Abstract: The disclosed inventions and embodiments relate to the propagation of information among workflow applications used by a design project such as a construction design project and the creation and use of dimensioned and animated models for such projects. The workflow applications may be extended to enable participation in the information sharing or the system may provide functionality external to the tools that facilitates the participation of the tools. Information from various sources, including the workflow applications and third party sources, can be represented and modeled in an animation system. Sometimes the propagation is enabled in part by a store of information that also enabled reuse and reporting. Information used and generated by the various workflow applications is kept consistent among the different workflow applications and among the different representations of that information.

Abstract: The disclosed inventions and embodiments relate to the propagation of information among workflow applications used by a design project such as a construction design project and the creation and use of dimensioned and animated models for such projects. The workflow applications may be extended to enable participation in the information sharing or the system may provide functionality external to the tools that facilitates the participation of the tools. Information from various sources, including the workflow applications and third party sources, can be represented and modeled in an animation system. Sometimes the propagation is enabled in part by a store of information that also enabled reuse and reporting. Information used and generated by the various workflow applications is kept consistent among the different workflow applications and among the different representations of that information.

Abstract: A pressure gradient rotary sealing system is described with an additional configuration which uses and externally mounted pressure-reducing piston with a differential area to create a pressure differential across the system to reduce the pressure×velocity (PV) value to extend seal system life and provide early indication of impending seal failure. This invention is another embodiment of this previous invention offering using a separate externally mounted pressure reducing piston therefore the main body of the wash-pipe top-nut is lighter weight, the system has more fluid capacity, is simpler to assemble, operate and monitor and has a longer service life than previous configurations.

Abstract: A cryosurgical probe system includes a fluid supply line connectable at an inlet section to a source of cryogenic fluid; a fluid connector assembly securely connected to an outlet section of the fluid supply line for receiving fluid from the outlet section of the fluid supply line; and, a detachable cryosurgical probe detachably connectable to the fluid connector assembly. The cryosurgical probe system includes the capability of providing return fluid flow.

Abstract: A pressure gradient rotary sealing system is described which uses a pressure-reducing piston in several configurations with surface area differentials thereby reducing the pressure times velocity (PV) value for each of the sequential seals to extend seal system life and provide early indication of impending seal failure.

Abstract: A cryosurgical probe system includes a fluid supply line connectable at an inlet section to a source of cryogenic fluid; a fluid connector assembly securely connected to an outlet section of the fluid supply line for receiving fluid from the outlet section of the fluid supply line; and, a detachable cryosurgical probe detachably connectable to the fluid connector assembly. The cryosurgical probe system includes the capability of providing return fluid flow.

Abstract: An ablation device placement spacer for use with a patient undergoing a targeted ablation procedure utilizing elongated ablation devices insertable into treatment zones of the patient. The ablation device placement spacer includes an elongated spacing member and at least one ablation device engaging element positioned on the elongated spacing member. During use, an ablation device is releasably engageable with the ablation device engaging element, a spacing portion of the elongated spacing member being spaced from the ablation device engaging element at a desired distance so as to provide the user with an indication of a desired spacing for a subsequent ablation device to be inserted into its respect treatment zone.

Abstract: The malleable cryosurgical probe includes a cryostat assembly and a cryoprobe assembly. The cryostat assembly includes an elongated shaft assembly having a bellows portion thereof and a closed distal end. The shaft assembly includes at least one freezing portion comprising the bellows portion, at least one thermally insulated portion and a thermally insulating element positioned about the thermally insulated portion. A cryostat is operably associated with the elongated shaft assembly. It includes a cryostat inlet for receiving gas entering the cryostat, a cryostat outlet and a heat exchanger positioned between the cryostat outlet and the cryostat inlet. The heat exchanger receives gas from the cryostat inlet and provides heat transfer between gas flowing within the cryostat and fluid exterior thereto. At least one Joule-Thomson nozzle is in fluid communication with the cryostat outlet. The at least one Joule-Thomson nozzle expands gas expelled therefrom.

Abstract: A cryosurgical probe system includes a fluid supply line connectable at an inlet section to a source of cryogenic fluid; a fluid connector assembly securely connected to an outlet section of the fluid supply line for receiving fluid from the outlet section of the fluid supply line; and, a detachable cryosurgical probe detachably connectable to the fluid connector assembly. The cryosurgical probe system includes the capability of providing return fluid flow.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods are provided for placing an introducer sheath into a subcutaneous tissue region, such as a prostate, e.g., to facilitate insertion of a cryogenic probe. In one embodiment, a dilation apparatus is provided that includes an introducer sheath containing a dilator that, in turn, contains a stylet. A pointed tip of the stylet is inserted into a patient's skin and the dilator is advanced over the inserted stylet to dilate surrounding tissue. The introducer sheath is then advanced over the dilator through the tissue to provide access to a target tissue region, such as the prostate. The stylet and dilator are removed from the introducer sheath, leaving the introducer sheath in place. A cryogenic probe may be inserted into the introducer sheath, and may be coupled to a cryosurgical system, e.g., to ablate or otherwise treat the target tissue region.

Abstract: A variable pulse width lasing device for selectively reducing the amount of laser energy provided during a surgical procedure is described. The device includes a central processing unit, a laser resonator, pulse width detector and a pulse modulator. The central processing unit provides a switch activation command to the modulator. The modulator also receives a laser pulse produced by the laser resonator which has an initial pulse width and a wavelength which is compatible for transmission through an optical fiber. The modulator varies the width of the laser pulse for providing an output pulse at a selected pulse width and energy level.

Abstract: A method of percutaneous and subcutaneous laser treatment of the tissue of a patient is provided. The tip of an optical fiber is be passed through the skin, advanced through the tissue subcutaneously to a desired treatment area and withdrawn. Laser energy can be emitted at different levels during any or all of the skin penetration, advancement, tissue treatment and withdrawal phases. The present invention is useful for surgical treatments, and is especially suitable for minimally invasive plastic or cosmetic surgical and dermatological procedures without bleeding and with less edema, erythema and swelling and faster healing than conventional surface laser energy application, abrasion, scalpel surgery or chemical peel procedures.

Abstract: A split-flow laser cooling assembly for providing separate cooling environments for the pumping medium and the laser medium. The device includes a generally transparent monoblock, a pumping medium for providing pump light, and a laser medium responsive to the pump light for generating laser energy. The monoblock is generally transparent and has a first open bore and a second open bore oriented with axis' parallel to each other. The first bore receives the pumping medium such that a pump cooling passage is provided between the monoblock and the pumping medium. Likewise, the second bore receives the laser medium such that a laser cooling passage is provided between the laser medium and the monoblock.