Abstract: A magnetic rotational position sensor including first and second magnets spaced apart to define an air gap and cooperating with one another to generate a magnetic field within the air gap extending along an axis of rotation. At least one magnetic flux sensor is positioned within the magnetic field and is operable to sense varying magnitudes of magnetic flux in response to relative rotational movement between the magnetic field and the magnetic flux sensor about the axis of rotation.

Abstract: A surgical stapler is provided that maintains the jaws of the stapler in an open position and prevents firing of staples when a cartridge is not loaded in one of the jaws. Distinct positioning and sequencing of the jaws, capture pin and firing of the staples are provided by a latch mechanism. Such locking and latching mechanisms ensure proper operation of the stapler.

Abstract: The invention provides novel affinity labels for Ser proteases of formula: L-A-X—NH—CH(R?)C(?O)CH2Cl??(I) wherein L, A, X, and R? have any of the values defined in the specification, or salts thereof, as well as compositions comprising such compounds or salts. The composition of the amino acid side-chain (R?) along with the amino acid or amino acid sequence (peptide) of the X component of formula I, affect the target selectivity of the labeled affinity ligand. Utilization of cell permeable, enzyme selective, labeled affinity ligands, provides a precise mechanism for evaluating the current and future status of cell populations.

Abstract: A balloon trocar includes a cannula assembly including a cannula and an outer sleeve fitting over the cannula. The distal end of the outer sleeve is proximal to the distal end of the cannula. A balloon is coupled to a distal portion of the sleeve and a distal portion of the cannula. The outer surface of the cannula includes a plurality of longitudinal channels for transmitting gas or fluid to the balloon. A bolster having a gel pad at its distal portion is slidably mounted to the cannula assembly and may be locked in a desired position. In use, the trocar is inserted into an incision through a body wall and into a body cavity. The balloon is inflated and the cannula assembly pulled proximally against the incision while the bolster is slid distally to the body wall and locked in place to seal the incision with the compressed balloon.

Abstract: Fire sprinkler system comprising a network of CPVC pipe lengths in which at least some of the pipe lengths are interconnected with mechanical devices having resilient sealing members that are chemically compatible with the CPVC composition. Repairs and system modifications can be made without the use of solvent cement. In-line joints are formed with a coupling device including a pair of arcuate coupling segments having a first end, a second end, and an interior concave surface extending between the first end and the second end. A longitudinal channel extends along the concave surface. At least one mechanical fastener is operative to detachably connect the pair of coupling segments. A resilient annular seal is located within the longitudinal channel of each segment. A branching device connects a branch pipe to a main pipe through an orifice in the main pipe utilizing a saddle-like sealing member. The pipe assemblies are able to pass UL testing protocols for wet fire sprinkler systems.

Abstract: An incrementally adjustable wound retractor, which provides access to a body cavity, includes an inner ring having a diameter greater than the desired diameter of the wound incision, an outer ring having an annular axis and a diameter greater than the desired diameter of the wound incision, and a flexible sleeve disposed in a generally cylindrical form between the inner and outer rings. The outer ring includes first and second circular tubes spaced apart axially with each including a lumen having a rigid, noncompliant split hoop placed therein. The outer ring may be rolled over itself and around the annular axis to retract the sleeve with sufficient force to stretch the incision to the desired diameter. A gel cap seal may be coupled to the outer ring outside of the biological body to seal the opening produced by the wound retractor between the body cavity and outside the body cavity.

Abstract: A surgical access device includes a single valve that forms a seal with a body wall and provides an access channel into a body cavity. The valve has properties for creating a zero seal in the absence of an instrument as well as an instrument seal for an instrument having a diameter up to about 37 mm. The valve can include a gel material and the access channel can include a protective sleeve to provide for wound protection during insertion and withdrawal of a sharp surgical instrument. The valve further comprises a cap ring which may be inserted or molded with the gel material.

Abstract: An incrementally adjustable wound retractor, which provides access to a body cavity, includes an inner ring having a diameter greater than the desired diameter of the wound incision, an outer ring having an annular axis and a diameter greater than the desired diameter of the wound incision, and a flexible sleeve disposed in a generally cylindrical form between the inner and outer rings. The outer ring includes first and second circular tubes spaced apart axially with each including a lumen having a rigid, noncompliant split hoop placed therein. The outer ring may be rolled over itself and around the annular axis to retract the sleeve with sufficient force to stretch the incision to the desired diameter. A gel cap seal may be coupled to the outer ring outside of the biological body to seal the opening produced by the wound retractor between the body cavity and outside the body cavity.

Abstract: A trocar fixation device includes a cannula and an elongate tube mounted onto and coupled to the exterior surface of the cannula with the distal end of the cannula extending distally beyond the distal end of the elongate tube. The elongate tube includes a plurality of slits cut at an angle to a longitudinal axis of the elongate tube. The trocar fixation device is activated by rotating the proximal-end region of the elongate tube in a first direction and is deactivated by rotating the proximal-end region of the elongate tube in a second direction, opposite to the first direction. Activation of the trocar fixation device compresses the material positioned between adjacent slits and forces the material radially outwardly, away from the exterior surface of the cannula, thereby forming ridges. Deactivation of the trocar fixation device returns the exterior surface of the elongate tube to a substantially smooth condition.

Abstract: A surgical access port or trocar is provided. The trocar has a trocar seal housing and a trocar cannula with an optical obturator insertable through the trocar seal housing and the trocar cannula. The trocar is configured to access a body cavity, to maintain positive pressure and to prevent loss of surgical insufflation gas used in laparoscopic procedures. The trocar seal housing can be releasably attached to the trocar cannula. The trocar seal housing may also have a shield and/or alignment channel that provide protection or assist in operation of instrument and zero seals housed in the trocar seal housing.

Abstract: An incrementally adjustable wound retractor, which provides access to a body cavity, includes an inner ring having a diameter greater than the desired diameter of the wound incision, an outer ring having an annular axis and a diameter greater than the desired diameter of the wound incision, and a flexible sleeve disposed in a generally cylindrical form between the inner and outer rings. The outer ring includes first and second circular tubes spaced apart axially with each including a lumen having a rigid, noncompliant split hoop positioned therein. The outer ring may be rolled over itself and around the annular axis to retract the sleeve with sufficient force to stretch the incision to the desired diameter. A gel cap seal may be coupled to the outer ring outside of the biological body to seal the opening produced by the wound retractor between the body cavity and outside the body cavity.

Abstract: The tissue retrieval system deploys a tissue bag at the surgical site. The bag is supported by the system as tissue is placed within the bag and is closed to isolate the collected tissue and allow the bag and collected tissue to be removed from the body. The bag can be reopened and re-closed as desired through use of a guide bead and cord. The bead also facilitates removal of the collected tissue.

Abstract: The invention relates to a hand access laparoscopy device having a gelcap, a retainer, a sleeve and a retention ring. The gelcap includes gel that is bonded to a cap. The cap includes an inner cylindrical wall to which the gel in bonded, thereby providing a sealing area between the device and the wound in a body wall. By securing the gel to the inner cylindrical wall, the thickness of the gel and corresponding cap is minimized along with the overall footprint of the device. With the gel thickness reduced and able to be substantially flush, the “doming” phenomenon produced by insufflation of a patient's abdomen is reduced.

Abstract: The invention relates to a hand access laparoscopy device having a gelcap, a retainer, a sleeve and a retention ring The gelcap includes gel that is bonded to a cap. The cap includes an inner cylindrical wall to which the gel in bonded, thereby providing a sealing area between the device and the wound in a body wall. By securing the gel to the inner cylindrical wall, the thickness of the gel and corresponding cap is minimized along with the overall footprint of the device.

Abstract: Certain embodiments of the invention provide methods and kits for determining cell viability and measuring cytotoxicity.

Abstract: A surgical clip applier is provided having a cartridge carrying multiple surgical clips with a manual graspable actuator configured to sequentially deliver clips to the jaws of the clip applier. Both the cartridge and the jaws are connectable to a scissors-like actuator arranged to translate motion from finger loops to the jaws to open and close the jaws and thus close or crimp a delivered clip between the jaws.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for generating phase-related clocks are disclosed. A clock input is delayed by an alignment magnitude to generate a first phase signal. The first phase signal is delayed by the phase alignment magnitude to generate a first phase delay signal. The clock input is delayed by a phase delay magnitude to generate a second phase signal and the second phase signal is delayed by about the phase delay magnitude to generate a last phase delay signal. A phase difference is detected between the first phase delay signal and the last phase delay signal and adjustments are made to at least one of the phase delay magnitude and the alignment magnitude.

Abstract: The invention is a spaced based navigation system for guiding a spacecraft. In detail, the navigation system includes at least two Doppler range/range rate satellites positioned at LaGrangian stability points between first and second planetary bodies wherein the first planetary body rotates about the second planetary body. A processing system mounted on the spacecraft for receiving Doppler range and range rate data from said at least two Doppler range/range rate satellites and calculating the position and velocity of the spacecraft.

Abstract: A container has a bottom formed from polymeric material having a floor and a skirt projecting from the floor and a sidewall formed from polymeric material having opposite sides joined to one another and a lower end joined to the skirt so as to form an interior having a mouth, wherein the mouth has a dimension not less than the floor.

Abstract: A phase detector generates a first output signal if a feedback clock signal leads a reference clock signal by more than a first time. The phase detector generates a second output signal if the feedback clock signal lags the reference clock signal by more than a second time. If the feedback clock signal either leads the reference clock signal by less than the first time or lags the reference clock signal by less than the second time, neither output signal is generated. The phase detector may be used in a delay-lock loop in which the first and second output signals increase or decrease a delay of the reference clock signal by respective first and second delay increments. In such case, the each of the first and second delay increments should be less than the sum of the first and second times.