Abstract: A needle inserter comprising an elongated handle having a first end portion and a second end portion, a releasable support at the first end portion and an elongated element extending perpendicularly from the first end portion and includes a perpendicular extending distal end. The needle inserter operates such that an embroidery needle is supported on the needle inserter by the releasable support and by the distal end. The needle inserter further operates to allow a user to hold the needle inserter to move the embroidery needle such that the embroidery needle engages with the retaining member such that the embroidery needle is retained in its proper orientation and alignment and to allow the user to move the needle inserter such that the embroidery needle disengages from the needle inserter.

Abstract: A force-feedback assembly includes a first shaft with a shaft end. The first shaft is movable between a shaft first position and a shaft second position. The force-feedback assembly also includes a compliant element arranged to exert a return force on the first shaft and bias the first shaft toward the shaft first position. The force-feedback assembly additionally includes a ramp in sliding engagement with the shaft end. The force-feedback assembly further includes an operator input device operatively coupled to the ramp. The operator input device has a device first position and a device second position. Moving the operator input device from the device first position to the device second position slides the ramp relative to the shaft end and moves the first shaft from the shaft first position to the shaft second position.

Abstract: A force-feedback assembly includes a first shaft with a shaft end. The first shaft is movable between a shaft first position and a shaft second position. The force-feedback assembly also includes a compliant element arranged to exert a return force on the first shaft and bias the first shaft toward the shaft first position. The force-feedback assembly additionally includes a ramp in sliding engagement with the shaft end. The force-feedback assembly further includes an operator input device operatively coupled to the ramp. The operator input device has a device first position and a device second position. Moving the operator input device from the device first position to the device second position slides the ramp relative to the shaft end and moves the first shaft from the shaft first position to the shaft second position.

Abstract: Optical information media having high pressure-at-break values, and methods for determining pressure-at-break values are disclosed. The media have high structural integrities, and are designed to confer greater resistance to delamination forces as compared to conventional optical information media.

Abstract: An automatically variable vehicle ground clearance for motor vehicles with semi-elliptical spring suspensions. A drive member is placed at each wheel corner to be height adjusted, the drive member being motor driven. An operator may select a height preference by operation of a switch, or a controller may provide a range of height selections based upon an algorithm which is responsive to sensed vehicle ride conditions, as for example vehicle speed, to optimize vehicle performance.

Abstract: Methods and systems for the rapid evaluation of optical media reliability are disclosed. Simultaneous exposure of optical media to heat, humidity, and light has been found to be an effective test to differentiate more stable media from less stable media in a reasonable amount of time.

Abstract: An automatically variable vehicle ground clearance for motor vehicles with semi-elliptical spring suspensions. A drive member is placed at each wheel corner to be height adjusted, the drive member being motor driven. An operator may select a height preference by operation of a switch, or a controller may provide a range of height selections based upon an algorithm which is responsive to sensed vehicle ride conditions, as for example vehicle speed, to optimize vehicle performance.

Abstract: Optical information media having high pressure-at-break values, and methods for determining pressure-at-break values are disclosed. The media have high structural integrities, and are designed to confer greater resistance to delamination forces as compared to conventional optical information media.

Abstract: A light reflector assembly for providing selective direct and indirect lighting includes a first section reflecting light from a first light source in a first direction and a second section reflecting light from a second light source in a second direction. The first section and the second section are connected by a central section or by end caps. The first section substantially surrounds a first light source to provide direct lighting for the user, and the second section substantially surrounds a second light source to provide indirect lighting for the user, either at the same time or independently, as desired by the user. The position of the first and second section may be adjusted to control the light dispersed by the light sources as desired by the user, and may further include secondary reflectors or diffusers for adjustment of the light.

Abstract: A radiopaque composition and implant comprising a mixture of a polymer, such as polyetherketone (PEEK), polyetherketone (PEK), polyetherketoneketone (PEKK), polyetherimide, or polyphenylsulfone, and bismuth trioxide (BiO3) is provided. The mixture comprises BiO3 of about twenty to thirty percent (20% to 30%) by weight. The composition is useful in radiopaque implants for mammals including humans, such as in catheters, stents, screws, anchors, dental caps and posts, bone and joint replacements, and the like. The composition is also useful for radiopaque markers in implants and for radiopaque articles used in surgical and other in vivo procedures. The radiopaque items can be easily identified and located in a patient's body via X-ray examination or fluoroscopy.

Abstract: A device and methods are provided, the device comprising a conductive union disposed in a conductive holder, a first fitting capable of coupling with the holder and fluidly communicating with the conductive union, and a spray tip disposed in the fitting and communicating with the conductive union along an axis. The device also comprises a ferrule and fitting capable of coupling with a second holder and communicating with a second conductive union, a tube disposed in the ferrule and fluidly communicating with the first conductive union and the spray tip along the axis. The assembly also includes an insulating member removably secured to the first and second conductive unions to electrically insulate them when they are electrically connected to first and second voltage levels, respectively.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for isolating a component of a microfluidic analytical system are provided. An isolation manifold including a housing is used to isolate a sensitive component of a microfluidic analytical system from environmental noise and interference, such as mechanical vibrations and the like. The housing of the manifold includes an interior portion and a recess adapted to receive at least a portion the component to be isolated, such as a flow sensor. The housing has openings which allow for fluid communication through the housing to tubing used to connect the component to the analytical system. A potting agent can be used to help secure the component in place within the housing and to help minimize the potential for damage to the component.

Abstract: Improved valve and methods for analytical techniques and systems. The valve includes a main housing, together with a rotor and stator. The stator has openings therethrough which allow for fluid communication between tubing when connected to the valve, and one surface of the rotor. Ferrules can be used with a clamping assembly to tightly connect the tubing to the valve in a way which separates the clamp assemblies (for ease of connection and disassembly), yet still provides close proximity between the fluid connections. In one embodiment, a series of two or more discrete elements, which can be selectively moved relative to one another, are located within the valve in a “stacked” configuration. Each of the discrete elements includes at least one feature useful for performing chemical analysis, such as sample loops, columns, detectors, mixers and the like, all of which are useful in chromatography.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for isolating a component of a microfluidic analytical system are provided. An isolation manifold including a housing is used to isolate a sensitive component of a microfluidic analytical system from environmental noise and interference, such as mechanical vibrations and the like. The housing of the manifold includes an interior portion and a recess adapted to receive at least a portion the component to be isolated, such as a flow sensor. The housing has openings which allow for fluid communication through the housing to tubing used to connect the component to the analytical system. A potting agent can be used to help secure the component in place within the housing and to help minimize the potential for damage to the component.

Abstract: Improved valve and methods for analytical techniques and systems. The valve includes a main housing, together with a rotor and stator. The stator has openings therethrough which allow for fluid communication between tubing when connected to the valve, and one surface of the rotor. Ferrules can be used with a clamping assembly to tightly connect the tubing to the valve in a way which separates the clamp assemblies (for ease of connection and disassembly), yet still provides close proximity between the fluid connections. In one embodiment, a series of two or more discrete elements, which can be selectively moved relative to one another, are located within the valve in a “stacked” configuration. Each of the discrete elements includes at least one feature useful for performing chemical analysis, such as sample loops, columns, detectors, mixers and the like, all of which are useful in chromatography.

Abstract: A multilayered tube is provided comprising an inner layer of a tube comprising a first polymer, and a second layer of a tube comprising a second polymer. A catheter is provided comprising a multilayered tube comprising an inner layer of a tube comprising a first polymer, and a second layer of a tube comprising a second polymer. A method is provided for using a catheter for medical diagnostic or analysis, wherein the catheter comprises a multilayered tube comprising an inner layer of a tube comprising a first polymer, and a second layer of a tube comprising a second polymer. A liquid chromatography system is provided comprising tubing which comprises a multilayered tube comprising an inner layer of a tube comprising a first polymer, and a second layer of a tube comprising a second polymer.

Abstract: A multilayered tube is provided comprising an inner layer of a tube comprising a first polymer, a second layer of a tube comprising a braided layer comprising a metal or a second polymer, and a third layer of a tube comprising a polymer, which can be either the first, second, or still another third polymer. The braided tube layer provides mechanical strength and rigidity to the multilayered tube without adversely affecting the desired chemical or other properties of the inner and outer layers of the tube. A catheter is provided comprising such a multilayered tube. A method is provided for using a catheter for medical diagnostic or analysis, wherein the catheter comprises such a multilayered tube. A liquid chromatography system is provided comprising tubing which comprises such a multilayered tube.

Abstract: A leak-free, biocompatible connection assembly for lab-on-a-chip applications is provided. In one embodiment, a tube is located through a nut, through at least one ferrule of an inert material, and through a port. The port is attached to the “lab chip” so that the end of the tube is in fluid communication with a reservoir or channel in the chip. In another embodiment, a multiport manifold is used to connect a plurality of tubes to the lab chip.

Abstract: A method for making a biocompatible filter whereby a biocompatible powder is sintered to form a disk-shaped filter. The biocompatible powder is first sized to obtain a preselected average particle size. Next, the powder is introduced to a die in which the powder is pressed to a predetermined force to form "cakes." The pressed powder "cakes" are then placed into an oven or furnace, which is heated to a preselected temperature. The powder cakes are held at the elevated temperature to sinter the particles in the powder together. After a preselected amount of time, the now-sintered powder cakes are removed and allowed to cool. This method produces biocompatible filters useful in liquid chromatography and other applications.