Abstract: An interventional device includes a base having an upper surface, a cup-shaped frame, a probe positioner, and a radio frequency coil. The cup-shaped frame is mounted to the base and configured to receive a body part. The probe positioner is mounted to at least one of the base and the cup-shaped frame, and is capable of rotating about a longitudinal axis which is perpendicular to the upper surface of the base. The radio frequency coil is mounted to the cup-shaped frame and is configured to rotate about the longitudinal axis.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for reducing bleeding in biopsy procedures provides a cauterizing electrical current through an introducer needle as the needle is withdrawn. A majority of the length of the introducer needle may be insulated to concentrate the cauterization at its tip, and a field smoothing cauterizing stylet may be used in conjunction with the tube to provide more even cauterization and/or instrumentation to monitor cauterization. Cauterization may be controlled by the speed of withdrawal of the introducer needle as guided manually or automatically by the instrumentation.

Abstract: A positioner for centering or otherwise situating medical devices such as biopsy needles with respect to a human body includes a clamp for receiving a portion of the human body (e.g., a breast), a carriage which moves along a carriage path next to the clamp, and a positioning arm pivotally mounted to the carriage and having a mount for a medical device thereon. The carriage may therefore carry the positioning arm along the carriage path to a desired location adjacent to the clamp, at which point the positioning arm may be pivoted to situate a medical device within the device mount at a desired location adjacent the portion of the body within the clamp. The components of the positioner are preferably made of materials that do not interfere with medical imaging instrumentation (e.g., MRI scanners), though the positioner may include markers at desired locations (e.g.

Abstract: A positioner for centering or otherwise situating medical devices such as biopsy needles with respect to a human body includes a clamp for receiving a portion of the human body (e.g., a breast), a carriage which moves along a carriage path next to the clamp, and a positioning arm pivotally mounted to the carriage and having a mount for a medical device thereon. The carriage may therefore carry the positioning arm along the carriage path to a desired location adjacent to the clamp, at which point the positioning arm may be pivoted to situate a medical device within the device mount at a desired location adjacent the portion of the body within the clamp. The components of the positioner are preferably made of materials that do not interfere with medical imaging instrumentation (e.g., MRI scanners), though the positioner may include markers at desired locations (e.g.

Abstract: A multiaxial testing apparatus is shown and described wherein items to be tested are affixed to opposing mounts, and wherein at least one of these mounts defines a constant link of a mobile truss. By varying the lengths of other links within the mobile truss, the pose of the constant link mount is changed, thereby altering the pose and/or loading on the test item affixed between the mounts. In preferred embodiments, the mobile truss includes six variable-length links situated between two constant links, at least one of which is a mount, so that a test item affixed between the mounts may be moved and/or loaded in six degrees of freedom.

Abstract: An energy storage device particularly suitable for use in hybrid fluid power systems and fluid systems utilizing accumulators. A piston accumulator has a primary face on one end of the piston and a series of secondary faces on the opposite end of the piston. Each face has an associated chamber, and one or more of the chambers of the secondary faces may be selectively connected to a system pressure line. Since the pressure of the system pressure line depends on (and varies with) the number of chambers connected thereto, the potential energy of the chamber of the primary face may be delivered to the system pressure line at a variety of output pressures. Similarly, the chamber of the primary face may be recharged with energy at a variety of input pressures.

Abstract: An internal combustion engine utilizing hypocycloid movement has a crankshaft having a small crank pin construction wherein the piston rod end is supported rotatably on an eccentric disc which, in turn, is journalled for rotation on the crankpin. A rigid interconnected subassembly of the eccentric disc, counterweights and a pinion gear is rotatably mounted on the crankpin in a manner to distribute the piston loads to the opposite pin ends, thereby reducing crankpin bending stresses. The main crankshaft support bearings are located directly adjacent the crankpin ends, thereby further reducing crankpin bending stresses. A two-piece crankshaft construction allows the crankshaft to be preassembled for machining, disassembled for mounting the piston subassembly thereon, and reassembled. The modified hypocycloid gearing assembly includes a rotatable internal ring gear transmitting a portion of the torque produced by the piston force to the output shaft via the pinion gear and an idler gear and sun gear assembly.

Abstract: A power back-up roll for a rotary veneer lathe comprises a drive roller for applying a rotational force to the outer periphery of a log axially mounted on the veneer lathe, a controllable drive source for driving the roller and a servo-control system for maintaining the static friction between the roller and the log. In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the servocontrol system includes a first DC-generator tachometer for monitoring the peripheral speed of the log, a second DC-generator tachometer for monitoring the peripheral speed of the roller; and a feedback loop, operatively associated with the controllable drive source as well as the first and second tachometers, for matching the peripheral speed of the roller to that of the log.