Abstract: A microstructure optical adapter or tip according to the present disclosure may incorporate precision micro structure optical components engaging the input or output end of light energy delivery devices for customized light delivery of the light energy. The incorporation of precision micro structure optical components in injection molded plastic or glass parts will allow for inexpensive modification of the output light while also serving to protect the end of the illumination device. The micro structure optical components may also be incorporated in an adapter to tailor the light energy to the subsequent device.

Abstract: A hand-held electronic celestial object-locating device assists in identifying a celestial object or directing a user to a desired celestial object. The device is useful for locating or identifying any celestial object including stars, constellations, planets, comets, asteroids, artificial satellites, and deep sky objects to name a few. The device utilizes sensors for 3-axis magnetic field and 3-axis gravitational field detection. The device utilizes a processor and an electronic database to perform the required calculations. The device's database may be updated through access to the Internet through which the updates may be purchased.

Abstract: A wafer carrier with a back pressure applicator system adapted to provide high resolution back pressure control. A plurality of millimeter scale distensible elements are disposed between the wafer carrier pressure plate and a process wafer, and selectively distended to provide excess backpressure to select small areas of a wafer known to exhibit resistance to removal vis-à-vis the surrounding wafer surface. Distensible elements may be in the form of expandable pneumatic chambers or electro-mechanical elements such as solenoids, shape memory elements, electrostatic plates, etc.

Abstract: A bend testing apparatus for simulating free vibrational flexing at high speeds and frequencies in a test specimen, said apparatus comprising a cam having a narrow circumferential profile or linear profile wherein at least one portion of the profile of said cam comprises at least one waveform, a specimen holder that holds the test specimen on opposite ends of the test specimen in a default position, a light-weight deformation member operable to deflect at least one point on the test specimen from the default position, a follower with one end in operable contact with the cam and its other end connected to the deformation member, such that a displacement of the follower is according to the profile of the cam, to actuate the deformation member correspondingly and to deflect the at least one point on the test specimen from said default position upon movement of the cam.

Abstract: An ergonomic shear according to the present disclosure provides variations in finger relief to accommodate variations in human physiology and an aligning finger handle that aligns the users fingers into a minimum stress position relative to each other and to the thumb.

Abstract: A device is described which allows simultaneous application of suction or vacuum for evacuation of fat with application of energy to the fat inside an opening in a cannula. A pair of electrodes is situated within the cavity of the cannula just under the surface of cannula tip opening(s) or as part of the walls of such openings. The electrodes are spaced to allow coagulation of fat entering the cannula. Irrigation may be applied in a continuous or discontinuous or intermittent stream within the cannula to cool the tip and facilitate removal of suctioned tissue and prevent buildup of debris on electrodes. A method for using the cannula to remove adipose tissue or fat destroyed by the energy application through the use of suction with mechanical motion of the cannula, with energy application and optionally with the use of irrigation is also disclosed.

Abstract: A cryosurgical system adapted for treatment of fibroadenomas within the breast of a patient. The system includes cryoprobes and a control system which operates the cryoprobes to accomplish freezing in two stages, including a high power freeze and a low power freeze.

Abstract: A method for fabricating a stent or other medical device by creating a free standing thin film of metal.

Abstract: A system for the securing of road flares in order to maintain continuous burning of the flares and not allow them to roll away. The system includes first and second holding means aligned either in the same plane, or offset from each other. The first holding means holds a flare by a first end of the flare. The second holding means is connected to the first holding means in either the same plane or else at a distance from the first holding means. The second holding means holds a second flare by the second end of the flare. Once the first flare has burned the entire length of the flare, it ignites the second end of the second flare so that the second flare is ignited.

Abstract: An arthroscopic inflow and outflow sheath providing an improved inflow and outflow system reducing the diameter of a continuous flow system while eliminating the need for a third portal during arthroscopy. The improved arthroscopic inflow and outflow sheath comprises an elongated atraumatic sheath having an inner surface, outer surface, proximal end, and distal end. The atraumatic sheath further comprises plurality of ribs or webs extending from the inner surface of the sheath and designed to contact an outer surface of the arthroscope creating outer lumens facilitating the inflow and outflow of fluid to a surgical site.

Abstract: A resuscitation device for automatic compression of victim's chest using a compression belt which exerts force evenly over the entire thoracic cavity. The belt is constricted and relaxed through a motorized spool assembly which repeatedly tightens the belt and relaxes the belt to provide repeated and rapid chest compression. An assembly includes various resuscitation devices including chest compression devices, defibrillation devices, and airway management devices, along with communications devices and senses with initiate communications with emergency medical personnel automatically upon use of the device.

Abstract: The invention relates to a winch (6) for raising and lowering persons, of the type that comprises a housing with an attachment member (16), an electric motor (39) driving a reel (27), a lifting strap (7) connected to the reel for winding and unwinding the lifting strap whereby the lifting strap is guided through one of two openings (17,19) formed in the housing.

Abstract: A removable, resilient atraumatic sheath for arthroscopic instruments. The sheath covers sharp edges on the arthroscopic instrument, particularly the distal tip of the rigid cannula, and thereby protects tissue and objects near a surgical site from accidental trauma. The sheath may be provided in the form of an inflow/outflow sheath that allows a surgeon to irrigate and drain a surgical field without the use of a separate irrigation instrument. The sheath is provided with a cylindrical grip on the proximal end to resiliently squeeze the proximal end of the arthroscopic instrument. A lever is provided to move the grip radially outwardly to release the grip from the arthroscopic instrument.

Abstract: A system and method for recording, storing, transferring and viewing trace data from a processor with an embedded trace macrocell. The system provides for compression of repetitive trace records using an algorithm which identifies compressible trace record streams, creates a highly compressed processed trace record stream and stores the processed trace record stream in trace RAM. Thereafter, the processed trace record stream may be transferred to a host computer, expanded and displayed or printed for analysis.

Abstract: A technique for pressurized or differential pressure casting according to the present disclosure provides a riser tube filter formed of ceramic foam having a specific gravity lower than the molten metal to be cast. A riser tube filter according to the present invention may float in and/or on the molten metal within the riser tube and smooth the flow of molten metal within the riser tube simultaneously filtering the metal. As the molten metal is depressurized, a riser tube filter according to the present disclosure will travel back down the riser tube engaging the walls of the riser tube and minimizing the surface of molten metal in contact with the air or other gas. It is emphasized that this abstract is provided to comply with the rules requiring an abstract that will allow a searcher or other reader to quickly ascertain the subject matter of the technical disclosure. It is submitted with the understanding that it will not be used to interpret or limit the scope or meaning of the claims.

Abstract: Celestial object location devices with sensor arrays of having less that one sensor for each of three orthogonal components of gravity and magnetic field vectors. The accuracy of position sensing is enhanced by estimating “missing” sensor input based on input from two orthogonal sensors provided, or determined with limitations from the two gravitational sensors provided.

Abstract: Chest compressions are measured and prompted to facilitate the effective administration of CPR. A displacement detector produces a displacement indicative signal indicative of the displacement of the CPR recipient's chest toward the recipient's spine. A signaling mechanism provides chest compression indication signals directing a chest compression force being applied to the chest and a frequency of such compressions. An automated controller and an automated constricting device may be provided for applying CPR to the recipient in an automated fashion. The automated controller receives the chest compression indication signals from the signaling mechanism, and, in accordance with the chest compression indication signals, controls the force and frequency of constrictions.

Abstract: A removable, resilient atraumatic sheath for arthroscopic instruments. The sheath covers sharp edges on the arthroscopic instrument, particularly the distal tip of the rigid cannula, and thereby protects tissue and objects near a surgical site from accidental trauma. The sheath may be provided in the form of an inflow/outflow sheath that allows a surgeon to irrigate and drain a surgical field without the use of a separate irrigation instrument.

Abstract: A compression belt cartridge for use with chest compression devices. The compression belt cartridge has a double-oar shaped belt and a cover plate through which the belt is threaded. The cover plate is provided with hooks and snap latches that fit into a belt drive platform. The cover plate is sized and dimensioned to fit within only selected platforms. The belt attaches to the means for tightening the belt via a spline attached to the belt. The means for tightening a belt then repetitively tightens the belt, thereby accomplishing chest compressions.

Abstract: Safety mechanisms for compression belt cartridges used in chest compression devices. The safety mechanisms include a breakable link, liner socks, belt guards and a rapid-release connector. The breakable link ensures that unsafe belt tension will not occur. The liner socks protect the patient from friction and contain the breakable link. The belt guards protect foreign objects from entering the belt drive platform. The rapid-release connector allows the belt to be removed safely even during compressions.