Abstract: A vessel (20) which is divided into compartments (22, 24) receives medical and biological fluid wastes through inlet fitting (12, 14). As the fluid is received, air in the vessel is displaced and is discharged through a vent line (32), either to atmosphere or to a vacuum source. When a level sensor (34) senses that a level of fluid in the vessel is approaching a preselected maximum, a control circuit (40) closes a valve (30) in the vent line, blocking the discharge of air from the vessel and creating a backpressure that stops the receipt of further fluid. Tubing connected to the fittings (12, 14) is disconnected from the patient or other source of fluid and a valve (64) is manually opened to vent the vessel, allowing any residual fluid in the tubing to be drained into the vessel. A drain valve (74) is opened to drain the vessel and the cleaning cycle is commenced.

Abstract: A urine drainage and collection device includes a tubing set having first, second, and third tube portions. Each tube portion has a first and second end. The first end of each tube portion is connected to and in communication with the first ends of the other two tube portions. A fluid metering device is connected to the second end of the second tube portion and permits introduction of fluid from the tubing set into the metering device. A receptacle in spaced fluid communication with the fluid metering device receives fluid from the metering device. An independent sampling device is in fluid communication with the second end of the third tube portion permits collection of fluid from the tubing set for sampling. A first flow control at an intermediate location of the second tube portion controls fluid flow through the second tube portion. A second flow control at an intermediate location of the spaced fluid communication between the metering device and receptacle controls fluid outflow from the metering device.

Abstract: A disposable device for filtration and collection of blood during a surgical operation, which device comprises a housing with a cup-shaped portion, in which a wall section is forming a ledge in the reservoir inside the housing. A first self-supporting filtration element for venuous blood is upstanding from the ledge, and a second filtration element for cardiotomy blood is suspended from the cover, the two elements being arranged side by side in a parallel relationship. The filter elements have an elongate, oval cross-section.

Abstract: An improved blood reservoir formed by opposed, flexible sheets has a screen sandwiched between the sheets defining an input chamber, an output chamber, and vent chamber. A vent is in fluid communication with the vent chamber. An outlet is in fluid communication with the output chamber. One or more inlets direct blood into the input chamber through apertures that direct blood upward and along the screen, allowing gas bubbles entrained in the blood to escape through the vent. Support springs around the inlets allow them to be flexed without kinking. The reservoir can be coupled to an improved mounting board for use.

Abstract: A liquid filtration device useable for removing leukocytes from blood contains a first chamber which is in fluid flow relationship with a second chamber. Filtration elements separate the first chamber from the second chamber so that liquid flowing from the first chamber is filtered thereby prior to entry into the second chamber. A passage leads from the second chamber into the first chamber and a hydrophobic filter may be used to prevent liquid from the first chamber from flowing through the passage into the second chamber while allowing air to flow therethrough. An outlet is located in the second chamber, preferably at the bottom thereof. A second outlet may be located within the second chamber and may be placed in fluid flow relationship therewith by a conduit or the like.

Abstract: Disclosed is an apparatus for providing liquid to a patient, preventing reflux and permitting venting. Tubes or other suitable apparatus are provided for connecting to the liquid source and the patient. An anti-reflux valve is provided in the hydraulic channel between the source and the patient. A vent is provided in the channel between the anti-reflux valve and the patient. Thus, gas urged from the patient under pressure is urged out of the vent. However, liquid similarly urged from the patient is prevented from overflowing by the anti-reflux valve. In a preferred embodiment, the anti-reflux valve is a flapper valve or a ball valve. In another preferred embodiment, the vent is a gas permeable, liquid impervious fabric. Alternatively, the vent may be a float valve. The invention is useful for gastroenterological feeding, nasogastric feeding and the like.

Abstract: A pharmaceutical container comprises a housing with a wall structure and bottom defining an inner volume, a pierceable diaphragm sealingly positioned within an opening in the housing, and a protective cover received over the diaphragm. The diaphragm has at least one fluid check valve integrally formed therein and affording one way fluid communication from ambient toward the inner volume of the housing when the fluid pressure inside the container is less than ambient. The protective cover has one or more openings in fluid communication with the diaphragm check valves either via a set of grooves formed in the upper surface of the diaphragm or through a path provided by a spacer positioned between the cover and the diaphragm. A tear away seal covers the holes in the cover to prevent air flow toward the check valves prior to initial use.

Abstract: The present invention provides a closed, fluid-modulating receiving system for the conveyance, modulation, and collection of fluid matter from its source. The receiving system may be employed under both in vivo and inanimate use conditions for the collection and disposal of fluids which may be infectious, hazardous, or toxic in and of themselves.

Abstract: The present invention provides a closed, fluid-modulating receiving system for the conveyance, modulation and collection of fluid matter from its source. The receiving system may be employed under both in vivo and inanimate use conditions for the collection and disposal of fluids which may be infectious, hazardous, or toxic in and of themselves.

Abstract: An assembly for collecting body fluids, especially cerebro-spinal fluids, which includes a drip chamber having an upper portion for introducing therein fluids to be collected and a lower portion, including a drainage tube, for draining fluids therefrom. The upper portion is provided with an overflow tube which is connected to the drainage tube and an air vent which is connected to a biological filter. The air vent comprises a tubular member and a device for closing the passageway in the tubular member to prevent fluid from wetting the biological filter.

Abstract: A tissue sample collection trap for trapping tissue samples for use with a suction sample collecting device comprising a cylindrical container either translucent or opaque with a suction connector element with a port provided at one end to connect to and cooperate with a suction device and the opposite container end open and adapted to accept a cap, the cap being either solid for continuous suction or provided with a control port through the end and into the container to be manually obstructed for suction by the operator and the diameter of a section of the inside of the container at the suction connector element and reduced forming a ledge adapted to hold a removable tissue trap assembly, and a tissue trap assembly comprising two round discs with a plurality of perforations forming screens and adapted to trap specimens and to slidably engage with and within the container and a hollow tubular handle provided to separate the discs extending axially and through the discs for slidably removing the tissue trap as

Abstract: A device for detecting the presence of urine at the genital region of an individual and removing and storing the urine. The device includes an external urine collecting vessel which is supported at the genital region to contain the urine within the vessel. Liquid sensors are contained within the vessel for detecting the presence of urine and automatically activating a pump to draw the urine through a tubing to a temporary storage chamber. A liquid impermeable liner is place within the collecting vessel for improved hygiene and for directing the urine away from the individual.

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 vented valve assembly for venting gas from a body collection pouch comprises structure for manually venting the gas from the pouch. The structure for manually venting the gas from the pouch include a housing, the walls of which define a chamber. The housing also includes an inlet and an outlet, the inlet adapted to be connected to the pouch. A valve for venting the gas from the pouch through the chamber from the inlet to the outlet is also provided which includes a valve seat located in the chamber adjacent the inlet, a valve stem extending in the chamber, a button attached to one end of the valve stem and extending out from the outlet, and a valve element attached to the other end of the valve stem and of a diameter smaller than that of the valve seat. The valve element being moveable between a closed position in close fit engagement with the valve seat and an open position remote from the valve seat upon the displacement of the button.

Abstract: A female urinary incontinence device including a periurethral cup having a neck portion with laterally outwardly facing adhesive surfaces for sealingly engaging the inwardly facing surfaces of the labia minora (also the labia majora) to provide an effectively sealed flow path for urinary outflow into a collection receptacle. In a preferred embodiment, a second adhesive zone is also provided along the rim of the cup for sealing engagement with the periurethral floor. A one-way valve and a vent are also included to prevent backflow, protect the adhesive seals, and provide vacuum relief even at low urinary flow rates.

Abstract: A urine meter comprising, a receptacle having a wall defining a cavity and an opening at the top of the metered receptacle communicating with the cavity. The urine meter has a container having flexible walls defining a chamber, with the container being secured to the top of the receptacle and having an opening communicating with the chamber and the cavity through the receptacle opening. The urine meter has an inlet conduit extending through the container to a position aligned with the cavity for draining liquid into cavity. The receptacle is movably mounted between a first lower upright position to collect liquid in the cavity, and a second upper tilted position sufficient to dump collected liquid from the cavity into the chamber.

Abstract: A flexible chest drainage bag or the like has an inlet with a flutter valve, and a venting outlet formed by a rigid or semi-rigid tube. The tube projects downwardly into the bag alongside the flutter valve to its lower end so as to resist folding of the bag in the region of the valve. The tube has an open lower end and several apertures along its opposite sides between the walls of the bag, so that the apertures are not obstructed by the material of the bag. One aperture is located close to the top of the bag to allow fluid to be drained from the bag when the bag is inverted. The upper end of the tube is external of the bag and is provided with a plastic cage to prevent occlusion of the tube.

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 urine meter comprising, a receptacle having a wall defining a cavity and an opening at the top of the metered receptacle communicating with the cavity. The urine meter has a container having flexible walls defining a chamber, with the container being secured to the top of the receptacle and having an opening communicating with the chamber and the cavity through the receptacle opening. The urine meter has an inlet conduit extending through the container to a position aligned with the cavity for draining liquid into the cavity. The receptacle is movably mounted between a first lower upright position to collect liquid in the cavity, and a second upper tilted position sufficient to dump collected liquid from the cavity into the chamber.

Abstract: This invention relates to an improved chest fluid drainage bottle of the type having a fluid collection chamber connectable to receive fluid sucked from the patient's chest, the improvement consisting of an improved air leak detection system characterized by a fluid filled U-tube downstream of the air space overlying the fluid collecting chamber cooperating therewith to define an air leak detector substantially insensitive to small intermittent variations in upstream pressure while, at the same time, providing an observer with a reliable visual indication of a continuous upstream leak. The improvement also encompasses an anti-splash baffle adjacent the outlet of the U-tube effective to prevent the fluid therein from leaving same and, perhaps, entering the vacuum system upon the application of larger than normal intermittent upstream positive pressure surges.

Abstract: A wound evacuator comprises a pair of walls which are pushed apart by springs to generate suction in a cavity. A strap coupled to one of the walls includes a plug to close an outlet, a slot cooperating with a peg on the one wall to retain the strap adjacent the one wall and a tab to prevent contact by an individual with the plug upon removal and reinsertion of the plug in the outlet.

Abstract: A vent assembly for a closed body fluid drainage system having a fluid retaining bag with a body engageable fluid draining tube extending therefrom. The venting assembly comprises, in spatial relationship, an outer, gas permeable, liquid-wetting bacteria filter, and an inner, gas permeable, liquid-repellent filter. In use, the vent assembly provides for the free exchange of gases flowing into and out of the fluid drainage system while effectively precluding entrance of bacteria and the like.