Abstract: An improved snowboard binding (6) has an adjustably positioned toe ramp (44) mounted to the front end (32) of the base (18) with an upwardly curving front portion (62) shaped to conform to the toe (14) of the boot sole (12) to increase the toe-side edge responsiveness. A dampened, energy absorbing heel pad (66) is mounted to the rear end (28) of the base to help absorb impact. Arm channels (84,86) are formed in each of the left and right side flanges (22,24), extend upwardly from the baseplate (20), and are sized to contain the left and right mounting arms (94,96) of a heel support (26). A pair of threaded fasteners (104,108) clamp the mounting arms within the side flanges over a range of upwardly and rearwardly extending portions. Front-and-rear forces on the heel support are resisted by the two fasteners and by engagement of the upper and lower edges (122,124) of the arms with upper and lower channel walls (88,89).

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method and apparatus used to place a catheter having a distal end and a proximal end where the proximal end cannot be trimmed within a patient. The method and apparatus utilize a device operative in locating the tip of a catheter, which includes a detector assembly having a detector and a locator. The detector of the detector assembly is locked into positioned remote from the distal end of the catheter prior to inserting the catheter in the patient. The distal end of the catheter is trimmed, as to define a trimmed distal end, the detector is then unlocked and placed proximate the trimmed end. In the preferred embodiment the detector is locked into place proximate the trimmed distal end and the catheter is placed within the patient.

Abstract: A sensing device for a pump control module is described that is designed for use with a cassette having a pump surface with a projection. The sensing device is positioned on an interface surface of a pump control module, and includes an occlusion sensor and a cassette identification sensor. A pump control module, a cassette and a method of use are also described for administering a drug to a patient through a delivery conduit, utilizing the sensing device.

Abstract: A snowboard (4) includes a core (10) having tip and tail portions (20, 22) with a center portion (9) therebetween. The tip and tail portions both include lightweight, high strength honeycomb material (18) to reduce the mass moment of inertia of the snowboard. Doing so reduces the spin weight of the snowboard and permits the user to turn the snowboard about a vertical axis (26) more easily.

Abstract: The Comfort Guard is made of a soft material that covers the stiff, slender and sharp edges of an intraoral x-ray film, during dental x-ray exposures. After the intraoral x-ray film is inserted or affixed into the Comfort Guard, the guard is positioned in the patient's mouth in between the teeth and tongue. Therefore, the film's edges will not be in direct contact with the patient's mouth or oral tissue. The patient can compress the handle with their anterior teeth, allowing the patient to become involved in securing the film in their mouth.

Abstract: Reusable cassettes for a drug pump are disclosed to house a fluid reservoir and tubing extending from the reservoir across a tubing support surface of the pressure plate of the cassette. A hinged housing provides reversible access to the fluid reservoir. Reuse of a portion of the pressure plate is also disclosed.

Abstract: A cassette for use with a pump control module includes a top surface configured for receipt of a tube and an access door. A method for using a pump control module includes mounting a cassette having a top surface comprising an access door to the pump control module; opening the access door; installing the tube into the cassette; closing the access door; and effecting pumping. A infusion pump comprising a pump control module and a cassette configured for receiving a tube, the cassette comprising an access door and a frame.

Abstract: The invention relates to systems and methods for communicating with ambulatory medical devices, such as drug delivery devices, both locally and remotely. In one embodiment, a caregiver drug pump communicates with a remote patient drug pump for data gathering, trouble shooting, and operational program changes. The caregiver drug pump is substantially identical in configuration to the patient drug pump. The caregiver drug pump transmits caregiver key input signals to the remote patient drug pump. The patient drug pump receives the key input signals, accesses a desired program, and transmits information for display on the display of the caregiver drug pump. In another embodiment, a computer is provided for communicating locally and/or remotely with a drug pump. The computer may include a display with an image of a pump. The computer may be operated through the use of a mouse or touch screen with respect to the image of the pump, to simulate use of the pump while using the personal computer.

Abstract: An apparatus for determining a coefficient of friction on a surface of objects such as rails. In one embodiment, the apparatus comprises a vertical sensor assembly for determining the coefficient of friction of a top surface of a rail. A different embodiment comprises a lateral sensor assembly for determining a coefficient of friction of a gage face of a rail. The sensor assemblies may include a shoe. The sensor assemblies may include a load cell. Other embodiments include various combinations of lateral sensor assemblies and vertical sensor assemblies. Structure for mounting the assemblies to a vehicle may also be provided.

Abstract: The safety device of the instant invention is equipped with a fluid absorbable material at the portion of the sheath that meets the tip portion of the needle so that, as the sheath is pivoted to a position in substantial alignment with the needle, whatever fluid that has been collected at the needle is absorbed before the needle is fixedly retained by a locking mechanism, either integrated within the needle sheath or to the base and lower portion of the needle sheath, to thereby prevent splattering or aerosolization of contaminated fluid into the environment.

Abstract: The present invention provides a portal for subcutaneous implantation, where the portal includes a housing having a first end, a second end, an inner wall, and a lumen between the first and second open ends. In one preferred embodiment, the first open end of the housing is sealed by a elastomeric septum, which has been injection molding into place. The elastomeric septum is bonded to the inner wall of the housing adjacent the first open end. The second open end is sealed to define a reservoir accessible through the septum.

Abstract: The present invention provides a cylindrical rake for use in a raking apparatus wherein the cylindrical rake comprises first and second end members spaced apart from one another along the axis of the cylindrical rake, a plurality of circumferentially spaced elongated tine carrying members which extend between and are carried by first and second end members mounting devices for mounting the rake on a suitable carriage thereof, and a driven device adapted to be driven for rotating the rake about its axis in use.

Abstract: A snowboard binding (6) has an adjustably positioned toe ramp (44) mounted to the front end (32) of the base (18) with an upwardly curving front portion (62) shaped to conform to the toe (14) of the boot sole (12) to increase the toe-side edge responsiveness. A dampened, energy absorbing heel pad (66) is mounted to the rear end (28) of the base to help absorb impact. Arm channels (84,86) are formed in each of the left and right side flanges (22,24), extend upwardly from the baseplate (20), and are sized to contain the left and right mounting arms (94,96) of a heel support (26). A pair of threaded fasteners (104,108) clamp the mounting arms within the side flanges over a range of upwardly and rearwardly extending portions. Front-and-rear forces on the heel support are resisted by the two fasteners and by engagement of the upper and lower edges (122,124) of the arms with upper and lower channel walls (88,89).

Abstract: A snowboard binding mounting disk (24) includes a body (28) through which 3-hole and 4-hole patterns (8, 10) of mounting holes are formed. The centers of a pair of the 3-hole mounting holes are separated by a base distance (Z). The centers of a pair of the 4-hole mounting holes are separated by an end distance (Y). The end and base distances differ by a distance delta. The pair of end holes and the pair of base holes are positioned adjacent to one another so that the end and base holes overlap one another to create a pair of oblong, dual purpose holes (30). A removable and replaceable mounting element positioner (29) is mounted to the oblong holes at one of two stable positions. The position chosen is determined by whether the dual purpose holes are to be used for the 3-hole pattern or for the 4-hole pattern. The central opening (20) in the base is preferably made by stamping a grooved peripheral surface (22) sized to engage a complementary grooved surface (53) on the disk.

Abstract: An infusion set (10,12) comprises a first part (10) housing a pump and control means and a second part (12) housing a replaceable infusate reservoir (14) with an integral infusion line (16). An anti-freeflow sliding member (26) has an opening (28) through which the infusion line (16) passes, and is slidable between a first open position and a second closed position by detaching the parts.

Abstract: A gas elimination system includes a gas elimination device and a priming system. The gas elimination device includes a vortex chamber that forms a vortex in the fluid flowing into the chamber and a particulate filter that removes particles from the fluid. The particulate filter is located in the vortex chamber such that the vortex is formed in a substantial volume of the chamber before it encounters the particulate filter. When the fluid encounters the particulate filter, the vortex is generally stopped, and additional released gasses rise through the open top of the particulate filter. The device also includes an outlet chamber connected to the vortex chamber, and the particulate filter extends into the outlet chamber. A check valve is located at the outlet of the outlet chamber to shut off flow when the device contains excess gas. The priming system in the form of a pillow block is arranged to force air or fluid upward to dislodge the check valve, should it become stuck in the valve seat.

Abstract: The present invention describes a free-flow protection device. A pump and tube are provided where the pump affects the flow of fluid through the tube. The device occludes the tube when the tube becomes disengaged from the pump. The device may be internal or external to the tube. The tube may attach to the pump with a pressure plate.

Abstract: A centrifugal feeder for rectangular items with one of its upper or lower surfaces having luminescent characteristics which are greater than the other surface. It is desired to orient the items with its elongated axis in the direction of the output and its luminescent surface downward. The feeder has a rotating bowl surrounded by a rotating rim. Items are placed on the rotating bowl by any suitable device. A sweep pushes the items randomly onto the rim and a pair of sweeps then insure that the items are flat and only one layer high. The rim then narrows so that items not disposed with their elongated axis tangentially will over balance and fall off the rim. A sensor then determines the space between items, and if the space exceeds a preselected interval, signals for more items to be placed onto the bowl. A luminescence sensor then determines if the item thereunder is disposed with its greater luminescent surface up and a kick off device kicks off items with the greater luminescent side up.

Abstract: A passive system for accurately determining the location of a device positioned or implanted within a patient's body is disclosed. The system includes a detectable mechanism mounted at the tip of the device which is configured to generate a self-induced magnetic field, and a detector for detecting the magnetic field of the magnet. The detector is detached from the magnet. In a preferred form, the detectable mechanism is a direct current permanent magnet. Methods of using such a system to accurately determine the location of a device within a patient's body are also disclosed.

Abstract: A catheter apparatus for use in determining the location of a tip of a catheter inside biological tissue is disclosed. The apparatus includes a catheter, a detector positioned within the catheter, and a polyimide sheath containing the detector and forming a detector assembly. The sheath is comprised of a first member, a polyimide layer, and a second member having an undulating outer surface sandwiched therebetween. The detector assembly may be removed from the catheter without damage thereto once the tip of the catheter is in its desired location inside biological tissue.