Abstract: An alarm system module for an automobile includes: a logic circuit; an actual vehicle speed value input configured to receive an actual vehicle speed value from the automobile; a state selection input configured to receive a state selection instruction from a user; and a synthetic vehicle speed value output configured to output a synthetic vehicle speed value to the automobile. The logic circuit is configured so that, when the alarm system module is in the disarmed state, the synthetic vehicle speed value is approximately equal to the actual vehicle speed value, and when the alarm system module is in the armed state, the synthetic vehicle speed value is greater than a threshold value of approximately 2.5 km/hr.

Abstract: A method for operating an infusion pump is disclosed comprising: providing a pumping apparatus having an infusion pump and a processor operably coupled thereto; and a memory operably coupled to the processor, the memory comprising a library of selectable user interface screens stored therein. The library may include at least one sub-library. The method further includes the step of providing an operator-interface operably connected to the processor and comprising a touch screen. The operator interface receives input commands, displays input command prompts, and transmits at least input commands to the processor.

Abstract: An improved medication infusion pump is provided of the type for receiving and supporting a medication-containing syringe, wherein the pump and syringe include matingly interfitted components to ensure use of the pump with a compatible and correctly installed syringe. The infusion pump comprises a pump housing defining a syringe compartment for receiving and supporting the syringe, in combination with a drive member for engaging and programmably displacing a syringe plunger to administer medication to a patient. In one preferred form, the drive member and plunger include a matingly interfitting tab and notch which are engaged when the syringe is fully and properly positioned within the syringe compartment. In another form, the tab and notch are formed on the syringe plunger and a portion of the pump housing.

Abstract: A tri-fold dilatation catheter balloon and a method for preparing the same. The disclosed balloon has a tri-fold configuration in which the longitudinal creases defined by three flaps of the balloon are softened to ensure symmetrical deflation of the balloon into its tri-fold form. The tri-fold configuration initially imparted to the balloon by drawing the balloon into an longitudinal interstitial channel defined by three substantially cylindrical pins arranged in a pyramid-type stack. While the balloon is secured within this channel, negative pressure is applied to an inflation lumen of the balloon to deflate the balloon. Negative pressure is maintained on the inflation lumen as the balloon is withdrawn from the interstitial channel, and continues to be maintained while the creases defined by the three tri-fold flaps are heated with a longitudinal heating element. This softens the balloon material in longitudinal creases, so that the same creases will tend form whenever the balloon is deflated.