Abstract: In one embodiment, an automatic injector comprises a cartridge adapted to contain a charge of medicament, a seal structure disposed toward a forward end of the cartridge, a plunger normally disposed in a generally rearward end of the cartridge and movable through the cartridge toward a generally forward end thereof in response to an actuating procedure. The movable plunger rearwardly confines the medicament within the cartridge. A needle normally disposed in communication with the medicament container provides a passage in which the medicament is released into an individual's flesh in response to an actuating procedure projecting the needle into the flesh of the individual. The cartridge having an increased friction region so as to slow the motion of the plunger when the forward end of the needle travels through the seal in order to eliminate coring.

Abstract: In one embodiment, an automatic injector comprises a cartridge adapted to contain a charge of medicament, a seal structure disposed toward a forward end of the cartridge, a plunger normally disposed in a generally rearward end of the cartridge and movable through the cartridge toward a generally forward end thereof in response to an actuating procedure. The movable plunger rearwardly confines the medicament within the cartridge. A needle normally disposed in communication with the medicament container provides a passage in which the medicament is released into an individual's flesh in response to an actuating procedure projecting the needle into the flesh of the individual. The cartridge having an increased friction region so as to slow the motion of the plunger when the forward end of the needle travels through the seal in order to eliminate coring.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to an automatic injection device containing a pre-loaded charge of medicament for automatically self-administering the medicament upon actuation thereof. The automatic injection device includes a housing assembly having an interior chamber, an activation assembly and a needle assembly for dispensing a dissolved medicament to a user. A dry compartment for storing a predetermined dry charge of dry medicament is located within the interior chamber. A wet compartment for storing a predetermined amount of liquid injection solution is also located within the interior chamber. A separation assembly separates the dry compartment from the wet compartment. The separation assembly prevents transfer of the liquid injection solution from the wet compartment to the dry compartment prior to activation of the automatic injection device. One or more medicament support assemblies located within the dry compartment prevent the passage of undissolved medicament from the dry compartment.

Abstract: An endoscopic instrument having an end effector assembly at a distal end, a flexible member connected to and extending from the end effector assembly and a handle assembly connected to the flexible member. The handle assembly includes a handle member, a nose member and a biasing element. The handle member has an inner bore. The hollow nose member has a shank configured for insertion into the inner bore. The biasing element is located within the inner bore and biases the flexible member relative to the handle member. The handle member may have a keyway or a projection configured for insertion into a keyway, and the nose member may have the other of the keyway or the projection. The flexible member has a retaining element affixed to its proximal end. The flexible member is inserted through the nose member with the retaining element located proximate the proximal end of the nose member and thereby retained between the handle member and the nose member.

Abstract: A microbeam interconnection method is provided to connect integrated circuit bond pads to substrate contacts. Conductive leads (microbeams) are releasably formed, by a process such as electroplating or vacuum deposition, over a release layer deposited on a ceramic, glass or similar carrier. The microbeam material adheres only very weakly to the release layer. After the inner ends of the microbeams have been bonded to IC bond pads, such as by flip chip bump bonding, and the integrated circuit has been fully tested, the IC is lifted away from the carrier, causing the microbeams to peel away from the release layer. After straightening the microbeams against a flat surface, the outer ends of the microbeams may then be bonded to contacts on an MCM or other substrate. The method permits full electrical testing at speed and high speed bonding. The method significantly reduces mechanical stresses in interconnect bonds and thereby improves integrated circuit reliability.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to an automatic injection device containing a pre-loaded charge of medicament for automatically self-administering the medicament upon actuation thereof. The automatic injection device includes a housing assembly having an interior chamber, an activation assembly and a needle assembly for dispensing a dissolved medicament to a user. A dry compartment for storing a predetermined dry charge of dry medicament is located within the interior chamber. A wet compartment for storing a predetermined amount of liquid injection solution is also located within the interior chamber. A separation assembly separates the dry compartment from the wet compartment. The separation assembly prevents transfer of the liquid injection solution from the wet compartment to the dry compartment prior to activation of the automatic injection device. One or more medicament support assemblies located within the dry compartment prevent the passage of undissolved medicament from the dry compartment.

Abstract: A microbeam interconnection method is provided to connect integrated circuit bond pads to substrate contacts. Conductive leads (microbeams) are releasably formed, by a process such as electroplating or vacuum deposition, over a release layer deposited on a ceramic, glass or similar carrier. The microbeam material adheres only very weakly to the release layer. After the inner ends of the microbeams have been bonded to IC bond pads, such as by flip chip bump bonding, and the integrated circuit has been fully tested, the IC is lifted away from the carrier, causing the microbeams to peel away from the release layer. After straightening the microbeams against a flat surface, the outer ends of the microbeams may then be bonded to contacts on an MCM or other substrate. The method permits full electrical testing at speed and high speed bonding. The method significantly reduces mechanical stresses in interconnect bonds and thereby improves integrated circuit reliability.

Abstract: An endoscopic instrument having an end effector assembly at a distal end, a flexible member connected to and extending from the end effector assembly and a handle assembly connected to the flexible member. The handle assembly includes a handle member, a nose member and a biasing element. The handle member has an inner bore. The hollow nose member has a shank configured for insertion into the inner bore. The biasing element is located within the inner bore and biases the flexible member relative to the handle member. The handle member may have a keyway or a projection configured for insertion into a keyway, and the nose member may have the other of the keyway or the projection. The flexible member has a retaining element affixed to its proximal end. The flexible member is inserted through the nose member with the retaining element located proximate the proximal end of the nose member and thereby retained between the handle member and the nose member.

Abstract: An endoscopic instrument having an end effector assembly at a distal end, a flexible member connected to and extending from the end effector assembly and a handle assembly connected to the flexible member. The handle assembly includes a handle member, a nose member and a biasing element. The handle member has an inner bore. The hollow nose member has a shank configured for insertion into the inner bore. The biasing element is located within the inner bore and biases the flexible member relative to the handle member. The handle member may have a keyway or a projection configured for insertion into a keyway, and the nose member may have the other of the keyway or the projection. The flexible member has a retaining element affixed to its proximal end. The flexible member is inserted through the nose member with the retaining element located proximate the proximal end of the nose member and thereby retained between the handle member and the nose member.

Abstract: A jaw assembly for an endoscopic bioptome includes a pair of opposed end effectors having resilient arms formed from a super-elastic metal. The distal ends of the resilient arms terminate in end effector jaw cups which are also preferably formed from super-elastic metal, while the proximal portions of the resilient arms include angled portions which urge the jaw cups away from each other. The jaw cups are brought together into a biting action by a cylinder having a sharp distal edge which moves relative to and over he arms of the end effectors. As the resilient arms are formed from a super-elastic metal, they exhibit very high resiliency and durability even after numerous uses.