Abstract: An interface or base station is provided for a portable point-of-care patient monitoring and diagnostic device (PCP device) to provide at least power input to the PCP device to extend the battery life thereof, to facilitate data transfer with the PCP device in both directions, to provide an enhanced data input capability for the PCP device and to provide a data output/display capability for the PCP device. At least a portion of the base station may itself be portable for enhanced patient mobility.

Abstract: An apparatus and method are disclosed for an IV pump which can act also as a passive infusion controller. The apparatus has a disposable flow chamber with two pumping subchambers connected by a first collapsible passageway. A pump drive is used to operate the pumping subchambers and includes a first control valve for depressing the first collapsible passageway to control flow between the subchambers and an outlet control valve for depressing an outlet collapsible passageway to control flow of infusate out of the flow chamber. The flow chamber has a base surface and first and second caps, each cap being spaced apart from the base surface and having means for attachment to one of two moveable connector rods. The caps each act as one side of the first and second pumping subchambers, respectively, the base surface being the other side. A flexible wall is connected to the base surface and to each of the caps providing the subchamber volumes therebetween.

Abstract: An apparatus and method are disclosed for an IV pump which can act also as a passive infusion controller. The apparatus has a disposable flow chamber with two pumping subchambers connected by a first collapsible passageway. A pump drive is used to operate the pumping subchambers and includes a first control valve for depressing the first collapsible passageway to control flow between the subchambers and an outlet control valve for depressing an outlet collapsible passageway to control flow of infusate out of the flow chamber. The flow chamber has a base surface and first and second caps, each cap being spaced apart from the base surface and having means for attachment to one of two moveable connector rods. The caps each act as one side of the first and second pumping subchambers, respectively, the base surface being the other side. A flexible wall is connected to the base surface and to each of the caps providing the subchamber volumes therebetween.

Abstract: An improved process for preparing organic acids by a continuous homoacidogenic fermentation is disclosed. This process provides increased volumetric productivity of the acid by employing a microorganism growing on the surface of a support material such as activated carbon or corn cob granules.

Abstract: A tennis racket has a frame member forming a head portion having duplicate strung ball striking matrices, each matrix being substantially coplanar with a respective front and rear face of the frame member. The matrices are formed with a plurality of intersecting string lengths, each being threaded through an aperture extending between the front and rear face of the frame member. In an alternate embodiment each string length traverses a respective front or rear face and then is passed through a radially directed aperture connecting an outer margin of the frame with an inner margin. A signal device is attachable to the matrices for emitting an audible response upon ball impact within a prescribed locus on the matrix.