Abstract: A system for analysis of biopsy samples includes a tissue sample transport mechanism linking a biopsy sample excision tool to a tissue sample holder disposed in a staging area of an analysis unit. The tissue sample is automatically transported from the excision tool to the specimen holder, where the tissue sample is analyzed in the staging area of the analysis unit. The transport mechanism may include tubing and a vacuum source. The tissue sample holder may be configured to slow or temporarily stop a tissue sample for individual analysis, or collect multiple tissue samples for analysis as a group. A tissue sample sorting mechanism may be employed that allows separation of specimens that can be correlated to the analysis.

Abstract: Therapeutic cushions having a plurality of inflatable columnar cells, pumping mechanism, and a manifold or valve system for moving a fluid between the pumping mechanism and the inflatable columnar cells. The inflatable columnar cells are constructed such that inflation and deflation of the cells cause vertical expansion/contraction of the cells with limited lateral expansion/contraction. The manifold or the valve system connect the pumping mechanism with the inflatable columnar cells such that a plurality of zones are created. A valve assembly can include a plurality of valves and is adjustable among at least three valve configurations to vary fluid connections to the inflatable columnar cells to produce rearwardly advancing waves. A venting manifold may vent air from the cells between the cushions.

Abstract: A correction clamp assembly that permits a physician to surgically correct a bunion or similar deformity is provided. The assembly includes an elongate bridge, as well as first and second blocks slidably or rotatably connected to the elongate bridge. More specifically, first block is configured to slide along a slot formed in the elongate bridge, as well as rotate relative thereto. Additionally, the second block is configured to rotate relative to the elongate bridge. First and second pins may be configured to extend through the first and second block, and then into various pieces of bone. Once a cut is made in a portion of joint or bone, the pins can thereafter be moved towards and away from one another to position the respective pieces of bone in a desired location. Locking screws may also be provided to releasably secure the blocks relative to the bridge.

Abstract: A correction clamp assembly that permits a physician to surgically correct a bunion or similar deformity is provided. The assembly includes an elongate bridge, as well as first and second blocks slidably or rotatably connected to the elongate bridge. More specifically, first block is configured to slide along a slot formed in the elongate bridge, as well as rotate relative thereto. Additionally, the second block is configured to rotate relative to the elongate bridge. First and second pins may be configured to extend through the first and second block, and then into various pieces of bone. Once a cut is made in a portion of joint or bone, the pins can thereafter be moved towards and away from one another to position the respective pieces of bone in a desired location. Locking screws may also be provided to releasably secure the blocks relative to the bridge.

Abstract: Systems and methods for operating a controlled device via an activation accessory that includes a vibration motor, a wearable module including a clench-detection sensor (e.g., a Hall effect sensor), and a communication element. The sensor is coupled to a controller, which has an output coupled to a control signal interface and another output coupled to the vibration motor. The controller is programmed to receive and evaluate input signals from the sensor to determine whether or not they represent a command for the controlled device by assessing the input signals for a signal pattern indicative of a plurality of volitional jaw clench actions of a wearer of the wearable module. If/when the processor determines that the input signals represent the command, then it decodes the command and transmits an associated control signal to the controlled device via the control signal interface as well as an activation signal to the vibration motor.

Abstract: A correction clamp assembly that permits a physician to surgically correct a bunion or similar deformity is provided. The assembly includes an elongate bridge, as well as first and second blocks slidably or rotatably connected to the elongate bridge. More specifically, first block is configured to slide along a slot formed in the elongate bridge, as well as rotate relative thereto. Additionally, the second block is configured to rotate relative to the elongate bridge. First and second pins may be configured to extend through the first and second block, and then into various pieces of bone. Once a cut is made in a portion of joint or bone, the pins can thereafter be moved towards and away from one another to position the respective pieces of bone in a desired location. Locking screws may also be provided to releasably secure the blocks relative to the bridge.

Abstract: Systems and methods for operating a controlled device via an activation accessory that includes a vibration motor, a wearable module including a clench-detection sensor (e.g., a Hall effect sensor), and a communication element. The sensor is coupled to a controller, which has an output coupled to a control signal interface and another output coupled to the vibration motor. The controller is programmed to receive and evaluate input signals from the sensor to determine whether or not they represent a command for the controlled device by assessing the input signals for a signal pattern indicative of a plurality of volitional jaw clench actions of a wearer of the wearable module. If/when the processor determines that the input signals represent the command, then it decodes the command and transmits an associated control signal to the controlled device via the control signal interface as well as an activation signal to the vibration motor.

Abstract: Systems and methods for operating a controlled device via an activation accessory that includes a vibration motor, a wearable module including a clench-detection sensor (e.g., a Hal effect sensor), and a communication element. The sensor is coupled to a controller, which has an output coupled to a control signal interface and another output coupled to the vibration motor. The controller is programmed to receive and evaluate input signals from the sensor to determine whether or not they represent a command for the controlled device by assessing the input signals for a signal pattern indicative of a plurality of volitional jaw clench actions of a wearer of the wearable module. If/when the processor determines that the input signals represent the command, then it decodes the command and transmits an associated control signal to the controlled device via the control signal interface as well as an activation signal to the vibration motor.

Abstract: Therapeutic cushions having a plurality of inflatable columnar cells, pumping mechanism, and a manifold or valve system for moving a fluid between the pumping mechanism and the inflatable columnar cells. The inflatable columnar cells are constructed such that inflation and deflation of the cells cause vertical expansion/contraction of the cells with limited lateral expansion/contraction. The manifold or the valve system connect the pumping mechanism with the inflatable columnar cells such that a plurality of zones are created. A valve assembly can include a plurality of valves and is adjustable among at least three valve configurations to vary fluid connections to the inflatable columnar cells to produce rearwardly advancing waves. A venting manifold may vent air from the cells between the cushions.

Abstract: A respiratory device provides respiratory support to a patient. The respiratory device includes an expandable bag and a rigid valve housing. The expandable bag has an air inlet valve as well as a first and second sides that are bounded, respectively, by first and second rigid side panels. Each of the first and second rigid side panels includes a biasing member projection. The rigid valve housing is in fluid communication with the expandable bag. The rigid valve housing includes an adjustable tidal volume control device that interfaces with the biasing member projection of each of the first and second rigid side panels to set one of a plurality of predetermined tidal volumes for the expandable bag in an uncompressed or compressed configuration. The rigid valve housing additionally includes a patient breathing interface connection member.

Abstract: Systems and methods for operating a controlled device via an activation accessory of a wearable device that includes a movable actuator, a sensor, and a communication element. The sensor is coupled to a controller, which has an output coupled to a control signal interface. The controller is programmed to receive and evaluate input signals from the sensor that are responsive to movements of the movable actuator to determine whether or not they represent a command for the controlled device by assessing the input signals for a signal pattern indicative of a plurality of volitional actions of a wearer of the activation accessory. If/when the processor determines that the input signals represent the command, then it decodes the command and transmits an associated control signal to the controlled device via the control signal interface.

Abstract: Systems and methods for operating a controlled device via an activation accessory that includes a vibration motor, a wearable module including a clench-detection sensor (e.g., a Hal effect sensor), and a communication element. The sensor is coupled to a controller, which has an output coupled to a control signal interface and another output coupled to the vibration motor. The controller is programmed to receive and evaluate input signals from the sensor to determine whether or not they represent a command for the controlled device by assessing the input signals for a signal pattern indicative of a plurality of volitional jaw clench actions of a wearer of the wearable module. If/when the processor determines that the input signals represent the command, then it decodes the command and transmits an associated control signal to the controlled device via the control signal interface as well as an activation signal to the vibration motor.

Abstract: A respiratory device for providing respiratory support to a patient includes an expandable bag and a rigid valve housing portion. The expandable bag includes an air intake valve, an adjustable predetermined tidal volume and a hinge configured to maintain the expandable bag in a predetermined tidal volume in an uncompressed configuration. The rigid valve housing portion in fluid communication with the expandable bag, the valve housing portion includes a peak inspiratory pressure (PIP) mechanism, an adjustable dial configured to adjust both the tidal volume of the expandable bag and a value of the PIP mechanism, a two-way valve configured to allow air to move from the expandable bag in a first direction through a first portion and directs air in an opposing direction through a second portion to create positive end-expiratory pressure (PEEP), and a PEEP controller comprising a PEEP dial configured to select a predetermined PEEP value provided by the two-way valve.

Abstract: A system for analysis of biopsy samples includes a tissue sample transport mechanism linking a biopsy sample excision tool to a tissue sample holder disposed in a staging area of an analysis unit. The tissue sample is automatically transported from the excision tool to the specimen holder, where the tissue sample is analyzed in the staging area of the analysis unit. The transport mechanism may include tubing and a vacuum source. The tissue sample holder may be configured to slow or temporarily stop a tissue sample for individual analysis, or collect multiple tissue samples for analysis as a group. A tissue sample sorting mechanism may be employed that allows separation of specimens that can be correlated to the analysis.

Abstract: A system for analysis of biopsy samples includes a tissue sample transport mechanism linking a biopsy sample excision tool to a tissue sample holder disposed in a staging area of an analysis unit. The tissue sample is automatically transported from the excision tool to the specimen holder, where the tissue sample is analyzed in the staging area of the analysis unit. The transport mechanism may include tubing and a vacuum source. The tissue sample holder may be configured to slow or temporarily stop a tissue sample for individual analysis, or collect multiple tissue samples for analysis as a group. A tissue sample sorting mechanism may be employed that allows separation of specimens that can be correlated to the analysis.

Abstract: A surgical device is disclosed that comprises a cutting element, a biopsy line, a motor line, and a vacuum line. The cutting element includes an outer cannula and an inner cannula. The biopsy line is operatively connected to a control console for moving the inner cannula within the outer cannula to cut tissue cores. The motor line is operatively connected to the control console for operating the surgical device. The vacuum line is operatively connected to the inner cannula. A selectively openable tissue filter is operatively connected to the inner cannula, and is also connected to the vacuum line.

Abstract: A surgical device is disclosed that comprises a cutting element, a biopsy line, a motor line, and a vacuum line. The cutting element includes an outer cannula and an inner cannula. The biopsy line is operatively connected to a control console for moving the inner cannula within the outer cannula to cut tissue cores. The motor line is operatively connected to the control console for operating the surgical device. The vacuum line is operatively connected to the inner cannula. A selectively openable tissue filter is operatively connected to the inner cannula, and is also connected to the vacuum line.

Abstract: A surgical device is disclosed that comprises a cutting element, a biopsy line, a motor line, and a vacuum line. The cutting element includes an outer cannula and an inner cannula. The biopsy line is operatively connected to a control console for moving the inner cannula within the outer cannula to cut tissue cores. The motor line is operatively connected to the control console for operating the surgical device. The vacuum line is operatively connected to the inner cannula. A selectively openable tissue filter is operatively connected to the inner cannula, and is also connected to the vacuum line.

Abstract: A system for analysis of biopsy samples includes a tissue sample transport mechanism linking a biopsy sample excision tool to a tissue sample holder disposed in a staging area of an analysis unit. The tissue sample is automatically transported from the excision tool to the specimen holder, where the tissue sample is analyzed in the staging area of the analysis unit. The transport mechanism may include tubing and a vacuum source. The tissue sample holder may be configured to slow or temporarily stop a tissue sample for individual analysis, or collect multiple tissue samples for analysis as a group. A tissue sample sorting mechanism may be employed that allows separation of specimens that can be correlated to the analysis.

Abstract: A biopsy device having a stylet, an outer cannula, and a vacuum chamber is disclosed. The stylet includes a lumen with an open proximal end and a tissue receiving opening near a distal end thereof. The outer cannula is slidably disposed over the stylet and has an open distal end with a cutting edge formed thereon. The vacuum chamber is in communication with the lumen of the stylet. Actuation of the outer cannula causes a vacuum to be delivered to the tissue receiving opening through the lumen of the stylet before the outer cannula advances distally.