Rotatable Type Valve Patents (Class 604/248)
  • Patent number: 6270053
    Abstract: A catheter valve including a housing engaging at least a portion of a tubular member is provided. The tubular member having distal and proximal open ends defining a flow-through passage therebetween, the tubular member further having a proximal portion of a deformable and therefore twistable structure and a distal portion of a more rigid structure, the proximal portion being partially and circumferencially attached to an inner surface of the housing, wherein dimensions of the housing, of the proximal portion and of the distal portion are selected such that when the distal portion is rotated, the proximal portion is twisted so as to block passage of fluid through the tubular member and therefore through the catheter valve and the distal portion is secured by the housing so as to prevent self untwisting of the proximal portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 28, 2000
    Date of Patent: August 7, 2001
    Assignee: Eumedicaltech, Ltd.
    Inventor: Uzi Eshel
  • Patent number: 6213986
    Abstract: A fluid flow rate control device, especially adapted for controlling the flow of IV fluid to a patient, comprises a first vented fluid chamber having an upper fluid inlet end with a hollow spike which enables fluid connection with a conventional fluid container. A free floating float valve in the first chamber blocks the flow of fluid into the first chamber from the fluid container according to whether or not the fluid level in the first chamber is at a preestablished fluid level, thereby providing a constant pressure head regardless of fluid level in the fluid container. A lower end of the first chamber is connected, through a flow regulator, such as a screw-type valve, to an upper inlet end of a second, vented, drip chamber, the lower end of which is adapted for connection to a discharge tube, such as an IV tube.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 28, 1997
    Date of Patent: April 10, 2001
    Assignee: Appro Healthcare, Inc.
    Inventor: Phillip H. Darling, Jr.
  • Patent number: 6197016
    Abstract: A large-diameter expandable sheath for use in introducing a catheter or other medical instrument into a vessel in the body of a patient. The expandable sheath comprises an elongate sheath tube formed of a flexible material which has proximal and distal extremities and a passage extending therethrough of a maximum predetermined diameter. The distal extremity of the elongate sheath tube is folded longitudinally to a smaller folded diameter. The sheath tube may be self-expanding or may be reinforced with a self-expanding wire or expandable stents. A backflow adapter is secured to the proximal extremity of the elongate sheath tube. The backflow adapter has a central opening therein in registration with the passage in the sheath tube. A normally closed primary valve is disposed in the central opening of the backflow adapter and is movable to an open position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 6, 1999
    Date of Patent: March 6, 2001
    Assignee: Endovascular Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael G. Fourkas, Steven G. Baker, David H. Mitchell
  • Patent number: 6183441
    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, chamber having a fluid outlet. The apparatus also includes a highly novel fluid flow indicator that provides a readily discernible visible indication of fluid flow through the apparatus. Additionally, the apparatus includes a novel adjustable flow rate control means for precisely adjustably controlling the rate of fluid flow from the reservoir of the device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 14, 1999
    Date of Patent: February 6, 2001
    Assignee: Science Incorporated
    Inventors: Marshall S. Kriesel, Thomas N. Thompson
  • Patent number: 6099511
    Abstract: A manifold has a manifold body defining a fluid flow pathway therethrough. The manifold body has a plurality of valves, at least one of which is a check valve. The manifold is coupled at one end to a syringe or other fluid delivery means and to an opposing end to a catheter or other fluid receiving means. By being positioned within the manifold body, the check valve is reinforced and stabilized within the manifold.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 19, 1999
    Date of Patent: August 8, 2000
    Assignee: Merit Medical Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Gilles J. Devos, William Padilla, Fred P. Lampropoulos
  • Patent number: 6099498
    Abstract: A probe having the ability to deliver cardioplegia solution to the coronary sinus under direct visualization and to provide venous drainage from the right atrium for cardiopulmonary bypass. The probe has an elongate tubular member, including a distal end, a proximal end, and a lumen. A membrane, optionally perforated, mounted within the lumen of the tubular member partitions the lumen and is removable or penetrable by a cardioplegia catheter. The distal end comprises a toroidal balloon or a circumferential recessed vacuum manifold. A vacuum port communicates with the distal end of the tubular member or the vacuum manifold. Methods of using the cardioplegia access view probe for catheterization of the coronary sinus and for venous return as herein described are also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 2, 1998
    Date of Patent: August 8, 2000
    Assignee: Embol-X, Inc
    Inventor: Bruce Addis
  • Patent number: 6090074
    Abstract: An eccentric rotary high pressure seal is disclosed herein. This seal includes a valve body and a spring located in a housing. The spring biases the valve body to rotate. The valve body defines a longitudinally extending passage having dimensions sufficient to allow an introducer needle to pass there through. This passage is offset from the axis of the valve body. The valve body is located in a housing that will allow the valve body to rotate therein. The housing defines two longitudinally aligned openings that are offset from the axis of the housing. These two longitudinally aligned openings are oriented such that the passage in the valve body can be aligned with the openings located in the housing. In this manner, an introducer needle can extend into the housing and hold the valve body against the bias of the spring. Once the introducer needle is removed from the housing, the valve body is no longer held in place against the force of the spring.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 3, 1998
    Date of Patent: July 18, 2000
    Assignee: Becton, Dickinson and Company
    Inventors: Greg L. Brimhall, Stephen Lynn Thoresen
  • Patent number: 6083203
    Abstract: An endoscopic portal includes a valve assembly disposed at an open proximal end of a sleeve or cannula providing access to an internal operative site, the valve assembly having a passage therethrough of variable size to engage surgical instruments passing therethrough in sealing relation to prevent flow or leakage of fluid through the valve assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 6, 1995
    Date of Patent: July 4, 2000
    Inventor: InBae Yoon
  • Patent number: 6083205
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a multiple valve single port manifold for use with a multiple lumen catheter. The inventive manifolds comprise a conduit with an entry port; a plurality of means for connecting the conduit to a plurality of catheter lumens, such that each lumen is capable of being in fluid communication with the entry port; and a plurality of means for controlling access from the conduit to the plurality of catheter lumens, such that each controlling means independently regulates access from the conduit to its corresponding catheter lumen. Because each catheter lumen is independently accessible from the same manifold port, the inventive devices are useful in any medical context where a need exists to independently control access to spatially proximal sites within a patient's passageway.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 28, 1998
    Date of Patent: July 4, 2000
    Assignee: Intella Interventional Systems
    Inventors: Thomas Michael Bourne, Anant Hegde, Harm TenHoff
  • Patent number: 6010485
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a drug delivery system, comprising a reservoir from which set doses are apportioned, a dose setting mechanism by which the relative position of two elements is changed by a distance proportional to a set dose, and a push button by activation of which an element is moved a distance corresponding to the distance proportional to the set dose, further comprises a working cylinder having an open end into which a plunger fits, and a closed end at which an inlet and an outlet port connect the space beneath the plunger with an inlet communicating with the reservoir and an outlet communicating with a drug delivery member, respectively. Valves means at the inlet and outlet control the passages from the reservoir to the working cylinder and from the working cylinder to the drug delivery member, respectively. The cylinder with the plunger, and the injection member are independently exchangeable, disposable parts.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 17, 1997
    Date of Patent: January 4, 2000
    Assignee: Novo Nordisk A/S
    Inventors: Thomas Buch-Rasmussen, Jens Ulrik Poulsen, Henrik Ljunggreen, Jens M.o slashed.ller Jensen
  • Patent number: 5989223
    Abstract: A medical closure device for providing a passage into or out of the body. A resilient member at least partially defines the passage, and a two-part body is disposed to permit relative rotation its parts about the passage axis. The first body portion compresses and supports the resilient member. Cam surfaces on the second body control a compression member which is disposed in a radially extending aperture of the first body portion and biased radially outwardly by the resilient member to maintain contact with the cam surface. Relative rotation of the body portions about the axis moves the cam surface relative to the compression member, causing radial displacement of the compression member from a first position (in which the passage is relatively uncompressed and open) to a second position (in which the passage is restricted).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 6, 1996
    Date of Patent: November 23, 1999
    Assignee: Boston Scientific Corporation
    Inventors: Michael S. H. Chu, Yem Chin, Andrew Cragg, Barry N. Gellman
  • Patent number: 5984902
    Abstract: An adjustable medical outdwelling, normally closed, pressure-responsive slit valve flow control for fluid (liquids and gases) and related methods wherein a diaphragm having a slit therein may be flexed both distally and proximally by respective pressure differentials across the diaphragm. One or more adjustment members are provided on one or both sides of the diaphragm to selectively adjust the amount of pressure differential required to open the slit valve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 16, 1998
    Date of Patent: November 16, 1999
    Assignee: Catheter Innovations, Inc
    Inventor: H. Robert Moorehead
  • Patent number: 5947954
    Abstract: A needle-less three part medical fluid flowline connector comprised of a relatively rotatable male Luer housing and a female Luer valve actuator includes a compressed elastomeric valve element having a fluid passageway therein which extends from an axially aligned end on one side of the valve element to an off-center positioned end on the other side of the valve element and avoids the use of a cannula and septum which is pierced during valve opening. Rotation of the compressible valve element with respect to the housing in which it is seated is prevented by interengaged fingers and grooves on the housing and valve element. Withdrawal of the valve actuator from the housing is prevented by a abutting radially extending surfaces and an annular bulge and groove on the actuator and housing respectively. An interengageable longitudinally extending finger and diametrically spaced grooves on the actuator and housing enable the user to readily position the valve in an open or closed position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 19, 1997
    Date of Patent: September 7, 1999
    Assignee: Creative Plastic Technology, LLC
    Inventor: Jean M. Bonaldo
  • Patent number: 5916201
    Abstract: An anti-cross contamination valve for use in medical fluid delivery systems comprises a valve housing having a first port, a second port, and a third port that open into a hollow interior. A valve body is rotatably mounted within the hollow interior and has at least one fluid passageway therethrough. A knob is attached to the valve body and extends outside of the valve housing. The at least one passageway includes a first fluid passageway that opens the first port to the third port when the valve body is rotated to a first position with respect to the valve housing. The second port is closed when the valve is in its first position. The at least one passageway also includes a second fluid passageway that opens the second port to the third port when the valve body is rotated to a second position with respect to the valve housing. The first port is closed when the valve is in its second position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 6, 1997
    Date of Patent: June 29, 1999
    Inventors: Roland B. Wilson, Jr., Glenda A. Wilson
  • Patent number: 5897527
    Abstract: A portable analgesic system comprises a liquid medicine supply unit which stores a given amount of liquid medicine temporarily and then discharges the liquid medicine automatically, a first three-way connector connected to an outlet of the liquid medicine supply unit, an intermittent injection line for liquid medicine connected to one outlet of the first three-way connector, a continuous injection line for liquid medicine connected to the other outlet of the first three-way connector, and a second three-way connector for intercommunicating with outlets of the both lines.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 5, 1996
    Date of Patent: April 27, 1999
    Assignee: Tsukada Medical Research Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Osamu Tsukada
  • Patent number: 5897538
    Abstract: An improved infusion set of the type including a length of flexible tubing with a hollow needle or catheter projecting from a first end and a connection fitting attached to a second. The fitting is a hollow generally "Y"-shaped tubular body with a first opening connected to the first end of the tubing. Second opening and the third openings, communicating through an orifice, accept a standard tapered fitting. The improvement includes a valving element formed as a standard tapered fitting removably and rotatably fitted to the second opening. The valving element permits or blocks communication between the third opening and the first opening and may removably seal the second opening. The valving element includes a tapered tube with a narrower first end, a wider second end, an inner surface and an outer surface and a transverse opening penetrating both surfaces. This opening is positioned to align with the orifice when the valving element is installed in the second opening and is rotated to a first position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 22, 1997
    Date of Patent: April 27, 1999
    Inventor: Joseph M. Von Teichert
  • Patent number: 5895376
    Abstract: A hemostasis valve including a collapsible membrane in a portion of a through-lumen. Fluid pressure in a chamber surrounding the collapsible membrane assists in sealing the collapsible membrane around an operating device inserted through the hemostasis valve. Different mechanisms for mechanically deforming the collapsible membrane to assist in sealing are disclosed. Also, a system for continuously flushing a vascular catheter connected to a hemostasis valve at a rate of 0.10 to 10.0 cubic centimeters per minute, and a hemostasis valve assembly including an expandable reservoir which stores liquid volume under pressure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 23, 1996
    Date of Patent: April 20, 1999
    Assignee: Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research
    Inventors: Robert S. Schwartz, David R. Holmes, David Berry, Donald G. Ellis
  • Patent number: 5882348
    Abstract: A manifold assembly useful in patient ventilation/aspiration systems includes a stop cock valve with a hollow stem and a transverse slot arranged to permit the stem to be rotated between open and closed positions. In both positions, a ventilating pathway is maintained through the slot and the stem between ventilator and patient connection ports of the manifold. In open position the stem provides a travel pathway for a catheter between the patient connection port and an access port of the manifold. In closed condition, the stem seals this travel pathway.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 3, 1997
    Date of Patent: March 16, 1999
    Assignee: Sorenson Critical Care, Inc.
    Inventors: Reed F. Winterton, Sean P. Hanson
  • Patent number: 5865808
    Abstract: A catheter docking system is provided that is easily affixed to a patient and that facilitates the secure connection of an infusion line to an anesthesia-delivering catheter. The system comprises a docking station having an adapter mounted thereon. The adapter includes a first port adapted to communicate with an infusion line and a second port adapted to communicate with an anesthesia-delivering catheter. Valve means may be provided to regulate the flow between the first and second ports. In addition, the system preferably has associated with the docking station a means for relieving any tensile strain on the catheter line.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 15, 1995
    Date of Patent: February 2, 1999
    Assignee: Children's Medical Center Corporation
    Inventor: Stephen B. Corn
  • Patent number: 5865812
    Abstract: A surgical cannula assembly is provided having a housing defining a channel extending from a proximal end to a distal end of the housing, at least one fluid flow regulator member disposed across the channel, which forms a substantial barrier to the passage of fluids in at least one direction, a cannula extending from the housing distal end in fluid communication with the channel, and a selector valve operatively connected to the cannula assembly housing and movable to at least a first orientation establishing a first fluid pathway from the channel to the environment outside the housing and a second orientation establishing a second fluid pathway from the channel to the outside environment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 19, 1997
    Date of Patent: February 2, 1999
    Assignee: United States Surgical Corporation
    Inventor: James Correia
  • Patent number: 5853398
    Abstract: A flow adjusting tube clamp is used with a chamber in a solution administration device. The tube clamp is pivotally mounted to the cap at a second pivot element. The tube clamp includes first and second elongated tube passages that overly the cap inlet ports as the clamp is pivoted. The tube passages define varying cross-sectional open areas therethrough. The passages are arcuate so that they continuously overly the inlet ports as the clamp is pivoted. The inlet ports are configured to receive flexible tube portions that traverse through the tube passages in the clamp. Each tube passage includes at least one open area and at least one occluding portion to establish and terminate flow therethrough. The clamp is pivotable from a prime position to an intermittent flow position and from an intermittent flow position to a continuous flow position, to effect varying flow conditions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 19, 1997
    Date of Patent: December 29, 1998
    Assignee: Baxter International Inc.
    Inventors: Birendra K. Lal, Lewis E. Daniels, Jr.
  • Patent number: 5848994
    Abstract: An IV set includes a drip chamber having a top end and a bottom end. A spikeless connector covers the top end, and an IV tube is connected to the bottom end of the drip chamber. The end of the IV tube opposite the drip chamber is engaged with a needleless/spikeless connector. Thereby, a needleless/spikeless IV set is rendered. A reflux valve including a deformable valve member and reciprocating valve element is also disclosed for use in conjunction with the needleless/spikeless IV connectors.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 18, 1996
    Date of Patent: December 15, 1998
    Inventor: Frank M. Richmond
  • Patent number: 5843044
    Abstract: An adjustable medical outdwelling, normally closed, pressure-responsive slit valve flow control for fluid (liquids and gases) and related methods wherein a diaphragm having a slit therein may be flexed both distally and proximally by respective pressure differentials across the diaphragm. One or more adjustment members are provided on one or both sides of the diaphragm to selectively adjust the amount of pressure differential required to open the slit valve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 16, 1997
    Date of Patent: December 1, 1998
    Assignee: Catheter Innovations
    Inventor: H. Robert Moorehead
  • Patent number: 5836924
    Abstract: A feeding apparatus has a user-activated rotatable feeding valve. The feeding apparatus is used in conjunction with a feeding connector which has a connecting end connected to the user-activated rotatable feeding valve, and which can be turned on or off by rotating the feeding connector.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 2, 1997
    Date of Patent: November 17, 1998
    Assignee: MRI Manufacturing and Research, Inc.
    Inventors: John Kelliher, Thomas Dew, Arturo Fern, Hoang Chi Le, Charles Theurer
  • Patent number: 5817068
    Abstract: An apparatus for controlling the flow of fluids between a main conduit and a plurality of secondary conduits includes a valve body having a wall defining a cylindrical bore, the wall having a plurality of ports in respective flow communications with the main conduit and the secondary conduits, and a valve element rotatably disposed within the cylindrical bore of the valve body. The valve element body has internal flow paths with openings flush with a peripheral surface of the valve element body and a channel in flow communication with one of the flow paths, the channel having an opening extending from one of the openings of one of the internal flow paths. In addition, one of the internal flow paths has an enlarged opening to accommodate flow through the channel. The valve element and valve body cooperate to permit fluid flow between the main conduit and a selected one of the secondary conduits by rotating the valve element to align the openings of the channel and the flow paths relative to the ports.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 16, 1997
    Date of Patent: October 6, 1998
    Inventor: Hector Urrutia
  • Patent number: 5807312
    Abstract: A bolus pump apparatus is provided for connecting an IV bag to an infusion set. The bolus pump apparatus includes a pump connector assembly and a syringe pump. The pump connector assembly includes one or more valves adapted to provide selective fluid communication between the IV bag, the syringe pump, and the infusion set. The syringe draws a bolus of fluid from the IV bag through the pump connector assembly while the pump connector assembly prevents fluid within the infusion set from being drawn into the syringe. The syringe pumps a bolus of fluid from the syringe through the pump connector assembly to the infusion set, while the pump connector assembly prevents fluid within the syringe from being pumped into the IV bag.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 23, 1997
    Date of Patent: September 15, 1998
    Inventor: Mark R. Dzwonkiewicz
  • Patent number: 5795340
    Abstract: The invention relates to a microcatheter set with a minimized dead space which has a medicine application and flushing device especially suitable for intensive paediatric-neonatologial medicine. It makes it possible not only to apply infusion therapy via a microcatheter inserted into a large body vein but also to administer drugs repeatedly without any danger via the medicine application and flushing device integrated within the set, even with highly pharmacologically effective additives to the general infusion solution, and/or to do away with partial and total catheter shut-offs. This thus excludes additional stress on and risk for the patient by the repeated application of peripheral infusions or the use of surgically inserted double-lumen central catheters for the intravenous administration of drugs.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 6, 1996
    Date of Patent: August 18, 1998
    Inventor: Volker Lang
  • Patent number: 5782806
    Abstract: An irrigation system for use primarily with in situ bypass and valvulotomy procedures. The system includes access to both the proximal and distal ends of a length of vein and allows for irrigation flow to be provided from proximal to distal, distal to proximal or to both proximal and distal ends of the vein simultaneously. The use of the irrigation system provides for a clear field of view by angioscope during medical procedures. Introducers are also described which may be used with the irrigation system or with many other procedures which require access to an internal body conduit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 6, 1996
    Date of Patent: July 21, 1998
    Assignee: W. L. Gore & Associates, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael N. Knapp, Woodrow W. Watson, Richard H. Radcliff
  • Patent number: 5772637
    Abstract: An intravenous-line flow-control system for receiving a disposable cassette disposed in the intravenous line. The system prevents the free flow of intravenous fluid through the cassette when the cassette is removed from the system. The system includes a control unit having a door or similar structure for holding the cassette against a receiving surface. The control unit includes a stepper motor and a transmission member for turning a rotatable control valve on the cassette in order to restrict variably the flow of fluid through the cassette. When the door is being opened but while the cassette is still held against the receiving surface, a motor-disengagement mechanism moves at least the transmission member, and preferably the stepper motor as well, from a first position, from which the control valve may be engaged by the transmission member, to a second position, in which the transmission member is disengaged from the control valve.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 7, 1995
    Date of Patent: June 30, 1998
    Assignee: DEKA Products Limited Partnership
    Inventors: R. Kurt Heinzmann, Richard Lanigan, Peter Lund, Dean L. Kamen, William T. Larkins, Robert Manning
  • Patent number: 5759179
    Abstract: A needle assembly for use with a catheter. The needle assembly includes a valve disposed in a first shaft; the valve seals, when closed, fluid flow from a first side of the valve to a second side of the valve. The needle assembly further includes a needle system having a second shaft disposed parallel to the first shaft. The second shaft has a first dimension at a first position on the second shaft and has a second dimension at a second position on the second shaft. The second position corresponds to a position of the valve when the needle system is inserted into the valve such that the second position aligns with the position of the valve. In this manner, the valve is stressed less during storage when the needle system remains inserted through the valve. The valve is typically part of an introducer member which includes the first shaft and a flexible sheath which encloses a portion of the second shaft of the needle system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 31, 1996
    Date of Patent: June 2, 1998
    Assignee: Johnson & Johnson Medical, Inc.
    Inventor: Daniel J. Balbierz
  • Patent number: 5746717
    Abstract: Multi-lumen balloon catheter with a closed tip and with an expandable balloon arranged at a short distance from the proximal end of the catheter, with at least one contrast marking at one location on the catheter, which marking permits a determination of the positions of the balloon, with at least two lumina extending in the longitudinal direction of the catheter, of which one communicates with the inside of the expandable balloon and the second lumen has a number of lateral openings in the catheter wall, the distance of the lateral openings increasing in the distal direction from the balloon, and the proximal opening in the side wall being arranged at a distance of 2 mm to 5 mm from the distal end of the balloon, and its use in a device for the isolated perfusion of therapeutically active substances.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 8, 1995
    Date of Patent: May 5, 1998
    Inventor: Karl R. Aigner
  • Patent number: 5697919
    Abstract: A portable analgesic system comprises: a continuous injector (1) for liquid medicine which discharges liquid medicine continuously for a given period of time; a switch valve (2) connected to an outlet of the injector for shutting off discharge of liquid medicine from the injector (1); a three-way connector (3) to an outlet of the switch valve (2) and having three ways; a flexible reservoir (4) connected to one way of the three-way connector for storing liquid medicine; and a pressure-check valve (5) connected to another way of the three-way connector for opening a flow passage only when a pressure of liquid medicine in the reservoir rises over a given value.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 27, 1995
    Date of Patent: December 16, 1997
    Assignee: Tsukada Medical Research Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Kodai Kinoshita, Osamu Tsukada
  • Patent number: 5674193
    Abstract: The present invention provides a method and device for draining gastric fluid from a patient. An oral/nasal-gastric tube is provided which includes a gastric inlet, a suction outlet formed for attachment with a suction-drain collection container, a bypass outlet formed for attachment with a gravity-drain collection container, and at least one valve positioned on the oral/nasal-gastric tube. An optional clearance tube is provided for extension between the gravity-drain collection container and the suction-drain collection container so that fluids may be drained, cleared to the collection canister and then may be easily disposed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 5, 1995
    Date of Patent: October 7, 1997
    Inventor: Lili L. Hayes
  • Patent number: 5669887
    Abstract: A retractable needle assembly is disclosed. The needle assembly consists of a syringe body, having a needle assembly on one end and a plunger assembly on the opposing end. The needle assembly, which enables and disables fluid communication between the needle and fluid reservoir, comprises a generally cylindrical body sealably disposed within the lower interior of the syringe body. The cylindrical body is rotatable, facilitated by a knurled ring, within the syringe body. Rotation of the cylindrical body causes either enablement or disablement of the needle assembly. Tabs, located on the syringe body are received within notches, separated by one-way and two-way ramps, located on the cylindrical body, such that the ramps facilitate either temporary or permanent disablement of the device. Plunger lock means are also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 22, 1996
    Date of Patent: September 23, 1997
    Inventor: William L. Cooper
  • Patent number: 5662614
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a balloon expandable universal access sheath which can be used in surgical procedures such as abdominal aortic grafting. The device allows for great surgical flexibility, ease of insertion and, in addition, the ability to collect and recirculate blood.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 9, 1995
    Date of Patent: September 2, 1997
    Inventor: John K. Edoga
  • Patent number: 5637083
    Abstract: A subcutaneously implantable and percutaneously adjustable fluid flow control device includes a magnetically adjustable valve for controlling fluid flow from an inlet to an outlet. The valve includes a housing having a fluid passageway therethrough, a valve element designed to bear upon a valve seat to close the passageway to fluid flow, and a spring which biases the valve element against the valve seat so as to keep the passageway closed until a fluid pressure differential between the inlet and the outlet exceeds a selected valve opening pressure. A fixed dual concentric stair-step array and an overlying rotor assembly permit the amount of bias applied to the valve element by the spring to be adjusted. The rotor assembly is adapted to rotate in response to an external or percutaneously-applied magnetic field. In one embodiment, the rotor assembly may be locked into one of several possible rotational positions relative to the stair-step array to prevent rotation thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 19, 1996
    Date of Patent: June 10, 1997
    Assignee: Pudenz-Schulte Medical Research Corporation
    Inventors: William J. Bertrand, David A. Watson
  • Patent number: 5578016
    Abstract: A stopcock comprises a tubular outer body having at least two radial openings being on the same transverse cross-sectional plane of said body; and a hollow core member snugly fitting into said outer body and having a first open end and a second, closed end, said member being connected to or integral with a handle at said second end; said member having at least one radial bore; and being rotatable within said body between a first state in which said bore is in register with a first of said at least two openings and a second state in which said bore is in register with a second of said at least two openings.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 25, 1995
    Date of Patent: November 26, 1996
    Assignee: Elcam Plastic Kibbutz Bar-Am
    Inventor: Freddi Zinger
  • Patent number: 5554124
    Abstract: A laparoscopic cannula gasket apparatus for sealing around an instrument within a cannula includes a first member having an internal passageway, an elastic sleeve member within the passageway, a structure for securing a first segment of the sleeve member to the passageway, a second member rotatably connected to the first member, a structure for securing a second segment of the sleeve member to the second member, the first and second segments of the sleeve member being spaced apart so that a portion of the sleeve member extends between the first and second segments, such that rotating the second member relative to the first member stretches the portion of the sleeve member between the first and second segments to progressively form an annular diaphragm extending radially inward from the passageway to make sealing contact with the instrument.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 2, 1994
    Date of Patent: September 10, 1996
    Inventor: Alfredo Alvarado
  • Patent number: 5540668
    Abstract: An anti-cross contamination valve for use in medical fluid delivery systems comprises a valve housing having a first port, a second port, and a third port that open into a hollow interior. A valve body is rotatably mounted within the hollow interior and has at least one fluid passageway therethrough. A knob is attached to the valve body and extends outside of the valve housing. The at least one passageway includes a first fluid passageway that opens the first port to the third port when the valve body is rotated to a first position with respect to the valve housing. The second port is closed when the valve is in its first position. The at least one passageway also includes a second fluid passageway that opens the second port to the third port when the valve body is rotated to a second position with respect to the valve housing. The first port is closed when the valve is in its second position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 20, 1995
    Date of Patent: July 30, 1996
    Inventors: Roland B. Wilson, Jr., Glenda A. Wilson
  • Patent number: 5514111
    Abstract: A needle device for the delivery of medicaments, insuflation or other medical devices, having a reciprocable needle sensitive to lack of resistance, whereupon such needle retracts, permitting a cannula therewith to provide access to the penetrated body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 22, 1994
    Date of Patent: May 7, 1996
    Inventor: David Y. Phelps
  • Patent number: 5488949
    Abstract: A dual suction device includes an enclosed housing with a hollow interior cavity and an exhaust port formed in a rearward wall of the housing. A suction tube is pivotally mounted to the housing to pivot between a first position communicating with the exhaust port, and a second position sealed from the exhaust port. A tubular arm is also connected to the housing and fluidly connected to the interior cavity. A flap on the suction tube is moved in conjunction with pivotal motion of the suction tube to selectively alternate suction from the exhaust port between the tubular arm, when the suction tube is in the second position, and the suction tube, when the suction tube is in the first position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 7, 1994
    Date of Patent: February 6, 1996
    Inventors: Kelly E. Kreifels, Steven L. Carper
  • Patent number: 5489274
    Abstract: An easy operating, durable closure device for controlling the closure of a passageway in for example valves and the like used in medical applications. The device includes a cam surface arranged about the circumference of a resilient tubing member. Rotation of the cam controls the radial position of a compression member that compresses the tubing member to effect closure. Such a closure device, or a two-part rotary closure device in general, is constructed to receive an accessory component such as a syringe, the rotary connecting movement of which automatically opens the closure device. The device may be used as a torqugeable handle for a guidewire gripped in the passage. A large scale version of the device is joined to an introducer sheath, sized to pass an introducer catheter for e.g., a Green field filter, or to close upon a guidewire to prevent backflow of blood.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 27, 1994
    Date of Patent: February 6, 1996
    Assignee: Boston Scientific Corporation
    Inventors: Michael S. H. Chu, Yem Chin, Andrew Cragg, Barry N. Gellman
  • Patent number: 5486478
    Abstract: A device for measuring the ingredients in liquid, primarily a body fluid. A valve has a reservoir composed of a communicating hole in the valve and a cell which is able to communicate with the reservoir. The cell may be connected with an inlet for a diluent through the reservoir and has a sensor and a stirrer. It is possible to measure the ingredients with accuracy and to realize a continuous monitoring thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 14, 1994
    Date of Patent: January 23, 1996
    Assignee: NEC Corporation
    Inventor: Toshihide Kuriyama
  • Patent number: 5484418
    Abstract: A large-diameter expandable sheath for use in introducing a catheter or other medical instrument into a vessel in the body of a patient. The expandable sheath comprises an elongate sheath tube formed of a flexible material which has proximal and distal extremities and a passage extending therethrough of a maximum predetermined diameter. The distal extremity of the elongate sheath tube is folded longitudinally to a smaller folded diameter. The sheath tube may be self-expanding or may be reinforced with a self-expanding wire or expandable stents. A backflow adapter is secured to the proximal extremity of the elongate sheath tube. The backflow adapter has a central opening therein in registration with the passage in the sheath tube. A normally closed primary valve is disposed in the central opening of the backflow adapter and is movable to an open position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 2, 1994
    Date of Patent: January 16, 1996
    Assignee: EndoVascular Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Dinah B. Quiachon, Wesley D. Sterman, Ronald G. Williams, David C. Dillow, Steven G. Baker
  • Patent number: 5474526
    Abstract: In a fluid conduit connecting device for medical purposes a housing and a connecting member, being connectable to the housing, carry cooperating sealing surfaces. For the purpose of protecting the sealing surfaces of the connecting member these surfaces are covered by protective surfaces of a protective member prior to the connection of the connecting member to the housing. Protective member is arranged to uncover the sealing surfaces when the connection into the housing takes place. The device is suitable particularly for connecting the blood stream of a patient to an external conduit and allows continuous arteriovenous hemofiltration.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 17, 1993
    Date of Patent: December 12, 1995
    Assignee: Hemapure AB
    Inventors: Bo Danielson, Tore Magnusson, Laszlo Orban, Torgny Petersson
  • Patent number: 5472432
    Abstract: The invention provides a dual lumen vascular access catheter having a compact connection structure free of flexible tubing and including valves providing a visual indication of the status of the valves and hence of the catheter. The catheter includes a flexible main body defining first and second lumens and extending longitudinally between proximal and distal ends, and a relatively rigid compact connection structure is coupled directly to the main body at the proximal end of the main body. The connection structure includes a housing defining the first and second channels which extend from the first and second lumens in communication with these lumens for providing flow between the lumens and external equipment. First and second valves in the housing are positioned in the respective first and second channels in fixed relationship one with the other.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 23, 1994
    Date of Patent: December 5, 1995
    Assignee: Med-Pro Design, Inc.
    Inventor: Geoffrey S. Martin
  • Patent number: 5468230
    Abstract: A catheter docking system is provided that is easily affixed to a patient and that facilitates the secure connection of an infusion line to an anesthesia-delivering catheter. The system comprises a docking station having an adapter mounted thereon. The adapter incudes a first port adapted to communicate with an infusion line and a second port adapted to communicate with an anesthesia-delivering catheter. A valve device may be provided to regulate the flow between the first and second ports. In addition, the system preferably has associated with the docking station a device for relieving any tensile strain on the catheter line.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 12, 1994
    Date of Patent: November 21, 1995
    Assignee: Children's Medical Center Corporation
    Inventor: Stephen B. Corn
  • Patent number: 5466228
    Abstract: A fluid control apparatus comprising a housing having a plurality of discrete ports; conduits individually interconnecting the ports and discrete sources of, and receptacles for, fluid; and a valve member positionable in the housing in preselected fluid transferring positions relative to said ports whereby, in a first fluid transferring position, fluid can be transferred by the valve member from one of the fluid sources to one of the fluid receptacles through the ports thereof and, in a second fluid transferring position, fluid can be transferred by the valve member from the one of the fluid receptacles to a second of the fluid receptacles through the ports.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 24, 1993
    Date of Patent: November 14, 1995
    Assignee: California State University, Fresno Foundation
    Inventor: John M. Evans
  • Patent number: 5458581
    Abstract: A catheter device of the type having a plastic sleeve with a central bore and a flexible catheter tube projecting from one end of the sleeve is equipped with a crimping apparatus, to allow a person administering the catheter to selectively crimp the tube to inhibit the flow of blood therethrough. The crimping apparatus includes member mounted for rotational movement with respect to the sleeve and a torsion spring, which normally biases the eccentric member to a "non-crimping" position. The member includes a bottom slot for receiving the catheter tube. When it is desired to crimp the tube, the member is rotated in a predetermined direction, such that the member compresses the catheter tube to inhibit the flow of blood therethrough. By crimping the catheter tube to inhibit the flow of blood therethrough, the likelihood of direct contact between the person administering the catheter and the catheter recipient's blood is substantially diminished.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 24, 1994
    Date of Patent: October 17, 1995
    Inventor: Michael C. Hull
  • Patent number: 5443453
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a stop-cock valve useable in conjunction with a fluid delivery set for delivering fluids such as intravenous fluids or enteral fluids from one or more containers to a patient. The valve includes a shear-away interference member which holds the valve in a closed position prior to use in order to prevent accidental premature free flow of fluid therethrough. The valve also includes a venting passage for allowing access of sterilization gas into all fluid flow passages of the valve even when the valve stem is rotated to a closed position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 21, 1994
    Date of Patent: August 22, 1995
    Assignee: Sherwood Medical Company
    Inventors: Clarence L. Walker, Frederick F. Schweitzer, Jr., Alfredo E. Patag, Gerald J. Garvey, II