Abstract: A hand-held device is used to deliver and hydrate a temporary polymeric implant having a length, an outer surface and a cross-section, with a disruptable cover over the implant. A lumen may pass through the entire length, the lumen having a surface forming an equivalent diameter in the polymeric stent. The temporary polymeric implant includes a first aqueous-swellable, biocompatible and biodegradable composition (e.g., polymer) having a thickness. The aqueous-swellable and biodegradable polymer retaining structural integrity for at least 1 hours up to thirty days when swollen and kept moist by a moist aqueous environment. Barrier layers of biodegradable polymer(s) may be used to prevent migration of liquids into the lumen.

Abstract: A hand-held device is used to deliver and hydrate a temporary polymeric implant having a length, an outer surface and a cross-section, with a disruptable cover over the implant. A lumen may pass through the entire length, the lumen having a surface forming an equivalent diameter in the polymeric stent. The temporary polymeric implant includes a first aqueous-swellable, biocompatible and biodegradable composition (e.g., polymer) having a thickness. The aqueous-swellable and biodegradable polymer retaining structural integrity for at least 1 hours up to thirty days when swollen and kept moist by a moist aqueous environment. Barrier layers of biodegradable polymer(s) may be used to prevent migration of liquids into the lumen.

Abstract: A hand-held device is used to deliver and hydrate a temporary polymeric implant having a length, an outer surface and a cross-section, with a disruptable cover over the implant. A lumen may pass through the entire length, the lumen having a surface forming an equivalent diameter in the polymeric stent. The temporary polymeric implant includes a first aqueous-swellable, biocompatible and biodegradable composition (e.g., polymer) having a thickness. The aqueous-swellable and biodegradable polymer retaining structural integrity for at least 1 hours up to thirty days when swollen and kept moist by a moist aqueous environment. Barrier layers of biodegradable polymer(s) may be used to prevent migration of liquids into the lumen.

Abstract: A method and means effectively evacuates smoke plumes, vapors, aerosol release, mists, tissue and small particles produced from an operative nasal cavity and any other gas- or air-borne materials provided in or produced in the surgical environment. To this end, an evacuator tube is placed in the contralateral (suction) nasal cavity surrounded by a sealing member which blocks the space between the evacuator tube and nares and/or nasal vestibule.

Abstract: A method and apparatus deliver dry, flowable hemostatic powder into a gas flow stream by gravity delivery within a body of the apparatus. The hemostatic powder is then carried with the gas out of the apparatus into an elongated delivery tube inserted into a patient. Delivery of the powder into the gas flow stream creates a bolus of powder and air which becomes more uniformly distributed as it passes through the elongated delivery tube.

Abstract: A hand-held device is used to deliver and hydrate a temporary polymeric implant having a length, an outer surface and a cross-section, with a disruptable cover over the implant. A lumen may pass through the entire length, the lumen having a surface forming an equivalent diameter in the polymeric stent. The temporary polymeric implant includes a first aqueous-swellable, biocompatible and biodegradable composition (e.g., polymer) having a thickness. The aqueous-swellable and biodegradable polymer retaining structural integrity for at least 1 hours up to thirty days when swollen and kept moist by a moist aqueous environment. Barrier layers of biodegradable polymer(s) may be used to prevent migration of liquids into the lumen.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention provide a reverse osmosis system including a feed water inlet, a reverse osmosis module coupled to the feed water inlet, and at least one blend valve. The blend valve can be coupled to a permeate outlet and the feed water inlet can be capable of blending the feed water and the permeate water to produce mixed water. The blend valve can be adjusted to achieve a desired TDS level in the mixed water.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for on-the-go humidifying an insufflation gas through water vapor transfer from a liquid to the insufflation gas through a barrier separating the gas from the liquid to enable the gas in a normally trauma inducing state to be brought to a conditioned state. If the gas is at an improper insufflation temperature the temperature of the gas can be brought to the proper insufflation temperature at the same time the gas is humidified through heat transfer through the barrier.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention provide a membrane module including a first plurality of fibers capable of filtering fluids that are helically wound in layers creating a mono helix. Fluids to be treated can flow radially with respect to a longitudinal axis of the mono helix or parallel to the longitudinal axis of the mono helix. The membrane module can further include a second plurality of fibers that are helically wound with the first plurality of fibers to create a dual helix. The second plurality of fibers can have different properties than the first plurality of fibers in order to achieve different filtering functionalities.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for on-the-go humidifying an insufflation gas through water vapor transfer from a liquid to the insufflation gas through a barrier separating the gas from the liquid to enable the gas in a normally trauma inducing state to be brought to a conditioned state. If the gas is at an improper insufflation temperature the temperature of the gas can be brought to the proper insufflation temperature at the same time the gas is humidified through heat transfer through the barrier.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention provide venting and filtration systems with a membrane that is permeable to gas and substantially impermeable liquid. The systems can remove a gas from a liquid entrained with gas. The systems can include a reservoir in fluid communication with the membrane and a liquid outlet. The membrane can help prevent the gas from reaching the liquid outlet.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention provide venting and filtration systems with a membrane that is permeable to gas and substantially impermeable liquid. The systems can remove a gas from a liquid entrained with gas. The systems can include a reservoir in fluid communication with the membrane and a liquid outlet. The membrane can help prevent the gas from reaching the liquid outlet.

Abstract: An apparatus for removing contaminants from used lubricating or hydraulic oil includes a fluid transfer unit that includes an inlet port and an outlet port. The inlet port can be in fluid communication with a source of the used lubricating or hydraulic oil. The fluid transfer unit can define a fluid path. The apparatus can include a first adsorbent and a second adsorbent in the fluid path. The first adsorbent can include cellulose. The second adsorbent can include silica gel.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for on-the-go humidifying an insufflation gas through water vapor transfer from a liquid to the insufflation gas through a barrier separating the gas from the liquid to enable the gas in a normally trauma inducing state to be brought to a conditioned state. If the gas is at an improper insufflation temperature the temperature of the gas can be brought to the proper insufflation temperature at the same time the gas is humidified through heat transfer through the barrier.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention provide venting and filtration systems with a membrane that is permeable to gas and substantially impermeable liquid. The systems can remove a gas from a liquid entrained with gas. The systems can include a reservoir in fluid communication with the membrane and a liquid outlet. The membrane can help prevent the gas from reaching the liquid outlet.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention provide a carbonation system or gas delivery system including a liquid inlet, a gas inlet, a mixture outlet, and a mixing cartridge or membrane module. The mixing cartridge or membrane module can enhance the simultaneous absorption of gas and the transfer of heat out of the liquid.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention provide a reverse osmosis system including a feed water inlet, a reverse osmosis module coupled to the feed water inlet, and at least one blend valve. The blend valve can be coupled to a permeate outlet and the, feed water inlet and can be capable of blending the feed water and the permeate water to produce mixed water. The blend valve can be adjusted to achieve a desired TDS level in the mixed water.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention provide a membrane between a first stream of fluid that is partially or wholly in a gas phase and a second stream of fluid. The membrane includes a porous support and pores filled with a gel. The gel can selectively facilitate a transfer of compounds from the first stream to the second stream. The gel can be partially composed of the transferred compounds or materials with similar properties to the transferred compounds.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention provide a membrane module including a first plurality of fibers capable of filtering fluids that are helically wound in layers creating a mono helix. Fluids to be treated can flow radially with respect to a longitudinal axis of the mono helix or parallel to the longitudinal axis of the mono helix. The membrane module can further include a second plurality of fibers that are helically wound with the first plurality of fibers to create a dual helix. The second plurality of fibers can have different properties than the first plurality of fibers in order to achieve different filtering functionalities.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention provide a membrane module including a first plurality of fibers capable of filtering fluids that are helically wound in layers creating a mono helix. Fluids to be treated can flow radially with respect to a longitudinal axis of the mono helix or parallel to the longitudinal axis of the mono helix. The membrane module can further include a second plurality of fibers that are helically wound with the first plurality of fibers to create a dual helix. The second plurality of fibers can have different properties than the first plurality of fibers in order to achieve different filtering functionalities.