Abstract: A fluid injecting device (30) generally including a fluid delivery assembly (32) and a needle-free injecting assembly (34). The fluid delivery assembly (32) delivers or transfers the fluid medicine from a cartridge (40) into the needle-free injecting assembly (34) for injecting into a patient. A drive train (112) applies a force to a piston (64) inside the cartridge (40) during the delivery of the fluid to the needle-free injecting assembly (34) to prevent adhesion or static friction between the piston (64) and the cartridge (40). In addition, sensors can be used to help ensure the proper amount of dosage is transferred to the needle-free injecting assembly, conserve power, reduce leakage during disassembly, among other functions.

Abstract: A fluid injecting device (30) generally including a fluid delivery assembly (32) and a needle-free injecting assembly (34). The fluid delivery assembly (32) delivers or transfers the fluid medicine from a cartridge (40) into the needle-free injecting assembly (34) for injecting into a patient. A drive train (112) applies a force to a piston (64) inside the cartridge (40) during the delivery of the fluid to the needle-free injecting assembly (34) to prevent adhesion or static friction between the piston (64) and the cartridge (40). In addition, sensors can be used to help ensure the proper amount of dosage is transferred to the needle-free injecting assembly, conserve power, reduce leakage during disassembly, among other functions.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for occluding an anatomical structure including a device having at least first and second clamp portions adapted to cooperate to move from an open position adjacent an anatomical structure to a closed position engaging and occluding the anatomical structure. A system for delivery of a fluid to affect occlusion of an anatomical structure is provided, as well as an applicator for deploying occlusion devices having different sizes.

Abstract: A portable mattress system has a mattress unit, a control unit, and a control panel. The mattress unit has a plurality of sleeves with transverse openings which each receive an elongate bladder, and has in a foot section a recess that can receive the control unit. A coupling arrangement detachably operatively couples the control unit to the mattress unit. The control panel is flat and thin and is coupled to the control unit by a cable. An arrangement is provided to support the mattress unit on the control unit when the mattress unit is in a deflated condition, and the control unit has rotatable wheels and a handle for facilitating easy transport of the entire mattress system to or from a bed.

Abstract: A mattress unit for retarding the development of decubitus ulcers includes a fabric cover having therein a foam material, and includes an inflatable bladder and a control unit disposed within openings in the foam material. The inflatable bladder contains a foam material having spaced holes in it. The control unit includes a pump which can selectively supply pressurized air to the bladder, a valve which can selectively bleed air from the bladder, and a pressure sensor which can determine the current pressure in the bladder. The pressure sensor is coupled to an input of a control circuit which controls the pump and valve. The control circuit receives power from an AC/DC converter and is remotely controlled by a hand-held pendant, the converter and pendant each being physically separate from the mattress unit and being connected to the control circuit by respective cables.

Abstract: A stowable crutch is disclosed which includes two parallel integrated tubes in a single body with a first tube to which a crutch tip is mounted and a second tube to which a rest support is attached, each slidably mounted within an integrated tube. The interior of the integrated tubes are fluted or polygonal in cross section to engage a ratchet or detent mounted on the end of the first and second tubes to effectuate a selection means. The first and second tubes are engaged by an external detent mounted at either end of the body. The first and second tubes are rotated individually to a desired selection and extended to that length whereupon they engage with the external detent. The handgrip is slidably mounted to the body to provide a wide range of adjustment. The external detents provide a means to signal when the first and second tubes are not securely engaged.