Abstract: An ophthalmic injection system has a tip segment attachable to and removable from a limited reuse assembly. The tip segment has a dispensing chamber housing, a plunger, a needle, a temperature control device, a thermal sensor, and a first housing at least partially enclosing the dispensing chamber housing, the temperature control device and the plunger. The limited reuse assembly has an actuator with a shaft, a power source for providing power to the actuator, a controller for controlling the actuator, a mechanical linkage interface, and a second housing at least partially enclosing the power source, the controller, and the actuator. The mechanical linkage interface is coupled to the actuator shaft and has a mating surface on one end. The substance is injected after the temperature of the substance is altered.

Abstract: An injection device assembly includes a dispensing chamber housing and a plunger. The dispensing chamber housing is coupled to a needle. The dispensing chamber housing has an inner surface and an outer surface. The inner surface partially defines a dispensing chamber for holding a quantity of a substance. A dosage of a substance is cast into the dispensing chamber housing or cast onto a plunger that is inserted into the dispensing chamber housing.

Abstract: An ophthalmic injection device includes a dispensing chamber housing with an inner surface that partially defines a dispensing chamber for holding a substance, a plunger fluidly sealed to the interior surface of the dispensing chamber housing, and a needle fluidly coupled to the dispensing chamber. A temperature control device partially surrounds the dispensing chamber housing and alters a temperature of the substance. A piston is coupled to the plunger at one end and to a spring at the other end. The spring provides a force to drive the piston and the plunger. An actuator is coupled to the lockout bar with which a button is configured to interface. The actuator moves the lockout bar when the substance reaches a temperature, thereby allowing the button to be activated so that the spring provides the force to drive the plunger. An incorporated stop whose measurements may vary allow the expelled dosage to vary accordingly.

Abstract: A dispensing assembly includes a dispensing chamber housing, a needle with a needle hub, and a temperature control device. The dispensing chamber housing has an inner surface and an outer surface. The inner surface partially defines a dispensing chamber for receiving a quantity of a substance. The dispensing chamber housing is made of a sintered ceramic. The needle is fluidly coupled to the dispensing chamber. The temperature control device is encapsulated in the dispensing chamber housing during a sintering process. The temperature control device is configured to alter a temperature of a substance in the dispensing chamber.

Abstract: A charging base has a generally C-shaped housing and a charging element. The generally C-shaped housing has an upper part and a lower part. The upper part has an upper surface substantially parallel to a lower surface and an opening extending from the upper surface to the lower surface. The opening has a first width and a second width. A notch is located at the intersection of the first width and the second width. The lower part has a beveled surface generally parallel to and beneath the lower surface of the upper part. The charging element, which provides power to recharge a battery, is located beneath the beveled surface of the lower part.

Abstract: A keyed safety system for an injection device that has a safety cap and a receptacle. The safety cap has a generally hollow body for receiving the needle end of an injection device. An orientation mechanism is disposed on the outer surface of the safety cap, a retention mechanism is disposed on the outer surface of the safety cap, and a shroud extends from the safety cap. The receptacle has a cavity for receiving the safety cap. A complimentary orientation mechanism is disposed on a surface of the cavity, and a complimentary retention mechanism is disposed on the surface of the cavity. The orientation mechanism on the safety cap is configured to engage the complimentary orientation mechanism on the cavity so that the safety cap fits into the cavity in a single orientation. The retention mechanism on the safety cap is configured to engage the complimentary retention mechanism on the cavity so that the safety cap is prevented from rotating in the cavity.

Abstract: An ophthalmic injection device includes a dispensing chamber housing with an inner surface that partially defines a dispensing chamber for holding a substance, a plunger fluidly sealed to the interior surface of the dispensing chamber housing, and a needle fluidly coupled to the dispensing chamber. A temperature control device partially surrounds the dispensing chamber housing and alters a temperature of the substance. A piston is coupled to the plunger at one end and to a spring at the other end. The spring provides a force to drive the piston and the plunger. An actuator is coupled to the lockout bar with which a button is configured to interface. The actuator moves the lockout bar when the substance reaches a temperature, thereby allowing the button to be activated so that the spring provides the force to drive the plunger. An incorporated stop whose measurements may vary allow the expelled dosage to vary accordingly.

Abstract: A disposable injection device assembly includes a dispensing chamber housing, a plunger, and a lever. The dispensing chamber housing is coupled to a needle and has an inner surface and an outer surface. The inner surface partially defines a dispensing chamber for holding a quantity of a substance. The plunger is engaged with the inner surface of the dispensing chamber housing, is capable of sliding in the dispensing chamber housing, and is fluidly sealed to the inner surface of the dispensing chamber housing. A housing at least partially surrounds the dispensing chamber housing. The lever is located on the housing. The lever actuates the injection device assembly.

Abstract: An ophthalmic injection system has a tip segment attachable to and removable from a limited reuse assembly. The tip segment has a dispensing chamber housing, a plunger, a needle, a temperature control device, a thermal sensor, and a first housing at least partially enclosing the dispensing chamber housing, the temperature control device and the plunger. The limited reuse assembly has an actuator with a shaft, a power source for providing power to the actuator, a controller for controlling the actuator, a mechanical linkage interface, and a second housing at least partially enclosing the power source, the controller, and the actuator. The mechanical linkage interface is coupled to the actuator shaft and has a mating surface on one end. The substance is injected after the temperature of the substance is altered.

Abstract: A charging base has a generally C-shaped housing and a charging element. The generally C-shaped housing has an upper part and a lower part. The upper part has an upper surface substantially parallel to a lower surface and an opening extending from the upper surface to the lower surface. The opening has a first width and a second width. A notch is located at the intersection of the first width and the second width. The lower part has a beveled surface generally parallel to and beneath the lower surface of the upper part. The charging element, which provides power to recharge a battery, is located beneath the beveled surface of the lower part.

Abstract: A drainage catheter is adapted to drain fluid from the body cavity through a body conduit and includes an elongate tube and a retention member disposed at the distal end of the elongate tube. The retention member is adapted for movement between a low-profile state facilitating insertion of the catheter and a high-profile state facilitating retention of the catheter in its operative position. A woven mesh forms at least a portion of one of the tube and the retention member. The woven mesh can be formed of filaments heat-settable so that the catheter automatically moves to the high-profile state. Insertion of the catheter can be facilitated using a stylet which can be removed after insertion to permit the catheter to automatically return to its high-profile state.

Abstract: A disposable injection device has a dispensing chamber housing and a plunger. The dispensing chamber housing has an inner surface and an outer surface. The inner surface partially defines a dispensing chamber for receiving a quantity of a substance. The plunger is engaged with the inner surface of the dispensing chamber housing, is capable of sliding in the dispensing chamber housing, and is fluidly sealed to the inner surface of the dispensing chamber housing. The plunger has a plunger interface. The plunger interface mates with a mating surface on a mechanical linkage interface such that force is transferred from the mechanical linkage interface to the plunger along a first direction towards the plunger when the plunger interface is in contact with the mating surface of the mechanical linkage interface, and force is not substantially transferred from the mechanical linkage interface to the plunger along a second direction away from the plunger.

Abstract: An injection device assembly includes a dispensing chamber housing and a plunger. The dispensing chamber housing is coupled to a needle. The dispensing chamber housing has an inner surface and an outer surface. The inner surface partially defines a dispensing chamber for holding a quantity of a substance. A dosage of a substance is cast into the dispensing chamber housing or cast onto a plunger that is inserted into the dispensing chamber housing.

Abstract: A method of injecting a substance into an eye is disclosed. A connection between a disposable tip segment and a limited reuse assembly is recognized. A temperature control device is activated to alter the temperature of a substance contained in a dispensing chamber. Dosage information is read. In response to the dosage information, a mechanical linkage interface is advanced to advance a plunger to expel the substance from the dispensing chamber. The mechanical linkage interface is retracted without substantially retracting the plunger to prevent reflux of the substance. Reuse of the disposable tip segment is prevented. The removal of the disposable tip segment from the limited reuse assembly is recognized.

Abstract: A limited reuse assembly for an ophthalmic medical device has an actuator with a shaft, a power source for providing power to the actuator, a controller for controlling the actuator, a mechanical linkage interface, and a housing. The mechanical linkage interface is coupled to the actuator shaft and has a mating surface on one end. The housing at least partially encloses the power source, the controller, and the actuator. The limited reuse assembly is attachable to and removable from a disposable injection device.

Abstract: The trocar system includes a cannula insertable through a body wall using an obturator having a distal tip. A traction tread disposed interiorly of the obturator inverts at the distal tip and extends proximally along the outer surface of the obturator or cannula. At the distal tip the tread can facilitate parting rather than cutting the tissue Along the outer surface, the tread can engage the tissue to pull it proximally along the advancing obturator. This produces counter forces which can result in a net proximal force facilitating distention of the abdominal wall and separation of the abdominal wall from internal organs The traction tread can be axially and/or radially continuous.

Abstract: The trocar system includes a cannula insertable through a body wall using an obturator having a distal tip. A traction tread disposed interiorly of the obturator inverts at the distal tip and extends proximally along the outer surface of the obturator or cannula. At the distal tip the tread can facilitate parting rather than cutting the tissue. Along the outer surface, the tread can engage the tissue to pull it proximally along the advancing obturator. This produces counter forces which can result in a net proximal force facilitating distention of the abdominal wall and separation of the abdominal wall from internal organs. The traction tread can be axially and/or radially continuous. An associated method of operation includes the steps of contacting the body wall with the traction tread at the distal tip, and engaging the body wall with the traction tread along wall portions facing the outer surface.

Abstract: A releasable mechanism such as a cap is adapted for use with an access sheath having an elongate tube and a handle structure disposed at a proximal end of the tube. The releasable mechanism is sized and configured to fit the handle structure, which is shaped like the bell of a horn, to further facilitate use with surgical instrumentation. The releasable mechanism may operate as a separate cap that snaps onto the handle structure to provide access pathways to the sheath. The releasable mechanism may also be disposed at a proximal end of a surgical instrument to be introduced into the access sheath such that it may be interlocked with the sheath. In a method of manufacturing a kink-resistant sheath, a wire is initially coated with a plastic material, the coated wire is then wrapped around a mandrel forming a plurality of windings, and the wound coated wire is heated until the plastic material melts and bonds the windings to form a wire-reinforced sheath.

Abstract: In one embodiment, an attachment instrument allows several types of accessories to be attached to an inflatable case. Belt clips, hook and loop straps, lanyards, snap hooks, and the like can be attached to a utility clip, which in turn is attached to a belt, belt loop, or bicycle frame, for instance.

Abstract: A self-retracting step assembly is attached to a swimming platform provided on the rear of the hull of a boat. The self-retracting step assembly includes a ladder comprising a series of telescoping tubes which enable its extension and retraction. The step assembly including the ladder assembly are attached to the swimming platform in a position in which the ladder is capable of extending into the water wherein the watercraft or boat floats. The telescoping ladder assembly can be extended and placed from a normally horizontal position into an inclined position wherein at least the last step of the ladder reaches the water. The energy for extending the ladder is supplied by a human user. The step assembly includes a motor or mechanical means for storing the energy used for extending the ladder. The ladder assembly is locked into the extended and inclined position by an improved mechanism that is located within the assembly attached to the swimming platform.