Abstract: Devices and methods for performing a transseptal puncture procedure using a device which includes either an untapered or tapered blunt end cannula disposed in an introducer carrying a sharp guidewire disposed longitudinally through the lumen of the blunt cannula, and a blunt end dilator wherein the guidewire is flexible and has an atraumatic shape at its tip. The cannula gives the more flexible introducer a defined shape and steerabilty allowing an ordinarily skilled physician to easily access a selected location on the septal wall of the heart for transseptal puncture and introducer placement thereacross without employing an exposed sharp end needle during the procedure.

Abstract: A camshaft phaser is provided for varying the phase relationship between a crankshaft and a camshaft in an engine. The camshaft phaser includes a stator having lobes. A rotor disposed within the stator and rotatable between a full retard position to a full retard position includes vanes interspersed with the stator lobes to define alternating advance and retard chambers. A lock pin selectively engages a lock pin seat for preventing a change in phase relationship between the rotor and the stator at a predetermined aligned position between the full advance and full retard positions. A counterbalancing member is located within one of the advance chambers or the retard chambers, attached to a vane to thereby apply a torque between the rotor and the stator only when the rotor is between the predetermined aligned position and one of the full retard position and the full advance position.

Abstract: In a prior art camshaft phaser having a biasing spring, the stator spring tang is anchored to a first binder screw passing through a stator lobe adjacent the locking pin-containing vane of the rotor, and the rotor spring tang is anchored to a first target wheel protrusion opposite such a vane. In an improved installation method in accordance with the invention, during assembly of an improved phaser the biasing spring is rotated about 180° from the prior art position such that the stator spring tang is anchored to a first fixed stop generally opposite the pin-containing vane, and the rotor spring tang is anchored to a second fixed stop generally adjacent such a vane.

Abstract: A medical appliance designed to adhere to the skin proximate a stoma or other open wound with an adhesive layer including two or more different composition pressure sensitive adhesives. One adhesive is skin friendly, having excellent tack properties, and painless removability. The other adhesive is flexible and comfortable to wear, has high moisture tolerance and the ability to swell to create a seal around the stoma. It has minimal cold flow and will not discolor significantly when sterilized.