Abstract: An apparatus, a system and a process for regulating a wellhead control mechanism. The apparatus may control actuation of a wellhead control mechanism by moving a moveable body of the apparatus between a first position and a second position. When the apparatus is in the first position a valve actuator is actuatable. When the apparatus is in the second position the valve actuator is physically interfered from actuating. Additionally, when the apparatus is in the second position, the wellhead control mechanism cannot be actuated and is held in either an open, a partially open or a closed position. Further, a system may directly control actuation of a wellhead actuation mechanism.

Abstract: An apparatus, a system and a process for regulating a wellhead control mechanism. The apparatus controls actuation of a wellhead control mechanism by moving a moveable body of the apparatus between a first position and a second position. When the apparatus is in the first position a valve actuator is actuatable. When the apparatus is in the second position the valve actuator is physically interfered from actuating. Additionally, when the apparatus is in the second position, the wellhead control mechanism cannot be actuated and is held in either an open, a partially open or a closed position. Further, a system may directly control actuation of a wellhead actuation mechanism.

Abstract: A retractor for endoscopic surgery, having a first shaft portion, in which an actuation device is movable, and a second shaft portion coupled pivotably thereon. A transmission arm is articulated on a distal end of the actuation device. A retraction structure is connected to a distal end of the second shaft portion, which retraction structure can be releasably coupled, with its other end, to the second shaft portion via a coupling device. The coupling device has a slide, which is guided in the second shaft portion. The transmission arm is articulated on the second shaft portion by way of a peg-and-slot connection and is operatively coupled to the slide in order to move the latter longitudinally, wherein the coupling device can be transferred to a release state by longitudinal movement of the slide. An operating method for the retractor is also disclosed.

Abstract: A device for creating an intercostal transcutaneous access to an, in particular endoscopic, operating field including a base body, which closely surrounds an incision all-side frame-shaped and with at least two webs mounted on the base body, which can be introduced into an intercostal space, by which two ribs arranged next to each other can be moved apart. To create a device for creating an intercostal transcutaneous access to an, in particular endoscopic, operating field which allows individual pressing apart of the ribs, it is proposed according to the invention that the at least two webs are mounted adjustable relative to each other on the base body.

Abstract: A device for creating an intercostal transcutaneous access to an, in particular endoscopic, operating field including a base body, which closely surrounds an incision all-side frame-shaped and with at least two websmounted on the base body, which can be introduced into an intercostal space, by which two ribs arranged next to each other can be moved apart. To create a device for creating an intercostal transcutaneous access to an, in particular endoscopic, operating field which allows individual pressing apart of the ribs, it is proposed according to the invention that the at least two webs are mounted adjustable relative to each other on the base body.

Abstract: The invention relates to a medical instrument, in particular an endoscopic instrument, with an instrument shaft, a tool positioned on the distal end of the instrument shaft, and a handle, which can be secured on the instrument shaft so that it can be moved in an axial extension of the instrument shaft. In order to create an instrument which makes possible a comfortable, safe, and reliable handling even with the most varied application purposes, it is proposed with the invention that the handle can be secured on the instrument shaft so that it can be moved by at least one degree of freedom with respect to the instrument shaft.

Abstract: The invention relates to a medical instrument, in particular an endoscopic instrument, with an instrument shaft, a tool positioned on the distal end of the instrument shaft, and a handle, which can be secured on the instrument shaft so that it can be moved in an axial extension of the instrument shaft. In order to create an instrument which makes possible a comfortable, safe, and reliable handling even with the most varied application purposes, it is proposed with the invention that the handle can be secured on the instrument shaft so that it can be moved by at least one degree of freedom with respect to the instrument shaft.

Abstract: A method is described for determining telomere length of mammalian chromosomal DNA, which method comprises the steps: (a) annealing the 3′ end of a single-stranded oligonucleotide (hereinafter referred to as a ‘telorette’) to a single-stranded overhang of the telomere comprising the G-rich telomere strand (comprising TTAGGG repeat sequences) and covalently binding the telorette to the 5′ end of the C-rich telomeric strand (having CCCTAA repeat sequences) thereby forming a ligation product; (b) amplifying the ligation product formed in step (a) to form a primer extension product; and (c) detecting the length of the primer extension product(s) of step (b).

Abstract: A method of characterizing a test sample of genomic DNA which method comprises contacting the test sample with type specific primer to prime selectively, within a telomere repeat array, internal repeat units of that type, and extending the type specific primers in the presence of appropriate nucleoside triphosphates and an agent for polymerization thereof to produce a set of amplification products extending from the internal repeat units of that type to at least the end of the telomere repeat array.