Abstract: The method is for monitoring a childbirth process of a pregnant woman. In a measuring step, a lactate concentration of vaginal fluids is measured. In a comparison step, it is determined if the measured lactate concentration is greater than a predetermined lactate concentration that indicates that amniotic fluid has passed from an amnion of the pregnant woman. In a measuring step, the lactate concentration is measured. In a comparison step, it is determined if the measured lactate concentration is greater than a lactate threshold interval. When the lactate concentration is less than the lactate threshold interval the pregnant woman is stimulated in a stimulating step to give birth.

Abstract: A device for assisting in the active and pushing stages of childbirth. The childbirthing device consist of a first loop that can be used to provide resistance for pulling. The first loop is then connected by means of a length of rope to a braided handhold two wrist loops attached thereto. A pregnant person can then insert her hands through the wrist loops and grasp the braided handhold. She can then pull against tension that is applied to the other end of the rope. The pulling action while pushing redirects where the pushing takes place in the pregnant persons body and increases the effectiveness of her “pushing”. This decreases the time necessary for the fetus to descend through the birth canal. The wrist loops provide support to the person who might be holding the first loop, on the opposite end of the rope. In case the pregnant person suddenly releases the braided gripping knot the support person won't descend to the ground or fall backwards.

Abstract: A vibratory body jewelry item for attachment to the tongue or other body parts comprising one or motor and battery casings and a post connecting said casings having various improvements including a gripping member to facilitate opening and closing of said casings, an longer lasting battery and motor combination, a kit including extra batteries and alternative casing sizes, and a band or suction cup for attaching said item to other unpierced body parts.

Abstract: A reversible wrist brace includes a sheet of flexible material that overlies and supports a wearer's wrist, wherein the sheet of material includes opposing surfaces each having one or more portions of loop material. The flexible sheet has at least one opening in the vicinity of a lateral edge to accommodate at least one fastening strap, such that the strap may slide within the opening. The fastening strap is a continuous loop of sheet material having an outer surface with a hook-bearing portion. The fastener is designed so as to enable a wearer to switch the wrist brace between right and left hands by orienting the hook-bearing portion so that it is coincident with the loop-bearing portion when the wrist brace is worn on either hand. The wrist brace may include a splint that may be inserted within a pocket located on the flexible material to further immobilize the wrist.

Abstract: A self adjusting hydrocephalus valve that continuously drains cerebrospinal fluid at a rate which is proportional to the average pressure difference across the valve. The valve employs a ball-in-cone mechanism having an associated biasing element that is insensitive to high frequency pressure variations for regulating the opening of the valve mechanism. The biasing element includes flexible bellows having a preset tension.

Abstract: A valve assembly includes a housing defining an aperture, a passageway, and a branch passage. The branch passage extends from the aperture and intersects and communicates with the passageway. The branch passage is disposed at an angle greater than 90 degrees with respect to the passageway. A piston is disposed at least partially within the branch passage and is movable from a first position to a second position. The piston allows communication between the passageway and the aperture when the piston is in the first position, and the piston blocks communication between the passageway and the aperture when the piston is in the second position. An angled seal may be positioned around the piston.

Abstract: An angioplasty device with emboli pull-in mechanism is provided that includes an infusion catheter with a proximal end and a distal end. A balloon catheter having an inflatable cavity formed by an inner wall and an outer wall is disposed coaxially with the infusion catheter. The balloon catheter has a proximal end and a distal end. The distal end of the balloon catheter is sealingly attached to the infusion catheter. And the balloon catheter has at least one communicating channel disposed from the outer wall to the inner wall of the balloon catheter. A suction catheter is disposed between the balloon catheter and the infusion catheter. The suction catheter is in fluid communication with the at least one communicating channel in the balloon catheter.

Abstract: An insertion device and insertion set. The insertion device for inserting at least a portion of at least one piercing member of an insertion set through the skin of a patient includes a device housing, a carrier body and a driver. The carrier body is slidably received within the device housing for movement between an advanced position and a retracted position. The carrier body also includes a receiving structure to support the insertion set in a position with the at least one piercing member oriented for insertion through the skin of the patient at a predetermined or variable angle relative to the skin of the patient upon movement of the carrier body from the retracted position to the advanced position.

Abstract: A minimal incision maximal access system allows for maximum desirable exposure along with maximum access to the operative field utilizing a minimum incision as small as the METRx and Endius systems. Instead of multiple insertions of dilating tubes the design is is a streamlined single entry device to avoid repetitive skin surface entry. The system offers the capability to expand to optimum exposure size for the surgery utilizing hinged bi-hemispherical or oval working tubes applied over an introducer obturator which is controllably dilated to slowly separate muscle tissue. Deeper end working and visualization areas with maximum proximal access and work dimensions are provided to makes the operative procedure safer in application and shorten the surgeons's learning curve because it most closely approximates the ability to use open microdiskectomy techniques.

Abstract: An indwelling catheter set comprises a cannula housing. The cannula housing comprises: (a) a catheter disposed substantially in the axial direction and formed into a hollow body opened at its distal and proximal ends; and (b) a catheter hub comprising a through bore extending substantially in the axial direction for inserting the proximal portion of the catheter therethrough. The catheter is adhered or welded to the catheter hub.

Abstract: An automatic locking valve for safely administering a dose of medication is disclosed. The automatic locking valve comprises a valve housing defined with a space and formed with input and output ports for intaking and discharging the medication, a spool-shaped on/off member having a diameter smallest at the center thereof and being tapered to linearly increase toward upper and lower portions of the on/off member so that the on/off member moves up and down depending on a closed state of the door, and a membrane attached to the space of the valve housing such that the membrane expands toward a lower portion of the space due to an elasticity of the membrane when the tube is blocked. The medication can be safely and accurately administered under a condition of installation with the door closed above the tube.

Abstract: A simple disposable absorbent article including an absorbent assembly attached to a chassis. The absorbent assembly includes an absorbent core that may contain superabsorbent particles, which may be contained inside pockets. The absorbent assembly is folded laterally inward at both of its side edges to form laterally opposing side flaps. Each side flap is attached to an interior surface of the absorbent assembly adjacent to its end edges. A longitudinally extending elastic gathering member is attached to each side flap adjacent to its proximal edge. When the article is worn, the elastic gathering members contract and raise the side flaps to form breathable side barriers. The chassis includes a water-impermeable sheet and may be extensible. The absorbent assembly may be attached in a cruciform pattern such that portions of the chassis that lie outside the attachment pattern are not restrained by attachment to the absorbent assembly and therefore remain extensible.

Abstract: A cryogenic medical system includes a medical device and a console connectable to the medical device at a connection point. The console controls the temperature of the medical device. The console includes a first cooling system directing coolant to the medical device at a first temperature along a coolant supply line and a second cooling system chilling the coolant within the coolant supply line to a temperature below the first temperature before the coolant reaches the connection point.

Abstract: A cannula having a hollow metal tube for injection of liquids such as an anesthetic, or RF energy, into a patient. A thermocouple or other temperature sensor is located at the bare tip of the cannula, and a wire for the temperature sensor extends along the length of the cannula, preferably in a groove formed in the tube, or through a passageway formed in the tube. An outer insulation layer covers the tube and wire. Thus, a single device serves as both a cannula and an electrode.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for treating an intervertebral disc by ablation of disc tissue. A method of the invention includes positioning at least one active electrode within the intervertebral disc, and applying at least a first high frequency voltage between the active electrode(s) and one or more return electrode(s), wherein the volume of the nucleus pulposus is decreased, pressure exerted by the nucleus pulposus on the annulus fibrosus is reduced, and discogenic pain of a patient is alleviated. In other embodiments, a curved or steerable probe is guided to a specific target site within a disc to be treated, and the disc tissue at the target site is ablated by application of at least a first high frequency voltage between the active electrode(s) and one or more return electrode(s). A method of making an electrosurgical probe is also disclosed.

Abstract: Various high-strength microwave antenna assemblies are described herein. The microwave antenna has a radiating portion connected by a feedline to a power generating source, e.g., a generator. The antenna is a dipole antenna with the distal end of the radiating portion being tapered and terminating at a tip to allow for direct insertion into tissue. Antenna rigidity comes from placing distal and proximal radiating portions in a pre-stressed state, assembling them via threaded or overlapping joints, or fixedly attaching an inner conductor to the distal portion. The inner conductor is affixed to the distal portion by, e.g., welding, brazing, soldering, or by adhesives. A junction member made from a hard dielectric material, e.g., ceramic, can be placed between the two portions and can have uniform or non-uniform shapes to accommodate varying antenna designs. Electrical chokes may also be used to contain returning currents to the distal end of the antenna.

Abstract: N-level internally dynamizing cervical plates and cervical plate constructs in accordance with the present principles, provide unconstrained sliding interconnection between the various plate components after installation on a cervical spine. A tongue-and-groove configuration between the various plate segments provides a constant thickness over the dynamizing portions. Detents provided relative the tongue-and-groove portions allows the various plate components to be permanently joined, but movable relative to one another. Various bone screw anti-backing, anti-rotation or locking devices for cervical bone plates are also provided that allow releasable locking of bone screws relative to the cervical plate.

Abstract: A flexible drill and method of drilling a material are disclosed. According to one embodiment, a flexible drill includes a lower sub-assembly connected to an upper sub-assembly, where the lower sub-assembly comprises a retainer tube and the upper sub-assembly comprises a guiding tube; a drilling tip, and capable of orienting the drilling tip at a predetermined position after accessing a material to he drilled through a substantially straight passage having a lone axis. The predetermined position is at least 10° off of the lone axis of the substantially straight passage. According to one embodiment, a method of drilling a material includes the steps of (a) providing a flexible drill; (b) advancing the drill through a substantially straight passage until the drilling tip accesses the material to be drilled, thereby orienting the drilling tip at the predetermined position; and (c) actuating the drill.

Abstract: An osteotomy resection procedure for removing a wedge from a bone utilizing a localization device. The localization device being used to track reference points associated with the bone, track surgical instruments, perform calculations to determine a resection angle for the wedge, and assist a surgeon in performing the procedure.

Abstract: An improved microdermabrasion machine which uses a combination of powdered crystals which is sprayed onto the surface of the skin combined with an exfoliating head which rubs the crystals against the skin to exfoliate dead skin, combined with a suction device to remove the powdered crystals after they have performed their exfoliating process.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for closing a left atrial appendage are described. The methods rely on introducing a closure tool from a location beneath the rib cage, over an epicardial surface, and to the exterior of the left atrial appendage. The closure device may then be used to close the left atrial appendage, preferably at its base, by any one of a variety of techniques. A specific technique using graspers and a closing loop is illustrated.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for removing a circumferential portion of a hollow body organ from a patient with a circular stapling instrument. The instrument is provided with a vacuum tubing in communication with an inner chamber within the head assembly of the stapler. A negative pressure is drawn through the tubes and hemorrhoidal tissue is drawn into the inner chamber. An anvil member is closed around the hemorrhoidal tissue thereby pinching the drawn tissue between the anvil and the head assembly housing. The stapler is fired and the hemorrhoid is transected and retained within the inner chamber. The evacuation is shut off and the stapler is removed with the transected tissue.

Abstract: A system and method for performing skull based nasal, sinus and/or throat surgery. In the system and method of this invention a cutting accessory is applied to the tissue on which a procedure is to be performed. Simultaneously with the performance of the procedure by the cutting accessory, irrigating solution is discharged from the cutting accessory onto the tissue. The cutting accessory also has a conduit through which the discharged irrigating solution is drawn away from the surgical site. The irrigating solution discharged onto the surgical site facilitates the performance of the surgical procedure. This solution can also be used to remove debris from the distal end of an endoscope employed to view the procedure and/or as a transport media for topically applying medicine to the surgical site.

Abstract: The mechanism is applicable to a surgical tool which has a jaw (57) pivotably mounted to a distal end of a longitudinally extending support (58). The jaw is operated by action on a rearwardly facing cam follower (52, 53) by a lobe (51) on the distal end of an actuating tube (50). Rotation of the actuating tube (50) causes pivoting of the jaw (57) into and out of operative relationship with another jaw member (21) of the tool. The mechanism may be applied to any manipulative or gripping type of surgical implement, but is particularly applicable to ultrasonic tools adapted for cutting and/or coagulating.

Abstract: The present invention provides devices for closing septal defects, such as a patent foramen ovale (PFO). The closure devices include a proximal anchor member, a distal anchor member, and at least one flexible center joint connecting the two anchor members. According to some embodiments, the proximal and/or distal anchor members may include a generally cylindrical member split along the central portion of its length to form an elongate oval. The proximal and/or distal anchor members may further include a tissue scaffold. At least some of the closure devices according to the present invention are repositionable and retrievable.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for hypothermia and rewarming of the cerebrospinal fluid in the brain. In one embodiment, cooling and rewarming of the cerebrospinal fluid is accomplished by applying cooling and rewarming elements externally placed in contact with the skin overlying the cerebrospinal fluid cisterns at the back of the head and spine regions of a patient. In another embodiment, hypothermia and rewarming is accomplished using a double barrel ventricular catheter placed within the lateral ventricles with one catheter used for heat exchange and the other for drainage of excess cerebrospinal fluid. In yet another embodiment of the invention, hypothermia and rewarming is accomplished using a loop catheter with fluid running through the loop placed in the lateral ventricles.

Abstract: An endoluminal prosthesis comprises a tubular member having a proximal opening and a distal opening providing a lumen through which body fluids may flow. The tubular member is constructed of a graft material. The tubular graft is formed of a first material such as a woven fiber or other suitable material for conducting fluid, and sections of a second material configured to extend or contract to permit the tubular graft to flex or straighten to conform to the anatomy in which it is deployed.

Abstract: A covered stent comprises a coiled sheet stent having at least a portion with open cell geometry and a graft material covering at least a portion of the coiled sheet stent.

Abstract: A balloon-expandable stent formed from a customized alloy formulation. The stent alloy has a either a high, variable or no work hardening rate, very high modulus of elasticity (Young's modulus), and a low yield point. A stent constructed of a material with this combination of properties undergoes significant plastic deformation upon deployment in vivo to its implantation diameter and exhibits minimum recoil for better sizing. The plastic deformation also raises the subsequent yield point of the stent material resulting in a stronger stent upon implantation that is more resistant to vascular loading.

Abstract: The smart textile vascular graft is used with an electrical control unit. The vascular graft includes a tube structure formed of a textile material. At least one active fiber is incorporated in the textile material. The active fiber provides electrical coupling thereof to the electrical control unit to provide for transmission of a control signal between the active fiber and control unit. The active fiber has at least one physical characteristic which is variable and corresponds to the control signal to provide communication between the active fiber and electrical control unit relating to the physical characteristic.

Abstract: An expandable spinal implant including a first member and a second member. The first member has first and second arms. The first and second arms of the first member both including an upper face partially defining an upper contact area of the implant and a lower face partially defining a lower contact surface of the implant. The second member has first and second arms that both include an upper face partially defining an upper contact area of the implant and a lower face partially defining a lower contact surface of the implant. The first and second members are pivotally coupled to each other for relative movement about a rotation axis between a closed position for inserting the implant into a spine and an expanded position for providing structural support to the spine. The rotation axis extends generally perpendicular to the upper and lower contact surfaces.

Abstract: Intervertebral disc treatment devices and methods are provided. An intervertebral disc treatment device includes a fibrous body sized for introduction into a disc cavity of a damaged disc wherein the body incorporates an effective amount of a tissue growth factor. Intervertebral disc treatment apparatuses are also described that include such a disc treatment device in combination with a delivery apparatus for retaining and selectively releasing the device into the disc cavity. Methods for treatment include providing a disc treatment device as described above and inserting the device into an opening in an annulus fibrous and into the disc cavity. The methods further include stimulating tissue growth within the disc cavity of the intervertebral disc.

Abstract: A low crystallinity calcium phosphate powder is prepared by mechanically grinding a calcium phosphate solid under grinding forces local heating sufficient to mechanically alloy the calcium phosphate solid and reduce the crystalline domains of the calcium phosphate solid to less than about 100 nm. The method is useful for making any calcium phosphate material by solid-solid mixing and high energy grinding.

Abstract: An agent and method for treating biodegradable synthetic yarns fabricated from a polymer comprising lactic acid as a main component, which enable improved lubricity, cohesion, etc. to be so imparted to the biodegradable synthetic yarns that the yarns can be prevented from fuzzing and breaking at every step from spinning to down-stream step, especially at a false twisting step and improved in terms of bulkiness, providing yarns having improved mechanical properties in a stable manner. The agent of the invention comprises 0.1 to 30 weight % of a specific functional agent, and a lubricant and a surfactant in the total amount of 70 weight % or greater, and has a friction coefficient in the range of 0.04 to 0.35.

Abstract: Compositions for treating fabric articles comprising novel detersive surfactants that provide improved cleaning performance (e.g, removal of laundry soils) in dry cleaning applications. Method for using the compositions in a dry cleaning application is also provided.

Abstract: The manufacturing method for an electroceramic component (1), for example a varistor (1), comprises a laser irradiation of a part (5; 6) of the surface of an electroceramic body (2) before a metallization (3; 4) is applied to the part (5; 6) of the surface. By means of the laser irradiation it is possible to produce a micro-roughness and/or a chemical modification of the surface which permits good adhesion of the metallization, and it is possible to reduce or eliminate areas of unevenness or waviness of that part (5; 6) of the surface of the electroceramic body (2) which is to be metallized. In addition, improved transverse conductivity can be produced, by virtue of which a low contact resistance and a very homogeneous current distribution is achieved, in particular near to the metallization (3; 4). In addition it is possible to remove residues which originate in particular from a sinter support or from the application of a passivation layer.

Abstract: A distillate fuel steam reformer system in which a fuel feed stream is first separated into two process streams: an aliphatics-rich, sulfur-depleted gas stream, and an aromatics- and sulfur-rich liquid residue stream. The aliphatics-rich gas stream is desulfurized, mixed with steam, and converted in a reforming reactor to a hydrogen-rich product stream. The aromatics-rich residue stream is mixed with air and combusted to provide heat necessary for endothermic process operations. Reducing the amounts of sulfur and aromatic hydrocarbons directed to desulfurzation and reforming operations minimizes the size and weight of the overall apparatus. The process of the invention is well suited to the use of microchannel apparatuses for heat exchangers, reactors, and other system components, which may be assembled in slab configuration, further reducing system size and weight.

Abstract: A mixture formation means for the reformer of a fuel cell system or for a heater. The fuel feed includes a pressure impulse injection means and the mixture formation area is a swirl chamber having a discharge nozzle connected to the pressure impulse injection device. Also included is a fuel heater for preheating the fuel before injection in order to achieve complete vaporization of the fuel, such as diesel fuel.

Abstract: Workpiece with at least one functional face and a layer system deposited on at least a portion of the functional face as well as a structure pattern, which encompasses at least a portion of the layer system and which is comprised of at least one three dimensional micro structure (5) with structure depth S, characterized in that the deposited layer system is deposited with PVD, CVD or combined PCD/CVD processes, and the three dimensional micro structure (5) extends from the surface of the layer system (4) up into the workpiece, such that the latter is uncoated in a lower region of the micro structure (5).

Abstract: A dust collector is disposed between an intake port and an exhaust port in a vacuum cleaner. Air flows from the intake port into the exhaust port along an airflow path in the dust collector. The dust collector includes a dust-collecting net disposed in the path, and a dust-brushing unit. When air flows from the intake port into the exhaust port, a plurality of dust brushes of the dust-brushing unit rotate to brush the net so as to remove dust from the net. Therefore, air can flow unimpeded through the net.

Abstract: A cyclonic fluid separator for separating one or more condensable components, such as water, and/or solids, such as smoke or sand particles, from a fluid mixture has a tubular housing having a fluid inlet section in which the fluid mixture is accelerated to a supersonic velocity and thereby expanded and cooled such that condensable components condense and/or solidify, one or more wings for inducing the fluid mixture to swirl within a central section of the tubular housing, a fluid separation section in which a tubular vortex finder is movably arranged, a condensables enriched fluid outlet which is connected to an annular space surrounding the tapered tubular vortex finder and a condensables depleted fluid outlet which is connected to the interior of the tapered tubular vortex finder.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a floor standing treatment device that has a front panel and a mainframe assembly adapted to be removably attachable to the front panel. The mainframe assembly has an integrally molded latching mechanism having a latch and one or more L shaped guides configured to cooperate with one or more pairs stops for limiting lateral movement of the latch. The latch is adapted to engage a portion of the front panel for securely attaching the front panel to the mainframe assembly. The air purifier may also have a cavity positioned along a bottom edge of a back housing to house an electrical cord provided with the air purifier. Additionally, the air purifier may also have an elongated slot positioned at the apex of the mainframe assembly for allowing one or two handed carrying of the air purifier.

Abstract: A filter element, and filter apparatus, include a filter pack, a seal member, and a seal support frame operatively connecting the seal member to the filter pack. The seal support frame includes an annular extension, which is preferably canted at an oblique angle to a longitudinal axis, for supporting the seal member. The seal support frame also preferably includes a first end thereof including the annular extension, and a second end thereof spaced from the first end thereof along the longitudinal axis, with the first and second ends of the seal support frame joined by a hub of the outer peripheral sidewall of the seal support frame to define a cavity within the seal support frame for receiving the filter pack. The first and second ends of the seal support frame, and the filter pack are preferably joined and sealed to one another by a single bead of adhesive.

Abstract: Disclosed are improved polymer materials. Also disclosed are fine fiber materials that can be made from the improved polymeric materials in the form of microfiber and nanofiber structures. The microfiber and nanofiber structures can be used in a variety of useful applications including the formation of filter materials.

Abstract: Disclosed are improved polymer materials. Also disclosed are fine fiber materials that can be made from the improved polymeric materials in the form of microfiber and nanofiber structures. The microfiber and nanofiber structures can be used in a variety of useful applications including the formation of filter materials.

Abstract: A system and method for separation of a gas, e.g., carbon dioxide, from a gaseous mixture using a hollow fiber membrane module. The module contains an absorbent solution that is effective in absorbing the gas for an extended period, e.g., eight hours, without regeneration or replacement. The absorbent solution is then regenerated by passing a sweep gas through the hollow fibers in the module. The separation system is particularly useful for fuel cell and battery applications.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for gas/liquid separation on an array of jets or streams of liquid is provided. Layers of structured packing material are configured to “quiet” high-velocity liquid flow with entrained gas to provide a flow at moderate or low velocity from which the gas has been substantially separated from the liquid.

Abstract: An air transporter-conditioner device is disclosed that can include an elongated housing having a bottom, a top and an elongated side wall. The housing can have an inlet located adjacent to the bottom and an outlet located adjacent to the elongated side wall, an emitter electrode and a collector electrode and a high voltage generator operably connected to both electrodes. An impeller can be used to draw air into the housing through the inlet and direct the air toward the outlet. The housing can also include a second elongated side wall and a baffle which can include a plurality of deflectors positioned along the second elongated side wall. The baffle can include a plurality of elongated columns of varying lengths and each column can include a deflector. The device can further include a second inlet located adjacent to the elongated side wall and a germicidal lamp located inside the elongated housing.

Abstract: An apparatus for removing particulate matter from a gas stream containing particular matter, the apparatus comprising: a mist-producing element that mixes a gas stream entering the apparatus with liquid droplets; a down-flow Wet Electrostatic Precipitator (WESP) section comprising ionizing electrodes that electrically charge the particulate matter and the intermixed liquid droplets, and collecting surfaces under the influence of an electrical field which attract and remove electrically-charged particulate matter and intermixed liquid droplets from the gas stream; and an up-flow WESP section comprising electrically-charged ionizing and collecting electrodes that remove, from the gas stream, substantially all fine-sized droplets generated in the down-flow WESP section.

Abstract: A system for separating oxygen from air operates at a pressure less than atmospheric. The oxygen separation system includes an entry port for ambient air, and at least two separate exhaust ports through which separate exhaust streams are drawn by separate suction sources. The oxygen separation system further includes a low-energy ionization portion that favors creation of molecular oxygen ions, and a higher-energy portion disposed between the ionization portion and one of the exhaust ports. A plurality of gas-permeable electrodes are charged to different voltages to provide the different portions inside the separator. An exhaust stream taken from the anode side of the separator is enriched in oxygen relative to ambient air.