Abstract: A ureteral catheter for placement in a kidney, renal pelvis, and/or in a ureter adjacent to the renal pelvis of a patient, includes: an elongated tube having a proximal end, a distal end, and a sidewall extending therebetween defining at least one drainage lumen extending through the tube, wherein a proximal portion of the elongated tube is essentially free of or free of openings; and an expandable retention portion which defines a three-dimensional shape positioned to maintain fluid flow from the kidney through at least the distal end of the tube and inhibit tissue of the ureter or renal pelvis from occluding the at least one drainage lumen at the distal end of the elongated tube upon application of negative pressure through the drainage lumen, wherein the three-dimensional space defined by the expandable retention portion encloses at least a portion of the distal end of the elongated tube.

Abstract: The present invention is an apparatus 10 for hydraulically slowing a member (12), preferably an engine poppet valve, to an acceptable impact seating velocity as the valve (12) is moved from open to closed. The poppet valve (12) has a stem (16) having a first portion (18) connected through a stepped portion (20) to a second portion (22) having a greater cross-sectional area than the first portion (18). The valve (12) rides within a guide body (28) having an opening (34) in an end wall (32) thereof through which the first portion (18) of the stem (16) extends. A hydraulic fluid space (50) is formed by the guide body (28) and the valve (12). As the valve (12) closes, fluid is forced out of the space (50) through a first fluid exit opening (66). As the valve (12) nears its seat (44), the fluid still in the space (50) is forced out through a second fluid exit opening (68) through which the rate of flow is less than the rate of flow through the first fluid exit opening (66).

Abstract: A hand held honeycomb edge potter utilizing air pressure and piston means for the expulsion of the potting compound, the honeycomb edge potter further incorporating a wire element which functions to shave or dress the material to the desired configuration.