Abstract: A steady-state method for producing gas hydrates provides seed gas hydrate particles in a reaction chamber, flows a hydrate-forming gas into the reaction chamber and flows water into the reaction chamber to produce several possible reactions. One reaction occurs from the combination of the seed gas hydrate particles, the hydrate-forming gas and the water to provide gas hydrate growth onto the seed gas hydrate particles. Another reaction occurs from the interaction of the hydrate-forming gas and the water to form new gas hydrate particles. Material is removed from the reaction chamber and fragmented and some of fragmented gas hydrate particles are recycled back into the reaction chamber.

Abstract: Biocompatible materials are propelled at the skin with sufficient velocity to cause desired resurfacing of tissue to the desired penetration depth. The materials, such as dry ice or water ice, are harmonious with the human body and thus eliminate foreign body reactions. Various materials may be used in combination, including local anesthetics and vasoconstrictors in solid or liquid form. The biocompatible solid or liquid particles are suspended in a cold carrier fluid and propelled through an insulated delivery system to the surface of the skin. The treatment of diseased skin lesions may be accomplished using the present invention as a drug delivery system.

Abstract: A medical device is described that can be used to detect in stent restenosis. This invention consists of a stent of current or modified technology, an electromagnetic wave transmitter to excite the stent and an acoustic sensor to detect stent acoustic oscillations.

Abstract: A noninvasive medical device and diagnostic system is disclosed that can be used to determine the degree of viability, flow and stenosis of a graft within the human body. This invention incorporates a sensing element in or near an AV graft. As stenosis occurs within or near the graft, the change in pressure within the graft can be detected by the sensors and provide the physician with information about the location of the stenosis. This information can than be used to provide the best course of treatment for the patient.

Abstract: Tissue resurfacing is accomplished by propelling biocompatible, non-toxic materials at the tissue with sufficient velocity to cause destruction or loosening of tissues to a desired depth. The biocompatible materials are generated by abrading a solid frozen unit and propelling the abraded material onto the surface of the skin or tissue to be treated. A vacuum line near the delivery tip may used to remove excess materials or reaction by-products that build up on the surface of the skin. The treatment system generally consists of a control unit, a handheld particle generator and a cable that connects the control unit to the particle generator. The control unit can include user controls to select particle temperature, particle flux, particle velocity and vacuum. The handheld particle generator contains a mechanism to push the frozen biocompatible material against a rotating grinding wheel that produces small particles, which are propelled against tissue being treated.

Abstract: A device is described that can be easily used to minimally invasively perform barrel related winemaking and wine testing tasks without need for movement of the barrel. System includes techniques for evaluating the condition and state of wine in the barrel. The device consists of a bung related device that connects to a sensor package, a laboratory system, fluid and chemical reservoirs and a remote monitoring and control station. The central station controls measurements and sampling of the wine and delivery of juice and chemicals to the barrel.

Abstract: A device is described that can be used by surgeons to provide accurate tissue-lifting and tightening maneuvers that uses minimal external incisions, enhances accuracy, reduces inadvertent consequences while speeding the procedure. The device is comprised of a shaft with a relatively planar but possibly lenticulate or even slightly curved tip that can divide and energize various tissue planes causing net contraction via the fibrous tissue modification. Various forms of energy can also be delivered to cause desirable tissue alterations.

Abstract: A sensor guided needle to be used for the delivery of medication or placement of indwelling catheters, angiocatheters, spinal or epidural catheters, central lines, arterial lines, intraneoplastic, pediatric lines. The needle is comprised of an outer metal sheath with a biocompatible inner core containing sensor or signal elements. The measurements collected by the sensors are analyzed by a control unit to determine tissue type and possibly tissue state.

Abstract: A device is described that can be used by surgeons to provide quick and accurate face-lifting maneuvers that minimize the amount of tissue that has to be removed. The device comprised of a hollow undermining shaft with specially designed tip that can safely separate tissue planes and lyse fibrous tissue. Thermal radiation can be delivered down the shaft to heat and cause tissue contraction. The device can also include a temperature sensor that can be used to control the thermal radiation. Optionally, the device can also use ultrasound or electro surgical energy to improve tissue lysing.

Abstract: An optical probe for tissue identification includes an elongated body. Optical fibers are located within the elongated body for transmitting light to and from the tissue. Light fluctuation protection is associated with the optical fibers. In one embodiment the light fluctuation protection includes a reflective coating on the optical fibers to reduce stray light. In another embodiment the light fluctuation protection includes a filler with very high absorption located within the elongated body between the optical fibers.

Abstract: A liposuction apparatus and method optionally having a sonic or ultrasonic source with an axial lumen passage in which the shaft can be made to reciprocate (oscillate) in a non-rectilinear fashion. The apparatus may also contain the concomitant use of rectilinear reciprocation motion in addition to ultrasonic motion or energy along the shaft of the apparatus. The advantages of the liposuction apparatus are as follows: 1) non-rectilinear single shaft reciprocating cannula, 2) sonic or ultrasonic energy delivered to the distal tip, 3) rectilinear reciprocating cannula with ultrasonic energy along the shaft from the handle, and 4) any of the above reciprocating components powered by excess unused vacuum capacity in the liposuction aspirator (suction engine) apparatus.

Abstract: A device is described that can be easily used to warn an asthmatic or allergen reacting patient of irritant levels which may trigger an asthma or allergy attack for that person. The device continually monitors and records irritants in the air, and when the concentration exceeds the predefined level the device generates an alarm signal for the user. The recorded data can be downloaded to a computer, and this information can be used by the patient and the physician to identify irritants, guide treatment, and determine threshold levels.

Abstract: A liposuction apparatus and method optionally having a sonic or ultrasonic source with an axial lumen passage in which the shaft can be made to reciprocate (oscillate) in a non-rectilinear fashion. The apparatus may also contain the concomitant use of rectilinear reciprocation motion in addition to ultrasonic motion or energy along the shaft of the apparatus. The advantages of the liposuction apparatus are as follows: 1) non-rectilinear single shaft reciprocating cannula, 2) sonic or ultrasonic energy delivered to the distal tip, 3) rectilinear reciprocating cannula with ultrasonic energy along the shaft from the handle, and 4) any of the above reciprocating components powered by excess unused vacuum capacity in the liposuction aspirator (suction engine) apparatus.

Abstract: The present invention is a device that allows electrical stimulation to an anatomical site that is covered by a cast. The electrode is applied to achieve a desired physiological response (e.g., bone growth), treatment of pain, or the prevention of muscle atrophy.

Abstract: An optical probe for tissue identification includes an elongated body. Optical fibers are located within the elongated body for transmitting light to and from the tissue. Light fluctuation protection is associated with the optical fibers. In one embodiment the light fluctuation protection includes a reflective coating on the optical fibers to reduce stray light. In another embodiment the light fluctuation protection includes a filler with very high absorption located within the elongated body between the optical fibers.

Abstract: A system for characterizing tissue includes the steps of generating an emission signal, generating a reference signal, directing the emission signal to and from the tissue, directing the reference signal in a predetermined manner relative to the emission signal, and using the reference signal to compensate the emission signal. In one embodiment compensation is provided for fluctuations in light delivery to the tip of the probe due to cable motion.

Abstract: A medical device is described that can be used to detect in stent restenosis. This invention consists of a stent of current or modified technology, an electromagnetic wave transmitter to excite the stent and an acoustic sensor to detect stent acoustic oscillations.

Abstract: A medical device is described that can be used to detect in stent restenosis. This invention consists of a stem of current or modified technology and a microwave transmitter/receiver to detect stent performance in-situ.

Abstract: The present invention is intended as a means of diagnosing the presence of a gas bubble and incorporating the information into a feedback system for opto-acoustic thrombolysis. In opto-acoustic thrombolysis, pulsed laser radiation at ultrasonic frequencies is delivered intraluminally down an optical fiber and directed toward a thrombus or otherwise occluded vessel. Dissolution of the occlusion is therefore mediated through ultrasonic action of propagating pressure or shock waves. A vapor bubble in the fluid surrounding the occlusion may form as a result of laser irradiation. This vapor bubble may be used to directly disrupt the occlusion or as a means of producing a pressure wave. It is desirable to detect the formation and follow the lifetime of the vapor bubble. Knowledge of the bubble formation and lifetime yields critical information as to the maximum size of the bubble, density of the absorbed radiation, and properties of the absorbing material.

Abstract: A multi layered artificial spinal disc that can be surgically implanted to replace a damaged natural spinal disc. The top and bottom layers being comprised of bone permeable material that when implanted would fuse to the vertebrae and form a permanent bond. The middle layer is a polymer with mechanical properties similar to natural spinal discs.