Abstract: A user interface for an interactive device, the user interface comprising: an interactive surface formed by an array of displaceable surface members, the surface members having a resting position; an oscillatory signal generator configured to generate a oscillatory signal, the oscillatory signal generator being coupled to the surface members by a cable array which is configured to carry the oscillatory signal to the surface members, the surface members having a resting position with respect to the cable array; wherein the cable array is arranged such that movement of the surface members from the resting position adjusts the oscillatory signal producing a modified oscillatory signal and/or such that a modified oscillatory signal causes the surface members to move from the resting position; the user interface further comprising a signal converter which converts the modified oscillatory signal to and/or from an electrical signal of the interactive device.

Abstract: A radiation-shielding attenuation structure and method of forming the attenuation structure, wherein the attenuation structure is made by additively manufacturing a concrete material that includes one or more attenuation dopants configured to enhance the radiation shielding of the concrete material. The one or more attenuation dopants may be configured in the concrete material to attenuate one or more types of radiation, such as electromagnetic radiation, gamma radiation, X-ray radiation, or neutron radiation. The attenuation structure formed by the concrete material may be additively manufactured on-site according to a model that has already been pre-certified for safe or secure use, thereby providing a repeatable and reproducible process that can reduce lead times and fabrication costs.

Abstract: A radiation-shielding attenuation structure and method of forming the attenuation structure, wherein the attenuation structure is made by additively manufacturing a concrete material that includes one or more attenuation dopants configured to enhance the radiation shielding of the concrete material. The one or more attenuation dopants may be configured in the concrete material to attenuate one or more types of radiation, such as electromagnetic radiation, gamma radiation, X-ray radiation, or neutron radiation. The attenuation structure formed by the concrete material may be additively manufactured on-site according to a model that has already been pre-certified for safe or secure use, thereby providing a repeatable and reproducible process that can reduce lead times and fabrication costs.

Abstract: A user interface for an interactive device, the user interface comprising: an interactive surface formed by an array of displaceable surface members, the surface members having a resting position; an oscillatory signal generator configured to generate a oscillatory signal, the oscillatory signal generator being coupled to the surface members by a cable array which is configured to carry the oscillatory signal to the surface members, the surface members having a resting position with respect to the cable array; wherein the cable array is arranged such that movement of the surface members from the resting position adjusts the oscillatory signal producing a modified oscillatory signal and/or such that a modified oscillatory signal causes the surface members to move from the resting position; the user interface further comprising a signal converter which converts the modified oscillatory signal to and/or from an electrical signal of the interactive device.

Abstract: A surgical clip for occluding a vein, artery or other body passageway 2 comprises a base portion 3, a pair of resilient limbs 4a, 4b configured to extend generally laterally outwardly from the base portion and each having a free end disposed forward of the base portion, and a reaction portion 9a/b mounted to the base portion 3, the reaction portion defining a generally forwardly directed reaction surface 10 disposed between the base portion 3 and the free ends of the limbs 4a, 4b, the limbs (4a, 4b) being movable under a resilient restoring force from a first, open, condition, in which a gap is provided between the limbs and the reaction portion for receiving the body passageway into the clip, to a second, closed, condition, in which the limbs cooperate with the reaction portion to grip the body passageway to occlude the same.

Abstract: An apparatus is described for dispensing a surgical clip (1) of memory metal, the clip being of the kind having a central portion (2) defining a plane and a pair of limbs (3, 4) extending from opposite sides of the central portion, one (3) of the pair of limbs having a free end disposed forward, and above the plane, of the central portion (2) and the other (4) of the pair of limbs having a free end disposed forward, and below the plane, of the central portion (2). The apparatus comprises an inner shaft (27) in which the clip (1) can be mounted and an outer movable member (25) for displacing the clip along the longitudinal axis of the inner shaft (27).

Abstract: A surgical apparatus and method for occluding or encircling a body passageway, e.g. for haemostasis, is described. The apparatus comprises generally a delivery system for offering a temperature-dependent shape memory material clip (3′) (e.g. of Nitinol and suitably of generally U-shape in the open (a) condition) onto the body passageway, allowing body heat to warm the clip whereby the clip closes to a closed (b) condition in which it occludes or encircles the body passageway. The apparatus is then withdrawn from the operating zone. The apparatus includes drive and control functions for moving a train of clips (3′) within a shaft (2′) of the apparatus towards a distal end port (6′), and preferably a temperature control system whereby the clips within the housing are maintained at a first temperature, substantially below body temperature.

Abstract: A surgical instrument assembly includes a surgical instrument having a proximal handle (16) for control by the surgeon, the handle being ergonomically configured and having surface depressions (17, 18, 19, 20) to accommodate thumb and finger tips. The handle extends no more than about 5 cm beyond the point of grip so that the surgeon can rotate his/her hand over the end of the handle in unrestricted movement while maintaining the grip between thumb and middle finger. Improvements in the support means for the endoscope telescope and instrument shaft, as well as in the lighting system of the assembly are also disclosed, together with improvements in the mechanisms for moving a distal end of the instrument in the operating zone within a patient.