Abstract: A method, and device utilized to practice it, for the resolution of tissue by radio frequency sparking. The device of the present invention having a distal end which is insertable within and along the lumen of a tubular body member and manipulated there through to desired position where the device will be operated. The device comprises an elongated flexible hollow tube having a distal end, a proximal end, and a diameter smaller than the diameter of the tubular, body member into which the device is being inserted; passage means within the tube; a plurality of electrodes adjacent the distal end of the device; and means for selectively supplying radio frequency electrical current to at least one of said electrodes.

Abstract: A method for marking thin walled tubes, using a laser. To prevent warping and to maintain the structural integrity of the tube, coolant is injected into the tube while it is being marked. To further prevent warping and to maintain the structural integrity of the tube, each mark is composed of a set of relatively thin marks, each separated by an unmarked space, and the tube and the laser are moved relative to one another so that the series of marks can be generated.

Abstract: A method and apparatus to concentrate and purify islets of Langerhans from a tissue suspension containing islets and tissue fragments. The tissue suspension is flowed through an inclined channel such that laminar flow is established in the channel. The islets settle toward the channel bottom and are drawn out of the channel through an outlet in the channel bottom, while the remaining tissue suspension flows out a second outlet positioned higher than the islet outlet. Additional concentration or purification may be accomplished by passing the islets through the channel additional times and by centrifuging or filtering operations.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for the measurement of total organic carbon and total inorganic and organic content of water are described. A novel combination of an acidification module, and inorganic carbon removal module based on a carbon dioxide selective gas permeable membrane, and oxidation reaction system which incorporates in-situ generation of oxidizing agents, coupled with catalyzed photo-oxidation of organic compounds to form carbon dioxide, and a high sensitivity, conductometric detector employing a carbon dioxide selective gas permeable membrane permits on-line measurement of the total organic carbon content of water streams.

Abstract: A method to produce high quality doped and undoped lead zirconate titanate (PZT) thin films by metalorganic chemical vapor deposition is disclosed. The PZT thin films with the perovskite structure were deposited on sapphire disks, Pt/Ti/SiO.sub.2 /Si wafers, and RuO.sub.x /SiO.sub.2 /Si wafers by both hot-wall and cold-wall CVD reactors at deposition temperature as low as 550.degree. C. and a reduced pressure 6 torr. The source materials include metalorganic precursors and oxidizing agent. The metalorganic precursors can be metal alkoxides, metal acetylacetonates, or metal .beta.-diketonates. Preferably, the precursors are lead tetramethylheptadione for Pb component, zirconium tetramethylheptadione for Zr component, and titanium ethoxide for Ti component and the oxidizing agent is oxygen. The stoichiometry of the films can be easily controlled by varying the individual precursor temperature and/or the flow rate of the carrier gas. The Pb(Zr.sub.0.82 Ti.sub.0.18)O.sub.

Abstract: A submersible motor enclosure and method of operating the same, having particular utility for enclosing a motor used to power a screen rake in a waste water treatment plant. The enclosure has a closed end and an open end coverable by a cover plate. A pressure source is in communication with the housing interior to pressurize the interior and to resist the migration of water into the housing. A discharge port may be included to collect and discharge any water that enters or condenses in the housing. An alternate embodiment utilizes a vacuum source in communication with the discharge port instead of the pressure source in communication with the housing interior.

Abstract: Apparatus for administering dialysis, including a separable tubing coupling (32). The tubing coupling (32) consists of a hollow cylindrical element (42, 44) insertable into the lumens of the distal and proximal regions of the fluid delivery tube (16), and has a scored circumference at which the coupling can be broken-off by application of an adequate bending force. The device allows rapid and reliable disconnecting of the patient from the dialysis apparatus, without the need for scissors or a knife to be employed.

Abstract: A process and apparatus are disclosed for the detection and measurement of sulfur in both organic and inorganic sulfur-containing compounds. The process includes admixing a sample including a sulfur-containing compound with oxygen, and then exposing the mixture to a source of combustion causing heat in the presence of a combustion supporting reducing agent at a combustion site. The resulting gaseous combustion products are vacuum extracted from the combustion site, and then directed into a darkened low pressure chamber. The combustion products in the low pressure chamber are then contacted with ozone, with the result that the sulfur combustion products are converted to chemiluminescent sulfur dioxide. The emitted chemiluminescence is then detected, and may be measured to provide a quantitative indication of the amount of sulfur in the original sample. The preferred source of oxygen is air, the preferred form of combustion heat is a flame, and the preferred form of reducing agent is hydrogen gas.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for determining, controlling or establishing the level of a constituent such as anticoagulant in a body fluid such as blood in a procedure for processing the fluid. The anticoagulant flow rate from an anticoagulant reservoir, the blood flow rate, the flow rate of collected fluid and the flow rate of replacement fluid are monitored, and an anticoagulant flow balance is established whereby the flow of anticoagulant into the donor or patient will be equal to the flow rate of anticoagulant out of the anticoagulant reservoir, plus the flow rate of anticoagulant from the donor or patient, plus the flow rate of anticoagulant in the replacement fluid, minus the flow rate of anticoagulant in the collect fluid. The flow rate of anticoagulant from the donor or patient can be determined based on the anticoagulant metabolic half-life, the volume of the donor's or patient's blood, and the amount and time of infusion of anticoagulant into the donor or patient.

Abstract: A device to indicate the application of a non-rotative force, having particular utility in recording the dispensing of a push-down activated aerosol medication dispenser. A non-rotative force on an outer cover is translated into a rotation of an indicator wheel relative to the outer cover by a set of flexible pawls engaged with a set of teeth. The pawls depress and thereby extend circumferentially when the applied force flexes them to effect a rotation of the teeth. Suitable means indicate the relative rotation of the teeth such as a window in the outer cover through which is visible indicia on the indicator wheel. The device may also include means to resist its operation by a child.

Abstract: A method for diagnosing and treating anticipated cardiac rupture and an apparatus for the same. Anticipated cardiac rupture is diagnosed by examining one or more of several predictive symptoms, including pericarditis, repetitive unprovoked emesis, restlessness and agitation, abnormal ECG ST segments and T waves, and abrupt hypotension and bradycardia. The treatment includes the adhesion of a mesh patch to the myocardium by introducing the patch into the pericardia sac through an endoscope, applying the patch to the myocardium using a pair of graspers, and adhering the patch to the myocardium by applying a cyanoacrylate glue to the patch.