Abstract: A drug delivery device includes a catheter having first and second ends; a flexible membrane having a rim securely connected to an inner surface of the catheter to define a first volume between the first end and the flexible membrane, and a second volume between the flexible membrane and the second end, such that the second volume is substantially the same as a desired drug volume; and a pressurizable member coupled to the catheter for operably delivering a drug. In use, a desired volume of the drug is preloaded into the second volume of the catheter that in turn is slid into a guidance device, when the guidance device is placed in a target of interest, the pressurizable member applies a pressure into the first volume to exert a force upon the flexible membrane to operably squeeze the second volume, thereby unloading the drug into the target.

Abstract: A drug delivery device includes a catheter having first and second ends; a flexible membrane having a rim securely connected to an inner surface of the catheter to define a first volume between the first end and the flexible membrane, and a second volume between the flexible membrane and the second end, such that the second volume is substantially the same as a desired drug volume; and a pressurizable member coupled to the catheter for operably delivering a drug. In use, a desired volume of the drug is preloaded into the second volume of the catheter that in turn is slid into a guidance device, when the guidance device is placed in a target of interest, the pressurizable member applies a pressure into the first volume to exert a force upon the flexible membrane to operably squeeze the second volume, thereby unloading the drug into the target.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for producing container assemblies having a cup-shaped insert disposed within a container. A container conveyor conveys a series of open containers along a lower horizontal path, the container conveyor bringing each container in turn to a stop at an insertion station. A generally vertical inserter chute is disposed above the insertion station for conducting a generally cup-shaped insert through the inserter and out the lower end into a container positioned at the insertion station. An insert conveyor disposed above the inserter conveys a series of inserts along an upper horizontal path, each insert on the insert conveyor having an open end and an opposite closed end and being in an inverted orientation such that the open end of the insert faces downward. A lead one of the inserts being conveyed on the insert conveyor tips over and falls into the inserter in an upright orientation.

Abstract: A fiducial marker holder apparatus (20, 120, 220) includes a maxillary holding device (50) and an open-ended frame (30, 130, 230). The maxillary holding device (50) is configured to be temporarily secured to only a maxillary-region of a patient. The open-ended frame (30, 130, 230) has first and second arms (32, 132, 232, 33, 133, 233) and is configured to be removably attached to the maxillary holding device (50). The first arm (32, 132, 232) has at least one marker attachment point (48a-48h, 148a-148n, 248a-248l) that receives fiducial markers (48) and the second arm (33, 133, 233) has a plurality of marker attachment points (48a-48h, 148a-148n, 248a-248l) that receive fiducial markers (48). At least two of the marker attachment points (48a-48h, 148a-148n, 248a-248l) of the second arm (33, 133, 233) are configured to receive fiducial markers (48) in different orientations with respect to the open-ended frame (30, 130, 230) and each other (48a-48h, 148a-148n, 248a-248l).

Abstract: An apparatus that collects and processes physical space data while performing an image-guided procedure on an anatomical area of interest includes a calibration probe that collects physical space data by probing a plurality of physical points, a tracked ultrasonic probe, a tracking device that tracks the ultrasonic probe in space and an image data processor. The physical space data provides three-dimensional coordinates for each of the physical points. The image data processor includes a computer-readable medium holding computer-executable instructions.

Abstract: A fluid collection and testing device includes a collection vial having a bottom and an open top along with an expresser sized for insertion into the vial open end. The expresser includes a ribbed base enabling fluid to pass therethrough and a support member holds the expresser within the collection vial with the ribbed base in a spaced apart relationship with the vial bottom. A fluid collector includes an absorbent member capturing a fluid and the absorbent member is sized for insertion into the expresser and is compressible against the ribbed base for releasing captured fluid through the ribbed base and into the vial bottom. A catch mechanism is provided for latching the fluid collector to the expresser after insertion into the expresser for enabling simultaneous removal of the expresser and the fluid collector from the collection vial.

Abstract: A flexible endoscope for ophthalmic orbital surgery includes a flexible probe housing having a proximal end, a distal end and a lumen extending between the proximal end and the distal end. The endoscope also includes an image fiber disposed in the lumen that communicates image information from the distal end of the flexible probe, a purge fluid/gas port disposed at the proximal end of the flexible probe that accepts purge fluid/gas and a purge fluid/gas conduit disposed in the lumen and in fluid communication with the purge fluid/gas port. The fluid/gas conduit delivers purge fluid/gas to the distal end of the endoscope. The endoscope also includes an access conduit disposed in the lumen that receives one of an ablation instrument, a coagulating instrument and a medication delivery instrument.

Abstract: An improved wheelchair leg rest extension system. The system includes a ball screw assembly provided within a steel sleeve of the wheelchair frame, and actuated by an electric motor to raise and lower a leg rest, while protecting the ball screw assembly from damage, and reducing the unsightliness and potential for damage associated with external extension and retraction means.

Abstract: An improved chair back tilt apparatus for a wheelchair. The apparatus includes a seat and a back support pivotally coupled to the seat. A backrest is slidably coupled to the back support and coupled to the seat by a rigid L-shaped support. A linear motion actuator is secured between the seat and the back support to recline the seat. As the seat reclines, the L-shaped support pulls the backrest downward. The L-shaped support also forces the backrest upward as the seat is returned to its original position thereby substantially eliminating back shear associated with prior art back tilt systems.

Abstract: An improved wheel chair leg rest shock absorption apparatus. The apparatus includes a frame having a telescoping linkage slidably received therein. A leg rest is coupled to the linkage and means are coupled to the linkage for extending and retracting it. A spring assembly is coupled to the leg rest to absorb shock force applied to the leg rest and prevent deformation and damage to the apparatus. The spring assembly absorbs shock regardless of whether the leg rest is raised or lowered.

Abstract: An absorbent core for use in an absorbent product suitable for placement in a wearer's garment, and absorbent products utilizing the core, are disclosed. The core comprises an absorbent batt folded upon itself along a pair of generally parallel longitudinal fold lines to form a middle, body-facing panel and two side panels, which three panels are substantially equivalent in width at the central transverse axis of the batt. In various preferred embodiments, one or more of the panels are embossed with patterns that serve to direct fluid transport in the product.