Abstract: A truck bed extension that is convertible into a ramp. The truck bed extension is comprised of three panels, including a back wall and two side walls, which are hinged together to allow the truck bed extension to be straightened when detached from the truck bed and used as a ramp or ladder. The truck bed extension also has a ramp lip that is rotatably joined by hinges to one of the wall extension sections, such that the ramp lip is foldable against the inside of the side wall extension section when used as a truck bed extension and unfolded as an extension of the ramp and positioned on the extended tailgate of the truck. This ramp lip reduces the angle of incline of the ramp and alleviates "bottoming out" of the wheeled vehicles moving in and out of the truck.

Abstract: An optical endpoint system for a CMP system with a viewport located off-center on the platen, said view port being adjustable in height so that the window of the viewport can be made flush with the top of the polishing pad.

Abstract: A system for assisting surgeons in performing cryosurgery of the prostate by calculating optimal positions for cryoprobes and providing display based templates for overlay over an ultrasound image display, and displaying actual cryoprobe ultrasound images together with template images so that the surgeon may compare suggested and actual placement of the cryoprobes, and adjust placement accordingly.

Abstract: A stent system and method for use in the prostate gland. The stent is made of a shape memory alloy such as nitinol, and has a low temperature martensite state, with a martensite transition temperature below body temperature, and a high temperature austenite state, with an austenite transition temperature at or above body temperature, and a memorized shape in the high temperature austenite state which is a helical coil of diameter large enough to hold the prostatic urethra open. The stent is used to heat the prostate and is left in the prostatic urethra while the prostate heals. After the prostate is substantially healed, the stent is cooled to its martensite state and is easily removed from the urethra.

Abstract: A method of intracranial placement of an embolization coil provided with an anchor to prevent migration of the coil after placement.

Abstract: A catheter system for injecting therapeutic agents including large molecules into the body. The catheter includes a distensible penetrating element with a distally locating expansion coil and a distally located chamber for holding a therapeutic agent which is to be injected into the body.

Abstract: A method for fabricating a stent or other medical device by creating a free standing thin film of metal.

Abstract: A compliant structure which includes a sensor for sensing translation and rotation of a top plate is disclosed. The structure is composed of a base plate and three supporting legs. The legs are compliant. The deflections of the structure are substantially in a plane and the translation and twist of the top platform may be measured by the gimbaled sensor assembly attached to one of the legs.

Abstract: A resuscitation device for automatic compression of victim's chest using a compression belt which exerts force evenly over the entire thoracic cavity. The belt is constricted and relaxed through a motorized spool assembly which repeatedly tightens the belt and relaxes the belt to provide repeated and rapid chest compression. An assembly includes various resuscitation devices including chest compression devices, defibrillation devices, and airway management devices, along with communications devices and senses with initiate communications with emergency medical personnel automatically upon use of the device.

Abstract: Tank treads, brake linings, rifles stocks, and other devices requiring the bonding of metal to rubber, epoxy, or plastic, with a layer of metal foam interposed between the metal and the rubber or plastic.

Abstract: Devices for welding suture segments in lieu of tying knots in sutures applied during endoscopic surgery.

Abstract: Cryocoolers for use in cryosurgery and other applications comprising dual finned tube helical coil heat exchangers. The size and shape of iceballs created by the probes is controlled by the location of the gas outlets within the cryocooler outer sheath.

Abstract: A device for controlling the discharge of a battery supplying an intermittent load, such as a nerve stimulation device. The device includes a controller which operates a switched inductor to feed a capacitor with numerous small pulses from the battery, thereby building up the charge and voltage on the capacitor, and occasionally discharging the capacitor to a load. The capacitor discharge is at a higher current than the small pulses from the battery, so the battery is drained at small instantaneous discharge rates compared to the high instantaneous discharge current from the capacitor.

Abstract: An improved ostomy face plate. The improved face plate includes a ring seal of silicons foam, a blotter ring disposed between the ring seal and the barrier seal, and an improved barrier seal compound with a low isobutylene content.

Abstract: A device for sterilizing females by occluding the uterotubal junction. The device includes a catheter with a releasable heat generating plug which is used to thermally damage the uterotubal junction and cause it to constrict around the plug, after which the plug is released from the catheter and left in place in the uterotubal junction.

Abstract: A minimally invasive device for performing direct cardiac massage including an inflatable bladder mounted on a rigid inflation tube. The rigid inflation tube is used to push the bladder into the sternocostal space through an incision in the upper abdomen just below the xiphoid process. After insertion into the sternocostal space, the bladder is repeatedly inflated and deflated to massage the heart and provide blood flow.

Abstract: A laparoscopic technique for harvesting the inferior epigastric artery and removing it from the body. The harvested inferior epigastric artery may be used as a bypass graft in a coronary or peripheral bypass operation.

Abstract: A catheter assembly for performing transmyocardial revascularization through the coronary arteries or veins, and a method of using this assembly for creating TMR channels through the myocardium coronary artery shunts through the myocardium.

Abstract: A stent delivery system for use in placing a stent within the prostatic urethra and ensuring that the stent does not interfere with the closure of the bladder neck sphincter. The delivery system includes a catheter with an anchor which anchors the catheter within the urethra and ensures placement of the stent at a predetermined distance from the bladder neck sphincter. For use with shape memory stents, the catheter includes a warming fluid system in which the endoscope used in the procedure can act as a fluid supply line and as valve spool to control the flow or warming fluid to the stent.

Abstract: A warming catheter for use during cryosurgical ablation of the prostate having a warming section with diffuser ports promoting even warming of the prostatic urethra; the warming catheter is also provided with a short monorail lumen, monorail tip lumen, or a full length monorail lumen.