Abstract: A ball valve apparatus includes a housing defining a housing inlet and a housing outlet and a valve cartridge mounted within the housing and defining a cartridge flow path extending between a cartridge inlet and a cartridge outlet, wherein the cartridge inlet is arranged in fluid communication with the housing inlet and the cartridge outlet is arranged in fluid communication with the housing outlet. A ball valve member is mounted within the valve cartridge and is rotatable to selectively open and close the cartridge flow path. A leak chamber is defined between the housing and the cartridge for containing fluid leakage from the valve cartridge.

Abstract: A ball valve apparatus includes a housing defining a housing inlet and a housing outlet and a valve cartridge mounted within the housing and defining a cartridge flow path extending between a cartridge inlet and a cartridge outlet, wherein the cartridge inlet is arranged in fluid communication with the housing inlet and the cartridge outlet is arranged in fluid communication with the housing outlet. A ball valve member is mounted within the valve cartridge and is rotatable to selectively open and close the cartridge flow path. A leak chamber is defined between the housing and the cartridge for containing fluid leakage from the valve cartridge.

Abstract: A device for generating localized heating in a selected body tissue includes an applicator having a source of microwave radiation and an array of retractable needles arranged so as to extend from one face of the applicator and, in operation, to confine the irradiated microwave energy field emanating from the applicator. The device has application for controlling excessive bleeding from severed tissue during surgical procedures.

Abstract: A device for generating localized heating in a selected body tissue includes an applicator having a source of microwave radiation and an array of retractable needles arranged so as to extend from one face of the applicator and, in operation, to confine the irradiated microwave energy field emanating from the applicator. The device has application for controlling excessive bleeding from severed tissue during surgical procedures.

Abstract: A device for restricting the loss of blood during a surgical procedure is disclosed. The device generates localized heating in an organ or volume of tissue and includes an applicator that is positioned against an organ or tissue to be treated, an array of retractable needles that deliver irradiating energy in the vicinity of a selected incision point; a switching mechanism in communication with the needles for energizing and causing movement of the needles and a power unit for supplying irradiating power to the needles when extended into the organ or tissue.

Abstract: A method and an apparatus is described to measure at least one physical parameter of a substance such as moisture and salt content. This is done by transmitting a microwave beam through the material to be measured and detect only a reflection of a predetermined polarity of the transmitted waves. To accomplish this a polarizing plate is used so that only cross-polarized microwaves, which pass through the substance are detected and the co-polar reflections from surrounding structures are excluded. The object can either be moving as on a conveyer belt or in a rest position.

Abstract: Methods of and devices for monitoring the treatment of a human or non-human animal are disclosed. These involve a chip-sized passive sensor which is adapted (a) to receive and to rectify an electromagnetic signal with a frequency of 1-2 Ghz directed from outside the body towards it and to derive its operating power directly from the electromagnetic signal, and (b) to use its thus obtained operating power to transmit data relating to treatment by wireless telemetry to a receiver external to the body of the human or non-human animal. The data transmitted by the sensor is then processed to provide information on the treatment.

Abstract: A method of treatment using implantable devices is disclosed. he method comprises (a) implanting into the body of the human or non-human animal (i) a rectenna capable of receiving electromagnetic radiation in the microwave frequency range and of generating and/or storing electrical energy therefrom, and (ii) an electrically operated therapeutic device arranged to electrical energy from said rectenna; and (b) directing electromagnetic radiation in the microwave frequency range from a source external to the body being treated towards the position of the implanted rectenna so as to genera electrical energy to actuate said therapeutic device.

Abstract: A device for generating locallised heating in a selected body tissue is disclosed. The device comprises an applicator including a source of microwave radiation and an array of retractable needles arranged so as to extend from one face of the applicator and, in operation, to confine the irradiated microwave energy field emanating from the applicator. The use of this device in surgical procedures is described.