Abstract: An optical stack for sensing a presence of an analyte is provided. The optical stack includes a sensor material. The sensor material includes a first optical response including a first optical property having a second value in response to an excitation signal including the first optical property having a first value different from the second value. The first optical response includes a second optical property sensitive to the presence of the analyte. The optical stack includes a first optical film disposed proximate the sensor material and includes a third optical property having respective third and fourth values in response to the respective first and second values of the first optical property. The third value is different from the fourth value by at least a factor of 2.

Abstract: Exemplary sanitary soap refilling systems and methods are disclosed herein. An exemplary refill refilling system includes a housing, a pump located within the housing, and a bulk storage tank connector. The bulk storage tank connector having a liquid outlet and an air inlet. A liquid inlet conduit is in fluid communication with the pump the liquid outlet. A refill connector is included. The refill connector has a liquid inlet and an air outlet. The refill connector air outlet and the bulk storage tank connector air inlet are in fluid communication with one another. The refill liquid inlet is in fluid communication with the pump.

Abstract: A seal element for sealing between tissue lumens includes a first material for allowing tissue ingrowth and a second sealant material.

Abstract: A seal element for sealing between tissue lumens includes a first material for allowing tissue ingrowth and a second sealant material.

Abstract: A seal element for sealing between tissue lumens includes a first material for allowing tissue ingrowth and a second sealant material.

Abstract: A seal element for sealing between tissue lumens includes a first material for allowing tissue ingrowth and a second sealant material.

Abstract: A seal element for sealing between tissue lumens includes a first material for allowing tissue ingrowth and a second sealant material.

Abstract: A seal element for sealing between tissue lumens includes a first material for allowing tissue ingrowth and a second sealant material.

Abstract: A seal element for sealing between tissue lumens includes a first material for allowing tissue ingrowth and a second sealant material.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to an apparatus for joining tissue in surgical applications and/or incision repair, and to methods for making the same. The apparatus includes an elongated member formed of a biocompatible material, and a rigidifying agent associated with a distal end portion of the elongated member, wherein the rigidifying agent increases the rigidity of the distal end portion such that the distal end portion is mechanically reconfigurable to define a penetrating end integrally formed with the elongated member.

Abstract: Heterogeneous yarns containing strands of dissimilar materials are useful in forming surgical device.

Abstract: A surgical stapling device is disclosed for performing circular anastomoses. The surgical stapling device includes a handle portion, an elongated body portion and a head portion including an anvil assembly and a shell assembly. The surgical stapling device includes a knife blade possessing a lubricious coating which enhances the ability of the knife to cut through tissue and minimizes the knife sticking to tissue or other components of the surgical stapling device.

Abstract: A drug delivery system, e.g., microemulsion preconcentrate, that spontaneously forms a microemulsion when brought in contact with an aqueous medium. The drug delivery system contains valsartan, a hydrophilic component, a lipophilic component and a surfactant. A particularly useful hydrophilic component in the system is a polymer that is solid at room temperature, e.g., solid PEG.

Abstract: Heterogeneous yarns containing strands of dissimilar materials are usefull in forming surgical device.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to an apparatus for joining tissue in surgical applications and/or incision repair, and to methods for making the same. The apparatus includes an elongated member formed of a biocompatible material, and a rigidifying agent associated with a distal end portion of the elongated member, wherein the rigidifying agent increases the rigidity of the distal end portion such that the distal end portion is mechanically reconfigurable to define a penetrating end integrally formed with the elongated member.

Abstract: A surgical stapling device is disclosed for performing circular anastomoses. The surgical stapling device includes a handle portion, an elongated body portion and a head portion including an anvil assembly and a shell assembly. The surgical stapling device includes a knife blade possessing a lubricious coating which enhances the ability of the knife to cut through tissue and minimizes the knife sticking to tissue or other components of the surgical stapling device.

Abstract: An apparatus for deploying an air bag through an automotive dash panel (12) includes an air bag door (16) integrally formed in the panel and defined by a door perimeter including a frangible edge (18) of reduced cross section. A dispenser (20) supports the air bag (24) behind the door. A metal reaction plate (28) is positioned between the air bag (24) and the door (16). When the air bag inflates, it forces the reaction plate (28) to bend around a horizontal hinge line (36). As the reaction, plate pivots it concentrates inflation force along a lower portion of the frangible door edge. This helps to predictably separate the door from the dash panel by tearing along the lower door edge and allowing the tear to propagate up two side edges. In one embodiment, the tear also propagates across an upper edge to completely separate the door from the panel. At least one, and preferably two or three tethers (50) limit how far the door can travel during air bag inflation.

Abstract: A siliconized surgical needle is provided which requires significantly less force to effect tissue penetration than a standard siliconized needle.

Abstract: A siliconized surgical needle is provided which requires significantly less force to effect tissue penetration than a standard siliconized needle.

Abstract: A fray tester for evaluating fray resistance of surgical sutures is provided, which comprises a first and a second pulley rotatably adapted in a spaced relation to each other, a tensioning weight, and a reciprocity driver. A suture having a first end portion, a second end portion and an intermediate portion is mounted in the fray tester such that the first end portion is subject to the tensioning weight, the intermediate portion is mounted to the first and second pulleys and defines a wrapped portion, the second end portion being connected to the reciprocating driver to cause the suture to rub against itself at a wrapped portion. The reciprocating driver includes a rotating wheel connected to a motor for providing the reciprocating movement to the suture to be tested. The tester may further include a revolution counter for counting and displaying the number of reciprocating cycles at the time the suture breaks or seizes.