Abstract: A clamping device for stringing machine includes a slide member, a positioning device, a control device and a rail. The positioning device and a tube are located on two ends of the slide member. An extension of a clamping device is inserted into the tube. The control device includes a pin, a ring-shaped member and a knob. The pin is pivotably connected with the knob. A torsion spring is received in an annular space of the knob so as to rotate the knob to its original position. The tube includes an engaging section and a receiving section. The receiving section has a positioning pin and a spring which biases the positioning pin so as to move the positioning pin axially. The knob having a pin hole defined in an underside thereof and can be securely positioned by inserting the insertion member into the pin hole.

Abstract: An anchor fitting for a hollow ball includes a pair of shoulder defining bodies and an anchor body. These are located within the ball, the anchor body holding the shoulder defining bodies in place with respect to the ball so that with the anchor body having a cord, a tail, or a stem for a tail anchored thereto, the shoulder defining bodies will be effective for retaining the anchor fitting within the ball while playing a game which involves the ball being struck with a bat or racquet. The parts of the fitting are separately displaced through a hole in the wall of a ball, the anchor body permitting cooperation with an elongate element for facilitating the effective assembly of the fitting.

Abstract: An automatic transmission (1) is described, having a variator (5) that comprises at least two conical disk sets (2, 3), such that a wrap-around element (4) is guided via the conical disk sets (2, 3) for torque transmission with continuous variation of the transmission ratio. In this, the arrangement of the rotation axes of two conical disks of at least one conical disk set relative to one another can be varied.

Abstract: In a lever for a transmission device comprising a lever body including a shoe and a support on the back of the shoe, the lever body is integrally molded of a synthetic resin, and a metal reinforcing plate is held on the support so that it extends along the longitudinal direction of the lever body. The lever body and the metal reinforcing plate are integrally formed by insert molding using the metal reinforcing plate as an insert fitting.

Abstract: In a belt drive system 20 for transmitting torque at a crankshaft 11 of an automotive engine 10 to a supercharger (engine accessory) 130a, an output pulley unit 40 formed of a first flat pulley 50 and a second flat pulley 60 is coupled to the rotational shaft 131a of the supercharger 130a. A flat belt 70 entrained between the output pulley unit 40 and the crank pulley 30 of the crankshaft 11 is shifted from the first flat pulley 50 to the second flat pulley 60 or vice versa by a speed ratio selector 80. The rotational shaft 131a can thereby be driven into rotation with the switching between a high speed ratio during acceleration and a low speed ratio during constant speed cruise. As a result, the supercharger 130a can bring out its capability into full play without using parts involving increases in weight, cost and power consumption, such as a solenoid-operated clutch, and concurrently suppress the deterioration of fuel economy.

Abstract: The electrically variable transmission family of the present invention provides low-content, low-cost electrically variable transmission mechanisms including first and second differential gear sets, a battery, two electric machines serving interchangeably as motors or generators, a fixed interconnection, and five selectable torque-transfer devices. The selectable torque transfer devices are engaged in combinations of two or three to yield an EVT with a continuously variable range of speeds (including reverse) and four mechanically fixed forward speed ratios. The torque transfer devices and the first and second motor/generators are operable to provide five operating modes in the electrically variable transmission, including battery reverse mode, EVT reverse mode, reverse and forward launch modes, continuously variable transmission range mode, and fixed ratio mode.

Abstract: The electrically variable transmission family of the present invention provides low-content, low-cost electrically variable transmission mechanisms including first and second differential gear sets, a battery, two electric machines serving interchangeably as motors or generators, and at least four selectable torque-transfer devices. The selectable torque transfer devices are engaged singly or in pairs to yield an EVT with a continuously variable range of speeds (including reverse) and at least three mechanically fixed forward speed ratios. The torque transfer devices and the first and second motor/generators are operable to provide five operating modes in the electrically variable transmission, including battery reverse mode, EVT reverse mode, reverse and forward launch modes, continuously variable transmission range mode, and fixed ratio mode.

Abstract: The electrically variable transmission family provides low-content, low-cost electrically variable transmission mechanisms including first and second differential gear sets, a battery, two electric machines serving interchangeably as motors or generators, and two or three selectable torque-transfer devices. The selectable torque transfer devices are engaged singly or in pairs to yield an EVT with a continuously variable range of speeds (including reverse) and at least one mechanically fixed forward speed ratio. The torque transfer devices and the first and second motor/generators are operable to provide five operating modes in the electrically variable transmission, including battery reverse mode, EVT reverse mode, reverse and forward launch modes, continuously variable transmission range mode, and fixed ratio mode.

Abstract: The electrically variable transmission family of the present invention provides low-content, low-cost electrically variable transmission mechanisms including first, second and third differential gear sets, a battery, two electric machines serving interchangeably as motors or generators, five selectable torque-transfer devices (two clutches and three brakes), and possibly a dog clutch. The selectable torque transfer devices are engaged singly or in combinations of two, three or four to yield an EVT with a continuously variable range of speeds (including reverse) and up to four mechanically fixed forward speed ratios. The torque transfer devices and the first and second motor/generators are operable to provide five operating modes in the electrically variable transmission, including battery reverse mode, EVT reverse mode, reverse and forward launch modes, continuously variable transmission range mode, and fixed ratio mode.

Abstract: This invention details a lubrication system for an automatic transmission, specifically the bearings of the planetary pinion gears. The planetary carriers have grooves formed in spider and flange sections thereof to carry the lubricating material from the inner diameter of the planetary carrier to the inner diameter of each pinion gear bearing mounted in the planetary carrier. The invention further includes two thrust washers that are assembled on opposing sides of each pinion gear that have axially and radially extending slots that further carry the oil between the inner diameter of the planetary carrier and the outer diameter of the planetary carrier. Lastly, the invention discloses a method for lubricating the pinion gears of the planetary carrier.

Abstract: A torque transfer device, such as a transfer case for a motor vehicle, having a constant velocity joint integrated therewith is disclosed. In one embodiment, the constant velocity joint includes an outer race rotatably mounted within the torque transfer device and an inner race positioned within the outer race and operatively connected to the outer race by one or more torque transmitting balls. The torque transfer device further includes a drive mechanism that is connected to the outer race of the constant velocity joint, wherein the drive mechanism transfers torque received from an input shaft to the outer race of the constant velocity joint such that the outer race drives the inner race. The torque transfer device further includes an output shaft that is rotatably connected to the inner race.

Abstract: A variable compound planetary gearset forms five operational elements by having its single and double pinion planetary gearsets be interconnected by a shared planet carrier. The variable compound planetary gearset forms six forward speeds and one reverse speeds by receiving input torque through two input routes fixedly or variably connected to a simple planetary gearset and one input route variably connected to an input shaft.

Abstract: A rack and pinion gear train actuator for a pintle valve. A motor shaft has a pinion gear that engages a large reduction gear having an integral hub gear. The hub gear is a planet gear for a ring gear segment that pivots on a shaft and includes a pinion gear segment that engages a linear rack. The rack is attached to a valve pintle shaft, causing the valve to be opened and closed in response to rotation of the motor shaft. The pintle shaft, return spring, rack, and gears are all assemblable by slip fit. The actuator has a high actuation force, a fast response time, and compact design by virtue of a rack and internal gearing. The stroke of the rack may be changed for use with pintle valves having differing strokes by varying the angle through which the motor operates.

Abstract: A vehicular transmission mechanism, switchable between a continuously-variable shifting state and a step-variable shifting state, and a control device for controlling an operation of switching of the shifting state of the transmission mechanism so as to reduce its switching shock and improve the durability of coupling devices. The transmission mechanism 10 is switchable between the electrically established continuously-variable shifting state and the step-variable shifting state, by selective releasing and engaging actions of a switching clutch and brake.

Abstract: An air compressor (12b) starts to operate when fuel to an internal combustion engine (1) is cut off and the engine (1) and a transmission (4) are directly engaged. Upon receiving a drive request signal, a controller (21) outputs a lockup clutch disengaging request. The controller (21) resumes fuel supply and starts driving of the air compressor (12b) only when it is confirmed that the lockup clutch (3) has been disengaged, thereby preventing a recovery shock from generating due to resumption of fuel supply during the lockup clutch (3) being in the engaged state.

Abstract: A transmission having plural clutches includes a first clutch for connecting and disconnecting transmission of driving force to a first input shaft including a driving gear configured to be engaged with a driven gear provided at an output shaft of the transmission driven by a driving force generating device, a second clutch operating independently from the first clutch for connecting and disconnecting transmission of driving force to a second input shaft including a driving gear configured to be engaged with a driven gear provided at the output shaft, a driving force detection device for detecting driving force, a slip detection device for detecting physical quantity related to a slip of a driving wheel, and a device for controlling the second clutch for importing the physical quantity related to the slip and the driving force and for controlling engagement ratio of the second clutch where the first clutch is engaged.

Abstract: When torque transmission through the transmitting torque variable mechanism (e.g., an assist clutch) is changed to torque transmission through a meshing gearing after the gearshift, a controlled variable per unit time when the transmitting torque variable mechanism is released is determined or varied according to the vehicle operating condition after a gearshift has been completed. A degraded gearshift feel as a result of axle vibration at the end of the gearshift can thereby be suppressed.

Abstract: A method is provided wherein when an auxiliary device is being powered by the PTO driveline the PTO clutch is periodically slowly ramped down in pressure until slippage is detected in the clutch. Slippage is determined by monitoring the shaft speed into the clutch as well as the shaft speed downstream of the clutch. By determining the commanded pressure where slippage occurred, the equivalent engine power that is going to the auxiliary function is calculated. With this information, the proportion of the engine load signal that is going to the auxiliary function versus the drive wheels is determined. After slip is detected in the PTO clutch, pressure is ramped back up in the clutch so as to minimize the amount of slippage.

Abstract: A regulating apparatus for a hydraulic cylinder of a treadmill having a rotating knob with an opening formed at a top end thereof and with a neck formed at a bottom end thereof. The periphery of the neck is marked with a plurality of numbers or with colors from light to dark. An annular base includes a ring-shaped gap for dividing it into an internal and external side. The external side has a viewing window extending to the ring-shaped gap. A magnifying glass is received within the viewing window. Moreover, the internal side of the annular base is fixed atop the hydraulic cylinder. In addition, the rotating knob is fixed on the annular base in such a manner that an adjusting post projects from the opening of the regulating knob and the neck is inserted into the ring-shaped gap. Therefore, the number or the color disposed on the neck is visible from the viewing window when the cushioning force of the hydraulic cylinder is adjusted.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a wetsuit that may be worn by a user for providing torso support when user is lying prone on a board while engaging in aquatic sports. The wetsuit includes a torso wedge, which is generally aligned proximal the width of a costal arch of the user lower rib cage, critical in supporting the torso of the user. In general, the torso wedge is configured to provide a wedge-like angle between the board and the user's chest when the user is in a prone position on the board, thereby elevating the torso of the user.

Abstract: Disclosed herewith is a load controller and waist strengthening and rehabilitating apparatus using the same. In the apparatus, a support unit is constructed by assembling all or some of a footrest, a backrest, a pedestal, a handle and related frames. The waist exercises are conducted utilizing a backrest frame operated in conjunction with a load controller with the lower part of his body being fixed to the support unit. The apparatus further comprises lower body holding means mounted on said support unit, said lower body holding means being comprised of a front thigh holder for tightly holding the front portion of the thigh and a rear thigh holder for tightly holding the rear portion of the thigh.

Abstract: An incremental weight system enables increments of a certain standard weight size to provide selectable resistance. A selector plate having radially-displaced pins correspond to radially-displaced slots in incremental weights. The selector plate is spring biased to engage or be urged toward the incremental weights. The spring biasing may be overcome by manual effort working against the spring to remove a handle's distal end or other locking mechanism from a positioning hole or otherwise. An amount of incremental weight can then be selected with the appropriate pin engaging the corresponding slot in one of the incremental weights. An easy means is then provided by which an incremental weight can be selectably added to selector weight stacks and the like.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device (1) for treating human skin by means of radiation. The device has a housing (5) with a radiation exit opening (13), a radiation source (9) which is accommodated in the housing, and a radiation path (15) between the radiation source and the radiation exit opening. A radiation filter (17) is provided in the radiation path. According to the invention the radiation filter (17) comprises water (23) which is in solid state at least during an initial phase of operation of the device (1). The water in solid state has an optical transmission spectrum which corresponds to the optical transmission spectrum of water in liquid state as present in the skin. As a result the water in solid state acts as an ideal filter for the IR light and near IR light, which would otherwise be absorbed by the water in the skin and cause unwanted heating of the skin.

Abstract: A device for effecting radiation therapy in an animal body has a housing provided with at least one outlet channel, a guide tube connected at one end with the outlet channel and wherein the other end of the guide tube is positionable in the animal body near the site of the intended radiation therapy, one electro-magnetic radiation emitting source connected to a first end of a transport wire, and a transport device for moving the transport wire and the radiation emitting source via the outlet channel through the guide tube to and from the site of the intended radiation therapy in the body. The transport device has a rotatable drum, which is rotationally symmetric around a rotation axis. The drum is provided with two end surfaces, and a circumferential surface is provided with at least one winding groove for at least one transport wire.

Abstract: A delivery system and method for interstitial radiation therapy uses a seed strand composed of a plurality of tubular shaped, hollow radioactive seeds with a bore. The seed strand as assembled with a material provided in the bore and between the spaced seeds is axially stiff and radially flexible and is bioabsorbable in living tissue.

Abstract: A method is provided for diagnosing detrusor instability. The method includes using an insert member having a channel therethrough positioned distal of the urethral sphincter, creating a substantially fluid tight seal to substantially block fluid flow into or out of the urethral canal other than through the channel, infusing fluid from a fluid source through the channel in the insert member and into the urethral canal at a location distal of the urethral sphincter, and measuring a pressure within the urethral canal at a location distal of the urethral sphincter as the fluid is being infused therein. The infusing step further involves infusing fluid until the urethral sphincter opens, and thereafter until at least one detrusor contraction occurs.

Abstract: A cardiac constraint device comprising a jacket of biological compatible material and an adjustment member. The jacket is adapted to be secured to the heart to snugly conform to an external geometry of the heart and assume a maximum adjusted volume to constrain circumferential expansion of the heart beyond the maximum adjusted volume during diastole and to permit unimpeded contraction of the heart during systole. The adjustment mechanism is configured to alter the internal volume defined by the jacket after the jacket is secured to the heart. The invention also provides a method for treating cardiac disease.

Abstract: An endoscope control system comprises a network server device which is provided with an interface for executing an external application software and stores a graphical user interface (GUI) which is a display information which is written in at least a server language and external application software, and a network interface (network I/F). By doing this, it is possible to control remotely the endoscope device without connecting the endoscope device and the control section.

Abstract: A confocal probe unit is provided with a scanning type confocal probe, which includes at least one scanning mirror, and a transparent substrate on which the at least one scanning mirror is mounted. The transparent substrate is inserted in an optical path of the confocal probe such that a light beam proceeding along the optical path is deflected by the scanning mirror.

Abstract: A biological data acquiring apparatus comprises: age data acquiring means, biological data acquiring means, biological data displaying means, and reference data storing means, wherein the age data acquiring means acquires age data of a user, the biological data acquiring means acquires at least two kinds of biological data other than the age data from the user, the biological data displaying means displays the acquired biological data of the user in a graph region whose axes represent these two kinds of biological data, the reference data storing means stores reference data related to at least either of these two kinds of biological data in relation to age, and the biological data displaying means displays the reference data corresponding to the age data of the user in the graph region.

Abstract: A system for remotely monitoring an individual. The system includes a server system for generating a script program from a set of queries. The script program is executable by a remote apparatus that displays information and/or a set of queries to the individual through a user interface. Responses to the queries that are entered through the user interface together with individual identification information are sent from the remote apparatus to the server system across a communication network. The server system also includes an automated answering service for providing a series of questions from a stored set of questions for an individual at the remote apparatus to respond to, storing responses to each provided question in the series of questions and providing a service based on the individual's response to the questions.

Abstract: A method of screening for possible onset of sepsis in a patient includes providing the patient with a transducer that automatically and periodically measures a first physiological parameter of the patient and transmits a first signal that is encoded with the measured parameter value, and receiving the first signal and automatically comparing the measured parameter value with at least one alarm limit. The first physiological parameter is body temperature, heart rate, respiration rate or a clinical indicator of sepsis. A conditional warning signal is asserted in the event that the measured parameter value bears a predetermined relationship to said alarm limit and an alarm signal is issued in the event that a physiological condition other than the condition that gave rise to the conditional warning signal is indicative of onset of sepsis.

Abstract: The embodiments described herein relate to a method and system for simultaneously displaying relationships of measurements of features associated with a medical image. In one embodiment, a plurality of measurements of features associated with a medical image are provided. Each of the plurality of measurements corresponds to a respective measurement type. Relationships are created between the measurements and references specific to the measurement types, and at least two of the created relationships are simultaneously displayed in a graphical display format. Examples using fetal growth data and time intensity curves are disclosed. Other embodiments are provided, and each of the embodiments described herein can be used alone or in combination with one another.

Abstract: In an apparatus for measuring a biological condition of a living body, a light emitting unit emits individually first and second lights to a measurement portion of the living body. The first and second lights have first and second wavelengths, respectively. The first and second wavelengths are different from each other. A light receiving unit receives first and second reflection lights to generate first and second detection signals based on the first and second reflection lights, respectively. The first and second reflection lights are based on the first light reflected from the measurement portion and the second light reflected therefrom, respectively. The first and second detection signals have different characteristics from each other due to the difference between the first and second wavelengths. A measuring unit measures the biological condition based on the different characteristics of the first and second detection signals.

Abstract: Devices and methods for detecting disordered breathing involve determining that the patient is asleep and sensing one or more signals associated with disordered breathing indicative of sleep-disordered breathing while the patient is asleep. Sleep-disordered breathing is detected using the sensed signals associated with disordered breathing. The sensed signals associated with disordered breathing may also be used to acquire a respiration pattern of one or more respiration cycles. Characteristics of the respiration pattern are determined. The respiration pattern is classified as a disordered breathing episode based on the characteristics of the respiration pattern. One or more processes involved in the detection of disordered breathing are performed using an implantable device.

Abstract: A biopsy device and method for operating the biopsy device are disclosed. The method of operating the biopsy device can include varying the translational speed of a cutter independently of the speed of a motor driving translation of the cutter. The method can also include providing close loop control of a fluid system, such as a vacuum system, associated with the biopsy device. The method can also include control of a cutter motor including comparing an actual motor current with a predetermined motor current.

Abstract: A method for measuring the total sperm concentration (TSC) in a sample is described and includes: (i) placing the sample in a transparent container between a synchronically pulsed light source and a photodetector; and (ii) measuring the optical absorbance of the sample in the range of 800-1000 nm, the TSC of the sample being proportional to the absorbance. Also described is a sampling device for use in optically analyzing a biological fluid, a method for measuring motile sperm concentration (MSC) in a semen sample, a method of determining the average velocity (AV) of sperm cells and a system for analyzing semen quality including means for measuring TSC, means for measuring MSC; and a video visualization system.

Abstract: A guide wire includes a wire body, a first coil, a second coil, and an elongate member. The first coil has a helical shape, and is disposed on a distal end side of the guide wire. The second coil has a helical shape, and is disposed on a distal end side of the first coil. The elongate member has a section that extends a longitudinal direction of the wire body. At least a portion of the section is located inside the second coil, and the elongate member is formed integrally with the first coil or the second coil.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a system for use in rehabilitation and/or physical therapy for the treatment of injury or disease. The system can overcome gravity-induced dysfunction in extremity paresis following stroke or other neurological disorders.

Abstract: A thumb tool for use by a massage therapist includes a tubular sleeve having at least a portion of which is a rigid plastic tubular sleeve that slides over the thumb. A portion of the tool may include a flexible PVC thermo plastic membrane. The tool may be a one-piece construction or may include multiple layers or removable inserts. The tool and/or an insert may comprise a gel-like substance acting as thermal medium that may be heated or cooled for individualized thermal therapy.

Abstract: A controller for a gradient sequential compression system is provided for inflating a plurality of inflatable chambers of one or more compression sleeves according to several different modes of operation. A mode of operation may define the number and selection of chambers to be inflated, the pressurization levels, the pressurization time, or the sequence of chamber inflation. To enable the controller to automatically perform a designated mode of operation based on the type of compression sleeve connected, a new and improved connecting device is provided. An indicator on an interface connector associates a predetermined mode of operation with the interface connector. A sensor associated with a complementary connector identifies the mode of operation associated with the interface connector. It is contemplated that the universal connecting device can be used for any type of system, not just controllers for a gradient sequential compression system.

Abstract: A self tightening, ankle brace, comprising combination, strap structure including first and second elongated strap portions, said structure defining a through slit, said first portion adapted to be wrapped about an ankle or lower leg, said second portion adapted to extend through the slit then downwardly at one side of the ankle, then underfoot, and then upwardly at the opposite side of the ankle, in operative attachment and said first portion.

Abstract: The ultrasound puncture system in accordance with the present invention comprises a handpiece which accommodates an ultrasound vibrator, a puncturing probe for transmitting ultrasound waves to a biological wall which is to be punctured, an outer cover tube covering the probe and attached to the handpiece, and an ultrasound power source unit for driving the ultrasound vibrator, wherein the ultrasound power source unit comprises a termination unit for terminating the energy supply to the ultrasound vibrator, an impedance detector for detecting the puncture state of the probe, and a fluid supply unit for supplying a fluid to the distal end opening of the outer cover tube and probe, wherein the penetration of the probe through the biological wall is detected with the detection unit and the supply of energy to the ultrasound vibrator is terminated based on the detection output.

Abstract: An implantable vascular access device includes a housing having an inlet, an outlet, an interior chamber defined therein and a valve positioned between the inlet and the interior chamber. The valve is subcutaneously manipulated between an open position, in which fluid can flow between the inlet and the interior chamber, and a closed position in which the valve occludes the inlet. The device may include any combination of multiple inlets, outlets and/or interior chambers. In the preferred embodiment, the housing includes two separate interior chambers suitable for the inflow and outflow of a typical hemodialysis procedure. A method for accessing a vascular structure is provided which includes the steps of subcutaneously implanting the device connecting one end of a cannula to the outlet of the device and another end of the cannula to a selected vascular structure. The valve of the device is manipulated to permit fluid communication between the inlet of the device and the selected vascular structure.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a balloon portion for a balloon catheter for radially expanding a vessel in the body of a mammal, which catheter comprises a tube portion with a passage therethrough and a hollow expandable balloon portion defined by a fluid impervious wall and secured to the tube portion, which balloon portion can be inflated and deflated by means of a fluid passed through the passage, characterized in that: a. the wall of the balloon portion is formed from a flexible substantially fluid impervious material having reinforcing fibers formed integrally with the wall material; and b. the balloon portion is preformed to the desired radial diameter at its inflated state having smaller diameter end portions and a wider diameter portion intermediate the said ends and has a substantially uniform wall thickness. The invention also provides a balloon catheter in which the balloon portion is a balloon of the invention.

Abstract: An injection device is provided. The device includes a housing having a first end defining a first opening. A plunger is received within the first opening of the housing to move between first and second positions. A cartridge is disposed in the housing and has an interior serving as a reservoir for a drug. A delivery needle is disposed within the housing and is in fluid communication with the reservoir via an interruptible fluid channel. A locking mechanism is disposed in the housing. In the first position of the plunger the delivery needle is enclosed by the plunger and in the second position of the plunger the delivery needle is placed in an injection position and the plunger activates the locking mechanism whereby when the plunger returns to the first position the locking mechanism prevents the needle from being placed in the injection position.

Abstract: A pressure activated two-way slit valve assembly is designed to be used in combination with, but not limited to, a high flow rate catheter to prevent accidental ingestion of air or loss of blood if the closure cap comes off during non-use of the catheter. In addition, the potential for occlusion of the catheter due to blood clots in the catheter and catheter related infection is substantially reduced. The pressure activated two-way slit valve assembly includes a first end, a second end, a wall defining a dumbbell shaped channel, and a flexible, thin disk having a slit and positioned within the pressure activated two-way slit valve assembly to reside within the dumbbell shaped channel. The slit and the dumbbell shaped channel are sized to enable the slit to deform in response to a predetermined pressure differential across the slit to allow fluid to pass therethrough.

Abstract: A liquid injection needle (10) includes a hollow needle part (2) for injecting a liquid (8) and a supporting part (3), to which the needle part (2) is fixed. The needle part (2) includes an anchoring part (22) that extends through the inside of the supporting part (3) and a puncturing part (21) that extends from the supporting part (3) for making a puncture in a living body. The puncturing part (21) has a distal side outer diameter equal to or greater than 0.1 mm and equal to or less than 0.25 mm, and a proximal side outer diameter than the distal side outer diameter.

Abstract: The invention provides surgical needles with a porous distal portion from which a liquid injectate will weep or ooze multidirectionally under injection pressure while the porous distal portion of the needle is inserted into a body surface. The porous distal portion of the needle can be fabricated from a porous carbon, metal, ceramic or polymer and preferably has a decreasing gradient of impedance to fluid flowing to the point of the needle to compensate for the falling off of injection pressure as fluid moves towards the point, thereby ensuring uniform weeping of the injectate along the injection course. The needle is adapted for attachment to a catheter or syringe. In another embodiment, a surgical assemblage is provided wherein a porous distal portion having similar fluid flow characteristics is located along the distal end of a catheter, and a needle point is attached to the distal end of the catheter (e.g., a steerable catheter) for piercing tissue.

Abstract: An iontophoretic apparatus comprising a housing member, a current distribution member, a medicament containment member and at least one of a lateral and medial straddling member. The straddling member are configured to correspond to the surrounding soft tissue.