Abstract: To improve measurement accuracy of blood pressure. A wrist sphygmomanometer comprises a cuff spring formed in a curved shape to fit the semicircle on the side of the pulsation part of the wrist, having a mount portion formed outside; a cuff band including the cuff spring as a core material, having an air bag inside, and wound around a wrist; and a sphygmomanometer main body mounted on the mount portion of the cuff spring, having a pressure pump for supplying air to the air bag, wherein the cuff spring has a protrusion protruding inward formed in a nearly central position in a peripheral direction.

Abstract: These and other objects of the present invention are achieved in a body fluid sampling system for use on a tissue site that includes an electrically powered drive force generator. A penetrating member is operatively coupled to the force generator. The force generator moves the member along a path out of a housing having a penetrating member exit, into the tissue site, stops in the tissue site, and withdraws out of the tissue site. An analyte detecting member is positioned to receive fluid from a wound created by the penetrating member. The detection member is configured to determine a concentration of an analyte in the fluid using a sample of less than 1 mL of the fluid.

Abstract: A blood extraction device (100) and method for withdrawing a controlled number of drops of blood from a patient, in whom there is created an incision of such dimension that blood does not freely flow therefrom. A release unit (160) urges drops of blood to flow from the incision, for example by applying a vacuum, and a disabling unit (145, 146, 170) is coupled to the incision unit for disabling the release unit when a predetermined number of drops of blood have been withdrawn.

Abstract: An integrated bodily fluid sampling device is used to sample a bodily fluid from an incision in skin. The device includes a lancet for forming the incision in the skin. A housing is coupled to the lancet. The housing defines at least in part a capillary channel with an opening. The capillary channel is sized to draw the bodily fluid from the incision via capillary action. A test strip is positioned along the capillary channel for analyzing the fluid. In one form, a flexible sheet extends from the housing proximal the opening of the capillary channel for drawing the bodily fluid into the opening of the capillary channel. In another form, the lancet is slidably received inside the channel. During lancing, the lancet extends from the housing to form the incision. Fluid from the incision is drawn into the channel and is deposited on the test strip for analysis.

Abstract: The invention is directed to techniques for delivering a capsule for sensing acidity to a location along the esophagus via a delivery device that detects pressure variations to identify a lower esophageal sphincter (LES). More specifically, the distal end of a probe of the delivery device enters the esophagus, and extends through the esophagus into the stomach via the LES. The distal end of the probe is slowly retracted back into the esophagus and the pressure variation within a pressure sensitive chamber of the delivery device, caused by the LES, is detected to identify the location of the LES. As described, the pressure sensitive chamber can comprise a balloon filled with air or an airtight chamber formed within a distal end of the probe. In either case, the pressure sensitive chamber deforms due to the pressure of the LES thereby causing a pressure variation used to identify the location of the LES.

Abstract: A system for performing chest compression for Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation. The system includes a motor, drive spool and associated couplings which allow for controlling and limiting the movement of the compressing mechanism and includes a control system for controlling the operation and interaction of the various components to provide for optimal automatic operation of the system.

Abstract: The arm and hand can be reliably massaged with a massaging machine having a chair body 5 having a seat 2 and a backrest 3; an armrest 7 provided to the side of the seat 2; a tunnel-shaped support 22 provided to stand from the armrest 7 so as to enable the massagee's arm or hand placed on the armrest 7 to be inserted therein; and expanding/contracting massage air cells 34, 35 provided to the inner surface of the tunnel-shaped support 22.

Abstract: A vest for a human body has a bladder coupled to a pulsator operable to subject the vest to repeated pulses of air which applies and releases pressure to the body. The vest has a cover having a pocket accommodating the bladder, shoulder straps, and end flaps. The bladder is permanently connected to the cover. Releasable hook and loop fasteners connect the straps to chest portions of the vest and end flaps to each other. A releasable retainer secured to the end flaps prevent the end flaps and releasable fasteners from disengaging when air pressure pulses are applied to the vest. The bladder has an air chamber and a sleeve having an air receiving passage and openings to allow air to flow from the air receiving passage into the air chamber. An oval-shaped coil spring within the sleeve maintains the air receiving passage open.

Abstract: A method of fat cavitation including infiltrating adipose tissue with a liquid, creating a puncture in a patient's skin, providing a wire, the wire being generally uniform in diameter and having a first end and a second end and introducing the second end of the wire through the puncture in the patient's skin. The method further includes placing at least a portion of the second end of the wire in contact the adipose tissue, generating an ultrasonic wave, transmitting the ultrasonic wave to the second end of the wire, creating cavitation bubbles in at least a portion of the targeted adipose tissue and liquefying at least a portion of the targeted adipose tissue. It is emphasized that this abstract is provided to comply with the rules requiring an abstract that will allow a searcher or other reader to quickly ascertain the subject matter of the technical disclosure. It is submitted with the understanding that it will not be used to interpret or limit the scope or meaning of the claims.

Abstract: An ultrasonic tissue dissection system providing combined longitudinal and torsional motion of tips, together with irrigation and aspiration, for improved cutting of resistant biological tissue. The system permits the use of common and inexpensive electro-mechanical transducers for the production of such motion through the use of longitudinal-torsional resonators.

Abstract: A bi-directional system for actively deflecting the distal tip of a catheter includes a reconfigurable tube that is positioned proximal to the catheter's distal tip. The tube is formed with slits that are arranged to allow the tube to be transformed from a relaxed, cylindrical configuration to a plurality of deflected configurations. First and second pull wires are provided, with each wire having a respective distal end that is attached to the distal end of the tube. Each wire extends to a catheter handle where it is attached to a respective reel. The reels can be rotated, back and forth, to selectively deflect or relax the tube. To ensure a smooth recovery after a relatively large deflection, a mechanism is disclosed for delaying an application of tension on one of the pull wires until at least a portion of any tension on the other pull wire is released.

Abstract: A catheter introducer assembly is disclosed whereby the safety spring clip moves into position to block the needle tip occurs as a direct consequence of the withdrawal of the needle from the catheter bore. The catheter introducer assembly according to the present invention comprises a needle and a needle hub, a catheter and a catheter hub, and a safety spring clip assembly. The safety spring clip assembly being designed to permit the needle to slide inside the spring clip assembly until the needle stop located on the needle meets the proximal wall to thereby prevent further movement of the safety spring clip. A method of using the catheter introducer assembly according to the present invention is also provided.

Abstract: The tamper-evident closure is provided for a syringe with a Luer connection or a Luer lock connection, wherein at least the connection end consists of plastic. A cap which is connected to the syringe via at least one frangible web. The cap and the frangible web together with a fixation component are formed as one piece as a plastic injection molded part and are connected to the connection end of the syringe by way of welding.

Abstract: A fluid dispensing system provides a non-contact method of monitoring the change in the fluid volume over time. This approach avoids the use of probes or sensors that come into direct contact with the fluid to be dispensed. The system comprises an apparatus comprising three chambers. The first chamber has a fixed volume and contains a pressurized gas. A solenoid valve is used to control the flow of gas from the first chamber into the second. The second chamber is sealed so that the combined mass of air in the first and second chambers remains fixed. The third chamber is adjacent to the second and contains medication in the form of incompressible fluid that is to be administered to a human or animal subject via a suitable delivery port. A piston is disposed between the second and third chambers and is movable responsive to the flow of gas into the second chamber to dispense fluid from the third chamber as desired.

Abstract: A self attaching injection port has integral fasteners extending from the housing, fixed relative thereto. The fasteners include one way fasteners, such as formed by a plurality of axially spaced concentrically aligned frustroconical annular flanges. The injection port is self attaching upon the surgeon applying a distal force to the injection port housing, causing the fasteners to penetrate the tissue, engaging the tissue to hold the injection port in place.

Abstract: An injection device including a sterile injection needle, the injection device including a container for an injectable product including an outlet for the product at a front end sealed by a membrane, the injection needle, which has a front needle portion facing away from the container for injecting into tissue and a rear needle portion which, in an initial state of the injection device lies opposite and faces the membrane and which is injected through the membrane into the container for an injection, a needle support which holds the injection needle in a central needle portion, and a casing which supports the needle support and the container and movably guides them relative to each other for piercing the membrane, wherein, in the initial state of the injection device, the needle support forms a sterile chamber for the rear needle portion, the chamber sealed by a sealing element on a rear side of the chamber facing the outlet of the container, and wherein the front end of the container for piercing the membran

Abstract: A system for delivering a drop of liquid to an eye of a subject, wherein the instrument has a receiver to receive a liquid to be delivered to the eye of the subject, a transfer portion to receive the liquid from the receiver to advance a drop of the liquid by gravity and capillary action through a capillary tube to a lower discharge outlet whereat the drop of liquid breaks away and drops from the capillary tube, and a lid retractor supported adjacent to the discharge outlet of the capillary tube, for being pressed against the lower lid of the subject to form a cul-de-sac at the lower lid. The lower discharge outlet of the capillary tube is positioned adjacent to and above the lid retractor in a position to deposit the drop of liquid into the cul-de-sac.

Abstract: An evacuation sheath assembly and method of treating occluded vessels which reduces the risk of distal embolization during vascular interventions is provided. The evacuation sheath assembly includes an elongated tube defining an evacuation lumen having proximal and distal ends. A proximal sealing surface is provided on a proximal portion of the tube and is configured to form a seal with a lumen of a guided catheter. A distal sealing surface is provided on a distal portion of the tube and is configured to form a seal with a blood vessel. Obturator assemblies and infusion catheter assemblies are provided to be used with the evacuation sheath assembly. A method of treatment of a blood vessel using the evacuation sheath assembly includes advancing the evacuation sheath assembly into the blood vessel through a guide catheter. Normal antegrade blood flow in the blood vessel proximate to the stenosis is stopped and the stenosis is treated.

Abstract: The invention provides a medical device having a catheter and first and second expandable members. The device may be used for protection against stroke by inserting the catheter into a carotid artery, locating the first expandable member within a common carotid artery, locating the second expandable member within an external carotid artery, expanding the first expandable member to occlude the common carotid artery, and expanding the second expandable member to at least partially obstruct the external carotid artery. By this method antegrade blood flow in the internal carotid artery stops.

Abstract: Improved corrective procedures for conductive keratoplasty are disclosed. Over correction can be relieved by the addition of one or two spots along one of the rings on the cornea.

Abstract: An apparatus for guiding a surgical instrument for shaping the end of a bone includes an alignment plate which has a contact surface and is mounted with the contact surface in a plane substantially perpendicular to the physical axis of the bone and in contact with the bone. A cutting guide is mounted to the alignment plate for rotation about an axis which is substantially parallel to the mechanical axis. The cutting guide includes an instrument-receiver which maintains the surgical instrument in a cutting plane which is substantially parallel to the contact plane and at a predetermined distance from it.

Abstract: An apparatus and method of precisely controlling deflection or twisting of a surgical instrument during surgery is applied to a surgical instrument incorporating a shape memory alloy. An example of such an instrument is a Nitinol urological retrieval coil. The shape memory alloy is caused to assume a predetermined shape when heated to a predetermined temperature not more than a few degrees above body temperature, by delivering irrigating fluid having a temperature above the transformation temperature of the shape memory alloy.

Abstract: An implantable artificial sphincter system provides long-term adjustment via transcutaneous energy transfer (TET), minimizing invasive adjustment through adding or removing fluid via a syringe. An infuser device provides bi-directional fluid transfer via a flexible conduit to a sphincter band, such as a gastric band, by a combination of thermodynamic actuation and a piezo-electrically disengaged drum brake assembly that thereby achieves a desirable small volume device. A propellant within a propellant cavity surrounds a metal bellows accumulator biased at body temperature to either expand or collapse the bellows accumulator with the opposite direction of movement effected by a thermal element that heats in combination with a negatively-biased propellant or cools in combination with a positively-biased propellant.

Abstract: A lens injector includes a thin sheet-like lens glide member, mounted upon a tapered knife, that maintains a wedge-shaped opening in the cornea upon withdrawal of the knife. The lens is thereafter advanced under the cornea by a plunger in the injector that maintains the lens in place as the injector device is removed. A multiple point blade knife may simultaneously make a set of several small, connected incisions. The fact that each blade has only a limited depth means that the resulting wide incision can be created without the need to penetrate deeply into the cornea, as would be necessary with a single-point blade of the desired width. This is especially beneficial for creating Z-shaped incisions, which become self-sealing when internal pressure pushes the inner layer against the outer layer. This shortens the process significantly, which then results in less trauma to the eye and streamlines the entire procedure.

Abstract: A catheter system is provided for creating a fistula between blood vessels, using a first catheter with a piercing tool adjacent its distal end, and a second catheter with a receptor adjacent its distal end. The receptor includes an opening and a channel providing a guide surface for receiving the piercing tool. The receptor and piercing tool include one or more magnets to draw the piercing tool into the channel of the receptor. The piercing tool and the receptor are provided with a complementary configuration, such as a mating conical shapes. A third catheter may be provided with a double balloon for use in sealing off the fistula site. The piercing tool may be provided on a metal guidewire that includes a lumen with a distal opening. The piercing tool may include a base and a needle coupled to the base at a nominal angle of at least about 20-degrees.

Abstract: Novel methods for embolizing blood vessels which are particularly suited for treating aneurysms are provided. The presently disclosed methods provide for the embolization of aneurysms wherein occlusion of the neck of the aneurysm during embolization by a flow arresting device such as balloon is not required. In one embodiment, the compositions employed in the methods of this invention comprise a biocompatible polymer, a biocompatible solvent and a biocompatible contrast agent wherein the viscosity of this composition is at least about 1000 centistokes at 40° C. and, preferably, at least about 2500 centistokes at 40° C.

Abstract: Systems and methods for dynamically distributing power of a light beam for use in administering light therapy. A laser light beam having a maximum peak power is selectively diffused to distribute the maximum peak power. In at least some implementations, the diffused laser light beam is attenuated across the diffused beam. Having undergone processes of diffusion and attenuation, the laser light beam is then safely used to administer light therapy on a patient. In further implementations, the diffusion includes a defocused diffusion and/or includes a distribution of power rather than an attenuation of power.

Abstract: A polymer composition for use in forming a stent is described. The composition includes a monomer of an aliphatic ester of acrylic acid which has a glass transition temperature less than 25° C. and a second monomer that copolymerizes with the first monomer and which has a glass transition temperature greater than 25° C. The components in the composition are mixed in amounts suitable to give a copolymer having a glass transition temperature less than 25° C., or in case of block copolymers, having at least one glass transition temperature less than 25° C. A stent including polymer members formed from the described composition is also disclosed.

Abstract: Expandable heart valves for minimally invasive valve replacement surgeries are disclosed. The valves are rolled into a first, contracted configuration for minimally invasive delivery using a catheter, and then unrolled or unfurled at the implantation site. One- and two-piece stents may be used in conjunction with a plurality of flexible leaflet-forming membranes. The stents may include an annulus section, a sinus section with the membranes attached over sinus apertures, and an outflow section. Lockout tabs and making slots secure the stents in their expanded shapes. Alignment structure ensures concentric unfurling of the stent. Anchoring elements at the stent edges or in the stent body secure the valve within the annulus. A method of manufacture includes shape setting the sheet-like stent to ensure an outward bias during deployment. The stent may also include dear tracks for engagement with a gear mechanism for deployment.

Abstract: A method for helping improve operation of a heart valve includes implanting an apparatus at an annulus of a heart valve, such that one or more leaflets of the patient's heart valve the can move into and out of engagement with a portion of the implanted apparatus and thereby help control blood flow relative to the apparatus and heart valve.

Abstract: An approach is disclosed for improving ventricular function of a patient's heart. According to one embodiment, the system includes a pouch that defines a chamber dimensioned and configured to simulate at least a portion of a heart chamber. The pouch has a sidewall portion extending from an inflow annulus and terminating in a closed distal end spaced apart from the inflow annulus. A generally cylindrical outflow portion extends from the sidewall portion of the pouch and terminating in an outflow annulus thereof to provide for flow of fluid from the chamber through the outflow annulus. A valve is operatively associated with the inflow annulus of the pouch to provide for substantially unidirectional flow of fluid through the inflow annulus and into the chamber.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device for axially conveying body fluids. The aim of the invention is to embody the inflow and outflow area of an axial pump in such a way that the flow is not separated even when it is diverted, thereby maintaining a substantially non-disrupted flow profile.

Abstract: A femoral stem for hip prosthesis is disclosed comprising: a main body with a mainly longitudinal development and a generally wedge shaped, which is inserted into the femoral canal present in the body of the femur; a central body of a generally trapezoidal shape integral with the main body, located in the proximal zone of the femur; an appendix projecting from the central body provided with a terminal pin receiving spherical head of joint into the cotyle belonging to the prosthesis and inserted into the acetubular zone of the pelvic bone. The main body and the central body are defined by a shaped surface on one side and a mixtilinear surface on the opposite side from which a shaped notch is starting involving the central body and extending up to the proximity of the projecting appendix.

Abstract: Implants and methods are presented for surgically repairing a hip joint with a proximal femoral prosthesis that comprises femoral head component and a femoral stem component. The femoral stem component comprising a neck portion, a flange portion, a transitional body region and an elongated stem. The femur is prepared for implantation of the femoral hip prosthesis by resecting the proximal femur and reaming a symmetric intramedullary cavity in the femur. The femoral hip prosthesis is then inserted the on the resected femur and in the intramedullary cavity. The femoral hip prosthesis elastically deforms when loaded during use to apply dynamic compressive loads and displacement to the calcar region of the resected proximal femur.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is an implant device for osseointegration to endure weight. This implant device includes an insert-type implant inserted into an amputated end of a thighbone or a lower leg bone of a leg of a patient; a load dispersing adaptor having a cap shape, encompassing both the implant and the amputated end of the leg simultaneously at a lower end of the implant; a load support plate having a plate shape, coupled with the lower surface of the adaptor, whose diameter is widened, on which a plurality of muscle fixing holes are dispersedly formed; and a coupling screw, which couples the load dispersing adaptor with the insert-type implant at a bottom of the load dispersing plate through screw-coupling.

Abstract: A prosthetic foot (70) incorporates a foot keel (71) and a calf shank (72) connected to the foot keel to form an ankle joint area of the prosthetic foot. The foot keel has forefoot and hindfoot portions and an upwardly arched midfoot portion extending between the forefoot and midfoot portions. The calf shank includes a downward convexly curved lower end in the form of a spiral which is adjustably attached at a portion thereof to the foot keel by way of a coupling element. The calf shank extends upward anteriorly from the spiral to an upstanding upper end thereof. The coupling element includes a stop of a predetermined size to limit dorsiflexion of the calf shank in gait. The calf shank creates an integrated ankle and calf shank with the foot keel which has a variable radii response outcome similar to the disclosed parabola shaped calf shank while being readily covered by a cosmetic covering for the foot, ankle and lower leg.

Abstract: Disclosed are a method and a system for extruding, cut into strands, cooling, and chopping a ground food product. The system comprises a cooling unit, a conveyor belt urging the pieces through the unit, and a chopper for cutting the pieces exiting the unit. A cryogen source provides cryogen to the cooling unit. A feeder feeds the ground food product onto the conveyor belt adjacent an inlet of the unit. The feeder also extrudes the ground food product through a nozzle to place the stranded pieces onto the conveyor belt. A shear plate cuts the stranded pieces, while being extruded. A hydraulic system moves the shearing plate. The system is adapted to dispense cryogen to the cooling region at a rate sufficient to lower the temperature of the cut stranded pieces to a desired temperature when they exit the unit. A chopper cuts the extruded and stranded pieces immediately after freezing.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to compositions for dyeing keratin materials, for example compositions for hair dyeing, comprising at least one 1,2-indandione derivative, a method for dyeing using such compositions, and a multicomponent dyeing agent used for carrying out such a method.

Abstract: The invention relates to a dye composition for dyeing human keratin fibres and more particularly the hair, comprising a particular direct cationic hydrazone dye of formula (I) and also to processes for dyeing human keratin fibres using such a composition.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a process and composition for dyeing hair, the composition containing: (a) greater than about 10% by weight, based on the weight of the composition, of at least one fatty acid alkanolamide; (b) at least one C6-C36 dicarboxylic acid; (c) at least one water soluble base capable of reacting with (b) to form a soap; (d) at least one conditioning polymer; (e) at least one oxidation dye; and (f) at least one oxidizing agent, wherein the composition is in cream form.

Abstract: The present invention relates to agents containing cationic azacyanine dyes having formula (I) for dyeing fibers, such as, for example, keratin fibers, wool, silk or fleeces, and in particular human hair, as well as to new asymmetrical azacyanine dyes.

Abstract: The present invention provides an interconnects-forming method and an interconnects-forming apparatus which can minimize the lowering of processing accuracy in etching, minimize light exposure processing for the formation of interconnect recesses in the production of multi-level interconnects, improve the electromigration resistance of interconnects without impairing the electrical properties of the interconnects, and enhance the reliability of the device.

Abstract: A production method for a solid electrolytic capacitor comprises the steps of mixing a metal alkoxybenzenesulfonate and/or a metal alkylsulfonate as an oxidizing agent and an electrically conductive polymer in a solvent, immersing a capacitor element in the resulting mixture solution, and forming an electrically conductive polymer layer in the capacitor element by thermal polymerization.

Abstract: A solid electrolytic capacitor, fabrication method, and coupling agent utilized in the same. The capacitor includes a valve metal layer, an oxide dielectric layer on at least a part of the surface of the valve metal layer, a coupling layer having a molecular chain with a first end bonding to the oxide dielectric layer by covalent bonding and second end with a functional group of a monomer of a conducting polymer, and a conducting polymer layer bonding to the monomer by covalent bonding.

Abstract: A free-flowing, hydrophobic starch composition has a near-neutral dry product pH. Methods for making the hydrophobic starch composition by preparing an aqueous mixture comprising a starch, a siliconate, and an acid, where the aqueous mixture has a near-neutral pH, and drying the starch solids to obtain a hydrophobic starch. Novel fuel compositions comprise hydrophobic starch which can be used in internal combustion engines, such as diesel engines. Hydrophobic starch compositions may be used as fuels or fuel components. Novel methods of fueling and operating internal combustion engines use hydrophobic starch as fuel or fuel components.

Abstract: A stable, substantially clear and homogeneous fuel composition contains an additive comprising a nitrogen donor and carrier, the nitrogen donor being present in an amount sufficient to reduce the NOx emissions of the fuel when subject to combustion and the carrier being selected to render the nitrogen donor soluble and to give the additive a molecular weight compatible with the energy properties of the fuel.

Abstract: The invention concerns a fuel for diesel engines, with a sulphur content of less than 500 ppm containing in a major proportion at least one average distillate from a straight-run distilling cup of crude oil, with temperature ranges between 150 and 400° C. and in a minor proportion a lubricating additive containing monocarboxylic and polycyclic acids.

Abstract: A process of treating high sulfur coal to reduce sulfur dioxide emission when the high sulfur coal is burned comprising placing coal in pressure tank (16) of reduced pressure sufficient to fracture a portion of the coal by withdrawing ambient fluids trapped within the coal. The fractured coal is contacted with an aqueous silica colloid composition supersaturated with calcium carbonate via conduit (21), and the majority of the aqueous composition is then removed from contact with the coal. The aqueous composition-treated coal is pressurized in pressure tank (16) under a carbon dioxide atmosphere for a period of time sufficient for the calcium carbonate to enter fractures in the coal produced in the first step.

Abstract: A method for starting a gas generating system serving to generate a hydrogenous gas used for operating a fuel cell. The gas generating system includes: devices for converting starting materials into the hydrogenous gas; devices for conditioning at least a portion of the starting materials; devices for purifying the hydrogenous gas by removing unwanted gas constituents, and; a starting burner. According to the method, in a first method step, at least one fuel is combusted inside the starting burner. The hot waste gases resulting from this combustion firstly heat the devices provided for conditioning at least a portion of the starting materials, and the residual heat of these waste gases subsequently heats at least one additional component. In parallel thereto, the devices for converting the starting materials are heated by an electric heating.

Abstract: A polish composition for metallic surfaces containing a polish and abrasive alumina nanoparticles in a water in oil emulsion composition composed of surfactants, suspending agents, and aluminum oxide particles of high purity of 200 nanometers or less having a median particle diameter of 0.24 microns together with an aliphatic hydrocarbon solvent producing a polish having cleaning properties and an enhanced high glossed surface from a single application.