Abstract: A system configured to cut leaflet tissue at a cardiac valve may comprise a guide catheter having a proximal end and a distal end, wherein the distal end of the guide catheter is steerable to a position above a cardiac valve. The system may also include a hook catheter having a proximal end and a distal end, the hook catheter configured to extend from the distal end of the guide catheter through a first orifice of the cardiac valve. Further, the system may comprise a cutting mechanism extending from the hook catheter, the cutting mechanism configured to cut a portion of leaflet tissue of the cardiac valve. Finally, the system may include a handle coupled to the proximal end of the guide catheter, the handle comprising at least one control operatively connected to the cutting mechanism.

Abstract: A device configured to cut leaflet tissue at a cardiac valve may comprise a guide catheter having a proximal end and a distal end, the guide catheter being positionable at a cardiac valve. The device may further include a cutting mechanism routable through the guide catheter and configured to extend from the distal end of the guide catheter, the cutting mechanism configured to cut a portion of leaflet tissue of the cardiac valve. Finally, the device may comprise a handle coupled to the proximal end of the guide catheter, the handle comprising at least one control operatively connected to the cutting mechanism such that the at least one control is configured to provide selective actuation of the cutting mechanism.

Abstract: A patient interface for use in delivering a flow of a breathing gas to an airway of a patient includes an inner mask having an inner cushion with an inward curving inner sealing portion that is structured to sealingly engage the face of the patient, and an outer mask coupled to the inner mask. The outer mask has an outer cushion with an outward curving outer sealing portion that is structured to sealingly engage the face of the patient completely around, and outward from, the inner sealing portion of the inner mask. The inner mask is sized and configured to define a positive pressure cavity for receiving the flow of breathing gas and convey the flow to the airway of the patient. The outer mask is sized and configured to define a negative pressure cavity that encompasses the inner mask and capture any gases escaping the inner mask.

Abstract: A method, apparatus, and system for cutting anatomic members, such as ligaments, in surgical procedures such as carpal tunnel release, plantar fasciotomy, gastroc release, and cubital and tarsal tunnel release. The apparatus includes a guide tool for guiding a knife and a scope during surgery which may be employed with a translating knife. Relevant features include a knife stop for preventing the knife from inadvertently raising out of the knife channel, indicia viewable to show the proper orientation for the guide tool, a self dilating tip and channel design on the guide tool, a cover piece and/or pivotable panel system for preventing ligaments and other anatomy from getting caught in the guide tool, a pivot pin and groove system for stabilizing the knife and also assuring that the knife blade is not inadvertently raised out of the channel, and a use indicator employable to prevent re-use of the device.

Abstract: The invention discloses various methods of controlling or monitoring the performance of a continuous inkjet printer based on monitoring vacuum levels and/or noise in the gutter line.

Abstract: A manipulator boom assembly for releasable attachment to a manway of a tank. The manipulator boom assembly includes an elongated and curved boom defining an arcuate shape along a length of the boom, a base adapted to be releasably mounted to the manway of the tank, and a drive coupled to the boom, where the boom is movable by the drive relative to the base and the manway between a retracted position and an extended position within the tank.

Abstract: A vacuum cleaner includes a suction nozzle for drawing dirty air into the vacuum cleaner and an exhaust for expelling cleaned air out of the vacuum cleaner; and an air flow passage extending from the suction nozzle to the exhaust through a dirt separator. The vacuum cleaner further includes a vacuum motor arranged to draw a flow of air through the vacuum cleaner from the suction nozzle to the exhaust, the vacuum motor comprising an electric motor and an impeller which rotates about a motor axis. The vacuum cleaner further includes an electronic visual display configured to display information relating to the vacuum cleaner. The vacuum motor is housed inside a motor bucket which is positioned in the flow passage, and the electronic visual display is mounted to the motor bucket and supported thereby.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention provide for a transgenic plan, methods of making and DNA constructs for use in the transgenic plant which transgenic plant is capable of modulating its photosynthetic antenna complex composition in response to increases or decreases in light intensity by modulation of the ratio of chlorophyll a to chlorophyll b such that there is an increase in the Chl a/b ratio at high light intensity and a decrease in the Chl a/b ratio at low light intensity versus wild-type plants grown in the same conditions.

Abstract: A handheld vacuum cleaner includes a pistol grip which is positioned generally transverse to a longitudinal axis of the vacuum cleaner that runs from a front end to a rear end thereof. It also includes an air inlet positioned forward of the pistol grip, and a vacuum motor configured to draw dirty air into a dirt separator of the vacuum cleaner through the air inlet and exhaust clean air from the vacuum cleaner through an air outlet. The handheld vacuum cleaner further includes an electronic visual display which faces generally rearwards. The handheld vacuum cleaner may be part of a stick vacuum cleaner.

Abstract: A patient interface device is for a pressure support system that includes a flow generator that produces a flow of breathing gas to be delivered to an airway of a patient. The patient interface device includes a sealing element to engage a face of the patient and receive the flow of breathing gas; a lumen having a first end and a second end opposite and distal the first end, the first end being in fluid communication with an interior of the sealing element; a connector member coupled to the second end of the lumen; a pressure sensor coupled to the connector member, the pressure sensor sensing pressure of a gas exiting the second end of the lumen; and a surface provided on one of the lumen and the connector member, the surface defining a thru hole through which undesirable liquid in the lumen can escape.

Abstract: A wire strainer including a drive means having a mounting block with a drum mounted for rotation relative thereto, and an actuation means connected to the drum for selectively causing the drum to rotate relative to the mounting block. A line member is operatively connected to the drum in a manner such that rotation of the drum in one direction causes the drum to pull the line member relative to the mounting block. Locking means is operatively connected to the mounting block and adapted to selectively lock the drum against rotation in the opposite direction. Gripping means is operatively connected to the mounting block, wherein the gripping means is adapted to be releasably attached to a wire to be strained. The line member includes securing means for releasably securing the line member to a strainer post or similar anchor.

Abstract: A print head (10) for a continuous inkjet printer has an ink drop generator (12), an ink supply tube (14) connected to the ink drop generator (12), and a solvent supply tube (16) connected at a first end to the ink drop generator (12) and for connection at a second end to a solvent reservoir. The solvent supply tube (16) is provided with ink flow restriction means (24, 26) for restricting a flow of ink from the ink drop generator (12) into the solvent supply tube (16). The flow restriction means (24, 26) comprise an arrangement (24) of the solvent supply tube (16) such that, for a flow direction reversing portion (26) of the solvent supply tube (16) at the first end of the solvent supply tube (16), a flow of solvent from the second end to the first end of the solvent supply tube (16) flows away from the ink drop generator (12). Also a printer including such a print head and a former for use with such a print head.

Abstract: A continuous inkjet printer (5) having a printhead (7) that includes first and second ink droplet generators (8, 9), each operable to generate a stream (10) of ink droplets, and a common gutter (11) arranged to receive unprinted ink droplets from the first and second ink droplet generators (8, 9), the printer (5) further including control means configured to determine receipt into the common gutter (11) of ink droplets from the first and second ink droplet generators (8, 9), wherein the control means are operable to use a single sensor (17) to determine receipt into the common gutter (11) of ink droplets from one, both, or neither of the first and second ink droplet generators (8, 9).

Abstract: A heating device includes a heating unit and device electronics. The heating unit is configured to deliver heat to a user's body. The heating unit includes a substrate and a heating element supported by the substrate. The device electronics are coupled to the heating element and are configured to store a first heating profile that includes data indicating how power should be delivered to the heating element over a first period of time. The device electronics are configured to deliver power to the heating element according to the first heating profile. The device electronics are configured to wirelessly receive a second heating profile from an external computing device. The second heating profile includes data indicating how power should be delivered to the heating element over a second period of time. The device electronics are configured to deliver power to the heating element according to the second heating profile.

Abstract: A diagnostic instrument is disclosed. The diagnostic instrument may have a highly efficient probe washer station and/or may be able to sense whether there is a tube septum on a specimen tube to be sampled. The instrument may also be able to determine where the bottom of the tube is located. The probe washer station may have a flow of saline that is used to wash both the internal cavity and the external circumference of the probe.

Abstract: A respiratory interface system for use in delivering a flow of a positive pressure breathing gas to an airway of a patient includes a patient interface device. The patient interface device includes a tubing assembly for positioning on the head of the patient, a mask having a sealing element for sealingly engaging about the airway of the patient, and an adaptor. The mask is coupled to the tubing assembly via the adaptor, and the tubing assembly, the mask, and the adapter define a pathway for conducting the flow of the positive pressure breathing gas to the airway of the patient.

Abstract: A pressure generating device structured to be operatively coupled to a system for delivering a flow of pressurized breathing gas to a patient includes a controller and a touch screen with a graphical user interface (GUI). The system comprises a number of accessory components, and the controller is structured to monitor a number of factors related to determining when the pressure generating device and each of the number of accessory components should be replaced. A method for facilitating replacement of individual components for the system utilizes the pressure generating device.

Abstract: A device for providing noninvasive electrical stimulation of a single acupuncture site for treatment of nausea with capacitor-based voltage regulated circuitry is disclosed. The device is made up of a wristwatch-like housing adapted to be worn on a human wrist. A band attaches the device to the ventral side of the wrist, positioned over the P6 acupuncture point. The device contains a power supply, electrical circuity and at least two electrodes mounted to the inner face of the device, positioned in electrically conductive contact with the mist, which deliver electrostimulation to the P6 point. Within the electrical circuitry is a voltage boost regulator, which limits the output voltage of the device to 30 Volts. This is done to prevent uncomfortable electric shock to the user when the electrodes do not make sufficient contact with the user's skin.

Abstract: A network operator intermediates a cashless transaction by sending a payment device issuer an outbound clearing data file enriched with cleansed merchant data. Issuers that choose to participate in the merchant data cleansing service will be provided with the cleansed, and optionally augmented, merchant information. Providing this data to the issuer could be used to help reduce costs associated with “do not recognize” calls by cardholders, disputed charges, and charge-backs. With cleansed data provided in the clearing record, a device holder would be given access to this cleansed information about the merchant where a transaction took place through their statement. The present disclosure also provides for augmenting the clearing record data to include merchant-specific add-on and/or aggregate data not presently included in the transaction clearing record, yet useful to the issuer both in form and content.

Abstract: A bipolar lead acid battery with increased energy density is provided. The battery includes a number of lead acid wafer cell that each comprise a negative electrode having a negative electrode plate and a negative active material positioned on the negative electrode plate, as well as a positive electrode having a positive electrode plate and a positive active material positioned on the positive electrode plate. The positive electrode plate comprises a metal foil with a conductive film thereon, such as a titanium foil or substrate with a titanium silicide coating thereon. The lead acid wafer cell also includes a separator between the negative and positive electrodes, wherein the separator includes an electrolyte for transferring charge between the negative and positive electrodes.