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 tool and method is provided for attaching an endcap to a medical instrument such as an endoscope tip, wherein the endcap includes an elastically deformable, endcap opening having an unexpanded diameter that is smaller than the diameter of the instrument tip and an expanded diameter that is greater than the diameter of the instrument tip. The tool has a first component adapted to hold the endcap and to receive the instrument tip and a second component operatively associated with the first component and movable with respect to the first component, wherein the second component is adapted to apply a force to the first component. The endcap opening may be elastically deformed to have the expanded diameter prior to positioning the endcap at a desired longitudinal location and angular orientation with respect to the endoscope tip.

Abstract: A surgical instrument for being endoscopically or laparoscopically inserted into a surgical site for simultaneous stapling and severing of tissue includes force adjusted spacing between an upper jaw (anvil) and a lower jaw (staple cartridge engaged to an elongate staple channel) so that the height of staple formation corresponds to the thickness of the tissue, yet does not exceed the height range that may be accommodated by the length of the staples. In particular, resilient structures may be formed into one or more of the elongate channel that supports the staple cartridge, the anvil that is pivotally attached to the elongate channel, and/or a firing member that includes a cutting surface (knife) that severs tissue between a top pin that engages the anvil and a lower foot that engage the elongate channel. The resilience responds to the force exerted by clamped tissue to vary the spacing between the anvil and the staple cartridge supported within the elongate channel.

Abstract: A medical apparatus and method useful for positioning a device, such as an endcap, on an end of an endoscope, is disclosed. The apparatus can exert a pulling force on the endoscope through the endcap while a pushing force is applied to the endcap. The apparatus can be used to press an endcap onto the distal end of an endoscope without grasping by hand a sheath in those applications where the endoscope is disposed in a sheath.

Abstract: A method for positioning a device, such as an endcap, on an endoscope is disclosed. The method can be used, for example, for facilitating pressing an endcap onto an endoscope, including in those applications where the endscope is disposed in a sheath and the endcap is positioned at the distal end of the sheath.

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: Immunoassay tests or agglutination tests run on samples of bodily fluid to detect the presence of particular compounds such as drugs in the body may be screened in the screening device. A test membrane is inserted into the screening device and illuminated. The reflected image is detected and the digitized data processed. For immunoassay tests, the digitized data is segmented and data for the test region is compared to that from the control region and the background regions to determine whether the test data exhibits any significant results. For agglutination tests, the digitized data is processed to determine the number and size of the areas of coagulation to determine whether the test data exhibits any significant results.

Abstract: A distinct cultivar of Ruellia plant named `Colobe Pink`, characterized by its compact plant habit; numerous soft pink flowers with a purple eye; flowers held above the foliage; moderately vigorous growth habit; durable dark green foliage; and high temperature and high light tolerance.

Abstract: A distinct cultivar of Verbena plant named `Colkeeter`, characterized by its upright, outwardly spreading and freely branching plant habit; numerous inflorescences of bright red flowers with intense purple star at center; vigorous growth habit; small dark green leaves; and high temperature, high light and frost tolerance.

Abstract: A new and distinct cultivar of Nandina plant named `Colerno`, characterized by its upright, compact and dense plant habit; low vigor, slow growth rate; and unique dark red purple-colored young foliage and dark green-colored mature foliage. Dark red purple color of young foliage is retained year-round.

Abstract: A new and distinct cultivar of Photinia plant named `Colmont`, characterized by its upright and uniform plant form; freely branching plant habit; short internodes; sharply serrated leaf margins; shiny dark red young foliage; and glossy dark green mature foliage.

Abstract: A new and distinct cultivar of Photinia plant named `Colango`, characterized by its upright and somewhat outwardly spreading plant form; vigorous and freely branching plant habit; short internodes; sharply serrated leaf margins; shiny dark red young foliage; undulating dark green mature foliage; and long-lasting red leaf color.