Abstract: A probe for use in collecting liquids entrained with a gaseous component, particularly collecting a patient's blood with entrained gas bubbles from a surgical site for autologous reinfusion. The probe separates the gaseous component from the collected liquid, particularly separating air bubbles from blood cells to inhibit hemolysis, platelet degradation and protein denaturation. An elongated probe body has a distal end to be inserted into the liquid to be collected through an inlet by jet pump action into a centrally disposed mixing chamber. A diffuser is formed within the probe body proximal to and in axial alignment with the inlet and mixing chamber leading to a liquid exit. A jet pump nozzle is formed in the probe distal tip surrounding the inlet in the form of an annular chamber into which pressurized drive fluid is introduced through a distribution channel system extending along the probe body from the proximal end.

Abstract: A passive perfusion angioplasty catheter is provided which includes an elongated flexible member defining an inflation lumen and an inflatable balloon member affixed to a distal end of the flexible member for pressing against an interior wall of an artery. The balloon member defines at least one passage between a surface thereof and the interior wall permitting blood to flow therethrough when the balloon member is pressed against the interior wall. A method of percutaneous transluminal angioplasty is also provided.

Abstract: A method for non-destructive testing for approximation of oxygen transmission in hollow fiber blood oxygenators or the like is provided which method includes passing a first fluid at a predetermined temperature and volume flow rate through the hollows of the fibers and a second fluid at a second predetermined input temperature and volume flow rate across the outside of the fibers and measuring the heat rise or fall of the fluids and comparing the results with standards for a given blood oxygenator device.

Abstract: A humidity modifying device for guitars, and similar musical instruments which are susceptible to damage such as cracking, splitting, etc. when subjected to deleterious humidity conditions. Such instruments characteristically have a sound box formed from wood, strings and a sound hole underlying the strings. The humidity modifying device comprises a resilient plug adapted to be disposed in the sound hole with a sealing fit and having a humidity modifying material, such as a moisture retentive sponge-like pad or desiccant cartridge, secured to the inner surface of the plug to maintain desired humidity conditions within the sound box. Preferably the moisture-retentive means or desiccant is retained within a pocket or chamber within the plug by means of a closure plate supported by a flange formed in the bottom surface of the plug.

Abstract: A system for the adsorption of a substance from a warm fluid containing the same. An initially relatively cool bed of adsorbent is fed with a relatively warm fluid containing an adsorbate. A sharp thermal wave is generated as the warm fluid enters the cool bed. A high pulse in concentration of the adsorbate develops ahead of the thermal front if the bed properties are appropriate. The concentration of adsorbate immediately ahead of the wave is related to adsorbate concentration in the inlet stream, the shape of the adsorption isotherms, the effective heat capacities and the original and final bed temperatures, bed design, thermal conductivities and dispersivities. There is a sharp drop in concentration at the forward edge of the concentration pulse. This pulse in adsorbate concentration is harvested by aspirating fluid from the bed at the time the pulse arrives at the end of the bed. For some purposes a total cycle of discharge and recharge of the bed is desirable.