Abstract: A needle assembly and delivery system for biopsying tissue of a patient includes a flexible biopsy needle, a cannula for receiving and supporting the biopsy needle, and a guide assembly which defines at least one guide assembly for receiving, guiding, and orienting the flexible biopsy needle and cannula through an angle of at least forty degrees through the needle guide assembly to a fixed orientation and position for biopsying tissue of the patient. The biopsy needle includes a sampling section which has smooth or rounded edges, a bending section which has a first circular cross-section, and a body portion proximal of the bending section which has a second circular cross-section larger than the first circular cross-section. The flexible biopsy needle, cannula, and guide assembly may be used with a biopsy ultrasound delivery system which includes an ultrasonic probe and a biopsy gun.

Abstract: The invention includes a probe for imaging tissue within a body cavity. The probe includes a housing which has a first substantially narrow elongate distal portion insertable into a body cavity, and a second elongate portion proximal of the first elongate portion. The narrow distal portion houses a transducer which is longitudinally translatable and rotatable relative thereto. The second elongate portion houses a platform assembly and a movable member. The platform assembly includes a transmission system and a frame, both of which are coupled to the transducer by at least one connector such that rotational movement of the platform assembly within the second elongate portion effectuates rotation of the transducer within the first elongate portion, and translational movement of the moveable member within the second elongate portion effectuates translational movement of the transducer within the first elongate portion. The probe is used with a needle assembly and delivery system.

Abstract: A system and method of cashing a check which reduces wait times and automates a very manual process. An example method includes capturing an image of the check, sending a request including an image file containing the image of the check to a check approval system, receiving an approval to cash the check from the check approval system, and submitting the image file and the approval during a check cashing transaction at a self-service terminal.

Abstract: A system and method of cashing a check which reduces wait times and automates a very manual process. An example method includes capturing an image of the check, sending a request including an image file containing the image of the check to a check approval system, receiving an approval to cash the check from the check approval system, and submitting the image file and the approval during a check cashing transaction at a self-service terminal.

Abstract: The invention includes a probe for imaging tissue within a body cavity. The probe includes a housing which has a first substantially narrow elongate distal portion insertable into a body cavity, and a second elongate portion proximal of the first elongate portion. The narrow distal portion houses a transducer which is longitudinally translatable and rotatable relative thereto. The second elongate portion houses a platform assembly and a movable member. The platform assembly includes a transmission system and a frame, both of which are coupled to the transducer by at least one connector such that rotational movement of the platform assembly within the second elongate portion effectuates rotation of the transducer within the first elongate portion, and translational movement of the moveable member within the second elongate portion effectuates translational movement of the transducer within the first elongate portion. The probe is used with a needle assembly and delivery system.

Abstract: A needle assembly and delivery system for biopsying tissue of a patient includes a flexible biopsy needle, a cannula for receiving and supporting the biopsy needle, and a guide assembly which defines at least one guide assembly for receiving, guiding, and orienting the flexible biopsy needle and cannula through an angle of at least forty degrees through the needle guide assembly to a fixed orientation and position for biopsying tissue of the patient. The biopsy needle includes a sampling section which has smooth or rounded edges, a bending section which has a first circular cross-section, and a body portion proximal of the bending section which has a second circular cross-section larger than the first circular cross-section. The flexible biopsy needle, cannula, and guide assembly may be used with a biopsy ultrasound delivery system which includes an ultrasonic probe and a biopsy gun.

Abstract: An I.V. cannula needle (37) has a base adapter (41) with a sleeve (43) which surrounds a compression spring (53) which urges a barrel (47) and its tapered point (49) to cover and protect the point (39) of the I.V. needle (37) An I.V. cannula (52) slips over the barrel (47) and has a winged base (55) which, when pulled backward, compresses a spring (53) inside a base extension (43) and exposes the needle point (39) for insertion. On withdrawing needle (37) and relaxing pull-back pressure, needle point (39) is automatically shielded by the point (49) of the barrel (47), but the loose-fitting I.V. cannula remains in the patient and is taped down and connected to I.V. tubing. A second embodiment comprises a wire (61) which can be manipulated back and forth through a barrel (81) by a winged member (69) operating within a slot (80) and against a spring (67). The wire (61) can protrude through the needle 81 and provide protection against accidental injury from the needle. An I.V.