Abstract: Biocompatible crosslinked polymers, and methods for their preparation and use, are disclosed in which the biocompatible crosslinked polymers are formed from water soluble precursors having electrophilic and nucleophilic functional groups capable of reacting and crosslinking in situ. Methods for making the resulting biocompatible crosslinked polymers biodegradable or not are provided, as are methods for controlling the rate of degradation. The crosslinking reactions may be carried out in situ on organs or tissues or outside the body. Applications for such biocompatible crosslinked polymers and their precursors include controlled delivery of drugs, prevention of post-operative adhesions, coating of medical devices such as vascular grafts, wound dressings and surgical sealants. Visualization agents may be included with the crosslinked polymers.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are methods, devices, compositions, and systems for providing an interface between medical instrumentation and a patient. In various embodiments, the interface provides a sterile barrier, acoustic coupler, and thermal insulator between the patient and a medical instrument. In some embodiments, an acoustic coupler interface is used between an ultrasound instrument and a patient. In some embodiments, the acoustic coupler comprises a thermoplastic elastomer (“TPE”) and in particular oil-enhanced or gelatinous TPEs that can be used in diagnostic and therapeutic (HIFU) ultrasound procedures.

Abstract: A method for controlling the power consumption of a starting element (1) in the form of a hydrodynamic clutch (2). The clutch comprises an impeller (4) and a turbine wheel (5), which together form at least one toroidal working chamber (6) that can be filled with an operating medium, and is located in a drive train (3) with at least one other drive motor that can be coupled to the hydrodynamic clutch. The method is characterized in that the power consumption can be freely adjusted as a function of the volumetric efficiency of the hydrodynamic clutch and the method has the following characteristics: the supply or evacuation of the operating medium to or from the working chamber is influenced by the generation and introduction of a static superposition pressure in the closed rotating circuit; the operating medium is supplied or evacuated to or from the working chamber by the application of a superposition or influencing pressure to the operating medium level in the operating medium reservoir (40).

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for controlling the power consumption of a starting element (1) in the form of a hydrodynamic clutch (2). Said clutch comprises an impeller (4) and a turbine wheel (5), which together form at least one toroidal working chamber (6) that can be filled with an operating medium, and is located in a drive train (3) with at least one other drive motor that can be coupled to the hydrodynamic clutch.

Abstract: A sensor for measuring a concentration of an analyte in a solution. The sensor comprises a substrate layer, an electrode layer and an immobilized enzyme layer. The sensor further includes an enzyme/polymer layer and/or a hydrophobic layer. The enzyme/polymer layer includes an enzyme disposed within a polymer matrix. The hydrophobic layer is formed from a material that is more hydrophobic than the immobilized enzyme layer material. In certain embodiments, the sensor includes the enzyme/polymer layer and the hydrophobic layer disposed between the enzyme/polymer layer and the immobilized enzyme layer such that the enzyme/polymer layer is disposed along the hydrophobic layer within an area above the immobilized enzyme layer.

Abstract: An electrochemical sensor is designed for use in detecting a concentration of an analyte in a sample solution. The sensor to have a longer useful lifetime, improved stability and improved response time for single or multiple use applications. In one aspect, some of these goals are achieved by providing the multilayer enzyme electrode membrane having both nonporous and microporous layers. The microporous layer is formed from a polymer binder, a polymer powder, a surfactant and a mineral powder. In another aspect, certain of these goals are achieved by the use of a layer comprised of an enzyme disposed within a polymer matrix. In certain embodiments, the multilayer enzyme electrode membrane includes an outermost layer which is capable of dissolving in the sample solution such that the interface between the multilayer enzyme electrode membrane and the sample solution is continually renewed.