Abstract: A gas spring-powered fastener driver includes a cylinder, a moveable piston positioned within the cylinder, a driver blade attached to the piston and movable therewith between a ready position and a driven position, a lifter to move the driver blade from the driven position to the ready position, and a transmission including an output shaft operatively coupled to the lifter to provide torque to the lifter. The fastener driver also includes an input to provide torque to the transmission and a clutch positioned downstream of the input and operably coupled to the output shaft to limit an amount of torque transferred to the output shaft and the lifter. In response to an application of a reaction torque to the output shaft above a predetermined threshold, torque from the input is diverted from the output shaft via the clutch.

Abstract: Embodiments of the instant disclosure relate to surgical retention apparatuses. The apparatus includes a main body, loop, and coupler. The main body includes a top, bottom and the coupler. The loop is symmetrically coupled to the top. The coupler is positioned near the bottom and configured to couple the main body to an object. The coupler is accessible from the bottom. The main body, loop, and/or coupler includes a metal or polymer. The main body is planar. The loop includes an angular planar surface. The coupler includes a tab that extends from the main body, is oriented parallel to the main body, and is oriented towards the bottom. The main body includes parallel voids that extend from the bottom to form the coupler. The loop includes a planar appendage that extends from the top and curvingly terminates at the top to form an aperture and couple to the main body.

Abstract: A gas spring-powered fastener driver includes a cylinder, a moveable piston positioned within the cylinder, a driver blade attached to the piston and movable therewith between a ready position and a driven position, a lifter to move the driver blade from the driven position to the ready position, and a transmission including an output shaft operatively coupled to the lifter to provide torque to the lifter. The fastener driver also includes an input to provide torque to the transmission and a clutch positioned downstream of the input and operably coupled to the output shaft to limit an amount of torque transferred to the output shaft and the lifter. In response to an application of a reaction torque to the output shaft above a predetermined threshold, torque from the input is diverted from the output shaft via the clutch.

Abstract: A vitrectomy system includes a surgical cutting apparatus and a processor. The system includes a cutting assembly with an outer cutter and an inner cutter. The cutting assembly includes a housing containing a drive chamber, a spring chamber, at least a first diaphragm. The first diaphragm is adhered to the inner cutter and positioned between the drive chamber and the spring chamber. The system also includes a drive chamber valve to supply compressed air to the drive chamber and a spring chamber valve to adjust air pressure within the spring chamber. The processor is configured to pulse the drive chamber valve based on a desired cut rate to translate the inner cutter and adjust the air pressure within the spring chamber based on the desired cut rate to adjust the stiffness of the spring chamber.

Abstract: An article of manufacture provides a veterinary procedure wet tabletop extension according to the present invention. The tabletop extension includes an examination table having a solid top surface, a bottom surface, and an outer end extending beyond an end of a veterinary tub table when installed, a drain opening about an outer end of the examination table solid top surface, a shallow basin coupled to the bottom surface of the solid examination table beneath the drain opening, a grate filling the drain opening while permitting fluids to drain into the shallow basin, and a drain line coupled to the shallow basin for providing a drainage path to the veterinary tub table.

Abstract: A vitrectomy system includes a surgical cutting apparatus and a processor. The system includes a cutting assembly with an outer cutter and an inner cutter. The cutting assembly includes a housing containing a drive chamber, a spring chamber, at least a first diaphragm. The first diaphragm is adhered to the inner cutter and positioned between the drive chamber and the spring chamber. The system also includes a drive chamber valve to supply compressed air to the drive chamber and a spring chamber valve to adjust air pressure within the spring chamber. The processor is configured to pulse the drive chamber valve based on a desired cut rate to translate the inner cutter and adjust the air pressure within the spring chamber based on the desired cut rate to adjust the stiffness of the spring chamber.

Abstract: A length of tubing 22 has a luer 25 connected to one end. The luer 25 includes a lumen 30 of a length to frictionally engage with and seat against a mating recess of a first ophthalmic surgical instrument. A locking hub 36, lockingly engages with a mating structure of a second surgical instrument. This structure then allows the length of tubing 22 to be alternately connected to the first and second ophthalmic surgical instruments and allows the length of tubing 22 to be used on multiple instruments during a single surgical procedure.

Abstract: A surgical handpiece 10 includes an elongated housing 12 having a distal end 14 and a proximal end 16. The housing 12 is configured to receive a surgical instrument 18 at the distal end 14 and has a power cord 20 attached to the proximal end 16 for attachment to a surgical control console 34. An electronic data device 26 is fixed within the housing 12 for storing data related to the surgical handpiece 10. The data device 26 includes a connector 28 for electronically connecting the data device 26 to the console 34 or other equipment for retrieving stored data.

Abstract: A conventional phase-lock loop circuit is modified for use at microwave frequencies. The modification includes a low-frequency oscillator connected in the phase-lock loop to sweep the voltage-controlled oscillator through the frequency of the incoming signal thereby ensuring that lock-in is achieved. The oscillator is automatically turned off when "lock-in" is achieved, thereby reducing residual phase error.