Abstract: A biopsy device having a translating and rotating cutter is disclosed. The translational speed of the cutter is varied using a variable pitch member. The variable pitch member can include a shaft having a relatively coarse threaded portion for rapid cutter advance and a relatively finer threaded portion for cutter advance during tissue severing.

Abstract: Method and system for determination of wheel position of wheels on vehicles with which Coriolis forces (Chl, Chr, Cvl, Cvr) active for the wheels (Rhl, Rhr, Rvl, Rvr) of a vehicle are determined, the Coriolis forces (Chl, Chr, Cvl, Cvr) determined for the wheels (Rhl, Rhr, Rvl, Rvr) are compared with each other and the wheel positions of the wheels (Rhl, Rhr, Rvl, Rvr) of the vehicle are determined by means of the comparison.

Abstract: A biopsy device and method are provided for obtaining a tissue sample, such as a breast tissue biopsy sample. The biopsy device includes a disposable probe assembly with an outer cannula having a distal piercing tip, a cutter lumen, and a cutter tube that rotates and translates past a side aperture in the outer cannula to sever a tissue sample. The biopsy device also includes a reusable hand piece with an integral motor and power source to make a convenient, untethered control for use with ultrasonic imaging. The reusable hand piece incorporates a probe oscillation mode to assist when inserting the distal piercing tip into tissue. A straw stacking assembly is automatically positioned by the reusable hand piece to retract multiple samples with a single probe insertion as well as giving a visual indication to the surgeon of the number of samples that have been taken.

Abstract: A biopsy device comprises a targeting set, a probe assembly, and a holster assembly, which are detachable from one another. The targeting set comprises a needle assembly having a tissue piercing tip, a tissue receiving aperture, and fluid sealing mechanisms. The probe assembly comprises a tissue cutter, a variable external helix, a body, and telescopic cutter cover. The helix may partially retract the cutter within the probe assembly, while a portion of the cutter extends distally from the probe body. The telescopic cutter cover extends from the distal portion of the probe assembly when the probe assembly is detached from the needle assembly. This extension of the telescopic cutter cover shields a user of the biopsy device from the sharp cutter. The telescopic cutter cover further retracts into the probe assembly when the probe assembly is coupled with the needle assembly of the targeting set assembly.

Abstract: An electrical, circuit breaker protected, extension cord in-line tap, securement device for securing tandemly connected electrical extension cords. The securement device includes opposing proximal and distal open-ended eyelets each having a hinged locking flap for receiving therein a looped end of the associated extension cord thereby preventing unintended separation of the extension cords. The in-line tap further includes a pair of circuit breaker protected auxiliary electrical outlets on opposing sides for powering additional extension cords.

Abstract: A self attaching injection port has integral moveable fasteners which are moveable from a undeployed state to a deployed state engaging tissue. The fasteners may be disposed radially or tangentially, and rotated to pierce the fascia. The fasteners may be rigid or elastically deformable.

Abstract: A number of surgical devices for the mixing and dispensement of a dual component surgical adhesive onto tissue are described. The surgical devices can provide adhesive storage chambers for the adhesive components within the surgical device and can have removable cartridges that draw and mix and apply the adhesive onto tissue. The removable cartridges can be easily replaced when clogged with set adhesive. Alternately, an adhesive dispensing device can comprise an adhesive dispensing gun containing the dual components of the adhesive and a plurality of rotatable orifices that can dispense the adhesive. One orifice can be selected and aligned with the adhesive dispensing gun to mix and apply the adhesive onto tissue. A fresh orifice can be rotated into alignment with the gun should a prior orifice become blocked.

Abstract: A large scale processing method for separating banana pulp from its peel is shown. In this method bananas are separated into two parts (generally in a transverse direction), each part having a tip end and a cut end. A compression force is applied to those banana parts such that the force increases from the tip end to the cut end. A device which implements that process, comprising a cutting device, a means for feeding bananas into the cutting device, and two processing conveyor devices (to apply the compression force to the banana parts), is also shown.

Abstract: A localization mechanism, or fixture, is used in conjunction with a breast coil for breast compression and for guiding a core biopsy instrument during prone biopsy procedures in both open and closed Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) machines. The localization fixture includes a three-dimensional Cartesian positionable guide for supporting and orienting an MRI-compatible biopsy instrument, and in particular a sleeve, to a biopsy site of suspicious tissues or lesions. A depth stop enhances accurate insertion, and prevents over-insertion or inadvertent retraction of the sleeve. The sleeve receives a probe of the MRI-compatible biopsy instrument and may contain various features to enhance its imagability, to enhance vacuum and pressure assist therethrough, and marker deployment etc.

Abstract: A biopsy device includes a probe portion and a holster portion that may be coupled together. The probe portion includes a rotatable tissue sample holder that is configured to hold tissue samples. One or more portions of the tissue sample holder may be formed of a transparent or translucent material, e.g., a translucent manifold and shaft, transparent or translucent tissue sample trays, and a transparent cup that is external to the manifold and trays. The holster portion may include one or more sources of light, such as light emitting diodes (LEDs). The LEDs may be configured to illuminate at least a portion of the tissue sample holder, such as to facilitate viewing of tissue samples in the tissue sample holder. For instance, one LED may be aligned with the shaft of the tissue sample holder, while two additional LEDs may be positioned on both sides of the shaft.

Abstract: A sortation conveyor has a plurality of pairs of slats which are generally aligned with each other and which define a portion of an upper conveying surface. A gap is defined between the slats of the pair which extends laterally. The gap may have an offset portion.

Abstract: The present invention provides both polymer systems and electrooptic (EO) chromophores that form the components of optical devices such as optical switches and other devices useful in an optical waveguide.

Abstract: A biopsy device may include a needle, a cutter, and a handpiece. A vacuum pump may be provided in the handpiece for providing a vacuum to the needle and/or to the cutter. A motor may be provided in the handpiece to drive the vacuum pump and/or the cutter. A biopsy device may also include a valving mechanism within the handpiece for selectively communicating a vacuum and/or atmospheric air to the needle. A clutching mechanism may selectively provide communication between a motor and the cutter. Portions of a valving mechanism and a clutching mechanism may be integrally formed. A clutching and valving mechanism may be driven by a first motor; and a cutter and vacuum pump by a second motor. A biopsy device may include batteries for powering motors. A biopsy device may thus provide vacuum and power from within a handpiece, such that the biopsy device is tetherless.

Abstract: A three-dimensional micro-electro-mechanical-systems (MEMS) capacitive bending and axial strain sensor capacitor is described. Two independent comb structures, incorporating suspended polysilicon interdigitated fingers, are fabricated simultaneously on a substrate that can displace independently of each other while attached to a substrate undergoing bending or axial deformation. A change in spacing between the interdigitated fingers will output a change in capacitance of the sensor and is the primary mode of operation of the device. On the bottom and to the end of each comb structure, a glass pad is attached to the comb structure to allow for ample surface area for affixing the sensor to a substrate. During fabrication, tethers are used to connect each comb structure to maintain equal spacing between the fingers before attachment to the substrate. After attachment, the tethers are broken to allow independent movement of each comb structure.

Abstract: A biopsy device and method are provided for obtaining a tissue sample, such as a breast tissue biopsy sample. The biopsy device includes a disposable probe assembly with an outer cannula having a distal piercing tip, a cutter lumen, and a cutter tube that rotates and translates past a side aperture in the outer cannula to sever a tissue sample. The biopsy device also includes a reusable handpiece with an integral motor and power source to make a convenient, untethered control for use with ultrasonic imaging. The reusable handpiece incorporates a probe oscillation mode to assist when inserting the distal piercing tip into tissue. The motor also actuates an attached sample revolver drum assembly in coordination with movement of the cutter tube to provide sequentially stored tissue samples in a sample storage bandolier that is rotated about a revolver cylindrical drum.

Abstract: A pearlescent pigment comprising a substrate and a first layer, wherein the first layer comprises iron oxide, wherein the iron has from about 1% to about 30% Fe(II) and from about 70% to about 99% Fe(III). A process for making these pearlescent pigment, comprise reducing a metal oxide substrate with a hydrogen source in the presence of a noble metal catalyst in a liquid medium. The pigments may be used in a variety of applications including cosmetics, plastics, automotive or architectural coatings.

Abstract: An attachment mechanism for a surgically implantable medical device includes one or more fasteners which may be simultaneously moved from an undeployed position to a deployed position by operation of an integral actuator. The attachment mechanism may be configured to be deactuated, and the fasteners simultaneously moved from a deployed position to an undeployed position, allowing removal or repositioning of the medical device. An applier includes a locator for detachably holding the implantable medical device, locating it at the desired position, and actuating the attachment mechanism. The applier is configured to undeploy the attachment mechanism the implantable medical device can be detached from the body tissue.

Abstract: A clasp for an ornamental object comprising a base, a top, and a link. The link engages the base. The engagement occurs where at least one projection and an aperture from the link respectively engage at least one cavity and a post from the base. The engagement between the base and top is further secured by moving the top and the base proximal each other such that the link is positioned between the two. Magnetic force is used to position the top and base proximal each other.