Abstract: A pre-curved steerable catheter includes a catheter body (102) having a distal end portion. The distal end portion includes a permanently curved flexible end portion (110). A pull wire (108) is disposed in a pull wire lumen within the catheter body. The pull wire extends from the distal end portion to a proximal end portion of the catheter body wherein the pull wire, when tensioned, provides a change in an angle of the curved flexible end portion of the catheter body.

Abstract: A system and method for image guided assisted medical procedures using modular units, such that a controller, under the direction of a computer and imaging device, can be utilized to drive and track low cost, purpose specific manipulators. The system utilizes modular actuators, self tracking, and linkages. The system can be optimized at a low cost for most effectively performing surgical procedures, while reusing the more costly components of the system, e.g. the control, driving, and tracking systems. The system and method may utilize MRI real time guidance during the above procedures.

Abstract: A system and method for applying a coating to a surface. The coating can include any typical coating, but in some examples includes a styrenated acrylic coating. The coating is first applied. Thereafter, a quick-set formula which includes a brine solution is applied atop the first coating. The quick-set formula sets the first coating. Thereafter, a second coating, or multiple coatings, can be applied atop the first coating. Due to the quick-set formula, the second coating can be applied in less than 15 minutes.

Abstract: A container includes an upper chamber, a lower chamber, and a physical actuator, and may include chambers. Each chamber includes a different substance. Each chamber is sealed off from adjacent chambers and the atmosphere. At least one of the chambers is sealed at below atmospheric pressure, which helps hold that chamber in contact with one or more of the other chambers. When the physical actuator is activated, the seals between the chambers are opened to each other and atmosphere, which causes the substances to mix together in the chamber that was previously maintained at below atmospheric pressure. The change in pressure differential also assists in the mixing.

Abstract: Described is a system (100) and medical device (200) for the electromagnetic tracking of a medical instrument transported through a medical device, the medical device having a central axis (210), a channel (206) that receives and transports a medical instrument through the medical device, the channel extending to a distal portion (202) of the medical device and being in communication with an opening (216) in the medical device that is not aligned with the central axis, the device having a tracking component (220, 224) that is a plurality of coordinated electromagnetic sensors for generating a virtual axis (222) of travel for the medical instrument, with the virtual axis passing through the opening of the device and being aligned with tool insertion axis (206).

Abstract: An instrument driving mechanism includes an instrument drive assembly (140) including a first set of wheels (136) coupled to a first end portion and a second set (138) of wheels coupled to a second end portion opposite the first end portion. The first set of wheels is configured to engage an elongated instrument (104) therein such that a rotation plane of the first set of wheels is coplanar with a longitudinal axis of the instrument. The second set of wheels is configured to engage the elongated instrument therein such that a rotation plane of the second set of wheels is obliquely oriented with the longitudinal axis of the instrument wherein motion of the instrument is controlled by controlling rotations of the wheels. The instrument drive assembly mounts to a mounting position (149) of a medical device that permits the instrument to pass therethrough and is configured to fix a position of the instrument drive assembly to enable positioning of the instrument.

Abstract: A registration device includes an attachment piece (106) configured to conform with and attach to an imaging probe (102), in particular an internal or external ultrasound probe such as a TEE probe. A pathway (105) formed in or on the attachment piece is configured to receive an optical shape sensing device (OSS fiber) such that the optical shape sensing device can free float (no tip fixation) to permit longitudinal twisting within the pathway. The pathway includes a distinctive geometry for shaping the OSS device such that the distinctive geometry provides a template pattern (107) within an image collected using the imaging probe module to permit registration between imaging coordinates and OSS coordinates. A registration module (130) is configured to compare a stored shape template (121) with an image (134) including the template pattern to permit the registration (unique transformation).

Abstract: An anti-microbial composition including: a solvent; a cationic active ingredient; a source of zinc ions, wherein the zinc ions have a concentration from 6.2×10?4 to 8.7×10?3 mol/L; and an amine oxide surfactant. A method of selectively killing Gram-positive bacteria, the method including: exposing bacteria to a formulation including: 0.05 to 0.3 wt. % of benzethonium chloride and/or benzalkonium chloride; a source of zinc ions, wherein the zinc ions have a concentration from 6.8×10?3 to 2×10?2 mol/L; and an amine oxide surfactant.

Abstract: An instrument positioning mechanism includes a mounting position (125) on a medical device having a channel configured to permit an instrument (104) to pass therethrough. An instrument support (146) is configured to support a length of the instrument. A pivotal connection (150) is configured to rotatably adjust an angle between the support and the mounting position.

Abstract: An inspection device for use in a fluid container includes a hull adapted to be received in the fluid container and a control mechanism carried by the hull. The control mechanism movably positions a weight about the hull so as to adjust an angular orientation of the hull within the fluid container.

Abstract: A system and method for filling pot holes. The system includes transferring aggregate from an aggregate tank. Activator is likewise transferred from an activator tank. The activator is mixed with the aggregate to form a homogenized mixture. A liquid is introduced into a homogenized mixture to form a slurry and then a pot hole filler. The pot hole filler is directed through an exit end of a mixing tube.

Abstract: A system and method for filling pot holes. The system includes transferring aggregate from an aggregate tank. Activator is likewise transferred from an activator tank. The activator is mixed with the aggregate to form a homogenized mixture. A liquid is introduced into a homogenized mixture to form a slurry and then a pot hole filler. The pot hole filler is directed through an exit end of a mixing tube.

Abstract: A system and method for filling pot holes. The system includes transferring aggregate from an aggregate tank. Activator is likewise transferred from an activator tank. The activator is mixed with the aggregate to form a homogenized mixture. A liquid is introduced into a homogenized mixture to form a slurry and then a pot hole filler. The pot hole filler is directed through an exit end of a mixing tube.

Abstract: A system and method for image guided assisted medical procedures. The system and method may utilize MRI real time guidance during the above procedures.

Abstract: A compact and lightweight electric generator for portable power applications employs a new engine design and integration approach for reducing engine, generator, and starter weight. A unique flywheel alternator/starter configuration that generates electrical power, rotates the engine for starting, provides inertia for smooth engine operation, pressurized air for cooling, and inertia for the alternator. An engine cowling provides rotating component protection, a fan shroud mechanism, cooling air ducts, and a cooling mechanism for handling large quantities of heat produced by rectified power conversion. An electrical hook up that allows the generator to provide transient surge capacity for starting inductive loads, or improved load leveling and fuel efficiency.

Abstract: An automated method and system for refunding the unused portion of an electronic ticket are provided. In accordance with the method, an aging period is set and is added to the scheduled departure date of the issued ticket. If the schedules departure date plus the aging date is earlier than the current date, a determination is made as to whether the ticket has been used. If the ticket has not been used, the residual value of the ticket is calculated and a refund is issued.

Abstract: Carbon nanotubes are grown directly on metal substrates using chemical vapor deposition. Metal substrates are comprised of catalysts which facilitate or promote the growth of carbon nanotubes. The nanotube coated metal substrates have applications including, but not limited to, heat transfer and thermal control, hydrogen storage, fuel cell catalytic reformers, electronics and semiconductors, implantable medical devices or prostheses, and tribological wear and protective coatings.

Abstract: An automated method and system for refunding the unused portion of an electronic ticket are provided. In accordance with the method, an aging period is set and is added to the scheduled departure date of the issued ticket. If the scheduled departure date plus the aging date is earlier than the current date, a determination is made as to whether the ticket has been used. If the ticket has not been used, the residual value of the ticket is calculated and a refund is issued.

Abstract: Carbon nanotubes are grown directly on metal substrates using chemical vapor deposition. Metal substrates are comprised of catalysts which facilitate or promote the growth of carbon nanotubes. The nanotube coated metal substrates have applications including, but not limited to, heat transfer and thermal control, hydrogen storage, fuel cell catalytic reformers, electronics and semiconductors, implantable medical devices or prostheses, and tribological wear and protective coatings.

Abstract: A compact and lightweight electric generator for portable power applications employs a new engine design and integration approach for reducing engine and generator weight. A unique flywheel alternator generates electrical power and provides inertia for the engine, pressurized air for cooling, and inertia for the alternator. An engine cowling provides rotating component protection, a fan shroud mechanism, cooling air ducts, and a cooling mechanism for handling large quantities of heat produced by rectified power conversion.