Abstract: The disclosure relates to a sterilization apparatus which uses thermal or non-thermal plasma to disinfect surgical scoping devices such as endoscopes, gastroscopes, laparoscopes and the like. Aspect of the disclosure provide: (i) an apparatus for sterilizing inside an instrument channel formed with an insertion tube of a surgical scoping device, (ii) a whole-device sterilization apparatus for treating the entire exterior surface of a surgical scoping device, and (iii) an apparatus for cleaning and sterilizing a distal end face of an insertion tube of a surgical scoping device.

Abstract: A stapler including a moveable strike plate and accessibility features is described. A slidable strike plate is moveable from a first staple forming position to a second staple forming position to form different staple shapes. The slidable strike plate is moved relative to the anvil of the stapler with a single hand to change positions. A rotatable strike plate is turned with a single hand to move between staple forming positions by rotating an outer dial of the rotatable strike plate relative to the anvil of the stapler. The stapler includes an indicator window that shows if the stapler is empty or running low on staples and a quick release staple loading magazine that is operable using a single hand.

Abstract: A treatment apparatus which uses thermal or non-thermal plasma to treat urinary tract infections (UTIs) by destroying bacteria. The apparatus comprises an elongate probe that includes a coaxial cable for conveying radiofrequency (RF) electromagnetic (EM) energy and/or microwave EM energy, a probe tip connected at the distal end of the coaxial cable for receiving the RF and/or microwave EM energy, and a gas conduit for conveying gas to the probe tip. The probe tip comprises a first electrode connected to the inner conductor of the coaxial cable, and a second electrode connected to the outer conductor of the coaxial cable, and wherein the first electrode and second electrode are arranged to produce an electric field from the received RF and/or microwave EM energy across a flow path of gas received from the gas conduit to produce a thermal or a non-thermal plasma.

Abstract: A stapler including a moveable strike plate and accessibility features is described. A slidable strike plate is moveable from a first staple forming position to a second staple forming position to form different staple shapes. The slidable strike plate is moved relative to the anvil of the stapler with a single hand to change positions. A rotatable strike plate is turned with a single hand to move between staple forming positions by rotating an outer dial of the rotatable strike plate relative to the anvil of the stapler. The stapler includes an indicator window that shows if the stapler is empty or running low on staples and a quick release staple loading magazine that is operable using a single hand.

Abstract: A stapler including a moveable strike plate and accessibility features is described. A slidable strike plate is moveable from a first staple forming position to a second staple forming position to form different staple shapes. The slidable strike plate is moved relative to the anvil of the stapler with a single hand to change positions. A rotatable strike plate is turned with a single hand to move between staple forming positions by rotating an outer dial of the rotatable strike plate relative to the anvil of the stapler. The stapler includes an indicator window that shows if the stapler is empty or running low on staples and a quick release staple loading magazine that is operable using a single hand.

Abstract: A stapler including a moveable strike plate and accessibility features is described. A slidable strike plate is moveable from a first staple forming position to a second staple forming position to form different staple shapes. The slidable strike plate is moved relative to the anvil of the stapler with a single hand to change positions. A rotatable strike plate is turned with a single hand to move between staple forming positions by rotating an outer dial of the rotatable strike plate relative to the anvil of the stapler. The stapler includes an indicator window that shows if the stapler is empty or running low on staples and a quick release staple loading magazine that is operable using a single hand.

Abstract: A cutting device is disclosed. The cutting device has a body member, a cutting member that is removably attachable to the body member, and a cover member that is movably disposed on the body member, the cover member including a protrusion. The body member has a recess configured to receive the protrusion. The recess includes a first portion extending in a first direction and a second portion extending in a second direction that is different from the first direction.

Abstract: A cutting device is disclosed. The cutting device has a body member, a cutting member that is removably attachable to the body member, and a cover member that is movably disposed on the body member, the cover member including a protrusion. The body member has a recess configured to receive the protrusion. The recess includes a first portion extending in a first direction and a second portion extending in a second direction that is different from the first direction.

Abstract: An interactive computer-implemented system and method for musical instrument instruction comprising an instrument, an interface, and a computer. The instrument has one or more visual indicators, the computer is running software, and the instrument and computer are in communication through the interface. By user interaction, the instrument generates output signals that are received by the interface which processes the output signals to generate note signals. The note signals are then received by the computing system and processed by the software. The software generates feedback signals that are received by the interface. The interface processes the feedback signals and generates indicator signals that are then transmitted to one or more visual indicators on the instrument, providing the user with visual feedback of playing performance.

Abstract: A sender-side process directed to processing an electronic message destined for a recipient, comprising producing a solution to a computational problem involving at least a portion of the message. A degree of effort associated with solving the problem may be assessed. The message is further processed according to the degree of effort by determining whether the degree of effort was within a range set by the sender or the recipient and if not, the computational problem is adjusted and solved again. The message is then transmitted to a recipient, who is informed of both the problem and solution. The recipient executes a recipientside process, comprising: assessing the degree of effort associated with generation of the message based on the problem and solution; and further processing the message in accordance with the degree of effort. The degree of effort is indicative of the legitimacy of the message; e.g., is it “SPAM”.

Abstract: The present invention relates to compounds of formula (Ia) wherein A, B, n, m, R1, R2, R3, R4, R5, R6, R7, R8, R9, R10 and R11 are defined herein, and pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof; the compounds are of particular use in the treatment or prevention of depression, anxiety, pain, inflammation, migraine, emesis or postherpetic neuralgia.

Abstract: A sender-side process directed to processing an electronic message destined for a recipient, comprising producing a solution to a computational problem involving at least a portion of the message. A degree of effort associated with solving the problem may be assessed. The message is further processed according to the degree of effort by determining whether the degree of effort was within a range set by the sender or the recipient and if not, the computational problem is adjusted and solved again. The message is then transmitted to a recipient, who is informed of both the problem and solution. The recipient executes a recipient side process, comprising: assessing the degree of effort associated with generation of the message based on the problem and solution; and further processing the message in accordance with the degree of effort. The degree of effort is indicative of the legitimacy of the message; e.g., is it “SPAM”.

Abstract: The present invention relates compounds of the formula (I): wherein R1, R2, R3, R4, R5, R6, R7, R8, R9 and R10 represent a variety of substituents, ring A is a phenyl or pyridyl ring; d is zero, 1 or 2; and pharmaceutically acceptable salts and N-oxides thereof.

Abstract: The present invention relates compounds of formula (I), wherein ring A is a phenyl or pyridyl ring; X represents a linker selected from the group consisting of formulae: (a), (b), (c), (d), and (e); and R1, R2, R3, R4, R5, R6, R7, R13, R14, R15, R16, R17, R21a and R21b are as defined herein. The compounds are of particular use in the treatment or prevention of depression, anxiety, pain, inflammation, migraine, emesis or postherpetic neuralgia.

Abstract: The present invention relates compounds that are NK-1 antagonists and that are of use in the treatment or prevention of depression, anxiety, pain, inflammation, migaine, emesis or postherpetic neuralgia.