Abstract: The present invention is directed to the method and apparatus for the cytoplasmic loading of macromolecules into living cells by an impact-mediated procedure that impacts the cells with a predetermined number of solid particles in a blast of propellant gas. More specifically, the present invention is directed to an impact-mediated procedure that is altered by gravitational conditions and is preferably carried out under hypergravity conditions. Further, the present invention is directed to an IML method and apparatus for consistently and reproducibly loading macromolecules into the cytoplasm of living cells via membrane wounding at significantly higher efficiencies than can be accomplished using existing methodologies. The IML procedure directs a blast of propellant gas through a rupturable membrane on which solid particles are supported in order to achieve insertion of a predetermined number of particles into the propellant blast.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a surgical rongeur having a body, a replaceable hollow cutting member and an actuator for moving the cutting member. The body has a distal end and a proximal end. The body at the distal end has an extended member terminating in an anvil. Between the distal end and the proximal end is a hollow portion, and at the proximal end of the body is a handle which actuates the cutting member. The replaceable hollow cutting member is movable within and guided by said hollow portion of the body but extends beyond the body at the proximal end. The hollow cutting member is actuated to cut any bodily material positioned between the anvil of the body and the cutting member, capturing the cut material in the hollow cutting member.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a mechanical clutch which limits transmission of torque to a desired, predetermined maximum torque from a first clutch plate to a second clutch plate. More specifically, the mechanical clutch includes at least one stepper member, preferably three or more evenly spaced stepper members, which transmit the torque from a first clutch plate to a second clutch plate providing a desired maximum torque is not exceeded. However, if the desired maximum torque is exceeded, the stepper member will rotate and move between the clutch plates so that the torque to the second clutch plate does not exceed the desired maximum torque. The desired maximum torque is set by the axial force compressing the stepper member between the clutch plates and when the applied torque to the first clutch plate exceeds the desired torque, the stepper member will rotate between the clutch plates rather than transmit that torque to the second clutch plate.