Abstract: An apparatus for the detection of extravasation is positioned in a manner so that the vicinity of a site is available for palpation and is visible for visual inspection. Another embodiment of the apparatus improves the sensitivity of detection by positioning an energy source and a receiver between a first layer of a high dielectric material and a second lay of a low dielectric material. The apparatus may further include a third layer of a conductive material to shield the apparatus from stray capacitance. In addition, a system for detection of extravasation includes an array of sensors located at, adjacent to and/or remote from an injection site.

Abstract: An apparatus for the detection of extravasation is positioned in a manner so that the vicinity of a site is available for palpation and is visible for visual inspection. Another embodiment of the apparatus improves the sensitivity of detection by positioning an energy source and a receiver between a first layer of a high dielectric material and a second lay of a low dielectric material. The apparatus may further include a third layer of a conductive material to shield the apparatus from stray capacitance. In addition, a system for detection of extravasation includes an array of sensors located at, adjacent to and/or remote from an injection site.

Abstract: A system for producing a contrast-enhanced medical image of a patient includes a source of a contrast or enhancement medium, a pressurizing unit in fluid connection with the source of contrast or enhancement medium, an energy source operable to apply energy to a region of the patient, an imaging unit providing a visual display of an internal view of the patient based upon a signal resulting from the energy applied to the region of the patient, and a control unit. In an embodiment, the signal is affected by a condition of the contrast or enhancement medium in the patient. To control the procedures, the control unit adjusts the condition of the contrast or enhancement medium in the patient based upon the signal. A communication interface preferably enables information between an injector subsystem and an imaging subsystem.

Abstract: A gas sensor for the detection of gases comprises a housing and an active element disposed within the housing. The active element is surrounded by a porous insulating material having a bulk density no greater than 0.15 g/cc. Another gas sensor comprises an active element surrounded by a porous insulating material having a surface area no greater than approximately 200 m2/cc. Another gas sensor comprises a copper compound positioned so that gas contacts the copper compound before contacting the active element. Another gas sensor comprises an active element surrounded by a porous material having an average pore size of at least approximately 100 Å. Another gas sensor comprises a heating element surrounded by a porous material that supports a catalyst.

Abstract: A safety helmet having a rigid outer shell, a shock absorbing layer inside of the outer shell, and a shield layer fabricated from a strong and lightweight material positioned between the outer shell and the shock absorbing layer. The shield layer is preferably free to move relative to the outer shell in a direction toward the shock absorbing layer.

Abstract: A system for delivery of a medium having ultrasound contrast enhancement agents therein to a patient includes a pressurizing device for pressurizing the medium, a fluid path connecting the pressurizing device to the patient and a concentration sensor in communication with the fluid path. The concentration of the contrast enhancement agents is measured by the concentration sensor during injection of the medium into the patient to assist in controlling the delivery system and/or an imaging procedure.

Abstract: A small, portable electrochemical power cell, having an output voltage of over 4 V, and preferably over 5 V, includes an anode, a cathode having a fluorine compound and an electrolyte having an organic sulfur-containing compound to maintain ionic conductivity between the anode and the cathode. A method of fabricating such an electrochemical power cell includes the step adding an electrolyte having an organic, sulfur-containing compound to maintain electrical conductivity between the anode and the cathode. An electrochemical power cell having a lithium anode, a CoF3 cathode, an electrolyte to maintain ionic conductivity between the anode and the cathode and a cobalt complexing material within the electrolyte to complex cobalt ions is described.

Abstract: A method of increasing enantioselectivity in a reduction reaction of a prochiral substrate with a borane reagent including a borohydride species (for example, a borohydride stabilized borane-tetrahydrofuran complex) catalyzed by a chiral catalyst includes the step of maintaining the concentration of borohydride species in the borane reagent below approximately 0.005 M during the reduction of the prochiral substrate. A method of increasing enantioselectivity in a reduction reaction of a prochiral substrate with a borane reagent including a borohydride species that is catalyzed by a chiral catalyst includes the step of reducing the detrimental effect the borohydride species has on enantioselectivity by adding a Lewis acid. For example, the prochiral substrate can be a ketone and the chiral catalyst can be a chiral oxazaborolidine.

Abstract: A motion sensor having an electrically-conductive ball and at least a second ball to damp the motion of the electrically-conductive ball. Both balls are confined within a housing. A plurality of electrical contact elements are disposed within the housing. During movement, the electrically-conductive ball successively forms electrical connection with the electrical contact elements within the housing. The motion sensor also includes detection circuitry in electrical connection with the electrical contact elements to detect if the electrically-conducting ball is moving.

Abstract: A small, portable electrochemical power cell, having an output voltage of over 4 V, and preferably over 5 V, includes an anode, a cathode comprising a fluorine compound and an electrolyte to maintain ionic conductivity between the anode and the cathode. A method of fabricating such an electrochemical power cell includes the step of adding a fluorine compound to the cathode and/or to the electrolyte solvent.

Abstract: The present invention provides an electrochemical sensor for the detection of hydrogen chloride. In general, the electrochemical sensor comprises a housing having disposed therein a working electrode, a reference electrode and a counter electrode. The electrochemically active surface of the working electrode preferably comprises a gold film having a thickness of approximately 1000 to 3000 .ANG.. Electrical connection is maintained between the working electrode and the counter electrode via an electrolyte present within the housing. The electrochemical gas sensor preferably further comprises circuitry for maintaining the working electrode at a potential in the range of approximately 1025 to approximately 1400 mV versus the normal hydrogen electrode. The present invention also provides a method of using such a sensor to detect hydrogen chloride.

Abstract: An aseptic connector comprises a first member and a second member. The first member preferably includes a resilient septum, and the second member preferably includes a penetrating member. Preferably, the septum is formed from an elastomeric material such as a silicone elastomer. The penetrating member preferably includes an extending penetrating element to penetrate the resilient septum. The aseptic connector further comprises a resilient sealing element that contacts the penetrating member and one of an inner wall of the first member and an inner wall of the second member to create a seal between the penetrating member and one of the inner wall of the first member and the inner wall of the second member. The seal created is suitable to withstand relatively high pressures (for example, those experienced during the injection of contrast media in CT procedures). A fluid delivery system comprising at least a first aseptic connector as described above is also provided.

Abstract: The present invention provides an electrochemical sensor for the detection of hydrogen cyanide. In general, the electrochemical sensor includes a housing having disposed therein a working electrode, a reference electrode and a counter electrode. The electrochemically active surfaces of the working electrode and reference electrode preferably comprise silver. Electrical connection is maintained between the working electrode and the counter electrode via an organic electrolyte present within the housing. The electrochemical gas sensor preferably further comprises circuitry for maintaining the working electrode at a potential in the range of approximately +40 mV to approximately -40 mV versus the silver reference electrode. Most preferably, the electrochemical gas sensor comprises circuitry for maintaining the working electrode at a potential of approximately 0 mV versus the silver reference electrode.

Abstract: A method of stabilizing borane-tetrahydrofuran complex comprises the step of maintaining the temperature of the borane-tetrahydrofuran complex at or below 20.degree. C. A method of reacting a borane reagent with a substrate comprises the steps of heating the borane reagent and the substrate in a reaction vessel and preventing escape of evolved diborane from the reaction vessel. Preferably, a reaction vessel containing a borane reagent and a substrate is maintained under at greater than atmospheric pressure with back-pressure regulation.

Abstract: The present invention provides an electrochemical sensor for the detection of hydrogen cyanide. In general, the electrochemical sensor includes a housing having disposed therein a working electrode, a reference electrode and a counter electrode. The electrochemically active surfaces of the working electrode and reference electrode preferably comprise silver. Electrical connection is maintained between the working electrode and the counter electrode via an organic electrolyte present within the housing. The electrochemical gas sensor preferably further comprises circuitry for maintaining the working electrode at a potential in the range of approximately +40 mV to approximately -40 mV versus the silver reference electrode. Most preferably, the electrochemical gas sensor comprises circuitry for maintaining the working electrode at a potential of approximately 0 mV versus the silver reference electrode. The present invention also provides a method of using such a sensor to detect hydrogen cyanide.

Abstract: The present invention provides an adjustable headband for protective headgear with a ratchet mechanism having different resistances. The adjustable headband utilizes a ring gear assembly having a plurality of radially projecting teeth thereon. Each of the projecting teeth of the ring gear assembly has a first tooth side and a second tooth side which is different from the first tooth side. For example, each tooth of the ring gear assembly preferably has a first tooth angle on the first tooth side and a second, different tooth angle on a second tooth side. A spring assembly having at least one spring tooth projecting radially therefrom is connected to the adjustment knob. The spring assembly is positioned such that the at least one spring tooth meshes with the teeth of the ring gear assembly to provide resistance to the rotation of the adjustment knob.

Abstract: Accordingly, the present invention provides an electrochemical sensor comprising at least two electrochemically active electrodes, a non-aqueous electrolyte system and a diffusion barrier membrane through which the analyte in its gas phase is mobile but through which the non-aqueous electrolyte system is substantially immobile. The diffusion barrier membrane thus allows an analyte in its gas phase to enter the sensor, while substantially preventing the non-aqueous electrolyte from exiting the sensor.

Abstract: The present invention provides an electrochemical sensor for the detection of hydrogen chloride. In general, the electrochemical sensor comprises a housing having disposed therein a working electrode, a reference electrode and a counter electrode. The electrochemically active surface of the working electrode preferably comprises a gold film having a thickness of approximately 1000 to 3000 .ANG.. Electrical connection is maintained between the working electrode and the counter electrode via an electrolyte present within the housing. The electrochemical gas sensor preferably further comprises circuitry for maintaining the working electrode at a potential in the range of approximately 1025 to approximately 1400 mV versus the normal hydrogen electrode. The present invention also provides a method of using such a sensor to detect hydrogen chloride.

Abstract: The present invention provides an electrochemical sensor for the detection of an analyte, wherein the output or response of the electrochemical sensor approximates the dose-response behavior of a living organism upon exposure to the analyte. The electrochemical sensor comprises a housing including an inlet port therein to allow the analyte to enter the housing. The electrochemical sensor further comprises at least a first electrode and a second electrode within the housing. Electrical conductivity is maintained between the first electrode and the second electrode via an electrolyte system present within the housing. The electrochemical sensor further comprises a resistor in series electrical connection with the first electrode and the second electrode.

Abstract: The present invention provides an electrochemical gas sensor for the detection of nitrogen dioxide comprising a housing and a working electrode and a counter electrode disposed within the housing. Each of the working electrode and the counter electrode are fabricated from an electrically conductive carbon. The present sensor also preferably comprises a reference electrode fabricated from an electrically conductive carbon.