Abstract: A sample procurement and retention tool designed for extraterrestrial use. The device is adapted to procure and retain multiple loosely adhered geological samples of various shapes, sizes, and weights. In addition, the device is sized for dexterity optimization, and designed to prevent cross contamination of samples. The device includes a chamber housing detachable from a handle assembly with a portion of the chamber housing being rotatable with respect to the handle assembly. The chamber housing includes a plurality of chambers with at least one chamber having a sample cartridge that can be triggered through the handle assembly. Each sample cartridge stored in the chambers can be triggered to retrieve samples and then the chamber housing can be detached to employ another chamber housing.

Abstract: A sealing valve assembly is provided for medical products. The valve assembly includes a valve member mountable within a passageway of a medical product body element, the valve member defining a peripheral portion spaced from a central axis and including two walls extending from the peripheral portion toward the central axis. The walls include ends that contact each other to preclude flow through the passageway. The valve member may be formed of a material having a durometer of less than about 20 Shore A. The valve member may also have a higher durometer material with other wall configurations, or may have a wall member having a varying durometer.

Abstract: A protective cover is provided which is effective in covering the needle tip, but which also can be retracted along the needle shaft to uncover and reopen the needle without interference with the cover or causing contact damage between the cover and the needle tip. The cover has a sheath section with a through channel into which the shaft is slideably received. The cover's sheath section travels substantially along the shaft. This movement is controlled by an actuator control knob connected to a biased locking spring clip or leaf spring located within the sheath section. The locking spring has dual openings through which the shaft travels. When the cover is secured in position on the needle shaft, e.g. when the needle is to be used or when the needle tip is enclosed, the openings are slightly misaligned. This causes locking of the resilient shaft within the protective cover. Pressing the control knob aligns the openings, which unlocks the needle tip and allows the cover to be slid along the shaft.

Abstract: A sealing valve assembly is provided for medical products. The valve assembly includes a valve member mountable within a passageway of a medical product body element, the valve member defining a peripheral portion spaced from a central axis and including two walls extending from the peripheral portion toward the central axis. The walls include ends that contact each other to preclude flow through the passageway. The valve member may be formed of a material having a durometer of less than about 20 Shore A. The valve member may also have a higher durometer material with other wall configurations, or may have a wall member having a varying durometer.

Abstract: The present invention provides a novel cardiac catheter comprising adhesive band electrodes and a method of making the bands for the electrodes. The conductive adhesive band electrodes are easy to manufacture, produce predictable results, and improve the uniformity of the flexibility characteristics of the catheter.