Abstract: Devices for use during surgical or non-surgical procedures can move items from the field of view or work space. Retraction of items during any surgical or non-surgical procedure moves the items from the field of view or work space. The flexibility and compactness of a retraction device can make it suitable for surgery, especially minimally invasive surgery (MIS).

Abstract: An internal retraction system for use in minimally-invasive surgical procedures includes, among other features, an elongated applicator that has proximal and distal ends. The distal end of the applicator includes a grasper and the proximal end includes a mechanism or actuator for moving the grasper from an open position to a closed position. A plurality of anchor clips are slidably mounted on the elongated applicator and are initially in a stored position. Each clip includes spring biased upper and lower jaws for grasping tissue. The internal retraction system also includes a structure associated with the applicator for deploying the anchor clips from the stored position to a deployed position at a desired location. Moreover, the internal retraction system includes a mechanism associated with the applicator for removing the anchor clips from the deployed position and returning the clips to the stored position.

Abstract: An internal retraction system for use in minimally-invasive surgical procedures includes, among other features, an elongated applicator that has proximal and distal ends. The distal end of the applicator includes a grasper and the proximal end includes a mechanism or actuator for moving the grasper from an open position to a closed position. A plurality of anchor clips are slidably mounted on the elongated applicator and are initially in a stored position. Each clip includes spring biased upper and lower jaws for grasping tissue. The internal retraction system also includes a structure associated with the applicator for deploying the anchor clips from the stored position to a deployed position at a desired location. Moreover, the internal retraction system includes a mechanism associated with the applicator for removing the anchor clips from the deployed position and returning the clips to the stored position.

Abstract: Devices for use during surgical or non-surgical procedures can move items from the field of view or work space. Retraction of items during any surgical or non-surgical procedure moves the items from the field of view or work space. The flexibility and compactness of a retraction device can make it suitable for surgery, especially minimally invasive surgery (MIS).

Abstract: An integrated material and information flow system employing a plurality of geographically-spaced receiving/distributing transfer hubs, each of which is responsible for receiving product from and supplying materials to an array of independent manufacturing and supplier sites. A two-way truck route connects each paired combination of hubs. Preferably, all materials are transported in dedicated, reusable containers. One or more truck routes in each hub region are followed among the sites linked to a given hub on a frequent and regular schedule, preferably daily. Each truck functions simultaneously to deliver to and to pick up from each site. Materials and empty containers to be delivered to a site responsible to a second or different hub are received at the first hub and are shipped to the second hub in a dedicated inter-hub shuttle vehicle. The flow of containers is regulated by a Kanban system employing twin Kanban information cards carried by the containers.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for converting a series of serial section images of an object into a three-dimensional model. The method includes acquiring and storing the series of serial section images, converting, zooming, and interpolating serial section images. The method further includes discriminating the series of serial section images to form a binary image, which is then compressed, and filtered. Further, support data for floating or cantilevered portions of the object and base data are generated, the filtered binary image is translated to produce a plurality of vectors representing pixels of the object, and a three-dimensional model of the object is produced from the plurality of vectors representing pixels of the object, the support data, and the base data.