Abstract: An improved control system for a stepper motor coil includes a flyback circuit that dissipates coil energy slowly while the coil is energized and operated in the chopping mode, while dissipating coil energy rapidly when the coil is switched to its de-energized phase.

Abstract: An automated chemical analyzer includes an automated conveyor apparatus for receiving a variety of sizes of test tubes, cuvettes, and sample tubes in a standard carrier member receivable into the analyzer. The standard carrier members may be interlocked in ranks and placed side by side in file to replicate the size and handling convenience of conventional test tube racks. However, the conveyor apparatus also provides for receipt of the carriers either as individuals for stat handling, or in interlocked ranks, or as rank and file groups for routine handling. The interlocked ranks of carriers are automatically unlocked from one another and fed along with the carriers having stat samples therein to a recirculating endless loop conveyor device which conveys the samples to at least one chemical analysis module, as well as providing a storage capacity both for samples in testing, and those samples awaiting verification of test results.

Abstract: A method and system for staging drugs dispensed from a drug dispensing apparatus including an accumulator operative to temporarily accumulate drugs for later dispensing into vials. The accumulator includes one or more staging containers positioned to receive dispensed drugs that fall freely under the influence of gravity, each container having an outlet that is selectively openable so that the drugs retained therein can be delivered to a vial at a later time. Several orders can be staged in parallel if several such staging containers are provided. The drugs are staged in the accumulators for dispensing before vials are positioned so that dispensing of all the drugs for each vial may be performed simultaneously.

Abstract: A system uses a photometer that establishes an optical channel between a light emitter and a light detector. The photometer analyses a specimen while it occupies a well in a tray. A movable platform transports the tray to the optical channel for analysis and removes the tray from the optical channel after analysis. The system calibrates the movable platform to assure proper alignment between the specimen and the photometric apparatus used to analyzed the specimen. The system also calibrates the optical channel without use of an external reference.

Abstract: Improved Implant assemblies and methodologies provide immuno-protection for implanted allografts, xenografts, and isografts. The assemblies and methodologies establish an improved chamber for holding the implanted cells. The chambers include first and second wall elements and an intermediate sealing element. The first and second wall elements overlie an open area in the sealing member to form a chamber for holding cells for implantation. A sealed region is created between the wall elements and the sealing element body to close the chamber. In one arrangement, the sealed region is created by means of a sonic weld made while the implanted cells are present in the chamber. In another arrangement, the sealed region is created by means of applying an external force to compress the peripheral edges of the wall elements and the sealing element together while the implanted cells are present in the chamber.

Abstract: A double pouch is described in which a smaller pouch is located within a larger pouch. The larger pouch can be used to accommodate a patient's leg or other appendage during a surgical procedure while the smaller pouch can be used to retain irrigation fluids and surgical debris. In the preferred embodiment, the smaller pouch can be moved to the outside of the larger pouch when the larger pouch is not intended to be used. In one embodiment, the pouches can be attached to a main drape having a fenestration through which a patient's appendage is inserted.

Abstract: An apparatus 10 for driving a plunger 134 of a syringe 16 includes a plate 48 on the top 38 of a frame 36 and a structure 62 on the plate 48 for releasably attaching the cylinder 130 of the syringe 16 to the frame 36 and securing the cylinder 130 against lengthwise movement relative to the frame 36. A lever 76 is pivotably attached to the top 38 of the frame 36 a selected distance from the plate 48. A pair of pivot pins 108,110 releasably pivotably attach the distal end 150 of the plunger 134 of the syringe 16 to the lever 76. In this manner, pivotable movement of the lever 76 is translated into lengthwise movement of the plunger 134. An apparatus 10 for transferring a measured amount of fluid from a first fluid supply 14 to a fluid reservoir 170 includes a syringe 16, the syringe driving apparatus 12 and a two-way check valve 18. The fluid supply 14, the fluid reservoir 70 and the syringe 16 are maintained in fluid communication through the two-way check valve 18.

Abstract: This invention provides a method to therapeutically increase perfusion in a mammal comprising administering stroma-free hemoglobin at a dose ranging from the least amount effective to increase perfusion, up to a dose of about 2500 mg per kilogram of body weight.

Abstract: Novel bone-marrow biopsy, aspiration and transplant needles are described having several unique features. One unique feature is an offset handle which allows a user to use their index finger to guide a needle into a patient. Another unique feature is a cannula which has multiple cutting teeth that can be used to cut bone when the cannula is axially rotated. Yet another unique feature is a stylet with a highly effective cutting tip.

Abstract: A frangible seal for a fluid path including a frangible seal member secured within a tube defining the fluid path. The frangible seal member having a tubular seal member and a stem extending from the tubular seal member which, upon bending back and forth, breaks away from the seal member thereby to rupture the tubular seal in the fluid path. The tubular seal member and stem are integrally formed of a non-PVC material. The tubular seal member will bond to PVC tubing during steam heating thereof. The tubular seal member and stem are constructed to provide uniform non-reclosable rupturing. The stem includes vanes with spurs that frictionally engage the inner walls of the tube to maintain separation of the stem and ruptured tubular seal member.

Abstract: Systems for performing peritoneal dialysis allow the user to chose from an array of peritoneal dialysis modalities and adjust one or more individual therapy parameters within a selected modality. Still, the systems assure that the selected modality and therapy parameters satisfy preselected composite therapy criteria.

Abstract: A system and method of separation of therapeutic components from blood. The system includes a dual member centrifuge and a disposable single use fluid transfer set. The set includes an elongated flexible separation chamber having an input port, a separated component output port and a residual fluid output port. The input port and the separated component output ports are located at opposite ends of the elongated separation chamber. The centrifuge includes a receiving chamber with a selectively formed annular slot therein. The separation chamber is positioned in the annularly shaped slot and rotated at a predetermined rotational velocity. Fluids such as whole blood flows through the separation chamber and are separated into various therapeutic components such as platelet rich plasma and residual concentrated red blood cells. Platelet rich plasma can be drawn off as the separated therapeutic component. An alternate two part transfer set provides for highly efficient platelet pheresis.

Abstract: Systems transmit a control signal between a rotating element and a stationary element of a blood separation centrifuge. The systems employ a sensor mechanism carried by one of the rotating and stationary elements. The sensor mechanism senses an operating condition that is subject to change. The sensor mechanism generates a first output signal that varies according to changes in the sensed operating condition. A first data transfer component on the one element that carries the sensor mechanism emits energy to the other element without mechanical contact with the other element. The first data transfer mechanism modulates the emitted energy according to variations occurring in the intensity of the first output signal. A second data transfer component on the other element receives the modulated energy emitted by the first data transfer component.

Abstract: A system for monitoring the interface region between cellular constituents and plasma in a blood separation chamber employs a sensor mechanism for emitting upon the interface region energy that is absorbed by the cellular constituents. The sensor mechanism also detects the intensity of the energy that is not absorbed by the interface region to generate an unabsorbed intensity output signal. The system moves the interface region relative to the sensor mechanism during a prescribed time period. A first circuit measures variations in the unabsorbed intensity output signal over the prescribed time period and generates a time based output. A second circuit can derive the physical size of the interface region based upon the time based output.

Abstract: The present invention provides an improved method and container for filtering a body fluid. The method comprises the steps of isolating a volume of solution in a first chamber of a container; collecting a body fluid in a second chamber of a container; passing the body fluid through a filter; and rinsing the filter with an isolated volume of solution.

Abstract: A multiport equalization probe or needle includes an elongate body with a first and second end. The probe includes two or more lumens and an inlet and outlet for each lumen. It is closed at the first end which has a sharpened, conical configuration. Conduits provide separate connections between the lumens and a pump assembly which removes material through the lumens.

Abstract: A label for a blood pack comprising a microporous plastic film including a matrix of interconnected pores for allowing gas to flow into and out of the blood pack through a labeled area. The pores allow ink to be absorbed at least on an outer surface of the label allowing the label to be printed and/or written on. The labels of the present invention have breathability with respect to gas that is similar to paper. However, the label is more durable than a paper label in that it can tolerate moisture, abrasion, temperature extremes, dimensional changes, and the like. Accordingly, the labels do not crack or wrinkle as easily as paper labels.

Abstract: Implant assemblies and methodologies provide immuno-protection for implanted allografts, xenografts, and isografts. The assemblies and methodologies establish a boundary between the host and the implanted cells. The boundary has a pore size, an ultimate strength, and a metabolic transit value that assures the survival of the cells during the critical ischemic period and afterward. The boundary allows the fabrication and clinical use of implant assemblies and methodologies that can carry enough cells to be of therapeutic value to the host, yet occupy a relatively small, compact area within the host.