Abstract: Tissue anchors comprise a woven filament braid body having an elongated tubular configuration and a foreshortened configuration where proximal and distal ends of the body expand radially into double-walled flange structures while leaving a cylindrical saddle region therebetween. The tissue anchors are deployed through penetrations between adjacent tissue layers, where the flanges engage the outer surfaces of the tissue layers and the saddle region resides within the tissue penetrations.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a dry reagent assay device having at least one test zone and at least one reference zone, which provides an internal mechanism for assuring correct and reliable assay procedures and reagent qualities. In one embodiment, the present invention relates to an assay device having, at least one test zone for detecting at least one analyte in a sample by reacting the sample with a labeled indicator reagent, and a reference zone for receiving, unreacted labeled indicator reagent.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a dry reagent assay device having at least one test zone and at least one reference zone, which provides an internal mechanism for assuring correct and reliable assay procedures and reagent qualities. In one embodiment, the present invention relates to an assay device having at least one test zone for detecting at least one analyte in a sample by reacting the sample with a labeled indicator reagent, and a reference zone for receiving unreacted labeled indicator reagent.

Abstract: Tissue anchors comprise a woven filament braid body having an elongated tubular configuration and a foreshortened configuration where proximal and distal ends of the body expand radially into double-walled flange structures while leaving a cylindrical saddle region therebetween. The tissue anchors are deployed through penetrations between adjacent tissue layers, where the flanges engage the outer surfaces of the tissue layers and the saddle region resides within the tissue penetrations.

Abstract: A translumenal access system includes a translumenal access catheter, a trocar, and one or more guidewires. The trocar may be introduced through adjacent tissue layers, typically from an endoscope, and the translumenal access catheter introduced through the resulting penetration over the trocar. A balloon on the catheter may be used to dilate the penetration, and an enlarged distal portion of the balloon may be used to draw the tissue layers into apposition. The first stent may be exchanged for the trocar and a second stent may be introduced through a side port on the access catheter. The stents may be then used to introduced catheters or other interventional tools, optionally for delivering one or more stents to the enlarged tissue penetration.

Abstract: A method for increasing golf course revenues through increased sales of consumable items, comprising the steps of stocking a golf cart with a supply of consumable items prior to a golfer's use of said golf cart in a golf outing, taking inventory of said supply of consumable items contained in said golf cart at the end of said golf outing to determine what items were consumed by said golfer, charging said golfer for the cost of the consumable items consumed by said golfer during said golf outing, and restocking said golf cart with a supply of consumable items, using an apparatus comprising: a base section having insulation means, an inner and outer surface, a substantially closed bottom end, an open top end, one or more slotted flanges disposed on said outer surface of said base section for fastening said apparatus to a golf cart, and an inwardly tapered ledge disposed horizontally on said inner surface of said base section near said base section's upper edge; a removable pull-out container configure

Abstract: Emollient compositions for topical administration consisting of hydrophilic:hydrophobic emulsions containing a polyacrylate carrier, a vehicle, a mixture of C16:0, C18:0, C18:1 fatty acids and derivatives as penetrants, a balanced mixture of unsaturated C18:2, C18:2 and C18:3 fatty acids, a natural anti-inflammatory compound, a natural analgesic compound, a natural estrogenic compound and a fragrance; Methods of their use for ameliorating symptoms of disease including mammary fibrocystic disease, cyclic mastitis, inflammation and general and specific pre- and post-menopausal pain and swelling.

Abstract: A method for increasing golf course revenues through increased sales of consumable items, comprising the steps of stocking a golf cart with a supply of consumable items prior to a golfer's use of said golf cart in a golf outing, taking inventory of said supply of consumable items contained in said golf cart at the end of said golf outing to determine what items were consumed by said golfer, charging said golfer for the cost of the consumable items consumed by said golfer during said golf outing, and restocking said golf cart with a supply of consumable items.

Abstract: A method for increasing golf course revenues through increased sales of consumable items, comprising the steps of stocking a golf cart with a supply of consumable items prior to a golfer's use of said golf cart in a golf outing, taking inventory of said supply of consumable items contained in said golf cart at the end of said golf outing to determine what items were consumed by said golfer, charging said golfer for the cost of the consumable items consumed by said golfer during said golf outing, and restocking said golf cart with a supply of consumable items, using an apparatus comprising: a base section having insulation means, an inner and outer surface, a substantially closed bottom end, an open top end, one or more slotted flanges disposed on said outer surface of said base section for fastening said apparatus to a golf cart, and an inwardly tapered ledge disposed horizontally on said inner surface of said base section near said base section's upper edge; a removable pull-out container configured to fit w

Abstract: A system for separating plasma from whole blood comprises a blood separation device and a blood separation driver. The blood separation device includes a flexible tube having a needle and shield at one end and a filter member at the other end. The needle may be used to access blood in a conventional blood collection device. The separation driver applies a peristaltic force to the flexible tube of the blood separation device, thus drawing blood from the collection device through the tube and to the filter member. The driver also includes a frame having a collar and clamp mechanism for supporting the inlet end of the flexible tube, thus allowing use of the blood driver without directly exposing it to the blood. Plasma may be collected from the filter element. The present invention also provides blood dispensing systems and methods for dispensing whole and pre-filtered blood. Such blood dispensing systems comprise a blood dispensing device and a blood dispensing driver.

Abstract: A system for separating plasma from whole blood comprises a blood separation device and a blood separation driver. The blood separation device includes a flexible tube having a needle and shield at one end and a filter member at the other end. The needle may be used to access blood in a conventional blood collection device. The separation driver applies a peristaltic force to the flexible tube of the blood separation device, thus drawing blood from the collection device through the tube and to the filter member. Plasma may be collected from the filter element.

Abstract: The invention provides a filter for separating red blood cells from a whole blood sample to form plasma. The filter includes a solid phase support and an agglutinin for red blood cells. The agglutinin is insoluble in the whole blood sample and is immobilized on the solid phase support. The present invention also includes a device and method for determining the presence of at least one of a plurality of analytes in a sample of whole blood.

Abstract: A transport matrix and diagnostic device are provided which produce a physically detectable change in a predetermined distribution across a detection zone which correlates with the amount of selected analyte in a sample. The matrix includes a detection zone having a capture reagent yielding a physically detectable change which correlates with the amount of selected analyte in the sample. The detection zone has a leading boundary which first encounters the sample and a trailing boundary which encounters the sample after being transported across the detection zone. The capture reagent is immobilized on the matrix in a predetermined distribution from the leading boundary to the trailing boundary of the detection zone. A method is also provided which determines the level of a selected analyte in a sample by distributing a physically detectable change in a predetermined pattern across a detection zone on a transport matrix which correlates with the amount of selected analyte.

Abstract: The present invention provides an assay device for determining the presence of one or more selected analytes in a sample. The device includes a housing having an exterior surface and defining an interior area. A sample receptor receives the sample. A sample treatment strip reacts the sample with a reagent to yield a physically detectable change which correlates with the amount of selected analyte in the sample. A detector responds to the physically detectable change and produces an electrical signal which correlates to the amount of the selected analyte in the sample. A processor converts the electrical signal to a digital output. A starter automatically activates the processor and detector upon the application of the sample to the device. A display visually displays the digital output external to the housing and is connected to the processor.

Abstract: The system for transferring plasma to a test substrate comprises an applicator and the test substrate. The applicator includes a blood reservoir and a filter element which separates cellular components from the blood as plasma is passed to the test substrate. The test substrate includes an absorptive element which receives the plasma from the applicator. In one embodiment, measured amounts of plasma are transferred when the absorptive element becomes saturated, thus stopping the flow of plasma. In another embodiment, excess blood and cellular components are removed from the measured plasma by disengaging the applicator from the test substrate. In another embodiment, plasma transferred to the absorptive element is eluted from the absorptive element by subsequent application of an elution medium.

Abstract: A stable, uniform, water-based topical cream containing nitroglycerin, a penetration enhancer, water, a thickener and an emulsifier is provided. Also provided are the method of preparing the cream and the use of the cream for treating male erectile dysfunction or female anorgasmia. The present invention also relates to treating patients suffering from microvascular diseases or from injured tissue.

Abstract: The system for transferring plasma to a test substrate comprises an applicator and the test substrate. The applicator includes a blood reservoir and a filter element which separates cellular components from the blood as plasma is passed to the test substrate. The test substrate includes an absorptive element which receives the plasma from the applicator. In one embodiment, measured amounts of plasma are transferred when the absorptive element becomes saturated, thus stopping the flow of plasma. In another embodiment, excess blood and cellular components are removed from the measured plasma by disengaging the applicator from the test substrate. In another embodiment, plasma transferred to the absorptive element is eluted from the absorptive element by subsequent application of an elution medium.

Abstract: A disposable electronic assay device comprising card-like housing containing a sample receptor for receiving a sample of body fluid containing an analyte to be determined, a sample treatment element for reaction with sample fluid components to yield a physically detectable change which correlates with the amount of analyte in the sample, a detector responsive to the physically detectable change for producing an electrical signal which correlates with the amount of analyte in the sample, a signal processor connected to the detector for converting the electrical signal to a digital test result output, and visually readable output means connected to the signal processor for receiving and presenting the test result output. The signal processor can include an analog to digital conversion element for converting an analog reflectance or transmission output signal to a digital reflectance output, processor for converting the digital reflectance or transmission output to a digital test result output.

Abstract: The present invention provides a beverage mug for containing hot or cold beverages without substantial spillage. The beverage mug comprises an endless outer wall having an open top and bottom, and an endless inner wall having an open top and bottom, each of which comprises a base portion, a mouth portion, and optionally, a neck portion. The base portion of each of the inner and outer walls is substantially wider in the direction generally perpendicular to the vertical axis, i.e., when viewed from the top, than said mouth portion from the same perspective, so as to impart stability to the mug and resist tipping of the mug. Advantageously, the first and second walls define an insulating space sufficient to retard heat transfer to or from a beverage contained in the mug. In preferred embodiments, the mug is formed in four sections, joined in three joints to form the mug, comprising the outer wall, the inner wall, a base portion joined to the inner wall and a base portion joined to the outer wall.

Abstract: Devices are provided for producing plasma or serum from blood samples, where the plasma or serum is substantially free of red blood cells, hemoglobin, and metabolites and degradation products thereof. The sample can be used in various assays without interference from the interfering components of red blood cells.