Abstract: A vascular access device may include a body, housing, neck, and a septum with a substantially non-gaseous cross section. A method of operating a septum of a vascular access device may include providing a vascular access device in an external environment and actuating the septum without transferring a substantial amount of gas from within the device to the external environment of the device.

Abstract: A vascular access device within an external environment may include a body and a septum at least partially housed within the body, a gas chamber housed within the body and the septum, and a vent adjacent the body capable of facilitating gas transfer between the gas chamber and the external environment. A method of venting a gas chamber within a medical device includes transferring gas between the gas chamber and an external environment of the device through a vent that is adjacent the body of the device.

Abstract: The invention relates to the use of a fatty acid for preparing a composition for allaying inflammatory reactions due to hypenoptera stings.

Abstract: Safety medical devices that secure needle tips in the devices using magnetic forces are provided. Magnetic force is used to rotate binding components of safety devices. Safety needle assemblies and methods of making and using the same are provided. Safety needle assemblies are provided, comprising: a cannula comprising a proximal end and a distal end; a hub disposed on the proximal end of the cannula; a housing partially surrounding a portion of the cannula, the housing comprising a distal end; and a magnetic latch that is operative to secure the distal end of the cannula within the housing. A magnetic latch comprises a first magnetic material that is located on or within the binding component and a second magnetic material that can interact with the first material.

Abstract: A vascular access device may include a body and a layer of the body that communicates with a pathogenic environment to discourage adhesion of a pathogen to the layer and thus repress pathogenic activity. A method of repressing pathogenic activity in a vascular access device includes providing the device with a body, and coating the body with a layer that discourages adhesion of a pathogen to the layer.

Abstract: A medical device may include a vascular access device with an access port which may include a septum and a slit. The slit may be formed on the inner surface of the body of the septum and the access port may be capable of receiving a separate access device through the slit of the septum. The medical device may also include a flexible member which expands to create an additional volume within the access port when the port is accessed by the access device. A method of controlling volume displacement a chamber of a medical device may include decreasing the volume of a chamber of an extravascular system by inserting a substance having a mass into the chamber and/or increasing the volume of the chamber simultaneously and commensurately with the mass of the substance inserted into the chamber.

Abstract: A vascular access device for communicating with the vascular system of a patient may include a status indicator. The status indicator may detect and signal whether and to what extent at least a portion of the vascular access device has been cleaned.

Abstract: A vascular access device for communicating with the vascular system of a patient may include a status indicator. The status indicator may detect and signal that a period of time has elapsed in relation to the use of the vascular access device.

Abstract: A vascular access device for communicating with the vascular system of a patient may include a status indicator. The status indicator may detect and signal that a pathogen is in communication with the vascular access device.

Abstract: A reinforced substrate is provided, so that the substrate is better able to withstand compression forces imposed on it by a structure bearing upon it.

Abstract: Nickel foliar sprays are used to correct growth disorders in plants associated with nickel deficiencies. The nickel can be of either an organic or inorganic source.

Abstract: The invention provides apparatus and methods for monitoring and controlling hydrocarbon production wells and/or injection wells from a remote location. The apparatus for monitoring and controlling one or more hydrocarbon production wells or injection wells from a remote location comprises one or more surface control and data acquisition systems; one or more sensors disposed in communication with the one or more control and data acquisition systems; one or more downhole flow control devices disposed in communication with the one or more control and data acquisition systems; and one or more remote controllers disposed in communication with the one or more control and data acquisition systems. Preferably, the remote controller comprises a computer having an internet access disposed in communication with the one or more control and data acquisition systems through a communication device comprising an internet web site server.

Abstract: There is disclosed an improved copper complex bactericide/fungicide and a method of making and using the same. The improved bactericide/fungicide is prepared by forming an aqueous solution of a partially neutralized, water-soluble polycarboxylic acid having a molecular weight of between approximately 1,000 and 300,000 and a pH of between approximately 3 and 9. To this aqueous solution is added a copper-containing compound which when combined with said aqueous solution releases copper (II) ions which will form a water-soluble complex with said partially neutralized polycarboxylic acid. The water-soluble copper complex is applied to plants to prevent or inhibit bacterial and fungal disease growth thereon.

Abstract: The present invention provides an apparatus for spacing structural members, in particular roof trusses, during construction and for permanently bracing the same structural members. The apparatus comprises three longitudinal members with a top attachment tab at each end that is fastened to the top side of each structural member and a pair of flanges at each end that are fastened to the facing sides of each structural member. In particular, the apparatus includes portions that reinforce the ends of ends of the second and third longitudinal members. The apparatus is preferably made in a length that is standard for spacing roof trusses, most commonly a nominal 24″. This allows the apparatus to be attached to one roof truss, then another, and left to form permanent bracing over which roof sheathing can be laid.

Abstract: A thermoplastic composition having incorporated metal is provided in accordance with the invention. The thermoplastic composition can be processed at low temperatures, readily absorbs water, and is processable into a form suitable for use as a plant container. The thermoplastic composition and plant containers made therefrom are useful for promoting root branching in plants.

Abstract: A catheter introducer is disclosed having a splittable introducer and an introducer needle. The splittable introducer includes a pair of wings and a tray with an open top extending from the proximal end of the introducer cannula between the wings to lead the distal end of a long, thin and flexible medical device into the open proximal end of the splittable introducer cannula.

Abstract: A plastic composition having incorporated copper is provided in accordance with the invention. The plastic material can be processed at low temperatures, readily absorbs water, and has good film forming properties. In particular, the plastic material is a polycaprolactone and the copper is derived from copper hydroxide and/or copper carbonate. The plastic material is useful for forming plant containers that promote a branched root structure.

Abstract: A catheter introducer is disclosed having a splittable introducer and an introducer needle. The splittable introducer includes a pair of wings and a tray with an open top extending from the proximal end of the introducer cannula between the wings to lead the distal end of a long, thin and flexible medical device into the open proximal end of the splittable introducer cannula.

Abstract: A guidewire retention device for use with a catheter or other medical device is disclosed herein. The guidewire retention device can be connected to a standard adapter at the proximal end of the catheter. It has an opening therein which can be placed in communication with the catheter lumen. This opening includes a large diameter portion and a small diameter portion and is preferably keyhole shaped. The large diameter portion allows a guidewire to easily pass therethrough while the small diameter portion does not. Thus, when a guidewire is located in the catheter lumen in the proper position, the guidewire can be fitted into the small diameter portion of the keyhole shaped opening to lock the guidewire with respect to the catheter. A raised icon on the guidewire retention device provides an indication to the clinician of how to use the guidewire retention device.

Abstract: A needle and a cover with a needle having an elongate shank and a tip with a sharpened point. The cover is coaxially associated with the elongate shank for movement therealong toward the tip and includes a part for extending beyond the sharpened point when the cover is positioned near the tip. A lock associated with the needle and cover cooperates with and holds the cover to prevent axial movement relative to the needle tip after positioning the cover near the tip. A retaining member on the adapter and on the cover releasably attach the cover to the adapter while on the elongate shank of the needle allowing the needle and cover to be disengaged from the catheter and adapter after placement.