Abstract: Apparatuses and method for determining if an endoscope is contaminated may include a sheath device to cover both the inside and outside of the endoscope. The sheath device may include a flexible tubular external sheath that extends over the endoscope to form an external protective barrier, a tubular internal sheath that extends within a lumen of the endoscope that forms an internal protective barrier, and a cap sealed to both the external sheath and the internal sheath, and a proximal sealing collar that is configured to allow the space between the endoscope and the external and/or inner sheaths to be pressurized to detect leaks indicating contamination.

Abstract: Sheaths that may be used with endoscopes, and in particular, robotic endoscopes and/or telescoping endoscopes, as well as method of using these sheaths to prevent cross-contamination between patients and contamination of the endoscope are described. These sheaths include both an outer sheath for covering the outside of the endoscope and one or more inner sheaths for covering a lumen of the endoscope, and are configured so as not to interfere with the flexibility or operation of the endoscope. These sheaths may reduce or eliminate the need for endoscope cleaning.

Abstract: A port adapter manifold may couple to one or more multi-lumen catheters to form sealed individual connections between each lumen of the multi-lumen catheter, allowing controlled access to each lumen. Described herein are apparatuses and methods, including in particular endoscope sheath systems, that include a port adapter manifold that is configured to couple to a proximal end region of a multi-lumen catheter to form a plurality of sealed ports in fluid communication with each lumen of the multi-lumen catheter.

Abstract: Apparatuses and method for determining if an endoscope is contaminated may include a sheath device to cover both the inside and outside of the endoscope. The sheath device may include a flexible tubular external sheath that extends over the endoscope to form an external protective barrier, a tubular internal sheath that extends within a lumen of the endoscope that forms an internal protective barrier, and a cap sealed to both the external sheath and the internal sheath, and a proximal sealing collar that is configured to allow the space between the endoscope and the external and/or inner sheaths to be pressurized to detect leaks indicating contamination.

Abstract: A surgical tool arrangement for performing endoscopic surgical procedures which includes a powered handpiece and a surgical cutting accessory which detachably connects to the handpiece. The cutting accessory incorporates a cutting head for resecting tissue and a suction arrangement at the distal end of the cutting accessory closely adjacent the cutting head which suction arrangement serves to evacuate tissue from the surgical site and additionally serves as a cleaning mechanism for the surgical cutting accessory. The accessory additionally incorporates a bearing arrangement for supporting the cutting element as same rotates within the housing element.

Abstract: A surgical tool arrangement for performing endoscopic surgical procedures which includes a powered handpiece and a surgical cutting accessory which detachably connects to the handpiece. The cutting accessory incorporates a cutting head for resecting tissue and a suction arrangement at the distal end of the cutting accessory closely adjacent the cutting head which suction arrangement serves to evacuate tissue from the surgical site and additionally serves as a cleaning mechanism for the surgical cutting accessory. The accessory additionally incorporates a bearing arrangement for supporting the cutting element as same rotates within the housing element.

Abstract: A surgical tool arrangement for performing endoscopic surgical procedures which includes a powered handpiece and a surgical cutting accessory which detachably connects to the handpiece. The cutting accessory incorporates a cutting head for resecting tissue and a suction arrangement at the distal end of the cutting accessory closely adjacent the cutting head which suction arrangement serves to evacuate tissue from the surgical site and additionally serves as a cleaning mechanism for the surgical cutting accessory. The accessory additionally incorporates a bearing arrangement for supporting the cutting element as same rotates within the housing element.

Abstract: A surgical tool arrangement for performing endoscopic surgical procedures which includes a powered handpiece and a surgical cutting accessory which detachably connects to the handpiece. The cutting accessory incorporates a cutting head for resecting tissue and a suction arrangement at the distal end of the cutting accessory closely adjacent the cutting head which suction arrangement serves to evacuate tissue from the surgical site and additionally serves as a cleaning mechanism for the surgical cutting accessory. The accessory additionally incorporates a bearing arrangement for supporting the cutting element as same rotates within the housing element.

Abstract: A surgical tool arrangement for performing endoscopic surgical procedures which includes a powered handpiece and a cutting accessory which detachably connects to the handpiece and incorporates a cutting head configuration which provides both aggressive tissue resection and a smooth-cut finish on treated tissue.

Abstract: A surgical tool arrangement for performing endoscopic surgical procedures which includes a powered handpiece and a cutting accessory which detachably connects to the handpiece. The cutting accessory has a distal end which defines a cutting head incorporating a suction arrangement directly adjacent the cutting features thereof.

Abstract: A surgical tool arrangement for performing endoscopic surgical procedures which includes a powered handpiece and a surgical cutting accessory which detachably connects to the handpiece. The cutting accessory incorporates a cutting head for resecting tissue and a suction arrangement at the distal end of the cutting accessory closely adjacent the cutting head which suction arrangement serves to evacuate tissue from the surgical site and additionally serves as a cleaning mechanism for the surgical cutting accessory. The accessory additionally incorporates a bearing arrangement for supporting the cutting element as same rotates within the housing element.

Abstract: A surgical tool arrangement for performing endoscopic surgical procedures which includes a powered handpiece and a cutting accessory which detachably connects to the handpiece and incorporates a cutting head configuration which provides both aggressive tissue resection and a smooth-cut finish on treated tissue.

Abstract: A surgical tool arrangement for performing endoscopic surgical procedures which includes a powered handpiece and a cutting accessory which detachably connects to the handpiece. The cutting accessory has a distal end which defines a cutting head incorporating a suction arrangement directly adjacent the cutting features thereof.

Abstract: A method and system to allow wireless devices, such as wirelessly-equipped digital cameras, to gain wireless packet-data connectivity and to interact with a media management server, such as a photo server. A wireless carrier distributes multiple devices all having the same set of radio access data (e.g., mobile identification number and electronic serial number), and all having shared or unique pre-registration data. Any such device can then readily use the shared radio access data to acquire radio connectivity and can then use the pre-registration data to gain access to the media management server. The first time such a device connects with the media management server using the pre-registration data, the server will engage in a online account registration session with the device and provision the device with post-registration data that the device can thereafter use to access the online account.

Abstract: A method and system to allow wireless devices, such as wirelessly-equipped digital cameras, to gain wireless packet-data connectivity and to interact with a media management server, such as a photo server. A wireless carrier distributes multiple devices all having the same set of radio access data (e.g., mobile identification number and electronic serial number), and all having shared or unique pre-registration data. Any such device can then readily use the shared radio access data to acquire radio connectivity and can then use the pre-registration data to gain access to the media management server. The first time such a device connects with the media management server using the pre-registration data, the server will engage in a online account registration session with the device and provision the device with post-registration data that the device can thereafter use to access the online account.

Abstract: A system and method for automatically classifying lists of telephone numbers into one or more predetermined categories is provided. The system initiates calls to each telephone number. A specific request is made of the callee, which confirms the number as being “live-answered.” The system uses speech recognition software to compare audible sounds received on the other end of the line to a plurality of spoken messages to classify each telephone number that has been classified as “not live-answered” for future use or exclusion. One embodiment of the system records each telephone call, enabling the process to be performed using a single call to each telephone number.

Abstract: A method and system is disclosed for using common provisioning data to activate cellular wireless devices. A wireless carrier may distribute multiple wireless devices containing a common set of pre-activation provisioning data, such as a common MIN/ESN pair, as well as a unique post-activation data, such as a unique ESN. When such a device is powered on, it may use the common pre-activation provisioning data to gain RF access and then enter into a provisioning data session with a provisioning server. Through the provisioning server, the carrier may tie the device to a service account, and the device may acquire and store further post-activation data, such as a unique MIN. The device may thereafter engage in wireless communication service, using its post-activation ESN and MIN as a basis to gain RF access.

Abstract: A convertible, integrated handling and testing system is described for interfacing a printed circuit board or card having electronic devices at predetermined locations thereon to a probe plate having electrical contacts at predetermined locations. A method is also described for converting a conventional vacuum test fixture to a mechanical test fixture on tester apparatus, and for converting it back to a vacuum fixture again when desired. The board handling system includes a unique conveyor system which is capable of staging one board while testing another. The conveyor system can be disengaged from one board (for testing) while another board is advanced toward the test fixture.

Abstract: A hand-held, portable, visual inspection aid is described which has a variety of uses in diverse fields, e.g., manufacturing, service and repair industries, health care field, hobby field, etc. The inspection aid includes a light source and a prism having one mirrored surface. Optionally there may also be included a magnifying lens for magnifying the image viewed through the prism. The device is useful for visually inspecting objects in areas not readily viewed with the naked eye.

Abstract: A convertible, integrated handling and testing system is described for interfacing a printed circuit board or card having electronic devices at predetermined locations thereon to a probe plate having electrical contacts at predetermined locations. A method is also described for converting a conventional vacuum test fixture to a mechanical test fixture on tester apparatus, and for converting it back to a vacuum fixture again when desired. The board handling system includes a unique conveyor system which is capable of staging one board while testing another. The conveyor system can be disengaged from one board (for testing) while another board is advanced toward the test fixture.