Abstract: A pad for cushioning a compression device, e.g., an x-ray plate, of a mammography unit. The pad includes a radiolucent central region, e.g., including radiolucent orientation markings, that is secured adjacent a contact surface of the x-ray plate. The pad includes a pair of side regions secured along respective side surfaces of the x-ray plate including a slot for inserting an x-ray cassette into the x-ray plate. The pad also includes a front region securable along a front surface of the x-ray plate. A double coated tape may be attached to the pad that includes a pressure sensitive adhesive for removably attaching the pad to the x-ray plate. Alternatively, the side regions may extend around the compression device and connect to one another to secure the pad or the pad may be a sleeve that is slidably received around at least a portion of the compression device.

Abstract: Systems and methods are disclosed which provide upgrade information for a client computer. Detection of a current hardware configuration of the client computer is facilitated by: 1) reading serial presence detect (SPD) data from the client computer; 2) reading motherboard parameters from the client computer such as a manufacturer ID and product ID of the motherboard; and/or 3) identifying the SPD write-protect status of the SPD chip on the client computer. Additionally or alternatively, detection of the current hardware configuration may be facilitated by: 4) reading other OS data such as system name and/or operating system version, and/or 5) performing tests to determine certain computer characteristics such as memory utilization and/or CPU speed. In most cases, the information gathered is cross-referenced with a proprietary database of product specifications, to confirm the current hardware configuration of the client computer within specified parameters.

Abstract: The invention provides a wire guided aperture creating apparatus, an over-the-wire kit, and a method for creating a hole in adjacent portions of first and second anatomical conduits during a surgical procedure. The apparatus includes an elongated element having a guidewire lumen and an aperture creating assembly disposed near the distal end of the elongated element. In a further embodiment the device may include first and second elongated elements coupled via a coupler and an aperture creating assembly disposed between the elements. At least one of the elements includes a passage-defining element permitting passage therethrough of a first guidewire. In addition to the devices identified above, the kit includes a first guidewire for insertion into a lumen of the first vessel to an initial cutpoint and then through adjacent portions of sidewalls of the first and second vessels into a lumen of the second vessel.

Abstract: A method is provided for delivering a drug to a selected tissue region within a patient's body with a catheter having a deployable puncturing element, a drug delivery element and an orientation element on a distal portion thereof. The distal portion of the catheter is percutaneously introduced into a blood vessel, and directed endovascularly to a vessel location adjacent to the selected tissue region. The puncturing element is oriented towards the selected tissue region, and deployed to access the selected tissue region. A drug is delivered with the drug delivery element to the selected tissue region.

Abstract: A device for holding a plurality of firearm magazines is disclosed. The device includes a single-piece body having a first compartment adapted to receive a first magazine, and a second compartment adapted to receive a second magazine. The first and second compartments are separated by a divider. The device also optionally includes a first securing member located within a first housing of the divider, and a second securing member located within a second housing of the divider. The first securing member is adapted to engage the first magazine when the first magazine is seated in the first compartment, typically by engaging a groove of the first magazine. Similarly, the second securing member is adapted to engage the second magazine when the second magazine is seated in the second compartment, typically by engaging a groove of the second magazine.

Abstract: A handle and methods for its use are provided for actuating surgical components such as blades, clamps, punches, needles, shears, etc., primarily for use in cardiovascular or arthroscopic surgery. The handle is a single-piece handle, including an outer portion and an inner portion. The inner portion is substantially within the outer portion, and includes an actuating component, and a guiding component connected to the actuating component. The actuating component includes a finger grip, and a spring force component which biases the finger grip and the guiding component to extend and towards a distal tip of the neck. A stress limiting component limits stress at a critical point of the spring force component by limiting movement of the spring force component at the critical point during actuation of the actuating component.

Abstract: A cargo tie-down includes an enlarged head on a first end of a shaft a ring, and a “T” shaped foot on a second end of the shaft. A housing is slidably mounted to the shaft that is biased to move away from the head for engaging a rail between the housing and the foot. A track includes a pair of rails defining a slot extending along a longitudinal axis, and spaced-apart notches within the slot. The foot is inserted into the slot with the foot parallel to the longitudinal axis, the head is depressed, the tie-down is rotated until the foot is oriented transversely to the longitudinal axis, and the head is released. The tie-down is slid along the rail member until the foot is received in notches, thereby securing the tie-down to the rail member.