Abstract: The present invention includes a mechanical energy storage device and method of making and using the same comprising: two or more pneumatic or hydraulic capacitors or accumulators, each of them connected to at least one hydraulic or pneumatic exhaust manifold and a hydraulic or pneumatic intake manifold through exhaust and intake valves, respectively; at least one hydraulic fluid or pneumatic reservoir in fluid communication with the hydraulic or pneumatic exhaust manifold via a hydraulic or pneumatic motor connected to an output device, and in fluid communication with the hydraulic or pneumatic intake manifold via hydraulic pump or pneumatic compressor driven by a source of variable power; and a governor or control valve disposed between the hydraulic or pneumatic exhaust manifold and the hydraulic or pneumatic motor connected to the output device. The use of compressible gas, pneumatic, and air are interchangeable for the purposes of this device.

Abstract: A magnetic coupling for connecting a cannula to the apex of a ventricle comprising a first member having a first orifice, a first magnetic material attached to the first member, a means for attaching a cannula to the first member, a second member having a second orifice, a second magnetic material attached to the second member, a means for attaching the second member to a ventricle, so that when the first magnet is placed in proximity to the second magnet the first member and second member are held substantially concentric by magnetic force to allow for the communication of fluid between the first and second orifices.

Abstract: Systems and methods including a motor or electromagnets to control the movement of one or more pistons in a pumping chamber. The pumping chamber may include a pump inlet and a pump outlet in fluid communication with the pumping chamber. Surfaces on a piston or pumping chamber may include hydrodynamic bearing surfaces.

Abstract: Systems and methods including a motor or electromagnets to control the movement of one or more pistons in a pumping chamber. The pumping chamber may include a pump inlet and a pump outlet in fluid communication with the pumping chamber. Surfaces on a piston or pumping chamber may include hydrodynamic bearing surfaces.

Abstract: Systems and methods for providing a variable pumping stroke from a pump comprising a pumping chamber, a pump inlet, a pump outlet, a valving mechanism, and a drive piston. In one embodiment, the pump inlet is in fluid communication with the pumping chamber regardless of the location of the drive piston within the pumping chamber, and the pump outlet is similarly in fluid communication with the pumping chamber regardless of the location of the drive piston within the pumping chamber.

Abstract: Systems and methods including a valve piston in a pumping chamber. The pumping chamber may include a pump inlet and a pump outlet in fluid communication with the pumping chamber. The valve piston may be configured to rotate between a first position within the pumping chamber and a second position outside of the pumping chamber.

Abstract: A device is provided for automatically inserting a catheter or other medical implement into a patient. An imaging module (100) identifies a selected point of insertion on the patient. A manipulator module (200) positions a catheter or medical implement at the desired position with respect to the selected point of insertion on the patient. A catheter insertion module (300) or implement insertion module (350) inserts the medical instrument into the patient to complete the desired tasks.

Abstract: Systems and methods for pumping fluid comprising a pumping chamber, a pump inlet, a pump outlet, a valving mechanism, and a drive piston or pumping chamber wall including a deformable surface configured to provide elastohydrodynamic lubrication during operation.

Abstract: A magnetic coupling for connecting a cannula to the apex of a ventricle comprising a first member having a first orifice, a first magnetic material attached to the first member, a means for attaching a cannula to the first member, a second member having a second orifice, a second magnetic material attached to the second member, a means for attaching the second member to a ventricle, so that when the first magnet is placed in proximity to the second magnet the first member and second member are held substantially concentric by magnetic force to allow for the communication of fluid between the first and second orifices.

Abstract: Systems and methods including a motor or electromagnets to control the movement of one or more pistons in a pumping chamber. The pumping chamber may include a pump inlet and a pump outlet in fluid communication with the pumping chamber. Surfaces on a piston or pumping chamber may include hydrodynamic bearing surfaces.

Abstract: Systems and methods for pumping fluid comprising a pumping chamber, a pump inlet, a pump outlet, a valving mechanism, and a drive piston or pumping chamber wall including a deformable surface configured to provide elastohydrodynamic lubrication during operation.

Abstract: Systems and methods for providing a variable pumping stroke from a pump comprising a pumping chamber, a pump inlet, a pump outlet, a valving mechanism, and a drive piston.

Abstract: Systems and methods to control the movement of one or more pistons in a pumping chamber. The systems and methods may include a sensor to sense an external variable provide an output signal. The systems and methods may also include a microprocessor configured to receive the output signal from the sensor and to change an operating parameter of the pump in response to the output signal.

Abstract: Systems and methods including a valve piston in a pumping chamber. The pumping chamber may include a pump inlet and a pump outlet in fluid communication with the pumping chamber. The valve piston may be configured to rotate between a first position within the pumping chamber and a second position outside of the pumping chamber.