Abstract: A sealer and inflator composition, particularly for inflating tires. The composition comprises: a sealant; a non-flammable propellant/inflator having an ozone depletion potential of zero; and a vapor pressure depressant which may be either hydrocarbon diethers of 3 to 6 carbon atoms, hydroxyketones of 3 to 6 carbon atoms, or mixtures thereof.

Abstract: The invention relates to a catalytic layer system on a resistive gas sensor, especially on a resistive gas sensor layer on a titanate base, with at least one first layer and a second layer lying over the first layer, where, according to the invention, the first layer exhibits a catalytically active substance whose volume percentage in the layer ranges from 20 to 80%. In addition, the first layer contains a titanate that corresponds to at least one titanate of the underlying gas sensor layer. This attribute guarantees favorable adhesion between the layers. Furthermore, an oxide mixture that contributes to the improved mechanical stability of the layer system is provided in the second layer instead of the catalytically active substance. To manufacture the catalytic layer system, the individual layers are applied to the sensor in a screen printing process, which allows for a rational method of production and the precise dosing and distribution of the individual layer components.

Abstract: Blood is circulated through a multiple lumen catheter which connects between a vein of a patient and the blood treatment device. The catheter and the lumens thereof each define distal ends which are positioned within the vein. By this invention, one withdraws blood from the vein through one of the lumens at a flow rate of at least about 200 ml./min. while also inserting blood into the vein through another of said lumens at a similar flow rate. The distal ends of the lumens are longitudinally spaced from each other by no more than about 5 mm. It has been found that the following advantages can be achieved by this method: less clot formation coupled with low direct blood recirculation and longer catheter survival. Also, the catheter of this invention works well in either direction of blood flow through the respective lumens.

Abstract: The invention relates to a process for monitoring the operativeness of a catalytic converter used to clean the exhaust gas in an internal combustion engine that is regulated by a lambda sensor through temperature measurement with a heat tone sensor exhibiting a catalytically active coating. The process provides information on both the percentage of individual, non-converted exhaust components and on the current thermal load on the catalytic converter. Readings are taken by the heat tone sensor at time intervals corresponding to the normal regulating frequency of the lambda sensor. This results in a quadratic function in which the height of the amplitude represents the percentage of non-converted individual exhaust components. The mean temperature of the catalytic converter can be inferred by rectifying the quadratic function.

Abstract: A needle protector sheath comprises a body having a top wall, sidewalls and open ends. A slot is formed in each sidewall to slidingly receive a needle wing extending through each of the slots. Typically the slots extend through one end of the protector sheath. The protector sheath also defines an open, bottom aperture extending from end to end of the body, to permit the sheath to be laterally applied to tubing connected to a winged needle and to be advanced to a position where the needle tip is recessed in the sheath and the needle wings extend through the slots. In another embodiment an elongated anchor member may extend forwardly from the body to be manually pressed to retain the protector sheath as the needle is being withdrawn from the skin of a patient. The anchor member may have an outer end portion that bends away from the patient in position of use. Also, a novel sheath design and slot arrangement is disclosed.

Abstract: A blood processing system such as a dialysis system may be primed by passing priming solution in a first direction of flow through at least one of the sets, to cause the priming solution to enter an in-line chamber carried by the one set in a flow direction that is retrograde to the normal direction of blood flow through the chamber. Preferably, the in-line chamber carries a filter. Simultaneously, one removes air from the one set through a port. In another, preferably simultaneous step of the process, one passes priming solution in the second, reverse direction of flow to the first direction, through the blood processing unit and connected sets for continuing to remove air from the system through the port, to complete priming of the system.

Abstract: A female tube connector defining a tapered socket having an open, inner end communicating with the lumen of a tube, and a sealing cap proportioned to close the connector and to seal the tapered socket. The sealing cap comprises a cap body and a tapered projection proportioned to sealingly fit within the tapered socket. The projection is carried by the cap body and extends beyond the cap body by a distance to permit the projection to substantially completely occupy the whole length of the tapered socket when the cap is closing the female connector. The projection has an outer surface that carries an antiseptic material, so that upon such closure the interior of the tube connector can be sterilized between uses.

Abstract: A cable tensioning device comprises tubular shaft having an outer threaded portion, and a handle member surrounding a portion of the shaft, with the shaft and handle member being connected in screw-threaded relation. The shaft moves longitudinally relative to the handle as the handle rotates, driven by the screw threaded connection. A gripping member is carried on the shaft distal to the handle member for holding a replaceable bit, which, in turn, may carry a cable crimp. A cable lock is positioned typically proximal of the handle member to hold the ends of cables extending through the tubular shaft. Rotation of the handle member can cause the shaft to move longitudinally to lengthen the distance between the cable lock and a crimp held by a bit which, in turn, is held by the gripping member, to impose a tension on the cable. A meter is present for measuring the amount of tension applied to the cable.

Abstract: A method is provided for cardioverting or defibrillating a patient's heart. A plurality of electrodes is positioned on a plurality of different locations on the patient. Different sets of the plurality of electrodes are pulsed with a plurality of pulses within a maximum time period of 200 milliseconds. By using multiple, relatively low energy shocks to different locations instead of a single large shock, there is significantly less trauma to the patient, and during cardioversion the use of anesthesia may be avoided.

Abstract: An air brush is provided with a handle, a front body and a paint regulating needle. The handle and the front body together define a tubular cavity through which the paint regulating needle is carried. A needle chuck releasably holds the paint regulating needle in the tubular cavity. The handle further defines a portal through which the needle chuck may be accessed. One end of the paint regulating needle extends outside of the handle and defines a stop and its other end extends through the handle and the front body. The needle chuck may be loosened, at the portal, to release the needle. The needle can then be grasped at the stop and pulled out of the airbrush so that the needle can be cleaned or replaced without disassembling the airbrush.

Abstract: A catheter balloon is manufactured and prepared for use by heating a portion of a thermoplastic tube and pressurizing the lumen of the tube to cause the heated tube portion to stretch. Preferably, a central section of the tube portion is heated to a degree greater than the end sections of the tube portions, so that the central section of the tube portion expands to a thinner wall thickness than the end sections of the tube portion. Thus, when this newly formed, integral balloon is expanded within a patient, the central section thereof tends to expand outwardly first, ahead of the end sections. When such a balloon carries a tubular stent within the patient, the early expansion of the central section against a longitudinally centered stent causes a central portion of the stent to expand outwardly first, keeping the stent firmly centered on the balloon as it is expanded by the balloon.

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: An extracorporeal blood set may be primed with physiological solution for use in a blood transporting process such as hemodialysis. The set comprises tubing having a patient connector on an end thereof, and a first branch tube in connection with a source of the solution. The branch tube connects with the set between the ends of the set. The branch tube also connects with further branch tubing, having a second connector which is capable of sealing connection with the patient connector. The method comprises the steps of connecting the patient connector and the second connector to form a closed loop of tubing. One then passes the solution from the source in flow through the first branch tube and further branch tubing to fill them and the set tubing with the solution. One then disconnects the patient connector for subsequent connection with the vascular system of a patient.

Abstract: A hemodialysis system includes the following: a dialysate handling unit for providing dialysate to the patient. This unit includes a hemodialysis solution pump and apparatus for monitoring hemodialysis solution safety such as a conductivity tester. Additionally a solution heater and appropriate conventional controls can be provided, as well as a proportioning system, an ultrafiltration measuring unit, and other known apparatus for handling dialysis solution. A blood handling unit is also provided, which includes a membrane dialyzer and holder, a blood pump, blood flow tubing and safety equipment for monitoring blood flow as it is pumped through the arterial/venous blood conduit set tubing from the patient, through the membrane dialyzer, and back to the patient. A first conduit is present for conveying fresh dialysate from the dialysate handling unit to the blood handling unit (or directly to the membrane dialyzer).

Abstract: An optical disc changer in which a disc transporter moves a disc from a magazine to an optical disc player for play and then returns the disc to the magazine. An optical counter provides signals to aid in determining the location of the disc transporter with respect to the magazine. A step counter also provides signals to aid in determining the location of the disc transporter with respect to the magazine. The optical counter and step counter cooperate to provide signals to the microcomputer to input the necessary information to the microcomputer for determining the location of the disc transporter in relation to the magazine. The magazine holds discs in a substantially vertical position and the disc transporter moves substantially horizontally with respect to the magazine.

Abstract: A connector for blood or solution sets (including dialysis solution sets) comprises a tube having an open outer end. The tube carries a side arm which extends radially outwardly from the tube. A cap is connected to the side arm by typically an integral plastic living hinge in a position permitting said cap to pivot between a closed position in which said cap closes the open, outer end, and an open position in which the cap is spaced from the open, outer end. The side arm defines an effectively rigid, fixed configuration to position the hinge and cap at a position permitting a directed path of motion between the open position and the closed position.

Abstract: An electrocautery probe for penetrating through tissue. The probe comprises a tissue-compatible, flexible sleeve; an exposed electrode carried at one end of the sleeve; a wire connected at one end to the electrode and extending through the sleeve; and an electrical connector attached to the other end of the wire. The connector is suitable for attachment to a source of electrocautery power. The wire is separate from the sleeve, to be removable by pulling from the sleeve when the electrode is cut away or otherwise removed from the sleeve. Thus, the probe can penetrate tissue by electrocautery action to form a tissue tunnel, and the electrode and wire can then be removed, leaving at least a portion of the sleeve in the tissue tunnel to serve as a drainage catheter.

Abstract: The invention relates to a balloon for a catheter. The manufacturing of the balloon comprises providing of mold which has a mold cavity corresponding to an intended expanded form of the balloon member; placing opposite ends of a tube-like semimanufacture (parison) into securing elements for the purpose of securing their opposite end sections in the mold cavity; heating the semimanufacture; and generating a pressure difference between the inside and the outside of the semimanufacture to expand the balloon member against the walls of the mold cavity. In the molding, the end sections of the semimanufacture are twisted about an angle in relation to each other so that helical ridges are formed in balloon transition sections.

Abstract: Material samples may be tested for weathering by a method which comprises securing the samples to a rack which rotates about a central radiation source, and exposing the samples to irradiation from the source at a first intensity of at least about 1.5 SUNS, while rotating the rack at a rate of at least about 6 rpm. Alternatively, a lower radiation intensity may be provided from the same apparatus, using a lower rotation rate. The method may also comprise a step of varying the inductance of a circuit supplying power to the central radiation source as one changes the intensity of the irradiation, to enhance the constancy of spectral distribution of the irradiation at the different intensities.