Liquid Reservoir With Body Inserted Nozzle Or Feed Conduit Connected Therewith Patents (Class 604/257)
  • Publication number: 20030018308
    Abstract: A drug-adding tube of infusion set, including a tubular main body two ends of which are respectively connected with the infusion set. At least one drug-adding tube is obliquely disposed on the main body. The drug-adding tube is formed with a neck section adjacent to the main body. The neck section has reduced inner diameter. A rubber-made valve plug is plugged in an opening of the drug-adding tube. The valve plug is formed with an insertion port. A valve body is formed in the valve plug to interrupt the insertion port. The center of the valve body is formed with a split passing through the valve body. In normal state, due to the valve body's own resilience, the split is compressed and sealed. When a syringe frees from any needle is inserted into the insertion port, the syringe stretches open the split of the valve body to free the same.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 5, 2002
    Publication date: January 23, 2003
    Inventor: Ming-Hsiung Tsai
  • Publication number: 20030014011
    Abstract: A pump system includes a pump control module and a cassette with a tube including an anti-siphon valve. A valve operates to control free flow situations, and the valve further has a bypass for priming of the system. The valve includes a bypass mechanism including at least one activation member, such as a button, which moves a movable member for disrupting the seal member of the anti-siphon valve. An alternative valve includes a separate bypass pathway around the anti-siphon valve. In this embodiment, operation of the bypass pathway does not disturb or disrupt the seal of the anti-siphon valve. Operation of the alternative bypass pathway is through a bypass mechanism including a button for movement or disruption of a bypass seal. A cap or other holder opens the bypass for each of the valves for gravity priming.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 12, 2001
    Publication date: January 16, 2003
    Inventor: Renee Joy Robert
  • Patent number: 6500156
    Abstract: A catheter flushing device includes a chamber covered with a movable member (e.g., a flexible diaphragm) that can be compressed by exertion of pressure on the diaphragm; and a valve having a first position allowing fluid from a fluid source to fill the chamber, and a second position allowing fluid from the chamber to flow through the catheter when pressure is exerted on the movable member. In particular, the catheter flushing device includes a housing having a cylindrical valve opening, an inlet port for connection with the fluid source, and an outlet port for connection with the catheter. The chamber is defined by a flexible diaphragm sealed about a region of the housing. The chamber can be compressed by manually exerting pressure on the diaphragm by means of a thumb or finger. A passageway extends through the housing from the chamber to the valve opening.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 3, 2000
    Date of Patent: December 31, 2002
    Assignee: McKinley Medical L.L.L.P
    Inventor: L. Dean Stansbury
  • Publication number: 20020188244
    Abstract: A device for colonic lavage has a tubular body (10) having a forward portion (12) and a rearward portion (14). An opening (16) is provided at the front end of the forward portion (12). A side tube (18) includes an outlet (20), thereby defining a continuous passage (22) from the opening (16) to the outlet (20). A port (24) is located at the other end of the tubular body (10) and incorporates a seal (28) having a free internal dimension (I) less than the minimum cross-sectional dimension (M) of the passage (22). The junction (17) between the forward portion and the side tube (18) is flexible. A discharge tube (32) extends from the outlet (20) to a sealable container. In use, the forward portion (12) of the tubular body (10) is inserted into the bowel of a patient. A hose (26) is inserted into the port (24) to extend through the tubular body (10) and through the opening (16) into the colon of the patient. Irrigation fluid is passed through the hose (26) to cleanse obstructed fecal matter from the colon.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 16, 2002
    Publication date: December 12, 2002
    Inventor: Alan Smith
  • Patent number: 6478782
    Abstract: An enema has liquid amount controlling component, namely a rotary valve, having an outer tube with a cylindrical concave part at its center and is provided with an insertion opening fitting a connecting tube and a discharge opening fitting a conduit on a side wall of the concave part of the outer tube. A rotator is provided with opening parts corresponding to the positions of the insertion opening and the discharge opening of the outer tube, and a knob part on an upper part of the rotator. Two fitting spring are integrally formed to extend on both sides of a fixture (8), and the fixture has a penetration hole for inserting a beak tube. The fixture slides on the said beak tube for controlling the length of the beak tube to be inserted into an anus.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 11, 2000
    Date of Patent: November 12, 2002
    Inventor: Kaoru Wada
  • Patent number: 6447490
    Abstract: The present invention discloses an improved vagina cleaning system. The improved system comprises a vagina opener, a vagina cleaning-solution sprayer, a multiple-functional vagina cleaning solution, and a health-promoting bacteria introducer. The system is used to remove semen from the vagina to prevent pregnancy, to reduce pathogenic microorganisms in the vagina to prevent sexually transmitted diseases, to remove other unwanted materials from the vagina to eliminate discomfort, and to add health-promoting bacteria into the vagina to prevent abnormal colonization of microflora in the vaginal cavity. The present invention also discloses methods of using the system for cleaning the vaginal cavity and for introducing health-promoting bacteria into the vaginal cavity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 17, 2000
    Date of Patent: September 10, 2002
    Inventors: James Zhou Liu, Shen Pan
  • Publication number: 20020072719
    Abstract: A constant speed fluid sample collection system for use with a catheter, needle, or the like in communication with a patient's vein is useful to extract a blood sample. The system uses a constant force system to not disrupt the components of the fluid, such as platelets found in blood. The system includes a syringe device and moves a plunger at a constant velocity. The device includes a housing, a piston rod movably mounted within the housing, and a brake mechanism for controlling the movement of the piston with respect to a syringe positioned within the housing. The plunger retracts into the drive device as it is being withdrawn.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 13, 2000
    Publication date: June 13, 2002
    Inventors: Joel S. Douglas, Robert Hugo, David M. Kelso
  • Patent number: 6383173
    Abstract: A syringe drench adapter for livestock includes a collar having a frustroconical nose and a generally cylindrical skirt extending from the nose which is removably fittable over an end of a syringe, and an elongated tube extending from the nose. The skirt defines a syringe-receiving opening having an inner diameter which is less than an outer diameter of the syringe barrel. The skirt includes a circumferential ridge which extends radially inwardly and is disposed adjacent to the syringe-receiving opening, and a plurality of longitudinal slots extending from the syringe-receiving opening which provide flexion. The slots are disposed about the periphery of the skirt and are configured so as to reveal syringe measurement markings when the collar is fitted over the end of the syringe. The elongated tube defines a fluid passageway having an inlet removably connected to the nose of the collar, and an outlet for the expulsion of fluids.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 22, 1999
    Date of Patent: May 7, 2002
    Inventor: Roy H. Hunt
  • Patent number: 6379342
    Abstract: An ampoule which has been designed to contain sterile medicinal fluids of various types and doses in a measured dose fashion, which allows direct administration via linkage to standardized existing indwelling catheters, tubing and even hypodermic needle hubs by virtue of a contained Luer Lock fitting. The invention eliminates the need to draw up fluids into intermediary devices such as needles and syringes or other injection devices, thus minimizing costs and enhancing safety and convenience. The ampoule, by virtue of finger pressure on its flexible structure, allows complete administration directly into the body or its structures. The contents of the ampoule are protected and the sterility of contents and linkage mechanism is protected by a cover which occludes the opening into the ampoule until use. The ampoule also allows direct administration by connection of its Luer Lock fitting to standard hypodermic needles and hubs for injection into or through body structures.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 2, 1999
    Date of Patent: April 30, 2002
    Assignee: Scion International, Inc.
    Inventor: Melvin Levinson
  • Publication number: 20020017294
    Abstract: A pump-type dispenser for dispensing predetermined doses of medicament in droplets or in spray form to the nasal area incorporates a rigid vial for medicament, an expandable pouch located within the rigid vial, a nasal screen, a one-way actuation mechanism, a one-way valve mechanism in the nozzle area and a spring element, both the valve mechanism and the spring element being formed as integral portions of the pump body. The nasal screen aligns the dispenser nozzle with the nasal passage and also allows the user to discreetly hide the nasal area from public view. The one-way valve mechanism in the nozzle area ensures a one-way movement of medicament from the dispenser, thereby preserving substantially perfect sterility of the medicament in the dispenser regardless of the environment surrounding the dispenser, without requiring the use of preservatives.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 9, 2001
    Publication date: February 14, 2002
    Inventor: Daniel Py
  • Patent number: 6322542
    Abstract: A delivery means for delivering liquid containing medicament to a posterior region of the nasal cavity, comprising an elongate tubular member (35; 151) and a nozzle (37; 153) at the free end thereof, which nozzle (37; 153) includes at least one opening (39; 155) through which liquid is in use delivered.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 8, 1999
    Date of Patent: November 27, 2001
    Assignee: AstraZeneca AB
    Inventors: Billy Nilson, Arne Eek
  • Patent number: 6293928
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 30, 1998
    Date of Patent: September 25, 2001
    Assignee: Medi Service S.r.l.
    Inventor: Roberto Fasani
  • Patent number: 6287284
    Abstract: The combination of a bag and tubes connected thereto for use in pharmaceutical manufacturing and for holding health care related solutions is formed entirely of silicone. This avoids the previous problem of the releasing into the held fluids of plasticizers or plastic additives contained in the PVC material making up prior bags.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 27, 1999
    Date of Patent: September 11, 2001
    Assignee: NPT, Inc.
    Inventor: Stephen Warburton-Pitt
  • Patent number: 6280422
    Abstract: A feeding apparatus for a patient having a surgically created stoma in the stomach. The apparatus enables feeding liquids of varying viscosities without a suction pump. The simplified, replaceable feeding bottle design makes the apparatus useable by hospital personnel and by patients at home. A decorative cover provides additional privacy.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 5, 1997
    Date of Patent: August 28, 2001
    Inventor: Maria Sanchez-Browning
  • Patent number: 6264666
    Abstract: A system for the removal of epidermal and dermal skin through the use of a pressurized stream of water. The surgeon chooses the pressure of the water to obtain the desired abrasive affect. In one embodiment of the invention, a benign abrasive is added to the water to assist in the removal of the surface cells of the skin. In other embodiments, a variety of medications are added to the water such as: anesthetics to deaden the skin being abraded; coagulants to minimized bleeding in the abraded area; and antiseptics to combat infection after treatment is applied. In one embodiment of the invention, a catch reservoir is positioned around the site being treated to collect and withdraw the spent liquid and removed cells.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 26, 1998
    Date of Patent: July 24, 2001
    Inventors: William P. Coleman, Ren-Yeu Tsai
  • Patent number: 6238374
    Abstract: An infuser for transferring hazardous treatment fluids to and from a medical application includes a spill containing housing having a medical application connecting element and a syringe seat. The syringe seat of the infuser leads to a syringe connecting element that provides a fluid coupling between the syringe and a fluid passage leading to the medical application connecting element. The interior of the housing can be sealed against leaks, for example, by providing the housing in two portions with a gasket provided between the portions. A fluid tight coupling between the syringe and the interior of the housing may be created by integrally forming a septum with the gasket and coupling the syringe with the syringe connecting element through the septum. The infuser can also be provided with two syringe seats so that two different fluids can be transferred. In one embodiment, a second syringe connecting element is provided in fluid-tight communication with a second fluid passage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 6, 1999
    Date of Patent: May 29, 2001
    Assignee: Proxima Therapeutics, Inc.
    Inventor: Rance A. Winkler
  • Patent number: 6235008
    Abstract: The invention relates to a novel douche nozzle suitable for vaginally administering a douche fluid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 23, 1997
    Date of Patent: May 22, 2001
    Assignee: SmithKline Beecham Corporation
    Inventors: Bert D. Heinzelman, Theresa C. Desantis, Susan M. Clement, Robert W. Pritchard, Joseph A. Matthias, Jeffrey A. Karg
  • Patent number: 6228070
    Abstract: A device for irrigating or washing the nasal cavities and the rhinopharynx which comprises a bell-shapes nozzle, adapted to be sealingly pressed to a nostril of a user, and a connection tube which connects the nozzle to a bag adapted to contain a solution; the bell-shaped nozzle has elliptical shaped sections orthogonal to the longitudinal axis of the nozzle, and has three holes radially arranged at the tip end of the nozzle for the outflow of a solution toward the three meatus of the nasal cavities, each hole communicating with a tubular joint positioned inside the nozzle and connected to the connection tube.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 2, 1999
    Date of Patent: May 8, 2001
    Assignee: Medical International Licensing, N.V.
    Inventor: Giorgio Mezzoli
  • Patent number: 6210358
    Abstract: An earpiece for cleaning wax or other foreign material from the ear canal of a patient or delivering a therapeutic agent into the ear canal. The device has a fluid outlet that directs the fluid passing therethrough at an oblique angle to the longitudinal axis of the device. The fluid is thereby directed at the wall of the ear canal so reducing the likelihood of damage to the delicate structures of the eardrum. The device is also designed to allow inspection of the ear canal when it is in place so removing the need of repositioning equipment following cleaning of the canal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 28, 1999
    Date of Patent: April 3, 2001
    Assignee: Cryptych Pty Ltd
    Inventor: Gregory James Roger
  • Patent number: 6156017
    Abstract: A cleaning device is a device directly connected with a bath shower head. It is primary used in the individual hygiene. The structure thereof includes a joint directly connected a general used shower bath device. The body of the cleaning device connected with the joint is made by resin and has a cylindrical holding portion matching the requirement of ergonomics. A water box and a cleaning channel are formed within the holding portion. A rotary nozzle is connected on another end of the holding portion, which may be inserted into an organization (for example excretory organs) for cleaning. The present invention may be directly used in shower bath devices of any bathroom.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 11, 1998
    Date of Patent: December 5, 2000
    Inventor: Shin Jiu Shieh
  • Patent number: 6135983
    Abstract: A gastric-tube feeding system comprises a table-top stand with a loop that holds a feeding syringe aloft at an adjustable elevation. A funnel is used to simplify the filling of the feeding syringe with liquid food diet from a can.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 15, 1999
    Date of Patent: October 24, 2000
    Inventors: Leonard Lee Andrews, Daniel H. Hanson
  • Patent number: 6135984
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 6, 1999
    Date of Patent: October 24, 2000
    Inventor: Jon G. Dishler
  • Patent number: 6113580
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 27, 1998
    Date of Patent: September 5, 2000
    Assignee: American Maternity Products, Inc.
    Inventor: Frank Dolisi
  • Patent number: 6106506
    Abstract: A portable apparatus (51) for delivering a colonic lavage to a patient includes a portable frame (52) preferably constructed of tubing, a lavage liquid reservoir (71) and a waste reservoir (72) both stowable in the frame (52), a speculum (78) for delivering the lavage liquid to the interior of a colon and for receiving waste from the colon, a waste conduit (88) communicating at one end with the speculum (78) and at another end with the waste reservoir (72), and a first sphincter valve (87) selectively opening and closing the waste conduit (88). A pump (66) housed in the frame (52) delivers the lavage liquid from an interior cavity of the frame (52) to the speculum (78) via a delivery conduit (91) coupling the speculum (78) with a pump tube (102) communicating with the pump (66). A regulator valve assembly (58) communicates with the pump tube (102) and ensures that the lavage liquid is never delivered to the colon above a predetermined pressure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 26, 1998
    Date of Patent: August 22, 2000
    Assignee: Innovatec Medical Corp.
    Inventors: Roy Abell, Kenneth E. Hill, Paul J. Mann
  • Patent number: 6083204
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 29, 1998
    Date of Patent: July 4, 2000
    Inventors: Richard Malerba, Alan Binder
  • 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: 5891713
    Abstract: The invention relates to the safe and effective biotreatment of circulating fluids. In one general aspect of the invention, an apparatus (e.g., liver assist system) for circulating and bioprocessing a fluid (e.g., plasma) includes a conduit for circulating the fluid, an oxygenator for supplying oxygen to the fluid, a pump adapted to circulate the fluid through the conduit, a bioreactor unit, connected within the conduit, adapted to process the fluid, and a container connected within the conduit for receiving and releasing a portion of the fluid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 6, 1997
    Date of Patent: April 6, 1999
    Assignee: W.R. Grace & Co.
    Inventors: Lee-Cheng Liu, Timothy J. Perlman, Catherine A. Doyle
  • 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: 5830128
    Abstract: A liquid feed device for feeding a liquid to an endoscopic or ultrasound insertion instrument or the like from a liquid feeder tank containing a supply of a feed liquid. A liquid feed pipe and an atmospheric pipe which are led into the feeder tank are provided with flexible pipe portions formed of a flexible material of greater specific gravity than the feed liquid in the tank and suspended flexibly within the feeder tank to hang down always in a vertical position by gravity and in such a way as to hold a liquid intake end of the liquid pipe in a deeper position than a pressure discharge opening of the atmospheric pipe relative to the liquid surface even when the feeder tank is turned from an upright position into a tilted position through a certain angle or vice versa.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 3, 1997
    Date of Patent: November 3, 1998
    Assignee: Fuji Photo Optical Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Toshizumi Tanaka
  • Patent number: 5800406
    Abstract: A corneal irrigation cannula is used in tectonic lamellar keratoplasty. The cannula is hand manipulatable and allows for entry into the interface of a corneal flap or cap and a corneal bed for the delivery for irrigating fluid under low flow through a plurality of irrigating ports thereby irrigating the interface by gently elevating the overlying cap or flap and washing residual debris from the corneal bed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 31, 1996
    Date of Patent: September 1, 1998
    Inventors: Michael S. Kritzinger, Stephen A. Updegraff
  • Patent number: 5795324
    Abstract: A new apparatus and method for irrigating wounds and for performing gastric lavage utilizes a novel cap that has a threaded end sized to screw onto available plastic bottles of sterile irrigation fluid or saline and a nozzle end having the shape of a syringe tip. The threaded end of the cap is screwed onto the plastic bottle of irrigation fluid and an intravenous (IV) catheter attached to the nozzle end. The plastic bottle of irrigation fluid is held and squeezed to direct a stream of irrigation fluid through the IV catheter and into the wound. For gastric irrigation, a nasogastric tube is attached to the nozzle end and the bottle of irrigation fluid held and squeezed to force irrigation fluid into the stomach.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 27, 1994
    Date of Patent: August 18, 1998
    Assignee: The United States of America as represented by the Secretary of the Air Force
    Inventor: Jeffrey W. Morse
  • 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: 5776108
    Abstract: A blood check device comprises a needle, a barrel connecting the needle, a check tube inserted in the barrel, a sleeve connecting the barrel, and a connecting hose connecting the sleeve. A rear end of the connecting hose connects an infusion bottle. The barrel has a soft pipe and an annular rib disposed in an inner periphery of the soft pipe. An end flange is disposed on a rear open end of the check tube. A tapered notch is formed on a front close end of the check tube. The tapered notch communicates with a hollow interior of the check tube.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 25, 1996
    Date of Patent: July 7, 1998
    Inventors: Miin-Tsang Sheu, Yeong-Shing Chern
  • Patent number: 5755700
    Abstract: A corneal irrigation cannula is used in tectonic lamellar keratoplasty. The cannula is hand manipulatable and allows for entry into the interface of a corneal flap or cap and a corneal bed for the delivery for irrigating fluid under low flow through a plurality of irrigating ports thereby irrigating the interface by gently elevating the overlying cap or flap and washing residual debris from the corneal bed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 22, 1995
    Date of Patent: May 26, 1998
    Assignees: Michiel S. Kritzinger, Stephen A. Updegraff
    Inventors: Michiel S. Kritzinger, Stephen A. Updegraff
  • Patent number: 5752930
    Abstract: An implantable catheter defining a plurality of fluid exits responsive to a first range of pressure on a fluid agent for delivering substantially the same flow rate of the agent through each of the exits into spaced infusion sites and responsive to a second range of pressure less than a threshold pressure on the agent for inhibiting the flow of the agent from any of the exits into any of the sites. A first pressure in the first range is applied to the agent in the catheter for a first time period and a second pressure in the second range is applied for a second time period to the agent in the catheter so that substantially the same dosage of agent can be applied to each of the sites.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 20, 1996
    Date of Patent: May 19, 1998
    Assignee: Medtronic, Inc.
    Inventors: Mark T. Rise, Michael D. Baudino
  • Patent number: 5649959
    Abstract: A bioabsorbable assembly for sealing an incision or puncture in the body of the patient including a first member which is positioned generally along the wall of the blood vessel, duct, body cavity or lumen of the patient and a gelatinous material which is injected into the incision or puncture around a filament or clip member which is associated with the first member to seal the incision or puncture from the flow of fluids through the blood vessel, duct or lumen of the patient and the method therefore.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 10, 1995
    Date of Patent: July 22, 1997
    Assignee: Sherwood Medical Company
    Inventors: Peter Henry Hannam, Richard Dale Allison
  • Patent number: 5505721
    Abstract: An apparatus for withdrawing blood from a vein and simultaneously filling multiple collection tubes. The apparatus includes a movable sheath which protects the technician from inadvertently contacting the withdrawn needle after use and a laminar flow transition chamber between the blood withdrawal needle and the multiple collection tubes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 16, 1993
    Date of Patent: April 9, 1996
    Inventors: Gregory L. Leach, Albert C. Phelps, Mark L. Krebs
  • Patent number: 5466229
    Abstract: A fluid collection apparatus for the controlled collection of body fluids comprising a collection vessel housed in a carrier, a vacuum pump mounted in the carrier, and means for powering pump for continuous operation mounted therein. The collection vessel includes a valved exit port, and inlet port connected to a body mounted fluid collection apparatus, a vacuum control means, liquid level control means an tilt sensing means all operatively connected. Also described are a vented drainage valve assembly, and sound and odor absorbing components.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 6, 1993
    Date of Patent: November 14, 1995
    Assignee: Davstar, Inc.
    Inventors: Edward E. Elson, David H. Kuntz
  • Patent number: 5460618
    Abstract: An improved side slit catheter is provided for use in long term delivery of a selected medication to a patient, wherein the catheter has a distal end tip shaped to permit expulsion of an occlusive deposit. The catheter includes an elongated lumen for passage of medication such as insulin to the distal end tip for administration to the patient at a selected infusion site. The tip includes a cylindrical wall segment defining a tapered bore which expands in cross section to a delivery port, with at least one and preferably a plurality of longitudinal side slits formed in said wall segment. In the event of delivery port occlusion, medication delivery at normal pressure will continue through the side slits. The occlusion can be expelled from the catheter tip by delivering a selected fluid through the catheter at elevated pressure, whereupon the slitted catheter tip deformably responds to detach from and thus permit expulsion of the occlusion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 20, 1994
    Date of Patent: October 24, 1995
    Assignee: MiniMed Inc.
    Inventor: John H. Harreld
  • Patent number: 5454796
    Abstract: An implantable device used in treating glaucoma includes a movable plate shaped and sized to fit in a single quadrant of an eye to provide maximum surface area. A drainage tube is attached to the plate and has a distal end for insertion into the anterior chamber of the eye to drain fluid. A valve is disposed in the tube to control the fluid pressure within the eye and prevent hypotony. The plate is made of soft surgical grade polymeric material to prevent extrusion from the body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 10, 1993
    Date of Patent: October 3, 1995
    Assignee: Hood Laboratories
    Inventor: Theodore Krupin
  • Patent number: 5411472
    Abstract: Recovery of blood from a wound site (12) during a surgical procedure is accomplished with low blood trauma that enables collection of increased amounts of blood having relatively little structural damage for return to the surgical patient. Blood trauma is decreased by accelerating liquid blood from the wound site to flow at a relatively low velocity with a relatively high negative gauge pressure and accelerating a mixture of blood and foam from the wound site to flow at a relatively high velocity and a relatively low negative gauge pressure. A suction wand is provided in which liquid blood (32) is separated from a mixture of blood and foam (16) at the wound site through the transport of the two separated fluids at the different velocities and negative gauge pressures. The wand includes an outer blood foam tube within which are three resiliently compressed, side-by-side tubes for handling liquid blood, rinse solution and anticoagulant.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 30, 1992
    Date of Patent: May 2, 1995
    Assignee: Galen Medical, Inc.
    Inventors: Robert F. Steg, Jr., Dean M. Peterson, Dante S. Cusi
  • Patent number: 5405333
    Abstract: A liquid medicament bag has at least one opening and a valve associated with the opening. The valve is normally closed to prevent fluid communication through the opening. A needleless connector can be engaged with the valve to open the valve and thereby establish a passageway for fluid communication through the opening. The valve can be held within a rigid valve assembly, familiarly referred to as a "boat" assembly, which is positioned in the bottom seam of the bag.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 16, 1993
    Date of Patent: April 11, 1995
    Inventor: Frank M. Richmond
  • Patent number: 5348550
    Abstract: A drug vessel includes a vessel body with a narrow neck extending to an open end of a mouth portion thereof, and a stopper fitted in the open end. The stopper includes a stopper body of an elastomeric material with a through-hole passing through a central portion thereof along its center axis, and a closing body fitted into the through-hole of stopper body to block the through-hole.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 13, 1992
    Date of Patent: September 20, 1994
    Assignee: Nissho Corporation
    Inventors: Koji Ikeda, Hitoshi Futagawa, Toshihiro Kikuchi
  • Patent number: 5344410
    Abstract: The proposed device comprises an outer tube having a central canal and perforations at its one end, a stylet fitted in the central canal of the outer tube, an inner tube, which is in fact a non-return valve and with its one end tightly connected to the outer tube and with its opposite end stretched over the stylet with a possibility of slipping off the latter and getting everted. The device has a receptacle for collecting the pleural fluid, tightly connected to the outer tube and the inner tube, and a retainer for fixing the device in position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 17, 1992
    Date of Patent: September 6, 1994
    Inventors: Yakov G. Kolkin, Vladimir N. Vecherko, Evgeny S. Pershin
  • Patent number: 5336190
    Abstract: A method for resupplying a cassette assembly (14) for an ambulatory medical infusion pump (10) with a new reservoir bag (22a) includes the steps of substantially emptying a used reservoir bag (22) located within said cassette interior (27) of any fluid, supplying an access slot (40) to the interior (27) of the cassette large enough to withdraw the used drug reservoir bag (22) from within the cassette, removing a luer lock (34) located at the end of microbore tubing (32) attached to the reservoir bag, removing the tubing (32) from under a guide retainer (30) in a pumping plate (16) of the cassette, withdrawing the reservoir bag (22) from the access slot (40), inserting a new unused reservoir bag (22a) into the access slot (40) to the interior of said cassette, by inserting a tube (32a) of a new unused reservoir bag and pulling the tube (32a) such that the bag (22a) is pulled through the slot (40) and into the interior (27) of the cassette shell (18).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 12, 1993
    Date of Patent: August 9, 1994
    Assignees: Fred Erlich, Fred Kamienny, Richard Moss
    Inventors: Richard Moss, Fred Erlich
  • Patent number: 5318520
    Abstract: A device for use in intravenous feeding comprises a reservoir of an intravenous fluid and an intravenous tube connected at one end to the reservoir, the tube being provided on an inner surface with a layer of a water-soluble biocompatible material visible through a wall of the tube. In use, an intravenous fluid is flushed through the tube or tube assembly until the water-soluble biocompatible layer dissolves and is no longer visible. Upon the dissolution of that layer into the intravenous fluid flowing through the tube assembly, a free end of the tube assembly is connected to a patient, while the tube assembly is maintained filled with the intravenous fluid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 16, 1992
    Date of Patent: June 7, 1994
    Inventor: Naomi L. Nakao
  • Patent number: 5295274
    Abstract: Liquid dispensing apparatus includes a tank for storing liquid to be dispensed, a fill line communicating with an interior of the tank and adapted to be coupled to a source of the liquid, a heating element for heating the liquid, a heating control device for controlling the heating element to heat the liquid to a predetermined temperature, a dispensing device for dispensing liquid from the tank under pressure and a dispensing control device for selectively controlling the dispensing of the liquid by the dispensing device. The fill line is adapted to be connected to existing plumbing, such as a toilet water supply line behind a wall adjacent the toilet. The tank is adapted to be housed in a recessed wall cabinet adjacent the toilet so that the entire apparatus is hidden from view when not in use. The tank includes a sump portion defining a lowermost portion of the tank, to facilitate complete evacuation of liquid from the tank.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 19, 1992
    Date of Patent: March 22, 1994
    Inventors: Rickey A. Daniels, Thomas R. Daniels
  • Patent number: 5250024
    Abstract: A device for administering a liquid into the bowel of a person. The device comprises a rigid conduit, a manually actuatable pump, and a reservoir holding the liquid. The conduit is of a general J-shape having an elongated straight proximal section and a curved distal section terminating in a tip having an aperture therein. The elongated proximal section is sufficiently long that when the person is seated on a toilet with the proximal section located between the person's legs the tip is located at the person's anus, so that he/she can readily insert the tip into the anus by manually manipulating the proximal section of the conduit. The pump is coupled to the proximal section of the conduit and is arranged to be squeezed by the person to pump the liquid from the reservoir through the conduit and out the aperture into the person's bowel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 24, 1992
    Date of Patent: October 5, 1993
    Assignee: Kensey Nash Corporation
    Inventor: Kenneth Kensey
  • Patent number: 5219337
    Abstract: A liquid container comprises a container body (2) having an opening (12) and a liquid-containing portion (2a), the container body containing liquid (W) therein; a cap (3) integrally formed with or fixedly connected to the opening after the liquid is charged in the container body, the cap having a base portion (3a) continuous to the opening, a thin-wall portion (3b) continuous to the base portion, a top portion (3c) continuous to the thin-wall portion, and at least one horn plate portion (13) continuous to the top portion, the horn portion radially outwardly extending beyond the diameter of the top portion; a cap opener (5) provided around the cap to be rotatable with respect to the cap, the cap opener having at least one craw plate (15) radially inwardly extending from inner wall of the cap opener to be in contact with the horn plate when the cap opener is rotated, an opening (5d) being made in the cap opener so as to exhaust the liquid (W) therethrough after the thin-wall portion is cut by twisting the cap o
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 30, 1991
    Date of Patent: June 15, 1993
    Assignees: Hashin Kasei Kogyo K.K., Ohta Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Junichi Takata, Sigeru Yamana
  • Patent number: 5205834
    Abstract: A cardiovascular outdwelling, normally closed, pressure-responsive slit valve liquid flow control and related methods wherein a diaphragm having a slit therein is flexed distally by hydrostatic pressure and proximally by negative pressure at different points in time to selectively open the slit and accommodate the flow of IV solution to a medical patient through a cannula and blood sampling from the cardiovascular system of the patient through the cannula in such a way as to prevent bleed-back and clotting of blood within the cannula.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 24, 1992
    Date of Patent: April 27, 1993
    Inventors: H. Robert Moorehead, Thomas A. Wiita