Abstract: An apparatus and method for an ultrasonic medical device with a variable frequency drive for ablating a biological material comprises an ultrasonic probe having a proximal end, a distal end and a longitudinal axis therebetween; a transducer that drives the ultrasonic probe over a variable frequency range, creating a transverse ultrasonic vibration along at least a portion of the longitudinal axis of the ultrasonic probe; a coupling engaging the proximal end of the ultrasonic probe to a distal end of the transducer; and an ultrasonic energy source engaged to the transducer that produces an ultrasonic energy, wherein driving the ultrasonic probe over the variable frequency range allows for the ultrasonic energy to propagate around a bend of the ultrasonic probe to ablate the biological material in communication with the ultrasonic probe.

Abstract: An improved mine roof bolt is disclosed. The mine roof bolt comprises a bolt portion having a threaded end, a slidable camming nut, a stop, and an expansion shell having a central threaded nut with wedge fingers extending from it. The camming nut is fitted into the expansion shell which is threaded onto the threaded section of the bolt. Turning the bolt while it is in a hole causes the expansion shell to move along the bolt and carry the camming nut to the stop located on the bolt, and this causes the wedge fingers to engage with the camming nut, spreading the wedge fingers into contact with the hole sides. As the turning of the bolt continues, the relative movement of the camming nut and wedge fingers increases the wedging effect within the hole until the bolt is anchored in the hole. While turning of the bolt may serve to mix a catalytic adhesive, the adhesive is not needed to activate the mechanical anchoring mechanism of the mine roof bolt.

Abstract: An improved mine roof bolt is disclosed. The mine roof bolt comprises a bolt portion having a camming nut rigidly fixed to it and a threaded end and an expansion shell having a central threaded nut with wedge fingers extending from it. The expansion shell is threaded onto the threaded section of the bolt. Turning the bolt while it is in a hole causes the expansion shell to move along the bolt and brings the wedge fingers into contact with the camming nut, spreading the wedge fingers into contact with the hole sides. As the turning of the bolt continues, the relative movement of the camming nut and wedge fingers increases the wedging effect within the hole until the bolt is anchored in the hole. While turning of the bolt may serve to mix a catalytic adhesive, the adhesive is not needed to activate the mechanical anchoring mechanism of the mine roof bolt.

Abstract: An ultrasonic tissue ablation device comprising a transversely vibrating elongated probe, and a coupling assembly for probe attachment and detachment that enables the probe assembly and separation from the device body that includes the ultrasound energy source and a sound conductor, and a method of use for removal of vascular occlusions in blood vessels. The coupling assembly enables incorporation of elongated probes with small cross sectional lumens such as a catheter guidewires. The probe detachability allows insertion manipulation and withdrawal independently of the device body. The probe can be used with acoustic and/or aspirations sheaths to enhance destruction and removal of an occlusion. The horn assembly of the device that contains a sound conducting horn functions as an energy regulator and reservoir for the probe, and precludes loss of probe cavitation energy by its bending or damping within the blood vessel.

Abstract: An ultrasonic tissue ablation device comprising a transversely vibrating elongated probe, and a coupling assembly for probe attachment detachment that enables the probe assembly and separation from the device body that includes the ultrasound energy source and a sound conductor, and a method of use for removal of vascular occlusions in blood vessels. The coupling assembly enables incorporation of elongated probes with small cross sectional lumens such as a catheter guidewires. The probe detachability allows insertion manipulation and withdrawal independently of the device body. The probe can be used with acoustic and/or aspirations sheaths to enhance destruction and removal of an occlusion. The horn assembly of the device that contains a sound conducting horn functions as an energy regulator and reservoir for the probe, and precludes loss of probe cavitation energy by its bending or damping within the blood vessel.

Abstract: An ultrasonic tissue ablation device comprising a transversely vibrating elongated probe, and a coupling assembly for probe attachment detachment that enables the probe assembly and separation from the device body that includes the ultrasound energy source and a sound conductor, and a method of use for removal of vascular occlusions in blood vessels. The coupling assembly enables incorporation of elongated probes with small cross sectional lumens such as a catheter guidewires. The probe detachability allows insertion manipulation and withdrawal independently of the device body. The probe can be used with acoustic and/or aspirations sheaths to enhance destruction and removal of an occlusion. The horn assembly of the device that contains a sound conducting horn functions as an energy regulator and reservoir for the probe, and precludes loss of probe cavitation energy by its bending or damping within the blood vessel.

Abstract: A hybrid switch includes a snap-action switching portion having a butterfly-type mechanism and a solid-state switching portion formed within a single, compact housing. The solid-state switching portion is formed of an electro-electronic device consisting of a light-emitting diode and a phototransistor. Alternatively, the solid-state switching portion is formed of a bipolar transistor.