Abstract: Disclosed are medical articles and processes for forming the medical articles. The medical articles may take the form of a sponge having a three-dimensional shape comprising a reservoir. In an embodiment, the sponge is formed by placing a collagen slurry, optionally further comprising a mineral, in a mold and lyophilizing the slurry. In an embodiment, an improved molding process for such medical articles comprises forcing a slurry through a mold comprising the shape of a tube having an obstruction connected to the sidewall of the tube via an arm extending from the sidewall to the obstruction.

Abstract: A helical heat exchanger assembly comprises a tube having first and second ends, a length, an inner diameter and a cross-section incorporating the inner diameter, and a thermally conductive tube insert having a length and an outer diameter substantially equal to the inner diameter of the tube, the tube insert having first and second ends and comprising a single helix extending along the length of the tube insert and twisted around a central axis. The tube insert is sealed within the tube by sealing an outer edge of the helix to an inner surface of the tube to form fluid-tight first and second fluid flow paths defined between opposing sides of the helix and the inner surface of the tube, respectively. A plurality of inlet and outlet fluid ports are positioned for passage of a first and second fluid into and out of the tube.

Abstract: A helical heat exchanger assembly comprises a plurality of helical heat exchangers, each helical heat exchanger comprising a tube having first and second ends, a length, an inner diameter and a cross-section incorporating the inner diameter, a thermally conductive tube insert having a length and an outer diameter substantially equal to the inner diameter of the tube, the tube insert having first and second ends and comprising a single helix extending along the length of the tube insert and twisted around a central axis. The tube insert is sealed within the tube by sealing an outer edge of the helix to an inner surface of the tube to form fluid-tight first and second fluid flow paths defined between opposing sides of the helix and the inner surface of the tube, respectively. A plurality of inlet and outlet fluid ports are positioned for passage of a first and second fluid into and out of each tube.

Abstract: A helical heat exchanger assembly comprises a tube having first and second ends, a length, an inner diameter and a cross-section incorporating the inner diameter, and a thermally conductive tube insert having a length and an outer diameter substantially equal to the inner diameter of the tube, the tube insert having first and second ends and comprising a single helix extending along the length of the tube insert and twisted around a central axis. The tube insert is sealed within the tube by sealing an outer edge of the helix to an inner surface of the tube to form fluid-tight first and second fluid flow paths defined between opposing sides of the helix and the inner surface of the tube, respectively. A plurality of inlet and outlet fluid ports are positioned for passage of a first and second fluid into and out of the tube.

Abstract: A helical heat exchanger assembly comprises a plurality of helical heat exchangers, each helical heat exchanger comprising a tube having first and second ends, a length, an inner diameter and a cross-section incorporating the inner diameter, a thermally conductive tube insert having a length and an outer diameter substantially equal to the inner diameter of the tube, the tube insert having first and second ends and comprising a single helix extending along the length of the tube insert and twisted around a central axis. The tube insert is sealed within the tube by sealing an outer edge of the helix to an inner surface of the tube to form fluid-tight first and second fluid flow paths defined between opposing sides of the helix and the inner surface of the tube, respectively. A plurality of inlet and outlet fluid ports are positioned for passage of a first and second fluid into and out of each tube.

Abstract: A heat exchanger assembly comprising a tube with a thermally conductive tube insert sealed therein, the tube insert having a substantially similar cross-section to the cross-section of the tube, and a plurality of fluid ports for passage of fluid into and out of the tube, the fluid ports arranged for counterflow operation. The tube insert includes a pair of helices extending along the length of the tube insert, the helices having first and second sides offset from each other by a predetermined distance along the length of the tube insert and first and second ends, each of the first ends offset from the other by a predetermined angle and each of the second ends offset from the other by a predetermined angle. The tube insert is sealed within the tube to form a first fluid flow path and a second fluid flow path, the first fluid flow path defined between the first sides of the helices and the second fluid path defined between the second sides of the helices.

Abstract: A portable sun shield is constructed from lightweight aluminum or PVC piping and is quickly attachable to a bracket assembly attached to the back of a fisherman's chair or the like. Several different bracket assemblies are utilized to hold the shield over the chair, and the shield can also be utilized as a sail for a boat in an emergency situation.