Abstract: Embodiments relate to polycrystalline diamond compacts (“PDCs”) including a polycrystalline diamond (“PCD”) table having a diamond grain size distribution selected for improving performance and/or leachability. In an embodiment, a PDC includes a PCD table bonded to a substrate. The PCD table includes a plurality of diamond grains exhibiting diamond-to-diamond bonding therebetween. Other embodiments are directed to methods of forming PDCs, and various applications for such PDCs in rotary drill bits, bearing apparatuses, and wire-drawing dies.

Abstract: PDCs, methods of fabricating the PDCs, and methods of using the PDCs are disclosed herein. The PDCs include a PCD table bonded to a substrate. The PCD table includes an upper surface having a plurality of recessed features formed therein. The plurality of recessed features are configured to attract at least some cracks that form in the PCD table. As such, the plurality of recessed features limit or prevent crack propagation into other portions of the PCD table and limit a volume of the PCD table that spalls. Methods of fabricating the PDCs include partially leaching the PCD table and, after leaching the PCD table, forming the plurality of recessed features in the upper surface thereof. Method of using the PDCs include rotating a PDC that has spalled relative to a rotary drill bit such that a portion of the upper surface of the PDC that has not spalled forms a cutting surface thereof.

Abstract: Embodiments relate to polycrystalline diamond compacts (“PDCs”) including a polycrystalline diamond (“PCD”) table having a diamond grain size distribution selected for improving performance and/or leachability. In an embodiment, a PDC includes a PCD table bonded to a substrate. The PCD table includes a plurality of diamond grains exhibiting diamond-to-diamond bonding therebetween. Other embodiments are directed to methods of forming PDCs, and various applications for such PDCs in rotary drill bits, bearing apparatuses, and wire-drawing dies.

Abstract: A frangible connector has a first side that forms a female luer when a second side is fractured at a predefined break line. The second side may be connected to a fluid circuit, for example, a source of medical treatment fluid such as dialysate.

Abstract: Embodiments relate to polycrystalline diamond compacts (“PDCs”) including a polycrystalline diamond (“PCD”) table having a diamond grain size distribution selected for improving performance and/or leachability. In an embodiment, a PDC includes a PCD table bonded to a substrate. The PCD table includes a plurality of diamond grains exhibiting diamond-to-diamond bonding therebetween. The plurality of diamond grains includes a first amount being about 5 weight % to about 65 weight % of the plurality of diamond grains and a second amount being about 18 weight % to about 95 weight % of the plurality of diamond grains. The first amount exhibits a first average grain size of about 0.5 ?m to about 30 ?m. The second amount exhibits a second average grain size that is greater than the first average grain size and is about 10 ?m to about 65 ?m. Other embodiments are directed to methods of forming PDCs, and various applications for such PDCs in rotary drill bits, bearing apparatuses, and wire-drawing dies.

Abstract: Embodiments relate to polycrystalline diamond compacts (“PDCs”) including a polycrystalline diamond (“PCD”) table having a diamond grain size distribution selected for improving performance and/or leachability. In an embodiment, a PDC includes a PCD table bonded to a substrate. The PCD table includes a plurality of diamond grains exhibiting diamond-to-diamond bonding therebetween. The plurality of diamond grains includes a first amount being about 5 weight % to about 65 weight % of the plurality of diamond grains and a second amount being about 18 weight % to about 95 weight % of the plurality of diamond grains. The first amount exhibits a first average grain size of about 0.5 ?m to about 30 ?m. The second amount exhibits a second average grain size that is greater than the first average grain size and is about 10 ?m to about 65 ?m. Other embodiments are directed to methods of forming PDCs, and various applications for such PDCs in rotary drill bits, bearing apparatuses, and wire-drawing dies.

Abstract: PDCs, methods of fabricating the PDCs, and methods of using the PDCs are disclosed herein. The PDCs include a PCD table bonded to a substrate. The PCD table includes an upper surface having a plurality of recessed features formed therein. The plurality of recessed features are configured to attract at least some cracks that form in the PCD table. As such, the plurality of recessed features limit or prevent crack propagation into other portions of the PCD table and limit a volume of the PCD table that spalls. Methods of fabricating the PDCs include partially leaching the PCD table and, after leaching the PCD table, forming the plurality of recessed features in the upper surface thereof. Method of using the PDCs include rotating a PDC that has spalled relative to a rotary drill bit such that a portion of the upper surface of the PDC that has not spalled forms a cutting surface thereof.

Abstract: A frangible connector has a first side that forms a female luer when a second side is fractured at a predefined break line. The second side may be connected to a fluid circuit, for example, a source of medical treatment fluid such as dialysate.

Abstract: A frangible connector has a first side that forms a female luer when a second side is fractured at a predefined break line. The second side may be connected to a fluid circuit, for example, a source of medical treatment fluid such as dialysate.

Abstract: A polycrystalline diamond element leaching assembly includes a polycrystalline diamond element, a protective leaching cup surrounding at least a portion of the polycrystalline diamond element, and a protective layer positioned between the polycrystalline diamond element and the protective leaching cup. A method of processing a polycrystalline diamond element includes covering a selected portion of a polycrystalline diamond element with a curable resin layer, curing the curable resin layer to form a protective layer, and exposing at least a portion of the polycrystalline diamond element to a leaching agent. Another method of processing a polycrystalline diamond element includes depositing a curable resin within a protective leaching cup and positioning a polycrystalline diamond element within the protective leaching cup such that the curable resin is displaced so as to surround at least a portion of the polycrystalline diamond element.

Abstract: A method and device for adjusting a volumetric flow balancing system for an extracorporeal blood treatment system receives a pressure signal and calculates a compensation factor that is used to adjust the relative flow rates of the volumetrically balanced fluids. For example, in a hemofiltration system, the flow of waste and and replacement fluid may be balanced volumetrically. Ultrafiltrate may be pumped in a bypass circuit in such a system. The rate of ultrafiltrate flow may be adjusted by the compensation signal. The compensation signal may be empirically derived.

Abstract: A method and device for adjusting a volumetric flow balancing system for an extracorporeal blood treatment system receives a pressure signal and calculates a compensation factor that is used to adjust the relative flow rates of the volumetrically balanced fluids. For example, in a hemofiltration system, the flow of waste and and replacement fluid may be balanced volumetrically. Ultrafiltrate may be pumped in a bypass circuit in such a system. The rate of ultrafiltrate flow may be adjusted by the compensation signal. The compensation signal may be empirically derived.