Abstract: The invention relates to an apparatus and method for forming a hole in a wall of a hollow organ. The applicator includes a hole forming element for forming a hole in the wall of the organ, a positioning means for positioning the hole forming element, and a retractor element. In addition, the applicator includes a sequencing means for coordinating the relative movement of the retractor element and the hole forming element in a sequential manner to thereby carry out a procedure for forming a hole in the wall of the hollow organ. The sequencing means may further include a safety latch element operatively coupled to the retracting means and the hole forming element. The safety latch of the invention keeps prevents damage to the internal surface of the organ during the formation of the hole.

Abstract: A self-contained and hand-held power-assisted syringe is provided which is suitable for the controlled injection of fluid material during medical procedures such as coronary angiography procedures which utilize small-bore and small sized guide catheter systems. The present invention provides a greater degree of injection power on-demand than was previously possible in a portable and hand-held syringe; and it can deliver larger volumes of radiopaque contrast medium at greater pressures than was previously possible using a conventional manual syringe. The power assisted syringe, along with all components necessary for its effective use and operation, may be pre-packaged and steriled within a single container and then disposed of after use.

Abstract: A method for performing a percutaneous valve bypass, the method comprising: providing a bypass conduit having a first end and a second end; connecting the first end of the bypass conduit to a first vascular structure at a first anastomosis; connecting the second end of the bypass conduit to a second vascular structure at a second anastomosis; advancing a percutaneous valve along the bypass conduit to a deployment site located within the bypass conduit; and deploying the percutaneous valve at the deployment site so that fluid is permitted to pass from the second vascular structure to the first vascular structure but is prevented from passing from the first vascular structure to the second vascular structure.

Abstract: A connector for joining a first hollow structure to the side wall of a second hollow structure, the connector comprising: a fluid-constraining tube having a fluid-constraining neck extending therefrom, wherein the tube comprises a lumen having a first opening and a second opening and the neck comprises a lumen having a first opening and a second opening, the neck being joined to the tube so that the neck is in fluid communication with the tube intermediate the length of the tube, such that fluid entering the first opening of the tube can exit the second opening of the tube, and fluid entering the first opening of the neck can exit the second opening of the tube; at least the portions of the tube adjacent to the first opening of the tube and the second opening of the tube being biased radially outwardly so that they normally assume a radially-expanded configuration, but being capable of being restrained in a radially-contracted configuration, wherein the tube is sized so that, when it is in its radially-exp

Abstract: A connector for joining a first hollow structure to the side wall of a second hollow structure, the connector comprising: a first component comprising: an inner collar for disposition within the interior of the second hollow structure, the inner collar having a toroidal configuration characterized by an outer perimeter and an inner perimeter, with the inner collar being flexible; a hollow body connected to the inner collar and upstanding therefrom, the hollow body of the inner collar being aligned with the inner perimeter of the inner collar; and a graft element mounted to the inner collar and forming a conduit extending through the hollow body and the inner perimeter of the inner collar, the graft being formed out of a fluid-retaining material; and a second component for disposition outside the second hollow structure, the second component comprising an outer collar and a hollow body connected to the outer collar, the outer collar having a toroidal configuration characterized by an outer perimeter and

Abstract: An implantable connector for suturelessly connecting a conduit to a hollow organ, the implantable connector comprising: a hollow expandable stent, wherein the hollow expandable stent comprises an internal skeleton and a blood-retaining membrane covering the internal skeleton, and wherein the hollow expandable stent is constructed so that it is capable of assuming (i) a diametrically-reduced state for insertion into an opening formed in the side wall of the hollow organ in order to create a first interference fit therewith, and (ii) a diametrically-expanded state for expanding against the side wall of the hollow organ in order to create a second, enhanced interference fit therewith.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for regulating rogue behavior in optical transmission devices. The apparatus, for example, may be implemented in one or more of the ONTs in a PON. The ONT includes an optical transmitter that may be disabled by a command generated by the ONT itself if rogue behavior is detected or suspected. To detect rogue behavior, at least one output indictor, such as LBC or MPC, is monitored during one or more monitoring windows. If monitoring indicates that the optical transmitter is transmitting more than a pre-determined threshold, a suspect rogue flag is set, for example in an I2C register. The register is read, preferably a number of successive times, and a determination is made whether to disable the optical transmitter. In some embodiments, the OLT is queried as part of this determination. The disability may be permanent, until a manual service operation, for example, or temporary.

Abstract: System and method for detection of oversize particles in the underflow of a vibratory separator and method for measuring the operability of a vibratory separator. The system comprises a sampling line connected to the underflow discharge line of the vibratory separator for sampling a portion of material, a centrifugal sensing pump powered by an electric motor with a power supply measuring device, a sampling screen, and a return line. A reduction in power supplied to the electric motor indicates a reduction in flow of material through the sampling screen as a result of oversize particles in the underflow of the vibratory separator. A baseline amount of power supplied to the electric motor may be measured and recorded. The subsequent amount of power supplied to the electric motor may then be compared to the recorded baseline amount to measure the operability of the vibratory separator.

Abstract: A self-contained and hand-held power-assisted syringe is provided which is suitable for the controlled injection of fluid material during medical procedures such as coronary angiography procedures which utilize small-bore and small sized guide catheter systems. The present invention provides a greater degree of injection power on-demand than was previously possible in a portable and hand-held syringe; and it can deliver larger volumes of radiopaque contrast medium at greater pressures than was previously possible using a conventional manual syringe. The power assisted syringe, along with all components necessary for its effective use and operation, may be pre-packaged and steriled within a single container and then disposed of after use.

Abstract: The invention relates to an apparatus and method for forming a hole in a wall of a hollow organ. The applicator includes a hole forming element for forming a hole in the wall of the organ, a positioning means for positioning the hole forming element, and a retractor element. In addition, the applicator includes a sequencing means for coordinating the relative movement of the retractor element and the hole forming element in a sequential manner to thereby carry out a procedure for forming a hole in the wall of the hollow organ. The sequencing means may further include a safety latch element operatively coupled to the retracting means and the hole forming element. The safety latch of the invention keeps prevents damage to the internal surface of the organ during the formation of the hole.

Abstract: The present invention generally relates to frozen foods, for example, frozen desserts such as ice cream. One aspect of the invention is directed to carbonated frozen desserts and other carbonated frozen foods. Another aspect is directed to methods of making frozen foods, such as carbonated frozen desserts and other foods, as well as methods of freezing other fluids, such as water. A carbonated frozen dessert can be made, for example, by introducing carbon dioxide (CO2) into dessert mix prior to freezing the dessert mix. Yet another aspect of the invention is directed to cooling dessert mixes and other food products by introducing a fluid, such as a refrigerant, into the dessert mix or food product that cools and/or freezes the dessert mix or food product. The fluid may also become incorporated into the frozen dessert or other food product. Still another aspect of the invention is directed to frozen foods, such as ice creams and similar frozen desserts, having smooth consistencies.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for connecting a first conduit to the heart without the need for cardiopulmonary bypass. The first conduit may then be attached to a second conduit that has a prosthetic device interposed. The second conduit may then be connected to the aorta. The prosthetic device may be a prosthetic valve or a pump, for example. The apparatus of the present invention includes an implantable connector with first conduit component, a retractor expansion component, a coring component, and a pushing component. The retractor expansion component is slide-ably coupled to the coring component. The retractor expansion component serves to seat against and separate the inside apical wall of the left ventricle so that the coring component may cut cleanly through the myocardium to form a tissue plug without leaving any hanging attachments to the inside walls. By remaining seated against the inside wall, the retractor expansion component follows the tissue plug into the coring component.

Abstract: A laminate screen for a vibratory separator, the screen including a product screen mesh layer having a plurality of wires. The screen further including a structural screen mesh layer having a plurality of wires secured to the product screen mesh layer with a thermoplastic polymer, wherein the structural screen mesh layer is configured to provide structural integrity to the laminate screen, and wherein a diameter of the product screen mesh layer wires is less than a diameter of the structural screen mesh layer wires.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for connecting a first conduit to the heart without the need for cardiopulmonary bypass. The first conduit may then be attached to a second conduit that has a prosthetic device interposed. The second conduit may be connected to the aorta prior to the first conduit being attached to the heart. The prosthetic device may be a prosthetic valve or a pump, for example. The apparatus of the present invention includes an implantable connector with first conduit component, a retractor expansion component, a coring component, and a pushing component. The retractor expansion component is slideably coupled to the coring component. The retractor expansion component serves to seat against and separate the inside apical wall of the left ventricle so that the coring component may cut cleanly through the myocardium to form a tissue plug without leaving any hanging attachments to the inside walls.

Abstract: The invention provides an applicator for forming a hole in a wall of a hollow organ and for connecting a hemostatic connection assembly to the hollow organ, wherein, when the hole is formed in the wall of the hollow organ, a first fluid seal exists between the hemostatic connection assembly and the wall of the hollow organ and a second fluid seal exists between the hemostatic connection assembly and the applicator, thereby minimizing fluid loss from the hollow organ.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a perforated plate and a screening assembly for separating particulate matter comprising perforated plate, the perforated plate comprising a plurality of apertures of a selected size for receiving and separating the particulate matter, wherein the plate comprises a laminate, the laminate comprising two metal layers spaced apart by and joined by a damper layer comprising a viscoelastomer. A method of reducing noise generated by a vibratory separating apparatus using the inventive perforated plate is also disclosed.

Abstract: The instant disclosure is directed to a valve for a separatory shaker comprises a movable plate wherein at least a portion of the plate is dimensioned and arranged to fit in physical communication with, and be removably attached to a sidewall of a separatory shaker, the plate comprising a first portion which is dimensioned and arranged such that the plate may be positioned in physical communication with and adjacent to the sidewall to obstruct at least a portion of the spout opening, the plate further comprising a second portion having a valve opening there through, the valve opening being dimensioned and arranged within the second portion of the plate such that the plate may be positioned in physical communication with and adjacent to the sidewall to allow fluid communication between the spout and the screening chamber through the spout opening. A method of separating a plurality of particles is also disclosed.

Abstract: A screen for a gyratory sifter including a frame having a plurality of cross-members and a rigid external extension. Additionally, the screen including a filtering element securably attached to the frame. Also, a method for installing a pre-tensioned screen in a gyratory sifter including inserting the pre-tensioned screen into the gyratory sifter. The pre-tensioned screen including a frame having a plurality of cross-members and a rigid external extension and a filtering element securably attached to the frame. Additionally, the method including mating the pre-tensioned screen to a ball box, wherein the mating includes placing the pre-tensioned screen against a contoured section of the ball box, and securing the pre-tensioned screen with a screen plate.

Abstract: A compact, modular, cryocooler is provided for use in relatively small-scale applications, i.e., applications requiring less than approximately 10 Watts of cooling capacity at about 10 degrees K or less. The cryocooler 10 utilizes a recuperative heat exchanger integrally combined with a floating piston expander having a piston adapted for periodic movement within an expansion cylinder. The piston is actuatable without an external drive mechanism, but rather by selective operation of processor controlled “smart”, variable current pulse valves which serve to alternately couple working fluid and ballast fluid to opposite ends of the cylinder. The valves are actuated in response to output signals generated by a non-invasive inductive sensor, which detects the position of the piston within the cylinder.

Abstract: A hardened load carrying device includes a unitarily constructed container for holding the load. The container has an opening which is partially bordered by a slot that includes opposed crooked thumbs which project into the channel of the slot. A door for covering the opening of the container has a pair of opposed crooked fingers which are attached along part of the edge of the door to establish a bite. To enclose the load in the container the bite of the door is slidingly received into the slot bordering the opening to cover the opening and engage the crooked fingers of the door with the crooked thumbs of the slot. In an alternate embodiment the crooked thumbs of the slot are replaced by opposed lips which extend inwardly to establish a T-shaped or rounded slot, and the crooked fingers and the door are replaced by a flange which is slidingly received into the T-shaped or rounded slot. Any joints which are established between panels of the container are reinforced using a double thickness of material.