Abstract: A scanning rheometer is presented for the rheological property measurement of electrorheological (ER) and magnetorheological (MR) fluids using a non-linear viscoplastic model, based on the fluid height variation with respect to time. The rheometer basically includes a static (e.g., an overhead reservoir) or a dynamic source of fluid, a channel or slit whose sides form electrodes which are in contact with the flowing ER fluid, or a capillary tube exposed to a static/alternating magnetic field for flowing MR fluids, a transfer tube, either one or two riser tubes, and a column level detector for monitoring the column of fluid as it moves in one of the riser tubes. The column level detector is coupled to a processor which analyzes, among other things, column height vs. time data to determine both viscosity and yield stress. The rheometer overcomes one of the major drawbacks of the conventional rheometer: the inability to produce the yield stress of the ER, or MR, fluid in an absolute zero shear rate range.

Abstract: An apparatus that allows a patient to blood let safely and automatically and which allows for the safe disposal of the withdrawn blood.

Abstract: A protective work chamber for arts, crafts, and other messy processes is provided that includes a container having at least one integral, substantially see-through panel, where the container is constructed at least partially from a flexible material, and has at least one glove having a hand section and an arm section, where the arm section is sealed to the container; and where the container has arts and crafts materials sealed therein.

Abstract: Various methods are provided for determining and utilizing the viscosity of the circulating blood of a living being over a range of shear rates for diagnostics and treatment, such as detecting/reducing blood viscosity, work of the heart, contractility of the heart, for detecting/reducing the surface tension of the blood, for detecting plasma viscosity, for explaining/countering endothelial cell dysfunction, for providing high and low blood vessel wall shear stress data, red blood cell deformability data, lubricity of blood, and for treating different ailments such as peripheral arterial disease in combination with administering to a living being at least one pharmaceutically acceptable agent. Agents pharmaceutically effective to regulate at least one of the aforementioned blood parameters are used to adjust distribution of a substance through the bloodstream.

Abstract: Various methods are provided for determining and utilizing the viscosity of the circulating blood of a living being over a range of shear rates for diagnostics and treatment, such as detecting/reducing blood viscosity, work of the heart, contractility of the heart, for detecting/reducing the surface tension of the blood, for detecting plasma viscosity, for explaining/countering endothelial cell dysfunction, for providing high and low blood vessel wall shear stress data, red blood cell deformability data, lubricity of blood, and for treating different ailments such as peripheral arterial disease in combination with administering to a living being at least one pharmaceutically acceptable agent. Agents pharmaceutically effective to regulate at least one of the aforementioned blood parameters are used to adjust distribution of a substance through the bloodstream.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for determining the viscosity of a fluid over plural shear rates caused by a decreasing pressure differential by monitoring the changing weight of the fluid over time. The apparatus and method utilize a riser, a capillary tube, a collector and a mass detector, such as a precision balance or a load cell, for monitoring the changing weight of a sample of fluid that flows through these components under the influence of the decreasing pressure differential. In addition, apparatus and methods for determining fluid viscosity online and fluid mixture homogeneity online are also described.

Abstract: Procedures and devices for opening restrictions, e.g., occulsions, in passageways, e.g., arteries, of living beings. The device basically comprises an elongated, flexible recanalization catheter arranged to be threaded through the passageway to the site of the restriction. The catheter includes a working head which is adapted to be moved, e.g., rotated, by turbine drive while the head is advanced into the restriction to effect its opening. Blocking apparatus is provided for use with the catheter to preclude any debris produced during the restriction opening procedure from flowing distally down the passageway. Profusion apparatus also provided to provide oxygenated fluid, drugs, contrast media or dyes into the passageway. One embodiment of the recanalization catheter is a combination device having different diameter sections for introduction into a large passageway within the body while the working head is located within a small remotely located passageway.

Abstract: Procedures and devices for opening restrictions, e.g., occlusions, in passageways, e.g., arteries, of living beings. The device basically comprises an elongated, flexible recanalization catheter arranged to be threaded through the passageway to the site of the restriction. The catheter includes a working head which is adapted to be moved, e.g., rotated, by turbine drive while the head is advanced into the restriction to effect its opening. Blocking structure is provided for use with the catheter to preclude any debris produced during the restriction opening procedure from flowing distally down the passageway. Profusion structure is also provided to provide oxygenated fluid, drugs, contrast media or dyes into the passageway. One embodiment of the recanalization catheter is a combination device having different diameter sections for introduction into a large passageway within the body while the working head is located within a small remotely located passageway.

Abstract: A procedure and device for use in removing atherosclerotic plaques by inserting a multiple-lumen catheter having a cutting tip into an artery, such as the coronary artery. The cutting tip is rotated by the application of fluid pressure through an inner lumen while, if necessary, negative pressure can be applied through a separate lumen to remove embolic particles as they are cut from the inner wall of the artery. A balloon inflatable through a third lumen may be applied proximally as a protection against possible perforation of the artery.