Showing papers on "Tube (fluid conveyance) published in 1994"

Apparatus and method for locating a medical tube in the body of a patient

Abstract: There is disclosed an apparatus and method for locating a medical tube within the body of a patient. The medical tube is located by a detection apparatus which senses the static magnetic field strength gradient generated by a magnet associated with the medical tube and indicates the value of the gradient to the user. The detection apparatus is moved about the body of the patient until the greatest gradient magnitude is indicated. The detection apparatus distinguishes the field strength of the magnet associated with the medical tube from the earth's field strength by sensing the magnet's field strength at two different distances from the magnet.

Method of making catheter

Abstract: A method of making hand-actuated retention catheter 5 is disclosed. The retention catheter includes a tube 12, an overcoat layer 14 encircling the tube 12 and a cavity 16 interposed between the tube 12 and the overcoat layer 14. The cavity 16 encircles the tube and includes a bulbous balloon portion 24 and an enlarged fluid reservoir portion 22 interconnected and separated by a catheter sleeve portion 26 which has a narrowed outside diameter. The expandable balloon portion 24 can be expanded by compressing the fluid reservoir portion 22. A variabale thickness coating of bond-preventing agent is formed on a polymeric structure prior to dipping in a polymeric material to form the overcoat layer.

Hand held surgical device

Abstract: Hand-held surgical assembly for use in performing a laparoscopic medical procedure, comprising a housing. An actuator tube having a bore therein is slidably mounted in the housing. A handle operated mechanism is carried by the housing for causing reciprocatory movement of the actuator tube assembly within the housing.

Probe for medical imaging and therapy using ultrasound

Abstract: A probe for inspecting and treating an internal organ of a patient. The probe includes a tube having a proximal end and a distal end. The tube has a flexible portion near the distal end. A head is coupled to the flexible portion at the distal end of the tube. The head includes a HIFU transducer. The probe also includes a mechanism for positioning the probe responsive to manipulation by a user. The probe may optionally include a direct viewing mechanism for viewing the area adjacent to the head, a ultrasound system for generating ultrasound images of the area adjacent to the head, and a lighting mechanism for illuminating the area adjacent to the head. The probe may be employed as an endoscope for applying HIFU therapy to internal organs of a patient.

Biodegradable porous device for long-term drug delivery with constant rate release and method of making the same

Abstract: A biodegradable porous drug delivery device for controllably releasing a pharmacological agent is disclosed which comprises a hollow tube closed at both ends having an interior surface and an exterior surface, the tube formed of a mixture of polycaprolactone and a pore-creating agent, the tube further comprising channels formed between the interior surface and the exterior surface and a pharmacological agent filled into the hollow tube for controllable release through the channels of the tube. Methods of manufacturing the biodegradable porous drug delivery device are also disclosed.

Side impact head strike protection system

Abstract: The present invention is a tubular structure (11) which inflates upon side or oblique vehicle impact to protect the occupants of a vehicle such as an automobile. The structure is mounted in its undeployed state along the periphery of the vehicle's side pillars (20, 21) and roof rail (23). The primary component of the present invention is a braided tube (15) linked to a gas generator (22). When a side impact is detected, the gas generator (22) is ignited, inflating the braided tube (15). As the braided tube (15) inflates, the diameter of the tube (15) increases and its length decreases. The tube (15) then pulls out of its storage location and forms a taut, semi-rigid structural member across the vehicle's side window (24).

Fiber optic groundwire with coated fiber enclosures

Abstract: The present invention is directed toward an optic static wire assembly comprising a central core which has one or more helical channels in its periphery. One or more tubes containing a dielectric water-blocking compound and one or more optical fibers are positioned in the channels. The tubes are coated with a thermal insulation material, and then a heat reflective material. The optical fibers are randomly arranged within the tubes in such a way that tensile stresses on the cable are not transmitted to them. Finally, the assembly formed by the core and the tube or tubes is wrapped with a serving of metal wires. In one embodiment, the core and tubes may be wrapped with a tape layer before the outer metal wires are applied. Any interstices among the core, the tube or tubes, and tape may also be filled with another dielectric water-blocking compound.

Catheter devices and methods for delivering laser energy

Abstract: A method for conducting laser energy to a site includes steps of bringing the proximal end of a flexible tube near the site, filling at least a proximal portion of the tube with a liquid by introducing the liquid into the tube, allowing a portion of the liquid to flow out from the proximal end of the tube toward the site, and directing laser energy from a laser energy source into the distal end of the tube, whereby a portion of the laser energy emerges from the proximal end of the tube at the site Also, such a method in which the liquid is a radiographic contrast medium Also, such a method for removing an obstruction from a blood vessel in an animal Also, apparatus for delivering laser energy to a site includes a flexible tube, a liquid, the tube having an opening in a first end through which the liquid can pass, means for providing a flow of the liquid into the tube, and a source of laser energy operationally associated with a second end of the tube, wherein the tube and the liquid are adapted to cooperate, when the tube contains the liquid, to conduct laser energy from the source and to emit a portion of the laser energy from the first end of the liquid-containing tube

Endoscopic contamination protection system to facilitate cleaning of endoscopes

Abstract: A coupling cartridge and end cap for protecting an endoscope from contamination during use. The coupling cartridge provides fluid communication between a pair of external fluid conduits and respective channels formed in an endoscope insertion tube, and between a biopsy channel port projecting from the cartridge and an additional insertion tube channel. In one embodiment, fluid flow through the external fluid conduits is controlled by an external fluid control unit that is electrically controlled by respective switches mounted on the control handle of the endoscope. In another embodiment, fluid flow through the external fluid conduits is controlled by a valve mechanism in the coupling cartridge that is controlled by either an actuator on the cartridge or an actuator on the control handle that is mechanically coupled to the valve mechanism. The coupling cartridge may be removed from endoscope after an endoscopic procedure for disposal or rigorous cleaning. The end cap fits onto the distal end of the insertion tube to isolate it from external contamination. A viewing window, an illumination window, and a biopsy channel project from the distal end of the insertion tube and are received by respective apertures formed in the end cap. The projecting components are tightly surrounded by the end cap as they extend through their respective apertures thereby forming a fluid seal to prevent contamination from reaching the distal end of the insertion tube. A fluid nozzle may also be formed in the end cap to receive a washing fluid from a fluid port at the distal end of the insertion tube and direct the fluid onto the surface of the viewing window for cleaning. A protective sheath may be attached to the end cap and cover the insertion tube to also protect the outer surface of the insertion tube from contamination.

Antibacterial medical tubing connector

Abstract: An antimicrobial tubing connector for medical procedures, especially for extracorporeal connections as in peritoneal dialysis and hemodialysis tubing sets. A male portion includes a central tube surrounded by a sleeve radially spaced apart from the central tube to define an annular space. A mating female portion includes a tubular body which receives the central tube of the male portion and which is received by the annular space. A set of O-ring seals and mating threads produces a secure fluid-tight connection. An antimicrobial agent such as silver is deposited on one or more of several surfaces, preferably by a durable process such as ion assisted deposition, to prevent touch contamination. Either or both of the male and female portions may be capped with a separate cap, which may also receive the antimicrobial agent.

Flexible waveguide tube having a dielectric body thereon

Abstract: A flexible waveguide tube is applicable for a desired millimeter wave band with maintaining sufficient strength for satellite application. The flexible waveguide tube includes a bellows portion and flexing at the bellows portion. The flexible waveguide tube further comprises a dielectric body disposed within the waveguide tube, the dielectric body being placed in spaced apart relationship with at least one inner peripheral surface of the bellows portion.

Peristaltic pump tube holder with pump tube shield and cover

Abstract: A peristaltic pump tube holder includes a body (110) that supports a flexible tubing loop (134/136) in an erect, outwardly bowed position extending from the body for engagement with a peristaltic pump rotor (292). The holder also includes a receptacle (26) carrying the body. The receptacle (26) also includes a wall forming a chamber (152 A/B/C) that covers the flexible tubing loop and at least partially shields it from contact. The chamber further serves, during engagement between the tubing loop (134/136) and a peristaltic pump rotor (292), as a cover for the peristaltic pump rotor.

Thermal processing method and apparatus therefor

Abstract: An Si3 N4 layer is formed on a surface of a wafer, which is an object to be processed, at a high temperature of, for example, 780° C., using a vertical thermal processing apparatus having a reaction tube of a double-wall structure comprising an inner tube and an outer tube in which a predetermined reduced-pressure status is maintained within the reaction tube while a reaction gas comprising, for example, SiH2 Cl2 and NH3 is made to flow from an inner side to an outer side of the inner tube by the action of a first gas supply pipe and first exhaust pipe provided in the thermal processing apparatus. Next, the temperature in the interior of the reaction tube is raised to, for example, 1000° C., a reaction gas comprising, for example, H2 O vapor and HCl is made to flow from the outer side to the inner side of the inner tube by the action of a second gas supply pipe and second exhaust pipe, and an SiO2 layer is formed by the oxidation of the surface of the Si3 N4 layer formed on the surface of the wafer, under normal-pressure conditions. The use of a combined chamber enables the implementation of film formation and either oxidation or diffusion processing without having to remove the object to be processed from the reaction tube, and thus prevents the intrusion of a natural oxide layer or the incorporation of particles into a thin film structure of, for example, SiO2 and Si3 N4 layers used as a multi-layer insulating film for devices such as DRAMs.

Catheter devices for delivering laser energy

Abstract: A method for conducting laser energy to a site includes steps of bringing the proximal end of a flexible tube near the site, filling at least a proximal portion of the tube with a liquid by introducing the liquid into the tube, allowing a portion of the liquid to flow out from the proximal end of the tube toward the site, and directing laser energy from a laser energy source into the distal end of the tube, whereby a portion of the laser energy emerges from the proximal end of the tube at the site. Also, such a method in which the liquid is a radiographic contrast medium. Also, such a method for removing an obstruction from a blood vessel in an animal. Also, apparatus for delivering laser energy to a site includes a flexible tube, a liquid, the tube having an opening in a first end through which the liquid can pass, means for providing a flow of the liquid into the tube, and a source of laser energy operationally associated with a second end of the tube, wherein the tube and the liquid are adapted to cooperate, when the tube contains the liquid, to conduct laser energy from the source and to emit a portion of the laser energy from the first end of the liquid-containing tube.

Vascular dilatation instrument and catheter

Abstract: A vascular dilatation instrument 1 includes an outer tube 2, an inner tube 5 extending through the outer tube 2, and an inflatable member 3 having one end attached to the inner tube 5 and another end attached to the outer tube 2. The outer tube 2 includes a superelastic or pseudoelastic metal tube 2b and a synthetic resin tube 2a covering the metal tube, the metal tube 2b having a distal zone provided with a slit or perforations 2e so that the distal zone is more flexible and deformable than the remainder of the metal tube. Also provided is a catheter 100 comprising a main body section which includes a superelastic metal tube 101 and a synthetic resin layer 104 covering the metal tube, the metal tube 101 having a distal zone provided with a slit or perforations 106 so that the distal zone is more flexible and deformable than the remainder of the metal tube.

Method and apparatus for ultrasonic detection of air bubbles

Abstract: Inclusions in a liquid flow, such as air bubbles in a blood flow, are detected by transmitting a signal through the fluid and receiving and interpreting the received signal based on the expected degree of attenuation for the liquid and the inclusions. The amplitude of the transmitted signal is automatically adjusted to maintain a constant average amplitude of the detected signal, thus compensating for changes in the detection environment. The average amplitude of the transmitted signal is controlled by integrating the received signal using an integrator with a time constant longer than the time constant of the expected inclusion signals, and comparing the integrated signal to a constant reference level. The presence of microbubbles is detected and a signal comprising a string of high frequency pulses is generated while the microbubbles are present. By counting the pulses, in conjunction with knowledge about the flow of liquid and the anticipated size of the microbubbles, an estimate of the total amount of air infused into the patient within a given time period is calculated. A tubing holder for retaining a flexible tube in an inclusion detector has tubing retention grooves formed into tubing engagement faces, the tubing engagement faces being spaced closer together than the tube diameter. The tube is inserted into the tubing holder by compressing and deforming it against the tubing engagement faces, until it reaches the tubing retaining grooves.

Method and apparatus for reducing etching erosion in a plasma containment tube

Abstract: A method and apparatus is provided for reducing wall erosion in a plasma containment tube (20), such as, for example, a quartz plasma tube (20) used in a microwave-induced plasma reaction process for etching semiconductor wafers. A pure benign or non-corrosive gas (Ar) is introduced into the "upstream" section (22a) of the tube (22), where the microwave energy is imparted to create a plasma. The activated benign gas flows "downstream" through a flange (28), preferably made of quartz, which is seated on o-rings (50) inside a water-cooled metal flange (48). These sealing o-rings (50) are thus cooled and removed from the ultraviolet light created by the plasma. The corrosive etchant gas (SF6) is introduced into the "downstream" section (22b) of the tube (22) beyond the flange (28), where it is activated by the benign gas (Ar). The benign gas (Ar) flows principally along the inner sidewalls of the tube (22), and the etchant gas (SF6) is thus principally contained by the benign gas (Ar) in the center of this section (22b) of the tube. This "downstream" section (22b) of the tube (22) is surrounded by a water jacket (24), which channels coolant around the outer surface of the tube (22b). Consequently, etching erosion of the inner surface of the tube (22) is minimized in the "upstream" or microwave section (22a) where the plasma is hottest, and also in the "downstream" section (22b) where the corrosive etchant gas (SF6) is activated.

Anesthesia for Microlaryngeal Surgery: The Case for Subglottic Jet Ventilation

Abstract: Although the techniques for surgery on the endolarynx using suspension and the operating microscope have been fully developed, the safest, and least obtrusive anesthetic technique has yet to be manifested, as evidenced by more than 200 references to anesthesia for microlaryngoscopy in the world literature. This study reviews the physiology, physics, and problems of each anesthetic technique. In light of this review, animal and human studies are reported demonstrating the utility and safety of subglottic ventilation when provided with proper monitoring using an automatic ventilator. A modified Ben-Jet tube is reported, which has a 1-mm ID channel to monitor PCO2 and tracheal pressure. This self-centering 3.0-mm tube, which extends 6 to 8 cm below the glottis, is unobtrusive for the surgeon. The subglottic tube, which is much less likely to be malaligned, is much more acceptable to the anesthesiologist. Anesthesia, by intravenous sedation, utilizes neuromuscular blockade while ventilating through the jet tube powered by an automatic ventilator with an automatic shutdown feature attached to the monitor tube to prevent inadvertent barotrauma. The third phase of this study compared fluoroplastic, used in a prototype jet ventilation tube, with 6-mm Silastic, Red Rubber, and polyvinyl chloride (PVC) tubes when struck by maximum power of CO2, Nd-YAG, and K-532 lasers. The test was performed in a closed chamber in which concentrations of oxygen and nitrogen were controlled. Although damaged by the CO2 laser beam, the fluoroplastic tubes did not continue burning when the laser was turned off in 100% oxygen, even when coated by blood. The other three tubes continued to burn in 23% oxygen. Neither the KTP nor Nd-YAG laser damaged the Teflon tube, while they ignited a sustained flame in 30% oxygen. This study supports the use of fluoroplastic for a laser safe jet ventilation tube. It also demonstrates the danger of tube fires, even in low oxygen concentrations, when using Silastic, rubber, and PVC tubes in laser laryngeal surgery. There was no difference in the flammability of Silastic, rubber or PVC when struck by these lasers in this study. For these reasons, subglottic ventilation using a fluoroplastic, monitored, self-centering, subglottic, jet ventilation tube driven by an automatic ventilator with a shutdown feature, in the event of excessive pressure buildup, is proposed for anesthetizing healthy patients undergoing suspension microlaryngoscopy, and who have no airway obstructing lesion. A large tube with inflatable cuff is indicated when a supraglottic lesion may obstruct the airway.

Drilling a well gas supply in the drilling liquid

Abstract: A conventional well bore drilling system includes a coiled tubing mounted on a reel and connected to a mud supply for supplying mud through the tubing to a downhole end of the tubing to which is attached the downhole drilling tool. The system is modified by the addition of an inner tubing attached to the reel shaft and extending through the outer tubing to the drilling tool. The drilling mud is supplied in the space between the inner and outer tubes and a gas is supplied through the inner tube, The gas is vented through a coupling at the drilling tool into the well bore so as to enter the well bore and reduce the hydrostatic head of the fluids within the well bore to an under balanced condition below the pressure of the producing zone. As the gas is supplied through the inner tube, it is maintained separate from the liquid outside the inner tube and accordingly can be by passed into the well bore without entering the downhole MWD or motor drive systems and in addition the mud pulses generated by the downhole MWD system can be communicated through the drilling mud in conventional manner without losses due to gas within the liquid.

Hydrogen producing apparatus

Abstract: Disclosed is a hydrogen producing apparatus for producing hydrogen on an industrial scale through steam reforming reactions and for separating product hydrogen using a hydrogen permeable membrane, comprising nested outer, intermediate and inner cylinders, as well as a combustion burner disposed toward the inside of the inner cylinder, a catalyst layer between the intermediate and inner cylinders, hydrogen-permeable tubes disposed in the catalyst layer, and sweep gas supply tubes. The raw material gas is converted into hydrogen at a high temperature, the produced hydrogen permeates the hydrogen-permeable tube so as to be selectively separated and collected, and the hydrogen having permeated is accompanied by the sweep gas to be conducted out of the apparatus.

Reinforcing insert for uterine manipulator

Abstract: A stiffener device is usable with a uterine manipulator having a catheter tube and outer sheath. The catheter tube is formed in an arc and has an insertable end adapted to be inserted into the uterus. The sheath terminates in a flange that seats against the cervix. The catheter tube is stiffened by a stainless steel wire that is slightly less than the length of the tube, and terminates in a handle that provides for manual grasping to facilitate manipulation of the wire, and thereby the tube, while the insertable end of the tube is in the uterus. The handle may be a small loop formed as a continuation of the wire stiffener, or may be an elongate cylinder fixedly attached to the end of the wire stiffener. A latching assembly may be used to secure the handle adjacent to the outer tube opening.

Method of forming seamed metal tube

Abstract: A method of forming a seamed metal tube (20c) having a metal coating (56) on at least an inside surface of the tube (20c) from a continuously moving, relatively flat metal strip (20a) is disclosed. The primary feature of the inventive process is the step, after forming and welding the seamed metal tube (20c), of locating the seam in a lower portion of the tube (20c) and reheating at least that lower portion of the tube (20c) to melt the coating (56). The coating (56) is thereby caused to flow downwardly over and to coat the inner surface of the seam. The result is a seamed tube (20c) with a more corrosion resistant seam region.

Apparatus for heat treating semiconductors at normal pressure and low pressure

Abstract: A heat treating unit for semiconductor processing is adapted to conduct normal pressure high temperature processing and low pressure thermal processing using corrosive gases. The unit includes an inner tube for receiving a boat which carries objects to be processed, an outer tube concentrically disposed outside the inner tube, a cylindrical manifold which has a gas feed port and an exhaust port, and a cap which tightly closes an opening of the manifold. The inner tube, outer tube and manifold are formed of quartz which is heat resistant and corrosion resistant, and these three components are integrally joined together by melting. The interior surface of the cap is provided with a protecting layer which is heat resistant and corrosion resistant. A connection between the cap and the manifold includes a high temperature heat resistant seal in which O-rings are cooled by a cooling system.

Position instrumented blowout preventer

Abstract: A ram of a ram-type blowout preventer is enclosed within an enclosure so that the piston driving the ram is placed parallel to a stationary magnetizable waveguide tube. A transverse ring-like magnet assembly surrounds the tube and is attached to a carrier that, in turn, is attached to the tail of the piston. The magnet assembly longitudinally magnetizes an area of the tube where it is located. A wire running through the tube is periodically interrogated with an electrical current pulse, which produces a toroidal magnetic field about the wire. When the toroidal field intersects with the longitudinally magnetized area, a magnetostrictive acoustical return pulse is reflected back up the tube for detection by a transducer located outside of the enclosure. The time that the acoustical pulse travels from the magnetic field intersection compared to the timing of the electrical pulse on the wire is a measure of distance since the pulse time essentially travels at the speed of light. Thus, the position of the ram is absolutely determined. From the position information from successive pulses, ram velocity and acceleration information can be developed. The measurements are continuous and absolute and are not incremental.

Metal halide lamp

Abstract: A metal halide lamp includes a quartz sealed tube having a pair of electrodes using tungsten as the base material. Argon gas, mercury, at least one kind of rare earth metal (e.g., dysprosium, holmium, thulium, neodymium, and erbium), bromine, iodine, and an alkali metal, e.g., cesium, are contained in the sealed tube. The total number of moles of bromine and iodine in the sealed tube is in excess of the number of moles of the rare earth metal. Accordingly, tungsten which is liberated from the electrode during electric discharge can be captured mainly by iodine. A reaction between silicon dioxide, which is a constituent component of the sealed tube, and tungsten is prevented, thereby preventing blackening of the tube wall of the sealed tube.

Column for liquid chromatography

Abstract: A biocompatible column for use in liquid chromatography applications includes a biocompatible, polymeric inner tube which is located within a metallic outer tube. The column has biocompatible end fittings which extend beyond the ends of the outer tube. The ends of the outer tube are tapered to extend radially inward towards the longitudinal axis of the column to secure the end fittings and the inner tube in place relative to the outer tube. Alternatively, one or more biocompatible frits are included in seats in the end fittings. A passageway through the inner tube is packed with any one of a number of various packing materials. The present invention may comprise either a guard column or an analytical or preparative column. A liquid chromatography system in which the column of the present invention is used is also described.

Ablative catheter with conformable body

Abstract: A medical probe device for reducing tissue mass in a selected portion of the body comprises a catheter having a control end and a probe end The probe end includes a malleable tube and a flexible tube that allow the probe end to conform to the curvature of the cavity inside a patient's body