Abstract: A structural failure alert system includes a structure failure sensor configured to be placed, substantially permanently, within an interior of a building, the sensor positioned and configured to monitor a condition of the infrastructure of the building and generate a structure integrity signal based thereon, and a failure analysis package configured to be loaded into a control module communicating with the sensor, the failure analysis package receiving and analyzing the structure integrity signals from the sensors, the failure analysis package producing a structural failure indication when a potential structural failure exists.

Abstract: A vascular graft sizer for gauging the size of a distorted blood vessel includes a sizing member. The sizing member has a shape substantially similar to a shape of a distorted blood vessel, and corresponds to a vascular graft that has a shape substantially similar to a non-distorted blood vessel.

Abstract: A universal joint apparatus comprises clamps, a locking mechanism, and a rod connecting the clamps and the locking mechanism. At least one clamp is a scissors clamp, i.e. a clamp comprising two segments fastened by a pivot. The scissors clamp generates extra compressive force on the object being held, providing a stable and rigid universal joint. Clamps are able to rotate with respect to each other, allowing for greater flexibility in usage. The universal joint apparatus is capable of being added to a support frame between other components. In one embodiment of the invention, the universal joint includes a dedicated retractor blade handle to ensure that the locked position of the cam handle is oriented substantially away from the operative site.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for thermally affecting graft organs during harvesting and transplantation operations. An insulation jacket is configured to conform to the shape of the graft organ. The insulation jacket includes a body portion constructed from a flexible surgical grade plastic, insulation foam, or thermo mass. The body portion may include a plurality of non-communicating pillows capable of retaining a malleable condition when chilled to desired implantation temperatures. The selection of material for the body portion and the sterile nature of the cooling material allow the insulation jacket to be placed inside a patient's body during surgery. When secured about a graft organ, the insulation jacket provides openings for access to graft organ vessels, thereby allowing the implantation surgery to proceed while at least a portion of the graft organ remains enclosed in the insulation jacket. The insulation jacket may also include at least one layer of insulation.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for thermally affecting graft organs during harvesting and transplantation operations. An insulation jacket may be configured to conform to the shape of the graft organ. The insulation jacket may include a body portion constructed from a flexible surgical grade plastic, insulation foam, or thermo mass. The body portion may include a plurality of non-communicating pillows capable of retaining a malleable condition when cooled. The selection of material for the body portion and the sterile nature of the cooling material allow the insulation jacket to be placed inside a patient's body during surgery. When secured about a graft organ, the insulation jacket provides openings for access to graft organ vessels, thereby allowing the implantation surgery to proceed while at least a portion of the graft organ remains enclosed in the insulation jacket. The insulation jacket may also include at least one layer of insulation.

Abstract: A surgical clamp includes a first member having a first handle, a first jaw, and a first pivot point intermediate the first handle and the first jaw; a second handle member having a second handle, a second jaw, and a second pivot point intermediate the second handle and the second jaw. The second handle member is pivotally connected to the first handle member at their respective pivot points. The first jaw and the second jaw cooperate to define a clamping element and a cutting element.

Abstract: A buoyancy harness for connecting a rider to a water sport apparatus, including sailboards, boats, and boating accessories, the harness comprised a body portion, a fastener, and a connector. The body portion may take the form of a waist or seat harness that is configured to encircle at least a portion of the lower abdomen of the rider and possibly a portion of the pelvic region. At least a portion of the body portion is comprised of at least one layer of buoyant material. The body portion may also include a water permeable material that permits trapped water to pass through the harness. The fastener is operably connected to the body portion and is configured to secure the body portion to at least a portion of the rider. The connector is also operably connected to the body portion and is configured for operable attachment to the water sport apparatus.

Abstract: A surgical port and dilator is disclosed that are useful for creating access to surgical sites having tortuous geometries and/or requiring relatively long and narrow access to the surgical site. The surgical port or dilator can be provided with an oblique distal end to facilitate placement and the displace tissue near angled surfaces. The surgical port can be inserted into the operative site following dilation in the same fashion as a conventional port. Once inserted, however, the surgical port may then be elongated to provide relatively long and narrow, elliptically-shaped access to the surgical site. The elongation of the port allows the surgeon access to long and narrow surgical sites, such as the spine, without having to expand radially. This reduces trauma to the patient. A locking means is also provided to hold the surgical port in the open position until a release mechanism is activated.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method and system of walk through testing a fire alarm system without disrupting the building occupants. A communications channel is setup between a control panel and a communicator carried by a human tester. The tester triggers an alarm or trouble condition in a device. The control panel detects the address of the device and automatically returns to the communicator, over the communications channel, the location of the device.

Abstract: An external cervical fixation system includes a body configured to be secured to a patient, an attachment arm extending from the body, a bone screw, and a mounting fixture. The bone screw is mounted to the attachment arm, and has a threaded distal tip that is configured for threaded engagement with the patient's skull. The mounting fixture joins the attachment arm and the bone screw. The mounting fixture is configured to allow mounting and removal of the attachment arm and the bone screw when the bone screw is threadedly engaged with a patient's skull. The body can be adjusted independently of the bone screw.

Abstract: A towing apparatus includes a generally tubular shaped elongated housing for enclosing an elastic cord secured to points on a towing cord. The towing cord is disposed, at least in part, within the elongated housing and is capable of extending, at least in part, through the opposing open ends. The elastic-type cord is secured at opposite ends thereof to spaced apart terminating points of the towing cord such that the length between the spaced apart points is greater than the length of the elastic cord. The elastic cord in the relaxed condition serves to bunch the towing cord segment between the space apart point within the elongated housing without entanglement. Connectors may be secured to each of the opposite ends of the towing cord for attachment of the towing apparatus to, respectively, a towing vessel and to a watercraft.

Abstract: A cam-operated universal latch joint apparatus is provided. In an embodiment, the joint apparatus includes a cam locking mechanism, as well as a first clamping member and a second clamping member independently positionable with respect to each other. The second clamping member has an upper portion and a lower portion arranged adjacent to each other. A latch is pivotably mounted the upper portion of the second clamping member so that the latch selectively engages the lower portion of the second clamping member. Also, a through rod connecting the cam locking mechanism, the first clamping member and the second clamping member is provided. A bushing is also arranged between the upper portion of the second clamping member and the first clamping member. In an embodiment, the cam locking mechanism includes a handle and a cam connected to the handle and pivotably connected to the through rod so that the cam engages the first clamping member when selectively positioned by the user using the handle.