Abstract: The present invention is a composition composed of a therapeutic agent encapsulated in a copolymer of an N-alkylacrylamide, a vinyl monomer, and a polyethylene glycol (PEG) conjugate and a method for using the same in the treatment or prevention of a disease or condition.

Abstract: A volumetric tissue ablation apparatus includes a probe having a plurality of wires journaled through a catheter with a proximal end connected to the active terminal of a generator and a distal end projecting from a distal end of the catheter. The probe wire distal ends are arranged in an array with the distal ends located generally radially and uniformly spaced apart from the catheter distal end. A conductor connected to the return terminal of the generator is located relative to the probe wire array to form a closed electrical circuit through tissue to be ablated. Preferably, the probe wire array includes 10 wires, each formed in an arch from the catheter distal end. The conductor can be either a conventional ground plate upon which the tissue is supported, or a conductor wire extending through the probe and electrically insulated from the probe wires.

Abstract: An elevator for specimen carriers includes an upper housing which is removably connected to an upstream end of an upper conveyor track and a lower housing which is removably connected to a downstream end of a lower conveyor track, the conveyor tracks being vertically spaced. Each conveyor track has a moving support surface which transports a specimen carrier downstream. The elevator includes a pair of opposingly disposed lift pins operably mounted along a chain housed within the elevator, the lift pins located to engage opposingly disposed wings on each specimen carrier, to lift the specimen carrier from the lower track to the upper track. The elevator housings are adjustably connected together, to permit adjustment of the overall height of the elevator for a variety of vertically spaced tracks.

Abstract: A catheter includes an inner cannula formed of a soft flexible stretchable biocompatible material and attached to a needle on a hub at the proximal end thereof. The inner cannula is slidably journaled through an outer cannula formed of the same biocompatible material, the inner cannula projecting outwardly out of the distal end of the outer cannula. The outer cannula proximal end is connected to the hub by a tube of heat shrinkable material. Three collars are mounted on the projecting portion of the inner cannula, the distal collar clamped in position to prevent slidable movement of the intermediate and proximal collars off of inner cannula, and the intermediate and proximal collars slidably mounted on the inner cannula.

Abstract: A central control apparatus for an automated laboratory conveyor system includes a conveyor track arranged in a closed loop to continuously transport a specimen carrier having a laboratory specimen therein. A receiving station is provided along the track which is connected to a laboratory information system having identification and instructional data with respect to a particular specimen, and which marks an individual specimen carrier to identify the carrier with a particular specimen as it is conveyed throughout the conveyor system. The receiving station and an archiving station are both connected to a central control unit which is connected to the conveyor track and the laboratory information system to control the entire automated laboratory conveyor system. At least one work station is located along the conveyor track for performing a predetermined test on a particular specimen.

Abstract: A return mail piece includes a generally rectangular sheet of material with a delimited mailing address zone, a bar code zone in the lower right corner of the sheet, and a subclassification zone in the upper left hand corner of the sheet. Site location indicia is printed within the mailing address zone to identify the address of the site location. Separate subclassification indicia is printed within the subclassification zone so as to identify one of a plurality of end locations as the site location.

Abstract: The enunciator system for an AGV includes a transmitter mounted on the AGV connected to an electrical control circuit having a plurality of individual switches operable to cause the transmitter to transmit a specific signal upon arrival of the AGV at predetermined locations along a circuitous route. Each location along the AGV route has identifier markings detectable by the AGV such that the AGV will stop for a predetermined period of time at each location as it travels along its route. If a switch for a specific location is actuated, the transmitter will transmit a signal to a receiver at that location which then triggers an audio or visual alarm at the location to alert a person at the location as to the arrival of an item on the AGV. After a predetermined period of time, the alarm will cease and the AGV will continue along its circuitous route.

Abstract: A return mail piece includes a generally rectangular sheet of material with a delimited mailing address zone and a bar code zone on the front of the sheet, and a subclassification zone on the rearward surface of the sheet. Site location indicia is printed within the mailing address zone to identify the address of the site location. Separate subclassification indicia is printed within the subclassification zone so as to identify one of a plurality of end locations as the site location.

Abstract: A knee hyperextension orthotic device includes an elongated plate which is curved to form a flush fit against a patient's leg, with an upper portion fastened anterior of the thigh, a lower portion fastened anterior of the lower leg and a central portion fastened anterior of the knee. The central portion of the plate has a narrower width than the upper and lower portions, forming rearwardly extending wings on the upper and lower plate portions. A pair of length adjustable straps are connected between the upper and lower wings on each side of the plate, to permit adjustment of the angle of maximum knee extension. A central strap is connected to the central plate portion and extends posterior of the knee to maintain the knee in appropriate position within the orthotic device. A plurality of apertures in the plate permit the leg to "breathe" when the device is being worn.

Abstract: A specimen carrier is designed for transporting specimen tubes throughout an automatic laboratory conveyance system. The specimen carrier includes a generally rectilinear carrier body with a forward face having an identification zone delimited thereon. An identification code is marked in the identification zone so as to permit mechanical sensing and identification of the carrier on a conveyor system. A plurality of holes of various diameters and depths are provided in the top surface of the carrier to receive specimen tubes of various types. The deepest holes are located centrally, so that the carrier is stable while retaining specimens therein. A groove is formed in the top surface of the carrier body which extends between the specimen tube holes, so as to communicate any fluid spilling from a test tube to the other empty holes in the specimen carrier, thereby retaining the fluid within the body of the carrier.

Abstract: A NMR liver coil includes an anterior housing supporting a plurality of NMR coils pivotally connected to a posterior housing supporting a NMR coil. The anterior housing is curved from a generally horizontal upper end to a generally vertical lower end, and pivotally connected to a generally vertically oriented flange forming the upper end of the posterior housing. The posterior housing is curved from the forward to the rearward end to conform to the curvature of a conventional NMR patient table, with the flange curving rearwardly and upwardly from the upper end of the posterior housing. The anterior housing is operably and pivotally connected to the posterior housing about a pair of pivotal axes, such that pivotal movement about a first pivotal axis will permit movement of the anterior housing from a working position with the anterior housing upper end oriented generally horizontally over the posterior housing, to an open position with the upper end of the anterior housing generally vertical.

Abstract: A corner track for an automated lab conveyor system includes a first length of track connected at its upstream end to the downstream end of a second length of track. Each track length includes a pair of guide rails on opposite sides of an operable transport surface for moving a specimen carrier thereon. First and second auxiliary transport surfaces are lined with the first and second track lengths and serve to slow the movement of a specimen carrier as it approaches the corner connection.

Abstract: An apparatus for transferring a laboratory specimen carrier onto and off of a conveyor track includes a conveyor track with a moving transport surface and a support frame mounted adjacent the track. A cylinder with an extendable plunger is operably mounted on the support frame and located such that the plunger is movable in a direction transverse to the conveyor track transport surface. A housing, including a pair of spaced apart vertical side walls is mounted to the plunger for movement therewith, the side walls being oriented parallel to the direction of movement of the transport surface. The housing is movable with the plunger between a first position located over the track and permitting passage of a specimen carrier therebetween, and a second position moved transversely to one side of the track.

Abstract: An automated laboratory conveyor system includes a conveyor track arranged in a closed loop to continuously transport a specimen carrier having a laboratory specimen therein. A restraining apparatus is operably mounted on the track to restrain movement of the specimen carrier at predetermined locations. The restraining apparatus includes a cylinder with an extensible arm mounted adjacent the conveyor track with the arm operable between an extended position projecting over the conveyor track to prevent passage of the specimen carrier. The extensible arm is retractable to a retracted position which permits passage of the carrier along the track. The restraining apparatus includes a second cylinder with an extensible arm spaced upstream of the first cylinder, the second cylinder arm operable to restrain a specimen carrier upstream of the first extensible arm.

Abstract: An automated laboratory conveyor system includes a conveyor track arranged in a closed loop to continuously transport a specimen carrier having a laboratory specimen therein. A receiving station marks an individual specimen carrier to identify the carrier with a particular specimen. The receiving station includes an apparatus for placing an identified specimen carrier on the conveyor track. An archiving station is provided along the track to remove a predetermined specimen carrier therefrom for archival purposes. The receiving station and archiving station are both connected to a central control unit which is connected to the conveyor track and the laboratory information system to control the entire automated laboratory conveyor system. At least one work station is located along the conveyor track for performing a predetermined test on a particular specimen. Each work station includes a gate apparatus for transferring the selected specimen carrier to a work station.

Abstract: A shoulder coil of the present invention includes a generally ring-shaped transverse housing oriented in a vertical plane with a parallel wound solenoid supported therein. Annular anterior and posterior housings are mounted diametric on said transverse housing and perpendicularly thereto, and have antenna loops supported therein. The anterior and posterior housings are preferably mounted in planes which diverge downwardly at an angle of approximately 30.degree. from parallel to one another. The transverse housing is a generally cylindrical shaped strap having opposite side edges, with the lower half of the transverse housing folded such that the side edges are abutting to form a joined edge. The anterior, posterior, and transverse housing are preferably formed of a resilient semi-flexible plastic material with the loop antennas and solenoid embedded therein such that the housings may be manipulated and formed to provide a garment-like fit on the shoulder of a patient.

Abstract: A return mail piece includes a generally rectangular sheet of material with a delimited mailing address zone, a bar code zone in the lower right corner of the sheet, and a subclassification zone in the upper left hand corner of the sheet. Site location indicia is printed within the mailing address zone to identify the address of the site location. Separate subclassification indicia is printed within the subclassification zone so as to identify one of a plurality of end locations as the site location.

Abstract: A NMR pelvic coil includes an anterior housing with a support arm projecting rearwardly therefrom, and a posterior housing with a base arm projecting rearwardly therefrom, the two housings pivotally connected at the rearward ends of their respective support and base arms, for pivotal movement towards and away from one another. The anterior and posterior housings each support a plurality of NMR coils, and are curved from side edge to side edge towards one another to closely conform to the patient anatomy as well as the curvature of the patient table. An adjustment bar is pivotally connected to the base arm and extends upwardly and through an aperture in the support arm, and includes teeth thereon so as to selectively engage the support arm to hold the anterior housing in the desired position relative to the posterior housing.