Abstract: A suture anchor having a conical surface and a bore in which an end of an insertion tool is inserted. The insertion end of the insertion tool is made of material having elastic properties. The bore and base of the suture anchor are angled with respect to the central axis of the suture anchor and preferably are parallel to each other. During insertion, the suture anchor is reoriented to fit into the hole, thereby bending the elastic end of the insertion tool. When the suture anchor is within cancellous bone tissue, the elastic properties of the insertion tool deploys the suture anchor to an orientation in which the suture anchor cannot fit through the bone hole, thereby firmly anchoring the suture anchor in the human bone.

Abstract: An AC photovoltaic module includes a DC photovoltaic module for converting solar energy to DC electrical power, and an inverter for converting DC electrical power to AC electrical power, the inverter being adapted for connection to a frame portion of the module and being sized and configured, and provided with arrangements of electrical components thereof, to dispense heat from the inverter, whereby to prolong operational life and reliability of the inverter.

Abstract: An emergency off switching device for disconnecting an electrically operated machine from a circuit including a plurality of operated machines, includes a housing attached to the machine against which an externally accessible actuator cap is held in an axially movable arrangement, a contact switch accommodated in the housing which is closed when the switching device is in the non-actuated condition and by means of which the machine is electrically connected to the circuit, and a driver sleeve supported against the inside of the housing that is connected to the actuator cap with the free end of the driver sleeve opposite to the actuator cap facing the contact switch and disconnecting it from the circuit in the actuated condition, wherein a monitoring signal is generated when the switching device is in the actuated condition, to ascertain which of a plurality of the switching devices has been actuated.

Abstract: A diaphragm chuck (1) with clamping jaws (3) inserted in its chuck body (2) in a driven connection with a diaphragm (4) that can be deformed by an axially adjustable actuator (5) and is provided with clamping jaws (3) with contact pieces (22), in which counterweights (8) assigned to the clamping jaws (3) are inserted into recesses (7) of the chuck body (2) and the clamping jaws (3) can be clamped against the diaphragm (4) by means of quick-clamping devices (31) engaging in the contact pieces. The contact pieces (22) are each provided with an intermediate element (101) in the area between the clamping jaws (3) and the quick-clamping devices (31) by means of which the flexural moments and/or rotational torques created by the quick-clamping device (31) can be eliminated and it is possible to transmit exclusively axially vectored tensile forces onto the clamping jaws (3).

Abstract: A method for performing a diagnostic assay of an analyte, wherein the method comprises providing a base that has been structured using laser processing so as to provide a substrate with at least one patterned surface, wherein the laser processing comprises the selective application of pulsed laser energy to the base, whereby to melt a surface layer of the base which resolidifies, whereby to create the at least one patterned surface; applying a metal to the at least one patterned surface so as to provide at least one metalized patterned surface; positioning the analyte on the at least one metalized patterned surface; and performing a diagnostic assay of the analyte.

Abstract: A surgical system comprising: an object to be secured to bone, the object comprising an opening extending therethrough; and a sleeve/expander construction for securing the object to bone, the sleeve/expander construction comprising: a sleeve adapted for positioning through the opening in the object and into the bone, the sleeve comprising: a shank having a distal end and a proximal end and an opening extending from the distal end to the proximal end, wherein the opening narrows toward the distal end of the shank, and further wherein the distal end of the shank is slit so as to form a plurality of radially-expandable segments; and an enlarged head formed at the proximal end of the shank, the enlarged head being formed so as to be radially-expandable; and an expander adapted for positioning through the opening in the sleeve, the expander being sized so as to (i) radially expand the distal end of the sleeve so that the sleeve is secured to the bone, and (ii) radially expand the enlarged head of the sleeve

Abstract: A mobile CT imaging system comprising a housing having a center opening; and a CT imaging unit mounted to the housing, wherein the CT imaging unit is adapted to scan anatomical objects located within the center opening and generate images of the same, wherein the CT imaging unit comprises: a rotatable drum assembly disposed within the housing, concentric with the center opening; an X-ray tube mounted on the rotatable drum assembly and configured to emit an X-ray beam; and an X-ray detector mounted on the rotatable drum assembly in alignment with the X-ray beam; wherein the X-ray beam is disposed in an “off-center” configuration, adjacent to an entrance of the center opening.

Abstract: One embodiment of a lateral roll simulating assembly is provided which is adapted to attach to existing rowing exercise machines. It permits the user to experience various levels of physiological disequilibrium when a lack of proper balance control induces a sideways tipping action during a rowing workout. This facilitates the desirable and advantageous development of correct proprioceptive balance response using appropriate core musculature while practicing the rowing motion on a suspended rowing exercise machine. The apparatus comprises two floor-mounted members secured to each end of a rowing exercise machine that support the rowing exercise machine in a suspended condition. This assembly simulates lateral instability around the metacenter of any of a variety of rowing shells on water by allowing the rowing exercise machine to roll freely around a variety of longitudinal axes. Other embodiments are described and shown.

Abstract: A nanostructured molecular delivery vehicle comprising magnetic materials and configured to receive passenger biomolecules. The application of a an appropriate magnetic field having a gradient orients and drives the vehicle into a biological target, which may comprise cells, cell masses, tissue slices, tissues, etc. Under the control of the magnetic field, these vehicles can penetrate cell membranes. Then, the biomolecules carried by the vehicle can be released into the cells to perform their functions. Using this “nanospearing” technique, unprecendented high transfection efficiency has been achieved in several difficult-to-transfect cells. These include, but are not limited to, Bal 17 cells, ex vivo B cells, primary cultured cortical neurons, etc. This method advances the state of the art, providing an improved technique for the introduction of exogenous molecules to cells, with the clinical applications including, but not being limited to, drug delivery, gene therapy, vaccination, etc.

Abstract: This invention relates to the detection of bioelectric signals indicative of neuromuscular function. A mapping biosensor array is first used to identify, relative to reliable anatomical landmarks, the optimal myoelectrical detection site for the majority of the population. Then a diagnostic biosensor array is fabricated using this information so that when the diagnostic biosensor array is positioned on an individual using the reliable anatomical landmarks, the detection electrode is automatically positioned over the optimal detection site.

Abstract: A disposable, multi-purpose cardiovascular autonomic neuropathy testing device which comprises a tubular body having a distal end, a proximal end and a passageway extending therebetween; at least one ECG electrode disposed on the exterior surface of the tubular body for monitoring ECG signals of a patient holding the tubular body; a breathing sensor attached to the tubular body for monitoring breathing through the passageway; a closure mechanism attached to the tubular body for selectively restricting the passageway; and a pressure monitor attached to the tubular body for confirming when a pre-determined pressure has been established in the passageway; whereby the testing device can be used to conduct (i) metronomic breathing tests, (ii) Valsalva maneuver tests, and (iii) HRV standing tests.

Abstract: A system of rotate-to-advance medical devices including catheters, dilators, occluders, stents, suprapubic catheters and camera introducers configured with external screw threads and depending substantially on rotation for means of advancement and emplacement in mammalian genitourinary and gastrointestinal passages and organs.

Abstract: A telescoping pole for supporting growing plants comprises two or more elongate pole members, one of which has a pointed stake section at one end to facilitate insertion into the ground. The pole includes means for locking the elongate pole members in a number of different telescoped positions, whereby to allow for adjustment of the effective length of the pole according to the height of the plant that it supports. The telescoping members are made of a polymer material, with at least one of the telescoping members comprising two injection-molded component parts that are mechanically attached to one another.

Abstract: Apparatus for reconfiguring tissue, the apparatus comprising a shaft having a distal end and a proximal end; at least one effector mechanism movably mounted to the distal end of the shaft, each effector mechanism comprising at least one gripping element for gripping tissue to that effector mechanism, the at least one effector mechanism being configured to capture the gripped tissue against said shaft, at least one actuating mechanism mounted to the proximal end of the shaft, and at least one connection mechanism connecting the at least one actuating mechanism to the at least one effector mechanism, whereby a user may utilize the at least one actuating mechanism to actuate the at least one effector mechanism so as to reconfigure tissue.

Abstract: A quick connect tool assembly including a tool head having a socket therein, and an elongated pole for insertion into the socket tool head to lock the tool head and the pole together. The assembly includes a detent fixed to an end of the pole and teeth projecting into the interior of the socket on the tool head, such that the teeth engage the tool head detent to lock the pole to the tool head.

Abstract: Featured is a controller for a motor that is ultra-compact, with a power density of at least about 20 watts per cubic cm (W/cm3). The controller utilizes a common ground for power circuitry, which energizes the windings of the motor, and the signal circuitry, which controls this energization responsive to signals from one or more sensors. Also, the ground is held at a stable potential without galvanic isolation. The circuits, their components and connectors are sized and located to minimize their inductance and heat is dissipated by conduction to the controller's exterior such as by a thermally conductive and electrically insulating material (e.g., potable epoxy). The controller uses a single current sensor for plural windings and preferably a single heat sensor within the controller. The body of the controller can also function as the sole plug connector.