Abstract: A graft ligament strand tensioner is provided. The tensioner includes a body, a pair of suture rails connected to the body and a handle pivotally connected to the body. Each suture rail comprises a grooved outer channel for receiving a suture loop and a central mandrel for receiving a suture loop. The handle is pivotally connected to the body such that the handle can be pivoted relative to a longitudinal axis of the body only when the handle is under tension.

Abstract: Data processing apparatus arranged to receive successive images from a video camera comprises means for detecting the average image luminance of images received from the video camera; means for detecting whether the average image luminance is lower than a threshold luminance value; and means for initiating a control function of the data processing apparatus in response to detection of an average image luminance which is lower than the threshold luminance value over at least a threshold number of successive images.

Abstract: An apparatus for suturing tissue includes first and second needles. A first structure associated with the first needle is adapted and configured to pass a leading portion of the suture from a near side of a tissue to a far side of the tissue. A second structure cooperates with the second needle to capture and secure the suture. Proximal movement of the apparatus after the suture is captured moves the suture from the far side of the tissue to the near side of the tissue.

Abstract: A karaoke service is provided responsive to receiving a plurality of performance requests associated with a plurality of mobile terminals. The plurality of performance requests are queued in a selected order to provide a karaoke performance schedule, and a next performance request is identified based on the karaoke performance schedule. An end time of a current karaoke performance is determined, and a notification is transmitted to at least one of the plurality of mobile terminals associated with the next performance request over a wireless connection at a predetermined time based on the determined end time. Audio data is received from the at least one mobile terminal associated with the next performance request over a wireless connection responsive to transmitting the notification thereto. The received audio data is provided to audio equipment for output.

Abstract: An apparatus for suturing tissue includes first and second needles. A first structure associated with the first needle is adapted and configured to pass a leading portion of the suture from a near side of a tissue to a far side of the tissue. A second structure cooperates with the second needle to capture and secure the suture. Proximal movement of the apparatus after the suture is captured moves the suture from the far side of the tissue to the near side of the tissue.

Abstract: A meniscal repair device includes a handle with a thumbslide and a needle cartridge extending therefrom, the needle cartridge having distal tips having a specific directional orientation suited for a particular procedure. The meniscal repair device includes a needle rack and an obturator rack. A quantity of suture material is included in the meniscal repair device. The distal ends of the needle cartridge are adapted for penetrating soft tissue.

Abstract: An apparatus for suturing tissue includes a housing. The apparatus also includes a first needle attached to the housing and a second needle attached to the housing. A suture having a leading portion and a trailing portion is also included. A first structure is operably associated with the first needle for passing the leading portion of the suture from a near side of body tissue to a far side of the body tissue. A second structure is operably associated with the second needle for retracting the leading portion of the suture from the far side of the body tissue back to the near side of the body tissue.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention provide methods for effecting a desired business solution. In accordance with one embodiment of the invention, a plurality of aspects of a business are analyzed. Each aspect corresponds to an element of a particular domain of a set of domains wherein the plurality of aspects corresponds to elements from at least two domains. A modification of each element that will result in a desired outcome in regard to the corresponding aspect is determined. In accordance with one embodiment of the invention, the business solution development process identifies and provides exit criteria pertaining to each stage of the business solution development process. For one embodiment of the invention a set of metrics are defined and tracked to measure the effectiveness of the business solution.

Abstract: An orthotic device includes a rigid support member and a removable inner liner having a contact surface adjacent the support member formed of a non-skid or non-slip material. The liner may include a flap or pocket for receiving at least a portion of the support member, at least at first strap having a first end attached to a first region of the liner and a second end fastenable to a second region of the liner for securing the orthotic device to the wearer, and a patient interface surface.

Abstract: A pneumatic launcher includes a number of chambers for holding a compressed gas and a valve for releasing the compressed gas into a firing chamber to fire a projectile. The firing valve may include a number of surfaces on which pressure acts to slide a sliding valve body between an open position and a closed position. The launcher may include a recess for preventing pressure from acting on one of those surfaces when the valve is in the closed position. A part of the sliding valve body may interact with adjacent parts to form a closed region ahead of the sliding valve body, in order to cushion motion of the sliding valve body. The launcher may have a breech and a breech pin shaped to create a desired gas flow within the firing chamber during firing. The breech may include a breech pin seal which seals between two faces oriented transverse to the axis of the launcher. The launcher barrel may have a number of ribs for improved stability and accuracy.

Abstract: The invention relates to a system for repairing a heart valve comprising a catheter, said catheter comprising an engagement member, the engagement member having at its distal end a hook capable of engaging with the surface of a prolapsed heart valve leaflet; and a fastener capable of deploying a fastening means to said leaflet.

Abstract: In one form of the present invention, there is provided apparatus for suturing tissue, wherein the apparatus comprises: a housing; a first needle mounted to the housing; a second needle mounted to the housing; a suture having a leading portion and a trailing portion; a first structure associated with the first needle for passing the leading portion of the suture from a near side of the tissue to a far side of the tissue; and a second structure associated with the second needle for retracting the leading portion of the suture from the far side of the tissue back to the near side of the tissue.

Abstract: A tubular structure is reinforced or reinstated by providing a reinforcing layer in its interior in spaced relation to the existing structure so that a cavity is formed. Plastics or polymer material, preferably a compact elastomer, is injected into the cavity and cures to bond the existing structure and reinforcing layer together so that shear forces are transferred and the reinforced structure behaves as a composite body.

Abstract: A graft ligament strand tensioner comprising: a body; and a pair of suture rails connected to the body, wherein each suture rail comprises a grooved outer channel for receiving a suture loop and a central mandrel for receiving a suture loop, wherein the separation of a suture loop received by the grooved outer channel is larger than the separation of a suture loop received by the central mandrel. A graft ligament strand tensioner comprising: a body; and a plurality of cleats connected to the body, wherein each of the cleats is configured to releasably secure a length of suture. A graft ligament strand tensioner comprising: a body; at least two suture-engaging elements for releasably engaging a pair of sutures, the at least two suture-engaging elements being connected to the body, in spaced-apart fashion, symmetrically about a center axis of the body; and a handle pivotally connected to the body, such that the handle can be laterally positioned relative to the longitudinal axis of the body.

Abstract: A prosthetic valve for implantation within a fluid conducting lumen within a body includes an elongate generally cylindrical radially collapsible valve body scaffold defining a fluid passageway therethrough for retentive positioning within the lumen. A radially collapsible leaf valve member is supported by the scaffold includes a number of valve leafs deflectable between a closed position restricting fluid flow through the passageway and an open position permitting fluid flow through the passageway. The leaf valve member includes an interior leaf valve frame defining a valve leaf aperture which is sealed by a fluid impermeable non-thrombogenic lining to prevent fluid flow therethrough.