Abstract: Devices and methods for minimally invasive suturing are disclosed. One suturing device for minimally invasive suturing includes a proximal section a distal end, and an intermediate region therebetween. The device includes a suture head assembly having a suturing needle with a pointed end and a second end. The suturing needle is capable of rotating about an axis approximately perpendicular to a longitudinal axis of the device, wherein the pointed end of the suturing needle is positioned within the suture head assembly prior to deployment of guides that are adapted and configured to guide the needle around a circular path when advanced by a drive mechanism having a needle driver for engaging and rotating the suturing needle.

Abstract: A rail-car status-indicating assembly is provided for mounting to the axles of railcars. A solenoid and a magnet are part of the assembly installed each to one of a non-rotating structure and a rotating structure which co-rotates with the axle so that each time the solenoid enters the magnets field a current is induced. Preferably, a housing forms the rotating structure for protecting the inductive components. A bearing and pendulum are mounted within the housing to form a non-rotating structure. Magnetically induced co-rotation is eliminated by mounting of the electrical components to an offset pivoted structure. One form of low-power status device is light emitting diodes, electrically connected to the solenoid for repeated emission of light visible to oncoming motorists. Other embodiments include use of low power temperature sensors and the use of LEDs to transmit two or more status condition or via RF transceivers.

Abstract: A rail-car status-indicating assembly is provided for mounting to the axles of railcars. A solenoid and a magnet are part of the assembly installed each to one of a non-rotating structure and a rotating structure which co-rotates with the axle so that each time the solenoid enters the magnets field a current is induced. Preferably, a housing forms the rotating structure for protecting the inductive components. A bearing and pendulum are mounted within the housing to form a non-rotating structure. Magnetically induced co-rotation is eliminated by mounting of the electrical components to an offset pivoted structure. One form of low-power status device is light emitting diodes, electrically connected to the solenoid for repeated emission of light visible to oncoming motorists. Other embodiments include use of low power temperature sensors and the use of LEDs to transmit two or more status condition or via RF transceivers.