Abstract: An exercise monitoring system which includes an electronic positioning device; a physiological monitor; and a display unit configured for displaying data provided by said electronic positioning device and said physiological monitor.

Abstract: A trocar assembly for providing a pressurized insufflation fluid into a patient cavity and for providing sealable access to the patient cavity by a surgical instrument. The assembly comprises an inner tubular member having a proximal end and a distal end. An outer tubular member is disposed about the inner tubular member, the outer tubular member having a proximal end and a distal end. The distal end of the inner tubular member and the distal end of the outer tubular member define a trocar seal nozzle arranged therebetween.

Abstract: An exercise monitoring system which includes an electronic positioning device; a physiological monitor; and a display unit configured for displaying data provided by the electronic positioning device and the physiological monitor.

Abstract: A method of dispensing fragrant vapor into the ambient. A container having a fragrant material and a reactant system therein is provided, wherein the reactant system generates heat when an aqueous solution is added to the container. An aqueous solution is then added to the container such that the reactant system generates heat which releases fragrant vapor. A device for dispensing fragrance is also provided.

Abstract: An instrument for directing the insertion of a penetration member urged through tissue. The instrument includes a shaft, and a backstop positioned at a distal end of the shaft. The backstop and shaft are configured such that the backstop may be positioned adjacent one side of the tissue to be penetrated, and a penetration member may thereafter be urged through the opposite side of the tissue into the backstop. A method of penetrating the tissue wall of an anatomical cavity is also provided.

Abstract: A trocar employing an internal stabilizer and an optional external stabilizer is provided. The internal stabilizer is passed through the tissue wall along with the cannula, with the internal stabilizer in a retracted position. Once the cannula has been extended into the anatomical cavity, the stabilizer returns to its normal, extended position. Movement of the stabilizer between its retracted and extended positions is effected by advancement and retraction of the obturator. A method of inserting the trocar cannula is also provided.

Abstract: An instrument for the penetration of tissue, including a backstop assembly having a shaft and a backstop; and a penetration member slidingly engaged with the backstop shaft, and configured for penetrating tissue. The backstop assembly and the penetration member are configured such that the backstop may be positioned adjacent tissue to be penetrated, such that as the penetration member is urged through the tissue along the backstop shaft, the backstop will limit the depth of penetration of the penetration member through the tissue. A method of using this instrument is also provided.

Abstract: A method of treating urinary incontinence in a patient by: providing a pressure monitor probe comprising a catheter having a pressure responsive region and a distal portion, the pressure responsive region spaced a predetermined distance from the distal portion; inserting the pressure monitor probe into the patient's urethra such that the distal portion is positioned in the patient's bladder adjacent the UVJ, thereby positioning the pressure responsive region of the catheter within the urethra a predetermined distance from the UVJ; and surgically modifying the pressure applied against the urethra while monitoring the pressure applied against the urethra using the probe. An intraurethral pressure monitor probe and an intraurethral pressure monitoring assembly are also provided.

Abstract: Apparatus for reducing the glare and enhancing imaging during an endoscopic procedure. The apparatus has a first portion which linerally polarizes illumination in a first direction and a second portion which analyzes the reflected illumination in a direction at 90 degrees to the first direction.

Abstract: A novel chart permits rapid and inexpensive evaluation of an optical instrument for manufacturing purposes and/or by an operator of the instrument. For example, a user of an optical instrument may directly test the performance of an instrument without the assistance of trained personnel or a well-equipped laboratory facility. The chart comprises a plurality of levels defined by blocks having converging lines extending therein. The plurality of levels define a corresponding plurality of contrast levels between their blocks and the converging lines therein. The chart is used by viewing a plurality of levels within the chart and determining corresponding line frequency values at which the viewer is unable to discern multiple lines. These line frequency values are then compared to calibration line frequency values for the instrument being evaluated.

Abstract: An instrument is provided for migration through a lumen of a tubular part. The instrument comprises a distal section including a distal bladder adapted to be inflated and deflated; a proximal section including a proximal bladder adapted to be inflated and deflated; and, an intermediate section including an intermediate bladder adapted to be inflated and deflated. A device is associated with the distal section. A coupler is interposed between the distal and intermediate sections for movably coupling the distal section to the intermediate section. A drive mechanism is coupled between the distal and intermediate sections for effecting movement of the distal section about the coupler. A controller is provided for selectively inflating and deflating the distal, proximal and intermediate bladders to effect migration of the distal, intermediate and proximal sections through the lumen.

Abstract: A sealing device for endoscopic surgical procedures is disclosed. In one embodiment, the device has two inflatable toroidal sections connected by a transition section. The device is partially inserted into an abdominal opening in a deflated state, and then inflated to provide a seal for obstructing the passage of gas from the abdominal cavity during endoscopic surgery. Endoscopic instruments, or alternatively, the surgeon's hand, can penetrate through the lumen of the toroidal sections of the device. The lumen then conforms to the shape of the instrument or hand passed through it to maintain an adequate seal.In another embodiment, a sealing device to seal a trocar is disclosed. The device is an inflatable toroid shaped to fit securely within the housing of the trocar. Means are provided to selectively inflate or deflate the device to perform its intended sealing function, and instruments can be passed through the lumen of the toroid to access the surgical site without destroying the integrity of the seal.

Abstract: A plurality of parallel spaced cylindrical capillary tubes contain single cells and/or cell colonies in a medium and gel-like agarose, and the tubes are carried by a frame-like holder supported by a motor driven X-Y translation stage of an automated microscope. The microscope also incorporates an electronic optical detector and an object lens located under the tube holder. The entire contents of each tube are internally illuminated by a precision light beam emitted from a helium-neon laser and reflected by a set of precisely positioned mirrors so that the beam extends axially through each tube when the tube extends across the vertical axis of the object lens. The contents of the tubes are sequentially scanned under the control of special softward within a personal computer, and the intensity of the light reflected outwardly from each cell or cell colony is sensed by the detector and recorded in the computer along with the axial location of the reflecting cell or cell colony.

Abstract: A plurality of parallel spaced cylindrical capillary tubes contain single cells and/or cell colonies in a medium and gel-like agarose, and the tubes are carried by a frame-like holder supported by a motor driven X-Y translation stage of an automated microscope. The microscope also incorporates an electronic optical detector and an object lens located under the tube holder. The entire contents of each tube are internally illuminated by a precision light beam emitted from a helium-neon laser and reflected by a set of precisely positioned mirrors so that the beam extends axially through each tube when the tube extends across the vertical axis of the object lens. The contents of the tubes are sequentially scanned under the control of special software within a personal computer, and the intensity of the light reflected outwardly from each cell or cell colony is sensed by the detector and recorded in the computer along with the axial location of the reflecting cell or cell colony.