Abstract: A microelectromechanical system (MEMS) is comprised of a micromirror attached to a semiconductor device. A stack of inorganic high index materials comprised of titanium oxide, titanium nitride, and titanium is deposited above metal levels within the semiconductor device. Another stack of inorganic high index materials comprised of titanium oxide, titanium nitride, and titanium may be deposited in a continuous or dis-continuous layer within one or more of the dielectric layers. Each stack of high index material films is deposited at a depth and of thickness to achieve a minimum reflectance for the entire film system and to ensure maximum destructive interference at the targeted wavelength range. The high index material stack results in reduced light scattering during operation of the micromirror and improves contrast of the display system.

Abstract: A tubing shoe is disclosed with a body adapted to be connected to a section of tubing to be emplaced in a wellbore and a nose provided on the body, wherein the nose includes a failure guide structure for controlling break-up of the nose upon being drilled out from inside the nose. The failure guide structure typically controls break up by limiting the maximum size of pieces of the nose broken off upon drill out, for example, by defining weakened areas of the nose which are prone to failure upon drilling. The failure guide structure can include discontinuities such as slots or bores formed or drilled into the outer surface of the nose. The failure guide structure controls the break up of the nose in a consistent and predictable manner, and typically at a predictable stage during the drill-out process.

Abstract: A tubing shoe is disclosed with a body adapted to be connected to a section of tubing to be emplaced in a wellbore and a nose provided on the body, wherein the nose includes a failure guide structure for controlling break-up of the nose upon being drilled out from inside the nose. The failure guide structure typically controls break up by limiting the maximum size of pieces of the nose broken off upon drill out, for example, by defining weakened areas of the nose which are prone to failure upon drilling. The failure guide structure can include discontinuities such as slots or bores formed or drilled into the outer surface of the nose. The failure guide structure controls the break up of the nose in a consistent and predictable manner, and typically at a predictable stage during the drill-out process.

Abstract: An apparatus for controlling the flow of fluid into a borehole through a conduit has a decelerating means adapted to be positioned within the conduit. The fluid could typically comprise drilling mud and/or cement, and in some embodiments, some of the cement can exit through apertures in a shroud of the apparatus to cement the decelerating means inside the conduit.

Abstract: A centralizer having a body with an inner surface provided with a friction-reducing slider, typically located in an annular recess on the inner surface of the body of the slider, spaced from the ends of the body. The slider can be formed separately from a body of the centralizer and subsequently attached thereto on the inner surface so that it is adapted to bear between the outer surface of the tubing to be centralized and the inner surface of the centralizer. This reduces rotational torque transmitted between the centralizer and the tubing, and assists in maneuvering of the tubular string into the desired position in the well.

Abstract: A centraliser having a body with an inner surface provided with a friction-reducing slider, typically located in an annular recess on the inner surface of the body of the slider, spaced from the ends of the body. The slider can be formed separately from a body of the centraliser and subsequently attached thereto on the inner surface so that it is adapted to bear between the outer surface of the tubing to be centralised and the inner surface of the centraliser. This reduces rotational torque transmitted between the centraliser and the tubing, and assists in maneuvering of the tubular string into the desired position in the well.

Abstract: A catheter connection system is described herein, including a hub assembly and a connector assembly, the hub assembly including a cannula configured for insertion into a catheter lumen and the connector assembly including a collet and collar. The collet is connected to the hub assembly and positioned about a distal portion of the cannula such that an inner surface of the collet is spaced from an outer surface of the cannula. The collar and collet include features that interact with one another to provide a locking engagement. Also described is a multifunction adaptor to establish a connection between a catheter and another instrument, such as a tunneler or syringe.

Abstract: A propeller shaft bearing includes a substantially cylindrical sleeve having a structure including an inner layer and an outer layer that surrounds the inner layer. The inner layer is made of a bearing material that includes a thermosetting resin. The outer layer is made of a material that includes a thermosetting resin and has a lower swelling characteristic than the bearing material.

Abstract: Methods and apparatuses for facilitating removal of a catheter from a patient are provided. A catheter removal device is disclosed comprising a gripping mechanism with at least two members each member having a proximal end and distal end. The distal end of the gripping mechanism having opposing clamping members which, when closed, approximate at least a portion of the outer circumference of a catheter securement device. The proximal end of the gripping mechanism has two handle members each having a loop structure to accommodate the thumb or finger, for example, of a medical practitioner. A middle portion of the gripping mechanism has a shank member wherein the at least two members are coupled together at a pivot point. A distal end of the clamping members has a taper to allow for dilation of tissue up to the location of the catheter securement device.

Abstract: A catheter including a body defining a lumen and a valve including a perforation which forms a plurality of catheter valve surfaces. At least one coating may be substantially permanently adhered to at least a portion of at least one of the plurality of catheter surfaces. Also, a method of at least partially coating a catheter valve surface is disclosed. Further, the catheter valve may comprise a perforation which forms a plurality of catheter surfaces. At least one coating may be substantially permanently adhered to at least a portion of at least one of the plurality of catheter valve surfaces. An apparatus for at least partially opening a catheter valve is disclosed, including a tubular member including a bent region and an opening formed generally proximate the bent region structured to cause a catheter valve of a catheter to at least partially open.

Abstract: A medical device is disclosed comprising a diaphragm having at least one slit valve disposed therein, and a valve housing configured to secure the diaphragm at a peripheral portion of the diaphragm, wherein a central portion of the diaphragm is positioned relative to the peripheral portion of the diaphragm such that compressive forces acting on the peripheral portion of the diaphragm create moment forces which bias the slit valve in a closed position. A method is disclosed for using the device in connection with a catheter for regulation of fluids to and from a patient.

Abstract: A catheter connection system is disclosed. In one embodiment, a catheter connection system may include at least two components and a deformable sealing element positioned between the at least two components configured to allow, upon deformation, fluid flow through the at least two components. In another embodiment, the catheter connection system may include a sealing element positioned between at least two components, wherein the components are coupled to one another by a locking member.

Abstract: This invention relates to a slotted expandable centraliser. In preferred embodiments, the centraliser is adapted to be used in conjunction with slotted casing, and can expand with the casing when an expander cone is propelled through the casing.

Abstract: Described herein are implantable ports including a housing with a fluid receptacle, a port stem in fluid communication with the fluid receptacle, and a septum covering the fluid receptacle. The ports may be configured to reduce the priming volume by including a plurality of fluid-locked chambers and/or one or more base mats. The ports may also include a hydrophobic coating on one or more surfaces thereof.

Abstract: A power injection catheter for high flow rate delivery of fluids. The power injection catheter may include a pressure relief mechanism for preventing overpressurizing within the lumen of the catheter. The pressure relief mechanism may be configured to prevent sudden pressure build-up inside the catheter lumen by absorbing, buffering or releasing pressure inside the lumen during pressure spikes. The power injection catheter may also take the form of a multi-lumen catheter capable of simultaneous infusions of a single fluid through two or more of the lumens in the catheter.

Abstract: A tissue tunneler including an expandable attachment mechanism for securing a catheter. In one variation, the tissue tunneler comprises an elongate tunneler with a protrusion extending from the proximal end of the tunneler. An expansion mechanism is provided on the protrusion for insertion into the catheter. An oversleeve slidably disposed over the elongated tunneler may be provided to engage the expansion mechanism and trap the catheter between the oversleeve and the expansion mechanism. In another variation, the expansion mechanism may comprise of an expandable O-ring configured to engage an inner surface within a catheter.

Abstract: The present invention provides a device that modifies the centrifugal force of a series of weights held at the perimeter of a rotating assembly by creating an acceleration on the weights perpendicular to their circular path of travel in addition to the centripetal force acting on them. By creating an acceleration on each weight perpendicular to its circular path and by timing when to create the acceleration, the net centrifugal force of the weights can be increased along the top of their rotational path and decreased along the bottom of their rotational path thereby producing a sustainable imbalance that can produce a thrust which propels the device in a particular direction. By using numerous weights on the rotating assembly, a smoother continuous force will be produced. In addition, the present invention can be processed, accelerated or decelerated to produce three dimensional controlling force vectors to add stability to its platform.

Abstract: A catheter connector system that allows trimming of the proximal end of a catheter (single or multiple lumen) prior to the placement of a connector hub. In one variation, the catheter connector system comprises a catheter, a connector sheath including a soft collet, and a connector hub including a cannula for engaging the catheter and a connector hub interface for receiving the connector sheath.

Abstract: An apparatus for controlling the flow of fluid into a borehole through a conduit has a decelerating means adapted to be positioned within the conduit. The fluid could typically comprise drilling mud and/or cement, and in some embodiments, some of the cement can exit through apertures in a shroud of the apparatus to cement the decelerating means inside the conduit.

Abstract: A subcutaneous infusion device, including an infusion set and conduit, the infusion set including a cannula and a hub. The cannula may include a coil component that is helically arranged around a longitudinal axis to define a lumen and a tubing component that is associated with the coil component and may take on the shape of the outer surface thereof. The cannula may include a proximal guide to assist in the insertion of a needle therethrough. Both integral and attachable infusion set and conduit combinations are described, as well as a sterile package and insertion mechanism.