Abstract: A fluid delivery device is provided for delivering fluid to a target site such as an intervertebral disc during discography. The fluid delivery device includes pressure and volume sensors to determine the pressure and the volume of the fluid delivered to the intervertebral disc. The fluid delivery device is hand-held during use and includes a syringe assembly having a plunger with threads that enables controlled discharge of the fluid from the fluid delivery device by rotating the plunger in a housing of the fluid delivery device. The fluid delivery device may also include a communication module to wirelessly transfer data to an external device outside of a sterile field, while the fluid delivery device is in the sterile field. The fluid delivery device may also include a physiological sensor to monitor involuntary pain responses based on changing physiological parameters such as increases in body temperature or blood pressure.

Abstract: A surgical system for use in performing medical procedures on a body of a patient is provided. The system includes a manipulator having a tool mounting arrangement including a power transmitter. The manipulator is capable of moving the tool mounting arrangement with at least one degree of freedom. The system has a tool support including a power receiver. A sterile barrier is arranged between the robotic mechanism and the tool support to isolate the robotic mechanism from the sterile environment. The tool support is engageable with the tool mounting arrangement with the sterile barrier therebetween. The power transmitter and power receiver can wirelessly transmit power across the sterile barrier between the manipulator and the tool support when the tool support is engaged with the tool mounting arrangement.

Abstract: A catheter for delivering medication from a fluid source to an anatomical site of a patient and a method of manufacturing the same are provided. The catheter comprises an elongated tube extending between an open proximal end and a closed distal end. The elongated tube includes a catheter wall having an inner surface that bounds a lumen for conveying the fluid from the fluid source. A plurality of openings are defined in the catheter wall to discharge the fluid from the lumen to the anatomical site. A reinforcing coil is disposed within the lumen to improve fluid delivery and provide kink resistance to the catheter. The reinforcing coil has spaced convolutions in an unstretched state. An annular flow space is defined between the reinforcing coil and the inner surface of the catheter wall.

Abstract: A pistol-shaped surgical handpiece comprises a pistol-shaped housing including a forward/rearward extending barrel and a handle fixedly depending from the barrel. A motor and control circuit are supported in the barrel. The motor drives a tool carrier at the front end of the barrel. In one preferred embodiment, the housing is of formed sheet metal and the motor, control unit and a drive train for driving the tool carrier, are mounted as a sealed unitary cartridge within the sheet metal barrel. In one embodiment, the battery is inserted upward into the bottom of the handle and telescopes therein for a substantial distance to permit a relatively compact handle arrangement while yet permitting a full size handle rigidly joined to the barrel of the housing.

Abstract: A compact, hermetically sealed, heat dissipating electric power unit comprises a P.C. board having a hole therethrough. A semiconductor electric power control device fits loosely in the hole. A backer of heat and electric current conductive material is bonded in heat and electric current conductive contact (1) with the P.C. board around the perimeter of the hole to hermetically seal the corresponding end of the hole and (2) with an opposed first electrode of the device, the backer acting as an electric current path and at least part of a heat sink for the device, the backer and P.C. board having similar thermal expansion coefficients so as to maintain the hermetic seal. An electrically conductive ground ring is electrically conductively fixed on the other face of the P.C. board and is electrically connected to the second electrode of the device and acts as a further electric current path. A cover of ceramic material has a thermal expansion coefficient similar to that of the core.

Abstract: A blood conservation system capable of receiving blood and lipids from a patient. A reservoir is releasably connectable to a patient for receiving body liquids, including blood. A transfusion unit is attached for receiving blood from the reservoir. The reservoir includes a valve unit actuable for transferring blood to the transfusion unit but preventing transfer of lipids. The valve unit also controls venting of the reservoir.

Abstract: A signal generating circuit useful in determining the value of a capacitor includes a charging source having a resistive element and a plurality of switches, each switch being positionable between a first, open position and a second, closed position in response to logic signals. The switches are thereby controllable for sequentially connecting a first reference capacitor of known value and a second capacitor to the resistive element for charging said capacitors to a potential. An oscillating comparator network establishes a trigger reference voltage and generates a clocking pulse when the sequentially detected charge potential of the capacitors is equal to the trigger reference voltage. A logic network is connected to the comparator network for generating the logic signals in response to the clocking pulse and the logic network includes a network for resetting the signal generating circuit.

Abstract: An apparatus useful in determining the value of a capacitor includes a first bilateral switch for flowing a charging current through a resistive element to an initially-depleted first capacitor of known value. The first capacitor is thereby charged to the potential of a trigger reference over a resulting first time period. A second bilateral switch is provided for flowing a charging current through the same resistive element to an initially-depleted second capacitor, thereby charging it to the potential of the same trigger reference over a resulting second time period. A device such as an oscilloscope or frequency counter is used for determining these time periods and the value of the unknown second capacitor may thereupon be computed using disclosed formulas.

Abstract: A capacitive pressure transducer of the deflecting diaphragm type is adapted to be coupled to a capacitance transducing circuit and includes a generally planar, electrically conductive base member support upon a first insulative substrate. A sensor member is supported upon a second insulative substrate in a generally parallel, spaced relationship from the base member and coacts with the base member to form a sensor capacitor. A reference member is generally coplanar with and in electrical isolation from the sensor member and coacts with the base member to form a reference capacitor. The sensor and reference members each have a plurality of segments interposed one with another. The sensor and reference capacitors have pressure-dependent capacitance values Cs and Cr respectively such that, for discrete pressures selected within an operative range of pressures, the output signals from the transducing circuit will be substantially linear.