Abstract: A magnetically-levitated blood pump with an optimization method that enables miniaturization and supercritical operation. The blood pump includes an optimized annular blood gap that increases blood flow and also provides a reduction in bearing stiffness among the permanent magnet bearings. Sensors are configured and placed optimally to provide space savings for the motor and magnet sections of the blood pump. Rotor mass is increased by providing permanent magnet placement deep within the rotor enabled by a draw rod configuration.

Abstract: A magnetically-levitated blood pump with an optimization method that enables miniaturization and supercritical operation. The blood pump includes an optimized annular blood gap that increases blood flow and also provides a reduction in bearing stiffness among the permanent magnet bearings. Sensors are configured and placed optimally to provide space savings for the motor and magnet sections of the blood pump. Rotor mass is increased by providing permanent magnet placement deep within the rotor enabled by a draw rod configuration.

Abstract: A magnetically-levitated blood pump with an optimization method that enables miniaturization and supercritical operation. The blood pump includes an optimized annular blood gap that increases blood flow and also provides a reduction in bearing stiffness among the permanent magnet bearings. Sensors are configured and placed optimally to provide space savings for the motor and magnet sections of the blood pump. Rotor mass is increased by providing permanent magnet placement deep within the rotor enabled by a draw rod configuration.

Abstract: A circulatory heart model (30) is disclosed that is geometrically accurate with respect to corresponding anatomical structures (31, 91, 103, 112, 124). The model (30) provides a closed loop for providing flow through the major anatomical structures (31, 91, 103, 112, 124) corresponding to a modeled biological heart. The model (30) provides a means of pumping fluid through a closed loop flow circuit analogous to the circulatory system by gripping the base of the heart model (30) and squeezing with one's hand. The transparent quality of the heart model (30) enables flow visualization including visualization of anatomical valve function through representative valves (53, 60, 69, 80). The model (3) provides high educational, scientific, and/or amusement value in a device that is economical to produce.

Abstract: A circulatory heart model (30) is disclosed that is geometrically accurate with respect to corresponding anatomical structures (31, 91, 103, 112, 124). The model (30) provides a closed loop for providing flow through the major anatomical structures (31, 91, 103, 112, 124) corresponding to a modeled biological heart. The model (30) provides a means of pumping fluid through a closed loop flow circuit analogous to the circulatory system by gripping the base of the heart model (30) and squeezing with one's hand. The transparent quality of the heart model (30) enables flow visualization including visualization of anatomical valve function through representative valves (53, 60, 69, 80). The model (3) provides high educational, scientific, and/or amusement value in a device that is economical to produce.

Abstract: Cannula assemblies and related methods are provided. In accordance with one embodiment, a cannula assembly includes a tubular structure coupled with a flange assembly. The flange assembly includes a plurality of wireform loops disposed in a circumferential, woven pattern about an end of the tubular structure. The flange assembly is configured to exhibit a first, collapsed state wherein the plurality of wireform loops extend substantially axially from the tubular structure, and a second, expanded state wherein the plurality of wireform loops extend in a direction having a substantial radial component relative to the tubular structure. In another embodiment, a cannula assembly includes a conformal flange coupled with a tubular structure, wherein the tubular structure extends both distally and proximally of the flange.

Abstract: A magnetically-levitated blood pump with an optimization method that enables miniaturization and supercritical operation. The blood pump includes an optimized annular blood gap that increases blood flow and also provides a reduction in bearing stiffness among the permanent magnet bearings. Sensors are configured and placed optimally to provide space savings for the motor and magnet sections of the blood pump. Rotor mass is increased by providing permanent magnet placement deep within the rotor enabled by a draw rod configuration.

Abstract: A magnetic coupling having two or more elements for providing a conduit. The coupling provides high retention of conduit elements with minimum size magnetic components, while also providing for intentional detachment of the magnetically coupled elements. The coupling is configured to facilitate detachment with applied loads that are substantially less than operational retention force (i.e., breakaway force) of the magnetically coupled elements. The magnetic coupling device includes a connecting male element and a female element and at least one internal conduit integral to at least one of the connecting male and female elements. Magnetic attraction is accomplished via a magnetic circuit where the magnetic circuit includes ferromagnetic material and at least one permanent magnet.

Abstract: An amusement device concerned generally with a construction type educational toy. The amusement device provides unique functionality via board design and piece structure allowing relative motion between coupled playing pieces. The construction apparatus is of the type having rotary path-forming pieces that can be located in numerous positions on the base board. The pieces are removably interfitting and allow the construction of variable paths and patterns. The amusement device incorporates magnetism to perform relative rotary motion. A circular pattern of permanent magnets are included in construction pieces to allow numerous magnetically coupled rotary pieces to undergo relative rotation analogous to a gear train. In addition to toy or game amusement device, the present invention also embodies an education and demonstration device whereby the assembly of magnetically coupled rotary pieces provides the interactive demonstration of a gear train machine mechanism.

Abstract: An endoscope is described in which the diameter of the image relay assembly is less than that of the objective lens assembly. An endoscope sheath is also described for sheathing the endoscope and housing or directing optical fibers for use in illuminating the endoscope view of view. An endoscope-sheath system is further described comprising the combination of the endoscope and the endoscope sheath in eccentric alignment to reduce fluid flow impedance between the two.

Abstract: An endoscope is described in which the diameter of the image relay assembly is less than that of the objective lens assembly. An endoscope sheath is also described for sheathing the endoscope and housing or directing optical fibers for use in illuminating the endoscope view of view. An endoscope-sheath system is further described comprising the combination of the endoscope and the endoscope sheath in eccentric alignment to reduce fluid flow impedance between the two.

Abstract: A telemetry method and apparatus using pressure sensing elements remotely located from associated pick-up, and processing units for the sensing and monitoring of pressure within an environment. This includes remote pressure sensing apparatus incorporating a magnetically-driven resonator being hermetically-sealed within an encapsulating shell or diaphragm and associated new method of sensing pressure. The resonant structure of the magnetically-driven resonator is suitable for measuring quantities convertible to changes in mechanical stress or mass. The resonant structure can be integrated into pressure sensors, adsorbed mass sensors, strain sensors, and the like. The apparatus and method provide information by utilizing, or listening for, the residence frequency of the oscillating resonator. The resonant structure listening frequencies of greatest interest are those at the mechanical structure's fundamental or harmonic resonant frequency.

Abstract: An endoscope is described in which the diameter of the image relay assembly is less than that of the objective lens assembly. An endoscope sheath is also described for sheathing the endoscope and housing or directing optical fibers for use in illuminating the endoscope view of view. An endoscope-sheath system is further described comprising the combination of the endoscope and the endoscope sheath.