Abstract: A trocar for peritoneal dialysis is disclosed herein. An example trocar includes a conduit having two or more parallel lumens and a head connected to a first end of the conduit. The head includes two (or more) parallel lumens that are aligned respectively with the parallel conduit lumens and includes at least one of a gasket or a seal for each lumen. The trocar also includes a coupler connected to the head. The coupler includes two (or more) parallel lumens that are aligned respectively with the parallel lumens of the head. The coupler includes a coupling mechanism for each lumen for securing surgical tools in place after insertion into a patient. The trocar may also include an obturator having a shaft that is removably inserted through the coupler, head, and conduit to protrude from a second end of the conduit.

Abstract: In general, multiple embodiments of a catheter/fistula needle to bloodline connection assurance device, which secures and strengthens a connection between an extension tube end of a catheter or fistula needle and a bloodline, are provided. In one embodiment, the assurance device includes a clamshell having two halves that open rotatably about at least one hinge. The assurance device includes a male luer portion that pressure seals to the male luer portion of the bloodline connector. The bloodline male luer portion of the device extends to a female luer portion, which is lined with a compressible material that conforms around any industrial catheter/fistula needle connector when the assurance device is closed about the mated connectors. Once the assurance device is closed, this prevents axial movement of the bloodline connector relative to the assurance device.

Abstract: The present invention pertains to a single-piece flange adapted to be a part of a reel or spool, wherein the flange includes: (a) a hub portion defining one or more apertures, wherein the hub portion comprises an outer face and a wire face; (b) an outer rim; (c) a side wall disposed between the hub portion and the outer rim, wherein the side wall comprises an outer face and a wire face, and a plurality of crack propagation inhibitors extending through a thickness of at least the sidewall; and (d) a plurality of ribs connected to the side wall, and extending toward the hub portion.

Abstract: The present invention pertains to a single-piece flange adapted to be a part of a reel or spool, wherein the flange includes: (a) a hub portion defining one or more apertures, wherein the hub portion comprises an outer face and a wire face; (b) an outer rim; (c) a side wall disposed between the hub portion and the outer rim, wherein the side wall comprises an outer face and a wire face, and a plurality of crack propagation inhibitors extending through a thickness of at least the sidewall; and (d) a plurality of ribs connected to the side wall, and extending toward the hub portion.

Abstract: A peritoneal dialysis system includes: a dialysis fluid container associated with an identifier; a reader for reading the identifier; a signal transmitter for communicating data based on the identifier; and a patient transfer set for semi-permanent connection to a patient, the patient transfer set including: (i) a signal receiver for receiving the data sent by the signal transmitter, (ii) an output device for communicating with the patient, and (iii) electronics configured to receive the data and command the output device to communicate with the patient accordingly.

Abstract: In general, multiple embodiments of a catheter/fistula needle to bloodline connection assurance device, which secures and strengthens a connection between an extension tube end of a catheter or fistula needle and a bloodline, are provided. In one embodiment, the assurance device includes a clamshell having two halves that open rotatably about at least one hinge. The assurance device includes a male luer portion that pressure seals to the male luer portion of the bloodline connector. The bloodline male luer portion of the device extends to a female luer portion, which is lined with a compressible material that conforms around any industrial catheter/fistula needle connector when the assurance device is closed about the mated connectors. Once the assurance device is closed, this prevents axial movement of the bloodline connector relative to the assurance device.

Abstract: In general, multiple embodiments of a catheter/fistula needle to bloodline connection assurance device, which secures and strengthens a connection between an extension tube end of a catheter or fistula needle and a bloodline, are provided. A first embodiment of the assurance device is configured for use with a bloodline connector having locking clips which are biased slightly outwardly from the bloodline connector. The first embodiment of the assurance device includes clamshell halves that open rotatably about at least one hinge. The first embodiment of the assurance device includes an upper, threaded portion and a lower housing portion. The interior wall of the upper portion defines a plurality of barbs configured to engage with distal or moveable ends of the locking clips. Each locking clip is biased slightly outwardly to enable the distal or moveable end of the locking clip to fit between two respective barbs.

Abstract: In general, multiple embodiments of a catheter/fistula needle to bloodline connection assurance device, which secures and strengthens a connection between an extension tube end of a catheter or fistula needle and a bloodline, are provided. One embodiment includes internal and external clamshells. Internal clamshell halves pressure seal to the bloodline connector, and form outwardly extending barbs. The external clamshell opens rotatably about at least one hinge and includes inwardly facing threads that catch the outer barbs of the internal clamshell. After a user connects the catheter or fistula needle to the bloodline, the user closes the internal clamshell about the bloodline connector. Then, the user closes the external clamshell about the internal clamshell, causing the inwardly facing barbs of the external clamshell to engage the outwardly facing barbs of the internal clamshell. Such engagement prevents axial movement of the bloodline connector relative to the external clamshell.

Abstract: In general, multiple embodiments of a catheter/fistula needle to bloodline connection assurance device, which secures and strengthens a connection between an extension tube end of a catheter or fistula needle and a bloodline are provided. A first embodiment of the assurance device is configured to be compatible with any industrial catheter/fistula needle female luer connector and is specifically configured for use with a bloodline connector having locking clips which are biased slightly outwardly from the bloodline connector. The first embodiment of the assurance device is cylindrical and includes clamshell halves that open rotatably about at least one hinge. The first embodiment of the assurance device includes an upper, threaded portion and a lower housing portion. The interior wall of the upper portion defines a plurality of barbs configured to engage with distal or moveable ends of the locking clips.

Abstract: A system for brokering business service requests in a computer network is disclosed. The system is operative to receive a request for information from a requester, transmit the request to a provider, and return a response to the requester. The broker typically comprises the following components. A requester-side processing stage operative to communicate with the requester; a provider-side processing stage operative to communicate with the provider; and a broking stage operative to exchange data between the requester-side processing stage and the provider-side processing stage. In operation of the business service broker, upon receipt of a request for a requester, the broking stage obtains data required to respond to the request by communicating with a provider through the provider-side processing stage. The brokering stage formulates a response and returns it to the requester through the requester-side processing stage. The mechanism by which the response is obtained is abstracted from the requester.

Abstract: In general, multiple embodiments of a catheter/fistula needle to bloodline connection assurance device, which secures and strengthens a connection between an extension tube end of a catheter or fistula needle and a bloodline are provided. A first embodiment of the assurance device is configured to be compatible with any industrial catheter/fistula needle female luer connector and is specifically configured for use with a bloodline connector having locking clips which are biased slightly outwardly from the bloodline connector. The first embodiment of the assurance device is cylindrical and includes clamshell halves that open rotatably about at least one hinge. The first embodiment of the assurance device includes an upper, threaded portion and a lower housing portion. The interior wall of the upper portion defines a plurality of barbs configured to engage with distal or moveable ends of the locking clips.

Abstract: Apparatuses and methods for providing audio, visual and/or tactile feedback during assembly of two mating medical fluid connectors and a retention force are provided. The invention includes a first connector defining a first lumen and a second connector defining a second lumen. The first and second connectors are threaded together to enable the first lumen to initially communicate fluidly with the second lumen after the first and second connectors are engaged. The first connector defines a first engaging member and the second connector defines a second engaging member, the engaging members mating to provide (i) feedback indicating that a mating of the first and second connectors is at least substantially complete and (ii) a retention force tending to hold the first and second connectors together. An improved apparatus for releasing a sealed disinfectant is also provided.

Abstract: A peritoneal dialysis system includes: a dialysis fluid container associated with an identifier; a reader for reading the identifier; a signal transmitter for communicating data based on the identifier; and a patient transfer set for semi-permanent connection to a patient, the patient transfer set including: (i) a signal receiver for receiving the data sent by the signal transmitter, (ii) an output device for communicating with the patient, and (iii) electronics configured to received the data and command the output device to communicate with the patient accordingly.

Abstract: Apparatuses and methods for providing sterile connection during, for example, dialysis therapy. The present invention provides a connector and a cap therefore that easily and readily attaches to a dialysate container and a catheter inserted into a patient's peritoneal cavity. The connector and the cap enable the dialysate to readily transport between the container and the peritoneal cavity while minimizing the potential of contamination therein due to, for example, handling during use. The connector includes a shell that encloses a cap. The cap houses a slit septum and also includes a sealed disinfectant within an interior receptacle. When the catheter or catheter set attaches to the cap, the seal breaks and the disinfectant spreads over the threads between the catheter set and the cap.

Abstract: Apparatuses and methods for providing sterile connection during, for example, dialysis therapy. The present invention provides a connector and a cap therefore that easily and readily attaches to a dialysate container and a catheter inserted into a patient's peritoneal cavity. The connector and the cap enable the dialysate to readily transport between the container and the peritoneal cavity while minimizing the potential of contamination therein due to, for example, handling during use. The connector includes a shell that encloses a cap. The cap houses a slit septum and also includes a sealed disinfectant within an interior receptacle. When the catheter or catheter set attaches to the cap, the seal breaks and the disinfectant spreads over the threads between the catheter set and the cap.

Abstract: A dental matrix cover for protecting a healthy tooth, while a dental procedure is being performed on an adjacent diseased tooth. The flexible deformable cover body is sized and configured to be placed over the healthy tooth and cover at least the top and a proximal side of the healthy tooth. A flexible band is secured along and near the lower edge of the cover; the band is longer than the length of the lower edge, allowing free ends of the band to extend outside of the cover body and be manually handled for tightly encasing the tooth with the cover. The exterior surface of the cover has a non-stick coating to prevent filling material from the adjacent work site from adhering to a healthy tooth.

Abstract: A bedding assembly is provided having an integrated storage area. The assembly has one or more platforms having a recessed storage area and a deck pivotably mounted to the platform. The deck may be pivoted over the platform between a horizontal position where a use can lie upon the deck, such as for sleeping, and a non-horizontal position to allow access to the storage area of the platform. The platforms may be coupled together at a distance from one another by a pair of end frames. Optionally, garment hooks may be rotatably mounted onto the bed assembly and rotatable between a use position, for hanging items thereon, and a stowage position.

Abstract: In one aspect, a system and method includes modeling in a common representation network element commands, events and data from a plurality of sources. The method also includes translating data represented in a first modeling language to data represented in a second modeling language for storing the data in the second modeling language in a global data model repository and automatically generating code to support external management interface based on the stored data in the global repository.

Abstract: Apparatuses and methods for providing audio, visual and/or tactile feedback during assembly of two mating medical fluid connectors and a retention force are provided. The invention includes a first connector defining a first lumen and a second connector defining a second lumen. The first and second connectors are threaded together to enable the first lumen to initially communicate fluidly with the second lumen after the first and second connectors are engaged. The first connector defines a first engaging member and the second connector defines a second engaging member, the engaging members mating to provide (i) feedback indicating that a mating of the first and second connectors is at least substantially complete and (ii) a retention force tending to hold the first and second connectors together. An improved apparatus for releasing a sealed disinfectant is also provided.

Abstract: Apparatuses and methods for providing sterile connection during, for example, dialysis therapy. The present invention provides a connector and a cap therefore that easily and readily attaches to a dialysate container and a catheter inserted into a patient's peritoneal cavity. The connector and the cap enable the dialysate to readily transport between the container and the peritoneal cavity while minimizing the potential of contamination therein due to, for example, handling during use. The connector includes a shell that encloses a cap. The cap houses a slit septum and also includes a sealed disinfectant within an interior receptacle. When the catheter or catheter set attaches to the cap, the seal breaks and the disinfectant spreads over the threads between the catheter set and the cap.