Abstract: A system for assessing damage to a simulated human skin includes a mask formed of an opaque material simulating human skin and having an outer surface in a shape simulating a human body part, such as a face, and a form formed of a rigid transparent material and having an outer surface in a shape of the mask for releasably retaining the mask. A light source is positioned behind the form for transmitting light through any laceration in the mask and a camera views the outer surface of the mask and generates an output signal representing an image of at least a portion the outer surface of the mask including any lacerations. A housing encloses the form, the light source and the camera to prevent light exterior to the housing from being viewed by the camera. A computer is responsive to the camera output signal for detecting and measuring a laceration in the mask, and for assigning an injury criteria to the laceration.

Abstract: The invention relates to a cooling garment, preferably in the form of a vest that contains pouches containing a phase change material. The pouches cover less than the surface area of the vest to thereby permit evaporative cooling to occur and to contribute to the overall comfort of the wearer. An alternate embodiment includes a honeycomb structure which is contained within the pouches and which contains a macroencapsulated phase change material and allows the escape of perspiration through the garment. A heat transfer fluid is adapted to circulate throughout the pouches. The honeycomb structure is designed so that the macroencapsulated phase change material remains within designated ones of the honeycombs, but that permits the flow of the heat transfer fluid through the pouch.

Abstract: A coating is adapted to be applied to a fabric in order to enhance the thermal characteristics thereof. The coating includes integral and leak-resistant microcapsules filled with phase change material or plastic crystals that have specific thermal properties at predetermined temperatures.

Abstract: The invention relates to a disposable, life-like module for use in training physicians and surgeons in the techniques of both human and veterinary microsurgical anastomosis. The module comprises a housing defining a cavity. A pair of spaced apart connectors are connected to the housing and extend therethrough. Each of the connectors includes a bore defining an internal channel for allowing the movement of a fluid through the housing. Each of the channels includes a first end external of the cavity adapted to be in fluid communication with a reservoir and a second end internal of the cavity. A first layer simulates muscle tissue and spans the cavity. An elongate simulated vascular or neurovascular bundle having proximal ends and distal ends spans the chamber and is connected to the respective second connector ends. A pump pumps a fluid simulated blood through a fluid circuit and an optional controller provides pulsatile flow.

Abstract: A thermal shield comprising first and second substantially flat flame resistant covering layers adapted to overlie each other. A thermal energy absorbing material is positioned between the respective layers in sandwich fashion. The thermal energy absorbing material may comprise a phase change material in bulk, micro or macro encapsulated and which may further be embedded within a base material to provide enhanced thermal protection.

Abstract: A percussive aid provides percussive force to aid in the treatment of Cystic Fibrosis and other pulmonary blockage diseases. The device includes a frame with a pair of reciprocating arms mounted thereto at one of their ends. The other end of the arms mount impactor cups. A spring is associated with each of the cups. A drive mechanism is carried by the frame and moves the arms through a predetermined path of travel from a first uncocked position to a second cocked position of maximum deflection wherein the spring is placed in tension when the arm is tripped.

Abstract: A quick disconnect heat exchanger is disclosed wherein male and corresponding female members are adapted to be slidably interconnected. Each of the respective male and female members includes a discrete fluid flow so that fluids are not mixed during heat exchange and the coupler may be disconnected without fluid loss or mixing.

Abstract: A method of obtaining enhanced thermal energy between a material forming apparatus and a cooling fluid is disclosed. A two component heat transfer fluid of the type including a carrier fluid and a plurality of discrete particles that undergo a reversible latent energy transition upon the transfer of thermal energy thereto. The temperature of the particles is adjusted (heated or cooled as necessary) to the point of the beginning of latent energy transition of the particles. The fluid is then brought into contact with a heat source such as a metal forming apparatus and a workpiece, proximate the interface therebetween. The slurry may then be collected, adjusted to the point of the beginning of latent energy transition and re-circulated to the heat source.

Abstract: An attachment for an endoscope for the treatment of deep tissue tumors using RF hyperthermia is disclosed. In one embodiment, electrodes are adapted to straddle or penetrate a tumor in order to confine the interstitial current heating and are detachably fitted to the distal end of the endoscope. The electrodes are electrically coupled to an RF generating power source by means of wires that extend along the outer surface of the tubular body of the endoscope and are detachably mounted thereto.

Abstract: A method of obtaining enhanced heat transfer in a closed loop thermodynamic system is disclosed. A two-component heat transfer fluid comprising a carrier fluid and a plurality of discrete reversible latent energy transition material particles. The fluid slurry is circulated about the loop and the loop is tuned so that a minimum temperature differential exists between the thermal source and sink in order to maximize the latent heat transport by adjustment of the heat transfer fluid flow rate, the rate of thermal energy input into the heat transfer fluid and the rate of cooling of heat transfer fluid.

Abstract: A fall intervention garment adapted to secure a person to a tethered supporting structure is disclosed. The garment is generally in the form of a vest and includes an upper section and a lower section. The lower section is formed so as to be responsive to a load being placed on the upper section for generating an inwardly directed holding force about the person's torso area. Attachment ring are connected to the upper section for detachably connecting the vest to a support structure.

Abstract: This invention is an infusion pump utilizing a linear roller driven by a one or more constant force springs in combination with changeable flow regulating needles to provide a constant flow, gravity independent device. The spring constant is chosen so that infusion substantially decreases should the infusion needle become dislodged from the vein and come to rest in the surrounding tissue. Also, there is a means for introduction of an anticoagulant to maintain vein access if a delay is encountered in replacement of the infusion bag.

Abstract: A fiber with integral microspheres filled with phase change material or plastic crystals has enhanced thermal properties at predetermined temperatures. The fibers may be woven to form a fabric having the enhanced thermal storage properties and articles of manufacture may be formed therefrom.