Abstract: The method for reducing shift shock of an automatic transmission includes: detecting a current power-on upshift state; and performing a first engine torque reduction control according to an engine torque or a throttle valve opening position at an instance of a shift begin point, if the current power-on upshift state is a normal power-on upshift state. The method also includes performing a second engine torque reduction control according to an engine torque or a throttle valve opening position even after the shift begin point, if there is a power change during a power-on upshift or a current upshift is a shift during a shift.

Abstract: A method for controlling an engine coupled to a transmission is described. The method is suited for a transmission having at least one gear in which an over-running clutch is present. The invention describes a method for adjusting an engine operating parameter to maintain transmission input speed at or below a synchronous transmission input speed when the transmission is in the gear with the over-running clutch. The synchronous transmission input speed is based on transmission state and transmission output speed. Alternatively, vehicle speed can be used in place of transmission output speed.

Abstract: An elliptical exercise machine and methods for using the machine where the horizontal length of the stride of the ellipse can be adjusted by the user without the user having to alter the vertical dimension of the ellipse by an equivalent amount. The machine provides for alteration from a rocker bar's distal end following a cam track, whose position is adjustable. The machine may allow for this adjustment to occur during the performance of an exercise routine.

Abstract: A deckless treadmill system comprising a cogged-belt in combination with elongated and complementary cogged drive rollers and a series of aligned and cooperatively interactive cogged support rollers disposed proximate to and in cooperative engagement with the peripheral underside edges of the cogged belt. Accordingly, the structural configuration and mechanical componentry of the present invention effectively functions to significantly reduce slip between the elongated cogged drive rollers and the cogged belt, and to further provide the requisite support for the opposing peripheral edges of the cogged belt; thereby, providing a truly deckless treadmill system and overall stable running platform with improved shock absorption and dispersion characteristics.

Abstract: A roller device for attaching to a shaft of a treadmill, includes a tubular housing having two carriers engaged in the end portions, and the carriers each includes a casing directly folded from the end portion of the housing, and two bearing members are engaged in the casings of the carriers, for engaging with the shaft, and for smoothly and rotatably attaching the housing to the shaft, and for allowing the roller device to be easily and readily attached to treadmills. The casing includes an outer peripheral flap formed integral with the housing, and includes an outer diameter smaller than an inner diameter of the housing, for resiliently supporting the casing within the housing.

Abstract: A multi-station martial arts practice device with multiple practice board supports with differing board orientations and a base non-permanent installation in a practice facility.

Abstract: This design is placed and or positioned in the periphery of weight creating a semi-protective and semi-recessed area for insertion of a hand or hand like device. The size and shape of the area reduces the potential for unattended and damaging interaction between the hand and its digits or the hand-like devices and the sides of the mass. The curvature of the area along with the width being of sufficient size to facilitate grasping during human interaction of the opening are purposefully designed to ergonomically fit the hand and or hand like device for a plurality of uses. The functionality of the device is to generally distribute the stress and forces applied to the point of interaction between the human user and the contact area of the heavy and or cumbersome object. Substantially increasing the controllability during mass manipulation by purposeful human interaction.

Abstract: The present invention provides a system and method of exercise utilizing fluid containing bladders. The bladders may be in communication with each other so that compression of one bladder causes the fluid to be transferred to a neighboring bladder. The system may be used to exercise complementary muscle groups. Additionally, the system may be adjustable to provide different workout levels or so that the device can be used to exercise a variety of muscle groups.

Abstract: An exercise device for exercising different groups of arm muscles. The device is hollow, having front and rear curved walls and top and bottom longitudinal pieces. The top and bottom longitudinal pieces have a series of tension-adjustment anchor holes. Anchors are removably attached to the anchor holes. Elastic ropes are secured at one end to the anchors and at the other end to handles. The ropes go from the anchors, around pulleys, across the length of the device, around another set of pulleys, across the length of the device, and out the exit holes in ferrules to attach to the handles. The ropes may attach to the handles axially or perpendicularly.

Abstract: An exercise device for cushioning and supporting a user while exercising and developing arm, leg, back, and abdominal muscles and reducing fat around the stomach and abdominal area. The exercise device has a pair of equally sized rectangular mats including an upper and a lower mat having a hinge connection for folding in half. Said mats have a top surface, a bottom surface, and side edges. The upper mat has two internally positioned flexible shafts, two adjustable straps extend upwardly from the upper mat, and an outwardly extending head support panel. The lower mat has two internally positioned, non-flexible shafts, two adjustable feet straps, and two grasping straps.

Abstract: A roller member comprising high carbon chromium bearing steel having a carburization treatment. The bearing steel comprising a surface portion defined as a range between a surface of a rolling face of the roller member to a depth where a maximum shearing stress acts thereon, the surface portion containing carbon in a total amount comprising a range of 1.0 to 1.6 wt % and an amount of residual austenite comprising a range of 20 vol % to 35 vol % wherein a compression residual stress of the surface portion comprises a range of 150 to 1000 MPa, wherein a surface hardness of the surface portion comprises a range of 64 or higher in Rockwell C hardness, wherein an amount of carbide precipitate on the surface portion comprises a range of 10% to 25% in an area rate and each carbide particle size comprises a range of 3 ?m or less.

Abstract: A glued three piece folding basket carrier which has two partitions for dividing the carrier into six cells with each partition being constructed of a different material than used to construct the outside basket carrier. Each partition is glued to a handle panel and a divider flap on the end of the basket carrier and a to a side wall to form a bottle cell with walls that are perpendicular to the divider between the two sides of the carrier and which are also formed as part of the partition.

Abstract: A method and device for presenting music to a patient in real time synchrony with relation to every single pulse of the patient's heartbeat, thereby inducing an enjoyable and relaxing sensation. A digitized electric signal representative of the patient's heartbeat is fed to a microprocessor which brings the digitized electric signal into correspondence with a sequence of musical sound configurations so that each pulse beat is followed by one of the sound configurations in real time. The sequence of musical sound configurations is presented to the patient so that each sound configuration is played in real-time synchrony with a respective pulse beat.

Abstract: A male sexual impotence treatment apparatus includes an elongate adjustable constriction member extending in a loop around a male patient's penile tissue or the prolongation thereof. An adjustment device adjusts the longitudinal extension of the constriction member in the loop to temporarily constrict the penile tissue or the prolongation thereof to restrict the penile exit blood flow to achieve erection. A layer of a soft viscoelastic material is applied on the constriction member such that it is located between the constriction member and the patient's penile tissue or the prolongation thereof at least along a portion of the constriction member to protect the penile tissue or the prolongation thereof from being eroded by the constriction member.

Abstract: When examining a living organism exhibiting dynamic behavior such as pulsing, the dynamic behavior is suppressed and clear images are acquired. The invention provides an objective lens unit including a lens barrel for supporting optical components, wherein an end surface of the lens barrel is disposed farther towards the distal side than an optical component at the extreme distal end, and channel-shaped indented portions extending in the diametrical direction are formed in the end surface of the lens barrel.

Abstract: Systems and methods for evaluating the effectiveness of a person to perform a task based on his/her preceding or predicted sleep pattern are provided. An interface allows a user to use actual sleep data or predicted sleep data to produce predictions of the task effectiveness of a person to perform a particular task. The predictions may be in tabular, graphical, or tabular and graphical format. The interface may also represent the effectiveness of a user based on the actual or predicted sleep data in conjunction with an actual or predicted work schedule or pattern. The results can be correlated to sunlight in the user's location, and can also account for changes in the users location (transmeridian shifts), sunlight during the user's sleep cycle (shift work), and other schedule modifying events.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for determining the density and fluid-type of a fluid flowing in a capillary tube, the velocity and viscosity of a blood sample flowing in a capillary tube, the erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) of a blood sample after flow has been brought to an abrupt stop in a capillary tube, and/or the zeta sedimentation rate (ZSR) of a blood sample after flow has been brought to an abrupt stop in a capillary tube. These measurements are accomplished by directing a waveform pulse, such as an ultrasound pulse, at a pre-determined frequency transversely across the capillary tube and sample fluid, and by determining the flight of time of the pulse through the capillary tube and sample fluid and/or the Doppler shift of the echo signals reflecting off cells moving forwardly or transversely within a flowing, or stationary, blood sample.

Abstract: An ultrasonic probe in which transducer array including ultrasonic transducers out of the specifications can be used so that the yield in the manufacture of transducer arrays is improved. The ultrasonic probe to be used when connected to an external apparatus main body includes: a transducer array including plural ultrasonic transducers; a connecting portion for connecting ultrasonic transducers selected from among the plural ultrasonic transducers to the external apparatus main body; and an identification information holding portion for holding identification information on the ultrasonic probe which information is associated with arrangement information and/or characteristic information on the selected ultrasonic transducers within the transducer array.

Abstract: A medical transponder, including an ultrasonic sensor that detects impinging ultrasonic waves and generates electrical signals in response thereto; an electrical connection which receives said signals; and an electromagnetic RF transmitter coupled to said electrical connection and which generates an RF signal in response to said detected waves.

Abstract: Adaptive grating lobe suppression is provided. Received ultrasound data is measured, compared or otherwise processed to determine the presence of grating lobe energy. A further process is then altered as a function of the level of grating lobe energy. In one embodiment, the adaptive grating lobe suppression is implemented in the receive beamformer. Data representing a virtual element is formed as a normalized sum of data from adjacent sparse elements. The data from the adjacent elements is correlated to determine the presence of grating lobe energy as a function of the amount of shift associated with the peak correlation. A phase shift is applied to the data representing the virtual element where sufficient grating lobe energy is determined. In another embodiment, an amount of grating lobe energy is measured by comparing data from prior to a filter with filtered data. The filter is selected to isolate main lobe energy from grating lobe energy.

Abstract: Using configurable arrays, synthetic aperture processes may be used along an elevation dimension for increasing resolution. The increased resolution is used for two-dimensional or three-dimensional imaging. Alternatively or additionally, wide band synthetic elevation aperture focusing processes, such as beamformation, are provided along the elevation dimension to increase resolution. In yet another alternative or additional embodiment, a transducer is rotated about a center of the transducer within the elevation and azimuth plane. An aperture associated with the transducer is mechanically or electronically rotated, and ultrasound data acquired associated with a plurality of different positions. The ultrasound data is then used for synthetic elevation aperture processing. In yet another alternative or additional embodiment, multiple scanning modes are provided. In a survey mode, imaging is provided without synthetic elevation aperture processing.

Abstract: A blood pressure monitor is provided with a box-shaped housing having openings formed in left and right side walls, a cuff transversely arranged in the housing and including an arm entrance and an arm exit at the opposite left and right ends corresponding to the openings. The cuff is formed with a blood flow blocking bag in a specified area. The opposite ends of the cuff is taken up by a cuff take-up drum such that the blood flow blocking bag extends along the outer circumferential surface of the inserted arm at the time of a measurement and a compressed air is supplied to the blood flow blocking bag to block the blood flow.

Abstract: An automated system and method for diagnosing and monitoring respiratory insufficiency and outcomes thereof is described. A plurality of monitoring sets is retrieved from a database. Each of the monitoring sets include recorded measures relating to patient information recorded on a substantially continuous basis. A patient status change is determined by comparing at least one recorded measure from each of the monitoring sets to at least one other recorded measure. Both recorded measures relate to the same type of patient information. Each patient status change is tested against an indicator threshold corresponding to the same type of patient information as the recorded measures which were compared. The indicator threshold corresponds to a quantifiable physiological measure of a pathophysiology indicative of respiratory insufficiency.

Abstract: A device according to an aspect of the invention includes an air escapement conduit having an inlet port providing air communication with a chest cavity and an outlet port providing air communication with a vacuum source, the conduit allowing an air flow from the inlet port to the outlet port in response to a pressure differential between the ports, and a detector responsive to the air flow that provides a signal related to the air flow. The device may include an indicator device operable to provide evacuation information in response to the signal. The air escapement conduit may include a bubble chamber or a valving mechanism. The detector may be a pressure differential sensor operable to detect a difference in air pressure between the inlet port and the outlet port, and generate a signal related to the difference.

Abstract: Techniques are provided for detecting the circadian state of a patient using an implantable medical device based on selected blood carbon dioxide (CO2) parameters. In one example, the implantable device tracks changes in end tidal CO2 (etCO2) levels and changes in maximum variations of pCO2 levels per breathing cycle (?cycleCO2) over the course of the day and determines the circadian state based thereon. It has been found that average etCO2 levels are generally highest and average ?cycleCO2 levels are generally lowest while a patient is asleep and opposite while a patient is awake. Hence, by tracking changes in average etCO2 and ?cycleCO2 levels over the course of the day, circadian states can be detected. Minute ventilation and activity levels are used to assist in the determination of the circadian state. Additional techniques are directed to detecting the stage of sleep.

Abstract: The present invention provides systems and methods for monitoring subjects, especially during sleep. Respiratory and sound data are recorded and coughs arousal are recognized as joint events in both of these signals having selected characteristics. Further, cough-arousal events during sleep are recognized when a likely cough occurs in association with a recognized EEG arousal. Cough arousal events are combined into a cough arousal index that reflects disease severity and sleep disruption due to cough. The methods of this invention are computer-implemented and can be provided as a program product including a computer readable medium. Measurements and indices provided by this invention can be used to monitor and to treat respiratory diseases.

Abstract: A surgical access system including a tissue distraction assembly and a tissue retraction assembly, both of which may be equipped with one or more electrodes for use in detecting the existence of (and optionally the distance and/or direction to) neural structures before, during, and after the establishment of an operative corridor to a surgical target site.

Abstract: An aspirating needle for collecting a specimen including an elongated hollow body that includes a first lumen portion and a second lumen portion. The first lumen portion is open at both ends for placement at a specimen site to collect and permit aspiration of the specimen from the specimen site. The second lumen has first and second vent ports, with the second vent port being formed along the elongated body such that that when the needle is placed at the specimen site, the second vent port is positioned at the specimen site. The first vent port is in fluid communication with atmospheric air when the needle is positioned at the specimen site so as to permit pressure within the specimen site to equilibrate with atmospheric pressure by means of the venting action of the second lumen.

Abstract: A device for collection of a fluid sample, particularly a biological sample from an internal cavity of a mammal, comprises a barrel having an opening at one end thereof, a plunger operable axially within the barrel, the barrel and the plunger defining a fluid chamber having a volume which varies on axial movement of the plunger within the barrel, and a hollow, elongate tube extending from the fluid chamber through the opening in the barrel, the tube being in operative engagement with the plunger for axial movement to extend and retract the tube within respect to the barrel on axial movement of the plunger, and the tube being in fluid communication with the fluid chamber to provide a fluid flow path to and from the fluid chamber through the hollow tube. A method for collection of a fluid sample from an internal cavity of a mammal is also disclosed.

Abstract: A body fluid component measuring apparatus capable of accurately measuring a specific component in a body fluid for a short time includes, in a main body, a measuring device for detecting the sampling of a body fluid and measuring a component of the sampled body fluid, and a pump and an electromagnetic valve which constitute an evacuating mechanism. When the sampling of blood is detected, the pump is stopped to release the evacuation state. Another apparatus according to a second aspect includes a pressure detecting means and a notifying device. A puncturing device is operated only when it is decided on the basis of a result of detection by a sensor, that the housing is in an evacuation state, and after the sampling is detected, the evacuation is released and information is notified. A further apparatus according to a third aspect includes a pressure adjusting means for fluctuating the pressure.

Abstract: A wearable massage apparatus is formed from a main body having a first side. At least one massage head is positioned on the first side of the body. The apparatus further includes an arrangement for securing the main body to a user. A control module is connected to the at least one massage head for controlling movement thereof. The massage head on the first side of the main body is positioned adjacent the user's body and upon being secured thereto by the securing arrangement, the control module is selectively activated thereby causing the at least one massage head to oscillate and massage the user.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for therapeutically treating bone fractures, osteopenia, osteoporosis, or other tissue conditions. A platform supports a body to be treated. An oscillator is positioned within the platform and is configured to impart an oscillating force on the body. A capacitor assembly is positioned adjacent the platform for automatically determining the mass of the body being supported on the platform. Once the mass of the body is determined, an amplitude of the frequency of the oscillating force is adjusted to provide a desired therapeutic treatment to the patient. Also, the capacitor assembly is configured to turn the oscillator on and off as a function of whether or not a body is being supported on the platform.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for therapeutically treating at least a portion of a body. Apparatus and methods according to various embodiments of the disclosure include a platform for supporting at least a portion of a body. The platform includes at least one plate, a drive lever supported from the plate, and a damping member including a cantilever spring in contact with the drive lever. The platform is actuated at a first frequency. Next, the damping member is oscillated to create a force with a second frequency. Then, the force is distributed to at least a portion of the platform.

Abstract: A pressure-sensing massage machine that resolves the problems of difficult assembly and adjustment and the occurrence of operational errors common to a sensing mechanism that uses many components and devices. The massage machine of the present invention is able to monitor the pressure applied to the massage recipient by a motor-driven movably extending massaging member. A flexible member is provided in the transmission located between the massage member and the motor that drives the massage member, and a pressure sensing mechanism monitors the pressure applied to the massage recipient through the flexible displacement of the flexible member.

Abstract: A massager can be attached to and driven by a rotary drive. The massager has a massager head, which includes a substantially spherical core having an uninterrupted curved surface section. A cover section surrounds the spherical core and a drive shaft is connected to the spherical core. The massager has a connector for attaching the massager to the rotary drive. The massager also includes an attachment for transferring rotary motion from the drive to the drive shaft.

Abstract: A massage system is provided that includes a motor having an output shaft and at least one sliding block connected to the output shaft. The massage system also includes at least one bellows. Each bellows is connected to a corresponding one of the sliding blocks and is moveable between an extended position and a retracted position. When each bellows is moved from the extended to the retracted position air is expelled from the bellows. Similarly, when each bellows is moved from the retracted to the extended position air is taken into the bellows. Operation of the motor causes each sliding block to move between a first position and a second position, such that in the first position each sliding block compresses a corresponding one of the bellows to the retracted position and in the second position each sliding block releases said corresponding one of the bellows to the extended position.

Abstract: An apparatus and methods for the prevention or minimization of lower extremity venous thrombosis comprising an impedance component disposed at the proximal end of the lower extremity and a compression component disposed at the distal end of the lower extremity. The proximal impedance component is activated to impede return venous blood flow, preferably on the femoral vein, until blood volume in the lower extremity is maximized. In response to deactivation of the proximal compression component, the distal compression component is activated to assist return venous blood flow. The apparatus and methods enhance blood circulation in the lower extremity by increasing washout of stagnant blood from the lower extremity, particularly from the venous sinuses and valve cusps where thrombosis tends to form.

Abstract: An orthotic device for restoring range of motion to a patient's limb, includes a first device cuff configured for attaching the device to an upper region of a patient's limb above a limb joint, a second device cuff configured for attaching the device to a lower region of the patient's limb below the limb joint, and a spring attached between the first and second cuffs for bending in a manner counteracting muscle contraction of the limb to which the device is attached, the spring having spring characteristics whereby a counteracting spring force of the spring increases during an initial flexing of the spring through a first angle range, then remains peaked during a subsequent flexing of the spring through a second angle range and finally decreases with a subsequent flexing of the spring through a third angle range.

Abstract: A medical apparatus is provided. The medical apparatus is designed to be a foot covering that is specially designed for diabetic individuals who may have or be susceptible to medical conditions of the feet. The medical apparatus allows an individual to go outdoors without wearing shoes, because the medical apparatus itself serves as a crude shoe covering over a pair of feet. In addition, the medical apparatus itself can serve as a sock covering, which can then be used when a shoe is placed over an individual's feet.

Abstract: The present invention provides a stretch fabric substrate for medical use in a simple knitted structure with a good productivity having such a desired elastic recovery of elongation that no reduction of the fabric substrate in the widthwise direction takes place when elongation is applied to a necessary extent in the lengthwise direction. The fabric substrate according to the present invention is constituted by means of a warp knit substrate, the warp knit substrate is formed by means of a chain stitch using a stretch multifilament textured yarn and elastic yarns and non-stretch yarns are inserted in the lengthwise direct ion and in the widthwise direction, respectively to the chain stitch.

Abstract: A shoulder brace including a shoulder member mountable to a patient's shoulder, and a positioning device that increases pressure to the shoulder in accordance with the position of the patient's arm. In one embodiment, the shoulder brace includes a shoulder member with an open portion forming substantially rigid first and second arms and a positioning device that varies the spacing of the first and second arms according to the position of the patient's arm. In another embodiment, the positioning device includes a tensioning ring and first and second tension triggering straps that provide anterior and posterior compression of the shoulder joint when the arm is moved into a danger zone. In another embodiment, the shoulder brace includes a first mounting member mountable to the pectoral area, a second mounting member mountable to the upper arm, and a connecting member that connects the first and second mounting members.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for preventing and treating septicemia in patient blood is provided. The extracorporeal system includes an antimicrobial device to inactivate at least 99% of bloodborne microorganisms, a hemoconcentrator/filtration unit to remove approximately 50–75% of target molecules from the patient blood and a filter unit to remove target molecules from patient blood from the sieved plasma filtrate. Target molecules are produced by microorganisms, as well as by the patient's cells. These molecules include endotoxins from Gram negative bacteria, exotoxins from Gram negative and Gram positive bacteria, as well as RAP protein mediator from Staphylococcus aureus, and cell mediators such as tumor necrosis factor-alpha, and interleukin 1-beta, interleukin 6, complement proteins C3a and C5a, and bradykinin.

Abstract: A system is provided for reducing intraocular hypertension, the system having an implantable shunt, with a planar member having at least one microchannel disposed within the planar member. There is an inflow port disposed proximate to a first end of the microchannel and an outflow port disposed proximate to a second end of the microchannel. The inflow port is configured such that when the implantable shunt is implanted, the inflow port is located approximately within the region of an angle of an anterior chamber.

Abstract: The present invention provides a fluid retention management system that records and displays fluid retention of a patient based on the weight of fluid entering and exiting the patient's body. Scales or other weighing devices are used to weigh the fluid entering and exiting the body so that the corresponding fluid volume may be calculated. The system automatically detects when a fluid container is being replaced. The fluid deficit of the patient is calculated according to the difference between the fluid volume entering the patient and the fluid volume exiting the patient. An operator is able to enter the specific gravity of the fluid and a fluid deficit alarm threshold. If the fluid deficit exceeds the alarm threshold, audible and visual alarms are generated.

Abstract: A needleless syringe particle delivery system is provided. The needleless syringe has an elongate nozzle that is connected at its upstream end to a sealed chamber. The sealed chamber contains gas at super-atmospheric pressure and particles of a therapeutic agent. Upon release of the gas from the sealed chamber, a flow is formed which entrains the particles and allows the particles to pass through the nozzle at supersonic speed for subsequent delivery to a target surface.

Abstract: A gravity-fed drinking dispenser for unassisted self-administration of liquids by a bedridden user includes a non-pressurized liquid container adapted to be positioned above the user's head, a flexible tubing assembly connected therewith with a mouthpiece at its free end, and a normally closed solenoid valve between the container and the mouthpiece which, when opened, allows liquid to flow by gravity to the mouthpiece. A low-voltage D.C. electrical source connected with the solenoid valve supplies direct current thereto. Operation of the solenoid valve is controlled by an ergonomic pressure-sensitive microswitch connected between the power source and the solenoid valve, which has a generally oval-shaped housing with a bulbous upper portion shaped to receive the palm of the user and allow the user to put their fingers around it and actuate the microswitch by applying light pressure thereto for unassisted self-administration of liquids.

Abstract: A filling device and method, particularly for two-component sealants such as fibrin sealants, which enables two fluids to be separately and directly filled to the reservoirs of a dual syringe fluid applicator from two storage containers, which can be standardized, sealed, sterilized bottles. The device has a connector which engages with the fluid applicator, is keyed to orient the applicator's fluid reservoirs in a predetermined manner and holds the containers in side-by-side alignment with the applicator. Two fluid conduits whose downward ends may be pointed to pierce seals on the bottles, extend between the applicator and the bottles and can each have a transverse reach to accommodate the girth of the bottles. The bottles may be tilted by the device to enable the conduits to draw maximal fluid from a lowermost point of the bottle. Tilting can be effected by a downward movement of the device supporting the applicator which movement can introduce the fluid conduits into the bottles.

Abstract: A filling/discharge port 10 which includes a port cap 20, a plug 40 which is slidably fitted in the inside of the port cap 20, and a plug cap 50 which is removably fitted to the tip of the plug 40 is provided for use in a liquid medicament containing chamber 563 of a container body 560 which is partitioned into a plurality of chambers 562 and 563 via a partitioning portion 561 which allows communication when the internal pressure of the container body 560 is increased, and the plug 40 is slidable from a closed position to a discharge position owing to an increase in the internal pressure. The filling/discharge port 10 reliably prevent medicaments in a medical container which contains a plurality of medicaments from being administered to a patient without being mixed so that they can be mixed during use.

Abstract: A pressure relief mechanism is incorporated into a modified syringe-type inflation device that may be coupled to a balloon catheter for inflating and deflating the balloon. An engagement mechanism selectively engages and disengages from a threaded shaft for advancing or withdrawing a plunger placed in slidable, yet sealing fit within a cylindrical chamber. In a first engaging position, the threaded shaft may be forcibly advanced or withdrawn in the cylindrical chamber, while in a second disengaged position, the plunger may be quickly pulled back.

Abstract: A device for fixing a tube member in a cavity of a patient. The device includes a body that surrounds the tube member and has a casing that at least partly forms an inner space. The body is expandable by supplying a fluid to the inner space in such a way that the fluid in the inner space has a working pressure. Furthermore, the body has, in a non-expanded state, a relatively small outer extent, which permits the introduction into said cavity, and in an expanded state, a relatively large outer extend, which permits fixing in said cavity by abutment with a contact pressure against a tubular wall of the cavity. In order to ensure a tight abutment against the wall of the cavity, the body has such a geometrical shape that the contact pressure is substantially constant independent of variations of the working pressure within a normal working range.