Abstract: Embodiments include Ventricular Assist Devices (ventricular assist devices) with clips that help hold a cannula to the ventricular assist device. In some embodiments the clip embraces a cannula that has been placed around a cannula connector. In further embodiments an additional clip connects the first clip to the ventricular assist device housing preventing the first clip from slipping. The clip and additional clip may form a single piece. Further embodiments include a blood pumping sac located inside a cavity in the ventricular assist device forming one or more air chambers between the sac and the cavity walls, and an airflow channel leading from the air chambers to an airflow port allowing the sac to be evenly pressurized and depressurized. Still further embodiments include one or more purge devices that assist in removing bubbles from the ventricular assist device and helping connect cannulas to the ventricular assist device.

Abstract: Embodiments include Ventricular Assist Devices (VADs) with clips that help hold a cannula to the VAD. In some embodiments the clip embraces a cannula that has been placed around a cannula connector. In further embodiments an additional clip connects the first clip to the VAD housing preventing the first clip from slipping. The clip and additional clip may form a single piece. Further embodiments include a blood pumping sac located inside a cavity in the VAD forming one or more air chambers between the sac and the cavity walls, and an airflow channel leading from the air chambers to an airflow port allowing the sac to be evenly pressurized and depressurized.

Abstract: Embodiments include Ventricular Assist Devices (VADs) with clips that help hold a cannula to the VAD. In some embodiments the clip embraces a cannula that has been placed around a cannula connector. In further embodiments an additional clip connects the first clip to the VAD housing preventing the first clip from slipping. The clip and additional clip may form a single piece. Further embodiments include a blood pumping sac located inside a cavity in the VAD forming one or more air chambers between the sac and the cavity walls, and an airflow channel leading from the air chambers to an airflow port allowing the sac to be evenly pressurized and depressurized. Still further embodiments include one or more purge devices that assist in removing bubbles from the VAD and helping connect cannulas to the VAD. Additional embodiments include a torqueable wrench to facilitate use and proper sealing of the device.

Abstract: Methods and systems for producing a thermite weld include applying a first vibration and a second vibration to molten thermite material within a mold between a first piece and a second piece to be welded. The first vibration includes a first vibration frequency and a first amplitude, and the second vibration includes a second vibration frequency and a second amplitude. The first vibration and the second vibration are applied simultaneously to the molten thermite material until the molten thermite material cools below a liquid-to-solid transition temperature. Interference patterns and harmonics between the first vibration and the second vibration enhance the elimination of gas voids within the molten thermite material and enhance grain refinement in the molten thermite material of the resulting thermite weld without damaging the mold.

Abstract: A binding assembly for use with a recreation sport board, such as a ski-board, snow-board, or the like, wherein the binding assembly includes a binding having first and second mounting portions and a foot support extending therebetween. The first and second mounting portions being mountable at a first height relative to a top board surface of the board. The foot support has an elevated support plate that is supported by the first and second mounting portions at a second height relative to the top board surface. The second height is greater than the first height to define a tunnel under the elevated support portion. The elevated support portion securely supports the user's foot above the top board surface and moves toward the top board surface when an impact or shock load is exerted on the board, thereby dissipating shock exerted on the user's foot by the binding.

Abstract: A binding assembly for use with a recreation sport board, such as a ski-board, snow-board, or the like, wherein the binding assembly includes a binding having first and second mounting portions and a foot support extending therebetween. The first and second mounting portions being mountable at a first height relative to a top board surface of the board. The foot support has an elevated support plate that is supported by the first and second mounting portions at a second height relative to the top board surface. The second height is greater than the first height to define a tunnel under the elevated support portion. The elevated support portion securely supports the user's foot above the top board surface and moves toward the top board surface when an impact or shock load is exerted on the board, thereby dissipating shock exerted on the user's foot by the binding.

Abstract: The invention provides a cushioned frame for a picture or other article, which has a bottom layer with edges, a relatively rigid base with first and second sides, a layer of foam material secured to the base by adhesive stripes and having the configuration the size of the base, an upper layer of material sealed along its edge portions to edges of the bottom layer to enclose the foam layer, a transparent or translucent layer over the upper layer and adapted to fit in the section defined by the adhesive stripes, this layer being secured to the upper layer by depressed heat-seal stripes and cooperating therewith to define an envelope for a generally planar article, the foam layer being compressed at the stripes which bond the transparent or translucent layer, the upper layer and the foam material layer.