Abstract: A closed-loop system for cryosurgery includes a cryofluid at cryogenic temperatures flowing through a closed-loop flow path. A pump, configured for operating at cryogenic temperatures, circulates the cryofluid in the closed-loop flow path. The closed-loop flow path includes a heat exchanger coupled to a heat sink configured for cooling the cryofluid in the closed-loop flow path to cryogenic temperatures. The closed-loop system includes one or more cryoneedles configured for providing cryotherapy, and one or more flow control devices, wherein each flow control device is configured for operating at cryogenic temperature and for selectively flow connecting or flow disconnecting at least one of the cryoneedles to the closed-loop flow path.

Abstract: A closed-loop system for cryosurgery includes a cryofluid at cryogenic temperatures flowing through a closed-loop flow path. A pump, configured for operating at cryogenic temperatures, circulates the cryofluid in the closed-loop flow path. The closed-loop flow path includes a heat exchanger coupled to a heat sink configured for cooling the cryofluid in the closed-loop flow path to cryogenic temperatures. The closed-loop system includes one or more cryoneedles configured for providing cryotherapy, and one or more flow control devices, wherein each flow control device is configured for operating at cryogenic temperature and for selectively flow connecting or flow disconnecting at least one of the cryoneedles to the closed-loop flow path.

Abstract: A flexible cryoneedle usable within a medical scope that is both substantially flexible for maneuvering and positioning a distal end thereof proximate to a soft tissue and substantially rigid for penetrating the tissue. A generally concentric cryogas supply tube within the flexible cryoneedle comprises a helical heat exchange surface on an outside surface thereof, wherein the helical heat exchange surface defines a helical exhaust passage for the cryogas entering the cryogas supply tube and expanding through a Joule-Thomson orifice into an expansion chamber at the distal end of the flexible cryoneedle.

Abstract: A winch with a wrap spring brake is provided. The winch includes a rotatable drum configured to wind and unwind a cable. The cable may be connected to a load to be moved. A shaft is coupled to the drum such that rotation of the shaft causes rotation of the drum, thereby winding or unwinding the cable about the drum. The winch also includes an input hub capable of rotating and coupled to the shaft such that rotation of the input hub causes rotation of the shaft. The winch also includes a grounding hub. Finally, the winch includes a wrap spring wound about the grounding hub. The wrap spring has a first end and a second end. The first end of the wrap spring is coupled to the shaft such that the first end rotates with the shaft. The wrap spring is configured to be wrapped down on the grounding hub when the input hub is not rotated, thereby automatically locking the winch.

Abstract: A clutch has a rotatable input, a rotatable output, a spring and a damper mechanism. The rotatable input is capable of being rotated and of being held stationary. The spring is coupled to the input such that each time the input changes modes the spring changes states. The damper mechanism allows the spring to change states without rotating the input. The rotatable output is positioned relative to the spring such that the output synchronously rotates with the input when the spring is in the first state and rotates independently of the input when the spring is in the second state.

Abstract: A clutch has a rotatable input, a rotatable output, a spring and a damper mechanism. The rotatable input is capable of being rotated and of being held stationary. The spring is coupled to the input such that each time the input changes modes the spring changes states. The damper mechanism allows the spring to change states without rotating the input. The rotatable output is positioned relative to the spring such that the output synchronously rotates with the input when the spring is in the first state and rotates independently of the input when the spring is in the second state.