Abstract: A biopsy device includes a body portion, a tip, at least one blade, and a cutter. The cannula defines at least one lumen. The cannula has a transverse aperture configured to receive tissue. The tip is located at the distal end of the cannula, and may include at least two concave surfaces. The blade extends longitudinally from the tip. A second blade may also extend longitudinally from the tip. Blades may be axially staggered relative to the cannula. Blades may also have lengths that differ from one another. In addition, a blade may have a pointed distal end, or may have a curved distal edge. The configuration of the blade and tip may provide reduced force to penetrate tissue. The blade and tip may produce a cut length that is greater than or equal to the length of the outer perimeter of the cannula.

Abstract: A biopsy device includes a body portion, a tip, at least one blade, and a cutter. The cannula defines at least one lumen. The cannula has a transverse aperture configured to receive tissue. The tip is located at the distal end of the cannula, and may include at least two concave surfaces. The blade extends longitudinally from the tip. A second blade may also extend longitudinally from the tip. Blades may be axially staggered relative to the cannula. Blades may also have lengths that differ from one another. In addition, a blade may have a pointed distal end, or may have a curved distal edge. The configuration of the blade and tip may provide reduced force to penetrate tissue. The blade and tip may produce a cut length that is greater than or equal to the length of the outer perimeter of the cannula.

Abstract: The present application is directed to an image-guided, vacuum assisted, percutaneous, coring, cable driven breast biopsy instrument which may be conveniently mounted to an x-ray machine wherein the biopsy instrument incorporates a rotation knob at the proximal end of the instrument to manually rotate the distal end of the probe, thus allowing the clinician to conveniently position the tissue port next to the tissue to be sampled.

Abstract: The present application is directed to an image-guided, vacuum assisted, percutaneous, coring, cable driven breast biopsy instrument which may be conveniently mounted to an x-ray machine wherein the biopsy instrument incorporates a rotation knob at the proximal end of the instrument to manually rotate the distal end of the probe, thus allowing the clinician to conveniently position the tissue port next to the tissue to be sampled.

Abstract: A scrubber for controlling carbon dioxide levels in a shipping container containing respiring produce is disclosed. The scrubber is relatively small, utilizes a gas-selective membrane having a CO2/O2 selectivity ratio greater than 1:1, and fits inside the shipping container (such as a sea van container). In contrast to current methods of controlling CO2 levels in shipping containers, such as the use of hydrated lime, the scrubbers of the present invention are efficient, relatively inexpensive, do not take up shipping space within the container, and do not present handling or disposal issues. A method for controlling the carbon dioxide levels inside a shipping container containing respiring produce, utilizing the carbon dioxide scrubbers defined, is also disclosed.

Abstract: A biopsy device and method may be used to obtain a tissue sample, such as a breast tissue biopsy sample. The biopsy device includes an outer cannula having a distal piercing tip, a cutter lumen, and a cutter tube that is rotated by an integral motor and manually translated past a side aperture in the outer cannula to sever a tissue sample. A sample capturing structure (e.g., sample barrel) has a plurality of sample cavities (e.g., radially symmetric, revolver handgun orientation) that are manually aligned one at a time to capture one or more samples.

Abstract: The present application is directed to an image-guided, vacuum assisted, percutaneous, coring, cable driven breast biopsy instrument which may be conveniently mounted to an x-ray machine wherein the biopsy instrument incorporates a rotation knob at the proximal end of the instrument to manually rotate the distal end of the probe, thus allowing the clinician to conveniently position the tissue port next to the tissue to be sampled.

Abstract: The present application is directed to an image-guided, vacuum assisted, percutaneous, coring, cable driven breast biopsy instrument which may be conveniently mounted to an x-ray machine wherein the biopsy instrument incorporates a rotation knob at the proximal end of the instrument to manually rotate the distal end of the probe, thus allowing the clinician to conveniently position the tissue port next to the tissue to be sampled.

Abstract: The present application is directed to an image-guided, vacuum assisted, percutaneous, coring, cable driven breast biopsy instrument which may be conveniently mounted to an x-ray machine wherein the biopsy instrument incorporates a rotation knob at the proximal end of the instrument to manually rotate the distal end of the probe, thus allowing the clinician to conveniently position the tissue port next to the tissue to be sampled.

Abstract: A biopsy device includes a body portion, a tip, at least one blade, and a cutter. The cannula defines at least one lumen. The cannula has a transverse aperture configured to receive tissue. The tip is located at the distal end of the cannula, and may include at least two concave surfaces. The blade extends longitudinally from the tip. A second blade may also extend longitudinally from the tip. Blades may be axially staggered relative to the cannula. Blades may also have lengths that differ from one another. In addition, a blade may have a pointed distal end, or may have a curved distal edge. The configuration of the blade and tip may provide reduced force to penetrate tissue. The blade and tip may produce a cut length that is greater than or equal to the length of the outer perimeter of the cannula.

Abstract: A biopsy marker introduction assembly is configured for introduction through a specimen retrieval recess into a probe cutter lumen of a handheld breast biopsy handle. Advancing the cutter causes an extending deployment rod to distally translate within an introducer tube of the introduction assembly, pushing a biopsy marker out of a distal end of the probe at a surgical biopsy site. Thereby, the surgeon is able to position the probe and effect deployment of the marker even if using the other hand to position an imaging device such as an ultrasonic transceiver.

Abstract: The present application is directed to an image-guided, vacuum assisted, percutaneous, coring, cable driven breast biopsy instrument which may be conveniently mounted to an x-ray machine wherein the biopsy instrument incorporates a rotation knob at the proximal end of the instrument to manually rotate the distal end of the probe, thus allowing the clinician to conveniently position the tissue port next to the tissue to be sampled.

Abstract: A biopsy device and method may be used to obtain a tissue sample, such as a breast tissue biopsy sample. The biopsy device includes an outer cannula having a distal piercing tip, a cutter lumen, and a cutter tube that is rotated by an integral motor and manually translated past a side aperture in the outer cannula to sever a tissue sample. A sample capturing structure (e.g., sample barrel) has a plurality of sample cavities (e.g., radially symmetric, revolver handgun orientation) that are manually aligned one at a time to capture one or more samples.

Abstract: A biopsy marker introduction assembly is configured for introduction through a specimen retrieval recess into a probe cutter lumen of a handheld breast biopsy handle. Advancing the cutter causes an extending deployment rod to distally translate within an introducer tube of the introduction assembly, pushing a biopsy marker out of a distal end of the probe at a surgical biopsy site. Thereby, the surgeon is able to position the probe and effect deployment of the marker even if using the other hand to position an imaging device such as an ultrasonic transceiver.

Abstract: The present application is directed to an image-guided, vacuum assisted, percutaneous, coring, cable driven breast biopsy instrument which may be conveniently mounted to an x-ray machine wherein the biopsy instrument incorporates a rotation knob at the proximal end of the instrument to manually rotate the distal end of the probe, thus allowing the clinician to conveniently position the tissue port next to the tissue to be sampled.

Abstract: The present application is directed to an image-guided, vacuum assisted, percutaneous, coring, cable driven breast biopsy instrument which may be conveniently mounted to an x-ray machine wherein the biopsy instrument incorporates a rotation knob at the proximal end of the instrument to manually rotate the distal end of the probe, thus allowing the clinician to conveniently position the tissue port next to the tissue to be sampled.

Abstract: A biopsy device and method may be used to obtain a tissue sample, such as a breast tissue biopsy sample. A biopsy device may include an outer cannula having a distal piercing tip, a cutter lumen, and a cutter tube that rotates and translates past a side aperture in the outer cannula to sever a tissue sample. An exemplary sample capturing structure (e.g., platter, barrel, etc.) has a plurality of sample cavities (e.g., radially symmetric, revolver handgun orientation, etc.) that are aligned one at a time (e.g., manually, etc.) to capture and store one or more tissue samples.

Abstract: Audible and/or visible ringback signals are provided to a calling party by wired or wireless communication equipment in a local region associated with a called party, and not by the wide-area network(s) via which the calling party communicates with the called party. The non-network ringback signals are provided after a communication channel has been established between the calling party and the called party, but before the called party handles substantive communication content from the calling part. Non-network ringback signals may be selected based on various criteria, such as an identity of the calling party, capability of calling party communication equipment, or a type of information (for example, video, audio, or data) exchangeable via the communication channel.

Abstract: The present application is directed to an image-guided, vacuum assisted, percutaneous, coring, cable driven breast biopsy instrument which may be conveniently mounted to an x-ray machine wherein the biopsy instrument incorporates a rotation knob at the proximal end of the instrument to manually rotate the distal end of the probe, thus allowing the clinician to conveniently position the tissue port next to the tissue to be sampled.

Abstract: A method for monitoring motion of an entity within a predetermined boundary established using a location detection technology. Sensor data is acquired from a motion sensor that senses non-positional movement of the entity and is attachable to the entity. A learned movement pattern associated with the entity is accessed. Computing techniques are used to analyze the acquired sensor data in relationship to the learned movement pattern. A current movement pattern is identified based on the analysis. It is determined whether the current movement pattern is a reportable movement pattern, and if so, a predetermined action is performed.