Abstract: Valve assemblies having improved ability to selectively control flow of fluids through the catheter and prevent leakage of fluids from the proximal end of a catheter that is positioned within a patient. Such improved catheter valve assemblies also prevent leakage of fluids after repeated insertion and removal of medical instruments through the valve.

Abstract: Methods and devices to facilitate positioning of a catheter into a vessel. Devices include axially concentric assemblies of a piercing cannula, a shield and tubing such as a catheter where the shield can be passively or actively locked into position over the cannula tip to prevent inadvertent needle sticks.

Abstract: The invention provides an inflatable insertion device capable of being percutaneously introduced into a patient's body. The insertion device comprises an inflatable element having a distal end and a proximal end and which is operable between a collapsed condition and an inflated condition by introducing an inflating fluid therein. An elongate member extends internally of the inflatable element from its distal end. The internal member is capable of being withdrawn towards the proximal end of the inflatable element to result in the distal end of the element being withdrawn towards the proximal end internally of the element. The invention further provides a locating device comprising a catheter having a catheter tube fitted with one or more inflatable insertion devices at a distal end thereof.

Abstract: A storage system includes a protective housing member configured to mate with a handheld electronic device. The protective housing member includes a charging area formed between a surface of the protective housing member and a surface of an accessory item of the handheld electronic device. The charging area is configured to charge the accessory item of the handheld electronic device. The charging area is powered by at last one power component of the protective housing member or at least one power component of the handheld electronic device. The storage system further includes at least one integrated circuit which is either a component of the handheld electronic device or a component of the protective housing member.

Abstract: A needle catheter insertion device that includes a catheter-dilator assembly with a needle therethrough, where the dilator and needle are moveable relative to each other such that the needle catheter insertion device can be moved from a ready position, with the tip of the needle exposed, to a shielded position with the dilator encasing the needle. Positioning of the needle catheter insertion device into the shielded position can be accomplished by a manual actuation of the dilator into a locked configuration within a hub of the needle.

Abstract: Methods and devices to facilitate positioning of a catheter into a vessel. Devices include axially concentric assemblies of a piercing cannula, a shield and tubing such as a catheter where the shield can be passively or actively locked into position over the cannula tip to prevent inadvertent needle sticks.

Abstract: A dual tip dialysis catheter has a proximal portion with connected lumens and a distal portion with diverging lumens. The lumens may separate at a split junction and diverge in a scissors like manner to reduce or eliminate a crack or gap adjacent to the split junction, thereby reducing clotting. A dual tip dialysis catheter may have forward openings configured to direct flow in opposite directions.

Abstract: Systems and methods are provided, which facilitate operations planning, dispatch, regulation control, and autonomous control performance. The disclosure also facilitates systems and methods for utilization of synthetic primary frequency response, synthetic inertia, regulation and load following/ramping reserve capabilities from Demand Response and Distributed Energy Resources for balancing demand and supply and maintaining frequency levels across a power grid.

Abstract: An ergonomically designed smart wristband for clinical-grade multiparameter monitoring is disclosed. The smart wristband incorporates multiple sensors including custom-designed reflective arterial pulse sensors, a thermopile sensor, and electrocardiogram (ECG) electrodes. When the smart wristband is worn on the wrist, the biosensors contact the skin. The smart wristband may tether wirelessly to a mobile or any other computing device to continuously acquire and stream information like arterial pulse waveform and temperature data. Algorithms running on the computing device or onboard microprocessor analyze the acquired data to report parameters like blood pressure, body temperature, respiration, and blood oxygen. The device can also operate in a fully-standalone mode to accomplish continuous multiparameter physiological monitoring, analysis, and reporting.

Abstract: A portable davit includes a base having a mounting portion and a housing. The housing defines a cavity. An end of a mast is positioned within the cavity. A jib is coupled to another end of the mast. A connector is coupled to the jib. A hoist is coupled to a platform and includes a drive and a rope. An end of the rope is wound about the drive. Another end of the rope is coupled to the connector. The drive is configured to rotate relative to the platform in a first direction to decrease a distance between the platform and an end of the jib and to rotate relative to the platform in an opposite second direction to increase the distance between the platform and an end of the jib. Systems and methods of use are provided.

Abstract: An expandable sleeved stent comprises a stent and a sleeve. The stent comprises a tubular body with: first and second axial ends; a latticed peripheral wall; and at least two arms that, upon radial expansion of the tubular body from a crimped condition to an expanded condition, protrude radially from the latticed peripheral wall, the free end of each arm being radially displaceable relative to the adjacent latticed peripheral wall. The sleeve: (a) extends from the first axial end of the tubular body and circumferentially covers at least a portion of the radial outer surface of the latticed peripheral wall between the free ends of the arms and the first axial end of the tubular body; (b) bridges the spaces between the portions of the latticed peripheral wall adjacent the arms; and the free ends of the arms; and (c) is secured to either: (i) the arms; or (ii) the tubular body in the vicinity between the free ends of the arms and the second axial end of the tubular body.

Abstract: A crimping device includes a housing defining a bore and at least three extendable mechanisms angularly equispaced about the axis of the bore. Each of the extendable mechanisms include: (i) a first elongate arm hingedly connected at or near a first axial end of the first arm to the housing; (ii) a second elongate arm hingedly connected at or near a first axial end of the second arm to the housing, wherein: the first axial ends of the first and second arms are displaceable relative to each other; and the first and second arms are hingedly connected at or near their second axial ends to each other.

Abstract: A method, system, and apparatus, including a program encoded on computer-readable medium, for transmitting data to a server. A wireless communication connection is established between a first computing device and a second computing device. Data transmitted from the first computing device to the second computing device is received over the wireless communication connection and stored on the second computing device for uploading to a server on an IP based network. The wireless communication connection is disconnected. An IP communication connection is established between the second computing device and the server on the IP based network, and at least a portion of the stored data is transmitted from the second computing device to the server on the IP based network over the IP communication connection after the wireless communication connection between the first computing device and the second computing device is disconnected.

Abstract: The invention provides a non-occlusive dilation and deployment catheter device which includes a catheter having a distal end configured for entering a patient and a proximal end for manipulating the device. A distender is provided at or near the distal end which is movable between a collapsed configuration which enables introduction and removal thereof to and from an operative site in a vessel or other hollow organ of a patient, and an expanded configuration in which the distender assumes a radially expanded condition and defines a flow path therethrough. The distender includes a substantially tubular, radially expandable frame having a plurality of spaced apertures and at least one inflatable tube threaded through the apertures and shaped to extend in a spiral when inflated. The distender is movable to the expanded configuration by inflating the tube, and movable to the collapsed configuration from the expanded configuration by deflating the tube.

Abstract: A process/method is provided for the next generation of electricity market systems that support competitive trading of electric energy and ancillary services within day-ahead and real-time market operation frameworks. The invention comprises the systems and methods related to advances in electricity market architecture, functionality, and performance. The systems and methods of the invention ensure system operation reliability and maximize market economic efficiency of energy and ancillary services trading in competitive market environment. A process/method comprising optimal clearing and competitive price formation for a variety of market commodities that are supplied and consumed by a numerous market entities of a variety of types. The solution process is arranged and facilitated in controllable and efficient manner.

Abstract: A portable davit includes a base having a mounting portion and a housing coupled to the mounting portion. The housing include an inner surface defining a cavity. A hoist is positioned within the cavity. The hoist includes a drive and a rope. The rope includes opposite first and second ends. The first end of the rope is wound about the drive. A mast includes opposite first and second ends. The first end of the mast is positioned within the cavity. The mast includes an inner surface defining a passageway. A jib includes opposite first and second ends. The first end of the jib is coupled to the second end of the mast. The second end of the rope extends through an opening in the second end of the jib.

Abstract: A portable davit includes a base having a mounting portion and a housing. The housing defines a cavity. An end of a mast is positioned within the cavity. A jib is coupled to another end of the mast. A connector is coupled to the jib. A hoist is coupled to a platform and includes a drive and a rope. An end of the rope is wound about the drive. Another end of the rope is coupled to the connector. The drive is configured to rotate relative to the platform in a first direction to decrease a distance between the platform and an end of the jib and to rotate relative to the platform in an opposite second direction to increase the distance between the platform and an end of the jib. Systems and methods of use are provided.

Abstract: A valve leaflet connecting device includes: a base; and first and second followers extending from the base. A first arm extends from the first follower in a direction away from the second follower and away from the base to define an acute angle between the first follower and first arm for capturing a first leaflet there between.

Abstract: Methods and devices to facilitate positioning of a catheter into a vessel. Devices include axially concentric assemblies of a piercing needle and a dilator that guides an outer catheter into a vessel, such as a blood vessel. The assemblies described herein can include retraction mechanisms and/or lock mechanisms to control needle positioning during catheterization processes as well as improved valves that prevent leakage of fluid from the proximal end of the devices. The devices and method include the use of novel valves to prevent undesired leakage of fluids through the proximal end of the catheter.