Abstract: A parameter of blood is sensed in vivo with a system which includes a catheter and a probe. The catheter has a lumen extending therethrough, a proximal end, a distal end and a distal opening at the distal end. The probe includes one or more sensors at its distal end. A saline solution is introduced into the lumen so that there is an interface adjacent the distal opening of the catheter between the blood and saline solution. The probe is received within the catheter and affixed thereto. The interface is moved back and forth in the lumen to expose the sensors to blood so that they can sense the blood parameters of interest.

Abstract: A labeling system includes a conveyor for moving articles to be labeled in a first direction through a labeling station while allowing the article to be rotated, and a label transport for conveying labels in a generally opposite second direction from a label dispensing station to the labeling station. Label dispensing components are provided for dispensing a label onto the label transport whereby the label transport can convey the label to the labeling station where the label contacts the article so that the label is transferred to the article. The conveyor may employ a nest for rotatably supporting the article that includes at least first and second rollers for supporting the article therebetween.

Abstract: A reciprocable device comprising a reciprocable member mounted for reciprocating movement within a chamber and a valve system for controlling the supply of fluid under pressure to the reciprocable member to bring about reciprocation of such member. A motor is enabled by the reciprocable member to operate the valve system whereby at least some of the force for driving the valve system is obtained from the motor and not from the reciprocable member.

Abstract: A reciprocating device comprising a housing having a chamber and a reciprocable member reciprocable in the chamber. First and second pressure valves are connectible to a source of fluid under pressure to drive the reciprocable member and first and second passages lead from the first and second pressure valves to the chamber on opposite sides of the reciprocable member, respectively. First and second exhaust valves are coupled, respectively, to the first and second passages at locations intermediate the associated pressure valve and the chamber and communicating with the first and second vents, respectively. Actuators are drivable by the piston for switching the valves between first and second positions, and the fluid under pressure retains the valves in whichever of the positions they are placed.

Abstract: A gas sensor has a first aqueous phase. The aqueous phase is composed of a soluble dye in a buffer. One or more additional agent can be further added to the aqueous phase as for instance an emulisification enhancement agent. The aqueous phase is homogenized into a polymeric precursor forming a emulsion of the aqueous phase in the polymeric precursor. A catalyst and a cross-linking agent are added and the polymeric precursor material allowed to polymerize to form an emulsoid of micro-compartments of the aqueous phase in a polymeric second phase. The micro-compartments of the aqueous phase are dispersed through and permanently suspended in the polymeric second phase.

Abstract: A calibration device to be used in calibrating a separate catheter of the type having a catheter tube through which light can be propagated to an end portion of the catheter tube, includes a calibration element defining a cavity extending along a cavity axis to an open end that has a size and shape adapted to receive the end portion of the catheter tube for calibration purposes. A body of resiliently deformable material with which to hold the catheter tube and thereby retain the end portion within the cavity is retained in generally fixed proximity with the open end of the cavity by a retainer member, and a channel-defining portion of the body of resiliently deformable material defines a longitudinally-opening channel generally aligned with the cavity axis that has a size and shape adapted to receive the catheter tube in an interference fit.

Abstract: A device for use in withdrawing a catheter such as a balloon catheter from a vessel in the vascular system in order to inhibit damage to the vessel wall includes an assembly defining a passageway through which to pass the catheter. The assembly is dimensioned and arranged to be grasped by a user, and it includes components for coupling the assembly to the catheter so that the user can withdraw the catheter from the vessel by moving the assembly generally axially. The coupling components are adjustable to enable the user to select a desired maximum amount of force that can be coupled from the assembly to the catheter, and for this purpose one embodiment includes a cap-and-compressible-disk arrangement on a body member in which a spring-coupled handle member is telescopingly disposed, graduations along the handle member providing a visually discernible indication of relative handle member position and therefore of the magnitude of a force being coupled by the user to the assembly.

Abstract: A valvuloplasty catheter comprising a catheter body having a through lumen, a tube extending through the lumen and having a distal end portion extending distally beyond the distal end of the catheter body and movable axially in the lumen relative to the catheter body. A radially expandable and axially contractable balloon is coupled, respectively, to the catheter body at the distal end portion of the tube. The balloon has a central region between the opposite end portions of the balloon which is of greater radial dimension in the relaxed condition than the opposite end portions and transition regions between the central region and the opposite end portions. The catheter body has a distal end portion which is less stiff than the region of the catheter body immediately proximal of the distal end portion of the catheter body.

Abstract: A lens container assembly comprising:a lens container acting to hold a lens, and including a base and a lens cover movable relative to the base and acting together with the base to form a compartment of sufficient size to contain the lens;a carrier acting to carry the lens container and being movable so that by moving the carrier, the lens container is placed in a closed position with the lens cover in relative proximity to the base or in an opened position with the lens cover relatively separated from the base; anda housing acting to hold the carrier and being adapted so that the carrier is movable relative thereto, the housing including a cam acting to at least assist in moving the lens container to the opened position.

Abstract: A window trimming construction includes a trim portion dimensioned and arranged to cover a portion of a surface of a wall in a position circumscribing a window opening extending through the wall that is defined by a window framing. The window trimming construction also includes a molding portion dimensioned and arranged to cover a portion of the window framing disposed intermediate the surface of the wall and a metal frame mounted on the window framing. The molding portion is arranged to enable adjustment of its width according to an amount by which the metal frame is recessed. One embodiment includes a molding portion having a plurality of sections that each cover a corresponding plurality of sections of the window framing, each one of the molding sections having first and second strips joined together with an adjustable joint that enables adjustment of the width.

Abstract: An apparatus for interfacing a circuit board to a testing system includes a support structure movably supporting a pair of first and second test heads in confronting relationship, at least the first test head having a plurality of probes with which to contact test points on a circuit board to be tested. Actuating components enable movement of the test heads from a spaced apart loading position to a more closely spaced apart testing position in which each one of the probes is urged into contact with a respective one of the test points. An electrical bus interfaces a separate testing system to at least the first test head, and a plurality of operator accessible, electrically conductive contacts that are each electrically connected to a respective one of the lines of the electrical bus, enables convenient electrical connection to the lines for diagnostic purposes.

Abstract: A device for electrosurgery includes a curved-tip probe adapted for insertion into an incision, and a resiliently deformable electrode movable longitudinally within the probe so that the distal end can be projected in an offset direction out of the tip of the probe between a closed position wherein the terminal end of the electrode is closely adjacent the tip to an extended position wherein the terminal end is a greater distance from the tip. A shielding member of flexible and resilient composition extends alongside the probe for shielding the terminal end of the electrode from tissue during surgery. The shielding member may be spring biased toward the closed position and include various electrode engaging arrangements that inhibit lateral movement of the electrode relative to the probe. One embodiment includes a slidable shielding member that enables the device to be used for lateral release or meniscal surgery.

Abstract: An apparatus for dispensing closure tags, includes a support structure on which is mounted a channel member defining first and second channels through which to feed a strip of closure tags. The forward end of the second channel is disposed slightly ahead of the forward end of the first channel to enable placement of a bag into the first tag while a substantial portion of the lower edge of the first tag is still disposed within the second channel. A guide member attached to the channel member defines a surface disposed generally ahead of and facing the second channel that includes a first portion extending from a first position that is generally directly ahead of the forward end of the second channel a distance slightly less than the tag width to a second position that is disposed sideways from the longitudinal axis of the second channel.

Abstract: A surgical cutting instrument comprising an outer tube having a peripheral wall and a longitudinal axis. The outer tube has a plurality of openings arranged generally longitudinally along the outer tube. Each of the openings has first and second cutting edges defining portions of the periphery of such opening. Each of the first cutting edges is substantially straight as viewed in a particular direction perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the outer tube. An inner cutting member to rotatable within the outer tube. The inner cutting member has a cutting edge cooperable with the first and second cutting edges of the openings of the outer tube for cutting material from within the patient with a shearing action.

Abstract: View port for an underwater vehicle, e.g. for a remotely operated vehicle (ROV) usable for underwater inspection, and provides a view port (2) which can form a component of a pressure hull of an underwater vehicle, and which can be sandwiched between hull portions (4) to provide a transparent section girdling the hull. Preferably, the view port can form a component of a substantially spherical pressure hull, the view port being sandwiched between two similar part-spherical hull portions. The invention further provides an underwater vehicle having a view port which forms a component of a pressure hull and which provides a transparent section girdling the hull. A camera (10) may be pivotally mounted in the hull so as to allow rotation of the camera to view through the port. A light source may be provided in the hull and arranged so as to allow light from the light source to be shone out through the view port.

Abstract: A glass laminated structure includes a core of curable flowable material sandwiched between first and second glass panels. A pair of frame members sealed to the panels with an ultraviolet curing adhesive overlap marginal portions of the panels so that an overlapping portion of the core abuts the peripheral edges of the panels to absorb stress and inhibit delamination. The laminating apparatus includes platens with vacuum ports for securing the panels to the platens without excessive panel deformation, recessed portions for proper frame member alignment, and elastomeric seals supplanting the usual vacuum grease. The methodology proceeds by retaining the glass panels and frame members in position using the platens, and sealing the frame members to the panels. Then, the curable flowable material is introduced so that it flows between the frame members to abut the peripheral edges of the glass panels.

Abstract: A packing element comprising a peripheral sidewall defining an interior space having a central, longitudinal axis; a plurality of holes in the sidewall each having at least two sides, slanted relative to the axis; and a flap extending from at least one of the slanted sides of each of the holes inwardly into the space.

Abstract: A micro pH sensor is constructed by reacting powdered aminoalkylated cellulose with a dye to covalently bond the dye to the aminoalkyl groups on the cellulose. Any excess unreacted aminoalkyl groups are blocked with a blocking agent and the dye containing powdered cellulose is taken up in a solvent. A portion of the solvated dye containing cellulose is deposited in association with an optical fiber. The cellulose is regenerated into a solid matrix by acid treatment of the solvated dye containing cellulose to deposit the dye containing cellulose matrix on the optical fiber.

Abstract: An apparatus for measuring the temperature of a fluid flowing within a body comprising an elongated tube sized to be received within a vein or an artery and having a peripheral wall, at least one lumen extending longitudinally within the tube and an opening in the peripheral wall which extends from the lumen to the exterior of the tube. A thermistor is mounted in the lumen adjacent the opening by a thermistor mounting body. The thermistor mounting body cooperates with the tube to at least partially define a cavity at the opening which opens radially outwardly. The thermistor is partially in the mounting body and projects radially outwardly of the mounting body into the cavity so that the portion of the thermistor which projects into the cavity is in good heat transfer relationship to the fluid flowing within the body. The thermistor has a major axis and a minor axis, and the major axis is generally transverse to the direction of the flowing fluid.

Abstract: A calibration reference apparatus comprising an elongated peripheral tubular wall open at one end and an end wall closing the other end of the tubular wall. The tubular wall and the end wall are integrally molded. The end wall defines a curved cavity opening toward the open end of the tubular wall. The calibration reference apparatus is adapted to receive a light guide through the tubular wall and in the cavity. A stop limits the extent to which the light guide can be advanced into the cavity whereby an end face of the light guide is spaced from a region of the surface to define a gap. The end wall and the gap are adapted to return a known ratio of the light directed into the gap from the end face of the light guide.