Abstract: Provided is a device mounted contactor and a method of reducing continuous charge distribution, especially in a vehicle. The contactor includes a housing, and a plurality of power terminals. The device may further include a conductance shield and support structure extending from the housing. Situated at least partially in the housing is a switch, which is capable of electrically coupling at least two of the plurality of power terminals. One or more electrically insulative covers may be provided. The contactor may also provide a fused accessory terminal, which is electrically coupled to one of the power terminals through a fuse. A method according to the present invention reduces continuous electrical charge distribution in an electrical circuit by mechanically attaching a first contactor power terminal to a battery terminal and electrically coupling a second contactor power terminal to a circuit, which may include a vehicle starter.

Abstract: A lubricant filtration assembly is provided for quick attachment with a lubricant reservoir, for pre-filtering lubricant and pumping the lubricant into its intended machinery.

Abstract: A portable lubricant filtration system and method is provided for facile pre-filtering of used or new lubricant prior to pumping the lubricant into its intended machinery.

Abstract: Devices, systems and methods retain a native heart valve leaflet to prevent retrograde flow. The devices, systems, and methods employ an implant that, in use, rests adjacent a valve annulus and includes a retaining structure that is sized and shaped to overlay at least a portion of one or more native valve leaflets. The retaining structure retains the leaflet or leaflets it overlays, to resist leaflet eversion and/or prolapse. In this way, the implant prevents or reduces regurgitation. The implant does not interfere significantly with the opening of and blood flow through the leaflets during periods of antegrade flow.

Abstract: A button engaging and attachment structure includes a button engaging portion having button engaging tabs, and a button attachment portion adapted to couple to a host carrier.

Abstract: A modular concrete building is made of a plurality of precast concrete panels which may be assembled to provide a building. The panel sections include lower frame panels or support members, wall panels, floor panels, and roof panels. The building may be assembled by securing the floor panels to the support members, securing the wall panels to the floor panels, and securing the roof panels to the wall panels and to adjacent roof panels. The roof panels are made of precast concrete and include stiffening ribs.

Abstract: A collapsible structure having an open top, a relatively rigid handle frame member, and a handle member used for ease in transporting goods, along with a method of collapsing same.

Abstract: An epidermal positioning mechanism for use with an application to a predetermined epidermal surface. The epidermal positioning mechanism comprises a strip of material having a first end portion of a predetermined shape, a second end portion of a predetermined shape, and middle portion coupling the first end portion to the second end portion. The first end portion and the second end portion each may include a side including an adhesive layer. An overlaying, non-adhesive barrier layer may be located between a portion of the adhesive layer and an end portion.

Abstract: A device for delivering a predetermined amount of torque to a tool. The device has a handle and a cam assembly located within the handle. The cam assembly has a cam member integrally formed with a drive shaft. An adjustment ring is capable of rotating the cam assembly to different positions related to different levels of torque. A plunger will be biased against an exterior surface of the cam member to provide the different levels of torque delivery.

Abstract: A suture lock according to the present invention sufficiently secures a suture thread in place in a quick and efficient manner. It eliminates the need for a laparoscopic surgeon to tie complex or multi-step knots. The suture lock generally comprises a suture lock body having a suture channel that allows a suture thread to be drawn into the suture lock body. A plurality of teeth extends into an opening of the suture channel in such a manner that an inserted suture thread will be locked in place. In addition, a guide portion eases insertion of a suture thread free end by simplifying relative rotational adjustment of the lock. An embodiment of the suture lock may be fabricated from a material or materials that naturally dissolve within the human body.

Abstract: Provided are systems and methods for suture anchor deployment. A system according to the present invention is a trocar system that includes a cannula assembly and an obturator assembly, the cannula assembly providing a needle assembly and the obturator assembly providing a needle actuation mechanism. The obturator assembly may be at least partially inserted into the cannula assembly and arranged to operatively couple the needle actuation mechanism to the needle assembly. The needle assembly includes at least one needle, each needle having disposed near its distal tip a suture anchor. A method according to the present invention includes steps for deploying and/or depositing at least one suture anchor in or through an organ of the human body.

Abstract: A method is provided for invoking condition monitoring and predicting parametric equipment and lube condition among a plurality of machines; relying on individual or multiple machine and or lube combinations; comprising establishing a based routine accepting information from multiple sources to simultaneously calculate and compare measured and projected conditions relative to parameters selected to be critical; including multiple condition monitoring techniques like: lube analysis, vibration analysis, thermography, ultrasound and equipment lube monitoring techniques whereas parameters monitored are variables and a specific parametric value represents condition or a group of variables together represents a condition; said variables are not to be confused with attribute data indicating pass/fail without identifying a specific parametric value. The process outputs the specific parameter and days to exceed specified condemning limit for each combination of equipment and lube selected.

Abstract: A ratcheting assembly for a tool comprising a housing, a gear supported by a hollow shaft located in the housing and a pawl to engage the gear. A ring in contact with the housing allows adjustment of the ratcheting assembly. The assembly can the releasably lock the tool within the ratcheting assembly by way of a locking mechanism located within the shaft. The assembly further has a compressible collar that will be used to release the tool from the ratcheting assembly.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for treating tissue at or near a sphincter provide for transluminal introduction of an energy delivery device. The device includes a tissue compression member to compress target tissue at or near the sphincter. A radiofrequency energy source is coupleable to the delivery device to deliver radiofrequency energy to the target tissue. Energy is delivered to heat the tissue to a desired temperature. The desired temperature is selected to induce an injury-healing response or to inducing shrinkage of collagen fibers in the target tissue to thereby reduce laxity in the target tissue.

Abstract: Neurostimulation assemblies, systems, and methods make possible the providing of short-term therapy or diagnostic testing by providing electrical connections between muscles or nerves inside the body and stimulus generators or recording instruments mounted on the surface of the skin or carried outside the body. Neurostimulation assemblies, systems, and methods may include a carrier and a removable electronics pod, the electronics pod including stimulation generation circuitry, a power input bay to hold a disposable power source, and user interface components. The assemblies, systems, and methods are adapted to provide coordinated neurostimulation to multiple regions of the body.

Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for coupling a plurality of electrical conductors, such as wires. A connector is provided including a plurality of bores or channels formed into a preferably unitary connector body, wherein at least a portion of one or more of the bores or channels intersects at least a portion of another of the bores or channels. The bores or channels are preferably formed along bore axes, which may be coplanar. A method according to the present invention includes inserting an insulated electrical conductor into a connector body and rotating a conductive rotational member threaded into a bore or channel formed in a connector body so as to electrically contact the conductive portion of the insulated conductor and at least one other electrically conductive surface.