Abstract: An assembly and method for continuous blockage of a nerve in a patient. The assembly includes a needle comprising a hollow needle conduit having a shaft portion and a tip portion, a generally non-conductive layer disposed along a length of the conduit shaft portion, and an echogenic surface extending along at least a portion of the needle. A catheter having a bore for transmittal of an anesthetic to the nerve is receivable in the shaft portion of said needle. Following insertion of the needle tip in the vicinity of the nerve by electrical nerve stimulation and ultrasound visualization, the catheter is passed through the needle conduit such that the distal end of the catheter extends beyond the distal tip of the needle. The catheter has an echogenic portion, such as a ribbon wrapped around the distal end of the catheter, and the catheter echogenic portion is guidable in the vicinity of the nerve under ultrasound imaging.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for blockage of a peripheral nerve of a patient utilizes simultaneous continuous electrical nerve stimulation and visualization of the nerve using 2D ultrasound. A hyperechoic stimulating block needle is provided for insertion into the patient. The needle includes a hollow metal conduit, and a generally non-conductive covering extending along the shaft of the conduit. An echogenic surface capable of scattering and reflecting ultrasound waves for enhanced visualization extends along at least a portion of the length of the needle. The needle is inserted into the patient, and the needle tip is optimally aligned in proximity with the nerve by simultaneous visualization with 2D ultrasound and by electrical nerve stimulation. Once the needle is optimally placed with regard to the nerve, a drug may be injected through a bore of the needle into the patient.

Abstract: The present invention provides a defect detecting system and a container therefor. The container has a chamber body for storing an electrically conductive fluid material. The container is produced from a unitary multilayer film and has an electrode with one end of the electrode exposed to the inside and the other end exposed to the outside of the chamber. The multiple layer film has a thermoplastic layer and an electrically conductive layer, and the thermoplastic layer and the electrode are adapted to contact the fluid material. The electrode is hermetically affixed to the container and electrically separated from the electrically conductive layer.

Abstract: A crankcase motor oil additive concentrate comprising a detergent-inhibitor package, supplemental antiwear additives, a corrosion inhibitor, and isomerized jojoba oil in a petroleum or synthetic base stock.

Abstract: A crankcase motor oil additive concentrate comprising a detergent-inhibitor package, supplemental antiwear additives, a corrosion inhibitor, and jojoba oil in a petroleum base stock.