Abstract: An isolation barrier and method of using it. The isolation barrier includes a mask with a face opening and at least one access opening in front of the subject's nose and/or mouth and an enclosure having a first enclosure opening attached around the access opening, a second enclosure opening, and flexible material extending from the first enclosure opening to the second enclosure opening and defining an enclosure interior, the flexible material comprising at least one area through which the enclosure interior can be viewed, the mask and enclosure interior defining a medical procedure field extending from the subject's nose and mouth to the second enclosure opening when the isolation barrier is in place on the subject's face.

Abstract: A method of removing exhaled material from a medical procedure field adjacent to a subject's nose and mouth. In some embodiments the method includes the steps of placing an isolation barrier at least partially surrounding the subject's nose and mouth to define the medical procedure field; controlling air flow into the medical procedure field with the isolation barrier; and evacuating air from the medical procedure field at an air evacuation rate greater than or equal to the subject's respiratory minute volume. The invention also provides a system for creating an isolated medical procedure field around a subject's nose and mouth.

Abstract: An isolation barrier and method of using it. The isolation barrier includes a mask with a face opening and at least one access opening in front of the subject's nose and/or mouth and an enclosure having a first enclosure opening attached around the access opening, a second enclosure opening, and flexible material extending from the first enclosure opening to the second enclosure opening and defining an enclosure interior, the flexible material comprising at least one area through which the enclosure interior can be viewed, the mask and enclosure interior defining a medical procedure field extending from the subject's nose and mouth to the second enclosure opening when the isolation barrier is in place on the subject's face.

Abstract: The present invention is a trocar/cannula assembly that is capable of delivering large-diameter objects/fluids into a body cavity interior, while minimizing the puncture footprint left after insertion. Generally, the invention could be a composite needle having a composite wall forming a trocar shaft with at least two rigid elements, and flexible material therebetween, which together at least partially define a trocar bore having a diameter, and a puncture tip. Together these elements enable the composite wall to flex outward so as to increase the diameter of the trocar bore. Additionally, the present invention could also be described as an expandable bore trocar/cannula that is made up of an expandable cannula body having an interior channel that is capable of flexing radially outward, and a trocar tip associated with the cannula body to facilitate the insertion of the trocar/cannula into a patient.

Abstract: An implantable fluid-dispensing device having an improved fluid-retainment portion is disclosed as having a housing having a first end and a second end, wherein at least a portion of one of the first end and second end comprises an expandable material, and a thermally activated component associated with the elastic material within the housing wherein the thermally activated component prevents unwanted fluid flow when the housing is exposed to a temperature increase. The thermally activated component can be a shaped single or bimaterial member that expands upon exposure to a temperature increase, or a valve apparatus that halts fluid delivery. Additionally, the entire device can be made from a thermally activated material such that fluid expansion is accommodated. A method for the prevention of the inadvertent release of fluid from a fluid delivery device that is exposed to a temperature increase is also disclosed.

Abstract: A retractable device is provided for an earphone/microphone used with a cell phone. The device is formed of a housing with one rewinding spool for the earphone end of the cord with allowance for twisting of the connector end of the cord. The device with two spools allows for independent rewinding of earphone end portion of the cord and the connector end portion of the cord on different spools and the confinement of a middle portion of the cord in reversible winding cavity with the ends of the middle portion of the cord fixed so that middle portion can wind and rewind in the reversible winding cavity without leaving the cavity.