Abstract: An object of the present invention is to provide a thermoelectric-conversion element whose physical strength is high, whose generating capacity is large, whose probability of being damaged during its manufacturing process is low, and whose manufacture requires a relatively small number of man-hours. Another object of the present invention is to provide a method of manufacturing the thermoelectric-conversion element.

Abstract: In a vector purification device, bacteria containing vectors are cultured in a culture medium in a culture tank, the culture medium is concentrated by filtration with a first TFF film, and the concentrated culture medium is replaced with a buffer solution by filtering a mixture of the culture medium and the buffer solution by the TFF film while supplying the buffer solution from a buffer tank. The bacteria subjected to bacteriolysis by an alkali solution supplied from an alkali tank are passed through a second TFF film to remove undesired substances. Since the TFF films are used in place of a centrifugal separator for concentration or the like, a series of operations can be carried out continuously in a closed system. Further, a crudely purified vector solution is treated with a surfactant to separate vector DNAs from endotoxins as separate layers, and the endotoxins are removed.

Abstract: A wire connecting link in an endoscopic treatment instrument has a mechanism connector formed at one end for establishing connection to a mechanism member, and a wire holder formed at the other end into which a manipulating wire is to be inserted and fixed. The wire connecting link is made from a single tubular workpiece which is flattened at one end to form the mechanism connector, and the remaining tubular part forms the wire holder.

Abstract: Endoscopic biopsy forceps that allow for smooth action of drive levers to ensure that forceps cups formed integral with the drive levers will positively open and close. Parallel grooves are formed in the drive levers in a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of a support shaft and connecting members for coupling a manipulating wire and the drive levers are coupled to the drive levers within the parallel grooves.

Abstract: A treatment tool support device comprises a moving mechanism support member and a sheath connecting cap. The moving mechanism support member is manufactured by bending a plate in such a manner that a first bottom portion defining a part of a support groove is formed. A treatment tool moving mechanism for moving a biopsy forceps is supported. The sheath connecting cap is provided on an end portion of a sheath, in which an operating member for operating the biopsy forceps is provided. The sheath connecting cap is manufactured by deep drawing such as press molding. The first bottom portion of the moving mechanism support member is connected to a second bottom of the sheath connecting cap through crimping, welding or brazing.

Abstract: In a vector purification device, bacteria containing vectors are cultured in a culture medium in a culture tank, the culture medium is concentrated by filtration with a first TFF film, and the concentrated culture medium is replaced with a buffer solution by filtering a mixture of the culture medium and the buffer solution by the TFF film while supplying the buffer solution from a buffer tank. The bacteria subjected to bacteriolysis by an alkali solution supplied from an alkali tank are passed through a second TFF film to remove undesired substances. Since the TFF films are used in place of a centrifugal separator for concentration or the like, a series of operations can be carried out continuously in a closed system. Further, a crudely purified vector solution is treated with a surfactant to separate vector DNAs from endotoxins as separate layers, and the endotoxins are removed.

Abstract: In a process by which a distal end support member of an endoscopic treatment tool that has a drive mechanism holding groove portion and a sheath coupling portion is fabricated, a drive mechanism holding groove portion is formed by forging that portion of a cylindrical metal stock which is closer to its front end such that it is extruded along the longitudinal axis to form a slit of gap in the middle while the sheath coupling portion is formed by forging that portion of the metal stock which is closer to its rear end such that it is extruded in an annular shape in a direction opposite the first direction of extrusion.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing a biopsy forceps cup for an endoscope in which a spoon-shaped forceps cup is formed by drawing a metal plate blank by a press, includes forming a first cut on the metal plate blank, wherein the first cut surrounds a contour of a portion of the metal plate blank defining a forceps cup blank corresponding to the forceps cup, the first cut being discontinued by a plurality of first connection portions; forming a second cut on the metal plate blank, wherein the second cut surrounds the first cut, the second cut being discontinued by a plurality of second connection portions; and carrying out a drawing operation on the metal plate blank while each of the first and second connection portions remain connected with respective neighboring portions defined by each respective the first and second cuts.