University of Utah Research Foundation

Technical Research Associates, Inc.

Separation Technology, Inc.

Utah Bioresearch, Inc.

Charles D Baker

Owen D Brimhall

Stephen C Peterson

Thomas J McLaughlin

Sam L Sparks

James E Messinger

William Sanford Topham

Charles R Galway

Merwyn D Riddle

Thomas Reaks Grover

Lucien Alfred Couvillon, Jr

Thomas J Mclaughlin

An automatic hematocrit reader wherein a sample of blood in a microhematocrit capillary tube is banded with a standing wave from an ultrasonic transducer. A light source and photocell combination is used to determine the relative thicknesses of the bands of red blood cells and the bands of plasma. The hematocrit of the sample of blood is electronically calculated from this data. A calibration strip is included so that the device is calibrated each time the hematocrit is determined. The device includes a mechanical interlock/eject system for the microhematocrit capillary tube and is specifically configured so that the operator does not handle or even touch the microhematocrit capillary tube.

Noncontact hematocrit reader apparatus and method

Methods and apparatus for controlling the movement of materials having different physical properties when one of the materials is a fluid. The invention does not rely on flocculation, sedimentation, centrifugation, the buoyancy of the materials, or any other gravity dependent characteristic, in order to achieve its desired results. The methods of the present invention provide that a first acoustic wave is propagated through a vessel containing the materials. A second acoustic wave, at a frequency different than the first acoustic wave, is also propagated through the vessel so that the two acoustic waves are superimposed upon each other. The superimposition of the two waves creates a beat frequency wave. The beat frequency wave comprises pressure gradients dividing regions of maximum and minimum pressure. The pressure gradients and the regions of maximum and minimum pressure move through space and time at a group velocity. The moving pressure gradients and regions of maximum and minimum pressure act upon the materials so as to move one of the materials towards a predetermined location in the vessel. The present invention provides that the materials may be controllably moved toward a location, aggregated at a particular location, or physically separated from each other.

Methods and apparatus for moving and separating materials exhibiting

This invention relates to an electronic level apparatus wherein a hollow torus is rotatably mounted in the level. A body of ferromagnetic fluid creates a horizontal reference and is sensed to provide an audible signal when a predetermined angular orientation is detected by the sensor.

Electronic level apparatus and method

This invention is a semiautomatic hematocrit reader apparatus and method. A microhematocrit capillary tube is positioned under a movable cursor which is then moved along the length of the microhematocrit capillary tube. A switch is depressed to make a data entry at predetermined points along the length of a blood/plasma sample in the microhematocrit capillary tube. The relative distances travelled across the packed cell volume versus the plasma is electronically calculated and displayed automatically.

Hematocrit reader apparatus and method

This invention is an ultrasound apparatus for determining hematocrit. A sample of blood in a microhematocrit capillary tube is acoustically coupled to an ultrasound transducer which creates a standing wave in the blood sample. Red blood cells in the blood sample are packed in bands that correspond to the nodes of the standing wave. The thickness of the bands as a function of the thickness of the remaining plasma is an indication of the hematocrit of the blood sample.

Apparatus and method for using ultrasound to determine hematocrit

Methods and apparatus for maintaining urinary continence in normally incontinent individuals. The present invention involves the non-surgical implantation of a bolus of ferromagnetic material into the bladder. The bolus of ferromagnetic material may comprise a biocompatible membrane, containing a ferromagnetic material. The bolus will normally rest at the juncture between the bladder and the urethra and will prevent the flow of urine from the bladder into the urethra. Essentially, the bolus serves as a seal between the urethra and the bladder. When it is desired to void the bladder, the ferromagnetic bolus is moved out of the intersection between the bladder and the urethra by positioning a magnet along the external surface of the person's body and manipulating the magnet until the desired movement of the bolus is accomplished. Movement of the magnet is sufficient to displace the bolus such that flow may be initiated from the bladder into the urethra.

Apparatus and methods for achieving urinary continence

Methods and apparatus for controlling the movement of materials having different physical properties when one of the materials is a fluid. The invention does not rely on flocculation, sedimentation, centrifugation, the buoyancy of the materials, or any other gravity dependent characteristic, in order to achieve its desired results. The methods of the present invention provide that a first acoustic wave is progpagated through a vessel containing the materials. A second acoustic wave, at a frequency different than the first acoustic wave, is also propagated through the vessel so that the two acoustic waves are superimposed upon each other. The superimposition of the two waves creates a beat frequency wave. The beat frequency wave comprises pressure gradients dividing regions of maximum and minimum pressure. The pressure gradients and the regions of maximum and minimum pressure move through space and time at a group velocity. The moving pressure gradients and regions of maximum and minimum pressure act upon the marterials so as to move one of the materials towards a predetermined location in the vessel. The present invention provides that the materials may be controllably moved toward a location, aggreated at a particular location, or physically separated from each other.

A hand-held centrifuge apparatus for sedimenting a fluid suspension in a sample tube, the sample tube being subjected to centrifugation at an acute angle to the axis of rotation. An electronic circuit activates an electric motor for a preselected time period as a function of voltage supplied by a battery to the motor to provide a predetermined degree of centrifugation to the sample. A voltage tester periodically tests the voltage in the circuit to assure that adequate voltage is being supplied by the battery. A deactivation circuit is actuated if inadequate voltage is sensed and a disabling circuit disables the electronic circuit until adequate voltage is again available. The disabling circuit is masked during acceleration to preclude deactivating the circuit when the motor is in acceleration.

Apparatus and method for obtaining a rapid hematocrit

An artificial sphincter apparatus and method, the artificial sphincter including a pair of parallel, coaxially mounted rings with at least one ring rotatable relative to the other. Optionally the rings are capable of being split open at their circumference and reclosed for mounting about a living tissue conduit for which surgical severing is not recommended. A plurality of circumferentially mounted tie members extend between the rings and are drawn laterally toward the center of the sphincter, narrowing a passageway therethrough, upon relative rotation between the rings. This action is capable of gently constricting a living tissue conduit within the passageway using a combination of rotational and circumferentially localized discrete radially compressive forces to control the flow of biological materials within the living tissue conduit. A cell impervious thin flexible tubular membrane envelopes the sphincter to isolate it from the immediate environment. The membrane has a central waist portion which fits within the openings in the rings and ends which fold outwardly around the sphincter for sealing together at the outer circumference thereof. In one embodiment of the invention such a membrane, when provided with compliant folds in the central waist portion thereof, replaces the plurality of tie members as a closure means for narrowing the passageway through the sphincter. Operation of the artificial sphincter after its implantation is effected by a number of disclosed remote and proximate actuation means.

Artificial sphincter apparatus and method

The present invention is directed to polymethylmethacrylate bone cement that is premixed and frozen so as to arrest the polymerization reaction at a suitable point. The frozen bone cement is treated by electromagnetic radiation to insure sterility. In use, the bone cement is warmed until it reaches a temperature and consistency suitable for use. The bone cement may be prepackaged in a syringe, or may be molded for use in connection with a particular prosthesis, or may be packaged unitarily with a prosthesis.

Polymethylmethacrylate bone cements and methods for preparing such bone

An artificial sphincter apparatus and method, the artificial sphincter including a pair of parallel, coaxially mounted rings with at least one ring rotatable relative to the other ring. A plurality of tie members mounted circumferentially to the rings extend between the rings and are angularly moved relative to the axis of the artificial sphincter upon relative rotation between the rings so as to selectively occlude or open a bowel engaged by the artificial sphincter. An actuator mechanism mounted on the artificial sphincter permits the artificial sphincter to be operated externally even when the artificial sphincter is implanted.

A noninvasive, continuous monitoring device for measuring intraocular pressure without interference with vision or normal activity of the patient. A miniature, planar-faced pressure transducer is fixed in a protruding section of a compliant hydrogel ring which has been tooled to conform to the spherical surface of the sclera. The hydrogel ring is placed noninvasively under the eyelids within the conjunctival cul-de-sac, the transducer being located in the lower temperal quadrant. Applanation of the sclera against the planar surface of the transducer results as a consequence of pressure from the separated tissues. Intraocular pressure readings are based on the variations in resistance in the strain gage elements of the transducer caused by the applied stress to the transducer diaphragm. Data is transmitted through connecting wires to a telemetry unit which transmits the data to a receiver-transcriber console. The total system permits free, uninhibited movement by the patient during the monitoring process and provides a record of intraocular pressure as a function of time-of-day.

Growing community of inventors

Sandy, UT, United States of America

Charles D Baker