Abstract: A vacuum rig apparatus for introducing a liquid into a space defined by a shaped article, which apparatus comprises a series of interconnected vessels attached through a port to a vacuum line, wherein one of the vessels is adapted to hold the shaped article and the apparatus is tiltable about a point midway along the vessel so that liquid from a reservoir flows into the vessel to surround the shaped article and fill the space therein when a vacuum is applied to the apparatus.

Abstract: A multi-parameter catheter comprising sensors enveloped in a sheath made from a biphasic material comprising a layer of microporous hydrophobic substance having micropores which are filled with a hydrophilic substance which when hydrated forms a gel and allows the passage of water-bound ions, and an apparatus for introducing the catheter into a patient's blood vessel.

Abstract: A stabilized bio-inert sensor for the determination of an analyte, especially pO.sub.2, pCO.sub.2 and pH, in a medium which comprises a chemical indicator sensitive to the analyte in association with a stabilizing substrate formed from a polymer which is inert to the medium and analyte and does not affect the sensitivity of the indicator, which polymer is a cross-linked, solid silicone rubber formed from a silicone carbinol having a molecular structure compatible with said indicator.

Abstract: An apparatus for the determination and continuous monitoring of bladder epithelial oxygen (pbO.sub.2) which comprises, in combination, an introductory catheter with an inflatable placement cuff and an oxygen sensor, wherein the sensor is completely accommodated within the catheter when not in use and, when the apparatus is placed within a patient's bladder, the sensor is adapted to be deployed so that the distal end of the sensor passes through an open port in the distal wall of the catheter and extends beyond the tip of the catheter to rest against the wall of the bladder; and a method for the continuous monitoring of pbO.sub.2 using such apparatus.

Abstract: A method for assembling a package for an active medical device which comprises making an opening in a wall of a recess shaped to receive the device, placing a gasket against the wall and about a band mounted through a flat portion of the wall, inserting the band through the opening so the gasket is flush against the wall, installing an outer part about the band to hold the gasket against the wall to form a sterile barrier, and placing a lid over the recess to contain the device within a sterile field.

Abstract: An electrochemical sensor for the determination of the partial pressure of oxygen in a bloodstream comprising a cathode and an anode immersed in an electrolyte contained in a chamber defined by an oxygen gas permeable membrane wherein the insulated portion of each of the conductors forming the cathode and the anode has an additional layer of insulation applied over the original insulation.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing an electrochemical sensor which comprises folding into a "U" shape an exposed, uninsulated portion of an elongate, insulated conductor to form an anode having an exposed, uninsulated distal end surface, positioning the end surface of the anode to face the exposed, uninsulated distal end surface of an elongate insulated conductor forming a cathode, placing the anode and facing cathode within a tube defined by a gas permeable membrane, filling the tube with an electrolyte and sealing the distal end of the tube.

Abstract: An apparatus for assembling a tube and a part has a polymeric tube with an axis along the longitude thereof. The part has a cross sectional shape and size to be near an inside surface of the tube when the part is at least partially therewithin. The part or tube is supported so that relative movement along the axis places the part at least partially within the tube located between the ends or in the tube near the distal or proximal end thereof. The part and/or the tube is a thermoplastic polymer made by a process that develops within the polymer a memory of the polymer prior to forming so that residual stresses remaining in the part can be relaxed by changing temperature causing expansion. A form of a relatively nonconductive material is positioned for relative movement along the axis and for placement about the tube. The form is shaped and sized to fit and contain the outside surface of the tube.

Abstract: An electrochemical sensor for the determination of the partial pressure of oxygen in a bloodstream comprising a cathode and an anode immersed in an electrolyte contained in a chamber defined by an oxygen gas permeable membrane wherein the conductor forming the anode is folded into a "U" shape so that the exposed distal end surface thereof faces the distal end surface of the cathode.

Abstract: A device for transmitting and returning light comprising an elongate light transmissive flexible polymer fiber with a longitudinal axis, first and second ends normal to the axis for passing light therebetween and a returner shaped and sized to fit the second end with a face positioned to return light transmitted therethrough. A method and apparatus for manufacturing the device are also disclosed.

Abstract: A package for an active medical device has a film member pocket recess. The member has a planar flange about the recess and a flat wall with an opening. A lid attaches to the flange. Outer and inner parts of a junction conjugate in the opening to seal and insure sterility. Test means on the inner part test means include a transparent window in a central web to permit optical signal transmission and electrical signals pass through a plurality of spaced apart electrically conductive pins about the web to distally couple the device and test linkage. An inner part band with a brim thereabout fits through the opening so the brim faces the wall. An outer part collar with a rim thereabout conjugates with the band that extends through the opening and the rim abuts in tight facing relation the wall. The brim and band support a resilient gasket for compression between the wall and the brim when threads on the band mate with threads on the collar.

Abstract: A barrier for a connector defining a junction between an interengaging member and a conjugating part, which barrier comprises a resilient sleeve shaped to snugly fit a proximal portion of reduced cross section which abuts a proximally facing shoulder and captures an open end of an elastic open ended sheath therebetween.