Abstract: A closed-system, combination infusion and flush set which enables safe administration of both medicaments and flush solutions to a patient with great accuracy using conventional large volume parenteral bags. The administration set comprises a specially designed rotatable valve member for controlling fluid flow through the set and includes a stop post which positively blocks rotation of the valve member to a position that permits the flow of flush solution toward the patient.

Abstract: A catheter access system includes upper and lower laminated sheets. The upper sheet is integrally molded to form a plurality of longitudinally-extending syringe channels. The second sheet extends along the syringe channels to enclose them from beneath and to form a plurality of syringe barrels. An independently operable syringe plunger is slidably received within each syringe barrel. A syringe barrel selection valve is formed between the upper and lower sheets. It has a plurality of individually-selectable valve inlets, as well as a single valve outlet for fluid connection to a catheter access line in a patient. The laminated upper and lower sheets define individual fluid passages connecting individual syringe barrels to corresponding individual valve inlets. The syringe barrel selection valve can be turned to provide fluid communication between the valve outlet and any one of the syringe barrels.

Abstract: A clamp for occluding a flexible tube comprising a permanent magnet rotary actuator coupled to a rotatable cam. A spring-biasing mechanism is provided to counteract the rotation of the rotary actuator and to return the rotatable cam to a pre-determined position when power is withheld from the rotary actuator.

Abstract: A gastric adapter comprising a three-way stopcock. The stopcock includes connectors having tapered surfaces for sealing tightly with the ends of nasogastric, gastrostomy and feeding tubing and includes fluid passageways of sufficient diameter so as to be capable of conveying viscous fluids such as emulsion, suspensions and slurrys to provide effective operation and use in the particular environment of administering critical fluids and medications through nasogastric and gastrostomy tubing.

Abstract: A catheter is provided having a main body defining two lumens and a connection structure at a proximal end of the main body. This structure includes a housing attached directly to the main body and defining a pair of passages connecting one to each of the lumens, and a pair of rotary valves operable to open and close the passages. The rotary valves are operable manually about individual axes by operators attached to the valves to turn the valves. The operators may be ganged for movement together to move both valves simultaneously between open and closed positions.

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.

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.

Abstract: A guiding catheter capable of selective blood perfusion, position detecting, and enhanced contrast media injection. The catheter generally comprises an elongated tubular member for guiding contrast media or medical instruments into a selected blood vessel. The tubular member includes at least one perfusion port in a sidewall thereof for allowing passive blood perfusion of the blood vessel while the catheter is seated in a vascular ostium. The catheter further comprises a closure member positioned adjacent the perfusion port and movable between at least first and second positions to open and at least partially close the perfusion port. An actuating member is operatively connected to the closure member and extends proximally therefrom toward a proximal end of the tubular member, whereby the actuating member is selectably moveable to move the closure member between the first and second positions.

Abstract: A vascular access sheath is provided for introducing catheters, stents, and other interventional devices into blood vessels. The invention comprises a stiff tubular catheter segment, which is designed to remain outside the body, having two hemostatic valves, most preferably of an iris valve design disposed at each end. A flexible sheath extends from one of the valves for insertion into the blood vessel. In operation, the valves are opened and closed one at a time, to allow relatively large devices to be introduced into the blood vessel without the valve pressing against the devices and with minimal loss of blood.

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.

Abstract: A surgical device has a first cannula formed to define a first interior channel and a second cannula positioned substantially within the first interior channel of the first cannula. The second cannula is formed to define a second interior channel. Both the first cannula and the second cannula are attached to a conduit piece that defines a first passageway in fluid communication with the first interior channel of the first cannula and a second passageway in fluid communication with the second interior channel of the second cannula. A third passageway defined by the conduit piece is in fluid communication with the first interior channel of the first cannula. The second passageway is covered by a breachable seal that permits insertion of instruments therethrough while limiting undesired fluid flow.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an apparatus and a method for the withdrawal of placental blood from an umbilical cord vein. More specifically, the apparatus has a valve housing and a valve member. A needle is attached to a first port in the valve housing and a blood collection bag is attached to a second port in the valve housing. Additionally, a first syringe is attached to a third port, and a second syringe is attached to a fourth port. When the plunger on the first syringe is withdrawn it causes blood to flow from the umbilical vein through the needle and into the syringe. The valve member is then rotated, thereby sealing the needle from the blood collection bag and the syringes. Subsequently, the plunger in the second syringe, which contains an anticoagulant, is pressed. This causes the anticoagulant to mix with the blood. The blood is then stored in the attached storage bag.

Abstract: A catheter having a side port for selective infusion of fluids is disclosed. The side port may be deactivated so that the catheter can be used as a non-side port catheter. The side port is rotable about the catheter housing to; block off access to the catheter lumen from the side port when the side port is deactivated. The catheter is also provided with a valve to facilitate the selective infusion of fluid from the side port into the catheter lumen.

Abstract: A device for delivering a medicament has a membrane (7) with at least one permeable area (7b) permeable to the medicament and a reservoir space (25) which contains a solvent and the medicament at least partially dissolved therein, An adjustable and/or deformable control element (7) is disposed on the side of the membrane (7) facing the reservoir space (25) with which the access of the medicament from the reservoir space (25) to at least one permeable area (7b) of the membrane (7) can be changed. In addition an electronic device (37) is provided with which the control element (17) can be automatically controlled via a motor (37). The device permits the periodic alteration of the delivery rate of the medicament which is advantageous in many cases.

Abstract: A fluid flow control system having a valve disposed in-line with a fluid conduit extending between a fluid container and a fluid receiver. The conduit and valve are designed to be used with a fluid infusion device such as a peristaltic pump. The valve is non-clamping and includes a rotatable member with an external handle for controlling the valve between flow and flow stop positions. The handle can be manually operated as well as automatically operated. Mounted to the infusion device is an automatic operating mechanism for cooperating with the pumping mechanism of the infusion device to control the position of the valve. In a disclosed embodiment, the operating mechanism is mounted to an access door of the pump which cannot be closed until the peristaltic mechanism is engaged with the tubing. When the door is closed, the operating mechanism automatically moves the valve to the flow position. When the access door is opened, the mechanism automatically moves the valve to the flow stop position.

Abstract: A tubing clamp controlling flow within compressible tubing passing through the clamp which is adapted for inserting the tubing sidewise into the clamp upon opening of a hinged side wall. An adjustable flow controller overlies the tubing and is adapted to rotate, bear upon and squeeze the tubing for precise flow control. A lever arm to actuate the flow controller is in ratcheting engagement with an arcuate bar to hold the lever arm and cylindrical surface of the flow controller in the desired rotative position. The selected position of the lever arm can then be recorded. The tubing clamp can be constructed as a one-piece structure by use of a single mold and prepared as a kit to facilitate use for medical purposes. The assembly of the clamp is thus simplified and the method for controlling flow is accomplished by a series of simple steps.

Abstract: A catheter monitor bridge is provided which allows for rapid identification of intravenous lines. The bridge has color-keyed fluid routing paths indicated on the bridge so that a caretaker can easily connect intravenous lines to the bridge and can readily manipulate the flow of fluids between the intravenous lines.

Abstract: A cannula assembly for use in conjunction with endoscopic surgical techniques includes a cannula, a housing mounted on one end of the cannula, and a variable interior dimension cannula valve assembly in the housing. The variable interior dimension cannula valve assembly includes a flexible tubular member having a distal portion affixed to the housing, an intermediate portion capable of changing interior dimension and a proximate portion including a rigid rotating means and a locking means. The interior dimension of the cannula valve assembly may be set to a desired size to fit a surgical instrument inserted into the cannula passage while maintaining a substantially air-tight seal.

Abstract: An improved endotracheal tube and an adapter for a standard endotracheal tube allow the performance of various medical procedures while maintaining continuity of respiration and protecting the care-provider from contact with potentially hazardous body fluids. The adapter comprises a rigid plastic Y-tube having a very large bore stopcock in one arm. In a preferred embodiment the endotracheal tube adapter further comprises a puncturable, resealing membrane having a first face in fluid communication with the interior of the adapter and a second face accessible to the exterior of the adapter. The adapter may additionally include an inflatable cuff circumferentially disposed within a bore of one of the tubes so as to allow axial engagement of a cylindrical object disposed within the bore of the tube. A single unit endotracheal tube assembly comprising the adapter and a conventional endotracheal tube is also disclosed.

Abstract: An apparatus for controllably intermixing two or more components in a sterile, closed environment to produce a flowable substance and then for expelling the flowable substance from the apparatus at a precisely contolled rate. The apparatus is particularly useful for medical applications and includes a dispenser portion with its own stored energy element provided in the form of an elastomeric membrane and a coupling mechanism for coupling a drug vial to the dispenser portion for controlled mixing a medicament contained within the drug vial with a diluent stored within the dispenser portion of the apparatus via a sterile pathway.

Abstract: The invention provides a dual lumen vascular access catheter having a main body defining first and second lumens and a connection structure which includes coupling means attaching the structure to the main body. First and second channels extend from the respective first and second lumens for attaching the catheter to equipment, and first and second rotary valves are positioned in the respective first and second channels. The valves include operators rotatable in generally the same plane to operate the valves and to provide a ready visual indication of the positions of the valves.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing flexible thick-wall capillary tubing, comprising the steps of extruding a plastics sheath around a filament of uniform diameter, and withdrawing the filament from the sheath to form a length of tubing having a capillary bore which has been defined by the filament. The method enables the manufacture of fine-bore capillary tubing having a tightly controlled bore diameter.The invention also provides a method of low flow rate metering of a liquid by utilising a length of such tubing as a flow restriction, and apparatus for carrying out the method. This method and apparatus are particularly suited to controlling very low rates of flow of drugs or other injectable liquids to a patient over a prolonged period, in an arrangement which can readily be carried on the patient's arm to alow the patient mobility while being injected.

Abstract: The multi-ported valve assembly includes a valve body having a plurality of individual ports disposed in a common plane and a common port having its axis disposed perpendicularly to the common plane of the individual ports. The valve assembly includes a selector means having a body portion designed to engage the valve body and provide selective communication between one of the individual ports and the common port. The selector means includes a handle to facilitate rotation thereof and selection of a desired fluid flow passageway as well as indicator means to indicate direction of fluid flow. Also provided are sealing means to prevent external leakage during use and suitable connecting or coupling means to provide connection especially in devices and apparatus used in ophthalmic surgical procedures.

Abstract: A multipharmaceutical delivery system, such as a syringe (2) or a topical pharmaceutical applicator, suitable for a simultaneous delivery of a mixture (124) of two or more mixed pharmaceuticals (52, 120) in selected amounts and proportions, includes a body (4, 180) with first and second variable volume reservoirs (24, 26), containing the first and second liquids or other flowable materials, such as creams and salves. The reservoirs are connected to a variable volume accumulator chamber (31) through check valves (28) to permit liquid to flow from the reservoirs into the accumulator chamber but not the reverse. A delivery head, such as a needle assembly (78) or a spray nozzle assembly (196), is selectively fluidly coupled to the accumulator chamber by an exit path (106, 202) formed in the body.

Abstract: A closed system suction catheter assembly has a valve which controls suction applied at the patient end of the assembly. The valve has a barrel with a bore through it which is rotatable in a housing between an open position, in which the bore is aligned the inlet and outlet of the valve and a closed position, in which it is out of alignment. The barrel has teeth on its outer surface forming a pinion which are engaged by teeth on the underside of a slidable switch. Sliding of the switch rotates the barrel and controls flow through the valve.

Abstract: An apparatus for controllably intermixing two or more components in a sterile, closed environment to produce a flowable substance and then for expelling the flowable substance from the apparatus at a precisely controlled rate. The apparatus is particularly useful for medical applications and includes a dispenser portion with its own stored energy element provided in the form of an elastomeric membrane and a coupling mechanism for coupling a drug vial to the dispenser portion for controlled mixing a medicament contained within the drug vial with a diluent stored within the dispenser portion of the apparatus via a sterile pathway.

Abstract: The invention is a valving device for use in laparoscopic surgery. The device generally has a valve housing having a wall defining a common channel. The channel includes at least first and second apertures extending through the channel wall to allow fluid communication to and from the channel. The invention also includes a laparoscopic probe having a channel created by a wall defining a first open end and a second open end, as well as a valve for trapping debris positioned within the channel first open end.

Abstract: A device for infusion or transfusion can be connected to a flexible tube line (16). The regulating arrangement (8, 9, 10, 12) for regulating the flow rate of the fluid through the flexible tube line (16) is a rigid structural member of the intravenous drip chamber (1) containing the infusion or transfusion liquid. The flow rate is regulated by means of a regulating nut (12) which effectively connects the regulating knob (10) with a flexible tube line (16). The structural member has a tubular connection piece (2) provided with a closed end (3) and having lateral perforations (4). The tubular connection piece (2) is coaxially spaced by a surrounding tubular threaded pipe (6) divided into segments (8, 9) separated by dividing points (7). The lateral perforations (4) open into downwardly directed grooves (5) which establish a flow path.

Abstract: A novel fluid flow regulating device for varying the rate of flow of fluids for infusion to a patient at extremely low but constant flow rates. The regulator device is interposed at a point on a supply tube between a fluid reservoir and a patient. An input port directs fluid to a fluid metering groove of variable cross-sectional area on a metering plate which is formed as a part of the output port. The metering plate is rotated axially, relative to the input port, allowing fluid to enter the fluid metering groove at any point and flow toward the output port through a fluid metering groove which increases in depth or cross-sectional area at an essentially constant rate. Depending on the point at which the fluid enters the fluid metering groove flow path, the flow rate selected can be any rate from full off to full flow.

Abstract: A kit is provided for use in refilling a medication infusion pump of the type adapted for implantation into the body of a patient. The kit comprises a syringe having a plunger mounted for reciprocation within a syringe barrel having a manually operable control valve mounted at a nose end thereof. The syringe further includes a lock for retaining the plunger subsequent to retraction motion with the control valve closed to pull and maintain a vacuum within the syringe barrel. With this construction, the syringe can be connected transcutaneously with a medication reservoir within an implanted infusion pump to aspirate residual medication from the pump. Alternately, the syringe can be used to degas medication within the barrel preparatory to transcutaneous delivery to the pump reservoir. In either case, the syringe is designed for facilitated and safe manipulation to permit rapid pump aspiration and refill at periodic intervals according to patient requirements.

Abstract: A multi-lumen-catheter flow valve system (10) comprises a catheter (14) having three separated lumens (70, 72, 74), each lumen having a separate outlet opening (122a-c) at a distal end portion of the catheter, and a selective-in/all-out valve apparatus (12). The valve apparatus has red, grey and blue input ports (46, 48, 50) and center, first offset and second offset output ports (64, 66, 68), each of the input ports being selectively coupled to a fluid source (16, 18 or 20) and each of the output ports being coupled to a lumen of the blood vessel catheter. The valve apparatus can be adjusted to selectively transmit fluid(s) entering the three input ports to the three output ports without mixing the fluids and to transmit fluids entering a lesser number of input ports than output ports to the three output ports, also without mixing the fluids.

Abstract: A fluid transfer system, including a channel member, adapted for connection between an arterial or venus catheter and an IV fluid administration system. The channel member includes a duct and an access port. An adapter including a recessed needle assembly is provided for mounting to the access port of the channel member. A syringe, IV tubing or an evacuated container may be mounted directly to the channel member via the adapter. Safety is substantially enhanced by recessing the needle assembly of the adapter.

Abstract: The device for use with a catheter includes a sleeve 21 for assembly onto the shaft of a catheter 1, between the catheter shaft and a Tuohy-Borst connector 3. The internal diameter of the sleeve 21 is complementary with the external diameter of the catheter 1 so that the catheter is movable within the sleeve. The external diameter of the sleeve is such that when the Tuohy-Borst connector is closed, a seal is formed between the sleeve and the connector. A flange 24 is provided at one end of the device for engagement with the connector, to prevent movement of the sleeve with the catheter. The internal diameter of the sleeve 21 is also complementary with the external diameter of the catheter 1 so as to provide an annular space about the catheter whereby, in use, a controlled amount of backbleed of blood is allowed.

Abstract: A medical device valving mechanism comprising an elongated valve body molded to have a longitudinally extending body shaped to be gripped and securely held in either hand leaving the hand's thumb free for valve operational movement. The body has at least one fluid passageway extending longitudinally therethrough and a cylindrical opening extending transversely therethrough to intercept the at least one passageway. A cylindrical molded plastic, one-piece rotor for snug slidable and rotational insertion into the cylindrical opening to block the at least one passageway is provided. The rotor has at least one transaxial passageway which opens the at least one fluid passageway through the valve body when the rotor is in its valve opening position and which closes the at least one fluid passageway when the rotor is in its valve closing position. A thumb-actuated means is provided for rotating the rotor, the actuated means is disposed above the valve body and the rotor for convenient thumb movement.

Abstract: A safety I.V. drug introducer set for use with a I.V. administration set is described for facilitating the injection of drugs into a primary fluid line without the necessity of an exposed hypodermic needle. In one embodiment, a Tee is inserted in the I.V. line whose cross-portion includes one or more check valves and whose stem portion comprises a socket for receiving the distal end of an outer tuburlar shaft having a pair of oppositely disposed ports passing through the wall thereof near the distal end. Fitted into the lumen of the outer tubular shaft is an inner tubular shaft having but a single aperture at its distal end alignable with one, the other, or neither of the pair of apertures in the outer shaft. A hollow key member is designed to fit within the non-circular bore of the inner tubular shaft for facilitating the rotation thereof. The key member also includes a single aperture at its distal end which is continuously aligned with the single aperture in the inner tubular member.

Abstract: An apparatus for a catheter valve which can be used to effect selective closure of a catheter lumen in order to control fluid flow through the catheter lumen once the catheter is inserted into a patient's body. The apparatus has a valve body with a hub which is joined to the catheter, and a rotatable cap which is joined to the hub. An elastomeric sleeve is positioned in an opening through the interior of the valve body. One end of the elastomeric sleeve is joined to the rotatable cap while the other end of the elastomeric sleeve is joined to the hub. When the cap is rotated in one direction to a first position, the circular opening of the sleeve is fully opened. When the cap is rotated in the opposite direction to a second position, the elastomeric sleeve is twisted intermediate the two ends so as to ultimately effect closure of the circular opening.

Abstract: A medical valve comprises a rotatable member having a fluid flow path formed by a passageway. Flow path indicia on a surface of the rotatable member follows a path along the surface which substantially replicates the fluid flow path of the passage so as to indicate the orientation of the fluid flow path.

Abstract: A fluid transfer system, including a channel member, adapted for connection between an arterial or venus catheter and an IV fluid administration system. The channel member includes a duct and an access port. An adapter including a recessed needle assembly is provided for mounting to the access port of the channel member. A syringe, IV tubing or an evacuated container may be mounted directly to the channel member via the adapter. Safety is substantially enhanced by recessing the needle assembly of the adapter.

Abstract: A metering apparatus and system for controlling the administration of IV fluids having a valve housing with a valving chamber therein. A rotatable valve body member is positioned within the valve chamber and a valve passageway of variable cross-sectional area is provided at either the chamber or on the valve member. The effective area and length of the valve passageway interposed between the inlet and outlet to the valve is adjustable to regulate flow by moving the valve body relative to the valve member. Various accessories can be selectively attached to the basic valve configuration including a backplate which facilitates single-handed operation and an optional cover plate which may be secured to the backplate to provide security from patient tampering. In a preferred embodiment the valve housing and internal valve members are fabricated from dissimilar plastic materials of different hardness to improve the sealing therebetween.

Abstract: A fluid control valve has a valve body with a cylindrical bore and a plurality of channels which communicate between the bore and the outside of the valve body. The inner ends of at least two of the channels lie in a first plane, and the inner end of at least one of the channels lie in a second plane. A valve stem rotatably mounted in the bore has two independent channels. One of the channels has two ends lying in the first plane, while the other channel has one end lying in the first plane and the other end lying in the second plane.

Abstract: An intravenous flow controller having inlet and outlet ends. An icicle or stylus drop former is positioned in fluid communication between the inlet end and the outlet end. A diaphragm in fluid communication with said inlet ends and the icicle drop former. A collection tube for collecting drops of fluid from the icicle drop former. A flow variation device for controlling flow of aggregate drops collected in the collection tube to the outlet end.

Abstract: A medical piercing cannula assembly for use with a hard or soft medical container of a fluid such as a drug solution has a drip chamber a cannula having a spike at one end and engaging the drip chamber at the other end. The cannula has a fluid passage and an air passage defined therein. The fluid passage extends from said one end of the cannula and communicates with the drip chamber. The air passage extends from said one end of the cannula and communicates with atmosphere. A regulating mechanism is connected to the air passage, for regulating the rate of flow of air through the air passage.

Abstract: A three-way double stopcock and associated tubing is disclosed with which to connect both a cardioplegia solution source and a pressure monitor for the solution selectively and alternatively to either an antegrade cardioplegia catheter or a retrograde cardioplegia catheter. The stopcock includes a hollow valve body with three solution infusion ports communicating to the interior thereof in a coplanar arrangement at a first longitudinal point on the valve body. Three cardioplegia pressure monitoring ports also communicate through the valve body to the interior thereof at a second longitudinal position distinct from the first. Mounted in the valve body is a cylindrical valve core selectively rotatable about the longitudinal axis thereof between a first position in which the cardioplegia solution source and the pressure monitor are coupled to the antegrade cannula and a second position in which the cardioplegia solution source and the pressure monitor are coupled to the retrograde catheter.

Abstract: An apparatus and system for administering cardioplegic solution to a heart during open heart surgery. A source of solution is delivered to a control switch from a single tube source and the tube is divided at a "Y" connector into two tubes, one for antegrade delivery and one for retrograde delivery. The control switch has a prime position with both divided tubes open. Movement from prime position to an operative position is irreversible. In the operative position, there is an "off" position with both tubes closed, an antegrade position with the antegrade tube open and the retrograde tube closed, and a retrograde position with the retrograde tube open and the antegrade tube closed. Movement from one position to the other requires movement through the "off" position so there can be no cross-flow from antegrade to retrograde. Pressure monitoring tubes are incorporated into the switch to be opened and closed with the respective tubes.

Abstract: A multiple-dose reservoir syringe and manifold fluid delivery system are disclosed. The multiple-dose syringe has an inner cylindrical chamber which is selectively communicable with an outer annular fluid reservoir. The fluid can be withdrawn from the outer reservoir to the inner chamber for subsequent ejection therefrom. Means are provided for maintaining the sterility of the fluid stored in the outer reservoir.

Abstract: A paracentesis catheter system for removing fluids from a patient's abdominal cavity and for administering medication into the abdominal cavity. The catheter system includes a solid stylet, a catheter, a hemostasis valve assembly connected to the catheter, and delivery tubing with a needle connecting the catheter assembly to a stopcock. The stopcock has provisions for connections alternately to a syringe or to a vacuum bottle or drainage bag. The hemostasis valve includes an internal glan, which is compressed to shut off fluid flow through the end of the valve assembly after removing the solid stylet. This causes fluid to be diverted through the side arm tubing and stopcock to a fluid collection container.

Abstract: A multi-way cock comprises a housing including a cylinder having a plurality of branch tubes extending from the periphery thereof, and a plug including a barrel adapted to be rotatably fitted in the cylinder and having a corresponding plurality of channels formed therein, the channels corresponding to the branch tubes in assembled condition. The barrel is formed of a polyester elastomer.

Abstract: A flow rate regulator includes a first cylindrical member, a second cylindrical member and a disc-shaped member to regulate, the flow rate of liquid flowing through a transfusion unit. The liquid is introduced into the second cylindrical member via an inlet port. It flows through the disc-shaped member via a through hole and flows further along a peripherally extending groove in the first cylindrical member. Then, it is discharged from the first cylindrical member via an outlet port after the flow rate is regulated as required. The disc-shaped member is fitted in the second cylindrical member so as not to be rotated relative to the latter, and the sub-assembly is then fitted into the first cylindrical member. The peripherally extending groove is so designed that its cross-sectional area is gradually varied on the bottom portion of the first cylindrical member. The through hole in the disc-shaped member is communicated with the peripherally extending groove.

Abstract: In a device for the recovery of a tissue sample, tissue fluid or similar, which is detached and/or aspirated by a surgical instrument, tubing is provided between the surgical instrument and a collecting device. A vacuum-producing apparatus is assigned to the tubing. In this case the tubing (5) is to be connected to a transmission head (4), which rests with a ring seal (15) on the collecting apparatus (7).

Abstract: A selector valve is disclosed for a breath sampling apparatus which comprises a pair of plate-like members that have a connection with one another for relative edgewise swinging about an axis. Each of the plate-like members has an outer surface and an inner surface which is flat and normal to the axis and which slidably opposes the inner surface of the other member. Each of the plate-like members has a port through it, the ports in the two members being spaced at like distances from said axis. A stop is provided on said members defining a first position wherein the ports are in register with one another, and a second position wherein the ports are spaced apart and wherein the port in said one plate-like member is blocked by the other plate-like member with the port in the other plate-like member open to atmosphere. A biasing spring is provided to bias the plate-like members to one of the positions. A spring bias force selector is provided to adjustably vary the force of the biasing spring.