Abstract: Briefly stated, a broom is provided that can be used to move, sweep, clean dirt, debris, water, or other matter. The broom comprises a head, a connector mounted to the head and a handle having one end mated to the connector and extending away from the head. The head comprises a rigid frame and a bristle package which is removably secured to or received in the frame. The frame thus provides structure and rigidity to the bristle package. The bristle package can have a length greater than, generally equal to, or shorter than a length of the frame.

Abstract: Containers for incrementally dispensing pressurized contents are described. The containers comprise a vessel suited to contain pressurized contents, a port integral with the vessel and through which pressurized contents contained in the vessel can be released from the vessel, preferably incrementally in approximately equal amounts, and a measuring device disposed in or otherwise associated with the vessel such that the quantity or amount of contents in the vessel can be measured or assessed. The measuring device senses ambient conditions in the vessel and, directly or with other components, indicates, for example, the amount of pressurized contents remaining in the vessel and displaying it to an observer. Devices for incrementally dispensing pressurized contents from such containers are also described.

Abstract: Containers for incrementally dispensing pressurized contents are described. The containers comprise a vessel suited to contain pressurized contents, a port integral with the vessel and through which pressurized contents contained in the vessel can be released from the vessel, preferably incrementally in approximately equal amounts, and a measuring device disposed in the vessel. The measuring device senses ambient conditions in the vessel and, directly or with other components, indicates, for example, the amount of pressurized contents remaining in the vessel and displaying it to an observer; methods for comparing the amount of contents actually released from the vessel compared to a theoretical constant; and methods for time logging (alone or in conjunction with the logging of other data) the actuation of the dispensing valve for comparison to a prescribed method. Devices (including metered dose inhalers) for incrementally dispensing pressurized contents from such containers are also described.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a method for improving the quality of life of a patient. The method involves assessing the patient's quality of life by evaluating parameters relating to the patient's health, and assigning a score in relation to the evaluated parameters. In one version, the patient's score is compared to a standard score, and a treatment program is assigned to the patient on the basis of the comparison. The evaluated parameters may be related to the patient's mental health and physical health, and a mental health score and a physical health score can be assigned. In another version, the mental health score is compared to the physical health score, and a treatment regimen is assigned on the basis of the comparison. The method allows for improvement in quality of life of the patient by providing for a substantially objective assessment of parameters relating to the patient's health.

Abstract: A method for the quantitative assessment of an individual's health status comprising selecting at least one measurable parameter of an individual; segmenting each parameter into a plurality of ranges that include a measured result for each selected parameter; assigning a scaled value to each range for each selected parameter to order the ranges according to severity; assigning an importance value for each selected parameter that establishes a proportionate relationship between the selected parameters; calculating a health status index score by multiplying an individual metric based on the scaled value which corresponds to the measured result of an individual by the importance value for each selected parameter and summing each of the products; and determining a critical index that corresponds to a minimum health status index score that causes an individual to be authorized for specialized treatment.

Abstract: A system and method for generating a health profile by processing and mapping health care data for an individual or a group of individuals, to identify categorical associations of health care data and predict occurrences of associated categories of such data. The system comprises a plurality of central networks that communicate with a remote device through a global electronic network. Data is retrieved through the global electronic network and processed by a remote device to create a map of the health status of an individual or a group of individuals. The health profile can be used to manage the treatment and health of an individual or a group of individuals. The health profile may be encoded on an integrated circuit chip or a card having a magnetic strip.

Abstract: A method for the identification and treatment of pathogenic microorganism infections by inhibiting one or more enzymes in a metabolic pathway by inhibiting the conversion of substrate to produce the penultimate or ultimate product particularly by inhibiting the activity of one or more of the enzymes in the pathway

Abstract: A method for the identification and treatment of pathogenic microorganism infections by inhibiting one or more enzymes in a metabolic pathway by inhibiting the conversion of substrate to produce the penultimate or ultimate product particularly by inhibiting the activity of one or more of the enzymes in the pathway, and compounds and pharmaceutical compositions for inhibiting infections of pathogenic microorganisms by inhibiting such enzymes.

Abstract: A method and pharmaceutical composition for inhibiting infections of S. mutans by the addition of said composition to toothpaste or mouthwash, by inhibiting the production of ADP-glucose, particularly by inhibiting the activity of ADP-glucose pyrophosphorylase or glycogen synthase.

Abstract: A method for the identification and treatment of pathogenic microorganism infections by inhibiting one or more enzymes in a metabolic pathway by inhibiting the conversion of substrate to produce the penultimate or ultimate product particularly by inhibiting the activity of one or more of the enzymes in the pathway

Abstract: A method and apparatus for minimally invasive tissue removal contemplates a system including a tissue cutting tool having a motor driven cutting blade reciprocating within a percutaneously introducable cannula. In accordance with one method of the invention, the frequency of reciprocation of the cutting blade is tuned to a characteristic frequency of the target tissue to be excised, which frequency is a function of certain properties of the target tissue and the surrounding tissue. Cutting at the characteristic frequency of the target tissue not only enhances the speed and efficiency of the tissue excision, but also minimizes the risk of cutting surrounding tissue. Another aspect of the system includes feedback control of both aspiration and irrigation circuits of the system. With the feedback control, coupled with user settable inputs, the surgeon can control the system to "tease" tissue into the cutting opening to provide more manageable bite sizes of the excised tissue.

Abstract: A method and apparatus minimally invasive tissue removal contemplates a system including a tissue cutting tool having a motor driven cutting blade reciprocating within a percutaneously introducable cannula. In accordance with one method of the invention, the frequency of reciprocation of the cutting blade is tuned to a characteristic frequency of the target tissue to be excised, which frequency is a function of certain properties of the target tissue and the surrounding tissue. Cutting at the characteristic frequency of the target tissue not only enhances the speed and efficiency of the tissue excision, but also minimizes the risk of cutting surrounding tissue. Another aspect of the system includes feedback control of both aspiration and irrigation circuits of the system. With the feedback control, coupled with user settable inputs, the surgeon can control the system to "tease" tissue into the cutting opening to provide more manageable bite sizes of the excised tissue.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for minimally invasive tissue removal contemplates a system including a tissue cutting tool having a motor driven cutting blade reciprocating within a percutaneously introducable cannula. In accordance with one method of the invention, the frequency of reciprocation of the cutting blade is tuned to a characteristic frequency of the target tissue to be excised, which frequency is a function of certain properties of the target tissue and the surrounding tissue. Cutting at the characteristic frequency of the target tissue not only enhances the speed and efficiency of the tissue excision, but also minimizes the risk of cutting surrounding tissue. Another aspect of the system includes feedback control of both aspiration and irrigation circuits of the system. With the feedback control, coupled with user settable inputs, the surgeon can control the system to "tease" tissue into the cutting opening to provide more manageable bite sizes of the excised tissue.

Abstract: A tissue collecting and staging apparatus is operable with a minimally invasive percutaneous tissue removal system to collect a mass of tissue bits and provide an ordered, or staged, version of the bulk tissue prior to removal. The apparatus includes a chamber under vacuum and at least one tube having a first end extending into the chamber for receiving tissue bits therein. A tissue collection container is slidably disposed over the first tube end and extends along a portion of the tube within the chamber. As tissue bits are dispensed from the tube into the tissue collection container, the vacuum draws the container away from the first tube end to maintain vacuum within the tube. The resulting collected tissue mass is a staged reconstruction of the bulk tissue prior to removal to facilitate analysis of the tissue by a pathologist.

Abstract: An apparatus for minimally invasive tissue removal contemplates a system including a tissue cutting tool having a motor driven cut-ting blade reciprocating within a percutaneously introducable cannula. In accordance with one method of the invention, the frequency of reciprocation of the cutting blade is tuned to a characteristic frequency of the target tissue to be excised, which frequency is a function of certain properties of the target tissue and the surrounding tissue. Cutting at the characteristic frequency of the target tissue not only enhances the speed and efficiency of the tissue excision, but also minimizes the risk of cutting surrounding tissue. Another aspect of the system includes feedback control of both aspiration and irrigation circuits of the system. With the feedback control, coupled with user settable inputs, the surgeon can control the system to "tease" tissue into the cutting opening to provide more manageable bite sizes of the excised tissue.

Abstract: A capsulectomy apparatus which comprises a console, a handpiece and a needle. The handpiece operates from a vibrating transducer which drives a rod within the sleeve of the needle for actively engageing the anterior lens capsule which is to be severed. The head of the needle which engages and cuts the anterior lens capsule of the eye has a specific angular relationship with the rod within the needle. Also, the cutting edges and surfaces associated with the head of the needle have a specific configuration for enhancing the cutting quality of the apparatus. The needle is disposable and specifically configured to be removeably affixed to the handpiece.