Abstract: Preferably, an embodiment of a vein presentation enhancement device includes at least, an interior cover supporting a first fastening member, and an exterior cover communicating with the interior cover, wherein the exterior cover provides a first securement member that interacts with the first fastening member to secure the preferred device positioned about a limb of a subject. The preferred embodiment further includes a bladder formed between the interior and exterior covers, and an air transfer assembly connected to said bladder for transfer of air into and out of said bladder, wherein said interior and exterior covers collectively provide a plurality of projections defining a blood access window.

Abstract: Preferably, an embodiment of a vein presentation enhancement device includes at least, an interior cover supporting a first fastening member, and an exterior cover communicating with the interior cover, wherein the exterior cover provides a first securement member that interacts with the first fastening member to secure the preferred device positioned about a limb of a subject. The preferred embodiment further includes a bladder formed between the interior and exterior covers, and an air transfer assembly connected to said bladder for transfer of air into and out of said bladder, wherein said interior and exterior covers collectively provide a plurality of projections defining a blood access window.

Abstract: Systems and methods for rejecting waste heat generated by one or more operating systems installed on an aircraft employ an endothermic fuel that can participate in endothermic catalytic cracking at temperatures below about 80° C. when exposed to a cracking catalyst that contains a superacid operative to induce low-temperature catalytic cracking of the branched alkanes. The endothermic fuel contains an effective amount of the branched alkanes so that a net endothermic effect is realized when the fuel is exposed to the cracking catalyst. The low-temperature, heat-consuming cracking of the branched alkanes increases the heat sink capacity of the endothermic fuel.

Abstract: In accordance with preferred embodiments, a needle with gated stylet is provided that is useful for controlled fluid transfer with a patient's body. Preferably, the needle with gated stylet includes a hollow core needle providing a needle tip and at least two fluid transfer apertures with the stylet removably disposed within the needle. In an alternate embodiment, a needle providing a hollow core, an insertion tip, and a fluid transfer aperture adjacent the insertion tip and communicating with the hollow core, and a stylet disposed within the hollow core, cooperating with the fluid transfer aperture to preclude fluid flow through the fluid transfer aperture when the stylet is in a first position adjacent the insertion tip and promote fluid flow through the transfer aperture when the stylet is in a second position adjacent the insertion tip.

Abstract: A medical procedure kit is disclosed. Preferably, the medical procedure kit includes at least a frame configured to communicate with a body of a patient, an instrument positioning assembly supported by the frame, and means for advancing an instrument confined by the instrument positioning assembly into the body of the patient. Preferably, the medical procedure kit further includes an instrument carrier positioned between the instrument and the means for advancing the instrument. The instrument carrier preferably secures the instrument in a fixed position relative to the carrier, and the frame preferably includes a base portion configured to maintain the instrument positioning assembly in a stable position relative to the patient's body.

Abstract: A system for rejecting heat from equipment using endothermic isomerization. includes a heat exchanger configured to receive an elevated-temperature process fluid and an isomerization compound capable of endothermic isomerization. When the system is in operation, heat from the elevated temperature process fluid is transferred to the isomerization compound and the isomerization compound endothermically isomerizes to a higher energy state form. A vehicle includes an engine and a body. The body houses a catalytic heat exchanger having an output in fluid communication with the engine, a pump for urging an isomerization compound into the heat exchanger, and a heat sink controller for controlling the pump. A method for rejecting heat from equipment using endothermic isomerization includes providing a compound capable of endothermic isomerization and transferring heat from a process fluid to the compound, such that the compound endothermically isomerizes to a higher energy level isomer.

Abstract: An exemplary embodiment of an anti-fatigue device includes a framework worn adjacent a body of a user; and interaction of a cable and the framework provides an anti-gravity support of the body that reduces user fatigue from an activity the user performs. In another exemplary embodiment, the anti-fatigue device includes a head support halo coupled to the framework, the head support halo provides an anti-gravity support of the head that reduces user fatigue while the user performs the activity. In an alternative exemplary embodiment, the anti-fatigue device includes a leg support that substantially secures the framework adjacent the body while the user stands to perform the activity. In yet another exemplary embodiment, the anti-fatigue device includes a seat plate worn adjacent a buttock of the user substantially secures the framework adjacent the body while the user sits on the buttock to perform the activity.

Abstract: The present invention provides, in at least one embodiment, a system, device, and method for better instructions, feedback, and capture of inspirometer data. Inspirometers are typically not used correctly, so the device provides video, picture, and/or text instructions to users on how to use the inspirometer. Since many users do not inhale at the correct slow flow rate, the device has indicators telling the user whether his or her inhalation flow rate is too fast or too slow. Since many users do not use the inspirometer at all, the device captures electronic data including the total volume inhaled, flow rate data which indicates whether the user used the inspirometer correctly, and time stamps which indicate whether the users used the inspirometer regularly or at all. The device can also include spirometer features to capture exhaled breath data as well as inhaled breath data.

Abstract: A urine collection apparatus that includes at least a handle providing a contoured rim portion that is configured to conform to female genitals. Preferably, a urine collection port is offset from the rim portion. The preferred embodiment further includes a sloped surface disposed between the urine collection port and the rim portion, and wherein the rim portion presents a length, at its greatest extent, that is more than twice its width at the width's greatest extent.

Abstract: Preferably, an embodiment of a vein presentation enhancement device includes at least, an interior cover supporting a first fastening member, and an exterior cover communicating with the interior cover, wherein the exterior cover provides a first securement member that interacts with the first fastening member to secure the preferred device positioned about a limb of a subject. The preferred embodiment further includes a bladder formed between the interior and exterior covers, and an air transfer assembly connected to said bladder for transfer of air into and out of said bladder, wherein said interior and exterior covers collectively provide a plurality of projections defining a blood access window.

Abstract: Preferably, an embodiment of a vein presentation enhancement device includes at least, an interior cover supporting a first fastening member, and an exterior cover communicating with the interior cover, wherein the exterior cover provides a first securement member that interacts with the first fastening member to secure the preferred device positioned about a limb of a subject. The preferred embodiment further includes a bladder formed between the interior and exterior covers, and an air transfer assembly connected to said bladder for transfer of air into and out of said bladder, wherein said interior and exterior covers collectively provide a plurality of projections defining a blood access window.

Abstract: Preferably, an embodiment of a vein presentation enhancement device includes at least, an interior cover supporting a first fastening member, and an exterior cover communicating with the interior cover, wherein the exterior cover provides a first securement member that interacts with the first fastening member to secure the preferred device positioned about a limb of a subject. The preferred embodiment further includes a bladder formed between the interior and exterior covers, and an air transfer assembly connected to said bladder for transfer of air into and out of said bladder, wherein said interior and exterior covers collectively provide a plurality of projections defining a blood access window.

Abstract: A heat sink is used to absorb heat produced by a vehicle. The heat sink uses a steam reformer to create an endothermic reaction between two fluids. Excess heat from the vehicle's engine is used to heat the reactor to facilitate the endothermic reaction. In some embodiments, the reactant fluids are pre-heated by absorbing heat from various components of the vehicle. Excess heat from the various components or from the vehicle engine is used to vaporize the fluids before the fluids enter the reactor.

Abstract: Systems and methods for rejecting waste heat generated by one or more operating systems installed on an aircraft employ an endothermic fuel that can participate in endothermic catalytic cracking at temperatures below about 80° C. when exposed to a cracking catalyst that contains a superacid operative to induce low-temperature catalytic cracking of the branched alkanes. The endothermic fuel contains an effective amount of the branched alkanes so that a net endothermic effect is realized when the fuel is exposed to the cracking catalyst. The low-temperature, heat-consuming cracking of the branched alkanes increases the heat sink capacity of the endothermic fuel.

Abstract: A heat sink is used to absorb heat produced by a vehicle. The heat sink uses a steam reformer to create an endothermic reaction between two fluids. Excess heat from the vehicle's engine is used to heat the reactor to facilitate the endothermic reaction. In some embodiments, the reactant fluids are pre-heated by absorbing heat from various components of the vehicle. Excess heat from the various components or from the vehicle engine is used to vaporize the fluids before the fluids enter the reactor.

Abstract: A system for rejecting heat from equipment using endothermic isomerization. includes a heat exchanger configured to receive an elevated-temperature process fluid and an isomerization compound capable of endothermic isomerization. When the system is in operation, heat from the elevated temperature process fluid is transferred to the isomerization compound and the isomerization compound endothermically isomerizes to a higher energy state form. A vehicle includes an engine and a body. The body houses a catalytic heat exchanger having an output in fluid communication with the engine, a pump for urging an isomerization compound into the heat exchanger, and a heat sink controller for controlling the pump. A method for rejecting heat from equipment using endothermic isomerization includes providing a compound capable of endothermic isomerization and transferring heat from a process fluid to the compound, such that the compound endothermically isomerizes to a higher energy level isomer.

Abstract: Cyclic siloxanes that contain releasable active ingredients are described. The active ingredient can be an alcohol or enolizable carbonyl-containing compound such as a ketone, aldehyde, or ester. The product siloxanes are useful in a variety of personal and household care products where slow or controlled release of active ingredient is desired. A preferred embodiment utilizes substituents that when released as active ingredients are fragrant.

Abstract: Cyclic siloxanes that contain releasable active ingredients are described. The active ingredient can be an alcohol or enolizable carbonyl-containing compound such as a ketone, aldehyde, or ester. The product siloxanes are useful in a variety of personal and household care products where slow or controlled release of active ingredient is desired. A preferred embodiment utilizes substituents that when released as active ingredients are fragrant.

Abstract: The process of the present invention is directed to a dry cleaning process, comprising the use of volatile cyclic, linear or branched siloxanes in the vapor phase for the cleaning of soiled or stained fabrics. The linear or branched siloxanes have the formula: M2+y+2zDxTyQz wherein M is R13SiO1/2; D is R2R3SiO2/2; T is R4SiO3/2; and Q is SiO4/2 R1, R2, R3 and R4 are each independently a monovalent hydrocarbon radical having from one to forty carbon atoms; and x and y are each integers, wherein 0≦x≦10 and 0≦y≦10 and 0≦z≦10. While the cyclic siloxanes have the formula: wherein R5, R6, R7 and R8 are each independently a monovalent hydrocarbon group having from one to forty carbon atoms; and a and b are each integers wherein 0≦a≦10 and 0≦b≦10, provided that 3≦(a+b)≦10.

Abstract: A dry cleaning composition comprising a volatile siloxane and a mixture of different classes of organic surfactants and, optionally water, and a method for dry cleaning comprising contacting an article with a composition comprising a volatile siloxane and a mixture of different classes of organic surfactants.