Abstract: A cryoprobe for use in cryosurgery and other applications comprising a rigid outer tube, an inner coolant inlet tube. a short rigid penetrating segment extending distally from the distal end of the outer tube and a helical-shaped baffle having a heating element disposed about the outer surface of the inlet tube. The baffle is adapted to produce turbulent fluid flow improving heat transfer and is able to warm target tissue during rapid freezing and thawing cycles.

Abstract: A cryosurgical system using a low-pressure liquid nitrogen supply, which requires only 0.5 to 15 bar of pressure to provide adequate cooling power for treatment of typical breast lesions. The pressure may be provided by supplying lightly pressurized air into the dewar, by heating a small portion of the nitrogen in the dewar, or with a small low pressure pump.

Abstract: A cryosurgical system using a low-pressure liquid nitrogen supply, which requires only 0.5 to 1 bar of pressure to provide adequate cooling power for treatment of typical breast lesions. The pressure may be provided by supplying lightly pressurized air into the dewar, by heating a small portion of the nitrogen in the dewar, or with a small low pressure pump.

Abstract: Methods and tools that insert implants for the treatment of snoring and sleep apnea in a cavity created in the patient's tissue are disclosed. Some tools and methods can additionally verify that the cavity has proper cavitation depth and does not have unwanted perforations.

Abstract: A cryosurgical system using a low-pressure liquid nitrogen supply, which requires only 0.5 to 15 bar of pressure to provide adequate cooling power for treatment of typical breast lesions. The pressure may be provided by supplying lightly pressurized air into the dewar, by heating a small portion of the nitrogen in the dewar, or with a small low pressure pump.

Abstract: Devices and methods for securing an implant to the hard palate are disclosed. The device may use a bracket and a retention element, such as a screw or tack, for retaining the device to the hard palate. The device may include a housing and an actuator element for actuating a portion of the soft palate. The method may include securing the retention element into the hard palate.

Abstract: A dual plate heater provides two parallel temperature self-regulating heater plates or wire mesh comprising ferromagnetic material with one or more electrically energized coils parallel to and located between the heater plates which coil(s) when energized by a constant current or by an otherwise controlled current heat the plates to their Curie temperature or temperatures. The coil may be a flat spiral of thin conductive (copper) wire embedded in a thin layer of a heat conductive, electrically non-conductive material between said plates whereby heat energy generated in the coil is supplied to the heater plates. The dual plate heater may be employed to heat plastic pipes to their butt welding temperatures after which the heater is removed to the ends of the pipes to be joined are brought into contact under pressure. The dual plate heaters may also be employed in other arrangements such as shelves in a dispensing machine.

Abstract: A valve for a needleless syringe fitting is disclosed. The valve has a receptacle fitting for releasable attachment to the syringe fitting, a valve chamber, a valve seat adjacent the chamber, and elastomeric sealing bowl within the chamber. The bowl is deformed and partially inverted when the syringe fitting is attached to the receptacle fitting, causing the valve to open. Also disclosed is a valved container in which a vial is sealed by a valve of this type.

Abstract: A dual plate heater provides two parallel temperature self-regulating heater plates or wire mesh comprising ferromagnetic material with one or more electrically energized coils parallel to and located between the heater plates which coil(s) when energized by a constant current or by an otherwise controlled current heat the plates to their Curie temperature or temperatures. The coil may be a flat spiral of thin conductive (copper) wire embedded in a thin layer of a heat conductive, electrically non-conductive material between said plates whereby heat energy generated in the coil is supplied to the heater plates. The dual plate heater may be employed to heat plastic pipes to their butt welding temperatures after which the heater is removed to the ends of the pipes to be joined are brought into contact under pressure. The dual plate heaters may also be employed in other arrangements such as shelves in a dispensing machine.

Abstract: A dispenser apparatus for use in dispensing disposable stethoscope diaphragms for removable attachment to a stethoscope head is disclosed. The apparatus operates by removing a diaphragm from a stack, and presenting it for attachment to a stethoscope, when a dispensing plate is shuttled between retracted and extended positions. Also disclosed is a method for reducing the risk of infection by stethoscope use.

Abstract: The invention provides a system and method for joining plastic members including induction heaters fabricated from a conductive wire coated with a ferromagnetic material and providing ratios of at least 4 to 1 between the areas over the spaces between wires and the area of the wires surrounding the open spaces; the heaters being located preferably between plastic members to be joined. The heaters may be located adjacent the two ends of a plastic connector adapted to receive a pipe in at least one and probably two ends with the heaters being activated preferably by induction heating to produce welding of the plastics to one another. One form of heater is fabricated on a hollow cylindrical mandrel having helical grooves in which the wire is wound and having radial holes arranged in axially extending rows spaced circumferentially about the mandrel so the axially extending wires may be spot welded to the wires in the helical grooves at each hole.