Abstract: The present invention provides methods, systems and devices for performing cardipulmonary bypass (CPB), cardioplegic arrest, suction of fluid from the aorta to remove embolic or other fluid from the general circulation and the selective segmentation of the arterial system to perform differential perfusion eliminating hypoperfusion. An aortic catheter having an arch lumen which extends at least in part along the length of the catheter shaft has a proximal opening coupled to a CPB machine and a distal arch opening. A corporeal lumen extends at least in part along the length of the catheter shaft and has a proximal opening coupled to a CPB machine and a distal corporeal opening. A suction lumen extends at least in part along the length of the catheter shaft and has a proximal suction opening coupled to a suction source and a distal suction opening residing in the aortic lumen of a patient.

Abstract: A system for establishing differential perfusion without the use of an occlusion balloon or other flow separator devices. The flows through two lumens are controlled such that the blood flow issuing from one lumen terminating in the aortic arch supplies the entire demand of the cerebral subcirculation while the blood flow issuing from a second lumen terminating in the descending aorta supplies the entire demand of the corporeal subcirculation. When the two flows are properly balanced, an inversion layer forms therebetween and no intermixing of the two flows takes place.

Abstract: The present invention relates to catheters for selectively cooling or warming tissue within a patient's vasculature. The present invention utilizes novel heat exchanging devices, which reside inside the catheter body for selectively altering the temperature of fluid that flows through the catheter shaft. In addition, the present invention utilizes novel pumping devices, which reside within a patient's vasculature for withdrawing oxygenated blood into the catheter body where heat exchange occurs across a heat transfer interface for selective cooling or warming of the blood occurs. The present invention can be used in a multiplicity of medical disciplines where it is advantageous to selectively alter the temperature of tissue, including beating heart applications, as well as stopped heart medical interventions.

Abstract: A self-checkout system includes a first conveyor having a security tunnel which measures a characteristic of a product placed on the conveyor. A code identifying the product is first input into the system through UPC scanning or other input means, and then placed on the conveyor. When the characteristic of the product is measured (e.g., weight, height, width, length), it is compared to corresponding information within the system. If the data matches or is within a predetermined tolerance, the product is transported down the conveyor to a second conveyor, which further transports the product to a bagging area. When the customer is finished scanning products, an input device allows the customer to select self-payment through either cash, credit, debit, or other means (e.g., ebt, store credit and the like). Other features include automatic security tag deactivation and coupon redemption.

Abstract: An adjusting mechanism of the bicycle brake system is composed of a fastening member, a resilient member and an adjusting member. The fastening member is fastened with one of two brake arms of the bicycle brake system and with the bicycle frame. The resilient member has a deformable arcuate section and is fastened at one end thereof with the brake arm. The adjusting member is composed of an adjustment shaft and a tapered block which is movably fastened with the adjustment shaft such that the tapered block can be actuated to move linearly by the adjustment shaft so as to force the arcuate section of the resilient member to deform.

Abstract: A bicycle two-step brake system is composed of two brake arms having a primary arm and a secondary arm fastened pivotally with the primary arm. The primary arm is fastened with the bicycle frame while the secondary arm is fastened with a brake cable of the brake lever. The primary arms are provided with a first drag portion and a brake shoe capable of being forced against the bicycle wheel rim so as to slow or stop the bicycle in motion. The secondary arms are provided with a second drag portion. Two elastic members are located between the primary arms and the secondary arms such that the elastic members enable the first drag portions and the second drag portions to have an outward bracing force capable of cooperating with a pulling force of the brake cable to cause the primary arms and the secondary arms to act independently or synchronously to bring about the two-step braking mechanism.

Abstract: A mechanism for supplying a dilute fertilizer solution to a multiple number of growing plants includes an apparatus for adding fertilizer concentrate to a stream of flowing water, such that a relatively constant ratio of fertilizer to water is achieved. Pressurized water is diverted from a water passage into a container to achieve a fertilizer pumping action. A bag-like membrane in the container forms a pressurized water space that is in pressure contact with a separate fertilizer-containment space. Fertilizer concentrate in contact with the membrane is thus pumpd out of the container and into a stream of water flowing through the water passage. A constriction is provided in the water passage to achieve a pressure drop that produces the desired pumping action.