Quest Medical, Inc.

Med-pro, Ltd.

Gordon E Smith

Donald L Evans

Crystal putter

A metering device is disclosed which includes a metering chamber (14) divided into two compartments (22, 24) by a pressure transmitting member in the form of a flexible diaphragm (20). Fluid flow is alternately allowed into each of the two compartments (22, 24) with each compartment filling to the volume of the metering chamber (14) when full so that periodic pulses of intravenous fluid of that precise volume are sent to the patient. The volume of the metering chamber (14) is selected to match a standard intravenous set drop size, for example one-tenth, one-fifteenth, one-twentieth, or one-sixtieth milliliter.

Metering device for intravenous fluids

A method and apparatus for catheter insertion (10 or 100) for inserting a flexible catheter (12 or 112) into a selected liquid-filled body cavity (144) into which the anterior end of a substantially rigid, tubular member (151) has been inserted. A containing member (22 or 122) adapted to contain a limp, flexible, substantially straight catheter (12 or 112) is attached to the posterior end of the tubular member (151) in fluid communication therewith. The apparatus (10 or 100) has means (34 or 137) for selectively applying positive and negative pressure to the chamber (22 or 122), first to withdraw liquid from the liquid-filled body cavity (144) through the tubular member (151) into the chamber (22 or 122) and, second, to expel the liquid back through the tubular member (151) and into the body cavity (144) to draw the catheter (12 or 112) by means of friction between the liquid and the body (14 or 114) of the flexible catheter (12 or 112) into the body cavity (144), with the body (14 or 114) of the catheter (12 or 112) extending through the tubular member (151) into the body cavity (144). The substantially rigid, tubular member (151) may then be withdrawn from the body cavity (144), leaving the anterior end of the flexible catheter (12 or 112) in place within the body cavity (144).

Method and apparatus for catheter insertion

A catheter insertion device (10) is disclosed which is usable to insert a very flexible catheter (12) formed of a silicone elastomer into the blood vessel of a patient. Catheters of highly flexible material, such as silicone elastomer, are highly desirable for use as such catheters in that they do not initiate a build-up of fibrin in the blood stream as do other, more rigid, catheters. A hub member (18) is slidably received over a needle (14) carrying the catheter (12) and a semi-rigid sleeve (26) extends under the proximal end of the catheter (12) so as to aid in removing the catheter (12) from the needle (14) after the needle (14) has been inserted into the blood stream of the patient.

Catheter insertion device

A check valve is disclosed for use in blood drawing apparatus wherein it is desired to draw multiple samples from a single needle inserted into a patient's arm for use in a variety of medical tests. The check valve includes therein a valve member formed of a piece of a silicone elastomer which has a slit formed therein, the slit opening only when fluid pressure is greater in the patient than in the vessel into which the blood is being drawn. The check valve is of particularly small size so that it may be mounted within a conventionally sized double-needle fitting normally used in blood drawing apparatus.

Check valve for blood drawing apparatus

A naso-gastric feeding device is disclosed which includes a highly flexible feeding tube carried inside of a semi-flexible guide tube. The guide tube is inserted into the patient and then fluid is forced through the guide tube into the patient carrying with it the feeding tube. The guide tube is then withdrawn so that only the feeding tube is left in the patient with feeding taking place therethrough.

Naso-gastric feeding device and method of inserting same

A surgical tape in one embodiment having an elastomeric tubular body with the ends of the tubular body sealed to entrap air therein at substantially atmospheric pressure. A curved metal needle may be affixed to one end of the tubular body to facilitate insertion of the tape device between body structures. A clamping pad may be attached to the tubular body at a point intermediate the ends thereof. The clamping pad is adapted for use in ligating blood vessels by engaging the blood vessel between the clamping pad and a portion of the tubular body and drawing the tubular body into engagement with a jaw portion of the clamping pad.

Surgical tape device

A fabric clamp suitable for holding together pieces of fabric, such as surgical drapes, towels and the like, which is relatively compact and inexpensive. The clamp has two resilient arcuate members which are joined together at one end of each member with the arcuate members respectively having convex and concave jaws at their other ends. Latch members extending inward from the arcuate members engage when the clamp is pressed together to maintain the jaws in engagement. Release of the latch members is accomplished by laterally displacing the arcuate members of the clamp. The clamp may have multiple closed clamping positions, and finger members may be provided which are formed on the interior of the arcuate members in position to grasp a tube or other object therebetween when the clamp is closed.

Growing community of inventors

Sun Prairie, WI, United States of America

Gordon E Smith