Abstract: A multi-functional endoscopic system, for use in electrosurgical applications, that includes an imaging endoscope that may be used in combination with various electrosurgical devices, all of which are sufficiently inexpensive to manufacture, such that the endoscope and electrosurgical devices are considered single use, disposable items. The multi-functional endoscopic system of the present invention is suitable for use with a variety of common electrosurgical devices that require electrical/electronic support in order to function. The electrical/electronic support for these electrosurgical devices (e.g., an electrosurgical generator and associated controls) is integrated with the operator console of the imaging endoscope of the multi-functional endoscopic system of the present invention, rather than provided as a separate device.

Abstract: A fluid delivery system for use with an endoscope. Certain embodiments of the invention include a single, large fluid source and pump installed upon an operator console, in combination with a small fluid reservoir and pump installed within a proximal connector of the imaging endoscope, multiple fluid sources that feed a common fluid channel that are pressurized by a common pump, multiple fluid sources that feed dedicated fluid channels that are pressurized by dedicated pumps, and a small fluid reservoir and pump installed within a handheld manual controller of the imaging endoscope. The fluid delivery endoscopic systems of the present invention provide the user with the flexibility of changing fluids either in advance of a procedure or on-the-fly as needed, instead of relying on fixed fluid sources only.

Abstract: This invention provides an antibody which specifically binds to hLH?cf without cross-reacting with hLH, hLH? or hCG?cf. In an embodiment, the monoclonal antibody is designated B505. In a further embodiment, the hybridoma cell line producing the monoclonal antibody B 505 is designated ATCC Accession No. 12000. This invention provides different uses of the antibodies. Finally, this invention provides a method for determining the amount of hLH?cf or hLH?cf-related molecule in a sample.

Abstract: In one aspect, the present invention is a medical imaging device that retains optical clarity when used in a patient. The medical imaging device includes a shaft having a distal end and a proximal end and an imaging assembly disposed at the distal end of the shaft. The imaging assembly includes at least one imaging lens and at least one illumination port lens. The outer surface of at least one lens in the imaging assembly is coated with a biocompatible composition comprising a hydrophilic material that retains the optical clarity of the medical imaging device. In another aspect, the invention provides a kit for retaining the optical clarity of a medical imaging system.

Abstract: A prosthetic ankle joint device for replacement of articular bearing surfaces of the natural joint comprises: a first component (2) for attachment to a first tibial bone segment (2a) having a first articulating bearing surface (5); a second component (3) for attachment to a second tarsal bone segment (3a) having a second articulating bearing surface (6) opposite to the first articulating bearing surface (5). The first articulating bearing surface (5) and the second articulating bearing surface (6) are substantially different in shape to the corresponding shapes of the articular bearing surfaces of the natural joint. The first surface (5) being concave, or flat, or convex. Each articulating bearing surface (5, 6) presents a respective shape designed on the basis of the shape of the opposite articulating bearing surface (5, 6) according to the common normal to their point of mutual contact at every position over the range of passive plantar and dorsi-flexion.

Abstract: A method of engine starting in a gas turbine engine comprises rotating the engine to provide an air flow into a combustor of the engine and injecting fuel into the combustor at a varying rate until the engine is lighted-off. The varying rate of the fuel flow is a function of time and is represented by a curve having at least one high frequency with respect to a light-off time, representing instant changes of the rate for intersecting a light-off zone while reducing a quantity of fuel injected into the combustor. After the light-off occurrence fuel is continuously injected into the combustor to accelerate the engine to a self-sustaining operation condition. This method of the present invention is adapted to find light-off points under various temperature and altitude conditions, thereby advantageously providing a rapid light-off, particularly under cold weather conditions.

Abstract: An improved window frame and window piece for a micromirror assembly is disclosed herein. The window frame includes a stress-relieving contour positioned in the middle of the frame that can absorb the mechanical stresses applied to the window frame from the ceramic base and from the window piece. The window frame may be comprised of a single piece of sheet metal that has been stamped to include a stress-relieving contour. The stress-relieving contour may be comprised of a variety of shapes, including a “U” shape, an inverted “U” shape, a curved step shape, or other combinations thereof.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method of predicting pregnancy outcome in a subject by determining the amount of an early pregnancy associated molecular isoform of hCG in a sample. The present invention further provides a method for determining the amount of early pregnancy associated molecular isoforms of human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) in a sample. The present invention also provides a diagnostic kit for determining the amount of early pregnancy associated hCG in a sample. The present invention additionally provides an antibody which specifically binds to an early pregnancy associated molecular isoform of human chorionic gonadotropin. Finally, the present invention provides methods for detecting trophoblast or non-trophoblast malignancy in a sample.

Abstract: A package that resists creation of particles in a package cavity. The package is ideally suited for use with microelectromechanical devices. A package according to one embodiment of the present invention contains a mechanical device (302), for example a micromirror device, attached to the floor (304) of the package substrate (306). Epoxy (308) typically is used to attach the device (302). Electrical connections are provided by bond wires (310) connecting bond pads (312) on the substrate (306) with bond pads on the device (302). A window (314) is attached to the substrate (306) to form a cavity (316) around the device. A thin masking layer (318) on portions of the package cavity surface prevents the surface from generating particles. The thin masking layer (318) may be any material that resists particle generation. Malleable metals are ideal.

Abstract: A rotatable member is adapted for dynamic balancing by the addition of balancing weights in the form of high speed projectiles fired at the member during rotation in timed relationship with the rotation of the member so as to impact the member at specific circumaxial locations required for balancing the member. The member has an annular groove for receiving the projectiles and securing the same at the desired locations. The groove has a cross sectional configuration slightly smaller than that of the projectile in at least one direction of measurement so as to engage and capture the projectile in retention in the groove.

Abstract: An improved centrifugal impeller having between 20 and 26 rearwardly curved blades blades, a ratio of blade annulus width to wheel radius between 0.31 and 0.37, and an inlet blade angle in the range 32° to 36° and a discharge blade angle in the range 36° to 40°.

Abstract: A centrifugal air impeller designed for injection molding has a mold parting line extending intermediate the sides of the blades thus permitting optimum configurations of the inner and outer blade edges and enhanced impeller performance. The impeller inlet ring has an inner diameter less than that of the outer edges of the blades and an outer diameter greater than the outer diameter of the blades. The backplate has a diameter greater than that of the inner diameter of the blades.

Abstract: A permanent magnet motor having a stator back iron in the form of a “slinky” and a plurality of winding sections in circumaxially spaced relationship about the back rion. Each winding section comprises a conductor wound helically about the back iron with each coil adjacent the next and ending in a radial plane. A permanent magnet motor surrounds the stator.

Abstract: A method of engine starting in a gas turbine engine comprises rotating the engine to provide an air flow into a combustor of the engine and injecting fuel into the combustor at a varying rate until the engine is lighted-off. The varying rate of the fuel flow is a function of time and is represented by a curve having at least one high frequency with respect to a light-off time, representing instant changes of the rate for intersecting a light-off zone while reducing a quantity of fuel injected into the combustor. After the light-off occurrence fuel is continuously injected into the combustor to accelerate the engine to a self-sustaining operation condition. This method of the present invention is adapted to find light-off points under various temperature and altitude conditions, thereby advantageously providing a rapid light-off, particularly under cold weather conditions.

Abstract: An explosively actuated tool for driving a fastener into a substrate is of indirect acting type having a driving piston mounted within the barrel of the tool for driving the fastener. The tool is a single shot tool which receives an explosive charge, particularly a .22 cal×0.613 ins long unnecked charge capable of generating a piston kinetic energy of at least 260 joule. The piston has a recess in its rear face able to smooth-out sharp pressure spikes and reduce peak pressure generated during combustion of the high powered explosive charge.

Abstract: A method of engine starting in a gas turbine engine comprises rotating the engine to provide an air flow into a combustor of the engine and injecting fuel into the combustor at a varying rate until the engine is lighted-off. The varying rate of the fuel flow is a function of time and is represented by a curve having at least one high frequency with respect to a light-off time, representing instant changes of the rate for intersecting a light-off zone while reducing a quantity of fuel injected into the combustor. After the light-off occurrence fuel is continuously injected into the combustor to accelerate the engine to a self-sustaining operation condition. This method of the present invention is adapted to find light-off points under various temperature and altitude conditions, thereby advantageously providing a rapid light-off, particularly under cold weather conditions.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method of predicting pregnancy outcome in a subject by determining the amount of an early pregnancy associated molecular isoform of hCG in a sample. The present invention further provides a method for determining the amount of early pregnancy associated molecular isoforms of human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) in a sample. The present invention also provides a diagnostic kit for determining the amount of early pregnancy associated hCG in a sample. The present invention additionally provides an antibody which specifically binds to an early pregnancy associated molecular isoform of human chorionic gonadotropin. Finally, the present invention provides methods for detecting trophoblast or non-trophoblast malignancy in a sample.

Abstract: This invention provides an antibody which specifically binds to hLH&bgr;cf without cross-reacting with hLH, hLH&bgr; or hCG&bgr;cf. In an embodiment, the monoclonal antibody is designated B505. In a further embodiment, the hybridoma cell line producing the monoclonal antibody B 505 is designated ATCC Accession No. 12000. This invention provides different uses of the antibodies. Finally, this invention provides a method for determining the amount of hLH&bgr;cf or hLH&bgr;cf-related molecule in a sample.

Abstract: A device for providing back massage with simultaneous accupressure stimulation along either side of the spine. The device comprises a frame in which are disposed a plurality of rollers which are freely rotatable and capable of being interchangeably positioned within the frame. One roller is of a larger diameter than the remaining rollers and is provided with a central circumferential groove which is bounded on each side by a surface having a plurality of nubs. In use, the nubs contact the user's body on either side of the spine at the desired location to provide accupressure stimulation. By providing the accupressure stimulation roller in a diameter which is larger than the other rollers, the device also provides intervertebral or intersegmental extension during use.

Abstract: A system and method for photolithographic mask repair. The system includes a structure for supporting a mask to be operated on, a laser emitting device for effecting mask repair, a light source adjacent the support structure for selected illumination of the mask, a laser processor for effecting sequential angular manipulation of a laser beam projecting from the laser emitting device, a computer device for controlling the sequential angular manipulation so as to capture a generally complete waveform of the beam, and a microscope for multi-aspect viewing of the mask during navigation of the beam about the mask. The computer device, simultaneously with manipulation of the beam, effecting fine motion control of the beam, controlled movement of the motorized aperture for effecting the sequential angular manipulation, controlled support structure movement, and image data processing.