Abstract: In one aspect, the present invention is an articulation joint for use in a low cost medical device such as an endoscope intended for a single use. In one embodiment, the articulation joint comprises a plurality of interconnected segments. In another embodiment, the articulation joint comprises an elongated tubular body. In another aspect, the present invention provides methods of manufacturing an articulation joint for use in a medical device.

Abstract: An articulated bending section body has a number of segments including a proximal end segment, a distal end segment and a number of intermediate segments. Each intermediate segment has a central passage adapted in cross-sectional shape to receive and support the exterior surface of a bendable tubular member providing a working channel of the endoscope. The cross-sectional shape includes a number of sectors of a circular periphery having a shared center and the same radius, the total length of the sectors being longer than half of the circular periphery. The cross-sectional shape comprises at least one outwardly extending lobe. The exterior surface of the bendable tubular member providing the working channel of the endoscope forms a closed lumen adjacent but separated from the working channel of the endoscope.

Abstract: Various aspects of the present disclosure may be directed toward apparatuses, systems, and methods that include a medical device including an elongate body having a proximal portion, a distal portion, and three mutually perpendicular planes. The medical device may include a first steering line and a second steering line and a first stiffening material and a second stiffening material. The first stiffening material and the second stiffening material may be configured to maintain planarity of deflection of at least the distal portion of the elongate body.

Abstract: A rotating power connection for connecting an electrical supply power cable to an electric welding torch body is provided. In the rotating power connection, the mechanical load is carried by steel bearings, and the electric load is carried by multi-contact, spring loaded fins made out of highly conductive materials or coatings. In some examples, a rotating power connector is affixed to a torch before the power connection to a wire feeder. The rotating power connector advantageously allows for rotation of the welding torch relative to the unicable while providing continual electrical connection at the high current levels employed in welding applications.

Abstract: The invention relates to an electrostatic atomizer for liquids, in particular, cosmetics, the atomizer comprising a housing, an electrical energy source, an activation mechanism, control electronics, a high-voltage source, a liquid tank, a delivery device and atomizer nozzles. The delivery device is arranged here between the liquid tank and the atomizer nozzles, the delivery device being connected to the liquid tank by a first line and the delivery device being connected to the atomizer nozzles by a second line, so that the delivery device sucks liquid out of the liquid tank and delivers it to the atomizer nozzles.

Abstract: Systems and methods for augmenting a vertebral body. An introducer device includes a shaft having a flexible distal portion with a pre-set curve in an unconstrained state. An input provided to an actuator to tension a pulling element to move the pre-set curve to a constrained state in which the distal portion and a flexible sheath conforming to the shaft at least partially straighten. The introducer device is removable from the sheath remaining offset from a longitudinal axis. A spacer hub facilitates proximal movement of the sheath relative to an access cannula expose a balloon through a syringe-style input. A hub of the access cannula may be adjustable to selectively adjust an interference surface relative to a datum. At least two radiopaque markers may be disposed on the sheath with relative positions between the markers viewable on lateral and A-P radiography to determine the location and/or curvature of the sheath.

Abstract: A protective covering system for optical cables includes a plurality of links which may be coupled together to form a two-layer barrier to protect optical fiber positioned with the coupled links. Each link includes a first portion and a wider second portion. The first portion of a first link is insertable in the second portion of a second link such that the first portion of the first link and the second portion of the second link overlap one another radially. The ends of each portion include oppositely extending flanges, at least one of which is temporarily deformable when the first link is inserted into the second link. When the first and second links are secured to one another, the coupled links are free to move axially and to tilt relative to each other.

Abstract: A filter, a manufacturing method for a filter, and an air conditioner are provided. The filter includes a casing, a transition tube, and a filter screen assembly. The filter screen assembly is provided in the casing, fitted with and connected to an inner wall of the casing, the casing is an integrally formed piece, and two axial ends of the casing have neck sections, and two neck sections are both fixedly connected to the transition tube.

Abstract: A steerable catheter suitable for left-hand operation includes a tube, a handle assembly, and a Luer connector. The handle assembly comprises a holding handle, a slide mechanism, and a slide control mechanism; a proximal end of the tube passes through a cavity of the holding handle to be connected with the Luer connector; the slide mechanism comprises a slide base body, and a slide member axially sliding along the holding handle and fitted on the slide base body; the slide member is fixedly connected to a pull wire; the slide control mechanism comprises a connecting member connected with the slide member, and a drive adjustment member connected with the connecting member and adjusting the position of the slide member; the drive adjustment member is provided at the proximal end of the holding handle for convenient left hand operation.

Abstract: An endoscope is provided with: a wire; a distal end nodal ring, in which the wire is arranged immediately below a first through hole including openings at predetermined positions on the inner circumferential face and an outer circumferential face of the distal end nodal ring; a distal end member including a small diameter portion arranged to be fitted in a distal end side inner circumferential face of the distal end nodal ring and a large diameter portion provided on a distal end side of the small diameter portion, the large diameter portion having a diameter larger than a diameter of the small diameter portion; an accommodating portion formed on an outer circumferential face side of the small diameter portion, the first end portion of the wire being accommodated in the accommodating portion; and a relief portion formed by the accommodating portion extending to the large diameter portion.

Abstract: A connection structure of a bus bar and a cable has: a bus bar that serves as an external terminal; a cable that has a core wire exposed from an insulation sheath at a terminal, the core wire being joined with the bus bar; a protective member that covers at least a joining portion of the bus bar and the core wire of the cable; and a cut portion that is formed in the core wire at the joining portion with the bus bar.

Abstract: The teachings herein relate to devices for insertion into a cavity, opening or other passageway that requires the bending of the device to conform to a curved or even tortuous shape of the path. The devices include axial support components for translating forces for moving the device forward in the path. The axial support components preferably include adjacent components capable of rocking for tilting the device in one or more directions. The device preferably includes one or more lateral support components for limiting any lateral motion of an axial support component relative to an adjacent axial support component.

Abstract: An improved liquid run-off disposal system is described having an infiltration chamber 72 with first and second sidewalls 74. In cross-sectional view the first and second sidewalls 74 each include an inner surface 76 and outer surface 78, and each sidewall 74 includes a plurality of integrated louvre-shaped apertures 80. In cross-sectional view each louvre-shaped aperture 80 includes an upper surface 82 and a lower surface 84 which are angled upwards from the outer surface 78 and protrude inwards from the inner surface 76 into the interior of the infiltration chamber 72. The upper and lower surfaces 82, 84 comprise a plurality of angled sections, the angled sections being arranged so as to form a substantially vertical flow path through a portion of the aperture 80. The angled sections of the upper and lower surfaces 82, 84 are arranged at an angle and of a length so as to substantially overlap when viewed in a horizontal direction.

Abstract: A filter, a manufacturing method for a filter, and an air conditioner are provided. The filter includes a casing (10), a transition tube (20), and a filter screen assembly (30). The filter screen assembly (30) is provided in the casing (10), fitted with and connected to an inner wall of the casing (10), the casing (10) is an integrally formed piece, and two axial ends of the casing (10) have neck sections (11), and two neck sections (11) are both fixedly connected to the transition tube (20).

Abstract: An apparatus, method, and system for a steerable medical device, configured to be used in conjunction with guide tools and devices in medical procedures, including endoscopes, cameras, cutting tools and catheters.

Abstract: A pavement drain has a perimeter formed by sidewalls, and a drain aperture at the center of the perimeter. A drain surface is provided between form a path from the sidewalls to the drain aperture. A circular protrusion is concentric with the drain aperture and extends downwards from drain surface to engage with a drain pipe.

Abstract: Provided is a flexible mechanism. The flexible mechanism comprises: a flexible backbone which is introduced into a treatment area in the human body and which bends along a path in the human body; and a wire for transmitting an operation force provided through a handler prepared at one end of the flexible backbone to an end-effector prepared at the other end of the flexible backbone, wherein the wire extends from the one end of the flexible backbone to the other end of the flexible backbone and can wind around the outer circumferential surface of the flexible backbone in multiples of 360 degrees or passes through a spiral path formed on an inner surface in multiples of 360 degrees.

Abstract: Systems and methods are disclosed providing a flexible articulable device for accessing deep within tight and arbitrarily shaped channels of a body. The flexible or articulable device may employ two, independent locomotion strategies. These strategies can be combined or independently used. However, both strategies use a segmented approach that employs one or multiple embedded actuation units along the body of the device. The multiple embedded actuation units may be individually controlled, are generally connected serially, and generally uses one of the locomotion strategies. One strategy relates to propulsion while the other strategy relates to shape control.

Abstract: Dexterous manipulation devices are provided having an end effector enabling large curvature with a diameter of 1 mm or less that can articulate about an axis in a working space of about or less than 4 mm by 4 mm. Preferred devices are robotically actuated and controlled and can be used for a variety of therapeutic and diagnostic applications.

Abstract: A delivery device includes a handle, a sheath distally extending from the handle, a capsule distally extending from the sheath, and a pull wire having a proximal end attached to the handle and a distal end attached to the capsule. The sheath defines a central lumen there-through and has a longitudinally-extending lumen formed within a wall of the sheath. The capsule has a tubular body with an intermediate region having a plurality of ribs and a plurality of slots defined therein. The capsule includes an indented segment defined on the tubular body, the indented segment being disposed radially inward relative to the tubular body. The pull wire is tensioned to bend the capsule. The pull wire is slidably disposed within the longitudinally-extending lumen of the sheath and along an inner surface of the tubular body of the capsule with a portion of the pull wire crossing over an outer surface of the indented segment.

Abstract: There is disclosed an articulating structure that is steered by relative movement of a plurality of segments connected in series, the articulating structure including a first segment and a second segment arranged in contact with each other, wherein contact surfaces of the first segment and the second segment are rolling contact surfaces in line contact on a first direction contact line, the first segment has a pin on a side, the second segment has a coupling hole into which the pin is inserted, the first segment and the second segment make a relative rolling movement for translation of the first direction contact line while maintaining the line contact, and the coupling hole is formed with a larger area than the pin to allow the pin to make a relative position movement within the coupling hole during the rolling movement.

Abstract: An assembly for a gas turbine engine has a support structure and a tube configured to circulate lubricant and mounted to the support structure, a sacrificial sleeve extending around the tube and disposed between the support structure and the tube, the sacrificial sleeve welded to the support structure. A method of mounting a fluid carrying tube to a support structure in a gas turbine engine is provided.

Abstract: An ultrasound endoscope includes: a transducer unit arranged on a distal end side in an insertion direction to an inside of a subject and configured to transmit and receive an ultrasonic wave; a bendable tube arranged on a proximal end side relative to the transducer unit, the bendable tube including a plurality of ring-shaped members that are joined with each other along the insertion direction and bendable in at least two directions; a flexible tube arranged to be continuous to the proximal end side of the bendable tube; and a flexible board inserted to an inside of the bendable tube and configured to electrically connect the transducer unit. The flexible board includes a helical portion that is formed in a helical shape following an inner surface of the bendable tube, and that is fixed to the inner surface of the bendable tube at a part.

Abstract: The present invention provides a corrugated tube and a method for manufacturing the same capable of improving workability in press-fitting work of a pipe or a quick connector. A corrugated tube includes a flexible section having a first corrugated section and a second corrugated section, and straight sections integrally formed at both ends of the flexible section respectively. A length of valley portions in an axial center direction is larger than a length of valley portions in the first corrugated section, thereby allows a pitch P2 of mountain portions in the second corrugated section provided between the straight section and the first corrugated section to be larger than a pitch P1 of mountain portions in the first corrugated section.

Abstract: An endoscope includes a bending operation member provided at an operation portion and configured to bend a bending portion of an insertion portion, a plurality of bending operation wires configured to be pulled or relaxed by the bending operation member, a plurality of tubular members provided inside the operation portion, into which the plurality of bending operation wires are inserted respectively, and disposed in a deflected state so as to avoid an internal component provided inside the operation portion, and a tubular member fixing member provided inside the operation portion and enabled to optimally adjust end portions of the plurality of tubular members at different positions along a longitudinal axis of the operation portion in a direction orthogonal to the longitudinal axis.

Abstract: The rigid hose for wet dry vacuum is configured for use with the hose of a domestic appliance. The rigid hose for wet dry vacuum is a protective structure. The rigid hose for wet dry vacuum protects the hose. The rigid hose for wet dry vacuum sets the hose in a fixed position such that the curvature of the center axis of the prism structure of the hose will not shift during use of the hose. The rigid hose for wet dry vacuum comprises a bimodal shell. The bimodal shell is a bimodal flexible structure.

Abstract: According to embodiments, a substantially coaxial arrangement of a camera, a light source, and an ultrasonic sensor can be positioned in an housing of a system that can be deployed from the tool port of a standard bronchoscope. Illumination from the light source facilitates positioning of the system by an operator using information from the camera. The ultrasonic system can determine when an object to be biopsied is adjacent to a biopsy needle.

Abstract: A bending portion includes: a bending piece group including a plurality of first bending pieces; and a second bending piece including coupling protruding portions for coupling to a coupling frame so as to resist torsion about the longitudinal axis, and including, on a proximal end side, third contact surfaces facing a direction of the longitudinal axis, the second bending piece including inside a second insertion portion for allowing insertion of internal components, the second insertion portion being formed so as to be coincident with the first insertion portion provided in each of the first bending pieces on a same projection plane, the second bending piece being interposed between the coupling frame and the bending piece group such that the third contact surfaces and a distal-most position of the bending piece group are in rotatably contact with each other.

Abstract: A harness guide includes: a plurality of first link members each including a first side plate configured to face one side face of a wire harness and a pair of upper and lower first coupling plates that extend from the first side plate and are configured to face an upper and lower faces of the wire harness, and a plurality of second link members each including a second side plate configured to face another side face of the wire harness and a pair of upper and lower second coupling plates that extend from the second side plate and are configured to face the upper and lower faces of the wire harness, and an elongated housing space for housing the wire harness is formed by alternately arranging the plurality of first link members and the plurality of second link members and coupling the first coupling plates and the second coupling plates.

Abstract: A tubing assembly for use with a patient interface device includes a manifold portion structured to be coupled to a conduit carrying a flow of breathing gas and a number of tubular portions. Each tubular portion extends from the manifold portion to a distal end which is structured to be coupled to the patient interface device. Each tubular portion is structured to communicate the flow of breathing gas from the manifold portion to the patient interface device. Each tubular portion comprises an adjustment element which provides for a characteristic of the tubular portion to be selectively varied.

Abstract: A guide system for repairing turbomachinery includes a housing; a guide tube have a hollow interior for accepting a working tool module; an axial motor for moving the guide tube axially with respect to the housing; a rotational motor for rotating the guide tube with respect to the housing; and an attachment for securing the housing with respect to a turbomachinery casing. A repair kit and method are also provided.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is an articulated support device. The articulated support device is formed to include a plurality of links connected to each other. A device stand is detachably coupled to the front end of the articulated support device and the rear end of the articulated support device is fixedly coupled to a structure detachably. The connection portions of the plurality of links are fixed not to move relative to each other or the connection portions are released to be rotatable relative to each other through an operation of a handle part provided on a front side of the articulated support device. The articulated support device includes a plurality of rotation and fixing units. Each of the plurality of rotation and fixing units includes a front link connection adapter, a wire central binding portion, a rotation regulation portion, a casing pipe, and an inner connection pipe.

Abstract: An autonomous mobile device with an extensible mast to raise and lower a payload, such as a camera, relative to a main body. The mast comprises a set of telescoping sections. A motor moves a flexible rack between a first spool and the mast to raise or lower the mast. For example, during extension a motor-driven pinion engages teeth on the flexible rack, pulling the rack from the first spool and pushing up the mast. A cable stored on a second spool may be extended and retracted with the flexible rack. The cable transfers one or more of data or power between the main body and the payload. A mechanism provides for sequenced deployment of the mast, with the innermost section moving first. While raising the mast, the mechanism engages between adjacent telescoping sections, locking them in place. While lowering the mast, the mechanism selectively releases section by section.

Abstract: A system for a protective cover including a cover assembly and a light assembly. The cover assembly includes a cover that has a slit. The slit allows retrofitting any existing oxygen lines with the cover in order to provide protection to the oxygen lines. This helps to prolong the lifespan of the oxygen lines. Further, the light assembly may include a plurality of lights. The lights are mounted to the cover in order to illuminate a surrounding area. This helps to reduce the chances that anyone trips, falls or gets injured due to the oxygen lines. The user benefits from increased safety as there are less chances that their oxygen supply is cutoff from an oxygen line becoming damaged. The oxygen lines are kept in working order for a prolonged period of time. The lights are controlled either locally or remotely, as well as manually or automatically.

Abstract: Systems and methods for augmenting a vertebral body may include an optional access cannula, introducer device, and a stylet having a stylet shaft. The access cannula includes a hub portion and a cannula shaft extending from the cannula hub. The cannula shaft includes a distal end positionable within the vertebral body that defines a lumen along a longitudinal axis. The introducer device may be a telescoping or pivoting introducer device that is removably coupled to the hub portion of the access cannula. The introducer device controls the movement of the flexible distal portion of the stylet shaft and the flexible sheath from within the introducer device through the access cannula to within a target site in the vertebral body, wherein the flexible distal portion is moved from the constrained to the unconstrained state to displace cancellous bone within the target site.

Abstract: The instant invention relates generally to introducer catheters used to help deliver catheters or other medical devices to locations within the human body. In particular, the instant invention relates to large diameter introducer catheters (introducer catheters with lumens greater than about 6 French) having increased strength, flexibility, and kink resistance. Introducer catheters according to the teachings herein may also include curved distal ends and flared (that is, funnel-like) transition sections within their lumens.

Abstract: A flexible instrument comprises a first link and a second link that each comprise a first end, a second end, and a wall extending between the first end and the second end, the wall comprising an outer wall surface and an inner wall surface; an outer ear extending in a first axial direction away from the first end of the link; an inner bearing surface defined at the first end of the link, the inner bearing surface extending between the outer ear and the inner wall surface; an inner ear extending in a second axial direction away from the second end of the link; and an outer bearing surface defined at the second end of the wall, the inner bearing surface extending between the inner ear and the outer wall surface. The instrument further comprises at least one of a position sensor and an orientation sensor located along the wall of the instrument.

Abstract: An elongate medical device shaft may comprise an elongate body and an annular electrode disposed on the elongate body. The annular electrode may define a longitudinal axis and have an outer diameter. The outer diameter may be greater at an axial center of the electrode than at an axial end of the electrode. Additionally or alternatively, the elongate body may comprise three longitudinal sections having three wall thicknesses. The middle wall thickness may be less than the proximal and distal wall thicknesses and the distal wall thickness may be less than the proximal wall thickness. Additionally or alternatively, the shaft may comprise an inner cylindrical structure and an outer tube. The outer tube may comprise a first radial layer and a second radial layer that is radially-outward of the first radial layer, the first radial layer, second radial layer, and inner structure having different stiffnesses.

Abstract: The present application discloses a hose that uses pressure to lock itself into a fixed position. The basic structure may comprise an internal flexible tube which contains a fluid and a mechanical exoskeleton. The mechanical exoskeleton may move freely without pressure, but may lock into place once the tube is pressurized.

Abstract: An articulating joint comprising a multi-cluster joint where every consecutive pair of links is interfaced by a gimbal, which offers rotation about two orthogonal axes within the same plane. Thus, the articulating joint comprises an alternating sequence of links and gimbals. Furthermore, there may be multiple cables attached to one or more of the links. As these cables are selectively pulled and released, one can achieve any desired articulation of the articulating joint. There may be a transmission member extending through the links and gimbals, parallel to the central longitudinal axis of the joint in its nominal non-articulated condition. This transmission member may be either a tension member that is pulled on (e.g. a cable or flexible pull rod) and that loads the articulating joint in compression, or the transmission member may be a flexible push rod that loads the articulating joint in tension.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to surgical port assemblies including a plurality of inflatable members for applying a force to a portion of a shaft of a surgical instrument which is inserted through an interior space of the surgical port assembly, and to surgical systems including a surgical port assembly, an endoscopic camera, and a control mechanism for controlling inflation and deflation of the plurality of inflatable members of the surgical port assembly.

Abstract: A surgical fluid thermal treatment system can be used during a procedure to heat or cool surgical fluid, e.g., prior to introducing the fluid into the body of a patient. In some examples, the system includes an open basin into which fresh surgical fluid is dispensed and a heater that heats the fluid in the basin. The system may also include a volume measurement device that measures the volume of fluid in the basin. The system may have a user interface that a user interacts with to check fresh fluid into the basin. The user may also interact with the user interface to check medical tools into the basin and check medical tools out of the basin. A controller associated with the system can track the volume of fluid removed from the basin during the course of a procedure.

Abstract: An endoscope bending tube manufacturing method includes: arranging one of two adjacent ring tubes on an outer side of an other one of the two adjacent ring tubes; after inserting a connecting shaft through both a through hole of an outer ring tube and a through hole of an inner ring tube, performing processing of making an end portion of the connecting shaft increase in diameter by plastic working of pushing and stretching the end portion in a radial direction of the connecting shaft; fixing an outer peripheral surface of the connecting shaft to the through hole of the outer ring tube by bringing the outer peripheral surface into close contact with the through hole of the outer ring tube; and rotatably connecting the one of the two adjacent ring tubes to the other one of the two adjacent ring tubes.

Abstract: A flexible acoustic waveguide device with a flexible, unitary band comprising a plurality of acoustic waveguides arranged side-by-side along a length of the band.

Abstract: A flexible hose including a first tubular element of corrugated shape having in longitudinal cross-section a series of outer crests and a second tubular element of lightweight polymeric material externally associated with said first tubular element so as to fill at least partially a corresponding series of troughs alternately shaped by said outer crests.

Abstract: An improved flexible component used for dynamic stabilization of spinal segments for the treatment of vertebrae deformities and injuries and for the replacement of a complete or segment of the body of a vertebra in the spine is described. The flexible component is comprised of a suitable implant material with a longitudinal bore the entire length and an appropriately formed slots that extend spirally around the flexible spinal element either continuously or segmentally. The flexible component can be encapsulated, fully or partially, in a suitable implant grade elastomeric resilient material. When used for a dynamic stabilization device, the element is attached to the vertebral bodies by pedicle screws know to those in the art.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for imaging a patient in an MRI system. This includes a frame, and at least one assembly that includes a patient-interface positioner connected to a reference position on the frame, a first lockable joint on the positioner; and a patient interface connected to a patient-proximal end of the positioner by a second joint, wherein the first patient-interface is moveably positioned to a selected pitch angle, a selected yaw angle, and a selected one of a plurality of distances relative to the reference position on the frame. The first lockable joint is configured to be tightened to yieldably hold the first patient-interface at the selected pitch and yaw angles, and at the selected one of the plurality of distances, relative to the reference position. Optionally a second substantially similar patient-interface and assembly are provided. The earpiece(s) optionally include audio transducer(s) and/or RF coil(s).

Abstract: A tracheal intubation system including a laryngoscope is disclosed. An endotracheal tube exchange system is also disclosed. In some examples, the system includes a laryngoscope, a stylet, and an endotracheal tube. In some examples the stylet is an articulating stylet. An endotracheal tube with one or more depth-assessment bands is also disclosed. An articulating stylet with one or more depth-assessment bands and an orientation mark is also disclosed. A method of positioning an endotracheal tube in a patient is also disclosed. A method of positioning a stylet for placement of an endotracheal tube is also disclosed. A method of performing an endotracheal tube exchange procedure is also disclosed.

Abstract: An apparatus including a first end configured to connect to a control of an endoscope object removal tool; a second end having a connector configured to removably connect to a handle of an endoscope; and a spine connecting the first end to the second end. The spine comprises a plurality of serially interconnected members which are rotatable relative to each other. Connections of the members to one another comprise friction locks. The friction locks are configured to be temporarily unlocked by overcoming friction forces at the friction locks such that the spine is semi-flexible.

Abstract: Various methods and systems are provided for an exhaust gas recirculation cooler including a plurality of cooling tubes. In one example, an exhaust gas recirculation (EGR) cooler includes a plurality of cooling tubes positioned within a housing of the EGR cooler, each cooling tube of the plurality of cooling tubes extending between and directly coupled to tube sheets of the EGR cooler at ends of each cooling tube, where at least one end of one or more cooling tubes of a first portion of the plurality of cooling tubes, inward of a tube sheet coupled to the at least one end, includes a compliant region, where the first portion is positioned proximate to an exhaust inlet of the EGR cooler.