Abstract: A method for operating vacuum drill guide having an elongated structure having an internal axial passageway and having a drill bushing attached to a first end of the elongated structure, the drill bushing having an axial slot formed in a wall thereof communicating with the internal axial passageway, the drill bushing further having a longitudinal bore formed therethrough to receive a drill bit, a vacuum hose fitting communicating with the axial passageway at a second end of the elongated structure, a chip recovery chamber disposed along the internal axial passageway, and a vacuum filter disposed in the internal axial passageway between the chip recovery chamber and the first end the method comprising providing the vacuum drill guide, inserting a drill bit into the drill bushing, pulling a vacuum from the second end of the elongated structure, positioning the drill bit, and rotating the drill bit to perform a drilling procedure.

Abstract: A vacuum drill guide includes an elongated structure having an internal axial passageway formed therethrough, a first end of the elongated structure terminating in a drill bushing affixed to a first end of the elongated structure, the drill bushing having an axial slot communicating with the internal axial passageway of the elongated structure, the drill bushing further having a longitudinal bore formed therethrough to receive a drill bit and allow the received drill bit to rotate, a second end of the elongated structure opposite the first end terminating in a vacuum hose fitting communicating with the axial passageway, a chip recovery chamber disposed along the internal axial passageway between the first end and the second end of the elongated structure, and a vacuum filter disposed in the internal axial passageway between the chip recovery chamber and the first end of the elongated structure.

Abstract: A flexible driveshaft includes a proximal coupler and a distal coupler each configured to couple to a respective component of an instrument, and a flexible shaft having a proximal end connected to the proximal coupler, a distal end connected to the distal coupler, and a longitudinal axis. The flexible shaft may include a sleeve, and a core having a first end and a second end. The core is housed within the sleeve. The flexible shaft also includes a plurality of coils arranged around the longitudinal axis in at least one layer.

Abstract: A vacuum drill guide includes an elongated structure having an internal axial passageway formed therethrough, a first end of the elongated structure terminating in a drill bushing affixed to a first end of the elongated structure, the drill bushing having an axial slot communicating with the internal axial passageway of the elongated structure, the drill bushing further having a longitudinal bore formed therethrough to receive a drill bit and allow the received drill bit to rotate, a second end of the elongated structure opposite the first end terminating in a vacuum hose fitting communicating with the axial passageway, a chip recovery chamber disposed along the internal axial passageway between the first end and the second end of the elongated structure, and a vacuum filter disposed in the internal axial passageway between the chip recovery chamber and the first end of the elongated structure.

Abstract: A method of producing a coil for a flexible drive shaft includes: winding a roving into at least one helical groove of a mandrel; coating the roving with an uncured material; heating the coated roving to a curing temperature in the at least one helical groove of the mandrel to cure the uncured material and form a composite roving; and stripping the composite roving from the mandrel. A method of forming a flexible driveshaft for a surgical instrument is also provided and includes: feeding a plurality of flexible coils into a feeder such that each of the plurality of flexible coils are spaced from one another about a rod; rotating the rod to wind the plurality of flexible coils about the rod; and binding the wound plurality of flexible coils and rod together.

Abstract: A method of producing a coil for a flexible drive shaft includes: winding a roving into at least one helical groove of a mandrel; coating the roving with an uncured material; heating the coated roving to a curing temperature in the at least one helical groove of the mandrel to cure the uncured material and form a composite roving; and stripping the composite roving from the mandrel. A method of forming a flexible driveshaft for a surgical instrument is also provided and includes: feeding a plurality of flexible coils into a feeder such that each of the plurality of flexible coils are spaced from one another about a rod; rotating the rod to wind the plurality of flexible coils about the rod; and binding the wound plurality of flexible coils and rod together.

Abstract: A flexible driveshaft includes a proximal coupler and a distal coupler each configured to couple to a respective component of an instrument, and a flexible shaft having a proximal end connected to the proximal coupler, a distal end connected to the distal coupler, and a longitudinal axis. The flexible shaft may include a sleeve, and a core having a first end and a second end. The core is housed within the sleeve. The flexible shaft also includes a plurality of coils arranged around the longitudinal axis in at least one layer.

Abstract: Pressure vessels having end closures for sealing at least one open end are constructed so as to provide full-bore access to a generally tubular shell portion wherein one or more filter cartridges will be disposed. A sealing ring (45) of rectangular cross section is seated in a groove provided in the tubular shell (15) at a location axially inward of a cylindrical surface region wherein a central annular groove is provided. A closure head (39) fits within this annular surface and includes a shoulder (73) which prevents insertion past the scaling ring (45).

Abstract: Pressure vessels having end closures for sealing at least one open end are constructed so as to provide full-bore access to a generally tubular shell portion wherein one or more filter cartridges will be disposed. A sealing ring of rectangular cross section is seated in a groove provided in the tubular shell at a location axially inward of a cylindrical surface region wherein a central annular groove is provided. A closure head fits within this annular surface and includes a shoulder which prevents insertion past the sealing ring.

Abstract: This invention describes novel lead connectors for use with an implantable device, such as a cardiac pacemaker. In one aspect, the connectors use resilient spring action to mechanically retain the lad in the connector and maintain reliable electrical contact. In another aspect, the connector has a plurality of terminations which are grouped together and is enclosed in a biocompatible flexible insulator to form a connector strip. A remote lead assembly is also provided, which permits the implanted device to be remotely located from the connectors used to connect with leads coupled to implanted electrodes.

Abstract: A new and distinct cultivar of Hop plant named ‘Sumner’, characterized by its upright and relatively compact plant habit; freely branching habit; stems reddish brown in color during the late summer and autumn; and attractive lime green to yellow green-colored leaves.