Abstract: A living-body tissue removing apparatus according to the present invention includes a grip portion, an inserting portion which is connected to the grip portion and is inserted in the body, an endoscope inserting channel which is arranged in the inserting portion and in which an endoscope is inserted, and a wiper member which is arranged in the inserting portion and is slid on a surface of a window portion of a front end portion of the endoscope when the wiper member is inserted in the endoscope inserting channel, wherein the inserting portion comprises a hole portion arranged at the position in the sliding direction of the wiper member.

Abstract: A medical device and method for percutaneously treating a heart valve. In one embodiment, the medical device includes a catheter having a proximal portion, a distal portion, and a notch formed near the distal portion. A cutting element may be disposed within the distal portion and is moveable across the notch to slice through a heart chord.

Abstract: A separate deliverable embolic protection device filter that attaches to a helical coil at a distal end of a conventional guide, for use in a blood vessel when an interventional procedure is being performed to capture any embolic material which may be created and released into the bloodstream during the procedure. The device includes a filter assembly with a proximal end and a distal end, and a guide wire connector attached to the distal end of the filter assembly. The guide wire connector is able to couple with the helical coil of the guide wire. A restraining sheath placed over the filter assembly in a coaxial arrangement maintains the filter assembly in a collapsed position and delivers the filter assembly separately to the helical coil of the guide wire, and then the guide wire connector is joined to the helical coil. Alternatively, the guide wire can include a rotatable coil section forming a portion of the distal tip coil on the guide wire which is adapted to be coupled to the filter assembly.

Abstract: A vaso-occlusive device includes a microcoil formed into a minimum energy state secondary configuration comprising a plurality of curved segments, each defining a discrete axis, whereby the device, in its minimum energy state configuration, defines multiple axes. In a preferred embodiment, the minimum energy state secondary configuration comprises a plurality of tangentially-interconnected, substantially circular loops defining a plurality of discrete axes. In an alternative embodiment, the minimum energy state secondary configuration defines a wave-form like structure comprising a longitudinal array of laterally-alternating open loops defining a plurality of separate axes. In either embodiment, the device, in its minimum energy state secondary configuration, has a dimension that is substantially larger than the largest dimension of the vascular site in which the device is to be deployed.

Abstract: When a guide wire is inserted into a guide wire insertion hole formed in a tip member made of a resin tube, firstly, it is inserted into the guide wire insertion hole substantially from the center of the front surface of the resin tube. Then, the guide wire is guided to the outside of the resin tube through an opening formed in the outer periphery of the tube, and guided along the outer periphery of a basket unit.

Abstract: A distal protection device comprising a catheter having a first strut movable from a collapsed configuration to an expanded configuration having a first dimension and a second strut movable from a collapsed configuration to an expanded configuration having a second dimension larger than the first dimension. Movement of the first strut deploys filter material to a first position having a first deployed dimension and movement of the second strut to a first position deploys filter material to a second deployed dimension larger than the first expanded dimension.

Abstract: An adaptive tourniquet cuff system comprises: a tourniquet cuff having a physical characteristic and including an inflatable bladder of a length greater than the circumference of a limb at a selected location; a cuff connector carried on the cuff and communicating pneumatically with the bladder for releasably connecting to a tourniquet instrument to establish a gas-tight passageway between the bladder and the tourniquet instrument; and an identifying collar including identification means indicative of the physical characteristic and detectable by the tourniquet instrument upon establishment of the gas-tight passageway. The tourniquet instrument may supply gas to the bladder through the gas-tight passageway at a pressure sufficient to stop arterial blood flow into the limb distal to the cuff at the selected location, and may adapt its operation in response to the detected physical characteristic of the cuff.

Abstract: A surgical instrument is provided for use in performing endoscopic procedures having a handle and an elongate tubular member having a proximal end coupled with the handle for being disposed externally of the anatomical cavity and a distal end for being disposed within the anatomical cavity. The distal end further includes a pair of opposed, relatively movable jaws that form a grasping portion operable by manipulation of the handle to releasably grasp a releasable trocar. The releasable trocar has a complementarily shaped shank, a relatively sharp tip and may include a pair of blunt-edge tissue separators that project outwardly from the outer surface of the trocar. In an alternative embodiment, the relatively movable jaws define (i) a grasping portion operable by manipulation of the handle to grasp or cut objects; and (ii) a pair of blunt-edge tissue separators that project outwardly from the outer surface of the jaws so that when the jaws are in a closed position they may be used as a trocar.

Abstract: An apparatus for sealing a puncture communicating with a blood vessel includes an inner member slidable within an outer member, and a balloon coupled to distal ends of the inner and outer members. A proximal end of the outer member includes a port for delivering fluid into the balloon, and a cylinder that communicates with the port. A piston coupled to the inner member is slidable and biased to move distally within the cylinder. The apparatus is introduced into the puncture until the collapsed balloon is disposed within the vessel. Fluid is introduced into the port, moving the inner member proximally to shorten the balloon as it expands. The balloon is withdrawn to seal the puncture, and a hydrogel is introduced into the puncture. Fluid is removed via the port, moving the inner member distally to extend the balloon as it collapses, and the apparatus is withdrawn from the puncture.

Abstract: Wires, catheters, endoscopes, etc. and their methods that have flow directed distal ends, which allow and facilitate management of these devices during use are disclosed. Additionally instant invention allows for distal anchoring so that the device will remain in a location once it has arrived and its method for use. Further, the instant invention describes an apparatus and method for a tensioning characteristic to be applied along the device once it is place that will facilitate the passing of another member along the initially placed member. Last, a novel occluder is disclosed and its method of use.

Abstract: A method of and apparatus for sealing access openings into blood vessels using an expandable member in the blood vessel on a control member that extends out through the access opening and an applicator which inserts a preformed sealing material into the access opening over the control member to keep the control member and expandable member centered in the access opening and withdrawing the collapsed expandable member back through the sealing material after the access opening is sealed.

Abstract: Suture anchor and associated method and system. In one embodiment, the suture anchor includes a bone anchoring portion, and a suture securing portion coupled to the bone anchoring portion. The suture securing portion has an eyelet through which a suture is threaded. The eyelet has a surface finish provided by a coating process, such as a titanium nitride or a titanium anodize process that increases the life of the suture.

Abstract: The present invention provides a system and method for improved biostimulative effect through the use of low mode/oligomode fibers to transport coherent light to a treatment site. Oligomode fibers or groups/bundles of oligomode waveguides for the relevant irradiation wavelength are used for radiation transport. Selective leakage of the radiation from this delivery system is achieved at the desired application sites of the biostimulation by suitable means, one being evanescent wave decouplers. The result is a low intensity exposure of coherent light to tissue or organic material that is more effective than conventional biostimulative procedures. Delivery systems based on such waveguides can cover large areas due to the low transmission losses of the waveguide. The waveguide can be inserted into hydrocultures or earth to provide radiation and thus biostimulation of seeds and cuttings in situ. Coherent radiation can also improve the health, healing and fertility of animals.

Abstract: Surgical methods and related medical devices for treating glaucoma are disclosed. The method comprises trabecular bypass surgery, which involves bypassing diseased trabecular meshwork with the use of a stent implant. The stent implant is inserted into an opening created in the trabecular meshwork by a piercing member that is slidably advanceable through the lumen of the stent implant for supporting the implant insertion. The stent implant is positioned through the trabecular meshwork so that an inlet end of the stent implant is exposed to the anterior chamber of the eye and an outlet end is positioned into fluid collection channels at about an exterior surface of the trabecular meshwork or up to the level of aqueous veins.

Abstract: An introducer deploys an endoluminal device in a distal location from a proximal location. The introducer comprises a retrograde portion, an anterograde portion axially moveable relative to the retrograde portion, a shaft having a distal tip and an anterograde sheath attached to the distal tip, and an inflatable balloon mounted radially outside the retrograde portion for anchoring the device during deployment from its proximal end to its distal end. The retrograde portion may comprise bilumen tubing having an external wall, an internal wall that defines a central lumen radially inward of the internal wall, and an annular lumen in fluid communication with the balloon defined between the external wall and the internal wall.

Abstract: A stent may be formed of at least one structural material having a pattern including at least one serpentine structure, which extends about the longitudinal axis of the stent. The structure is formed of a plurality of struts. Adjacent struts are interconnected by end portions having inner turns and outer turns. At least some of the end portions are elongated and other end portions are non-elongated and have a predetermined length. At least one of said elongated end portions is configured to serve as a fiducial marker.

Abstract: An expandable stent is implanted in a body lumen, such as a coronary artery, peripheral artery, or other body lumen for treating an area of vulnerable plaque. The invention provides for an intravascular stent having a plurality of cylindrical rings connected by straight links. Alternatively, the cylindrical rings of the distal section and the cylindrical rings of the proximal section are connected directly to adjacent cylindrical rings. The stent has adequate vessel wall coverage and radial strength sufficient to hold open an artery or other body lumen. A central section is positioned between distal and proximal sections and is aligned with the area of vulnerable plaque to enhance growth of cells over the fibrous cap of the vulnerable plaque to reinforce the area and reduce the likelihood of rupture.

Abstract: A stent for a vessel implanted in the vessel of the living body including a main body portion of the stent formed into a tube by a yarn formed of a biodegradable polymer exhibiting a shape memory function. The main body portion of the stent is shape-memorized to a size that can be inplanted in the vessel. The main body portion of the stent is implanted in the vessel of the living body as it is contracted in diameter by an external force, and is enlarged in diameter by being heated with the temperature of the living body. The main body portion of the stent is formed by winding a yarn formed of a biodegradable polymer in a tube form as the yarn is bent in a zigzag design. The main body portion of the stent is enlarged or contracted in diameter with the bends of the yarn as the displacing portions.

Abstract: There is disclosed an insert (2) for a conduit (4) adapted to effect helical flow in the conduit (4) comprising a longitudinally extending member having a helical formation.

Abstract: A prosthetic stent with a tubular wall having local inwardly or outwardly formed elevations. Stents having such elevations have a higher mechanical stability if bent according to the curvature of the body vessels to be supported or repaired. Also a method for manufacturing a stent with such elevations is described.

Abstract: An implantable prosthetic valve that is transformable from a first helical pre-implantation configuration to a second valvular functional configuration, and methods of delivery.

Abstract: An anchoring device for incorporation into an endoluminal prosthesis to prevent migration thereof in a reliable way without the problems associated with intraluminal delivery of the prosthesis. The anchoring device allows smooth, efficient delivery of the prosthesis by providing an anchoring system that does not engage the delivery catheter or sheath upon deployment of the prosthesis within a body lumen.

Abstract: A prosthetic tri-leaflet valve formed by involuting a portion of a tubular structure inside itself. The valve can be made by a method comprising providing a tubular segment in which three equidistant longitudinal incisions are made in one end of the tube creating three flaps which are involuted, i.e., folded, in toward the inside of the tube and the edges of the flaps secured to the inner wall of the tube to form leaflets. The tube can be formed of a single sheet of synthetic, organic or biological material and can be solid, woven, braided or the like. A braided configuration permits the valve to be annularly compressed and delivered to the site using a minimally invasive delivery mechanism, then expanded at the implantation site.

Abstract: An intervertebral disc prosthesis for placement between a first vertebra and a second vertebra adjacent to the first vertebra. In one embodiment, the intervertebral disc prosthesis includes a resilient member, a first support member and a second support member. The first support member and the second support member are housed into the resilient member that is arranged, in use, to be secured to the first vertebra and the second vertebra, respectively. The intervertebral disc prosthesis can generate a coupled motion in more than one possible direction responsive to a possible movement of at least one of the first vertebra and the second vertebra, among the resilient member, the first support member and the second support member.

Abstract: A prosthetic device for transforaminal insertion into an intervertebral space is provided. The prosthetic device includes a first component having a first curved flange for engaging a first vertebra from a transforaminal approach, the first component having a first articular surface, and a second component having a second curved flange for engaging a second vertebra from a transforaminal approach, the second component having a second articular surface for cooperating with the first articular surface to permit articulating motion between the first and second components.

Abstract: The upper and lower surfaces 5 and 7 of an intervertebral spacer 1 inserted between the vertebrae of a spine are formed in the shape of a curved surfaces 21A and 21B each having a top portion at the middle portion in the back and forth direction. The above-mentioned upper and lower surfaces 5 and 7 are provided with a plurality of claw portions 17 for preventing withdrawal. Further, the intervertebral spacer 1 is formed in such a way that a tip portion in the direction of insertion is tapered.

Abstract: Compositions for the oxidative dyeing of keratin fibers, comprising a medium suitable for dyeing and one or more tricyclic fused 6-5-6 heteroaromatic keratin dyeing compounds having one heteroatom. A method for oxidative dyeing of keratin fibers, comprising applying such compositions in the presence of an oxidizing agent, for a period sufficient to develop the desired coloration.

Abstract: The present invention relates to aqueous liquid formulations comprising 5-25% by weight of a dye composition comprising 70-95% by weight of a dye obtainable by reduction or thermal treatment of Direct Yellow 11 1-30% by weight of a blue direct dye and 0-20% by weight of a red direct dye (all based on the dye composition) 1-15% by weight of a saturated, cyclic or acyclic water-soluble amine comprising a primary, secondary or tertiary amino group and at least one further functional group selected from primary, secondary and tertiary amino groups, OH groups and ether groups, and 1-30% by weight of urea based on the total weight of the aqueous liquid formulation, wherein the total amount of water-soluble amine and urea does not exceed 40% by weight, and also their use for dyeing cellulose material especially paper.

Abstract: The invention provides a production method of a solid electrolytic capacitor capable of efficiently producing a solid electrolytic capacitor consisting of a stack of capacitor elements. For producing a solid electrolytic capacitor consisting of a stack of capacitor elements 2, plural sets of capacitor element groups 27 each consisting of a plurality of capacitor elements 2 arranged in a comb teeth pattern are first formed on one side of an aluminum strip 25. Subsequently, an electroconductive adhesive 15 is applied onto an electric conductor layer 12 of each capacitor element 2. Then the aluminum strip 25 is bent so as to be wound, to superimpose the respective capacitor elements 2 in the plural sets of capacitor element groups 27 on each other. Thereafter, in that state the electroconductive adhesive 15 applied previously is cured to form a plurality of capacitor element laminates 3. Next, the plurality of capacitor element laminates 3 are cut off and separated from the aluminum strip 25.

Abstract: In order to provide a method of producing a gel negative electrode for an alkaline battery for preparing a gel negative electrode in which a zinc powder, a gelling agent and an electrolyte are disposed uniformly, by means of an agitator comprising a cylindrical agitation container disposed so that the center axis X of the cylinder is parallel to the horizontal direction, the agitation container is rotated around the center axis X and the left and right portions of the agitation container are swung around an axis Y, which is orthogonal to the longitudinal direction of the agitation container, thereby agitating and mixing the alkaline electrolyte and the dry mixture.

Abstract: A method of enhancing the operation of diesel fuel combustion systems in a combustion system includes supplying a fuel and additive that includes a manganese compound to a diesel fuel combustion system. The fuel is then combusted in the combustion chamber to produce at least one byproduct including the manganese compound. The manganese compound is supplied in an amount effective to complex with the combustion byproduct. The diesel fuel combustion system operation is enhanced by improving the attributes of lubricating oil loaded with the combustion byproduct soot particles.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to additives for coal-fired furnaces, particularly furnaces using a layer of slag to capture coal particles for combustion. The additive(s) include iron, mineralizer(s), handling aid(s), flow aid(s), and/or abrasive material(s). The iron and mineralizers can lower the melting temperature of ash in low-iron, high alkali coals, leading to improved furnace performance.

Abstract: An apparatus for processing hydrocarbon fuel (e.g., gasoline, kerosene, jet fuel, diesel and heating oil) to generate hydrogen (H2), which can be used in fuel cells, includes a desulfurization reactor for removing sulfur from the fuel; a catalytic reactor for forming a reformate from the fuel; and, optionally, a separator for separating a light fraction of the fuel from a heavy fraction of the fuel. The fuel is first exposed to the desulfurization reactor and then, if present, to the separator. Finally, the fuel is exposed to the catalyst in the catalytic reactor; and the hydrogen gas generated there from is collected for use in the fuel cell.

Abstract: An apparatus for filtering and containing grease or other effluent discharged from a drain spout of an exhaust fan includes a hollow housing and top and bottom portions covering each end thereof. A filter element disposed within the housing for filtering the effluent. A first aperture is provided in a top portion for enabling entry of the effluent into the housing and a plurality of second apertures is provided in a bottom portion for enabling passage of a filtered effluent. An apparatus is adapted for attachment to a roof surface or to a duct housing attached to the exhaust fan. The housing may include a transparent portion for visually identifying the saturation magnitude of the filter element.

Abstract: A floor care appliance such as a vacuum cleaner is provided having an filtration bag changing assembly located in the filtration compartment. A supply of filtration material is packaged in a container in the form of a continuous tube to be fed into the filtration compartment. A sealing and cutting assembly seals the tube at the lower end after a bag is fed into the filtration compartment. Once a filtration bag is full, a new filtration bag is pulled into place with the lower end of the tube being sealed and the old filtration bag being cut from the tube by a cutter. A pair of opposing heating elements are used to seal the opposing sidewalls of the tube together to form the filtration bag. The free end of the tube is fluidly connected to the suction nozzle by a connector and a dirt duct.

Abstract: Ventilating and air purifying device including a case having a blower therein provided to a ceiling or a wall, a first flow passage provided between the blower and a room for making an outdoor, the blower, and the room in communication, a second flow passage for making the room, an inside of the case, and the outdoor in communication, and a damper in the case for isolating the first flow passage from the second flow passage so that room air is discharged to the outdoor and the room air is guided to the blower, or making the first flow passage and the second flow passage in communication so that the room air introduced into the second flow passage is guided to the blower, thereby ventilating and purifying the room air.

Abstract: A dedusting device 1 with a demister 15 advantageously arranged standing obliquely has a very compact construction because sufficient moistening or wetting of dust-containing crude air 24 is possible through the use of intensively acting multiple stream nozzles 33. The ventilator 11 is allocated to its own ventilator housing 18 that is connected to the dedusting device housing 10 and has a muffler 20 inserted downstream.

Abstract: A cyclone dust-collecting apparatus capable of separately collecting relatively large dust particles and small dust particles, and implementing compact size and light weight thereof comprises a suction air inlet, a first dust-collecting chamber for collecting relatively large dust particles from dust-laden air drawn in through the suction air inlet, a second dust-collecting chamber for collecting relatively small dust particles from the air passed through the first dust collecting chamber, a cyclone generation portion extending across the first and the second dust-collecting chambers to provide fluid communication therebetween, a dust separation assembly formed in the cyclone generation portion configured to collide with the dust drawn in through the suction air inlet and to form a cyclone air stream in the second dust-collecting chamber, and an air discharge pipe disposed in the cyclone generation portion spaced apart from the dust separation assembly.

Abstract: A serviceable gas/liquid separator is provided. The gas/liquid separator has a cross-section with one long axis and one short axis, with an aspect ratio of at least 1.3. A preferred cross-section, is an elliptical cross-section. Assemblies in which the separator unit can be used, are provided. In addition methods of use and construction are provided.

Abstract: Disclosed is a two or three phase separator including a centrifugal separator, a demister (if a three phase separator), and a filter contained within a housing. The filter uses an outside-in flow principle. The filter includes an inner layer or a center core that defines a hollow interior. An outer layer is positioned adjacent and surrounding the inner layer. The outer layer includes a re-enforcement layer, a first particle filter layer, a coalescer layer, and a second particle filter layer. An access cover of the separator includes a cover plug, an actuator cam, a plurality of idler cam plates, and a plurality of mechanisms. The access cover cooperates with an opening and an annular groove in the housing to close off and seal the separator.

Abstract: A filter assembly for a structure having an air intake, the filter assembly including a filter media that is sized and shaped to cover the air intake. The ends of the filter media are connected by an elastic fastener, such that the filter media and the fastener encircle the structure and are under tension to hold the filter assembly on the structure. The filter media is a web of synthetic fibers, such as a web of fibers woven in a 3-dimensional pattern or a nonwoven mesh.

Abstract: A filtering apparatus having a filter retrieval apparatus, an integrated jib, and a clamping assembly for providing a seal between a filter and a cabinet.

Abstract: An air/gas-driven tool with an integrated air/gas dryness indicator. The tool includes a housing that defines a cavity. An air/gas dryness detector is disposed in the cavity. An air/gas flow passage is situated to provide a stream of compressed air/gas to the dryness detector. A visual indicator is adapted to provide an indication of compressed air/gas dryness detected by the dryness detector. The tool can be constructed so that the air/gas dryness indicator is provided by way of a removable indicator cartridge containing a dryness-indicating material such as a color changing desiccant or moisture sensitive paper. The indicator cartridge can be sized and configured to be received in a cavity formed in a housing of the air/gas-driven tool, so as to be viewable through a view port formed in the tool. Alternatively, the indicator cartridge can be configured with its own view port and mounted on a surface of the tool while being partially received in the cavity.

Abstract: A ceramic structure includes a plurality of porous ceramic members each being warped, each of the plurality of porous ceramic members having a bonding portion and end portions at both ends of each of the plurality of porous ceramic members in a longitudinal direction of each of the plurality of porous ceramic members, and an adhesive provided only on the bonding portion between the plurality of porous ceramic members to connect the plurality of porous ceramic members except for the end portions of the plurality of ceramic members.

Abstract: A dehydrator breather is provided that includes automatic purging of accumulated moisture by detecting absorbed moisture in the breather, and closing an intake air channel, while opening an exit moisture channel. Adjustment of a default time-based purging cycle is adjusted to account for fluctuations in the detected moisture. An external communication capability is provided to enable off-site monitoring of the breather or the tank the breather is attached to.

Abstract: A particulate trap has a housing with an inlet and an outlet. The particulate trap also has a plurality of fluidly isolated filters stacked within the housing, between the inlet and the outlet. The stacked plurality of filters have a stack direction and a transverse direction and the flow of exhaust is directed through the plurality of filters in the transverse direction. The particulate trap further has an actuator with a blocking portion configured for linear movement to selectively block exhaust flow through each of the plurality of filters.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods useful for removal or reduction of moisture from fluids are described. In one embodiment the apparatus comprises a moisture separation unit comprising a thermally regenerable moisture adsorption material having feed and waste sides, and means for regenerating the thermally regenerable moisture adsorption material. The feed fluid contacts the feed side, while a dry, preferably heated purge gas flows past the waste side. The thermally regenerable moisture adsorption material is regenerated by contacting with the heated dry purge gas. The apparatus and methods are particularly useful in supplying dehydrated electronic specialty gases to semiconductor tools.

Abstract: The deaerator for liquid, comprises: a flow path in which the liquid flows; a pressure reducing deaerating device which removes dissolved gas contained in the liquid inside the flow path by reducing pressure of a deaerating section surrounding at least a portion of the flow path; and a variation device which varies a length of the flow path inside the deaerating section.

Abstract: An air filtration system includable in and for HVAC equipment includes one or more intense field dielectric filter units and a field charging unit retained in a support structure or cabinet by a removable door which includes control circuitry and contactors engageable with corresponding contact members on a filter unit and the field charging unit for supplying high voltage DC potential to the respective units. Each filter unit includes a filter core comprising a stacked array of filter elements formed of dielectric sheets interconnected by elongated spaced apart ribs forming flow passages. The field charging unit and the filter units are removable from the support or cabinet for cleaning or replacement by opening or removing the door. An interlock switch and a field shorting mechanism are actuated during servicing or replacement of the system components.

Abstract: A gas treating device capable of electrically collecting dust and of decomposing odors and other matter by plasma includes a plasma generating device integrally incorporated into an ionization part in a casing. The ionization part has an ionization line and a columnar portion of a negative electrode member. The plasma generating device includes a discharge electrode which shares a counter electrode with the ionization line. During operation, dust of a relatively small size in room air is electrically charged by discharge between the ionization line and the counter electrode. An electrostatic filter entraps and collects the electrically charged dust. A plasma of low temperature is generated by streamer discharge between the discharge electrode and the counter electrode. Harmful substances and odorous substances in the room air are decomposed by an activated species contained in the generated low-temperature plasma.