Abstract: A controller for use with a guidewire, such as a vascular guidewire, provides a mechanism for gripping and applying a torque to the guidewire without the need to thread the guidewire axially through the controller and at a location close to a point of access of the guidewire. In one embodiment, the controller includes a side-access, multi-part assembly including a collet or other gripping element that applies a uniform radially inward force on the guidewire. In another embodiment, for use with guidewires having active electrically controllable elements, the controller integrally or removably incorporates a switch or other mechanism to initiate an energized state. The controller thereby permits ergonomic, single-handed control of an electronically steerable guidewire, including axially displacing, torquing and steering the guidewire.

Abstract: A controller for use with a guidewire, such as a vascular guidewire, provides a mechanism for gripping and applying a torque to the guidewire without the need to thread the guidewire axially through the controller and at a location close to a point of access of the guidewire. In one embodiment, the controller includes a side-access, multi-part assembly including a collet or other gripping element that applies a uniform radially inward force on the guidewire. In another embodiment, for use with guidewires having active electrically controllable elements, the controller integrally or removably incorporates a switch or other mechanism to initiate an energized state. The controller thereby permits ergonomic, single-handed control of an electronically steerable guidewire, including axially displacing, torquing and steering the guidewire.

Abstract: A controller for use with a guidewire, such as a vascular guidewire, provides a mechanism for gripping and applying a torque to the guidewire without the need to thread the guidewire axially through the controller and at a location close to a point of access of the guidewire. In one embodiment, the controller includes a side-access, multi-part assembly including a collet or other gripping element that applies a uniform radially inward force on the guidewire. In another embodiment, for use with guidewires having active electrically controllable elements, the controller integrally or removably incorporates a switch or other mechanism to initiate an energized state. The controller thereby permits ergonomic, single-handed control of an electronically steerable guidewire, including axially displacing, torquing and steering the guidewire.

Abstract: A controller for use with a guidewire, such as a vascular guidewire, provides a mechanism for gripping and applying a torque to the guidewire without the need to thread the guidewire axially through the controller and at a location close to a point of access of the guidewire. In one embodiment, the controller includes a side-access, multi-part assembly including a collett or other gripping element that applies a uniform radially inward force on the guidewire. In another embodiment, for use with guidewires having active electrically controllable elements, the controller integrally or removably incorporates a switch or other mechanism to initiate an energized state. The controller thereby permits, among other advantages, ergonomic, single-handed control of an electronically steerable guidewire, including axially displacing, torquing and steering the guidewire.

Abstract: The convertible cup holder presents a novel solution to a problem experienced by all beverage drinkers—an entire hand is required to hold a beverage container. The convertible cup holder is a convertible, disposable or reusable insulator, holder and cup-carrier that surrounds a beverage container. In its initial condition, the holder provides thermal insulation against the hot or cold temperature of the beverage. The cup holder can be used to improve the grip on the beverage or to make the beverage more comfortable to hold. If a user requires the use of the hand holding the beverage, the user is able to pull handles disposed within the holder into a deployed position, such that the user can now easily grip the beverage by using only one's finger. With handles deployed, the convertible cup holder allows the average beverage to be suspended and held by a single finger, thereby freeing up the majority of one's hand for other tasks.