text:
|Publication number
|Publication type
|Application number
|Publication date
|12 Jan 2010
|Filing date
|19 Sep 2006
|Priority date
|30 Apr 2001
|Fee status
|Also published as
|Publication number
|David S. Zamierowski
|Original Assignee
|Kci Licensing, Inc.
|Export Citation
|BiBTeX, EndNote, RefMan
|Patent Citations (128), Non-Patent Citations (19), Referenced by (97), Classifications (12), Legal Events (7)
|External Links: USPTO, USPTO Assignment, Espacenet
The present application is a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/135,741, filed Apr. 30, 2002, now U.S. Pat. No. 7,108,683, which is based on and claims priority in U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 60/287,323, filed Apr. 30, 2001.
1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates generally to medical care, and in particular to wound therapy and tissue management systems and methodologies with fluid differentiation.
2. Description of the Prior Art
Heretofore, many wound therapy and tissue management devices and protocols have tended to focus on the addition or control of individual mechanical forces and their respective effects on wound healing. For example, the use of suction to secure skin graft dressings in place is disclosed in Johnson, F. E., An Improved Technique for Skin Graft Placement Using a Suction Drain; Surgery, Gynecology and Obstetrics 1984; 159 (6): 584-5. Other prior art devices have focused on the application of compressive (i.e. positive or greater-than-atmospheric) pressure to a wound site, the application of heat and the delivery of pharmacologic agents.
Standard methods in the current practice of wound care require changing the dressing in order to topically add pharmacological agents, which require interval reapplication. Reapplications of pharmacological agents can be minimized or eliminated by using slow-release delivery systems. However, such systems must generally be changed in their entireties in order to change the agents or dosages.
Another wound treatment protocol option involves dosing the entire patient. Agents are thereby delivered systemically, i.e. from within the patient, in order to arrive at the wound site, as opposed to other protocols which deliver respective agents externally or topically. However, systemic medications are generally administered in relatively high doses in order to provide sufficient concentrations in affected areas and treatment sites. Non-affected tissues and organs remote from the treatment sites thus tend to receive concentrations of medications from which they may not benefit.
Fluid management significantly affects many aspects of health care and is involved in many medical procedures. For example, wound care typically involves absorbing and/or draining wound exudates, blood, serum and other body fluids from the patient. Surgical procedures often create wounds requiring tissue management and fluid drainage. For example, skin grafts have exudates and bleeding that require management at both the donor and graft sites. However, current tissue management and fluid drainage procedures are often ineffective in maintaining optimum moisture content for promoting wound healing. Excessive drying, on the one hand, can lead to desiccation, eschar formation and slowing of cell migration. Excessive moisture, on the other hand, can lead to maceration, bacterial overgrowth, tissue breakdown and necrosis.
Various types of porous, absorbent dressing materials have been used for dressing wounds to accumulate body fluids. The dressing materials facilitate drainage and also the collection and disposal of fluids. A disadvantage with many conventional dressings is that they require changing in order to reduce the risk of infection and to maintain effectiveness. However, dressing changes can add significantly to treatment costs and are associated with patient discomfort and medical risks such as infection and damage to reepithelialized tissues. Accordingly, vacuum sources have been employed to drain wounds. For example, Zamierowski U.S. Pat. No. 4,969,880; No. 5,100,396; No. 5,261,893; No. 5,527,293 and No. 6,071,267 pertain to wound dressings, fluid connections, fastening systems and medical procedures utilizing same in connection with vacuum-assisted wound drainage, and are incorporated herein by reference.
A wound drainage device using a hand-operated suction bulb is shown in the George et al. U.S. Pat. No. 4,392,858. Motorized suction pumps can be employed to provide consistent, sub-atmospheric vacuum pressure for maintaining an effective drainage flow. The Richmond et al. U.S. Pat. No. 4,655,754 and No. 4,826,494 disclose vacuum wound drainage systems which can be connected to motorized vacuum pumps.
Another important objective in designing an effective wound drainage system is to provide an effective interface with the patient. Ideally, the patient interface should accommodate various types of wounds in different stages of recovery for as broad a range of applications as possible. As noted above, optimum wound healing generally involves maintaining a sufficient moisture level to avoid desiccation without causing the wound to macerate from excessive moisture. Sufficient moisture levels are required for epithelial cell migration, but excessive moisture can inhibit drying and maturation of the epithelial layer. Pressures should be sufficient for effective drainage without creating excessive negative forces, which could cause pressure necrosis or separate freshly-applied skin grafts.
Wound treatment procedures can also include infusing wound sites with liquids to flush contaminants, counter infection, promote healing growth and anesthetize the wound. Prior art fluid delivery systems include a device for treating tissues disclosed in the Svedman U.S. Pat. No. 4,382,441; a product and process for establishing a sterile area of skin disclosed in the Gross U.S. Pat. No. 3,367,332; and the transdermal infusion device disclosed in the Westin U.S. Pat. No. 4,605,399. Equipment has also been available which flushes and collects contaminants from wounds.
Heretofore, there has not been available a system or methodology that allowed the manipulation of multiple mechanical forces affecting wound surfaces. Moreover, there has not previously been available a system or methodology that manipulated the gradients of gases, solids, liquids and medications in such a way as to provide the medical practitioner with various options for delivering various agents either systemically from the patient side or topically from the external side of a wound. Further, there has not been available a system or methodology which affected the removal of toxins and undesirable byproducts by an external egress with the advantages and features of the present invention. Such advantages include minimizing or eliminating dressing changes whereby patient discomfort and infection risks are correspondingly reduced.
Effective control of fixation, temperature, pressure (and its associated gradients for vital gases such as oxygen), osmotic, and oncotic forces, electrical and electromagnetic fields and forces and the addition and/or removal of various nutrients and pharmacological agents have not been achievable with the previous systems and methodologies. Still further, there has not been available a wound treatment system and methodology utilizing a transfer element for the manipulation of gas and liquid pathways under the control of pre-programmed, coordinated influx and efflux cycles. Such cycles are designed to maintain the desired integrity and stability of the system while still allowing variations in multiple forces, flows and concentrations within tolerated ranges. The previous wound treatments also tended to lack the dynamic and interactive features of the present invention whereby various gradients can be adjusted in response to patient wound site conditions. Such gradient adjustments can be accomplished with the present invention through the use of biofeedback loops and patient-responsive sensors.
Osmotic and concentration gradients provide an important mechanism for transferring various elements within the scope of the present invention. Such gradients occur naturally in living organisms and involve the movement of solutes from solutions with greater concentrations to solutions with lesser concentrations through semi-permeable membranes. Osmosis is the tendency of solids to pass through semi-permeable membranes into solutions of higher concentrations in order to achieve osmotic equilibrium. Diffusion occurs from an area of higher concentration or partial pressure to an area of lower concentration even without membrane separation. Examples include the diffusion transfer of oxygen from alveoli to capillaries within the lung and the osmotic transfer of toxins and waste within the kidneys from capillaries to tubules and on to the bladder. The systems and methods of the present invention utilize and control osmotic and diffusion gradients to advantage in treating wounds, particularly in connection with the removal of toxins and solution from wound sites by controlling fluids. The control of fluids originates both internally and externally. For example, wound exudates originate internally. External control fluids include sumped air, irrigation, etc.
Previous wound treatment systems and methodologies did not provide medical practitioners with the range of options available with the present invention for treating various patient circumstances and conditions.
In the practice of the present invention, a wound therapy and tissue management system is provided, which includes a collector assembly for attachment to a patient, a transfer assembly connected to the collector assembly and a gradient (e.g., negative pressure/vacuum, positive pressure, temperature, oxygen, etc.) source connected by tubing to the transfer assembly. The system is adaptable for use with various dressing assemblies, including multiple layers and components comprising hydrophobia and hydrophilic foam and sponge materials, semi-permeable and impermeable membranes applied as drapes, transfer system conduits and buffers, and tubular connections to pumps. Alternative embodiments of the system utilize osmotic gradients for controlling transfers and provide various optional configurations with internal and external inputs, installation ports and other components. In the practice of the method of the present invention, a fluid differentiation wound therapy and tissue management method is disclosed, which includes steps of shaping and applying a first sponge comprising a first sponge material to a wound area, applying a first drape, shaping and applying a second sponge comprising a second sponge material on top of the first drape and the first sponge, forming a fluid conduit and connecting same to the second sponge and to a buffer for ultimate connection to a vacuum pump. The conduit and the buffer are also draped. Osmotic wound therapy and tissue management methodologies are also disclosed in connection with the present invention. The transfer of fluids and substances such as toxins can be controlled through the application of such methodologies. In the practice of other aspects of the present invention, osmotic transducers are provided for treating wounds by manipulating the gaseous, liquid and solid components in such a way as to create pressure gradients in fluid elements that produce useful fluid flow.
As required, detailed embodiments of the present invention are disclosed herein; however, it is to be understood that the disclosed embodiments are merely exemplary of the invention, which may be embodied in various forms. Therefore, specific structural and functional details disclosed herein are not to be interpreted as limiting, but merely as a basis for the claims and as a representative basis for teaching one skilled in the art to variously employ the present invention in virtually any appropriately detailed structure.
Referring to the drawings in more detail, the reference numeral 2 generally designates a vacuum-fixed wound therapy system for application to a wound 4 on or in a patient 5. The system 2 includes an improved dressing 3. Other components of the system 2 are described in my U.S. Pat. No. 6,071,267, which is incorporated herein by reference.
The dressing 3 generally includes a collector assembly 6 and a transfer assembly 8 connected to a vacuum source 10. The collector assembly 6 includes a first sponge 12 comprising a hydrophilic material, such as polyvinyl alcohol (PVA). The first sponge 12 is cut to generally conform to the size of the wound 4. A first sponge drape 14 is placed over the first sponge 12 and an opening 16 is formed in the drape 14 and is preferably sized smaller than the first sponge 12. The drape 14 encloses a compression chamber 15 containing the first sponge 12. A dry skin, moisture-control zone 17 is formed around the first sponge 12 due to air circulation within the compression chamber 15 and promotes healing.
A second sponge 18, preferably comprising a hydrophobic polyurethane ether (PUE) material is sized larger than the first sponge 12, whereby a second sponge overhang 20 extends beyond the perimeter of the first sponge 12. A second sponge drape 22 is placed over the second sponge 18 and includes an opening 24 located along an outer edge 26 of the second sponge 18 for directing the outflow of fluid effluent from the collector assembly 6.
The transfer assembly 8 includes a conduit 28, which can comprise the same hydrophobic material as the second sponge 18. The conduit 28 includes an inlet end 30 which is offset in order to overlie the second sponge drape opening 24 along the second sponge outer edge 26. A conduit outlet end 32 mounts a buffer 34, which also preferably comprises the hydrophobic foam and projects outwardly from the conduit 28 and receives a suction tube 36 which is also connected to the vacuum source (e.g., pump) 10. A conduit drape 38 overlies the conduit 28 and includes an opening 40, which receives the buffer 34. A buffer drape 42 includes a first panel 42 a and a second panel 42 b, which are secured together over the buffer 34 and the suction tube 36 to enclose same. The buffer drape first and second panels 42 a,b are mounted on the conduit drape 38 around the opening 40 therein.
In operation, the hydrophilic first sponge 12 tends to collapse under negative pressure. Therefore, the size of the first sponge 12 is limited and it is preferably mounted in proximity to an edge 26 of the second sponge 18. The second sponge 18 cooperates with the transfer assembly to distribute the negative pressure throughout the hydrophobic second sponge 18 and in turn throughout the first sponge 12. The PVA material comprising the first sponge 12 permits it to compress under a negative pressure gradient. Moreover, because the fluid travel distance in the first sponge 12 tends to be relatively short due to its composition, the overlying second sponge 18 tends to distribute the negative pressure gradient relatively evenly across substantially the entire area of the first sponge 12.
The PUE composition of the second sponge 18 provides a retriculated latticework or weave which resists compression and includes relatively open passages to facilitate fluid flow. Although such open-lattice construction has operational advantages, the passages formed thereby in the second sponge 18 tend to receive "spicule" penetrations from the wound, which is undesirable in many applications. Therefore, the collector assembly 6 is constructed by first forming the first sponge 12 to generally conform to the wound 4, whereafter the second sponge 18 is formed to provide the overhang 20. The first sponge 12 is covered with the first sponge drape 14, the opening 16 of which is normally sized smaller than the overall area of the first sponge 12.
The functional advantages of the collector assembly 6 construction include optimizing compression and fixation and edema control at the wound edge while maximizing the air-induced drying of the intact skin in the dry skin zone 17. Moreover, collector assemblies and transfer assemblies can be mixed and configured in a wide variety of arrangements to accommodate various patient conditions. For example, multiple transfer assemblies 8 can be connected to a single collector assembly 6 and vice versa.
Dressing 53
A wound dressing 53 comprising a first modified embodiment of the present invention is shown in
Dressing 102
A wound dressing comprising a second modified embodiment of the present invention is shown in
A fluid differentiating wound dressing 202 comprising a third modified embodiment of the present invention is shown in
The transfer assembly 204 comprises a sponge material buffer 208 which can comprise, for example, polyurethane ether (PUE). The buffer 208 is encased in first and second drape panels 210, 212 with wings 210 a, 212 a respectively extending in opposite directions from the buffer 208. The wings 210 a, 212 a have an adhesive layer 214, which is covered by a removable backing sheet 216 prior to installation. Tab strips 218 are provided at the ends of the drape wings 210 a, 212 a. The tab strips 218 are attached by perforated lines 220 for easy removal upon installation. The suction tube 36 is embedded in the buffer 8 and extends outwardly from the transfer assembly 204 from between the first and second drape panels 210, 212. An optional leur-lock hub to 13 is mounted on the end of the tube 36 for injection port applications.
The transfer assembly 204 is adapted for mounting on a collector assembly 206 (
Dressing 302
Management System 402
In operation, the warming card 418 is heated and raises the temperature within the enclosure 414 to promote healing. The vacuum assisted closure 408 functions as described above to remove effluent and to promote healing in cooperation with the warming card 418. Warming cards and other components for use in connection with this embodiment of the invention are available from Augustine Medical Products, Inc.
Management System 502
Management System 602.
For example, negative pressure from a suitable vacuum source (such as a VAC unit available from Kinetic Concepts, Inc. of San Antonio, Tex.) can be an input for creating a negative pressure gradient across the system. Likewise, positive pressure from a suitable fluid pump can be input to establish a positive pressure gradient across the system. Other forces can provide electromagnetic, electrical, mechanical and thermal gradients.
The system 702 monitors performance of the patient 706 and controls the inputs 704 interactively in response thereto. Parameters which could be monitored for feedback purposes included moisture levels, temperature, bacteria levels, fluid pressure, etc. The presence or absence of particular elements and compounds can also be sensed, monitored and acted upon. For example, is widely known that oxygen is an important factor in wound healing. Studies have shown that reepithelialization and collagen production are best achieved by varying the oxygen supply. Thus, the oxygen level within the enclosed, wound site environment can be monitored and the oxygen levels therein either increased or decreased as necessary to promote healing. Other controllable parameters include the pH factor and the moisture concentration of the wound environment. Various suitable monitoring means can be employed, including electronic sensors, visual indicators, color-change substances, etc.
The output from the patient can consist of fluid, such as effluent from the wound site, irrigation fluid removed in the process of flushing the wound site, and other matter and energy. An important function of the system is the removal of toxins and bacteria, which can be flushed from the wound site in a liquid or fluid solution.
A gradient source 716 can comprise any suitable device for establishing a gradient. For example, a vacuum source can be utilized for creating a negative pressure gradient. A pump can be utilized for creating a positive pressure gradient. A drape 718 is placed in covering relation over a transfer element 720. The drape 718 can comprise any of the film materials discussed above and can be permeable, semi-permeable or impervious.
The transfer element 720 includes a first zone 720 a with a first set of fluid flow characteristics and a second zone 720 b with a second set of fluid flow characteristics. Such fluid flow characteristics can be a function of material, thickness, porosity, permeability, and sponge material attraction to proteins, fat cells and other substances. The zones 720 a,b can be formed by providing layers of the material, by providing varying thicknesses, by interspersing a first material within a second material in predetermined configurations, etc. Still further, the first and second zones can be formed by subjecting the transfer element 720 to an electromagnetic field.
The first and second zones 720 a,b can also be formed by varying the density of the transfer element 720, as indicated by the dashed line 732 (
Medications and other substances can be applied to the transfer element materials to alter the flow characteristics thereof. Systemic agents 731 can be administered to the patient 726.
Fluid 722 can be introduced into the wound site 724 from the inputs 714 and its flow pathways can be controlled by the gradient source 716. For example, sponge materials with different flow characteristics can be configured to direct fluid (either gas or liquid) in predetermined flow patterns through the transfer element 720. Effluent 728 from the patient 726 is withdrawn from the wound site 724 and evacuated to a collection receptacle 730.
Gradient sources are provided at 810 and can comprise vacuum/suction, fluids, medications, oxygen and various other matter and energy. Gradients can also be formed utilizing energy sources, such as thermal, mechanical force, etc. First and second transfer characteristics are selected at 812, 814 respectively. A transfer element(s) is provided at 816 and includes the transfer characteristics selected at 812, 814. The patient is prepared at 818. Patient preparations can include any suitable medical procedures, such as debriding the wound, etc.
The transfer element is applied at 820 and draped at 822. The transfer element is connected to a gradient source at 824 and the gradient is applied at 826. Fluid is transferred through the first transfer element zone at 828 and through the second transfer element zone at 830. It will be appreciated that such transfer zones can be adapted for directing the fluid along certain pathways to achieve desired results, such as evacuation of exudates. The fluid is differentiated (e.g., liquids, gases or liquids and gases are separated) at 832.
The operating parameters are monitored at 834 and the gradient source(s) are adjusted accordingly add 836. Thereafter a "Continue?" decision box 838 is reached. If affirmative, the method returns to Apply Gradient 826 and operation continues with the adjusted gradient parameters. A negative decision at 838 leads to a termination of the procedure (i.e., "End") at 840.
The system 902 is covered by a drape 920, which can comprise various semi-permeable and impervious materials as required by fluid flow considerations and various applications. For example, an impervious drape 920 tends to block air from the system 902 and permit entry of same only through the air sump control 914.
In phase 3, ongoing administration of this gradient continues these fluxes as water vapor is removed and dry air is sumped. In phase 4 is results in a new steady-state condition with lower levels of toxin A in the wound (and the patient) and increased fluid and toxin A in the transfer element that is continuously evacuated.
In phase 2, an isomotic rinse is introduced, increasing the fluid content of the transfer element and decreasing the concentration of toxin A, enabling a diffusion of toxin A from the wound into the transfer element. In phase 3, as this fluid is withdrawn, it also removes toxin A, enabling a continued diffusion of toxin A out of the wound. In phase 4, the resulting condition is fluid equilibrium and decreased concentration of toxin A in the wound. As this situation reverts to phase 1, the flush or rinse is repeated at intervals.
In phase 3 this increased fluid in the wound allows the total amount of toxin A to also accumulate in the wound. In phase 4 this increase of fluid and toxin A in the wound without any egress produces movement of fluid (edema) and toxins (cellulitis) back into the patient and into the lymphatics.
The pressure transducing function of the component 1006 involves several different kinds of pressures from different sources, which are generally designated P in
In its simplest form (e.g., the generic model shown in
The cover or membrane 1010 modulates fluid pressure or flow by its physical properties of rigidity and flexibility, which can resist movement associated with a pressure gradient across the two sides of the cover or membrane 1010 and, conversely, the ability to collapse or change shape as a result of this gradient. Changing fluid pressure and volume modulates osmotic, capillary and atmosphere pressures, thereby changing the shape of the cover 1010. For example, changing the size and/or shape of the cover 1010 can produce fluid gradients by changing solvent volume for osmotic pressure, tube radius for capillary pressure and fluid volume/container volume for atmospheric pressure.
The porosity of the cover 1010 to fluids and solutes is another physical property, which affects fluid pressure and/or flow modulation by the cover 1010. For example, cover 1010 porosity can range from porous to semi-permeable to impervious. Semi-permeable covers 1010 are generally selectively capable of passing certain gaseous (vapor) phase elements and are impervious to certain liquid phase substances. Such selective permeability for various sizes of solutes, which can be a function of pore size, can be used for selectively creating fluid flow conduits for certain substances with the cover 1010.
The transducer component 1006 is located in a central or contained space 1012 generally defined by the cover 1010 and the tissue layer 1005, and can also be designed to manipulate fluid pressure and flow. Selective permeability for various sizes of solutes, which can be a function of pore size, can be used for selectively creating fluid flow conduits for certain substances with the transducer component 1006. The space 1012 can contain fluid alone, with or without solutes, or fluid and an engineered solid (e.g. bioengineered cells, beads, etc.). Fluid gradients for directing flow can be created, controlled and manipulated as a function of osmotic, capillary and atmospheric pressures.
Osmotic pressure control can be utilized with gas, liquid (with or without solutes) or both. By adjusting the concentrations of dissolved elements, a gradient can be established across the cover 1010 between the transducer component 1006 and the external environment. Capillary pressure control can involve transducer component 1006 configurations such as screens and three-dimensional meshwork providing channels and passages with predetermined sizes. A gradient can thereby be produced across the cover 1010, and can be engineered to modulate in response to the amount of fluid that is flowing. The transducer component 1006 can comprise, for example, an absorbable meshwork, which swells with liquid absorption whereby the spaces and passages change with exposure to liquid and cause corresponding changes in the capillary pressure gradients. The transducer component 1006 meshwork can be configured to hold more fluid at increased pressures (e.g., changing volume under osmotic pressure), thereby stretching the cover 1010, physically changing the conduit and passage sizes and modulating the pressure gradients and corresponding fluid flow.
Atmospheric pressure can remain constant through volume changes if the cover 1010 is sufficiently flexible to accommodate such changes. Differential fluid pressures and other gradients can be created and manipulated by selective permeability and rigidity of the cover membrane 1010. Strong osmotic/oncotic pressures can be established across the cover 1010 in order to cause liquid to selectively cross into the transducer 1012. On the other hand, if the cover 1010 is less flexible or stretchable, pressures tend to change within the central space 1012. For example, dissolved oxygen may be present in the central space 1012 and may be forced out through the cover 1010 by an increase in pressure. A water removal/oxygen delivery system is thus created. Alternatively, a specific connector conduit portion can be established in the cover 1010 for allowing active (mechanical or otherwise) modulation of atmospheric pressure (both positive and negative) inside the transducer component 1006, with the resultant gradient and fluid flow changes that will result to the other phases and elements in the central space 1012.
The effects of the aforementioned pressures on the gradients and functions of the transducer system 1002 are interrelated, whereby changing one or more design variables can affect others and thereby provide a relatively high level of control.
The ambient atmosphere and environment external to the transducer system 1002 can also be part of the system and controlled in order to achieve various desired performance objectives. The external environment can be ambient, or it may be contained within a larger, secondary enclosure. Connectors or patches, such as the cover connector 1014, can be utilized for fluid and pressure communication to the system 1002 from external sources, e.g. through tubing 1016.
For example, it may be desirable to control and manipulate certain atmospheric characteristics, such as oxygen content, humidity, etc. Such characteristics could remain relatively constant as elements are exchanged with the environment. Ambient liquids of various constitutions, concentrations and pressures can also comprise the ambient environment, and can be manipulated in order to achieve desired performance. Liquid volumes and concentrations can be sufficiently large for pressures and other characteristics to remain relatively constant contemporaneously with pressure gradient control and manipulation.
The tissue layer 1005 also has an interface relationship with the base element 1008. The system 1002 is medically useful in part because of its ability to control fluid flows involving solutes that are medicinal, nutritional and metabolically active. Biological tissue inherently functions as a cover membrane. Therefore, sealing the edges of the cover 1010 to healthy skin around the wound 1004 configures the system with the tissue layer 1005 comprising the lower enclosure, which cooperates with the cover 1010 to enclose the transducer component 1006. By way of example, steep gradients and rapid fluid flows can be achieved by constructing the layers of the system 1002 in such a way as to move accumulated concentrations of elements away from the base layer interface between the tissue 1005 and the transducer component 1006. Conversely, relatively high concentrations or pressures of desired elements can be achieved in a delivery mode of operation in order to affect high delivery rates to the tissue 1005. Tissue interaction can take the form of fluid absorption, exudation/transudation, exchange (solute/solvent), cellular response, and other physiological interactions.
Interconnecting base elements 1008 together inside of an interconnected second space environment attached to tissue can provide a device capable of expansion or contraction to fit multiple fluid flow needs for removal and delivery requirements for medical treatment of tissue of all sizes. The base element 1008 can range in size from gross macroscopic to molecular and nanometer, and tubule passage sizes can correspondingly cover a wide range for achieving desired fluid, pressure, gradient, biologic and other effects. Without limitation on the generality of useful applications of the present invention, it is anticipated that most of the desired fluid effects will occur utilizing passages and matrices in the micron to millimeter range.
Gradients can be formed with various forces and interactions at different locations within the system 1002. For example, within the connector and tubing 1014, 1016 positive and negative pressures associated with external fluid and pressure sources can be formed. The outer surface of the cover 1010 forms an interface with the atmosphere or other environment external to the base element 1008. The inner surface of the cover 1010 forms an interface between the cover and the transducer component 1006. Within the transducer component 1006 pressure, osmotic, oncotic, chemical, biological, thermal and other gradients are formed. A transducer/tissue interface is formed between the transducer component 1006 and the tissue layer 1005. Finally, gradients are formed within the tissue layer 1005.
Another modified embodiment composite sheet panel system 1022 is shown in
The spot interconnections 1026 can restrain separation of the sheets 1024, which may be desirable when the central space 1030 is filled with larger volumes of pressurized fluid. The panel system 1022 can comprise various thin, flexible and durable materials, including polyurethane, cellulose, cellophane or rayon. Such materials are preferably chosen for their properties of permeability, i.e. membrane-like behavior for separating types of fluid on each side, and liquid adhesion involving their abilities to adhere to various liquids presented to the sheet 1024 surfaces and surface tension properties. The surfaces can optionally be coated with proteins and other materials affecting liquid adhesion. Hydrophobic and hydrophilic properties are also applicable to membrane-like performance. Additional performance-affecting construction material variables include the thickness and permeability of the sheets 1024. Still further, the size and spacing of the spot interconnections 1026 can vary considerably among systems embodying the present invention. For example, micro-systems with sub-centimeter spacing may be indicated for certain closure procedures, whereas macro systems with interconnections spaced several centimeters apart may be indicated for others.
The manifolds 1028 and the ports 1032 can likewise have various sizes, configurations and locations. For example, the manifolds 1028 can be located on opposite edges, over-and-under along the same edge or along adjacent edges. The panel system 1022 can be provided as an elongated strip, which can be cut-to-length transversely for custom-fit installations. The cut edges can be taped over or otherwise suitably closed. The ports 1032 can be fabricated with flexible tubing or other suitable materials, and can be fitted with various suitable connectors and terminations, including selectively closable sealing plugs at 1032.
Another modified embodiment composite sheet panel system 1042 is shown in
Another modified embodiment composite sheet panel system 1052 is shown in
If the system is provided with a manifold, the added fluids or concentrations can be sequentially changed and varied as the changing environment of healing requires without changing the device or dressing. Oxygen can be applied intermittently for maximizing the benefits of topical hyperbaric therapy. Negative pressure can be utilized for extracting wound exudate and closing the wound edges.
Another modified embodiment composite sheet panel system 1072 is shown in
It is to be understood that while certain forms of the present invention have been illustrated and described herein, it is not to be limited to the specific forms or arrangement of parts described and shown.
Furthermore, it should be appreciated that continuations, divisionals, and continuations-in-part applications depending from this specification may be pending at the time this patent issues, the claims of which may encompass embodiments and applications that are broader than the claims appended herein. Accordingly, embodiments or elements disclosed in the specification but not literally claimed in the appended claims, if any, should not be presumed to be dedicated to the public.
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|U.S. Classification
|604/305, 604/543
|International Classification
|Cooperative Classification
|European Classification
|23 Jan 2007
Owner name: ZAMPAT, L.L.C., KANSAS
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|12 Jun 2013
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text:
Whole Foods Market (3100 Cahaba Village Plaza, 205-912-8400) is wrapping up one of their periodic case wine sales today. Those who hurry in can still take advantage of the 20% off a case (12 bottles) until the store closes on Sunday, April 29. But even those who don't want a whole case or who miss the sale will find some bargains in the bunch.
Whole Foods has some wines that are a private label, made just for Whole Foods, and on Saturday, Mark Schmer with Alabama Crown poured the 2010 H & G Chardonnay (reg. $18.99, sale $14.99), which won raves even from those who thought they didn't like Chardonnay. It starts out with ripe pear and apple with a little spice at mid-palate and then develops lemon creme and vanilla on the finish as it sits in the glass.
Word is the juice that made this wine came from a famous Sonoma Chadonnay producer whose wine sells for higher prices, but wine buyer Wendy Watts said we are not supposed to put into print exactly which one.
"It's juice that didn't quite make the cut (for their regular wine), so they'll sell the juice for somebody else to finish and bottle," said Watts. "H & G stands for Here and Gone--there's not much of it, and it's here and gone."
So we'll just say it comes from S & C, which could stand for Sonoma Chardonnay or for Superior Chardonnay or ... If you don't catch the hint, go to the store and ask Wendy.
The Castello de Monseran Garnacha, regularly $11.99, but on sale for $7.99, is the lowest price I've seen in a long while. The store bought a bunch, so they can offer a good price. It's a mouthfull of ripe, slightly jammy raspberry with a nice tang to the finish and could make a bargain house wine. For just a bit more, the '08 Chono Carmenere at $10.99 offers up loads of big berry, especially blackberry with smoke and tang. And the 2010 Cellars Can Blau at $11.99 has even more toast and smoke mingled with bright blueberry and blackberry--a big wine for the price. Bring on the grilled foods!
Here's a bit about some of the other wines I tasted:
2010 Lurton Verdejo ($11.99)- fresh and lively with slightly tropical notes. Kiwi, lime and mineral.
2010 Mer Soleil Silver Unoaked Chardonnay ($22.99)- tangy with peach, apricot and crisp green apple at the finish. Distinctive cement bottle, painted with silver, which is the material it was aged in before bottling, according to Jimmy Crowe with International Wines.
2011 Maysara Roseena Pinot Noir Rose ($14.99)- an ultimate summertime sipper. Light and fresh with red berry--raspberry and red currant, finishing off with whispers of chalky mineral.
2010 Faustino Tempranillo ($11.99)- cherry and plum mingle with soft dusty tannin. Spice and pepper notes with lovely fruit. Served up with some Robusto cheese from the cheese dept. next to the wines. Wonderful and flavorful cheese as well.
2011 Madame Fleur 365 Rose ($7.99)- a Whole Foods brand and quite nice for the price. Strawberry, juicy without being overly sweet. Nice to sip.
2010 Domaine des Miles Chablis ($15.99) - fresh and sweet/tart flavors of melon and sour lemon. Hints of herb, perhaps dill and tarragon.
2010 Chateau de Callac Graves ($25.99)- minerally on the nose with melon and lime. Has a seamless quality seguing from citrus to crisp apple at the finish with chalky mineral.
2009 Manos Negros Pinot Noir ($14.99) bright cherry and cranberry. Nicely zingy with light spice. Comes from Argentina.
2010 Zolos Cabernet Sauvignon ($12.99)- blackberry and black currant. Good fruit with a hint of black cherry on the finish.
2011 Zolo Malbec ($12.99) round with cherry and plum flavors. Hints of tobacco-y spice at the finish. The Zolo wines seemed to be crowd pleasers.
2010 Chateau Lamothe de Haux ($16.99, I think, forgot to write down price)- very grapefuit-y and aromatic. Melon rounds out the tang. Finishes with lemon and earthy mineral.
2009 Franciscan Cabernet Sauvignon (reg. $29.99, sale $19.99)- briary berry and black cherry with smoky underpinnings. Velvety and lush with hints of anise and peppery spice. "It's got a little cocoa in it," said Mark Schmer with Alabama Crown. "As it opens up, it'll get better and better."
Then there were some wines, Whole Foods poured as part of a bridal display, that included some incredible cakes. Chocolate cake with fudge frosting and peanut butter frosting between the layers...yellow cake with buttercream frosting and strawberry jam between the layers. Whole Foods wanted to show they do great wedding cakes, which provided a sweet distraction, but on to the wines...
Toso Brut ($7.99)- very dry and crisp bubbly from Argentina. Clean flavors with whispers of pear, apple and chalk.
De Chancey Cremant de Loire ($12.99)- frothy and light with juicy apple and melon. "It's a great pretender," said Wendy Watts. "If you can't afford the real thing (Champagne from the Champagne region of France) at $40 and up, it's a great pretender."
2010 Zestos Malvar ($8.99) - fruity with lots of juicy apple and light spice.
2010 Crane Lake Chardonnay ($5.99) - ripe golden apple. Almost sweet, slightly jammy apple flavors.
2010 Leese-Fitch Chardonnay ($9.99) - Round and juicy with ripe pear and cream. Just a whisper of citrus.
2010 Crane Lake Merlot ($5.99) - loads of cherry fruit with hints of spice. "This little wine sells very well," said Watts.
2010 Zestos Rojo (Tempranillo/Garnacha, $8.99) - spice on the nose with lingering cherry and plum fruit. A bit of peppery spice.
2010 Leese-Fitch Pinot Noir ($9.99) - red fruits and fruit cake spices. Cherry and cranberry with a nice tang at the finish.

subset: commoncrawl


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On Saturday, click this link to follow up to the minute score updates and IL's In-Game blog live from Baltimore.
Well we're finally here - A long, cold off-season, a shorter, cold preseason and a ludicrously snowy early season give way this weekend to the show of shows - IL's fourth annual Konica Minolta Face-Off Classic in Baltimore, where warm temperatures and clear, sunny skies are expected to shine on six of the top 10 teams in the nation at M&T Bank Stadium.
We've been bringing you preview coverage all week, from Quint and Dixon's debate to who Terry thinks are the players to watch from each team, and just about everything in between (click here for the full FOC story archive), but here's a rundown of each game in the event and a few things to key in on while you follow along with the action on InsideLacrosse.com and ESPNU.
No. 6 Princeton vs. No. 5 Johns Hopkins
Face-Off: Approx 1:30 PM | Records: Hopkins 3-0, Princeton 1-0
Last Year's meeting: Princeton 14, Hopkins 9
Probable Starting LIneups
|Johns Hopkins
A - Steven Boyle
Tom Duerr
Kyle Wharton
M - Michael Kimmel
Max Chautin
Zach Palmer
D - Matt Drenan
Sam DeVore
Tucker Durkin
G - Michael Gvozden
A - Jack McBride
Rob Engelke
Chris McBride
M - Scott MacKenzie
Mike Grossman
Mike Chanenchuk
D - John Cunningham
Jeremy Hirsch
Long Ellis
G - Tyler Fiorito
An original Face-Off Classic matchup that was part of IL publisher Bob Carpenter's original 'harebrained idea' to get this whole thing off the ground, the Tigers and Blue Jays have played in all three of the previous events and will get started having a net tie score of 29-29 in the previous matchups at M&T.
Both are still unbeaten on the new season, with Princeton's Chris Bates earning his first win with the Tigers last week against Hofstra and Hopkins and Dave Pietramala taking two wide wins over Manhattan and Delaware before needing everything it had to dispatch pesky Siena on Sunday, 8-7. Both programs boast historical numbers that rival the best schools in any sport, but the interesting story is more what's different than what's the same.
The Tigers under longtime coach Bill Tierney, who departed for the head coaching job at Denver during the summer, were known - for better or worse - as a slow-down team that used complex defensive schemes to stymie opponents. Hopkins under Pietramala suffers from a similar reputation, though both schools have had their share of All-World offensive players during NCAA title runs.
But through three games, Hopkins, which graduated Schmeisser winner Mike Evans on defense after allowing over 10 goals a game in 2009, has scored 37 goals and Princeton hit the twine 17 times against Hofstra.
Obviously this one is never going to be mistaken for Syracuse-Virginia, but the 2010 Princeton-Hopkins matchup is looking like it may be a bit closer in nature to some of those track meet-style games.
Hopkins is driven offensively by midfielder MIchael Kimmel and a veteran attack unit, though senior and leading scorer Chris Boland is not listed as a probable starter once again - he has yet to play this season since violating an unspecified team rule, but has dressed with the team. Steven Boyle has been the anchor thus far with 13 goals and four assists, with Kyle Wharton (5, 3) and Tom Duerr (one goal) as the other two starters. If Boland, who has not been ruled out for Saturday's action (and is listed in the school's game notes as the presumed third starter) is back on the field, this is a very dangerous group up top.
Princeton, which lost the services of defensive stalwart Chad Wiedmaier, put home a goal for every 2.3 shots it took against Hofstra, due in large part to the attack line of Jack McBride (2G, 1A), Rob Engelke (1, 4) and Chris McBride (4G) combining for 12 points against the Pride. The Tigers were particularly deadly in spurts last week, scoring goals in bunches on several occasions.
Both goalies in this contest have proven that they can put a team on their back in big moments, as some might remember JHU's Mike Gvozden's nonpareil performance in the 2008 NCAA finals against Syracuse in a losing effort or Princeton's Tyler Fiorito making 15 saves at last year's Big City Classic against Syracuse.
Whether this one is 16-15 or 5-4, some of the best talent the game has to offer will be on the field early Saturday afternoon, with Pietramala going for his 132nd coaching win and Bates hoping to move above the .500 mark on his career (he evened his mark at 71-71 with the win over Hofstra).


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Home > Programs > Commentaries > Commentary Detail
Commentary Detail
Commentary by: Terry Jones
Aired February 24, 2010
WMP (56 kbps)
MP3 (56 kbps)
St. Louis tends to be the Ralphs Pretty Good Grocery among the nations metropolitan areas. Garrison Keillors fictional shop in Lake Wobegon did its job adequately. Why seek a higher level?
When the late Marguerite Ross Barnett became Chancellor of the University of Missouri-St. Louis in 1986, she went to visit the CEO of a major corporation headquartered here. Whats your vision for UMSL? asked the CEO. To be a world-class university, said Chancellor Barnett. Whats wrong with just being good? was the executives reply.
Risking adequacy to seek excellence is all too rare in our region. We find it difficult to pay the price to be on top. Thats why we have been so fortunate to have Dr. Peter Raven leading the Missouri Botanical Garden for the past forty years. He transformed a pretty good garden into a world-class cultural and scientific institution, one of the three best on the globe along with the New York Botanical Garden and Kew Garden in London. Thats impressive company to keep.
Dr. Raven is also the regions preeminent scientist, an internationally acclaimed scholar. Long the home secretary for the National Academy of Science, he also received the National Medal of Science, the countrys top prize. He modeled world-class performance for the rest of us who do research.
Thanks, Peter, for showing St. Louis that there are higher steps on the ladder and that, with superb leadership, we can reach them.
(The opinions expressed are not necessarily those of St. Louis Public Radio.)
Terry Jones
Terry Jones is Professor of Political Science at the University of Missouri - St. Louis.


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Yvonne L. Lorenz
HEATH – Yvonne L. Lorenz, 88, of Heath, passed away Dec. 18.
She is survived by three children, C.W. "Billy" Burgess of Reno, Nev., Sandy (Bob) Renner of Yorktown, Va., and Kim (Geoff) Goll of Salem; nine grandchildren; and seven great-grandchildren.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Alva and Clara "Blanche" (Kokensparger) Howarth; husbands, Charles William Burgess, Russell Etzwiler and John Lorenz; two sisters, Juanita (Armand) Monty and Monna (John) Scrafford; and a brother, Don (Martha) Howarth.
Visitation will be held from 1 to 3 and 5 to 7 p.m. today at Vensil and Chute Funeral Home,1850 W. Main St. Newark, Ohio.
The funeral service begins at 12:30 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 22, 2013, at the funeral home (www.vocfh.com).
(Paid obituary)


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Claire De Rouen Books
Venue Details & Map
Claire De Rouen Books
- Address
121-125 Charing Cross RoadLeicester SquareLondonWC2H 0EW
- Telephone:
- +44 (0)20 7287 1813
- Public transport:
- Tottenham Court Road, Underground
This is probably one of the best books/magazine shops in London. Quite small space but I think it just makes it more special. Awesome selection, as well of independent zines and books. Staff is also so friendly and you can easily have a nice chat with them!more
I have been to bookshops all over the world and nothing makes me smile as much as seeing the grand dame Claire De Rouen in her tiny little attic shop surrounded by artistic wonders.
Claire is so knowledgeable and worldy. She has great style and that aristo kind of face where you know that in her day men used to whisk her around the globe and fall at her feet.
She was born in Alexandria,...more
Despite occupying an extremely tiny room above a sex shop on Charring Cross Road, you'll have to take my word for it that I had initially found Claire De Rouen Books (specialising in photography and fashion) through by-chancing upon the window display and noticing the Robert Frank book "The Americans" in the window.
As you walk up the narrow stairwell, you are greeted by a little gallery...more


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The Governor's Education Transformation Task Force will hold two public hearings next week — one in Blackwood and one in Paramus — to solicit comments and suggestions for its review of the state's educational statutes and regulations.
The task force was established by Gov. Chris Christie in April to review all regulations that affect public education and to recommend a new system that grants schools more decision-making capabilities while ensuring they still have significant accountability when it comes to student achievement, safety and fiscal responsibility.
The hearings, which are open to the public, will take place Monday at Civic Hall in the Connector Building at Camden County College's Blackwood Campus at 4 p.m. and Tuesday at the Anna Maria Ciccone Theatre at Bergen Community College in Paramus at 3:30 p.m. The task force has called these hearings to gather public comment on its initial report released Sept. 12.
"The final report by the task force — an entity appointed by the governor through executive order — is due Dec. 31," said Richard Vespucci, spokesman for the New Jersey Department of Education. "Before that date, the task force will reach out to stakeholder groups — teachers, principals, superintendents, parent groups and more — to solicit their feedback, mainly through emails and the NJDOE website. "
Through those communications and next week's hearings, said Vespucci, the task force is looking for comments on their Sept. 12 report as well as any other comments that would fall under their charge.
"The initial report covers pretty broad areas so the parameters for ideas and suggestions are also broad," said Vespucci. "The task force actually went beyond their initial charge by also holding two public hearings during the summer. Those hearings the task force found very valuable and informative because they gave them a greater understanding of the sentiment of educators and other community members. What the task force learned at those hearings affected a number of the recommendations in the Sept. 12 report. So, as for these upcoming hearings, it's definitely not an exercise in lip service. They've been very responsive to the information they've gathered already."
The New Jersey School Boards Association included a notice of the upcoming hearings in their weekly publication released Thursday.
"It is important, we think, for the school boards to weigh in and provide information to this task force," said Frank Belluscio from the NJSBA. "There is a voluminous body of regulations that affect local school districts, from QSAC (Quality Single Accountability Continuum) all the way down to smaller-scale accountability regulations. In some cases, these regulations do pose administrative burdens, may cost money and may have a very limited impact. I think there are proposals and suggestions concerning these regulations that the task force needs to hear."
Belluscio said the NJSBA conducted a survey in early 2009 after the accountability regulations were put into place, and most of the respondents — the majority being business administrators — found additional costs and a significant administrative burden involved in these limited proposals.
"There has definitely been some micro-managing," said Belluscio. "There are restrictions far more detailed than what is in the public's interest, and feedback from those being affected would benefit the task force and its work."
Belluscio said the perspective of the school administrators is very important in these hearings.
"These requirements do fall on the shoulders of the superintendents and business administrators and, when we're talking about additional administrative workload, I don't think there's anybody better than them to describe the impact. I'm sure many of them will be there, and for those who can't, the task force is also accepting written comments."
Belluscio said such forums are essential whenever a task force will implement public policy.
"The NJ QSAC monitoring will be the focal point," said Belluscio. "A monitoring procedure holding districts to certain standards for student achievement and financial practices can be helpful, but is it also too burdensome in terms of how frequently high performing districts need to go through this evaluation?"
Clearview Regional Superintendent John Horchak responded briefly from a meeting Thursday that the Gloucester County Roundtable of School Superintendents had not yet discussed who would be attending next week's hearing but said they would "find out later at the roundtable meeting."
Gloucester County Education Association President Sue Clark and Interim Gloucester County Superintendent of Schools Robert Bumpus were not available for comment by press time.
For those unable to attend the public hearings, suggestions and comments may be provided to the task force via email at email@example.com or by mail to: Education Transformation Task Force, c/o New Jersey Department of Education, 100 Riverview Plaza, PO Box 500, Trenton, NJ 08625.


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The Beachwood store, featuring what the company calls "our curated selection of the
coolest Microsoft products," will be on the mall's lower level Center Court, in front of The Art of Shaving.
Microsoft has been quiet about its plans, other than to say more details would be revealed soon.
ComputerWorld reports that Oct. 26 is also "the day Microsoft officially starts selling Windows 8 and Windows RT-powered Surface tablets."
It also said the pop-up stores more than double the number of bricks-and-mortar locations where the company can show off and sell its products.
PC World noted last month that most of the 32 stores will open near, and in some cases right next door to, rival Apple Stores.
Apple has a retail store at nearby Legacy Village in Lyndhurst.
The Beachwood store is the only Microsoft retail location in Ohio.
Follow me on twitter: @janetcho


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South Glens Falls Premier location only minutes to Saratoga & all major activities. Wonderfully picturesque Michaels Group neighborhood featuring their most popular Cottage Single Family Homes set on beautifully wooded and private home sites. Features incl: HW and tiled floors, tiled showers w/ glass doors, custom trim work, Pella Proline Windows, 9' ceilings, Energy Start Hi-Eff mechanicals w/ AC, water, gas, sewer, underground electric, & more. 1/3-1/2 Acre + homesites. MAINTENANCE FREE OPTIONAL!!
Listing Courtesy of Signature Homes Realty, +1 518.587.0599


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By Joint Spouses' ConferenceOctober 11, 2013
SCHOFIELD BARRACKS, Hawaii (Oct. 11, 2013) -- Hundreds of military spouses gathered to take part in the Joint Spouses' Conference, "Operation Hooah 2013."
Throughout the daylong conference, attendees enjoyed a variety of educational and hands-on workshops centering on activities and the adventure of living in Hawaii.
From sporting activities on the water in Waikiki to courses in culinary arts, painting and photography, as well as workshops in native Hawaiian culture, something for everyone was available at this year's conference.
"My goal was to introduce military spouses to the positive adventures of military life, to view this lifestyle as a challenge to consistently learn, grow and better themselves by taking full advantage of their surrounding, wherever their duty station may be," explained Sheila Johnson, director of JSC 2013.
Lori Tuite, conference participant and Army spouse, said the conference's presenters did an excellent job.
"Being able to meet other military spouses from across the island was great. I definitely learned a lot today and really enjoyed the cooking class and historical trolley tour," said Tuite.
The annual conference, which includes more than 25 different workshops, was capped off by an engaging talk from keynote speakers Gen. Vincent Brooks, commander, U.S. Army-Pacific, and his wife, Dr. Carol Brooks.
Dr. Brooks encouraged military spouses "to undertake what is necessary to survive as a military spouse by embracing the adventure that is this military life."
Gen. Brooks addressed the tough nature of the military spouse and the need for spouses to take time for themselves and their relationships.
Next year, the 20th annual JSC will be hosted by the Marine Corps.


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"Yes, I'd like to live in some teenager's map of a modern version of a Dungeons and Dragon's walled city, please. I know it bears no resemblance to anything even remotely defensible from the historical record but I'm willing to pay $208 to a convicted felon for just the privilege of applying, and an as yet unknown sum annually to lease my rather-less-than-an-acre for my entire family. I'm sure that will allow us to be self-sufficient and save us against some as yet unspecified "grid-down, economic collapse scenario". Rush me my application form now, please, I certify I have way more money than sense!"
That's got to be the thinking of the rightwing libertarian nutbars considering signing up for The Citadel, a "redoubt" based on a fantasy medieval-style walled town being touted by the likes of FOX News and the Christian News Service today. The Fox story ledes:
No Liberals Allowed: Group To Build 'Live And Let Live' Community
A group of like-minded patriots, bound together by pride in American exceptionalism, plan on building an armed community to protect their liberty.
The group, named Citadel, intends to purchase 2,000 to 3,000 acres for the project in western Idaho. The community will comprise of 3,500 to 7,000 families of patriotic Americans who "voluntarily choose to live together in accordance with Thomas Jefferson's ideal of Rightful Liberty." …
Here's the concept map of this libertarian fortified paradise, from their website. It looks like it was drawn for an ahistorical game of Dungeons and Dragons.
This is genuine Live Action Role-Playing for libertarian conspiracy theorists. Although the website says that "The Citadel is not designed to withstand any direct .Mil or .Gov attack. Nor is the Citadel, in any manner, attempting to provoke any government entity", the funding vehicle – III Arms – prints on the side of every gun it makes (AR-15s, natch) the phrase "if they mean to have a war let it begin here", uttered by Captain John Paarker, to his Minute Men on Lexington Green, April 19, 1775 in the kick-off event for the Revolutionary war. Draw your own conclusions.
To be a member of Citadel, you must sign a "Patriot Agreement" detailling the terms of residency. The bulk of the terms set out in that agreement involve firearms, the proficiency of everyone in the community over the age of 13 with firearms, self-defense drills and militia preparedness. Despite living in a faux-medieval walled compound, everyone has to go openly armed if they go into the town center – one wonders who they're meant to be protecting themselves against. Other wingnut citizens who might go off the deep end and are heavily armed, perhaps? It's certainly not going to be the tourists the website says they hope to attract as an economic adjunct to the arms factory that will be the town's primary employer.
Tbogg did some reading and discovered that the founder and primary mind behind this venture, and the arms company, is one Christian Hyman, aka Sam Kerodin. In 2004, Kerodin was sentenced to 30 months in federal prison and a $6,000 fine for extortion. After setting himself up as a security consultant, Kerodin had tried to shake down shopping malls by publicizing that they were especially vulnerable to terrorist attacks unless they paid him not to do so.
Seriously, what's not to love if you're a reality-challenged rightwing libertarian conspiracy nut with a hankering to LARP out your delusions of being a rugged survivalist badass? Of course you can trust Citadel, who only own 20 acres on a mountain in Idaho so far and aren't even sure that's where they want to build, with your money…
Jeff and the Protein Wisdom crowd do love it, of course.
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TUSCALOOSA, Alabama -- After two months of chemotherapy treatment in Little Rock, Ark., Tuscaloosa City Councilman Kip Tyner returned to Tuscaloosa Tuesday and took his first official committee and council actions since early May.
"This is absolutely a dream," Tyner said. "It's been grueling but humbling, and it's going to take wild horses to get me out of Tuscaloosa again."
In the last two years, Tyner has seen 60 percent of his district, Alberta City, damaged or destroyed by an EF4 tornado. He was arrested in December 2011 for possession of cocaine and was placed in a recovery program for six months as part of a plea deal. A serious cancer was incorrectly diagnosed, which he said cost him three ribs and several precious months.
Tyner finally found the care he needed at the Myeloma Institute for Research and Therapy in Little Rock, but that meant it meant more than 200 hours of chemotherapy and two months away from his home in Tuscaloosa.
"I don't know what's next for me. I hope it's something calmer," Tyner joked. "Something like Disney World, you know? Because it's been an incredible two years."
Tyner suffers from a rare, aggressive cancer called multiple myeloma that he said was hard to diagnose and tricky to treat, which necessitated his care at the center in Arkansas, the only multiple myeloma treatment and research center in the world. His battle cost him most of his hair and untold expenses to pay for treatment and a place in Little Rock for three months, but his PET scans are reading normal now, so he said it's been worth it.
Now, after all the struggles Tyner has faced, he's back in Tuscaloosa and ready to return to governance and his race for re-election on Aug. 27.
"I didn't consider stopping or quitting for one second," Tyner said. "We started this whole thing together two years ago, and there's still so much to be done. I wasn't going to quit."
The last term has reminded Tyner of his own weaknesses and his mortality, and those thoughts won't ever leave him, he said, but they also serve to motivate him.
"Cancers can always come back, and I'm well aware of that," Tyner said. "I'll think about that for the rest of my life, but that just means I'm more determined than ever before. I have never, ever been more ready to work."
"Cancers can always come back, and I'm well aware of that," Tyner said. "I'll think about that for the rest of my life, but that just means I'm more determined than ever before. I have never, ever been more ready to work."
In his district, Alberta was struggling before the tornado ripped through it in April. Now, though, there is room for unprecedented growth and revitalization, even though it had to be made possible by a disaster.
"I always said Alberta would take a long time to recover, but I think this is a case of the tortoise and the hare, and you know who wins that race," Tyner said.
It might take years to get there, Tyner said, but the restored Alberta will be unrecognizable from anything that been there before. He pointed to major projects planned for the area, including an advanced technology library, an indoor and outdoor tennis facility, a magnet school and a public safety complex will transform the area into one of Tuscaloosa's finest.
It's dreaming of that future, Tyner said, that convinced him not to end his political career this term. Tyner said his constituents stood by him after he lost his home, office and car in the tornado. They were there after his arrest in December 2011, and they have flooded him with calls, prayers, texts, emails, cards and letters since his diagnosis seven months ago.
"On one of my absolute worst, darkest days in Arkansas, the one thing that got me through was Alberta," he said. "Alberta, to me, is more like a member of my family than anything else. The people ... they're all part of my family. I wouldn't take any other part of the city for anything in the world."