Abstract: A healthcare simulation system including a mannequin with active physiological characteristics, a display monitor adapted for displaying physiological parameters, and a computer for controlling the mannequin and the monitor. A healthcare simulation method including the steps of programming the computer with healthcare scenarios, operating active characteristics of the mannequin, and dynamically displaying physiological parameters corresponding to patient vital signs. Alternative aspects of the invention include tools, such as computers and other equipment, for obtaining and displaying information and for interconnecting and interfacing participants, subjects and controllers in training systems and methods. Additional aspects of the invention include systems and methods for glucometer simulation and training. Further embodiments include simulated body parts configured for holding simulated bodily fluid for capillary puncture and/or injection simulation.

Abstract: A healthcare simulation system including a mannequin with active physiological characteristics, a display monitor adapted for displaying physiological parameters, and a computer for controlling the mannequin and the monitor. A healthcare simulation method including the steps of programming the computer with healthcare scenarios, operating active characteristics of the mannequin, and dynamically displaying physiological parameters corresponding to patient vital signs. Alternative aspects of the invention include tools, such as computers and other equipment, for obtaining and displaying information and for interconnecting and interfacing participants, subjects and controllers in training systems and methods. Systems and methods for glucometer simulation and training are also disclosed.

Abstract: A healthcare simulation system including a mannequin with active physiological characteristics, a display monitor adapted for displaying physiological parameters, and a computer for controlling the mannequin and the monitor. A healthcare simulation method including the steps of programming the computer with healthcare scenarios, operating active characteristics of the mannequin, and dynamically displaying physiological parameters corresponding to patient vital signs. Alternative aspects of the invention include tools, such as computers and other equipment, for obtaining and displaying information and for interconnecting and interfacing participants, subjects and controllers in training systems and methods. Additional aspects of the invention include systems and methods for glucometer simulation and training. An embodiment includes a simulated finger configured for holding simulated blood serum and for puncture with a lancet.

Abstract: A healthcare simulation system including a mannequin with active physiological characteristics, a display monitor adapted for displaying physiological parameters, and a computer for controlling the mannequin and the monitor. A healthcare simulation method including the steps of programming the computer with healthcare scenarios, operating active characteristics of the mannequin, and dynamically displaying physiological parameters corresponding to patient vital signs. Alternative aspects of the invention include tools, such as computers and other equipment, for obtaining and displaying information and for interconnecting and interfacing participants, subjects and controllers in training systems and methods. Additional aspects of the invention include systems and methods for glucometer simulation and training.

Abstract: A preloaded resistance pack and exercise device. The resistance pack includes an elastomeric resistance element coupled to a hub and disposed on a plate. The hub includes a pair of radially extending wings that lie against a surface of the plate. The plate includes a pair of raised tabs that lie within a rotational path of the wings. An initial rotation of the hub relative to the plate causes the wings to slide over and beyond the raised tabs and at least partially stretches the resistance element. Interaction between the tabs and wings prevents the hub from rotating back to an initial position and maintains the resistance element in a preloaded, tensioned condition. The exercise device is configured to detect a number of the resistance packs coupled thereto as well as data associated with exercise movements employing the resistance packs.

Abstract: A medical waste fluid collection and disposal system includes a medical waste fluid collection cart including first and second fluid collection canisters. A valve assembly selectively communicates with the canisters and a valve drive system controls the valve assembly. A liquid level sensor is positioned within each of the canisters. A cart processor communicates with the liquid level sensors and the valve drive system. A cart drain line communicates with the valve assembly and a receptacle, a cart flushing line communicates with the valve assembly and the receptacle and a cart data line and a cart power line communicate with the cart processor and the cart receptacle. A station includes a drain pump that communicates with a drainage system and a station drain line, a flushing pump that communicates with a source of washing liquid and a station flushing line and a station processor in communication with the drain and flushing pumps. A station data line communicates with the station processor.

Abstract: A clamp assembly for supporting multiple elongate rails in a rail tie-down car utilizes spring-loaded, hydraulically actuated clamp assemblies to clamp individual rails to the tie-down car. Each clamp assembly incorporates at least two clamp members which act opposite one another to prevent the rail secured in place by the clamps from sliding in either longitudinal direction.

Abstract: A healthcare simulation system including a mannequin with active physiological characteristics, a display monitor adapted for displaying physiological parameters, and a computer for controlling the mannequin and the monitor. A healthcare simulation method including the steps of programming the computer with healthcare scenarios, operating active characteristics of the mannequin, and dynamically displaying physiological parameters corresponding to patient vital signs. Alternative aspects of the invention include tools, such as computers and other equipment, for obtaining and displaying information and for interconnecting and interfacing participants, subjects and controllers in training systems and methods. Additional aspects of the invention include systems and methods for glucometer simulation and training. An embodiment includes a simulated finger configured for holding simulated blood serum and for puncture with a lancet.

Abstract: A fail-safe release mechanism for use with patient positioning support apparati having a base structure and a patient support structure, to prevent collapse of the patient support during disconnection of the patient support structure from the base structure.

Abstract: A medical waste fluid collection cart may include a container assembly and a suction tube having a lumen extending through the suction tube. The suction tube may communicate with the container to deposit waste fluid from a surgical site in the container. The container assembly may include a container, a base forming a bottom of the container, and a lid assembly. The base may include an interior surface defining a draining opening. The interior surface may extend along a ramped path toward the drain opening. The lid assembly may include a lid ring and a lid capable of engaging each other with a twist lock mechanism. The lid ring may engage the container and the lid may cover at least part of a central opening to the container. The container may have a window and a tinting assembly. The container assembly may have a vacuum level detection system.

Abstract: An insert and a device are provided. The device can include a body portion and a slot defined through the body portion. The slot can be configured for receiving a strap that can secure the device in place relative to the strap. The insert can be designed to strengthen the device by being inserted into the device and receiving the strap. The insert can include a main body portion and a projecting body portion. The projecting body portion can include a slot similarly sized to the slot of the device so that when the insert is positioned within the device, the slot of the insert and the slot of the device generally align. The projecting body of the insert can include inward flanges to define part of an upper boundary of the slot and assist in securing the strap within the slot.

Abstract: A rod reduction tool assembly includes an outer tube with outer tangs for engaging a bone anchor, an inner partially tubular pin support and a threaded cap mated to the outer tube and engaging the inner pin support.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a method and automated transfer means for transferring a container within an apparatus. The apparatus of the present invention may include a means for automated loading, a means for automated transfer and/or a means for automated unloading of a container (e.g., a specimen container). In one embodiment, the apparatus can be an automated detection apparatus for rapid non-invasive detection of a microbial agent in a test sample. The detection system also including a heated enclosure, a holding means or rack, and/or a detection unit for monitoring and/or interrogating the specimen container to detect whether the container is positive for the presence of a microbial agent. In other embodiment, the automated instrument may include one or more, bar code readers, scanners, cameras, and/or weighing stations to aid in scanning, reading, imaging and weighing of specimen containers within the system.

Abstract: A patient support structure includes a pair of independently height-adjustable supports, each connected to a patient support. The supports may be independently raised, lowered, rolled or tilted about a longitudinal axis, laterally shifted and angled upwardly or downwardly. Position sensors are provided to sense all of the foregoing movements. The sensors communicate data to a computer for coordinated adjustment and maintenance of the inboard ends of the patient supports in an approximated position during such movements. A longitudinal translator provides for compensation in the length of the structure when the supports are angled upwardly or downwardly. A patient trunk translator provides coordinated translational movement of the patient's upper body along the respective patient support in a caudad or cephalad direction as the patient supports are angled upwardly or downwardly for maintaining proper spinal biomechanics and avoiding undue spinal traction or compression.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a method and automated transfer means for transferring a container within an apparatus. The apparatus of the present invention may include a means for automated loading, a means for automated transfer and/or a means for automated unloading of a container (e.g., a specimen container). In one embodiment, the apparatus can be an automated detection apparatus for rapid non-invasive detection of a microbial agent in a test sample. The detection system also including a heated enclosure, a holding means or rack, and/or a detection unit for monitoring and/or interrogating the specimen container to detect whether the container is positive for the presence of a microbial agent. In other embodiment, the automated instrument may include one or more, bar code readers, scanners, cameras, and/or weighing stations to aid in scanning, reading, imaging and weighing of specimen containers within the system.

Abstract: A healthcare simulation system including a mannequin with active physiological characteristics, a display monitor adapted for displaying physiological parameters, and a computer for controlling the mannequin and the monitor. A healthcare simulation method including the steps of programming the computer with healthcare scenarios, operating active characteristics of the mannequin, and dynamically displaying physiological parameters corresponding to patient vital signs. Alternative aspects of the invention include tools, such as computers and other equipment, for obtaining and displaying information and for interconnecting and interfacing participants, subjects and controllers in training systems and methods. Systems and methods for glucometer simulation and training are also disclosed.

Abstract: A healthcare simulation system including a mannequin with active physiological characteristics, a display monitor adapted for displaying physiological parameters, and a computer for controlling the mannequin and the monitor. A healthcare simulation method including the steps of programming the computer with healthcare scenarios, operating active characteristics of the mannequin, and dynamically displaying physiological parameters corresponding to patient vital signs. Alternative aspects of the invention include tools, such as computers and other equipment, for obtaining and displaying information and for interconnecting and interfacing participants, subjects and controllers in training systems and methods. Additional aspects of the invention include systems and methods for glucometer simulation and training.

Abstract: An apparatus for transferring a supine patient to a prone position on a patient positioning support system, and for rotating such a prone patient between prone and supine positions without removing the patient from the patient positioning support system.

Abstract: A rod reduction tool assembly includes an outer tube with outer tangs for engaging a bone anchor, an inner partially tubular pin support and a threaded cap mated to the outer tube and engaging the inner pin support.