Abstract: Updated cardiac output measurements are obtained using a reference value of cardiac output and the natural change in phase of variations in blood temperature. The reference value of cardiac output can be obtained using a thermodilution technique. The variations in blood temperature are sensed at appropriate locations, such as in the right atrium and the pulmonary artery. The temperature information is processed to provide a signal which is related to the velocity of the blood, and the signal and the reference value of cardiac output are used to provide the updated cardiac output measurement.

Abstract: A hand-held manipulative probe for automated liquid dispensers for dispensing reagents or diluting samples with reagent automatically in accord with a programmed local microprocessor or remote computer control which grips the flexible pipette tubing, provides remote hand control and provides dispenser status indication.

Abstract: An automated instrument system for analyzing constituents of a patient sample while reacting a reagent specific for the selected constituent within the sample. The analyzer includes: a continuous flexible cuvette belt having a series of parallel discrete reaction compartments thereon, a carousel for dispensing solid tabletted reagents into the compartments, a means for effecting ultrasonic dissolution of the tabletted reagent in the reaction compartment, means for dispensing sample from a source thereof into a reaction compartment, including a sample source transport carousel assembly, and means for transporting the cuvette belt through a plurality of analysis stations located in a linear relationship along the path of travel of the cuvette belt.

Abstract: A method for conducting a ligand assay in an inert porous medium wherein a binding material is immunologically immobilized within the medium, which includes the steps of immunologically immobilizing a binding material within a finite zone of the medium, applying an analyte to the zone containing the immobilized binding material, applying a labeled indicator to the zone which becomes immobilized within the zone in an amount which can be correlated to the amount of analyte in the zone, applying a solvent to substantially the center of the zone to chromatographically separate the unbound labeled indicator from the zone, and measuring the amount of labeled indicator remaining in the zone.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method for filling a cartridge which can be subsequently capped and closed. This is done by filling to a discrete level and then applying a closure. A displacement dome is provided at the lower portion of the syringe cartridge closure to first displace a predetermined amount of air or gas and then to displace a minor amount of fluid upon closure to seal the cartridge, and insure zero head space. The entirety of the process of filling is done in a vented environment, and the closure applied at ambient. The invention also provides an apparatus which includes a syringe cartridge having its open lower portion closed by a plunger piston. The upper portion is closed by a syringe cartridge closure having a leur tip cap. Means are optionally provided interiorly of the tip cap to retain a hollow needle, which is held in position by a leur tip, the latter being vented and provided with a seal for the needle.

Abstract: An improved vacuum attachment assembly for suction apparatus is provided. The invention includes a vacuum line coupling system that is incompatible with the inlet port such that inadvertent attachment of the vacuum line to the inlet port is impossible. The vacuum connection system further includes a permanently attached tee and vacuum leader line for parallel connection of the vacuum source to the interior and exterior of a liner disposed within the apparatus. The improved vacuum attachment system allows easy disconnection and reconnection of the vacuum source.

Abstract: The present invention relates to mass transfer apparatus e.g., artificial kidney in which a semipermeable membrane is folded or pleated between top and bottom rectangular plates. Support members are disposed within each pleat on one side only of the membrane. The top and bottom plates are held under a predetermined compressive load while a connecting means with ports is bonded to the opposite side edges of the top and bottom plates. The whole pleated membrane assembly is secured within a housing, with the ports protruding through the housing. The apparatus has reproducible performance characteristics from one device to another.

Abstract: Medical suction apparatus is disclosed including in combination a rigid outer canister having a cover and a disposable semi-rigid inner liner or container. Mounting assembly means coacts with the canister and cover to seal the container within the canister. The container is a cup-like member which maintains its cup-like shape before, during and after use within the canister. A simple and efficient snap-fit mounting assembly includes an annular sealing support lid on the upper peripheral lip of the container. The lid is snap-fit mounted to the rim of the canister to support the container therefrom. This mounting also establishes a gap between the container and canister, as well as sealing such gap. The cover is snap-fit mounted to the annular lid to compress the container lip and an upper section of the container sidewall between the cover and the lid. This mounting seals the interior of the container. The lid may be released from the canister without breaking the seal between the cover and container.

Abstract: A method of obtaining fixation of an animal aortic valve intended for implantation, including subjecting the aortic valve to a tanning fluid at a differential pressure across the valve leaflets in a direction to urge the valve leaflets closed and with the tanning fluid tending to distort the aortic valve. The differential pressure across the valve leaflets is greater than zero and less than about four mm Hg. An insert restrains the valve against substantial distortion during the time the valve is subjected to the tanning fluid.

Abstract: Skin Fold Caliper having first and second relatively rigid arms which have one end of each of the first and second members connected to permit pivotal movement of the first and second arms with respect to each other so that the other ends of the first and second arms can be moved between open and closed positions. A gauge is carried by the first and second arms for giving an indication of the spacing between the other ends of the first and second arms. A spring-like member formed integral with one of the arms is utilized for applying a predetermined clamping pressure between the first and second arms to move the other ends of the first and second arms toward the closed position.