text: We're sorry, Handmade Chocolates And Tin is no longer available Why not try one of these instead? 25% OFF Personalised Pick And Mix Edible Sweet Tree by Sweet Trees £17.99$37.65€26.14$29.27 £13.49$28.23€19.60$21.95 can be personalised Personalised Chocolates In Medium Box by Chocolate by Cocoapod Chocolate £15.75$32.96€22.88$25.63 can be personalised 20% OFF Personalised Honeycombe Chocolate Edible Tree by Sweet Trees £17.99$37.65€26.14$29.27 £14.39$30.12€20.91$23.41 can be personalised 20% OFF Cake Slice Club by The Cake Nest £24$50.23€34.87$39.05 £19.20$40.18€27.89$31.24 can be personalised Handmade Chocolates And Tin by The Chocolate Shop £19.95$41.75€28.98$32.46 This item is no longer available This item is not available for delivery to United States. include boozy chocolatesinclude boozy chocolates (required)No, no boozey chocsYes, include boozey chocsinclude boozy chocolates (required)No, no boozey chocsYes, include boozey chocsinclude boozy chocolates (required)No, no boozey chocsYes, include boozey chocsinclude boozy chocolates (required)No, no boozey chocsYes, include boozey chocs we're sorry we're sorry, This item is no longer available buy a gift voucher related categories weddings > more > food & drink > chocolates home > parties > sweets & chocolate christmas > food & drink gifts > chocolates by The Chocolate Shop Location: Southport, GB read seller's profile see seller's complete range more items from this seller Jar Of Sweets Thank You Teacher £12.45$26.06€18.09$20.26 Chocolate Dinosaurs Wedding And Party Favours £1.95$4.08€2.83$3.17 Dark Chocolate Ginger £14.95$31.29€21.72$24.32 Five Marshmallow Cones £12$25.11€17.43$19.52 White Belgian Chocolate Shoe Filled With S... £19.75$41.34€28.69$32.14 Sweet Cake £14.50$30.35€21.06$23.59 view all you may also like PRODUCT DETAILS CUSTOMER REVIEWS DELIVERY RETURNS Made in Britain ask seller a question save for later Below our Jewellery shop is a fab Chocolate Shop. Here is a beautiful keep sake tin filled with a yummy selection of chocolates. Enjoy the lovely treats in this oh-so-floral tin. It has a selection of approx 12 finest quality chocolates. The flavours include zesty fruit mousses, chocolate creams, nutty pralines and adorable mini chocolate cream cupcakes. The chocolates may vary from those show in the picture, depending on availability, but you will receive a tasty selection of the finest chocolates. Please select wether you would like a alcohol free selection or we can include a few boozy chocolate treats. made from: Belgian Chocolate Allergy Warning - these chocolates may contain some or all of the following Allergens Milk, Nuts, Eggs, Gluton & Soya dimensions: 10 cm x 6 cm x 7 cm product code: 243853 1 customer review Mon 13 Jan 2014 Extremely beautiful tin of chocolates. (Though can't comment on what they tasted like because they were given away as a gift.) Would have been useful to have an idea of scale in the photo as the tin was smaller than I anticipated. read about our product rating system ratings guide trusted independent customer feedbackforum excellent bad good poor This product is dispatched to you by The Chocolate Shop. MAINLAND UK order now and receive this item on or before price Standard Delivery Thursday 9 July £2.75$5.75€3.99$4.47 NON-MAINLAND UK estimated delivery price Highlands & Islands of Scotland 2-5 working daysfrom dispatch £2.75$5.75€3.99$4.47 Northern Ireland 2-5 working daysfrom dispatch £2.75$5.75€3.99$4.47 Other UK Islands 2-5 working daysfrom dispatch £4.95$10.36€7.19$8.05 INTERNATIONAL DELIVERY estimated delivery price Not currently available for this region You have 28 days, from receipt of cancellable goods, to notify the seller if you wish to cancel your order or exchange an item. Please note: goods that are personalised, bespoke or made-to-order to your specific requirements, perishable products and personal items sold with a hygiene seal (cosmetics, underwear) in instances where the seal is broken are non-refundable, unless faulty. Read more about our returns policy.Should you choose to return or exchange your order you will need to deliver the item(s) to the UK, where this seller is based. The Chocolate Shop's return policy


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Entrepreneurial expertise is thriving in the Greater Toronto Area – Canada's top tech corridor. With many exciting, innovative, and growing companies at the core of the most enterprising technology region of Canada, it is hard to ignore their accomplishments.
TechConnex, the only not-for-profit member-directed industry association in the Greater Toronto Area, recognizes the entrepreneurial expertise in the GTA Tech Community. Focused on the growth of small and mid-sized tech businesses and their people, TechConnex will celebrate the success of peer-nominated tech leaders at the 2015 Technology Leadership Awards.
Nominations for each category were solicited from the community-at-large, the Board of Directors, TechConnex members, and through social media tech community sites covering technology business in the GTA. With over 12,000 tech companies to choose from, the short-list of nominees is a testament to the quality of technology entrepreneurship in the ecosystem.
And now to the awards…
2015 Most Promising Start-up
This award is presented to a Greater Toronto Area based organization that has the greatest potential to demonstrate excellence in their business, and while embracing a commitment to the knowledge-based sector have steadily increased revenue, added employees, and embraced sound business fundamentals including the addition of an advisory board or board of directors.
2015 Momentum Company of the Year
This award recognizes an organization that has demonstrated excellence in innovation and a commitment to the knowledge-based sector in the Greater Toronto Area while consistently reaching new customers or delivering new services within an existing customer, increasing revenues, adding employees, encouraging community involvement and embracing sound business fundamentals.
2015 Market Expansion Leader
This award recognizes an organization from within the knowledge-based sector in the Greater Toronto Area that has demonstrated market innovation and successful export growth to reach new customers or deliver new services within an existing customer, increasing internationally sourced revenues, adding employees in the GTA while also encouraging community involvement and demonstrating sound business fundamentals.
2015 Tech Company of the Year
This award recognizes the organization that has demonstrated business leadership and excellence in innovation and a commitment to the knowledge-based sector in the Greater Toronto Area and possibly throughout Canada. Consideration in this category requires increasing profitability, community involvement and thought leadership, and demonstration of sound business fundamentals.
See the News Release of the Finalists
Registration is open for the Europe Global Export Forum May 20 in Toronto.
I had a chance to travel to Europe last fall and can attest to the value of the connections our Canadian representatives make available to industry members! Several hot leads and a couple deals were done by Ontario ICT firms in the three days we were there.
The Forum in May doesn't involve 8 hours of flying time but presents a great opportunity to learn about the CETA trade agreement and about successful market entry/expansion strategies in Europe. In addition to practical and strategic information and networking opportunities with high-level speakers, you can arrange for one-on-one meetings with incoming buyers from the ICT, advanced manufacturing, automotive, and life sciences sectors.
Registration info and fees
Visit www.globalexportforum.ca for more information and to register.
Increasingly TechConnex members are realizing the value in participating in these types of trade initiatives. The Channel and Alliance Peer to Peer hosted by TechConnex is a "gentle" way to think through your business expansion needs.
If you want to talk to a peer who has experienced the value first hand (gaining leads and several follow-ups) just reach out and I'll put you in touch firstname.lastname@example.com .
Moving is a pain but when the discomfort of your current less-than-ideal office space pushes you to the brink, you just have to take the plunge and make a change. So, what can lead you to that precipice?
1. Business is booming, you need to hire more people, and everyone is already bumping elbows.
2. Summer is coming and you would love to see the sunshine when you gaze out the window, formulating your next great idea. The basement just isn't doing it for you anymore. Besides, you're getting lonely and could use some interaction to spur even greater creativity.
3. You work remotely but need to have face-to-face client meetings in a more accessible, professional environment. Starbucks serves up a mean latte, however the ambiance isn't always conducive to business dealings.
4. You have office space with all the amenities you need but are out on the road more than at your desk. You're wondering, "Do I need to pay rent on all this space every month when I'm not here all the time?"
5. You are a social enterprise or not-for-profit looking to reduce your overhead so you can direct more funds to your cause.
Whatever is inspiring you to look for new office space, it's important to look at all the angles and ensure that it meets your needs.
TechConnex, the only industry association entirely focused on the growth of small and midsize tech companies in the GTA, has created a co-location office space that will change your challenge into an opportunity. It's a space that fosters opportunities for companies to collide, share best practices, and grow.
The hub is designed as a facility that provides businesses access to needed resources, industry learning opportunities in which their people can participate, and an environment conducive to connecting with others fostering innovation and collaboration. Is it perfect for every business? If you're in situation #1, business is booming and you're looking for a larger space, then the TechConnex Hub may not be ideal for you today. However, if your story resembles any of the other reasons for being on the hunt for space, this location may be exactly what you're looking for.
Office space, workstations or hotdesk spaces are available. Perks include free parking, high-speed Internet access, bottomless-cup coffee, access to a kitchenette, and professional open collaborative space. Available technology includes an electronic whiteboard, mobile whiteboard and seating when the training room is available. Meeting rooms are also available for rent.
TechConnex started its luncheon program series with a great event welcoming technology companies, government and academic leaders on Wednesday September 24th, 2014.
Special guests included his worship mayor of Richmond Hill David Barrow, city counselor from Markham Howard Shore, and city of Toronto school board trustee candidate Elizabeth Meyer who's day job is with Orion. TechConnex welcomed four new members and provided them with their plaques. New members include Storagepipe, Avetti.com, M/L Software Documentation Inc., Novium Systems Inc. Click here to see photo
Several members of the TechConnex board were present including Jinha Chung, Tracey Whitehouse, Camille Peters, Roy Hart, I-Cheng Chen, and Andrew Nunes.
TechConnex Executive director Pat Shaw provided an update on his recent participation in the government of Canada trade mission to the UK. The trade commission staff was exceptionally well connected and very capable of introducing the corporate participants to viable clients or partners within the UK tech ecosystem. The advances in the negotiations around the Canada European trade agreement spark considerable encouragement for member companies to access very large and diverse customer base. The prime minister himself in fact characterized the new trade agreement as being more significant than the existing North American Free Trade Agreement. Any member company contemplating export or access to foreign markets as part of their growth strategy are welcome to connect with the office for more information. Pat didn't have a chance to mention the recent meeting by board members Shelly Frank, Robert Lane and himself with the Colombian Trade Commissioner who is also eager to assist TechConnex companies to tap into the nearly $15 billion program for "social apps" in his country! Click here to see photo. That as the prelude gave the Minister just enough time to finish his lunch!
The Honorable Minister Reza Moridi was welcomed by Richmond Hill Mayor David Barrow. The minister acknowledged the important role of small and midsize technology companies in the creation of wealth in Ontario. He noted that 65% of the economic value generated in the technology industry in Canada is from Ontario. In the GTA we really reside at the centerpoint of this technology Corridor. The minister gave a shout out to Open Text for their efforts and commitment and creating new jobs and adding economic growth in Ontario. Mr. Moridi restated the government's commitment to encouraging small and midsize companies in their innovation and their growth. He drew attention to the youth employment opportunities that the government will continue to support. The minister indicated a strong awareness of the importance of the tech ecosystem. He holds a second ministry - in trade colleges and universities - and his strong commitment is to ensure that students are employment ready upon their graduation. Click here to see photo
Well get ready to rev up your engines! TGO Consulting is excited to announce TGO's annual Ride for Kids event coming up just around the corner on August 17th! Like last year's event, all funds raised will be donated to the SickKids Foundation. Hop on a bike, or let your motorcycle riding friends know, this will be a fun event for a great cause!
- See more at: http://www.tgo.ca/blog/dont-miss-tgo-ride-kids-2014#sthash.b0THDHsY.dpuf
By guest blogger Lois Shaw, co-facilitator Leadership Development Peer Group
Peer groups provide the opportunity for current and aspiring leaders in small and mid-size tech businesses to learn, share and grow. The concept is brilliant and networking opportunities abound, but it can be a challenge for peer group facilitators to regularly introduce fresh material that will invigorate and inspire participants.
In our effort to tap into the experience and insights of the Leadership Development Peer Group participants, we schemed to try a different approach...
This month we opened the session with a rather Socratic question: does the leadership of an organization create/influence corporate culture OR does the corporate culture create/influence the leadership? Co-facilitator Pete Needham set the context and then the group was divided into teams with instruction to prepare for an organized debate. Participants were assigned to a question, which meant they were not necessarily representing the side that they thought aligned with their beliefs.
As facilitators we had two concerns going in. One, would people simply not be sufficiently awake to engage in the discussion, and two, would it be a bust and we would be finished really early? Each team had 10 minutes to prepare their statement and supporting arguments.
Fear not! The result was a spirited and engaging discussion to which everyone in the room contributed. It led to diverse expressions of what leadership really is and the realization that one does not need to be in a designated leadership role in order to exert influence in an organization. Ah now, might there be a debate coming on "Power and Influence"?
Thank you to members of the Leadership Development Peer Group. We appreciate your candor and value the wisdom and insight you each shared with the group. If anyone is interested in taking a look at the presentation, debate questions and supporting arguments, contact Pam at firstname.lastname@example.com.
TechConnex Leadership Development Peer Group Co-facilitators: Pete Needham of End to End, and Lois Shaw of amplifi
IT security: Cybersecurity, risk management and compliance, security architecture and availability for the retail, corporate, financial, manufacturing, pharmaceutical and government sectors.- Biometric technologies- Perimeter-based security- Networking technologies- GPS solutions for people and cargo
Telemedicine/remote medical homecare service such as Health Management (US) and Take Care (Portugal)
Healthcare: Remote monitoring devices for the elderly, devices to protect children via GPS, notification alerts, e-health systems, billing systems, etc., all with mobile capabilities.
Technologies for remote/self-service banking (niche products only) such as Foton (Brazilian) and TCS (India)
Niche products for improved customer relations (allowing banks to offer more services to clients) and Big Data
Business Support Solutions and Operational Support Solutions such as Toa (USA) and Amdcs (US)
Solutions for micro-financing institutions, credit unions and cooperatives
Connect with one of the most responsive guys in Economic Development: Mauricio Ospina, Area Director, ICT sector, International Trade Branch, Ministry of Economic Development, Trade and Employment
Tel. (416) 325 6151, Mobile: (416) 845 email@example.com www.ontarioexports.com
You could call me too, but I'm really just going to try harder to convince you to give Mauricio a call directly! -Pat
TechConnex was pleased to have hosted and celebrated with the exciting reveal of the Branham300 Listing for 2014. A big thank you to our guest VC Panelists, City of Toronto, Wayne Gudbranson and the Branham Group
team. We are pleased to have brought the tech community together to be part of the reveal of the most discerning and recognized listing of Canadian technology company performance.
Nearly 200 guests at the TechConnex event were the first to receive the insights on the major Canadian ICT sector achievements. Over 40% of the companies on the listing are from the GTA - the centre point of the Ontario Tech Hub!
To see the presentation and details of the event please click here: Branham300 Presentation
Congratulations to the TechConnex members who made the 2014 Branham300 List
If you have people working with you or for
you, you need to be aware of the growing mental health concern that exists in
the workplace.
With 7 million recorded cases of mental
health issues in Canada – that is one in five of us, one has to wonder how many
unrecorded cases there are.
According to the National Standard
of Canada titled Psychological Health and Safety in the Workplace, mental
health problems and illnesses are the leading cause of short-and long-term
disability in Canada. This affects not only Canadian work places, but families
and communities as well. There is no doubt that the impact on productivity and
corporate culture provide sufficient incentive to prod organizations out of
their comfort zone and begin to reduce the stigma that surrounds mental health
and wellness.
This topic initiated thoughtful
conversation in TechConnex's HR Peer Group this week. With member companies
ranging in size from sole proprietor to large corporations, participants
recognized that this issue could surface anywhere. Through a series of
mini-videos within a PowerPoint presentation, various aspects and perspectives
of mental health and wellness were presented.
Understanding that the first step is awareness,
an important question is, "What constitutes mental health problems and illnesses?"
The most common issues are anxiety and depression, something we have all likely
experienced; however the significance rests in its severity and duration.
Fortunately, there are steps an organization can take to prepare their
front-line managers and leadership team to appropriately address this issue.
The peer group discussion offered
interesting insights as to what one can do:
Help the leadership team to
realize they set the tone and need to be involved in reducing stigma
Offer techniques in work-life
balance as part of a lunch-and-learn. Some examples include meditation,
managing priorities and personal financial management
Watch the HR Peer Group
PowerPoint presentation to pick up tips and tactics
Let's begin the conversation and reduce
stigma. Mental health and wellness is a topic that concerns companies of all
This is sent along from a friend who heard Tom Friedman this morning, author of The World Is Flat. Thought you might enjoy:
"I went back to the first edition of The World Is Flat that I started writing in 2004. I looked in the index, under 'F': Facebook wasn't in it! So when I said 'the world is flat, we're all connected!', Facebook didn't exist, Twitter was a sound, the cloud was in the sky, 4G was a parking place, LinkedIn was a prison, applications were what you sent to college, and for most people Skype was a type-o!"
Brilliant! Speaks a lot to why there is such a response to the peer to peer networking that has become a hallmark of YTA membership.

subset: commoncrawl


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Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield is adding nearly 300 jobs at its Denver office, the health insurer said Thursday.
The jobs will add to Anthem's current Colorado workforce of 1,700, including 250 workers hired so far this year.
Positions range from entry level to managerial in customer service, training and other functions.
Anthem serves about 1 million members in Colorado through medical, dental, life and specialty plans.
"The Colorado workforce is ideal for expanding our capabilities to better serve our members," Mike Ramseier, president of Anthem in Colorado, said in a news release. "These are important jobs with solid benefits, and many of the new positions will be specifically focused on helping our customers better navigate the changes in the health care system."
The new jobs will be based at Anthem's building at 700 Broadway in Denver.
"We're very excited to see these jobs coming to Denver," Denver Mayor Michael Hancock said. "It will provide a real boost to our local economy and good jobs to our people. We're looking forward to partnering closely with Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield in this effort."
Information on employment can be found at careersatwellpoint.com.


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An irrigation/aspiration pump system capable of operating in a plurality of different modes suitable for a variety of different endoscopic surgical procedures. The irrigation/aspiration pump system operates with a selected one of a plurality of tubing sets, each tubing set being adapted to provide irrigation and aspiration for a particular surgical procedure and coded to define the type of procedure for which the tubing set is designed. Each tubing set is adapted to be received by the irrigation/aspiration pump console in a way which enables the code associated with the tubing cassette to be automatically read by a code detecting means associated with the system. The code detecting means supplies appropriate control signals to different parts of the irrigation/aspiration pump system in order to assure that the parameters with which the system will be operating, when the chosen tubing set is being used, are those for which the tubing set is designed. A simplified one-piece cassette housing is utilized to retain a plurality of flexible conduits within predetermined positions relative to each other and relative to associated components of the pump system console.
1. A multi-purpose irrigation/aspiration pump system for use with a source of irrigating fluid and with a source of aspirating vacuum during an endoscopic surgical procedure at a surgical work site comprising:
an elongated fluid inflow conduit connected between said fluid source and the work site;
an elongated fluid outflow conduit connected between the work site and said vacuum source;
pressure producing means for producing a predetermined fluid pressure in said fluid inflow conduit;
aspiration regulating means for regulating the fluid flow in said fluid outflow line;
pressure sensing means for sensing the fluid pressure at a predetermined point in the flow path of said fluid;
control means responsive to said pressure sensing means for controlling said pressure producing means and said aspiration regulating means;
a tubing cassette housing means comprising:
an integrally formed planar body having a front surface and a back surface, a first channel formed in and parallel to said back surface for holding a predetermined intermediate portion of said fluid inflow conduit and a second channel formed in and parallel to said back surface for holding a predetermined intermediate portion of said fluid outflow conduit, said first and second channels being open on said back surface to enable direct access of said pressure producing means and said aspiration regulating means to said predetermined intermediate portions of said fluid inflow and outflow conduits;
coding means on said cassette housing means for containing a code which identifies at least one predetermined irrigation/aspiration operational characteristic;
decoding means for determining said code contained in said coding means and communicating same to said control means;
retention means for receiving said cassette housing means and operatively engaging said fluid inflow conduit with said pressure producing means and said fluid outflow conduit with said aspiration regulating means.
2. An irrigation/aspiration pump system according to claim 1 wherein said predetermined intermediate portions of said fluid inflow and outflow conduits are retained by said housing in the form of substantially semi-circular loops.
3. An irrigation/aspiration pump system according to claim 1 wherein said pressure producing means is a peristaltic pump and said aspiration regulating means is a pinch valve, further comprising means to enable said pump and said pinch valve to directly engage said intermediate portions of said fluid inflow and outflow conduits, respectively.
4. An irrigation/aspiration pump system according to claim 1 further comprising:
a console for containing and holding said pressure producing means and said aspiration regulating means in predetermined relative positions;
a tubing cassette receiving means on said console for holding said tubing cassette housing means fixed relative to said pump and said pinch valve, said tubing cassette receiving means comprising:
alignment pin means for aligning said tubing cassette housing means relative to said console;
a hinged cover movable from a first, open position, enabling said tubing cassette housing means to be positioned on said alignment pin means, to a second, closed position in which a predetermined portion of said tubing cassette housing will be covered by said cover;
switch means for sensing when said hinged cover is in said second, closed position;
motor means responsive to said switch means for automatically moving said hinged cover laterally relative to said tubing cassette housing means from said second, closed position to a third, closed position;
cam means for gradually increasing the pressure with which said cover contacts said tubing cassette housing means as said cover moves from said second, closed position to said third, closed position.
5. A tubing set for use with an irrigation/aspiration console comprising:
a first flexible tube for supplying irrigation fluid from a fluid source to a first predetermined location;
a second flexible tube for communicating a reduced, aspirating pressure from a source of reduced pressure to a second predetermined location;
a flat housing for receiving predetermined intermediate portions of said first and second tubes therein, said housing having parallel front and back surfaces and comprising respective first and second channel means in said back surface for holding said predetermined intermediate portions of said first and second tubes in predetermined positions relative to each other, said first channel means comprising a pair of laterally spaced first channel sections extending entirely across said back surface and adapted to hold said first tube therein with a portion thereof extending beyond the periphery of said housing, said second channel means comprising a semi-circular second channel section, the ends of which are laterally spaced from each other and disposed parallel to and inwardly of said spaced first channel sections.
6. A tubing set according to claim 5 wherein said portion of said first tube extending beyond the periphery of said housing has a semi-circular loop shape in the plane of said housing and is adapted to engage the rollers of a peristaltic pump, the axis of which extends perpendicularly to the plane of said housing.
7. A tubing set according to claim 5 wherein said irrigation/aspiration console further comprises a pressure sensing means, further comprising:
a third flexible tube having a first end attached to a pressure transducer and a second end, said third tube for communicating pressure from the pressure transducer to said pressure sensing means;
tube receiving means in said housing for receiving said second end of said third tube therein and holding it in a predetermined position relative to said pressure sensing means.
8. A tubing set according to claim 7 further comprising:
a cylindrical, hollow, flexible pressure line adapter means for being secured to said housing and for being interposed between said second end of said third tube and said pressure sensing means, said adapter closed at one end and having a first transversely directed bore adjacent said one end for engaging said second end of said third tube, said bore communicating with the interior of said adapter;
an adapter receiving means on said housing for receiving and holding said adapter in pressure communicating contact with said pressure sensing means.
9. A tubing set according to claim 5 wherein a predetermined portion of said first and/or second tubes is adhesively retained within said first and/or second channel means, respectively.
10. A tubing set according to claim 5 further comprising:
coding means for identifying at least one predetermined operating characteristic associated with said first and second tubes.
11. A tubing set according to claim 10 wherein said coding means is magnetic.
12. A tubing set according to claim 10 wherein said coding means is optical.
13. A tubing set according to claim 10 wherein said coding means is mechanical.
14. A tubing set according to claim 10 wherein said operating characteristic relates to the maximum pressure at which said first and/or second tubes may operate.
15. A tubing set according to claim 10 wherein said operating characteristic relates to the maximum flow rate at which said first and/or second tubes may operate.
16. A tubing set according to claim 10 wherein said operating characteristic relates to the internal diameter of said first and/or second tubes.
17. A tubing cassette housing for use with an irrigation/aspiration system in which a first flexible tube is utilized to communicate between a first source and a first work site and a second flexible tube is utilized to communicate between a second source and a second work site, said cassette housing comprising:
a flat, integrally formed housing for receiving predetermined intermediate portions of said first and second tubes therein, said housing having parallel front and back surfaces and comprising respective first and second channel means in said back surface for holding said predetermined intermediate portions of said first and second tubes in predetermined positions relative to each other, said first channel means comprising a pair of laterally spaced first channel sections extending entirely across said back surface and adapted to hold said first tube therein with a portion thereof extending beyond the periphery of said housing, said second channel means comprising a semi-circular second channel section, the ends of which are laterally spaced from each other and disposed parallel to and inwardly of said spaced first channel sections.
18. A tubing cassette according to claim 17 further comprising:
a plurality of transversely spaced slot pairs longitudinally spaced along said first and second channels;
a plurality of U-shaped clips adapted to retain said first and second tubes within said first and second channel means, respectively, said clips each having a retaining projection at the end of each clip leg, each said retaining projection adapted to engage a predetermined one of the slots of said slot pairs.
19. A tubing cassette according to claim 17 further comprising:
a molded pressure line adapter means for transversely directing a lumen communicating pressure information to a pressure sensor, the adapter means comprising:
a hollow cylindrical body, open at one end and closed at the other, a transversely directed bore provided in the wall of the cylindrical body adjacent the closed end, said bore communicating with the interior of said body; and
an annular channel formed in the external surface of said cylindrical body;
a pressure line adapter receiving means comprising:
an elongated aperture having a generally oblong cross-section, said aperture extending perpendicularly to said front and back surfaces;
a transverse rib fixed intermediate the open ends of said aperture and parallel to said front and back surfaces;
a first opening in said rib adapted to allow said pressure line adapter to pass therethrough;
a second opening in said rib, smaller than and in the same plane as said first opening, said second opening communicating with said first opening along a third opening smaller than said second opening;
a pressure conduit channel for receiving a pressure conduit and aligning it with said transversely directed bore, said channel transverse to said second opening, the axis of said channel intersecting the axis of said second opening;
whereby said pressure line adapter may be axially inserted into said first opening to align said annular channel with said rib, and moved laterally into alignment with said second opening.
20. A method of irrigating an endoscopic work site during an endoscopic surgical procedure comprising the steps of:
providing an irrigation pump means capable of pumping irrigating fluid at pressures suitable for any procedure selected from the group of laparoscopic, arthroscopic and hysteroscopic procedures;
providing a tubing set suitable for use in a chosen procedure selected from the group of laparoscopic, arthroscopic or hysteroscopic procedures;
providing said tubing set with a tubing cassette for maintaining predetermined portions of said tubing set in predetermined positions relative to each other;
coding said tubing cassette with a code to identify the procedure for which said tubing set is suitable;
providing decoding means on said pump means for reading said code on said tubing cassette and for adjusting said pump means to operate with characteristics identified by said code.
21. A method according to claim 20 further comprising the steps of:
providing a source of reduced pressure;
communicating said source of reduced pressure to said endoscopic work site via a flexible conduit made a part of said tubing set;
retaining said flexible conduit in said tubing cassette;
providing an aspiration regulating means;
coding said tubing cassette with a code to identify the aspiration characteristics for which said tubing set is suitable;
decoding said code and controlling said regulating means to operate with aspirating characteristics identified by said code.
1. Field of the Invention
The invention relates to systems for the irrigation and/or aspiration of fluids into or from a surgical work site during an endoscopic procedure. More particularly, the invention relates to a multi-purpose irrigation/aspiration system for use during minimally invasive surgery for the purpose of performing any one of a variety of irrigation/aspiration functions such as, for example, tissue lavage, joint distension or uterine distension.
2. Description of the Prior Art
Minimally invasive surgery, also referred to herein as endoscopic surgery, often utilizes an irrigation system to force suitable biocompatible fluid into the area surrounding the surgical work site within a patient. The term "irrigation" is used broadly to mean any type of pressurized fluid flow whether it be for irrigation in particular or other uses described below. Flexible plastic tubing is used to conduct the fluid from a source to the work site and from the work site to a drain or other receptacle. Flexible tubing is also sometimes used as a pressure monitoring line to convey fluid pressure information to a control mechanism. Depending upon the procedure, the irrigating fluid is useful for various purposes such as tissue lavage, hydro-dissection, joint distension, uterine distension, etc. Known irrigation systems include electrically driven pump systems, in which a suitable fluid is pumped through flexible tubes from a source to the work site, gravity-feed systems in which the pump is replaced by merely adjusting the height of the fluid supply above the patient and nitrogen powered systems.
Known aspiration systems employ any source of reduced-pressure (i.e. lower than that of the work site) and include vacuum systems, in which a vacuum source is simply connected via flexible tubes to the work site, and simple gravity controlled drain lines. Aspiration of the fluid serves to either simply remove it to prevent undesirable accumulation or high pressure at the work site, or to regulate the flow rate to maintain a predetermined fluid pressure at the work site.
Because the irrigation and aspiration functions are commonly used together, prior art irrigation/aspiration systems have been developed to perform both functions with one system, often combined in one console. The irrigation system is generally used in conjunction with an aspiration system which removes the fluid pumped into the work site at a controlled rate depending on the flow rate selected by the surgeon. Each system utilizes a collection of flexible tubes to connect the fluid and vacuum sources to appropriate instruments inserted into the body. The collection of tubes includes a fluid inflow conduit, a fluid outflow conduit and, in some instances, a pressure monitoring conduit. All of the tubes are packaged together as a tubing set and each tubing set is produced as a unit containing all necessary tubes and connections required for performing a particular procedure with a particular system.
Some prior art irrigation/aspiration systems and tubing sets required considerable effort on the part of the operating room staff in order to hook-up the tubing set to the system and the patient. Consequently, disposable cartridges or cassette tubing sets have been developed for certain irrigation/aspiration systems.
For example, the Intelijet™ Arthroscopic Fluid Management System marketed by Dyonics utilizes a disposable tubing cassette adapted to engage and be operated by a control console. This cassette is formed of two flat mating halves which, when secured together, form a housing which contains two molded conduits, one of which contains a silicone tube. The ends of each conduit are adapted to be connected to the ends of external PVC tubes. The housing also contains an impeller which is rotated by a corresponding drive member in the console when the cassette is properly placed and, in one of the conduits, a membrane in the inflow line for use with a pressure transducer on the console. This cassette requires that at least four separate tubes be connected to their respective portals in the cassette housing.
Similar tubing cassettes are also known in ocular surgical irrigation/aspiration pumps such as described in U.S. Pat. No. 4,713,051 (Steppe et al.). This cassette is a flat housing having top and bottom mating portions which enclose an intermediate portion of an irrigation conduit and an intermediate portion of an aspiration conduit. The housing includes a pressure or vacuum sensing line and is designed to be plugged into a system console which provides power and control for irrigation and aspiration functions.
While these cassettes simplify set-up of the systems, they are somewhat complex and the systems are not single irrigation/aspiration systems capable of automatically performing more than one dedicated function. Prior art procedures often involve the use of a separate irrigation/aspiration system for a single type of endoscopic procedure because the various operating characteristics (pressure, flow rate, etc.) required of an irrigation/aspiration system intended for use with different procedures depend upon the procedure and the portion of the body involved. Thus, a hysteroscopic irrigation system is used for hysteroscopic procedures, an arthroscopic irrigation system is used for arthroscopic procedures and a laparoscopic irrigation system is used for laparoscopic procedures. Each individual procedure incorporates the use of specific tubing sets designed to work with a particular irrigation/aspiration system and to perform specific functions uniquely tailored for that procedure in order to connect the irrigation/aspiration system to the particular work site.
For hysteroscopic and arthroscopic procedures the prior art systems deliver fluid to the joint or the uterus for the purpose of controlled distension for clearing debris and improved visualization. Hysteroscopic and arthroscopic systems are commonly used with one or more cannulae to provide the functions of fluid inflow, aspiration and pressure monitoring. The output pressure is adjustable in these units and there is, therefore, some control over the use of the system. However, there is no known system which automatically adjusts the pressure limit available for use with a particular tubing set.
For laparoscopic procedures the prior art systems deliver fluid to the body cavity for the purpose of flushing blood or debris from the organ or for hydrodissection of tissue. The irrigation systems used in laparoscopic procedures are to be distinguished from insufflation systems intended for distension of the body cavity. Laparoscopic systems commonly employ a hand-held irrigation/aspiration probe which is provided with a multi-ported trumpet valve or the like to enable the user to select either irrigation or aspiration.
In the interest of optimizing use of equipment and space in operating rooms, it is desirable to have a single irrigation/aspiration system suitable for performing a variety of surgical procedures. One such system is described in U.S. Pat. No. 5,246,422 (Favre) in the form of a console which is capable of receiving any of a variety of tubing cassettes, each dedicated for a specific procedure. Each cassette houses a pair of peristaltic pumps and inflow and outflow tubes associated with the pumps. Each cassette also carries a stem extending from one side at a particular position which depends upon the procedure for which the cassette is intended. A plurality of detectors is situated on the console to detect the stem and each detector is associated with a particular program for operating the system as a function of the procedure for which the cassette is intended. This system utilizes a flat, two-sided cassette housing similar to the previously described cassettes. Furthermore, the coding device (i.e. stem) used in this system requires a different cassette housing for each type of tubing cassette. That is, the stem position of an arthroscopic cassette is physically different than that of a hysteroscopic cassette. It would be desirable to have an irrigation/aspiration system suitable for use with a variety of identically shaped tubing cassettes, each cassette coded appropriately for a particular procedure without the necessity for producing a different housing for each procedure.
Consequently, it is an object of this invention to produce an irrigation/aspiration system having a single inflow pump and a control system for operating the pump in accordance with predetermined characteristics defined for use during a selected one of several different surgical procedures.
It is also an object of this invention to produce a multi-purpose irrigation/aspiration system capable of operating with a variety of specific types of tubing sets, each set intended for use only during a particular type of surgical procedure.
It is also an object of this invention to produce a multi-purpose irrigation/aspiration system capable of operating with a variety of specific types of tubing sets which are each identified with a particular coding means associated with that tubing set type to identify the use for which the tubing set and/or the system associated therewith is intended.
It is also an object of this invention to produce a group of tubing sets designed to be capable of adapting an irrigation/aspiration system for use in a particular surgical procedure, each set within the group being tailored for and coded for a specific type of surgical procedure.
It is also an object of this invention to produce a tubing cassette for use with a multi-purpose irrigation/aspiration system wherein the cassette facilitates the engagement of the irrigation and aspiration tubing with the system.
It is also an object of this invention to produce a multi-purpose irrigation/aspiration system capable of operating with a variety of specific types of tubing sets which are each identified with a particular coding means associated with that tubing set, the coding means also containing means to automatically initiate a predetermined sequence of initiating steps during the power-on sequence of the system.
It is yet another object of this invention to produce a variety of simplified tubing cassettes for use with a multi-purpose irrigation/aspiration system, each cassette formed from a common housing and uniquely identified with a code identifying the procedure for which the cassette is intended.
These and other objects of this invention are achieved by the preferred embodiment disclosed herein which is a multi-purpose irrigation/aspiration pump system for use with a source of irrigating fluid and with a source of aspirating vacuum during an endoscopic surgical procedure at a surgical work site. The system comprises a console having a control means, a peristaltic pump, a pressure sensor and a flow rate control means. A tubing set comprising a cassette housing and a plurality of flexible conduits is used to connect the source of irrigating fluid and/or aspirating vacuum to the surgical work site. In some instances, the tubing set connects a pressure transducer to a pressure sensor in the console. The tubing set is adapted for use during a predetermined type of surgical procedure and contains a coding means which carries a code to identify the type of surgical procedure and selected predetermined fluid pressure and flow characteristics associated therewith. Decoding means is provided on the console for reading the coding means to determine the code. Retention means is provided for receiving and holding the tubing cassette and operatively engaging it and portions of the flexible conduits with the pump, the flow rate control means and the decoding means. Also provided is a control means responsive to the code and the pressure sensor for controlling the fluid pressure and flow in accordance with the predetermined characteristic identified by the code.
A further object of this invention is achieved by a tubing cassette for use with an irrigation/aspiration pump console. The tubing cassette comprises an integral housing which holds a first flexible tube for supplying irrigation fluid from a fluid source to the surgical work site and a second flexible tube for communicating a vacuum from a vacuum source to the surgical work site. A third flexible tube may also be provided for communicating pressure from a pressure transducer to a pressure sensor on the console. The cassette housing for receiving the first, second and third tubes comprises a code carrying means and respective first, second and third recess means for holding predetermined portions of the first, second and third tubes in predetermined positions relative to each other. The tubing cassette is adapted to automatically align predetermined parts of the housing, code means and tubes with associated parts of the system console.
The present invention is a universal pump system and method intended for use as a multi-purpose fluid delivery system. This irrigation pump can be used, for example, for uterine distension for hysteroscopic procedures, joint distension for arthroscopic procedures, or tissue lavage or hydrodissection for laparoscopic procedures. Three tubing sets are disclosed which are specific to the procedure to be performed. The hysteroscopic and arthroscopic tubing sets are intended to be used with other commercially available in-flow devices such as scope sheaths and cannulas which do not form a part of this invention. Similarly, the laparoscopic tubing set will be used in conjunction with most commercially available irrigation/aspiration delivery devices.
FIG. 1 is a front elevation view of an irrigation/aspiration pump console constructed in accordance with the principles of this invention.
FIG. 2 is a view of FIG. 1 with a portion of an exemplary tubing set.
FIG. 3 is a view of FIG. 1 without the tubing set and with the tubing set retention cover in phantom.
FIG. 4 is a view of FIG. 1 showing the tubing set and tubing set retention cover in phantom.
FIG. 5 is a diagrammatic view of a tubing set constructed in accordance with the principles of this invention.
FIG. 6 is a front elevation view of the cassette housing without a cover label.
FIG. 7 is a right side view of FIG. 6.
FIG. 8 is a rear elevation view of FIG. 6.
FIG. 9 is a left side view of FIG. 6.
FIG. 10 is a bottom plan view of FIG. 6.
FIG. 11 is a cross-sectional view of FIG. 8 taken along the lines 11--11.
FIG. 12 is a cross-sectional view of FIG. 8 taken along the lines 12--12.
FIG. 13 is a diagrammatic view of a portion of the tubing set of FIG. 5 showing the rear surface of the cassette housing in relation to the tubing retained thereby.
FIG. 14 is a cross-sectional view of FIG. 13 along the lines 14--14.
FIG. 15 is an exploded and inverted view of the pressure transducer shown in FIG. 5.
FIGS. 16 and 17 are cross-sectional elevation and right side views, respectively, of a pressure line adapter used in the invention.
FIG. 18 is a diagrammatic view of the patient end of an alternate embodiment of a tubing set.
FIG. 19 is an exploded and rotated view of the pressure transducer shown in FIG. 18.
FIG. 20 is an exploded perspective view of the rear surface of the cassette housing of the tubing set.
Referring now to FIGS. 1 and 2, there is shown a front elevation view of an irrigation/aspiration pump console 10 constructed in accordance with the principles of this invention. Pump console 10 comprises a control panel 12 and a tubing cassette receiving station 14. Pump console 10 houses a peristaltic pump (best seen in FIG. 3) capable of delivering irrigating fluid from a fluid source to a surgical work site at a selected pressure and flow rate. The pump is suitable for use during a variety of selected surgical procedures and is, therefore, designed to be operable over a wide range of pressure and flow as selected on control panel display 16 by up/down pressure controls 18 and up/down flow rate controls 20. In the preferred embodiment, the pressure is selectable between approximately 0 and 30 psi (pounds per square inch) and the flow rate is selectable between approximately 0 and 2,400 ml/min (milliliters/minute). Pump console 10 is designed to operate with a tubing set and a front elevation view of pump console 10 is shown in FIG. 2 with a portion of an exemplary tubing set 100 shown in place within tubing cassette receiving station 14. FIG. 3 is a front elevation view of pump console 10 with the tubing set removed and certain portions of the tubing cassette receiving station in phantom in order to reveal certain console elements associated with the receiving station. FIG. 4 is a front elevation view of pump console 10 showing the components of FIG. 3 as well as some components of tubing set 100 in phantom in order to show the interrelationship of the various parts. FIGS. 1-4 all show the cassette receiving station 14 in a closed, ready-to-operate condition. As will be understood below, station 14 includes a cassette retention cover which is openable to enable a cassette to be placed within station 14.
Control panel 12 also includes a power switch 22, a manual aspiration flow rate control switch 24, an accessory plug connection 26 for accessories such as, for example, either a foot switch or a hand-held controller, a control switch 28 for unlocking the tubing cassette receiving station 14 and a drain control switch 30 for selecting a desired aspiration mode. Since power console 10 is microprocessor controlled and menu-driven, control panel 12 also includes a "Help" switch 32 to guide a user. Accessory plug 26 is connected to the microprocessor in such a way as to adjust the operation of the system to the particular accessory being used.
Cassette receiving station 14 comprises a cassette engaging platform 50, a peristaltic pump roller 52, a hinged cassette retention cover 54 and a cassette cover actuator 56. An arcuate guide wall 58 extends from the front of console 10 and is interposed between the peristaltic pump roller 52 and cassette platform 50 for purposes which will be understood below. Platform 50 comprises an elastomeric sheet 70 which covers an area approximately the size of a tubing cassette housing described below. Sheet 70 has a plurality of cutouts through which various console elements engage tubing set 100. For example, as will be understood below, positioning pins 72 and 74 protrude from the front of console 10 with a conical tip in order to engage corresponding bores in the rear of cassette housing 160; pressure sensing port 76 protrudes from the front of console 10 in order to engage a pressure line adapter; pressure sensor 78 is exposed through sheet 70 in order to sense the output fluid pressure in the fluid output line going to the patient; and pressure regulating bar or pinch valve 80 protrudes through sheet 70 in order to regulate the amount of vacuum in the aspiration line.
In order to better understand the system operation, it will be helpful to refer now to FIG. 5 showing the construction of a tubing set. Tubing set 100 is diagrammatically shown in FIG. 5 in the form of a "one-connection" arthroscopic tubing set (not to scale). The term "one-connection" refers to the number of irrigating fluid and pressure monitoring connections at the work site. A one-connection tubing set utilizes one fluid inflow line to supply fluid to a work site during a surgical procedure and provides pressure information to the pump console via a pressure transducer attached to the fluid inflow line. As will be understood by those skilled in the art, in arthroscopic procedures, one-connection systems are used with a simplified inflow cannula or scope sheath. A "two-connection" tubing set (briefly described in FIGS. 16 and 17) could also be used without adversely affecting operation of the system. However, two ports of an inflow cannula or scope sheath would need to be provided to enable a fluid inflow line and a separate pressure monitoring line to be connected at the work site. A two-connection tubing set provides a way to determine pressure at the work site while a one-connection tubing set determines pressure at a given point in the fluid path.
Tubing set 100 comprises a plurality of elongated flexible conduits (such as PVC tubes) which are retained within a housing cassette 160 situated at a point intermediate the ends of the tubes. As in some prior art systems, tubing cassette housing 160 of the present invention facilitates the set up of the equipment in preparation for a surgical procedure by enabling a plurality of connections to be made with only one step--that of placing the cassette into position in the receiving station. Tubing set 100 is representative of a disposable tubing set usable with pump console 10. Each tubing set associated with a particular procedure could have a differently colored cassette 160 or cassette label 161 and each separate tube within each cassette could be identified by different colors or markings to facilitate hooking up the system to the patient and fluid supplies. The different colors or other indicia could indicate that the system is programmed to automatically limit flow and pressure ranges depending upon the procedure and the tubing set. Since tubing set 100 is interposed between a patient and sources of fluid and vacuum and since cassette housing 160 is connected intermediate the ends of the tube, the input and output of cassette 160 may be referred to as a supply side 162 and a patient side 164.
The tubes retained by cassette 160 comprise an irrigation conduit 166, an aspiration conduit 168 and a pressure sensing conduit 170. Irrigation conduit 166 is conventional and is provided at its supply end 180 with two legs 182 and 184, each having a spike tip 186 and 188, respectively, for penetrating an irrigating fluid pouch (not shown) and a pair of clamps 190 and 192. The fluid source may be any suitable low viscosity fluid such as dextrose in water, saline and glycine sorbitol, etc. Irrigation conduit 166 passes from supply end 180 through cassette housing 160 to delivery or patient end 194. Depending upon the particular tubing set and/or procedure to be performed, the connections between the delivery end 194 and the work site may vary. However, for the arthroscopic, one-connection tubing set shown, tube end 194 is connected to a pressure transducer 200 which is provided with an extension tube 202 having a clamp 203 and suitable conventional connectors for attaching irrigation conduit 166 to cannulae or instruments at a surgical work site. The patient side irrigation tubes 194 and 202 are shown with a longitudinal stripe 205. As will be understood below, cassette 160 assures the placement of an intermediate portion of irrigation conduit 166 adjacent a peristaltic pump in order to pump fluid from the supply to the patient.
Aspiration conduit 168 has a source end 204 adapted for connection to a source of vacuum which may be, for example, a conventional vacuum fitting in the wall of an operating room (or in a drain canister which is in turn connected to the vacuum source) and a patient end 206 adapted to be connected to a cannulae or instruments to withdraw fluid from a surgical work site. As will be understood below, aspiration conduit 168 is held, by cassette housing 160, adjacent pressure regulating bar 80 which regulates the aspiration flow rate according to the value set on the control panel.
The diameters of conduits 166 and 168 may vary from supply side 162 to patient side 164. In the preferred embodiment, the diameter and the wall thickness of the fluid supply line between the fluid supply and the cassette are greater than the diameter and wall thickness of the fluid supply line between cassette 160 and the patient. This enhances the operation of the system and strengthens the tubes to make them more durable. Similarly, the diameter and thickness of the aspiration line between the vacuum source and the cassette are greater than that between the cassette and the patient. This also minimizes any damage to the source-side tubing during a procedure.
Since a pressure transducer 200 is utilized in certain procedures to sense the fluid supply pressure at a predetermined point in the fluid flow path, the invention includes a means to securely connect the transducer to conical port 76 on console 10. Port 76 is connected to an air pressure sensor (not shown) within the control panel and is used during operation of pump console 10 in order to regulate rollers 52 to control the output pressure of the system. In the preferred embodiment, pressure monitoring line 170 has a transducer end 208 adapted to connect pressure line 170 with a suitable pressure transducer 200 (best seen in FIG. 15) and a cassette end 210 adapted to be connected to cassette 160 as will be explained below.
The structure of cassette housing 160 may best seen in FIGS. 6 through 12 and the relationship between cassette 160 and the flexible tubes of the tubing set may best be seen in FIG. 13. It will be noted that cassette 160 facilitates engagement of the tubing set with console 10 by enabling both the inflow and outflow tubes to be turned back upon themselves, thereby entering and exiting housing 160 on one edge. Cassette housing 160 is an integrally molded plastic body having a front surface 220 adjoining on one side in an inclined surface 222 and on the other side in an arcuate, guide wall engaging surface 224. The guide wall engaging surface 224 engages the convex side of arcuate guide wall 58 when the cassette is placed into receiving station 14. Front surface 220 has a plurality of material relief recesses 226 in several locations across its entirety and a plurality of parallel, spaced clip-receiving aperture or slot pairs 230a and b, 231a and b, 232a and b, 233a and b, 234a and b, 235a and b, 236a and b and 237a and b. The aperture pairs are adapted to receive and hold tube-retaining clips, as will be understood below. Certain ones of the recesses 226 contain raised ribs 238 (best seen in FIG. 11) which facilitate material flow in the molding process. A pressure sensing conduit channel 240 is provided between inclined surface 222 and oblong pressure sensor adapter aperture 242 to receive end 210 of pressure sensing conduit 170. Pressure sensor adapter aperture 242 extends between front and rear cassette surfaces 220 and 221 and includes a C-shaped rib 243 parallel to the front and rear cassette surfaces approximately midway between them. The rib is adapted to receive a pressure line adapter 244 as will be further explained below. Substantially all of the detail shown in FIG. 6 can be covered up by a label as best seen in FIG. 5.
Cassette rear surface 221, best seen in FIG. 8, is provided with a plurality of tubing channels intended to maintain the various tubing set conduits in a predetermined orientation relative to each other in order to enable them to be situated adjacent the front of pump console 10 in a particular orientation so as to be engaged by various components to be described. Thus, as best seen in FIGS. 8 and 13, rear surface 221 comprises fluid inflow channel having a pair of generally parallel fluid supply channel sections 250 and 252 for receiving and holding predetermined tubular portions 254 and 256 of fluid supply tube 166 fixed relative to each other in order to form a semi-circular loop 258. Loop 258 and guide wall engaging surface 224 define an enclosed pump roller receiving space 260 adapted to engage the peristaltic roller head 52. (During shipment of tubing set 100, roller receiving space 260 may be filled with a foam insert 261 as best seen in FIG. 5.) Rear surface 221 also comprises a fluid outflow channel having a pair of parallel channel sections 290 and 292 joined by an arcuate channel section 294 for holding aspiration line 168 in a predetermined position. Channel 292 is provided with an enlarged area 296 which enables the aspiration line 168 to be engaged by regulating bar 80 extending through cassette sheet 70 as will be understood below.
Rectangular clip-receiving channels 262, 263, 264, 265, 266, 267, 268 and 269 are longitudinally spaced along channel sections 250, 252 and 290, 292 and 294, and are aligned with associated slot or aperture pairs 231a and b through 237a and b, respectively. Each slot pair is transversely spaced relative to its associated channel. As best seen in FIGS. 13 and 20, large clips 270-275 and small clips 276 and 277 are provided to be received within channels 262-267, respectively. The interior surface of each clip is generally U-shaped with the base of the "U" having three parallel pointed ribs 278 projecting radially inwardly. Both legs of each clip have opposing, inwardly directed retaining ledges 279. Each clip 270-277 is inserted from the rear into a corresponding channel over a tube such that the clip legs 280a and b, and 282a and b are pushed into and through apertures 230a and b, etc. and snap over the aperture edge to the front side of cassette 160. The clip-receiving channels and clips are spaced along the irrigation conduit 166 as well as the aspiration conduit 168. Clip-receiving channels 262-267 and corresponding clips 270-275 are wider than channels 268,269 and clips 276, 277 in order to facilitate assembly of the tubing in the cassette since the preferred embodiment employs different diameter tubes. Some adhesive may also be used to secure the tubes to the cassette, preferably in the area of clips 270, 271 and 272 to relieve pulling strain on these clips during rotation of roller 52.
Cassette rear surface 221 is provided with material relief recesses 296-299 and positioning apertures 300 and 302 in order to engage positioning pins 72 and 74, respectively, to facilitate proper placement of cassette 160 in receiving station 14. A plurality of code receiving apertures 304, 305, 306, 307, 308 are provided to retain one or more selected code carrying devices in order to identify a particular cassette as being designed to be used with a particular type of surgical procedure. In the preferred embodiment a magnet is placed in one or more apertures 304-308 and the particular pattern of magnets defines the code.
Generally, as best seen in FIGS. 11 and 12, the bottom surface 310 of irrigating fluid channels 250, 252 and the bottom surface 312 of aspirating fluid channels 290, 292,294 are rounded to conform to the tubes to be received in the channels. However, the shape of these bottom surfaces is flat in the areas of the clip-receiving channels, as well as at regulator bar area 296, pressure monitor area 314 and expansion area 316. Additionally, tube coupling area 316 has a flat bottom surface to accommodate a coupling between two different size aspiration tubes. In order to facilitate manufacture and assembly, all of the clips 270-277 may have the same leg length and internal radius of curvature. To assure a secure fit between the clips and tubes of varying diameters, any slack between the ribs 278, bottom surfaces 310, 312 and the tubes may be taken up by varying the thickness of the channel bottom. This is best seen in FIG. 11 by reference to the difference in thickness between wall 317 and 318.
Pressure transducer 200 and its connection to cassette 160 will now be described by reference to FIGS. 5, 14 and 15. FIG. 15 shows an exploded (and inverted) cross-sectional view of transducer 200 which is shown diagrammatically in FIG. 5 in relation to other components of tubing set 100. Transducer 200 comprises a housing 320 containing irrigating supply line 194 and extension 202, diaphragm 322 and cover 324. The latter retains end 208 of pressure sensing line 170. The other end 210 of line 170 is connected to a port of adapter 244, shown in FIG. 14. Adapter 244 (best seen in FIGS. 14, 16 and 17) has a generally cylindrical hollow pliable body 330 having a hollow interior 332 open to ambient at one end 334 of body 330 and open to a laterally directed pressure line port 336 at the other end 338 of body 330. Adapter 244 has an annular channel 340 adapted to engage rib 243 and hold body 330 in a fixed position. One end of pressure line 170 is connected to port 336 and end 334 is held, as will be understood below, against pressure sensor port 76. It will be understood that, during assembly, adapter 244 is inserted into the large end of aperture 242 and then moved into alignment with channel 240. The pliable nature of body 330 and end 334 helps to establish a secure, releasable connection between the pressure line and internal pressure sensor.
An alternate embodiment of pressure transducer 200 is shown in FIGS. 18 and 19. FIG. 18 shows the patient ends of a two-connection tubing set 100a, the remaining unshown components being identical to corresponding elements of tubing set 100. Tubing set 100a utilizes a suction line 206a, identical to conduit 206, and a supply line 194a which, unlike conduit 194 which ends at transducer 200, is unbroken and continues onto the surgical work site. In the two-connection tubing set 100a, there is a transducer 350 interposed between end 208a of pressure conduit 170a and a pressure monitoring conduit 352, the distal end of which is adapted to engage a suitable point adjacent the surgical work site for providing pressure information.
While pressure transducers 200 or 350 provide pressure information for dynamic control of pump roller 52, a separate pressure sensor 78 is provided on console 10 for use with tubing sets which are not adapted to sense pressure at the work site. Pressure sensor 78 may be used not only to control the pump but also as a back-up to transducer 200/350 to detect any undesirable increase in pressure in irrigation conduit 166. This sensor can trigger a signal to stop the pump in the event of a sudden or undesirable pressure increase. Sensor 78 may comprise an elastomeric membrane or piston extending from the front of console 10 and adapted to be held (by cassette 160) in direct contact with the fluid supply conduit.
Referring now to FIGS. 3 and 4, console 10 is provided with code detecting means 360 to detect the code associated with a given cassette housing and to provide appropriate control signals to a microprocessor controller within console 10 to achieve the required parameters defined by the code. In the preferred embodiment, code detecting means 360 comprises a plurality of magnetically responsive switches (shown diagrammatically in phantom behind elastomeric sheet 70) arranged in a pattern so as to have each switch be situated adjacent a corresponding magnet in apertures 304-308 (also shown in phantom in FIG. 4) at the rear of cassette 160. If other code carrying elements are used (e.g. optical, mechanical, etc.) appropriate sensors must also be used. Additionally, retention cover status sensors 380 and 382 cooperate with a magnet set in a hook extension (not shown) of cover 54 to determine whether it is open, closed or locked. The retention cover covering the cassette must apply sufficient pressure to ensure proper operation including secure connection of the pressure adapter with the pressure sensing port. All pumping action ceases when the door is not locked. In the preferred embodiment, cover 54 opens outwardly about hinge 383 to receive cassette 160 and a pair of slots 384 and 386 in the front of console 10 are adapted to receive hook-shaped extensions (not shown) of cover 54 when the cover is closed. When the top extension is detected by sensor 380, a motor (not shown) is automatically activated to move the cassette cover to the right (as seen in FIG. 4) in order to engage each hook-shaped extension with an associated cam surface at the right side of each slot 384 and 386 to press cover 54 and cassette 160 against platform 50. When the cover moves sufficiently to have the magnet in the extension detected by sensor 382, the cover is then in the "locked" position. Once sensor 382 verifies the locked position, the code located on the cassette is scanned and interpreted and an initiating sequence is begun. If a valid code is identified, then the system is enabled.
The coding means associated with each cassette housing identifies a predetermined operational characteristic associated with the irrigation/aspiration system. In the preferred embodiment, these irrigation/aspiration operational characteristics are the minimum and maximum operational pressures and flow rates associated with the tubing set designed for each particular surgical procedure. The pressure parameters are generally associated with the irrigation or pumping side of the system while the flow parameters are generally associated with the regulating bar side of the system. While different tubing materials or sizes may be employed in the various tubing sets, the system can perform with the various tubing sets all having identical tube materials and sizes, provided the coding is changed to adjust the various pressure values and flow rates. Whether or not the actual material and/or size of the irrigation, aspiration or pressure conduits in each tubing set is different, the operational pressure and flow rate limits suitable for each procedure vary. Thus, the code associated with a tubing set must be able to define the limits of operational pressure and flow rates. With respect to the parameters associated with arthroscopic, laparoscopic and hysteroscopic procedures, the following operational limits are used in the tubing sets of the preferred embodiment:
Maximum operational pressure: 150 mm Hg
Minimum operational pressure: 0 mm Hg
Maximum operational flow rate: 2400 ml/min.
Minimum operational flow rate: 0 ml/min.
Maximum operational pressure: 1000 mm Hg
Minimum operational pressure: 0 mm Hg
Maximum operational flow rate: 2400 ml/min.
Minimum operational flow rate: 0 ml/min.
Maximum operational pressure: 300 mm Hg
Minimum operational pressure: 0 mm Hg
Maximum operational flow rate: 750 ml/min.
Minimum operational flow rate: 0 ml/min.
Thus, when used in conjunction with the associated procedural cassette and tubing set, the universal pump system will provide the low pressure variable flow needs of arthroscopy and hysteroscopy for joint or uterine distension, in addition to the variable pressure, high flow needs of laparoscopy for tissue lavage or hydrodissection.
It will be understood that other surgical procedures could be defined and suitable pressure and flow rates could be identified for tubing sets to be used with these other procedures. Additionally, other characteristics besides pressure and flow rate may be selected to be controlled by the coding means. For example, certain procedures or tubing sets may be designed to permit only remote control operation of the irrigation/aspiration pump console, a limitation on the time required to change the system from operating at the minimum operational characteristics to maximum, etc.
The system operation is menu-driven during the cassette loading and unloading procedure, the menu being controlled by a microprocessor within console 10. Menu prompts such as "OPEN DOOR" and "INSERT CASSETTE" are displayed on display 16 when the system is turned on and no cassette is detected in place. When a cassette is inserted and sensors 380 and 382 are activated, a sequence of initiating events is automatically started. For example, the "WRAP TUBING" mode is activated to assure proper seating of the tubing on roller 52. Examples of other prompts which may be desired are "CLOSE DOOR", "UNLOAD", "OPEN DOOR", "REMOVE CASSETTE", etc.
The universal pump will operate in a stand alone mode or, via a communications bus, in conjunction with an associated drive console for cutting instruments. The drive console may be a rotatable shaver system which resects tissue and/or bone during arthroscopic or other endoscopic procedure. The communications between the pump and the drive console will allow the pump to provide maximum flow rates during operation of the shaver system.
It will be understood by those skilled in the art that numerous improvements and modifications may be made to the preferred embodiment of the invention disclosed herein without departing from the spirit and scope thereof.
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40 year old woman | Ossining, NY, USA | Seeking men 35-43 within 10 miles
Enjoy being silly, it keeps you young.
My family means to world to me and I would do anything needed of me. I love lap swimming. I try to swim 5 mornings an 2 evenings a week. I also train in Shotokan Karate at least 2 times a week. I listen to audiobooks daily. I've gone through over 70 books so far this year. I try to keep active during the week, but try to keep my weekends for my family and relaxing when I can. To relax I cook for friends and family, watch TV (documentaries, sports, history, national geo are a few) and curl up on the couch with a good book. I read a wide range of books; mostly fiction. I love to be silly and laugh. I would love to travel but I chose to put my brother through school. I am proud of all he has been able to accomplish. There are so many things that I would love to learn to do and will try anything at least once. I'm looking for a person that loves their family and wants to have one of their own, either with or without children. That person must love dogs and sports. He doesn't have to live in the gym, but like to be active and still lie around and enjoy doing nothing. Like to have conversations about just about anything; and be able to and want to explain the things I don't understand. I want a person that wants to integrate me into their life and wants to a part of mine. He has to be "type A" personality and still know how to be silly, playful and laugh about themselves. I want a person that is loving, caring, romantic and sensual.
Cooking , Movies/Videos , Watching sports
Aerobics, Baseball, Bowling, Football, Martial arts, Swimming
I exercise 5 or more times per week.
I have Dogs
I have a dog but she lives with my parents.
Middle of the Road
Does the gym and dojo count?
I like to swim at least 5 times a week. I train at a local dojo. I listen to audiobooks daily. I love watching football and baseball. I love to cook, bake and nurture the ones I love.
Cook, swim, lounge around the house
Petroplague, H5N1, Tainted
Z{{Cta}} {{#if HasMoreInfo}} ?{{CtaSecondary}} {{/if}}
|What she is looking for
|5'4" (162cms)
|6'0" (182cms) to 6'11" (210cms)
|Body type:
|About average
|About average, Athletic and toned
|No preference
|Dark brown
|No preference
|No Way
|No preference
|Social Drinker
|Social Drinker
|Financial / Accounting / Real Estate
|No preference
|I'll tell you later
|No preference
|Never Married
|Never Married, Divorced
|Have kids:
|No, Yes, and they live away from home
|Wants kids:
|Not sure
|No preference
|Black / African descent
|White / Caucasian, Other
I am first generation West Indian American.
|Spiritual but not religious
|No preference
|Bachelors degree
|No preference


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Two senior KWS officers have been sent on leave to facilitate internal investigations into the wildlife security situation. The service has also transferred several Senior Assistant Directors,Assistant directors and Field Operations Commanders.
Kenya: KWS Sends Two Senior Officers On Leave
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DOVER, Del. – Tim Andrews has been an occasional competitor but always a strong contender whenever he has appeared in the NASCAR Grand National Division, Busch East Series since 2003, always running on a shoestring budget. Friday at Dover International Speedway he scored a dramatic first career victory in the Sunoco 150, passing Steve Park on the outside with two laps to go in the scheduled distance, then holding off Park's renewed bid as the race went into overtime due to an accident with one lap remaining. Andrews celebrated with a slow lap around the track in the opposite direction, the "Polish victory lap" made famous by the late Alan Kulwicki, whose crew chief in his championship year of 1992 was Tim's father, Paul Andrews.
Behind Andrews and Park, Bryon Chew and Matt Kobyluck completed late-race charges to third and fourth after Chew employed a late pit stop strategy and Kobyluck was forced to pit for body repairs after another car literally landed on his hood. The biggest winner of all may have been fifth place Mike Olsen. His steady drive from 16th in the starting lineup, coupled with the accident which left challenger Sean Caisse 22nd on the scoreboard, put Olsen in a commanding position to clinch his second series title in five years in next Saturday's season finale at Lime Rock Park in Lakeville, Conn. Unofficially, Olsen leads Caisse by 109 points and needs only a 27th place at Lime Rock to clinch the championship.
Barney McRae, in only his second race since returning to driving after two years as a crew chief, scored a career-best sixth place finish, with Brian Hoar, Mike Johnson, Jeff Anton, and Tracy Gordon completed the top ten.
Caisse won the Busch Pole with the first 150 mile per hour qualifying run in series history and clinched the seasonal Busch Pole championship. Andrews started third and swapped the lead with Caisse until a communication error caused Caisse to pit one lap too late at mid-race. Caisse remained a contender, however, until he crashed with just 35 laps remaining. He drove to his pit but the car was then pushed to the garage.
For the second half of the race, Park, returning to the series for the first time since 1996, was Andrews' primary challenger as the pair traded the lead four times. Andrews had just passed Park on lap 148 when Ryan Seaman, running in the top five, rode out a hard crash in turn two. The red flag was shown as Seaman received medical attention at the scene. He was reported to be alert and with full movement at the track but was transported as a precaution to Kent General Hospital in Dover, where he was being evaluated on Saturday evening.
Park nosed ahead for one lap at the restart for the green-white-checker finish but Andrews would not be denied and took the checkered flag 0.411 seconds in front. Only seven cars remained on the lead lap and 19 of 30 starters were running at the finish. The caution flag was displayed seven times for 55 laps. Among the contenders eliminated, in addition to Caisse and Seaman, were FitzBradshaw teammates John Freeman and Ruben Pardo, both of whom spent most of the race in the top five. Freeman was turned into the front straight wall while battling with Kobyluck and wound up sliding across the front end of Kobyluck's machine.
Jeff Anton claimed the POWERade Power Move of the Race Award by climbing 19 places from 28th at the start to ninth at the finish. Kobyluck won the Featherlite Most Improved Driver Award after improving 36 spots on his performance in New Hampshire one week ago. Patrick Dupree was the highest finishing Sunoco Rookie contender, and unofficially Dion Ciccarelli moved within one point of Ruben Pardo for the Sunoco Rookie of the Year title. No drivers entered or dropped out of the top 15 positions in the series point standings, the group who are eligible to receive invitations to the NASCAR Toyota All-Star Showdown at Irwindale Speedway in California, October 20-21. Scott Bouley holds the 15th position, with an unofficial 30-point margin over Joe Masessa.
Sunoco 150
Dover International Speedway, Dover, Del., Friday, September 22, 2006
TIME OF RACE: 1 hour, 48 minutes, 25 seconds
AVERAGE SPEED: 86.887 mph
MARGIN OF VICTORY: 0.411 seconds
CAUTION PERIOS: 7 for 55 laps
LEAD CHANGES: 8 among 4 drivers
LAP LEADERS: Caisse 1-4, Andrews 5-28, Caisse 29-68, Chew 69-73, Andrews 74-113, Park 114-147, Andrews 148-154, Park 155, Andrews 156-157
BUSCH POLE AWARD: Sean Caisse, Casella Waste Systems Chevrolet (23.563 seconds @ 152.782 mph) – TRACK RECORD
POWERADE POWER MOVE OF THE RACE AWARD: Jeff Anton, Engineered Floors Chevrolet
FEATHERLITE MOST IMPROVED DRIVER AWARD: Matt Kobyluck, Mohegan Sun Chevrolet
UNOFFICIAL BUSCH EAST SERIES POINT STANDINGS (wins)
1. Mike Olsen (2) 1653
2. Sean Caisse (3) 1544
3. Bryon Chew (1) 1514
4. Brian Hoar 1491
5. Matt Kobyluck (2) 1371
6. Joey McCarthy 1320
7. Mike Johnson 1310
8. Charles Lewandoski 1225
9. Jeff Anton 1219
10. Ruben Pardo 1205
11. Kip Stockwell 1179
12. Dion Ciccarelli 1124
13. John Salemi 1100
14. John Freeman 1070
15. Scott Bouley 1048
16. Joe Masessa 1018
17. Tracy Gordon 1004
18. Patrick Dupree 967
19. Rich Gould 937
20. Pierre Bourque 924
NEXT RACE: Mohegan Sun 200, Lime Rock Park, Lakeville, Conn., Sat, Sept. 30 – SEASON FINALE


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The average Training Coordinator in the United States can expect to rake in roughly $46K per year. Total cash compensation varies widely depending on the individual performance of Training Coordinators. Generally sitting in the range of $30K to $66K, the final number can include almost $5K each from bonuses and profit sharing and commissions of $15K in exceptional cases. This group's pay is mainly influenced by the company, followed by career duration and location. Men are in the minority of survey respondents, with female Training Coordinators making up 75 percent. Job satisfaction is reported as high by the vast majority of workers. A large number report receiving medical coverage from their employers and a fair number collect dental insurance.
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Training coordinators are responsible for the design and implementation of training programs in businesses and other organizations. Depending on their specific spheres of expertise, training coordinators may focus on administrative and planning tasks related to training; alternatively, a training coordinator may be closely involved with implementation. In smaller organizations, a training coordinator is likely to be involved planning and conducting training.Read More...
Training coordinators are employed by most businesses large enough to require internal training procedures. Work environments vary with the position, with some coordinators employed in a single office and others traveling to remote locations for training. Because of this, a training coordinator may need to work late or overnight shifts, or to work outside. Training coordinators also may have highly variable workloads depending on where they are in the process of designing, implementing, or analyzing a training programs. Most training coordinators report to a management-level supervisor, though coordinators working for a contracting company that provides training to multiple organizations. Senior training coordinators may also be management-level employees who supervise subordinates.
Strong interpersonal skills are a must for any training coordinator, as they must work with other trainers, experts, and trainees. Many coordinators also need strong data analysis skills, as they are also responsible for interpreting and reporting data on training program performance. A training coordinator is also expected to be knowledgeable in both educational methods and the content of the trainings. A bachelor's degree is often preferred for these positions.
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Though it's uncommon, some Training Coordinators move into roles as Training Directors, where pay is an average $81K per year. When Training Coordinators are ready for the next step in their careers, they often become Training & Development Managers or Training Managers. Those roles pay an additional $26K and $19K, respectively.
Training Coordinators seem to require a rather large skill set. Most notably, skills in Project Coordinating, Project Management, Software Training Materials, and Training Management are correlated to pay that is above average, with boosts between 4 percent and 7 percent. Skills that are correlated to lower pay, on the other hand, include Visual Basic, Oral / Verbal Communication, and Customer Service. Most people familiar with Training also know Microsoft Office and Training Management.
Median of all compensation (including tips, bonus, and overtime) by years of experience.
For Training Coordinators, level of experience appears to be a somewhat less important part of the salary calculation — more experience does not correlate to noticeably higher pay. Salaries for the relatively untried average out to around $40K, but survey participants with five to 10 years of experience earn a significantly higher median of $46K. Training Coordinators who work for 10 to 20 years in their occupation tend to earn about $50K. After two decades in the workforce, the average Training Coordinator generally earns more than ever; median pay for this group is estimated at $56K.
Surpassing the national average by 21 percent, Training Coordinators in New York receive some of the highest pay in the country. Training Coordinators will also find cushy salaries in Chicago (+15 percent), Boston (+15 percent), Washington (+14 percent), and Houston (+10 percent). The smallest paychecks in the market, 14 percent south of the national average, can be found in Columbus. Two other places where employers offer below-median salaries are Dallas (11 percent less) and Austin (10 percent less).
|Extremely satisfied
Rated 5 out of 5
based on 402 votes.
75 %
25 %
|Medical: 82%
|Dental: 74%
|Vision: 62%
|None: 16%


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Popular D.C. nightclub closed 96 hours after alleged employee assault cover-up
Jacoby Jones apologizes for nightclub incident, says he did nothing wrong
Baltimore Ravens wide receiver Jacoby Jones has taken responsibility for what he calls an "incident" outside a D.C. nightclub early Monday morning, but treaded lightly when asked about the specifics on the altercation.
Jacoby Jones injured outside D.C. nightclub
As first reported by TMZ, Ravens wide receiver Jacoby Jones was hit in the head with a large champagne bottle outside the Opera Ultra Lounge early Monday morning.
Fred Davis to pay $20,000 to nightclub assault victim
Washington Redskins tight end Fred Davis must pay $20,000 in damages to a woman he assaulted in 2011 at a District of Columbia nightclub, a judge ruled earlier this week.
Las Vegas Palazzo hotel tries to evict The Act nightclub over raunchy acts
The Palazzo hotel-casino on the Las Vegas Strip is trying to evict The Act, a 10-month-old nightclub, for shows it says are so raunchy that they violate obscenity laws.
Shimmy Club criticized for two-way bathroom mirrorComment
Clubgoers in Scotland are expressing outrage after it was revealed that one night spot was allowing male patrons to spy on women in the bathroom through a two-way mirror.
Paul Danzo killed in shooting near Balletto nightclubComment
A shooting outside a downtown Washington night club early Thursday morning has left a man dead, police say.
MPD officers indicted in K Street nightclub fightComment
Four MPD officers were indicted Wednesday in connection with a brawl at a K Street club that happened more than a year ago.
Prince George's County nightclub owners plead guilty to illegal operationComment
Owners of the former MSG nightclub, among others, are pleading guilty to operating their facilities illegally under Prince George's County's new dance hall regulations.
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Articles tagged brooklyn collective
14 Apr 2011 // 6:00 AM
Brooklyn based Superhuman Happiness recently came to my attention and I want to share them with the world. Last month the seven-piece eclectic collective (fearlesslyREAD more
//Mixed media
Colette Carr "Static" (video) (Premiere) // Music
House of Blondes "First of July" (audio) (premiere) // Music
Digisaurus 'No More Room For Love' (EP stream) // Music
Eszter Balint 'Airless Midnight' (album stream) (premiere) // Music
//Pm Picks
PopMatters is on a short summer publishing break. We resume Monday, July 6th.
// Announcements
"PopMatters is on a short summer publishing break. We resume Monday, July 6th.READ the article


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U.S. Army Pvt. Stephen E. McCoy recently graduated from basic combat training at Fort Jackson in Columbia, S.C.
He is the son of David McCoy of Goshen.
McCoy is a 2008 graduate of North Oldham High School.
Special Olympics sets bowling dates
When: Sunday.
Where: Ten Pin Lanes, St. Matthews.
A Louisville woman charged with selling counterfeit purses at her Crestwood store earlier this year will not serve jail time.
Stacey Hayes, owner of The Brick House on Ky. 22 in Crestwood, faced charges of counterfeiting intellectual property after investigators discovered wallets and purses with counterfeit designer labels.
Investigators found several items with a fake Coach label.
Oldham District Court Judge Diane Wheeler sentenced Hayes to 12 months in jail, two years conditionally discharged.
For the fourth year, members of the Oldham County Fiscal Court have kept the county's property tax rate at nine cents per $100 of real property.
Shawn Boyle, the county's chief financial officer said this year new growth in the county is at $105 million.
"We've seen a deceleration of new growth," he said. "(A property tax rate of) 9.0 puts us in line with our budget philosophy of holding steady and watching what happens."
A burglary at Apple Patch Community in Brownsboro led to a four-mile search of the area for a suspect by officers and OCPD's canine unit.
Officers headed to the scene about 2 a.m. July 16 to the scene of a burglary in progress after Oldham County Police received information from La Grange Police.
At the scene, officers detained a male suspect later identified as Michael K. Rogers, 19, of the 200 block of South Cedar Street, La Grange.
The deadline to nominate your picks for Oldham Countian of the Year and the Oldham County Top Achiever Awards has been extended.
At the request of members, the chamber will accept nominations for the awards through 5 p.m. Friday.
Awards will be presented in the fall.
For information, call 222-1635 or e-maill email@example.com
There's a big white dog hanging out in the median of the interstate, and yes, officers from Oldham County Animal Control are aware.
The agency has received more than 300 calls in the past two weeks from people who have spotted the dog along I-71, director Barbara Rosenman said.
That amount doesn't count the hundreds of calls fielded by employees at Oldham County Dispatch, Oldham County Police and La Grange Police, she said.
For the first time in history, a girl from outside Oldham County is Miss Oldham County Fair. Erica Lee Moore, 18, of Pleasureville won the crown Tuesday night.
Copyright © 2015
The Oldham Era is your source for local news, sports, events, and information in Oldham County and LaGrange, Kentucky, and the surrounding area.


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69th Street
Police: Shot Fired After Suspect Allegedly Tries To Run Down Officer In Delaware County
A Philadelphia man is in jail after police say he tried to run down an Upper Darby police officer on 69th street Friday afternoon. The female officer pulled her gun.
Police Search For 2 Suspects In Upper Darby Robberies
Authorities report that five different armed robberies have happened since May 12th, three in the last few days, and the suspects seem to be targeting businesses.
Stigall Show Log 6.27.11
Chris analyzes the chances of Chris Christie running for President, in spite of his denials. He talks to Jeff Roe and Michael Bronstein on the Monday Morning Matchup and to Phillies Manager Charlie Manuel.