Abstract: A unitary molded elastomer conduit for use with a medical infusion pump. The molded conduit includes a plurality of elongated tubular sections defining a continuous lumen therethrough. A first interior surface of the molded conduit includes an interior region having surface characteristics for clamping off the lumen to stop the flow of fluid transport, or for clamping the lumen for use with the peristaltic mechanism of the medical infusion pump. Another interior surface is provided in the molded conduit which is associated with another of the plurality of elongated sections of the integral elastomer conduit. The second interior surface defines a second interior region having surface characteristics for coupling ultrasound across the conduit traversed to the lumen in order to detect gas entrainment and the like. The second interior region thus provides a textured surface relative to the first interior region to direct the signal energy from the signal coupled across the conduit traversed to the lumen.

Abstract: A method for refilling an inkjet cartridge such that there is little or no ink leakage. Turning the cartridge upside-down, the ink reservoir vent, on the base of the cartridge, is held facing up, allows air to vent, while the ink is dispensed into the cartridge at the opposing end of the reservoir. The components used to perform the refill operation are tapered fittings that securely lock together and make a tight seal on the fill port of the cartridge so that ink will not spill out during the filling operation. Once the cartridge has been refilled, a negative pressure reservoir is provided to create and maintain a negative pressure, or vacuum, required to keep the printer cartridge operational until it exhausts its supply of ink. The negative pressure reservoir (n.p.r.) is connected to the fill port of the cartridge, with out the need to displace or remove any ink from the cartridge. The n.p.r. is removable in order to repeat the refill procedure as many times as allowed by the performance of the printhead.

Abstract: The invention relates to an improved apparatus and method of refilling an ink jet cartridge used with printers. The kit includes a plug pulling tool, and an amount of ink contained in a syringe-plunger assembly with a cap, The plug pulling tool allows removing a plug from a cartridge without damage, so that the plug can be replaced into the cartridge after being refilled. The syringe-plunger assembly allows the user to seal the nozzle of the syringe tight against the hole in the cartridge, in order to fill the cartridge with ink as well as to remove unwanted air from inside the cartridge. The invention eliminates the need of having to reseal the cartridge by alternate means, allows venting of the cartridge reservoir during the refill process, and significantly increases the efficiency and cleanness of refilling an ink jet cartridge.

Abstract: The invention is a portable exercising device comprised of a flexible elastic material strap, held fixedly between three rods which are secured longitudinally by means of semi-rigid plastic caps at each end. The caps are removable from the rods in order to adjust the active length of the elastic material, adapting the tension of the elastic to the user's specific need. The grouped rods are embodied as the handle of the device as exercises are performed. The strap may be connected to a stationary object such as a door, or held by the users foot or other means. The device is used to perform exercises which tone and firm muscles of the user.

Abstract: A penile prosthesis consists of a pair of inflatable penile implants which each having a cylindrical body which contains a hydraulic system including a pressure chamber, a reservoir for pressurizing fluid, and a pump for transferring fluid under pressure to the pressure chamber to make it rigid. Each implant also contains a longitudinally compressible, but radially incompressible bellows in the reservoir which expands when the reservoir is empty and prevents the reservoir wall from collapsing. In one embodiment, a tube extends from the pump in the tip to the reservoir at the rear through the pressure chamber and there is a restricted orifice through which fluid can bleed back into the reservoir from the pressure chamber thus automatically controlling the length of time that the pressure chamber is pressurized and rigid.

Abstract: An inflatable penile implant includes a novel compensator which both absorbs any increased pressure to protect the components of the hydraulic system from pressure damage and which permits the implant to be shortened in length without impairing its function. An improved tapered pumping chamber, improved pump valve and an improved pressure relief valve are also disclosed.

Abstract: An inflatable penile implant includes a novel compensator which both absorbs any increased pressure to protect the components of the hydraulic system from pressure damage and which permits the implant to be shortened in length without impairing its function. An improved tapered pumping chamber, improved pump valve and an improved pressure relief valve are also disclosed.

Abstract: A spiral ureteral stent is positioned in the ureter to aid in infusion of the renal pelvis and to maintain fluid drainage between the renal pelvis and the bladder. The stent includes a helical coiled section having retaining means at the distal and proximal ends for reception in the bladder and the renal pelvis. The retaining means enable the stent to resist movement in the ureter. A lumen extends the entire length of the stent to form a fluid passageway for infusion of fluid from an external source into the renal pelvis. The stent is flexible and may be straightened by means of a wire stylet inserted in the lumen, to faciliate placement of the stent in the ureter. The retention means and helical coiled section reform upon withdrawal of the stylet from the lumen. As the helical coiled section reforms to its coil shape, it bears agains the walls of the ureter to reduce any restriction and to reinforce the walls of the ureter.