Abstract: Exemplary embodiments in desalination by direct contact membrane distillation present a cylindrical cross-flow module containing high-flux composite hydrophobic hollow fiber membranes. The present embodiments are directed to a model that has been developed to describe the observed water production rates of such devices in multiple brine feed introduction configurations. The model describes the observed water vapor production rates for different feed brine temperatures at various feed brine flow rates. The model flux predictions have been explored over a range of hollow fiber lengths to compare the present results with those obtained earlier from rectangular modules which had significantly shorter hollow fibers.

Abstract: Exemplary embodiments in desalination by direct contact membrane distillation present a cylindrical cross-flow module containing high-flux composite hydrophobic hollow fiber membranes. The present embodiments are directed to a model that has been developed to describe the observed water production rates of such devices in multiple brine feed introduction configurations. The model describes the observed water vapor production rates for different feed brine temperatures at various feed brine flow rates. The model flux predictions have been explored over a range of hollow fiber lengths to compare the present results with those obtained earlier from rectangular modules which had significantly shorter hollow fibers.

Abstract: Exemplary embodiments in desalination by direct contact membrane distillation present a cylindrical cross-flow module containing high-flux composite hydrophobic hollow fiber membranes. The present embodiments are directed to a model that has been developed to describe the observed water production rates of such devices in multiple brine feed introduction configurations. The model describes the observed water vapor production rates for different feed brine temperatures at various feed brine flow rates. The model flux predictions have been explored over a range of hollow fiber lengths to compare the present results with those obtained earlier from rectangular modules which had significantly shorter hollow fibers.

Abstract: A medical device is disclosed for tissue, body lumen and/or cavity closure inside a body of a patient. In one particular application, the medical device can be used for minimally invasive access and closure of a left atrial appendage of the heart. The medical device generally includes a tool used for grasping the appendage, a closure member, and at least one tool to deploy, control, and position the closure member for closing the appendage. The device can also include an expander tool for expanding the working area around the left atrial appendage to improve visibility during the procedure. In other embodiments, the medical device may include other tools, for example an imaging tool for viewing the target area and/or other tools that are considered useful in a left atrial appendage closure procedure.

Abstract: An introducer sheath includes an elongated longitudinal body having opposite ends longitudinally disposed. An opening is present at each end of the elongated body and a channel extends longitudinally through the openings of the elongated body. The elongated body of the introducer sheath includes a varying stiffness from one end to the other end. As one example, an introducer sheath can introduce devices and/or medical treatment products used in minimally invasive medical procedures.

Abstract: A modular fluid treatment system utilizing hollow fiber cartridges held within the controlled environment of a reaction chamber, with the system being designed to accommodate and facilitate ease of access to individual cartridges within a given module. The arrangement provides for parallel operation of a group of individual modules, while at the same time facilitating access to individual modules for cartridge replacement. Each module includes an elongated cylindrical reaction chamber with end caps, with the end caps being designed to sealingly engage and retain individual cartridges for use within the module, while at the same time providing for accommodating a wide range of tolerance for variations in cartridge length.

Abstract: A modular fluid treatment system utilizing hollow fiber cartridges held within the controlled environment of a reaction chamber, with the system being designed to accommodate and facilitate ease of access to individual cartridges within a given module. The arrangement provides for parallel operation of a group of individual modules, while at the same time facilitating access to individual modules for cartridge replacement. Each module includes an elongated cylindrical reaction chamber with end caps, with the end caps being designed to sealingly engage and retain individual cartridges for use within the module, while at the same time providing for accommodating a wide range of tolerance for variations in cartridge length.

Abstract: A method of completely filling an the interior cavity of a bourdon tube in a pressure gauge with a gelatinous substance ,comprising the steps of:a) evacuating the interior cavity of the bourdon tube to a vacuum level not greater than 50 millitorr;b) depositing a predetermined amount of a gelatinous substance in the interior cavity; andc) venting the interior cavity to remove the vacuum level, whereby increasing air pressure forces the deposited gelatinous substance to completely fill the interior cavity.

Abstract: An inflation system for pressurization and depressurization of a balloon catheter. The inflation system includes a syringe, including a syringe barrel, a plunger with expandable thread, a handle with cam, a syringe end cap, and a digital pressure gauge. The syringe is structured such that part of the syringe barrel has an internal thread which engages the expandable threads of the plunger. In the disengaged mode, the plunger slides freely within the syringe barrel allowing for rapid motion to purge, pressurize, or depressurize the inflation system. Once pressure reaches a predetermined level in the system, the cam on the handle causes the threads to automatically lock against the syringe barrel, and continued pressurization or depressurization is accomplished by the rotation of the plunger handle with respect to the syringe barrel. One advantage of the inflation system is that only one step is necessary for locking the syringe for controlled pressurization and depressurization.

Abstract: An inflation system for pressurization and depressurization of a balloon catheter. The inflation system includes a syringe, including a syringe barrel, a plunger with expandable thread, a handle with cam, a syringe end cap, pressure gauge, flexible tubing, and connectors. The syringe is structured such that part of the syringe barrel has an internal thread which engages the expandable threads of the plunger. In the disengaged mode, the plunger slides freely within the syringe barrel allowing for rapid motion to purge, pressurize, or depressurize the inflation system. Once pressure reaches a predetermined level in the system, the cam on the handle causes the threads to automatically lock against the syringe barrel, and continued pressurization or depressurization is accomplished by the rotation of the plunger handle with respect to the syringe barrel. One advantage of the inflation system is that only one step is necessary for locking the syringe for controlled pressurization and depressurization.

Abstract: A pressure gauge including a bourdon tube where a substantial portion of the pressure gauge is filled with a silicone gel, gelatinous material, or any other suitable materials.

Abstract: A bulb evacuator is provided for closed wound suction having a flexible compressible container with a pair of inlets having one way valves therein and a port to a suction source with a removable cap thereon at one end of the bulb evacuator. The opposite end of the bulb evacuator is provided with an integrally formed anti-reflux valve and a latching device surrounding the anti-reflux valve. A separate collection bag can be attached to the latching device so that when the bulb evacuator is filled with fluid from a closed wound, it can be compressed to force the fluid into the attached collection chamber and simultaneously creating a suction within the bulb evacuator to promote further withdrawal of fluids from the closed wound.

Abstract: A compact, lightweight, variable rate suction and collection device is provided for the withdrawal and collection of fluid from a patient. The device includes a collection receptacle which is connected to the patient and to a pump through suction inlet, so that suction is created within the collection receptacle whereby fluids from the patient are drawn into the receptacle. A piezoelectric transducer or diaphragm pressure switch senses the suction created while a suction level selector permits an operator to select a given suction pressure within a predetermined range. A control circuit, responsive to the piezoelectric transducer or switch and to the suction level selector, controls the suction created within the receptacle. Among other features, the control circuit provides a selected suction pressure as well as controls delivery of fractional power to the pump motor to reduce noise.