Abstract: A device and method for delivering a synthetic mesh or graft for anatomical repair at a defect site. A plurality of flexible arms is connected to the synthetic mesh or graft. Grasping jaws are individually controlled at or near a proximal end of the device for connection of the graft and release of the graft at the surgical site. The flexible arms, with graft attached are positioned through a surgical incision to the defect site. An actuator positions the flexible arms to assume a radial array at the surgical site, unfolding and spreading the graft for attachment. The length of each flexible arm is individually adjustable to adapt to the size and shape of the graft selected for installation at the defect site to repair the defect.

Abstract: A device and method for delivering a synthetic mesh or graft for anatomical repair at a defect site. A plurality of flexible arms is connected to the synthetic mesh or graft. Grasping jaws are individually controlled at or near a proximal end of the device for connection of the graft and release of the graft at the surgical site. The flexible arms, with graft attached are positioned through a surgical incision to the defect site. An actuator positions the flexible arms to assume a radial array at the surgical site, unfolding and spreading the graft for attachment. The length of each flexible arm is individually adjustable to adapt to the size and shape of the graft selected for installation at the defect site to repair the defect.

Abstract: A device and method for delivering a synthetic mesh or graft for anatomical repair at a defect site. A plurality of flexible arms is connected to the synthetic mesh or graft. Grasping jaws are individually controlled at or near a proximal end of the device for connection of the graft and release of the graft at the surgical site. The flexible arms, with graft attached are positioned through a surgical incision to the defect site. An actuator positions the flexible arms to assume a radial array at the surgical site, unfolding and spreading the graft for attachment. The length of each flexible arm is individually adjustable to adapt to the size and shape of the graft selected for installation at the defect site to repair the defect.

Abstract: A device and method for delivering a synthetic mesh or graft for anatomical repair at a defect site. A plurality of flexible arms is connected to the synthetic mesh or graft. Grasping jaws are individually controlled at or near a proximal end of the device for connection of the graft and release of the graft at the surgical site. The flexible arms, with graft attached are positioned through a surgical incision to the defect site. An actuator positions the flexible arms to assume a radial array at the surgical site, unfolding and spreading the graft for attachment. The length of each flexible arm is individually adjustable to adapt to the size and shape of the graft selected for installation at the defect site to repair the defect.

Abstract: A device and method for delivering a synthetic mesh or graft for anatomical repair at a defect site. A plurality of flexible arms is connected to the synthetic mesh or graft. Grasping jaws are individually controlled at or near a proximal end of the device for connection of the graft and release of the graft at the surgical site. The flexible arms, with graft attached are positioned through a surgical incision to the defect site. An actuator positions the flexible arms to assume a radial array at the surgical site, unfolding and spreading the graft for attachment. The length of each flexible arm is individually adjustable to adapt to the size and shape of the graft selected for installation at the defect site to repair the defect.

Abstract: An apparatus for removing air from a fluid comprises a vertically oriented chamber having top and bottom chamber portions separated by a chamber sidewall at least partially defining a chamber interior having a chamber centerline. A fluid inlet provided through the chamber sidewall selectively permits ingress of fluid to the chamber interior. Fluid entering the chamber interior through the fluid inlet is directed laterally between the chamber sidewall and the chamber centerline. A fluid outlet located proximate the bottom chamber portion selectively permits egress of fluid from the chamber interior. An air release structure located proximate the top chamber portion selectively releases accumulated air from the chamber interior. Fluid entering the chamber interior through the fluid inlet achieves a vortex motion during travel downward to the fluid outlet. The vortex motion prompts release of air from the fluid, the air collecting adjacent the air release structure for selective release.

Abstract: We claim a hammer driven actuator that uses the fast-motion, low-force characteristics of an electro-magnetic or similar prime mover to develop kinetic energy that can be transformed via a friction interface to produce a higher-force, lower-speed linear or rotary actuator by using a hammering process to produce a series of individual steps. Such a system can be implemented using a voice-coil, electro-mechanical solenoid or similar prime mover. Where a typical actuator provides limited range of motion or low force, the range of motion of a linear or rotary impact driven motor can be configured to provide large displacements which are not limited by the characteristic dimensions of the prime mover.

Abstract: We claim a hammer driven actuator that uses the fast-motion, low-force characteristics of an electro-magnetic or similar prime mover to develop kinetic energy that can be transformed via a friction interface to produce a higher-force, lower-speed linear or rotary actuator by using a hammering process to produce a series of individual steps. Such a system can be implemented using a voice-coil, electro-mechanical solenoid or similar prime mover. Where a typical actuator provides limited range of motion or low force, the range of motion of a linear or rotary impact driven motor can be configured to provide large displacements which are not limited by the characteristic dimensions of the prime mover.

Abstract: Systems and methods are described for providing carbon dioxide insufflation. The system includes a first chamber, a second chamber, and a mixing chamber. The first chamber contains an acid and the second chamber contains a base. The mixing chamber is configured to receive the acid from the first chamber and the base from the second chamber. The mixing chamber is also coupleable to an endoscope and configured to provide an amount of carbon dioxide generated by mixing the acid and the base to the endoscope.

Abstract: A system for insufflating a body cavity comprising a swallowable capsule comprising a chamber (11) containing a fluid capable to generate biocompatible gas or vapour by phase transition or chemical reaction, the chamber (11) being formed with at least one orifice (7) for placing it in communication with the outside. The orifice (7) is blocked by a shutter (4, 6; 26) made of magnetic material and there are provided elastic means (8) able to generate an elastic force sufficient to keep said shutter sealingly engaged in the orifice. The system further comprises magnetic actuating means (12; 34) external to the body cavity for generating a magnetic force having strength sufficient to overcome the elastic force of the elastic means disengaging the shutter from the orifice.