Abstract: A tool for removing at least one tissue plug from the wall of at least one tubular tissue structure may include a cutter and a piercing member positioned within the cutter, where the piercing member and cutter are configured to translate together, as well as an impulse source operationally connected to the cutter and the piercing member.

Abstract: An piercing member is axially fixed to and positioned within a cutter, both of which are components of a stand-alone tool for creating an opening in the wall of a tubular tissue structure. The stand-alone tool includes an impulse source connected to the piercing member and to the cutter. An actuator is operationally connected to the impulse source, where the actuator causes the impulse source to release energy to and provide an impulse to the piercing member and the cutter. The tool may be configured to make multiple openings in the tissue of the same patient. Where the tool is configured to make multiple openings in the tissue of the same patient, the tool allows the piercing member and cutter to be moved back to an initial pre-deployment position after each use.

Abstract: An apparatus especially suitable for distilling water is disclosed. This apparatus, as disclosed, includes first and second separate and distinct groups of adjacent, confronting plate members, each of which alternatively defines a series of boiling and condensing chambers and a compressor. The apparatus also includes a device for fluid connecting the various boiling and condensing chambers and compressor to one another so that feed water can first be converted to steam in the boiling chambers, then compressed in the compressor, and finally condensed into pure water in the condensing chambers. The two groups of plate members are connected to and supported by a combination manifold/support assembly which serves both as part of the fluid connecting device and as a device for supporting the confronting plate members.

Abstract: The radially compact fluid compressor especially suitable for use in the distillation apparatus or other environments where space may be at a premium is disclosed herein. The compressor includes a power driven impeller and a compressor housing which surrounds the impeller and which together with the impeller defines a fluid collection chamber extending between the first upstream end and a second fluid exiting downstream end. This collection chamber progressively enlarges vertically from its upstream end to its fluid exiting downsteam end, whereby fluid passing through the collection chamber from its upstream end to its downstream end progressively decreases in velocity and therefore progressively increases in static pressure.

Abstract: A centrifugal type of pump, for example one used for compressing steam, is disclosed herein. This pump includes an impeller located within a pump housing and connected to a power driven shaft assembly extending through a cooperating opening in the housing from outside thereof so as to rotate with the shaft assembly about the axis of the shaft assembly relative to the housing, whereby to cause fluid in the housing, for example steam, to be centrifugally forced radially outward. The pump also includes a sealing arrangement for preventing the steam or other such fluid within the housing from escaping through the housing opening containing the shaft assembly. This sealing arrangement is designed to provide a continuous liquid seal extending circumferentially around an axial section of the shaft assembly within the housing opening and radially between the axial shaft section and housing druing operation of the pump, whereby to seal the opening against the passage of steam or other such fluid within the housing.

Abstract: A portable core drill adapted for sampling dense mineral specimens or the like by urging a fluid cooled/lubricated tubular drill bit into a dense mineral mass from which a sample is to be extracted is comprised of a drive member for imparting a drilling-effective rotary motion to a tubular drill bit about a longitudinal drill axis and a spindle member for coupling the drill bit to the drive member, which spindle member includes a bit fastening member for receiving and retaining the drill bit concentrically in respect of the drill axis.