Abstract: A blood suction apparatus for aspirating blood from a patient is developed as a one-hand held instrument having a handgrip. A centrifuge chamber, shaped to narrow from its tangentially directed top blood inlet to its bottom blood outlet end, like a funnel. A gas outlet opening from a gas collection space above the chamber and to which a suction device can be connected. A blood outlet at the lower end of the centrifuge chamber with both outlets connectable to a source of suction. The orientations of the handgrip and of elements passing through the handgrip are disclosed.

Abstract: A vascular closure device. In each embodiment, the device includes at least one relatively non-deformable surface member and a conformable and distensible member. Typically the conformable member is implemented as a balloon structure that is inflated with a liquid or gaseous medium. This inflation fluid increases the fluid pressure in the balloon which counteracts the fluid pressure of the punctured vessel. The resulting forces on the balloon are opposed by tissue structures that transfer the load to the surrounding subcutaneous tissue structures. The device may be constructed of bioabsorbable or non-bioabsorbable materials. Additionally, the device may be coated with agents to provide a secondary therapy for enhancement of clotting or prevention of infections. These agents may also elute from the distensible conformal member.

Abstract: An apparatus, system and method selects a candidate from a pool of candidates to fill a position based on the skills held by the candidate, the skills desired for the position and the priority of the skills for the position. Pre-defined lists of skills are used to develop detailed profiles of the candidates and the positions to be filled for better matching. To compare and rank candidates, adjusted skills scores are used which are limited by the priority of the skill for the position, yielding best-fit matches.

Abstract: A set of available investment assets is evaluated for inclusion in an efficient portfolio by treating certain asset characteristics as a probabilistic random variable, and averaging the resultant portfolios at each risk level. Next, each candidate portfolio at each risk level is modified to more nearly match a preset industry sector/investment style profile thus producing a well diversified efficient portfolio well matched to a user's desired risk level.

Abstract: A garment hanger attachment is presented that is formed of a unitary, elongated, flexible body. The body has a partial slit running lengthwise from a point proximal to one end of the body to a point proximal to the other end of the body. In the center of the body, the slit traverses through the entire diameter of the body to allow the hook of the hanger to pass through. The overall shape of the body is formed length-wise along a single axis, with the slit being molded or cut into the body. The garment hanger attachment is attached to a garment hanger through frictional engagement in the slit or through elastic stretching from one end of the hanger to the other. The attachment is elongated in a straight-line before being attached to the garment hanger, but conforms to the shape of the hanger when attached.

Abstract: A hydraulic catheter which uses a deflected jet to entrain thrombus into a discharge lumen. Multiple energy sources including ultra sonic mechanical and optical energy may be used with the deflected jet energy.