Abstract: A fluid filtration system is shown. The fluid filtration system utilizes a one-piece or multiple piece containers having a plurality of radiation-transmissible media adapted to receive light, such as ultraviolet light, white light or other wavelength light. The radiation-transmissible media are situated in the container and at least one or a plurality of radiation sources, such as ultraviolet lamps, are situated in an array in proximity to the radiation-transmissible media. The radiation-transmissible media interrupts the flow and velocity of the fluid stream passing through the container to extend the duration of radiation for any contaminants and also provide enlarged surface areas for the contaminants to be received and ultimately exposed to the radiation. In one example, the radiation-transmissible media may be tubular or spherical sections that are hollow or solid and made of quartz.

Abstract: An implant assembly is shown and described. The implant has at least one or a plurality of elastic, resilient or flexible arms that each have a detent adapted to retain at least one screw in a locked position in the implant. At least one of the arms has a portion that extends into a screw aperture such that an arm axis is generally parallel to the axis of the screw after the screw is received in the implant. In another embodiment, means or a system for locking the multi-component implant members together is shown.

Abstract: An air-surface disinfector has a conformable tube member that is detachably mounted to a vacuum generator. The conformable tube member has an integral filter housing or support for receiving and housing at least one or plurality of filters or other decontamination apparatus or means. The vacuum generator comprises a cavity that is defined by a plurality of walls formed in a predetermined configuration that complements the shape of the filter housing or support so that the filter housing or support can be dropped into the cavity, thereby securing the conformable tube member to the vacuum generator. The conformable tube member may optionally comprise a sterile sheath that is integral therewith or detachably mounted thereon. The conformable tube member and associated filter housing or support are disposable and may be disposed of after a predetermined time or after a predetermined contamination has been achieved.

Abstract: A system for detecting the opening of a door to a pressurized room, such as a hospital operating room. A pressure sensor within the room produces a historical record of barometric pressures at the sensor=s location. The opening of the door produces a characteristic variation in the barometric pressure. The invention searches through the record, looking for the characteristic variation. When it is found, the invention issues a door-open signal.

Abstract: This invention relates to a cautery instrument or handheld device having a generally centralized lumen or passageway through the device and that utilizes a conductive tubular member.

Abstract: A surgical treatment system for contaminated air streams having particulate contamination, polar contamination and/or nonpolar contamination in the gas or vapor stream. A surgical smoke plume treatment system and method provide or define a multi-stage treatment process that mechanically filters the air stream, followed by nonpolar decontamination and then polar decontamination or treatment. The system may be used stand alone or incorporated and used with other surgical instruments or incorporated into an air handler adapted to decontaminate an air stream. A desiccant may optionally be used to remove water from the air stream.

Abstract: A surgical instrument wrap having at least one or a plurality of fibrous layers that cooperate with at least one agent or dye layer that is generally not visible until the at least one or plurality of fibrous layers is damaged or disrupted. The at least one diffusible agent or dye layer diffuses or wicks into the disrupted or damaged area. A fluorescent dye, a reactive dye, a conjugant dye or an absorption wavelength of approximately 200-400 nanometers in one embodiment and an emission wavelength in the visible spectrum so that when the surgical wrap is damage or disrupted and then exposed to, for example, a fluorescent or ultraviolet light source, the agent or dye fluoresces to provide an indication to the user that damage to the wrap has occurred. The user can presume that the items or instruments in the surgical tray may be contaminated.

Abstract: A suction device and system utilizing a moveable and/or portable dry vacuum accumulator for vacuum accumulation. The device has at least one accumulator or reservoir for storing a vacuum charge. The device is initially charged by a vacuum source, such as a vacuum from a wall vacuum source as is conventional in a hospital. The vacuum may be boosted using a vacuum boosting pump that may be pneumatic, hydraulic or even electric. The device can be charged to a second predetermined vacuum level which can be different from both atmospheric pressure as well as a first predetermined vacuum level supplied by the vacuum source. Apparatus is also provided for boosting vacuum or for increasing or decreasing a volume in the at least one accumulator or reservoir.

Abstract: A system and method for maintaining, monitoring and improving air quality and purity in a room or environment, such as a hospital room or operating room.

Abstract: A system and method for maintaining, monitoring and improving air quality and purity in a room or environment, such as a hospital room or operating room.

Abstract: An energy-transmissible air filtration system having at least one mechanical filter and at least one electromagnetic energy source. The electromagnetic energy source generates an electromagnetic energy wave or force that traverses the at least one mechanical filter. This results in substantially simultaneous mechanical filtration and energy-based decontamination of an airstream. Other features of the embodiments are also shown.

Abstract: A security system for a fluid filtration device and, more particularly, a security system that is adapted to pair a filter with a fluid filtration device, log an effectiveness of each individually serialized filter, prevent re-usage of a filter in more than one filtration device and prevent usage of a filter for greater than its preprogrammed lifespan.

Abstract: A method of generating a bioceramic-containing biomaterial-derived thermoplastic extrusion is provided. The method includes combining a bioceramic-containing solid with at least one thermoplastic resin, wherein the bioceramic-containing solid is uniformly dispersed in the resin. The method further includes extruding the bioceramic-containing solid included in the resin to create a net shape. The net shape is selected from a group consisting of a filament, a pellet, a bar, a molding, and a three-dimensional printing material stock.

Abstract: A surgical drape or sheath system, apparatus and method is shown for reducing or eliminating contamination. The surgical drape or sheath system, apparatus and method comprise at least one body that is mounted on or in the vacuum tube while a generally tubular drape or sheath is draped or positioned over at least a portion of the vacuum tube so that it can be grasped by a user. The surgical drape or sheath system, apparatus and method may be disposable or may be provided with reusable components or components that can be replaced.

Abstract: A security system for a fluid filtration device and, more particularly, a security system that is adapted to pair a filter with a fluid filtration device, log an effectiveness of each individually serialized filter, prevent re-usage of a filter in more than one filtration device and prevent usage of a filter for greater than its preprogrammed lifespan.

Abstract: A fluid filtration system is shown. The fluid filtration system utilizes a one-piece or multiple piece containers having a plurality of radiation-transmissible media adapted to receive light, such as ultraviolet light, white light or other wavelength light. The radiation-transmissible media are situated in the container and at least one or a plurality of radiation sources, such as ultraviolet lamps, are situated in an array in proximity to the radiation-transmissible media. The radiation-transmissible media interrupts the flow and velocity of the fluid stream passing through the container to extend the duration of radiation for any contaminants and also provide enlarged surface areas for the contaminants to be received and ultimately exposed to the radiation. In one example, the radiation-transmissible media may be tubular or spherical sections that are hollow or solid and made of quartz.

Abstract: A fluid filtration system is shown. The fluid filtration system utilizes a one-piece or multiple piece containers having a plurality of radiation-transmissible media adapted to receive light, such as ultraviolet light, white light or other wavelength light. The radiation-transmissible media are situated in the container and at least one or a plurality of radiation sources, such as ultraviolet lamps, are situated in an array in proximity to the radiation-transmissible media. The radiation-transmissible media interrupts the flow and velocity of the fluid stream passing through the container to extend the duration of radiation for any contaminants and also provide enlarged surface areas for the contaminants to be received and ultimately exposed to the radiation. In one example, the radiation-transmissible media may be tubular or spherical sections that are hollow or solid and made of quartz.

Abstract: An air treatment device having a flexible air hose, duct or gooseneck member. The air hose, duct or gooseneck member permits an inlet end thereof to be positioned in proximity to a patient so that a negative pressure can be created around the patient so that air can sucked or vacuumed into the system whereupon it is treated as the air flows through the system.

Abstract: A forced-air hand dryer having means and apparatus for decontaminating air passing through the forced-air hand dryer. In general, the embodiments described comprise at least one or a plurality of airflow generators, at least one conduit for passing air through the conduits and to at least one decontamination system where the air undergoes filtration and decontamination. The air generated may be located upstream or downstream of a hand-receiving area where a user places his or her hands for drying.