Abstract: A combination of an introducer cannula and a removable reducer for use therewith. The introducer cannula comprises an elongate tubular member having proximal and distal extremities and having a flow passage extending therethrough. A housing is mounted on the distal extremity and has a chamber in communication with the flow passage in the tubular member. Proximal and distal spaced apart seals are disposed in the chamber and are carried by the housing. The reducer comprises a body having proximal and distal extremities. The body has a cylindrical extension and the cylindrical extension has at least two elongate slots formed therein which extend through the cylindrical extension from the proximal extremity to the distal extremity of the body. The elongate slots extend diametrically of the cylindrical extension and adjoin each other to provide a central opening. A membrane seal is carried by the body and overlies the central opening. The membrane seal has a hole therein in alignment with the central opening.

Abstract: A skin seal for making a substantially gas-tight seal with the skin of a patient having a wall with an incision therein comprising a body having proximal and distal extremities and having a flow passage extending from the proximal to the distal extremity. The body has a first outer cylindrical surface extending from the distal extremity toward the proximal extremity and has a uniform diameter. The body also has a second outer tapered surface extending from the first surface toward the proximal extremity and has a gradually increasing diameter. A helical thread is formed on the first and second outer surfaces.

Abstract: Apparatus for selectively reading or writing data on a magnetic data stripe on a data card which is thin and flexible and for selectively returning or capturing the card. The apparatus includes a card guide arrangement comprising a cylindrical card guide path section, an entrance card path section with an entrance slit for admitting the data card, and an exit path section with an exit slit for discharging the data card for capture. A drive arrangement drives the data card through the entrance slit, throughout the cylindrical card guide path section, and through the exit slit. A transducer with a read head and write head is mounted relative to the cylindrical card guide path section. A position tracking arrangement determines the position of the data card within the cylindrical card guide and a card-in sensor senses the presence of a data card in the entrance path section. A microprocessor based control circuit is used to operate the system and control operational features.

Abstract: Apparatus for reading a data card which comprises a thin, flexible medium having leading and trailing edges and a data stripe formed thereon at a prearranged location and extending transverse to said leading and trailing edges. The apparatus comprises a card guide arrangement defining a cylindrical card guide path and an entrance slit for accepting said card into said guide path. A drive arrangement cooperatively associated with said card guide arrangement for driving said data card through said entrance slit and around said cylindrical card guide path. A transducer arrangement positioned at a prearranged location on said cylindrical card guide path for detecting data on said data stripe of a data card being driven around said cylindrical card guide path by said drive arrangement.

Abstract: A helical scanning rotating head magnetic tape transport is provided for use with cassettes, and is arranged with vacuum means to pull a loop of tape from the cassette and helically around the rotating head scanning drum to a capstan and retracted pinch roller. The pinch roller is then automatically inserted into the bight of the loop, together with an element between the loop shanks to keep them apart during operation, and the vacuum means is then inactivated.