Abstract: A tissue approximation device and processes for using the device are provided. The device is an implantable, biodegradable construct that has attachment points emanating from a supportive backing. The device improves the mechanical phase of wound healing and optimally distributes tension over the contact area between the device and tissue. Processes for using the device include soft tissue attachment and soft tissue to bone attachment. Several variations are particularly applicable to facilitating tissue approximation in surgical cosmetic applications, particularly chin lifts. Generally, tissue to be lifted may be set on a chin lift device via attachment points before or after the device is secured to a patient's bone. Variations of the device are described along with a method of installing the chin lift device. Also described is a tool particularly useful for installing a chin lift device.

Abstract: A tissue approximation device and processes for using the device, particularly in the mid-face region, are provided. The device is an implantable, biodegradable construct that has attachment points emanating from at least one supportive backing. The device also has a connecting member or leash which extends between the backing and an anchor which is attached to bone or soft tissue. Attachment to soft tissue is accomplished by a second backing having attachment points emanating from the backing and attachment to bone is accomplished by a post. The connecting member allows for repeated adjustments in length between the anchor and the backing in vivo or ex vivo until the desired amount of tissue approximation is achieved. The device improves the mechanical phase of wound healing and evenly distributes tension over the contact area between the device and tissue.

Abstract: A tissue approximation device and processes for using the device are provided. The device is an implantable, biodegradable construct (except for hernia repairs) that has attachment points emanating from a supportive backing. The device improves the mechanical phase of wound healing and evenly distributes tension over the contact area between the device and tissue. Processes for using the device include wound closure, vascular anastomoses, soft tissue attachment and soft tissue to bone attachment.

Abstract: A soft tissue reconstruction system and method for fixating and anchoring a graft within a bone tunnel, which is especially adapted for reconstructing a defective anterior cruciate ligament. The reconstruction system is assembled ex-vivo by threading a graft through an opening disposed on a first shaft connected to a first bone anchor, and fixing a ring member around the graft and a second shaft for securing the graft to the second shaft that is connected to a second bone anchor. After the assembled reconstruction system is inserted into the bone tunnel, the first bone anchor is anchored to bone material adjacent one end of the bone tunnel, and the second bone anchor is anchored to bone material adjacent another end of the bone tunnel.

Abstract: A tissue approximation device and processes for using the device are provided. The device is an implantable, biodegradable construct that has attachment points emanating from a supportive backing. The device improves the mechanical phase of wound healing and optimally distributes tension over the contact area between the device and tissue. Processes for using the device include soft tissue attachment and soft tissue to bone attachment. Several variations are particularly applicable to facilitating tissue approximation in surgical cosmetic applications, particularly chin lifts. Generally, tissue to be lifted may be set on a chin lift device via attachment points before or after the device is secured to a patient's bone. Variations of the device are described along with a method of installing the chin lift device. Also described is a tool particularly useful for installing a chin lift device.

Abstract: A tissue approximation device and processes for using the device are provided. The device is an implantable, biodegradable and custom-fittable construct that has attachment points emanating from a supportive backing. The device improves the mechanical phase of wound healing and optimally distributes tension over the contact area between the device and tissue. To further facilitate biological processes, optional coatings are also applicable over the device. Processes for using the device include soft tissue attachment and soft tissue to bone attachment. Several variations are particularly applicable to facilitating tissue approximation in surgical cosmetic applications. Generally, tissue to be lifted may be set on a chin lift device via attachment points before or after the device is secured to a patient's bone. Variations of the device are described along with a method of installing the chin lift device. Also described is a tool particularly useful for installing a chin lift device.

Abstract: A tissue approximation device and processes for using the device, particularly in the mid-face region, are provided. The device is an implantable, biodegradable construct that has attachment points emanating from at least one supportive backing. The device also has a connecting member or leash which extends between the backing and an anchor which is attached to bone or soft tissue. Attachment to soft tissue is accomplished by a second backing having attachment points emanating from the backing and attachment to bone is accomplished by a post. The connecting member allows for repeated adjustments in length between the anchor and the backing in vivo or ex vivo until the desired amount of tissue approximation is achieved. The device improves the mechanical phase of wound healing and evenly distributes tension over the contact area between the device and tissue.

Abstract: A tissue approximation device and processes for using the device are provided. The device is an implantable, biodegradable construct (except for hernia repairs) that has attachment points emanating from a supportive backing. The device improves the mechanical phase of wound healing and evenly distributes tension over the contact area between the device and tissue. Processes for using the device include wound closure, vascular anastomoses, soft tissue attachment and soft tissue to bone attachment.

Abstract: This discloses an orthopedic surgical device or system that may be used to reconstruct soft tissue, such as tendons and ligaments, within the knee or other parts of the body. More particularly, the device may be used to reconstruct the anterior cruciate ligament. Components of the device required for the reconstruction procedure are typically assembled as a unit outside the knee, and are introduced into a preformed bone tunnel as that unit. Components of the system and use of the system and its components are also described.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for drying and/or cleaning a workpiece, such as an electronic part, semiconductor wafer, printed circuit board or the like. As the workpiece is withdrawn from a processing liquid, a selected drying liquid, such as hydrofluoroether (HFE), ethylated HFE, an HFE azeotrope or an ethylated HFE azeotrope, that has a very small surface tension, is volatile, and has a density that is greater than the processing liquid density, is sprayed on, dribbled on or otherwise transferred to an exposed surface of the workpiece. The exposed surface may be stationary, may be rotating or may be moving along a selected path. The workpiece can be dried in 5-60 seconds, or less, in most situations and can be cleaned using the invention. Drying and/or cleaning can be performed in a single workpiece process, a single workpiece continuous process or a batch process.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for drying and/or cleaning a workpiece, such as an electronic part, semiconductor wafer, printed circuit board or the like. As the workpiece is withdrawn from a processing liquid, a selected drying liquid, such as hydrofluoroether (HFE) or an HFE azeotrope, that has a very small surface tension, is volatile, and has a density that is greater than the processing liquid density, is sprayed on, dribbled on or otherwise transferred to an exposed surface of the workpiece. The workpiece can be dried in 7-45 seconds, or less, in most situations and can be cleaned using the invention. Drying and/or cleaning can be performed in a single workpiece process, a single workpiece continuous process or a batch process.

Abstract: The disclosed manually operated bicycle pump is portable on the frame of a bicycle and need not be detached from the bicycle frame when in use. The disclosed pump transfers substantially the same volume of air to a pneumatic tube or tire on both inward and outward strokes and preferably employs a more efficient double u-cup seal structure in the piston head assembly. In addition, the disclosed pump preferably employs a more efficient and easily manufacturable flex value structure to seal or open an air inlet port. The disclosed pump design allows the body of the pump to be anchored such that the user is free to use a more efficient set of human musculature to operate the pump.

Abstract: A rate controllable damping mechanism is disclosed. The mechanism includes a chamber disposed within a housing; an element mounted for movement within the chamber; a damping material, preferably a low melting temperature metal alloy, in the chamber for preventing the movement of the element at a first temperature and for damping the movement of the element at a second temperature; and a heater for selectively increasing the temperature of the damping material from the first temperature to the second temperature. Controlled damping is effectuated by heating the fluid material until it reaches a molten state at which the resultant fluid damps the movement of the element in a conventional manner. A novel method is also disclosed for structural stress relief.