Abstract: A drain cassette for a dialysis unit has a fluid channel between venous and arterial connection ports, and a valve may controllably open and close fluid communication between a drain outlet port and the venous connection port or the arterial connection port. A blood circuit assembly and drain cassette may be removable from the dialysis unit, e.g., by hand and without the use of tools. A blood circuit assembly may include a single, unitary member that defines portions of a pair of blood pumps, control valves, channels to accurately position flexible tubing for an occluder, an air trap support, and/or other portions of the assembly. A blood circuit assembly engagement device may assist with retaining a blood circuit assembly on the dialysis unit, and/or with removal of the assembly. An actuator may operate a retainer element and an ejector element that interact with the assembly.

Abstract: An automated order fulfillment system and mobile robot are disclosed, where the mobile robot includes a compliant drive for moving between levels of a multilevel storage structure. In one example, the compliant drive comprises a drive shaft having splines configured to provide rotational play that prevents jamming of a vertical drive gear on the end of the shaft with a rack in a vertical track.

Abstract: Hemodialysis and similar dialysis systems including a variety of systems and methods that make hemodialysis more efficient, easier, and/or more affordable, and include new fluid circuits for fluid flow in hemodialysis systems and a reciprocating diaphragm pump for pumping fluids. The reciprocating diaphragm pump includes a flexible diaphragm, a first rigid body having a curved pumping chamber wall, a second rigid body having an opposing curved control chamber wall. The diaphragm is interposed between the pumping chamber wall and the control chamber wall to define a pumping chamber and a control chamber. The diaphragm of the pump has a peripheral bead arranged to locate the diaphragm between the first rigid body and the second rigid body and a diaphragm body having a curved, semi-spheroid or domed shape.

Abstract: A pumping cassette including a housing having at least two inlet fluid lines and at least two outlet fluid lines. At least one balancing pod within the housing and in fluid connection with the fluid paths. The balancing pod balances the flow of a first fluid and the flow of a second fluid such that the volume of the first fluid equals the volume of the second fluid. The balancing pod also includes a membrane that forms two balancing chambers. Also included in the cassette is at least two reciprocating pressure displacement membrane pumps. The pumps are within the housing and they pump the fluid from a fluid inlet to a fluid outlet line and pump the second fluid from a fluid inlet to a fluid outlet.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods for the diagnosis, prognosis and treatment of HCV-related disease. The method takes advantage of a novel reactive mechanism of the murine monoclonal antibody (mAb) 1F7 against human antibodies specific for different proteins of the Hepatitis C Virus (HCV) and Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). 1F7 recognizes antibodies against HCV core protein in a majority of HCV-infected individuals and antibodies against HCV non-structural proteins 3 (NS3) and NS4 in some HCV-infected individuals. 1F7 also recognizes antibodies against the putative principle neutralizing determinant (hypervariable and conserved region 1 of the HCV E2 protein) of HCV. The antibody can be used in various methods to detect HCV related disease and formulated with physiologically acceptable carriers in various compositions to treat HCV infection.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods for the diagnosis, prognosis and treatment of HCV-related disease. The method takes advantage of a novel reactive mechanism of the murine monoclonal antibody (mAb) 1F7 against human antibodies specific for different proteins of the Hepatitis C Virus (HCV) and Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). 1F7 recognizes antibodies against HCV core protein in a majority of HCV-infected individuals and antibodies against HCV non-structural proteins 3 (NS3) and NS4 in some HCV-infected individuals. 1F7 also recognizes antibodies against the putative principle neutralizing determinant (hypervariable and conserved region 1 of the HCV E2 protein) of HCV. The antibody can be used in various methods to detect HCV related disease and formulated with physiologically acceptable carriers in various compositions to treat HCV infection.

Abstract: A natural gas cylinder fitting and solenoid valve includes a solenoid-actuated poppet co-operating with an O-ring clamped to the floor of the valve cavity to selectively prevent or permit the passage of gas between a gas line and a natural gas cylinder. In an internally mounted embodiment, a fitting body adapted to be engaged in the neck of a cylinder isolates a low pressure region containing the electrical components of the solenoid.

Abstract: A sheet of book index tabs has a backing with a release coating and a plurality of index tabs on the backing sheet separated from each other by die-cut lines. Each index tab has a transparent film layer and transparent pressure sensitive adhesive which is temporarily attached to the release coating. Each tab has a centrally located, substantially opaque band of ink extending across the tab. Stripes of dark ink are printed along each edge of the band with each stripe being an equal distance from the adjacent edge of the tab. A score line on the bottom of the backing is centered opposite the center of the band of ink to facilitate creasing of the backing and index tab. The tab takes a permanent set along the crease and separates from the release coating along the set to facilitate peeling from the backing. Upon folding the index tab along the crease, the dark stripes are superimposed for placement along the edge of a document page as an aid to alignment.