Abstract: Devices, systems, and methods for orally delivering fluids and semi-solid foods to individuals for the promotion of health are disclosed. Various embodiments relate to a food delivery mouthpiece and related apparatuses and systems. Some embodiments of the food delivery mouthpiece include a spout and base. In some embodiments, the food delivery mouthpiece is configured for removable connection to a food container, such as, for example, to the straw of a flexible food pouch. In other embodiments, the food delivery mouthpiece is permanently coupled to a food pouch. Food delivery systems are disclosed, which include a food delivery mouthpiece, a food pouch, and fluids or semi-solid foods contained within the food pouches. A cap for the food delivery mouthpiece is also disclosed.

Abstract: Devices, systems, and methods for orally delivering fluids and semi-solid foods to individuals for the promotion of health are disclosed. Various embodiments relate to a food delivery mouthpiece and related apparatuses and systems. Some embodiments of the food delivery mouthpiece include a spout and base. In some embodiments, the food delivery mouthpiece is configured for removable connection to a food container, such as, for example, to the straw of a flexible food pouch. In other embodiments, the food delivery mouthpiece is permanently coupled to a food pouch. Food delivery systems are disclosed, which include a food delivery mouthpiece, a food pouch, and fluids or semi-solid foods contained within the food pouches. A cap for the food delivery mouthpiece is also disclosed.

Abstract: Surgical sutures are provided. In general, the surgical sutures can include a plurality of directional indicators that each visually indicate a same direction, e.g., a direction toward one free end of the suture. The directional indicators can be configured to indicate a position of the suture relative to a patient and/or other medical device(s). The directional indicators can be a function of the suture itself so as to be an integral part thereof. In other words, threads, also referred to as “strands,” that form the suture can define the directional indictors. The suture can be braided using threads of two different colors so as to form the directional arrows as an integral part of the suture when the suture is braided in manufacturing of the suture.

Abstract: Surgical sutures are provided. In general, the surgical sutures can include a plurality of directional indicators that each visually indicate a same direction, e.g., a direction toward one free end of the suture. The directional indicators can be configured to indicate a position of the suture relative to a patient and/or other medical device(s). The directional indicators can be a function of the suture itself so as to be an integral part thereof. In other words, threads, also referred to as “strands,” that form the suture can define the directional indictors. The suture can be braided using threads of two different colors so as to form the directional arrows as an integral part of the suture when the suture is braided in manufacturing of the suture.

Abstract: Methods and devices for orally administering fluids and medical instrumentation to individuals for the promotion of health are disclosed. An apparatus is described comprising a pacifier configured to hold fluid and configured for sucking. In some embodiments, the apparatus includes a balloon positioned within a cavity of the pacifier. The balloon is configured to facilitate expulsion of the fluid from the cavity and to limit a user's ingestion of air. In other embodiments, the apparatus includes a cartridge or ampoule configured to store a fluid and expel the fluid through the pacifier. Systems are disclosed which include the pacifier apparatus, a known quantity of fluid or powder, and sterile packaging. Other systems are disclosed whereby various attachments, both medical and non-medical, couple to the apparatus. Methods of using and methods of manufacturing are also disclosed.

Abstract: Devices, systems, and methods for orally delivering fluids and semi-solid foods to individuals for the promotion of health are disclosed. Various embodiments relate to a food delivery mouthpiece and related apparatuses and systems. Some embodiments of the food delivery mouthpiece include a spout and base. In some embodiments, the food delivery mouthpiece is configured for removable connection to a food container, such as, for example, to the straw of a flexible food pouch. In other embodiments, the food delivery mouthpiece is permanently coupled to a food pouch. Food delivery systems are disclosed, which include a food delivery mouthpiece, a food pouch, and fluids or semi-solid foods contained within the food pouches. A cap for the food delivery mouthpiece is also disclosed.

Abstract: Methods and devices for orally administering fluids and medical instrumentation to individuals for the promotion of health are disclosed. An apparatus is described comprising a pacifier configured to hold fluid and configured for sucking. In some embodiments, the apparatus includes a balloon positioned within a cavity of the pacifier. The balloon is configured to facilitate expulsion of the fluid from the cavity and to limit a user's ingestion of air. In other embodiments, the apparatus includes a cartridge or ampoule configured to store a fluid and expel the fluid through the pacifier. Systems are disclosed which include the pacifier apparatus, a known quantity of fluid or powder, and sterile packaging. Other systems are disclosed whereby various attachments, both medical and non-medical, couple to the apparatus. Methods of using and methods of manufacturing are also disclosed.

Abstract: A surgical device comprising a container and a tether used for delivering a sterile appliance into a body cavity during endoscopic procedures. Once positioned in the body cavity, a force is applied to the container through the tether. The force opens the container and releases the sterile appliance into the body cavity. In various embodiments, gas or liquid may be used to open the container.

Abstract: A screening device for performing an immunoassay test to detect the presence of a compound in a body fluid. The device includes a holder for removably receiving a membrane to which the fluid has been applied. Light is directed to the membrane. A photodetector measures the concentration of the light reflected back from the membrane. Specifically, the concentrations of reflected light from a control zone and a test zone are measured. Signals representative of the measured light concentrations are applied to a processor. If a specified concentration of predetermined light from a control zone on the membrane is detected, the processor considers the test to be successful. In the test is successful, the processor, based upon the measured concentration of reflected light from the test zone, generates data representative of the presence of the compound.

Abstract: A screening device for performing an immunoassay test to detect the presence of a compound in a body fluid. The device includes a holder for removably receiving a membrane to which the fluid has been applied. A light is directed to the membrane. A photodetector measures the concentration of the light reflected back from the membrane. Specifically, the concentrations of reflected light from a control zone and a test zone are measured. Signals representative of the measured light concentrations are applied to a processor. If a specified concentration of predetermined light from a control zone on the membrane is detected, the processor considers the test to be successful. In the test is successful, the processor, based upon the measured concentration of reflected light from the test zone, generates data representative of the presence of the compound.

Abstract: Devices and methods for endoscopic and/or laparoscopic surgery are provided. In one aspect, a surgical device is provided that includes an elongate member, such as an endoscope, having proximal and distal ends and a working channel associated therewith. An expandable member is also associated with the endoscope, and the expandable member is configured to be selectively expanded to engage at least a portion of a cavity within a patient, thereby stabilizing the endoscope within the patient.

Abstract: An apparatus for slip-lining a pipeline with plastic pipe including a slip-line cable having four sections—a forward navigation section, an intermediate locking section connected to a back end of the forward navigation section, a rearward drive section connected to a back end of the intermediate locking section, and an impact driver connected to the rearward drive section. Also disclosed is a method for slip-lining a pipeline with plastic pipe.

Abstract: Devices and methods are provided for positioning a tool. In one embodiment, an endoscopic rotation device is provided having a rotatable collet, a flexible elongate translating mechanism, and an actuating mechanism. The rotatable collet can be configured to receive and engage a tool disposed therethrough, and the translating mechanism can be coupled to the collet. The actuating mechanism can be operatively associated with the translating mechanism and can be effective to cause the translating mechanism to apply a rotational force to the collet to rotate the tool disposed therethrough.

Abstract: An intubation device is provided for use with a guide apparatus having a track that is adapted to be associated with an endoscope such that bending of the track is substantially decoupled from bending of the endoscope. The intubation device includes an elongated, flexible tube defining a channel therethrough and having a plurality of spaced-apart apertures disposed on the distal portion, wherein the apertures are in fluid communication with the channel. The intubation device further includes a mating member attached to the tube and adapted to slidingly engage the track external of the endoscope.

Abstract: A snaring device for use with a percutaneous cannula positioned in a body wall and extending into a body cavity of a patient. The snaring device has an elongated, bendable member formed from a spring material and having a first bendable member end and a second bendable member end. The snaring device also has an elongated, control member having a first control member end and a second control member end. The snaring device further has an attachment flexibly connecting the first control member end and the first bendable member end, such that the attachment is insertable through the cannula while the control member is extended alongside the bendable member. A distal portion of the bendable member is configurable into a loop by simultaneously pushing on the second bendable member end and pulling on the second control member end while the distal portion is at least partially extended into the body cavity.

Abstract: Methods and devices are provided for controlling movement of a working end of a surgical device. In one embodiment, methods and devices are provided for moving an end effector on a distal end of a surgical fastening device. Movement can include rotational movement of the end effector about an axis of the shaft, articulation of the end effector relative to the shaft, and actuation of an end effector, e.g., closing, firing, and/or cutting. In other embodiments, a single cable actuator is provided and is movable between a first position, in which it is effective to rotate an end effector without actuating (i.e., closing and firing) the end effector, and a second position, in which it is effective to actuate the end effector without rotating the end effector. In other aspects, methods and devices are provided for moving a flexible neck formed on a distal end of an accessory channel for use with an endoscope.

Abstract: An intubation device is provided for use with a guide apparatus having a track that is adapted to be associated with an endoscope such that bending of the track is substantially decoupled from bending of the endoscope. The intubation device includes an elongated, flexible tube and a mating member attached to the tube and adapted to slidingly engage the track external of the endoscope. The intubation device further includes a tissue bolster disposed on the proximal portion of the tube and changeable between a collapsed and an expanded configuration. The tube is positionable inside the upper gastrointestinal tract of a patient such that the proximal end of the tube is externalized through the gastric and abdominal walls of the patient, and wherein the tissue bolster is securable against the inner gastric wall when the tissue bolster is in the expanded configuration.

Abstract: A new and distinct cultivar of Crepe Myrtle plant named ‘Bradberry's Wine’, characterized by its upright to somewhat outwardly spreading plant habit; freely branching habit; dark green-colored leaves; large inflorescences with showy red purple-colored flowers; resistance to Powdery Mildew; and good garden performance.