Abstract: In one embodiment, a method includes receiving a signal from a sensor disposed within a housing. The housing includes a boiler portion and a condenser portion. At least a portion of the boiler portion and at least a portion of the condenser portion are defined by a heat-transfer element coupled to an interior portion of the housing. The method also includes modifying an angle of the heat-transfer element relative to a horizontal plane in response to the signal such that at least one of a heat-transfer rate associated with the heat-transfer element or a flow-rate of a fluid changing phase within the housing is modified.

Abstract: In one embodiment, an apparatus includes a housing that has at least an inlet and an outlet. The housing is configured to receive a volume of fluid via the inlet. The volume of fluid is in a substantially liquid state and at least a portion of the volume of fluid includes a dissolved impurity. The apparatus also includes a heat-transfer element coupled to an interior volume of the housing. The heat-transfer element includes a surface, at least a portion of which is disposed at an angle with respect to a horizontal plane. The volume of fluid includes a surface parallel to the horizontal plane. The apparatus further includes a compression component configured to compress at least a portion of fluid boiled from the volume of fluid.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a method includes moving a first volume of fluid from a region above a heat-transfer element to a region below the heat-transfer element after the first volume of fluid is boiled from a second volume of fluid within the region above the heat-transfer element. The first volume of fluid including an impurity concentration lower than an impurity concentration of the second volume of fluid. The region below the heat-transfer element has a temperature higher than a temperature of the region above the heat-transfer element. The method also includes transferring latent heat from the first volume of fluid to a third volume of fluid on a top surface of the heat transfer element. The latent heat is released when the first volume of fluid condenses.

Abstract: One embodiment of a cardiac system may include a body that defines a first chamber and a second chamber therein, and structure for transferring pressure from said second chamber to the first chamber.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for volumetric micro-liter infusion of therapeutic liquids are disclosed. This portable pump system remains unobtrusive and less restrictive of patient ambulation and orientation. The present invention includes expendables, the disposability of which facilitates safe reuse of more expensive portions and is sufficiently simple for use in a home care environment. It may be designed to incorporate real-time, interactive or remote monitoring and regulation and visual or audible indication of system pressures, chemical balances and other important variables.