Abstract: A vascular access training simulator system for training intravascular insertion of a medical device is disclosed. The vascular access training simulator system includes an anatomical training model having clinically relevant ultrasonic properties representative of ultrasonic properties of a human body site for ultrasound imaging. The training model includes a transparent housing, a transparent simulated tissue, at least one simulated blood vessel suspended in the tissue, and a layer of simulated skin covering the housing and the tissue. A first imaging device is records a first video showing a view of an insertion site outside of the simulated skin. A second imaging device records a second video showing the simulated blood vessel through the transparent simulated tissue. A third imaging device is shows an ultrasound view of the simulated blood vessel and the simulated tissue. A monitor displays a composite view of all three videos simultaneously on a single screen.

Abstract: An assembly is provided for accessing a superior vena cava of a patient without visualization of a vasculature of the patient. A stylet has an elongated body including a core wire disposed within a tubular body, the core wire having a pre-formed shape in a first state and a straightened shape in a second state. A first portion of the core wire has a substantially straight shape in the first state. A second portion of the core wire has a first pre-formed bend in the first state. A third portion of the core wire has a substantially straight shape in the first state. A fourth portion of the core wire has a second pre-formed bend in the first state. A fifth portion of the core wire has a substantially straight shape in the first state and includes a narrow segment that increases deflection of the distal tip.

Abstract: A pick-up assembly for moving an object off a surface. The pick-up assembly includes a conveyor subassembly extending between lower and upper ends thereof. The conveyor subassembly includes a conveying means extending between the lower and upper ends, for moving the object to the upper end. The pick-up assembly also includes two or more engagement devices positioned proximal to the lower end of the conveyor subassembly for engaging opposite sides of the object respectively, to move the object onto the conveyor belt.

Abstract: A pick-up assembly for moving an object off a surface. The pick-up assembly includes a conveyor subassembly extending between lower and upper ends thereof. The conveyor subassembly includes a conveying means extending between the lower and upper ends, for moving the object to the upper end. The pick-up assembly also includes two or more engagement devices positioned proximal to the lower end of the conveyor subassembly for engaging opposite sides of the object respectively, to move the object onto the conveyor belt.

Abstract: A bale stacker for forming a number of bales into a bale bundle having a predetermined number of bales. The bale stacker includes a compression chamber in which the bales are formable into the bale bundle, and a loading chamber in which the bales are positionable in respective columns proximal to an upstream opening of the compression chamber. The bale stacker also includes a transfer assembly with a platen for moving the columns from the loading chamber into the compression chamber. Front doors are located at the upstream opening and movable between a closed position, in which the upstream opening is at least partially obstructed by the front doors, and an open position, in which each column of bales is movable respectively through the upstream opening. Controlling means coordinate movement of the front doors with movement of the platen.

Abstract: A bale stacker for consolidating a plurality of bales into a bale bundle. The bale stacker includes a compression chamber at least partially defined by a floor, sidewalls, and a ceiling. The compression chamber extends between an upstream opening and a downstream opening thereof. The bales are receivable in the compression chamber via the upstream opening and the bale bundle is configured to exit the compression chamber via the downstream opening. The compression chamber ceiling includes a substantially planar rear portion positioned substantially parallel to the floor. The compression chamber ceiling also includes a front portion positioned upstream from the rear portion, and located in a non-parallel relationship relative to the floor for engaging the bales as they are moved past the front portion in a downstream direction of travel toward the downstream opening, so that the bales are compressed between the front portion and the floor.