Abstract: A syringe assembly has a syringe body adapted to be filled with an injectable liquid and having an annular neck defining an axis and having an axially outwardly open outlet. The neck is adapted to carry a needle. An elastomeric plug engaged axially inward with the neck closes the outlet and a holding ring is fixed to the neck below the plug. A retaining sleeve around the neck is fixed to the holding ring and a cup-shaped safety cap is fixed to the plug and has an end edge confronting the retaining sleeve and spaced axially therefrom. Frangible formations extend from the cap edge to the sleeve.

Abstract: A fluid-delivery apparatus for delivering a medicament to a patient is provided in accordance with the present invention. The apparatus includes a housing defining a passageway, a bellowed ampoule positioned to lie in the passageway of the housing, and a piston. The bellowed ampoule includes a body with first and second ends and is formed to define a cavity configured to contain the medicament. The piston presses the second end of the ampoule toward the first end to dispense the medicament from the cavity. In addition, the fluid-delivery apparatus includes a visible non-linear scale that represents the relationship between a volume of medicament delivered from the first end of the ampoule and a distance that the piston has traveled in the housing toward the first end.

Abstract: A medication injection or delivery system is provided for injecting fluids such as insulin within body tissue. The device includes a housing, a flexible shaft movably mounted within the housing, and a dose setting mechanism for controlling the movement of the shaft with respect to a fluid-containing cartridge removably positioned within or mounted to the housing. The flexible shaft, according to exemplary embodiments, includes a plunger and a flexible cable connected to the dose setting mechanism. The plunger and dose setting mechanism are connected together by the flexible shaft. The dose setting mechanism, in one aspect of the invention, includes a screw, a locking mechanism, and a nut assembly connected to the flexible shaft. The dose setting mechanism is used to set the dosage and prime the catheter. The plunger retracts into a recess to permit a new cartridge to be installed quickly.

Abstract: A syringe having an air release assembly slidingly clamped to a syringe barrel, the air release assembly having a lower portion with a slider valve insert and an upper portion with a rearward facing chamber. The syringe barrel has an opening at the juncture of the barrel and a front wall and the air release assembly upper and lower portions define an opening. Forward movement of the air release assembly closes the barrel opening and prepares the syringe for fluid filling and fluid ejection. Rearward movement of the air release assembly aligns the barrel opening with the air release assembly opening so that slight plunger pressure ejects barrel liquid trapped air bubbles to an outside environment.

Abstract: An apparatus and method of providing a flexible needle assembly for use with a medication delivery pen. The flexible needle assembly includes a needle cannula having proximal and distal points and a hub coupled to the needle cannula. The hub includes a flexible roof, or ball-and-socket arrangement, that permits the needle cannula to move about the centerline of the hub. The flexible roof can include one or more concentric ribs to enhance flexibility of the needle cannula about the centerline of the hub.

Abstract: A seal adapted to be fitted over the open end of the barrel of a hypodermic syringe has a cap of a non-latex elastomer having a central aperture which is sufficiently small as ordinarily to retain liquid therebehind but which can be deformably expanded to allow passage of the rearward end of a needle hub for engagement with the barrel.

Abstract: A syringe for use with a powered injector to inject a fluid into a patient that includes a length of material adapted to transmit or propagate electromagnetic energy therethrough. The length of material includes at least a first indicator positioned along the length of material. The first indicator is adapted to interact with at least a portion of the energy being propagated through the length of material in a manner that is detectable. The presence (or absence) of the first indicator provides or corresponds to information about the syringe configuration. The indicator(s) of the present invention can, for example, provide information about syringe configuration by the number and/or position thereof. A plurality or set of such syringes can be provided, with the configuration of each such syringe being represented by the presence or absence of indicator(s) of that syringe.

Abstract: An infusion apparatus for administering drugs to a patient has a threaded shaft acting on a plunger of a syringe and is provided with protection against overdose caused by free flow. The protection is in the form of an adapter connected to the threaded shaft and having a neck and head with roughened surface extending into a threaded seat in the plunger.

Abstract: A syringe includes a hollow barrel adapted to be pre-filled with medicine. A piston is movably received in an open end of the hollow barrel and the open end is closed by a first seal. A closed end of the barrel has a stub extending out therefrom and a through hole is centrally defined in the stub. A second seal is formed on the top of the stub to close the through hole. An annular groove is defined in the closed end of the hollow barrel and surrounds the stub. A needle breaks through the second seal when the needle hub is attached to the stub. Further, the stub can be separated from and then received in the hollow barrel after the syringe has been used.

Abstract: A safety syringe in which the needle holder has a mounting unit fixedly fastened to the front end of the barrel, a body holding a needle cannula outside the barrel, a breakable slotted connecting portion connected between the mounting unit and the body, and a rear engagement block, and the plunger has a front tubular retaining member adapted to engage the rear engagement block for enabling the needle cannula with the body of the needle holder to be separated from the mounting unit and moved backwards with the plunger to the inside of the barrel after the service of the safety syringe.

Abstract: A compact portable transport unit for shipping hyperpolarized noble gases and shielding same from electromagnetic interference and/or external magnetic fields includes a means for shifting the resonance frequency of the hyperpolarized gas outside the bandwidth of typical frequencies associated with prevalent time-dependent fields produced by electrical sources. Preferably the transport unit includes a magnetic holding field which is generated from a solenoid in the transport unit. The solenoid includes a plurality of coil segments and is sized and configured to receive the gas chamber of a container. The gas container is configured with a valve, a spherical body, and an extending capillary stem between the valve and the body. The gas container or hyperpolarized product container can also be formed as a resilient bag.

Abstract: A hypodermic syringe with a selectively retractable includes an elongate barrel having an open proximal end and a distal end that defines a receiver with an inwardly projecting shoulder. The syringe has a hollow elongate plunger with an open proximal end and a closed distal end. There is an elongate plug extending distally into the hollow plunger from the open proximal end forming an enclosed cavity within the plunger. The syringe has an elongate hub having a passageway therethrough, a distally extending stem, and a proximal flange with an engagement for engaging said barrel. The syringe has an elongate needle having a fluid path therethrough, a sharpened distal end and a proximal end. The needle is mounted in the passageway so that the sharpened distal end projects. The syringe has an elongate spring disposed about the stem of the hub that is compressed between the flange and the inwardly projecting shoulder of the receiver to provide a bias.

Abstract: A central-vein cathether is locked by anticoagulant and bactericidal solutions separated by an air bubble. The anticoagulant is injected first, then the air bubble, and then the bactericidal solution, so that the anticoagulant is located close to the catheter tip in contact with the blood and the bacterial solution is located close to the catheter hub, where bacteria contamination is common. The air bubble prevents mixing of the solutions. A multi-chamber syringe facilitates sequential injection of the anticoagulant, air and bactericidal agent with only one connection, decreasing chances of contamination. The syringe includes internal and external coaxial barrels separated by seals, the external barrel having a discharge opening located off center in the barrel bottom, and the internal barrel having two or three chambers, each with an outlet opening.

Abstract: A dual-chamber safety hypodermic syringe, in which the barrel has a medicine chamber, a needle chamber, and a guide hole connected between the chambers, and the needle assembly is moved in and out of the needle chamber between the extended position where an inlet on a neck of the needle assembly is disposed in communication with the guide hole for enabling liquid medicine to be squeezed out from the medicine chamber through the needle cannula of the needle assembly, and the received position where the needle assembly is safely received inside the needle chamber and kept from sight.

Abstract: Inflation devices for use with balloon catheters. The inflation devices are preloaded with a fluid stored in a chamber in the plunger. An inflation device in accordance with one embodiment of the present invention includes a barrel defining a primary chamber therein, a plunger disposed in the primary chamber and defining a storage chamber, and a valve for selectively providing fluid communication between the storage chamber and the primary chamber. The preloaded fluid may be pressurized and may comprise, for example, a gas (other than air), a liquid, or a fluid containing a drug. The inflation device is preferably preloaded by the manufacturer and/or packager of the inflation device.

Abstract: A syringe includes a body and a plunger disposed therein. The body includes a nozzle formed therein and at least one hub member connected thereto or integrally formed thereon for holding an end of a connector tube. The connector tube includes two ends, each end preferably being connected to a respective hub member to retain the connector tube in contact with the syringe. Preferably, the syringe and the connector tube are packaged in a pre-connected condition for ease of use by the customer. Furthermore, flexible inlet tubing for connection to a syringe for filling the syringe with contrast media, for example, is described. The inlet tubing permits filling of the syringe from either a bag or a bottle and may remain attached to the syringe so that it forms at least a part of the connection to the patient. In addition, an apparatus for facilitating the purge of air from a connector tube that will ultimately be connected between a syringe and a patient is described.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for maintaining the suspension of an agent suspended in a suspending medium in which a container holding the agent is revolved about an axis to create and maintain the suspension and the agent is selectively provided from the container. The agent may be selectively provided from the container while the container is simultaneously or intermittently revolved in a planetary orbit about an axis of rotation generally parallel to an axis of the container for maintaining the suspension. Alternatively, the container may be rotated about its longitudinal axis by a source of rotation to create and maintain the suspension while the agent is provided from the container due to a force imparted by the source of rotation.

Abstract: An automatic mixing and injecting apparatus comprises a syringe assembly within a housing. The syringe assembly has a chamber for holding a liquid, which can be a liquid medicine or a solvent. A second chamber may hold a dry medicine. The second chamber is releasably sealed with respect to the first chamber. A spring-operated plunger forces liquid from the first chamber and causes the releasable seal to disengage when the needle has entered the recipient. At this time, the liquid flows through the second chamber and dissolves any dry medicine in that chamber. A releasable coupling disengages the plunger from the driver spring and allows the plunger, syringe, and needle to retract under the urging of a return spring.

Abstract: A drug delivery device for delivery of a drug which comprises a mixture of a first substance and a second substance, the device including a first chamber (24) for housing the first substance, a second chamber (30) for housing the second substance and a membrane (28) which on application of a predetermined condition thereto is movable from a first disposition in which it partitions the first and second chambers to prevent mixture of the first and second substances to a second disposition in which it enables the first and second substances to be mixed. In one aspect, the membrane (28) contains a barrier material comprising polychlorotrifluoroethylene or a copolymer thereof, polyvinylidene chloride or a copolymer thereof or a silicon oxide. In another aspect, the first chamber (24) is formed from a polyethylene based polymer.

Abstract: A syringe assembly comprises a syringe barrel having an elongated body defining a chamber for retaining fluid, an open proximal end, a distal end and a frusto-conically shaped tip extending from the distal end and having a passageway therethrough in fluid communication with the chamber. The chamber has an inside diameter of at least 13.5 mm. A stopper is in fluid-tight engagement inside the barrel. An elongated plunger rod extends proximally from the stopper through the open proximal end of the barrel. A flange is positioned at the proximal end of the plunger rod. The flange is shaped and positioned to limit the distal motion of the plunger rod in the barrel by contacting the proximal end of the barrel. A tip cap is releasably connected to the tip for sealing the passageway and the chamber contains injectable liquid.

Abstract: A dose dispensing device such as a medicine dropper is improved by putting a dosing scales such as a body weight scale directly on the dose dispensing device. This improved device is used to simultaneously calculate and measure an exact dose of liquid medicine, based on the body weight of the patient.

Abstract: A device to aid in the subcutaneous injection of a hypodermic needle has an outer component which is a hollow longitudinal cylindrical sleeve with an inverted frusto-conical base capable of placement on a skin surface, and an inner component which is a hollow cylindrical sleeve of smaller diameter than the outer component and slidably disposed within the outer component. The inner component can hold various size adaptors to customize the device for use with different types or sizes of syringe. Located at the distal end of the inner component is a retaining collar with an aperture sized to receive the hub of a hypodermic needle and through which the needle projects. In a retracted position, the retaining collar rests inside a retaining groove circumscribed within the inner wall of the outer component.

Abstract: A device (3) comprising a sheet member (6) having a plurality of microprotrusions (4) for penetrating the skin and a rigid support (15) contacting and extending across the sheet member (6) for transmitting an applied force evenly across the length and width of the sheet member (6) to reproducibly and reliably penetrate the skin with the microprotrusions (4).

Abstract: The invention is directed to a device and method for delivering a therapeutic substance (64) to a bodily tissue in a minimally invasive manner. The device includes an elongate flexible tubular member (12) having a proximal end (14) and a distal end (16). A control lever (50) is provided for enabling the distal end (16) of the tubular member (12) to be controllably flexed in a transverse manner for positioning the distal end (16) of the tubular member (12) proximate to the bodily tissue to be treated. A hollow needle (62) is disposed at the distal end (16) of the tubular member (12) for delivering the therapeutic substance (64) into the bodily tissue. A marking device (78) is also included for indicating the location where an injection has been made in the tissue. This enables the surgeon to keep track of the areas in which injections are made so that the therapeutic substance (64) may be evenly distributed over a desired area of treatment.

Abstract: A device to aid in the subcutaneous injection of a hypodermic needle has an outer component which is a hollow longitudinal cylindrical sleeve with an inverted frusto-conical base capable of placement on a skin surface, and an inner component which is a hollow cylindrical sleeve of smaller diameter than the outer component and slidably disposed within the outer component. The inner component can hold various size adaptors to customize the device for use with different types or sizes of syringe. Located at the distal end of the inner component is a retaining collar with an aperture sized to receive the hub of a hypodermic needle and through which the needle projects. In a retracted position, the retaining collar rests inside a retaining groove circumscribed within the inner wall of the outer component.

Abstract: A drug delivery means comprising a holding reservoir (11), a pumping means (16), a delivery reservoir (23) and outlet (25), said holding reservoir (11) being connected to the delivery reservoir (23) through the pump (16) where the pump (16) is operable manually to effect transfer of fluid from the holding reservoir (11) to the delivery reservoir (23), the delivery reservoir (23) being connected to the outlet (25) through a flow restriction means (27) which controls the flow to the outlet (25), the delivery reservoir being formed to be resiliently expandable to a maximum volume and wherein the connection between the holding reservoir (11) and delivery reservoir (23) prevents pressurisation of the delivery reservoir (23) substantially beyond a predetermined pressure which will be achieved on the delivery reservoir (23) obtaining its maximum volume, a control means (30) provided with the delivery reservoir to prevent further pressurisation of the delivery reservoir (23) substantially beyond the predetermined pre

Abstract: The present invention relates to an apparatus and method for using the apparatus for injecting an agent into a tissue, particularly into thin tissues such as the sclera of the eye. The invention provides an apparatus and method for effectively imbedding a needle into a tissue at a predetermined penetration approach angle and penetration distance thereby reducing the risk of penetrating the full thickness of the tissue. The invention includes a support element and a needle guide platform disposed on the support element with an external support surface and a channel extending therethrough and terminating in an aperture at the support surface. A needle disposed in the channel is axially movable along an axis of injection through the channel. The needle is movable from a first retracted position to an extended position corresponding to the penetration distance, along the axis of injection.

Abstract: A cannula for vaginal irrigations includes a straight cylindrical duct (1) whose proximal end is shaped to form a connection (4) for the mounting on a supplying device (5) containing a treating solution, as well as an ogive (2) extending rearwards from the distal end of said duct (1) so as to enclose externally the distal portion of the duct (1), whose distal end is in communication with the outside through a ring of at least four holes (3) formed on the tip of the ogive (2). The ogive (2) has an elliptical shape both in the longitudinal plane and in the plane orthogonal to the longitudinal axis and extends almost to mid-length of the duct (1), while the holes (3) are inclined at 30° with respect to the axis of the duct (1) both in the sagittal plane and in the longitudinal plane orthogonal thereto. The anatomical shape of the ogive (2) and the arrangement of the holes (3) provide an irrigation which is correct, effective and without risks for the user.

Abstract: Methods of extracting and removing hyperpolarized gas from a container include introducing an extraction fluid into the container to force the hyperpolarized gas out of an exit port. The hyperpolarized gas is forced out of the container separate and apart from the extraction fluid. Alternatively, if the fluid is a gas, a portion of the gas is mixed with the hyperpolarized gas to form a sterile mixed fluid product suitable for introduction to a patient. An additional method includes engaging a gas transfer source such as a syringe to a transport container and pulling a quantity of the hyperpolarized gas out of the container in a controlled manner. Alternatively, one or more gas syringes can be employed to mete out predictable quantities of hyperpolarized gas or gas mixtures including quantities of buffer gases.

Abstract: The invention concerns a container for injection, infusion, and diagnostic preparations, serving, on the one hand, as a long-term storage container, and, on the other, as a device for directly dispensing the preparations. The container has a glass barrel with a glass headpiece with a connector cone that acts as a nozzle. This is molded onto a glass barrel, thereby forming a single unit. A separate plastic, threaded section of an interlocking, conical joint is mounted onto the connector cone, accommodating a secured sealing cap that can be removed from the connector cone. The other opening of the glass barrel is sealed by a plunger that has a connection spot for a plunger rod. Furthermore, the container has a plastic grip mounted onto the inner wall of the glass barrel. Since the container, including the external profile, is, on the whole, designed to resemble a standard syringe, it ensures that the invented container can be accommodated by all current syringe pumps.

Abstract: A portable, patient-controlled medication delivery system includes an infusion pump, a catheter assembly and an extension tubing set. The infusion pump retains a treatment fluid and provides a drive mechanism for delivering the treatment fluid to a patient. The catheter assembly has a medicine catheter which penetrates directly into the treatment site of the patient and the extension tubing set has an extension tube which connects the medicine catheter and infusion pump. The infusion pump includes a fluid reservoir, a dosage chamber, and a displacement piston displacable within the dosage chamber. An elastic member is also positioned in the infusion pump to exert a displacement force on the displacement piston. The elastic member is alternately transitionable between a more stressed position and a less stressed position.

Abstract: We describe connectors for safely and conveniently injecting measured doses of sterile liquid medications into a patient via one or more infusion ports in intravenous access assemblies. Each connector comprises a tubular injector divided by a rigid septum which holds a hollow needle sharp on each end safely recessed in a leading and in a trailing chamber. The leading chamber snugly holds the trailing limb and penetrable cap of an inserted standard infusion port. The trailing recess snugly holds the leading end of a cartridge with a leading penetrable diaphragm, a bore containing liquid medication, a cartridge piston and trailing bore suitable for insertion of a separate cartridge plunger having markers for measuring doses delivered; or, alternatively, the pentrable cap and trailing limb of second similar infusion port attached by trailing tubing to a large measured volume infusion source.

Abstract: The invention relates to a novel douche nozzle suitable for vaginally administering a douche fluid.

Abstract: A fluid delivery device for delivering fluid from a fluid reservoir to a patient. The device includes an inlet channel in communication with a fluid reservoir and a dosing chamber, and an outlet channel disposed in communication with the dosing chamber. A reciprocating dosing actuator is moveable in a reciprocating motion between first and second positions for alternately (i) transporting a dose of fluid conveyed by the inlet channel into the intermediate dosing chamber, and (ii) ejecting the dose from the dosing chamber through the outlet channel to the patient, respectively.

Abstract: A disposable applicator for dispensing a desired quantity of a substantially non-runny medicant medicament, including a housing, a plunger and a replaceable cap. The housing is generally tubular having opposing proximal and distal ends and a tapered inner surface extending therebetween. The distal end terminates in a dispensing nozzle that defines a dispensing passageway in substantial coaxial alignment with the housing, while the inner surface has an alignment device. The plunger has a peripheral edge and is configured for axial movement within the housing, where the peripheral edge is aligned by the alignment device and slidingly guided by the inner surface, supporting the plunger therein. The plunger is configured for slidable advancement toward the dispensing opening by exertion of force by a user, so as to urge the medicament through the passageway.

Abstract: A device for dispensing fluid products having a dispensing member (1), such as a pump, mounted on a container (2), and an actuating member (3), such as a thruster, for dispensing the product. The device has two reservoirs of products (10, 20) arranged such that they are successively emptied, the product contained in the second reservoir (20) being dispensed only when the first reservoir (10) is empty, characterized in that the first reservoir (10) is fixed to the body of the dispensing member (1) or to a support piece (9) of the body, and extends to the bottom of the container at least partially inside the second reservoir (20).

Abstract: A syringe includes a barrel having a fluid chamber, a proximal end, a distal end and an elongated tip extending from the distal end and having a passageway therethrough in fluid communication with the chamber. A plunger is provided for drawing fluid into and out of the barrel. The plunger includes an elongated plunger rod having a proximal portion and a distal portion connected by a breakable connection. The breakable connection is strong enough to hold the proximal portion and distal portion together during normal use of the syringe and breakable upon application of additional force to the proximal portion.

Abstract: A storage and delivery device for a highly viscous material comprising a delivery cap for connecting a catheter or needle to a cartridge, an interconnect insert and a compression sleeve disposed within the delivery cap for creating a leak proof seal between the cartridge and the delivery cap, and a slide lock to reliably lock the cartridge to the delivery cap. The slide lock includes two holes of a first and second diameter arranged in a figure-eight shape for positively securing the delivery cap to a cartridge.

Abstract: An integrated nursing bottle and liquid medication dispensing apparatus enables precise and independent control of both the rate of administration of the medication, and the amount by which it is diluted before reaching the infant's mouth. A preferred embodiment utilizes a sleeve with a restricted tip for receiving a syringe that permits the optimal mixing of medicine and a diluting fluid in the nipple area of the bottle while minimizing the loss of fluid in the syringe tip, thus ensuring the easy and accurate administration of medicine dosages.

Abstract: The medical site prep device of this invention includes a main body portion, preferably in the shape of a hollow ring, a sponge-like material attached to the bottom of the main body portion, a plate disposed in the center of the main body portion and a piston disposed above the plate in the center of the main body portion. The medical site prep device of this invention can simultaneously dispense an anti-microbial agent and a topical anesthetic at the medical site on a patient.

Abstract: A system for selectively inflating and deflating a balloon of a dilation balloon catheter. The system includes an inflation syringe that generates a positive pressure for inflating the balloon and a vacuum source that generates a negative pressure for deflating the balloon. A valve is used to selectively establish fluid communication between the vacuum source and the catheter. The valve may be a manually operable device for alternatingly and selectively applying the positive and negative pressures to the catheter. Alternatively, the valve includes a port in a wall of the barrel of the inflation syringe. The port is obstructed when the plunger of the inflation syringe is advanced beyond a specified point in the barrel. An obstructed port isolates the negative pressure of the vacuum source from the catheter, while an opened port establishes fluid communication between the vacuum source and the catheter. The system may be used to position a stent in a treated artery of a patient.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to an improved guard for a medical cartridge, such as a unit dose syringe or ampule, comprising a body for receiving the cartridge, and a shield slidably attached to the body. In one form, the guard includes only two parts which are preassembled and ready to receive a cartridge having its own plunger. The body has locking detents which permanently hold the cartridge in the guard, and has cooperating detents and detent pockets which allow the shield to be directed distally, from an unguarded position in which the needle on the cartridge is uncovered for delivery of medication, to a guarded position in which the needle is permanently covered for disposal. In a second form, the guard also includes a plunger assembly for a cartridge not having its own plunger. The plunger assembly is locked onto the body, permanently holding the cartridge received therein.

Abstract: A cannula for use in conjunction with a fluid source to irrigate a corneal surface of an eye, comprises a connector adapted to attach to the fluid source; and an elongated, hollow prong element having a proximal end supported by said connector and a distal tip opposite proximal end. The prong element includes an arcuate distal section formed in a plane along a curvature and having a fluid passageway therein that is surrounded by a sidewall with the fluid passageway being in fluid communication with the fluid source when the connector is fastened thereto. A port in the distal section of the prong extends from the fluid passageway through the sidewall whereby fluid from the fluid source may be ejected out of the port and onto the corneal surface during use.

Abstract: A needle guard assembly is provided for mounting to the hub of a needle assembly. The needle guard assembly includes a guide that is engageable on the hub. An elongate U-shaped cover is hingedly mounted to the guide and can be rotated from a first position where the needle cannula is substantially surrounded by the U-shaped walls of the cover into a second position where the needle cannula is exposed for use. The needle guard assembly further includes a slide that is slidably engaged in the guide and movable from a first position where the slide cooperatively engages the cover for completely surrounding the needle cannula to a second position where the slide is spaced proximally from the cover, thereby permitting the cover to rotate into its second position.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to an on-line lactate sensor arrangement. The sensor arrangement includes a lactate sensor, a catheter for withdrawing a test sample, and a first fluid flow line provided fluid communication between the lactate sensor and the catheter. The sensor arrangement also includes a source of sensor calibration and anticoagulant solution, and second fluid flow line providing fluid communication between the source of sensor calibration and anticoagulant solution and the lactate sensor.

Abstract: The female vaginal douche with cervical shield is a unique device with a wide range of health implications. The device is unique because there is no existing device available that offers the ability to cleanse the vaginal mucosa without allowing a forceful flow of fluid, debris, and bacteria (both commensal and pathogenic), into the uterine cervix. At present, when vaginal douching takes place, there is no barrier in place to protect or shield the cervix from this potentially harmful practice. By combining the vaginal douche applicator with an attached cervical shield, access to the uterine cervix will be limited. The limitation theoretically prevents microorganisms from entering the upper female genital tract. Shielding the cervix during vaginal douching has the potential to prevent serious pelvic infections including pelvic inflammatory disease, tuboovarian abscess, endometritis, as well as female factor infertility and potentially life threatening ectopic pregnancy.

Abstract: An inflation device according to the present invention includes a barrel, a piston at least partially disposed within the barrel, and a collar surrounding at least a portion of the barrel. The piston includes a threaded portion. The collar and the barrel are axially movable with respect to one another, with the barrel being biased towards an equilibrium position within the collar by a collar spring. A nut is disposed at least partially within the barrel, the nut including an interior threaded surface and an exterior camming surface. The nut is movable along an axis substantially transverse to the barrel axis, and is biased towards a collar camming surface by a nut spring. When the barrel is in the equilibrium position, the nut is in a locking position in which the interior threaded surface engages the threaded portion of the piston. This prevents free movement of the piston within the barrel.

Abstract: A device for withdrawing a liquid from a sealed glass ampoule includes a frame holding the sealed glass ampoule in upright or slightly inclined position, such that a tip of the ampoule points upwardly. An element is provided which will press or knock against the side of the tip or neck of the ampoule in order to break the tip of the ampoule in the region of the neck. The device further includes a withdrawing element which can be introduced into the glass ampoule in an area between the bottom of the ampoule and the surface of the liquid therein, and which includes a cannula for withdrawing the liquid.

Abstract: A hypodermic syringe for medical, dental or veterinary use of a conventional nature or employing prefilled cartridge ampules of injectable fluid. The syringe is arranged to allow the operator to automatically sense the amount of pressure being manually exerted by thumb pressure to express the fluid from the ampule or a fluid chamber into the patient. A slender elongated plunger mounted within the main body of the syringe is slidably moveable by thumb pressure against a thumb ring disposed at a distal end of the plunger. A spring-biased pressure indicator member is slidably moveable rearwardly for limited longitudinal movement with respect to the thumb ring and is deflected into the thumb of the operator a distance proportional to the fluid pressure at the syringe needle tip. The operator can thus sense indicia of fluid pressure produced while pressing the thumb ring to make an injection.

Abstract: A fluid is injected for a period of 2 to 30 minutes using an intravenous injection ("IV") system which includes a syringe. The syringe includes an internal bag, which receives fluid, a plunger and a finger-operated air valve. The syringe operates by ambient air pressure and does not require hand-pushing or motor operation.