Abstract: A medical sliding shaft instrument includes a tool element carrier, a tubular sliding shaft surrounding the tool element carrier and defining a sliding direction, and an actuating device for moving the sliding shaft relative to the tool element carrier in the distal direction. At least one tool element is arranged or movably mounted on the distal end of the tool element carrier. The at least one tool element is arranged or formed so as to cooperate with a distal end region of the sliding shaft in such a way that the at least one tool element is moved as a result of a movement of the sliding shaft in the distal direction. The sliding shaft instrument further comprises a locking device for blocking a movement of the sliding shaft relative to the tool element carrier in at least one advancing position.

Abstract: The preferred embodiments described herein provide a method for making a write-once memory device read compatible with a write-many file system. In one preferred embodiment, a method for re-writing to a logical address of a write-once memory device is provided. A physical-to-logical address map is built from data stored in the memory device that associates individual physical addresses with individual logical addresses. When a logical address is re-written, data associating that logical address with a new physical address is stored, and data associating that logical address with an old physical address is invalidated. When the logical address is read, the physical-to-logical address map is used to read the new physical address instead of the old physical address. Other preferred embodiments are provided, and each of the preferred embodiments described herein can be used alone or in combination with one another.

Abstract: A blood separation system is fully mechanized to collect blood from a patient, separate waste portions of the blood, wash the blood, and redirect the usable portions to a device for reinjecting the usable portions into the patient. The system provides screen displays with detailed setup instructions and instructs the operator at the appropriate times to do certain manual steps. Apparatus for sequestration of platelet rich plasma spins at a high speed sufficient to separate solid cells from the blood sample and then spins at a lower speed for a predetermined time to allow platelets to elute from the solid cells.

Abstract: The present invention is a blood separation system that is fully mechanized to collect blood from a patient, separate waste portions of the blood, wash the blood, and redirect the usable portions to a device for reinjecting the usable portions into the patient. The present invention prevents accidental activation of an improper operation that could cause harm to a patient or a shut down of the system by requiring confirmation of each step by an operator. The invention provides screen displays with detailed setup instructions, eliminating the need for secondary documentation that might not be allowed in a surgical environment. The invention also instructs the operator at the appropriate times to do certain manual steps such as opening and closing clamps. Since the opening and closing of clamps is a highly critical operation, confirmation of these steps is also required.

Abstract: The present invention is a blood separation system that is fully mechanized to collect blood from a patient, separate waste portions of the blood, wash the blood, and redirect the usable portions to a device for reinjecting the usable portions into the patient. The present invention prevents accidental activation of an improper operation that could cause harm to a patient or a shut down of the system by requiring confirmation of each step by an operator. The invention provides screen displays with detailed setup instructions, eliminating the need for secondary documentation that might not be allowed in a surgical environment. The invention also instructs the operator at the appropriate times to do certain manual steps such as opening and closing clamps. Since the opening and closing of clamps is a highly critical operation, confirmation of these steps is also required.

Abstract: The present invention is a blood separation system that is fully mechanized to collect blood from a patient, separate waste portions of the blood, wash the blood, and redirect the usable portions to a device for reinjecting the usable portions into the patient. The present invention prevents accidental activation of an improper operation that could cause harm to a patient or a shut down of the system by requiring confirmation of each step by an operator. The invention provides screen displays with detailed setup instructions, eliminating the need for secondary documentation that might not be allowed in a surgical environment. The invention also instructs the operator at the appropriate times to do certain manual steps such as opening and closing clamps. Since the opening and closing of clamps is a highly critical operation, confirmation of these steps is also required.

Abstract: A system for securing a blood separator bowl in an autotransfusion machine includes a split ring or collar adapted to grip an enlarged cap on the base of the bowl and a clamp assembly for moving the collar between retracted and expanded positions. In the retracted position, the clamp assembly includes both an overcenter lock system for securing the collar in the retracted position and a backup auxiliary lock in the event of failure. The system further provides for centering the separator bowl on its axis of rotation to prevent undue vibration.