Abstract: A self-contained electrolocation apparatus of the present invention includes an electrically conducting needle cannula having a proximal end, a distal end and a hollow bore therethrough. The invention further includes a non-conductive tube having a proximal end and a distal end, the tube being mounted over the needle cannula so that the distal end of the non-conductive tube is proximal to the distal end of the needle cannula. The non-conductive tube has a conductive layer thereon, whereby the needle cannula and the conductive layer respectively define first and second conductors coaxially spaced from one another by the non-conductive tube. There is a grip fixedly attached to the needle cannula for manipulating the apparatus. The grip has an electrical stimulus generator circuit within it that is electrically connected to the first conductor and the second conductor.

Abstract: A medical device is provided which includes a shield system and a syringe which is coupled to the shield system. The shield system includes a syringe holder and a shield which is slidably coupled to the holder. A spring resiliently urges the shield from a retracted position to an extended position. Stop members are provided on the holder and shield for maintaining the shield in the retracted position. The syringe is slidably coupled to the holder, and extends within the shield. Axial movement of the syringe with respect to the holder causes disengagement of the stop members, allowing the spring to move the shield to the extended position. Detents are provided on the holder for maintaining the shield in the extended position.

Abstract: The invention employs an unlabeled signal primer comprising a 5′ adapter sequence for detection of nucleic acid target sequences. The detection system further comprises a reporter probe, the 3′ end of which hybridizes to the complement of the 5′ adapter sequence of the signal primer to produce a 5′ overhang. Polymerase is used to fill in the overhang and synthesize the complement of the 5′ overhang of the reporter probe. Synthesis of the reporter probe complement is detected, either directly or indirectly, as an indication of the presence of the target.

Abstract: A foam dispensing apparatus of the present invention includes a reservoir containing a foamable liquid, with a closed headspace above a surface of the liquid. The apparatus also includes a source of a gas disposed to impose a gas pressure higher than ambient atmospheric pressure into the closed headspace. There is a mixing chamber having an inside diameter, an inlet and an outlet open to the ambient atmosphere with a flow restricter having a plurality of openings therein in gaseous communication with the closed headspace. The foam dispensing apparatus also includes a hydrophobic filter.

Abstract: A probe and nozzle assembly for reducing the pressure at which a needleless injector must deliver medicament for proper delivery are disclosed. In one embodiment of the probe, the probe is retractably located within an injector nozzle assembly. Upon activation of the energy source a portion of the probe extends past the nozzle assembly to deliver the medicament through a discharge channel. After activation the probe retracts back into the nozzle assembly. In another embodiment, the probe is fixed to the end of the nozzle assembly. In both embodiments the ratio of discharge channel length to diameter is greater than 6/1. The present invention also relates to nozzle assemblies with a discharge channel length to diameter ratio greater than 6/1.

Abstract: A capsulorhexis forceps is described which includes a unique removable hub and handle. The hub allows the use of the forceps as a cystotome in addition to a forceps. The hub design comprises a coaxial wire inside a cannula which provides minimal trauma when the forceps is opened and closed for repositioning during the capsulotromy. The hub is also replaceable and disposable after use. This flexibility in hub replacement allows the surgeon to use the forceps either in the initial open or closed position. The handle also may provide a constant grip force to the corneal flap independent of manual actuation force of the forceps.

Abstract: The present invention is a needle holder assembly for using during a blood collection procedure and more particularly to a blood collection tube holder with means for easily engaging and disengaging a blood collection needle from the holder and for not prematurely disengaging a blood collection needle. The needle holder includes an engaging trigger to engage the holder with a needle and a disengaging trigger to disengage the holder with a needle and a preventative needle release indicator that prevents premature movement of the disengaging trigger and disengagement of the needle from the holder.

Abstract: The present invention is a method for assembling a safety shield assembly and more particularly a method for assembling a safety shield assembly with a fluid handling device. Preferably, the safety shield assembly may be assembled with a needle assembly, an intravenous infusion set a syringe, a catheter or other fluid handling devices or assemblies that contain piercing elements.

Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for facilitating effective self-management of medication treatment by patients. A Smart Tray monitors and reports to third parties a patient's compliance with various medication treatment regimens. Medication containers are provided with electromagnetic tags that provide various information about medicament contained within a respective container. A Smart Tray is equipped with a processor and reader that interrogates each respective electromagnetic tag to identify medicament(s) contained within each container. Using the retrieved information, a Smart Tray provides visual and/or audio signals to a patient to remind the patient when and how much of various medicaments to take. A Smart Tray also monitors, via the reader, when a medication container is removed. A Smart Tray can communicate with one or more third parties, such as healthcare providers, pharmacies, and other suppliers of healthcare products and services via a computer network.

Abstract: An assembly for collection of a blood sample includes a hydrophobic plastic tube and a non-exudable block or graft copolymer having a hydrophobic domain compatible with and interpenetrated in the matrix of the tube plastic and a hydrophilic domain which provides a hydrophilic interior wall surface to the container. The invention includes a method to make the container.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a newly-identified DNA sequence from Mycobacterium kansasii designated KATS2. Also disclosed are methods, oligonucleotide probes, amplification primers, and kits for the detection of M. kansasii nucleic acids. M. kansasii-specific methods, probes, amplification primers, and kits are preferred.

Abstract: This invention relates to an improved method for the multi-parameter analysis of cells from peripheral blood or bone marrow. The method uses a nucleic acid dye, at least two fluorescently labelled monoclonal antibodies and at least two light scatter parameters to differentiate and discriminate between and among different cells in the blood or bone marrow.