Abstract: Disclosed is a method of: providing an electrochemical energy storage device having a first electrode and a second electrode; and simultaneously: a) maintaining the first electrode and a first temperature; b) maintaining the second electrode at a second temperature; and c) charging or discharging the device. The coolest portion of the second electrode is at least 1° C. warmer than the warmest portion of the first electrode.

Abstract: An on demand vehicle drive system monitors vehicle performance and operating conditions and controls torque delivery to the vehicle wheels. The system includes a plurality of speed and position sensors, a transfer case having primary and secondary output shafts driving primary and secondary axles and a microcontroller. The sensors include a vehicle speed sensor, a pair of primary and secondary drive shaft speed sensors, and brake and driveline status sensors. The transfer case includes a modulating electromagnetic clutch controlled by the microcontroller which is incrementally engaged to transfer torque from the primary output shaft to the secondary output shaft. When the speed of either the front or the rear drive shafts overruns, i.e., exceeds, the speed of the other drive shaft by a predetermined value related to the vehicle speed, indicating that wheel slip is present, clutch current is incrementally increased to increase clutch engagement and torque transfer to the secondary axle.

Abstract: An on demand vehicle drive system monitors vehicle performance and operating conditions and controls torque delivery to the vehicle wheels. The system includes a plurality of speed and position sensors, a transfer case having primary and secondary output shafts driving primary and secondary axles and a microcontroller. The sensors include a vehicle speed sensor, a pair of primary and secondary drive shaft speed sensors, and brake and driveline status sensors. The transfer case includes a modulating electromagnetic clutch controlled by the microcontroller which is incrementally engaged to transfer torque from the primary output shaft to the secondary output shaft. When the speed of either the front or the rear drive shafts overruns, i.e., exceeds, the speed of the other drive shaft by a predetermined value related to the vehicle speed, indicating that wheel slip is present, clutch current is incrementally increased to increase clutch engagement and torque transfer to the secondary axle.

Abstract: A fluid pump as used to distend a portion of a patient's body including a blood pressure monitor which preselects the maximum pressure for the pump at or slightly below the mean arterial pressure for the patient.

Abstract: The invention is directed to a cassette assembly for use in a medical, dental or therapeutic lavage system, including a cassette housing and a pump disposed within the housing. The pump has an inlet and an outlet, with the inlet and outlet being attachable to a tubing set. The pump is attachable to and driveable by a motor disposed outside the cassette housing. A pressure sensing device disposed within the cassette housing senses a fluid pressure within the outlet.

Abstract: A suction adapter couples a fluid drain tube to a suction canister for fluid collection while maintaining the drain tube at atmospheric pressure for optimal draining flow rate. The suction adapter further allows the surgeon to easily apply suction to the drain tube when he desires to increase the flow rate through the drain tube and to just as easily return the drain tube to atmospheric pressure. The suction adapter does not spill and is muffled to reduce noise. The suction adapter comprises a housing defining an interior space. The housing has a suction port in communication with the interior space for connection to a suction source and a fluid port in communication with the interior space for connection to a fluid drain tube. The housing also has a ventilation port formed in the housing to allow atmospheric air into the interior space. The ventilation port communicates with a ventilation tube located in the interior space, the ventilation tube having a ventilation hole.

Abstract: A fluid pump 20 used in a lavage instrument 10 that is driven by vacuum pressure is disclosed. Fluid pump 20 includes a fluid housing 30 connected to an external fluid source and a pneumatic cylinder 50 connected to an external vacuum source. A diaphragm 40 is shiftably disposed within fluid housing 30 to define an inner fluid chamber 31. Pneumatic cylinder 50 includes a cylinder casing 60 and a reciprocating piston 70, which defines a vacuum chamber 61. Piston 70 includes a poppet valve 80 and is connected to diaphragm 40 by two push rods 68. Negative pressure within vacuum chamber 61 draws piston 70 forward and compresses a return spring 67. As piston 70 is drawn forward, piston 70 pushes diaphragm 40 forward to expel fluid from fluid chamber 31 through an outlet port 36. Piston 70 is drawn forward until poppet valve 80 is unseated by its engagement with a post 66 which extends longitudinally from casing end wall 44.

Abstract: An irrigation system contains a safety relief valve and a safety relief valve control valve. The safety relief valve control valve acts to modulate the operation of the safety relief valve when there is flow from an outflow port. By this mechanism high flow rates are accommodated without causing premature activation of the safety relief valve.

Abstract: A skin graft preparation apparatus is disclosed which includes the use of an extruded skin carrier having guide surfaces thereon which mesh with corresponding guide surfaces on one of the rollers of the apparatus. The device includes structure allowing easy removal, replacement and exchange of the cutter mechanism thereof so that cutters of different ratios may easily be interchanged. Springs engaging respective ends of the cutter mechanism allow slight upward movements thereof to accommodate to skin of varying thickness.

Abstract: A skin graft preparation apparatus is disclosed which includes the use of an extruded skin carrier having guide surfaces thereon which mesh with corresponding guide surfaces on one of the rollers of the apparatus. The device includes structure allowing easy removal, replacement and exchange of the cutter mechanism thereof so that cutters of different ratios may easily be interchanged. Springs engaging respective ends of the cutter mechanism allow slight upward movements thereof to accommodate to skin of varying thickness.

Abstract: A comb for connection to the skin meshing unit adjacent the cutter blades to contact the blades to remove the skin from the blades. The comb includes a plurality of slots which accommodates a portion of the cutter blades as the blades rotate through the skin sample passed under the blades. Each longitudinal end of the slot includes angled side wall and is bevelled relative to the bottom wall of the comb to form a V-shaped groove which engages the cutting edge of the blades in close contact to remove the skin from the cutter.

Abstract: The present invention comprises a housing which includes a handle assembly attached thereto. The handle assembly has a first retracted position and a second extended position. The handle assembly includes a fluid container suspension mechanism thereon. Accordingly, when the handle assembly is in the second extended position, fluid containers may be suspended from the suspension mechanism on the handle assembly. The handle assembly may be retracted to the first position for storage or transport or for carrying the device via the handle assembly.

Abstract: An irrigation system is provided to communicate fluid pressure to a body cavity for diagnostic or surgical proceedings. A pump control unit generates fluid pressure and a monitor control circuit provides feedback to the pump control unit to substantially avoid a build up of excessive fluid pressure within the body cavity. In combination with a hysterscope, the irrigation system extends a uterus in a safe manner so that fluid absorption within the uterus is substantially eliminated.

Abstract: A skin graft preparation apparatus is disclosed which includes the use of an extruded skin carrier having guide surfaces thereon which mesh with corresponding guide surfaces on one of the rollers of the apparatus. The device includes structure allowing easy removal, replacement and exchange of the cutter mechanism thereof so that cutters of different ratios may easily be interchanged. Springs engaging respective ends of the cutter mechanism allow slight upward movements thereof to accommodate to skin of varying thickness.

Abstract: Automatic starting fluid injection systems are useful, for example, to aid in the cold-starting of diesel engines. In the subject invention, a microprocessor under software control is used to controllably inject starting fluid into an engine passageway, such as an intake manifold. During engine cranking, the microprocessor delivers an injection signal to a fluid delivery system to effect starting fluid injection into the engine passageway. When the engine starts, a subsequent injection time is calculated based on the sensed engine temperature. The microprocessor continues to deliver the injection signal to the fluid delivery system during the subsequent injection time.

Abstract: A cannula assembly provides for fluid inflow at a scope end and to clear debris from the scope. An end fitting of the cannula assembly directs fluid flow in the direction of the scope end and also sealingly engages the scope to prevent fluid leakage.