Abstract: Suture passer devices include a cannulated needle, a slidable member extending through the needle and a handle attached to a proximal portion of the needle. An actuator is in operative communication with a proximal portion of the slidable member. The actuator is configured to selectively translate the slidable member distally relative to the needle whereby the slidable member is extended relative to a distal portion of the needle and proximally relative to the needle whereby the slidable member is retracted and secured in a retracted position relative to the distal portion of the needle. The actuator further includes a locking mechanism for selectively locking the slidable member while in the retracted position. A first range of motion of the actuator is configured to control extending and retracting the slidable member and a second range of motion is configured to control locking and unlocking the slidable member.

Abstract: Examples of a suture anchor (100) having a non-expandable body (105) and expendable cap (110) are described herein. In response to an axial insertion force that brings the non-expandable body and expendable cap together inside a bone hole, the expendable cap expands radially. This creates a radial force of expansion that advantageously augments an interference fit between the suture anchor and bone hole, which leads to higher fixation strength. Other examples include retention features that inhibit the expendable cap from returning back into its unexpanded state. This advantageously maintains the radial force of expansion against the surrounding pressure of the walls of the bone hole pressing back on the suture.

Abstract: Examples of a suture anchor having a small diameter and having a soft suture bridge or suture eyelet are described herein. The soft suture bridge/suture eyelet allows a repair suture to slide, which is desirable when tying knots. In some cases, the soft suture bridge/suture eyelet itself is made from a length of suture.

Abstract: A drilling system including a motor that produces a sonic, linear oscillatory motion is provided for removing a frozen biological sample from a stored frozen specimen and methods of use thereof without thawing the remainder of the specimen. The stator and slider assembly is operated by a servo controller which can communicate and be programmed through a port of a PC equipped with software.

Abstract: Examples of a suture anchor (100) having a non-expandable body (105) and expendable cap (110) are described herein. In response to an axial insertion force that brings the non-expandable body and expendable cap together inside a bone hole, the expendable cap expands radially. This creates a radial force of expansion that advantageously augments an interference fit between the suture anchor and bone hole, which leads to higher fixation strength. Other examples include retention features that inhibit the expendable cap from returning back into its unexpanded state. This advantageously maintains the radial force of expansion against the surrounding pressure of the walls of the bone hole pressing back on the suture.

Abstract: In a first embodiment, an instrument guide includes an elongate guide body extending between a proximal end and a distal end, wherein a portion of the guide body extending proximally from the distal end is generally arcuate. The instrument guide further includes a rigid tip extending generally linearly from the distal end of the guide body. The rigid guide further includes a cannulation formed in the guide body and extending continuously from the proximal end of the guide body to a distal terminus of the tip. The cannulation can be approximately uniform in diameter. The instrument guide further includes a cut-out region, different from the guide body cannulation, extending along at least a portion of an inner radial surface of the arcuate body portion and intersecting the guide body cannulation.

Abstract: A method of obtaining an aliquot of a frozen sample contained in a container includes moving a coring device into the sample and then withdrawing it to obtain a frozen sample core. The location from which the core is taken is selected to be at a radial position where the concentration of at least one substance of interest in the frozen sample core is representative of the overall concentration of that substance in the sample notwithstanding any concentration gradients that may exist in the frozen sample. Another method includes taking two different frozen sample cores from the same sample from radial positions selected such that the concentration of one or more substances of interest in the combined sample cores is representative of the overall concentration of said at least one substance in the sample notwithstanding any radial concentration gradients. A robotic system is programmed or hardwired to implement the methods.

Abstract: A drilling system including a motor that produces a sonic, linear oscillatory motion is provided for removing a frozen biological sample from a stored frozen specimen and methods of use thereof without thawing the remainder of the specimen. The stator and slider assembly is operated by a servo controller which can communicate and be programmed through a port of a PC equipped with software.

Abstract: Examples of a suture anchor having a small diameter and having a soft suture bridge or suture eyelet are described herein. The soft suture bridge/suture eyelet allows a repair suture to slide, which is desirable when tying knots. In some cases, the soft suture bridge/suture eyelet itself is made from a length of suture.

Abstract: A drilling system including a motor that produces a sonic, linear oscillatory motion is provided for removing a frozen biological sample from a stored frozen specimen and methods of use thereof without thawing the remainder of the specimen. The stator and slider assembly is operated by a servo controller which can communicate and be programmed through a port of a PC equipped with software.

Abstract: A drilling system including a motor that produces a sonic, linear oscillatory motion is provided for removing a frozen biological sample from a stored frozen specimen and methods of use thereof without thawing the remainder of the specimen. The stator and slider assembly is operated by a servo controller which can communicate and be programmed through a port of a PC equipped with software.

Abstract: A drilling system including a motor that produces a sonic, linear oscillatory motion is provided for removing a frozen biological sample from a stored frozen specimen and methods of use thereof without thawing the remainder of the specimen. The stator and slider assembly is operated by a servo controller which can communicate and be programmed through a port of a PC equipped with software.

Abstract: A drilling system including a motor that produces a sonic, linear oscillatory motion is provided for removing a frozen biological sample from a stored frozen specimen and methods of use thereof without thawing the remainder of the specimen. The stator and slider assembly is operated by a servo controller which can communicate and be programmed through a port of a PC equipped with software.

Abstract: The present invention is related to a paper conducting cylinder (8) of a folder assembly (1). A cylinder surface (18) has a plurality of counterparts (23) for cooperation with cutting elements of a cutting cylinder (3). Product seizing element (24) being assigned to said paper conducting cylinder circumference (18) are located adjacent to said counterpart (23) and said cylinders (8) surface (18). Said product seizing element (24) perform an extending movement about a first pivot point (25) and a seizing movement about a further pivot point (26).

Abstract: The present invention is related to a roller having a mantle. The mantle is expandable in a radial direction to allow for changes in diameter of the roller. The mantle of tubular shape is provided with a pattern of openings along its circumference.