Abstract: An access port for subcutaneous implantation is disclosed. Such an access port may comprise a body for capturing a septum for repeatedly inserting a needle therethrough into a cavity defined within the body. Further, the access port may include at least one feature structured and configured for identification of the access port subsequent to subcutaneous implantation. Methods of identifying a subcutaneously implanted access port are also disclosed. For example, a subcutaneously implanted access port may be provided and at least one feature of the subcutaneously implanted access port may be perceived. Further, the subcutaneously implanted access port may be identified in response to perceiving the at least one feature. In one embodiment, an identification feature is engraved or otherwise defined by the access port, so as to be visible after implantation via x-ray imaging technology.

Abstract: In one aspect, a removable module or sub is provided for use in drilling a wellbore, which sub in one embodiment may include a body having a pin end and a box end configured for coupling between two members of a drill string, the body having a bore therethrough for flow of a fluid, and a sensor disposed in a pressure-sealed chamber in one of the pin end and the box end and configured to provide measurements relating to a downhole condition.

Abstract: A multifunction adaptor for an open-ended catheter that allows placement of the catheter while minimizing the risk of air embolism or blood loss through the open (proximal) end of the catheter body. In one variation, the design allows passage of a standard guidewire for “over-the-guidewire” placement techniques and a connection for catheter flushing using a standard syringe. In another variation, the multifunction adaptor is configured for coupling a tunneler to the proximal end of a catheter.

Abstract: Methods of power injecting a fluid through an access port are described. One method includes implanting in a patient an access port suitable for passing fluid therethrough at a rate of at least about 1 milliliter per second, the access port including a body defining a cavity, a septum, and an outlet in fluid communication with the cavity, and flowing a fluid through an infusion set into the access port at a rate of at least about 1 milliliter per second, the infusion set including a needle in fluid communication with a tubing, the tubing in fluid communication with a connector, each of the needle, tubing, and connector constructed to have a burst pressure of at least about 100 psi.

Abstract: An implantable multi-lumen access port including indicators for ascertaining characteristics of the port is disclosed. In one embodiment, the access port comprises a housing that defines a first reservoir and a second reservoir. A first septum and second septum are respectively coupled with the housing to provide selective access to the first and second reservoirs. Each septum includes a plurality of protrusions defined about a periphery thereof that are palpable after implantation of the port in a patient to determine a relative position of the first septum with respect to the second septum. A radiographically observable indicator is also included on a base of the housing, so as to provide information relating to a characteristic of the dual-lumen port, such as suitability for power injection of fluids. The indicator in one embodiment includes a substantially rigid radiopaque component.

Abstract: A multi-lumen catheter defined by at least two separate tip sections distal to a dividing point includes strategic placement of openings in the tip sections to facilitate fluid flow and minimize typical problems associated with catheters. In a multi-lumen catheter having tip sections with a releasably joined or splittable region, the bond strength between the tip sections is varied along their length such that an increasing separation force is required to separate the tip sections from one another distal to the dividing point. Delivery of a multi-lumen catheter is improved with respect to both sheathed and non-sheathed delivery methods, in which a friction reducing structure is provided on either the catheter, delivery sheath or both to provide a buffer for a sheathed delivery and in which a unique guidewire aperture or additional lumen is provided in at least one of the tip sections for a non-sheathed delivery.

Abstract: A multi-lumen catheter defined by at least two separate tip sections distal to a dividing point includes strategic placement of openings in the tip sections to facilitate fluid flow and minimize typical problems associated with catheters. In a multi-lumen catheter having tip sections with a releasably joined or splittable region, the bond strength between the tip sections is varied along their length such that an increasing separation force is required to separate the tip sections from one another distal to the dividing point. Delivery of a multi-lumen catheter is improved with respect to both sheathed and non-sheathed delivery methods, in which a friction reducing structure is provided on either the catheter, delivery sheath or both to provide a buffer for a sheathed delivery and in which a unique guidewire aperture or additional lumen is provided in at least one of the tip sections for a non-sheathed delivery.

Abstract: A retractable undercarriage for mounting dual wheels for a large transport vehicle comprising a support member adapted for connection to the vehicle and having a vertically extending leg and an arm member pivotally connected to one end thereof to the lower end of the leg by a special pin connection employing ring bearings. A running gear sub-assembly is connected to the other end of the arm member. First and second mounting blocks are respectively attached to an upper portion of the support member and to the arm member. Each of these blocks has a slot formed therein for receiving a pivot pin, which slot is open at one end. A hydraulic cylinder mechanism extends and retracts the undercarriage by pivoting the arm member. The upper and lower ends of this mechanism are pivotally connected by the pivot pins to the mounting blocks. Threaded fasteners secure the pivot pins in their respective slots.