Abstract: A diffuser for a gas-turbine engine is provided. The diffuser has an outer housing, an inner housing, and a diffusion plate. The outer housing has a first wall. The inner housing has a second wall and is disposed within the outer housing. A flow passage is formed between the first wall and the second wall and has a forward end and an aft end. The diffusion plate has a plurality of openings and extends across the flow passage from the first wall to the second wall in an aft direction.

Abstract: An implantable drug delivery system including: a biocompatible or bio-inert housing containing a drug infusion pump, a drug chamber from which a liquid drug is dispensed when the pump applies a force to the drug chamber, and an internal controller actuating the pump; a delivery catheter extending from the housing to one or more drug delivery treatment sites in a target tissue, wherein the catheter includes a lumen having an inlet to receive a drug pumped from the drug chamber and an outlet are positioned at the target tissue, wherein the drug flows through the outlet to the target tissue, and wherein the internal controller stores and executes an automatic periodic flow regimen which commands the pump and drug chamber to periodically dispense an intermittent bolus or pulse of the liquid drug, wherein the periodic flow regimen provides a prophylactic treatment for granuloma.

Abstract: The present invention is related to a breech thread protector for cleaning bore of a firearm from breech area of the barrel to the muzzle of the barrel. The breech thread protector includes an elongated tubular member having a proximal open end and a distal open end. The invention is also related to an assembly including the breech thread protector, a kit for cleaning the bore of the barrel, and a method for cleaning bore of the barrel.

Abstract: The subject invention provides an improved bypass circuit for use in adult and especially pediatric cardiac surgery. The auto regulating capability of this circuit design simplifies its operation and combines the benefits of both VAVD and KAVD systems while eliminating the need for multiple blood pumps. Advantageously, this system occupies less space than existing systems, requires the use of less blood, reduces the contact between blood and tubing, reduces damage to blood cells, eliminates the need for multiple blood pumps and also reduces the incidence of gaseous emboli.

Abstract: Portable support cart systems are provided. The support cart can include a trailer-hitch-type connection that can attach to a movable bed, such as a gurney, for easily and conveniently transporting the cart system together with the bed. Also provided are detachable frames for transporting medical support components, as well as methods of using the same. The detachable frame can be detachably mounted on a portable cart or a movable bed, such as a gurney.

Abstract: A support assembly for supporting a conduit includes a support, a clamp, and a hanger. The support has a partial-cylindrical shape including a first section having a first diameter and a second section having a second diameter that is greater than the first diameter. In one aspect, at least one of the first section and the second section define a first aperture in the partial-cylindrical shape. In another aspect, at least one of the first section and the second section includes a retention member extending radially from an outer surface of the partial-cylindrical shape. The retention member includes a closed loop or a partially-open loop that defines a second aperture for receiving a strap to secure the conduit to the support. The clamp is configured to secure the conduit to the support. The hanger is configured to suspend the support from a structure.

Abstract: A refillable and implantable infusion apparatus and method that includes a needle penetration detector that detects and indications the position of a needle relative to a septum of a drug reservoir of the implantable infusion apparatus. With the needle position data, medical professionals may better ensure they are injecting drugs into the drug reservoir, thus, improving patient safety.

Abstract: An “MRI-safe” implantable infusion apparatus and method that includes a flow actuated valve (FAV) that closes to prevent a free flow of infusate to a patient during an MRI procedure, and a release mechanism that opens the valve so that the device may return to normal operation following the MRI procedure. In this manner, patient safety is improved and the inconvenience of having to empty the pump reservoir before undergoing an MRI procedure may be avoided.

Abstract: A support assembly for supporting a conduit includes a support, a clamp, and a hanger. The support has a partial-cylindrical shape including a first section having a first diameter and a second section having a second diameter that is greater than the first diameter. In one aspect, at least one of the first section and the second section define a first aperture in the partial-cylindrical shape. In another aspect, at least one of the first section and the second section includes a retention member extending radially from an outer surface of the partial-cylindrical shape. The retention member includes a closed loop or a partially-open loop that defines a second aperture for receiving a strap to secure the conduit to the support. The clamp is configured to secure the conduit to the support. The hanger is configured to suspend the support from a structure.

Abstract: An improved implantable valve accumulator pump for the delivery of medication is disclosed. The implantable pump comprises a pressurized drug reservoir. The medication metering assembly comprises a fixed volume accumulator positioned between a pair of valves. The valves alternately open and close to admit medication from the reservoir into the accumulator and to dispense a precise volume pulse to an outlet catheter. In order to improve the pump's accuracy and to increase pumping volume while optimizing the pump's overall size and energy usage a two way diaphragm accumulator is used. The unit can be externally programmed or can be used in a fixed rate configuration that is never programmed but set at the factory or in the current programmable configuration.

Abstract: A connector assembly for establishing fluid communication between a copper pipe and a cross-linked polyethylene (PEX) tube is provided. The connector assembly additionally includes a retainer including a plurality of teeth. In operation, the copper tube is inserted into a female receiving portion of the housing and a fluid-tight seal is established therebetween. Then, a PEX expansion ring is expanded radially outwardly and inserted over the retainer and contracted to urge the teeth against the copper pipe, thereby retaining the copper pipe inside of the housing. Next, an end of the PEX tube and another expansion ring are expanded radially outwardly and inserted over the male end form of the housing. This PEX expansion ring then contracts to establish a fluid-tight seal between the PEX tube and the male end form of the housing.

Abstract: The present invention provides a process for producing lipid nanoparticles encapsulating therapeutic products, said process comprising: a) providing one or more aqueous solutions in one or more reservoirs; b) providing one or more organic solutions in one or more reservoirs, wherein one or more of the organic solutions contains a lipid and wherein one or more of the aqueous solutions and/or one or more of the organic solutions includes therapeutic products; c) mixing said one or more aqueous solutions with said one or more organic solutions in a first mixing region, wherein said first mixing region is a Multi-Inlet Vortex Mixer (MIVM), wherein said one or more aqueous solutions and said one or more organic solutions are introduced tangentially into a mixing chamber within the MIVM so as to substantially instantaneously produce a lipid nanoparticle solution containing lipid nanoparticles encapsulating therapeutic products.

Abstract: The invention relates to compositions and methods for the sustained release of biologically active polypeptides. The sustained release compositions of this invention comprise a biocompatible polymer having dispersed therein a biologically active polypeptide, and a corticosteroid to modify the release profile and provide increased bioavailability.

Abstract: A catheter system for locking a catheter to an implantable pump and for effectively flushing a catheter after implantation within a body. A locking component comprises an extension boot and catheter lock that together fluidly connect the catheter to the pump in a secure, safe and effective manner. A catheter component comprises a design having kink-resistant walls and a unique tip. A flushing component comprises a hub and stylet combination characterized by a hydrophilic coating on the stylet and a flush through hub to allow flushing of the stylet while inside the catheter.

Abstract: The subject invention provides an improved bypass circuit for use in adult and especially pediatric cardiac surgery. The auto regulating capability of this circuit design simplifies its operation and combines the benefits of both VAVD and KAVD systems while eliminating the need for multiple blood pumps. Advantageously, this system occupies less space than existing systems, requires the use of less blood, reduces the contact between blood and tubing, reduces damage to blood cells, eliminates the need for multiple blood pumps and also reduces the incidence of gaseous emboli.

Abstract: An implantable drug delivery system including: a biocompatible or bio-inert housing containing a drug infusion pump, a drug chamber from which a liquid drug is dispensed when the pump applies a force to the drug chamber, and an internal controller actuating the pump; a delivery catheter extending from the housing to one or more drug delivery treatment sites in a target tissue, wherein the catheter includes a lumen having an inlet to receive a drug pumped from the drug chamber and an outlet are positioned at the target tissue, wherein the drug flows through the outlet to the target tissue, and wherein the internal controller stores and executes an automatic periodic flow regimen which commands the pump and drug chamber to periodically dispense an intermittent bolus or pulse of the liquid drug, wherein the periodic flow regimen provides a prophylactic treatment for granuloma.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for preparing a saline solution comprising [13N]NH4+. The method comprises following steps: preparing [13N]NH3 gas, transporting [13N]NH3 gas to a diffusion chamber, to a first side of a semipermeable membrane, transporting sterile saline solution to the diffusion chamber, to a second side of a semipermeable membrane, allowing the mixing of [13N]NH3 gas that has penetrated the semipermeable membrane with the saline solution on the second side of the semipermeable membrane, whereby saline solution comprising [13N]NH4+ is obtained, and directing the saline solution comprising [13N]NH4+ out from the diffusion chamber. The invention relates also to use of a device for preparing a radiolabelled saline solution for preparation of a saline solution comprising [13N]NH4+.

Abstract: The invention relates to compositions and methods for the sustained release of biologically active polypeptides. The sustained release compositions of this invention comprise a biocompatible polymer having dispersed therein a biologically active polypeptide, and a corticosteroid to modify the release profile and provide increased bioavailability.

Abstract: A catheter system for locking a catheter to an implantable pump and for effectively flushing a catheter after implantation within a body. A locking component comprises an extension boot and catheter lock that together fluidly connect the catheter to the pump in a secure, safe and effective manner. A catheter component comprises a design having kink-resistant walls and a unique tip. A flushing component comprises a hub and stylet combination characterized by a hydrophilic coating on the stylet and a flush through hub to allow flushing of the stylet while inside the catheter.

Abstract: Sustained delivery compositions that modulate the release of incorporated prophylactic, therapeutic, and/or diagnostic agents, and methods of preparation and use thereof, are disclosed. In particular embodiments, the compositions include a polymeric matrix; a prophylactic, therapeutic, and/or diagnostic agent dispersed and/or dissolved within the polymeric matrix; and a carbohydrate component that is separately dispersed within the polymeric matrix. The carbohydrate component modulates the release of the incorporated agent from the polymeric matrix. The compositions can be prepared by dissolving a biocompatible polymer in a solvent to form a polymer solution, and separately dispersing a carbohydrate and a prophylactic, therapeutic, and/or diagnostic agent within the polymer solution. The polymer solution is then solidified to form a polymeric matrix, wherein a significant amount of the carbohydrates is dispersed in the polymeric matrix separately from the incorporated agent.