Abstract: A seal assembly includes a first seal and a second seal and positioned in the first end element. The second seal can include at least one longitudinal groove therein and have members connected thereto. A stopper member is coaxially positionable within the second seal and the first seal and a lubricant can be positioned between the stopper member and the second seal. The seal assembly can also be integrated with a capsule for removable insertion within a tubular member.

Abstract: A seal assembly includes a first seal, a second seal, and a positioning element. The first seal includes at least one longitudinal slot therein. The second seal includes at least one longitudinal slot therein and is positioned coaxially with the first seal. The positioning element is positioned coaxially with the first seal. The at least one longitudinal slot of the first seal is offset from the at least one longitudinal slot of the second seal in a radial direction from a longitudinal axis of the seal assembly. The seal assembly can be integrated with a closing valve. The seal assembly can also be integrated with a capsule.

Abstract: A modular seal and valve assembly which includes a seal and passageway, the seal having a cross-sectional diameter which converges in a direction of passage of an instrument through the passageway. The seal includes at least one seal engaging member which is engageable with the seal for biasing the passageway of the seal so as to be normally closed while still permitting passage of an instrument therethrough upon overcoming the biasing course of the at least one seal engaging member. The method of sealing the passageway including the step of providing the seal and engaging the seal with the at least one sealing member.

Abstract: A surgical device and method for endoscopic surgical procedures capable of preventing injuries to internal organs during insertion. The surgical device can include one or more of the following: a multiple system of sharp blade edges or a single blade, a mechanical tissue protection device that includes a series of thin plastic guards sliding along the sides of the planar knives and having an angle between their edges smaller than that of the cutting knife edges, one or more fixed conical deflectors to expand the cut tissue passage leaving the guards to contact tissue contact only at their tips, an insufflation passage configured to transport fluid into the body cavity during penetration, a locking system for the guards that prevents accidental reuse of the cutting features, and/or an ergonomic design which facilitates handling.

Abstract: A surgical device includes a sealing member forming a gas tight seal with an instrument disposed in an opening of the sealing member. The sealing member includes a seal ring connected to the interior of the handle, and a conical section having the instrument disposed therein. In an embodiment, the conical section is connected to the seal ring and has a height at least as large as a diameter of a base of the conical section before disposing the instrument therein. In another embodiment, first and second elastic protrusions have the instrument disposed therein, the elastic protrusions contacting one another to form the gas tight seal. In another embodiment, a first section is connected to the seal ring, and a second section is connected to the first section and has the instrument disposed therein. The sealing members, as well as methods of sealing with the sealing members are also disclosed.

Abstract: A surgical device for endoscopic surgical procedures capable of preventing injuries to internal organs during insertion. The surgical device can include one or more of the following: a multiple system of sharp blade edges, a mechanical tissue protection device that includes a series of thin plastic guards sliding along the sides of the planar knives and having an angle between their edges smaller than that of the cutting knife edges, one or more fixed conical deflectors to expand the cut tissue passage leaving the guards to contact tissue contact only at their tips, an insufflation passage configured to transport fluid into the body cavity during penetration, a locking system for the guards that prevents accidental reuse of the cutting features, and/or an ergonomic design which facilitates handling.

Abstract: A surgical device for endoscopic surgical procedures capable of preventing injuries to internal organs during insertion. The surgical device can include one or more of the following: a multiple system of sharp blade edges, a mechanical tissue protection device that includes a series of thin plastic guards sliding along the sides of the planar knives and having an angle between their edges smaller than that of the cutting knife edges, one or more fixed conical deflectors to expand the cut tissue passage leaving the guards to contact tissue contact only at their tips, an insufflation passage configured to transport fluid into the body cavity during penetration, a locking system for the guards that prevents accidental reuse of the cutting features, and/or an ergonomic design which facilitates handling.

Abstract: A vehicle seat drive for driving a vehicle seat includes a mechanical inchworm linear motion actuator. A linearly movable shaft is coupled to the vehicle seat such that the vehicle seat moves as the shaft moves. The actuator includes a jamming module and an actuation module. The jamming module has left and right jamming plates operable for engaging and disengaging the shaft while moving linearly with respect to the shaft. The actuation module is operable for applying linear forces on the jamming plates to have the jamming plates engage and disengage the shaft and move linearly with respect to the shaft. The actuation module applies a first linear force in a first linear direction on a jamming plate to have the jamming plate engage and move the shaft in the first linear direction thereby moving the vehicle seat in the first linear direction while causing the other jamming plate to disengage from the shaft.

Abstract: A vehicle seat formed by a contoured tubular frame defining the edges of a seat base and a seat back and having tensioned belts and an elastomeric mesh seat fabric. The contoured tubular frame is wrapped in foam padding for comfort and impact protection. Two belts are provided in each of the seat base and seat back. The elastomeric seat mesh fabric forms an elastomeric seating surface that wraps around the seat occupant. The elastomeric mesh seat fabric is secured to the belts that provide seating surface contour and minimize excursion of the elastomeric mesh seat fabric. A cushion is provided under the elastomeric seating surface near the front of the seat to prevent submarining in an impact. An eccentric lumbar cushion is provided on a flexible shaft to permit adjustment of the degree of lower back support.

Abstract: A seat belt system for a vehicle seat having seat belt segments that are retained on first and second retractors. The retractors each have a spool on which seat belt segments are wound. The spools of the first and second retractors are linked together by a spring that biases the spools to retract the belt segments. Right and left seat belt presenters are provided to move the latches of seat belt segments between a retracted position and a presentation position where the latches are held at a convenient location to be grasped by a person seated in the vehicle seat.

Abstract: A head restraint assembly includes a curved support member for upwardly and forwardly deploying a headrest. The support member is selectively locked and unlocked to alternately maintain the headrest in a retracted position or deploy the headrest. A vehicle impact sensor signals the release of the support member when a vehicle impact is sensed. The headrest is deployed quickly and effectively until it reaches its potential full deployment, or until an occupant's head contacts the headrest.