Abstract: In a hydraulic tensioner, a check valve assembly comprises a synthetic resin ball guide with a check ball movable therein. Oil grooves are provided in the wall of the ball guide, and minimum clearance is allowed between the ball and the wall of the ball guide. The ball is biased toward a metal ball seat formed as a separate element from the ball guide and attached to the ball guide by crimping portions of the synthetic resin of the ball guide over a flange of the seat, using heat fusion. A metal retainer disc, also a separate element, is similarly attached to the ball guide by crimping using heat fusion. A resilient annular lip is formed on the synthetic resin ball guide, and the assembly is press-fit into a plunger-receiving hole in a tensioner housing with the lip in engagement with the wall of the hole.

Abstract: A key sprocket drive system for a conveyor belt having a drive drum having an outer surface. The outer surface of the drive drum is adapted to engage a securement means. A contoured collar has an inner surface and an outer surface. The contoured collar is adapted to receive the securement means and adapted to engage the outer surface of the drive drum at predetermined positions therefore providing defined gaps between the inner surface of the contoured collar and the outer surface of the drive drum. The key sprocket drive system further comprises a sprocket member having a generally annular configuration with externally facing teeth-like protrusions at spaced intervals. The sprocket member is adapted to receive the securement means whereby the securement means engage the sprocket member and the contoured collar to secure the sprocket member and the contoured collar to the drive drum. The teeth-like protrusions engage the conveyor belt so as to drive the conveyor belt.

Abstract: In a roller chain transmission, the diameter D of the rollers, the outer diameter d of the pins and height H of the inner plates satisfy the relationships 0.72P?D?0.79P, 0.40P?d?0.44P, and 0.96P?H, with respect to the chain pitch P. The sprocket teeth are asymmetric in that the chain entering side and the chain leaving side differ, and the radius R1 of an arc of the tooth gap bottom, the radius R2 of the chain entering side tooth flank and the radius R3 of the chain entering side tooth head portion satisfy the relationships 0.505D?R1?0.505D+0.069D, P?(0.505D+0.069D)?R2?P?0.505D, and 0.08?R3?0.13P. The transmission chain exhibits improved endurance and quietness, smooth operation, and resistance to elongation due to wear.

Abstract: A frictional forced power transmission belt transmits power to a pulley with its belt body wound around and in contact with the pulley. At least a contact part of the belt body with a pulley is formed of a rubber composition in which powdery or granular polyolefin resin is contained in ethylene-?-olefin elastomer.

Abstract: A drive train (1, 30) for a hybrid vehicle, in which an internal combustion engine (2) is drive-technologically connected to a disengagement clutch (4) whose output side is connected to a transmission input shaft (7), which is connected to an input element (8, 38) of an automatic transmission (17, 36), and in which the transmission input shaft (7) can be driven by an electric machine (5) and itself drives a hydraulic pump (6), which is drive-technologically arranged after the disengagement clutch (4) and before a shiftable starting element (F) of the automatic transmission (17, 36).

Abstract: A hydraulic control apparatus for an automatic transmission including two frictional coupling devices of a first group and a plurality of frictional coupling devices of a second group, the control device including a second-group-engaging switching valve arranged to receive second engaging hydraulic pressures generated to engage the coupling devices of the second group and operable, upon reception of at least one of the second engaging hydraulic pressures, to generate a second-group-engaging pilot hydraulic pressure, and a fail-safe valve to receive at least one of first engaging hydraulic pressures generated to engage the two coupling devices of the first group and operable, upon simultaneous reception of the first engaging hydraulic pressure generated to engage one of the two coupling devices of the first group and the second-group-engaging pilot hydraulic pressure, to prevent application of the first engaging hydraulic pressure to the other of the two coupling devices of the first group.

Abstract: The invention provides a power transmission apparatus for vehicle which can realize a high torque transmission efficiency and a high reduction gear ratio of a reduction gear unit with a more compact structure, and a vehicle-driving electric machinery system using the power transmission apparatus for vehicle. The power transmission apparatus for vehicle comprises a motor, a reduction gear unit for decelerating power outputted from the motor, and a differential gear unit for distributing the power decelerated by the reduction gear unit to left and right wheels. The reduction gear unit is a reduction gear mechanism including a plurality of gears mounted over a shaft which is rotatably held by a housing in a fixed position. The reduction gear unit and the differential gear unit are arranged within an area in oppositely facing relation to an axial end surface of the motor.

Abstract: A differential including axle pinions and pinion gears and a body having two parts between which the pinions are mounted. The two parts of the body are provided with complementary guiding surfaces for guiding the two parts in adjustment relative to one another along an input and output axis. One of the two parts includes at least two inner guides for slidably and adjustably mounting a rotatable assembly pin of the pinion gears such that when a relative position of the two parts is adjusted, an axial play of at least the axle pinions or a differential drag torque is adjusted afterwhich the two parts are locked relative to each other.

Abstract: The invention concerns an automatic gearbox, with a drive input shaft (3) which is connected to a shiftable reduction planetary gear set (10), with a drive output shaft (4) which is connected to a shiftable main planetary gear set (30), and with five shifting elements (A to E) by the selective closing of which six forward speeds can be engaged without range change. An output element of the reduction planetary gear set (10) can be connected via a first shifting element (A) to a first input element of the main planetary gear set (30) and via a second shifting element (B) to a second input element of the main planetary gear set (30). The drive input shaft (3) can be connected via a fifth shifting element (E) to a third input element of the main planetary gear set (30). A solar gear wheel (11) of the reduction planetary gear set (10) is in particular fixed on a cylindrical projection (43) of a gearbox housing wall (41).

Abstract: A drive arrangement for a motor vehicle door or hatch which can be moved by a motor with a planet gear and a brake device with a brake. The brake device has a brake drive which is separate from the drive which drives the drive shaft and the brake is able to be moved at least from one of two positions into the other of the two positions by the brake drive. The brake can be an arc-shaped clip pivotally supported by a pivot axle with an inner periphery which is matched to an outer periphery of an element of the planet gear. The brake can be combined with the brake drive as an eddy current brake or can be operated by a further gearing or use of a permanent magnet with which an electromagnet is able to interact.

Abstract: A speed change device has an input member rotatable in opposite directions to transmit higher torque as its rotation angle becomes larger, and a variable angle-ratio change mechanism including rollers and teethed wheels that are arranged in parallel to each other. The rollers and teethed wheels are respectively connected to rotate together with each other. The teeth of the wheels have a clearance on a pitch circle between their adjacent teeth so that the clearance is larger than a slip amount of the rollers in a low torque range where the rollers transmit low torque with bypassing the wheels in a normal operation. The wheels are engaged with each other to transmit high torque in a high torque range where the high torque is applied in an exceptional operation and the rollers slip larger than the slip amount in the low torque range.

Abstract: A vehicle transmission transmits torque from an engine to a drive axle and includes a power shift transmission and a reverser module. A control system and method automatically partially disengages the reverser module during a shift of the power shift transmission with nearly no effect upon the operating condition of the engine, so that a portion of the torque generated by the engine continues to be transmitted at all times to the drive axle.

Abstract: A method for preventing serious injuries to a person participating in a physical activity, such as pole-vaulting, which occurs at least partially over a hard surface. The method includes: detecting predetermined criteria indicative of a condition which requires deployment of the material into the deployed position; and moving a material from a retracted position to a deployed position upon detection of the predetermined criteria, wherein the material substantially does not impede the physical activity while in the retracted position and cushions the person from falling onto the hard surface while in the deployed position.

Abstract: A variable stride exercise apparatus is described. A variable stride exercise apparatus may include a frame having a first end and a second end. A crank system may be coupled to the frame. A foot member may be coupled to the crank system. The foot member may include a footpad. A variable stride system may be coupled to the foot member. The variable stride system may be located closer to the second end of the frame than the first end of the frame. The variable stride system may allow a user of the apparatus to vary the length of the user's stride during use of the apparatus. The foot of the user may travel in a substantially closed path during use of the apparatus. At least a portion of the apparatus may remain substantially stationary during use.

Abstract: An angle adjustable pedal assembly for elliptical exercisers includes a pedal frame and a pedal which is pivotably connected to two sides on an end of the pedal frame. Each side wall has a hole with three notches defined in an inside of the hole and the pedal has two connection plates each of which has a reset slot and a set slot which communicates with the reset slot. A pin extends through one of the reset slot and the set slot, and is engaged with one of the three notches in the side walls so that the pedal can be set at different angle relative to the pedal frame by engaging with one of the three notches in the side walls.

Abstract: An exercise device and sparring apparatus that includes a supporting base, a biasing mechanism coupled to, and supported vertically above, the base, a shaft attached to the biasing mechanism, and an arm member disposed in substantially perpendicular arrangement with the shaft, with the arm member further including a cushion disposed upon a punching end of the arm member.

Abstract: An exercise device providing an exterior sheath for a standard Olympic weight bearing bar that secures the bar and weight while providing access to the bar for gripping and also providing secure handles which are perpendicular to the bar and parallel to the torso, providing alternate gripping posture for alternate exercise paradigms.

Abstract: An apparatus for pressforming a paperboard sheet into an articulable pressformed container. The apparatus includes a pair of male and female, matingly engagable dies, which have interfacing forming surfaces in the shape of a container for engaging a paperboard sheet. A first one of the dies has a plurality of ridges extending from the forming surface and a second one of the dies has a plurality of grooves within the forming surface. The grooves register with the ridges when the dies matingly engage for creating creases in the paperboard sheet. The invention also includes a method for simultaneously shaping the container and forming fold creases on the container thereby making the container articulable.

Abstract: An apparatus used in the manufacture of a thermoplastic zipper having a slider mounted thereon includes a pair of clamp arms disposed on opposing sides of a path of the zipper. The clamp arms are movable in directions substantially perpendicular to the zipper path so as to clamp the thermoplastic zipper to fuse a length thereof. A pair of fingers is disposed on opposing sides of the zipper path. The fingers are movable in directions substantially perpendicular to the zipper path and in directions substantially parallel with the zipper path relative to the clamp arms. The fingers push the slider along the zipper.

Abstract: A method of making a plurality of flexible containers (12/112/212) comprising the steps of manufacturing a plurality of bag structures (13/113/213), separately manufacturing a plurality of valves (10/110/210), aligning the valves (10/110/210) with openings (24/124/224) in the bag structures (13/113/213), and securing the aligned valves (10/110/210) to the bag structures (13/113/213). Each valve (10/110/210) comprises a vent layer (30/130/230) which is pervious with respect to expected gasses and a sealed passageway is formed between the vent layer (30/130/230) and the container (12/112/212) when the valve (10/110/210) is secured to the bag structure (13/113/213).

Abstract: In a small sized pump driving unit, a fluid pump is used for driving the pump for supporting of substituting of cardiac function. The fluid pump can generate pressure fluctuations that can generate pulsation of the pump for supporting or substituting of cardiac function and produces sufficient performance to drive the pump unit.

Abstract: Circulatory assistance is provided in a non-invasive procedure safely and effectively using a microprocessor of an external counter pulsation device programmed to control the actuation of any or all of a plurality of valves, each of which is mounted on and in fluid communication with one of a plurality of individual inflatable bladders disposed in pockets within cuffs encasing the calves, thighs, buttocks, abdomen and/or chest of a person and an optional valve in fluid communication with the person's airway, in any desired sequence or order, toward the heart or toward the feet, either during diastole or systole, at desired inception times during the cardiac cycle, for selected durations and at chosen pressures, for treating a variety of cardiac, non-cardiac and circulatory conditions.

Abstract: A delivery system and method for interstitial radiation therapy comprising substantially axially stiff and radially flexible elongated members made of material which is bioabsorbable in living tissue and a plurality of radioactive seeds dispersed in a predetermined array within the elongate member. The radioactive seeds can be dispersed within assembled half-shells made of the same material. The housing for the radiation seeds can also be manufactured from extruded material. A system for manufacturing the interstitial radiation therapy seed strands that automatically makes the seed strands is also provided. The delivery system and method further customize the member based on a prescription.

Abstract: A penile prosthesis is provided, which includes at least one cylinder, a reservoir, and a pump including a pump housing, at least one reservoir channel fluidly coupling the pump housing to the reservoir, at least one cylinder tube fluidly connecting the pump housing to the cylinders, and a fluid passageway fluidly coupled to the cylinder tube and a transfer chamber. The pump further includes a first poppet and a second poppet, each of which is biased toward its respective valve seat within the fluid passageway. A bypass chamber is fluidly connected to the fluid passageway by a bypass input channel and a bypass output channel. The bypass chamber comprises a bypass check valve biased toward a closed position. The pump also includes a pump bulb fluidly connected to the fluid passageway between the bypass input channel and bypass output channel along the length of the fluid passageway.

Abstract: A sigmoidoscope comprises at least one disposable part, in combination with a device for insufflation of a body cavity with a medium via the sigmoidoscope, the medium being susceptible to contamination by a contaminant during use of the sigmoidoscope. The insufflation device and the sigmoidoscope are connected, or adapted for connection, to one another. The sigmoidoscope and/or the insufflation device are provided with a disposable contamination prevention device, or being so formed and arranged, that no non-disposable part of the sigmoidoscope and no non-disposable part of the insufflation device is exposed to any contaminated medium during use of the sigmoidoscope.

Abstract: A capsule endoscope is disclosed having an illumination means, an imaging system that includes an objective optical system, and a transparent cover. The invention is characterized by one of: (1) the transparent cover has a larger radius of curvature in a central region of the field of view of the objective optical system than the radius of curvature of the transparent cover in a peripheral region of the field of view of the objective optical system, or (2) the imaging system has a different near point of focus distance for a central region of the field of view than the near point of focus distance of a region that is peripheral to the central region of the field of view and the objective optical system includes a meniscus lens element of positive refractive power and a plano-convex lens element.

Abstract: Various attributes for medical CAD analysis used alone or in combination are disclosed, including: (1) using medical sensor data and context information associated with the configuration of the medical system to provide recommendations for further acts to be performed for more accurate or different diagnosis, (2) recommending further acts to be performed and providing an indication of the importance of the further act for further diagnosis, (3) distributing the computer-assisted diagnosis software and/or database over multiple systems, and (4) transmitting patient data to a remote system for CAD diagnosis and using the results of the CAD diagnosis at the remote facility.

Abstract: A system and method for assessing a functional or medical ability of an actor in a environment. The method includes providing a plurality of data sources in the environment. One or more of the data sources are designated as providing information relating to a functional or medical ability. Data from the designated data sources is retrieved and forms the basis of a functional or medical ability evaluation. In one embodiment, a plurality of baseline function categories are established, with information from one or more of the data sources being assigned to at least one of the baseline function categories.

Abstract: A process for identifying and treating cells in a living organism. The cells are labeled, circulated within the organism, detected with an implanted detector, and then either isolated or ablated.

Abstract: A method and system for utilizing shape analysis to assess fetal abnormality. According to one embodiment, coordinates of points identifying a shape in a fetal image are received, coefficients of one or more mathematical functions that describe the identified shape are determined, and the determined coefficients are utilized as markers to assess fetal abnormality.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to improved devices and methods for use in ultrasound guiding of percutaneous probes during medical procedures. The ultrasound devices of the present invention include an ultrasound transducer housing having a passage therethrough configured to accommodate a probe. The devices can be utilized to guide a probe through the probe guide in the passage of the transducer housing, and along a path extending from the ultrasound transducer housing to a target at a known angular relationship to the ultrasound transducer. In this manner, the path of the advancing probe and hence the location of the probe tip can be more clearly known in relation to a target imaged by the ultrasound device. In addition, the devices can include a sterile sleeve including a sterile probe guide such that the transducer housing itself, including the integral probe guide opening, can be separated from the patient by a sterile barrier.

Abstract: A split-night sleep diagnostic system is provided for diagnosing and treating sleep apnea in a single night. The diagnostic system includes a blower, a respiratory interface and a conduit connected between the blower and the respiratory interface. Also included is a valve disposed along the conduit. The valve includes an aperture formed in the conduit between the blower and the respiratory interface, and a valve member movable between a first position partially occluding the conduit so that air flows through the aperture and a second position blocking the aperture so that continuous positive airway pressure is provided to a patient. Both diagnosis and titration can be performed using a single system at a single location over the course of a single night.

Abstract: A specimen trap including a container forming a chamber. A strainer is fixedly positioned within the chamber and defines an upper portion of the chamber and a lower portion of the chamber. The strainer has a porous surface that provides fluidic communication between the upper portion and the lower portion. One tube connection is mounted to the cap and forms a passage through the cap and another tube extends through the cap and through the strainer into the lower portion. The cap is rotatable with respect to the container to form communication between one of the specimen compartments and the one tube connection passage for collection of an independent specimen.

Abstract: A heated massage ball apparatus has a ball that may be heated retained within a grip that allows for the ball to rotate freely therewithin. The ball may be heated, for example, in a microwave oven, and may be substantially hollow and filled with a liquid that retains heat. The grip is pliable enough to allow the forced insertion or ejection of the ball past its widest circumference. An opening in the bottom of the base may facilitate the removal of the ball from the base, whereby the user inserts a finger therein to force the ball out of the grip. A heating base can accept the grip and ball and provide heat to the ball, such as a heated conductor that extends through the bottom opening in the grip and heats the ball by direct contact and thermal conduction. An electrical circuit may be included that provides on/off and temperature controls, a heating element, a temperature-sensing means, a thermostat, and a display for indicating a target and current ball temperatures.

Abstract: A knee extension apparatus comprising a base, a pad assembly and at least one strap member. The base includes a first end and a second end. The pad assembly includes a pad member and a mounting assembly. The mounting assembly facilitates attachment of the pad member in at least two different locations along the upper surface of the base, proximate the second end thereof, so as to vary the distance between the first end and the pad member. The at least one strap member is associated with the base and positioned between the first end and the second end of the base member. The at least one strap member is capable of encircling a leg of a patient proximate a knee portion thereof.

Abstract: A shoulder stabilizing restraint which includes a pillow and a forearm wrap. The pillow has an arcuately-configured posterior face for engaging an anterior quadrant of a torso on a first side of a user. The pillow also has a flat forearm engagement face for engaging a forearm on the first side of the user. The forearm engagement face is preferably converges with the posterior face at a posterior/lateral convergence which is positionable proximal to a lateral border of the torso on the first side of the user. The forearm wrap is fastenable to the pillow to retain the forearm in engagement with the forearm engagement face and the shoulder joint at a positive external rotation angle.

Abstract: An ophthalmic surgical cassette for removably receiving in a cassette receiving mechanism of an ophthalmic surgical system. The system includes first and second plunger valves. The cassette includes a body having a rear surface, an irrigation inlet for receiving irrigation fluid from a source, a first irrigation outlet for providing irrigation fluid to a first ophthalmic microsurgical instrument for use in an anterior segment ophthalmic surgical procedure, a first manifold fluidly coupling the irrigation inlet with the first irrigation outlet, a second irrigation outlet for providing irrigation fluid to a second ophthalmic microsurgical instrument for use in a posterior segment ophthalmic surgical procedure, and a second manifold fluidly coupling the irrigation inlet with the second irrigation outlet.

Abstract: A tool for cementing a liner to the glenoid cavity of a scapula. The tool comprises an elongated, hollow, rigid tube having distal and proximal ends with the distal end of the tube having either an angular portion or a curved portion which has a plurality of openings formed therein. The tube has a length such that the distal end thereof may be positioned in the glenoid vault and so that the proximal end of the tube may be placed in communication with a source of suction. An elongated sleeve member is slidably mounted on the tube and preferably has a sealing gasket at its distal end which may be moved into sealing engagement with the coracoid process around the opening formed therein. A flexible obturator is selectively extended through the tube to clear the tube of debris.

Abstract: The invention provides a catheter for insertion into a biological passage which contains a first flowing fluid, the catheter including a tubular member having a proximal end and a distal end; a fluid delivery lumen contained within the tubular member; an inflatable balloon assembly disposed at the distal end of the tubular member, the balloon assembly including an inflatable balloon member having an uninflated state and an inflated state, the balloon assembly including apertures in communication with the fluid delivery lumen; an inflation lumen in communication with the balloon member; and a valve contained within the inflatable balloon assembly.

Abstract: A catheter system for treating pulmonary emboli has an multi-channel access port for establishing and maintaining communication with the vascular system and provide guidance for endovascular catheterization. One catheter may traverse the port and extend through the heart to the pulmonary arteries to inject lysing agents, contrast media, medicaments and to remove blood clots. Another catheter may traverse the port and extend through the vena cava to other parts of the venous tree to supply the same agents and to remove blood clots there. A third catheter may telescope over the treatment catheter through the vena cava and occlude the affected vein. Gas pervious tubules on the third catheter provide oxygen enrichment of the venous blood.

Abstract: A seal assembly is provided for reception of an elongated surgical instrument, which comprises a body having at least one opening configured and dimensioned to permit entry of an elongated surgical instrument and defining a central longitudinal axis; a seal member formed of a resilient material and defining an aperture therein, the aperture being configured and dimensioned such that insertion of the surgical instrument into the aperture causes the resilient material defining the aperture to resiliently contact the outer surface of the surgical instrument in a substantially fluid tight manner, the seal member further including a peripheral flange element which contacts a surface of the body to form a contact seal therewith; and a fabric layer juxtaposed relative to the resilient material. The seal assembly may further include a coating applied to the seal member to reduce friction between the seal member and surgical instrumentation inserted therein.

Abstract: A sheath device comprises a substantially rigid elongated body adapted to receive a chest tube. The body includes a first end and a second end, flexible seal at the first end, and an air-impermeable flexible joint at the second end. A base having a first side and a second side is provided at the joint, wherein the first side is connected with the flexible joint and the second side includes an adhesive for securing the base to a patient's chest. A method of preventing pneumothorax in a patient having a chest tube removed comprises attaching the sheath device to the patient's chest at the time of the chest tube placement, later withdrawing the chest tube into the airtight chamber of the sheath, and sealing the sheath device. Removing the base and flexible joint of the sheath device from the body of the sheath device leaves an air-impermeable dressing on the patient's chest.

Abstract: An eyewash system is disclosed. The eyewash system includes a mounting apparatus and a container coupled to the mounting apparatus and having a removable portion. Movement of the container relative to the mounting apparatus separates the removable portion from the container to provide an opening in the container. The removable portion may be provided on a cap coupled to the container. The container may be coupled to the mounting apparatus by a retaining device (such as a pin) inserted through one or more members extending from the base and through a tab extending from the removable portion.

Abstract: A bag for preserving and transporting a sterile product in powder form and a method for preparing solutions of the sterile product in the bag. The bag contains a sterile product in powder form and has a port closed by a membrane through which a solvent can be fed into the bag to form a sterile solution of the powder. Further, the bag contains an amount of the sterile product in powder form adapted to give with the solvent and within the bag a reconstituted ready to use solution that only partially fills a capacity of the bag.

Abstract: A fluid mixing unit insertable along conveyance and/or distribution lines, particularly for mixing diagnostic or medical fluids or the like along biomedical lines, comprising a body that is internally hollow and is provided with at least one pair of intake ports for introducing two fluids to be mixed, which are associable with respective feeder devices, and a discharge port for discharging the mixture of the two fluids, which is associable with an outflow device, and a duct for the flow and mixing of the two fluids that is formed in the body and is connected to the intake ports and to the discharge port.

Abstract: A needle-free medical connector includes a housing with a first port and a second port. The connector also includes a piston element defining a fluid passageway between the first and second ports. The piston element is movable between flow and non-flow positions. The piston element has an expandable section having a variable inner width and volume that forms a part of the flow path through the connector. As the piston is compressed to the flow position, the expandable section is expanded in width by movement over a flow post thereby maintaining or increasing the volume of the fluid passageway through the connector. The expandable section has a configuration permitting the continuous flow of fluid through its entirety.

Abstract: Provided is an aspiration catheter which does not require a large-scale device, has a largest possible aspiration lumen, and is sufficiently flexible to track tortuous blood vessels following a guidewire, thereby being easily advanced to a target site to be treated. In the aspiration catheter, the tip of the main shaft is obliquely cut, the distal end of the guidewire shaft is positioned at the distal end of the main shaft or protrudes from the distal end of the main shaft in the distal direction, and the relationships 0.5?L2/L1 and L2?L1?5 mm are satisfied, wherein L1 is the length of the obliquely cut portion of the main shaft in the longitudinal direction of the catheter, and L2 is the length from the proximal end of the guidewire shaft to the distal end of the main shaft.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to devices and methods of using a surgical drain, and more particularly to a surgical drain having at least one sensor for monitoring and/or recording the condition of the anatomical site or fluid emitted from the site where the surgical drain is placed. The invention may also include modifications of the surgical drain to improve stabilization or immobilization in the proximity of the anatomical site to be monitored.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention relate to a medical device with a visual indicator that changes color when exposed to a particular environment and/or chemical. The visual indicator may be printed or otherwise affixed on a portion of a medical device, for example the handle, and initially have the same color as that portion. When exposed to a particular environment and/or chemical, the visual indicator changes color so that it has a different color than that portion of the medical device.

Abstract: A method for applying energy to biological tissue. An electromagnetic energy source is directed to apply the energy to a region of the tissue, so as to ablate a portion of the tissue in the region. Preferably, cooling of tissue in the region is initiated subsequent to the ablation.