Abstract: A breakaway connector generally includes a first valve having a first rotating-type fluid control member, and a second valve that is attachable to the first valve and has a second rotating-type fluid control member. Each of the fluid control members has an open position in which fluid is permitted to flow through the respective valve, and a closed position in which fluid is prevented from flowing through the respective valve. Each one of the valves is configured to engage the fluid control member of the other one of the valves to move the fluid control member from the open position to the closed position upon detachment of the valves from one another.

Abstract: A breakaway connector generally includes a first valve having a first rotating-type fluid control member, and a second valve that is attachable to the first valve and has a second rotating-type fluid control member. Each of the fluid control members has an open position in which fluid is permitted to flow through the respective valve, and a closed position in which fluid is prevented from flowing through the respective valve. Each one of the valves is configured to engage the fluid control member of the other one of the valves to move the fluid control member from the open position to the closed position upon detachment of the valves from one another.

Abstract: Devices and methods of altering protein concentrations in cerebrospinal fluid and/or brain interstitial fluid are disclosed. Devices include a support having at least one protease attached to the support. The device may further include a housing. Devices may be implantable for use in an in vivo active flow system or for use in an in vivo passive system. Devices may also be used in an ex vivo active flow system. Devices may also be used in a passive system to treat cerebrospinal fluid and/or brain interstitial fluid that is withdrawn, or in a passive system that is implanted surgically. Methods include contacting cerebrospinal fluid and/or brain interstitial fluid with a support including at least one protease attached to the support. Proteins contained in the cerebrospinal fluid and/or brain interstitial fluid are cleaved by the protease resulting in the reduction of protein in cerebrospinal fluid and/or brain interstitial fluid.

Abstract: A method for directly determining model parameters for a machining process that includes the steps of providing a system having a machining tool and a workpiece, and machining the workpiece using the machining tool, where the machining induces motions in the machining tool or the workpiece. The motions are then measured and used to estimate system characteristic multipliers (eigenvalues). A set of process model parameters is obtained by relating the eigenvalues to the results of an analytical method, a theoretical model or both.

Abstract: An apparatus for detecting impact using an electronic means and microspheres. A helmet system comprises a helmet adapted to be worn on a user's head. A sensor is mounted on the helmet and is adapted to sense a threshold impact equal to or exceeding a threshold force on the helmet. A circuit is connected to and is responsive to the sensor for indicating that the threshold impact has occurred. The circuit includes a sensing circuit generating an impact signal when the sensing circuit is subjected to an impact equal to or exceeding a threshold impact level. A detector detects the impact signal. An indicator is responsive to the detector for providing an indication that the impact signal has been detected whereby the indication indicates that the sensing circuit has been subjected to an impact equal to or exceeding the threshold impact level.