Abstract: A method and apparatus for carrying our thermal ablation of target tissue is disclosed. The apparatus includes an RF ablation device having a multi-electrode electrode assembly designed to be deployed in target tissue, defining a selected-volume tissue region to be ablated, and having infusion channels for infusing a liquid into the target tissue during the ablation process. A control unit in the apparatus is operably connected to an RF energy source, for controlling the RF power level supplied to the electrodes, and to an infusion device, for controlling the rate of infusion of a liquid through the device into the tissue. During both electrode deployment and tissue ablation, impedance and or temperature measurements made within the tissue are used to control the RF source and infusion device, for optimizing the time and extent of tissue ablation.

Abstract: An electrically operated equipment with a sealed enclosure containing circuitry with an exterior visual indicator to show a state of operation of the equipment. The visual indicator is illuminated by a magnetic flux sensor also exterior to the equipment, the sensor inducing an electrical current from a sensed magnetic flux passing through a permeable wall of the enclosure. The magnetic flux is provided by a magnetic field generator within the enclosure. The generator is connected to the equipment to generate the field when the circuitry is operating correctly whereby the indicator shows a correct state of operation. The invention avoids the use of sealed orifices in the enclosure for conductors to pass to exterior LEDs or LEDs sealed within the enclosure and possible resultant leakage. The invention is useful for optical network units. The invention also includes a visual indicating device of multi-layer configuration and a method of visually indicating the operational state of circuitry.

Abstract: A vehicle suspension system includes a fluid pump, a pair of suspension cylinders and a hydraulic control circuit for controlling pressurization of the suspension cylinders. Each suspension cylinder has a head end and a rod end. The control circuit includes a proportional rod pressure control valve with a first pilot which is exposed to a pressure which is communicated to the head end of the suspension cylinder, and a second pilot which is exposed to pressure which is communicated to the rod end of the suspension cylinder. The rod pressure control valve controls pressure in the rod end of the suspension cylinder as a function of and proportional to the pressure in the head end of the suspension cylinder. A suspension damping valve controls communication between a chamber of the cylinder and an accumulator.

Abstract: A power train arrangement having a prime mover and a transmission coupled to the prime mover for driving a cooling system with the prime mover through the transmission. The transmission is positioned intermediate to the prime mover and the cooling system in a manner to optimize the mechanical and functional operation of the work machine.

Abstract: A non-deforming deflectable multi-lumen catheter with an outer jacket having a deflectable distal end portion, an eccentric pull wire lumen, coil and shim embedded therein. The deflectable distal portion optionally having one or more transaxial notches in the external surface of the outer jacket. A functional device is disposed within the lumen of an inner tube substantially coaxial with the outer jacket of the catheter. The distal tip of the functional device egressible from the distal tip of the catheter, and upon deflection, automatically aligns with the distal tip of the catheter and functional device.

Abstract: A vehicle brake system includes a primary hydraulic pump, a secondary variable delivery pump, left and right service brakes and left and right secondary brakes. A service brake valve is connected between the primary pump and the service brakes, and operates the service brakes in response to brake pedal operation. Left and right service brake switches generate signals representing operational status of the service brakes. An electrohydraulic secondary brake valve operates the secondary brakes in response to an electronic control signal. Brake pressure sensors generate brake pressure signals representing the service brake pressure and the secondary brake pressure. An electronic control unit is coupled to the service brake switches, to the pressure sensors and to the secondary brake valve. The control unit generates the control signal as a function of the status of the service brakes and of the brake pressure signals.

Abstract: The entire right, title and interest in and to this application and all subject matter disclosed and/or claimed therein, including any and all divisions, continuations, reissues, etc., thereof are, effective as of the date of execution of this application, assigned, transferred, sold and set over by the applicant(s) named herein to Deere & Company, a Delaware corporation having offices at Moline, Ill. 61265, U.S.A., together with all rights to file, and to claim priorities in connection with, corresponding patent applications in any and all foreign countries in the name of Deere & Company or otherwise.

Abstract: Ablation devices and associated methods are provided for use in palliative treatment of a bone tumor on or in a compact bone region. The bone treatment devices include an elongate probe having a distal end. A proximal end of the probe supports placement in a location at or adjacent to the bone tumor. Electrodes are carried within the probe for deployment from the distal end into the bone tumor. The electrodes may be shapable to create, upon deployment, an array of electrodes that defines a geometric area within the bone tumor. Application of energy, for example energy from a radio frequency (RF) source, to the area of the bone tumor via the electrodes destroys at least a portion of the nerve receptors located in or adjacent to the tumor and produces a reduction in pain associated with the bone tumor.

Abstract: A tissue surface treatment apparatus includes a housing having a proximal end, a distal including a tissue contacting surface and an interior defined by the housing. A handpiece is coupled to the housing. The tissue contact surface has a plurality of apertures. An energy delivery device including at least one electrode is positionable in the housing interior. The at least one electrode includes a tissue penetrating distal end in substantial alignment with an aperture of the plurality of aperture. The at least one electrode is configured to be advanced from the housing interior through the aperture and into a target tissue site to define an ablation volume at least partly bounded by a tissue surface. An advancement device is coupled to the energy delivery device. The advancement device is at least partly positionable within at least one of the housing or the handpiece.

Abstract: The present invention relates to polynucleotides comprising genes that regulate cell proliferation. The present invention also relates to a method for diagnosing or monitoring the treatment of a disease characterized by the altered expression of genes that regulate cell proliferation in a sample.

Abstract: An integral yoke/slinger assembly replaces a conventional two-piece design. The integral yoke/slinger arrangement provides a new and improved shaft seal particularly adapted for use in yoke and flange arrangement exposed to a heavy concentration of air entrained foreign material, whereby a more efficient and economical method for manufacturing and assembling a yoke, slinger and seal arrangement for a drive axle system is provided.

Abstract: A viewing and treatment apparatus for performing minimally invasive surgery through an opening in a patient's chest, the apparatus includes a visualization scope with an elongated portion and a distal end, and a working device such as a tissue ablation energy delivery device. The working device is encompassed within a working channel that communicates with the distal end of the scope. In one embodiment, a bronchoscope is used whose catheter shafting includes an introducer sleeve at the distal section of the scope for providing stability during introduction to a patient's chest while stabilizing the treatment and visualization distal ends of the scope at a treatment site. This embodiment can include a needle piercing assembly that cooperatively works with the work device such as for drug delivery.

Abstract: A viewing and treatment apparatus for performing minimally invasive surgery through an opening in a patient's chest, the apparatus includes a visualization scope with an elongated portion and a distal end, and a working device such as a tissue ablation energy delivery device. The working device is encompassed within a working channel that communicates with the distal end of the scope. In one embodiment, a bronchoscope is used whose catheter shafting includes an introducer sleeve at the distal section of the scope for providing stability during introduction to a patient's chest while stabilizing the treatment and visualization distal ends of the scope at a treatment site. This embodiment can include a needle piercing assembly that cooperatively works with the working device such as for drug delivery.

Abstract: A viewing and treatment apparatus for performing minimally invasive surgery through an opening in a patient's chest, the apparatus includes a visualization scope with an elongated portion and a distal end, and a working device such as a tissue ablation energy delivery device. The working device is encompassed within a working channel that communicates with the distal end of the scope. In one embodiment, a bronchoscope is used whose catheter shafting includes an introducer sleeve at the distal section of the scope for providing stability during introduction to a patient's chest while stabilizing the treatment and visualization distal ends of the scope at a treatment site. This embodiment can include a needle piercing assembly that cooperatively works with the work device such as for drug delivery.

Abstract: A device for use in laser surgical procedures for moving axially an optical fiber element that is connected at its proximal end to a source of laser energy. The distal end of the fiber elements with a cooperating piercing tip member has a tapered configuration so that it is capable of penetrating soft tissue of membrane such as the myocardium or epicardium of a human heart during the revascularization procedure. Various combinations of bundled optical fiber elements are disclosed which provide different tapered distal end designs that can be used in various surgical procedures.

Abstract: A differential steer and final drive configuration for machines such as small tractors for agricultural and construction purposes and the like, which differential steer and final drive configuration allows passage of a power take-off (PTO) shaft beneath the differential steer mechanism and between the drive axles of the final drive mechanisms such that a PTO output member connected to the PTO shaft can be located on or in the vicinity of the machine front to rear centerline and the drive wheel axis.

Abstract: An apparatus, and method for endometrial ablation by heating an inflation medium within a distensible bladder positioned within a uterus of a patient. The apparatus comprises an elongate tubular member, a handle, a distensible bladder and a heating element disposed within said distensible bladder. The system includes a controller configured for providing and regulating electric current to the heating element. The controller also includes a pressure sensor for regulating the pressure in the distensible bladder. Pressure and temperature displays and other operator controls are located on the controller unit. The method for performing endothelial ablation comprises inserting the distensible bladder and a portion of the tubular member into a uterus of a patient. The inflation medium within the distensible bladder is heated by providing electric current to the resistive wire of the heating element.