Abstract: A hemodialyzer apparatus comprises a reusable dialyzer membrane as well as reusable blood flow path and dialysis flow path units. The apparatus automatically primes itself and makes dialysis solution from dry chemicals, concentrates, and fresh water which is provided to the apparatus. Also, after use, the apparatus automatically prepares cleaning and rinsing solution for the cleaning and rinsing of the dialyzer membrane as well as the dialyzate and blood flow path means, to provide a system which is so simplified in terms of automatic operation that it may be usable for daily dialysis at home.

Abstract: A balloon catheter comprises a catheter shaft and a balloon carried on the shaft, an inflation lumen being provided. The balloon comprises a plurality of holes of a size to permit medication delivered through the lumen to pass outwardly through the holes. The balloon carries on an outer surface a substantially hydrophilic, tubular microporous membrane covering the holes, to break up streams of flowing medication.

Abstract: A rack, and particularly a pallet rack which comprises at least two pairs of spaced, parallel rails. The pairs of rails typically carry at least one rolling cart for receiving a pallet. The rails are carried on at least a first beam and a second beam, the beam is being positioned and spaced in generally parallel relation to each other, and positioned transversely of the rails. A plurality of spaced, first columns are connected to and support the first beam, while a plurality of spaced second columns connect to and support the second beam. There are present a greater number of second columns than first columns, with the second columns being more closely spaced together than the first columns. By this, a greater load may be carried by the second beam, preferably without the second beam being stronger.

Abstract: A faucet-mounted filter in which a housing is positioned in flow transmitting relation with the water flow line. A microporous, filter is positioned to sealingly occlude water flow through the housing so that all water flow through the housing must pas through porous walls of the filter. The pores of the filter walls are no larger than 0.22 micron, as measured by the particles that the pores pass. Thus the filter is capable of microbial filtering.

Abstract: A balloon catheter having an inflatable balloon in which the outer surface of the inflatable balloon is surrounded by an elastomeric sleeve. The sleeve is attached throughout at least a majority of its area to the balloon outer surface to provide pin hole and abrasion resistance. Preferably, the inflatable balloon is made of a flexible material of less elasticity than the material of the elastomeric sleeve. Thus the balloon expands to a generally limited maximum transverse dimension, while the collapse of the balloon is facilitated by the elastomeric sleeve.

Abstract: A hollow needle carried in a hub, the needle and hub being carried on the end of tubing in flow-communicating relation between the needle and tubing. The hub defines typically a pair of wings extending transversely outwardly from the hub in opposite directions. The wings each carry plate members extending transversely of the wings to facilitate manual gripping of the needle hub. Preferably, the needle and hub further comprises a slidable, tubular guard defining a bore receiving the needle and hub. The tubular guard defines a pair of opposed, longitudinal slots through which the wings extend, with the plate members positioned outside of the tubular guard. The slots permit movement of the needle and hub in the guard from a needle-exposed position to a needle-enclosed position.

Abstract: A balloon dilatation catheter comprises a flexible, tubular catheter shaft which carries a dilatation balloon adjacent the distal end. The catheter shaft defines an inflation lumen communicating with the balloon and a guidewire lumen extending at least most of the length of the catheter and extending through the catheter distal end. A longitudinal slit is defined in the catheter shaft between the guidewire lumen and the catheter exterior. This slit longitudinally extends along the majority of the catheter length from a position proximal of the balloon to a position that is at least adjacent the catheter proximal end.

Abstract: A plastic clip for automobile visors and the like. The clip comprises a plastic material impregnated with an aroma-creating material which is continuously released from the plastic material into the air for a period of weeks when mounted on the visor. The plastic material of the visor itself can be used to provide the clip action.

Abstract: A range accentuating device for remote control transmitters, used in connection with automobile and other types of accessories and options, is provided. The invention is comprised of an antenna, and a receptacle to couple the remote control transmitter, via mutual coupling, to the antenna. When the remote control transmitter is coupled to the antenna and the remote control transmitter is activated, the signal from the remote control transmitter is accentuated.

Abstract: An intravascular catheter comprises a proximal portion and a distal portion. The proximal portion has greater torsional stiffness than the distal portion, while the distal portion has greater dependability than the proximal portion. In accordance with this invention the distal portion carries a helical wire support member embedded therein, the helical support member being essentially free of crossing wires, to provide kink-resistance upon bending to the distal portion.

Abstract: Water treatment apparatus having a raw water inlet and a treated water outlet and at least a first and second water treatment tank plus conduit means for passing water from the inlet to the outlet through the first and second tanks in parallel flow relation. The tanks are automatically regenerated in sequential, alternating intermittent manner in response to predetermined criteria. The tank being regenerated is connected to prevent flow from said tank through the outlet, while the tank not being regenerated is connected to provide flow through the outlet. Accordingly, continuous water treatment, with alternating, intermittent regeneration of the tanks, may be provided.

Abstract: Apparatus and method are disclosed for facilitating balloon catheter exchange in the vascular system of a patient. The apparatus and method concern means for holding a guidewire longitudinally fixed with respect to a guiding catheter while a balloon catheter is moved over the guidewire. Specifically, the guidewire is held longitudinally fixed with respect to the guiding catheter by way of magnetic coupling. A first magnetic element constitutes a portion of the guide wire or is attached to the guide wire to move with it. A second magnetic element is located proximate the balloon catheter but is not fixed to the balloon catheter. When the guidewire is moved within the guiding catheter to a location at which the first magnetic element reaches its point of closest approach to the second magnetic element, magnetic force holds the guidewire against movement relative to the guiding catheter even while a balloon catheter is being moved over the guidewire.

Abstract: A slotted guard for locking a needle in a shielded position as the needle is removed from a patient, and a guarded winged needle assembly including not only such a slotted, locking guard, but also a needle (with a winged hub attached thereto) slidably mounted within the guard. Preferably, the guard's slot has an angled portion so that when the hub and needle are fully retracted within the guard, the needle's tip will be oriented away from the slot. Also preferably, a piece of absorptive material is disposed in the guard to absorb any fluid dripping from the needle tip after the needle has been locked in its retracted position within the guard following an injection.

Abstract: The method of purifying spent brine from the regeneration of ion exchange resin, for example resin in water softeners. The method comprises acidifying the spent brine to a pH of less than 3 with an acid other than sulfuric acid, which acid is preferably chosen from at least one acid which forms a calcium salt that is more water soluble than calcium sulfate. One passes the brine through a nanofiltration membrane to purify the brine by separating from it a waste stream which comprises the majority of the polyvalent ions present, so that the purified brine has most of its contaminating polyvalent ions removed.

Abstract: A catheter comprises a flexible, plastic catheter shaft which carries an embedded fibrous, tubular reinforcement member typically of the braided type. The catheter shaft defines a first section which comprises a first plastic material and a second section abutting the first section which comprises a second plastic material having different physical properties from the first plastic material. The tubular reinforcement member comprises integral fibers that extend between, and are embedded in, the plastic of the first and second sections of the catheter shaft. Thus, the two different sections of the catheter shaft can have different physical properties while being reliably and permanently secured together not only by any bond present between the plastic portions but also because of the integral fibers extending between the two portions. Such a catheter may be made by threading preformed plastic catheter sections about the fibrous tubular reinforcement member and fusing.

Abstract: Extruded catheters and other flexible plastic tubing may be manufactured with improved rotational and/or longitudinal stiffness, compared with catheters made of more conventional plastics. A tubing of liquid crystal polymer plastic-containing material may be extruded through a tube extrusion die while rotating the inner and outer die walls to provide circumferential shear to the extruded tube. Thus the liquid crystal polymer is oriented in a helical manner to provide improved properties, including greater rotational stiffness.

Abstract: A rotary handle for attachment to a proximal end of a catheter. The handle comprises a handle member, and a tubular grip member rotatably affixed in generally coaxial relation about a portion of the handle member. An apertured, elastomeric block is provided to permit connection to the proximal end of a catheter. The handle member and grip member are relatively rotatable, to provide corresponding rotation of a connected catheter, typically through a predetermined rotation range, while preventing further catheter rotation to prevent its over rotation while emplaced in a patient. Preferably, the catheter defines a proximal, rigid, tubular tip that passes through the elastomeric block. Also, the catheter may have a steering wire having a zig-zag proximal end positioned within the rigid, tubular tip under compression so that the zig-zag end is frictionally retained within the tubular tip to cause the steering wire to rotate the catheter.

Abstract: A two-piece, realignable golf tee comprises a lower, integrally molded plastic piece comprising a ground spike, a central flange, a relatively thin, flexible retainer shaft extending away from the ground spike in substantially parallel relation, and an enlargement adjacent the outer end of the retainer shaft. An upper, integrally molded plastic piece comprises a sleeve slidably positioned about the flexible retainer shaft. The sleeve defines a bore having a constricted portion adjacent a first sleeve end that faces the ground spike to engage the enlargement, to substantially limit movement of the sleeve away from the spike and out of engagement with the retainer shaft. The central flange is proportioned to serve as a seat for the first sleeve end, with the end of the sleeve opposed to the first end being proportioned to serve as a seat for a golf ball. The two, integrally molded plastic pieces may be assembled in snap-fit relation.

Abstract: A low salt level sensor comprising a float within a brine tank, apparatus for detecting whether the float has risen in response to the addition of a predetermined amount of water to the brine tank to a height such that an adequate supply of salt is present in said brine tank and apparatus for indicating if the float has not risen high enough. A method of detecting whether the salt level is low in the brine tank of a water treatment system is also described. According to this method, brine is removed from the brine tank and a predetermined amount of water is added. A determination is then made as to whether the brine level has reached a height such that an adequate supply of salt is present in the brine tank and an indication is provided if the brine level is below this height.

Abstract: A balloon catheter comprises a flexible catheter shaft and at least a pair of inflatable balloons carried on the shaft. Each of the balloons communicate with a separate inflation lumen extending longitudinally within the shaft. One of the pair of balloons is carried on the shaft in a position relatively proximal to the other. Typically, the relatively proximal balloon carries a stent for implantation into a patient.