Abstract: A clamp including a first jaw member having a camming surface, a second jaw member pivotable with respect to the first jaw member, a first biasing member biasing the first and second jaw members to a first position; and a locking mechanism that includes a cam or roller for cooperating with the camming surface of the jaw member, and a second biasing member biasing the cam or roller against the camming surface to lock the first and second jaw members in a second position. An optional alignment collar can be used to align components of the filtration apparatus prior to clamping. Filtration apparatus including the clamp, and also optionally including the alignment collar, is also disclosed.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for Immunohistochemistry, including a slide holder assembly fixture, a slide holder, a slide holder frame, and a slide holder frame assembly adapted to be placed in communication with a driving force to draw fluid through the slide holder. The slide holder may include an injection port that allows consistent fluid delivery and recovery, while minimizing the introduction of air bubbles. The slide holder may include a reservoir that allows for filling, soaking, rinsing, flushing, uniform antibody coverage of the tissue and reduces handling time, space, and errors, and one or more sample chambers. The slide orientation in the slide holder allows for visualization of label information and tissue to confirm adequate antibody coverage. A multi-port frame allows multiple assays to be carried out concurrently, and is removable from a vacuum manifold and allows for easy transport from the vacuum manifold to an incubator/refrigerator and back.

Abstract: A clamp including a first jaw member having a camming surface, a second jaw member pivotable with respect to the first jaw member, a first biasing member biasing the first and second jaw members to a first position; and a locking mechanism that includes a cam or roller for cooperating with the camming surface of the jaw member, and a second biasing member biasing the cam or roller against the camming surface to lock the first and second jaw members in a second position. An optional alignment collar can be used to align components of the filtration apparatus prior to clamping. Filtration apparatus including the clamp, and also optionally including the alignment collar, is also disclosed.

Abstract: The embodiments disclosed herein are directed to an apparatus useful in conducting detection of compounds on blotting membranes. The device is comprised of several layers including a porous support layer below the blotting membrane(s), a flow distributor above the blotting membrane(s) and optionally a well on the flow distributor to contain the liquid to the desired area and to allow for lower starting volumes of such liquid. Preferably, the flow distributor is a non-binding or low binding hydrophilic porous membrane such as a 0.22 micron membrane and the support layer is a grid or sintered porous material. The distributor and support are held together to form an envelope around the membrane(s). The use of a hinge, clips and other such devices is preferred in doing so.

Abstract: The embodiments disclosed herein are directed to an apparatus useful in conducting detection of compounds on blotting membranes. The device is comprised of several layers including a porous support layer below the blotting membrane(s), a flow distributor above the blotting membrane(s) and optionally a well on the flow distributor to contain the liquid to the desired area and to allow for lower starting volumes of such liquid. Preferably, the flow distributor is a non-binding or low binding hydrophilic porous membrane such as a 0.22 micron membrane and the support layer is a grid or sintered porous material. The distributor and support are held together to form an envelope around the membrane(s). The use of a hinge, clips and other such devices is preferred in doing so.

Abstract: The embodiments disclosed herein are directed to an apparatus useful in conducting detection of compounds on blotting membranes. The device is comprised of several layers including a porous support layer below the blotting membrane(s), a flow distributor above the blotting membrane(s) and optionally a well on the flow distributor to contain the liquid to the desired area and to allow for lower starting volumes of such liquid. Preferably, the flow distributor is a non-binding or low binding hydrophilic porous membrane such as a 0.22 micron membrane and the support layer is a grid or sintered porous material. The distributor and support are held together to form an envelope around the membrane(s). The use of a hinge, clips and other such devices is preferred in doing so.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for Immunohistochemistry, including a slide holder assembly fixture, a slide holder, a slide holder frame, and a slide holder frame assembly adapted to be placed in communication with a driving force to draw fluid through the slide holder. The slide holder may include an injection port that allows consistent fluid delivery and recovery, while minimizing the introduction of air bubbles. The slide holder may include a reservoir that allows for filling, soaking, rinsing, flushing, uniform antibody coverage of the tissue and reduces handling time, space, and errors, and one or more sample chambers. The slide orientation in the slide holder allows for visualization of label information and tissue to confirm adequate antibody coverage. A multi-port frame allows multiple assays to be carried out concurrently, and is removable from a vacuum manifold and allows for easy transport from the vacuum manifold to an incubator/refrigerator and back.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods for quantitating one or more biomolecules in a sample using IR based techniques, sample holder devices for use in such methods as well as methods for manufacturing such sample holder devices.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention relate to methods for assessing and/or improving contact between an electrophysiology catheter and tissue, and catheters for performing the methods. One embodiment relates to a catheter comprising a braided conductive member coupled to the distal end of a shaft, wherein the braided conductive member comprises a plurality of pressure sensitive wires. Another embodiment relates to a catheter comprising a braided conductive member having a plurality of sectors and coupled to the distal end of a shaft, and a balloon assembly constructed and arranged to selectively apply distal pressure to one or more sectors of the braided conductive member.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods for quantitating one or more biomolecules in a sample using IR based techniques, sample holder devices for use in such methods as well as methods for manufacturing such sample holder devices.

Abstract: The embodiments disclosed herein are directed to an apparatus useful in conducting detection of compounds on blotting membranes. The device is comprised of several layers including a porous support layer below the blotting membrane(s), a flow distributor above the blotting membrane(s) and optionally a well on the flow distributor to contain the liquid to the desired area and to allow for lower starting volumes of such liquid. Preferably, the flow distributor is a non-binding or low binding hydrophilic porous membrane such as a 0.22 micron membrane and the support layer is a grid or sintered porous material. The distributor and support are held together to form an envelope around the membrane(s). The use of a hinge, clips and other such devices is preferred in doing so.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention relate to methods for assessing and/or improving contact between an electrophysiology catheter and tissue, and catheters for performing the methods. One embodiment relates to a catheter comprising a braided conductive member coupled to the distal end of a shaft, wherein the braided conductive member comprises a plurality of pressure sensitive wires. Another embodiment relates to a catheter comprising a braided conductive member having a plurality of sectors and coupled to the distal end of a shaft, and a balloon assembly constructed and arranged to selectively apply distal pressure to one or more sectors of the braided conductive member.

Abstract: Extendable and expandable ablation electrodes are disclosed. Electrophysiology catheter systems include ablation electrodes that maintain a reduced cross-sectional profile during introduction into a patient and are extendable and/or expandable once positioned at a lesion site. The expanded electrodes having a larger length or and/or diameter can help to produce large lesions. Controllability of the dimensions of the ablation electrodes may be improved.

Abstract: A method and apparatus relating to a biocompatible soft tissue implant is disclosed. The implant, in the form of a prosthesis, is constructed of a knitted pile mesh material arranged into either a 3-dimensional structure or a planar shape or structure. The material or fabric includes a plurality of filament extensions projecting outwardly therefrom. The filament extensions can be radially projecting looping filaments from one or more rows of the knitted pile mesh material. The combination of the filament extensions with the 3-dimensional structure results in the biocompatible implant having a structural resistance to hinder anticipated crushing forces applied to the implant, and also provide a suitable 3-dimensional structure for promoting rapid tissue in-growth to anchor such implant without migration and strengthen the repaired tissue area.

Abstract: A method and apparatus relating to a biocompatible soft tissue implant is disclosed. The implant, in the form of a prosthesis, is constructed of a knitted pile mesh material arranged into either a 3-dimensional structure or a planar shape or structure. The material or fabric includes a plurality of filament extensions projecting outwardly therefrom. The filament extensions can be radially projecting looping filaments from one or more rows of the knitted pile mesh material. The combination of the filament extensions with the 3-dimensional structure results in the biocompatible implant having a structural resistance to hinder anticipated crushing forces applied to the implant, and also provide a suitable 3-dimensional structure for promoting rapid tissue in-growth to anchor such implant without migration and strengthen the repaired tissue area.

Abstract: A method for augmenting blood circulation in the limb of a patient is provided by customizing the compression cycle based upon patient venous characteristics. The method measures the venous refill time of the patient for use with an intermittent pneumatic compression device. A limb such as a leg is wrapped with a compression sleeve having at least one pressurizable chamber. The chamber is pressurized for a predetermined period of time to compress the limb and cause blood to flow out of the limb. The chamber is depressurized until the pressure in the chamber reaches a lower value, and the chamber is closed. The pressure in the chamber is sensed and the venous refill time, the time for the limb to refill with blood, is determined by sensing when the pressure reaches or will reach a plateau. The venous refill time is used as the basis for the time between subsequent compression pulses of the compression device.