Abstract: A blood chamber for hemodialysis sets which comprises a sealed, flattened plastic parison, typically from blow molding, which defines a double reservoir chamber, each having at least a first conduit communicating with a first end of the reservoir chamber through a first port. The conduit extends laterally along substantially the length of the reservoir chamber in spaced relation thereto, for connection with hemodialysis set tubing adjacent the reservoir chamber and opposed to the first end. The blood chamber typically also defines a second port communicating with the reservoir chamber, typically at the same end thereof as the first port.

Abstract: A catheter balloon is prepared for inflation, and the balloon is inflated by the following process. At least a portion of an elastic, thermoplastic tube is radially stretched until the radially stretched tube portion exhibits a desired increase in molecular orientation. The stretching conditions, such as selective heating, preferably cause a central section of the stretched tube portion to have less wall thickness than end sections of the tube portion. At least part of the tube portion may be longitudinally stretched relative to the tube, to create a desired biaxial molecular orientation. Thereafter, the tube portion is optionally placed into a stent, the tube portion being part of a catheter. The tube portion is inserted into a patient to position the stent and tube portion at a desired position, such as a location in the coronary artery.

Abstract: A vehicle engine brake comprising a vessel for the passage of gases having a main tube and a by-pass tube is provided. The by-pass tube defines a first opening into the main tube and a second opening into a more downstream location of the main tube. A first valve, to regulate the passage of gases through the main tube, is provided within the main tube between the first and second openings defined by the by-pass tube. A second valve to regulate the passage of gasses within the by-pass tube and means for controlling the first valve are also provided. Upon actuation of the first valve, gases in the vessel assist in the braking of the vehicle by creating a pressure change in the engine. The by-pass tube and second valve provide a means for relieving back pressure against the engine without losing continuity in braking assistance.

Abstract: A balloon dilatation catheter defines a side aperture defined in the catheter shaft between the ends of the catheter and communicating between the guidewire lumen and the catheter exterior. A removable support mandrin may occupy a proximal lumen of the catheter. The mandrin may define a distal tip portion which is positioned preferably closely proximal to the aperture. The distal tip portion may have a reduced diameter relative to the average diameter of portions of the mandrin which are proximal to the tip portion, for providing mandrin tip flexibility. Also, a catheter-stiffening bridge member may be positioned within and permanently secured to the catheter adjacent to the aperture portion, to reduce catheter kinking adjacent thereto.

Abstract: A balloon catheter comprises a flexible, elongated member, an inflatable balloon carried on the elongated member to define an inflated chamber within the balloon, and an inflation conduit extending along the member and communicating with the inflation chamber. The inflatable balloon, in turn, defines a wall which comprises at least three bonded layers. A first pair of the layers comprises a flexible plastic material which is typically a condensation polymer. A second of the layers comprises a flexible polymer which is typically a vinylic polymer which is covalently bonded to the first layers and positioned between them.

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: An intravascular catheter is described which is capable of rapid exchange without dislodging of a guidewire and without the presence of side apertures in the catheter. The catheter comprises a plurality of segments which are secured together in end-to-end relation, but which are separable into separated segments by the user while the distal catheter end is inserted in the vascular system of a patient.

Abstract: The invention relates to a catheter comprising a tubular body with a distal end. A proximal catheter end is provided with a connector. A flexible catheter section is defined at the distal end. The wall of the flexible section comprises an elongated, flexible heating element extending in the longitudinal direction of the catheter, wherein at least one electric conductor for the heating element extends from the heating element to adjacent the proximal end. The heating element is preferably an element which can be exited by high frequency electromagnetic oscillations.

Abstract: A trailer/boat is provided which is capable of being towed behind a recreation vehicle or the like, and then prepared without special equipment and launched in a manner capable of receiving the towing vehicle as cargo on the boat. The boat then may be powered and steered from the cab of the vehicle that it carries.

Abstract: A blood chamber for hemodialysis sets which comprises a sealed, flattened plastic parison, typically from blow molding, which defines a reservoir chamber and at least a first conduit communicating with a first end of the reservoir chamber through a first port. The conduit extends laterally along substantially the length of the reservoir chamber in spaced relation thereto, for connection with hemodialysis set tubing adjacent the reservoir chamber and opposed to the first end. The blood chamber typically also defines a second port communicating with the reservoir chamber, typically at the same end thereof as the first port.

Abstract: An optical disc changer including an optical disc player and a magazine for holding discs is provided. A disc transporter for transporting discs includes a carrier to carry a particular disc from the magazine to the disc player for play, and return the disc to its original position after the disc has been played. The disc is seated in the carrier by gravity and makes contact with the carrier only at its rim.

Abstract: A process is disclosed for treatment of dialysis feedwater using ozone. The ozone is added to the feedwater storage tank. It is removed prior to use of the feedwater in dialysis using ultraviolet light. A process for disinfecting a dialysis feedwater loop using ozonated water is also provided.

Abstract: A liquid crystal display module comprises a liquid crystal display and a housing which carries the display, typically of C-shaped cross section with the liquid crystal display being attached to opposed ends of the C-shaped cross section of the housing. A conductor carried by the housing provides electronic communication between electronic circuitry and the liquid crystal display. A pair of light pipes are respectively positioned adjacent opposed edges of the housing, a first of the light pipes being connected to a source of light and the other of the light pipes being connected to a sensor for the light. The light pipes each define spaced branches positioned so that spaced light beams can be emitted from the branches of the first light pipe to pass through the liquid crystal display and to be received by the other light pipe through the branches thereof, to be sensed by the sensor.

Abstract: A rotatable antenna is disclosed in which a radiator and matching network comprise a contiguous electrically conductive spring wire. The matching network comprises a coil extending generally perpendicular to the radiator. A 50 ohm coaxial cable has its ground conductor electrically connected to an electrically conductive sleeve which overlies the coil while the main conductor of the coaxial cable is tapped to the coil so that the matching network substantially matches the radiator impedance to the transmission line impedance. The matching network is rotatable with respect to a mounting member so that the radiator becomes rotatable about an axis that is generally perpendicular to the radiator.

Abstract: A blow molded, rigid plastic venous chamber for hemodialysis, for use in a venous hemodialysis set. The chamber defines a plurality of first access ports adjacent to a first end thereof. A second access port is provided at an opposed end. A tubular plastic filter is positioned in close-fitting relation within the second access port to project into the chamber. Unique advantages are provided by such a blow-molded, filter-carrying chamber, and by the chamber shape.

Abstract: A heat-stable cheese is provided which comprises about 48-55% moisture, about 20-22% protein, about 300-600 milligrams calcium per 100 grams cheese, about 18-21% fat and having a pH of about 5.1-5.5. The cheese will not melt at temperatures below about 400.degree. F. It can be colored, flavored or both.

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 have 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 works well in either direction of blood flow through the respective lumens.

Abstract: An anti-theft system for vehicles comprising an extendible bar permanently carried by a vehicle. The extendible bar is movable between an extended position for locking the vehicle in place and a retracted position when the vehicle is in use. A connector is provided, separate from the vehicle and secured in stationary position. The connector is capable of forming a releasible, locked connection with the bar in the extended position.

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.