Abstract: A system for monitoring a movement disorder includes a movement detector configured to track at least one point of reference in three dimensions, and a computing device communicatively coupled with the movement detector. The computing device is configured to receive movement data associated with the at least one point of reference over a period of time, perform a kinematic data analysis based on the movement data, compute a weighted score using the kinematic data analysis, compute a trend based on historical movement data, the weighted score and the trend being associated with the movement disorder, and display the weighted score, the trend and the movement data on a display associated with the computing device.

Abstract: A system for monitoring a movement disorder includes a movement detector configured to track at least one point of reference in three dimensions, and a computing device communicatively coupled with the movement detector. The computing device is configured to receive movement data associated with the at least one point of reference over a period of time, perform a kinematic data analysis based on the movement data, compute a weighted score using the kinematic data analysis, compute a trend based on historical movement data, the weighted score and the trend being associated with the movement disorder, and display the weighted score, the trend and the movement data on a display associated with the computing device.

Abstract: A system and method for identifying a component for use with a surgical device are disclosed. A component of a surgical device includes an identifier, such as a RFID tag. Data from the RFID tag is transmitted to a RFID reader operably coupled to the device. A controller identifies the component based on the received data and determines whether the component can be used with the surgical device based on criteria, such as whether the received data is an authorized code that matches data stored in memory or whether the received data solves or satisfies an algorithm. The authorized codes are selected from a larger set of available codes. The controller can enable or disable the operation of the device with the component based on whether the criteria is satisfied and can cause the surgical device to be configured for use with the component.

Abstract: An improved method of controlling intraocular pressure with a microsurgical system using measured flow rate and a dual infusion chamber.

Abstract: A thin walled, hubbed cannula with an exterior diameter of approximately that of a 20 gauge surgical instrument and in interior bore having a diameter that is slightly larger than a 23 gauge or 25 gauge surgical instrument. The scleral contact surface of the hub of the adapter also can be rounded to provide a pivot point for the surgical instrument shaft, thereby reducing bending forces on the relatively thin shaft of the instrument.

Abstract: A welder's helmet is provided including a welder's mask having a sight window and at least one opening in the mask for accommodating a filter cartridge of a respirator mask. The respirator mask is independently strapped to the user's head to assure proper airtight fit to the user's face. A foam mounting structure is formed from a plurality of spacer strips that allow the user to customize the spacing between the welder's mask and respirator mask to fit their individual size requirements. A pair of respirator cartridges can be utilized to extend from the sides of the welder's helmet so as not to provide an obstruction in front of the user's face.

Abstract: A system and method for configuring a surgical device are disclosed, one embodiment of the system comprising; an interface operable to receive data; a portable component, comprising an identifier operable to store and transmit a set of data; a memory, the memory storing criteria; and a controller, wherein the controller, the memory and the interface are included in the surgical device, and wherein the controller is operable to configure the surgical device based on the set of data transmitted from the identifier and received at the interface. The identifier can be an RFID tag and the interface can be an RFID interface comprising an RFID reader operable to transmit a radio frequency (RF) instruction to activate the RFID tag of the portable component, and a microcontroller operable to cause the RFID reader to transmit the RF instruction. The portable component can be an identification tag that can be attached to the user.

Abstract: An ergonomic footswitch having a substantially planar tiltable treadle positioned on a base enables up and down or pitch movement of the substantially planar footswitch around an axis of rotation located at the substantially horizontal rotational axis of an operator's ankle.

Abstract: A scanning device, typically ultrasonic, can make a volumetric scan of a conical scanning field. A transducer having a permanent magnet at its back end is gimbal mounted in a housing. Behind the permanent magnet is a hemispheric electromagnet coil assembly having at least two wound electromagnet coils. The coils are energized in turn with an alternating current signal, with the signal applied to any coil being out of phase with the signal applied to any other coil by 180°/n, where n is the number of coils in the hemispheric electromagnet coil assembly. Volumetric scanning is possible by periodically modulating the magnitude or frequency of the signals applied to the coils.

Abstract: A scanning device, typically ultrasonic, can make a volumetric scan of a conical scanning field. A transducer having a permanent magnet at its back end is gimbal mounted in a housing. Behind the permanent magnet is a hemispheric electromagnet coil assembly having at least two wound electromagnet coils. The coils are energized in turn with an alternating current signal, with the signal applied to any coil being out of phase with the signal applied to any other coil by 180°/n, where n is the number of coils in the hemispheric electromagnet coil assembly. Volumetric scanning is possible by periodically modulating the magnitude or frequency of the signals applied to the coils.

Abstract: A chin activated switch for use in adjusting the movement of a binocular microscope along three orthogonal axes allows the operator to utilize his hands and feet to control other devices. This chin switch contains a plurality of microswitches which are activated by specific movements of the chin. A chin plate upon which the operator's chin rests is connected to a pivot rod and rocker assembly the movement of which actuates the microswitches. These microswitches in turn control motors which move the microscope in the desired directions.

Abstract: A one-handed, self-contained, light-weight syringe for use in applying suction during a surgical operation includes a standardized syringe mounted into a longitudinally cut tube with a wheel attached at a right angle to the tube axis. The surgeon-operator, by turning this wheel with his fingers, may operate the syringe and control the amount of suction. The wheel is fastened to a pinion gear which rotates on a fixed shaft causing a rack and syringe plunger to move relative to the syringe barrel. This device allows the syringe barrel to move very smoothly and also enables the surgeon-operator complete freedom of one hand.