Abstract: A connector assembly couples signal lines for an optical catheter by providing a guided releasable latching mechanism that ensures optimal alignment with only a single vertical dimension under control. A receptacle carrying a first signal line defines a channel for receiving a plug carrying a second signal line. A spring-loaded pawl on the receptacle locks to a retaining bracket on the plug when the plug slides into the channel, imparting a retaining force on the plug, the force having a first component normal to channel and a second component parallel to the channel to maintain the first and second signal lines in optimal alignment. The retaining bracket may include a sloped edge to allow for easy release of the pawl in the presence of a release force. The release force may be set to allow disconnection of the assembly without affecting catheter installation or causing patient discomfort.

Abstract: A connector assembly couples signal lines for an optical catheter by providing a guided releasable latching mechanism that ensures optimal alignment with only a single vertical dimension under control. A receptacle carrying a first signal line defines a channel for receiving a plug carrying a second signal line. A spring-loaded pawl on the receptacle locks to a retaining bracket on the plug when the plug slides into the channel, imparting a retaining force on the plug, the force having a first component normal to channel and a second component parallel to the channel to maintain the first and second signal lines in optimal alignment. The retaining bracket may include a sloped edge to allow for easy release of the pawl in the presence of a release force. The release force may be set to allow disconnection of the assembly without affecting catheter installation or causing patient discomfort.

Abstract: A connector assembly couples signal lines for an optical catheter by providing a guided releasable latching mechanism that ensures optimal alignment with only a single vertical dimension under control. A receptacle carrying a first signal line defines a channel for receiving a plug carrying a second signal line. A spring-loaded pawl on the receptacle locks to a retaining bracket on the plug when the plug slides into the channel, imparting a retaining force on the plug, the force having a first component normal to channel and a second component parallel to the channel to maintain the first and second signal lines in optimal alignment. The retaining bracket may include a sloped edge to allow for easy release of the pawl in the presence of a release force. The release force may be set to allow disconnection of the assembly without affecting catheter installation or causing patient discomfort.

Abstract: A stackable integrated circuit chip package comprising a carrier and a flex circuit. The flex circuit itself comprises a flexible substrate having opposed top and bottom surfaces, and a conductive pattern which is disposed on the substrate. The chip package further comprises an integrated circuit chip which is electrically connected to the conductive pattern. The substrate is wrapped about and attached to at least a portion of the carrier such that the conductive pattern defines first and second portions which are each electrically connectable to another stackable integrated circuit chip package. The carrier is sized and configured to be releasably attachable to the carrier of at least one other identically configured stackable integrated circuit chip package in a manner wherein the chip packages, when attached to each other, are maintained in registry along first and second axes which are generally co-planar and extend in generally perpendicular relation to each other.

Abstract: A stackable integrated circuit chip package comprising a carrier and a flex circuit. The flex circuit itself comprises a flexible substrate having opposed top and bottom surfaces, and a conductive pattern which is disposed on the substrate. The chip package further comprises an integrated circuit chip which is electrically connected to the conductive pattern. The substrate is wrapped about and attached to at least a portion of the carrier such that the conductive pattern defines first and second portions which are each electrically connectable to another stackable integrated circuit chip package. The carrier is sized and configured to be releasably attachable to the carrier of at least one other identically configured stackable integrated circuit chip package in a manner wherein the chip packages, when attached to each other, are maintained in registry along first and second axes which are generally co-planar and extend in generally perpendicular relation to each other.

Abstract: A stackable integrated circuit chip package comprising a carrier and a flex circuit. The flex circuit itself comprises a flexible substrate having opposed top and bottom surfaces, and a conductive pattern which is disposed on the substrate. The substrate is wrapped about and attached to at least a portion of the carrier such that the conductive pattern defines first and second portions. The chip package further comprises an integrated circuit chip which is electrically connected to the first portion of the conductive pattern such that an air path is defined between the integrated circuit chip and the carrier. The chip package is configured such that the second portion of the conductive pattern and the integrated circuit chip are each electrically connectable to another stackable integrated circuit chip package.

Abstract: A tissue sampling device for retrieving multiple tissue samples from a body has a catheter and a tissue collector formed proximate the distal end of the catheter. The tissue collector is configured so as to facilitate the removal of a tissue sample from its in-situ anatomical location and so as to capture the tissue sample within the first lumen of the catheter. A passage provides fluid communication between a first lumen within which the collected tissue sample is disposed and a second lumen into which a fluid may be caused to flow. Flowing the fluid distally through the second lumen moves the tissue sample proximally through the first lumen so as to facilitate the collection of a plurality of such tissue samples.

Abstract: A device for performing an anterior capsulotomy procedure has an elongate tubular member with an opening formed near the distal end thereof. A cutter is movably disposed within the tubular member and has a blade formed thereon. A vacuum port is in fluid communication with the lumen of the tubular member. An actuator effects movement of the cutter so as to move the blade across the opening. The opening is configured to draw in a portion of a capsule when a vacuum is applied to the vacuum port such that the cutter forms a generally circular cut of a predetermined size in the capsule when the actuator is actuated.

Abstract: A device for performing an anterior capsulotomy procedure has an elongate tubular member with an opening formed near the distal end thereof. A cutter is movably disposed within the tubular member and has a blade formed thereon. A vacuum port is in fluid communication with the lumen of the tubular member. An actuator effects movement of the cutter so as to move the blade across the opening. The opening is configured to draw in a portion of a capsule when a vacuum is applied to the vacuum port such that the cutter forms a generally circular cut of a predetermined size in the capsule when the actuator is actuated.

Abstract: A whole blood sample needleless sample site includes a flow diverter between the ports and below the seal member to divert fluid away from the normal flow path between the ports and up towards the underside of the seal member to thereby flush same.

Abstract: A clip supports an elongated electrode within a nozzle of an electrosurgical handpiece used in gas electrocoagulation. The clip is preferably formed from a cylindrical tube which has been deformed into a configuration which has a central conduit-like section which engages and supports the electrode and two opposed conduit-like lobe portions which extend outward and slightly compress against the nozzle to hold the electrode and clip in place in the nozzle. The clip is formed by deforming a segment of a cylindrical tube into the clip around the tube. The clip and the attached electrode are inserted into the nozzle by resiliently compressing the clip by inserting a narrow end of the clip into a rear end of the nozzle and pushing the clip and the nozzle together, thereby resiliently compressing the clip as it slips into the nozzle.

Abstract: A cuvette comprising a housing having a passage therethrough and being adapted to receive blood. The housing has a wall with an outer face. An optical window leads from the outer face to the passage and the optical window is transmissive to an optical signal so that a parameter of blood in the passage can be measured. A magnet is carried by the wall and spaced from the optical window for use in providing information about the cuvette. The cuvette is releasably attachable to an optical head. The optical head includes a plurality of Hall effect transducers which respond to the position of the magnet on the housing so that the position of the magnet can be used to provide information about the cuvette.

Abstract: A pre-slit injection site (34) includes a housing (40) with a flow path therethrough. A first end (42) of the housing (40) carries a pre-slit septum (52). One form of a blunt cannula (98), usable with the injection site (34), carries a locking member (100). When the pre-slit injection site (34) slidably receives the blunt cannula (98), the locking member (100) latches to the injection site (34) and creates a mechanically coupled unit. Another form of the cannula (280) includes a tube having a tapered distal end region (298) and having elongate discharge slots (294) for reducing contact surface area and for directing the flow laterally out of the cannula. The cannula may also include a rounded lead post (330), an annular barb (394), and axially oriented grooves (268). A blood sampling system utilizing an in-line pre-slit injetion site (492) and a shielded blunt cannula (512).

Abstract: A self-occluding cannula assembly comprising a generally tubular cannula sheath having a connecting hub formed on one end thereof and including an occluding means positioned within the inner bore of said connecting hub. The occluding means comprises (a) a generally frusto conical dilator projection; (b) an elastomeric valving member positioned transversely within the bore of the connecting hub proximal to said dilator projection. The elastomeric valving member is peripherally axially compressed so as to cause displacement, distortion and/or rheological flowing of the elastomeric material thereof in a radially inward direction. An elastically openable and closable aperture is formed in the mid-portion of the valving member and the valving member is alternately movable between an "occluding" position wherein the aperture is closed so as to prevent fluid flow through the cannula and a "non-occluding" position wherein the aperture is open to allow fluid flow through the cannula.

Abstract: Disclosed is a self-occluding cannula assembly comprising a cannula sheath having a connector hub formed on one end thereof. A self-actuating occluding means is formed within the cannula assembly so as to prevent back flow of body fluids from the cannula. In the cannulae wherein an introducer needle is initially axially positioned within the cannula lumen, the occluding means will permit desired withdrawal of the needle but will thereafter immediately occlude the cannula lumen to prevent back flow therethrough. The occluding means is further adapted to shift to a "non-occluded" configuration upon connection of a second infusion or monitoring tube to the proximal end of the cannula. If, during use, the infusion/monitoring tube should become disconnected, the occluding means will again shift to its "occluded" configuration so as to prevent back flow of fluids from the cannula until such time as the infusion/monitoring line is reconnected.

Abstract: Substantially continuous fluid delivery in a variable-speed peristaltic pump is achieved by operating the pump at maximum speed through most of the deadband regardless of the delivery rate. Safety means are disclosed to monitor the correct operation of the speed control.

Abstract: Method and apparatus are disclosed for drawing blood from an injection site through an arterial line connected to a fluid supply. The apparatus includes a variable capacity pump mechanism housing having inner walls defining an interior chamber. The housing includes first and second ports connected to a variable capacity interior chamber. A retractable piston is disposed within the housing and is adapted to traverse within the chamber. A piston sealing member is provided about the piston in slidable sealing engagement with the chamber walls to cause fluid to be drawn into the chamber, thereby facilitating the extraction of a blood sample along the arterial line without the need to discharge an initial sample containing disproportionate amounts of supply fluid.