Abstract: The disclosure relates to the medical device field. In particular, the disclosure relates to a dynamically controlled plasma scalpel in combination with an imaging system to selectively remove biofilm while minimizing damage to healthy tissue. Systems and apparatuses according to the disclosure include: (1) dynamically controlled plasma scalpel, (2) biofilm imaging system, (3) computer control system, (4) three-dimensional scalpel positioning stage, and (5) biofilm detritus removal system.

Abstract: The present invention comprises methods and compositions for antimicrobial devices comprising metal containing compositions which are resistant to heat and light discoloration. The metal containing compositions may comprise salts or complexes of silver, copper or zinc. In one aspect the compositions comprise silver salts. In another aspect, the compositions comprise silver complexes. In one aspect, the metal salts may comprise metal salts of saccharin, acesulfame, long chain fatty acids, and alkyl dicarboxylic acids. The compositions further comprise polymers which form salts or complexes with silver, copper or zinc. The methods of the present invention comprise treating devices with the metal containing compositions, including, but not limited to, such devices as woven wound care materials, catheters, patient care devices, and collagen matrices. The present invention further comprises treatment of humans and animals with the antimicrobial devices described herein.

Abstract: The disclosure relates to the medical device field. In particular, the disclosure relates to a dynamically controlled plasma scalpel in combination with an imaging system to selectively remove biofilm while minimizing damage to healthy tissue. Systems and apparatuses according to the disclosure include: (1) dynamically controlled plasma scalpel, (2) biofilm imaging system, (3) computer control system, (4) three-dimensional scalpel positioning stage, and (5) biofilm detritus removal system.

Abstract: A header plate for a heat exchanger includes a first side flange, a second side flange spaced apart from and opposing the first flange, and a generally planar surface located between and connecting the first and second flanges. The generally planar surface and the first and second side flanges together at least partially define an internal volume of the heat exchanger. The header plate also includes a bead formed into the generally planar surface to locally deform the surface in a direction away from the internal volume, the bead extending to and blending into the first side flange. The header plate also includes a tube receiving opening extending through the generally planar surface into the internal volume, the tube receiving opening extending through the bead.

Abstract: The present invention comprises methods and compositions for antimicrobial silver compositions comprising silver nanoparticles. The present invention further comprises compositions for preparing silver nanoparticles comprising at least one stabilizing agent, one or more silver compounds, at least one reducing agent and a solvent. In one aspect, the stabilizing agent comprises a surfactant or a polymer. The polymer may comprise polymers such as polyacrylamides, polyurethanes, and polyamides. In one aspect, the silver compound comprises a salt comprising a silver cation and an anion. The anion may comprise saccharinate derivatives, long chain fatty acids, and alkyl dicarboxylates. The methods of the present invention comprise treating devices with the silver nanoparticle compositions, including, but not limited to, such devices as woven wound care materials, catheters, patient care devices, and collagen matrices.

Abstract: A header plate for a heat exchanger includes a first side flange, a second side flange spaced apart from and opposing the first flange, and a generally planar surface located between and connecting the first and second flanges. The generally planar surface and the first and second side flanges together at least partially define an internal volume of the heat exchanger. The header plate also includes a bead formed into the generally planar surface to locally deform the surface in a direction away from the internal volume, the bead extending to and blending into the first side flange. The header plate also includes a tube receiving opening extending through the generally planar surface into the internal volume, the tube receiving opening extending through the bead.

Abstract: The present invention comprises methods and compositions for antimicrobial devices comprising metal containing compositions which are resistant to heat and light discoloration. The metal containing compositions may comprise salts or complexes of silver, copper or zinc. In one aspect the compositions comprise silver salts. In another aspect, the compositions comprise silver complexes. In one aspect, the metal salts may comprise metal salts of saccharin, acesulfame, long chain fatty acids, and alkyl dicarboxylic acids. The compositions further comprise polymers which form salts or complexes with silver, copper or zinc. The methods of the present invention comprise treating devices with the metal containing compositions, including, but not limited to, such devices as woven wound care materials, catheters, patient care devices, and collagen matrices. The present invention further comprises treatment of humans and animals with the antimicrobial devices described herein.

Abstract: The present invention comprises methods and compositions for antimicrobial silver compositions comprising silver nanoparticles. The present invention further comprises compositions for preparing silver nanoparticles comprising at least one stabilizing agent, one or more silver compounds, at least one reducing agent and a solvent. In one aspect, the stabilizing agent comprises a surfactant or a polymer. The polymer may comprise polymers such as polyacrylamides, polyurethanes, and polyamides. In one aspect, the silver compound comprises a salt comprising a silver cation and an anion. The anion may comprise saccharinate derivatives, long chain fatty acids, and alkyl dicarboxylates. The methods of the present invention comprise treating devices with the silver nanoparticle compositions, including, but not limited to, such devices as woven wound care materials, catheters, patient care devices, and collagen matrices.