Abstract: Disclosed is an implantable, intravascular device for treating a medical disorder associated with the presence of a particular molecule in the systemic circulation of a mammal. When implanted, the device removes or reduces the concentration of the molecule in the blood stream thereby conditioning the blood. The device includes an anchor component immobilizable to an inner wall of an intact blood vessel and a cartridge component that is retained in place within the blood vessel by the immobilized anchor. The cartridge contains a converting agent, for example, viable cells or enzyme preparations, that catabolize or convert the molecule of interest into one or more other molecules that are not associated with the disorder. The invention also provides a minimally or non-invasive method for introducing into and, optionally, removing from the blood vessel the device of the invention.

Abstract: There is disclosed herein a hot air type balloon which includes a balloon envelope having a generally circular top opening and a top cap adjacent the top opening for opening and closing the balloon. The top cap forms both a deflation panel and maneuvering port for the balloon. A closure assembly is provided for use with the envelope and top cap for closing the deflation port and for permitting controlled opening thereof. The assembly has a fixed member secured to the balloon envelope and a releasable member releasably secured to the fixed member. A securement cord is secured to the releasable member and is connected to the top cap and a release line extends from the releasable member to a gondola where the operator is riding. The operator by pulling on the release line can open the closure assembly by separating the releasable member from the fixed member and can cause the deflation panel to separate from the envelope so as to spill air from the balloon and rapidly deflate the balloon.

Abstract: An improved housing for a condition responsive indicating instrument which includes a one-piece, integrally-formed casing having a generally circular front support plate whose front surface is adapted for mounting a dial face thereon and a cylindrical wall integral with said support plate and extending rearwardly therefrom to form a cavity for housing the internal mechanisms of the instrument. A "blow-out" back cover normally seals the back of the cavity but is responsive to excessive internal pressure to break the seal to relieve the pressure. The back cover overlays a dual function diaphram which both forms the rear seal and compensates for temperature variations. A bracket is coupled, either directly or indirectly, between the rear surface of the support plate and the central portion of the back cover to prevent relative axial motion therebetween.

Abstract: The temperature Recording instrument contains the usual thermal measuring system consisting of a bellows assembly, a temperature sensitive bulb and capillary tubing between the bellows and bulb and a recording system including a marking element which is responsive to the energization of the bellows for permanently indicating the temperature sensed by the bulb on chart paper mounted on a base plate located in the instrument housing. A fulcrum having an axis extends through the base plate and carries a bracket which is provided with one slot or with a pair of slots on opposite sides of the axis. A spool is located in one or the other of the slots. An adjusting screw is carried by the bracket and is threadedly connected to the spool. Rotation of the adjusting screw is effective to move the spool in the corresponding slot relative to the fulcrum's axis. The marking element is located on the chart side of the base plate and is secured to the bracket.