Abstract: A filter device made of less expensive material than comparable filter devices heretofore has basic filter components plus some unique design aspects and an additional ring component. The ring provides an interface inside the filter which enables the potting compound to adhere to the filter and create a seal between a first and second fluid compartment within the filter. An embedded region of the ring possesses a detailed geometry which helps ensure that a delamination would be localized and unable to propagate from the first to the second compartment, maintaining the structural integrity of the filter device. To ensure that the sealing interface remains intact and free from delamination, the ring is subjected to a surface treatment, which modifies the surface energy of the ring. This modified surface energy of the ring allows the hydrophilic potting compound to more effectively bond to the modified hydrophobic ring.

Abstract: A ink printer cartridge is described that is compatible with a particular type of printhead. The printhead has a camming shoe having a horizontal pressing mechanism for pressing another type of ink cartridge and thereby mechanically holding the ink cartridge in place. The cartridge according to the present invention has a shape and size that it does not engage the camming shoe, rather the cartridge engages an interior surface of the top of the printhead. In this way, a cartridge can be constructed to be used in a printer having a printhead with a camming shoe, which does not use the camming shoe in any way whatsoever.

Abstract: A dialyzer design that includes a potting material encasing a microfiber bundle in each end of a cylindrical body. The potting material is set by spinning the dialyzer in a centrifuge to force the potting material to the ends of the dialyzer interior chamber, where it sets with a non-planar surface. Dialysate fluid distribution rings define a space between the dialyzer interior chamber and dialyzer inlet and outlet ports, and laterally support the microfiber bundle against the dialysate fluid flow pressure. The dialysate fluid distribution ring circumferential edge substantially conforms to the non-planar potting material surface, to ensure that the lateral support to the microfiber bundle is constant, thereby lessening distortion, rupturing and obstruction of the microfibers.

Abstract: This invention utilizes a connector holding device to prevent the accidental disconnection of the two halves of a connection device for a fluid connector system.

Abstract: In a medical device, a Tx Clock Button is presented on a graphics display overlain with a touch screen which allows an operator to control multiple functions of the medical device. Various parts of Tx Clock Button may be displayed in different colors, and based on the state of treatment at a given time and in response to the operator touching Tx Clock Button, the colors may change to visually indicate a change in state. When the Tx Clock Button is touched for the first time after a new patient has been selected, multiple functions, times, displays, parameters, and alarms of the medical device are initiated. When the Tx Clock Button is touched for the second time, various ones of the multiple functions, times, displays, parameters, and alarms may be suspended. A third touch of the Tx Clock Button may resume the suspended items.

Abstract: The ac voltage regulator apparatus of the present invention uses back-to-back silicon-controlled rectifier (“SCR”) power output switches which are triggered into conduction after being delayed for a period of time from the previous ac supply voltage zero point. The SCR switches are switching the load voltage at a determinate phase angle in order to obtain a constant true RMS voltage. The delay time of the trigger signal is variable and is changed to obtain regulation of the RMS voltage applied to the ac load. This regulation feature compensates for temperature changes, ac supply voltage variations, and ac load current changes.

Abstract: A simulation method and system based on a distributive processing model is used for training and educating healthcare teams. The system allows team members to be at the training facility or located remotely and connected via data communication links. The system allows multiple participants for individual team member roles at various connected simulation workstations. If simulation participants cannot man all the team roles, the system can provide virtual team members in their stead. The simulation server computer delivers to each workstation the particular programs and outputs required for any given simulation exercise.

Abstract: In a variable phased valve lifter of an internal combustion engine, a roller lifter is allowed to move along a constraining member of a constraining mechanism, and the constraining mechanism is allowed to move freely in a direction substantially parallel to a line perpendicular to the flat surface machined onto the roller lifter. As the roller lifter moves through its arcuate path, the parallel flat surface(s) of the roller lifter will slide across the constraining member(s) of the constraining mechanism, and end members of the constraining mechanism slide fore-and-aft within stationary blocks. The roller lifter is thus prevented from rotating about its longitudinal axis as it moves in arcuate fashion in cooperation with the constraining mechanism, maintaining line contact between the roller and cam lobe of the camshaft.

Abstract: A relational and spatial database management system and method designed to more accurately and efficiently generate and manage relational and spatial databases for commercial and/or personal use. The invention generally comprises one or more sensor devices, a computer, and software. The invention may be deployed on a portable computer thereby allowing a user to operate the system in the field and gather data while moving around. The software is configurable and programmable for many different applications. The software system can simultaneously take inputs from one or more sensor devices, record the inputs in a relational and/or spatial database, and display the data in a form that is easy to manipulate. The Graphical User Interface displays a visual presentation of the form alongside a map of the geographic location of interest where data is being collected.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for delivering an angiogenic agent to a site within the heart. Either using a percutaneous, intraoperative or minimally invasive approach, an elongated member containing an angiogenic agent is guided to a heart wall and the agent is dispensed into heart tissue. Additional fluids or substances can be dispensed in combination with the angiogenic agent to provide visualization and site mapping. In certain embodiments, the angiogenic agent is delivered adjunctively with the administration of energy, such as laser energy or RF energy which disturbs the heart tissue sufficiently to enhance the effects of the angiogenic agent.

Abstract: A data collection and automatic database population system which combines global positioning system (GPS), speech recognition software, radio frequency (RF) communications, and geographic information system (GIS) to allow rapid capture of field data, asset tracking, and automatic transfer of the data to a GIS database. A pre-defined grammar allows observations to be continuously captured along with GPS location and time, and stored on the field mobile unit. A mobile unit's location is tracked in real time or post processed through wireless RF transmission of location information between the mobile unit and a central processing station. The captured data is electronically transferred to a central processing station for quality assurance and automatic population of the GIS database. The system provides for automatic correlation of field data with other GIS database layers. Tools to generate predefined or user defined reports, work orders, and general data queries allow exploitation of the GIS database.

Abstract: An automated unmanned rental system enables the automatic tracking of rental activity and equipment movement. Each unmanned rental site has a computer system that monitors rental activity and monitors the available inventory and the rented, or checked out, inventory, and automatically generates invoices for items rented. The computer system controls an RFID tracking system that utilizes the RFID tags on each piece of audio visual equipment in cooperation with one or more antennas. The antennas send and receive signals that interact with the RFID tags when the equipment containing the RFID tag passes through a portal. The computer system has a user interface to allow for associating equipment rental activity with a user and a reference document. A reporting module may automatically communicate equipment movements. A security alarm module may trigger an audible alarm under defined circumstances.

Abstract: A drug delivery apparatus for dispensing predetermined volumes of drug, drug solution or other substances into an opening, such as a TMR channel in the human heart, or other laser treated area within the human body, the apparatus consisting of a bifurcated needle with a laser inlet for guiding a laser delivery means, such as an optical fiber or fiber bundle, to adjacent a surface of the human heart or other body structure for creating an opening, such as a TMR channel, or other laser treated area thereon. A drug inlet is for receiving the drug and transmitting the drug to the TMR channel or other laser treated area. Optionally, a piercing tip and/or suction device assists in positioning the apparatus adjacent the tissue to be treated. Drug is dispensed by manually or automatically actuating a piston or syringe element. A method of use is also disclosed.

Abstract: This invention provides a method and apparatus for calculating a hemodialysis parameter, especially blood access flow rate, using multiple dialysance values. The dialysance values may be calculated based upon either sodium or urea concentrations. One dialysance value can be determined for conditions in which a patient's arterial line withdraws blood from an upstream location in a patient's fistula and treated blood is returned by a venous line to a downstream location in a patient's fistula. The second dialysance value can be determined when the lines have been reconfigured so that the arterial line withdraws blood from a downstream portion of a patient's fistula and the venous line returns treated blood to an upstream portion of a patient's fistula.

Abstract: An apparatus for stimulating revascularization of myocardium tissue in the ventricular wall of a human heart is disclosed. The apparatus includes means for moving the distal end of an optical fiber element forwardly through the epicardium of the heart and into the myocardium and emitting relatively low power bursts of laser energy from the distal end to form stimulus injury zones that promote capillary growth and tissue revascularization. Each penetration of the optical fiber element may produce multiple stimulus zones spaced radially from or in line with the axis of the optical fiber element. Apparatus for moving the optical fiber element and controlling the laser emissions in a predetermined manner is also disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention is a device and method for clearing debris from fluid channels. In one embodiment, the device has a fixed screening member that is permeable in part wherein debris will collect. A movable scraper then scrapes along the screen and removes the debris therefrom and transports the debris to a desired location. In embodiments of the invention, the surface that comprises the screening member may be arcuate, and may be a surface of revolution. Different portions of the screening member may or may not be permeable. The invention may also include an overflow mechanism where overflow water is diverted into a separate unscreened fluid stream. Further, the invention may be suitable for use within a sump.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for positioning a shaped charge for destroying land mines and unexploded ordnance utilizes one or more pins secured to a shaped charge. In one embodiment, an outer body made of molded rubber has one or more flanges with holes for receiving the pins. By manipulating the legs of the pins, the shaped charge is positioned in proximity to the “target.” The tips of the pins may be forced into the surface surrounding the target, or by bending the legs of the pins to rest on the surrounding surface. A detonator, such as a blasting cap, may be secured to the shaped charge through an opening in the outer body, or through a clip attached to the shaped charge. The opening in the outer body is deformabale to accommodate various diameter detonators. The clip has a flange that the detonator is seated against to at ensure proper placement.

Abstract: An ink printer cartridge is provided wherein ink is stored in a foam reservoir situated within an ink chamber. The foam reservoir does not substantially fill the interior space of the ink chamber, and in particular does not contact the lid of the cartridge. The foam reservoir is retained in place by means of a clip which abuts the top of the foam reservoir. In an embodiment, the clip may compress the foam. A number of features of clip are disclosed, including particular arrangements for fitting into the cartridge, and adjustments as to height and width.

Abstract: A guiding catheter system for delivering an elongated therapeutic or diagnostic device into a patient's left ventricle which includes a first guiding catheter with a shaped distal extremity configured to be aligned with or parallel to a longitudinal axis or long dimension of the patient's left ventricle and a second guiding catheter slidably and rotatably disposed within an inner lumen of the first guiding catheter which has a shaped distal shaft section and an inner lumen configured to slidably receive an elongated therapeutic or diagnostic device such as a tissue ablation device, e.g. an optical fiber connected to a laser source, an ultrasonic energy emitting device or a radio frequency energy emitting device. The shaped distal section of the first guiding catheter is shaped or is shapable within the patient's heart chamber.

Abstract: A method for treating myocardium using at least one mechanical or electromagnetic energy functional device for forming a network of branched, interconnecting passages in a boundary between endocardium and myocardium, thereby enhancing blood flow into the treated zone, and a device for selectively treating ischemic myocardium tissue comprising a tube having proximal end and distal end, and at least one hollow lumen and defining an axis, at least two mechanical or electromagnetic energy functional devices disposed within the tube, the at least two mechanical or electromagnetic energy functional devices each having a distal end disposed adjacent the distal end of the central tube, and a deflecting member adjacent the distal portion of the central tube for deflecting the distal end of each of the at least two mechanical or electromagnetic energy functional devices away from the axis, for enabling treatment of selective areas of ischemic or hibernating myocardium tissue.