Abstract: The invention relates to a process for distributing files, having the steps of receiving at least one digital file, transmitting the digital file to a location, and selecting at least one content provider. The process also has the steps of updating a content of the content provider to provide a reference to the digital file at the location, generating an updated digital file by adding information which identifies the content provider to the digital file when the reference to the digital file is selected at the content provider, and transmitting at least a portion of the at least one updated digital file to a client network.

Abstract: A nail removing hand tool has been developed. This tool comprises a nail removal means containing continuously curved head portion attached to a handle. The handle is attached to the head portion in such a manner that the continuous curved nature of the upper surface of the head is unimpaired. In one embodiment of the tool, a striker head is incorporated in the structure to provide a device which can perform both nail insertion and nail removal functions.

Abstract: A centrifugal fluid separation system separates a composite fluid into components. The system includes a rotor that has a composite fluid containment area, an inlet channel, a peripheral separation channel, outlet channels and separated component collection areas, which together form a processing area. The separation channel may be semi-spiraled. The inlet channel may connect to the center of the separation channel and an outlet channel may connect to each end of the separation channel. The outlet channels have different heights. The ends of the separation channels may have different heights. The separation channels may have extensions. The rotor may have multiple processing areas. The collection areas may be pockets slanted radially outwardly and downwardly. A motor may produce a rotating magnetic field, which co-acts with a magnetically reactive material in the rotor. A disposable bag and tubing system may be used in a processing area of the rotor.

Abstract: A centrifugal separation device separates a composite fluid, such as blood, into the components thereof. The fluid is delivered to a fluid receiving area in a rotor from which area the fluid travels through a radial inlet channel having an inlet channel height to a proximal end of a circumferential fluid separation channel. Near a distal end of the separation channel, fluid components travel into distinct first and second outlet channels. The height of the first channel is greater than the height of the more distal second channel. The inlet channel height is greater than the height of the first channel. The rotor may be balanced by axially symmetrical sets of inlet channels, separation channels and outlet channels or by a balance channel connected to the separation channel but displaced from the outlet channels.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus particularly involving the separation of blood into blood components and the collection of such components are disclosed. In one aspect, an extracorporeal method for the collection of plasma and red blood cells is provided, wherein the collection of plasma and red blood cells may occur simultaneously or subsequently utilizing the same dual stage blood processing vessel. The flow of blood to the blood processing vessel and return of uncollected blood components may be provided via a single needle, wherein blood is removed from and returned to a donor/patient during alternating blood removal and blood return submodes. Platelet separation and collection options are also described. In either case, prior to red blood cell collection, a set-up phase may be carried out to set a predetermined hematocrit and AC ratio. Replacement fluid delivery may optionally also be provided either substantially continuously during any collection phase(s) and/or in a bolus mode.

Abstract: A new and improved cosmetic composition and method of using the same to prevent and treat chemically induced skin irritation and discoloration and protect from the adverse effects of tyrosinase containing a small but effective amount of ethyl p-methoxycinnamate derived from Kaempferia Galanga roots.

Abstract: A centrifuge with an associated container system in the form of cassettes for separation and treatment of blood or blood components has been developed. The centrifuge includes a rotor having a central compartment in the form of a tubular shaft cavity extending concentrically with the axis of rotation of the rotor and an annular separation compartment which is arranged around the cavity at the upper part thereof. A first container system is arranged in the rotor, for washing of blood cells, includes a round bag and two or more flexible secondary containers connected thereto, one of which contains a treatment liquid and a tubular sleeve adapted to the shaft cavity of the rotor. The secondary containers are arranged in the sleeve to rest against each other and the round bag is mounted on a projecting flange at the upper part of the sleeve.

Abstract: A centrifuge intended for processing blood and blood components of use with a ring type blood processing bag with associated secondary bags. The rotor of the centrifuge has supports arranged along its periphery and a rotating inner lid a clamp function that secures the ring bag along and between supports. The supports can also function as valves or a welding apparatus for the tubing between the processing bag and the associated secondary bags.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a unique retractable device holding assembly comprising a spring loaded retractor assembly containing an extendible thread having a relatively flexible polymer ring permanently connect at the free end thereof by an interlocking attachment assembly thereof for securing said ring in circumscription about the body of a utilitarian device and including a clip means for removable attachment to the owners belt, pocket, collar, cigarette pack, key ring, purse or any like location to provide an attractive, handy, secure, and relatively inexpensive device repository where such a repository is desired.

Abstract: An extracorporeal blood processing system is disclosed which includes a variety of novel components and which may be operated in accordance with a variety of novel methodologies. For instance, the system includes a graphical operator interface which directs the operator through various aspects of the apheresis procedure. Moreover, the system also includes a variety of features relating to loading a blood processing vessel into a blood processing channel and removing the same after completion of the procedure. Furthermore, the system also includes a variety of features relating to utilizing a blood priming of at least portions of the apheresis system in preparation for the procedure. In addition, the system includes a variety of features enhancing the performance of the apheresis system, including the interrelationship between the blood processing vessel and the blood processing vessel and the utilization of high packing factors for the procedure.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for quantitatively determining a degree of recirculalion flow in a vessel of a fluid by altering the electrical conductivity of the fluid, sensing the difference in electromagnetic field after the fluid is altered, and integrating the sensed difference over a period of time including any time of potential recirculation of any altered conductivity fluid.

Abstract: A platelet/additive solution comprising bicarbonate, citrate and glucose. Additionally, a platelet/additive and treatment solution comprising bicarbonate, citrate, glucose and a photosensitizer.

Abstract: A needle holding device having an elongated hollow body with first and second ends, the first end being substantially open for receiving a needle. The hollow body also has a locking member operably disposed therein or thereon. The locking member has an opening to receive and non-releasably hold a needle inserted therethrough. Preferably, the locking member has one or more protrusions directed inwardly toward said opening, the protrusions being adapted to engage a needle in a locking relationship when the needle is inserted through the opening in the locking member. Also preferably, the needle holding device has an elastomeric sealing member operably connected to the hollow body, the elastomeric sealing member also being disposed adjacent the first end of said hollow body. The elastomeric sealing member is adapted to admit and seal around a needle pierced therethrough.

Abstract: An extracorporeal blood processing system is disclosed which includes a variety of novel components and which may be operated in accordance with a variety of novel methodologies. For instance, the system includes a graphical operator interface which directs the operator through various aspects of the apheresis procedure. Moreover, the system also includes a variety of features relating to loading a blood processing vessel into a blood processing channel and removing the same after completion of the procedure. Furthermore, the system also includes a variety of features relating to utilizing a blood priming of at least portions of the apheresis system in preparation for the procedure. In addition, the system includes a variety of features enhancing the performance of the apheresis system, including the interrelationship between the blood processing vessel and the blood processing vessel and the utilization of high packing factors for the procedure.

Abstract: A filter having a substantially cylindrical or slightly tapered body design which has a plurality of elongated apertures formed therethrough. Each aperture is defined side to side by a pair of elongated, wedge-like rib members disposed one on each side of each aperture, and top to bottom by a pair of cross members which present a substantially square top side and an angularly declining bottom side. The end effect is a substantially rectangular entry aperture for fluid flow with the exception of the declining bottom side which promotes smooth, low resistance entry flow. The present invention is also directed to a method of manufacture of filters having the above-described characteristics. In particular, the preferred method involves an injection molding process in which a molten plastic (such as high-density polyethylene, HDPE) is injected into a two-part mold.

Abstract: A flow rate of a fluid flowing in a tube is quantitatively determined by altering the electrical conductivity of the fluid by injection of a bolus of saline. The electrical conductivity of the altered conductivity is measured over the time it takes the altered conductivity fluid to pass a conductivity measuring location. The measured conductivity is integrated over the time it takes to pass the conductivity measuring location. The integral is interpreted to determine the flow rate.

Abstract: A mooring system for watercraft for use with an anchor, the mooring system having an elongated anchor line which is attachable to an anchor; a connection member which is connected to the elongated anchor line; one or more shore lines which are connected to the connection member; and a watercraft attachment line which is connected to the shore line. The watercraft attachment line is then attachable to watercraft, preferably small and/or personal watercraft such as a “jet-ski®” watercraft or the like to moor the watercraft in offshore water.

Abstract: An extracorporeal blood processing system is disclosed which includes a variety of novel components and which may be operated in accordance with a variety of novel methodologies. For instance, the system includes a graphical operator interface which directs the operator through various aspects of the apheresis procedure. Moreover, the system also includes a variety of features relating to loading a blood processing vessel into a blood processing channel and removing the same after completion of the procedure. Furthermore, the system also includes a variety of features relating to utilizing a blood priming of at least portions of the apheresis system in preparation for the procedure. In addition, the system includes a variety of features enhancing the performance of the apheresis system, including the interrelationship between the blood processing vessel and the blood processing vessel and the utilization of high packing factors for the procedure.

Abstract: An extracorporeal blood processing system is disclosed which includes a variety of novel components and which may be operated in accordance with a variety of novel methodologies. For instance, the system includes a graphical operator interface which directs the operator through various aspects of the apheresis procedure. Moreover, the system also includes a variety of features relating to loading a blood processing vessel into a blood processing channel and removing the same after completion of the procedure. Furthermore, the system also includes a variety of features relating to utilizing a blood priming of at least portions of the apheresis system in preparation for the procedure. In addition, the system includes a variety of features enhancing the performance of the apheresis system, including the interrelationship between the blood processing vessel and the blood processing vessel and the utilization of high packing factors for the procedure.

Abstract: A mooring system for watercraft for use with an anchor, the mooring system having an elongated anchor line which is attachable to an anchor; a connection member which is connected to the elongated anchor line; one or more shore lines which are connected to the connection member; and a watercraft attachment line which is connected to the shore line. The watercraft attachment line is then attachable to watercraft, preferably small and/or personal watercraft such as a “jet-ski(R)” watercraft or the like to moor the watercraft in offshore water.