Abstract: An online monitoring system for industrial processes, such as nuclear power processes, including a data acquisition unit configured to sample output signals simultaneously from a plurality of process sensors, and a computing unit configured to record sampled output signals from the data acquisition unit and to cross-correlate the output signals from two or more of the process sensors to diagnose operation of the industrial process, identify loose parts and/or degradation of industrial plant equipment, enable virtual sensing, calculate sensor response time using the noise analysis technique, and to verify sensor calibration using the cross calibration method and/or empirical and/or physical modeling.

Abstract: The present invention relates to wound closure devices, devices and systems for delivery, kits and methods therefor. The wound closure devices can achieve wound closure in lieu of compression and can be configured to be quickly deployable by an introducer or from outside the body.

Abstract: A vascular closure system includes a swellable or bioabsorbable sealing element and a plunger advancement tool. The sealing element and plunger advancement tool is configured to be inserted into the inside of a tubular medical device (such as a vascular introducer sheath, catheter, cannula, trocar, electrode wire, etc.) with the sealing element being advanced distally past the end of the tubular medical device to a desired area within the body (near or at least partially within an arteriotomy, for example) by the plunger. Once in contact with blood (or other fluid) the sealing element may swell, sealing the puncture site. The system may include one of several different features designed to assist the physician to position the sealing element in the desired location. Additional versions of the system described herein can be used for cardiovascular applications where hemostasis (temporary or permanent) is desired.

Abstract: A tissue closure system can include a deployment instrument and a sealing element. The deployment instrument can be slidably mounted to and guided by a tubular medical device. The deployment instrument can be advanced over the tubular medical device to the desired location. The sealing element can then be advanced off of the end of the tool. The sealing element can include tissue engaging elements that are configured to automatically close upon deployment to bring together tissue. A slidably attached guided skin (or other tissue) cutter can also be used if desired to facilitate entry of the deployment instrument.

Abstract: The present invention relates to tissue closure devices, devices and systems for delivery, kits and methods therefor. The tissue closure devices can achieve tissue closure in lieu of compression and can be configured to be quickly deployable by an introducer or from outside the body.

Abstract: A vascular closure system includes a vessel closure device with an electrically conductive component. The vessel closure device is configured to be advanced percutaneously to an opening in a blood vessel and to mechanically draw together sides of the opening or occlude the opening. A power source in electrical contact with the vessel closure device provides power to the vessel closure device to thereby heat tissue in an area near the opening to facilitate the closure or healing of the opening. The vessel closure device may be configured to be advanced to the opening over a tubular medical device. The vessel closure device may include a superelastic or shape memory element. The vessel closure device may be in contact with two conductors from the power source and may be configured to heat tissue via direct resistive element heating. Alternatively, one conductor may be connected to the vessel closure device and a second conductor may be connected to a ground pad on the patient.

Abstract: Methods and devices for a coupler adapted and configured for use with a device insertable within a mammalian body are disclosed. The coupler also can be used as a temporary holding device for indwelling catheters, cannula, introducers or other devices. The coupler may be used to hold a catheter or other, at a fixed or movable length from the outside of a patient. The catheter or other may be inserted through the center of the coupler, with the tissue contacting ridge attached to the skin using an adhesive, suture(s), combination or other. The inside of the coupler may have a valve, ring, gasket or other, that provides fluid sealing as well as mechanical interference fit between the inside of the coupler and the outside of the catheter or other device.

Abstract: A deflectable component for a motorized vehicle can include a deflectable part formed at least partially from a superelastic and or shape memory material, wherein at least a portion of the deflectable component is moved to a deflected position upon application of a threshold force when moving at or above a predetermined speed, and returning to an undeflected position when moving below the predetermined speed. The deflectable component may comprise a connection link fabricated at least partially from a superelastic and/or shape memory material to tailor the flex point characteristics of a connected surface to a desired response. The deflectable component may improve the performance of motorized vehicles by improving the aerodynamic and fuel efficiency, as well as other beneficial effects.

Abstract: A deflectable component for a motorized vehicle can include a deflectable part formed at least partially from a superelastic and or shape memory material, wherein at least a portion of the deflectable component is moved to a deflected position upon application of a threshold force when moving at or above a predetermined speed, and returning to an undeflected position when moving below the predetermined speed. The deflectable component may comprise a connection link fabricated at least partially from a superelastic and/or shape memory material to tailor the flex point characteristics of a connected surface to a desired response. The deflectable component may improve the performance of motorized vehicles by improving the aerodynamic and fuel efficiency, as well as other beneficial effects.

Abstract: Systems and methods for delivering a medical device to a vessel within a mammalian body are provided. The medical device may have a tubular body with an interior and an exterior surface. A delivery device may include a balloon assembly having one or more balloons, with a proximal and portion with the medical device mounted thereon. When the balloon assembly is partially inflated the proximal portion has a larger diameter than the distal portion which may be inserted into the vessel. The proximal portion may have a sufficiently large diameter that prevents it from being inserted into the vessel and permits it to function as a stop. The balloon assembly may be further inflated to deploy the medical device within the vessel. The medical device diameter may expand and optionally contact the interior surface of the vessel when deployed. Alternatively, the invention may be configured to dilate tissue, without deploying a medical device.

Abstract: Devices may contain superelastic components that are capable of producing a spring force in response to a deflection. A component for a motorized vehicle can include a deflectable wing formed of a superelastic material, wherein at least a portion of the deflectable wing is moved to a deflected position upon application of a threshold force when traveling at or above a predetermined speed, and returning to an undeflected position when traveling below the predetermined speed. The deflector may comprise a connection link fabricated from a superelastic material to tailor its flex point characteristics to a desired response in order to maintain the aerodynamic stability of the deflector when exposed to changing external forces. The superelastic components may improve the performance of such devices by improving aerodynamic properties.

Abstract: The present invention relates to tissue closure devices, devices and systems for delivery, kits and methods therefor. The tissue closure devices can achieve tissue closure in lieu of compression and can be configured to be quickly deployable by an introducer or from outside the body.

Abstract: The present invention relates to wound closure devices, devices and systems for delivery, kits and methods therefor. The wound closure devices can achieve wound closure in lieu of compression and can be configured to be quickly deployable by an introducer or from outside the body.

Abstract: A tissue cutting device includes a catheter with a window at its distal tip for admitting tissue into a catheter compartment. A cylindrical cartridge in the compartment has a cutting edge that supports an electrically conductive cutting element, e.g. a band or wire. The cutting element and adjacent tissue can be heated to a selected temperature by generating an electrical current through the cutting element. The catheter is maneuverable to position its distal end near the tissue to be cut. The catheter incorporates a dilatation balloon or other feature to urge the catheter against the tissue, so that at least part of the tissue may enter the compartment through the window. Then, the cartridge is manipulated from the catheter's proximal end to move the cutting edge across the window, cutting the tissue. According to alternative embodiments, the cartridge is either rotated or moved axially relative to the catheter and, in either event may be capable of closing the catheter window when the cut is complete.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a guided tissue cutter configured to receive a cutter adapted to cut a target, and an elongate channel along the length of the tissue cutter adaptable to slide or rotate along or around an elongate member, The elongate member can be a medical device. The tissue cutter can comprise one or more stop members that permit the cutter to penetrate a predetermined region of a target tissue to a predetermined depth and to inhibit further penetration of a tissue beyond the predetermined region of the target tissue. The tissue cutter can be configured to clip or snap on and off of the elongate member.

Abstract: A tissue closure system can include a deployment instrument and a sealing element. The deployment instrument can be slidably mounted to and guided by a tubular medical device. The deployment instrument can be advanced over the tubular medical device to the desired location. The sealing element can then be advanced off of the end of the tool. The sealing element can include tissue engaging elements that are configured to automatically close upon deployment to bring together tissue. A slidably attached guided skin (or other tissue) cutter can also be used if desired to facilitate entry of the deployment instrument.

Abstract: Methods and devices for a coupler adapted and configured for use with a device insertable within a mammalian body are disclosed. The devices comprise, for example, an elongate member having a lumen therethrough; and a flange extending from the elongate member at a first end further comprising a tissue engaging surface; an opening along a length of the elongate member having a width less than a diameter of the insertable device and adapted and configured to engage the insertable device within the lumen of the elongate member.

Abstract: A vascular closure system includes a vessel closure device with an electrically conductive component. The vessel closure device is configured to be advanced percutaneously to an opening in a blood vessel and to mechanically draw together sides of the opening or occlude the opening. A power source in electrical contact with the vessel closure device provides power to the vessel closure device to thereby heat tissue in an area near the opening to facilitate the closure or healing of the opening. The vessel closure device may be configured to be advanced to the opening over a tubular medical device. The vessel closure device may include a superelastic or shape memory element. The vessel closure device may be in contact with two conductors from the power source and may be configured to heat tissue via direct resistive element heating. Alternatively, one conductor may be connected to the vessel closure device and a second conductor may be connected to a ground pad on the patient.

Abstract: An arterial closure system includes an arterial closure device (“ACD”) and a deployment tool. The arterial closure device includes a first member forming an enlargement around the circumference of the arterial closure device and being configured to be received against an outer surface of a vessel, a connecting member having a smaller outer diameter than the first member, extending from the first member, and being configured to be positioned within an arteriotomy of a vessel, and a longitudinal channel configured to receive a tube and passing between the first member and the connecting member. The deployment tool includes a handle, a contacting section, and an extension that extends between the handle and the contacting section. The contacting section is designed to mate with the arterial closure device to advance the arterial closure device over the tube and deploy the arterial closure device within the vessel.

Abstract: A surgical instrument is used for temporary use in a medical procedure in a mammalian body. The surgical instrument is configured to be changed between two shapes upon application of one or both of heating and cooling. The instrument includes a first member, a second member having a surface configured to contact tissue, and a means to apply heating or cooling to one or both of the first member and the second member to change the shape between a first shape and a second shape. A surgical instrument also may be configured to be changed between two shapes upon removal of a constraining force. The surgical instrument includes a first member, a second member having a surface configured to contact tissue, and a constraining means to apply a constraining force to one or both of the first member and the second member to cause one or both of the first member and the second member to be in a first constrained shape. The surgical instruments may be used in minimally invasive valve surgery.