Abstract: A device (100) for medical procedure localization that provides a template that indexes the site of interest along a first axis or plane that is defined by anatomical landmarks of a patient. An embodiment is disclosed in which a first axis is an axillary line from the patient's axilla (armpit) toward the iliac crest (pelvis) and the site of interest is a distance away from the axilla along said first axis. The site of interest is the 3rd, 4th or 5th intercostal space, into which a needle/catheter and/or chest tube may be placed for decompression.

Abstract: A device to assist performing medical procedures that references anatomical landmarks through adjustable components to identify and stabilize a procedure site and provide guidance in performing the procedure. In one embodiment, an airway creation assist device (ACAD) can be dimensionally adjusted for different patient sizes and properly aligned using anatomical landmarks. The ACAD provides an adjustable template that enables accurate identification of the airway creation site, including but not limited to the cricothyroid membrane. The ACAD uses an insertion guide to guide the obturator and airway tube safely and consistently into the trachea, with a mechanical stop to prevent damaging the posterior trachea wall. The ACAD improves efficacy of the procedure, and makes perforating an incorrect airway creation procedure difficult. In another embodiment, a chest decompression assist device (DAD) Is disclosed for decompression treatment of air and/or fluid in the chest.

Abstract: A device (100) for medical procedure localization that provides a template that indexes the site of interest along a first axis or plane that is defined by anatomical landmarks of a patient. An embodiment is disclosed in which a first axis is an axillary line from the patient's axilla (armpit) toward the iliac crest (pelvis) and the site of interest is a distance away from the axilla along said first axis. The site of interest is the 3rd, 4th or 5th intercostal space, into which a needle/catheter and/or chest tube may be placed for decompression.

Abstract: A device (100) for medical procedure localization and/or insertion that can be dimensionally adjusted for different patient sizes and properly aligned and stabilized using anatomical landmarks. The device (100) for medical procedure localization and/or insertion provides an adjustable template that indexes the site of interest at the intersection of a first axis or plane and a second axis or plane. An embodiment is disclosed in which a first axis is the axillary line through the patient's axilla (armpit) and iliac crest (pelvis), and a second axis is the patient's ideal horizontal nipple line. The intersection of the first and second axes is the 4th or 5th intercostal space, into which a needle and/or chest tube may be placed for decompression.

Abstract: A device (100) for medical procedure localization and/or insertion that can be dimensionally adjusted for different patient sizes and properly aligned and stabilized using anatomical landmarks. The device (100) for medical procedure localization and/or insertion provides an adjustable template that indexes the site of interest at the intersection of a first axis or plane and a second axis or plane. An embodiment is disclosed in which a first axis is the axillary line through the patient's axilla (armpit) and iliac crest (pelvis), and a second axis is the patient's ideal horizontal nipple line. The intersection of the first and second axes is the 4th or 5th intercostal space, into which a needle and/or chest tube may be placed for decompression.

Abstract: A device that assists surgical procedures by maintaining a specific percutaneous access location and orientation of needles, wires, trocars, dilators, catheters, etc., and which secures the tip of said access device(s) relative to said location and orientation during a percutaneous procedure. There are three main parts: (1) a base that conforms to the skin of the patient at various locations; (2) an adjustment mechanism mounted in ball-and-socket fashion inside the base and moving about at least one, and preferably multiple, axes of rotation relative to the base; and (3) a securement mechanism capable of being affixed to the adjustment mechanism for securely holding an access device at an angle to allow it to pass through the adjustment mechanism and enter the patient's skin at the desired angle and location. The device can be removed following the procedure without affecting the inserted access device(s).

Abstract: A device to assist performing medical procedures that references anatomical landmarks through adjustable components to identify and stabilize a procedure site and provide guidance in performing the procedure. In one embodiment, an airway creation assist device (ACAD) can be dimensionally adjusted for different patient sizes and properly aligned using anatomical landmarks. The ACAD provides an adjustable template that enables accurate identification of the airway creation site, including but not limited to the cricothyroid membrane. The ACAD uses an insertion guide to guide the obturator and airway tube safely and consistently into the trachea, with a mechanical stop to prevent damaging the posterior trachea wall. The ACAD improves efficacy of the procedure, and makes perforating an incorrect airway creation procedure difficult. In another embodiment, a chest decompression assist device (DAD) Is disclosed for decompression treatment of air and/or fluid in the chest.

Abstract: A MagnetoRheological Fluid Elastic (MRFE) lag damper system for adaptive lead-lag damping of helicopter main rotors. Embodiments include snubber dampers especially for hingeless helicopter rotors, and concentric bearing dampers. The snubber lag dampers include a flexible snubber body defining a cavity, a flexible or rigid interior (e.g., center) wall subdividing the cavity, and a flow valve in the interior wall or external to the cavity. The flexible snubber body may comprise elastomeric materials and metal rings stacked together to create a sealed MR fluid cavity. The shear deformation of the snubber body induces MR fluid flow through the valve, controlled by a magnetic field in the valve. An MRFE concentric bearing damper is also disclosed, comprising a pair of concentric tubes with elastomeric material injected and cured in an annular gap between the two tubes, and an MR fluid reservoir with piston-mounted MR valve housed inside the innermost tube.

Abstract: A MagnetoRheological Fluid Elastic (MRFE) lag damper system for adaptive lead-lag damping of helicopter main rotors. Embodiments include snubber dampers especially for hingeless helicopter rotors, and concentric bearing dampers. The snubber lag dampers include a flexible snubber body defining a cavity, a flexible or rigid interior (e.g., center) wall subdividing the cavity, and a flow valve in the interior wall or external to the cavity. The flexible snubber body may comprise elastomeric materials and metal rings stacked together to create a sealed MR fluid cavity. The shear deformation of the snubber body induces MR fluid flow through the valve, controlled by a magnetic field in the valve. An MRFE concentric bearing damper is also disclosed, comprising a pair of concentric tubes with elastomeric material injected and cured in an annular gap between the two tubes, and an MR fluid reservoir with piston-mounted MR valve housed inside the innermost tube.

Abstract: A MagnetoRheolocial Fluid Elastic (MRFE) lag damper system for adaptive lead-lag damping of helicopter main rotors. Embodiments include snubber dampers especially for hingeless helicopter rotors, and concentric bearing dampers. The snubber lag dampers include a flexible snubber body defining a cavity, a flexible or rigid interior (e.g., center) wall subdividing the cavity, and a flow valve in the interior wall or external to the cavity. The flexible snubber body may comprise elastomeric materials and metal rings stacked together to create a sealed MR fluid cavity. The shear deformation of the snubber body induces MR fluid flow through the valve, controlled by a magnetic field in the valve. An MRFE concentric bearing damper is also disclosed, comprising a pair of concentric tubes with elastomeric material injected and cured in an annular gap between the two tubes, and an MR fluid reservoir with piston-mounted MR valve housed inside the innermost tube.