Abstract: A flexible, steerable intravascular catheter includes an elongate flexible shaft having a heterogeneous or multi-zone stiffness profile or structure. A first or distal portion of the catheter shaft may have a substantially constant or distinct stiffness or flexibility, a second, intermediate or transition section is proximal relative to, and less flexible than, the first section, and a third section is proximal relative to, and also less more flexible than, the first section. The third section also includes a substantially constant or distinct stiffness or flexibility. The flexibility or stiffness of the second section varies along its length, e.g., in a substantially linear, step-like or ramp-like manner to provide a smooth or gradual transition between the stiffness of the first or distal section and the flexibility or stiffness of the third or proximal section.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a valve that has an orifice closing member adjacent to an orifice through which fluid can flow, a displacement member having a first portion and a second portion, where the first portion is adjacent to the orifice closing member when the valve is in an open position, a first magnet and a second magnet where the first and second magnets are sufficiently proximate to the displacement member to exert a magnetic force on the displacement member, and an actuator for generating a magnetic field to move the displacement member toward the first magnet, cause the first portion to press against the orifice closing member, and cause the orifice closing member to close the orifice.

Abstract: A photo-acoustic flow meter for use in dialysis is described, that uses an optical beam to generate an acoustic signal in the fluid for which the flow rate is to be measured. The phase angle of the acoustic signal changes when traversing upstream and when traversing downstream. The phase difference between the acoustic signals received upstream and downstream, compared with a reference source signal is measured, and it yields the flow rate of the fluid.

Abstract: A mountable reporting source comprising a controller coupled with an interrogating component configured for automatically receiving an identifier which is unique to an asset. A position determining component coupled with the controller is configured for determining a geographic location of the mountable reporting source. A merge asset information enabling communications component is coupled with the controller and is configured for transmitting a message conveying the identifier, the geographic location and a first portion of information about the asset. The mountable reporting source is associated with the asset based on the characteristics of the asset and the objectives of the construction project. An asset management system is enabled to merge the first portion of information about the asset reported by the mountable reporting source with a second portion of information about the asset reported by another reporting source.

Abstract: This invention in the broadest sense comprises a ski boot, freely pivoting at the ankle, in combination with an adjustable suspension shock absorber to control and optimize compression and rebound damping characteristics. In the preferred embodiment, the ski boot would comprise a rigid, pivoting exoskeleton (providing the lateral stiffness and torsional control), a sub-boot (providing padding, thermal insulation, and water-proofing), and a fully adjustable pneumatic/hydraulic/spring suspension system (providing adjustable fore-aft stiffness, shock absorption, and rebound damping). The object of the invention is to optimize ski boot performance by separating the necessary boot components, allowing them to be designed to optimize different performance characteristics.

Abstract: A transseptal needle and other structures and methods may include an outer conduit, for example one that may be subject to skiving, and a needle or other sharp structure within the outer conduit. A material no softer than the needle is positioned between the needle and the outer conduit so that the needle does not skive the inside surface of the outer conduit when the needle and outer conduit move relative to each other.

Abstract: The present invention relates to catheter balloons wherein the balloon are constructed of hydrophilic energy conductive polymers. It also relates to catheter balloons that self-anchor at a target site in a patient's body. Finally, it relates to catheter balloons with very small cross-sectional profiles at the distal end.