Abstract: In accordance with the claimed invention, there is provided an apparatus for changing an oxidation state of a surface to be analysed of a sample, the apparatus comprising: a vacuum chamber; a sample holder inside the vacuum chamber, configured to hold a sample having a surface to be analysed; an inlet inside the vacuum chamber, configured to provide a localised supply, to the surface to be analysed, of an agent for changing an oxidation state of the surface to be analysed; and an energy source, configured to provide energy to the agent to facilitate changing the oxidation state of the surface to be analysed. There is also provided a process for changing an oxidation state of a surface to be analysed of a sample and a process for performing X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, XPS, of a surface to be analysed of a sample.

Abstract: A catheter configured for performing reperfusion by alternatively occluding a vessel so as to prevent fluid flow and removing that occlusion to allow fluid flow is described. A first catheter includes an outer member and a retractable valve to allow and prevent fluid flow in the vessel. A second catheter includes a sheathed expansion member that can be deployed and recaptured to prevent and allow, respectively, fluid flow. A third catheter includes an angioplasty balloon to open a vessel occlusion, in which an occlusion balloon is used to allow and disallow fluid flow. A fourth catheter includes an expandable member for providing mechanical plunging action to urge thrombotic material to a more distal location. A fifth catheter includes an accessory catheter that can be used to perform reperfusion with another catheter. A sixth catheter includes an inner balloon within an outer balloon configured to perform reperfusion.

Abstract: Containers are disclosed, as well as multilayer films used in such containers, which advantageously maintain a high seal strength even after being subjected to hot-fill conditions for sterilization. These microwavable/ovenable containers (10) and multilayer films are also beneficially self-venting upon exposure to microwave heating when the internal container pressure exceeds a threshold value. These self-venting containers are also automatically self-sealing after the self-venting feature has ruptured and the container has cooled to room temperature. The self-venting self-sealing nature of these containers arises from particular film and sealing characteristics, in which the seal width differs in defined, self-venting self-sealing seal regions (13A), relative to non-venting seal regions (13B) of a given peripheral seal.

Abstract: A pump module for use in a medical fluid dispensing system is provided that includes a pump body and first and second pump chambers formed in the pump body. The module further includes a pair of chamber inlets and chamber outlets formed in the pump body, each associated with one of the pump chambers. Each of the pump chambers further includes a first portion having a generally spherical segment shape and a second portion integral with the first portion and having a generally conical shape, with the first and second portions in fluid communication with the chamber inlet and the chamber outlet. The second, conically shaped portion converges to the chamber outlet.

Abstract: Methods of treating heart failure by administration of beneficial agents to the heart.

Abstract: The present disclosure concerns flexible reclosable containers with a one way valve which provides a means to vent fluids, particularly air, from the interior of container when the repeatedly reclosable closure member, typically a zipper, is in a closed state. It also concerns a process for creating such a valve using a seal bar with voids to create a channel which passes behind the closure member. The valve which is disclosed involves a channel which comprises a central passageway which connects a port which communicates with the environment to a port which communicates with the interior of the package. Also disclosed is the concept of using this valve with a readily removable hermetic seal such that the port intended to communicate the environment initially communicates with the headspace between the reclosable closure member and the hermetic seal but does communicate with the environment when the hermetic seal is removed.

Abstract: Methods of treating heart failure by administration of beneficial agents to the heart.

Abstract: Containers are disclosed, as well as multilayer films used in such containers, which advantageously maintain a high seal strength even after being subjected to retort conditions for sterilization. These retortable containers and multilayer films are also beneficially self-venting upon exposure to microwave heating, when the internal container pressure exceeds a threshold value. The self-venting nature of these containers arises from particular sealing characteristics, in which the seal width differs in defined, self-venting seal regions, relative to non-venting seal regions of a given peripheral seal. Particular structural features and geometries of the self-venting seal regions can be used to improve the location of venting and control of the vented gases.

Abstract: A catheter configured for performing reperfusion by alternatively occluding a vessel so as to prevent fluid flow and removing that occlusion to allow fluid flow is described. A first catheter includes an outer member and a retractable valve to allow and prevent fluid flow in the vessel. A second catheter includes a sheathed expansion member that can be deployed and recaptured to prevent and allow, respectively, fluid flow. A third catheter includes an angioplasty balloon to open a vessel occlusion, in which an occlusion balloon is used to allow and disallow fluid flow. A fourth catheter includes an expandable member for providing mechanical plunging action to urge thrombotic material to a more distal location. A fifth catheter includes an accessory catheter that can be used to perform reperfusion with another catheter. A sixth catheter includes an inner balloon within an outer balloon configured to perform reperfusion.

Abstract: A pump is provided that includes a body made at least partially of an elastomeric material and an inlet port and an outlet port, with each port being coupled to the body. The pump further includes a flow passage formed in the body and extending between the inlet port and the outlet port, with at least a portion of the flow passage being normally closed and with the inlet port being fluidicly uncoupled with the outlet port when the pump is in a free-state condition. An actuating device is coupled to the body and is operable for sequentially deforming the body to create a cavity within the normally closed portion of the flow passage, the cavity being in fluid communication with the inlet port, thereby drawing a packet of fluid from the inlet port into the cavity and propagating the cavity and the packet of fluid contained therein toward the outlet port.

Abstract: A circuit element of a semiconductor device is provided. The circuit element has an electrical property and is formed by at least two like individual elements, each of said individual elements having an individual electrical property, the individual electrical property of each individual element including an error portion that is substantially statistically uncorrelated with regard to the other individual elements wherein the electrical property is a function of a summation of the individual electrical properties.

Abstract: According to a first embodiment of the present invention, reconfigurable resources within a reconfigurable test unit are configured to test or monitor a first function associated with a system under test. Following the completion of the testing or monitoring of the first function, the reconfigurable resources within the reconfigurable test unit are configured to test or monitor a second function associated with the system under test, wherein the second function may be substantially different than the first function. The method and apparatus so described allows for the testing of systems using a minimal amount of hardware and software resources within a reconfigurable test unit.

Abstract: A pump is provided that includes a body made at least partially of an elastomeric material and an inlet port and an outlet port, with each port being coupled to the body. The pump further includes a flow passage formed in the body and extending between the inlet port and the outlet port, with at least a portion of the flow passage being normally closed and with the inlet port being fluidicly uncoupled with the outlet port when the pump is in a free-state condition. An actuating device is coupled to the body and is operable for sequentially deforming the body to create a cavity within the normally closed portion of the flow passage, the cavity being in fluid communication with the inlet port, thereby drawing a packet of fluid from the inlet port into the cavity and propagating the cavity and the packet of fluid contained therein toward the outlet port.

Abstract: A pump module for use in a medical fluid dispensing system is provided that includes a pump body and first and second pump chambers formed in the pump body. The module further includes a pair of chamber inlets and chamber outlets formed in the pump body, each associated with one of the pump chambers. Each of the pump chambers further includes a first portion having a generally spherical segment shape and a second portion integral with the first portion and having a generally conical shape, with the first and second portions in fluid communication with the chamber inlet and the chamber outlet. The second, conically shaped portion converges to the chamber outlet.

Abstract: A circuit element of a semiconductor device is provided. The circuit element has an electrical property and is formed by at least two like individual elements, each of said individual elements having an individual electrical property, the individual electrical property of each individual element including an error portion that is substantially statistically uncorrelated with regard to the other individual elements wherein the electrical property is a function of a summation of the individual electrical properties.

Abstract: A microwave component has a cavity including a plurality of geometrically shaped elements therein wherein the shape profile and position of the elements in relation to the cavity act to define the guiding properties of the cavity and therefore to define operational characteristics of the component.

Abstract: A semiconductor device has a circuit element having a given value of a characteristic property. The circuit element has at least two individual elements, each having an individual value for the characteristic value thereof, the individual values including an error portion that is substantially statistically uncorrelated, the individual elements disposed solely for contributing to the values of the characteristic property.

Abstract: A microwave component has a cavity including a plurality of geometrically shaped elements therein wherein the shape profile and position of the elements in relation to the cavity act to define the guiding properties of the cavity and therefore to define operational characteristics of the component.

Abstract: A microwave component has a cavity including a plurality of geometrically shaped elements therein wherein the shape profile and position of the elements in relation to the cavity act to define the guiding properties of the cavity and therefore to define operational characteristics of the component.

Abstract: A semiconductor device has a circuit element having a given value of a characteristic property. The circuit element has at least two individual elements, each having an individual value for the characteristic value thereof, the individual values including an error portion that is substantially statistically uncorrelated, the individual elements disposed solely for contributing to the values of the characteristic property.