Abstract: A method and apparatus for creasing planar material includes a pair of confronting drums between which the material is passed with at least one of the drums having at least one electrical filament thereon adapted to engage the planar material as it is passed between the drums for melting the planar material to a predetermined depth. The filaments are preferably quick heating and also dissipate heat quickly so that they can be activated and deactivated in short intervals so that the drums upon which the heat filaments are mounted do not heat up between the filaments.

Abstract: A method for making a longitudinal fold in a web, including the steps of: (1) providing a web-supporting device; (2) providing a folding belt disposed adjacent to a first longitudinal edge of the web-supporting device; (3) providing the web which is superimposed onto a web-contacting surface of the web-supporting device such that a first longitudinal edge of the web extends laterally beyond the first longitudinal edge of the web-supporting device and at least partially onto the folding belt; and (4) folding the first longitudinal fold of the web by twisting the folding belt around its longitudinal axis of rotation. The longitudinal axis of rotation of the folding belt extends parallel to the longitudinal fold line of the web.

Abstract: A longitudinal folding device includes formers for longitudinally forming and folding paper webs having different widths. Each former, together with its folding rollers, hopper roller and longitudinal cutting device is supported in a frame such that the former can be displaced in the axial directions of both the folding rollers and the hopper roller.

Abstract: A swing rotor for centrifugal machines is provided. The rotor comprises a rotor body around which plural arms are disposed. A through hole is formed in place through each arm. Plural buckets are arranged around the rotor body so as to be swingable between two arms. Each rotor pin is inserted through each through hole to be arranged in a direction of a normal line to a rotation axis of the rotor body, so that two buckets are swingably supported by both ends of each rotor pin. Each end of the rotor pin is shaped into an outwardly extended taper form having a predetermined taper angle made to a center axis of each rotor pin. The taper angle is substantially equal to an angle made between a swinging axis of each bucket and the center axis of each rotor pin. This reduces failures in swing motions of the buckets.

Abstract: In a decanter centrifuge having a rotor and a screw conveyor the rotor is suspended only at its one end, the rotational axis of the rotor extending vertically. The inlet of the rotor for a sludge containing liquid to be separated as well as the rotor outlet for liquid having been freed from sludge are situated at the upper end of the rotor, whereas a sludge outlet for separated sludge is situated at the lower end of the rotor. The rotor as well as the screw conveyor are adapted to be driven through shafts situated at the upper end of the rotor. By the invention it becomes possible by simple implementation to adapt the decanter centrifuge for different separation duties, since the location of the sludge outlet can be chosen freely without other parts of the decanter centrifuge preventing this.

Abstract: Radioactive therapeutic seeds include a carrier structure bearing a radioactive isotope and a radiopaque marker. According to several embodiments, the seeds include a central plug provided with an axial marker and a relatively transverse bore extending through the marker. A second marker may be positioned in the bore, thereby distinguishing a seed provided with the second marker relative to a seed not provided with the second marker. According to another embodiment, the isotope is deposited on the outer surface of a hollow radiolucent tube. A biologically-compatible, radiolucent, surface-sealing layer seals the external surface of the tube. A radiopaque marker wire of selected length is positioned in the hollow of the tube. Seeds may be distinguished from one another by providing seeds with marker wires of different lengths.

Abstract: Sensory stimulation and sensory anesthesia are induced by means of a device which creates a time varying magnetic field which, in turn, creates an electric field in a direction parallel to the nerve and at the nerve so as to cause either depolarization leading to an action potential and subsequent sensory stimulation or hyperpolarization and subsequent blockade of nerve impulses which causes sensory anesthesia.

Abstract: A non-invasive method and system are provided for positioning an implantable actuator of a semi or fully-implantable hearing aid relative to a component of the auditory system of a patient. The system includes a fixed member, a telescoping member, and a driver. The fixed member is connected to a mounting device for mounting the positioning system to a patient's skull. The telescoping member is connected to the fixed member and the implantable actuator and is movable relative to the fixed member to interface the implantable actuator with the component of the auditory system. The driver controls the movement of the telescoping member relative to the fixed member in response to electrical inputs. In one embodiment of the invention, a user device externally located relative to the patient provides the electrical inputs to the driver. The electrical inputs may be provided to the driver by the user device using either a wireless signal or via inductively coupling the inputs to the driver.

Abstract: A locking mechanism for an endoscopic overtube comprising a generally tubular member having a slot extending from the distal end to the proximal end of the tubular member for insertion of an endoscope into the lumen configured to slidably receive the endoscope. The overtube has a second, smaller lumen configured to receive an elongated member. The slot has an interdigitating configuration with a plurality of interlocking members that join together to close the overtube. The second lumen connects the interlocking members to receive the elongated member therein to align and securely close the slot around the endoscope in the larger lumen. The elongated member in the second lumen connects the ends of the tubular member to keep the slot closed during an endoscopic procedure. A sleeve can be used at the distal end of the overtube to maintain closure of the slot.

Abstract: An endoscope system has at least one of an endoscope including a first discrimination section having readable characteristic information for discriminating each endoscope, a peripheral device including a second discrimination section having readable characteristic information for discriminating each peripheral device, and a third discrimination section having readable characteristic information for discriminating an operator operating the endoscope or the peripheral device. A reading section is capable of reading the characteristic information of the first, second or third discrimination section. A management section manages a status of use of the endoscope and information related to the peripheral device and the endoscope.

Abstract: A sleeve for holding an endoscope used in surgical procedures including a hollow cylinder for receiving the endoscope, a docking member at the proximal end of the cylinder for receiving the viewing hub of the endoscope, a continuous suction supply adjacent the distal end of the cylinder, and a pressurized fluid supply for use when needed to clean the window of the endoscope.

Abstract: A grounding system for a fiberscope utilizing an electrically conductive braid surrounding at least a portion of a flexible hollow tube containing fiber optic bundles. The fiberscope also includes an electrically conductive member surrounding the bundle end. The system further possesses connections between the electrically conductive braid and the end member. An electrically conductive ferrule underlies and links the fiberscope housing and the electrically conductive braid. A conductor connects to the ferrule, extending to the exterior portion of the housing for accessibility to the user.

Abstract: A sheath assembly for a medical instrument such as an endoscope comprises an outer sheath and inner sheath and novel means for providing out-flow of fluids from a surgical site. The outer sheath is disposed about at least a portion of an inner sheath. The assembly has an outflow aperture disposed in an outer wall at the distal end of the assembly. The outflow aperture is the initiation for an outflow conduit that is generally longitudinally disposed in a distal tip portion of the assembly and communicates fluid to a main outflow channel formed between the outer sheath and inner sheath. In a preferred embodiment, the outflow aperture and conduit are disposed wholly or partially in a dielectric tip element. The novel assembly allows improved outflow by disposing the outflow aperture at a more distal end of the instrument than conventional devices such that the outflow aperture is less prone to blockage by surrounding tissue or debris when used in tight anatomical passages.

Abstract: A television device of a portable endoscope includes an endoscope including an inserted portion and an operating portion coupled to a base end of the inserted portion, a light source for lightening a subject through the inserted portion provided in the endoscope, a radio transmission television camera for obtaining an image of the subject through the inserted portion and radioing the image as the video signal provided in the endoscope, and a power source, which supplies a power for the light source and the radio transmission television camera, provided in the operating portion.

Abstract: The invention relates to a combination of a vaginal speculum with a single-lens colposcope for use in a screening process for detecting mucosal abnormalities of cervical intraepithelial neoplasia or invasive cancer, e.g., in the vaginal cavity or on the external parts of the genitalia, as an addition to a Pap Smear screening process. The vaginal speculum is identical to a conventional speculum in its shape, dimensions, and function and differs from a conventional instrument only by having on the inner surface of the lower blade a small projection with a slot for guiding a single-loop colposcope. The latter consists of a tubular rod that can be slidingly inserted into the aforementioned slot and support on its distal end an optical lens. The lens may have a central opening for insertion of surgical instruments, e.g., a biopsy sampler. The proximal end of the tubular rod may support a rubber bulb for suction fluids from the distal end of the lower blade via the tubular rod.

Abstract: A real-time biological data processing PC card is lightweight, cost effective, and portable. The real-time biological data processing PC card is capable of converting a host personal computer system into a powerful diagnostic instrument. Each real-time biological data processing PC card is adapted to input and process biological data from one or more biological data sensors, and is interchangeable with other real-time biological data processing PC cards. A practitioner having three different real-time biological data processing PC cards, for example, each one corresponding to a different biological data collection device, effectively carries three full-sized, powerful diagnostic instruments. The full resources of a host personal computer can be utilized and converted into a powerful diagnostic instrument, for each biological data collection device, by the insertion of one of the real-time biological data processing PC cards.

Abstract: Device for finding unknown, multifactorial triggers of paroxysmally occurring illnesses, which is coupled to an electronic patient file and/or, if appropriate, spatially distributed databases, a comparison and evaluation device carrying out, after a paroxysm, a correlation analysis in order to search for typical patterns in the temporal occurrence of the stored data elements.

Abstract: An apparatus and method of monitoring/measuring intraocular pressure in an eye includes a miniature pressure sensor having an attachment for connecting the miniature pressure sensor to the iris of the eye or an intraocular lens. The miniature pressure sensor is preferably a Polysilicon Resonant Transducer (PRT).

Abstract: An ultrasonic imaging technique and apparatus with a portable scanning head. In one form of the scanning head, a reflective scanner is provided with a variable focus, and in another form the scanning head has several reflective facts of respectively different focal lengths.

Abstract: An ultrasonic probe includes a sheath having a distal end insertable in a body cavity or a lumen, a proximal end having an injection port allowing an ultrasonic wave propagating liquid to be injected through the injection port, and a passage extending from the proximal end to the distal end, a drive shaft, having a distal end and a proximal end, for transmitting a mechanical drive force from the proximal end to the distal end, the drive shaft being disposed in the passage of the sheath, and an ultrasonic transducer provided at the distal end of the drive shaft, wherein a gap between the inner surface of the passage and the outer periphery of the drive shaft on the distal end side of the sheath is smaller than that on the proximal end side of the sheath. Such an ultrasonic probe is advantageous in efficiently discharging bubbles remaining in the sheath with less water flow, and also reducing the diameter of the ultrasonic probe while keeping a high quality of an ultrasonic tomogram.

Abstract: An ultrasound catheter suitable for insertion in the body lumens of a patient during medical procedures is provided. An ultrasound transducer may be provided at the distal tip of the catheter. An inflatable balloon may be provided at the distal end of the catheter on the proximal side of the ultrasound transducer. The catheter may have lumens for inflation fluid, electrical wires, and a guide wire. A sheath that runs through the balloon may be used to isolate the electrical wires and guide wire from inflation fluid in the interior of the balloon.

Abstract: An augmentation-index determining apparatus, including a cuff, a cuff-pressure changing device which changes a pressing pressure of the cuff, a pulse-wave extracting device which extracts a pulse wave from the cuff, a peak-occurrence-time determining device for determining, based on a high-cuff-pressure pulse wave which is extracted by the pulse-wave extracting device when the cuff-pressure changing device makes the pressing pressure of the cuff higher than a systolic blood pressure of a subject, a time of occurrence of a peak point of an incident-wave component of the high-cuff-pressure pulse and a time of occurrence of a peak point of a reflected-wave component of the high-cuff-pressure pulse wave, and an augmentation-index determining device for determining, based on the respective times of occurrence of the respective peak points of the incident-wave and reflected-wave components of the high-cuff-pressure pulse, respective times of occurrence of respective peak points of incident-wave and reflected-wave c

Abstract: The invention is directed to a wrist blood pressure monitoring device comprising a pressure sensor for detecting a pressure signal, an applicator unit for applying the pressure sensor against the wrist area of a subject's lower arm, an evaluating unit for evaluating the pressure signal, and an inclination detecting device for detecting the inclination of the blood pressure monitoring device and for delivering an electrical inclination signal corresponding to the inclination. According to the invention, the inclination detecting device comprises at least one movable, in particular pendulum-type positioning element and an inclination sensing device cooperating with the positioning element and including at least one sensing element movable with the positioning element and formed in particular by an optically reflecting, wedge-shaped arc section of the positioning element, and at least one further sensing element having in particular a reflected light barrier.

Abstract: A breath-based diagnostic device. The device includes an array of multiple gas sensors, a database storage device and a microprocessor. The gas sensors contain material capable of reacting with volatile organic chemicals in the exhaled breath of the subject. The database storage device stores established responses to a variety of disease. The microprocessor compares the response detected by the gas sensors and the database so as to perform the diagnosis.

Abstract: A thermal sensing catheter finds particular utility in detecting and isolating unstable arterial plaque. Miniaturized temperature sensors, preferably in the form of microthermistors, are embedded into expandable presentation elements disposed at the distal end of a catheter. The sensors may then be deployed to measure the surface temperature of the inner wall of coronary arteries or other vessels at multiple sites to identify sites of elevated temperature indicative of unstable plaque. The presentation elements may assume a “hand” type design or an alternate basket-type structure. A plurality of thermal sensors are embedded into the sides of polymeric or metallic sensing elements which expand out from the centerline of a catheter toward the inner vessel walls.

Abstract: Pressure-measuring apparatus is provided, including a battery and a pressure transducer. The pressure transducer is adapted to be placed in a patient, and has a characteristic mechanical response bandwidth f, and a corresponding mechanical response period p equal to 1/f. A control unit is adapted to actuate the battery to drive current through the pressure transducer for a current-driving time period less than 0.5 p, and to sense an electrical characteristic of the pressure transducer during the current-driving time period.

Abstract: A biopsy system for retrieving biopsy tissue samples from different regions of the body is disclosed. The biopsy system includes a single use loading unit having a trocar assembly and a knife assembly. A trocar driver is operably connected to the trocar assembly and is actuable to move a trocar between retracted and advanced positions. The trocar driver is disengaged from the trocar assembly prior to firing the trocar into a target tissue mass to reduce drag on the trocar during firing. A knife driver is operably connected to the knife assembly such that when actuated, a knife is both rotatably and axially advanced about the trocar.

Abstract: The present application describes an image-guided, vacuum assisted, percutaneous, coring, breast biopsy instrument which may be conveniently mounted to an x-ray machine, and incorporates a safety lockout system that is located at the proximal end of the biopsy instrument.

Abstract: A tissue acquisition system includes radio frequency (RF) cutter loops which are extendable out a cannula to cut cylindrical tissue samples from a tissue of interest in a patient. The cannula includes inner and outer cannulae which are mutually rotatable and include cutouts through which the cutting loop can be rotated and longitudinally extended to perform the cuts. The tissue samples are then aspirated proximally through the cannula for collection.

Abstract: A sampling apparatus for interstitial fluid includes a pressure ring surrounding a collection needle. The pressure ring and needle are movable relative to one another for the ring to first engage a patient's skin surface prior to insertion of the needle.

Abstract: A muscular strength estimation device according to the present invention comprises load supply means 1 for applying a prescribed exercise load to a subject; oxygen saturation measuring means 2 for measuring, while the exercise load is being applied to the subject, the oxygen saturation in the blood circulating through the muscle to which the exercise load is applied; minimum value detection means 3 for detecting the oxygen saturation minimum value during measurement; recording means 5 for recording in advance a correlation table showing the correlation between the subject's oxygen saturation and muscular strength; and calculation means 6 for calculating the muscular strength corresponding to the oxygen saturation minimum value, from the correlation table.

Abstract: A device is provided for measuring the mechanical impedance of its surroundings. The device includes a force generator, a force sensor (32), an accelerometer unit (34), an electronic unit capable of calculating the impedance of the basis of outputs received from a device component and suitable power and control signal sources.

Abstract: A hoop device for aerobic exercise and massage that includes a rigid weighted core that is preferably constructed of a steel rod or tube that is configured into an annular shape and a sleeve constructed of a soft foam material that surrounds the core forming a hoop. The hoop is placed around a waist or other body part of a user to travel around the body part upon rotation providing exercise with the foam sleeve to cushion the effect of the core against the body. The sleeve can also have circumferential ribs separated by circumferential troughs to provide knob-like undulations to massage the user while rotating the device around his or her body.

Abstract: A knee immobilizer for being custom-formed to the shape of a knee while flexible and upon hardening providing a rigid, knee-supporting custom fit. The knee immobilizer includes an elongate splint with a substrate impregnated or coated with a reactive system. The system hardens upon exposure to moisture to form a rigid, self-supporting structure. A flexible cover overlies the substrate for forming an integrated splint structure for being molded while flexible to an aspect of the knee. A bandage extends around the knee for holding the splint in a supporting position on the knee. A splint support cooperates with the splint and the bandage for maintaining the splint on the bandage in a conforming shape against the knee and substantially immobilizing the knee in a predetermined position.

Abstract: A self-contained limb and cast support device that is incorporated into the limb cast upon application of said cast and the second being a self-contained limb and cast support device that is not incorporated into the limb cast for use in instances where the cast is pre-existing or the injured limb requires elevation for healing, but not a cast.

Abstract: A brachytherapy apparatus is composed of a tubular needle with forwardly protruding cutting edges at its tip, a holder supporting the needle and a driver for electromechanically causing the needle to undergo a continuous or oscillatory rotary motion around its axis and/or a reciprocating linear motion in the longitudinal direction such that its front opening at its tip can reliably reach a specified position inside a patient's tissue without being deflected or bowing when it encounters an obstruction such as a calcification or a small bone. Such motions may be provided by a piezoelectric hammer and a piezoelectric tamper. After the needle is thus correctly positioned, a brachytherapy device such as a radioactive seed or a reflector may be pushed through and out of the needle by means of a pusher as the needle is retracted to leave a track inside the tissue. A quickly hardening liquid may be thereafter injected through the needle to immobilize the deposited brachytherapy device.

Abstract: An intravascular catheter system has a balloon angioplasty device disposed about a common lumen near its distal end. The common lumen is in communication with multiple lumens within a proximal region of the catheter body to allow for positioning of the catheter over a movable guide wire and convenient delivery of imaging or interventional devices to a desired region of the blood vessel being treated.

Abstract: A drug delivery device includes an insert tube and an elongate plunger. The insert tube has a tubular wall that confines a passage and that has drug entrance and release ends. The drug release end has first and second radial parts, and is provided with a flexible grating that includes sets of first and second flexible strips. The first and second flexible strips extend from the first and second radial parts of the drug release end, respectively. The elongate plunger has a drug pushing end and an operating end, is slidably movable in the passage, and has a length sufficient to enable the drug pushing end to push a drug in the passage to move out of the passage and spread apart the first and second flexible strips for delivering the drug into a body cavity.

Abstract: A method is disclosed for noninvasively obtaining intraductal fluid. The method includes the use of an intraductal fluid sampling device to contact the patient, provide compression, and deliver heat thereto according to predetermined cycle characteristics. The cycle characteristics, such as compression cycle times and compression rates, may be varied and controlled by a control circuit.

Abstract: A single-use preassembled medical device for administering at least two drugs in preset proportions to patients, comprising at least one pair of independent injectors and at least one pair of piercing couplings for corresponding bottles containing the drugs which are reciprocally connected by corresponding tubes which lead into a single tube for infusion to a patient; at least one of the piercing couplings is of a conventional type and the second one is of a dedicated type, forming a conveniently provided small cup-shaped receptacle for the precision insertion of the neck of a bottle of a preset drug whose dimensions are likewise correspondingly smaller than those of a normal bottle.

Abstract: A retractable safety syringe that retracts the needle cannula into the plunger module and destroys the syringe to prevent reuse or an accidental needle prick by destroying the plunger barrier and the cannula barrier within the syringe. The needle cannula is released into the plunger module by shearing the cannula barrier and plunger barrier with an internal annular shear and cutter head. The needle cannula module may be replaced with a layer or smaller needle cannula module thereby allowing a greater selection of needle cannulas.

Abstract: An automatic safety syringe comprising a syringe body, hollow on the side and open at the front and rear; and a plunger sliding inside the syringe body with an injection stroke extending from a retracted syringe-filling position to a forward syringe-emptying position, the plunger being provided at the rear with a shaft that can be operated manually and brought out of the syring body through the rear end thereof. An injection needle integral with a needle carrier is egageable with the fore end of the syringe body. A hooking device is connected to the shaft of the plunger, to hook the needle carrier when the shaft is at the end of the injection stroke. An automatic device causes automatic retraction of the shaft of the plunger when the injection has been completed. a locking device is operatively connected to the shaft to block forward movement thereof when it is in the retracted position after intervention of the automatic device.

Abstract: An introducing apparatus includes an elongate tubular sheath having an external diameter, and the sheath has a bore including an internal diameter sized to receive a dilator therethrough. The sheath includes at least one tab extending away from a longitudinal axis of the sheath. A movable valve assembly is movably engaged with the tab, where the moving valve is adapted to move from a first position to a second position. In the first position the moving valve is disposed through the longitudinal axis of the sheath. In the second position the moving valve assembly is disposed away from the longitudinal axis of the sheath.

Abstract: A parenteral catheter apparatus (40) comprises a catheter (18) enclosing a needle (20). The needle (20) and catheter (18) have a first position in which a sharp point (22) of the needle (20) extends from the catheter (18) and a second position in which the sharp point (22) is enclosed within a housing (12). Further, a tubular member (15) is connected to the needle (20). The tubular member (15) has a connection means (17) for connection to a fluid container. Thus, fluid can flow through the tube (15) and the needle (20) and in the reverse direction The needle (20) remains in a fluid pathway of the apparatus at all times.

Abstract: A splittable medical valve is disclosed that is configured with a interfacing region that permits the valve to be placed over or inside of a tubular medical device, such as a splittable introducer sheath, to prevent loss of bodily fluids and/or reduce ingress of air-borne pathogens. The valve further includes a sealing element configured to accept passage of a medical device, such as a catheter, sheath, pacemaker lead, or other ancillary device therethrough, whereby the valve body is split along one or more lines or fissure to allow removal of the valve from around the ancillary device.

Abstract: A needle assembly includes a transparent or translucent housing with a fluid inlet end, a fluid outlet end and a flashback chamber therebetween. Substantially axially aligned inlet and outlet cannulas extend from the housing and communicate with the chamber. The external end of the outlet cannula is covered by a sealable sleeve. Relative volumes of the cannulas, the chamber and the sleeve are selected to provide rapid reliable flashback indicative of venous entry.

Abstract: The invention relates to a needle guard assembly for the needle part of a syringe body in the form of a needle guard that covers the needle and which is displaceable on the syringe body in the longitudinal direction, and with a grip plate being integrally formed on that end of the syringe body remote from the needle. The needle guard assembly includes a syringe body ending with a needle. A piston rod in the syringe body has a receiving part and a push-in part that telescopes into the receiving part. A syringe-body grip plate is integrally formed on the syringe body. The syringe-body grip plate opposes the needle. A needle guard is arranged longitudinally along the syringe body and covers the needle when the needle guard is displaced longitudinally.

Abstract: Apparatus for delivering a viscous liquid to a surgical site employs a conventional syringe having a barrel and a plunger movable axially within the barrel from a withdrawn position to an inserted position. The apparatus includes an internally-threaded sleeve and a substantially cylindrical actuation element. The sleeve is configured to receive the plunger in its withdrawn position, and has an open proximal end and a distal end slot configured for receiving the syringe barrel therethrough. The actuation element has an externally-threaded distal portion dimensioned to screw into the proximal end of the sleeve, and a plunger seat, at the distal end of the actuation element, that bears against the plunger and that pushes the plunger axially toward its inserted position in the barrel as the actuation element is threaded into the sleeve.

Abstract: Adjustable body penetrating blades of a min-retractor are inserted, closed together, into a small incision in an abdominal cavity, spread to widen the incision and a trocar tube is installed in the cavity by clamping between the blades enabling performance of a laparoscopic procedure in conjunction with other trocars inserted into other incisions. Rapid reversal of the laparoscopic procedure is achieved by moving the blades apart, releasing the trocar, and swinging distal ends of the blades apart expanding an inner operating window. A stand having a flexible positioning arm attached to the min-applicator maintains the min-retractor elevated after withdrawal of the trocar and loss of pneumoperitoneum pressure from insufflation. The blades of the mini-retractor gripping the tube of the trocar define between them a scalpel access opening to skin on respective opposite sides enabling enlargement of the incision with the retractor and trocar installed in the abdominal cavity.

Abstract: A valve has a flow restrictor positioned outside of a lumen of a tube, which transitions between an open configuration and a closed configuration. The valve further contains a closing mechanism that automatically positions the flow restrictor to the closed configuration when a pressure in a fluid within the lumen is below a low threshold pressure, and an opening mechanism that automatically positions the first flow restrictor to the open configuration when the pressure in the fluid within the lumen is above a high threshold pressure that is higher than the low threshold pressure. The flow restrictor is preferably positioned outside the tube, although it may be positioned inside the wall of the tube, or even within the lumen of the tube. There may also be a second, downstream flow restrictor. The opening and closing mechanisms advantageously comprise a magnet or solenoid. The tube may comprise a catheter, and especially a urinary catheter.