Abstract: A solution of the present invention useful for flushing an intravascular catheter includes a pharmacologically acceptable solium salt, a pharmacologically acceptable calcium salt, a pharmacologically acceptable potassium salt and about one milligram per milliliter polyhexamethylene biguanide hydrochloride in an aqueous admixture. Additionally, the solution of the invention may also contain a pharmacologically acceptable salt of lactic acid.

Abstract: An adaptor allows a magnetic stripe card reader to receive information from other media such as wireless proximity chip cards while maintaining the ability to receive a magnetic stripe card. In accordance with one embodiment, the adaptor includes a simulacrum structure of sufficiently narrow width to fit substantially permanently within the slot of the magnetic stripe reading device, while providing sufficient room for a magnetic stripe card to also be concurrently accommodated within the slot and read by the reader head. The simulacrum structure may be in electronic communication with one or more transceivers of wireless communications such as RF and IR.

Abstract: A MicroAdapter device enables payment transactions to be effected through a purchaser's personal trusted device (PTD) without relying upon tokens or prepayment cards. In one embodiment, the MicroAdapter includes a transceiver configured to receive a purchase signal from the PTD including order and payment information. In response, the MicroAdapter communicates via wireless telephony with a transaction authorizer to receive authorization for effectuating the purchase transaction. The MicroAdapter may be particularly suited to effectuate micropayment transactions authorized by a Billing On Behalf of Others (BOBO) program administered through a wireless carrier/ISP or third party.

Abstract: An adaptor allows a magnetic stripe card reader to receive information from other media such as wireless proximity chip cards while maintaining the ability to receive a magnetic stripe card. In accordance with one embodiment, the adaptor includes a simulacrum structure of sufficiently narrow width to fit substantially permanently within the slot of the magnetic stripe reading device, while providing sufficient room for a magnetic stripe card to also be concurrently accommodated within the slot and read by the reader head. The simulacrum structure may be in electronic communication with one or more transceivers of wireless communications such as RF and IR.

Abstract: A network switch includes a plurality of first network ports coupled to a first bus, a plurality of second network ports coupled to a second bus, a bridge interface enabling data transfer between the buses, a switch manager controlling the flow of network data, and a processor for performing supervisory and control functions. The first and second network ports operate according to different network protocols, and the first and second buses operate according to different bus standards. During packet data transfers across the first bus, the bridge interface emulates a first network port. During packet data transfers across the second bus, the bridge interface primarily acts as a slave to the second network ports by storing control lists for execution by the second network ports, thus relieving the processor of performing overhead functions associated with data transfers across the second bus.

Abstract: A solution of the present invention useful for flushing an intravascular catheter includes a pharmacologically acceptable solium salt, a pharmacologically acceptable calcium salt, a pharmacologically acceptable potassium salt and about one milligram per milliliter polyhexamethylene biguanide hydrochloride in an aqueous admixture. Additionally, the solution of the invention may also contain a pharmacologically acceptable salt of lactic acid.

Abstract: A kit and for flushing a medical device a method of preparing the kit is disclosed. The kit includes a container containing a mixed solution a unit dose of a pharmacologically effective amount of an antimicrobial agent and a second agent. The mixed solution has been mixed in a carrier solution and lyophilized. The second agent is an anticoagulant, an antithrombotic agent or a chelating agent. The kit and method are useful for maintaining the patency of indwelling medical devices such as catheters and for preventing infections caused by bacterial growth in catheters.

Abstract: A solution of the present invention useful for flushing an intravascular catheter includes a pharmacologically acceptable sodium salt, a pharmacologically acceptable calcium salt, a pharmacologically acceptable potassium salt and about one milligram per milliliter polyhexamethylene biguanide hydrochloride in an aqueous admixture. Additionally, the solution of the invention may also contain a pharmacologically acceptable salt of lactic acid.

Abstract: This invention relates to the use of vitamin E or its derivative, such as vitamin E acetate, with a silicone lubricant for use on a medical device. The vitamin E prevents degradation of the silicone lubricant when the medical device is irradiated for sterilization.

Abstract: A network switch including a plurality of first network ports, a plurality of second network ports, a first bus, a second bus and a bridge interface coupled between the first and second buses. The first ports receive and transmit network data according to a first network protocol and the second ports receive and transmit network data according to a second network protocol. The first and second buses operate according to different bus standards. The bridge interface enables data transfer between the first and second buses and thus between the networks operating at different protocols. The switch includes a switch manager that controls the flow of network data and a processor for performing supervisory and control functions. The bridge interface includes receive buffers and transmit buffers assigned to respective ports. During packet data transfer operations across the first bus, the bridge interface emulates a first network port.

Abstract: A method for the preparation of aromatic amines such as N-phenyl-p-phenylenediamine wherein an aromatic amine such as aniline is oxidized with oxygen or hydrogen peroxide in the presence of a metal pentacyano ferrate(II) complex, includes subsequent catalytic reduction of the complex by hydrogenation in the presence of a metal catalyst having at least two Group VIII metals, preferably platinum in combination with ruthenium either together on a single carbon support or each metal separately on carbon supports.

Abstract: The lubricant of this invention is a combination of a PLURONIC.RTM. polyol and a phospholipid. The lubricant is applied to the surface to be lubricated by forming a solution of water and the lubricant. This solution may also include Vitamin E or its derivative. In addition, a solution stabilizer and an antimicrobial agent may be used to clarify the solution and to inhibit microbial growth in the solution.

Abstract: This invention relates to a new water soluble lubricant for a medical device, such as a catheter and an introducer needle. The lubricant is a silicone based water soluble compound. Preferably, a silicone surfactant is used such as a block copolymer polyalkylene oxide-modified polydimethylsiloxane. Alternatively, an alkylene oxide modified silicone glycol may be used as the lubricant. In addition, lecithin can be added as a lubricant. The lubrication solution includes a solution stabilizer to clarify the solution and antimicrobial agents to inhibit microbial growth in the water solution or on the coated product. Vitamin E or its derivatives may also be used in the lubrication solution.

Abstract: An antimicrobial film-forming composition which provides antimicrobial effectiveness to the skin, comprising ethyl alcohol, carboxylated polyacrylates, a cross linking agent, an adhesion promoting agent which can include a secondary solvent and an emollient, an active antimicrobial agent which can be either iodine or povidone iodine, a pluronic polyol and optionally, water. This composition prevents degradation of iodine in the composition and is easily removable from the skin.

Abstract: A direct media independent interface (DMII) connection for a network device including a data link circuit, a connector, a clock circuit and a crossover connection. The data link circuit includes a reconciliation circuit that transmits and receives signals according to the MII standard. The clock circuit asserts at least one MII clock signal on the crossover connection to synchronize data transfer. The crossover connection crosses MII transmit signals with MII receive signals. A grounding circuit is optionally provided to ground one or more of the MII signals that are not required for the DMII connection. The connector may be a standard MII connector, or may be implemented as a minimum or reduced profile connector for carrying only the desired MII signals. The crossover connection is performed internally within the DMII port, or externally by a crossover cable. The cable is a standard MII cable, or is implemented as a minimum or reduced profile cable.

Abstract: The lubricant of this invention is lecithin. The lubricant is applied to the surface to be lubricated by forming a colloidal solution of water and lecithin. This solution may also include a surfactant, Vitamin E or its derivative. In addition, a solution stabilizer and an antimicrobial agent may be used to clarify the solution and to inhibit microbial growth in the solution.

Abstract: An antimicrobial film forming surgical site preparation composition includes a film forming material and an antimicrobial agent soluble in a fugitive solvent. The composition when applied to the skin surface forms a substantially water insoluble, substantially tack-free flexible film adherent to the skin surface. The film is capable of releasably retaining the antimicrobial agent to substantially inhibit microbial growth on the skin surface. The film releases sufficient antimicrobial agent to substantially eliminate the microorganisms normally present on the skin surface to prepare the surface for the procedure and continues to release the antimicrobial agent during the procedure and subsequent wound healing. The composition can be easily washed from fabric and does not stain the fabric even where the fabric is treated with chlorine bleach. In addition, a smooth continuous film is formed without the use of a separate plasticizer.

Abstract: This invention relates to a new water soluble lubricant for a medical device, such as a catheter and an introducer needle. The lubricant is a silicone surfactant which is non-ionic and which is a good lubricating fluid. Preferably the silicone surfactant that is used is a block copolymer polyalkylene oxide-modified polydimethylsiloxane. Water is used as the solvent for this lubricant. The lubrication solution includes a solution stabilizer to clarify the solution and antimicrobial agents to inhibit microbial growth in the water solution or on the coated product. Vitamin E or its derivatives may also be used in the lubrication solution. When the lubrication solution is used to lubricate Teflon products, a small amount of a low molecular weight alcohol is added to the lubrication solution to increase wettability.