Abstract: The invention relates to a device for moving a catheter in a controlled manner. The device has a frame, guiding member attached to the frame for the purpose of guiding the catheter, a first engaging mechanism in order to manually engage the guiding means, second engaging means for the purpose of engaging the catheter guided by the guiding machines, wherein the first and second engaged mechanism are connected in such a manner that, on moving the first engaging mechanism, the catheter is moved in relation to the frame. Furthermore, a signalling device is attached to the engaged mechanism for the purpose of giving off a signal corresponding to the displacement of the catheter.

Abstract: A safety trocar is provided which includes a spring-loaded shield that shields the cutting tip of the obturator after the obturator penetrates tissue. The distal end of the shield is conical in profile and contains a slot which conforms to the geometry of the cutting tip. The obturator tip contains a knife edge blade which extends the length of the cannula inner diameter. Ideally, the knife is made of an amorphous metal, and may be serrated at its edge. In one embodiment, the knife edge is contacted directly to a portion of the safety shield.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for identifying authorized users of a secure system. A user of the secure system is prompted to enter a personal identification code which is then received into the secure system. The personal identification code entered by the user is then compared against a list of authorized personal identification codes. The user is identified to be an authorized user of the secure system only if the personal identification code entered by the user is present in the list of authorized personal identification codes. Each personal identification code on the list of authorized personal identification codes is arranged in a personal identification code format that includes a plurality of core digits and a plurality of check digits.

Abstract: A surgical instrument for performing endoscopic surgical procedures. In one embodiment, the instrument includes a knife that remains unexposed until initiation of a cutting sequence, and returns to an unexposed position at the conclusion of the cutting sequence, minimizing the risk of injury to the person handling the instrument. In another embodiment, the instrument includes a flexible neck for articulating a surgical head assembly with respect to the shaft of the instrument. In another embodiment, a device for locking the articulated head at an angle of articulation is provided. In yet another embodiment, a mechanism for opening and closing an anvil assembly is disclosed.

Abstract: A surgical instrument for performing endoscopic surgical procedures. In one embodiment, the instrument includes a knife that remains unexposed until initiation of a cutting sequence, and returns to an unexposed position at the conclusion of the cutting sequence, minimizing the risk of injury to the person handling the instrument. In another embodiment, the instrument includes a flexible neck for articulating a surgical head assembly with respect to the shaft of the instrument. In another embodiment, a device for locking the articulated head at an angle of articulation is provided. In yet another embodiment, a mechanism for opening and closing an anvil assembly is disclosed.

Abstract: A surgical instrument for performing endoscopic surgical procedures. In one embodiment, the instrument includes a knife that remains unexposed until initiation of a cutting sequence, and returns to an unexposed position at the conclusion of the cutting sequence, minimizing the risk of injury to the person handling the instrument. In another embodiment, the instrument includes a flexible neck for articulating a surgical head assembly with respect to the shaft of the instrument. In another embodiment, a device for locking the articulated head at an angle of articulation is provided. In yet another embodiment, a mechanism for opening and closing an anvil assembly is disclosed.

Abstract: A surgical instrument for performing endoscopic surgical procedures. In one embodiment, the instrument includes a knife that remains unexposed until initiation of a cutting sequence, and returns to an unexposed position at the conclusion of the cutting sequence, minimizing the risk of injury to the person handling the instrument. In another embodiment, the instrument includes a flexible neck for articulating a surgical head assembly with respect to the shaft of the instrument. In another embodiment, a device for locking the articulated head at an angle of articulation is provided. In yet another embodiment, a mechanism for opening and closing an anvil assembly is disclosed.

Abstract: An endoscopic surgical system which includes an instrument for carrying out a step in the procedure. The instrument is power operated by a supply source, and there is contained a mechanism used to conduct the power from the supply source to the instrument. The system includes a sensing mechanism attached to the instrument and used to monitor and to control the operation of the instrument.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a self-actuating dispenser for a regimen of pills satisfying the needs discussed herein above. A self-actuating dispenser having the features of the present invention comprises a base, a pill container, and a means for cyclically indexing the pill container with respect to the base. The base has a pill exit aperture. The pill container, which houses the pills in individual compartments or cells, is movably attached to the base such that any pill cell can be aligned with the pill exit aperture. The pill cells are provided with open bottoms for loading and dispensing which are covered over by the base when attached thereto. The means for cyclically indexing provides that each pill cell in turn is brought into alignment with the pill exit aperture thereby singly dropping the resident pills in a series of dispensing cycles.

Abstract: A new and useful predictor for maraging stainless steel alloys is created, called the martensite finish temperature, M.sub.f (.degree. F.). This formula enables one to predict the temperature at which a steel is entirely converted to martensite, and is described as M.sub.f =1027--78% Ni--27% Ti--34% Mo. A desirable needle alloy for this amount is nickel at 10%, molybdenum at about 2.7%, and titanium at about 2%.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for automatically identifying, handling, tracking, and processing dried blood samples in HIV-1 testing are disclosed. Dried blood samples are punched from test cards into incubation receptacles for incubation and further testing. Optionally, the location on the test card to be punched may be manually, semi-automatically or automatically selected, ranked, and punched in order of preference. Test results corresponding to a particular test subject are automatically tracked and reported while maintaining the anonymity of the subject.

Abstract: A surgical instrument for performing endoscopic surgical procedures. In one embodiment, the instrument includes a knife that remains unexposed until initiation of a cutting sequence, and returns to an unexposed position at the conclusion of the cutting sequence, minimizing the risk of injury to the person handling the instrument. In another embodiment, the instrument includes a flexible neck for articulating a surgical head assembly with respect to the shaft of the instrument. In another embodiment, a device for locking the articulated head at an angle of articulation is provided. In yet another embodiment, a mechanism for opening and closing an anvil assembly is disclosed.

Abstract: A surgical stapling instrument for performing a circular anastomosis stapling operation is provided. The surgical instrument includes a stapling head assembly mounted by a flexible support shaft to an actuator handle assembly. The support shaft is capable of bending in any radial direction relative to its centerline into a curved configuration suitable for insertion into a patient. The flexible support shaft includes a dual coil structure which is adapted to support itself in any curved configuration and to resist deflection upon insertion into the patient and actuation of the stapling head assembly. The stapling head assembly includes a driver assembly which is operable in multiple stages to separate the staple forming and tissue cutting actions to reduce the peak force required to operate the instrument.

Abstract: A protective packaging system that will house a fragile object during transport or mailing without using bulky packaging materials. The package is essentially flat and conforms in overall dimensions to a standard mailing envelope while providing heightened protection for the object contained therein. The protective packaging system includes an envelope and a receptacle received within the envelope for the transport of generally thin, flat, flexible, yet fragile goods. In accordance with a presently preferred embodiment, the protective packaging system is designed to safely transport medical test specimens such as dried blood spots (DBSs) or other dried bodily fluids borne by a test card constructed as a flexible substrate. The envelope and receptacle combination are flexible enough to pass through the automated equipment of the United States Postal Service (or other carrier service) yet rigid enough to withstand the handling encountered in the mails so as to avoid damage to the package's contents.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are provided for tracking information associated with a plurality of test cards. Each of the test cards is anonymously associated with a patient such that the patient's identity is unknown to a central monitoring system. A first set of unique personal identification numbers (PINs) is stored in a PIN database in the central monitoring system, and a first digital signal representing PINs from the first set of unique PINs is provided to a test kit assembler. A second digital signal, representing test kits actually assembled, is received from the test kit assembler in the central monitoring system. Each of the test kits actually assembled includes a test card having one of the unique PINs from the first set of unique PINs associated therewith. The first set of unique PINs is tracked by updating the PIN database in response to the second digital signal.

Abstract: A surgical stapling instrument for performing a circular anastomosis stapling operation is provided. The surgical instrument includes a stapling head assembly mounted by a flexible support shaft to an actuator handle assembly. The support shaft is capable of bending in any radial direction relative to its centerline into a curved configuration suitable for insertion into a patient. The flexible support shaft includes a dual coil structure which is adapted to support itself in any curved configuration and to resist deflection upon insertion into the patient and actuation of the stapling head assembly. The stapling head assembly includes a driver assembly which is operable in multiple stages to separate the staple forming and tissue cutting actions to reduce the peak force required to operate the instrument.

Abstract: This reagent strip is comprised of a testing portion which contains an absorbent cotton pad. This absorbent cotton pad may be placed in the mouth on the tongue to collect an oral fluid sample. A plastic frame surrounds the pad to help hold the fluid thereon. This testing strip contains at its opposite end a sealing mechanism for sealing engagement with a preservative pouch, and an oversized handle with a patient identifying mechanism. The preservative pouch of the present invention contains a pair of seals. The first seal, located proximally to the user, enables a preservative which is maintained within the pouch to be sealed during shipment of the pouch to the user. Thereafter, the user punctures the first seal upon placement of the reagent pad into the pouch. The sealing mechanism contained on the reagent pad then seals at the opening in the pouch to maintain the reagent pad in sealing arrangement within the pouch. At its distal end, the pouch contains a second sealing mechanism.

Abstract: A stent which may be emplaced into the lumen of the body. The stent has an expandable first section with a first diameter and an expanded second diameter larger than its first diameter. There is also a second section connected to the first section, the second section contains a third diameter and an expanded fourth diameter which is larger than the third diameter. Finally, the second diameter is different from the fourth diameter. Thus, the device may be emplaced between lumens of different sizes. Ideally, this stent can be placed at the junction at the aorta and the iliac arteries, where the size of the lumens are typically different. In use, therefore, the device provides the surgeon with a useful tool to holding open junctions of various sized lumens.

Abstract: A surgical instrument is provided which is insertable through an endoscopic tube to enable a surgeon to perform a surgical technique inside a body cavity. The surgical instrument includes a shaft with a pivotally mounted tip attached thereto, the shaft extending from a handle for gripping the instrument for insertion to the body cavity. The tip of the shaft is adjustable to different angular orientations relative to the support shaft and is rotatable at any angular orientation of the tip. The support shaft may be rotatable about its longitudinal axis relative to the handle, or it may be fixed with respect to the handle, in which case the handle may be rotated to rotate the shaft inside the body cavity. In one embodiment, the surgical instrument comprises an endoscopic stapling device and the tip of the instrument comprises a staple cartridge which is rotatable 360.degree. about its axes after the cartridge has been articulated with respect to the support shaft.

Abstract: An adaptor cap assembly is provided for a trocar, consisting of a base which contains an opening which is the same size as the opening of the trocar cannula handle. There is also a cap integrally attached to the base which contains a gasketing assembly wherein the assembly is of a smaller diameter than the diameter of the trocar cannula handle opening as well as the opening in the base of the adaptor cap assembly. This cap is hingedly attached to the base so that it can be flipped by using the thumb either into or out of alignment with the openings of the trocar cannula handle and the base of the adaptor cap assembly. Thus, this mechanism can be used so that a smaller diameter instrument can be placed within a larger diameter opening (with the adaptor cap in place), or, the adaptor cap can be moved out of place so that a larger diameter mechanism can be inserted within the adaptor cap assembly and into the trocar cannula handle, with both the base and the trocar cannula handle having the same size opening.