Abstract: A tissue acquisition and handling system includes a biopsy device, a tray, and a container. The biopsy device includes a needle and a tissue sample holder assembly. The needle is configured to acquire tissue samples and communicate tissue samples to the tissue sample holder assembly. The tray includes a plurality of strips. The tray is configured to be receiving within the tissue sample holder assembly of the biopsy device. The container includes a plurality of tray receiving portions. Each tray receiving portion includes a distal end, a proximal end, and a tray chamber, the tray chamber extends between the proximal end and the distal end. The tray chamber is configured to receive at least a portion of the tray through a tray opening of the proximal end.

Abstract: A system and method for identifying a model of a television set is presented. The system may include a user interaction device including a first communication port configured to transmit operational codes to the television set via a control link, and a second communication port configured to detect audio signals from the television set via a feedback link. The user interaction device may be configured to transmit volume-down codes for television models to the television set to program a volume level of the television set to 0. The user interaction device may be configured to transmit a volume-up code for a first television model. The user interaction device may be configured to identify a model of the television set as the first television model if the user interaction device detects an audio signal on the feedback link following the transmission of the volume-up code for the first television model.

Abstract: A three-position plunger is provided including a sleeve having an opening at a distal end, a pre-load cavity proximal to and in communication with the opening, a first cavity proximal to and in communication with the pre-load cavity, a second cavity proximal to and in communication with the pre-load cavity, and at least one rib. The rib(s) is generally aligned with the first cavity. The plunger further includes an insert configured to be displaced from the pre-load cavity to the first cavity and from the first cavity to the second cavity. The insert is configured to provide support for the compression of the rib(s) when the insert is positioned in the first cavity.

Abstract: An expandable plate configured to expand and to hold, move and maintain a body part in a specific position as needed in orthopedic surgery. The expandable plate has a bed with a guide assembly formed in a top surface configured to fit to cavity assembly of a track so as to slide in relation thereto. A carriage unit can be positioned on the track to hold a body part in a specific position, whereby when an additional linear dimension is required for a surgical procedure, the track can be expanded to extend the body part to the predetermined position using the same positioner device.

Abstract: The invention is a patient positioner assembly, system, article of manufacture, kit, and method of a positioning a patient useful in surgical procedures to secure and hold a patient on a support table. The patient positioner comprises a sheet assembly, a pad assembly, a film for protecting a patient-facing surface of the pad assembly, and straps for a patient's limb(s) that operably connects to a support table pad having hook portions configured to operably connect to a loop base of the sheet assembly thereby operably connecting the support table pad to the sheet assembly. The sheet assembly can be configured as a cover, sheet and/or drape from suitable materials impermeable or that otherwise do not permit the passage of a fluid through its substance to the table pad and/or the split-pad assembly.

Abstract: A container includes an external package and a sealed flexible bag, adapted to hold liquid contents, retained within the external package. The bag is made from a polymer film, which prior to being formed into a bag, was a two dimensional film to which was applied a PECVD SiOx coating.

Abstract: A biopsy device includes a body, a needle, a cutter, a tissue sample holder, and a gate assembly. The needle extends distally from the body. The cutter is longitudinally translatable relative to the needle and defines a cutter lumen. The tissue sample holder is coupled proximally relative to the body. The cutter lumen of the cutter defines at least a portion of a fluid conduit extending between the cutter and the tissue sample holder. The gate assembly is configured to selectively arrest movement of a tissue sample holder within the fluid conduit between the cutter and the tissue sample holder.

Abstract: The present invention is an improved visual prosthesis including a video processing unit with user controls optimized for use by blind individuals. The controls include easily identifiable shapes. The controls are programmable to provide improved usability with a simple tactile interface.

Abstract: Cycloolefin polymer (COP) containers, including vials or syringes, having a scratch-resistant and anti-static coating on the external wall results in a reduction or prevention of static charge on the articles. The combination of an anti-scratch and anti-static coating results in the reduction of the attraction of charged particles to the container, leading to decreased particulate contamination while providing scratch resistance.

Abstract: The present invention is a fitting system with a graphical interface with specific interface screens for specific functions. Methods and devices for fitting a visual prosthesis are described. In one of the methods, threshold levels and maximum levels for the electrodes of the prosthesis are determined and a map of brightness to electrode stimulation levels is later formed. A fitting system for a visual prosthesis is also discussed, together with a computer-operated system having a graphical user interface showing visual prosthesis diagnostic screens and visual prosthesis configuration screens.

Abstract: Systems and methods for detecting and displaying obstacles to visually impaired persons are disclosed. Images from a captured scene are analyzed to detect obstacles. A V-Disparity algorithm is employed to detect the ground plane and remove it from the images, thereby enhancing the capacity of retinal implants to display only obstacles. The system includes cameras to capture images; a processor with memory to detect obstacles in the captured images, to remove a ground plane, and to calculate a map of pixels representing the obstacles; and a retinal implant configured to receive the map of pixels and display the obstacles to a system user by electrically stimulating retinal nerves. The method includes synchronizing captured images and calculating a disparity map between the captured images to detect obstacles and remove a ground plane from processed images. A map of pixels representing the obstacle is transmitted to a retinal implant.

Abstract: Disclosed are plunger assemblies including various convertible plungers and methods of making the same. Each plunger assembly is configured for disposition within a barrel of a medical container, e.g., a syringe, and displaced within the barrel from an engagement position to a release position. The engagement position is configured to provide a compression seal between a storage sealing section of the plunger and an inner wall of the syringe barrel. In the release position, the compression seal is reduced or eliminated. Also disclosed are methods for making convertible plungers and as assembling them into syringes, e.g., pre-filled syringes.

Abstract: A phototherapy device comprising an outer garment wrap and a lamp assembly. The outer garment wrap has an inner surface. The lamp assembly has a base layer and a frame defining a plurality of inner chambers. A LED lamp assembly is positioned within each of the plurality of inner chambers. The lamp assembly is positioned on the inner surface of the outer garment wrap. A protective lamp envelope for receipt of the lamp assembly and attachment thereof to the outer garment wrap is likewise disclosed.

Abstract: Extension attachments selectively couple to any of a variety of hand held instruments. The extension attachments may include smoke evacuation shafts and electrosurgical electrodes. The extension attachments may extend the functional capabilities of the hand held instruments, such as electrosurgical and smoke capture capabilities.

Abstract: A filter includes (i) a filter body, (ii) a front cap associated with a first end of the filter body and coupled to and receiving smoke from a vacuum hose, (iii) a back cap associated with a second end of the filter body and having a filter exhaust sized and shaped to associate with and communicate suction from a smoke evacuation system, (iv) a compressed carbon reservoir disposed within the filter body between the front cap and the back cap, and (v) a flexible porous barrier disposed on at least a first side of the compressed carbon reservoir. The compressed carbon reservoir is under a compressive bias by the flexible porous barrier that transitions from a flexed state to a partially relaxed state in response to the compressed carbon reservoir reducing in volume.

Abstract: A fluid trap for minimizing the escape of contaminated fluids from the fluid trap when an orientation of the fluid trap changes during removal or transport includes a front cover, a rear cover coupled to the front cover, and an interior chamber defined by the front and rear covers. The front cover defines an inlet port extending a first distance into an interior chamber of the fluid trap. The rear cover defines an exhaust port extending a second distance away from the rear cover of the fluid trap and positioned above the inlet port when the fluid trap is in an upright position. The interior chamber has a maximum fluid volume defined as the lesser of a fluid reservoir volume, a front cover volume, and a rear cover volume.

Abstract: A smoke evacuation device includes one or more cooling mechanisms and an exhaust mechanism to reduce velocity and noise of filtered air exiting the smoke evacuation system. The cooling mechanism includes ventilation openings and/or a rotary mechanism disposed within the system to circulate air and cool by convective heat transfer. A pressure relief mechanism is also provided at the inlet or outlet of the system or the pump within the system. The pressure relief mechanism is configured to reduce pressures due to abnormal flows within the smoke evacuation system.

Abstract: An apparatus includes a needle, a cutter, a medication fluid path, and a filter assembly. The needle defines a tissue receiving feature. The cutter is movable relative to the needle to sever tissue protruding into the tissue receiving feature. The medication fluid path includes a first portion and a second portion. The first portion is configured to couple with a source of medication fluid. The tissue receiving feature is in fluid communication with the medication fluid path such that the first portion is upstream of the tissue receiving feature. The filter assembly is located in the second portion of the medication fluid path. The filter assembly is configured to permit air to pass through the filter assembly. The filter assembly is further configured to prevent medication fluid from passing through the filter assembly.

Abstract: An IOL delivery device which has a macro movement actuator which is actuatable to move an IOL into position in the device for the IOL to be delivered, and a micro movement actuator which is actuatable to deliver the IOL to the eye.