Abstract: A medical instrument with a proximal instrument part and a distal instrument part that are connected with one another by an elongated shaft. The distal instrument part includes a pivot element that is mounted to pivot with respect to the shaft and that can pivot by a translationally moveable actuation element. The pivot element is coupled with the actuating element by a coupling element, so that the coupling element is in a hinged connection with the pivot element by a first hinged connection and with the actuation element by a second hinged connection. The second hinged connection is controlled by at least one nonlinear control device formed by the distal instrument part in such a way that the pivot element can pivot both in the one pivot direction and in the other pivot direction. The actuating element is configured to be suitable for control by the nonlinear control device.

Abstract: A micro-invasive medical instrument includes a shaft and an end balloon on a distal end of the shaft, where the end balloon completely encloses the distal end of the shaft.

Abstract: A system and method for improving safety in medical procedures where a substance is introduced into a patient is described. An in-vitro diagnostic (IVD) device may be used to measure the concentration of an analyte representing a marker and compare the measured concentration with a predetermined set point so as to determine whether an adverse reaction to the substance may be anticipated. The test data may be obtained at the point-of-service or retrieved from a patient data base. The device for administering the substance is enabled when the comparison of the test data with the predetermined set point indicates that the procedure is expected to be performed with an acceptable risk of an adverse reaction.

Abstract: A manipulator includes a proximal end, a distal end with a manipulation device, a shaft between the proximal end and the distal end, and a transmission element for transmitting at least either a force or a motion between the proximal end and the distal end. Provided in the shaft is a guide insert for guiding the transmission element, such that the transmission element can slide with respect to the guide insert in the longitudinal direction of the shaft.

Abstract: The invention relates to a medical knot pusher having a shaft, a handle on the proximal end of the shaft, and a guide device on the distal end of the shaft, for holding and guiding surgical sewing material, as well as with an additional cutting device positioned on the shaft for severing the surgical sewing material positioned in the guide device. A medical knot pusher, which is both simple to operate and has a range of uses, is characterized according to the invention in that the shaft consists of a shaft tube that contains the guide device for the surgical sewing material and is positioned in the handle, as well as a cutting tube that can be mounted on the shaft tube and constitutes the cutting device.

Abstract: A coupling for a medical instrument for connecting two lines, with a first coupling part, and with a second coupling part which can be inserted into the first coupling part in the longitudinal direction of the coupling parts. The coupling comprises first locking elements arranged on the first coupling part and second locking elements arranged on the second coupling part, the first locking elements being movable between a locking position, in which they engage with the second locking elements, and an unlocking position, in which they disengage from the second locking elements. The coupling further comprises retaining elements which are arranged on the first coupling part and which are movable between a retention position, in which they keep the first and second locking elements in engagement with each other, and a release position, in which the first and second locking elements can be disengaged.

Abstract: The invention relates to a medical knot pusher having a shaft, a handle on the proximal end of the shaft, and a guide device on the distal end of the shaft, for holding and guiding surgical sewing material, as well as with an additional cutting device positioned on the shaft for severing the surgical sewing material positioned in the guide device. A medical knot pusher, which is both simple to operate and has a range of uses, is characterized according to the invention in that the shaft consists of a shaft tube that contains the guide device for the surgical sewing material and is positioned in the handle, as well as a cutting tube that can be mounted on the shaft tube and constitutes the cutting device.

Abstract: A medical instrument, in particular a resectoscope, comprises a distal first work element which is used for treating body tissue and which can be connected via an elongate work element holder to a handle at a proximal end for moving the work element, the handle having a carriage which is movable in the longitudinal direction of the work element holder and which has a first seat for releasable attachment of the work element holder to the carriage, and further comprises a receiver for an endoscope whose endoscope shaft, in the assembled state, extends substantially parallel to the first work element holder. The carriage has at least a second seat which is spaced apart from the first seat and provided for the first work element holder, or at least a second work element holder which at the distal end supports at least a second work element.

Abstract: A medical instrument, especially a uterus manipulator, comprises a shaft, an actuator movable relative to said shaft in order to move a tool and a locking device to lock the actuator relative to the shaft. It is now proposed that the locking device comprises a clamping element which is slidably arranged therein.

Abstract: A concrete or other roofing tile is provided which simulates wood shake roofing, and which may be used in either a direct deck or batten configuration. The simulated wood shake configuration includes an angled cut portion by means of a butt treatment, and also includes the use of an elongate medial slot which has a rectangular configuration.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for manufacturing and installing a roof structure, in which clay is formed into tiles which simulate wood shakes, and the tiles are attached atop a supporting surface in a predetermined manner in a substantially unrecognizable pattern. The tile configuration provides a structure which is light in weight yet is structurally sound, which lends itself to ready installation upon a wide variety of structures.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for manufacturing and installing a roof structure, in which clay is formed into tiles which simulate wood shakes, and the tiles are attached atop a supporting surface in a predetermined manner in a substantially unrecognizable pattern. The tile configuration provides a structure which is light in weight yet is structurally sound, which lends itself to ready installation upon a wide variety of structures. Secondary supporting ribs for strength and upwardly-directed support ridges for improved stackability are also provided.

Abstract: A clay tile or other formed item having a simulated appearance and a method and apparatus for providing same includes the use of perceptibly random spray patterns and multiple spray nozzles to dispense a coating liquid upon the item prior to its drying and possible firing. Upon drying, the tiles processed thereby include improved appearance characteristics. Spraying is accomplished by a computer controlled spray system which includes, in one embodiment, multiple banks of spray guns (as an example, three guns per bank) which spray liquid upon clay tiles or other items passing thereunder. The spray guns can oscillate sidewardly relative to the general path of the moving items, to further enhance the perceptibly random spray patterns. Different types of engobe or other coatings may be sprayed by each of the banks of spray guns. The method and apparatus can also be used in association with the coloration of clay brick, concrete roof tiles, concrete brick, and concrete block.