Lock Device Research Articles

Implication of "Stat lock" Plus stabilization device in the CVC nursing

Objective To observe the stabilization effects in the CVC nursing by stat lock plus stabilization device and traditional sewing way.Methods By a questionnaire survey method in personal will,we investigated and compared the different effects of two stabilization ways,including comfortable degree,commercial burden,complications,needle-stick-events,staying-time and unplanned nursing operation.Results There is an obvious significant difference of stat-lock device than traditional sewing way in any investigation item.Conclusions stat-lockplus stabilization device has a great future in the CVC nursing. Key words: CVC; Stat Lock; Plus stabilization

What Happens After the Implementation of Electronic Locking Devices for Adolescents at Cigarette Vending Machines? A Natural Longitudinal Experiment From 2005 to 2009 in Germany

As of January 01, 2007, electronic locking devices based on proof of age (electronic cash cards or European driving licenses) were installed on 500,000 cigarette vending machines across Germany to restrict the purchase of cigarettes to those over the age of 16 years. In 2009, the age limit was raised to 18 years. The aim of this study was to compare the number of cigarette vending machines and other commercial sources before and after the enactment of the new law and to examine the association between commercial cigarette sources and area socioeconomic status (SES). We recorded and mapped using Geographical Information System software the total number of commercial cigarette sources in 4 selected districts in the major German city of Cologne. The city was the ideal setting for this study as we were able to use existing sociogeographical data from this area. We compiled a complete inventory of commercial cigarette sources in autumn 2005 and 2009. An interim inventory was also completed in 2007. Between 2005 and 2009, the total number of cigarette sources decreased from 369 to 325 within the study area. Although the most obvious reduction was detected in the number of outdoor vending machines (-44%), the number of indoor vending machines also decreased by 5%. In 2005 as well as in 2009, we found significantly fewer commercial cigarette sources in districts with above-average SES than in districts with below-average SES. Although the number of overall cigarette vending machines decreased, the disparity in distribution of cigarette sources between socially advantaged and disadvantaged areas increased.

Use of separate venipunctures for IV access and laboratory studies decreases hemolysis rates

Emergency department (ED) patients routinely undergo placement of a saline lock device (SLD) with the aspiration of blood for laboratory testing. Drawing blood through a SLD may result in hemolysis of sample, repeated venipuncture and increased ED length of stay (LOS). The objective of this study was to examine if separate venipunctures for intravenous (IV) access and laboratory studies decrease the rate of hemolysis and ED LOS. The study was conducted at an urban university level 1 trauma center with an ED volume of 55,000. We compared the rate of hemolysis and ED LOS before and after mandating the use of separate venipunctures for IV access and laboratory studies over 1 month. Venipuncture was performed utilizing either a 21 ga needle or an IV catheter (BD Insight Autoguard) with a needless vacutainer. The incidence of hemolysis was calculated and a Student's t test was used to compare groups. The potassium sample redraw and processing time was observed. Blood was aspirated from 315 patients using the SLD. A baseline hemolysis rate of 23.0% (16.7-29.1) was obtained, corrected to 6.7% after factoring a 29.2% redraw rate for critical potassium levels. In the following month, 2,564 samples were obtained using the butterfly needle with a hemolysis rate of 6.6% (5.5-7.5), corrected to 2.0% after applying the 29.2% redraw rate. Avoiding hemolysis, we saved 4.7% of our patients' 56 min of ED stay, and avoided 185 retests over the month. In conclusion, venipuncture from a butterfly needle decreases the rate of hemolysis and may decrease the overall ED LOS.

Design and Ergonomics Analysis of Cutter Machine Locking Device in Aerospace Industry

Ergonomics has been used since 1850s and the application is widely used in aerospace industry, health care institution, information technology company, product design, transportation agency, training institution, nuclear engineering, virtual environmental and many more. Ergonomics is a science of designing the job, equipment and workplace to fit the workers environmental for more comfortable during the working duration. Since it related to the industry, this study is focused more to the mechanical device that is used at heavy aerospace engineering industry which is locking device design. This device is important to this industry because it is more related to safety procedure for workers during operation of certain machines. This study is aimed to improve the design of locking device for aerospace industry in term of ergonomics evaluation. Six conceptual designs were proposed and evaluated using scoring matrix technique. All of these designs were developed using computer aided design software and the highest score from the scoring matrix was proposed to replace the current device. Ergonomics analysis which is rapid upper limb assessment (RULA) is performed to evaluate the ergonomics design. From the analysis, it shows that the result of proposed design is better than existing design with highest score of 8 were reduced to score of 1 and 2. This means that the design is acceptable due to body posture of human parts from ergonomics evaluation.

‘Non-destructive’ biocomputing security system based on gas-controlled biofuel cell and potentially used for intelligent medical diagnostics

Biofuel cells (BFCs) based on enzymes and microbes are the promising future alternative sources of sustainable electrical energy under mild conditions (i.e. ambient temperature and neutral pH). By combining the adaptive behavior of BFCs self-regulating energy release with the versatility of biocomputing, we construct a novel gas-controlled biocomputing security system, which could be used as the potential implantable self-powered and 'smart' medical system with the logic diagnosis aim. We have demonstrated a biocomputing security system based on BFCs. Due to the unique 'RESET' reagent of N(2) applied in this work, the prepared biocomputing security system can be reset and cycled for a large number of times with no 'RESET' reagent-based 'waste'. This would be advantageous for the potential practical applications of such keypad lock as well as the development of biocomputing security devices. In order to validate the universality of the system and also to harvest energy directly from biofuels with enhanced power output, we replace the glucose with orange juice as the biofuel to operate BFCs-based biocomputing system, which also possesses the function of keypad lock. In addition, by introducing BFCs into the biocomputing security system, the adaptive behavior of the BFCs self-regulating the power release would be an immense advantage of such security keypad lock devices in potential self-powered implantable medical systems. The designed sequence gives the maximum power output and discriminate itself from the rest of the sequences. From this, we find that maximizing the dimensionless ratio of gap versus SD of the power output spectrum (a funnel in power outputs) gives the quantitative optimal design criterion. Therefore, our construction here may also provide a practical example and microscopic structural basis for mimicking the real biological network systems and bridge the gaps between the theoretical concepts and experiments important for biomolecular systems and synthetic biology.

A Self-Powered and Reusable Biocomputing Security Keypad Lock System Based on Biofuel Cells

Locked up! A novel self-powered, reusable biofuel cell (BFC) based biocomputing security system mimicking a keypad lock device using enzyme-based concatenated AND logic gates has been developed (see figure; FFD=fructan beta-fructosidase, INV=invertase, GOD=glucose oxidase, URE=urease).

Keypad Lock Security System Based on Immune-Affinity Recognition Integrated with a Switchable Biofuel Cell

An immune-based biorecognition system mimicking a keypad lock device was integrated with a switchable biofuel cell resulting in the power output change upon the correct input of the “password” enco...

Totally passive wireless biopotential measurement sensor by utilizing inductively coupled resonance circuits

A measurement method to measure biopotentials with a passive LC resonator is presented. The sensor consists of an LC resonance circuit where the capacitive component is a varactor and the biopotential electrodes are connected over the varactor ends. This induces a change in the varactor capacitance which can be measured over an inductive link as modified reflected impedance. The sensor itself dissipates virtually no energy at all but of course, some energy is lost in form of resistive losses in the sensor wires and components. The sensor is inexpensive to manufacture and since it is a totally passive device, it is very suitable for implantable applications. Two different measurement methods to sense the reflected impedance are also presented: a slope detector and a phase locked detector. Measurement results from human ECG are discussed that are measured with the both suggested measurement methods. The sensor is proven to be suitable for biopotential measurements with some limitations regarding the movements between the sensor and the receiver device. The properties and performance of the two different measurement devices are discussed. The measurement range, i.e. distance between the sensor and the measurement coils was approximately 5 cm in air for the both measurement devices. However, it seems that the phase locked measurement device suits better to the measurements than the slope detector since its signal-to-noise ratio remains almost constant throughout the measurement range (distance).

Angiographic Changes following the Use of a Purse-String Suture Hemostasis Device in Hemodialysis Access Interventions

To evaluate late angiographic changes at the puncture site with use of a suture lock device for hemostasis after hemodialysis access interventions. Thirty-five patients who underwent percutaneous intervention of a failing or thrombosed access had 76 puncture sites (58 grafts, 15 fistulas, three composite) managed with a purse-string suture lock device. All patients had follow-up fistulograms available for analysis. Fistulograms at the site of sheath insertion were retrospectively compared with those obtained during subsequent hemodialysis access procedures to assess for changes in access lumen diameter. Access type, sheath size, and heparin dose were examined as predictors of access diameter change at the puncture site. The mean time to follow-up fistulography was 4.7 months; the cumulative observation time of the patient cohort was 30.5 dialysis years. The mean change in access diameter at the previous puncture site was -0.3%. No puncture sites became aneurysmal or stenotic during follow-up. Two of the 76 puncture sites (both grafts) developed mild (+28%) and moderate (+43%) bulging at the sheath site. The remaining 74 puncture sites (97%) showed no significant change in access diameter. The mean change in access diameter among fistulas was -6.2%, and that among grafts was +1.5% (P = .06). Neither sheath size (P = .26) nor heparin dose (P = .48) had an effect on access diameter. No patients developed aneurysms or stenosis at the puncture site after use of a suture lock device for hemostasis. This technique is consistent, safe, and effective in obtaining hemostasis after dialysis access interventions of fistulas and grafts.

Data-protection ordering/disordering of a fuzzy logic model in a robotic agent via the optical-data-transfer line

A multiple-valued-logic protected-data coding method is proposed for distant ordering/disordering of a fuzzy logic model accumulated in a robotic agent. Fuzzy-rule-set disordering is a means to realize the distributed logic lock, preventing a hacker from unapproved use of the robotic device itself or its internal data. The multiple-valued-logic protected-data coding is the method used here to increase greatly the secret-key space. Optical-data line is to be used for distant transfer of secret codes between the key and lock devices.

No More Needles? Drawing Blood from Saline Lock Devices

Does blood drawn from indwelling saline lock devices yield accurate lab test results? If so, this practice not only could improve patient comfort by decreasing need for venipuncture but also could decrease the risk of needle sticks for healthcare providers. To assess accuracy, these authors compared lab test results …

Comparison of Laboratory Values Obtained by Phlebotomy versus Saline Lock Devices

Comparison of Laboratory Values Obtained by Phlebotomy versus Saline Lock Devices

Comparison of Laboratory Values Obtained by Phlebotomy versus Saline Lock Devices

To assess the utility of a peripheral saline lock device (SLD) as an alternative to a second venipuncture for obtaining selected blood samples. This prospective study used a comparative design and was conducted in an urban emergency department (ED). Adult patients with an existing SLD in place who required serial phlebotomy were eligible for inclusion in the study. Each subject had blood samples obtained by venipuncture (control) with a Vacutainer adapter according to standard protocols. Within 5 minutes of obtaining the control samples, a sample was obtained from the patients' SLDs; a tourniquet was applied proximal to the intravenous line, a 5-mL waste portion was obtained, and a Vacutainer adapter was placed to draw specimens for testing. Each of the paired samples was analyzed for hematocrit, electrolytes, and cardiac enzymes. The Bland-Altman method was used to analyze the concordance between each pair of measurements. Paired t-tests for each of the eight laboratory tests were used to assess whether the values were statistically different from each other. The 95% limits of agreement around the mean differences were calculated. Differences between SLD aspirates and venipuncture aspirates also were compared with the federal regulatory standards that ensure reliable and accurate laboratory testing. Eighty-one patients were eligible for the study; in 73 (90.1%; 95% confidence interval [CI] = 81.5% to 95.6%) of the patients, the SLD could be aspirated for testing. The paired t-tests indicated that there were no statistically significant differences between the mean values of the two methods of testing. Of the 584 paired values analyzed, 35 (6.0%; 95% CI = 4.3% to 8.2%) exceeded the Bland-Altman limits of agreement, and 43 (7.4%; 95% CI = 5.4% to 9.8%) fell outside the acceptable range determined by the federal regulation of clinical laboratories. Of those values that exceeded the acceptable Bland-Altman limits of agreement, none would have resulted in clinical intervention. Aspirating blood via an SLD is an acceptable method of obtaining serial laboratory values in a group of stable, consenting adult ED patients.

Mechanical design and locomotion control of a homogenous lattice modular self-reconfigurable robot

In this paper, we propose a novel, 3D, like cubic shape, modular self-reconfigurable (MSR) robot named M-Cubes. Its key mechanical components are analyzed in detail. By communicating with the neighboring modules, each unit employs its automatic lock device composed of a pin and a hole on each connection plane which can connect or disconnect with neighboring modules. The M-Cubes system consisting of many identical modules cooperates to change their connection, and then the whole structure transforms into arbitrary structure. Furthermore, we describe its locomotion control based on the driving function and the adjacency matrix which is effective for solving the computationally difficult problem and optimizing the system motion path during the self-reconfiguration process. Finally, a simulation experiment using java 3D technology, proved the new method for controlling modular robot is robust and useful.

A Case Study: Surface Contamination of Cyclophosphamide due to Working Practices and Cleaning Procedures in Two Italian Hospitals

The efficacy of preventive and organisational measures implemented in Italy to prevent the contamination of cytotoxic drug preparation rooms has been investigated, and oncologic wards of two Italian hospitals were examined. The sampling strategy was based not only on potential sources of contamination but also on responses to detailed questionnaires on workplace practices and work organisation. Wipe samples were taken from different surfaces of preparation rooms, before and after the work shift, over a span of a month. Cyclophosphamide was taken as the marker drug that reflects exposure to cytotoxic drugs, being measurable by GC/MS. In one of the two hospitals (Hospital A), a large amount of cyclophosphamide was found, both before and after shift, on the workbench (median value, 2.55 microg dm(-2), before shift), on the floor between the operator working position and the waste bin (>10 microg dm(-2), after shift), as also on door handles and storage shelves. No quantifiable levels of cytotoxic drug were detected in the second hospital investigated (Hospital B). These results could be attributed to the efficacy of cleaning procedures and working practices. In fact, both hospitals were provided with vertical-laminar airflow hoods and the (male) nurses had attended special training courses; but in Hospital A, cleaning procedures were carried out without substances used specifically for the cleaning of surfaces contaminated by cytotoxic drugs such as sodium hypochlorite. Working practices did not include Luer Lock devices. Cyclophosphamide concentrations found in both hospitals, compared with the quantities of drug handled, gave evidence of the importance of the correct handling of cytotoxic agents as a major tool in reducing contamination levels. The results reveal the insufficiency of the risk management measures which do not take into account working practices that are prevailing, and stress the necessity for periodic environmental monitoring, indispensable for evolving effective procedures to prevent antineoplastic drug exposure.

Insertability and Safety of a Shape-Locking Device for Colonoscopy

Loop formation during colonoscopy insertion results in patient pain and delays in advancement of the colonoscope tip. To assess the insertability and safety of a novel shape-locking guide (ShapeLock, USGI, San Clemente, CA) that resists looping during colonoscopy. In 54 patients, both a disposable and a partly reusable version of the ShapeLock received high scores (mean scores >9.0 on 1-10 scale) for ease of insertion, and ability to maneuver the colonoscope through the shape locked device. No significant trauma resulted from use of the device. A novel shape-locking device for colonoscopy can be readily and safely inserted into the colon and locked. The device warrants controlled evaluation to determine in which, if any cases, it may be useful for either experienced colonoscopists and/or those with less or minimal experience.

Comparison of Laboratory Values Obtained by Phlebotomy vs. Saline Lock Devices

Comparison of Laboratory Values Obtained by Phlebotomy vs. Saline Lock Devices

An alternative design of locked percutaneous device for skeletal extension through skin.

A skeletal extension bar (SEB) through the skin may be involved with many treatments of orthopedic diseases. A new locked percutaneous device (LPD), LPD-III, was designed for the SEB not only to allow the skin to bind onto the SEB, similarly to the LPD, but also to allow the skin binding to shift up or down the SEB while the body changes weight. Two designs of LPD-III were tried. The LPD-III-F was made from a formation of nylon hooks, fixed directly onto the SEB surface. Soft tissue can lock and shift onto the hook formation naturally. The LPD-III-S was made by attaching a stainless steel spring as a single row of rings on a nylon sleeve. Tissue can lock through the spring rings and the nylon sleeve can be manually shifted on the SEB to follow the change of thickness of soft tissue. The SEB is a stainless steel bar implanted in the sheep ilium through the skin and buttock. Two sheep were employed, both implanted with a SEB with LPD-III-F in one ilium and another SEB with LPD-III-S in the other ilium. Our experiment demonstrates that: first, both designs, LPD-III-F and LPD-III-S, function well as a skin junction shifting device; second, the LPD-III-F has abilities to re-bind the skin that not only repair damaged binding junction but also shift the skin binding up to overcome skin downgrowth; and third, powerful evidence certifies again that the mechanical connection exists in LPD.

Usefulness of Rapid Exchange<sup>TM</sup> Locking Device (RELD) in multiple stents insertion in endoscopic biliary drainage

Usefulness of Rapid Exchange<sup>TM</sup> Locking Device (RELD) in multiple stents insertion in endoscopic biliary drainage

5521443 Battery residual capacity display and operating device for an electric vehicle

A portable display device is capable of monitoring the residual capacity of a traveling battery from the outside of an electric vehicle, and conducting operations such as locking and unlocking of a door from outside of the vehicle and controlling the operation of the air conditioner through wireless means. This portable display device is inserted into an insertion section provided in an instrument panel of the vehicle for operating the vehicle. If an ID code in the portable display device agrees with an ID code in the vehicle, a traveling switch is unlocked. Then, if the traveling switch is operated, a steering lock device is released and the traveling motor is connected to the traveling battery in a state in which the electric vehicle is operable.