Abstract: A medical device such as a wire guide has a lubricious and/or therapeutic coating adhered to an etched, carbonaceous polymeric surface, for example a sodium-etched polymer surface. A method for preparing a lubricious and/or therapeutic coating on a medical device includes etching a polymeric portion of the device to create a carbonaceous surface and applying a lubricious and/or therapeutic coating on the etched surface.

Abstract: A sampling device for sampling body fluid includes a lancet for making an incision, a capillary tube for drawing-up body fluid from the incision, and a test strip affixed to an upper end of the capillary tube for receiving the fluid. An absorbent pad can be disposed between the test strip and capillary tube for spreading-out the fluid being transferred to the test strip. An onsite analyzer such as an optical analyzer and/or an electrochemical analyzer can be mounted in the device for analyzing the fluid. Alternatively, a test strip can be slid through a slot formed in the bottom end of the device so that by passing the device against the skin after an incision has been formed, the test strip will directly contact body fluid emanating from the incision.

Abstract: A snow removal device includes a power source or is connectable to a power source for powering a drive motor that is connected to a snow removal mechanism. The overall size and construction is designed to be lightweight and portable. In this way, considering the smaller size of the snow removal mechanism and its maneuverability, it is suitable to assist in removing snow from around the tires of a vehicle that is stuck in the snow, as one example of a suitable use.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to audio equalization devices and methods. A system is provided that permits frequency equalization or balancing of frequency response for stereo or multiple surround sound channels through the use of visual representation of audio signals. The system also permits the balancing or “tuning” of concert venues and audio listening environments by generating visualizations for original and reflected audio signals.

Abstract: A vehicle seating system including a seat and at least one powered seat adjustment actuator for altering the seating position formed by the seat. Additionally, the system includes a vehicle braking system including vehicle brakes and a brake pedal. The system further includes a signal sent in response to application of the vehicle brakes which leads to suspension of movement of the actuator during application of the vehicle brakes.

Abstract: A self-powered lancing drive system and lancing technique uses permanent magnets to initially store the potential energy that is converted to kinetic energy for extending a lancet during lancing. This self-powered lancing drive system is a pure permanent magnet drive that is highly reliable under numerous operating conditions. Permanent magnets can produce stronger magnetic fields at smaller sizes as compared to electromagnets. In one form, the lancing system has a drive permanent magnet that is kept fixed or stationary while the lancet magnet travels along the firing path. With the drive magnet being stationary, the lancet experiences fewer fluctuations in the magnetic field. The lancet vibrates less and is driven straighter into the tissue. In another form, a retraction magnet is positioned at the end of the firing path of the lancet, near the tissue, to enhance retraction of the lancet.

Abstract: A test element analysis system for the analytical investigation of a liquid sample, comprising a test element including a carrier film having at least one flat side and a test field secured to the flat side and an evaluation instrument including a test element holder for positioning a test element in a measuring position, a measuring device for measuring the optically measurable change in the detection zone, and a housing within the measuring device is positioned. The test element is positioned in the measuring position in such a manner that a first partial section of the test element is located inside the housing and a second partial section is located outside of the housing to be easily accessible.

Abstract: An ergonomic housing for electroacoustic transducers, particularly for ultrasound imaging, includes at least an inner space (4) housing, one or more electroacoustic transducers (5) and possible further electric and/or electronic components (6/7). The housing (1) has at least an acoustic window (2) at which the one or more electroacoustic transducers (5) are placed. Further included is a handle part (101) composed of an opposing gripping surface having a shape that is ergonomically fitted for being gripped by a hand or a portion thereof. The gripping surface has such a shape or profile (301) to be ergonomically fitted for being gripped by inserting it in the hollow between two adjacent fingers of the hand.

Abstract: Methods of manufacturing test strips are disclosed. Embodiments include laminating a two piece covering layer over a substrate with a series of cavities, wherein the two pieces are separated by a gap, the gap forming a vent opening for the cavities. Other embodiments include covering the sample receiving chamber with a cover thinner than the cover covering the body of the test strip, the thicker body cover absorbing more force than the chamber cover to reduce the possibility of adhesives squeezing out from under the chamber cover. The present invention also provides an advantageous method of mass-producing the inventive test strips without having to align the slot or vent opening laterally with respect to the test strips and without having to punch a vent opening. The method is also well suited to mass production by roll processing techniques.

Abstract: Described in certain embodiments are mounting systems that employ one or more T-posts to support useful implements such as birdhouses, signs, fencing, banners, and the like. Additional disclosed embodiments relate to unique post- or wall-mount systems for such implements.

Abstract: A vehicle safety restraint system comprises a portable base having a mounting assembly and a restraint assembly. The portable base may be a booster seat. The mounting assembly mounts the base the base to the seat of a vehicle and the restraint assembly restrains an occupant of the base. The mounting assembly may wrap around at least a portion of the vehicle seat to mount the booster seat to the vehicle. The restraint assembly may comprise a five-point or a four-point restraint and may include a lateral support assembly. The restraint assembly may further include a torso support assembly. A method of mounting a portable base to a vehicle seat is provided.

Abstract: Described is a device useful for applying compression to the eyes and regions under the eyes of a user. In one form, such a compression device includes a relatively elongate compression body combined with a strap for receipt around the head of a user. The relatively elongate compression body includes a central region for receipt over the face of a user, as well as flanking regions for receipt over the side of the face and the ears of the user, substantially encircling the head. Preferred devices include compression bodies having pockets containing compression inserts and positioned to contact the eyes and under-eye tissues of the user, desirably having openings in a location other than at an edge of the pockets, e.g. provided by a central slit. Compression inserts may include foam pads or conformable membrane shells encasing a flowable fluid or other substance.

Abstract: A construct for making a drainage device for a basement waterproofing system is made from a sheet of waterproof material with two generally parallel sides. A series of longitudinal slots is provided parallel to one of the sides, and a series of tabs that fit in the slots is provided along the other side. The bottom surface is scored to provide a series of fold lines to facilitate folding the construct into a rectangular tubular shape, with the tabs fitting into the slots to hold the shape. Perforations are provided in the device to allow water to flow easily through three of the sides of the device when folded to its rectangular tubular shape. A portion of the device may be folded upward to cover the lower portion of a building wall, or a separate piece may be used to bridge the gap between the device and the wall.

Abstract: The present disclosure includes an electron beam emitter, a roller for a web, circumferential radiation shielding, a reaction chamber, movement between open and closes positions, a depositor, baffles, inert gas dispenser, and other features. One example in the present disclosure is a web carrying roller for electron beam irradiation of the web on one side of that roller within a baffle-containing shielded area, while another side of that roller is outside of the shielded area, and near the two ends of the roller are arcuate tongue and groove barriers to x-radiation leakage from the shielded area. The baffle-containing shielded area has a series of voids separated by walls, rather than having the shielded area positioned close to the circumference of the cylinder along its length.

Abstract: A system and method for the measurement of multiple fluorescence emissions in a flow cytometry system is disclosed where each excitation light source is modulated with a different frequency. A single detector is used to collect the fluorescent emissions excited by all light sources, and the emissions are segregated using Fourier Transform techniques. Systems and methods for the correction of inter-beam coincidence are also disclosed.

Abstract: A wheeled truss that is convertible into a truss with a catwalk. A carriage is removably mounted to the bottom of the truss for transporting the truss to the performance site. The carriage is removed from the truss, inverted and mounted to the top of the truss forming with the truss a catwalk.

Abstract: An electrical power distribution system for efficiently installing electrical lights, devices, and power outlets to selectively energize or de-energize an electrical load in a building or structure. The electrical power distribution system comprises a control module installed in a building comprising the controlled output that is selectively energized by controlling a latching relay connected to an AC supply source and a load to be energized. Some embodiments further comprise an electronic switch in parallel with a relay. In addition, other embodiments include an electronic switch in parallel with a relay controlled by the same control signal to energize a load, where the electronic switch is energized before the contacts of the relay close and the electronic switch is de-energized after the contacts of the relay open. In an exemplary embodiment the load may be controlled and its ON/OFF status may be known at a distance of at least one mile with a pair of wires, AWG #24 or smaller diameter.

Abstract: A pin box assembly is provided for a trailer. The pin box assembly includes a first section having a trailer attachment point, a second section carrying a king pin and a pivot connecting the first and second sections together. In addition the pin box assembly includes a shock absorber having a first end connected to the first section and a second end connected to the second sections. Still further, the pin box assembly includes an air spring connected between the first and second sections.