Abstract: A multi-lumen catheter and method for inserting same in a patient is disclosed. The catheter includes an elongated, central, multi-lumen tube portion having a proximal end and a distal end. The central tube portion has a substantially cylindrical outer shape and is internally segmented into a plurality of lumens. A distal branch portion includes a plurality of single-lumen distal extension tubes. A proximal branch portion includes a plurality of single-lumen proximal extension tubes. Each proximal extension tube has a distal first end and a proximal second end. The distal first end of each proximal extension tube is connected to the proximal end of the central tube portion such that the single lumen of each distal extension tube is in fluid communication with one of the plurality of lumens of the central tube portion. Each lumen of the central tube portion and the lumens of the distal and proximal extension tubes in fluid communication therewith define a flow path through the catheter.

Abstract: A random gaming selection device includes a ball-scrambling chamber, a ball guide in communication with the ball-scrambling chamber, an outer chamber receiving the ball-scrambling chamber and an electrostatic discharge mat disposed on a wall of the ball-scrambling chamber. The ball-scrambling chamber accommodates at least one associated ball and includes a ball outlet. The ball guide communicates with the ball-scrambling chamber via the ball outlet. The ball-scrambling chamber includes an air impermeable wall.

Abstract: A “lottery-type” game of chance for a plurality of players employs break open playing cards (10), at least some of the playing cards having printed on them one or more instant win awards. The awards are covered, prior to play, with one or more removable cover members (32) such as flaps or scratch off seals. Some of the playing cards include an eligible game symbol (52) which entitles the playing card holder to enter a second round of play. An identifier (60) on a master game card (12) is revealed to identify which of the eligible second round players has the opportunity to select a bonus round ticket or “double win” ticket (70). The bonus round ticket, upon opening of cover members (80) reveals one of a set of predetermined instructions which provide for all or a portion of the bonus or “double win” round prize to go to the bonus round player, the remainder going to specified ones of the other eligible second round players.

Abstract: A system for use in playing a game of chance includes a plurality of playing cards (10, 10′, 10″, 10′″). Optionally, at least some of the plurality of playing cards display a free ticket symbol (40) which entitles a holder of the playing card to receive at least one free ticket (12). A plurality of the free tickets is also included. Each of the free tickets displays at least one game symbol (30). At least some of the playing cards and at least some of the free tickets include at least one eligible game symbol displayed thereon (82, 110), selected from said game symbols. A master game card (14, 214, 216, 314, 414) is also included for use in conjunction with the playing cards and free tickets. The master game card includes means for identifying at least one of said eligible game symbols as a winning game symbol (112, 230).

Abstract: A “lottery-type” game of chance for a plurality of players employs break open playing cards (10), at least some of the playing cards having printed on them one or more immediate instant win a award indicator wards (44). Some of the playing cards (10) have printed on them a bonus ticket symbol (42) that entitles the holder to receive a set (50) of bonus tickets (12). Some of the bonus tickets (12) have printed on them one or more instant win awards (78). The awards on the cards and tickets (10, 12) are covered, prior to play, with one or more removable cover members (34, 100) such as flaps or scratch off seals. Some of the playing cards (10) include one or more eligible game symbols (82), which entitle the playing card holder to enter a bonus round of play. The holder of a playing card (10) thus has three (or more) potential ways to become a winner.

Abstract: A stylet-free epidural catheter for insertion into a patient via a needle defining proximally a needle hub and distally a needle tip, includes a catheter having a proximal end, a distal end, and a body connecting the ends. The body defines therealong a stiffening section of a predetermined length disposed a predetermined distance proximally of the distal end such that it is located generally about an area where the body approaches a needle hub when the distal end approaches a needle tip. The stiffening section has a flexural stiffness at least twice that of the remainder of the body. A thread assist device to reduce buckling of a catheter being inserted through a needle, includes a body defining a TAD proximal end, a TAD distal end substantially spaced apart along a longitudinal axis from the TAD proximal end, and a TAD sidewall connecting the TAD ends.

Abstract: A “lottery-type” game of chance for a plurality of players employs break open tickets (10), at least some of the tickets having printed on them one or more instant win awards (40). The awards are covered, prior to play, with one or more removable cover members (34) such as flaps or scratch off seals. Some of the tickets include one or more eligible game symbols (52) which entitle the ticket holder to enter a bonus round of play.

Abstract: A “lottery-type” game of chance for a plurality of players employs break open playing cards (10), at least some of the playing cards having printed on them one or more instant win awards. The awards are covered, prior to play, with one or more removable cover members (32) such as flaps or scratch off seals. Some of the playing cards include an eligible game symbol (52) which entitles the playing card holder to enter a second round of play. An identifier (60) on a master game card (12) is revealed to identify which of the eligible second round players has the opportunity to select a bonus round ticket or “double win” ticket (70). The bonus round ticket, upon opening of cover members (80) reveals one of a set of predetermined instructions which provide for all or a portion of the bonus or “double win” round prize to go to the bonus round player, the remainder going to specified ones of the other eligible second round players.

Abstract: A distributed gaming system includes a host device and at least one peripheral device in communication with the host device. The peripheral device executes at least two games simultaneously. The outcome of at least one of the at least two games is dependent on aspects of another of the at least two games. A method of distributed gaming is also disclosed.

Abstract: A “lottery-type” game of chance for a plurality of players employs break open playing cards (10), at least some of the playing cards having printed on them one or more immediate instant win a award indicator wards (44). Some of the playing cards (10) have printed on them a bonus ticket symbol (42) that entitles the holder to receive a set (50) of bonus tickets (12). Some of the bonus tickets (12) have printed on them one or more instant win awards (78). The awards on the cards and tickets (10, 12) are covered, prior to play, with one or more removable cover members (34, 100) such as flaps or scratch off seals. Some of the playing cards (10) include one or more eligible game symbols (82), which entitle the playing card holder to enter a bonus round of play. The holder of a playing card (10) thus has three (or more) potential ways to become a winner.

Abstract: A “lottery-type” game of chance for a plurality of players employs break open tickets (10), at least some of the tickets having printed on them one or more instant win awards (22). The awards are covered, prior to play, with one or more removable cover members (34) such as flaps or scratch off seals. Some of the tickets include one or more eligible game symbols (42), which entitle the ticket holder to enter a bonus round of play.

Abstract: An electronic gaming system (10) including a master station (12) connected to one or more electronic remote gaming units (14) in a logical network. Each electronic remote gaming unit (14) includes a connection interface (26) for receiving a plug-in processor module (28) and a plug-in communication module (30). The plug-in processor module (28) includes a main processor (32) for running a gaming program which enables the remote gaming unit (14) to provide game play to a player. The main processor (32) can also control the operation of the remote gaming unit (14) and control communications with other gaming units (12, 14) via the communication module (30). The communication module (30) includes wireless communications hardware (46) or hard-wired communications hardware (48) for communicating with the other gaming units (14) in the logical network.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method and associated apparatus for improving the accuracy with which the speed of a fluid, such as a liquid, in particular blood flowing in a duct, such as a blood vessel, in particular the aorta, is measured by means of a signal emitted by a Doppler transducer (4). In characteristic manner, according to the method, the Doppler transducer is associated with a programmable memory (50) which contains at least one correction data item for correcting the Doppler signal transmitted by the transducer (4) to a transducer control and computer unit (8). Said computer unit (8) incorporates said signal correction data item in its computation (at 16) of each speed measurement on the basis of each signal emitted by the Doppler transducer, and it computes the speed value while taking account of said correction data item so as to provide a corrected measurement of the speed of said fluid, thereby improving its accuracy.

Abstract: A device for inhibiting unintentional contact with the tip of a needle that has a wire guide disposed in a lumen thereof. A housing of the device has an interior cavity. A portion of the needle extends through the cavity and a tip of the needle is located outside of the housing during use of the needle. A pivoting member is located within the cavity and defines a distal opening and a proximal opening which are sized to allow the needle to pass through the openings. When the needle tip is within the cavity and the needle is withdrawn from the distal opening of the pivoting member, a spring or a compressible member cants the pivoting member into locking engagement with the needle to prevent further movement of the needle. Alternatively, a spring is in locking engagement with the needle to prevent its further movement.

Abstract: A needle and catheter system, including components, is provided such that the position of an epidural needle may be identified after insertion into the body of a patient by electrically stimulating and thus locating a specific nerve. When a specific nerve is located, the catheter is inserted through the needle to a point slightly beyond the distal tip of the needle. The catheter tip may then be manipulated and the optimum position for the catheter tip determined by applying an electrical voltage through the helical wire to the proximal tip of the helical wire, this electrical stimulation being utilized in locating the specific location of the catheter tip within the nerve. Once optimum placement is achieved, the catheter is utilized for continuous administration of anaesthetic. A catheter adapter is utilized to allow easy access to the catheter and introduction of fluid into the nerve of the patient through the catheter tip.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device for protecting a cover. According to the invention, said cover is flexible and tubular in shape being closed at one end and open at its other end, and said cover is disposed at least in part inside a hollow tubular protective element referred to as a protective tube, which element is open at both ends. The device of the invention is particularly suited for use in the medical field, in particular for covering, preferably in sterile manner, a tool that is to be inserted in an animal or a human being, in particular in a natural passage such as the esophagus, the urethra, the rectum, or a blood vessel.

Abstract: A “lottery-type” game of chance for one or more players employs break open tickets (10) which have printed on them a matrix (38) of characters (40), such as a 3×3 number matrix. Each ticket includes a unique pattern of numbers, which differs from others in a set of the tickets. The numbers (40) are covered, prior to play, with a removable cover member (32), such as a flap or scratch off seal. The game can be played in a variety of different ways, dependent upon the pattern (such as any line, the letter “X”, or coverall) which is chosen as the winning pattern. The game is played by employing a random number generator. The players dab their ticket if the number generated is present on their ticket. The player who first completes the game, by competing the preselected pattern from the numbers called, wins the game. The winning face can be verified by a verification number (62) which is printed on each card.