Abstract: A method for increasing the throughput, or the precision, or both the precision and the throughput, of a flow cytometer, or of a hematology analyzer employing a flow cytometer, by utilizing the technique of laser rastering. Laser rastering involves sweeping a laser beam across a flowing sample stream in a hematology analyzer. An apparatus suitable for carrying out the method of this invention comprises an optical module comprising a source of light, a scanning device, a lens or system of lenses, a flow cell, detectors, and filters; and an electronic module comprising preamplifiers, analog signal conditioning elements, analog-to-digital converters, field-programmable gate arrays, digital signal processing elements, and data storage elements.

Abstract: A method and system for determining the quantity of an analyte initially present in a chemical and or biological reaction as well as a computer implemented method and system to automate portions of the analysis comprising mathematical or graphical analysis of an amplification reaction.

Abstract: A spinal stabilization system may be formed in a patient. In some embodiments, a minimally invasive procedure may be used to form a spinal stabilization system in a patient. Bone fastener assemblies may be coupled to vertebrae. Each bone fastener assembly may include a bone fastener and a collar. The collar may be rotated and/or angulated relative to the bone fastener. Detachable members may be coupled to the collar to allow for formation of the spinal stabilization system through a small skin incision. The detachable members may allow for alignment of the collars to facilitate insertion of an elongated member in the collars. An elongated member may be positioned in the collars and a closure member may be used to secure the elongated member to the collars.

Abstract: A pseudo arthrosis device may be placed in a disc space to provide support for adjacent vertebrae. The device may have an enclosure formed from a flexible, permeable material. A plurality of elongated members may be packed longitudinally in the enclosure. The elongated members may be compressible and/or flexible. In certain embodiments, elongated members may be solid rods and/or hollow tubes. A plurality of spaced-apart perforations may be formed in solid and hollow elongated members. The enclosure may be placed in an intervertebral space between the adjacent vertebrae such that the elongated members are disposed longitudinally between the adjacent vertebrae. The pseudo arthrosis device may include a tab designed to couple the enclosure to an adjacent vertebrae.

Abstract: In a cosed-loop process, a controller uses a flow sensor to monitor the flow of a medicinal fluid being infused into a patient, to achieve a desired rate of flow. A relatively inexpensive peristaltic pump or electronically controlled valve can be used to vary the flow of the medicinal fluid through a fluid line. A Y site within the fluid line includes an integral flow sensor having an orifice. The flow sensor includes proximal and distal pressure sensors disposed on opposite sides of the orifice to monitor the distal and proximal pressure, producing a signal indicative of the rate of flow of the medicinal fluid through the fluid line. A signal produced by the controller is input to a motor driving the pump or to the valve to vary the rate of flow as required to achieve the desired infusion rate of the medicinal fluid.

Abstract: A spinal plate system and method for fixation of the human spine is provided. In an embodiment, the spinal fixation system includes a plate, a coupling member, a locking system for substantially locking the coupling member in a desired position, and an anchoring system to secure the coupling member in the locking system. The plate may have a hole that allows the coupling member to couple the plate with a bone. At least a portion of the coupling member may swivel in the hole so that a bottom end of the member may extend at a plurality of angles substantially oblique to the plate. The locking system may lock the coupling member in desired positions relative to the plate. The anchoring system may secure the coupling member in the locking system to inhibit the coupling system from detaching from the locking system when stressed. An assembly tool may be used to engage and disengage the anchoring system during the installation or removal of the spinal fixation system.

Abstract: A transverse connector may be attached to rods of an orthopedic stabilization system. The rods of the stabilization system may be non-parallel and skewed in orientation relative to each other. The transverse connector may include two members that are joined together by a fastener. The transverse connector may be adjustable in three separate ways to allow the transverse connector to attach to the rods. The length of the transverse connector may be adjustable. The rod openings of the transverse connector may be partially rotatable about a longitudinal axis of the transverse connector. Also, a first member may be angled towards a second member so that the transverse connector can be attached to rods that are diverging. The transverse connector may include cam locks that securely attach the transverse connector to the rods. Rotating a cam locks may extend a rod engager into a rod opening. The rod engager may be a portion of the cam lock.

Abstract: A transverse connector may be attached to rods of an orthopedic stabilization system. The rods of the stabilization system may be non-parallel and skewed in orientation relative to each other. The transverse connector may include two members that are joined together by a fastener. The transverse connector may be adjustable in three separate ways to allow the transverse connector to attach to the rods. The length of the transverse connector may be adjustable. The rod openings of the transverse connector may be partially rotatable about a longitudinal axis of the transverse connector. Also, a first member may be angled towards a second member so that the transverse connector can be attached to rods that are diverging. The transverse connector may include cam locks that securely attach the transverse connector to the rods. Rotating a cam locks may extend a rod engager into a rod opening. The rod engager may be a portion of the cam lock.

Abstract: A peristaltic pump is provided with a housing, a pump head in the housing, and a receiving path defined along a housing and pump head for receiving tubing. Two spaced-apart temperature sensors are provided. One temperature sensor is located adjacent the tubing in a heat conduction path along which heat flows between the sensor and the tubing. The other sensor is located outside of the heat conduction path for sensing ambient temperature. The pump operating speed is adjusted as a function of the sensed temperatures. This accommodates the temperature-dependent rate of recovery of the tubing from its peristaltically deformed configuration to its original configuration.

Abstract: The invention is directed to a device for obtaining flow rate measurements including a sensor assembly and a housing. The sensor assembly includes a body defining a first fluid flow passage having an inlet, an outlet, a flow restricting element in the first fluid flow passage between the inlet and the outlet, an upstream fluid pressure sensor, a downstream fluid pressure sensor, an upstream signal contact connected to the upstream fluid pressure sensor, and a downstream signal contact connected to the downstream fluid pressure sensor. The housing has an upstream portion defining an upstream port, a downstream portion defining a downstream port, and a probe access port configured to provide access of a probe to at least one of the upstream signal contact and downstream signal contact. The housing can also define a second fluid flow passage in parallel with the first fluid flow passage. The device can be disposable.

Abstract: The invention provides a syringe and a method for using the same. The syringe includes a housing having a reservoir disposed therein and a plunger to be received by the reservoir, the plunger being moveable between a first plunger position and a second plunger position. The syringe also includes a plunger spring to urge the plunger toward the second plunger position and an actuator to deploy the plunger spring. The syringe also includes a needle proximate the distal end of the housing displaceable from a first needle position to a second needle position, and a shroud coupled with the housing. The shroud is moveable between a retracted position and an extended position, the shroud surrounding at least a portion of the needle when in the extended position. The syringe also includes an interlocking assembly, a shroud spring, and a locking assembly configured to inhibit movement of the shroud.

Abstract: A stepper motor control circuit reduces ripple current by applying both fast and slow current decays to a motor phase when current is being reduced in the motor phase while following a falling current waveform. The control circuit uses an initial fast decay to reduce a winding current and then switches to a slow decay until a winding current is sampled again. The control circuitry samples a winding current and compares the sampled current to a reference current to determine if current is to be applied or reduced using fast and/or slow decay methods. Different phase current sample circuits allow either constant current sensing or selective current sensing.

Abstract: An instrument may be used to move a rod attached to vertebrae to an opening of a fixation device. Positioning the rod in the opening may properly align the vertebrae with respect to the vertebra attached to the fixation element. A fixation holder may be coupled to the fixation element. The holder may include a protrusion. The protrusion may engage a guide of the instrument during use. The protrusion and the guide may ensure that the rod is properly positioned within the opening in the connector. The instrument and holder may automatically align the rod to the opening without requiring manual manipulation of the rod or the fixation element. The fixation element may include a connector. The connector may be positioned within the fixation element so that removal of the connector from the fixation element is inhibited.

Abstract: A pseudo arthrosis device disposed in a patient between two adjacent vertebrae. The device has an enclosure with a plurality of compressible flexible members packed longitudinally therein. The enclosure is attached to at least one of the adjacent vertebrae. A method of use is disclosed.

Abstract: A container closure system for delivering a fluid. The system includes a stopper constructed to seal fluidly a container. A closure member is mounted on an upper surface of the stopper. The closure member includes a base having an upper surface and a lower surface. The closure member further includes an outer wall and an inner wall extending from the upper surface of the base with the inner wall spaced from the outer wall. The base defines therethrough a needle access port between the inner and outer walls. The inner wall defines a chamber therein. The base further defines therethrough an aperture adjacent the chamber defined by the inner wall. A piercing member is movably disposed within the chamber defined by the inner wall. The piercing member has a first end portion and a second end portion, the first end portion being positioned proximally to the stopper. A piercing tip is mounted on the first end portion and is constructed to pierce the stopper.

Abstract: A drug delivery system stores a beneficial agent and mixes the beneficial agent with a component in a reservoir, the mixture to be delivered to a patient. A plunger in the drug delivery system delivers the beneficial agent to a reservoir containing a component, such as diluent. The beneficial agent and component are mixed in the reservoir and the mixture flows from the reservoir to an access port in the drug delivery device to an administration set or other device to be delivered to a patient.

Abstract: In a closed-loop process, a controller uses a flow sensor to monitor the flow of a medicinal fluid being infused into a patient, to achieve a desired rate of flow. A relatively inexpensive peristaltic pump or electronically controlled valve can be used to vary the flow of the medicinal fluid through a fluid line. A Y site within the fluid line includes an integral flow sensor having an orifice. The flow sensor includes proximal and distal pressure sensors disposed on opposite sides of the orifice to monitor the distal and proximal pressure, producing a signal indicative of the rate of flow of the medicinal fluid through the fluid line. A signal produced by the controller is input to a motor driving the pump or to the valve to vary the rate of flow as required to achieve the desired infusion rate of the medicinal fluid.

Abstract: A cap assembly for a container has a hollow housing with an upper end that receives a fluid transfer device and a lower end that engages a stopper on the container. The housing has an internal cavity open at the upper and lower ends and a radially outwardly extending portion at the lower end. A penetrator is received in the internal cavity. The penetrator has a pointed distal end opposite the stopper and an upper end constructed to be engaged by a fluid transfer device. A cap is constructed the hollow housing. The cap has a closed upper end, an open lower end, a radially outwardly extending portion at the open end, and a circumferential line of weakness connecting the upper and lower ends. A ferrule is over the radially outwardly extending portion of the hollow housing and the radially outwardly extending portion of the cap.

Abstract: Light-protective container assembly for a light-sensitive fluid includes a translucent container defining an inner reservoir to contain the fluid, and a flexible sleeve connected to the container. The sleeve has a tubular configuration sized to substantially cover at least the reservoir of the container, and is made of a material capable of substantially preventing the transmission therethrough of an identified range of wavelengths from the electromagnetic spectrum. Preferably, the sleeve is made of a mixture of a base material and a colorant capable of substantially preventing the transmission of undesired energy through a predetermined thickness of the base. material. The sleeve is connected indirectly to the container by providing the container with at least one passageway therethrough, and by positioning the sleeve such that a first portion of the sleeve is on one side of the container, and a second portion is on an opposite side of the container.