Abstract: A separation container for extracting a portion of a sample for use or testing and method for preparing samples for downstream use or testing are provided. The separation container may include a body defining an internal chamber. The body may define an opening, and the body may be configured to receive the sample within the internal chamber. The separation container may further include a seal disposed across the opening, such that the seal may be configured to seal the opening of the body, and a plunger movably disposed at least partially inside the internal chamber. The plunger may be configured to be actuated to open the seal and express the portion of the sample.

Abstract: An active configurator can include an interface and a controller coupled to the interface. The controller of the active configurator can receive a number of inputs, via the interface, from a user, wherein the inputs are associated with a proposed installation. The controller of the active configurator can also evaluate the inputs using at least one external system communicably coupled to the controller. The controller of the active configurator can also present, using the interface, the inputs in a graphical format, wherein the graphical format presents a physical representation of the proposed installation.

Abstract: The present invention provides improved light delivery catheters for use in therapeutic methods, such as PDT, that require illumination of target tissue within a blood vessel or other hollow body organ. An improved catheter includes an optical fiber that transmits light from a light source at the proximal end of the catheter shaft to a light treatment zone. An occlusion balloon on the distal end of the catheter shaft adjacent to the light treatment zone receives fluid via an inflation lumen in the catheter shaft. An infusion lumen connects with a plurality of infusion ports at the light treatment zone to deliver infusion fluid to the hollow body organ so that blood can be flushed from the region between the light treatment zone and target tissue.

Abstract: The present invention pertains to improved methods for the destruction of undesirable tissue using photodynamic therapy (PDT) and/or sonodynamic therapy (SDT). Such methods include the use of fractionated dosing of the photosensitizer or sonosensitizer to ensure that the sensitizer can be found in various compartments of the tissue and appropriate vasculature prior to the application of activating energy such as electromagnetic radiation or ultrasonic energy.

Abstract: A method for inhibiting or suppressing stenosis associated with an arteriovenous access. A dosage of photosensitive compound is introduced into the artery or vein. An anastomotic area of the artery or vein is then exposed to a source of light having a wavelength suitable for photoactivating the photosensitive compound for a period of time sufficient to provide a therapeutic effect. A method is also described for the delivery of drugs into the anastomotic site of an AV access to inhibit the formation of stenotic lesions at those sites.

Abstract: The present invention provides improved light delivery catheters for use in therapeutic methods, such as PDT, that require illumination of target tissue within a blood vessel or other hollow body organ. An improved catheter comprises a catheter shaft having a light treatment zone at its distal end. A light guide, such as an optical fiber, in the catheter shaft transmits light from a light source at the proximal end of the catheter shaft to the light treatment zone. An occlusion balloon is positioned on the distal end of the catheter shaft adjacent to the light treatment zone. An inflation lumen in the catheter shaft, and in fluid communication with the balloon, delivers fluid from an inflation fluid source at the proximal end of the catheter shaft to the balloon. An infusion lumen in the catheter shaft delivers infusion fluid from an infusion fluid source at the proximal end of the catheter shaft to the light treatment zone.

Abstract: The invention relates to the site specific delivery of drugs in an organism. The described methods facilitate the delivery of a therapeutic or diagnostic drug by increasing vascular permeability in a site specific manner. Vascular permeability is enhanced in the disclosed methods by using a combination of a photosensitizer and radiation applied to a site of interest.

Abstract: A hydraulically operated fan for a cooling system in an automotive vehicle. Two hydraulic motors drive a common fan shaft. A control system provides means to bypass flow in parallel with both motors or direct flow to both or one of the motors dependent on inlet flow and cooling signal conditions.

Abstract: An improved hydraulic motor system, suitable for driving an automotive cooling fan or the like. The system is driven by grade gerotor set and an idle gerotor set which are stacked between a center plate and against a rear wall of a cylindrical cavity in a front face of a manifold. A fluid-tight chamber is established by securing an end frame can around the stacked gerotor sets and against the perimeter of the manifold cavity. Tightness of the seal is controlled by positioning a resilient cover plate against the end frame can from a position opposite the manifold, and adjustably clamping the resilient cover against the manifold until the resilient cover has undergone a predetermined amount of elastic deformation.

Abstract: A method for inhibiting or suppressing stenosis associated with an arteriovenous access. A dosage of photosensitive compound is introduced into the artery or vein. An anastomotic area of the artery or vein is then exposed to a source of light having a wavelength suitable for photoactivating the photosensitive compound for a period of time sufficient to provide a therapeutic effect. A method is also described for the delivery of drugs into the anastomotic site of an AV access to inhibit the formation of stenotic lesions at those sites.

Abstract: An improved hydraulic motor system, suitable for driving an automotive cooling fan or the like. The system is driven by grade gerotor set and an idle gerotor set which are stacked between a center plate and against a rear wall of a cylindrical cavity in a front face of a manifold. A fluid-tight chamber is established by securing an end frame can around the stacked gerotor sets and against the perimeter of the manifold cavity. Tightness of the seal is controlled by positioning a resilient cover plate against the end frame can from a position opposite the manifold, and adjustably clamping the resilient cover against the manifold until the resilient cover has undergone a predetermined amount of elastic deformation.

Abstract: A hydraulically operated fan for a cooling system in an automotive vehicle. Two hydraulic motors drive a common fan shaft. A control system provides means to bypass flow in parallel with both motors or direct flow to both or one of the motors dependent on inlet flow and cooling signal conditions.

Abstract: A hydraulic machine of the gerotor type. The machine uses two gerotors which are preferably coplanar, and positioned nearly concentric to each other. This dual arrangement approximately doubles the displacement of hydraulic fluid per revolution, compared with a single gerotor, and thus doubles power transfer. Yet the housing containing the gerotors need only be large enough to contain the larger gerotor.

Abstract: A hydraulically powered fan system for the cooling system of a vehicle. Two hydraulic motors, powered by a hydraulic pump, drive a common fan which cools a radiator. When hydraulic flow in excess of that required to power a single motor is present, a second motor is placed in parallel with the single motor, thereby reducing system pressure, and reducing the power consumed by the pump.

Abstract: A hydraulically powered fan system for the cooling system of a vehicle. Two hydraulic motors, powered by a hydraulic pump, drive a common fan which cools a radiator. When hydraulic flow in excess of that required to power a single motor is present, a second motor is placed in parallel with the single motor, thereby reducing system pressure, and reducing the power consumed by the pump.

Abstract: A fluid control system for powering vehicle accessories includes a pump for generating a supply flow of hydraulic fluid. The system also includes a fluid valve assembly having a housing which includes an inlet, a first outlet, a second outlet, and a third outlet defined therein. The inlet is in fluid communication with the supply flow of fluid. The fluid valve assembly provides (1) a first fluid path between the inlet and the first outlet, (2) a second fluid path between the inlet and the second outlet, and (3) a third fluid path between the inlet and the third outlet. The system also includes a fan motor for rotating an engine cooling fan. The fan motor is in fluid communication with the first outlet. Moreover, the system includes a steering control circuit which is in fluid communication with the second outlet. The system further includes a reservoir which is in fluid communication with the third outlet. A method of controlling fluid flow between a plurality of vehicle components is also disclosed.

Abstract: A convertible pillow having two head rolls coupled by a headrest in a spaced-apart relationship, each having a support member coupled thereto allowing for conversion into a variety of configurations. Attachment members are coupled to the head rolls and the support members for holding convertible pillow in a pillow configuration, and in a head immobilizing configuration. The convertible pillow is securely attached to a mattress by placing a mattress sock over the end of the mattress and attaching the convertible pillow to the mattress sock by the attachment members.

Abstract: This invention relates to vehicle bumpers and more particularly to vehicle bumpers with frangible or resiliently collapsible parts which break-away or distort on impact to minimize the loss of control which often occurs when metal and other more usual types of bumpers bend on impact and puncture tires or produce undesirable braking action or become entangled with other parts of the vehicle. This invention is characterized by a vehicle bumper construction wherein at least a portion thereof, and preferably the entire device, is of one-piece construction and is comprised of a frangible and collapsible or otherwise deformable member including a central portion and one or more integral end portions all made of a material such as plastic impregnated fiber glass or rubber-like materials, which end portions extend in front of one or both of the vehicle wheels and fracture and breakoff on impact rather than bend.

Abstract: This invention relates to vehicle bumpers and more particularly to vehicle bumpers with frangible or resiliently collapsible parts which break-away or distort on impact to minimize the loss of control which often occurs when metal and other more usual types of bumpers bend on impact and puncture tires or produce undesirable braking action or become entangled with other parts of the vehicle. This invention is characterized by a vehicle bumper construction wherein at least a portion thereof is comprised of a frangible and collapsible or otherwise deformable end portion made of materials such as plastic impregnated fiber glass or rubberlike materials which extend in front of one or both of the vehicle wheels, which end portions may be attached to reduced length metal or wood bumpers and fracture and breakoff or distort on impact but do not bend into contact with other parts of the vehicle.