Abstract: A medical sanitation system for measuring blood pressure includes a cuff to be wrapped around the limb of a person. The cuff comprises a flexible strap with first and second ends which overlap for coupling. A first layer and a second layer of material define an internal compartment forming an inflatable bladder confined within the compartment. A first connector tube connects to a manually operated air supply pump and a second connector tube connects to a sphygmomanometer. A first fastening portion is secured at the first face of the strap and a second fastening portion is applied to the second face of the strap. A protective liner formed of a layer of absorbent material and a layer of liquid impermeable material prevents body fluids from contacting and contaminating the strap. The liner has a width greater than the width of the cuff. A fastener assembly secures the liner to the second face of the strap.

Abstract: A cuff for a sphygmomanometer is constituted of an air bag for pressurization into which a predetermined amount of air is supplied and connected to a pressure sensor, an air bag for press into which a predetermined amount of fluid is supplied for causing the pressurization air bag to press the artery in the wrist portion, and a band for attaching both air bags to the wrist portion. When blood pressure is to be measured, a predetermined amount of air is supplied into the pressurization air bag and then air is supplied into the press air bag. The press air bag is accordingly expanded to cause the pressurization air bag to pressurize the artery. In this way, the sphygmomanometer cuff is provided which can overcome discomfort due to a feeling of being overly pressurized or dampness and ensure blocking of the blood flow in the artery so as to achieve measurement with higher precision.

Abstract: An automatic tourniquet system (10) including variable pressure cuff apparatus (60) for applying a variable pressure to a limb or artery of a patient in order to occlude blood flow thereat and control apparatus (40) for determining the operative pressure of the variable pressure cuff (20) apparatus and including apparatus for estimating the minimum effective cuff pressure required for complete occlusion.

Abstract: A conical blood pressure cuff having an integrated inflatable bladder is provided. The cuff is formed of a flexible compliant laminate having at least first and second layers which are impermeable to air. The cuff is formed having first and second arcuate edges, the second edge having a smaller radius than the first edge. Radial edges extend between the first and second arcuate edges. An air-tight rectangular pocket forms the inflatable bladder between the first and second layers. A tube is provided communicating with the interior of the pocket formed between the laminated layers. Air may be pumped the through the tube to inflate the bladder. Similarly, the bladder may be deflated by removing air from the pocket through the tube.

Abstract: A blood pressure cuff which, when the cuff is being applied to the patient, automatically indicates when the proper amount of tension in the cuff has been reached. The blood pressure cuff includes a tension sensor disposed on an end which the user grips, constructed of elastomeric or elastic material, including accordion-like ridges. The ridges include a graphic which is partially or substantially hidden when less then the proper amount of tension is applied to the blood pressure cuff, and which is substantially viewable when the proper amount of tension is applied to the blood pressure cuff. The tension sensor may include an indicator area which is substantially hidden by a set of folds until a pre-set amount of tension is applied.

Abstract: A thrombus filter which can be securely fixed at a selected location in the vascular system of a patient and removed when no longer required. The thrombus filter includes a body portion and a plurality of struts, each strut having a joined end and a free end. The joined end of each strut is fixably attached to the body portion. The struts radiate outwardly from the body member such that the thrombus filter is generally conical in shape. The free end of each strut includes an anchor member. A weakened portion is disposed proximate the free end of each strut. When removal of the thrombus filter is desired, forces are applied to the thrombus filter causing the struts to break at the weakened portions proximate the free ends. When breaking of the struts has been accomplished, the thrombus filter may be freely pulled into the lumen of the retrieval catheter.

Abstract: In the pressure cuff of the present invention, an end portion of a cuff comprises a pair of separable first and second tail sections, each having a coupling mechanism, such as sections of hook and loop type fastening material formed thereon. A complementary coupling mechanism is formed on the bladder section. When the cuff is wrapped about an arm having a nonuniform circumference, then the tail sections can be coupled at different lengths to the bladder section of the cuff, so that the bladder section, when inflated, supplies relatively even pressure across a substantial length of the brachial artery.

Abstract: A conduit assembly according to the invention includes a first member comprising a pair of integral conduit sections which interface with a custom connector having a first pair of distal connectors for receiving the receptacles of the duel lumen tube and a second pair of proximal connectors for receiving a shroud and an air tube, respectively. Received at the first proximal connector is a shroud for shielding electrical wiring. Received at the second proximal connector is a distal end of a pneumatic tube, which at its proximal end is connected to an air tube extending from an inflatable section of a cuff. The custom connector minimizes the area of and severity of seams and crevices at a separation area of electrical and pneumatic leads, and assures that the area of separation will endure only minimal mechanical degradation over the course of the device's use.

Abstract: A system and method of controlling the pressure within a surgical tourniquet so as selectively to occlude blood flow within a portion of a limb of a patient, wherein the pressure within an inflatable cuff surrounding a portion of a limb of a patient is changed by automatically opening a first valve connected to a controller and located within a first conduit between an inflatable bladder and the inflatable cuff, when the pressure in the inflatable cuff is different from that in the inflatable bladder. In another aspect, a system and method of controlling the pressure within a surgical tourniquet so as selectively to occlude blood flow within a portion of a limb of a patient within five seconds. In another aspect, a system and method of detecting a leak in a surgical tourniquet. In another aspect, a surgical tourniquet that, from an inflated state, may enter a deflated state, a set state, a default display state, or an off state.

Abstract: A blood pressure cuff having a pair of flexible gas-impermeable sheets wherein each of the sheets has an inner and an outer side and wherein the inner sides are placed in contact and the edges of the sheets are fused along a periphery thereof to form an interior chamber. At least one hook fastener portion is disposed on one outer side of one of the sheets and at least one loop portion is disposed on an outer side of the other of the sheets. A conduit means is attached to one of the flexible sheets for connecting to a source of pressurized fluid for allowing inflation and deflation of the interior chamber. The sheets are fused together by RF welding along a perimeter of one outer side of one of the sheets. The hook fastener portion, the loop portion, and the conduit means are each RF welded to an outer side of one of said sheets.

Abstract: A vascular assist device which maintains a static graduated pressure as the minimum pressure at all times during use. At least two inflatable chambers which wrap around selected portions of a limb apply elevated pressure to selected portions of a limb to disgorge blood therefrom. The inflatable chambers also apply static pressure which is graduated from distal to proximal along selected portions of a limb, such as from the ankle to the hip. A separate inflatable foot chamber can be included and is not necessarily utilized in conjunction with the compression phases for the ankle, calf, or thigh inflatable chambers. A desired pressure level is generated and maintained in a pressure accumulator, and a pressure regulator and regulator valve control the pressure in the inflatable chambers. The inflatable chambers between the ankle and hip are inflated to a predetermined and uniform dynamic pressure which is maintained in the inflatable chambers for a predetermined amount of time.

Abstract: A garment includes a compression system useful for stimulating venous and/or arterial blood flow in a limb, such as the foot or leg, by applying cyclic compressive pressures thereto. The garment has at least one inflatable bladder which is gradually inflated to slowly compress the foot substantially in the sole, the upper dorsi-medial areas, and dorsi-lateral areas of the foot, and then deflated to rapidly release the pressure. The muscle mass of the foot is thus squeezed and, upon sudden release, reactive hyperaemia is produced which increases arterial inflow, thus increasing venous flow in the foot and/or the leg thereof. The compression system may be used alone or in conjunction with a garment of similar structure, applied to other portions of the limb, such as the calf or thigh, for simultaneous or sequential stimulation of venous blood flow in the limb.

Abstract: An apparatus is provided for femoral artery compression having an inflatable bladder, a cooling member and a rigid panel disposed within a sterile envelope and securable to a patient about the wound site via a detachable strap. The envelope can be pre-cooled as a unit and located over the wound such that the rigid panel focuses compressive force against the artery, trapping it between the panel and the pelvic bone rim. The bladder is adjustably inflatable by a conventional squeeze bulb valve arrangement and forces the cooling member against the rigid panel and the tissue in the wound vicinity. The rigid panel includes ridge structure to restrict sliding movement with respect to the cooling member. The envelope includes separate chambers for each of these components so as to restrict their movement once the envelope has been properly positioned. The envelope and its components are preferably constructed from inexpensive materials such that the entire apparatus is conveniently disposable after a single use.

Abstract: Apparatus for applying pressure to a portion of a body, including a pressure cuff surroundingly engageable with the portion of the body, the cuff including a plurality of individually inflatable cells, including a most distal cell and a most proximal cell, and a pressure controller that inflates at least one of the cells to a non-constant pressure during a given time period. Preferably the pressure fluctuates between predetermined maximum and minimum levels during each time interval of cell inflation. The easing of pressure allows the engorged tissue to which the cell applies pressure to immediately refill between pressure rises to the maximum pressure. The cell thus dynamically decongests the engorged tissue to which the cell applies pressure.

Abstract: A method of monitoring the patency of an inflated tube in a pneumatic medical device. The method includes inflating the tubing of the device, generating a pneumatic pulse at one part of the tubing by varying pressure in the tubing, sensing at another part of the tubing the variation of the pressure, determining the time between the generated and sensed pressure, and producing a human-perceptible signal when the time between the generated and sensed pressure exceeds a reference level.

Abstract: A configuration register is incorporated into an electrically powered tourniquet apparatus for enabling an operator to change the values of parameters initially employed at the time of the next use of the apparatus, such as the initial pressure settings and elapsed time limits. These changed initial values of parameters are stored in memory and remain there despite inadvertent or intentional interruption of electrical power to the apparatus. An event register provides capability for recording the occurrence of events (cuff inflation, cuff deflation, etc.) and for relating the occurrence of the events to hazards and undesirable outcomes such as nerve damage associated with tourniquet usage.

Abstract: An apparatus for treating lymphedema in the limb of a patient as an outer sleeve configured to encircle the limb of the patient. A plurality of straps are secured in a lateral configuration on the sleeve to tighten the sleeve about the limb of the patient. Detachable markers are located on each of the straps adjacent a reference point on the straps to permit the straps to be tightened, loosened and then retightened to the same positions. The method for treating edema in the limb of a patient at a multiplicity of spaced apart locations comprises encircling the limb of a patient with an elongated sleeve having an elongated open seam and a plurality of spaced apart laterally extending releasable enclosable tightening straps. Strap are closed to secure the sleeve to the patient's limb. One of the straps is released, and a partially air-inflated pneumatic bladder is inserted through the seam underneath the released strap to position the bladder adjacent the patient's limb and the interior of the sleeve.

Abstract: The childbirth-assisting device uses an automatically synchronized expandable pneumatic girdle to externally augment the secondary force of labor. The girdle through which the pressure is applied is fitted around the abdomen of the woman. An inflatable bladder within the girdle is inflated to create a downward pressure on the abdomen upon detection of a contraction. An external pressure monitor is used to detect contractions to provide a signal for synchronizing inflation of the girdle. The external pressure monitor includes a solid state force sensor embedded within a pliable housing which is conformable to the patient's abdomen to improve accuracy.

Abstract: A physiologic tourniquet includes a safety interlock system for detecting any potentially hazardous attempt to change tourniquet cuff pressure during a procedure involving the use of two cuffs for intravenous regional anesthesia. The attempt to change pressure is prevented until the operator provides a timely and separate confirmation action.

Abstract: An automatic tourniquet system (10) including variable pressure cuff apparatus (60) for applying a variable pressure to a limb or artery of a patient in order to occlude blood flow thereat and control apparatus (40) for determining the operative pressure of the variable pressure cuff (20) apparatus and including apparatus for estimating the minimum effective cuff pressure required for complete occlusion.

Abstract: The invention relates to a cuff for a sphygmomanometer, which is able to judge the maximum blood pressure and minimum blood pressure at a high accuracy. The cuff 10 comprises a bendably deformable hard curved plate 10a, an outside cloth 10b which surrounds the outer periphery of said curved plate 10a, an inside cloth 10c sewed to the outside cloth 10b so that the same surrounds the inner periphery of said curved plate 10a, an air bag 10d secured inside the inside cloth 10c, and an engaging fastener 10e sewed to the outer periphery of the outside cloth 10b. The air bag 10d is composed of a transparent bag member 10g in which reinforcing fabric 10f is incorporated in a latticed state. Each optical range sensor 12 is composed of a photocoupler 12a fixed at the outside of the bag member 10g and a reflection plate 12b fixed at the inside of the bag member 10g so as to be opposite to the photocoupler 12a.

Abstract: Barriers for contravention of the transfer of pathogenic organisms from one patient to another through an inflatable cuff comprised of a cuff and a bladder of a sphygmomanometer are supplied on a sterile roll of synthetic polymer segmented by transverse perforations so that each segment may be torn off and used as a barrier between a patient's skin and an inflatable cuff. The rolled segments may be tubular so that the barrier will be tubular in form in order to slip it over the patient's extremity. Each tubular barrier is perforated along one edge so that it can be torn longitudinally to convert the barrier from a tubular form to a rectangular form if needed. The tubular form is provided with ample circumference so that the excess can be gathered near the longitudinal perforations and folded over the longitudinal perforations in order to maintain the integrity of the barrier's function.

Abstract: A medical bladder cover (10) for releasably securing a medical bladder (22) to a patient and for providing a protective covering around the medical bladder. The bladder cover (10) includes a body (12) having an elongated portion (14) for being releasably received around an appendage of a patient. A bladder engaging portion is defined by the elongated portion (14) of the body (12) for releasably engage a medical bladder (22). The body (12) of the medical bladder cover also includes a flap portion (20) secured to the elongated portion (14) of the body (12) for being folded over the medical bladder (22) as the elongated portion (14) engages the medical bladder. At least one adhesive surface portion (24) is provided on the bladder engaging portion of the elongated portion (14) of the body (12) for releasably bonding the bladder engaging portion to the medical bladder. Also provided is a mechanism for releasably securing the elongated portion (14) of the body about an appendage of the patient.

Abstract: This invention relates to an obsterical pneumogirdle having a body formed by a front section and a back section between which an inflatable chamber is placed. When inflated, the chamber remains located exactly over the front wall of a pregnant woman's abdomen, in such a way that appropriate intermittent pressure may be exerted over the patient's womb. This obstertrical pneumogirdle also comprises a monitor, a manometer a pneumatic electronic control system, an inlet for oxygen or air, a pressure adjustment knob, cables for electric feeding, a hose for pressure monitoring, a plurality of girdle braces, a switch to start or stop the system's operation, an air hose and switch to start or stop air flow is interconnected to an air pump, and devices to fasten the girdle to the patient's body. All these components are disposed in such a way to make the air injection possible as well as the regulation of pressure, and further, to procure a safe, calm and efficient childbirth.

Abstract: An overlapping tourniquet cuff system for improved application of pressure to the limb, including an inflatable bladder; a sheath for containing the inflatable bladder wherein the sheath has a length sufficient to encircle the limb and overlap on itself in a substantially circumferential direction around the limb; a mechanism for securing the overlapped sheath around the limb; and a stiffening mechanism for superimposing over a region of the overlapped and secured sheath to constrain the shape of the sheath beneath the region when the bladder is inflated. The stiffening mechanism includes a securing mechanism for securing the overlapping sheath in a substantially circumferential direction around the limb independently of the sheath securing mechanism such that the sheath remains overlapped and secured in a substantially circumferential direction if the sheath securing mechanism is not engaged or becomes ineffective while the bladder is inflated.

Abstract: The vascular resistance to blood flow through the hand is increased in an essentially uniform manner by the application of pressure to the hand. The pressure is applied by means of an inflatable bladder mounted on an arm board or within a non-expandable sleeve, mitten or glove, which bladder covers at least the palm of the hand. Controlled inflation of the bladder conveys pressure to the hand tissue to a degree necessary to compress vascular structures and obstruct or restrict blood flow. By occluding blood flow through the hand, more accurate invasive blood pressure readings can be taken in clinical situations where decreased hand vascular resistance occurs.

Abstract: Apparatus for monitoring the patency of tubing in a pneumatic medical device including: an inflatable appliance for positioning onto the surface of a limb and adapted to apply pressure to the limb beneath the appliance when inflated with gas; tubing for establishing a pneumatic conduit between the inflatable appliance and a pressure control system. The pressure control system for supplies the tubing with gas at a controlled pressure. The pressure control system includes a pulse generating system for generating a pneumatic pulse at a sensing location in the tubing by producing a variation in the pressure of the gas at the sensing location during a finite time interval. A tubing patency monitoring system is adapted to sense the variation of pneumatic pressure at the sensing location and produce a tubing obstruction signal when the variation of pneumatic pressure sensed after the finite time interval exceeds a reference level.

Abstract: A disposable blood pressure cuff is made from a composite of a non-stretchable paper component and an elastic thermoplastic material component. The paper component provides the necessary outer circumferential strength for the cuff so that it will not stretch outwardly when it is inflated. The thermoplastic layer provides an inwardly expandable surface for contacting a limb of the patient which the cuff encircles. A tape tab is included to releasably attach the cuff to the patient's limb. The tab is provided with a visible indicium which indicates the proper degree of overlap of the ends of the cuff when the latter is affixed to the patient's limb. The cuff may be used by only one patient, and may be discarded when the patient is finished with it. The cuff is provided with a one-piece slip luer fitting which includes a flange disposed within the chamber, and an annular tube projecting through an outer component of the cuff.

Abstract: A single use protective barrier medical accessory serves to isolate a sphygmomanometer cuff from a patient whose blood pressure is to be taken in order to prevent contamination of the cuff by the patient's bodily fluids such as blood. The medical accessory constitutes an open ended tubular sleeve fabricated from readily foldable, fluid impervious material. Each open end is provided with an elastic band to snugly close around the patient's arm. In use, the tubular sleeve is introduced over a patient's arm and slid into position. A sphygmomanometer cuff is then fixed in place over the sleeve in the usual position on the patient's arm. Then, an upper portion of the sleeve is folded over to completely cover the sphygmomanometer cuff while permitting admission of a tube coupled to a bulb for pressurizing the cuff. After the patient's blood pressure has been taken, the upper portion is unfolded, the cuff is removed and the sleeve is removed and disposed of, preferably according to established procedures.

Abstract: An inflatable medical cuff with a relief and safety valve. When the pressurized fluid from a pump exceeds a predetermined level, the safety valve pops-up to indicate the same. The relief valve may be used to reduce this excess pressure. A loop and hook fastener may be used to attach the cuff to a person's limb.

Abstract: An injection clamp for lifting and holding skin on an upper arm comprising: a pair of mating parallel elongated jaw members; a pair of mating arm members hinged together at one end, each arm member having a hinge end portion which carries an elongate jaw member extending laterally therefrom, each arm member having a rounded central portion adapted to extend around one side of the upper arm, and a spring end portion, said spring end portion being the end of the arm member opposite the hinge end; and, tension spring extending between the spring end portions of the pair of mating arm members is disclosed. The unique design of the clamp allows one to single handedly slide the clamp over the upper arm, open the spring end portion thereof with one's fingers, and then while pulling the elongate jaw members towards the arm--allow the spring end portion to close so that the skin is pinched between the elongate jaw members.

Abstract: An inflatable cuff for pressing a body portion of a living subject by being wound and inflated around the body portion, in measuring a blood pressure of the subject, the cuff having (a) a first group of graduations provided on a major surface of the cuff, the major surface being adapted to be visible when the cuff is wound around the body portion of the subject, so that the first group of graduations are used for measuring a circumferential length of the body portion; and (b) a second group of graduations provided on the major surface of the cuff, the graduations of the second group corresponding to the graduations of the first group, respectively, so that the cuff wound around the body portion of the subject is fixed at one of the graduations of the second group which corresponds to one of the graduations of the first group which indicates the measured circumferential length of the body portion.

Abstract: A tourniquet cuff provides a convenient and safe mechanism for connecting a sterile cuff that is disposed within a sterile surgical field with a source of pressurized air outside of the sterile field. Also provided is mechanism for connecting the cuff's inflatable bladder to the end of a tube to establish a gas-tight passageway between the tube and the bladder while allowing rotation of the tube end relative to the bladder in clockwise and counterclockwise directions around the cylindrical axis of the tube and maintaining the gas-tight passageway during and after such rotation and while also ensuring that an operator can disconnect the tube from the bladder only by manually applying an unlocking force and by applying a disconnecting force in a direction at a right angle to the unlocking force while the unlocking force remains applied.

Abstract: The childbirth-assisting device uses an automatically synchronized expandable pneumatic girdle to externally augment the secondary force of labor. The girdle through which the pressure is applied is fitted around the abdomen of the woman. An inflatable bladder within the girdle is inflated to create a downward pressure on the abdomen upon detection of a contraction. External pressure monitors which detect contractions may be attached directly to the girdle, and the girdle is configured to assure that the bladder is correctly positioned at all times. A member may be provided to prevent multiple uses of a girdle to assure the integrity of the girdle during use.

Abstract: This invention introduces a system which allows a low level of pressure to be applied to the wound site in order to prevent bleeding during a stable period. Some models of this unit also give the option of allowing the unit to be inflated in order to increase the pressure in the area and stop bleeding if it occurs later. Automatic ways of recognizing bleeding are also introduced that utilize a computerized means of recognition and/or application of a set of proper reactions after bleeding, and an automated pressure application as well. It is believed that this unit will help human beings significantly.

Abstract: A multiple blood pressure cuff system comprises a plurality of inflatable cuffs of a range of widths and lengths which collectively share a common pressure source and a common pressure measuring device. A manifold pneumatically connects each cuff to the common pressure source and pressure measuring device and stopcock valves allow airflow to be directed to only the particular cuff in use. A mounting board is provided for affixing the system to a wall or cabinet and for conveniently supporting and displaying the cuffs that are not in use.

Abstract: A universal blood-pressure cuff cover (10) for protecting the blood-pressure cuff of a sphygmomanometer. The protective cover (10) includes a top band (32) for being releasably received about the appendage of a patient and around the blood-pressure cuff (22) secured about such appendage. The top band (32) is fabricated of a flexible material and defines opposite edge portions (38 and 40) for being positioned on opposite sides of the blood-pressure cuff (22), and the opposite edge portions (38 and 40) are provided with draw members (46) for drawing together the flexible material of the top band (32) proximate the edge portions (38 and 40) and for biasing such edge portions toward the appendage of the patient.

Abstract: A configuration register is incorporated into an electrically powered tourniquet apparatus for enabling an operator to change the values of parameters initially employed at the time of the next use of the apparatus, such as the initial pressure settings and elapsed time limits. These changed initial values of parameters are stored in memory and remain there despite inadvertent or intentional interruption of electrical power to the apparatus. An event register provides capability for recording the occurrence of events (cuff inflation, cuff deflation, etc.) and for relating the occurrence of the events to hazards and undesirable outcomes such as nerve damage associated with tourniquet usage.

Abstract: A prosthetic anal sphincter is described which is implantable around the upper anal canal to reproduce the action of the sphincter muscles which maintain continence. This is achieved by inflating a tube with liquid from a reservoir and creating an angle of about 90.degree. between the rectum and the anal canal and by flattening the upper anal canal by squeezing the posterior wall of anal canal against the anterior wall.

Abstract: An overlapping occlusive cuff has an inflatable bladder and a sheath for containing the inflatable bladder, wherein the sheath has a length sufficient to encircle a limb and overlap on itself in a substantially circumferential direction around the limb. First and second means are provided for securing the overlapping sheath in a substantially circumferential direction around the limb such that the sheath remains overlapped and secured by the second means if the first means does not engage or becomes ineffective while the bladder is inflated to a pressure sufficient to occlude flow in blood vessels in the limb encircled by the overlapping sheath.

Abstract: An inflatable cuff for pressing a body portion of a living subject by being wound and inflated around the body portion, in measuring a blood pressure of the subject by detecting a Korotkoff sound produced from an arterial vessel of the body portion pressed by the cuff, at least a portion of the cuff being provided by a stretchable sheet member, so that the cuff is stretchable while being wound and inflated around the body portion of the subject for pressing the body portion of the subject.

Abstract: A physiologic tourniquet includes a safety interlock system for detecting any potentially hazardous attempt to change tourniquet cuff pressure during a procedure involving the use of two cuffs for intravenous regional anesthesia. The attempt to change pressure is prevented until the operator provides a timely and separate confirmation action.

Abstract: A linear control valve that includes a flexible cantilevered beam having a seal mounted thereon that is arranged to open and close against a fluid port as the beam is flexed. The free end of the beam is in contact with a motor driven deflector and the amount of flexure controlled by selectively positioning the motor.

Abstract: A disposable non-porous protective wrap for use with a sphygmomanometer. When a person's blood pressure is taken, the protective wrap is applied to a limb of the person. Then, the sphygmomanometer cuff is applied over the protective wrap. The protective wrap insulates both the person and the sphygmomanometer from being exposed to diseases, germs and any other contaminants which may have been transferred onto the sphygmomanometer from other persons and does not interfere with the blood pressure reading.

Abstract: A cuff for a blood pressure meter includes material that does not stretch and in which the length of the surface in contact with the finger does not vary when the cuff is filled with compressed air, regardless of the diameter of the finger. Because the internal pressure in the cuff closely approximates the blood pressure of the finger, the device is accurate. Compressed air is pumped into chambers formed by a basic structure and containment walls. Folded portions which are provided on the containment walls cause surfaces of the containment walls which contact the object to be measured to remain parallel to protruding bodies located on the basic structure as they are displaced by inflation of the chambers.

Abstract: A disposable blood pressure cuff is made from a composite of a non-stretchable paper component and an elastic thermoplastic material component. The paper component provides the necessary outer circumferential strength for the cuff so that it will not stretch outwardly when it is inflated. The thermoplastic layer provides an inwardly expandable surface for contacting a limb of the patient which the cuff encircles. A tape tab is included to releasably attach the cuff to the patient's limb. The tab is provided with a visible indicium which indicates the proper degree of overlap of the ends of the cuff when the latter is affixed to the patient's limb. The cuff may be used by only one patient, and may be discarded when the patient is finished with it. The cuff is provided with a one-piece slip luer fitting which includes a flange disposed within the chamber, and an annular tube projecting through an outer component of the cuff.

Abstract: A mechanical device for applying a constant pressure/force to the cricoid cartilage during endotracheal intubation or other medical airway operations/procedures. The device has a contact surface that is disposed directly against the neck, above the cricoid cartilage of the patient, and held in place by an adjustable strap that passes behind the patient's neck and is secured to the protruding or cantilevered ends of the device. The device and strap are used to create pressure/force only on the back and front of patient's neck. The contact surface is held in place and transfers the force to a compressible bladder contained in the device. The strap can be adjusted until proper cricoid pressure is achieved for the intubation and then held in place to maintain the pressure until the procedure is concluded. The safety valve prevents excessive force application.

Abstract: The invention presents a compressive hemostatic belt which is easy to handle and is disposable. A balloon 5 inflatable by filling with fluid is mounted on a specific position of a strip 1 made of non-elastic or low-elastic fiber cloth or the like through mounting means, and a pump 8 and a pressure gauge 9 are connected to the balloon 5 through a check valve 6. The balloon 5 is filled with a fluid by manipulating the pump 8 while observing the pressure gauge 9 to inflate the balloon 5, so that only the area where bleeding is to be stopped is put under pressure. Since the balloon 5 is inflated only on the specified area, a piece of hard material 4 may be placed between the balloon 5 and the strip 1. A non-elastic reinforcing member 11 inserted on the opposite side of the balloon 5 can be varied, or the confronting portion of the strip 1 against the balloon 5 can be formed of a non-elastic reinforcing member stronger than the materials of other portions of the strip.

Abstract: An overlapping occlusive cuff for improved application of pressure to the limb, comprising: an inflatable bladder; a sheath for containing the inflatable bladder wherein the sheath has a length sufficient to encircle the limb and overlap on itself in a substantially circumferential direction around the limb; sheath securing means for securing the overlapped sheath around the limb; and stiffening means for superimposing over a region of the overlapped and secured sheath to constrain the shape of the sheath beneath the region when the bladder is inflated. The stiffening means includes securing means for securing the overlapping sheath in a substantially circumferential direction around the limb independently of the sheath securing means such that the sheath remains overlapped and secured in a substantially circumferential direction if the sheath securing means is not engaged or becomes ineffective while the bladder is inflated.

Abstract: A compressive hemostatic belt which is easily operable and thrown away after use, incorporates a strip (1) in the form of a nonstretch or low-stretch textile fabric, and a bag (5) expansible by being filled with fluid that is attached to the strip at a predetermined position by an attaching device. A pump (8) and a pressure gauge (9) are connected to the bag (5) attached at the predetermined position on the strip (1), so that the bag is expanded by operating the pump so as to fill the bag (5) with a suitable fluid while watching the pressure gauge (9). The bag thus presses down on an area (A) where bleeding is to be stopped.