text: Personalised Slate Sign by Slate Gift Company £14$31.42€20.91$23.03 114 customer reviews(114) In stock This item is not available for delivery to United States. word or message (required) quantity by Slate Gift Company Location: Cornwall, GB read seller's profile see seller's complete range more items from this seller Slate Rectangle Noticeboard by Slate Gift Company £14$31.42€20.91$23.03 Set Of Four Slate Heart Shaped Coasters by Slate Gift Company £16$35.91€23.90$26.32 Slate Serving Tray by Slate Gift Company £30$67.34€44.81$49.35 Mini Slate Cheeseboards by Slate Gift Company £18$40.40€26.89$29.61 Slate Heart Cheeseboard by Slate Gift Company £28$62.85€41.82$46.06 Slate Dining Table Mat Set by Slate Gift Company £42$94.28€62.74$69.09 view all you may also like PRODUCT DETAILS CUSTOMER REVIEWS DELIVERY RETURNS Made in Britain can be personalised eco-friendly ask seller a question save for later Personalise our slate signs to hang on your front door, garden gate or shed. We use chalk markers suitable for outdoor use/rain resistant to write your message, do not rub/wipe the writing as this will smudge, the message can be deleted with a damp cloth, detergent and a scrub if needed. Your message will fade over a long period of time but will look renewed if treated with oil or alternatively you can re-write your message, (chalk markers available from most good art stores). Each slate is hand cut, treated with walnut oil and comes with natural rope for hanging. Use the rope for hanging or simply remove and mount using screws (screws not included). Have your house name, number or a simple message informing your visitors you've nipped out. Maximum of 8 words which may be spread over 2 lines. made from: If your slate is looking a little weathered give a little rub with oil and buff. Due to the nature of slate each piece is unique, therefore there may be slight variations in colour, uneven surfaces, or even your only little piece of fools gold (mica) which can look like glitter but whichever of these finishes you can be sure the slate is of excellent quality and unique to yourself. Please note all orders are delivered by courier and require a signature on delivery. dimensions: Dimensions: 30 x 10 x 0.5cm product code: 167503 114 customer reviews Wed 25 Nov 2015 Good - a bit pricey for what it is but I guess it is personalised. Tue 24 Nov 2015 Fantastic sign, great quality Tue 24 Nov 2015 No comment supplied. Tue 03 Nov 2015 Beautiful slate sign, perfectly wrapped so no chance of damage and well presented...a fab gift to myself! Wed 28 Oct 2015 Great Sun 18 Oct 2015 Perfect ... Sun 18 Oct 2015 great quilityproduct Sun 18 Oct 2015 Lovely personalised gift and very reasonable! Fri 25 Sep 2015 Lovely sign, quick delivery Wed 08 Jul 2015 Richard loved it. Wed 01 Jul 2015 Bought for my Dad for Fathers Day, beautiful sign, he absolutely loves it. Put it up on the shed as soon as he opened it. Arrived quicker than expected. Thu 18 Jun 2015 Very nice, Mon 25 May 2015 Lovely, beautifully made! Quick delivery. Wed 13 May 2015 It looks great on my husband new shed! Easy to order & quick delivery. Great little gift. Tue 05 May 2015 Quick delivery Thu 09 Apr 2015 Poor quality, wording smudged and disappeared upon merely touching lightly! Slate Gift Company's response: We were very sorry to here you were unhappy with your purchase but as explained in our correspondence the product information and the product label clearly states do not wipe the writing unless trying to remove. Our signs do last for years in all elements providing the writing is not touched, we receive a massive number of compliments from our customers regarding our signs, many having had them outside in all weathers and other than an occasional re-oil are still looking as good as new. We did offer some advice on how to re-write the sign, it really was unfortunate the writing was rubbed with a finger by the recipient. The Slate Gift Company Sat 07 Mar 2015 Great present - very well protected to avoid damage in transit. The company who provided the sign responded to my questions via e-mail very quickly. Excellent service. Mon 12 Jan 2015 A fun present Wed 31 Dec 2014 Very quick service and love the items we have ordered Mon 29 Dec 2014 Great Mon 29 Dec 2014 Really pleased Wed 24 Dec 2014 As expected Tue 23 Dec 2014 great quality Fri 19 Dec 2014 A good service Thu 18 Dec 2014 Very quick. Beautiful product. Tue 16 Dec 2014 Very happy with my purchase. Thank you. Thu 04 Dec 2014 Great item. Reasonably priced. Postage a little higher than what I would normally pay but as I wanted that exact item I didn't mind paying it. Exactly what I wanted for my step dad. He's going to love it. Tue 25 Nov 2014 Good product Tue 04 Nov 2014 Great sign Sat 11 Oct 2014 The courier used for this product needed a signature but only delivered during working hours which is useless for most customers. It then went back to the supplier and had to be delivered again during working hours. We ended up driving 15 miles to collect. I would not buy from this supplier again Fri 10 Oct 2014 Excellent quality Tue 12 Aug 2014 this is the second personalised item I have ordered - they have both been very stylish. Fri 20 Jun 2014 I ordered a shed sign as a gift and the writing was so poor that the name was illegible and could have said Dand, Davd,or Daud instead of David. The seller refused to refund, stating that the sign was her in her 'handwriting' and fit for purpose. Extremely disappointing as I ended up not having a gift on the special day and also a very poor example of customer services on the slate writer's behalf. Would never use this seller on NonHS again. Slate Gift Company's response: Thank you for your feedback and we're sorry that you were unhappy with your order. We are very sorry that you were not happy with this item as it has had wonderful reviews. You were denied a refund initially as the slate was fit for purpose and all personalised items are non refundable. We then decided to issue you with a full refund as you did not want a replacement. We continue to listen to our customers and improve upon the high quality of our products. Thank you for shopping with us and please contact us via your order enquiry if we can assist you further. Fri 16 May 2014 Lovely product, excellent communication & very quick delivery. What's not to like? Fri 02 May 2014 Just what I ordered Mon 21 Apr 2014 Very easy to check and change personalised gift. Great service. Sun 23 Mar 2014 Present for grandad who loved it Tue 18 Mar 2014 Quality sign Fri 14 Mar 2014 Very nice slate personalised sign perfect as a present for my daughters granddad Thu 27 Feb 2014 Unique and exactly what I was after. Very quick delivery! Fri 14 Feb 2014 No comment supplied. Sun 12 Jan 2014 High quality and a hit as a Christmas present! Sat 11 Jan 2014 great present Fri 10 Jan 2014 Could get another sign made soon, very good quality. Thu 09 Jan 2014 Exactly how it appeared in photographs on the website, really good quality and a much appreciated Christmas gift by the recipient Wed 08 Jan 2014 Really pleased with the service and the goods, my Grandad loved his Christmas present thank you Tue 07 Jan 2014 Good quality sign, however I would of expected the lettering to be engraved or applied to the slate and not just written on the surface. Recipient liked the product. Mon 06 Jan 2014 Lovely - arrive so quickly. Mon 06 Jan 2014 love the sign. great present. Good quality Thu 02 Jan 2014 Perfect present Thu 02 Jan 2014 Very pleased. Sun 29 Dec 2013 . Fri 27 Dec 2013 My granddaughter picked this for her Grandads Christmas present this year. Fri 27 Dec 2013 He loves it!!!!! Fri 27 Dec 2013 They are great, needed to contact the seller which was easy and had a quick response! Thank you :-) Sun 22 Dec 2013 Came very well packaged and looks even better than on site. Thanks Sat 21 Dec 2013 No comment supplied. Fri 20 Dec 2013 No comment supplied. Thu 19 Dec 2013 No comment supplied. Wed 18 Dec 2013 Arrived quickly and very happy with the product Tue 17 Dec 2013 Good, but overpriced Wed 11 Dec 2013 just what I had been looking for. Tue 10 Dec 2013 Beautifully made, the pictures don't do it justice. Lovely gift. Thank you! Tue 10 Dec 2013 Nicely written and a good size. I am certain my friend will really like the product. Sun 08 Dec 2013 Gorgeous slate and writing, a perfect gift Mon 02 Dec 2013 Fantastic product. Really good quality. Mon 11 Nov 2013 Good quality, bit disappointed the name was only painted on but still liked the item. Be nice if delivery was free Tue 01 Oct 2013 Really pleased with the personalised sign lovely quality and exactly as described. Company kept in contact and arrived on the exact delivery date given!! Would definitely use this company again and would on my experience recommend to anyone. Thank you for your care and attention and a lovely product. Thu 19 Sep 2013 Excellent quality product. Efficient ordering and delivery. Would recommend. Sat 14 Sep 2013 Lovely and fast delivery. Sat 17 Aug 2013 No comment supplied. Fri 16 Aug 2013 Exactly what I wanted, thank you. Mon 12 Aug 2013 just what l wanted Wed 31 Jul 2013 Amazing value, and a very high quality product. Thank you! Tue 30 Jul 2013 Very very pleased with signs- ordered more! Tue 23 Jul 2013 Excellent , ordered more- my garden looks great full of signs. Shall use again- thank you. Tue 09 Jul 2013 To sign I ordered and recieved was perfect, and delivery was very fast. I would recommend this company to everyone. Thank you will definately come back again.. Fri 05 Jul 2013 No comment supplied. Fri 28 Jun 2013 Excellent present which went down very well for fathers day Wed 05 Jun 2013 Great value and just as expected Tue 04 Jun 2013 Quick delivery even though I messed up my delivery address. Top work. Fri 24 May 2013 Fabulous item. Arrived quickly. Beautifully presented. Lovely gift at a competitive price. Thu 28 Mar 2013 Turned up super quick and is excellent product Wed 20 Mar 2013 Perfect, quality exceeded my expectations. Wed 06 Mar 2013 Not viewed by myself, recipient delighted with it. Wed 06 Mar 2013 I love the sign and that its unique and so personal to me :) Mon 25 Feb 2013 Speedy delivery and excellent quality. Would definitely order from this seller again. Thu 14 Feb 2013 thought the sign was smaller than the previous two that I ordered, but its still lovely. Tue 15 Jan 2013 Great product my husband loved it. Mon 14 Jan 2013 Lovely quality product and very well-received as a Christmas present for my father-in-law. Sun 13 Jan 2013 Looked exactly how I wanted it to look! Sun 06 Jan 2013 The sign was lovely, my only feedback for it is that the pen that you write on the slate with could do with being more white. As its going on a dark background, it shows through the lettering and isn't pure white. I personally think it would look cleaner and smarter by improving the quality of pen. Thu 27 Dec 2012 Fantastic service with great delivery! Ordered 7pm and the personalised slate was dispatched 8am following morning. Well packaged and looked fantastic. Highly recommended! Tue 11 Dec 2012 Very pleased with product - is exactly what I was after. Fri 30 Nov 2012 very happy with product thank you very much Sat 10 Nov 2012 Love this looks really a good quality product! Tue 11 Sep 2012 It looks great - it was packed very well and came within 24 hours! Excellent! Thu 30 Aug 2012 No comment supplied. Thu 30 Aug 2012 Arrived very quickly. Personalised sign is fab - wish I bought one sooner Thu 30 Aug 2012 As ever very happy with service and company and product excellent. Tue 21 Aug 2012 As described. Perfect. Fri 17 Aug 2012 Fast delivery, easy to use website. And lovely products. Sun 29 Jul 2012 No comment supplied. Tue 17 Jul 2012 My sister law loved the personalized garden signs, she has never seen these before Sun 15 Jul 2012 The slate sign I ordered went down a treat with the friend I sent it to you. She was absolutely delighted with it and it was wonderful for me to find something so unique and to be able to personalise it too. It arrived much faster than I anticipated which was great. Would definitely use this company again. Fabulous! Thu 12 Jul 2012 Brilliant gift, will definitely be ordering it again - endless possibilities for different messages on different occasions. Wed 11 Jul 2012 lovely Tue 10 Jul 2012 The sign was a present for my dad and he was thrilled by it and displayed it straight away Fri 06 Jul 2012 Arrived quickly and looks really great! Mon 11 Jun 2012 Just what I ordered Mon 04 Jun 2012 No comment supplied. Wed 30 May 2012 Loved it ! very unique !!!! Thank you. Thu 24 May 2012 The slate sign was so much more bigger than what I was expecting. It was very high quality and looked fantastic. I hope the bride who got it loved it as much as I did for her! Thank you for delivering it in such a timely manner too. I will definitely be using your service in the future. Tue 15 May 2012 Perfect! see all customer reviews hide some customer reviews read about our product rating system ratings guide trusted independent customer feedbackforum excellent bad good poor This product is dispatched to you by Slate Gift Company. Please note all our products are delivered by courier and will require a signature. MAINLAND UK order now and receive this item by price Standard Delivery Wednesday 9 December £4.95$11.11€7.39$8.14 NON-MAINLAND UK estimated delivery price Not currently available for this region 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. Slate Gift Company's return policy Please see notonthehighstreet.com's returns policy.


text:
Praga Adam&Eva Hostel
Mezzi a disposizione Mappa Streetview Recensioni
Zborovská 497/50
Nota: è responsabilità della catena di hotel e/o della singola struttura garantire l'accuratezza delle foto visualizzate. Travellerspoint non è responsabile per eventuali imprecisioni nelle foto.
New City bikes available for free! Ask us at the reception!
Adam & Eva Hostel Prague is modern but authentic, friendly though private, spacey still cosy, amazingly clean and highly secure.
Located right in the centre of Prague by the river in a unique residential quarter with great atmosphere and famous for its traditional cheap restaurant, student bars, bakeries and groceries.
FREE WiFi in the whole area
FREE Computers with internet access and printer
FREE coffee and tea available all day
FREE maps of the city and travel advice
FREE luggage storage on arrival and departure
FREE Individual lockers (dorms)
FREE towels
FREE bed linen
FREE hair dryer
-spacious rooms with large comfortable beds
-individual curtains in each bed providing full privacy
-reading lights
-individual lockers
-fully equipped kitchens with dining rooms (microwave, fridge, coffee maker, oven, cooker,
dishwasher, toaster, kettle)
-cute calm balconies with a view into the inner yard gardens (the only smoking area)
-big living rooms with sofas to relax (games, books, cards, guitar)
-providing the highest level of security building is under CCTV surveillance
We want you to be 100% satisfied with your stay in Prague!
1. check-in: 2PM – 8PM (later check-in must be announced in advance by EMAIL)
2. check-out: until 10AM
3. reception: opened from 8AM – 8PM
4. we accept cash: CZK, EUR.When paying by card the amount will be marked up by 3% (which we are charged by the bank)
5.Age limit for dorms: 18-50 (Other guests are welcome to stay in our private rooms)
Avete soggiornato qui? Scrivi una recensione
Nota: è responsabilità della catena di hotel e/o della singola struttura garantire l'accuratezza delle foto visualizzate. Travellerspoint non è responsabile per eventuali imprecisioni nelle foto.

subset: commoncrawl


text:
|Publication number
|Publication type
|Application number
|Publication date
|May 19, 1987
|Filing date
|Dec 17, 1985
|Priority date
|Dec 17, 1985
|Fee status
|Publication number
|Chet Fleming
|Original Assignee
|The Dis Corporation
|Export Citation
|BiBTeX, EndNote, RefMan
|Patent Citations (4), Non-Patent Citations (6), Referenced by (78), Classifications (9), Legal Events (7)
|External Links: USPTO, USPTO Assignment, Espacenet
This invention is in the fields of biochemistry, blood processing, and prosthetic devices.
In general, a `prosthetic device` is any device which is designed to substitute for a missing or defective part of the body. Although many prosthetic devices such as artificial limbs are mechanical in nature, a variety of prosthetic devices have been developed which are capable of processing blood or performing other internal functions. Most of these devices are used by connecting them to an artery and a vein, so that blood will circulate through them. The following descriptions are intended to provide a basic introduction to each device described; for more extensive discussion, the reader should refer to the references listed, and to other references known to those skilled in the art. Complete citations for books and articles are provided below.
As used herein, terms such as `body` `patient,` and `head` normally refer to research animals. However, it is possible that after this invention has been thoroughly tested on research animals, it might also be used on humans suffering from various terminal illnesses.
Cardio-pulmonary bypass machines are commonly used during heart surgery, since it is difficult for a surgeon to operate on a beating heart. In an operation involving a bypass machine, the heart is temporarily stopped by chilling the heart with a cold fluid, clamping the aorta, and administering potassium chloride. Cannulae (which are specialized tubes having rigid or semi-rigid ends, usually made of plastic) are inserted into the superior and inferior vena cavae (major blood veins which normally carry deoxygenated blood to the heart) through an opening that is created in the right atrial wall of the heart. These cannulae carry blood with low oxygen content and high carbon dioxide content from the body to the bypass machine.
The blood usually passes through a heat exchanger which cools the blood. During most bypass operations, the body temperature of the patient is lowered to about 28 to 30 degrees Celsius, to slow down metabolism and reduce oxygen consumption by the organs.
The cooled blood enters an oxygenation chamber. The two most commonly used types of oxygenation chambers are called `bubble` oxygenators and `membrane` oxygenators. In a bubble oxygenator, gas containing oxygen and a relatively small percentage of carbon dioxide enters the bottom of the chamber and flows upward through the circulating blood, creating bubbles. Contact between the bubbles and the blood adds oxygen to the blood and removes carbon dioxide. Upon leaving a bubble chamber, the blood passes through a defoaming device.
Membrane oxygenators contain a membrane which separates the gas from the blood. Oxygen and carbon dioxide can diffuse through the membrane, allowing oxygen to displace carbon dioxide in the blood. Such devices are sold by several suppliers, including American Bentley, and Shiley Inc., both of Irvine, Calif. By eliminating the interface between blood and gaseous oxygen, membrane oxygenators tend to cause less denaturation of blood proteins and damage to blood cells than bubble oxygenators.
After the blood has been oxygenated, it flows to a pump, usually a `peristaltic` pump (also commonly called a `roller` pump). The blood is pumped to a suitable pressure, and it returns to the patient's body via a cannula which is inserted into the patient's aorta.
Several chemical parameters are usually measured during an operation involving a bypass machine, including dissolved oxygen content (expressed as pO), dissolved carbon dioxide content (expressed as pCO), acidity (expressed as pH), and potassium concentration (expressed as pK). If desired, other parameters (such as the concentration of glucose and other blood sugars) can also be measured. Each of those values can be increased or decreased by external manipulation if desired.
For additional information on cardio-pulmonary machines see, e.g., Utley 1982, Berger 1979, or Bregman 1977. For additional information on cardiac surgery see, e.g., Sabiston et al 1983, Cooley 1984, or Norman 1972.
As used herein, `waste product` includes any molecule which is present at a concentration which causes a deleterious effect on a patient, or which is accumulating in a manner which indicates that it should be removed to avoid a deleterious effect on a patient. This category includes metabolites such as urea, proteins which have been degraded and have lost their desired activity, acid which is accumulating at levels which create acidosis symptoms, dead cells, and nutrients which are present at excessive concentrations.
A variety of devices have been developed which can be used to remove waste products from blood, including the following.
One category of devices which can be used to remove waste molecules from the blood involves the use of semi-permeable membranes which allow certain types of charged molecules to pass through them while retaining other molecules and blood cells. The most common example of such a device used to treat blood is a hemodialysis machine, often called an `artificial kidney.` These machines remove urea and several other metabolites from the blood. They are most commonly used to treat people whose kidneys are injured or diseased.
Typically, blood flows from the patient to a dialysis machine via a catheter tube connected to a blood vein by means of a needle. The blood in the machine flows through a chamber where it contacts a membrane. The membrane is made of a material which has a positive charge. The positive charge attracts molecules with negative charges, such as urea. Urea molecules pass through the membrane and are collected and removed.
Blood cells do not pass through the membrane, since the pores in the membrane are too small. In addition, desirable molecules such as albumin do not pass through the membrane, because they are not negatively charged. After urea is removed, the remaining blood is returned to the patient's body via a second catheter and a needle.
For additional information on hemodialysis machines, see Nissenson 1984, Cogan et al 1985, or Drukker et al 1983. For additional information on other types of membrane devices see, e.g., Buck 1982.
A second type of device which is often used to remove components from biological fluids is often referred to as an `affinity column.` In general, the term `affinity binding` is used to refer to binding reactions between molecules which are attracted to each other (usually by electrical charges), but which do not form covalent bonds; see, e.g., Cuatrecasas et al 1971. An important type of affinity binding involves the binding that occurs between antigens and antibodies.
Methods are known for generating antibodies which will bind to virtually any type of protein or other large molecule; see, e.g., Schreier 1980. Briefly, this involves injecting the molecule into an animal, usually a mouse or rabbit. The animal's natural defense against infections will recognize the molecule as foreign. Certain types of blood cells in the animal (called lymphocytes) will secrete antibodies which bind to the foreign molecule. The antibodies are present in high concentration in a body fluid called `ascites fluid`, which is removed from the animal. The antibodies are concentrated and attached to a `support` (usually small particles or a polymeric gel). The support with the antibodies is then immobilized inside a reaction vessel; for example, the inlet and outlet of the tube are packed with filter material (such as glass wool) that allows a fluid such as blood to pass through without allowing the support material or the antibodies to pass through. When blood is passed through the vessel, molecules which bind to the antibodies will remain in the column (stuck to the immobilized antibodies) while the remainder of the fluid passes through the leaves the vessel.
When the vessel begins to get saturated with waste molecules (as indicated by the passage of too many waste molecules through the column), the flow through the vessel is stopped, and the conditions inside the vessel are changed (for example, by the addition of salt or acid to a desired concentration). Under the changed conditions, the antibodies release the waste molecules, which are flushed out of the vessel by fluid flow and discarded. This effectively regenerates the antibodies, which can be used many times.
When ascites fluid is removed from an animal, it contains a mixture of `polyclonal` antibodies which bind to different antigenic molecules. If desired, `monoclonal` antibodies can be created which bind to a single antigenic molecule, by a different process. Briefly, this process involves removing numerous lymphocyte cells from the animal. Each different lymphocyte cell secretes a single type of antibody. The lymphocytes are joined or `fused` to cancerous cells, by means of a chemical such as polyethylene glycol which causes cell walls to become soft. Each hybrid cell which survives the fusion process is called a `hybridoma` cell. It will secrete a single type of antibody (because of the antibody generating gene it received from the lymphocyte cell), and it will reproduce itself indefinitely in a flask if nutrients are supplied to it (because of the uncontrolled growth genes it received from the cancer cell). The mixture of hybridoma cells is then tested to select a cell which generates the desired type of antibody. The selected hybridoma cell will generate identical, or `monoclonal` antibodies; see, e.g., Schreier 1980. Monoclonal antibodies can be immobilized on a support, loaded into affinity columns, and used to remove specific molecules from blood or other fluids.
The third category of device which is used to remove undesired molecules from biological fluids involves enzymes. In general, enzymes are proteinous molecules which catalyze chemical reactions; see, e.g., Lehninger 1983 or Stryer 1980. Most enzymes are highly specific; they will catalyze only one reaction, which may involve joining together two molecules, cleaving a certain molecule into two smaller molecules, etc. Some enzymes are less specific; for example, some oxidase enzymes can add oxygen atoms to a wide variety of molecules. Enzymes are present in all living cells. most of the biochemical reactions in the body and the blood are controlled, either directly or indirectly, by enzymes. Molecule(s) that are transformed by enzymes are called `substrate` molecules. Many enzymes are named by adding the suffix `ase` to the name of a substrate or a reaction; for example, lipase enzymes cleave lipids, protease enzymes cleave proteins, and glucose phosphotransferase adds phosphate groups to glucose molecules.
It is possible to treat blood outside of the body by passing it through vessels (often called `extracorporeal` vessels) which contain enzymes that are immobilized yet active. The following example, involving heparin and heparinase, is derived fSrom Langer et al 1982 and U.S. Pat. No. 4,373,023; also see Lavin et al 1985.
Heparin is a substance which is used by doctors in some situations to prevent blood from clotting; for example, it is often used during heart surgery to prevent blood from forming clots in a cardio-pulmonary bypass machine. However, heparin also inhibits the ability of the patient to form normal, healthy blood clots. The presence of heparin in treated blood can have harmeful effects, such as causing hemorrhaging and blood loss, especially is used with injured patients.
Heparinase is an enzyme which catalyzes the inactivation (by cleavage) of heparin molecules. Langer et al developed a device containing immobilized heparinase, as follows. Heparinase molecules were conjugated (i.e., covalently bonded) to a solid `support` in a way that does not prevent their enzymatic activity. The solid support consisted of a permeable material such as small particles or a polymeric gel. The support material with the heparinase was loaded into a vessel and held in place by filter material at the inlet and outlet of the vessel. Blood which contained heparin (to simulate blood which has flowed through a cardio-pulmonary machine) entered the vessel through the entrance filter, and contacted the immobilized heparinase molecules. The heparin molecules inthe blood were cleaved and inactivated by the heparinase. The blood left the vessel through the exit filter, and flowed to a pump.
Antibody columns and immobilized enzyme vessels would suffer from plugging up if not specially handled, due to the blood cells present in the fluid. To avoid this problem, Langer et al developed a method of keeping the support material inside the vessel stirred up and fluidized, to prevent clogging. This method involved continuously removing support material from one area of the vessel, and pumping it to a different area of the vessel.
The science of immobilizing enzymes is fairly well developed; see, e.g., U.S. Pat. No. 4,331,767 (Nakajima et al 1982). By the proper selection of support material, activating or crosslinking agents, and reaction parameters, it is possible to immobilize most types of enzymes in a reaction vessel without destroying their enzymatic activity.
Enzymes and/or bacterial cells have been identified and isolated which can degrade virtually any type of biological molecule.
As used herein, `nutrients` includes all molecules which help to maintain or restore metabolic activity when present at a proper concentration in the blood, or which are otherwise added to the blood of a patient in a therapeutic or research effort. This includes carbohydrates, vitamins, amino acids, nucleotides, blood proteins, substances involved in cyclic biochemical reactions, compounds added to the blood to sustain the proper pH, etc. It also includes pharmaceutical or experimental drugs. It does not include antibodies, or dissolved gases such as oxygen or carbon dioxide.
Nutrients are discussed in numerous texts on biochemistry; for example, Stryer 1980 and Lehninger 1983 are good introductory texts, while Lehninger 1975 is more complex and comprehensive.
A variety of devices and methods are known for adding any desired substance to a fluid in a desired concentration. For example, a substance may be pumped directly into the fluid at a desired rate, it may be allowed to diffuse out of a permeable holding device and diffuse into the fluid, or it may be allowed to pass through a membrane into the fluid. Various devices have been developed which allow sustained release of selected drugs into the blood stream at low concentrations for weeks or months after injection or implantation in an animal; see, e.g., Williams 1969 or Nixon 1976.
In addition, a variety of methods are known for monitoring the concentration of virtually any chemical substance in a fluid (see, e.g., Buck 1982), and for controlling the rate of addition of a substance to a fluid based upon the existing concentration of the substance.
Various types of blood-compatible materials have been developed for catheters, prosthetics, and other medical uses. Such materials include various rigid or flexible plastics, and various metallic alloys. Blood compatible materials for any specific use must satisfy several requirements, which can vary depending upon the particular use. In general, a blood compatible device must not cause clotting of the blood, it must withstand leaching, corrosion, or other degradation by body fluids, and it must have sufficient strength, flexibility, and durability for its intended use. For more information on blood-compatible materials, see, e.g., Gebelein 1983 and Hench et al 1984.
A variety of different types of pumping systems have been developed for different uses. `Peristaltic pumps`, also called `roller pumps`, are used most commonly to pump fluids containing living cells, because they inflict very little stress or damage on cells; see, e.g., Norman 1972. In a peristaltic pump, blood or other fluid is contained inside a flexible tube, and a roller device is used to squeeze the tube in a manner such that the point of constriction moves along the length of the tube. The squeezing action forces fluid through the tube in the desired direction, and the fluid never touches anything except the inside of the tube. As mentioned above, peristaltic pumps cause very little turbulence or shear force in the fluid being pumped, which means that they inflict relatively little damage on blood cells when they are used to pump blood.
If desired, peristaltic and other pumps can be used to create pulsatile flow which resembles the pulsing action of heartbeats; see, e.g., U.S. Pat. No. 3,892,628 (Thorne et al, 1975).
The main arteries that supply blood to the head are the carotid arteries and the vertebral arteries. There is a left common carotid, which branches directly off the aorta, the main artery leading from the heart. There is also a right common carotid, which comes from the aorta via an intermediate artery, called the innominate artery or brachiocephalic trunk. Both of the common carotids divide into internal and external carotids, up inside the neck. The left and right vertebral arteries branch off of subclavian arteries and travel to structures in the spine, where they move up to the base of the brain. They join together at the base of the brain in an artery called the basilar artery. An arterial structure supplied by several arteries at the base of the brain is called the Circle of Willis. If any of the arteries which supply the Circle of Willis are disrupted, the other arteries can supply sufficient blood to the brain.
The major veins that take deoxygenated blood from the head to the heart are the jugular, cervical, and vertebral veins. There are four jugular veins; both the left and the right side have internal and external jugular veins, which join larger veins near the heart. There are also deep cervical and vertebral veins, each of which come from a veinous network at the base of the brain next to the spinal cord, called a cervical plexus. If one of those veins is disrupted, the other vein can continue to drain the plexus.
A significant portion of the tissue in the face and neck is supplied by numerous small blood vessels that pass through the neck, which are not in direct communication with the arteries and veins mentioned above.
The capillaries inside the brain do not have the same type of porosity as the capillaries in the rest of the body. This is because the endothelial cells in the brain capillaries are joined by `tight junctions,` whereas the same cells in other capillaries are separated by `slit-pores.` The result is often referred to as the `blood-brain barrier,` which prevents certain types of molecules from diffusing from the circulating blood into the brain.
For information on vascular surgery and microsurgery see, e.g., Haimovici 1984 and Daniel et al 1977.
The entire cavity which contains the brain and spinal cord of an adult human has a volume of about 1650 ml. About 150 ml is occupied by cerebrospinal fluid. About 800 ml of fluid is formed each day by the ventricles in the brain; excess fluid is absorbed into the venous blood through the arachnoidal villi.
Excess fluid inside the skull is usually referred to as `hydrocephalus.` It is often treated by inserting a semi-permanent `shunt` (i.e., a drainage tube) into one of the ventricles, to drain the excess fluid into the peritoneal cavity, where it is absorbed.
As used herein, `tissue culturing` refers to a process of growing and/or maintaining animal cells in a dish, flask, or other container outside of the body. Tissue culture using human cells can be done to study the cells, or to generate proteins or other products from the cells.
There are several important factors that affect tissue culture, including the following. First, animal cells are generally divided into two categories of cells. One category, known as `suspension cells`, includes cells which can reproduce while floating freely in liquid, unattached to any other cells or any solid surface. The most common example of suspension cells are white blood cells (since red blood cells do not contain chromosomes, they do not reproduce in culture). The second category is known as `anchorage dependent cells`. This reflects the fact that most cells which make up cohesive tissue such as muscle, skin, or organs will not reproduce unless they can attach to other cells or certain types of artificial surfaces. Most cells taken from skin, liver, pancreas, or other tissue are anchorage dependent cells. Anchorage dependent cells can be cultured on the insides of tiny hollow tubes (see, e.g., U.S. Pat. No. 4,201,845, Feder et al, 1980) or on the surfaces of tiny particles which are floating in a liquid (see, e.g., U.S. Pat. No. 4,293,654, Levine et al, 1981).
The second major factor which affects tissue culture relates to the number of generations of cells which will reproduce outside the body. Usually, only a limited number of generations will grow from cells taken from non-tumorous tissue. The number of generations can vary, depending on cell type and other factors, but it is not uncommon for cells to stop reproducing after about twenty generations, regardless of what types of nutrients are supplied to them. Such cells are often referred to as a `strain` of cells. By contrast, cells taken from cancerous tissue will usually reproduce indefinitely if supplied with suitable nutrients. Such cells are often referred to as `immortal` cells, or as a cell `line`.
Most types of non-cancerous cell strains can be converted into immortal lines by one of two processes. One process, which is usually called `transformation` of the cells, involves the use of an organic virus such as the `Epstein-Barr` virus. The other process involves fusing the cells with a cancerous cell line. Although either process will alter the genetic makeup of the cell, it is possible to select cells which have retained the desired characteristics (such as the continued expression of enzymes normally found in that type of tissue).
U. S. Pats. Nos. 4,060,081 (Yannas et al, 1977) and 4,280,954 (Yannas et al, 1981), describe the use of lattices derived from collagen, the protein which holds cells together in human tissue. Such lattices were developed to provide a suitable synthetic covering for burn wounds. Cells from the periphery of the burn wound, or cells that were implanted in the lattice (see U.S. Pat. No. 4,458,678, Yannas et al 1984) will grow in the pores in the lattice, creating new skin. Cells taken from other types of tissue, such as liver tissue, can also grow in such a lattice.
Another branch of technology which is related to tissue culture involves immobilized cells or tissue which are not actively reproducing, but which are enzymatically active. For example, Nose et al 1977 describes an artificial liver created by placing slices of liver in a perfusion chamber, and U.S. Pat. No. 4,353,888 (Sefton 1982) describes a method of encapsulating mammalian cells.
Intact organs can be preserved and studied using a specialized type of tissue culture, called technique of `perfusion`. The greatest milestone in the history of perfusion research occured in 1938, with the publication of The Culture of Organs by Charles Lindbergh (the aviator) and Alexis Carrel.
One type of perfusion involves killing a laboratory animal, removing the organ(s) of interest, and maintaining the intact organs in a state which allows all or part of their metabolic activity to continue for a period of several hours or more. Such organs are usually submerged in a solution of buffered salt water, and blood or a blood fraction may be circulated through them if desired. By isolating an organ, scientists make it accessible for more direct observation, and they eliminate the variables caused by other organs in an intact animal. Another type of perfusion involves the preservation of organs (such as kidneys) from people who have been killed in accidents until they can be transplanted into other people.
Perfusion technology (in general, and on several specific organs) is described in Norman et al 1968, Berger 1979, and in various patents classified in U.S. class 435, subclass 283.
Research on perfused monkey brains is described in White et al 1968. As mentioned therein, there was a substantial drop in electroencephalic activity within three hours after the brain was removed from the skull, if no effort was made to remove metabolites from the circulating blood or add fresh blood fractions to the blood. If the blood which circulated through the brain was also circulated through the body of a second monkey, the period of `viability` could be extended to more than 24 hours; see White et al 1967.
White et al 1968A described work which involved isolating the brain of a donor monkey and placing that brain in the skull of a recipient monkey in order to assess how long the brain would survive. There was no attempt to connect the brain to the sensory organs or spinal cord of the recipient monkey, or to regain normal functioning of the brain. The transplanted brains remained `viable` for more than 3 days.
White 1971A describes two distinct surgical projects. In the first, a section of the neck of a rhesus monkey was removed. This operation completely severed the spinal cord and all nerves and tissue except for the carotid arteries and jugular veins, which served as the only remaining links between the head and the body. After that operation, each of the six monkeys operated on awakened and remained conscious during the period of study (eight hours). At the end of the study period, each monkey was painlessly killed for further analysis. In the second project, three primate heads (referred to as `cephalons`) were completely severed from thier bodies and transplanted onto the bodies of other monkeys, which remained intact. All of the transplanted heads regained consciousness for the study period (24 hours).
White 1971B describes a somewhat different procedure. Four rhesus monkeys were `cervically transected` to remove their intact heads from their bodies. Each head was transplanted onto the body of a different monkey, which had been decapitated. All four transplanted heads regained consciousness, which lasted up to 36 hours. Hemorrhaging problems were encountered, attributed to chronic heparinization.
In general, a person or animal can survive total loss of spinal cord functioning, so long as the injury occurs below the intresection where the nerves that control respiration join the spinal cord.
If a nerve bundle in the spinal cord is `divided` (severed by cutting, as is often done during neurosurgery to relieve severe chronic pain), the portion of the nerve bundle which remains connected to the brain does not carry any impulses to the brain. This leads to a feeling of numbness in the part of the body which was previously serviced by that nerve bundle.
It is possible to permanently inactivate nerve cells in the spinal cord by injecting them with certain substances (such as ethyl alcohol), or to temporarily alleviate pain by means of analgesic drugs such as morphine.
For information on spinal cord functioning, injuries, and research, on phantom pain, and on neurosurgery, see, e.g., Youmans 1982 and Wilkins 1985.
This invention relates to a device, referred to herein as a `cabinet,` which will provide physical and biochemical support for an animal's head which has been `discorporated` or `discorped` (i.e., severed from its body). This device can be used to supply a discorped head with oxygenated blood and nutrients, by means of tubes connected to arteries which pass through the neck. After circulating through the head, the deoxygenated blood returns to the cabinet by means of cannulae which are connected to veins that emerge from the neck. A series of processing components will remove carbon dioxide and replenish the oxygen level in the blood, and return the replenished blood to the discorped head via cannulae attached to arteries. If desired, waste products and other metabolites may be removed from the blood, and nutrients, therapeutic drugs, experimental drugs, and other substances may be added to the blood.
The cabinet will provide physical support for the head, by means of a collar around the neck, pins or other devices attached to one or more vertebrae, or similar mechanical means. If desired, the spine may be left attached to the discorped head.
The support provided to the discorped head will prolong various natural metabolic activities in the head after it has been severed from the body. This will allow various types of analyses to be performed on the head (including pharmaceutical, toxicological, hormonal, and neurological analysis) without being affected by various metabolites generated by digestive and other internal organs when such analyses are performed on intact animals.
The severed head preferably should retain all of the sensory organs, and the vocal cords if desired. Depending on the surgical procedures used to sever the head from the body and the type of blood processing and drugs used during and after the operation, the discorped head might experience a period of consciousness after it has been severed from the body.
FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional depiction of the neck showing the major arteries and veins passing through the neck.
FIG. 2 depicts an arrangement for transferring blood flow from the heart to the device of this invention.
FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram depicting various pumping and treatment steps used in this invention.
This invention relates to a device for maintaining metabolic activity in a mammalian head which has been severed from its body. The components of this device comprise a unit referred to herein as a cabinet. The cabinet includes various types of blood processing and monitoring equipment, and it may be attached to an external control panel or other accessory devices if desired.
The head of a laboratory animal such as a chimpanzee or rhesus monkey may be severed from the body and coupled to the cabinet described herein, using means known to experimental surgeons. After this invention has been thoroughly tested on lab animals, it might also be possible to use this invention on terminally ill persons, subject to various government approvals and other legal requirements.
The major arteries and veins that pass through the neck of a primate are shown in FIG. 1. That figure also shows, for orientation, thyroid gland 2, trachea 4, esophagus 6, vertebral body 8, spinal cord 10, and spinous process 12. The four major arteries are the left common carotid, the left vertebral, the right common carotid, and the right vertebral. There are also eight major veins; each side has internal jugular, vertebral, external jugular, and deep cervical veins.
Each blood vessel may be severed and attached to a cannula (a specialized tube used in surgery). The specific location of each cut may be varied along the length of the blood vessel. The attachment may be made by ordinary techniques; for example, a cannula may be inserted into the end of a severed artery and the artery may be sutured directly to the cannula, or it may be sutured in a manner which constricts the artery around an enlarged ring near the end of the cannula. Alternatively, the vessels may be attached by means of temporary or semi-permanent coupling devices which do not require suturing.
When an operation has been completed, the arterial cannulae will carry oxygenated blood from the cabinet to the arteries, which will carry the blood into the head. Each severed vein will be attached to a veinous cannula which will carry deoxygenated blood from the head to the cabinet. Each cannula may be attached to the cabinet either directly or by means of an intermediate device such as a flow control manifold. At the completion of an operation. If desired, valve or choke devices may be provided in any cannula to ensure that the blood pressure in each vessel remains at a suitable level.
One method of transferring the blood vessels to the cabinet is shown in FIG. 2. In this figure, the internal jugular vein is clamped at two locations and severed between the clamps. The encephalic end 20 (i.e., the end which is attached to the head) is coupled to cannula 22, and the thoracic end 24 (the end which remains attached to the body) is coupled to cannula 26. Cannulae 22 and 26 are attached to T-valve or Y-valve 28, as is cannula 30 which leads to the blood processing equipment of this invention. In other words, T-valve 28 and two of its cannulae are inserted into the internal jugular vein. Similarly, T-valve 40 is inserted into the common carotid artery 42. When the valves are initially inserted, they allow blood to continue flowing through the vein or the artery. After both valves have been inserted, they are operated to redirect the blood to the processing equipment. At the same time, valve 44 is opened; it serves as a shunt which allows the heart to continue pumping normal volumes of blood, providing the remainder of the head with a continuous supply while the remaining vessels are being transferred to cannulae. This also provides approximately steady-state blood flow through the processing equipment. This procedure can be used as soon as valves have been inserted into one common carotid and one internal jugular, or after all four such valves have been inserted. If desired, the blood of the animal may be cooled during the operation to reduce oxygen consumption in the brain, as is commonly done during open heart surgery.
In addition to the major veins and arteries shown in FIG. 1, a number of smaller blood vessels carry blood to and from the face and neck. Any such blood vessel may be severed and attached to a cannula or to a manifold which leads to or from the cabinet. Capillaries and other very small vessels may be cauterized.
When deoxygenated blood enters the cabinet through the veinous cannulae, it passes through various pumps and treatment chambers as described below and indicated in FIG. 3. Each fluid-handling component is connected to fluid conduits in a manner such that when a severed head is couple to the device by means of the veinous and arterial cannula, the entire system is capable of circulating blood through each component and through the head.
It is anticipated that any waste products which are to be removed from the blood preferably should be removed before any nutrients are added; however, the exact sequence of treatment and pumping steps is not critical, and may be varied and optimized using routine experimentation.
The cabinet may be equipped with pumps at various locations, such as pumps 52 and 54 shown in FIG. 3. Such pumping should be performed by devices of a selected type which causes relatively low levels of damage to blood cells and other blood components, such as peristaltic (roller) pumps or multiple finger pumps. Proper sizing of a pump is a matter of routine calculation or experimentation. If desired, the pumps may be used to supply pulsatile flow which emulates the surges created by heartbeats. Exact location of the pumps is variable, so long as sufficient pressure is provided to cause the blood to flow through all treatment devices and through the head at satisfactory flow rates.
If desired, the cabinet may be equipped with one or more optional preliminary treatment chambers, such as chamber 56 shown in FIG. 3. In such chambers, the blood may be treated in various ways. For example, heparin may be added to the blood to prevent clotting; the blood may be heated or cooled in order to raise or lower the solubility of desired or undesired components; buffering compounds may be added to prevent wide swings in acidity or other processes which might damage cells or sensitive molecules; and the blood may be pumped to a desired pressure to cause it to flow through the subsequent components.
In oxygenation chamber 58, the blood is contacted with a gas that contains molecular oxygen, such as purified oxygen or air. If desired, the gas may be filtered or otherwise treated to reduce the risk that it will contain viruses or bacteria. This chamber can incorporate any of the components (including heat exchangers, anti-foaming devices, sensors, etc.) that are used by existing cardiopulmonary bypass machines. Preferably, the oxygenation chamber should use a membrane device, rather than a bubble or disk device, to minimize exposure of the blood to free gas interfaces.
Since the head does not contain any digestive or other internal organs, it generates waste products at a relatively low level compared to an intact animal body. This is highly advantageous with respect to the present invention. If desired, certain types of neurological, pharmaceutical, or other metabolic activity in a discorped head may be studied for a substantial peiod of time without suffering from high levels of interference by undesired metabolites. However, for long term study of the head, it is possible to reduce the level of any specific waste product or other metabolite in the blood by means of adding fresh blood to the system, or by treating the circulating blood to remove metabolites from it.
Waste products generated by metabolism inside the head (or added to the blood during processing) can be removed in one or more waste removal chambers, such as chamber 60 shown in FIG. 3. Depending on the type of molecule(s) being removed, such chambers can use any suitable selected mechanism. For example, urea and certain other nitrogenous compounds can be removed by membrane filtration, using devices comparable to hemodialysis meachines. Specific proteins and other large molecules can be removed by affinity binding, using devices such as stirred vessels containing monoclonal antibodies bound to small particles. Certain types of ionic substances may be removed by ion exchange devices. Certain molecules can be degraded by immobilized enzymes that are constrained within various types of vessels. It is possible to immobilize any desired number of different enzymes independently on compatible supports, and then combine the immobilized enzymes in a single vessel. Alternatively, if two enzymes do not function satisfactorily in the same vessel, it is possible to place them in separate vessels. For the purposes of this invention, a substance is regarded as removed from the blood if it is converted into a different substance; for example, heparin is removed from the blood when it is cleaved into two or more molecules which do not function as anti-coagulants, regardless of whether those smaller molecules remain within the blood.
If desired, the circulating blood may be separated into fractions (e.g., plasma) by means such as centrifugation, or into portions by means of a T-valve or Y-valve. If desired, a selected fraction or portion of the blood may be treated by any of the methods described herein and circulated through the cabinet and/or the head, without treating the remainder of the blood in a comparable manner. For example, all of the blood can be sent through the oxygenation chamber, while only a fraction or portion of the blood might be sent to a device such as affinity column 62 by using a parallel flow system.
The circulating blood may be processed in one or more optional tissue culture chambers which contain viable cells. For example, liver cells contain a complex mixture of enzymes which conjugate undesired molecules to electronegative molecules such as oxygen or glutathione. Such conjugation reactions usually increase the solubility of the undesired molecule in water, and allow the undesired compounds to be removed by other organs, primarily the kidneys. To simulate this natural process, a reaction vessel containing viable liver cells (either growing in culture, or obtained from cadavers) can be placed upstream of a hemodialysis device. Alternately, a mixture of liver enzymes can be immobilized inside a reaction vessel which is placed upstream of a hemodialysis device.
The blood (or a fraction or portion thereof) may be circulated through the body of a second lab animal (or possibly a brain-dead human). This can be accomplished by injecting the blood into a vein of the animal and collecting it from an artery. The intact body will process the blood through its liver and kidneys, and will remove various metabolites and add various nutrients and other molecules.
If heparin is added to the blood to prevent coagulation inside the processing equipment, it preferably should be removed from the blood before the blood is returned to the head if long-term support of the head is desired; otherwise, heparin tends to induce bleeding. Heparin removal chamber 64 can be similar to the device described in Langer 1982.
Any arterial or veinous cannula may pass through a manifold, an adjustable constriction, or a comparable flow control system to ensure that the rate of blood flowing through that cannula and through the connected blood vessel remains at approximately physiological levels. However, the varying internal diameters of the blood vessels will tend to serve that function even in the absence of a mechanical flow control system.
The equipment should be primed (filled with a suitable fluid, such as blood, plasma, or Ringer's lactate) before any connections are made between the head and the cabinet. During the surgical operation, it is possible to transfer arteries and veins which carry comparable amounts of blood to their cannulae in a balanced manner. This will allow the intake and output of blood from the cabinet to remain approximately balanced during the operation.
If desired, the circulating blood may be diluted, supplemented, or replaced by various substances. Suitable substances might include blood plasma or serum, Ringer's lactate, dextran, and blood substitutes such as certain types of fluorinated hydrocarbons.
The cabinet may be equipped with various devices to monitor certain chemical concentrations in the blood at any desired step during the processing of the blood. Devices and methods which measure the concentration of virtually and substance that is of interest are known to those skilled in the art of blood chemistry. Certain types of monitors (such as thermometers, pressure gauges, and electrodes) function continuously while remaining in contact with the blood. Such monitors do not add any undesired chemicals to the blood, and they may be positioned at any desired location in the cabinet. However, some types of chemical or biological analyses require samples of blood to be removed from the system and treated with chemicals which should not be circulated through the head. To allow for such chemical and biological analyses, sampling ports may be provided at any desired location to allow quantities of blood to be removed from the cabinet and analyzed.
Various control devices may be used to add any desired nutrient or other substance to the blood, to keep the affected blood values within desired (normally physiological) limits, or to conduct any particular type of experimentation. Any substance which is soluble in blood can be added by means of various pumping or diffusion devices.
If desired, the monitoring and control devices may be coupled to each other to provide for automated control of one or more blood parameters. For example, a pH monitor which generates an electronic signal may be placed in contact with the blood. This signal may be directed to a visual display, and to an electronic circuit which allows the signal to control the output of an acidity control device. If the signal indicates that the acidity of the blood is approaching an undesirably high level, the control device can activate a pump which will add an alkaline or buffering substance to the blood. It is possible to operate numerous automated control systems simultaneously, each of which can be directed toward controlling one or more parameters.
The cabinet is equipped with means for mounting the head in a position such that the veins and arteries which emerge from the head can be connected to the veinous and arterial cannulae. This can be accomplished by means such as inserting one or more surgical pins into the vertebrae in the neck, or by immobilizing the neck with an inflatable or padded collar. Preferably, the collar should be securely fitted around the neck to reduce the chance of infection at the exposed subcutaneous area at the base of the neck. If desired, the cabinet may be equipped to allow the head to be inclined in any direction, for ease of access during surgery.
If desired, the exposed subcutaneous area at the base of the neck may be covered with a flap of skin which remains attached to the neck during the operation, or by a synthetic membrane which controls moisture flux and reduces the chance of infection. For example, a bilayer membrane comprising a collagen-glycosaminoglycan lattice and a layer of silicone rubber, as described in U.S. Pat. No. 4,060,081 (Yannas et al, 1977) may be seeded with skin cells taken from the same patient, as described in U.S. Pat. No. 4,418,691 (Yannas et al, 1981). It may be cut to fit the exposed base of the neck with holes allowing the arteries and veins to pass through it, and sutured onto the exposed base of the neck near the end of the operation. The skin cells seeded into the membrane will grow to confluence, creating a new layer of skin, and the silicone layer will spontaneously detach from the new layer of skin.
The nerve signals from the body to the head may be terminated or reduced by severing the nerve bundles in the spinal cord, by injecting the nerves in the spinal cord or elsewhere with a nerve-killing substance such as ethyl alcohol, or by the use of analgesic (pain-reducing) drugs. If desired, the spine may remain attached to the head during the discorp operation, and enclosed in a sheath device which may contain circulating blood or a dielectric fluid.
If desired, the surgical cuts may be made in such a manner that the larynx (which contains the vocal cords) remains attached to the head. The severed end of the trachea (wind pipe) may be sutured to a tube carrying slightly compressed, humidified air, so that the primate or human head may use its vocal cords if it is conscious. The compressor may be controlled by a switch mounted below the chin of the head, so that the animal or human may turn the compressor on or off by opening its mouth.
In addition, the head may be severed from the body in such a manner that various organs contained in the neck or upper chest may remain attached to the head. Such organs include the thymus gland (which is involved in generating antibodies to help fight infections), the thyroid gland (which is involved in iodine metabolism and metabolic rate regulation), and the parathyroid gland (which is involved in regulating blood calcium concentration). In addition, the vocal cords may remain attached to the trachea, and a compressor may be provided which can pump humidified air into the severed lower end of the trachea, allowing the vocal cords to be operated. If desired, the compressor may be activated by a switch mounted beneath the jaw of the head, and the cabinet may be equipped with means for humidifying the air before or after it is compressed.
A shunt may be placed in one of the ventricles in the brain to drain excess cerebrospinal fluid.
The device of this invention can be manufactured and sold, and it may be used for various purposes such as analysis of drugs which are metabolized by the liver into undesiried compounds or which cannot cross the blood-brain barrier.
Those skilled in the art will recognize, or may ascertain using routine experimentation, numerous equivalents to the specific embodiments described herein. Such equivalents are within the scope of the claims.
|Cited Patent
|Filing date
|Publication date
|Apr 15, 1977
|Sep 26, 1978
|Avco Corporation
|Extracorporeal pulsatile blood pump comprised of side by side bladders
|Sep 12, 1978
|Mar 11, 1980
|Boddie Arthur W
|Hepatic isolation and perfusion circuit assembly
|Feb 1, 1983
|Sep 10, 1985
|Ken Litzie
|Emergency bypass system
|Jun 26, 1984
|Apr 22, 1986
|Mortensen J D
|Apparatus and method for in vivo extrapulmonary blood gas exchange
|Heads, by David Osborn (1985), pp. 108 110 and 146 147.
|Heads, by David Osborn (1985), pp. 108-110 and 146-147.
|Robt. J. White, "Brain," pp. 655-674 in Organ Preservation for Transplantation, 2nd ed., Karon & Pegg, 1981.
|Robt. J. White, Brain, pp. 655 674 in Organ Preservation for Transplantation, 2nd ed., Karon & Pegg, 1981.
|The Tomorrow File, by Lawrence Sanders (1975), pp. 430 432 and 459 466.
|The Tomorrow File, by Lawrence Sanders (1975), pp. 430-432 and 459-466.
|Citing Patent
|Filing date
|Publication date
|Apr 30, 1987
|Sep 5, 1989
|Massachusetts Institute Of Technology
|Extracorporeal reactors containing immobilized species
|Nov 20, 1989
|Feb 12, 1991
|Angelchik Jean P
|Method and apparatus for removing ascitic fluid from abdominal cavity
|Oct 7, 1987
|Sep 24, 1991
|The Regents Of The University Of California
|Apparatus and method of preserving the viability of animal organs
|Feb 10, 1989
|May 5, 1992
|The Research Foundation Of State University Of New York
|Method for hypothermic organ protection during organ retrieval
|Aug 31, 1990
|Jul 5, 1994
|Research Foundation Of State University Of New York
|Homeostatic organ preservation system
|Sep 21, 1992
|Aug 16, 1994
|Bio-Preserve Medical Corporation
|Organ perfusion device
|Mar 7, 1994
|Aug 22, 1995
|Cortex Pharmaceuticals
|Method of treatment of neurodegeneration with calpain inhibitors
|Jul 29, 1994
|Feb 27, 1996
|Bio-Preserve Medical Corporation
|Organ perfusion device
|Sep 23, 1993
|Jul 6, 1999
|University Of New Mexico
|Treatment of aberrant cellular states with biomodulators
|Jan 24, 1997
|Sep 28, 1999
|Heartport, Inc.
|Methods and devices for maintaining cardiopulmonary bypass and arresting a patient's heart
|Aug 28, 1997
|Nov 23, 1999
|Chiron Corporation
|ADME analysis of mixtures
|Sep 23, 1999
|Sep 3, 2002
|Heartport, Inc.
|Methods and devices for maintaining cardiopulmonary bypass and arresting a patient's heart
|Jan 14, 2000
|Apr 29, 2003
|Coaxia, Inc.
|Intravascular methods and apparatus for isolation and selective cooling of the cerebral vasculature during surgical procedures
|Aug 25, 2000
|Jan 6, 2004
|Organ Recovery Systems
|Apparatus and method for maintaining and/or restoring viability of organs
|Dec 30, 1998
|Mar 2, 2004
|Heartport, Inc.
|Methods and apparatus for perfusion of isolated tissue structure
|Jul 11, 2001
|May 18, 2004
|Denise R. Barbut
|Method and system for selective or isolated integrate cerebral perfusion and cooling
|Jan 9, 2003
|Sep 14, 2004
|Board Of Trustees Of The University Of Arkansas
|Method and apparatus for surgical training
|Jul 11, 2002
|Dec 13, 2005
|Heartport, Inc.
|Methods and devices for maintaining cardiopulmonary bypass and arresting a patient's heart
|Apr 12, 2000
|Aug 12, 2008
|Isis Innovation Limited
|Methods and means for extracorporeal organ perfusion
|Jan 26, 2010
|Transmedics, Inc.
|Method of timing pulsatile flow of normothermic perfusate to the heart
|Apr 2, 2004
|Mar 16, 2010
|Organ Recovery Systems, Inc.
|Method and apparatus for controlling air pressure in an organ or tissue container
|Apr 2, 2004
|Apr 6, 2010
|Lifeline Scientific, Inc.
|Method and apparatus for transferring heat to or from an organ or tissue container
|Feb 2, 2004
|Jul 6, 2010
|Lifeline Scientific, Inc.
|Method of determining that an organ is not suitable for transplantation and using it for testing substances
|Jul 11, 2003
|Nov 2, 2010
|Lifeline Scientific, Inc.
|Apparatus and method for maintaining and/or restoring viability of organs
|Mar 6, 2008
|May 17, 2011
|Freeview Ventures Llc
|Apparatus and method for the treatment of blood
|Apr 2, 2004
|Aug 16, 2011
|Organ Recovery Systems
|Method and apparatus for holding a plurality of tubes connectible to an organ or tissue container
|Feb 16, 2010
|Jan 17, 2012
|Organ Recovery Systems
|Method and apparatus for transferring heat to or from an organ or tissue container
|Apr 2, 2004
|Mar 6, 2012
|Organ Recovery Systems, Inc.
|Device for separating gas from a liquid path
|Oct 25, 2005
|Sep 18, 2012
|Lifeline Scientific, Inc.
|Method of transporting and storing a kidney
|Aug 10, 2011
|Sep 18, 2012
|Lifeline Scientific, Inc.
|Apparatus and method for maintaining and/or restoring viability of organs
|Apr 25, 2007
|Nov 6, 2012
|Transmedics, Inc.
|Method for ex-vivo organ care and for using lactate as an indication of donor organ status
|Jul 23, 2010
|Nov 13, 2012
|Neurosave, Inc.
|Rapid cooling of body and/or brain by irrigating with a cooling liquid
|Oct 22, 2010
|Nov 27, 2012
|Lifeline Scientific, Inc.
|Method of determining transport and/or storage parameters for maintaining viability of an organ
|Mar 29, 2011
|Dec 4, 2012
|Lifeline Scientific, Inc.
|Apparatus and method for maintaining and/or restoring viability of organs
|Nov 5, 2010
|Jan 8, 2013
|Lifeline Scientific, Inc.
|Method for controlling perfusion of an organ
|Dec 31, 2009
|Mar 5, 2013
|Organ Recovery Systems, Inc.
|Method and apparatus for controlling air pressure in an organ or tissue container
|Feb 17, 2005
|Apr 2, 2013
|The United States Of America As Represented By The Department Of Veteran Affairs
|Compositions, methods and devices for maintaining an organ
|Apr 8, 2008
|Apr 16, 2013
|Transmedics, Inc.
|Systems and methods for ex vivo lung care
|Nov 5, 2010
|Apr 16, 2013
|Lifeline Scientific, Inc.
|Apparatus and method for maintaining and/or restoring viability of organs
|Jan 21, 2011
|Apr 30, 2013
|Lifeline Scientific, Inc.
|Apparatus and method for maintaining and/or restoring viability of organs
|Aug 10, 2011
|May 21, 2013
|Lifeline Scientific, Inc.
|Apparatus and method for maintaining and/or restoring viability of organs
|Oct 7, 2005
|Jun 18, 2013
|Transmedics, Inc.
|Systems and methods for ex-vivo organ care
|Apr 19, 2007
|Sep 17, 2013
|Transmedics, Inc.
|Systems and methods for ex vivo organ care
|Oct 7, 2005
|Nov 19, 2013
|Transmedics, Inc.
|Systems and methods for ex-vivo organ care
|May 12, 2010
|Dec 17, 2013
|Lifeline Scientific, Inc.
|Apparatus and method for maintaining and/or restoring viability of organs
|May 14, 2004
|Jun 3, 2014
|Organ Recovery Systems, Inc.
|Apparatus and method for perfusion and determining the viability of an organ
|May 18, 2007
|Jul 1, 2014
|Lifeline Scientific, Inc.
|Ex vivo methods for validating substance testing with human organs and/or tissues
|May 18, 2007
|Jul 8, 2014
|Lifeline Scientific, Inc.
|Ex vivo methods for testing toxicity of substances using donated human organs or tissues
|Sep 28, 2010
|Sep 2, 2014
|Transmedics, Inc.
|Systems and methods for ex vivo organ care
|Aug 10, 2011
|Feb 24, 2015
|Lifeline Scientific, Inc.
|Apparatus and method for maintaining and/or restoring viability of organs
|Oct 7, 2005
|Jun 16, 2015
|Transmedics, Inc.
|Systems and methods for ex-vivo organ care
|Oct 7, 2005
|Jul 14, 2015
|Transmedics, Inc.
|Systems, methods, compositions and solutions for perfusing an organ
|Jul 11, 2002
|Nov 28, 2002
|Roberts Craig P.
|Methods and devices for maintaining cardiopulmonary bypass and arresting a patient's heart
|Dec 23, 2003
|Jul 15, 2004
|Barbut Denise R.
|Method and system for selective or isolated integrate cerebral perfusion and cooling
|Apr 2, 2004
|Nov 11, 2004
|Organ Recovery Systems, Inc.
|Device for separating gas from a liquid path
|Feb 2, 2004
|Nov 11, 2004
|John Brassil
|Apparatus and method for determining effects of a substance of an organ
|Apr 2, 2004
|Nov 11, 2004
|Organ Recovery Systems
|Method and apparatus for transferring heat to or from an organ or tissue container
|Apr 2, 2004
|Nov 25, 2004
|Organ Recovery Systems
|Method and apparatus for holding a plurality of tubes connectible to an organ or tissue container
|Feb 17, 2005
|Jul 7, 2005
|Waleed Hassanein
|Compositions, method and devices for maintaining an organ
|May 14, 2004
|Nov 17, 2005
|Organ Recovery Systems
|Apparatus and method for perfusion and determining the viability of an organ
|Feb 5, 2003
|Mar 9, 2006
|Mats Allers
|Cerebral temperature control
|Oct 25, 2005
|Mar 23, 2006
|Organ Recovery Systems, Inc.
|Apparatus and method for maintaining and/or restoring viability of organs
|Oct 7, 2005
|Jul 6, 2006
|Transmedics, Inc.
|Systems and methods for ex-vivo organ care
|Oct 7, 2005
|Jul 13, 2006
|Transmedics, Inc.
|Systems and methods for ex-vivo organ care
|Oct 7, 2005
|Jul 13, 2006
|Transmedics, Inc.
|Systems and methods for ex-vivo organ care
|Oct 7, 2005
|Jul 13, 2006
|Transmedics, Inc.
|Systems and methods for ex-vivo organ care
|Oct 7, 2005
|Jul 20, 2006
|Transmedics, Inc.
|Systems and methods for ex-vivo organ care
|Oct 7, 2005
|Dec 28, 2006
|Transmedics, Inc.
|Systems, methods, compositions and solutions for perfusing an organ
|Oct 7, 2005
|Aug 16, 2007
|Transmedics, Inc.
|Systems and methods for ex-vivo organ care
|Apr 25, 2007
|Nov 29, 2007
|Waleed Hassanein
|Systems and methods for ex-vivo organ care and for using lactate as an indication of donor organ status
|Apr 19, 2007
|Jan 24, 2008
|Transmedics, Inc
|Systems and methods for ex vivo organ care
|May 18, 2007
|Nov 20, 2008
|Lifeline Scientific, Inc.
|Ex vivo methods for validating substance testing with human organs and/or tissues
|May 18, 2007
|Nov 20, 2008
|Lifeline Scientific, Inc.
|Ex vivo methods for testing organ system disruption
|Dec 31, 2009
|May 6, 2010
|Organ Recovery Systems, Inc.
|Method and apparatus for controlling air pressure in an organ or tissue container
|Feb 16, 2010
|Jun 17, 2010
|Lifeline Scientific, Inc.
|Method and apparatus for transferring heat to or from an organ or tissue container
|Mar 27, 1996
|Oct 3, 1996
|American Nat Red Cross
|Organ evaluation and resuscitation device and method
|Aug 28, 1997
|Mar 5, 1998
|Chiron Corp
|Method for analysing absorption, distribution, metabolism, excretion (adme) and pharmacokinetics properties of compound mixtures
|Feb 26, 1999
|Feb 24, 2000
|Barbut Denise R
|Intravascular methods and apparatus for isolation and selective cooling of the cerebral vasculature during surgical procedures
|U.S. Classification
|604/6.07, 435/284.1, 128/897, 435/1.2
|International Classification
|Cooperative Classification
|European Classification
|Feb 24, 1987
Owner name: DIS CORPORATION, THE, A MISSOURI CORP.,MISSOURI
Free format text: ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNORS INTEREST;ASSIGNOR:FLEMING, CHET;REEL/FRAME:004668/0098
Effective date: 19870212
|Jul 7, 1987
|Commissioner ordered reexamination
Free format text: 870601
|Nov 2, 1990
|Fee payment
Year of fee payment: 4
|Feb 25, 1992
|Reexamination certificate first reexamination
|Dec 27, 1994
|Maintenance fee reminder mailed
|May 21, 1995
|Lapse for failure to pay maintenance fees
|Aug 1, 1995
|Expired due to failure to pay maintenance fee
Effective date: 19950524


text:
This might be the last go-round for Tami Roman on "Basketball Wives," who sounds like she's ready to jump ship from the popular franchise.
Tami's ready to retire her jersey on "BBW." When one fan asked whether or not she plans on coming back for another season if VH1 orders another season of "Basketball Wives," she said "No."
Tami's been very vocal about this season of "Basketball Wives" as she posts a video blog about each episode. Up until now, she's been explaining some of her more explosive and controversial actions. In her most recent blog, Tami had to fill fans in on her comments about Tasha's weave bar, and she swears that she didn't mean to disparage her cast mate's business venture.
"I really and truly was trying to help [Tasha Marbury]. I was not trying to be catty; I was really coming from a loving place," Tami said. "I really was proud of her for wanting to do something like this. Within that, though, I just still stand behind that you need to know what you're investing in and really be hands on and really be involved–and that just wasn't her moment."
Tasha's preference to be a silent partner isn't exactly the way Tami likes to conduct business, but she understands that Celebrity Sew-Ins was doing quite well. Keeping that in mind, she would be open to doing business with the "BBW" newbie.
"I consider Tasha to be the money person," Tami explained before jokingly making a business pitch to Tasha. "Now listen here, Ms. Tasha: I'm trying to open up this other thing that I've been thinking about. Since you're giving away money, let's talk."
And Tami told viewers that her comment about popping Shaunie was nothing more than a whole lot of mouth. From what Tami said, she'd never actually lay hands on Shaunie because she knows enough to not bite the hand that feeds her.
"That's like you going to your job and smacking the sh*t out of your boss. You won't have a job. You know, so, I had to keep my hands to myself when it comes to Miss Shaunie," Tami stated, explaining the root of her self-control in this particular situation. "I never really wanted to pop Shaunie; I never felt like any of our issues were that serious."
You might also like:
Tami Roman loses her mother
Tami Roman joining 'Tiny Tonight'
Tami Roman is 'sick' of 'Basketball Wives'
Shaunie O'Neal upset with Tasha Marbury
Tami Roman and Meeka Claxton make peace


text:
ALBUQUERQUE >> An Albuquerque attorney has entered the race to replace Attorney General Gary King.
Jim Baiamonte Wednesday announced his intentions, becoming the first Republican candidate for the seat also being sought by Democratic State Auditor Hector Balderas.
King is running for the Democratic nomination to challenge Gov. Susana Martinez.
Baiamonte says he is a lifelong New Mexico resident and army veteran who practices criminal, family and civil law.
He says he running because the state has suffered "under too many Attorney Generals who have developed a 'do-nothing' approach." He says New Mexico needs genuine leadership and a commitment to doing the job correctly.


text:
Your ultimate guide to Chicago
Discover Chicago's best things to do, events, restaurants, theater and nightlife
The 100 best dishes and drinks in Chicago
Discover our 100 best dishes and drinks of the year, and use our checklist to see what you still have left to try
41 exciting openings in Chicago in December
Chicago's got a long list of December events that don't care whether you've been naughty or nice
Holiday gift guide 2015
We've got ideas for everyone you're shopping for this year
Things to do in ChicagoFind more things to do in Chicago
Latest on the blog
Home hack: brighten up your room with a succulent
"First, you need to add rocks to your pot for drainage, then add some succulent soil, which is drier than regular potting soil and allows the water to...
6 awesome cooking classes in Chicago to channel your inner chef
It's no secret that Chicago has an amazing food scene. Every neighborhood in the city is chock-full of amazing restaurants and bars. But while it's great to...
11 art gallery exhibitions to check out in December
This month, let the holidays and art bring you joy. Here are 11 art shows where you can get cultured, buy some gifts or do both. Lights in the...
Neil deGrasse Tyson coming to the Chicago Theatre in May
Buckle up Chicago science nerds, because the most famous astrophysicist in the country is coming to the Chicago Theatre next spring. Neil deGrasse Tyson will...
The 11 best things we saw, ate and drank in November
November was a great month to be in Chicago. From an awesome lineup of funky and inspiring concerts to the return of the CTA Holiday Train, last month was...
The three best things to do today in Chicago
1. See Dave Chappelle perform a surprise show Duh. If this isn't the best thing to do in Chicago for the next week, we'd be surprised. Not only does the...
Chicago events calendarSee our full events calendar for 2015
As seen in print
The best bar food in Chicago
Snack on salt-cod samosas, pork tonkatsu or a calamari bocadillo at cocktail bars and beer bars
What you've gotta know about Gotta Dance
Don't miss Gotta Dance, inspired by a real-life pro-basketball franchise's auditions for a hip-hop dance crew comprised of people older than 60
Travel to Maui, Hawaii
See why everything seems better in Maui
Food crawl through California and Augusta in Humboldt Park
if you haven't checked out the California and Augusta intersection in Humboldt Park lately, clear your schedule
Chicago's best trivia and game nights
We got down and nerdy to scope out the city's best tests of knowledge
Upcoming Chicago events and festivals
Chicago Architecture Biennial
Winter WonderFest
Fall in Chicago
Chicago theater shows to see this fall
Check out the 27 best plays and musicals in Chicago this season
Bars to cheer on your favorite NFL team
We found pubs and taverns for just about every squad in the NFL
The best places to see fall foliage in Chicago
Grab your camera and a friend—fall foliage in Chicago is spectacular
5 restaurants on our radar for fall
Add these five spots to your fall dining itinerary
The best of Chicago
Best bookstores in Chicago
The next time you need a page-turner, browse the stacks at these wonderful bookstores
Best things to do during the holidays in Chicago
Mix up your routine and venture out among the merrymakers
Best Chicago museums
Whether you're a local or an out-of-towner, spending it at a museum is a no-brainer
Best Chicago restaurants
Chicago is a town that cares as much about Grant Achatz's newest concept at Next as where to find the best burger
Life in Chicago
How to get out of a ticket in Chicago
Chicago named one of the best cities for architecture
Chicago neighborhood guides
River North and Streeterville
River North and Streeterville have plenty of appeal for tourists and locals alike
Pilsen is one of the most recognizable neighborhoods in the city, with vibrant art, food, shopping and more
West Loop
The West Loop is one of Chicago's most happening neighborhoods, with unbeatable restaurants, amazing shops and a great bar scene
Boystown is home to one of the most vibrant LGBT communities in the world. The neighborhood offers much more than gay bars, though.


text:
Kansas City Chiefs wide receiver Jamar Newsome beats cornerback Conroy Black, left, for a touchdown catch during practice in St. Joseph, Mo., on Aug. 4, 2013.
- Filed Under
The Detroit Lions shuffled personnel in their shorthanded secondary two days before their second exhibition, signing cornerback Conroy Black and waiving cornerback Brandon King.
Black spent most of last season on the Lions' practice squad and was released this spring.
King signed with the Lions last week and played 17 snaps in last week's exhibition win over the New York Jets. ...


text:
Adults and teens may mix energy drinks with alcohol. The caffeine in these drinks can make the effects of alcohol harder to notice. People may feel they are not as intoxicated as they really are. Mixing caffeine with alcohol may cause you to drink more, because the caffeine may keep you awake longer.
In small amounts, caffeine is considered safe for the developing baby (fetus). But if you're pregnant, it's a good idea to keep your caffeine intake below 200 mg a day because:3
- More caffeine may be connected to a higher rate of miscarriage. There isn't enough evidence to know for sure.4
- Caffeine can interfere with sleep for both you and the fetus.
The total caffeine in an energy drink may be more than the recommended amount.
Are sports drinks useful?
Water is usually the best choice before, during, and after physical activity.
You might benefit from a sports drink if you have sweated a lot during activities that are intense or last a long time. For example, a runner or cyclist in a long-distance event could use a sports drink to hydrate and replace electrolytes.
Sports drinks may contain sugars but have little nutritional value. They add calories. So if you're not exercising long or hard, sports drinks could lead to weight gain. The sugars in these drinks can also lead to dental problems.
Children and teens
Children and teens use carbohydrate for energy. A balanced diet gives most children and teens the carbohydrate and electrolytes they need. Extra carbohydrate and electrolytes from sports drinks aren't needed, even after short physical activity or exercise.
Before, after, and during activity, water is the best choice for children and teens. A sports drink may be useful if children and teens have exercised intensively or for a long period of time. If your child is an athlete or takes part in intensive or long-lasting activities or exercises, talk to your doctor or a registered dietitian about how to best use sports drinks.
What do you need to remember about using these drinks?
- Water is usually the best choice before, during, and after physical activity.
- Don't use sports drinks to replace water or low-fat milk during meals or snacks.
- Don't use energy drinks in place of sports drinks.
- Don't allow children or teens to use energy drinks.


text:
2190 N Crede Ave
Crystal River, FL 34428
Wednesday 8:00am - 4:30pm (show)
Monday 8:00am - 4:30pm
Tuesday 8:00am - 4:30pm
Wednesday 8:00am - 4:30pm
Thursday 8:00am - 4:30pm
Friday 8:00am - 4:00pm
Saturday closed
Sunday closed (hide)
We offer 24 hour emergency service.
Highest quality & best septic tank service in the county.
|MON 8:00am - 4:30pm
|TUE 8:00am - 4:30pm
|WED 8:00am - 4:30pm
|THURS 8:00am - 4:30pm
|FRI 8:00am - 4:00pm
|SAT closed
|SUN closed
We offer 24 hour emergency service.
Category: Green Home Ideas|Progressive Home Ideas|Demolition and Removal|Septic Tanks and Systems|Sewers and Drains|Residential Septic Systems|Residential Sewers and Drains|Residential Plumbing
Service Area: Serving: Citrus County FL, Citrus Countywide FL (Metro), Dunnellon FL
Service: Septic Tank Cleaning, Septic Tank Installation, Septic Tank Maintenance, Septic Tank Repair, Septic Tank Pumping, Septic Tank Inspection
Type: Commercial Septic Tanks, Industrial Septic Tanks
Type: Commercial Sewers and Drains
Service: Sewer and Drain Cleaning, Sewer and Drain Pumping, Sewer and Drain Repair, Sewer and Drain Installation
Excellent Service
by Dent In One Auto Body Shop , 08/28/2014
They have a very nice receptionist in the crystal river office named " Kathy" and they are also very reliable and very fast! I would highly recommend them to anyone!!! :)


text:
Jim Reeves Paradise LyricsArtist: Jim Reeves
Popularity : 1 users have visited this page.
sponsored links
As I lay me down to sleep
I pray the lord my soul to keep
And for someone more dear to me
Than words can tell or eyes can see.
Expose my heart and lay it bare
Let her see the love that's there
Use your power so great and wise
Make me wonderful in her eyes.
Every night I bow my head
And say a prayer for daily bread
Tonight I ask for a greater prize
Make me wonderful in her eyes.
Let her look at me
Through the eyes of love
And treasure me
To the stars above.
Let her know how strong the need
As earth needs rain for strength to seed
Make her love the night and day
You always answer when I pray.
Touch her heart with tenderness
And let me feel completely blessed
Let her vision come behold
The mirror of my very soul
Reflect our love to twice it's size
And make me wonderful in her eyes.
Make me wonderful in her eyes ...
The hottest lyrics from Jim Reeves


text:
WARNING: This script may not work in part or full for users of Windows Vista and Windows 7, as it utilizes core media components of Direct X.
This is an mp3 player I've been working on for a long time, and probably will continue to work on. --Addendum: Haven't been working on it for a while. Ran out of ideas, and kinda think it's overengineered as it is. But for those who demand some measure of granularity in customization, I hope this suits you well!
Some Features:
Current Version:
v5.3 (04/09/11)
I maintain an archive of all builds back to 4.0.1, so if you are having any trouble feel free to contact me.
UPDATE: After looking to it, I realized that the Video Player (Using DirectShow), and perhaps mIRC's embedded /splay function, use Direct X. However, as of Vista and Win7, Microsoft has been shifting away from Direct X and towards Microsoft Media Foundation, which are incompatible. I will be changing the description to note this.
Hmmm.... It would be a lot easier if I had access to a Win7 machine to diagnose this error....
What you could try is changing the $lp_fp identifier alias as a start. It replaces certain strings found in WMP's XML sheet with their appropriate characters, but you could shorten it to
alias lp_fp { return %lp.fpath }
It should be around line 1259 or so, grouped up with a couple other one-line aliases. If this doesn't work, we'll dig deeper. Also, take a look in your variables for "%lp.fpath" and make sure it looks proper for the song you wish to play. I'll get digging into what's up with the Video Player in the meantime, though that may be a DCX issue (since not development has gone into it recently now that I think of it)
EDIT: The DCX version included in LimePlayer is 1.4.0. I have found v1.4.1 in Google Code, however upon testing, the list does not work properly, and there are plenty of changes in the log stating that it should be up to at least v220.127.116.11, though a compiled version is not available. If you want to see about getting 1.4.1 to work yourself:
MAKE SURE to make a copy of 1.4.0 before pasting 1.4.1 over it, just in case the list acts odd for you, also. Hopefully, this may fix the video issue.
Exactly, sunslayer. However, I will post a summary of the issue and a resolution, but if it's something with the coding itself I could just fix that myself and roll out a replacement version.
And just for the record, like it says above, anyone experiencing issues on WinVista and Win7, I may not be able to fix it. I'm still on an old WinXP, and it runs beautiful on this OS at least. :( :P


text:
Look around, enjoy some pictures from the farm and get to know us a little better. If you have any questions about the farm, our farming practices, the credit system CSA or anything else please feel free to be in touch.
We are committed to the craft of careful farming, growing old fashioned, pure, high quality vegetables for our community.
-Joel Annalisa and Ayla Wild Miller
Interested in receiving weekly e-mail updates from us with information about what crops we have in season, where we will be and pictures from the farm?
Sign up Now!
[yks-mailchimp-list id="1b0efaa517″ submit_text="Submit"]


text:
PMC-Sierra (PMCS): Q1 EPS of $0.07 misses by $0.01. Revenue of $125.2M misses by $2.55M. (PR)
From other sites
at CNBC.com (Oct 24, 2014)
at CNBC.com (Aug 8, 2014)
at CNBC.com (Aug 6, 2014)
at CNBC.com (Apr 30, 2014)
at CNBC.com (Jan 29, 2014)
Comments (1)
ETF Hub
ETF Screener: Search and filter by asset class, strategy, theme, performance, yield, and much more
ETF Performance: View ETF performance across key asset classes and investing themes
ETF Investing Guide: Learn how to build and manage a well-diversified, low cost ETF portfolio
ETF Selector: An explanation of how to select and use ETFs


text:
The Lubbock Planning and Zoning Commission on Thursday approved four requests for zoning changes:
p A request by Lowell Bowman (for Indiana Avenue Church of Christ) for a zoning change from R-2 to A-2 for a church and church-related uses on land south of 98th Street and east of Quaker.
A request by Paul Stell (for Hurt and Stell Investments) for a zoning change from R-1 to A-2 for apartments on land south of Second Street between Hartford and Geneva.
A request by Burl Masters (for Excel Development) for zoning change from T to R-1 specific use on 7.35 acres of land south of 98th Street and east of Slide Road.
A request of Ernesto M. Cantu for a zoning change from R-1 to C-3 at 1112 and 1114 E. Regis St.
Lubbock Avalanche-Journal © 2015. All Rights Reserved. Terms of Service and Privacy Policy


text:
- Detail Images
- Community Images
The Vasque Transistor FS Men???s Trail Run Shoe offers superb trail feel and response without compromising the protection and support your feet need. Vasque built this shoe using a breathable and abrasion resistant synthetic leather and nylon mesh, making it lightweight and flexible, but also durable and supportive. A protective toe bumper prevents the inevitable trail running hazard of stubbed toes. Poron?? memory foam forms to your foot and makes this shoe super comfortable. And the outsole utilizes a slip-resistant rubber compound and aggressive, multidirectional lugs for optimal traction.
Share your thoughts
Nom nom nom
After a year and about 300 miles, Transistor is hungry.
flashy but classy
First off, there are way too many shoes that are really boring in terms of color, and then there are a lot of shoes that seem to be bright just because they can be. Vasque hit the right medium with the yellow peat color. I've had them for about a year, probably put close to 300 trail miles on them, plus just running and kicking around town, and I've gotten numerous comments on the color. I caught a friend once taking a picture of my shoes while hiking, so yeah, if you're going to get these, definitely get the yellow.
Aesthetics aside, they're a great pair of shoes. I was a little skeptical of the built-in footbed at first, but I'm a believer now. They're perfectly molded to my feet and feel like a million bucks when I put them on. Okay maybe not a million bucks, but still pretty good. They're pretty durable too, as the number of miles can attest to. The only real damage has happened in the past month when the sole started tearing off the rest of the shoe and now I can see my socks... They breathe really well, lots of mesh to air out my stinky paws during a run. The sole is pretty sticky, not like climbing shoe sticky, but it'll earn your trust going over a boulder field.
The one downside is the toebox is slightly on the narrow side. I've got fairly wide feet so my pinkie toes have started grumbling about the width, not to the point of full on blisters, but definitely unhappy.
All said, 5/5 for the durability and steeze.
Pretty Good!
I got this shoe last spring and started running in it right away. I love the snug fit of this shoe which feels supportive when running on varying terrain. Not only do I run on and off road in these, I enjoy hiking in them as well! I have hiked and ran all over in these for the last year or so and they are still holding up alright, with just the side mesh beginning to fray and break. I wouldn't recommend Super Feet in these, as they felt too tight when I put mine in. It may just require going a size up ( I would take them with you to the store, or by a size up if you plan on using insoles). The sole of the Transistor is very grippy even on the wettest, most steep terrain! A good buy for sure!
Too narrow for me
I really wanted to love these shoes, as the concept seemed a great one: shave unnecessary weight of a conventional trail shoe by removing the footbed insert, and reshaping the bottom of the shoe to compensate. I've never found there to be any merit in insole footbeds anyway, and the market for overpriced aftermarket insoles (cough -- Superfeet) has always struck me as selling snake-oil.
My size 10's weigh 22.5 oz per pair. A comparable shoe (Brooks Cascadia) with an insole is about 25 oz, so the weight savings are probably around 10%.
Vasque have done a great job. The shoe runs well, and feels very much like a regular trail shoe, except that they ride noticeably lower to the ground -- which is good thing! Great stability on uneven terrain and less chance of rolling an ankle.
However, the outsole is surprisingly stiff, both in the heel and forefoot, which is great for running over sharp rocks, but I found them uncomfortably lacking in cushioning on paved sections getting to and from the trails.
The forefoot is also a little on the narrow side, and my foot is relatively wide. I got significant chafing -- enough that I had to alternate with other shoes to let my skin recover. I hoped that they might stretch enough to be tolerable (I had a pair of Vasque Blurs that felt narrow at first and then stretched out nicely) but even after ~50 miles, the transistors still feel too narrow -- enough that I wouldn't want to do long (multi-hour) runs in them.
If you like the shape of Vasque shoes, you'll probably love these. But I can't recommend them for wide feet.
Great trail shoe!
I originally bought these to hike in but I started running in them because they feel so good. They are really low to the ground, less padding is nice. These compliment vibram fivefingers well for training. Great trail shoe because they dry so quick, lots of mesh and plastic. They could be a little more durable, but then again I beat mine pretty hard. All around great summer shoe with no fancy gimmicks.


text:
by JohnJohnSong
Musicians? How is it using it as your music reader? Does the Digitizer work with apps like mobile sheets or other fast pdf viewer apps that allow annotations?
Publishers are catching on. Much music can can... Read more →
As low asget price alerts
As low as
by JohnJohnSong