Abstract: The present invention relates to novel pharmaceutical compositions based on anticholinergics and pegsunercept, processes for preparing them and their use in the treatment of respiratory diseases.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an anchor configured for minimally-invasive implantation and sized to remain securely positioned within at least a portion of the gastrointestinal tract of an animal. The anchor includes a radial spring formed from an elongated resilient member shaped into an annular wave pattern about a central axis. The anchor defines a central lumen and provides an outward radial force, while allowing for substantial flexure about its perimeter. The anchor is generally removable, but can include fasteners, such as barbs, to further secure it to the surrounding anatomy. In some embodiments, the anchor includes a connector coupling a fixed portion to a removable portion. Further, the anchor can be used to secure a medical device within the body, such as a flexible sleeve within the intestine.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for limiting absorption of food products in specific parts of the digestive system is presented. A gastrointestinal implant device is anchored in the duodenum and extends beyond the ligament of Treitz. All food exiting the stomach is funneled through the device. The gastrointestinal device includes an anchor for attaching the device to the duodenum and an unsupported flexible sleeve to limit absorption of nutrients in the duodenum. The anchor can include a stent and/or a wave anchor and is collapsible for catheter-based delivery and removal.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for limiting absorption of food products in specific parts of the digestive system is presented. A gastrointestinal implant device is anchored in the stomach and extends beyond the ligament of Treitz. All food exiting the stomach is funneled through the device. The gastrointestinal device includes an anchor for anchoring the device to the stomach and a flexible sleeve to limit absorption of nutrients in the duodenum. The anchor is collapsible for endoscopic delivery and removal.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for limiting absorption of food products in specific parts of the digestive system is presented. A gastrointestinal implant device is anchored in the stomach and extends beyond the ligament of Treitz. All food exiting the stomach is funneled through the device. The gastrointestinal device includes an anchor for anchoring the device to the stomach and a flexible sleeve to limit absorption of nutrients in the duodenum. The anchor is collapsible for endoscopic delivery and removal.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for limiting absorption of food products in specific parts of the digestive system is presented. A gastrointestinal implant device is anchored in the stomach and extends beyond the ligament of Treitz. All food exiting the stomach is funneled through the device. The gastrointestinal device includes an anchor for anchoring the device to the stomach and a flexible sleeve to limit absorption of nutrients in the duodenum. The anchor is collapsible for endoscopic delivery and removal.

Abstract: A system for performing vascular surgery includes a first retractor blade and a second retractor blade and a fulcrum device. The first retractor blade includes a first grasping bar, and the second retractor blade comprises a second grasping bar. The first retractor blade and the second retractor blade are adapted to engage opposing edges of a subcostal incision in a patient. The fulcrum device includes a first fulcrum slot and a second fulcrum slot formed through opposing edges of the fulcrum device. The first fulcrum slot is adapted to receive the first grasping bar and the second fulcrum slot is adapted to receive the second grasping bar, such that the fulcrum device is adapted to apply leverage from the first retractor blade and the second retractor blade to spread the edges of the incision and to allow access to a chest cavity of the patient.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for limiting absorption of food products in specific parts of the digestive system is presented. A gastrointestinal implant device is anchored in the stomach and extends beyond the ligament of Treitz. All food exiting the stomach is funneled through the device. The gastrointestinal device includes an anchor for anchoring the device to the stomach and a flexible sleeve to limit absorption of nutrients in the duodenum. The anchor is collapsible for endoscopic delivery and removal.

Abstract: A coupler includes a saddle, a channel, a tissue clamp, and a flange. The channel has a first end of substantially elliptical cross-section connected to the saddle and a second end of substantially circular cross-section. The tissue clamp is positioned around the channel. The flange is formed adjacent to the second end of the channel. A conduit coupling device is formed by securing flanges of two couplers together with a clamping ring.

Abstract: A chain-driven engine balancer has an elastomeric or compliant isolator ring in a balancer drive sprocket to decouple chain whine vibration from an associated balance shaft. The isolator substantially reduces the transmission of chain whine noise to the engine structure. A splined isolator ring is placed between internal and external splines formed on a toothed outer ring and hub respectively of the associated sprocket. The splines are configured to be in loose engagement so that, upon failure of the elastomeric isolator ring, direct engagement of the hub and ring splines with one another will maintain the timing of the balance shafts with respect to the engine crankshaft. In a specific embodiment, application of an isolator ring in only the most heavily loaded sprocket of dual balance shaft sprockets driven in series by the chain eliminates most of the vibration transmission. However, isolation of multiple chain sprockets could be desirable.

Abstract: A hydraulic timing chain tensioner assembly includes a shoe configured to contact a timing chain, and a plunger having a distal end abutting the shoe. The plunger is movable within a cylindrical opening formed in a tensioner body. The cylindrical opening includes oil and a spring member therein to cushion chain loads transmitted through the shoe and plunger. A spring-controlled oil pressure relief structure is operatively associated with the cylindrical opening to vent the oil when the oil is pressurized above a predetermined level by the plunger, thereby enabling further movement of the plunger into the cylindrical opening to reduce maximum loads experienced by the timing chain.

Abstract: A hydraulic timing chain tensioner assembly includes a shoe configured to contact a timing chain, and a plunger having a distal end abutting the shoe. The plunger is movable within a cylindrical opening formed in a tensioner body. The cylindrical opening includes oil and a spring member therein to cushion chain loads transmitted through the shoe and plunger. A spring-controlled oil pressure relief structure is operatively associated with the cylindrical opening to vent the oil when the oil is pressurized above a predetermined level by the plunger, thereby enabling further movement of the plunger into the cylindrical opening to reduce maximum loads experienced by the timing chain.

Abstract: A hydraulic timing chain tensioner assembly includes a shoe configured to contact a timing chain, and a plunger having a distal end abutting the shoe. The plunger is movable within a cylindrical opening formed in a tensioner body. The cylindrical opening includes oil and a spring member therein to cushion chain loads transmitted through the shoe and plunger. A spring-controlled oil pressure relief structure is operatively associated with the cylindrical opening to vent the oil when the oil is pressurized above a predetermined level by the plunger, thereby enabling further movement of the plunger into the cylindrical opening to reduce maximum loads experienced by the timing chain.

Abstract: Loop pile hook module for use in a tufting machine, the module has a body member including a plurality of tufting machine hooks therein in side-by-side relationship, the hooks being formed from cylindrical, or other profile, pins which protrude from the body member to form a beak of the hooks.

Abstract: Bipolar electrosurgical forceps includes a first electrode attached to a first heat pipe and a second electrode attached to a second heat pipe. The heat pipe can be removably attached to the forceps. The forceps can also include a securing mechanism that secures the removable heat pipes to the device.

Abstract: An oil pump drive assembly for an internal combustion engine includes a source of rotational input such as a crankshaft and a splined hub mounted to the crankshaft for rotation therewith. The splined hub has male splines extending about the outer perimeter to transfer rotational load to drive an oil pump. The oil pump includes a pump body housing a gerotor pump set, which includes an internally lobed pumping annulus and a pump rotor. The pump rotor has lobes along the outer surface to engage the internally lobed pumping annulus and female splines along the inner surface which compliment and receive the male splines of the splined hub for meshing engagement to operatively connect the crankshaft and the gerotor pump set.

Abstract: A tufting needle is disclosed. The needle has a shank (1) and a stem (2). The needle has a lower eye (4) in the stem (2) which is close to the tip (3) and an upper eye (6 in FIG. 1, and 15 in FIG. 2), and a thread-guiding groove (7) on one side running along the stem (2) and connecting the eyes (4 and 6 in FIGS. 1, and 4 and 15 in FIG. 2). The needle also has a transitional segment (5 in FIG. 1, and 14 in FIG. 2) between the lower end of the shank (1) and the upper end of the stem (2). The stem is offset with respect to the shank (1) but runs parallel thereto; the upper eye (6 in FIG. 1, and 15 in FIG. 2) is in the transitional segment (5 in FIG. 1 and 14 in FIG. 2) and is aligned with the thread-guiding groove (7).