Abstract: A wound retractor device (1) comprises a distal ring member (2) for insertion into a wound opening (3), a proximal ring member (4) for location externally of the wound opening (3), and four strap members (5) extending between the proximal ring member (4) and the distal ring member (2). The four separate strap members (5) are axially movable relative to the distal ring member (2) and relative to the proximal ring member (4). The distal ring member (2) comprises four slots (6), with each strap member (5) positioned extending through a slot (6). The slots (6) thus act as passageways through which the strap members (5) may extend, and in this manner the slots (6) guide movement of the strap members (5) relative to the distal ring member (2). The proximal ring member (4) also comprises four slots (7) which act as passageways to guide movement of the strap members (5) relative to the proximal ring member (4).

Abstract: A surgical sealing device 1 for providing hand or instrument access during a surgical procedure is mounted to a wound retractor device 10 which is used to retract the sides of an opening into an internal cavity. The sealing device 1 comprises a first sealing member 5 and a second sealing member 6. The second sealing member 6 has passageway 2 with a sidewall of an elastic material to create a seal between the sidewall of the passageway 2 and an object passing through the passageway 2. The first sealing member 5 is in the form of a flap of flexible material and is moveable relative to the second sealing member 6 between a closed configuration sealing the passageway 2 and an open configuration. The flap member 5 may be fixedly attached to the second sealing member 6 by means of a reception loop 7 formed at the distal surface of the second sealing member 6.

Abstract: An instrument access device comprises at least a first instrument seal 71 to effect a seal around a first instrument extended through the device and a second instrument seal 72 to effect a seal around a second instrument extended through the device. The instrument seals 71, 72 are configured to be arranged in a sealing relationship to a body of a patient. The device also comprises a distal anchoring ring 401 for location within a wound interior and a retractor member 402 extending proximally from the distal anchoring ring 401 to retract laterally the sides of a wound opening.

Abstract: A retractor (101) for retracting the margins of a wound opening (103) comprises an inner anchoring O-ring (105) attached to a cylindrical sleeve (106) at a distal end and a reinforcing O-ring (109) attached to a proximal end of the sleeve (106). The sleeve (106) is led between an inner ring part (110) and a corresponding recess (116) in an outer ring part (111). The outer ring part (111) has anchor formations (120) over which the proximal end of the sleeve (106) is attached to anchor the sleeve (106). To retract the wound opening (103) the sleeve (106) is pulled while the guide rings (110, 111) are moved against the tissue surrounding the wound opening (103). This pulls the inner O-ring (105) against the inside of the tissue adjacent the wound opening (103), and retracts the wound opening (103). The sleeve (106) is manipulated locally for maximum retraction efficiency.

Abstract: A retractor (101) for retracting the margins of a wound opening (103) comprises an inner anchoring O-ring (105) attached to a cylindrical sleeve (106) at a distal end and a reinforcing O-ring (109) attached to a proximal end of the sleeve (106). The sleeve (106) is led between an inner ring part (110) and a corresponding recess (116) in an outer ring part (111). The outer ring part (111) has anchor formations (120) over which the proximal end of the sleeve (106) is attached to anchor the sleeve (106). To retract the wound opening (103) the sleeve (106) is pulled while the guide rings (110, 111) are moved against the tissue surrounding the wound opening (103). This pulls the inner O-ring (105) against the inside of the tissue adjacent the wound opening (103), and retracts the wound opening (103). The sleeve (106) is manipulated locally for maximum retraction efficiency.

Abstract: A system for automatically testing a sample aliquot retained in temporary storage in environmentally controlled conditions on an automated clinical analyzer for a period of time without requiring operator intervention.

Abstract: A method and system for tracking user utilization of a web page. The invention can use a tracking script, which can be a client-based Javascript code in some embodiments. The tracking script can be executed in a visitor's web browser when the customer's web page is loaded on the visitors' computer. The tracking script can be unique to each customer because it can be determined by the elements on the customer's web page and can be generated via a dynamic web server process. In at least some embodiments, when the customer's web page loads on the visitor's computer, the visitor's browser requests the tracking script from a server. The server can then transmit the tracking script to the visitor's browser and the tracking script can register itself and “passively” listens to various browser events.

Abstract: An instrument access device (1) comprises an instrument seal, a wound retractor for retracting a wound opening (2), and an opening element for at least partially opening the seal to facilitate insertion of an instrument (6) through the seal. The instrument seal comprises a gelatinous elastomeric seal (3) with a pinhole opening (4) extending therethrough, and a housing (5) around the seal (3). The opening element may be employed to at least partially open the pinhole opening (4) to facilitate insertion of the instrument (6) through the pinhole opening (4). The opening element comprises a sheet (11) of flexible material. The sheet (11) is movable distally relative to the seal (3) between a rest configuration and an opening configuration. In the rest configuration the sheet (11) is substantially planar.

Abstract: An electro-mechanical transducer, which provides radial amplified multiple piston motion is formed from attached multiple lever arms and multiple electro-mechanical drivers. The piston motion is amplified by lever arms, which are attached to electro-mechanical drivers, such as piezoelectric or magnetostrictive drivers, which oscillate in a radial direction in unison with the applied voltage. A minimum of three pistons, three lever arms (or shells) and three drivers may be used. A preferred embodiment, uses four pistons, four lever arms (or shells) and four drivers. As a result of both the magnified motion of the lever arms (or shells) and the large acoustic radiating area of the multiple pistons, the transducer provides a means for a high-source level from a compact low-frequency broadband transducer.

Abstract: The present invention relates to stilbene and quinine compounds related to combretastatin A-4 and their use as anticancer compounds and prodrugs. The compounds include those with an alkyl group on the double bond of cis or trans-stilbenes, compounds with one or more (and preferably 2 or 3) alkyl group substituents on the stilbene a ring, compounds with an alkoxy group other than methoxy at position 3, 4 and/or 5 of the stilbene A ring, compounds (or prodrugs) in which BOC amino acid esters are formed with the phenolic hydroxyl at the 3-position of the B ring and compounds (or prodrugs) based on a benzoquinone B ring. The present invention further relates to the photochemical reactions of stilbene compounds, either the above compounds disclosed for the first time herein or compounds based on prior art stilbenes.

Abstract: A transduction apparatus, which employs an array of individual transducers that generates multiple acoustic radiation modes, is described. These modes are used together to yield directional steered beam patterns. In one embodiment separate transducers, clustered in the form of a ring array, are used together to generate wide and narrow cardioid type beam patterns through combined monople, dipole and quadrupole radiation modes in the medium, along with at least one tail mass.

Abstract: A combined wheelchair and tray assembly that utilizes removable specially designed side guards that easily disconnect from their side guard position, then connect together to form a tray that mounts into the end of the arm rests. This design that adds little if any weight to the wheelchair and quickly provides the user with a tray whenever and wherever needed.

Abstract: A seal comprises a first sealing member and a second sealing member. The sealing members each have an accessway to facilitate access from one side of the sealing member to the other side of the sealing member. The accessways are offset to facilitate sealed access of an object through the sealing members.

Abstract: The present invention relates to stilbene and quinone compounds related to combretastatin A-4 and their use as anticancer compounds and prodrugs. The compounds include those with an alkyl group on the double bond of cis or trans-stilbenes, compounds with one or more (and preferably 2 or 3) alkyl group substituents on the stilbene A ring, compounds with an alkoxy group other than methoxy at position 3, 4, and/or 5 of the stilbene A ring, compounds (or prodrugs) in which BOC amino acid esters are formed with the phenolic hydroxyl at the 3-position of the B ring and compounds (or prodrugs) based on a benzoquinone B ring. The present invention further relates to the photochemical reactions of stilbene compounds, either the above compounds disclosed for the first time herein or compounds based on prior art stilbenes.

Abstract: A wound retractor (320) comprises a distal ring (3) for insertion through a wound opening (6), a proximal ring (4) for location externally of the wound opening (6), a valve (10) mounted to the proximal ring (4), and a sleeve (2) for retracting laterally the sides of the wound opening (6). The wound retractor (320) also comprises a flexible release member (81) for releasing the distal ring (3) from a retracting configuration for removal of the distal ring (3) from the wound opening (6). A first end (301) of the release member (81) is attached to the valve housing (102), the release member (81) loops around the distal ring (3), and a second end (302) of the release member (81) is movable relative to the proximal ring (4) to release the distal ring (3) from the retracting configuration.

Abstract: A wound retractor comprises a retracting member for insertion into a wound opening and a proximal member for location member for location externally of a wound opening. The proximal member is movable relative to the retracing member to shorten the axial extent of the retracting member to laterally retract a wound opening. The retracted wound opening is retracted by a seal which is integral with the retractor.

Abstract: A surgical access system (100) comprises an access port (5), a rigid cannula having a shaft (11) and a laparoscopic surgical instrument (101). The access port (5) comprises a seal (6) and a retractor. The retractor comprises a distal O-ring (71), an outer proximal ring member (77), an inner proximal ring member (78) and a sleeve (72). The sleeve (72) extends distally from the inner proximal ring member (78) to the distal O-ring (71) in a first layer, is looped around the distal O-ring (71), and extends proximally in a second layer between the inner proximal ring member (78) and the outer proximal ring member (77). The instrument (101) comprises a shaft (103) with a rigid proximal region (104), a flexible intermediate region (105), and a rigid distal region (106). The instrument shaft (103) may be inserted through the cannula shaft (11). The instrument (101) has a rigid end effector (107) releasably coupled to the distal end (108) of the instrument shaft (103).

Abstract: A system and method for processing media requests includes receiving a media request associated with a subscriber account. The availability of a slot associated with the subscriber account is determined. The slot includes at least one in-store slot and at least one on-line slot.

Abstract: A system and method for fulfilling a media request includes receiving a media request associated with a subscriber account. One inventory location is selected from a plurality of inventory locations to fulfill the media request, and at least one of the inventory locations accommodates in-store media rental requests.

Abstract: An instrument access device (500) comprises a distal O-ring (11) for insertion into a wound interior, a proximal member for location externally of a wound opening and a sleeve (12) extending in two layers between the distal O-ring (11) and the proximal member. The proximal member comprises an inner proximal ring member (25) and an outer proximal ring member (24) between which the sleeve (12) is led. A seal housing (300) is mounted to the inner proximal ring member (25). A gelatinous elastomeric seal (302) with a pinhole opening (303) therethrough is received in the housing (300). An instrument may be extended through the seal (302) to access the wound interior through the retracted wound opening in a sealed manner.