flow moderator system. The flexible solution container must be positioned evenly in-between the inflatable sacs in order to obtain constant delivery rate while discharging about 80% of its intended maximum content. Flow moderators connected in series with by-passes can provide flow rates in discrete steps. The disposable compression device is adaptable to drug infusion and fluid replenishment therapy.

Abstract: A bulb evacuator is provided for closed wound suction having a flexible compressible container with a pair of inlets having one way valves therein and a port to a suction source with a removable cap thereon at one end of the bulb evacuator. The opposite end of the bulb evacuator is provided with an integrally formed anti-reflux valve and a latching device surrounding the anti-reflux valve. A separate collection bag can be attached to the latching device so that when the bulb evacuator is filled with fluid from a closed wound, it can be compressed to force the fluid into the attached collection chamber and simultaneously creating a suction within the bulb evacuator to promote further withdrawal of fluids from the closed wound.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a suction pump, preferably for suction drainage or body cavities with regard to accumulated liquid after a surgical incision made, and comprising an expandable, flexible container, whereby two substantially symmetric lid parts are attached to each other, comprising at least one rigid ring (1,13) and a flexible casing (8), an expandable spring (12) arranged between said casings (8) of the lid parts, an inlet opening (2,6) provided with a membrane valve (7) and an outlet opening (3) to which an one-way valve is arranged to be connected to provide for an one-way current out off the pump of air and/or liquid.

Abstract: A wound evacuator comprises a pair of walls which are pushed apart by springs to generate suction in a cavity. A strap coupled to one of the walls includes a plug to close an outlet, a slot cooperating with a peg on the one wall to retain the strap adjacent the one wall and a tab to prevent contact by an individual with the plug upon removal and reinsertion of the plug in the outlet.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for aspirating secreted fluids from a wound is disclosed which involves the placement of a drain into a wound via the tissue adjacent the wound. After the wound is closed, a secretion aspiration and collection device, which is connected to the drain via a tube, is placed into operation. The device is designed to have a suction effect controlled between a minimum value and a maximum value according to the quantity of secreted fluid to be aspirated. This is achieved by one or more sensors which control a tube pump. When a second sensor is used, the pump will not be shut off by a passing air bubble in the fluid. A sleeve may also be provided to facilitate introduction of the drain into the wound. Additionally, a needle may be detachably connected to the sleeve to aid the insertion of the sleeve.

Abstract: The present invention provides a pumping chamber to be constructed as follows:A collapsible tubing is attached to an inlet fitting and to and outlet fitting to transport a biologic fluid such as blood therethrough. An outer tubing surrounds the collapsible tubing and is secured to the outer surface of the inlet fitting and to the outer surface of the outlet fitting, forming a chamber thereby. At least a duality of ports defining passageways through the wall of the outer tubing permits communication of the chamber with ambient conditions outside the chamber. The ports are designed to accept such devices as pressure gauges, alarm systems and devices to regulate intrachamber pressure, to observe arterial pressure, and to regulate collapse and occlusion of collapsible tubing in response to inadequate blood volumes.

Abstract: This invention relates to a "plungerless" means of drawing blood and for administering liquids via parenteral injection. This means is used in conjunction with a pouch bearing an injection means, to which it is releasably attached. It comprises hinged plates which, when folded, expand the pouch; and which, when straightened, compress it.In a preferred embodiment, the plates fold along a line essentially parallel to the general direction of fluid flow, and extend beyond the distal end of the pouch. The expanded pouch may then be rested on the distal edges of the plates, which form a "diamond" configuration.

Abstract: An aspirator for removing vomit and like matter from the mouth and throat. A bellows integral with a collection reservoir includes a handle grip reciprocable alternately to draw vomit into the reservoir from an attached catheter insertable into the throat, and vent air through an exhaust valve. The bellows-reservoir unit is detachably mounted to a frame which also includes a handle grip and springs. The grips are squeezed to draw in vomit, and released to permit the springs to collapse the bellows. The operation is one-handed, the device is portable, and the bellows-reservoir unit can be separated from the frame and discarded after use. A feature is a one-way inlet valve in the catheter to prevent vomit from draining back into the throat during aspirator operation.

Abstract: In apparatus for receiving and reinfusing a patient's own blood, a rigid container encloses a readily deformable inner container, blood being drawn into the readily deformable container by suction and being displaced therefrom by pressure applied between the outer container and the inner container, for pressure reinfusion. Alternatively, the apparatus has a concertina-like container which is held in its expanded condition by a support structure during the blood-intake suction phase, the blood being displaced from the container back into the patient by compression of the container. In another alternative form, the container is a concertina-like container with a high degree of resiliency adapted to expand it into an expanded condition, the container drawing blood from the patient by being compressed before being connected to the patient and then sucking the blood into the container by expansion under the effect of the resiliency.

Abstract: Device for producing suction in a wound consisting of two-hinged plates that spring-biased apart and contain between them a disposable bag for receiving fluid.

Abstract: A device for removing fluids from a wound includes a housing and a resilient bellows inside the housing. The bellows can be collapsed and retained in a collapsed or activated state. Upon release from its activated state, the bellows is expanded so as to create a negative pressure therein whereupon fluids are automatically drawn into and collected within the bellows. Preferably the bellows is expanded by a variable force ribbon spring so that the resultant or combined restoring force provided by the resilient bellows and the variable force ribbon spring allows for the creation of a substantially constant level of negative pressure within the bellows so as to provide for a substantially constant level of suction of the device throughout the range of evacuation of fluids therein. The housing is preferably transparent with graduations provided thereon permitting the visible inspection and measurement of the fluids collected therein. A method for operating the device is also disclosed.

Abstract: A self-contained, independently operable closed wound suction evacuator which is comprised of a box-like internal body structure disposed within a fluid tight, flexible outer pouch. The pouch includes an inlet/outlet valve for providing communication between the interior of the pouch and the atmosphere of the interior of the pouch and a drainage tube. The box-like internal body structure is capable of being in an engaged position or in a disengaged position. In the disengaged position, the internal box-like structure can remain in a flat condition without causing the tensioning member to be stretched or activated. When ready for use, the internal structure can be manually expanded into its box-like structure. When fully expanded the internal structure will become engaged, hence engaging the tensioning member. Subsequent compression of the internal structure to its flat position stretches the tensioning member and activates the evacuator.

Abstract: An aspirator and resuscitator for newborn animals comprising a cylindrical accordion bellows and adaptors for removing fluids from the nasal and oral passages and for delivering air to and removing air from the breathing passages. The bellows and an adaptor are connected to a central handle which is also the fluid conductor between the bellows and the adaptor. The position and arrangement of the handle provide an effective grip for the whole hand and facilitate the holding and operating of the device effectively and quickly and with safety for the animal. An arrangement is provided for assuring effective and uniform stacking or compressing of the bellows pleats and minimizing the likelihood of damage to the bellows during use.

Abstract: An evacuator system comprising a compressible container inside of which is positioned a vacuum assist device. The vacuum assist device aids in the expansion of the container and in developing a vacuum in the container upon expansion. The vacuum assist device within the evacuator acts to maintain a substantially constant level of vacuum as the evacuator expands while drawing fluids from a closed wound and collecting the fluids in the evacuator container. The evacuator includes an outlet for providing communication between the interior of the container and the atmosphere, and an inlet providing commuication between the interior of the container and a drainage tube. The evacuator may include a novel valve mechanism which enables the evacuator to be activated, held in an activated position until needed, and then released from the held position for use to draw fluid from a patient.

Abstract: A suction drainage device is disclosed which comprises a receptacle communicated with a body cavity via an inlet tube. The receptacle is formed as a bellows, flat receptacle, foil or sheet bag, or foil or sheet tube and the like which can be folded or rolled up. A flexible check valve in the form of a foil or sheet valve, or flutter valve, is disposed inside the receptacle. The inlet tube is provided on a side of one edge of the receptacle so that the receptacle can be rolled up over a long roll path without interference from the valve. The device can be manufactured at low cost.

Abstract: A wound drainage reservoir which is a container having a resilient sidewall that defines a chamber within the container and wherein an opening extends through the sidewall. A helmet extends through the opening, which helmet has an extending lip that engages a portion of the sidewall of the container which surrounds the opening. A collar encircles and is bonded to the helmet for sealing such a portion of the sidewall between the lip of the helmet and the collar. A first inlet is on the helmet to provide a first fluid-flow conduit to the chamber. A second inlet is on the helmet to provide a second fluid-flow conduit to the chamber. A drainage outlet is on the helmet to provide a fluid-flow conduit from the chamber. A plurality of ribs extend laterally along the sidewall.

Abstract: This invention discloses a syringe closure used with a nozzle and flexible bag in which fluid is initially flowed. This closure apparatus includes a retainer ring of generally tubular and tapered construction. This retainer ring has an outwardly disposed groove formed at its lower and smaller diameter end in which a bead end of the flexible bag is mounted. An outer safety ring also of generally tubular configuration is mounted on this retainer ring and insures retention of the bead end of the bag in the groove. A nozzle retainer member having an inner aperture in which the nozzle is removably mounted has an outwardly generally circular projecting lip sized and adapted to snap in and seat in an inwardly disposed recess formed in the retainer ring.

Abstract: A low flow, constant rate pump is provided which comprises a fixed volume container, the inner walls of said container defining a receptacle for a liquid to be dispensed, said container being provided with means to form an unobstructed opening through which said liquid may be caused to flow continuously at a low-flow, constant rate, a propellant chamber within said container formed of a material which is permeable to vapor from a propellant of the liquid-vapor type, a supply of propellant of the liquid-vapor type confined within said chamber, said propellant initially being under pressure sufficient to maintain a major portion thereof in liquid form at normal temperatures.

Abstract: A flexible, compressible reservoir draws a substantially constant vacuum to permit uniform removal of fluid from a surgical incision through a wound drain catheter. The reservoir includes a compression spring interposed between a pair of congruent articulated plates. The spring provides biasing force to expand the reservoir and create a vacuum therein. Each of the articulated plates has a central member hinged on opposite sides to wing members. As the reservoir expands, the wing members pivot relative to the central members to decrease the effective area to which the spring force is applied. Such decrease in the effective area permits the spring force per unit of area to remain more nearly constant, and thus, reduces changes in reservoir vacuum.