Abstract: A minimally invasive surgical assembly broadly includes an outer hollow needle which has an outer diameter, a longitudinal axis, and a sharp distal end. An insulating member extends through the hollow needle and is movable relative to the hollow needle. An elongated member extends through the insulating member and is movable relative to both the insulating member and the hollow needle. A resilient wire projects from the elongated member and is retractable within and extendable outside of the insulating member and the hollow needle. The insulating member, elongated member, and resilient wire are movable relative to the needle using first and second moving means whereby the surgical assembly assumes various configurations having different operational functions.

Abstract: A minimally invasive surgical assembly broadly includes an outer hollow needle which has an outer diameter, a longitudinal axis, and a sharp distal end. An insulating member extends through the hollow needle and is movable relative to the hollow needle. An elongated member extends through the insulating member and is movable relative to both the insulating member and the hollow needle. A resilient wire projects from the elongated member and is retractable within and extendable outside of the insulating member and the hollow needle. The insulating member, elongated member, and resilient wire are movable relative to the needle using first and second moving means whereby the surgical assembly assumes various configurations having different operational functions.

Abstract: A minimally invasive surgical assembly broadly includes an outer hollow needle which has an outer diameter, a longitudinal axis, and a sharp distal end. An insulating member extends through the hollow needle and is movable relative to the hollow needle. An elongated member extends through the insulating member and is movable relative to both the insulating member and the hollow needle. A resilient wire projects from the elongated member and is retractable within and extendable outside of the insulating member and the hollow needle. The insulating member, elongated member, and resilient wire are movable relative to the needle using first and second moving means whereby the surgical assembly assumes various configurations having different operational functions.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for upper limb rehabilitation training of coordinated arm/forearm, forearm/forearm and grasping movements of a motor impaired patient comprises a nonrobotic, passive support, an arm/forearm sensor, a gripping device, a grip sensor capable of measuring an impaired grasping force of a grasping of the patient, a computer to process measurements of coordinated and simultaneous impaired arm/forearm, forearm/forearm and grasping movements to control a graphical representation of the arm/forearm and grasping movements in interaction with a virtual environment, and to provide a visual feedback signal to the patient of simulated normal activities of daily living performed with enhanced motor ability relative to the actual impaired motor ability. A visual feedback signal of the simulated activities of daily living is provided to motivate the patient to perform the upper limb rehabilitation movement training despite limited motor ability.

Abstract: A minimally invasive surgical assembly broadly includes an outer hollow needle which has an outer diameter, a longitudinal axis, and a sharp distal end. An insulating member extends through the hollow needle and is movable relative to the hollow needle. An elongated member extends through the insulating member and is movable relative to both the insulating member and the hollow needle. A resilient wire projects from the elongated member and is retractable within and extendable outside of the insulating member and the hollow needle. The insulating member, elongated member, and resilient wire are movable relative to the needle using first and second moving means whereby the surgical assembly assumes various configurations having different operational functions.

Abstract: An apparatus for depositing a selected pattern of solder onto a substrate comprising a substrate support, a solder ejector, and an orifice defining structure. The substrate support has structure for bearing a substrate on which one or more electronic components are to be mounted. The solder ejector has a housing that defines a cavity for containing molten solder. The orifice defining structure includes a flat disk having an orifice defined therethrough for producing a stream of molten solder and a disk support structure that supports the disk around the orifice and is replaceably coupled to the cavity-defining structure. Also disclosed is an apparatus that deposits a selected pattern of solder onto a substrate and includes a substrate support, a solder ejector that directs solder droplets to desired positions on the support, and an ejector aligner that adjusts the orientation of the solder ejector in two angular dimensions to enable adjustment of the trajectory of the stream of molten solder droplets.

Abstract: An apparatus for filling filtered solder into replaceable solder cartridges for use in a system for depositing a selected pattern of solder onto a substrate on which electronic components are to be mounted. The apparatus includes a cartridge support, an environmentally-controlled chamber, a solder receptacle, a heater, a molten solder flow conduit, and a separator.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for producing an insulated connection between a pair of insulated electrical cables by means of curing uncured insulation wrapped around joined conductors in the cables. The apparatus comprises a multiple part mold assembly having a cylindrical cavity, mechanisms for heating and cooling the mold parts and an assembly for creating a radially inwardly directed, substantially constant pressure on the curing insulation while allowing radial expansion and contraction of the insulation and mold parts during heating and cooling. The pressure-creating assembly comprises a pair of rectilinear power devices and a pair of cables wrapped around the mold parts and tensioned by the power devices, this assembly applying a radially inwardly directed, equal and substantially constant force to the mold parts. Preferably, the mold assembly comprises three equal parts, each defining one-third of a cylindrical body and each having rollers on the outer surface for receiving the cables therein.