Abstract: An extracorporeal blood set may be primed with physiological solution for use in a blood transporting process such as hemodialysis. The set comprises tubing having a patient connector on an end thereof, and a first branch tube in connection with a source of the solution. The branch tube connects with the set between the ends of the set. The branch tube also connects with further branch tubing, having a second connector which is capable of sealing connection with the patient connector. The method comprises the steps of connecting the patient connector and the second connector to form a closed loop of tubing. One then passes the solution from the source in flow through the first branch tube and further branch tubing to fill them and the set tubing with the solution. One then disconnects the patient connector for subsequent connection with the vascular system of a patient.

Abstract: A medical device has an interior for containment of fluids; an opening into the interior, an elastomeric wall comprising a fixedly placed, flexible barrier across the opening; and a retention wall positioned adjacent to a peripheral portion of the elastomeric wall. The retention wall defines a central opening and has a generally rigid retention zone surrounding the central opening, to engage and retain a connector tube which is advanced into the central opening to displace the elastomeric wall and to open a flow aperture through the elastomeric wall, for flow through the wall and connector tube. One of the retention zone and connector tube are made of a material of sufficient hardness that material of the other engaging member is deformed by engagement therewith, which increases the strength of retention between the retention wall and the connector tube.

Abstract: A crimp defines separate parallel bores extending therethrough to receive a wire or cable portion. The crimp has a pair of opposed ends which each define a pair of circumferentially-spaced, outwardly projecting flanges respectively positioned on opposite sides of the crimp. Thus, the flanges may rest against a bone while providing spacing for crimping jaws between a central portion of the crimp and the bone. A design of crimping pliers for use with the crimp is also disclosed.

Abstract: Bags for produce or the like are prepared by advancing a thermoplastic sheet and a mesh sheet, each having an upper edge, along a process line. The plastic sheet has a bottom portion which is folded to define a lower edge of the thermoplastic sheet at a fold line. One seals the folded portion of the solid-wall thermoplastic sheet to a lower edge of the mesh sheet. Transverse slits are then formed in the sheets, and the sheets are heat sealed together near edges of the slits to form separate bags between the slits. The slits extend across both lower edges of the bags, but are preferably spaced from the upper edges. One drops produce between the sheet upper edges into the bags, and the bags are then heat sealed adjacent to the upper edges thereof, and subsequently separated by cutting. A novel heat seal die is also shown.

Abstract: Bags for produce or the like are prepared by advancing a thermoplastic sheet and a mesh sheet, each having an upper edge, along a process line. The plastic sheet has a bottom portion which is folded to define a lower edge of the thermoplastic sheet at the fold line. One seals the folded portion of the solid-wall thermoplastic sheet to a lower edge of the mesh sheet. Transverse slits are then formed in the sheets, and the sheets are heat sealed together near edges of the slits to form separate bags between the slits. The slits extend across both lower edges of the bags, but are preferably spaced from the upper edges. One drops produce between the sheet upper edges into the bags, and the bags are then heat sealed adjacent to the upper edges thereof, and subsequently separated by cutting. A novel heat seal die is also shown.

Abstract: A fluorescence spectrometer comprises a laser and at least one beam splitter positioned to receive a light beam from the laser and to divide it into several first light beam portions. Dichroic mirrors are positioned to separately receive the first light beam portions and to reflect the beam portions at an angle to the first light beam portions. Transparent chambers are provided for holding the samples. Objective lens systems are respectively positioned in the path of the reflected beam portions to respectively focus each reflected beam portion to a point within one of the separate transparent chambers. Lenses are positioned to receive fluorescence from a sample for testing within the transparent chambers and to respectively focus the fluorescence at pin holes in opaque partitions. The lenses are positioned to receive the fluorescence, which passes back through the objective lens system and the dichroic mirror.

Abstract: Pressure is sensed in blood flow tubing by placing an aqueous, preferably isotonic, substantially cell-free solution into branch connection tubing (branch tube) that connects in branching relation with the blood flow tubing at one end. The branch connection tubing may also connect in use with a pressure transducer unit at its other end, or pressure may be mechanically indicated. An air volume is maintained, occupying a portion of the branch connection tubing which is adjacent to the other end. One flows positively or negatively pressurized blood through the blood flow tubing, with the result that the pressure of the blood is communicated through the aqueous solution and the air volume in the branch connection tubing to the pressure transducer unit, with the blood being spaced from the air volume. Preferably, substantially all of the branch connection tubing containing the aqueous solution and air volume has an inner diameter of substantially no more than 5 mm.

Abstract: A tubular set portion for circulating blood between a patient and an extracorporeal blood treatment device. The set portion has: an arterial tube for conveying blood from a patient toward the blood treatment device; a venous tube for conveying blood from the blood treatment device back towards the patient; and a pair of spaced, transverse tubes that each connect between the arterial tube and the venous tube, each of the tubes being capable of clamp sealing. The arterial and venous tubes are clamp sealable between the spaced, transverse tubes. Flow reversal on the patient's side of this device is possible by appropriate clamping of two opposed tube sections of the rectangular array which may be formed by the joined tube sections, while flow remains unchanged on the side of the tubular set portion that is connected to the extracorporeal blood treatment device.

Abstract: An implantable, spinal, vertebral replacement device comprises a tubular cage for fitting into a space left by a missing vertebral body and for optionally retaining bone graft material. First and second transverse plates are respectively positioned at opposed ends of the tubular cage for supporting the respective cage ends and for pressing a plate face against an adjacent vertebral body in spinal column-supporting relation. The transverse plates are each joined in transverse relation to a vertebral attachment plate which, in use, extends generally parallel to the spine. The vertebral attachment plate defines screw holes for preferably open helix screw securance to the pair of adjacent vertebral bodies that bracket the space left by the missing vertebral body.

Abstract: Blood lines for hemodialysis and other blood handling procedures may be reused by placing connectors intermediately along the length of the blood lines so that the lines can be disconnected to separate out reusable portions thereof. Specifically, the bulk of the blood lines used may comprise branchless lengths of tubing which are easily reusable, and may be cleaned and stored along with a dialyzer or similar device by connection to a conventional reuse machine. Also, the connectors on the blood lines which are reused may have first and second sealing surfaces. The first sealing surfaces are used in the connections made to form the blood line in its normal form for use. Then, during cleaning and sterilization for reuse, the reusable connectors can connect first and second lengths of blood lines together making use of a second sealing surface, in which the first sealing surfaces are exposed to cleaning/storing solution to cause cleaning and antibacterial action on the first sealing surfaces.

Abstract: A rotary gear device comprises a housing a preferably multiple pairs of rotatable meshing gears in coaxial relation defining spaced teeth which extend helically in the direction of the axis of each gear. First chambers are formed by the meshing gears which move substantially longitudinally while shrinking in size to substantially zero volume as they rotate toward a dead center plane. Second chambers are formed between the spaced teeth rotating away from the dead center plane and increasing in volume. Various improvements are provided to this type of device, which maybe used as an internal combustion engine, a pump or as a chemical reactor.

Abstract: A crimp defines separate parallel bores extending therethrough to receive a wire or cable portion. The crimp has a pair of opposed ends which each define a pair of circumferentially-spaced, outwardly projecting flanges respectively positioned on opposite sides of the crimp. Thus, the flanges may rest against a bone while providing spacing for crimping jaws between a central portion of the crimp and the bone. A design of crimping pliers for use with the crimp is also disclosed.

Abstract: A cooled, therapeutic gelatinous disc is provided which includes a convex face configured to overlie a typical human eye and a surrounding margin of tissue. The convex face of the disc includes a non-planar surface, which presents a non-uniform, three-dimensional surface for contacting the eye. Water, gelatin powder, therapeutic plant extracts and oils, methylparaben, diazolidinyl urea and a coloring agent are mixed, poured into a mold and then cooled to form a cooled gelatinous disc having a convex face with the raised swirl design. A plastic film is attached to the mold to hermetically seal the gelatinous disc, which sealed assembly is stored in a light-impermeable and resealable bag. The gelatinous disc may be removed from the mold and placed onto the eye and surrounding tissue, preferably in connection with a moisturizer, in order to relieve irritation.

Abstract: A medical needle protector sheath comprises a tubular body for surrounding and shielding a needle, with the sheath defining an anchor member integrally attached to the front of the body for manual holding, plus a closure cap for the front end which is integrally attached to the body. Also, a manually removable wing member may be carried about the hub of the needle. A tunnel member typically of the inverted U cross section provides longitudinal securance to the needle and hub while penetrating the skin of the patient while at the same time permitting axial rotation of the needle.

Abstract: A therapeutic seat device which in combination comprises: (a) a support (1) having elements (2, 3, 6) for receiving a separate seat member; and (b) a seat member comprising a seat (4) fastened to an elongate element for elastic, resilient interaction with the support.

Abstract: A fluorescence spectrometer comprises a laser and at least one beam splitter positioned to receive a light beam from the laser and to divide it into several first light beam portions. Dichroic mirrors are positioned to separately receive the first light beam portions and to reflect the beam portions at an angle to the first light beam portions. Transparent chambers are provided for holding the samples. Objective lens systems are respectively positioned in the path of the reflected beam portions to respectively focus each reflected beam portion to a point within one of the separate transparent chambers. Lenses are positioned to receive fluorescence from a sample for testing within the transparent chambers and to respectively focus the fluorescence at pin holes in opaque partitions. The lenses are positioned to receive the fluorescence, which passes back through the objective lens system and the dichroic mirror.

Abstract: A cable tensioning device comprises tubular shaft having an outer threaded portion, and a handle member surrounding a portion of the shaft, with the shaft and handle member being connected in screw-threaded relation. The shaft moves longitudinally relative to the handle as the handle rotates, driven by the screw threaded connection. A gripping member is carried on the shaft distal to the handle member for holding a replaceable bit, which, in turn, may carry a cable crimp. A cable lock is positioned typically proximal of the handle member to hold the ends of cables extending through the tubular shaft. Rotation of the handle member can cause the shaft to move longitudinally to lengthen the distance between the cable lock and a crimp held by a bit which, in turn, is held by the gripping member, to impose a tension on the cable. A meter is present for measuring the amount of tension applied to the cable.

Abstract: A needle protector sheath comprises a body having a top wall, sidewalls, and at least partially open ends. A slot is formed at each sidewall extending through an end of each sidewall, to slidingly receive a needle wing extending through each of the slots. The slots extend generally longitudinally. Portions of the slots adjacent to the open ends each slope toward the top wall as they extend away from the open end.

Abstract: A tubular set is provided for the extracorporeal treatment of blood, for example hemodialysis. The set has a patient arterial line and a patient venous line, each line having a patient connector at one end thereof. Each patient line connects at its other end to a reversing flow valve. The valve also connects to respective first ends of a blood processing unit arterial line and a blood processing unit venous line. Each of the unit lines carry a connector at ends opposed to the first ends for connection respectively to arterial and venous ports of a blood processing device, typically a dialyzer. The reversing flow valve has a first position that respectively connects the patient and unit arterial lines with the patient and unit venous lines. The reversing flow valve has a second position that connects the patient arterial line with the unit venous line, and the unit arterial line with the patient venous line.

Abstract: The method of selecting and implanting a permanent venous catheter into a patient for use in chronic, extracorporeal blood treatment procedures. The method comprises determining the Body Surface Area of the patient. One then selects a permanent venous catheter having an actual length which is within 10% of a desired length as indicated in a Table found in this application for the Body Surface Area of the particular patient and a particular vein through which the catheter is to extend. Also, the internal diameter of the tubing is preferably adjusted in a manner correlating with the catheter length. Following catheter selection, the venous catheter is implanted in the venous system of the patient with the distal tip of the catheter being in or adjacent to the upper right atrium of the heart.