Abstract: A method of controlling cellular influx and efflux of ionic calcium to modulate the functioning of biological entities comprising subjecting such entities to both resonant and non-resonant fields. Representative of the synergistic application of these two types of fields in their use in controlling blood glucose levels in living animals afflicted with hyperglycemia. This method comprising subjecting at least the liver and pancreas area of an animal having a blood glucose level of at least 180 mg/dL to a resonant electromagnetic field applied post-prandially until the animal's blood glucose level is reduced to about 150 mg/dL then stopping application of said resonant frequency electromagnetic field and subjecting said animal to a non-resonant frequency electromagnetic field to further reduce the animal's blood glucose level.

Abstract: Metabolically-acceptable, surgical adhesives are prepared from polyisocyanates having the structral formula: ##STR1## wherein R is a polyvalent aliphatic radical of about 1 to 10 carbon atoms or a polyvalent aromatic radical of 6 to about 24 carbon atoms;A is C, S or P;Z is O or S;Y is 1 when A is C or P, and 2 when A is S;n is 1 or 2;p is at least 1;q is 0 or 1, with the proviso that when A is carbon or sulfur, q is 0;r is 0 or 1, with the proviso that when A is carbon or sulfur, r is 0;X is a residue of an organic compound having active hydrogen-containing groups; andX' is a residue of an organic compound having at least 1 active hydrogen-containing group.

Abstract: This invention relates to the ultrasound enhancement of sedimentation of particulates in a particulate-bearing fluid medium while the fluid medium is undergoing centrifugation. The ultrasound energy forms standing waves in the fluid and cause particulates in the fluid, whether solids, liquids, or gases, to agglomerate in bands. The bands approximate either the nodes or antinodes of the standing wave, depending on the density of the particulate relative to the fluid. The banded or agglomerated particulate enhances the rate of sedimentation as well as the reverse flow of suspernatent by removing particulate which would otherwise impede this flow.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for controlling the movement of materials having different physical properties when one of the materials is a fluid. The invention does not rely on flocculation, sedimentation, centrifugation, the buoyancy of the materials, or any other gravity dependent characteristic, in order to achieve its desired results. The methods of the present invention provide that a first acoustic wave is progpagated through a vessel containing the materials. A second acoustic wave, at a frequency different than the first acoustic wave, is also propagated through the vessel so that the two acoustic waves are superimposed upon each other. The superimposition of the two waves creates a beat frequency wave. The beat frequency wave comprises pressure gradients dividing regions of maximum and minimum pressure. The pressure gradients and the regions of maximum and minimum pressure move through space and time at a group velocity.

Abstract: A syringe check valve for use with a flexible catheter tube. The valve includes a rigid tubular cap and an elastomeric valve member. The valve member is partially inserted into a flexible catheter tube and the rigid cap is slipped over the valve member to maintain the flexible tube on the valve member and to force the valve slot in the valve member closed. The valve is used by inserting the blunt end of a syringe into a tapered cylindrical bore in the valve member which is in communication with the valve slot. The contact of the end of the syringe with the interior walls of the tapered cylindrical bore forces open the valve slot and allows passage of fluid through the valve.

Abstract: A hand-held centrifuge apparatus for sedimenting a fluid suspension in a sample tube, the sample tube being subjected to centrifugation at an acute angle to the axis of rotation. An electronic circuit activates an electric motor for a preselected time period as a function of voltage supplied by a battery to the motor to provide a predetermined degree of centrifugation to the sample. A voltage tester periodically tests the voltage in the circuit to assure that adequate voltage is being supplied by the battery. A deactivation circuit is actuated if inadequate voltage is sensed and a disabling circuit disables the electronic circuit until adequate voltage is again available. The disabling circuit is masked during acceleration to preclude deactivating the circuit when the motor is in acceleration.

Abstract: A regulator is provided for controlling the degree of suction within a collection chamber in a drainage device. The regulator includes a means for measuring the degree of negativity within the chamber and a feedback passageway leading from the measuring means to the suction source. When the measuring means detects a degree of negativity which is equal to or greater than a predetermined value in relation to the available suction the feedback passageway is opened to atmosphere and when the degree of negativity becomes less than the predetermined value the feedback passageway is closed so as to impose the full suction of the suction source upon the chamber.

Abstract: A surgical pleural drainage apparatus for draining fluids from the body of a patient is disclosed. The apparatus includes a container with a collection chamber. A suction outlet is provided on the container which is connected to a source of negative pressure and a fluid passageway connects the suction outlet to the collection chamber. A non-liquid one-way valve is provided in the fluid passageway for allowing fluid flow only from the collection chamber to the suction outlet. An air leak indicator is also provided in the passageway to indicate a flow of gases through the passageway and optionally the qualitative quantity of that flow. Preferably, the air leak indicator includes a visible liquid trap through which any gases flow and form bubbles which are visible. The liquid trap is prefilled with glycerine or a like liquid. The amount of negative pressure applied to the collection chamber is controlled by a suction control device.

Abstract: An air leak detection chamber is provided which is adapted to be attached to a conventional pleural drainage device. The air leak detection chamber has a pair of passageways which are connected in series in the passageway of the pleural drainage device leading from the underwater seal or from the oneway valves disposed in the passageway leading from the collection chamber to the suction source of the pleural drainage device. The detection chamber has a water filled tube therein and any air passing from the pleural drainage device will displace the water within the tube. Thus, a physician may readily observe the volume of air passing from the pleural cavity of a patient and determine the extent of any air leak in the pleural cavity.

Abstract: A surgical pleural drainage apparatus for draining fluids from the body of a patient is disclosed. The apparatus includes a container with a collection chamber. A suction outlet is provided on the container which is connected to a source of negative pressure and a fluid passageway connects the suction outlet to the collection chamber. A non-liquid one-way valve is provided in the fluid passageway for allowing fluid flow only from the collection chamber to the suction outlet. An air leak indicator is also provided in the passageway to indicate a flow of gases through the passageway and optionally the qualitative quantity of that flow. Preferably, the air leak indicator includes a visible liquid trap through which any gases flow and form bubbles which are visible. The liquid trap is prefilled with glycerine or a like liquid. The amount of negative pressure applied to the collection chamber is controlled by a suction control device.

Abstract: A detector and counter for drainage devices is provided which will detect the passage of air through an underwater seal chamber. A signal is transmitted as a result of the detection of the presence of air or a bubble within an underwater seal chamber and an output circuit responsive to these signals measures the time interval between bubbles. In addition, a counter counts the total number of bubbles passing through the underwater seal over a selected period of time. The bubble detector when used with a pleural drainage device provides a diagnostic tool for a physican in determining the condition of a patient with a pleural air leak by indicating the elapsed time between bubbles and the total volume of air leak over the selected period of time.

Abstract: A surgical pleural drainage apparatus for draining fluids from the body of a patient is disclosed. The apparatus includes a container with a collection chamber. A suction outlet is provided on the container which is connected to a source of negative pressure and a fluid passageway connects the suction outlet to the collection chamber. A non-liquid one-way valve is provided in the fluid passageway for allowing fluid flow only from the collection chamber to the suction outlet. An air leak indicator is also provided in the passageway to indicate a flow of gases through the passageway and optionally the qualitative quantity of that flow. Preferably, the air leak indicator includes a visible liquid trap through which any gases flow and form bubbles which are visible. The liquid trap is prefilled with glycerine or a like liquid. The amount of negative pressure applied to the collection chamber is controlled by a suction control device.

Abstract: A clamp for controlling the flow through a hose or flexible tubing such as is used in intravenous systems comprises a pair of parallel leg members joined by a curved end portion, each leg containing elements capable of clamping down on the tubing when the clamp is brought into closed position. The clamp contains a catch arm which sits on a flexible arm member at the free end portion of the clamp, and retains the upper leg member when the clamp is closed. Optionally, this catch arm can be multi-tiered, allowing the clamp to be closed at a variety of positions, each restricting a different amount of flow. When clamped, the clamping elements from each leg are alongside each other, crimping the tubing at two slightly separated points, and maximizing the clamping effect on the tubing. There are openings through the curved end portion and through the flexible arm member to receive the tube, and to retain it in position to maximize the effect of the clamp.

Abstract: An adjustable orthopedic shoe for a foot splint is disclosed. The shoe is split into a toe portion and a heel portion to which a toe plate and a heel plate are respectively attached. The toe plate is adjustable relative to the heel plate about a longitudinal axis, a lateral axis, an oblique axis, or a combination of axes. After adjustment, the toe plate is locked in position relative to the heel plate by flanges depending from the plates. Preferably, the flanges are rounded and contact the ground and a pair of shoes are provided which are attached to an orthopedic foot splint. The foot splint maintains a desired angle between the feet of the user but otherwise allows virtually full freedom of movement of the feet.

Abstract: An orthopedic foot splint which is attached to the shoes of a user to correct for a toe-in or toe-out condition is disclosed. The foot splint includes a pair of shoe engaging plates and an elongate connecting mechanism. A swivel is provided between the shoe engaging plate and the end of the connecting mechanism so that the shoe of the user can rotate about a vertical axis. The swivel includes a stop which is adjustable to restrict the movement of the swivel so that the toe or heel of the shoe swivels either towards or away from the connecting mechanism from an initial position where the longitudinal axis of the shoe engaging plate is substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the connecting mechanism. A mechanism for locking the shoe engaging plate against swiveling movement is also provided. The connecting mechanism can include two bars, a central pivot, a central hinge, and lateral hinges. At least one bar is also laterally extendable according to the needs of the user.

Abstract: A method for the autotransfusion of blood comprising, collecting the blood from a pool in a patient and subsequently returning the collected blood to the circulatory system of the patient. The method includes applying suction to a collection chamber to remove air from the chamber and aspirate blood into the chamber. After the collection chamber is filled to the desired capacity, pressure is applied to a movable wall of the collection chamber to force the collected blood out of the chamber and back into the circulatory system of the patient.

Abstract: An autotransfusion device having a rigid cylindrical housing with an end wall, a movable piston located in the housing, and a deformable collection bag attached between the end wall and the piston is disclosed. When the piston is moved towards the end wall, collapsing the collection bag, the piston is rotated to twist the collection bag and prevent the collection bag from being seized between the housing wall and the piston. The autotransfusion device also includes an automatic air purge unit and an auxiliary air purge unit which is used when the automatic air purge unit malfunctions. In order to facilitate the filling of the collection bag to capacity, a length to diameter ratio of 1.1 is preferred.

Abstract: A method is provided for relieving excess negativity in a surgical underwater drainage device. The method comprises the steps of delivering a premeasured or metered amount of air directly to the thoractomy tube which is connected to the inlet of the drainage device. The metered amount of air is provided by an air chamber connected to the thoracotomy tube, the air chamber having a depressable plunger mounted therein. When the plunger is depressed the air within the chamber is delivered directly to the thoracotomy tube and when the plunger is released the air chamber is refilled with a metered amount of air. At no time is the thoracotomy tube open directly to the outside atmosphere.

Abstract: An orthopedic foot splint which is attached to the shoes of a user to correct for a toe-in or toe-out condition is disclosed. The foot splint includes a pair of shoe engaging plates and an elongate connecting mechanism. A swivel is provided between the shoe engaging plate and the end of the connecting mechanism so that the shoe of the user can rotate about a vertical axis. The swivel includes a stop which is adjustable to restrict the movement of the swivel so that the toe or heel of the shoe swivels either towards or away from the connecting mechanism from an initial position where the longitudinal axis of the shoe engaging plate is substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the connecting mechanism. A mechanism for locking the shoe engaging plate against swiveling movement is also provided. The connecting mechanism can include two bars, a central pivot, a central hinge, and lateral hinges. At least one bar is also laterally extendable according to the needs of the user.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for relieving high or excess negativity in an underwater drainage device is disclosed. The apparatus includes a syringe needle with a valve operatively connected to the syringe needle. The valve provides a sealed passageway from the atmosphere through the syringe needle and a spring urges the valve to a closed position except when high or excess negativity occurs in the underwater drainage device. In the method, the syringe needle pierces a resealable portion of the drainage device and a valve is provided in fluid communication with the syringe needle. After excess negativity is relieved, the syringe is removed from the resealable portion of the drainage device.