Abstract: A thin profile impact resistant cochlear implant includes a single piece machined case having a bottom surface, wherein at least a portion of the bottom surface is concave and a single piece machined cover configured to be joined to the case, the cover comprising a convex upper surface. A method for forming thin profile cochlear implant is also provided.

Abstract: A cochlear lead includes a plurality of electrodes configured to stimulate an auditory nerve from within a cochlea and a flexible body supporting the plurality of electrodes along a length of the flexible body. A stiffening element is slidably encapsulated within the flexible body, the stiffening element extending past a most distal electrode at the tip of the cochlear lead, wherein a distal portion of the stiffening element plastically deforms upon insertion into a curved portion of the cochlea.

Abstract: A cochlear lead includes a plurality of electrodes configured to stimulate an auditory nerve from within a cochlea and a flexible body supporting the plurality of electrodes along a length of the flexible body. A stiffening element is slidably encapsulated within the flexible body, the stiffening element extending past a most distal electrode at the tip of the cochlear lead, wherein a distal portion of the stiffening element plastically deforms upon insertion into a curved portion of the cochlea.

Abstract: An animal-identifying assembly is configured to be selectively secured to and removed from an animal. The assembly may include an identifying band configured to be wrapped around a portion of an animal. The identifying band may include at least one protuberance proximate a first end and at least one reciprocal aperture proximate a second end. The aperture(s) is configured to receive and retain the protuberance(s). The assembly also includes a securing strap configured to be selectively secured to, and removed from, the identifying band. The securing strap and the identifying band are configured to be reused.

Abstract: Exemplary insertion tools, systems, and methods for inserting a pre-curved electrode array portion of a lead into a bodily orifice are described herein. An exemplary insertion tool includes a handle assembly, a slider assembly, an insertion assembly coupled to the handle assembly, and a retractor assembly disposed at least partially within the handle assembly and configured to selectively couple to a straightening member inserted into the pre-curved electrode array portion and at least partially retract the straightening member from the pre-curved electrode array portion in response to actuation by a user of the slider assembly. The retractor assembly may comprise a spring-loaded retractor member configured to move from a distal position to a proximal position in response to actuation by the user of the slider assembly to at least partially retract the straightening member from the pre-curved electrode array portion. Corresponding insertion tools, systems, and methods are also described.

Abstract: An exemplary insertion tool configured to facilitate insertion of a lead into a bodily orifice includes a handle assembly configured to facilitate handling of the insertion tool, an insertion assembly coupled to the handle assembly and comprising a rigid holding tube configured to removably couple to a portion of the lead, and a release assembly disposed at least partially within the handle assembly and comprising a release button. The release assembly is configured to release the lead from the holding tube in response to user actuation of the release button. Corresponding insertion tools, systems, and methods are also described.

Abstract: A cochlear lead includes a plurality of electrodes configured to stimulate an auditory nerve from within a cochlea and a flexible body supporting the plurality of electrodes along a length of the flexible body. A stiffening element is slidably encapsulated within the flexible body, the stiffening element extending past a most distal electrode at the tip of the cochlear lead, wherein a distal portion of the stiffening element plastically deforms upon insertion into a curved portion of the cochlea.

Abstract: Exemplary insertion tools, systems, and methods for inserting a pre-curved electrode array portion of a lead into a bodily orifice are described herein. An exemplary insertion tool includes a handle assembly, a slider assembly, an insertion assembly coupled to the handle assembly, and a retractor assembly disposed at least partially within the handle assembly and configured to selectively couple to a straightening member inserted into the pre-curved electrode array portion and at least partially retract the straightening member from the pre-curved electrode array portion in response to actuation by a user of the slider assembly. The retractor assembly may comprise a spring-loaded retractor member configured to move from a distal position to a proximal position in response to actuation by the user of the slider assembly to at least partially retract the straightening member from the pre-curved electrode array portion. Corresponding insertion tools, systems, and methods are also described.

Abstract: An exemplary insertion tool configured to facilitate insertion of a lead into a bodily orifice includes a handle assembly configured to facilitate handling of the insertion tool, an insertion assembly coupled to the handle assembly and comprising a rigid holding tube configured to removably couple to a portion of the lead, and a release assembly disposed at least partially within the handle assembly and comprising a release button. The release assembly is configured to release the lead from the holding tube in response to user actuation of the release button. Corresponding insertion tools, systems, and methods are also described.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention provide a fastening support assembly configured to securely connect a first panel above a second panel. The fastening support assembly includes a shaft having a cap at a first end and a distal tip at a second end. The shaft defines an internal chamber. The distal tip is configured to secure to the first panel. A pin is positioned within the internal chamber, wherein movement of the pin into the internal chamber radially expands the shaft. A portion of the shaft and the pin proximate the cap are configured to substantially fill a hole formed through the second panel when the second panel is secured to the fastening support assembly.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention provide a fastening support assembly configured to securely connect a first panel above a second panel. The fastening support assembly includes a shaft having a cap at a first end and a distal tip at a second end. The shaft defines an internal chamber. The distal tip is configured to secure to the first panel. A pin is positioned within the internal chamber, wherein movement of the pin into the internal chamber radially expands the shaft. A portion of the shaft and the pin proximate the cap are configured to substantially fill a hole formed through the second panel when the second panel is secured to the fastening support assembly.

Abstract: A modular, uniform system for the design, manufacture, transporting and installation of ductwork has uniform modules that are reinforced with stiffeners and coupled together in pairs. The module pairs are then attached to one another as they are being installed. Additional support beams and struts are also installed on site. As many of the module pairs as are desired may be fitted together to form a duct system of any desired length.

Abstract: A valve that may be used in many applications, including applications requiring a one-way diaphragm valve. Embodiments of the invention include a cap which may be manually rotated and configured to maintain engagement with the valve body. The cap contains a groove suitable for an o-ring which maintains a seal between the valve body and the cap. The bottom of the valve is configured with a plurality of openings which allow fluid to be passed through them and out through the cap when pressure is applied to the bottom of the valve to deflect a diaphragm. The valve prevents fluid flow when the cap is manually rotated to a closed position.

Abstract: A shipping clip is configured to secure at least one shelf within a cabinet having walls and a base. The shipping clip includes a main beam having first and second side, and a biasing tab outwardly extending from the first side at an angle. The biasing tab is configured to exert a force into the shelf to compressively secure the shelf within the cabinet during shipping.

Abstract: A strap securing device includes a base and an elongated retainer. One end of the retainer is connected to the base, and an opposite end of the retainer is selectably connectable to and disconnectable from the base at an opposite end of the base. In the exemplary construction, the retainer is a looped, elastic member.

Abstract: A battery container comprising a box with a lid. Ventilation openings are provided in the sides of the box. Part of the sides in which ventilation openings are provided may be attached to the lid. Apertures having drainage channels beneath are provided in the lid. The openings and apertures provide sufficient ventilation to meet the relevant regulations. The provision of apertures in the lid allows the overall height of the container to be reduced.