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 When the needle tip is within the cavity and the needle is withdrawn from the distal opening of the pivoting member, a spring or a compressible member cants the pivoting member into locking engagement with the needle to prevent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 sharps cup for receiving and storing a plurality of needles against accidental dislodgement, includes a plastic cup defining a bottom, a top, a sidewall connecting the bottom and the top, and a vertically extending central post disposed within and horizontally spaced from the sidewall. A resilient disc is disposed within the cup and defines a plurality of slots and segments, the segments being intermediate the slots, and each segment having a free end spaced from the post. A plastic cover for the cup defines a plurality of needle-receiving passageways therethrough adjacent the post and communicating with spaces between the post and the segment free ends. Each segment free end is individually deflectable toward the bottom adjacent the post by insertion of a needle downwardly through one of the passageways and then into the space intermediate the post and the segment free end.

Abstract: Methods and systems for determining the proper placement of an epidural catheter prior to administration of anesthetic is described. In a preferred embodiment, an aqueous fluid is introduced into an epidural catheter that has been inserted into the spine of a subject. Motor reactions by the subject in response to electrical current applied through the aqueous solution is monitored. By monitoring the motor response with respect to electrical stimulation, the proper placement of an epidural catheter can be differentiated from the placement of the catheter in subarachnoid, subcutaneous or epidural intravascular placement. Additionally, in the preferred embodiment, a wire is disposed within the catheter tube to facilitate the passage of electric current. However, to avoid electrochemical reaction of the wire with the aqueous solution and/or the subject's dural tissue, the wire does not extend completely to the distal end of the catheter tube.

Abstract: A method of printing on a web of paper includes the steps of providing the web, adjusting a tension on the web and sequentially printing each of a plurality of different indicia on defined sequential longitudinally spaced printing fields of the web. Information is then printed in each of the defined printing fields on the web. Preferably, the method is used for printing bingo game booklets in which each sheet of the booklet is identified by a different color or border than is each other sheet in the booklet. The apparatus includes a roll stand from which the web is fed and an indicia printing unit. The indicia printing unit includes a plurality of indicium rolls supported by and spaced around a frame and an endless printing belt supported by the rolls, the printing belt having a plurality of sequentially longitudinally spaced print areas.

Abstract: An implantable VAD (preferably an LVAD) includes a compliance chamber which forms a reservoir for liquid extending from adjacent the bottom of the compliance chamber upwardly towards the top of the compliance chamber, and a chamber for gas disposed above the liquid reservoir and extending upwardly to the top of the compliance chamber. The gas chamber is in gaseous communication with a blood pump via a conduit. A subcutaneous port is in liquid and gaseous communication with the liquid reservoir via a second conduit for introducing make-up gas into or removing excess gas from the gas chamber via the liquid reservoir and for removing accumulated liquid from the liquid reservoir. An outlet cannula comprises a hard polymer tubing commencing adjacent the pump and a relatively soft graft tubing terminating adjacent the tube adapted to enter the aorta, a distal end of the hard polymer tubing and a proximal end of the graft tubing being secured together by a snap-fit connector.

Abstract: A sharps cup for receiving and storing a plurality of needles against accidental dislodgement, includes a plastic cup defining a bottom, a top, a sidewall connecting the bottom and the top, and a vertically extending central post disposed within and horizontally spaced from the sidewall. A resilient disc is disposed within the cup and defines a plurality of slots and segments, the segments being intermediate the slots, and each segment having a free end spaced from the post. A plastic cover for the cup defines a plurality of needle-receiving passageways therethrough adjacent the post and communicating with spaces between the post and the segment free ends. Each segment free end is individually deflectable toward the bottom adjacent the post by insertion of a needle downwardly through one of the passageways and then into the space intermediate the post and the segment free end.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for destroying blood borne pathogens is disclosed which utilizes a low intensity direct current to generate positive particles from various metals which destroy viral pathogens. A first electrode comprised of a metal such as silver is inserted into a patient's venous system. Then, a second electrode is placed on the patient's exterior in the vicinity of the first electrode. A low intensity direct current is applied to the first metal electrode which releases silver cations to be bonded to the virus, resulting in the denaturing of the virus. The first electrode is placed in the venous system of the infected patient via a catheter.

Abstract: An intra-aortic balloon packaging sheath is provided which includes a long slim extruded plastic tube for storing a furled thin-walled intra-aortic balloon. An entry section of the same plastic is injection molded onto one end of the tube, with the entry section including an outwardly flared entry port surface which is spaced from one end of the tube, and an internal passageway which is co-linear and congruent with the internal cross-section of the tube from the respective end of the tube through the intersection of the second internal passageway with the outwardly flared passageway. Thereby a smooth internal surface is provided through the flared passageway into the internal passageway and through the later into the tube. The exit end of the sheath tube is inverted by use of a heated tipping die such that a distal end portion is turned outwardly and back circumjacent another portion of the tube wall to form a smoothly rounded exit passageway of the tube at the exit end.

Abstract: A jar ticket includes a ticket body having first, second and third panels wherein the third panel is folded onto the second panel and the second panel is then folded onto the first panel to constitute a folded section of the ticket body. A wrapper body is then folded around the ticket body folded section. The wrapper body includes first, second and third panels. The second panel of the wrapper body is brought adjacent a first side of the folded section of the ticket body and the first and third panels of the wrapper body are folded over a second side of the folded section of the ticket body. A first layer of adhesive is disposed between the first and third panels of the wrapper body and a plurality of spaced perforations extend through the first and third panels of the wrapper body. Such a jar ticket has enhanced security. A jar ticket manufacturing machine for such a jar ticket is also disclosed.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing bingo paper includes the steps of storing a plurality of preformulated bingo faces in the memory of a computer. The computer is connected to a variable data print unit. The computer is programmed to print a first series of bingo faces. The computer is also programmed to print a second series of bingo faces wherein the first series of bingo faces is different from the second series of bingo faces. The first and second series of bingo faces can be of different sizes or can have different bingo faces in them. Alternatively, the second series of bingo faces can be identical to the first series but printed in a different order. An indicium is also printed on each bingo face of the first and second series of bingo faces. After the indicium is applied, one or more series of the bingo faces will constitute a set of bingo faces.

Abstract: A bingo game booklet includes a top sheet having at least one bingo face with a first serial number located on each bingo face of the top sheet wherein the first serial number is identical on each bingo face of the top sheet. A second sheet is located below the top sheet with the second sheet including at least one bingo face. A second serial number is located on each bingo face of the second sheet. The second serial number is identical on each bingo face of the second sheet and is also identical to the first serial number. A first indicium is located on the top sheet wherein each of the bingo faces is designated by the first indicium. A second indicium is located on the second sheet wherein each bingo face of the second sheet is designated by the second indicium. The first and second indicia are different. A connecting element connects an edge of the top sheet to an edge of the second sheet to form the sheets into a bingo game booklet.

Abstract: A system including an anti-jackknifing abutment apparatus (FIGS. 1-4, 7, 8) an electrical (FIG. 5) and hydraulic (FIG. 6) controls provides system control which controls limited relative angular movement between an articulated tractor 10 and trailer 20. An engagement driver in the form of cylinder 36 mounted within a rigid frame 23 is mounted by a mounting bar 25 to a forward beam member 22 of the trailer 20 for moving a abutment element 28, 128 into and out of an engagement zone within the longitudinal V-slot 17 of the fifth wheel 14. The abutment element in position on a rotational swing of the articulated vehicle is contacted by ears 18 of the V-slot, where due to the structure of the apparatus, the further rotational movement may be arrested or controlled to permit adjustment of the rotational limit of further angular movement under control of the driver.

Abstract: Apparatus is disclosed for limiting the angular movement between the tractor and trailer wherein a fluid operated cylinder is mounted within a rigid frame, having a mounting bar attached to a forward member of the tractor, for moving an abutment means between a position extending downwardly within the longitudinal slot of the fifth wheel to a position wherein the abutment means is removed from the slot. Means are carried within the frame having fixed relation thereto for providing lateral support within the position of the slot.

Abstract: Apparatus is disclosed for limiting the angular movement between the tractor and trailer wherein a fluid operated cylinder is mounted within a rigid frame, having a mounting bar attached to a forward member of the tractor, for moving an abutment means between a position extending downwardly within the longitudinal slot of the fifth wheel to a position wherein the abutment means is removed from the slot. Means are carried within the frame having fixed relation thereto for providing lateral support within the position of the slot.

Abstract: A method for playing a side game in connection with a bingo game includes providing a flash board displaying a plurality of numbers in mutually perpendicular rows and columns. A plurality of tickets having a first face and a second face are provided. A column of numbers that is displayed on the second face of each ticket is identical with one of the columns of numbers shown on the flash board. A covering preferably initially masks the column of numbers from view. The plurality of tickets are distributed to players. Numbers are then serially selected from the plurality of numbers and a display is made on the flash board for each number selected. A winner is declared when all the numbers in a vertical row have been chosen.

Abstract: A system including an anti-jackknifing abutment apparatus (FIGS. 1-4, 7, 8) and electrical (FIG. 5) and hydraulic (FIG. 6) controls provides system control which controls limited relative angular movement between an articulated tractor 10 and trailer 20. An engagement driver in the form of cylinder 36 mounted within a rigid frame 23 is mounted by a mounting bar 25 to a forward beam member 22 of the trailer 20 for moving a abutment element 28, 128 into and out of an engagement zone within the longitudinal V-slot 17 of the fifth wheel 14. The abutment element in position on a rotational swing of the articulated vehicle is contacted by ears 18 of the V-slot, where due to the structure of the apparatus, the further rotational movement may be arrested or controlled to permit adjustment of the rotational limit of further angular movement under control of the driver.

Abstract: An adapter suitable for ready insertion into a fluid line extending between a source of electrically-conductive fluid and a part of a living body, to enable convenient electrical contact to the fluid. The adapter is T-shaped and has a through-bored portion on the opposite ends of which quick-disconnect luer-lock connectors are formed to receive the ends of the adjacent tubing sections. An electrical connector pin extends through the stem of the T, at right angles to the through bore, to contact the fluid in the through bore; the external end of the pin is provided with a quick-disconnect connector terminal so that it can easily be connected to and disconnected from associated electrical equipment, such as an ECG monitor. The body of the adapter may be of molded plastic, and the entire unit so inexpensive that it can economically be discarded after use. In addition to ECG monitoring the adapter is specially suitable for use in regional block anesthesia.

Abstract: Disclosed is a shield assembly for a catheter particularly useful for the protection of flow directed catheters used in the measurement of central venous pressure and pulmonary wedge pressure. The shield assembly includes front and rear hubs each with a central passage sized to permit movement of a catheter therethrough and a feed tube for interconnecting the front and rear hubs. The feed tube has a lumen extending between the passage and the hubs for guiding a catheter passed through the rear hub and out through the front hub. A flexible sheath interconnects the two hubs. The sheath is substantially longer than the feed tube and is collapsible to permit interconnection of the two hubs by the feed tube for catheter guidance during feeding of the catheter through the rear hub, through the feed tube and through the front hub and is extendable to shield a substantial length of catheter from contamination when the front and rear hubs are separated.

Abstract: Stacks of sets of number identified Bingo tickets are produced by first stacking different main sheets containing numbered Bingo tickets arranged six by six, and (1) cutting the first stack along a medial vertical cut line, stacking the substacks and cutting the resulting stack along horizontal lines between successive ticket rows and stacking the resulting substacks; (2) cutting the first stack along a medial horizontal line, stacking the substacks and cutting the resulting stack along vertical lines between successive ticket rows and stacking the resulting substacks; or (3) cutting the first stack along a pair of parallel lines between success pairs of tickets, stacking the substacks, cutting the resulting stack along a pair of parallel lines perpendicular to the first cut lines and stacking the resulting two by two ticket substacks. The identifying numbers are so sequenced and the stacking so effective that the numbers identifying corresponding tickets in successive sets may be progressive.