Abstract: A staple instrument is provided. The staple instrument includes a staple holder, a rotational drive shaft, and a linkage operatively coupled to the staple holder. The linkage is configured to expand the staple holder via an expansion motion imparted thereon. A converter coupling intermediate the rotational drive shaft and the linkage converts rotational motion of the rotational drive shaft into expansion of the staple holder. The staple instrument also includes a housing that supports the linkage, converter coupling, and rotational drive shaft. The rotational drive shaft has a stop surface that engages a corresponding surface formed in the housing to inhibit proximal translation of the rotational drive shaft relative to the housing.

Abstract: A staple instrument is provided. The staple instrument includes a staple holder, a rotational drive shaft, and a linkage operatively coupled to the staple holder. The linkage is configured to expand the staple holder via an expansion motion imparted thereon. A converter coupling intermediate the rotational drive shaft and the linkage converts rotational motion of the rotational drive shaft into expansion of the staple holder. The staple instrument also includes a housing that supports the linkage, converter coupling, and rotational drive shaft. The rotational drive shaft has a stop surface that engages a corresponding surface formed in the housing to inhibit proximal translation of the rotational drive shaft relative to the housing.

Abstract: An interstitial fluid accumulation chamber is configured to be implanted in a mammal for use as a protective environment for transplanted cells. The interstitial fluid accumulation chamber includes opposed first and second members, a cell isolation chamber, and a plurality of spaced-apart members. The opposed first and second members are disposed in spaced-apart relation. The cell isolation chamber is disposed within and in-between the opposed first and second members. The cell isolation chamber includes a filter which contains pores sized to allow interstitial fluid to enter the cell isolation chamber while preventing cells within the cell isolation chamber from leaving the cell isolation chamber. The plurality of spaced-apart members are disposed within and between the opposed first and second members. The plurality of spaced-apart members form a tortuous path which is configured to prevent tissue from growing within the interstitial fluid accumulation chamber.

Abstract: An ice bagger is provided. The ice bagger includes an ice hopper into which ice is disposed from an ice manufacturer. The ice hopper further includes an ice agitator. The ice hopper defines an ice trough positioned beneath the ice hopper. An ice auger is housed inside the ice trough. The ice auger transports ice to an ice delivery chute. A hatch is positioned beneath the ice delivery chute, upon which the bag rests while filling. The ice delivery chute and the hatch define a bag filling area such that, when bags are present in the bag filling area, the bags are positioned to be filled. A scale is positioned on the hatch. The scale weighs the ice being deposited into the bag. When the bag is full, the bag is sealed by a sealer. When the bag is sealed, the hatch opens and the bag of ice is deposited in an bag depository. This Abstract is submitted with the understanding that it will not be used to interpret or limit the scope or meaning of the claims.

Abstract: An ice bagger is provided. The ice bagger includes an ice hopper into which ice is disposed from an ice manufacturer. The ice hopper further includes an ice agitator and defines an ice trough there beneath. An ice auger, housed inside the ice trough, transports ice to an ice delivery chute. A hatch is positioned beneath the ice delivery chute, upon which the bag rests while filling. A scale is positioned on the hatch. The scale weighs the ice being deposited into the bag. When the bag is full, the bag is sealed by a sealer. When the bag is sealed, the hatch opens and the bag of ice is deposited in an bag depository. This Abstract is submitted with the understanding that it will not be used to interpret or limit the scope or meaning of the claims.

Abstract: An ice bagger is provided. The ice bagger includes an ice hopper into which ice is disposed from an ice manufacturer. The ice hopper further includes an ice agitator. The ice hopper defines an ice trough positioned beneath the ice hopper. An ice auger is housed inside the ice trough. The ice auger transports ice to an ice delivery chute. A hatch is positioned beneath the ice delivery chute, upon which the bag rests while filling. The ice delivery chute and the hatch define a bag filling area such that, when bags are present in the bag filling area, the bags are positioned to be filled. A scale is positioned on the hatch. The scale weighs the ice being deposited into the bag. When the bag is full, the bag is sealed by a sealer. When the bag is sealed, the hatch opens and the bag of ice is deposited in an bag depository. This Abstract is submitted with the understanding that it will not be used to interpret or limit the scope or meaning of the claims.

Abstract: An interstitial fluid accumulation chamber is configured to be implanted in a mammal for use as a protective environment for transplanted cells. The interstitial fluid accumulation chamber includes opposed first and second members, a cell isolation chamber, and a plurality of spaced-apart members. The opposed first and second members are disposed in spaced-apart relation. The cell isolation chamber is disposed within and in-between the opposed first and second members. The cell isolation chamber includes a filter which contains pores sized to allow interstitial fluid to enter the cell isolation chamber while preventing cells within the cell isolation chamber from leaving the cell isolation chamber. The plurality of spaced-apart members are disposed within and between the opposed first and second members. The plurality of spaced-apart members form a tortuous path which is configured to prevent tissue from growing within the interstitial fluid accumulation chamber.

Abstract: The disclosure provides an implanted device that promotes the protection and maintenance of transplanted cells in a host body. The implanted device provides the transplanted cells with a safe, nutritious environment for survival and removes waste products generated by the cells.

Abstract: A system for redistributing interstitial fluid within a mammal is disclosed. The system comprises an implantable accumulation chamber, a confined flow passageway such as a catheter in communication with the accumulation chamber, and a liquid transfer pump for dispensing accumulated interstitial fluid from the accumulation chamber to a predetermined body site via the confined flow passageway.

Abstract: The disclosure provides an implanted device that promotes the protection and maintenance of transplanted cells in a host body. The implanted device provides the transplanted cells with a safe, nutritious environment for survival and removes waste products generated by the cells.

Abstract: A system for redistributing interstitial fluid within a mammal is disclosed. The system comprises an implantable accumulation chamber, a confined flow passageway such as a catheter in communication with the accumulation chamber, and a liquid transfer pump for dispensing accumulated interstitial fluid from the accumulation chamber to a predetermined body site via the confined flow passageway.

Abstract: This invention provides an implantable infusion port which comprises a non planar septum, a fluid reservoir of a substantially spherical shape, inlet means to access the reservoir, and optimized outlet means from the reservoir. The present invention provides for a reservoir that precludes angular junctions between portions of the reservoir which can lead to eddies, countercurrents, and stagnation, thereby creating a more laminar and efficient flow pattern within the reservoir.

Abstract: A system for redistributing interstitial fluid within a mammal is disclosed. The system comprises an implantable accumulation chamber, a confined flow passageway such as a catheter in communication with the accumulation chamber, and a liquid transfer pump for dispensing accumulated interstitial fluid from the accumulation chamber to a predetermined body site via the confined flow passageway.

Abstract: An implantable infusion port comprising a non planar septum, a fluid reservoir of a substantially spherical shape, inlet means to access the reservoir, and optimized outlet means from the reservoir. The present invention provides for a reservoir that precludes angular junctions between portions of the reservoir which can lead to eddies, countercurrents, and stagnation, thereby creating a more laminar and efficient flow pattern within the reservoir.

Abstract: A vascular access port having a novel septum design that while allowing for larger septum access area and larger degree of access allows for an overall small profile. The present invention further provides for a novel septum and reservoir design that eliminates angular junctions.

Abstract: An ice bagger is provided. The ice bagger includes an ice hopper into which ice is disposed from an ice manufacturer. The ice hopper further includes an ice agitator and defines an ice trough there beneath. An ice auger, housed inside the ice trough, transports ice to an ice delivery chute. A hatch is positioned beneath the ice delivery chute, upon which the bag rests while filling. A scale is positioned on the hatch. The scale weighs the ice being deposited into the bag. When the bag is full, the bag is sealed by a sealer. When the bag is sealed, the hatch opens and the bag of ice is deposited in an bag depository. This Abstract is submitted with the understanding that it will not be used to interpret or limit the scope or meaning of the claims.

Abstract: An implantable infusion port comprising a non planar septum, a fluid reservoir of a substantially spherical shape, inlet means to access the reservoir, and optimized outlet means from the reservoir. The present invention provides for a reservoir that precludes angular junctions between portions of the reservoir which can lead to eddies, countercurrents, and stagnation, thereby creating a more laminar and efficient flow pattern within the reservoir.

Abstract: A vascular access port having a novel septum design that while allowing for larger septum access area and larger degree of access allows for an overall small profile. The present invention further provides for a novel septum and reservoir design that eliminates angular junctions.