Abstract: The family of transmissions has a plurality of members that can be utilized in powertrains to provide at least six forward speed ratios and one reverse speed ratio. The transmission family members include four planetary gear sets, two or three input clutches, seven, eight or nine torque transmitting mechanisms and three fixed interconnections. The invention provides a low content multi-speed dual clutch transmission mechanism wherein the two input clutches alternately connect the engine to realize odd and even speed ratio changes. The torque transmitting mechanisms provide connections between various gear members, the fixed interconnections, the input clutches, the output shaft, and the transmission housing, and are operated in combinations of at least three to establish at least five forward speed ratios and at least one reverse speed ratio.

Abstract: The family of transmissions has a plurality of members that can be utilized in powertrains to provide at least six forward speed ratios and one reverse speed ratio. The transmission family members include four planetary gear sets, two input clutches, eight or nine torque transmitting mechanisms, three fixed interconnections, and one grounded planetary gear member. The invention provides a low content multi-speed dual clutch transmission mechanism wherein the two input clutches alternately connect the engine to realize odd and even speed ratio changes. The torque transmitting mechanisms provide connections between various gear members, the fixed interconnections, the input clutches, the output shaft, and the transmission housing, and are operated in combinations of three to establish at least five forward speed ratios and at least one reverse speed ratio.

Abstract: The family of transmissions has a plurality of members that can be utilized in powertrains to provide at least six forward speed ratios and one reverse speed ratio. The transmission family members include four planetary gear sets, two input clutches, eight or nine torque transmitting mechanisms and two fixed interconnections. The invention provides a low content multi-speed dual clutch transmission mechanism wherein the two input clutches alternately connect the engine to realize odd and even speed ratio changes. The nine torque transmitting mechanisms provide connections between various gear members, the fixed interconnections, the input clutches, the output shaft, and the transmission housing, and are operated in combinations of three to establish at least five forward speed ratios and at least one reverse speed ratio.

Abstract: The family of transmissions has a plurality of members that can be utilized in powertrains to provide at least seven forward speed ratios and at least one reverse speed ratio. The transmission family members include three planetary gear sets having six torque-transmitting mechanisms and a fixed interconnection. Also, one planetary gear member is continuously connected with the transmission housing. The powertrain includes an engine and torque converter that is not continuously connected with any of the planetary gear members and an output member that is continuously connected with one of the planetary gear members. The six torque-transmitting mechanisms provide interconnections between various gear members, the input shaft, the output shaft, and with the transmission housing, and are operated in combinations of three to establish at least seven forward speed ratios and one reverse speed ratio.

Abstract: The family of transmissions has a plurality of members that can be utilized in powertrains to provide at least seven forward speed ratios and one reverse speed ratio. The transmission family members include three planetary gear sets having six torque-transmitting mechanisms and two fixed interconnections between planetary gear members. Also, one of the fixed interconnections is continuously connected with the transmission housing. The powertrain includes an engine and torque converter that is continuously connected to a member of the third planetary gear set and an output member that is continuously connected with another member of the third planetary gear set. The six torque-transmitting mechanisms provide interconnections between various gear members, the fixed interconnections, the input shaft, the output shaft, and the transmission housing, and are operated in combinations of two to establish at least seven forward speed ratios and at least one reverse speed ratio.

Abstract: A family of transmissions having a plurality of family members each having three planetary gearsets and six torque-transmitting mechanisms. The planetary gearsets and the torque-transmitting mechanisms are interconnected such that at least seven forward speed ratios and one reverse speed ratio can be established within the three planetary gearsets and transmitted between an input shaft and an output shaft, by selectively engaging the torque transmitting mechanisms in combinations of four.

Abstract: A planetary gear set including a plurality of pinions meshing with a sun gear and a carrier C that shaft-supports the pinions. The carrier has an annular peripheral wall that extends entirely around outer peripheries of the plurality of pinions. Thin-wall portions receded at a radially inner side are formed in the annular peripheral wall, at circumferential-direction positions corresponding to the positions of the pinions.

Abstract: A toroidal continuously variable transmission (CVT) is comprised of first and second pairs of power rollers whose gyration angles are synchronized by first, second and third wires. The first wire is wound in the shape of 8-figure to power-roller supporting members of the first pair of power rollers, and the second wire is wound in the shape of 8-figure to power-roller supporting members of the second pair of power rollers. The third wire is wound around the four power-roller supporting members and fixed to the diagonally-arranged two power-roller supporting members. A pair of guide walls are disposed between the power-roller supporting members of the first pair of power rollers and between the power-roller supporting members of the second pair of power rollers and bend the third wire extending between the first-pair power-roller supporting members and between the second-pair power-roller supporting members toward output discs.

Abstract: A lock-up control device for a lock-up torque converter of an automatic transmission is provided which starts measuring an elapsed time when the throttle opening exceeds a first predetermined value due to depression of an accelerator pedal during lock-up clutch slip control. When the throttle opening exceeds a second predetermined value due to sudden depression of the accelerator pedal prior to the elapse of a determination time, a transmission controller terminates the lock-up clutch slip control. After a rapid increase, the slip amount starts decreasing upon termination of the lock-up clutch slip control. Therefore, the temperature of a facing stops rising when the lock-up clutch slip control is terminated, and this improves the durability of the facing. The lock-up clutch slip control is re-started when the throttle opening is reduced to a predetermined value, and this maintains the excellent fuel economy performance.

Abstract: An improved sensor is mounted at the tip of the blade of either foil or epee for scoring during fencing competition. The sensor transforms axial force, and optionally radial force, into changes in electrical resistance in one, or optionally two circuits. The resistance change is transformed into voltage change by a voltage divider circuit. The voltage is converted to a digital measurement by an analog-to-digital converter and compared to a reference value by a digital control element, such as a microprocessor. Push-button calibration is achieved by storing the reference value resulting from the force produced by gravity acting on a standard mass. When both radial and axial force components are sensed, the angle of the force relative to the axis of the sensor (and blade) can be computed and used to qualify the validity of the touché. A scoring box adapter performs the sensing and calibrating functions and provides signals for the inputs of scoring boxes and other equipment of prior art.

Abstract: An adjustable, stowable, ballet bar exercise device, comprising: a free-standing frame carrying at least one ballet bar, and one or more rigid members coupled to the frame and lying on the floor in use.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for a treadmill having a frameless treadbase. The treadmill is lightweight and inexpensive. A preferred embodiment features an arched deck. The arched deck has a first end, a second end, and an intermediate portion, wherein the intermediate portion is has an upward incline or convex arch. The arched deck provides intrinsic cushion and incline. The arched deck maintains a convex arch independent of any structure in the treadmill. Additionally, the arched deck is connected to a front support and a rear support, the front support being independent from the rear support.

Abstract: The disclosed method includes the steps positioning a first plurality of ball bearings around a spindle; enveloping the first plurality of ball bearings and the spindle with a bladder; and injecting a viscous substance into the bladder. The disclosed system includes a plurality of ball bearings; a bladder for enveloping the plurality of ball bearings; and an interface for connecting the bladder to a virtual reality means.

Abstract: An angle-adjusting device for a treadmill is composed of two attachment blocks (11) respectively secured at a certain position at two sides of the belt frame of the treadmill and two polygonal feet (20) corresponding to the attachment blocks (11). Each polygonal foot (20) is rotatably attached to the attachment block (11) and directly engages the attachment block (11). Therefore, the belt frame (10) is immovably combined with the polygonal feet (20) to ensure the treadmill has less vibration during operation.

Abstract: A walker apparatus having a frame configured to support a user above a floor thereunder and an upper body support pivotably coupled to the frame to move between a use position and a storage position is shown. The upper body support is adapted to support the forearms of a user and includes a first pair of grip handles. A second pair of grip handles is coupled to the frame spaced apart from the first pair of grip handles. The walker apparatus has a patient measurement device coupled to the frame to measure a vital sign of the user and indicate the measurement on a display. An IV support is coupled to the frame to support a medical device. A base module is configured to hold personal belongings or medical devices. The frame includes upright segments extending from the base module. A seat has a frame member and a seat member. The frame member has a back segment and a seat segment coupled to the back segment.

Abstract: A boxing training target is formed with a central, elongated, elastic bungee cord at its core. The elastic, bungee cord core line is encompassed within a plastic sheath that is surrounded by a resilient foam jacket having an outer diameter of between about one-half and six inches. The jacket extends over a length of at least about five feet of the core line in an area corresponding to the vertical level of the head, torso, and legs of an opponent. A sheath surrounds the jacket and has indicia thereon at different vertical levels. The elastic bungee cord is maintained in tension between an overhead support and a floor support. As blows are delivered to the target, the target quivers laterally thus necessitating good hand and eye coordination to repeatedly land blows upon the target. The vertically separated indicia provide different target areas for a boxer to vary the vertical level at which successive blows are delivered.

Abstract: An exercise apparatus that includes a frame, a rest member on the frame for receiving a user's feet, and a first and a second arm that are pivotably interconnected to each other such that the arms are pivotably movable between a start or rest position and an extended position. The first arm is coupled to the frame. A seat is provided for supporting the user and carried by the second arm. An inclined base support member is disposed under the second arm and is for supporting the second arm during the movement between start and extended positions. A carriage may be associated with the inclined base support member.

Abstract: A folding portable exercise apparatus having a contoured chest bar and a contoured lap bar. Two pairs of rods connect the bars. Each pair of rods is joined by a coil spring. An adjustable belt may be fastened around underneath the user. The device may be used to exercise the upper abdominal muscles, the triceps, the biceps, the pectoral muscles, the latissimus muscles, the back and lower abdominal muscles and the leg muscles such as calves, quadriceps, hamstring and gluteal muscles. The device may be disassembled and folded into a compact arrangement for storage and travel by detaching the coil springs from one pair of rods. This allows the device to be separated into components. The four rods may lie in the cavity along the major length of the respective chest bar and lap bars. The belt, springs and thumbscrews may then also lie together within the cavities and when closed produce a compact package the length and width of the chest bar and lap bar.

Abstract: In a method and device for automatically exchanging knife units of a knife ring slicing device, the knife changing magazine is moved relative to the knife ring into a knife changing position in which the knife receptacles of the knife changing magazine are axially aligned with the knife receptacles of the knife ring. The worn knives of the knife ring are moved axially into empty knife receptacles of the knife changing magazine. A relative movement between the knife changing magazine and the knife ring is carried out until the knife changing magazine and the knife ring are again in a knife changing position in which the knife receptacles with resharpened knife units are aligned with the knife receptacles in the knife ring. The resharpened knife units are introduced in the opposite axial direction into the knife receptacles of the knife ring from which the worn knife units had been removed.

Abstract: In the case of the method of setting the folding-nip width of a plurality of pairs of folding rollers which are provided on a folding machine, the two folding rollers (12 to 22) of the pairs of folding rollers are brought into contact with one another. A sheet is then guided through between the two folding rollers (12 to 22) of the pairs of folding rollers, as a result of which at least one of the two folding rollers (12 to 22) moves in relation to the other, with a folding nip being formed in the process, it being the case that, for each pair of folding rollers, a measured value corresponding to the folding-nip width is detected as the sheet is guided through. Finally, the folding-nip widths of the individual pairs of folding rollers are set by adjustment of the at least one moveable folding roller (14 to 22) by means of a drive (42), which is connected kinematically thereto, based on the corresponding measured values which have been detected.

Abstract: A machine for folding a side gas bag for a vehicle occupant restraint system comprises a guide channel in which a gas bag to be folded can be disposed, and first and second folding tongues. The folding tongues have teeth and the guide channel has a first side part and a second side part in each of which several recesses are provided. The teeth of the folding tongues are able to engage into the recesses.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are provided for using microvariations of a biological living organism to generate a sequence of environmental changes perceptible through one of the human senses. The method includes the steps of transforming microvariations within a living organism into an analog electrical signal and generating the sequence of environmental changes perceptible through the human senses based on said analog signal. The sequence of changes can include the generation of music based on the signal, or the control of lighting, aromas, or air movement in the environment of the organism. One example application is the generation of music from electrical microvariations detected in a house plant.

Abstract: Devices, systems, and methods for diagnosing and/or treating urinary incontinence can accurately and reliably monitor both a vesicle pressure and a maximum urethral pressure of a patient during an abdominal pressure pulse so as to determine relationships between these pressures. Alignment between the location of maximum urethral pressure and a pressure sensor of a catheter can be maintained using an anchoring structure having a surface which engages a tissue surface along the bladder neck, urethra, or external meatus, which move with the urethra during abdominal pressure pulses. A pressuregram is generated graphically showing an increase in urethral pressure relative to an increase in vesicle pressure, and is often displayed in real time to a system operator adjacent the patient. Quantitative and/or qualitative diagnostic output allow selective remodeling of the patient's support structure so that the incontinence is inhibited.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device for introducing an intubation tube into the trachea. The inventive device comprises a shaft, a receiving element arranged at the distal end of said shaft to which a proximal end of an intubation tube can be mounted and a coupling arranged at the proximal end of the shaft for coupling an endoscope thereto.

Abstract: A system and a method for providing a determination of predicted cognitive performance of an individual preferably based on the time of day and on factors including sleep history based on activity data from an actigraph. The system and the method provide a numerical representation of the predicted cognitive performance. Both may be used to optimize the work schedule of the actigraph wearer to maximize the cognitive capacity during working hours.

Abstract: An endoscope for eye surgery incorporates a handle having a camera and an electric motor driven lens assembly for enabling a user to focus the camera during surgery without manually adjusting the focus. The endoscope includes a probe attached by a rotatable bayonet type connector with a simple pivoting lever to release the probe from the handle. The motor drive system incorporates spring biasing to compensate for overruns of a drive nut on a lead screw when the user attempts to exceed the focal range of the lens assembly.

Abstract: The invention is methods and devices which a surgeon may use to stabilize the beating heart during a surgical procedure on the heart. Pursuant to the invention, a stabilizing device is introduced through an opening in the chest and brought into contact with the beating heart. By contacting the heart with the device and by exerting a stabilizing force on the device, the motion of the heart caused by the contraction of the heart muscles is effectively eliminated such that the heart is stabilized and the site of the surgery moves only minimally if at all. Typically, in separate steps, the surgeon contacts the heart with the stabilizing means, assesses the degree of movement of the anastomosis site, and exerts a force on the stabilizing means such that the contraction of the beating heart causes orgy minimal excess motion at the surgery site.

Abstract: A system for manipulating a heart during cardiac surgery permits coronary surgery on a beating heart while maintaining cardiac output unabated and uninterrupted. Circumflex coronary artery surgery can be performed using the system. The system locates a suspension head near the apical region of the heart and a gross support near the base of the heart near the AV groove. A frame is positioned within the patient's thoracic region and moves with the patient, and a surgical target immobilizer can be used to assist in the movement of the heart if desired. A special suction cup is used which accommodates multiplanar movement of the heart and the myocardium while also preventing heart tissue from interrupting the suction being applied to the heart. One form of the system can be used in minimally invasive surgery.

Abstract: This invention is a gateway for testing mental function comprising a portable structure that houses one or more mental function testers and an access control device that allows the user to enter a defined area based upon the result of the mental function test. The access control device may either directly control an exit from the gateway or it may dispense a portable indicator of the test results. The gateway may comprise one or more mental function testers that give the same or different tests. The invention also comprises methods of using the gateway, including the steps of assessing a user's mental function and operating the access control device depending upon the assessment. The latter step may comprise permitting the user access to an at-risk activity.

Abstract: A system and method is described for determining and graphically displaying oxygenation states of a patient in real time. The system is non-invasive and can display information to a physician that is intuitive. Various display objects are described for illustrating the output of oxygenation values. The display objects reflect the in vivo physiology that they measure, thus making interpretation of the measured values very intuitive.

Abstract: A biosensor for monitoring pressure or other physical parameters at an aneurysm site is mountable to a tubular prosthesis that is expandable between contracted and enlarged conditions. A loop, having the biosensor attached thereto, is securable around the prosthesis. An apparatus is used to deliver the loop to an aneurysm site that includes a catheter having a connector on its distal end for detachably securing the loop thereto. The prosthesis is advanced in a contracted state to the aneurysm, and the apparatus, with the loop connected thereto, is advanced to the aneurysm site. The loop and the prosthesis are positioned coaxially with respect to one another, and the prosthesis is expanded towards its enlarged condition, thereby engaging the loop around the prosthesis and engaging the prosthesis with a wall of the blood vessel at the treatment site.

Abstract: An ultrasonic diagnostic imaging system includes a predetermined TGC characteristic which is automatically selected or calculated at the initiation of a diagnostic procedure. An automatic TGC circuit analyzes current image data to calculate an adjustment to the predetermined TGC characteristic when activated by the clinician. The ultrasound system produces a displayed TGC curve which illustrates the predetermined TGC characteristic as modified by automatic adjustment and any manual refinement done by the clinician. In a preferred embodiment automatic TGC modification is accompanied by automatic overall gain and dynamic range adjustment to automatically optimize image quality.

Abstract: The preferred embodiments described herein relate to voice-enhanced diagnostic medical ultrasound imaging systems and review stations as well as to voice-related user interfaces. With these preferred embodiments, a user can interact with an imaging system or review station by issuing verbal commands instead of using a mouse, keyboard, or other user interface that requires physical manipulation by the user. This provides a very user-friendly interface, especially to those users who have difficulty navigating complex window and menu hierarchies or who have trouble manipulating pointing devices. This also improves patient flow and provides a more efficient report generation system. Voice feedback can also be used to allow the imaging system or review station to better communicate with a user.

Abstract: For the purpose of improving monitor display condition operating ease and enabling easy display of an arbitrary site, an ultrasonic image based on an echo signal received by an ultrasonic probe 3 is produced by an image producing section 12, a display area is formed on a screen by a display area forming section 17, a displayed range of the ultrasonic image to be displayed in the display area is selected by a displayed range selecting section 14, and scrolling of a selected range and rotation of the displayed range are achieved by a displayed range moving section 15 and a displayed range rotating section 16, respectively, based on a position on the monitor screen specified by the pointing device 3.

Abstract: A puncturing needle guide includes a plate-like body whose width diminishes gradually from one end thereof to the other end thereof; a plurality of holes which are formed in an end surface of the puncturing needle guide at one end thereof and through which a puncturing needle can be passed; a single hole which is formed in an end surface of the puncturing needle guide at the other end thereof and through which the puncturing needle can be passed; a hollow that is formed inside the plate-like body and that allows the plurality of holes and the single hole to communicate with one another; and an attachment which is formed along an edge of the plate-like body in a width direction thereof and by which the plate-like body is attached to an ultrasonic probe.

Abstract: One of pairs of an exciter and a sensor is selected in accordance with the detection signal which is derived from an exciter waveform induced in an artery transmitted therethrough. The pairs of exciters and sensors are arranged on a substrate in various formations. A/D converters are provided to respective detection signals. A frequency of the oscillation signal supplied to the exciter is controlled by various oscillation signal generation circuits. Bandpass filtering for extracting the exciter waveform, low-pass-filtering for extracting a natural blood pressure waveform, phase difference detection processes are provided by a microprocessor, wherein the bandpass filtering and low-pass-filtering processes may be replaced with a bandpass filter and a low pass filter, and their outputs are selected by a switching circuit and supplied to the microprocessor through one a/d converter.

Abstract: An arteriostenosis inspecting apparatus including a left-superior-limb-blood-pressure measuring device which measures a left-superior-limb blood pressure of a left superior limb of a living subject, a right-superior-limb-blood-pressure measuring device which measures a right-superior-limb blood pressure of a right superior limb of the subject, and a left-and-right-superior-limb-blood-pressure-ratio determining device which determines a left-and-right-superior-limb blood-pressure ratio as a ratio of one of the left-superior-limb blood pressure and the right-superior-limb blood pressure to the other.

Abstract: A device for introduction into an animal or human body, especially into an artery. The device is preferably positioned in an aneurysmal sac in an artery between the wall of the artery and the wall of an endoprosthesis. The device has at least a pressure sensor and transducer for wirelessly transmitting data available from the pressure sensor.

Abstract: A system and method for measuring ventricular function in an isolated, perfused heart using an intraventricular balloon connected to a plumbing circuit containing a fluid, the plumbing circuit including (a) a valve for selectively opening the plumbing circuit to (i) atmospheric pressure or (ii) a pressure control circuit of a pressure control apparatus or (b) a pressure control apparatus which can be selectively connected to the plumbing circuit, including the steps of establishing a base pressure by (1) opening the valve to atmospheric pressure or the pressure control circuit or (2) operating the pressure control apparatus, after equalization of the pressure within the intraventricular balloon with the base pressure, closing the valve or stopping operation of the pressure control apparatus, following the closing of the valve, measuring ventricular function as a function of a titrated infusion of fluid into the plumbing circuit and intraventricular balloon, performing an intervention, and repeating at least t

Abstract: A method for determining the appropriate dosage of a medication to treat Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) in an individual who has ADHD comprising: sampling the peripheral skin temperature of a human subject during a predetermined time interval when the subject is in an inactive state to provide sampled peripheral skin temperature data; analyzing the sampled peripheral skin temperature data for a pre-selected parameter to determine whether the pre-selected parameter has a value indicative of ADHD; and determining the proper dosage of a medication to treat ADHD based upon the determined value of the pre-selected parameter. At a time subsequent to administering the dosage, it is determined if a previously administered dosage of a medication is effective at removing the effects of ADHD as measured by this pre-selected parameter.

Abstract: A method for measuring an electrophysiologic response of a sensory system includes stimulating the sensory system with a first stimulus train having stimuli temporally separated from each other by a first inter-stimulus interval and simultaneously stimulating the sensory system with a second stimulus train having stimuli temporally separated from each other by a second inter-stimulus interval different from the first inter-stimulus interval. A response signal is then sampled at a first frequency corresponding to the first inter-stimulus interval, thereby obtaining a first response train. The first response train is then processed to suppress a contaminant caused by the second stimulus train.

Abstract: A system and method for detecting perforations in a body cavity. In accordance with the method of the invention, a fluid (liquid or gas) is delivered into a body cavity to slightly pressurize the cavity. A pressure sensing system monitors the pressure within the cavity for a predetermined test period. If cavity pressure is not substantially sustained during the test period, the physician is alerted to further assess the cavity for perforations before initiating treatment within the cavity. In a preferred form of the system, a medical treatment system such as an RF ablation system is provided with perforation detection functionality. The system preferably includes a pre-test lockout that prevents RF power delivery unless a perforation detection procedure previously has been performed.

Abstract: A surgical instrument includes a handle assembly, a flexible conduit, and at least one control member axially movable in the flexible conduit. The handle assembly includes a body member configured to be coupled to the flexible conduit. An actuator is movable on the body member. The actuator includes at least one projection member. The assembly further includes a reinforcement tube having an interior passage sized to accommodate the control member. The reinforcement tube includes a least one bend configured to engage the at least one projection member such that movement of the actuator with respect to the body member causes movement of the reinforcement tube. Methods of manufacturing the handle assembly are also disclosed.

Abstract: An automatically shieldable blood collection set is provided. The blood collection set includes a needle assembly having a hub with spaced apart inner and outer tubes. A needle cannula is fixedly attached to the inner tube. A safety shield is telescoped for movement into the space between the inner and outer tubes of the hub. The safety shield can be moved from a proximal position where the needle cannula is exposed to a distal position where the needle cannula is safely shielded. A spring is provided between the shield and the hub to propel the shield distally relative to the hub and into surrounding relationship with the needle cannula. A retainer is provided for releasably holding the shield in a proximal ready-to-use condition relative to the hub and the needle cannula. The retainer may be provided on a fin that extends transversely from the outer tube of the hub. An actuator releases the retainer and enables the shield to be propelled by the spring.

Abstract: A control system is adapted for use In association with a therapeutic motion and splinting device. The therapeutic device has at least one component that is monitored. The system comprises the steps of defining the range of motion, defining the maximum reverse on load, monitoring the reverse on load and moving the device through its range of motion. A first and second maximum limit of range of motion in a first and second direction are respectively defined. A maximum reverse on load is defined and is monitored whereby the deformation of the at least one component is monitored and the load created is interpreted. The device is cycled between a first and second position defined by one of the first maximum limit and the maximum reverse on load and one of the second maximum limit and the maximum reverse on load respectively.

Abstract: A cushion having at least one soft elastic region for use with orthopedic devices. The soft elastic region is detachably arranged on the cushion so that the cushion or the soft elastic region can be replaced when it is worn out while still using the other part.

Abstract: A digital splint has a base, a bracket, an access shaft, and a secure shaft. The base is configured to support a digit and the base has a length greater than its width. The bracket can be coupled to the base. The bracket has a first, second, and third walls. The second and third walls extend outward from the first wall. The access shaft is in the first wall and is disposed to receive a skin-penetrating device. The secure shaft is located within the first wall and is disposed at an angle to the access shaft. The secure shaft is coupled to the access shaft and is disposed to secure the skin-penetrating device through the access shaft.

Abstract: A flow cytometer containg a device for sampling cellular material within a body. The flow cytometer is adapted to mark cells within bodily fluid with a marker to produce marked cells, to analyze the marked cells, to sort the cells within the bodily fluid to produce sorted cells, to maintain the sorted cells cells in a viable state, and to remove the marker from the marked cells. Two marker removal devices are used in the flow cytomter.

Abstract: The invention relates to a substitution infusion fluid for hemofiltration of a specific composition. The use of said substitution infusion fluid significantly reduces the risk of the occurrence of abnormalities in a patient undergoing pure hemofiltration. The invention also relates to process for pure hemofiltration of blood wherein said substitution infusion fluid is used. The invention also relates to a matching citrate anticoagulation fluid of a specific composition. The invention also relates to a process for pure hemofiltration of blood wherein said substitution infusion fluid is used in combination with said citrate anticoagulation fluid. The use of said substitution infusion fluid in combination with said citrate anticoagulation fluid significantly further reduces the risk of the occurrence of abnormalities in a patient undergoing pure hemofiltration.

Abstract: An apheresis machine is provided, which can efficiently produce concentrated platelets products without excessively collecting platelets. The apheresis machine 10 comprises a centrifuge 11 having an inlet port PT1 and an outlet port PT2 for separating whole blood into a lower density component, an intermediate density component and a higher density component, a first container 18 connected to receive the lower density component from the outlet port PT2 and return it through the inlet port PT1 to the centrifuge 11, a first pump P1 operated to collect whole blood from the inlet port PT1 to the centrifuge 11, a second pump P2 operated to supply the lower density component from the first container 18, and means for variable controlling the centrifuge 11 and/or the second pump P2 for increasing or decreasing a process volume of whole blood in the centrifuge in response to at least one characteristic associated with the whole blood.