Abstract: A gate regulator increases the productivity of unloading agricultural material from forage boxes. The gate regulator enables a box gate to swing open without restriction, but the gate is controlled for slow swinging closed. At a gate release position, the gate regulator releases control of the gate such that it swings freely by gravity from the release position to the closed position. The freely swinging gate has enough momentum to automatically relatch the gate closed. In one embodiment, the gate regulator includes a fluid cylinder with a cylinder pin that is received in an L-shaped slot on the gate. During controlled swinging closed, the cylinder pin is within one of the slots of the L-shaped slot. At the gate release position, the junction of the two slots is at the cylinder pin, which then has room to move freely in the other slot and thereby release the slot from the cylinder pin.

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: The present invention is a group of medical devices designed to improve heart valve function. The medical devices may be used individually, or in combination to supplement damaged valves, replace damaged valves, or improve damaged valves function. The medical devices include leaflet retainers, a neo-annulus, neo-leaflet, and a framework. In addition, the present invention is novel methods for surgically treating heart valves.

Abstract: A convertible pickup canopy is disclosed, the canopy having left and right sidewalls hingedly coupled with a frame member. The frame member is coupled with rails of the bed of a pickup truck, and allow the sidewalls and a rear door to expand to support a top cover, and to collapse to allow the top cover to travel in a lower profile.

Abstract: Improved assemblies, systems, and methods provide an MES processor for acquisition and processing of myoelectric signals from muscles, nerves, or central nervous system tissue, or any combination. The MES processor is sized and configured to be implanted subcutaneous a tissue region. The MES processor includes an electrically conductive case of a laser welded titanium material. Control circuitry is located within the case, the control circuitry including a rechargeable power source, a receive coil for receiving an RF magnetic field to recharge the power source, and a microcontroller for control of the MES processor. Improved assemblies, systems, and methods also provide an acquisition and processing system for sensing myoelectric signals from muscles, nerves, or central nervous system tissue, or any combination.

Abstract: A plurality of bone filler devices receive bone filling material from an apparatus that receives components of the bone filling material in an unmixed condition, mixes the components of the bone filling material, and dispenses the mixed components of the bone filling material through a fitting into each of the plurality of bone filler devices, all while a base supports the apparatus in an upright condition.

Abstract: Systems and methods convey a closure material into a catheter, e.g., to seal a puncture site in a blood vessel. The closure material comprises a mixture of first and second components, which, upon mixing, undergo a reaction to form solid closure material composition. The first component may be a lyophilized polyethylene glycol (PEG) material contained within a vial. The second component may be a buffered albumin solution plus water contained within a syringe. An applicator provides easy and effective mixing of the components and delivery of the mixture to the puncture site.

Abstract: A balloon for use in compressing cancellous bone and marrow (also known as medullary bone or trabecular bone). The balloon comprises an inflatable balloon body for insertion into said bone. The body has a shape and size to compress at least a portion of the cancellous bone to form a cavity in the cancellous bone and/or to restore the original position of the outer cortical bone, if fractured or collapsed. The balloon desirably incorporates restraints which inhibit the balloon from applying excessive pressure to various regions of the cortical bone. The wall or walls of the balloon are such that proper inflation of the balloon body is achieved to provide for optimum compression of the bone marrow. The balloon can be inserted quickly into a bone. The balloon can be made to have a suction catheter. The balloon can be used to form and/or enlarge a cavity or passage in a bone, especially in, but not limited to, vertebral bodies.

Abstract: A filler instrument comprises a first chamber section having a first cross sectional area and a second chamber section having a second cross sectional area less than the first cross sectional area. The second chamber section communicates with the first chamber section. The first chamber section includes an inlet for receiving a material into the filler instrument, and the second chamber section includes an outlet for discharging the material from the filler instrument. A first plunger is sized to pass through the first chamber section and not the second chamber section. A second plunger is sized to pass through an interior bore of the first plunger and into the second chamber section. In use, the first plunger displaces material residing in the first chamber section through the second chamber section toward the outlet, and the second plunger displaces material residing in the second chamber section through the outlet.

Abstract: A biocompatible material genus serves as the foundation for multiple material composition species, each adapted to a specific therapeutic indication.