Abstract: The invention relates to a design for securing tubes, catheters, drains, or other tubular medical devices within the body of a mammal, for example a human, and methods of securing same. The invention includes a first tubular body and at least one second tubular body. The first tubular body includes an outer surface, an inner surface defining a lumen extending longitudinally at least partially through a length of the tubular body, a wall at least partially defined by the outer surface and the inner surface, and a longitudinal axis. The at least one second tubular body includes an outer surface, an inner surface defining a lumen extending longitudinally through the second tubular body, and a wall at least partially defined by the outer surface and the inner surface. The second tubular body is disposed through the wall of the first tubular body transversely to the longitudinal axis.

Abstract: A pin cutter that includes a housing having at a proximal end thereof a grip, an actuator handle supported at the housing, a pair of elongated blades that define at a distal end thereof a set of cutting jaws, a ramp mechanism secured with the actuator handle for operating proximal ends of the blade member, a hollow shaft extending through the housing, the ramp mechanism supported about the hollow shaft, and a biasing spring disposed about the hollow shaft.

Abstract: The invention relates to a design for securing tubes, catheters, drains, or other tubular medical devices within the body of a mammal, for example a human, and methods of securing same. The invention includes a first tubular body and at least one second tubular body. The first tubular body includes an outer surface, an inner surface defining a lumen extending longitudinally at least partially through a length of the tubular body, a wall at least partially defined by the outer surface and the inner surface, and a longitudinal axis. The at least one second tubular body includes an outer surface, an inner surface defining a lumen extending longitudinally through the second tubular body, and a wall at least partially defined by the outer surface and the inner surface. The second tubular body is disposed through the wall of the first tubular body transversely to the longitudinal axis.

Abstract: A process for disrupting filter cake in an underground formation, which process comprises: (i) incorporating into a treatment fluid a solid polymer capable of being converted by hydrolysis into one or more organic acids; (ii) introducing the treatment fluid into the underground formation; and (iii) allowing the solid polymer to hydrolyse in the presence of water to produce organic acid such that acid soluble material within the filter cake or adjacent formation is dissolved.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a splint for splinting a digit, preferably a finger, thumb or toe, rings for use in a splint, dorsal bars for use in the splint, a method for splinting a digit using the splint described herein, and a kit comprising components of the splint and, optionally, related items such as one or more ring sizers, cutting tools, adhesive, etc.

Abstract: The invention relates to a universal design for an irrigation and retraction platform for use in operating on an extremity of a patient. The platform includes a chamber provided for the efficient collection and disposal of fluids to reduce the possibility of contaminating the surgical team and the operating room, and a support platform for positioning the extremity during surgery. The invention also includes an enclosure and other accessories for use with the platform.

Abstract: An underground formation is consolidated by (a) incorporating into a treatment fluid (i) at least one chemical substance which is capable of undergoing a chemical change that alters the physico-chemical environment of the treatment fluid and which is a bicarbonate or a compound that generates a phosphate, phosphoric acid, sulphate, sulphuric acid, hydrogen sulphide, S2?, carbon dioxide, bicarbonate, base or acid; and, optionally, (ii) at least one additional chemical substance selected from salts and complexes of metals having a valency of 2 or higher; introducing the treatment fluid into the formation; and allowing the chemical substance (i), alone or in combination with the optional chemical substance (ii), to undergo a chemical change that alters the physico-chemical environment of the treatment fluid such that a consolidating mineral is deposited in the underground formation.

Abstract: A portable lavage apparatus for irrigating or washing wounds is disclosed. The apparatus includes a fluid bag, a spring bias mechanism, and a hose. The spring bias mechanism is typically configured to store potential energy or produce kinetic energy used for urging fluid from the fluid bag, through the hose, and toward a wound. The invention has particular advantages in military or civilian environments in that it allows prompt treatment of wounds. Additionally, the lavage apparatus is small enough to be carried by individuals and does not require an external source of power. Accordingly, the portable lavage apparatus may be employed even on battle fields or in remote areas to treat wounds.

Abstract: The invention relates to a design for securing tubes, catheters, drains, or other tubular medical devices within the body of a mammal, for example a human, and methods of securing same. The invention includes a first tubular body and at least one second tubular body. The first tubular body includes an outer surface, an inner surface defining a lumen extending longitudinally at least partially through a length of the tubular body, a wall at least partially defined by the outer surface and the inner surface, and a longitudinal axis. The at least one second tubular body includes an outer surface, an inner surface defining a lumen extending longitudinally through the second tubular body, and a wall at least partially defined by the outer surface and the inner surface. The second tubular body is disposed through the wall of the first tubular body transversely to the longitudinal axis.

Abstract: The invention relates to a design for securing tubes, catheters, drains, or other tubular medical devices within the body of a mammal, for example a human, and methods of securing same. The invention includes a first tubular body and at least one second tubular body. The first tubular body includes an outer surface, an inner surface defining a lumen extending longitudinally at least partially through a length of the tubular body, a wall at least partially defined by the outer surface and the inner surface, and a longitudinal axis. The at least one second tubular body includes an outer surface, an inner surface defining a lumen extending longitudinally through the second tubular body, and a wall at least partially defined by the outer surface and the inner surface. The second tubular body is disposed through the wall of the first tubular body transversely to the longitudinal axis.

Abstract: A process for producing a self-disrupting filter cake in an underground formation, which process comprises: (a) incorporating into a drilling fluid a solid polymer capable of being converted by hydrolysis into one or more organic acids; (b) using the drilling fluid to drill a wellbore into the underground formation such that the solid polymer in the drilling fluid contributes to the formation of a filter cake; and (c) allowing the solid polymer to hydrolyse in the presence of water and to disrupt the integrity of the filter cake. A drilling fluid which contains as a bridging agent one or more solid polymers capable of being converted by hydrolysis into one or more organic acids is also provided.

Abstract: A process for forming a gel, which process comprises mixing an alkaline silicate solution with a polymer in solid form, the polymer being capable of being converted by hydrolysis into one or more organic acids; and allowing the polymer to release sufficient acid to cause formation of a silicate gel.

Abstract: The invention relates to a design for an instrument for measuring two-point discrimination between two blunt points. The instrument includes a housing, a first needle, a second needle, and a mechanism for providing movement to at least one of the needles.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a splint for splinting a digit, preferably a finger, thumb or toe, rings for use in a splint, dorsal bars for use in the splint, a method for splinting a digit using the splint described herein, and a kit comprising components of the splint and, optionally, related items such as one or more ring sizers, cutting tools, adhesive, etc.

Abstract: A process for treating an underground formation, which process comprises: (a) introducing into the underground formation a treatment fluid comprising an organic acid precursor; (b) heating a zone within the formation, which zone contains at least a portion of the organic acid precursor, to a temperature which is above the natural formation temperature and sufficient to increase the rate of hydrolysis of the organic acid precursor; and (c) allowing the organic acid precursor to hydrolyse to produce an organic acid in an amount effective to acidize the underground formation.

Abstract: A process for forming a gel, which process comprises mixing an alkaline silicate solution with a polymer in solid form, the polymer being capable of being converted by hydrolysis into one or more organic acids; and allowing the polymer to release sufficient acid to cause formation of a silicate gel.

Abstract: A process for disrupting filter cake in an underground formation, which includes (i) incorporating into a treatment fluid a solid polymer capable of being converted by hydrolysis into one or more organic acids; (ii) introducing the treatment fluid into the underground formation; and (iii) allowing the solid polymer to hydrolyze in the presence of water to produce organic acid such that acid soluble material within the filter cake or adjacent formation is dissolved.

Abstract: The invention relates to a universal design for an irrigation and retraction platform for use in operating on an extremity of a patient. The platform includes a chamber provided for the efficient collection and disposal of fluids to reduce the possibility of contaminating the surgical team and the operating room, and a support platform for positioning the extremity during surgery. The invention also includes an enclosure and other accessories for use with the platform.

Abstract: The invention relates to a design for securing tubes, catheters, drains, or other tubular medical devices within the body of a mammal, for example a human, and methods of securing same. The invention includes a first tubular body and at least one second tubular body. The first tubular body includes an outer surface, an inner surface defining a lumen extending longitudinally at least partially through a length of the tubular body, a wall at least partially defined by the outer surface and the inner surface, and a longitudinal axis. The at least one second tubular body includes an outer surface, an inner surface defining a lumen extending longitudinally through the second tubular body, and a wall at least partially defined by the outer surface and the inner surface. The second tubular body is disposed through the wall of the first tubular body transversely to the longitudinal axis.

Abstract: An underground formation is consolidated by (a) incorporating into a treatment fluid (i) at least one chemical substance which is capable of undergoing a chemical change that alters the physico-chemical environment of the treatment fluid and which is a bicarbonate or a compound that generates a phosphate, phosphoric acid, sulphate, sulphuric acid, hydrogen sulphide, S2?, carbon dioxide, bicarbonate, base or acid; and, optionally, (ii) at least one additional chemical substance selected from salts and complexes of metals having a valency of 2 or higher; introducing the treatment fluid into the formation; and allowing the chemical substance (i), alone or in combination with the optional chemical substance (ii), to undergo a chemical change that alters the physico-chemical environment of the treatment fluid such that a consolidating mineral is deposited in the underground formation.