Abstract: Systems and methods treat hemorrhoids by introducing a treatment device into the anal canal to extend above a hemorrhoidal plexus and adjacent a tissue region containing blood vessels that feed the hemorrhoidal plexus. The systems and methods operate the treatment device to affect tissue morphology in the tissue region to occlude or otherwise reduce blood flow through the vessels.

Abstract: A rotation device is adapted to be installed between the bell of a musical wind instrument and the body of the musical instrument. One or more rotational devices may be controlled by the musician or someone else while the musician is performing and/or playing the instrument. The rotation device may control the speed of rotation, the direction of rotation, and the amount of travel of rotation. The amount of travel of rotation of the bell may be more than and/or equal to and/or less than a 360 degree rotation.

Abstract: A dressing mechanism comprising a first section, a second section, and a third section. The first section and the third section each may each include one side having an adhesive layer. An overlaying, non-adhesive barrier layer may be located between a portion of the adhesive layer and a first or third section. At least one of the first or third sections may further include a plurality of hook or loop members which are arranged to be fastened to corresponding hook or loop members of a hook and loop fastener.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for printing and wrapping adhesive backed labels around elongate articles, such as electrical wires, including a rotatable puck assembly having an interrupted circumferential surface defining an opening for receiving an elongate object to be labeled and wing members for applying said label during rotation.

Abstract: Implants or systems of implants and methods apply a selected force vector or a selected combination of force vectors within or across the left atrium, which allow mitral valve leaflets to better coapt. The implants or systems of implants and methods make possible rapid deployment, facile endovascular delivery, and full intra-atrial retrievability. The implants or systems of implants and methods also make use of strong fluoroscopic landmarks. The implants or systems of implants and methods make use of an adjustable implant and a fixed length implant. The implants or systems of implants and methods may also utilize a bridge stop to secure the implant, and the methods of implantation employ various tools.

Abstract: A suture lock to be used with a suture thread. The suture lock comprises at least one passageway for receiving a suture thread, with the passageway having at least a portion of its length having a longitudinal side opening arranged to slidably receive the suture. The passageway is tapered inwardly and including an interior surface having inwardly converging teeth. The invention may also comprise a suture lock having an adjustable channel located within the suture lock. The channel may be adjusted between an open and a closed position, thereby allowing the suture to be secured. Translation of the suture itself may be utilized to adjust the positioning of the channel. The suture lock may contain a releasable device to retain the channel in multiple positions between the closed and open position.

Abstract: An insect destroying device is battery operated and shaped somewhat like a squash or tennis racquet in order to provide a wide opening to enable insects to make contact with one of two outer grids and an inner grid. Both a manual and static technique is provided for enabling contact with insects while destroying them. An uppermost portion of the housing includes an open area in which a narrow strip of central grid is exposed adjacent two ground grids to enable exposure to an insect discovered along the corner between the wall and the ceiling, or where the wall meets a wall at a 90 degree angle, or between the wall and the floor where it is very difficult to have the insect make contact with the center grid or ground grids through the main openings of the grid support area.

Abstract: An elastic netting like product is carried between two outer layers of material, such as nonwoven or non-stretch material, which are bonded together at the open areas of the netting like structure. The resulting laminate allows for the outer layers of the laminate to be directly bonded to each other without the stretch engine material being introduced into the bond.

Abstract: Devices, systems, and methods provide accurate and consistent identification of the center of a magnetic infusion port.

Abstract: A collet assembly for use on a support device comprising a rotatable base section, a support structure secured to the support device, with the support structure supporting the base section on said support device. The base section has a central axis, and the base section is rotatable with respect to the support member and the central axis to a plurality of positions. The collet assembly includes a locking device for locking the base section at one of the plurality of positions.

Abstract: The present invention provides a process wherein a rotary knife or die, with one or more cutting edges, turns against and in coordination with a corresponding cylinder to create preferably trapezoidal ears. Ear material is slit into two lanes, one for a left side of a diaper and the other for a right side of a diaper. Fastening tapes are applied to both the right and the left ear webs. The ear material is then die cut with a nested pattern on a synchronized vacuum anvil. The resulting discrete ear pieces however, due to the trapezoidal pattern of the ears, alternate between a correct orientation and an incorrect (reversed) orientation. The reversed ear is required to be rotated 180° into the correct orientation such that the ears and associated tape present a left ear and a right ear on the diaper.

Abstract: Systems and methods that treat disorders of the gastrointestinal tract by applying one or more treatment agents to tissue at or near the region where abnormal neurological symptoms or abnormal tissue conditions exist. The treatment agent is selected to either disrupt the abnormal nerve pathways and/or to alleviate the abnormal tissue conditions. The treatment agent can include at least one cytokine and/or at least one vanilloid compound to evoke a desired tissue response. The systems and methods can be used a primary treatment modality, or as a neoadjuvent or adjuvant treatment modality.

Abstract: Implants or systems of implants and methods apply a selected force vector or a selected combination of force vectors within or across the left atrium, which allow mitral valve leaflets to better coapt. The implants or systems of implants and methods make possible rapid deployment, facile endovascular delivery, and full intra-atrial retrievability. The implants or systems of implants and methods also make use of strong fluoroscopic landmarks. The implants or systems of implants and methods make use of an adjustable implant and a fixed length implant. The implants or systems of implants and methods may also utilize a bridge stop to secure the implant, and the methods of implantation employ various tools.

Abstract: An evacuation valve for a metering device for a liquid medium is disclosed. The valve includes a seal holder having a chamber formed therein and a seal. An elastomeric material fills the chamber to form the seal. The seal includes a smooth, flat sealing surface located above the seal holder. The inclusion of a lip in the chamber retains the seal; a non-circular lip prevents rotation of the seal.

Abstract: An apparatus to treat a sphincter has a support member. A sphincter electropotential mapping device includes a mapping electrode. The sphincter electropotential mapping device is coupled to the support member and configured to detect aberrant myoelectric activity of the sphincter.

Abstract: A tool for removing valve springs and seals from an engine's intake and exhaust valves includes a bracket having apertures spaced therealong and for receiving fastening members therethrough. The tool further includes a plurality of support pedestals provided with channels extending therethrough and for receiving the fastening members respectively so that the bracket is maintained at a substantially stable position. The tool also includes a mechanism for simultaneously compressing a valve spring by exerting pressure upon a valve head keeper and retainer, thereby releasing associated locks keepers so that a user can remove the valve springs and valve seals from the valve head. The compressing mechanism cooperates with the pedestals and the bracket and is rotatable about a fulcrum axis traversing the pedestals wherein the fulcrum axis extends along a horizontal plane subjacent the bracket.