Showing papers on "Tube (fluid conveyance) published in 2001"

Ablation and imaging catheter

Abstract: A catheter for ablating and imaging tissue includes a porous electrode structure comprising an interior region for receiving a conductive medium, an elongate tube having a distal tube end that extends within the interior region, and an ultrasonic transducer assembly housed within the distal tube end.

Inductive plasma loop enhancing magnetron sputtering

Abstract: A plasma reaction chamber, particularly a DC magnetron sputter reactor, in which the plasma density and the ionization fraction of the plasma is increased by a plasma inductive loop passing through the processing space. A tube has its two ends connected to the vacuum chamber on confronting sides of the processing space. An RF coil powered by an RF power supply is positioned adjacent to the tube outside of the chamber and aligned to produce an RF magnetic field around the toroidal circumference of the tube such that an electric field is induced along the tube axis. Thereby, a plasma is generated in the tube in a loop circling through the processing space.

Multi-length delivery system

Abstract: A stent delivery system may comprise a shape memory metal bumper which is expandable from a reduced profile configuration to an increased profile configuration. The stent delivery system comprises an inner tube, a stent disposed about the inner tube and a shape memory metal bumper disposed about the inner tube adjacent the proximal end of the stent.

Buffer tube that results in easy access to and low attenuation of fibers disposed within buffer tube

Abstract: A buffer tube design that allows easy access to signal carrying fibers disposed within the buffer tube with risk of damaging the signal carrying fibers. The buffer tube can be made with a ripcord disposed within. Additionally, the buffer tube has the mechanical properties that allow the ripcord to be pulled through the tube wall with less energy than is required to bend the signal carrying fibers within. The buffer tube can also be designed without a ripcord in such a way that the mechanical properties allow the tube to be hand torn using a lower amount of energy than required to bend the signal carrying fibers within.

Optical pressure monitoring system

Abstract: An optical pressure monitoring system includes a tube from an infusion set and an optical signal sensor disposed to detect changes in the diameter of the tube and thereby determine pressure changes within the tube. By selecting the position of the tube relative to the optical signal emitter and optical signal receiver, the optical signal sensor can both detect pressure changes and provide an integrity check for both the functioning of the optical signal sensor and the placement of the tube. By modifying the tube to exaggerate changes in tube diameter responsive to pressure changes, the sensitivity of the optical signal sensor can be increased.

Delivery devices for flow regulating implants

Abstract: The disclosed delivery devices for flow regulating implants comprise a handle and a tube (such as a hollow needle or cannula), with a retractable wire extending through the tube. Prior to deployment, the wire extends a short distance out of the distal end of the tube. The flow regulating implant is mounted on the wire at the distal end of the tube; for example, the implant may have a central bore into which the wire extends. The implant may be held on the wire by friction, by a hook, or by other suitable means. The delivery device includes a trigger that acts on the retractable wire. Actuating the trigger retracts the wire into the tube, thereby releasing the implant.

Effective hydrogen storage in single-wall carbon nanotubes

Abstract: The hydrogen-storage behavior of single-wall carbon nanotubes was studied using molecular dynamics simulations and ab initio electronic calculations. Hydrogen atoms with kinetic energy of 16--25 eV were observed to penetrate into and be trapped inside the tube. Consecutively injected H atoms form hydrogen molecules, and gradually condense to become liquid hydrogen in the tube. The density of injected hydrogen in the tube and the pressure on the wall of the nanotube induced by the stored hydrogen molecules were evaluated at room temperature.

Optical fiber cable with cushion members protecting optical fiber ribbon stack

Abstract: An optical fiber cable includes an optical fiber ribbon stack having a plurality of optical fibers, and at least one cushion member disposed on outer side surfaces of the optical fiber ribbon stack. The cushion member functions as a spacer and strain energy absorbing member for protecting corner fibers of the optical fiber ribbon stack from bending and contact stresses due to contact with a buffer tube or other surrounding elements. The cushion member may have material characteristics, such as contact hardness and Young's modulus, which are similar to those of the ribbon stack, or which gradually change from a soft inner layer at the side of the cushion member which contacts the ribbon stack to a stiff outer layer at the side of the cushion member which may contact a buffer tube or other surrounding elements. An elastic membrane surrounds the optical fiber ribbon stack and attached cushion member, and a filler material, such as bubbled foam or foamed gel, is disposed in the space between the ribbon stack and the elastic membrane and the space between the elastic membrane and the buffer tube.

Method and apparatus generating and detecting torsional wave inspection of pipes or tubes

Abstract: A method and apparatus is shown for implementing magnetostrictive sensor techniques for the nondestructive evaluation of pipes or tubes. A magnetostrictive sensor generates guided waves in a pipe or tube, which waves travel therethrough in a direction parallel to the longitudinal axis of the pipe or tube. This is achieved by using a magnetized ferromagnetic strip being pressed circumferentially against the pipe or tube. The guided waves are generated in the strip and coupled to the pipe or tube and propagate along the length of said pipe or tube. For detection, the guided waves in said pipe or tube are coupled to the thin ferromagnetic strip and are detected by receiving MsS coils. Reflected guided waves may represent defects in the pipe or tube.

Multilayer medical device

Abstract: A medical device such as a tube or a balloon including wall structure with multiple layers. The wall structure can distribute stress, resulting in reduced defect propagation and failure.

Combined electrosurgical-cryosurgical instrument

Abstract: The present invention is directed towards a combined electrosurgical-cryosurgical instrument (10) for tissue ablation. The instrument comprises a shaft (30) having a proximal end and a distal end, the distal end being electrically and thermally conductive; a radiofrequency insulation sheath (20) surrounding the outer surface of the shaft; a cryo-insulation sheath (50) surrounding a surface of the shaft; a radiofrequency power supply source (60); a cryogen supply tube (70) within the shaft (30); and a cryogen supply source (80) connected to the cryogen supply tube. The power source (60) provides electrical energy to the distal end of the shaft (30), and the cryogen supply tube (70) provides a cryogen to the distal end of the shaft (30).

Medical device including tube having a braid and an expanded coil

Abstract: A medical device (10) including a tube (11) having a highly uniform and repeatable inner and outer diameter, the tube (11) possessing good trackability, pushability and torquability, and the tube (11) being highly resistant to collapse, necking or kinking during use. The tube (11) first includes a metal coil (14) in a stressed, radially expanded condition, the metal coil (14) preferably being formed as a flat wire. The tube (11) also includes a metal braid (16) extending over at least part of the coil (14). The tube (11) further includes a polymeric bonding layer (18) positioned over and contacting at least the coil (14). The polymeric layer (18) is preferably heat-shrinkable shrinkable tubing made of one or more of nylon or polyurethane. The tube (11) optionally includes an inner liner (20) beneath and in contact with at least part of the coil (14), the liner (20) preferably being composed of PTFE. The polymeric layer (18) maintains the coil (14) in its stressed, radially expanded condition, for example, by adhesion to the coil (14) (such as by thermal bonding to it).

Method and apparatus to reduce variation of excess fiber length in buffer tubes of fiber optic cables

Abstract: The present invention provides a method for reducing and/or controlling the variations of excess fiber length along the length of reeled fiber optic buffer tubes during the manufacture of the buffer tubes. The present invention varies any number, or combination, of parameters during the manufacture of buffer tubes to achieve a substantially uniform excess fiber length along a reeled buffer tube. One embodiment of the inventive method uses monotonically decaying draw or take-up tension of the buffer tubes during winding, combined with a stiffness-compliant pad placed on the reel core to aid in providing a substantially uniform excess fiber length in the tube, while another embodiment uses a monotonically increasing angular speed of the reel in combination with the stiffness-compliant pad on the reel core. In yet another embodiment a pad is placed either periodically or continuously in the windings of the buffer tube to provide an absorbing layer for the residual stresses existing in the buffer tube as it is reeled and after the reeling is complete, combined with re-reeling the buffer tube onto a second reel after the buffer tube has cooled (after manufacture), where the pad is removed during the re-reeling process. Additionally, the present invention can have the layers of buffer tube separated with rigid, cylindrical panels separating the layers. The present inventive method also combines any, or all, of the above steps to aid in achieving a substantially uniform excess fiber length along the length of the reeled buffer tube.

Device and method for obtaining interstitial fluid from a patient for diagnostic tests

Abstract: A device for obtaining a sample of interstitial fluid from a patient for use in monitoring the level of blood glucose in the patient. The device comprises a hollow tube having a wall surrounding a cavity, wherein the wall of the tube contains a multiplicity of pores. The hollow tube is inserted into the tissues through the skin with the help of anintroduction needle. No external suction is applied.

Enhanced intra-aortic balloon assist device

Abstract: The present invention is an intra-aortic circulatory enhancing apparatus for use in human patients to improve blood flow to other arteries continuous with the aorta of the patient. The apparatus comprises an internal inflation means located within the aorta of the patient and an external inflation means located outside of the patient. The internal inflation means can be an internal balloon coupled to a hollow extent which is operatively coupled to a blood communication means. The blood communication means can be a first hollow catheter tube in one embodiment. The external inflation means can be an external balloon coupled to a hollow extent running through the center of the balloon and continuous with a second hollow catheter tube. The blood communication means is coupled to the internal and external inflation means, allowing blood within the aorta to communicate with the secondary inflation means.

Medical article having blood-contacting surface

Abstract: A plastic medical article, such as a catheter or blood collection tube, is coated with a crosslinked hydrogel permanently bound to the inside wall of the tube. The hydrophilic surface provided by the hydrogel prevents adherence of blood components to the surface, and the permanent adherence of the hydrogel prevents its removal by blood.

Process tube having slit type process gas injection portion and hole type waste gas exhaust portion, and apparatus for fabricating semiconductor device

Abstract: A semiconductor device fabrication apparatus is provided for increasing the deposition rate of a film. The apparatus includes a process tube. Process gas injection portions in a slit configuration and waste gas exhaust portions formed as holes are integrated into the interior of the body of the process tube.

Flowthrough device for the ultrasonic destruction of microorganisms in fluids

Abstract: An apparatus for the ultrasonic destruction of microbiological contamination of fluids. The process involves subjecting contaminated fluids to ultrasonic vibration so as to cause cavitation within the fluids. The cavitation results in the destruction of microbial cells and mats of microbial colonies. To create cavitation in the fluids a number of piezoelectric ceramic rings surround a metal tube through which the fluids flows. Those piezoelectric rings are immersed in a transmission medium which is pressurized sufficiently to prevent cavitation occurring in it and causing damage to the piezoelectric rings electrodes. This process is applicable to many liquids such as fuels, lubricating fluids, potable and marine ballast waters, dairy products, pharmaceuticals, liquid food products and beverages.

Device for directly delivering an active substance within a cell tissue, means for implanting said device and appliances for injecting active substance into said device

Abstract: The invention concerns a device for directly delivering an active substance within all or part of a human or animal tissue cell, characterised in that it is in the form of a hollow tube (1), whereof the walls in contact with said tissue are provided with perforations (5) and whereof the distal end (2) is sealed, while the proximal end (3) is shaped so as to receive removable closing means, said tube being capable of bearing a pressure of at least 50 bars.

Automotive hose coupling

Abstract: A pressure fluid conduit coupling (18) fitting, wherein a nipple tube conduit (26) fitting shank is made of specially grooved rigid material. A conventional elastomeric hose conduit (34) having an open end telescopically receives the grooved tube conduit, and a conventional crimp-collar (36) is sleeved over and shrunk-deformed onto the hose open end to permanently sealably secure the coupled conduit connection. An external circumferential surface of the tube conduit has one or more circumferentially continuous sharp edge external grooves (28) of a shallow depth (H) and predetermined width (W 1 ) that are defined by ribs formed between the grooves. The junction of the groove sidewalls (54, 56) with the respectively adjacent conduit outer surface defines a circumferentially continuous sharp edge formed generally as a 90° junction of these groove sidewalls and rib surface, plus or minus a few degrees. These specially contoured sharp edge shallow depth external grooves enhance the fluid sealing capacity (pressure rating) of the coupling connection while reducing the magnitude of collar shrink crimping required, and minimize the chances of hose damage because of over-crimping.

Energy attenuation apparatus for a conduit conveying liquid under pressure, system incorporating same, and method of attenuating energy in a conduit

Abstract: An energy attenuation apparatus for a system conveying a liquid under pressure is provided. The apparatus includes a liquid-conveying unit (23) or the like that includes three chambers (39, 40; 58; 59; 64; 55, 66) disposed in series. At least one of the chambers (58; 55, 66) contains no tube. A first tube (61) is disposed in one of the chambers and has a first end connected to and in fluid communication with an inlet or outlet end of its chamber. A second, free end of the tube is spaced by an open gap from the outlet or inlet end of such chamber. The tube (61) has at least one aperture in the free end and/or on the peripheral surface thereof for providing fluid communication between the tube (61) and its chamber. A second tube (62) can be disposed in the remaining chamber.

Air in-line sensor for ambulatory drug infusion pump

Abstract: An air in-line sensor (10) for detecting air bubbles in a therapeutic solution flowing through a tube (12) utilizes a unitary type sensor having a channel (16) for receiving the tube (12). The channel (16) has a tube loading section (18). A signal emitting member (20) is positioned on one side of the tube (12) and a signal receiving member (22) is positioned on an opposite side of the tube (12). A first air baffle (24) is positioned between the signal emitting (20) and signal receiving members (22).

Cosmetic brush assembly

Abstract: A cosmetic brush is provided to carry a cosmetic powder together thereinside, protect the brush from the contamination or the wear-down and prevent the discharge of the powder while the brush is out of use. The cosmetic brush comprises a cylinder containing the cosmetic powder thereinside and having discharge holes on its one end; a connect cap being coupled with the cylinder and guiding the discharge of the cosmetic powder through the discharge holes; a pressure pump being screw-coupled with the cylinder to make the cosmetic powder supplied into the brush by its pumping; a guide tube being coupled with the cylinder, the brush moving thereinside; a sliding tube having the brush inserted thereinside and being free to rotate with fitting into the guide tube; a discharge pipe being placed into the brush to uniformly supply the cosmetic powder; and a covering cap for detachably covering the sliding tube to protect the brush.

Fluid Flow in Collapsible Elastic Tubes: A Three-Dimensional Numerical Model

Abstract: A three-dimensional computer model has been developed to simu- late fluid flow through a collapsible tube. The model is based on the immersed boundary method, which is designed to handle a flexible elastic boundary im- mersed in fluid. This internal boundary is both affected by and has an effect on the motion of the fluid. The setup for collapsible tube simulation involves a fiber-wound elastic tube subjected to an upstream pressure, a downstream pressure, and an external pressure. Partial collapse is observed when the ex- ternal pressure exceeds the downstream pressure but is less than the upstream pressure. The geometry of the transiently collapsing tube is observed. Col- lapse is generally localized near the downstream end of the tube, however, under certain conditions, it is also possible for collapse to occur at multiple discrete locations separated by regions of open tubing.

Twin plasma torch apparatus

Abstract: A twin plasma torch assembly comprising two plasma torch assemblies (10, 20) supported in a housing. Each torch has first and second spaced electrodes. Plasma gas is introduced into a processing zone between two electrodes. A shroud gas is introduced to surround the plasma. A feed tube (112) is provided to supply feed material to the processor.

Fan propelled mister

Abstract: The fan propelled misting apparatus for cooling an extended area by evaporative cooling includes a blower with a hollow, cylindrical mist discharge tube, and a fan for propelling air flow through the mist discharge tube; and a misting device connected to the blower for delivering a fine spray of water to the cylindrical mist discharge tube. The misting device includes a pressurizable fluid tank, such as a piston type pump, with a water supply tube connected between the pressurizable fluid tank and the mist discharge tube for delivering the fine spray of water to the cylindrical mist discharge tube. The water supply tube has a nozzle at a distal end of the water supply tube disposed in the mist discharge tube so as to deliver the fine spray of water in the air flow provided by the blower. A valve is provided for controlling flow of water through the water supply tube. The fan propelled misting apparatus may alternatively include a waist pack adapted to be secured to a user's waist, with a fan disposed in the waist pack, and a misting device in the waist pack for delivering a fine spray of water near the fan. The fan is battery powered, and the fan housing is bell shaped to provide higher air flows.

Easily controlled exhaust pipe

Abstract: An exhaust pipe has a manifold; one end of the manifold is connected to a distal end of a connecting tube. Another ends of the manifold are extended with a left branch tube and a right branch tube. The left branch tube is connected to a first muffler tube and the right branch tube is connected to a second muffler tube. The feature is that an interior of a middle section of the manifold has a valve which is controlled by a controller. The valve controls the area of the opening of the left branch tube communicated with the first muffler tube and the area of the opening of the right branch tube communicated with the second muffler tube. The driver may control the variation of exhaust gas without needing to adjust the exhaust pipe. The noise may be reduced easily and the performance of acceleration is enhanced.