Abstract: Embodiments disclosed herein are directed to a clamshell carhlock device and methods thereof. The cathlock includes a first portion hingedly coupled to a second portion and rotatable through a plane extending perpendicular to a central longitudinal axis. A user can apply opposing, radially inward, “pinching” force to transition the cathlock to the closed position, mitigating applying any pressure directly to the patient. The cathlock further includes a compliant sleeve coupled to an inner surface thereof and configured to slidably engage the cathlock with the catheter in both the open and closed positions. The sleeve can engage the catheter in an interference fit to allow a user to position the cathlock along the catheter and for the cathlock to remain in place until repositioned.

Abstract: Methods of functionalizing activated carbon for selective adsorption of a per- or polyfluoroalkyl substance (PFAS), methods of removing PFAS, and compositions comprising activated carbon; and a molecularly imprinted polymer (MIP) coupled to the activated carbon are described. In the embodiment, the method of functionalizing activated carbon for selective adsorption of a PFAS comprises coordinating a PFAS template with a plurality of functional monomers; polymerizing the plurality of functional monomers coordinated with the PFAS template in the presence of an activated carbon substrate to provide a molecularly imprinted polymer (MIP) coupled to the activated carbon; and extracting the PFAS template from the MIP.

Abstract: Embodiments disclosed herein are directed to an integrated cathlock mechanism configured to engage an outer surface of a catheter to secure the catheter to a stem of a port, or similar medical device. The engagement structure can include a plurality of fins or an O-ring. The cathlock mechanism can include an engagement structure disposed annularly about the stem and configured to transition between an unlocked and locked configuration. The cathlock mechanism can be biased towards a locked configuration. A tab can selectively engage the cathlock mechanism and can maintain the cathlock mechanism in an unlocked configuration. Urging the catheter into the cathlock mechanism and onto the stem can engage the stem in an interference fit. A user can then remove the tab to transition the cathlock mechanism to the lock configuration.

Abstract: Embodiments disclosed herein are directed to a dual, in-line port having a direct fluid path between the proximal reservoir and the stem. The port includes a conduit extending through the distal reservoir and defining a lumen in fluid communication with the proximal reservoir and the stem. The axis of the conduit lumen is aligned with stem lumen to minimize any tortuous fluid pathway and reduce fluid flow resistance. The port can further include a needle guard extending over the distal reservoir and configured to prevent an access needle from impinging on the conduit when accessing the distal reservoir. Embodiments can further include a removable reservoir insert that defines the distal reservoir.

Abstract: Embodiments are directed to a port system including a port having a reservoir and a port lumen communicating therewith, and a connector having a stem defining a stem lumen and extending along a longitudinal axis. The stem can engage a catheter, providing fluid communication therewith. The connector can then be slidably engaged with the port along an axis extending perpendicular to the longitudinal axis, e.g. a transverse axis, until the stem lumen aligns with a port lumen. The connector can further include a locking pin slidable along a longitudinal axis and configured to inhibit retrograde movement of the connector from the port.

Abstract: Embodiments disclosed herein are directed to a stem including optimized geometry configured to maximize fluid flow while facilitating engagement with a lumen of a catheter. The stem can define a lumen having a distal opening defining a first diameter. The tip structure can define a tip structure lumen having a second diameter that is less than the first diameter. The tip structure can include one or more fingers extending longitudinally distally and defining one or more slots. The tip structure can fit within the catheter lumen, facilitating engagement therewith, while the one or more slots can improve fluid flow, providing little or no reduction in fluid flow relative to the distal opening.

Abstract: Embodiments disclosed herein are directed to a port system including a collapsible reservoir and associated methods thereof. The port can include a body defining a reservoir and formed of a compliant material. The port body can transition between an expanded configuration and a collapsed configuration. The port can further include a port stem or a base plate, formed of a rigid or needle impenetrable material. The base plate can be aligned with a floor of the reservoir to prevent an access needle from traversing the bottom surface of the reservoir. The port, or the reservoir, can transition to the collapsed configuration to provide a reduced overall size or outer profile for insertion and/or between access events. The port can require a smaller incision site, required fewer stitches or no stitches at all, improving patient recovery times, patient comfort, reducing scarring and improving aesthetics.

Abstract: A cooler with a dry interior chamber that effectively keeps beverages cold without subjecting them to moisture. By combining a highly insulated outer container with an inner container designed for efficient cooling, this invention prevents labels from peeling off and enhances the overall beverage experience. Additionally, the depth of the ice chamber is adjustable, offering versatility to suit varying needs while reducing the required amount of ice.

Abstract: Embodiments disclosed herein are directed to a port system including a body defining a reservoir and a port stem. One of the body or the stem can be formed of a shape memory material and can be transitionable between an expanded configuration and a collapsed configuration. One of the port body or the reservoir in the collapsed configuration can provide a reduced overall size or outer profile of the port for subcutaneous placement and/or between access events. The port can require a smaller incision site, required fewer stitches or no stitches at all, improving patient recovery times, patient comfort, reducing scarring and improving aesthetics. The port stem in collapsed configuration can be smaller than a catheter lumen diameter and can transition to an expanded configuration that is larger than a catheter lumen diameter facilitating a fluid tight seal therebetween.

Abstract: Embodiments disclosed herein are directed to a tool configured to engage a cathlock and facilitate urging the cathlock axially on to a port stem within the confined, wetted environment of a tissue pocket. The tool can include a body defining a channel configured to receive the cathlock therein and a handle extending therefrom. The body can include an elongate opening communicating with the channel. The cathlock and/or portion of the catheter can pass through the elongate opening. Further, the elongate opening can allow the body to flex and grip the cathlock within the channel. In an embodiment, an axis of the handle can align with one of the first end or the second end of the body to facilitate either “pushing” or “pulling” the cathlock onto the port stem.

Abstract: Embodiments disclosed herein are directed to a port system including a body defining a reservoir and a stem. One of the body can include a lower housing and an upper housing slidably engaged therewith and be transitionable between an expanded configuration and a collapsed configuration. The port body in the collapsed configuration can define a smaller volume or outer profile than the port body in the expanded configuration. The reservoir in the collapsed configuration can define a smaller volume than the reservoir in the expanded configuration. A biasing member can bias the port to the expanded configuration. A latching mechanism can retain the port in one of the expanded configuration or the collapsed configuration. An actuator can transition latching mechanism between a locked position and an unlocked position. Subcutaneous placement of the port in the collapsed configuration can require a smaller incision site, fewer stitches and improved patient recovery times.

Abstract: A method of producing biochar from spent coffee grounds, biochar, such as biochar produced according to the methods of the present disclosure, an environmental remediation system including biochar according to embodiments of the present disclosure, and methods of removing contaminants from an aqueous solution using biochar according to embodiments of the present disclosure are described. In an embodiment, the method of producing biochar from spent coffee grounds comprises heating dried spent coffee grounds in an oven in a first pyrolysis temperature range to provide an intermediate biochar; and heating the intermediate biochar and a caustic in the oven in a second pyrolysis temperature range to provide the biochar.