Abstract: A gas turbine engine includes a turbine section that has a ceramic matrix composite body that defines a core gaspath side that a row of blades, a forward end, an aft end, and circumferential sides. The forward end abuts at least one vane of a first row of vanes, and the aft end including a seal channel. A compliant seal is disposed in the seal channel and seals against at least one vane of a second row of vanes.

Abstract: A gas turbine engine includes a turbine section that has a retainer ring, a first vane that bears against the retainer ring to prevent movement of the first vane in a first axial direction, a second vane axially spaced from the first vane, and a blade axially between the first vane and the second vane. A blade outer air seal is situated radially outwardly of the blade. The blade outer air seal includes a ceramic matrix composite body that defines a core gaspath side that faces the blade, a forward end, an aft end, and circumferential sides. There is a spring seal at the aft end of the blade outer air seal that seals against the second vane. The spring seal provides a preload that biases the blade outer air seal against the first vane and thereby biases the first vane against the retainer ring.

Abstract: An auscultation device having a chest piece with a sound output aperture in fluid communication with a diaphragm on a bottom surface of the chest piece. A digital stethoscope component with a sound input aperture and a connector fluidly connecting the sound output aperture to the sound input aperture. The connector is designed such that the auscultation device is free standing on a horizontal surface.

Abstract: Films and articles are described comprising a microstructured surface having an array of peak structures and adjacent valleys. For improved cleanability, the valleys preferably have a maximum width ranging from 10 microns to 250 microns and the peak structures have a side wall angle greater than 10 degrees. The peak structures may comprise two or more facets such as in the case of a linear array of prisms or an array of cube-corners elements. The facets form continuous or semi-continuous surfaces in the same direction. The valleys typically lack intersecting walls. Also described are methods of making and methods of use. The microstructured surface of the article can be prepared by various microreplication techniques such as coating, injection molding, embossing, laser etching, extrusion, casting and curing a polymerizable resin; and bonding microstructured film to a surface or article with an adhesive.

Abstract: Enteral tubes, tube tip detection systems, and methods for detecting tube misplacement are provided. For example, a tube tip detection system comprises an enteral tube having a tip and a first light disposed at the tip that is illuminated as the enteral tube is inserted into a patient to indicate to a user of the system whether the tip is misplaced in the patient's airway. Similarly, enteral tubes are provided that comprise a tip, a length, and a light that is continuously illuminated as the enteral tube is inserted into a patient. Methods for detecting a tube misplacement in a patient's airway include embedding a light into an enteral tube, inserting the enteral tube into the patient through the patient's nose or mouth, and monitoring a location of the light as the enteral tube is inserted into the patient to determine if the tube is traveling into the patient's airway.

Abstract: Layers of siloxane tackifying resins that do not contain siloxane fluids, gums or polymers act as adhesion promotion agents. Articles include a substrate layer, a non-tacky siloxane tackifying resin adhesion promotion layer disposed on the surface of the substrate layer, and a crosslinked siloxane layer in contact with the adhesion promotion layer. The crosslinked siloxane layer is not an adhesive layer. The adhesion of the crosslinked siloxane layer to the substrate is greater than the adhesion without the non-tacky siloxane tackifying adhesion promotion layer.

Abstract: Polymeric tubing containing extractable component(s) for use in medical articles include a tube and a vapor-deposited coating of a barrier polymer covering at least a portion of the tube. The barrier polymer is derived from at least one ethylenically unsaturated monomer. The vapor-deposited polymer coating reduces the extraction of extractable component(s) from the tube. The barrier polymer is parylene or a copolymer of parylene. The polymer coated tubing can be used in stethoscopes.

Abstract: Medical diagnostic devices or components thereof are described that comprise a microstructured surface that comprises peak structures and adjacent valleys wherein the valleys have a maximum width ranging from 1 to 1000 microns and the peak structures. In some embodiments (e.g. for improved cleanability) the peak structures of the microstructured surface have a side wall angle of greater than 10 degrees. The peak structures may comprise two or more facets such as in the case of a linear array of prisms or an array of cube-comers elements. The microstructured surface of the medical diagnostic device typically comes in contact with multiple patients during normal use of the device, such as a stethoscope diaphragm. The microstructured surface exhibits better microorganism (e.g. bacteria) removal when cleaned and/or provides a reduction in microbial touch transfer. Also described are methods of making and methods of use.

Abstract: Aspects of the present disclosure relate to an ergonomic chestpiece for a stethoscope. The chestpiece includes a bottom surface which is generally planar and adapted to be placed near the patient for receiving auscultatory sounds. The chestpiece includes a raised center portion defining first and second lateral indented gripping surfaces, the raised center portion having a top surface opposite the bottom surface. The chestpiece includes a stem portion extending distally from the raised center portion. The first lateral indented gripping surface is defined by a first wall comprising a first concave surface arcuate about a first axis and the second lateral indented gripping surface is defined by a second wall comprising a second concave surface arcuate about a second axis. The first axis and the second axis form a V-shape comprising an apex oriented in a direction of the stem portion.

Abstract: Layers of siloxane tackifying resins that do not contain siloxane fluids, gums or polymers act as adhesion promotion agents. Articles include a substrate layer, a non-tacky siloxane tackifying resin adhesion promotion layer disposed on the surface of the substrate layer, and a crosslinked siloxane layer in contact with the adhesion promotion layer. The crosslinked siloxane layer is not an adhesive layer. The adhesion of the crosslinked siloxane layer to the substrate is greater than the adhesion without the non-tacky siloxane tackifying adhesion promotion layer.

Abstract: A catheter sensor assembly for use in conjunction with electronic catheter guidance systems is provided and includes a catheter and a sensor. The catheter extends in a longitudinal direction and has a proximal end and a distal end that define a lumen therebetween. Further, the catheter is configured for placement within a digestive tract or respiratory tract of a patient. The sensor includes a carbon dioxide sensor, pressure sensor, or both, and can be located in an air sampling chamber connected to the catheter. The sensor can communicate with a processor to deliver carbon dioxide and/or pressure readings to a display device, which can indicate placement of the catheter in the digestive tract or in the respiratory tract. A catheter guidance system and a method for accurately placing a is also provided.

Abstract: Aspects of the present disclosure relate to a stethoscope chestpiece. The stethoscope chestpiece includes a first major cavity formed from a portion of an outer wall portion. The outer wall portion includes an outer lower edge forming an outer lower edge perimeter that establishes a bottommost plane. The stethoscope chestpiece also includes a second major cavity formed from a portion of an inner wall portion having an immobilizing element disposed thereon, the second major cavity is within the first major cavity, and a portion of the immobilizing element is spaced-apart with a portion of the outer lower edge perimeter. The first major cavity volume is at least two times a second major cavity volume.

Abstract: A metering pump includes a motor having a motor shaft extending through a drive housing, a carriage assembly disposed around the motor shaft and within the drive housing, a plunger return block mounted to the carriage assembly, a piston disposed along an axis, a carriage bearing disposed on the motor shaft and within the carriage assembly and slidably coupled to the carriage assembly, a cam coupled to the motor shaft to rotate with the motor shaft, and a bearing disposed around the cam to rotate therewith and to contact the stroke adjuster and the plunger return block. The piston also includes a stroke adjuster mounted to the carriage assembly, a plunger having a button-shaped protrusion end, and a drive shaft having a first end connected to the stroke adjuster and a second end having a hook protrusion configured to receive and engage the plunger button-shaped protrusion end.

Abstract: A pneumatic timing valve includes a spool and seal system having a first seal cartridge and a spool. The first seal cartridge has an annular body with radial ports. The spool is positioned within the first seal cartridge and movable between a first and second position. The spool has a central bore and radial ports that intersect the central bore. The radial ports of the spool complement the radial ports of the seal cartridge. The seal cartridge radial ports, the spool radial ports, and the central bore of the spool define fluid flow passages.

Abstract: A tubing assembly for use in conjunction with electronic catheter guidance systems is provided and includes a catheter and steering apparatus. The catheter has a proximal end and a distal end that define a lumen therebetween and extends in a longitudinal direction. The steering apparatus includes an electrical connection and a sheath. Further, the sheath includes an electroactive polymer layer, and the sheath's proximal end is coupled to the distal end of the electrical connection, where the steering apparatus is located within the lumen of the catheter. Activation of the electroactive polymer layer results in a change in dimension of the sheath, which initiates a change in a direction in which the catheter travels within a patient's body to assist in accurate placement of the catheter at a desired location. A catheter guidance system and a method for steering a catheter during its placement inside a body are also provided.

Abstract: Enteral tubes, tube tip detection systems, and methods for detecting tube misplacement are provided. For example, a tube tip detection system comprises an enteral tube having a tip and a first light disposed at the tip that is illuminated as the enteral tube is inserted into a patient to indicate to a user of the system whether the tip is misplaced in the patient's airway. Similarly, enteral tubes are provided that comprise a tip, a length, and a light that is continuously illuminated as the enteral tube is inserted into a patient. Methods for detecting a tube misplacement in a patient's airway include embedding a light into an enteral tube, inserting the enteral tube into the patient through the patient's nose or mouth, and monitoring a location of the light as the enteral tube is inserted into the patient to determine if the tube is traveling into the patient's airway.

Abstract: Aspects of the present disclosure relate to an ergonomic chestpiece for a stethoscope. The chestpiece includes a bottom surface which is generally planar and adapted to be placed near the patient for receiving auscultatory sounds. The chestpiece includes a raised center portion defining first and second lateral indented gripping surfaces, the raised center portion having a top surface opposite the bottom surface. The chestpiece includes a stem portion extending distally from the raised center portion. The first lateral indented gripping surface is defined by a first wall comprising a first concave surface arcuate about a first axis and the second lateral indented gripping surface is defined by a second wall comprising a second concave surface arcuate about a second axis. The first axis and the second axis form a V-shape comprising an apex oriented in a direction of the stem portion.

Abstract: A metering pump includes a motor having a motor shaft extending through a drive housing, a carriage assembly disposed around the motor shaft and within the drive housing, a plunger return block mounted to the carriage assembly, a piston disposed along an axis, and a carriage bearing disposed on the motor shaft and within the carriage assembly, slidably coupled to the carriage assembly, and configured to provide a second contact point for maintaining the alignment of the carriage assembly with the axis of the piston. The piston further includes a stroke adjuster mounted to the carriage assembly to provide a first contact point for maintaining the alignment of the carriage assembly with the piston, a drive shaft connected to the stroke adjuster, and a plunger connected to the drive shaft. The metering pump also includes a cam coupled to the motor shaft to rotate with the motor shaft and a bearing disposed around the cam to rotate therewith and to contact the stroke adjuster and the plunger return block.

Abstract: A stethoscope includes a flexible chest piece including a top surface, a bottom surface, a side surface defining a slope between the top surface and the bottom surface, and a groove extending along an inner circumference of the chest piece. A diaphragm is positioned within the groove.

Abstract: A metering pump includes a motor having a motor shaft extending through a drive housing, a carriage assembly disposed around the motor shaft and within the drive housing, a plunger return block mounted to the carriage assembly, a piston disposed along an axis, a carriage bearing disposed on the motor shaft and within the carriage assembly and slidably coupled to the carriage assembly, a cam coupled to the motor shaft to rotate with the motor shaft, and a bearing disposed around the cam to rotate therewith and to contact the stroke adjuster and the plunger return block. The piston also includes a stroke adjuster mounted to the carriage assembly, a plunger having a button-shaped protrusion end, and a drive shaft having a first end connected to the stroke adjuster and a second end having a hook protrusion configured to receive and engage the plunger button-shaped protrusion end.