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 embodiment of the invention provides a method for detecting and treating a tumor using tissue localized volumetric impedance measurement. The method includes providing an impedance measurement apparatus having a plurality of resilient members deployable with curvature and configured to sample tissue impedance through a plurality of conductive pathways. The apparatus is configured to be coupled to at least one of an energy delivery device, a power supply, a switching device or logic resources. The apparatus is then positioned at a selected tissue site and the impedance array deployed to define a sample volume. The impedance array is then utilized to make impedance measurements through a plurality of conductive pathways. Information from the impedance measurements is then utilized to determine a tissue condition of the sample volume. Energy is then delivered from the energy delivery device to ablate or necrose at least a portion of the tumor.

Abstract: Devices and methods for performing vascular anastomosis. A needle passer is used to pass one or more needles through tissue to thread one or more lengths of suture through the tissue. The needle passer is operable using one hand and includes a handle supporting a shaft assembly carrying first and second sets of needles connected by lengths of suture. An actuator assembly uncovers the first set of needles, moves them into a radially extended position, and then passes them through tissue, for example, the wall of a patient's aorta. The needle passer may be pistol-shaped with a trigger that is moved in one direction to sequentially uncover, radially extend, and move the first set of needles through the aorta around an aortotomy. The needles may then be pulled away from the patient to thread the suture through the tissue. A delivery device is used to deliver a member adapted to be secure to body tissue, such as a vascular conduit.

Abstract: Devices and methods for performing vascular anastomosis. A needle passer is used to pass one or more needles through tissue to thread one or more lengths of suture through the tissue. The needle passer is operable using one hand and includes a handle supporting a shaft assembly carrying first and second sets of needles connected by lengths of suture. An actuator assembly uncovers the first set of needles, moves them into a radially extended position, and then passes them through tissue, for example, the wall of a patient's aorta. The needle passer may be pistol-shaped with a trigger that is moved in one direction to sequentially uncover, radially extend, and move the first set of needles through the aorta around an aortotomy. The needles may then be pulled away from the patient to thread the suture through the tissue. A delivery device is used to deliver a member adapted to be secure to body tissue, such as a vascular conduit. The delivery device includes a shaft and a collar mounted for relative movement.

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 apparatus for treating tumors comprises an elongated delivery device that includes a lumen and is maneuverable in tissue. An impedance sensor array is deployable from the elongated device and configured to be coupled to at least one of an energy source or a switching device. The impedance array includes a plurality of resilient members, at least one of the plurality being positionable in the elongated device in a compacted state and deployable with curvature into tissue from the elongated device in a deployed state. In the deployed state, the plurality of resilient members defines a sample volume. At least one of the resilient members includes an impedance sensor and at least a portion of the array is configured to sample tissue impedance through a plurality of conductive pathways. An energy delivery device is coupled to one of the array, the at least one resilient member or the elongated device.

Abstract: An embodiment of the invention provides a method for detecting and treating a tumor using tissue localized volumetric impedance measurement. The method includes providing an impedance measurement apparatus having a plurality of resilient members deployable with curvature and configured to sample tissue impedance through a plurality of conductive pathways. The apparatus is configured to be coupled to at least one of an energy delivery device, a power supply, a switching device or logic resources. The apparatus is then positioned at a selected tissue site and the impedance array deployed to define a sample volume. The impedance array is then utilized to make impedance measurements through a plurality of conductive pathways. Information from the impedance measurements is then utilized to determine a tissue condition of the sample volume. Energy is then delivered from the energy delivery device to ablate or necrose at least a portion of the tumor.

Abstract: The gasket is for use in detachably connecting two similar coupling members on the ends of air brake hoses for railroad cars to form an airtight connection. The gasket provides a ramped entrance angle and a wide sealing surface for providing better alignment and sealing during coupling with another similar member.

Abstract: Devices and methods for performing vascular anastomosis. A needle passer is used to pass one or more needles through tissue to thread one or more lengths of suture through the tissue. The needle passer is operable using one hand and includes a handle supporting a shaft assembly carrying first and second sets of needles connected by lengths of suture. An actuator assembly uncovers the first set of needles, moves them into a radially extended position, and then passes them through tissue, for example, the wall of a patient's aorta. The needle passer may be pistol-shaped with a trigger that is moved in one direction to sequentially uncover, radially extend, and move the first set of needles through the aorta around an aortotomy. The needles may then be pulled away from the patient to thread the suture through the tissue. A delivery device is used to deliver a member adapted to be secure to body tissue, such as a vascular conduit. The delivery device includes a shaft and a collar mounted for relative movement.

Abstract: Devices and methods for performing vascular anastomosis. A needle passer is used to pass one or more needles through tissue to thread one or more lengths of suture through the tissue. The needle passer is operable using one hand and includes a handle supporting a shaft assembly carrying first and second sets of needles connected by lengths of suture. An actuator assembly uncovers the first set of needles, moves them into a radially extended position, and then passes them through tissue, for example, the wall of a patient's aorta. The needle passer may be pistol-shaped with a trigger that is moved in one direction to sequentially uncover, radially extend, and move the first set of needles through the aorta around an aortotomy. The needles may then be pulled away from the patient to thread the suture through the tissue. A delivery device is used to deliver a member adapted to be secure to body tissue, such as a vascular conduit.

Abstract: A gasket with a ramped entrance angle and a wide ceiling surface is provided for better alignment and sealing during coupling with another similar gasket. The gasket is for use in detachably connecting two similar coupling members on the ends of railroad car air brake hoses to form an airtight connection.

Abstract: A coupling member for detachably connecting together two sections of air brake hose between railroad cars. Each coupling member has a hollow tubular body with one end attached to a section of hose and with an opposite end having an arcuate body portion extending circumferentially about and outwardly of the tubular body, and has an arcuate locking lug with a guide and protection surface followed by a locking surface extending generally axially from the body concentric with and projecting along substantially the entire arcuate body portion. An L-shaped arcuate flange projects outwardly and forwardly from a rear portion of the tubular body and is provided with a lip which engages a similar lip formed on the arcuate locking lug of the other of two coupling members to secure the members in coupled position where the lip projects from only a locking portion of the lug while a guide portion has a smooth surface.

Abstract: A coupling member for detachably connecting together two sections of air brake hose between railroad cars. Each coupling member has a hollow tubular body with one end attached to a section of hose and with an opposite end having an arcuate body portion extending circumferentially about and outwardly of the tubular body, and has an arcuate locking lug with a guide and protection surface followed by a locking surface extending generally axially from the body concentric with and projecting along substantially the entire arcuate body portion. An L-shaped arcuate flange projects outwardly and forwardly from a rear portion of the tubular body and is provided with a lip which engages a similar lip formed on the arcuate locking lug of the other of two coupling members to secure the members in coupled position where the lip projects from only a locking portion of the lug while a guide portion has a smooth surface.

Abstract: A word processor including a screen display unit for displaying characters, etc. on a screen, a key input unit for inputting the characters, etc., a print unit for printing document data of documents, a document producing unit for producing the documents from data inputted from the key input unit, and a document control unit for inputting document control data to a recording medium or outputting data stored in the recording medium to the screen display unit. The key input unit includes a command device for giving a command relevant to automatic production of a title of an untitled document, and the document control means includes a title producing device for automatically producing the title of the untitled document in response to the command from the command device.

Abstract: Railway maintenance vehicles are disclosed which are of the character having a frame assembly provided with drivable ground engaging tires and rail engaging flanged wheels. The frame assembly supports maintenance equipment, and the rail engaging wheels are displaceable between first and second positions relative to the frame assembly. In the first position the flanged wheels engage underlying rail members so as to support the vehicle with the ground engaging tires in suspension above ground, and in the second position the flanged wheels are elevated from the rails and the tires engage ground to support the vehicle. Heretofore, maintenance operations have been performed with the flanged wheels either in the first or second position thereof.

Abstract: A wheel supported open top receptacle such as a railway car is provided with a liner arrangement comprising a plurality of belt members arranged between the end walls of the car with the sides of adjacent ones of the belts overlapped in the direction between the end walls, and with each belt overlying the side walls and bottom wall of the car. One end of each belt member is attached to the upper end of the corresponding one of the side walls and, by upward displacement of the other end, each belt is adapted to be displaced upwardly relative to the car. Material in the car is progressively unloaded laterally outwardly of the car by sequential displacement of the belts in accordance with the pattern of overlap.

Abstract: There is provided an improved apparatus and method for relatively low volume batch treatment and disposition of sewage or toilet wastes especially from passenger vehicles such as railway cabooses, motor houses, or other passenger-carrying vehicles. The apparatus is characterized by the ability to operate without moving parts for sterilizing, disintegrating, and discharging an aqueous sewage composition including human feces and includes an enclosed chamber having an inlet for the sewage composition at the top of the chamber, separate electrodes in the lower portion of the chamber, a standpipe having an inlet from the chamber and communicating with the upper portion of the chamber and discharging exteriorly of the chamber, and means for impressing a potential difference across the electrodes.