Abstract: Disclosed herein are exemplary embodiments of suture securement devices that replace the need to tie knots in sutures. Some embodiments comprise an annular outer body and one or more suture engagement tabs extending inwardly from the outer body. The devices can comprise a superelastic and/or shape-memory material and have a generally in-plane initial configuration. The suture engagement portions are deformable out-of-plane to an active configuration with the outer body compressed and the tabs interlocked with each other. The device can be heat-set in the deformed configuration. The interlocked tabs exert a pinching force on sutures passing between them that restricts the sutures from sliding through the opening in one longitudinal direction.

Abstract: Systems and electronic processes for reducing electronic alarms in a medical patient monitoring system. For example, a system for reducing electronic alarms can include an optical sensor and one or more hardware processors in electronic communication with the optical sensor. The one or more hardware processors can be programmed to measure oxygen saturation values of a patient over a first period of time, determine if at least one oxygen saturation value obtained over the first period of time exceeds a first alarm threshold, determine whether a first alarm should be triggered based on the determination that the at least one oxygen saturation value obtained over the first period of time exceeds the first alarm threshold, determine a second alarm threshold to be applied during a second period of time subsequent to the first period of time, the second alarm threshold replacing the first alarm threshold.

Abstract: A vacuum system is described for endoscopic intracavity, intraluminal or intracorporeal vacuum therapy, for aspirating body fluids, wound secretions or gases from a hollow volume, such as a body cavity, a hollow organ, a tissue abscess or an intestinal lumen, particularly in the production of a temporary endoscopic closure of an intestinal lumen. Based on this, many embodiments of an endoscopy arrangement are described.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a stair exercise device for simulating stair climbing, the device having a plurality of steps which are activated by the weight of a person walking up them. A stationary platform at the base of the stair exercise device sends a signal to a controller to bring the exercise device to a controlled stop when an operator steps onto the platform. The steps of the exercise device stop in a predetermined location when the exercise device comes to a controlled stop, ensuring proper step location to allow the operator to easily enter and exit the exercise device. Steps have a step platform of a different color than the risers between steps to aid in foot placement.

Abstract: A bipolar forceps for sealing tissue includes an elongated shaft having opposing jaw members at a distal end thereof, each of the jaw members including an electrically conductive sealing surface. The jaw members are movable relative to one another from a first position wherein the jaw members are disposed in spaced relation relative to one another to a second position wherein the jaw members cooperate to grasp tissue therebetween. The bipolar forceps is connected to a source of electrical energy such that the jaw members are capable of conducting bipolar energy through tissue grasped therebetween to effect a seal. The distance between the electrically conductive sealing surfaces when tissue is held therebetween is adjusted based upon a sensed pre-surgical condition during activation. A bipolar forceps for sealing tissue includes an elongated shaft having opposing jaw members at a distal end thereof, each of the jaw members including an electrically conductive sealing surface.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a spinal stabilization apparatus includes a vertebral anchor having a head portion and a bone attachment portion. An elongate, flexible guide is removably coupled to the head portion of the vertebral anchor and has a channel extending longitudinally thereof and communicating with a slot in the head portion of the anchor. An elongate cord may be received within the channel to facilitate inserting and securing a spacer between pairs of anchors installed into adjacent vertebrae of a person's spine.

Abstract: A polyaxial bone screw assembly includes a receiver, a shank, an articulation structure for retaining the shank in the receiver and a compression insert for engagement with a longitudinal connecting member such as a rod. The articulation structure includes substantially spherical convex and concave surfaces that slidably engage both shank and receiver surfaces to provide compound articulation between the receiver and the shank. The receiver includes inwardly directed spring tabs engaging the insert and prohibiting rotation of the insert within the receiver.

Abstract: A trophy mount for displaying the skull and horn or antler of game animals comprising; a base with one or more holes in the base for attaching the base to a vertical surface, a wing that attaches to the base by means of an upper and lower hinge socket on the base that are able to receive an upper and lower wing joint from the wing with the sockets and joints sized to allow the wing to pivot with respect to the base which is secured to the vertical surface, a bracket that has one or more adjustment holes and a pivot hole, means for securing the bracket to the wing such that the bracket can be positioned at various angles with respect to the base, a center prong on the bracket that is sized to fit within a Foramen magnum of a vertebrate game animal, and a right and left side arm that are spaced, sized and positioned below and slightly in front of the center prong such that the right and left side arms fit into the condyloid fossa of a game animal's skull.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a spinal stabilization apparatus includes a vertebral anchor having a head portion and a bone attachment portion. An elongate, flexible guide is removably coupled to the head portion of the vertebral anchor and has a channel extending longitudinally thereof and communicating with a slot in the head portion of the anchor. An elongate cord may be received within the channel to facilitate inserting and securing a spacer between pairs of anchors installed into adjacent vertebrae of a person's spine.

Abstract: A trophy mount for displaying the skull and horn or antler of game animals comprising; a base with one or more holes in the base for attaching the base to a vertical surface, a wing that attaches to the base by means of an upper and lower hinge socket on the base that are able to receive an upper and lower wing joint from the wing with the sockets and joints sized to allow the wing to pivot with respect to the base which is secured to the vertical surface, a bracket that has one or more adjustment holes and a pivot hole, means for securing the bracket to the wing such that the bracket can be positioned at various angles with respect to the base, a center prong on the bracket that is sized to fit within a Foramen magnum of a vertebrate game animal, and a right and left side arm that are spaced, sized and positioned below and slightly in front of the center prong such that the right and left side arms fit into the condyloid fossa of a game animal's skull.

Abstract: A surface or bulk acoustic wave device can be implanted in or worn on a human or animal body to monitor various parameters thereof. The device comprises a pair of interdigitated transducers spaced apart over the surface of a piezo-electric substrate that is exposed to the parameter to be monitored. The device is interrogated by a radio-frequency signal being supplied to one of the transducers and detected after reflection by the other transducer. The parameter is measured by comparison of the supplied and received signals.

Abstract: A surgical guide wire or K-wire and method of use are provided. The K-wire, or guide wire, has opposite end portions and a shank portion in between. One end portion has a deformable end portion that, once outside of a confining guide passage, can be deformed to present a projected forward facing area that is larger than the transverse cross section of the K-wire, or guide wire, while in the passage. The increased area will provide increased resistance to additional forward axial movement into the surgical site.

Abstract: A surgical guide wire or K-wire and method of use are provided. The K-wire or guide wire has opposite end portions and a shank portion in between. One end portion has a deformable end portion that, once outside of a confining guide passage, can be deformed to present a projected forward facing area that is larger than the transverse cross section of the K-wire or guide wire while in the passage. The increased area will provide increased resistance to additional forward axial movement into the surgical site.

Abstract: Various tools, strategies and techniques are provided for evaluating the condition of one or more commodities in one or more regions of interest. Collection of image data associated with the commodities can be facilitated through use of an aircraft traveling a predetermined travel route over the regions of interest. The collected image data may be analyzed to evaluate the condition of the commodities, forecast commodity production, and/or to perform other tasks.

Abstract: A refrigerator includes a cabinet that defines a first storage compartment; a first door that is opened or closed to allow or prevent access to an interior of the first storage compartment; a storing device coupled to the first door to define a second storage compartment, wherein, when the first door is closed, the second storage compartment is disposed in the first storage compartment; and a second door connected to the first door and configured to be opened or closed to allow or prevent access to an interior of the second storage compartment, wherein the interior of the second storage compartment is accessible when the first door is closed and the second door is opened, wherein the first door includes a plurality of first coupling parts to which the storing device is coupled, wherein the storing device includes: a frame; and a basket installed on the frame, wherein each of the frame and the basket includes at least one second coupling part interacting with at least one of the plurality of first coupling par

Abstract: Systems and electronic processes for reducing electronic alarms in a medical patient monitoring system. For example, a system for reducing electronic alarms can include an optical sensor and one or more hardware processors in electronic communication with the optical sensor. The one or more hardware processors can be programmed to measure oxygen saturation values of a patient over a first period of time, determine if at least one oxygen saturation value obtained over the first period of time exceeds a first alarm threshold, determine whether a first alarm should be triggered based on the determination that the at least one oxygen saturation value obtained over the first period of time exceeds the first alarm threshold, determine a second alarm threshold to be applied during a second period of time subsequent to the first period of time, the second alarm threshold replacing the first alarm threshold.

Abstract: A wound dressing provides a tenacious occlusive seal against the skin of a wearer, even in the presence of excessive blood or heavy perspiration. The preferred embodiment combines an adhesive backing layer with a hydrogel island providing superior hydrophilic gel adhesion. The product performs under extreme temperatures (i.e., 32-140° F.), and may be used to hold other dressings in place. The preferred embodiments are entirely translucent, and include a large pull-tab for easy removal. Two dressings may be packaged in a pliable re-sealable protective pouch, thereby forming a portable “kit.” Different “vented” embodiments are disclosed. A preferred structure includes a cover layer peripherally bonded to backing and hydrogel layers having a central aperture therethrough. The cover layer has one or more vent holes, and pressure is released through the central aperture and out the vent hole(s).

Abstract: A carton for packaging one or more articles includes a plurality of walls including a top wall, a base wall, a first side wall and a second side wall forming a tubular structure. One of the plurality of walls includes a handle structure defined in it. The handle structure includes a grip member struck from one of the plurality of walls and a handle strap. The grip member is mounted on the handle strap. A first aperture is struck from the one of the plurality of walls. The aperture is disposed adjacent to a first end of the grip member so as to define a first end edge of the grip member. The first aperture defines a portion of an opening in the one of the plurality of walls. In the opening, a portion of the handle strap may be received.

Abstract: A non-invasive venous pressure measurement apparatus is provided, including: a first cuff attached to a portion including a vein and an artery in a living body; a pressure control unit that changes a first applied pressure applied by the cuff to the portion; a pulse wave detection unit that detects a pulse wave from a pressure received by the cuff from the portion; another pulse wave detection unit that detects another pulse wave including at least an arterial pulse wave in another portion of the living body; an analyzing unit that analyzes a correlation between the two pulse waves, which are changed as the applied pressure is changed by the pressure control unit changes; and a venous pressure calculation unit that calculates a venous pressure based on the applied pressure and a result of analysis by the analyzing unit.

Abstract: A blank for being repeatably assembled into a box configuration without the use of adhesives. The blank has a bottom panel, a side panel foldably attached to the bottom panel, an end panel foldably attached to the bottom panel, and a locking structure configured to secure the side panel and the end panel in respective orthogonal positions with respect to the bottom panel. The locking structure includes an overlay panel foldably attached to the end panel and foldable toward an overlying position in which it overlies a portion of the side panel. The locking structure also includes a slot in the bottom panel, a flap foldably attached to the bottom panel and extending into the slot, and a tab foldably attached to the overlay panel for being lockingly received in the slot to secure the overlay panel in the overlying position.