Abstract: Unitary vessel harvesting devices with integrated components is provided. In some embodiments, such devices comprise an elongated body having a proximal end and a distal end, a dissection tip disposed at the distal end of the elongated body. The dissection tip can include integrated circuitry to provide an in-tip camera, lighting and data communications.

Abstract: In one aspect, a system for monitoring tool float on an agricultural implement may include an implement frame, a rocker arm pivotably mounted to the implement frame, and a tool coupled to the rocker arm. The system may also include a biasing element coupled between the frame and the rocker arm, with the biasing element configured to permit the tool to move relative to the implement frame. Furthermore, the system may include a rotational position sensor configured to detect a parameter indicative of a rotational position of the rocker arm relative the implement frame, with the rotational position being indicative of an additional amount of available relative movement between the tool and the implement frame.

Abstract: A system and method for cell collection within a vessel. The system including a cannula having a pathway extending from a first end to a second end, a elongated member situated longitudinally within the pathway of the cannula, a sleeve coupled to the second end of the cannula and a balloon situated within the sleeve.

Abstract: In one aspect, a system for regulating the flow of fluid supplied to actuators of an agricultural implement may include a tool and a fluid-driven actuator configured to actuate the tool relative to a surface. The system may also include a pump configured to supply fluid to the fluid-driven actuator and a valve configured to control a flow of the fluid supplied to the fluid-driven actuator. Furthermore, the system may include a first sensor configured to detect a parameter indicative of a first pressure upstream of the valve and a second sensor configured to detect a parameter indicative of a second pressure downstream of the valve. Additionally, the system may include a controller communicatively coupled to the first and second sensors, with the controller configured to determine a pressure differential across the valve based on measurement signals received from the first and second sensors.

Abstract: The present invention relates generally to improved systems and methods for removing undesirable material residing in vessels. More specifically, the present invention relates to systems and methods for using at least one cannula to remove substantially en bloc, from a site of obstruction or interest, undesirable material without fragmentation and without excessive fluid loss.

Abstract: A system for removing an undesirable material from within a vessel is provided. The system includes a cannula designed for maneuvering within a blood vessel to a site of interest and applying a suction force, such that the undesirable material can be captured and removed along the cannula away from the site. The system also may include a catheter having a balloon at its distal end. The balloon may be designed to be positioned adjacent to the undesirable material such that the undesirable material is situated between the balloon and the cannula. The catheter may also be designed to subsequently impart a force onto the undesirable material for removal of the undesirable material. A method for removing an undesirable material from within a vessel is also provided.

Abstract: A hydraulic system includes a supply line, at least one implement-based control valve, an implement-based pressure regulating valve, and a load sensing circuit. The implement-based control valve(s) is fluidly coupled to the supply line and configured to regulate a flow of the pressurized hydraulic fluid supplied through at least one downstream actuator line to at least one hydraulic actuator of the implement. The implement-based pressure regulating valve is fluidly coupled to the supply line upstream of the control valve(s) and configured to regulate a fluid pressure to be equal to or greater than a minimum fluid pressure. The load sensing circuit is fluidly coupled to the pressure regulating valve and provides a line or load pressure to the pressure regulating valve. The pressure regulating valve is configured to regulate the supply of the pressurized hydraulic fluid based on the line pressure.

Abstract: A hydraulic system including a supply line, an implement-based control valve, an override valve supported by the implement, and a bypass line. The control valve is fluidly coupled to the supply line and configured to regulate a flow of pressurized hydraulic fluid supplied through a downstream actuator line to a hydraulic actuator of the implement. The override valve is fluidly coupled to the actuator line downstream of the control valve and includes a supply position at which the flow of pressurized hydraulic fluid from the control valve passes through the override valve to the hydraulic actuator. The override valve is actuatable to at least one override position at which the flow of pressurized hydraulic fluid from the control valve is cut-off. The bypass line is fluidly coupled between the supply line and the override valve such that a portion of the pressurized hydraulic fluid flows to the hydraulic actuator.

Abstract: A system, apparatus and method, for enhancing resolution during remotely controlled adjustment of a fore/aft trim angle of a frame of a towable tillage implement, utilize a fore/aft trim angle adjustment arrangement operatively attached between a hitch and the frame of the implement for tilting the frame at a desired trim angle along a fore/aft axis of the frame. An adjustable-length fore/aft trim linkage is operatively connected between the frame and the hitch for adjusting and maintaining the trim angle. A linear actuator is operatively attached to the trim angle linkage for remotely controlling the length of the trim angle adjustment linkage to thereby adjust the trim angle as a function of a stroke of the actuator. The fore/aft trim linkage provides an adjustment in its length that is proportionally less than the stroke of the actuator, to thereby provide enhanced resolution for remote control of the trim angle.

Abstract: The present inventors have recognized that hydraulic cylinders for raising and lowering “work units” of an agricultural implement used for engaging the ground can be improved by replacing one or more electronically controlled (electrohydraulic) proportional valves associated with a rod port of the cylinder with a simplified, flow control device, such as a pressure regulator, while still using the electronically controlled proportional valves associated with a base port of the cylinder. Due to the weight of the implement being associated with the rod side, which tends to force retraction of the rod when not opposed by the base side, complex proportional valves associated with the rod side can be replaced with such simplified devices providing a relatively low pressure sufficient to move hydraulic fluid with respect to the rod side.

Abstract: The present inventors have recognized that hydraulic cylinders for raising and lowering ground engaging tools of an implement can be synchronously controlled with respect to a prioritized primary set of tools, such as a section of tillage shanks for ripping compacted soil, which cylinder adjustment affects all other sections due to the arrangement of the primary set on the frame. A user can electronically command new ground engaging depths for the primary set and/or any secondary set of ground engaging tools. If the primary set is updated, the system can synchronously control the primary set and the other sections to adjust respective cylinders to achieve desired depths. However, if only a second set is updated, and not the primary set, the system can control only the second set to adjust its cylinder to the desired depth without affecting the primary set or any other second set.

Abstract: A system for removing an undesirable material from within a vessel is provided. The system includes a cannula designed for maneuvering within a blood vessel to a site of interest and applying a suction force, such that the undesirable material can be captured and removed along the cannula away from the site. The system also may include a catheter having a balloon at its distal end. The balloon may be designed to be positioned adjacent to the undesirable material such that the undesirable material is situated between the balloon and the cannula. The catheter may also be designed to subsequently impart a force onto the undesirable material for removal of the undesirable material. A method for removing an undesirable material from within a vessel is also provided.

Abstract: Unitary endoscopic vessel harvesting devices are disclosed. In some embodiments, such devices comprise an elongated body having a proximal end and a distal end; an inflatable, coated or conditioned tip disposed at the distal end of the elongated body; and a cutting unit having a first cutting portion and a second cutting portion, the first cutting portion and the second cutting portion being moveable in a longitudinal direction relative to the elongated body to capture a blood vessel between the first cutting portion and the second cutting portion, and being rotatable relative to one another circumferentially about the tip to cut the captured blood vessel.

Abstract: Unitary endoscopic vessel harvesting devices are disclosed. In some embodiments, such devices comprise an elongated body having a proximal end and a distal end; an inflatable, coated or conditioned tip disposed at the distal end of the elongated body; and a cutting unit having a first cutting portion and a second cutting portion, the first cutting portion and the second cutting portion being moveable in a longitudinal direction relative to the elongated body to capture a blood vessel between the first cutting portion and the second cutting portion, and being rotatable relative to one another circumferentially about the tip to cut the captured blood vessel.

Abstract: Systems for providing access across a site of obstruction and methods for manufacturing and using such systems are provided. Such systems may include a cannula having a lumen, an everting member coupled to the cannula, and a push assembly having a pathway. The push assembly may be slidably disposed within the lumen of the cannula and connected to a proximal end of the everting member to move the everting member from an inverted position inside the cannula to an everted position outside the cannula. The systems may also include a tube having a passageway, the tube slidably disposed within the pathway of the push assembly and extending through a proximal end of the push assembly into the pathway of the push assembly to selectively move from a first position inside the push assembly to a second position outside the push assembly.

Abstract: A pad is provided having a body for providing a gas seal over a surgical site, a port extending between a first surface of the body and a second surface of the body and sized accept a surgical instrument, and a lumen situated along the body and having a first opening and a second opening, the second opening aligned with the surgical site for communicating a fluid flow to the surgical site.

Abstract: Systems for providing access across a site of obstruction and methods for manufacturing and using such systems are provided. Such systems may include a cannula having a lumen, an everting member coupled to the cannula, and a push assembly having a pathway. The push assembly may be slidably disposed within the lumen of the cannula and connected to a proximal end of the everting member to move the everting member from an inverted position inside the cannula to an everted position outside the cannula. The systems may also include a tube having a passageway, the tube slidably disposed within the pathway of the push assembly and extending through a proximal end of the push assembly into the pathway of the push assembly to selectively move from a first position inside the push assembly to a second position outside the push assembly.

Abstract: Unitary endoscopic vessel harvesting devices with an elastic force are disclosed. In some embodiments, such devices comprise an elongated body having a proximal end and a distal end, a tip disposed at the distal end of the elongated body; and cutting unit having an elastic force, a first cutting portion and a second cutting portion, the first cutting portion and the second cutting portion being moveable in a longitudinal direction relative to the elongated body to capture a blood vessel between the first cutting portion and the second cutting portion, and being rotatable relative to one another circumferentially about the tip to cut the captured blood vessel, and a biasing member engaged with the cutting unit to bias at least one cutting portion toward the other cutting portion.

Abstract: Unitary endoscopic vessel harvesting devices are disclosed. In some embodiments, such devices may comprise an elongated body having a proximal end and a distal end. A conical tip may be disposed at the distal end of the elongated body. In addition, the surgical instrument may include one or more surgical instruments moveable in a longitudinal direction along an axis substantially parallel to a central longitudinal axis of the cannula from a retracted position proximally of a distal end of the tip to an advanced position toward the distal end of the tip to seal and cut a blood vessel.

Abstract: Unitary endoscopic vessel harvesting devices are disclosed. In some embodiments, such devices may comprise an elongated body having a proximal end and a distal end. A conical tip may be disposed at the distal end of the elongated body. In addition, the surgical instrument may include one or more surgical instruments moveable in a longitudinal direction along an axis substantially parallel to a central longitudinal axis of the cannula from a retracted position proximally of a distal end of the tip to an advanced position toward the distal end of the tip to seal and cut a blood vessel.