Abstract: An extracorporeal auxilliary device attachable to a percutaneous tube formed of tubular member having a universal adaptor at one end for attaching to the tube and an adaptor at the opposite end for attachment to a drainage bag. A plurality of ports provided with closures are located in the tubular member along the length thereof, and a clamp downstream from the ports for opening and closing access to the drainage bag. Food and medication is inserted into the patient's stomach through two ports, and air escapes through a third port. The device includes an appropriate drainage bag and may be made of plastic or rubber.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for restricting the passage of milk beyond a selected place in breast pump apparatus and for protecting the pump from fouling by milk. A barrier to the passage of human milk is disposed in an air passage interconnecting the vacuum pump and a breast-contacting hood or the like for receiving expressed milk. In conventional fashion, operation of a vacuum pump may result in the expression of milk into the hood, where it may be collected. The air being drawn toward the vacuum pump passes through a porous body that is normally substantially permeable to air. The porous body is impermeable to human milk. Accordingly, it serves as a barrier across the vacuum line and protects the pump. When contacted by human milk, the porous body becomes substantially impermeable to air, at least at the point of contact. Depending upon the extent of such contact, the amount of vacuum that reaches the interior of the hood is reduced or eliminated, thereby reducing or eliminating the further expression of milk.

Abstract: An aspirating device for removing fluids from a body site includes a container for collecting aspirated fluids, a suction device in communication with the container for applying a negative pressure to the container, a tube connected to the container and adapted to communicate with a body site for transferring fluids from the body site to the container in response to negative pressure in the container, and a valve for controlling the negative pressure in the container, the container having a diaphragmatic wall operable to actuate the valve.

Abstract: A direct drive blood defibrination unit and a method of using the unit are presented. The blood defibrination unit includes a vacuum bottle having input, vacuum, dispensing and drive ports therein. Contained within the bottle is a rotatable stir bar which is connected to a drive shaft which passes through the drive port of the vacuum bottle and is connected to a motor. A bacteria and vacuum seal surrounds the drive shaft adjacent the drive port in order to maintain the pressure differential between the inside and outside of the vacuum bottle without bacterial contamination. In operation, the input port of the vacuum bottle is connected to a source of blood to be defibrinated, and the vacuum port is connected to a source of vacuum. The stir bar is rotated during a blood collection time period, and is allowed to continue to rotate for a defibrination time period during which the input and vacuum ports are disconnected. After defibrination, the defibrinated blood is dispensed from the dispensing port.

Abstract: A blood sample collecting device includes a vacuum blood sampling chamber having a blood container disposed therein, and a vacuum pump for evacuating the vacuum blood sampling chamber to collect a blood sample into the blood container under a vacuum developed in the vacuum blood sampling chamber. The amount of collected blood in the blood container, and the vacuum in the vacuum blood sampling chamber is lowered below a preset pressure on the condition that a rate of increase in the measured amount of collected blood does not reach a predetermined normal rate of increase.

Abstract: An apparatus for draining fluids, for example, from a chest or pleural cavity, includes a collection chamber for collecting fluids through an inlet port for entry of the fluids. Also included is a dry or waterless suction control chamber in fluid communication with the collection chamber for regulating the degree of vacuum imposed in the collection chamber. If desired, a seal chamber can also be provided between the dry suction control chamber and the collection chamber so as to prevent any ambient or atmospheric air from passing into the collection chamber. The suction control chamber has a first inlet which is coupled to a suction source and a second inlet communicates with the ambient. A waterless regulator is provided for regulating the degree of suction imposed in the collection chamber at a plurality of predetermined preset levels of suction. This regulator is positioned between the suction inlet and the ambient inlet.

Abstract: A combined surgical drainage device and autotransfusion apparatus is provided in which a drainage device having a conventional collection chamber and suction regulating system may be readily converted into use as an autotransfusion system. The drainage apparatus has a fluid retention chamber disposed immediately beneath the inlet and a fluid outlet is provided in the bottom wall of the retention chamber with a spring pressed closure therein so that a nozzle on a collapsible autotransfusion bag may be inserted into the fluid retention chamber. The autotransfusion bag is collapsible and is provided with removable spreader means to maintain the bag in an expanded condition. When suction is applied to the drainage device, the interior of the autotransfusion bag is maintained at the desired suction level.

Abstract: A chest drainage device having a collection chamber, a water seal chamber and a suction control chamber wherein the suction control chamber includes first and second columns wherein the top end of the first column is open to the atmosphere and the top end of the second column is in flow communication with a vacuum source and water seal chamber and wherein the bottom end of the first and second columns are in flow communication with a float chamber and ballast sleeve to increase the effective dynamic water height of liquid in the suction control chamber and to decrease the overall height of the suction control chamber of the chest drainage device while maintaining the same operational vacuum pressure range as previous chest drainage devices.

Abstract: A multi-function control component for use in dental vacuum systems includes, within a single housing, a vacuum control device for controlling the vacuum intensity within the system; a first air filter device for cleaning air permitted to enter the system by the vacuum control device; a second air filter for filtering gases flowing from an associated separating tank to a vacuum pump; a moisture detection device mounted in the housing for shutting down the vacuum pump drive motor upon detection of a predetermined level of moisture in the housing; a vacuum intensity measuring device; and a sealing device for sealing off the separating tank from the vacuum pump. The vacuum pump is a rotary vane pump, and is operatively connected to dental aspirator tips.

Abstract: A chest drainage device having a collection chamber, a water seal chamber and a suction control chamber wherein the suction control chamber includes first and second columns and wherein the top end of the first column is open to the atmosphere and the top end of the second column is in flow communication with a vacuum source. The bottom end of the first and second columns are preferably in flow communication with a float chamber to increase the effective dynamic water height of the liquid in the suction chamber and to decrease the required overall height of suction control chamber of the chest drainage device while maintaining same operational range as prior chest drainage devices.

Abstract: An improved breastpump has a valve which closes off a path to a milk container in the presence of a negative pressure in the valve, and opens the path when the pressure is removed. The valve consists of a housing and a thin flexible membrane that is removably attached to the valve housing and covers a first opening in the housing through which milk can flow. The thin flexible membrane is preferably circular in shape with a knob formed in its center. The knob fits in a second opening in the housing in a snap-fit. This construction for the membrane assumes that it can never be mounted improperly. Raised bosses in the form of cone-shaped elevations are arranged around the perimeter of the flexible membrane. The cone-shaped bosses reinforce the membrane material and prevent the membrane from being drawn into the first opening.

Abstract: A pressure regulator including high and low pressure chambers separated by a divider having an opening, a closing member biassed to a closing position for closing the opening with a biassing force according to a desired pressure differential between the chambers, and a damping device for damping the resulting force on the closing member. There is also disclosed a fluid drainage system having a suction chamber with a suction regulator, and various arrangements of diaphragms for measuring pressure differentials. An anti-spill device for the draining system is disclosed as well.

Abstract: A pressure regulator including high and low pressure chambers separated by a divider having an opening, a closing member biassed to a closing position for closing the opening with a biassing force according to a desired pressure differential between the chambers, and a damping device for damping the resulting force on the closing member. There is also disclosed a fluid drainage system having a suction chamber with a suction regulator, and various arrangements of diaphragms for measuring pressure differentials. An anti-spill device for the draining system is disclosed as well.

Abstract: A vacuum apparatus for surgical aspirators comprises a motor and vacuum pump on a supporting base with an evacuated chamber surrounding them to reduce noise produced by the apparatus. The apparatus preferably comprises first and second hollow housings of one or more wall members defining an enclosure surrounding the motor and pump, the wall members of said housings spaced apart to define a vacuum chamber around the motor and vacuum pump. The enclosure has an opening to surrounding atmosphere through the supporting base or through a sealed opening through the housings. The pump outlet communicates with surrounding atmosphere. A passageway connects the vacuum chamber both to the vacuum pump inlet and the exterior of the apparatus.

Abstract: A therapeutic suction device includes an operating vacuum chamber connected to a motor operated pump to create a vacuum pressure therein and a pressure controlling means to maintain a predetermined pressure in the vacuum chamber. The vacuum pressure in the operating vacuum chamber can be pre-arranged so as to provide a suction force by a pressure difference even when there is a shortage of electricity.

Abstract: An apparatus for draining fluids, for example, from a chest or pleural cavity, includes a collection chamber for collecting fluids through an inlet port for entry of the fluids. Also included is a dry or waterless suction control chamber in fluid communication with the collection chamber for regulating the degree of vacuum imposed in the collection chamber. If desired, a seal chamber can also be provided between the dry suction control chamber and the collection chamber so as to prevent any ambient or atmospheric air from passing into the collection chamber. The suction control chamber has a first inlet which is coupled to a suction source and a second inlet communicates with the ambient. A waterless regulator is provided for regulating the degree of suction imposed in the collection chamber at a plurality of predetermined preset levels of suction. This regulator is positioned between the suction inlet and the ambient inlet.

Abstract: A suction apparatus for aspirating mucous from the nose, mouth and throat of the newborn to clear the respiratory passages after birth. Includes a catheter with a tip sized and shaped for the newborn, a mucous trap to collect the aspirated mucous, and a suction tube and mouthpiece to permit the application of controlled suction by the attending physician. The device incorporates safety features to prevent the accidental ingestion of dangerous microorganisms along with the aspirated air. These safety features include devices to close off the suction tube when mucous is about to enter it and filters to strain out any potential aerosols of mucous from the air entering the mouthpiece.

Abstract: An autotransfusion system for collecting and salvaging blood from a patient's body cavity and for returning it to the patient includes a collection bottle which is detachably connected by an arrangement of ports and an adapter to a source of suction as well as to a conduit from the patient. When the bottle is connected to the system the suction draws the blood into the bottle. When the bottle has been filled and it is desired to return the blood to the patient or for further processing before returning it to the patient the container is easily detached and may be connected to an intravenous delivery set. During reinfusion blood may continue to be collected by the system by replacing the original container with another container. The system may be operated by suction from commonly available fittings in hospital environments or may be connected to a thoracic drainage system to utilize the suction from that system to operate the autotransfusion device.

Abstract: A suction collection system particularly suitable for drawing fluids from a patient area and storing the fluids for later use or disposal, which is operable in any orientation of the device, thereby providing a field operable system which may be transported in battlefield conditions. The portable suction system consists of a cylindrical evacuating chamber with a top sealing cap. A suction port on the sealing cap is connected to the fluid collection bag, which consists of a laminar flexible plastic bag having an air permeable, liquid impermeable patch or portion through which air may pass for purposes of providing a vacuum suction, yet the collected fluids will remain in the bag. The suction power is provided by a vacuum pump which is electronically regulated by periodically energizing and de-energizing the pump to conserve power supply energy.

Abstract: A fluid drainage system includes a suction chamber and a collection chamber. The suction chamber includes a suction regulator comprised of first and second chambers separated by a divider. An opening in the divider has a biased closing member associated therewith for opening or closing the opening according to the pressure differential between the chambers. A dash pot is connected to the closing member for damping the force on the closing member. The drainage system further includes devices for measuring the patient airflow, patient negativity and imposed suction. Those devices consist of diaphragms having dials connected thereto such that movement of the diaphragm results in movement of the dial and thereby indicating a change in one of the above noted variables. As an alternative, the drainage system includes a venturi meter for measuring airflow. Finally, the system contains an anti-spill device that prevents the spilling of fluids from the collection chamber to other chambers in the device.

Abstract: A pressure regulator including high and low pressure chambers separated by a divider having an opening, a closing member biassed to a closing position for closing the opening with a biassing force according to a desired pressure differential between the chambers, and a damping device for damping the resulting force on the closing member. There is also disclosed a fluid drainage system having a suction chamber with a suction regulator, and various arrangements of diaphragms for measuring pressure differentials. An anti-spill device for the draining system is disclosed as well.

Abstract: A medical fluid suction canister and method of use are disclosed. Suction is drawn on a liner within the canister through a check valve, preferably a duckbill check valve and, as a result, fluid from a patient flows into the liner. The check valve prevents the reverse flow of air into the liner should there be an operating upset and ensures that the liner remains fully expanded.

Abstract: A surgical pleural drainage apparatus for draining fluids from the body of a patient is disclosed. The apparatus includes a container with a collection chamber. A suction outlet is provided on the container which is connected to a source of negative pressure and a fluid passageway connects the suction outlet to the collection chamber. A non-liquid one-way valve is provided in the fluid passageway for allowing fluid flow only from the collection chamber to the suction outlet. An air leak indicator is also provided in the passageway to indicate a flow of gases through the passageway and optionally the qualitative quantity of that flow. Preferably, the air leak indicator includes a visible liquid trap through which any gases flow and form bubbles which are visible. The liquid trap is prefilled with glycerine or a like liquid. The amount of negative pressure applied to the collection chamber is controlled by a suction control device.

Abstract: An apparatus for the autotransfusion of blood or similar body fluid. The apparatus includes a container which is an evacuable, vacuum-stable container having a bottom part and a cover part. The container also includes an inlet opening for the body fluid arranged in the cover part. An outlet opening for the body fluid is arranged in the cover part with a screen covering the outlet opening. An opening is arranged in the bottom part for the production of a gas flow connection to a chamber with a gas pressure different from that of the inside of the container. A membrane deformable by pressure, and through which the body fluid cannot pass is held at the edge between the bottom and the cover parts. The membrane divides the container into a gas-filled bottom chamber and a cover chamber sealed off from the latter to receive the body fluid. A float seals off the outlet opening.

Abstract: A suction drainage system for body cavities includes a suction collection container, and a disposable suction control chamber through which an essentially constant level of suction is applied to a body cavity. Drained fluids flow into the suction collection container, into the suction control chamber through an elastomeric check valve which precludes backflow of fluids to the patient. A pressure monitoring tube in the suction control chamber has a lower end communicating with ambient pressure and an upper end communicating with the interior of the suction control chamber. A ball in the tube rises to a level which is proportional to the negative pressure inside the suction control chamber. The suction control chamber can be removably mounted to the collection container.

Abstract: A surgical pleural drainage apparatus for draining fluids from the body of a patient is disclosed. The apparatus includes a container with a collection chamber. A suction outlet is provided on the container which is connected to a source of negative pressure and a fluid passageway connects the suction outlet to the collection chamber. A non-liquid one-way valve is provided in the fluid passageway for allowing fluid flow only from the collection chamber to the suction outlet. An air leak indicator is also provided in the passageway to indicate a flow of gases through the passageway and optionally the qualitative quantity of that flow. Preferably, the air leak indicator includes a visible liquid trap through which any gases flow and form bubbles which are visible. The liquid trap is prefilled with glycerine or a like liquid. The amount of negative pressure applied to the collection chamber is controlled by a suction control device.

Abstract: An autotransfusion apparatus for blood or a similar body fluid, comprising(a) an evacuatable vacuum-resistant container (5) having a bottom part (4) and a cover part (3), with(a1) an inlet opening (20) for the body fluid arranged in the cover part,(a2) an outlet opening (24) for the body fluid having a screen (25) covering the outlet opening, and(a3) an opening (9) for producing a gas-flow connection to a space having a gas pressure which differs from the inside of the container.

Abstract: A drainage collector capable of draining and collecting fluid especially blood from the cardiopulmonary system during and after a surgical operation. A drainage sump is provided with a liquid seal to prevent outside air from entering the cardiopulmonary space. A dry suction control means with a built in positive pressure relief valve and high negative relief valve is incorporated within the drainage collector. Further, a blood transfer adapter is provided such that collected blood can be readily transferred to either a blood bag or to an autotransfusion device for recirculation of processed blood back into the patient.

Abstract: Apparatus for the collection of fluids, particularly body fluids in a disposable container with a removable lid to which suction is applied. In order to avoid contamination of the suctional system from the fluids being collected, a removable filter chamber, with a hydrophobic filter element, is interposed in a suctional tube that extends downwardly from the lid to the cut-off level of the fluid in the container. When the fluid collected in the container rises to the cut-off level, it is sucked against the filter and the outlet is sealed.

Abstract: A suction canister assembly comprises an enclosed receptacle having a first opening for providing suction to the receptacle and a second opening for drawing fluids, including liquids and gases, into the receptacle during suction. A unitary shut-off valve/filter element is associated with the interior side of the first opening. This element is oriented within the receptacle so as to be contacted by liquid in the receptacle which rises therein. The element is porous and is adapted to filter particulate matter from gas passing therethrough. In addition, the valve/filter element is capable of developing sufficiently high surface tension under liquid contact to serve as a barrier against liquid passage therethrough at pressure differentials across the element when vacuum is applied on one side of the element. As a result, the element is adapted to terminate suction through the suction opening when liquid rises in the receptacle to completely cover the element.

Abstract: An improved flexible container for use in the collection and defibrination of blood. The flexible container is provided with an insitu filter associated with the outlet port. The fibrin filter includes a perforated inner tube extending into the outlet port and a reticulated foam insert secured around the inner tube. In accordance with one embodiment a perforated outer shell member encases the foam insert.

Abstract: Medical suction apparatus is disclosed including in combination a rigid outer canister having a cover and a disposable semi-rigid inner liner or container. Mounting assembly means coacts with the canister and cover to seal the container within the canister. The container is a cup-like member which maintains its cup-like shape before, during and after use within the canister. A simple and efficient snap-fit mounting assembly includes an annular sealing support lid on the upper peripheral lip of the container. The lid is snap-fit mounted to the rim of the canister to support the container therefrom. This mounting also establishes a gap between the container and canister, as well as sealing such gap. The cover is snap-fit mounted to the annular lid to compress the container lip and an upper section of the container sidewall between the cover and the lid. This mounting seals the interior of the container. The lid may be released from the canister without breaking the seal between the cover and container.