American Hospital Supply Corporation

William D Christoffel

Christopher J Edwards

Pradip V Choksi

Richard C Tringali

Paul R Zeman

Hypodermic needle destroyer

A device having one embodiment for severing a hypodermic needle at its hub and cannula with a single motion. The device has hub and cannula cutters that are joined at a slidable joint and pivoted at noncoaxial pivot points to provide increased mechanical advantage to the cannula cutter. In another preferred embodiment, the same type cutting mechanism has its cutters spaced so as to sever a hypodermic syringe barrel and a cannula of a needle attached to the syringe barrel in a single motion.

Needle destroyer with improved mechanical advantage

An inflatable pad combined with an air control system for producing periodic inflation and deflation of that pad. The pad is elongated and has at least two separate passages extending from one end portion of the pad to the other, such passages also having interlaced transverse portions extending in directions across the pad. Each passage has a pair of terminal openings, one at each end of the pad, for the flow of air under pressure, such flow being controlled by a valve which not only alternates in directing air to inflate one passage and then the other, but also alternates the direction of inflation so that each passage is inflated alternately from its opposite ends. In one embodiment, the valve operates to positively exhaust one passage while the other is undergoing inflation, the exhaust air being recirculated and utilized by the compressor which serves as the source of pressurized air. Conservation and protection against overinflation may also be achieved by modifying the valve assembly to recirculate excess air, that is, air at a pressure greater than can be effectively or safely utilized by the pad. In all forms, the pad is provided with perforations on one side thereof which form bleed ports for the leakage of pressurized air from the passages, such leakage not only contributing to controlled deflation of the passages but also resulting in cooling air being directed against the limb or body of a person in close proximity to the pad.

Inflatable-deflatable pad and air control system therefor

A method and apparatus for sequentially inflating and deflating a compression device or the like to stimulate blood flow and prevent deep vein thrombosis. The apparatus includes an air compressor with a regulator valve providing fast inflation of such device to a pressure of approximately 60 mm Hg (1.2 psi) within 3 to 7 seconds. A pulse timer and a delay timer in the system are coupled together for actuating the compressor and a pressure relief valve to peak and maintain a pressure in the device for a measured period of time.

Growing community of inventors

Two Rivers, WI, United States of America

William D Christoffel