Abstract: The systems, methods and articles described herein are directed to at least one pressure sensor along a downstream fluid line which senses fluid pressure and assists an occlusion detection feature in determining the presence of occlusions in the downstream fluid line. In addition, the system can dynamically adapt the occlusion detection feature based on a delivery of fluid, such as a bolus, in order to prevent the system from creating a false alarm regarding an occlusion of the downstream fluid line.

Abstract: An intravenous catheter inserter device comprising a catheter threader body on which is slidably attached a septum activator, a catheter threader, and a needle hub. Some embodiments further include a safety bar that is configured to assist in coordinating the movement of the various components of the device during a catheterization procedure. In general, the septum activator provides a pathway through a septum of a Luer adapter. The Luer adapter comprises a wedge seal that is configured to receive a base portion of a catheter that is inserted into the Luer adapter by the catheter threader. Accordingly, the device of the present invention simultaneously accesses the vasculature of a patient while assembling the catheter into the Luer adapter. The final configuration provides an integrated unit that is attached to the patient and in fluid communication with patient's vascular system.

Abstract: A differential pressure based flow sensor assembly and method of using the same to determine the rate of fluid flow in a fluid system. The sensor assembly comprises a disposable portion and a reusable portion. A flow restricting element is positioned along a fluid flow passage between an inlet and an outlet. The disposable portion further has an upstream fluid pressure membrane and a downstream fluid pressure membrane. The reusable portion has an upstream fluid pressure sensor and a downstream fluid pressure sensor. The upstream fluid pressure sensor senses the upstream fluid pressure at a location within the fluid flow passage between the inlet and the flow restricting element. The downstream fluid pressure sensor senses the downstream fluid pressure at a location within the fluid flow passage between the flow restricting element and the outlet. The process utilizes output of the sensors to calculate the flow rate of the fluid.

Abstract: A system for operating a semi-closed loop and/or a closed loop resuscitation of a burn patient in view of patient information and other physiological data gathered by the system. The system in at least one embodiment includes an urine sensor, an infusion pump and a processor that controls the operation of the infusion pump at least in part from a signal received from the urine sensor.

Abstract: The disclosure provides a system that displays a posture state indication to a user. A posture state indication represents the current posture state of the patient, which may be a combination of patient posture and activity. As a patient changes posture and activity throughout a daily routine, a posture state detector may generate a posture state value that may be used to categorize the patient's posture or posture and activity level as one of multiple posture states used to adjust therapy. The posture state may be associated with one of multiple posture state indications that may be presented to the patient. The posture state indication shows the patient the posture state currently detected by the posture state detector. The posture state indication may help the patient to effectively monitor therapy changes due to automatic, semi-automatic or patient-directed therapy adjustments made as a function of posture state.

Abstract: A machine for the automatic preparation of an intravenous medication is provided. In one implementation the machine has a chamber with a starting products area where at least one receptacle is disposed with a base product from which the intravenous medication is generated, a transfer tools area where at least one transfer tool that is used to prepare the required medication is disposed, a prepared products area where at least one container to house the prepared medication is disposed, and a first robot to handle the transfer tool, the first robot being adapted to transport the transfer tool between the transfer tools area, the starting products area and the prepared products area in order to prepare the intravenous medication.

Abstract: An injection device to deliver at least two medicaments is disclosed where a first medicament is delivered in settable doses with a first medicament dose delivery mechanism and a second medicament is delivered from micro-reservoirs upon activation of a second medicament delivery system, whereby activation of the second medicament delivery system locks out the first medicament dose delivery mechanism.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a drug delivery (5) comprising a housing (10) with a proximal end (28) and a distal end (22), a cartridge holder (14) adapted to retain a cartridge, the cartridge holder (14) being secured to the housing (10) and having an at least partially transparent side wall, and a cap (40) being capable of covering the distal end (22) of the drug delivery device, being rotationally fixed with respect to the housing (10) and comprising a window aperture (44), the window aperture (44) being capable of displaying information revealed by the cartridge holder (14). Furthermore, using a cap (40) for covering the distal end (22) of the drug delivery device (5) is disclosed.

Abstract: Methods for processing a contact surface, for example to provide a gas barrier or lubricity or to modify the wetting properties on a medical device, are disclosed. First and second PECVD or other contact surface processing stations or devices and a contact surface holder comprising a contact surface port are provided. An opening of the contact surface can be seated on the contact surface port. The interior contact surface of the seated contact surface can be processed via the contact surface port by the first and second processing stations or devices. contact surface barrier, lubricity and hydrophobic coatings and coated contact surfaces, for example syringes and medical sample collection tubes are disclosed. A contact surface processing system and contact surface inspection apparatus and methods are also disclosed.

Abstract: A drive assembly for a drug delivery device is disclosed. The drive assembly is connectable with a cartridge holder and comprises a housing, a piston rod, the piston rod being movable in a distal direction for drug delivery, and a guide nut, the guide nut being rotatable relative to the housing around an axis of the assembly and provided for guiding the piston rod. A locking means is provided which is enabled to take an engaged state in which the locking means is engaged with the guide nut in order to prevent rotation of the guide nut and to take a disengaged state in which the locking means is disengaged from the guide nut in order to allow rotation of the guide nut. Moreover, a coupling means is provided, the coupling means being rotatable relative to the housing around the axis of the assembly for interaction with the locking means in order to change between the engaged state and the disengaged state of the locking means.

Abstract: A retractable safety syringe may have a needle, a syringe body, a shaft seal, and a plunger assembly. A proximal portion of the body and a piston of the plunger may define a vacuum chamber. The plunger assembly may comprise a shaft coupled to a piston. The shaft may have at least one non-engaging portion and at least one engaging portion. The plunger assembly is movable between a storage position and working positions. In the storage position, little or no force is exerted on the shaft seal by the non-engaging portion. In the working positions, the engaging portion is in sealing engagement with the shaft seal to seal the vacuum chamber. Stopper movement of the retractable safety syringe may be reduced or eliminated if the retractable safety syringe is prefilled.

Abstract: An auto-injector for administering a dose of a liquid medicament (M) comprises of a substantially cylindrical housing arranged to contain a pre-filled syringe with an injection needle, a plunger and a stopper for sealing a syringe barrel and a drive means releasably coupled to the plunger for advancing the syringe in the proximal direction (P) for needle insertion into an injection site and for displacing the dose of medicament (M) into the injection site. The drive means is arranged to be decoupled from the plunger for advancing a needle shroud to a safe position (PS) to surround the injection needle after the injection. According to the invention, the drive means bears against a thrust collar arranged to be releasably coupled to the plunger through a ramped engagement of a first tongue and a first recess so as to rotate the thrust collar on translation in proximal direction (P).

Abstract: A medication delivery device included molded cylindrical barrel having visual marks on the surface of the barrel in the axial direction, a plunger seals the distal opening of the cylindrical barrel, a molded needle hub disposed in the proximal opening of the cylindrical barrel for sealing the needle hub to the barrel. A needle is disposed in the needle hub for communicating liquids by operation of the plunger in the axial direction. The circumferential surface on the flange of the needle hub comprises a colored mark that corresponds to a characteristic of the medication delivery device or its contents.

Abstract: A shielded pen needle assembly is provided in which the hub extends distally beyond an outer sleeve of the assembly.

Abstract: Various arrangements for determining whether a liquid is in contact with a nebulizer element are disclosed. A nebulizer element may be energized with an electrical signal at a measurement frequency. An impedance of the nebulizer element may be measured, thereby obtaining a measured impedance value. The impedance value may be compared to a stored impedance value. Based on the comparison, it may be determined whether the liquid contacts the nebulizer element.

Abstract: Disclosed is a medicine box counter, which comprise a case body, comprising a bottom seat, an upper cap movably combined with the case body, and a plurality of resilient elements disposed between the bottom seat and the upper cap. As such, the medicine and the bottom seat are directly combined so that when the user exerts a pressure upon the upper cap in the use course, the resilient elements may be indirectly extruded and thus the bottom seat triggers the count mechanism to count, and after the pressure on the upper cap is released, the upper cap automatically restores to its original position by means of the resilient elements, whereby achieving the efficacies of rapid assembly, convenient use, effective medicine-taken count and reduced manufacturing cost are provided.

Abstract: A hot air extraction vaporizer that is provided with a heat exchanger, a filling chamber for accommodating a substance generating an aerosol when subjected to heat, and a vaporizer outlet for inhaling the aerosol/air mixture. The heat exchanger is in a thermally conductive connection with the filling chamber that when heated up subjects the substance to radiant heat. The heat exchanger is provided with at least one airflow channel generating a hot airflow. The filling chamber comprises at least one of airflow passages and a mesh allowing the hot airflow to pass through the filling chamber and the substance provided therein.

Abstract: A delivery device for and method of delivering a dose of substance for systemic uptake to a nasal cavity of a subject, the delivery device comprising: a nosepiece unit for insertion into a nasal cavity of a subject and comprising an outlet unit which includes at least one nozzle for delivering substance for systemic uptake substantially only to surfaces in one or both of the anterior region and an anterior section of the posterior region of the nasal cavity of the subject; and a substance supply unit which is operable to deliver a dose of substance to the at least one nozzle.

Abstract: A system for diagnosis and treatment of breathing disorders in a patient, comprises a flow generator supplying an air flow to an airway of a patient via a flow path, a venting arrangement moveable between (i) a closed position in which the flow path is substantially sealed between the flow generator and the patient's airway and (ii) an open position in which the flow path is open to an ambient atmosphere, a sensor detecting data corresponding to flow through the patient's airway, and a processing arrangement controlling operation of the venting arrangement and the flow generator, wherein, in a diagnostic mode, the processing arrangement maintains the venting arrangement in the open position and in a therapeutic mode, the processing arrangement maintains the venting arrangement in the closed position and controls the flow generator to supply to the patient's airway via the flow path a calculated therapeutic pressure.

Abstract: Respiratory assistance is provided to a subject in the form of a pressurized flow of breathable gas. The pressure of the gas is eased during expiration and increased during inspiration. Changes in pressure are triggered and/or cycled based on the monitoring of tidal volume. Volume thresholds that cause triggering and/or cycling are adjusted based on an observed or measured breath rate.

Abstract: The present invention provides a chamber having at least one operator hand access port; the port comprising a port aperture located within the chamber wall; and at least two flexible non-resilient lightweight sealing gas-tight flaps(SFs), disposed the same plane of the port aperture in an overlapping manner, entirely enclosing the port aperture; each of the SFs is defined by a port aperture edge and chamber edges; the chamber edges are anchored to the chamber wall along more than half of the perimeter of the flap, at a distance from the center of the port greater than the radius of the port and beyond its perimeter; the port aperture edge of each flap is stretched across an entire chord of the port aperture; stretched port apertures edges define an interior access zone, disposed the same plane of the port aperture, characterized solely by the port aperture edges.

Abstract: An anatomical shaped oxygen face mask with ports allows medical procedures to take place while the mask remains affixed to patient's face covering both mouth and nose. The mask is specially designed to allow the patient to ventilate spontaneously while at the same time allowing access for instruments by means of ports located at the front of the mask. One port may be used for procedures while another port can be used for suctioning of secretion and blood or for providing oxygen.

Abstract: Various embodiments of a respiratory interface device, such as a mask, that includes a substantially rigid frame member and a cushion device wherein the frame member and cushion device are coupled together using a clip assembly wherein the clip assembly includes a plurality of tabs and a plurality of detents. The detents and tabs engage with one another to removably couple the cushion device to the frame member.

Abstract: A replaceable nasal interface system including a molded air tube having a generally D-shaped cross section, and including first and second lumens. The system further includes a base member operatively connected to and in fluid communication with the molded air tube; and a nasal interface operatively connected to the base member.

Abstract: The disclosed concept maintains that Qp=Qc?Qleak, where, Qp is the estimated patient flow, Qleak is the estimated leak and Qc is the measured total circuit flow. Qleak is given by a transfer function ?(?) where x is a set of independent measured or fixed variables. The transfer function is thus Qleak=?(?). The transfer function (?(?) is adjusted given the constraint that, Qp shall be zero. The transfer function converges over time to accurately estimate the leak because over an extended time the mean patient flow will always be zero. In one example, ?(?)=gorfP? and the coefficient gorf is adapted until Qp is zero.

Abstract: A forehead pad for a breathing mask includes a substantially dimensionally stable first wall element and an elastomer second wall element coupled to the first wall element. The second wall element has a contact zone adapted to contact a surface of a user in use. The first and second wall elements define a filling-material-receiving chamber adapted to receive a filling material.

Abstract: A respiratory component coupled with a breathing circuit, the respiratory component including at least one groove disposed upon a surface of the respiratory component, wherein the respiratory component is not a heater wire.

Abstract: A flexible hose is adapted to maintain its inner wall temperature above the dew point of air transported between a CPAP machine's humidifier and mask, preventing condensation. An electrically energizable heating element forms a helical reinforcement member. The hose's first end has a standard CPAP soft end cuff. The second end comprises a special end fitting including: a support ring, electrical jack, and a specially shaped over-molded plastic cuff. The support ring has a ring portion threadably secured onto the helical reinforcing member, and a receptacle extending therefrom. A coaxial electrical jack is received within the receptacle, with the energizable heating element of the helix being wired to the prongs of the jack. A soft plastic cuff is molded over much of the ring portion and receptacle, to provide further integrity of the end fitting, while the remaining portion of the cuff conforms to the standard CPAP end cuff configuration.

Abstract: A respiratory therapy device comprises a pneumatic control unit connectable to a source of medical grade oxygen for supplying oxygen to a first control unit outlet port at a first set of conditions and to a second control unit outlet port at a second set of conditions. First and second transfer conduits are in fluid communication with the first and second outlet ports. Each transfer conduit defines at least part of a flowpath to destination. Each flowpath includes a filter. A related filtration module comprises a filter housing defining two or more filter compartments. The housing has an input side with a gas inlet in fluid communication with each of the filter compartments and a gas outlet in fluid communication with each of the filter compartments. A filter element resides in each of the compartments intermediate the gas inlet to the compartment and the gas outlet from the compartment.

Abstract: A humidifier assembly for a CPAP apparatus includes a liquid storage container configured to hold a body of liquid. The liquid storage container includes a humidifying region above a metallic heat conducting material, the humidifying region being a region inside the liquid storage container in which the liquid is evaporated into pressurized respiratory gas generated in the CPAP apparatus. The CPAP apparatus also includes a base unit configured to a) receive the liquid storage container and b) securely and releasably connect to a CPAP unit of the CPAP apparatus, the base unit having a bottom portion to support the liquid storage container thereon, the bottom portion including a heating element configured to contact the heat conducting material of the liquid storage container when the liquid storage container is supported on the base unit.

Abstract: Described is an intra-nasal clip, and more particularly a nasal clip that diffuses the aromas or fragrances, such as those used in aromatherapy, of an aromatherapy sphere without irritation through direct contact with the inner nasal septum. The intra-nasal clip includes a bendable bridge extending between its outer distal ends, in which the distal ends comprise hollows with inlets. Aromatherapy spheres are within the hollows that contain aromatherapy materials.

Abstract: Methods of treating a brain malfunction include obtaining a subject diagnosed with a brain malfunction and reducing EEG frequency of brainwaves in the subject by applying at least one EEG-slowing stimulus to the subject, whereby production of beta amyloid protein in the brain of the subject is reduced and progression of the brain malfunction is halted or slowed.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing a catheter member having at least one lumen is disclosed herein. The method includes, winding a sacrificial coil over a mandrel in a first direction and winding a reinforcement coil over the sacrificial coil in a second direction. A polymer is then laminated over the sacrificial coil and the reinforcement coil. After the polymer is laminated, the mandrel is removed and the sacrificial coil is removed to thereby form the catheter member having the lumen.

Abstract: A safety catheter for draining a given fluid includes a hollow stretch valve and a flexible, multi-lumen, balloon drainage catheter having a proximal catheter end, a balloon defining a balloon interior to be inflated with an inflation fluid, a drain lumen. and a balloon drainage port fluidically connecting the balloon interior to the drain lumen. The hollow stretch valve is shaped to permit the given fluid to pass therethrough and is positioned in the drain lumen to at least partially slide therein such that, in a steady state, the stretch valve prevents the inflation fluid from passing through the drainage port, and, in a stretched state when the proximal catheter end is stretched, the distal sliding portion slides within the drain lumen to permit the inflation fluid to pass through the drainage port and into the drain lumen.

Abstract: True lumen reentry devices and methods useable for redirecting a guidewire from a subintimal tract within a wall of a blood vessel into the true lumen of the blood vessel. A reentry catheter device comprises a main catheter shaft having at least one guidewire outlet aperture with at least one side tube located on a distal portion of the main catheter shaft. The side tube(s) is/are tracked over initially inserted guidewire(s) to advance a distal portion of the reentry catheter device into the subintimal tract with a guidewire.

Abstract: A shaft suppresses a permanent set, or plastic deformation, even when inserted into an extremely winding blood vessel. A guidewire incorporates the above shaft. The shaft is twisted along its longitudinal axis and has a cross section forming a substantially rectangular shape extending in a first direction perpendicular to the longitudinal axis. The cross section has at least one arcuate recess.

Abstract: An applicator for insertion and lubrication of a body lumen is disclosed having an elongate, hollow, cylindrical outer sheath including a receiving cup at a distal end for receiving a lubrication capsule; and a plunger slidingly received within the elongate, hollow cylindrical outer sheath, the plunger including a piercing element at a distal end adapted to extend into the receiving cup. A liquid-filled soft gel capsule is placed in the receiving cup, and the piercing element is used to puncture the capsule located in the receiving cup prior to insertion of the applicator into the body lumen, and wherein the plunger can be depressed once the applicator is inserted into the body lumen to eject the pierced capsule into the body lumen.

Abstract: A device for generating microbubbles in a gas and liquid mixture and injection device, the device comprising: a housing defining a mixing chamber; means for mixing solution contained in the mixing chamber to generate microbubbles in the solution; a needle array removably attached to the housing and in fluid connection with the mixing chamber, the needle array including at least one needle; and at least one pressure sensor for measuring tissue apposition pressure, the pressure sensor being mounted on one of the housing and the needle array.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a fluid infusion device of the type that delivers medication fluid to the body of a patient. The device includes or cooperates with a fluid reservoir, and the device has a sealing assembly to receive and form a fluid seal with the fluid reservoir. A retractable sealing element surrounding a hollow fluid delivery needle may be used to seal a port of the fluid reservoir. The port may include a pressure vent that is sealed by the retractable sealing element. In one variation, the reservoir includes a moving valve sleeve that holds a septum. The septum moves to allow the reservoir to vent, and to form a seal with the port when the needle pierces the septum. In another variation, the device includes a needleless sealing assembly. In yet other variations, the device uses a needled fluid reservoir.

Abstract: Tubing such as clear plastic disposable tubing or glass tubing includes a photonic sensor formed in or placed within the tubing. The photonic sensors can take the form of photonic crystal sensors, distributed feedback laser sensors, and surface enhanced Raman spectroscopy (SERS) sensors, including photonic crystal enhanced SERS sensors. Detection arrangements for the sensors are described. The invention has many applications including tubing used in hospital care (e.g., urinary catheters, intravenous fluid delivery tubing, tubing used in dialysis, e.g. heparin lines or blood tubing sets), food manufacturing, pharmaceutical manufacturing, water quality monitoring, and environmental monitoring.

Abstract: Connector for a fluid transport line of a medical device, comprising: a first body having a first access port for a fluid, a second access port for a fluid, and a first fluid path extending in the first body and directly connecting, for fluid transport, the first access port and second access port, at least a second body, mountable to the first body, having at least a third access port for a fluid, the second body being movable with respect to the first body at least between: a main operating position in which the first fluid path is interrupted and in which a second fluid path is defined and enabled, for fluid transport, from the first access port to the third access port, and an auxiliary operating position in which the first fluid path is enabled and in which the second fluid path is interrupted.

Abstract: Embodiments of the disclosure include methods and systems for attaching an articulation section. In an embodiment, a medical instrument includes a first tubular member including a first end. The medical instrument also includes a second tubular member including a first end. The second tubular member includes a plurality of layers including an inner layer and a first layer including a fluorinated material. The inner layer includes a first section disposed under the first layer and a second section extending out from under the first layer. A portion of the first tubular member overlaps and is bonded to at least a portion of the second section of the inner layer of the second tubular member.

Abstract: A slide clamp for use with an infusion pump and infusion set provides finger grips and support members for supporting the infusion tubing. The finger grips make the slide clamp easier to use while reducing the risk of error. The tubing support members reduce the likelihood of improperly loading the tubing and reduce the risk of kinking the tubing during use. An infusion set is provided wherein the slide clamp may be coded through the use of colors, holes, or the like so as to identify the type of infusion tubing used therewith. The infusion pump can identify the code on the slide clamp and thereby determine the type of infusion tubing, and thereby allow access only to infusion programs for drugs or infusion solutions which are compatible with the particular type of infusion tubing.

Abstract: Provided are a living body stimulating electrode, a living body stimulating electrode apparatus, and a method for producing a living body stimulating electrode. The living body stimulating electrode has a flexible circuit board (FPC) between a living body stimulating electrode and a resin part. The resin part and the FPC are fixed with the living body stimulating electrode. Specifically, the flexible circuit board is disposed between the living body stimulating electrode and the resin part, and one or both of a stimulating electrode and a contact electrode constituting the living body stimulating electrode have an engaging part having a pressing part and a fixing part. The pressing part presses the flexible circuit board onto the resin part. Simultaneously, the fixing part is penetrated through a through hole formed in the flexible circuit board and pressed into a hole formed in the resin part, thereby fixed to and held by the resin part.

Abstract: An electrode assembly includes a first surface to be placed adjacent a person's skin and a second surface including a plurality of reservoirs of conductive gel. The plurality of reservoirs of conductive gel are disposed on sections of the electrode assembly that are at least partially physically separated and may move at least partially independently of one another to conform to contours of a body of a patient. The electrode assembly is configured to dispense an amount of the electrically conductive gel onto the first surface in response to an activation signal and to provide for a defibrillating shock to be applied to the patient through the amount of the electrically conductive gel.

Abstract: A medical device for treating an airway of a patient. The medical device may include an elongate tubular member having a proximal end, a distal end, and a lumen extending therebetween. The medical device may also include a plurality of conductive elements disposed on a surface of the elongate tubular member. In some embodiments, at least one of the plurality of conductive elements may be disposed distally of another of the plurality of conductive elements. In addition, each of the plurality of conductive elements may be electrically coupled to a surface of the lumen. The medical device may also include a piston movably disposed within the lumen. The piston may include a distal portion configured to make electrical contact with one or more of the plurality of conductive elements.

Abstract: A mouthpiece for providing non-invasive neuromodulation to a patient, the mouthpiece including an elongated housing having an anterior region and a posterior region, the elongated housing having a non-planar exterior top surface and internal structural members disposed within the housing, the internal structural members elastically responding to biting forces generated by the patient, a spacer attached to the top surface of the housing for limiting contact between a patient's upper teeth and the exterior top surface of the elongated housing, and a printed circuit board mounted to a bottom portion of the elongated housing, the printed circuit board having a plurality of electrodes for delivering subcutaneous local electrical stimulation to the patient's tongue.

Abstract: A pacemaker includes an electrode line having a lead and an electrode. The electrode includes a carbon nanotube composite structure having a matrix and a carbon nanotube structure located in the matrix. The matrix comprises a first surface and a second surface substantially perpendicular to the first surface. The carbon nanotube structure includes a first end electrically connect to the lead. The carbon nanotube structure is substantially parallel to the second surface of the matrix. A distance between the carbon nanotube structure and the second surface of the matrix is less than 10 micrometers.

Abstract: Various embodiments concern a lead comprising a cable conductor and a coil electrode having one or more filars, the one or more filars wound in a helical pattern. The lead can further include an inner fitting axially aligned with the coil electrode. The inner fitting can comprise external threading and a slot extending along the inner fitting. The slot can receive a portion of the cable conductor. The lead can include an outer tubular fitting having a lumen with internal threading. Each of the coil electrode and the inner fitting can be partially received within the lumen, both of the external threading and the one or more filars threadedly engaged with the internal threading. The cable conductor can be pinched in the slot to mechanically connect the cable conductor to the inner fitting. The pinching can be supported by the outer tubular fitting.

Abstract: Implantable medical leads include a shield that is guarded at a termination by having a first portion and a second portion of the shield, where the first portion is between a termination of the shield at the second portion and an inner insulation layer that surrounds the filars. The first portion may reduce the coupling of RF energy from the termination of the shield at the second portion to the filars. The first and second portions may be part of a continuous shield, where the first and second portions are separated by an inversion of the shield. The first and second portions may instead be separate pieces. The first portion may be noninverted and reside between the termination at the second portion and the inner layers, or the first portion may be inverted to create first and second sub-portions. The shield termination at the second portion is between the first and second sub-portions.