Abstract: In a parallel manual transmission, an upshifting under power is executed based upon preset operating conditions, for example with a fully depressed accelerator pedal, without an electronically controlled, load-reducing ignition retard. When shifting to a higher gear, the engine output is used for increasing the speed of the engine and for the propulsion of the vehicle, based upon the operating condition of the drive train.

Abstract: A method of adapting a pressurized fluid supply to a torque converter clutch is provided. The method includes: learning a first pressure point related to an average of ramp pressure and an average of engine torque over a first time period; learning a second pressure point related to a second average of ramp pressure and a second average of engine torque over a second time period; determining a plurality of adapt values based on at least one of an extrapolation and an interpolation between the first pressure point and the second pressure point; and adapting the pressurized fluid to the torque converter clutch based on the plurality of adapt values.

Abstract: A system, method, and device for recording and tracking resistance training parameters in connection with a resistance training workout. A specially configured portable recording device has a very compact user interface having an input device with very few inputs. A user may record resistance training parameters directly on the recording device both quickly and easily with few and simple keystrokes, resulting in an improved recording process. A personal trainer or strength coach may track the workouts of multiple exercisers with increased convenience. In a particularly preferred embodiment, the recording device is provided in the body of a sport watch.

Abstract: An exercise system includes a local system having an exercise apparatus and an associated local computer, where the local computer controls and monitors the operation and use, respectively, of the exercise apparatus. The system further includes a remote system having a remote computer, and a transmission medium including a telephone line that couples the local system to the remote system for data communication between the local system and the remote system. The remote system may receive local system data from the local system concerning the use of the exercise apparatus, and the local system may receive remote system data from the remote system concerning the operation of the exercise apparatus. The local computer preferably controls the operation of the exercise apparatus based upon a modifiable script stored in a read/write memory of the local computer, which can be updated by the remote system.

Abstract: A hip-abduction stepper exercise apparatus primarily comprises a base and two pedal assemblies settled abreast on the base. Each of the pedal assemblies includes a pedal, a vertical movement module, an expanding movement module, and a recovery module. The pedal is settled on the vertical movement module while the expanding movement module is settled on the base so that the two pedals can depart from or come close to each other with respect to a level position. The vertical movement module is connected to the expanding movement module so that the two pedals can vertically move in a direction non-perpendicular to the ground. The recovery module is connected to the vertical movement module and the base and provides an external force for returning the vertical movement module and the expanding movement module to initial positions thereof.

Abstract: An endless belt for a common exercise treadmill is made of a rubber like material having interwoven a fabric of fine steel mesh or nylon fabric leaving a smooth finish at upper and lower extremity over entire length and width thereof. An array of through holes penetrating said endless belt across the entire width and length thereof is to provide for fastening elements to be capable to affix prefabricated objects the like of simulated cobblestones of various size and configuration to the upper extremity of said endless belt and to be in contiguous fashion with lower extremity of simulated cobble stone.

Abstract: The present exercise machine includes a frame, a seat, foot pedals, a resistance device and a hand crank assembly. The resistance device includes a rotating element such as a cylindrical fan which would require a power input in order to continue rotating. The hand crank assembly is pivotably mounted to the frame such that the hand crank assembly can quickly pivot between a first position suitable for a seated operator and a second position suitable for an upright operator.

Abstract: APPARATUS FOR IN-WATER EXERCISES, comprising; —a structure to be submerged in a body of water; an actuator mechanism movable through the user's effort; a pump comprising a housing fixed to the structure and journalling a shaft on to which at least one first rotor is mounted coupled to the shaft, at a first housing portion, said shaft being coupled to the actuator mechanism, whereby to be rotationally driven, to pump water; a water collector coupled to the first portion of the housing to receive part of the water pumped by the first rotor; and a metering means comprising at least one first display fixed onto the structure and coupled to the water collector, whereby to indicate at least on of the outflow and volume of water pumped through the pump and, thus, the respective operation speed and/or the amount of exercise being practiced.

Abstract: An arrangement for rolling the frontal end of a deformable sleeve-shaped container jacket comprises a supporting surface which radially supports the container jacket in the area of its end. A ring-shaped cavity is arranged radially adjacent thereto, which cavity is closed at the bottom and open at the top. The cavity has an essentially semicircular cross-section. The cavity is provided in circumferential direction with a plurality of pocket-shaped recesses in the transitional area between the supporting surface and the bottom, between which recesses rolling ridges, as part of the original cavity surface, remain. The purpose of this design is to effect a reduction in the deformation forces when the frontal end of the container jacket is being rolled.

Abstract: A packaging bag comprises a main bag body and a framework member. The main bag body is made of plastic film material through a main bag body formation process. The main bag body has an opening and a plurality of heat sealed portions. The framework member is disposed in the main bag body. The framework member is joined to the main bag body prior to completion of the main bag body formation process. The framework member is foldable/unfoldable together with the main bag body, to enable the framework member and the main bag body to be shifted between a generally flat collapsed state and an expanded state.

Abstract: A method of and a device for folding a bottom of a package, which includes a sleeve of packaging material with a transversal seal in the end of the bottom forming portion of the package, the portion having the shape of a fin. The method includes folding the fin and forming primary flaps, breaking corners on the folded fin between the primary flaps and the edge between the part of the sleeve forming the bottom and the rest of the sleeve, such that secondary flaps are folded in between the primary flaps and the fin, the secondary flaps thereby being folded essentially towards each other, folding the primary flaps towards each other, and pressing the primary flaps towards the remaining part of the bottom forming part of the sleeve.

Abstract: A case erector is provided which is easily adaptable to different sizes and shaped of R.S.C. cases and the like. The case erector includes a case erector system including a pair of vacuum heads, the range and motion of each being actuated by linear servos. A first vacuum head travels in a longitudinal direction relative to the flow of cases through the case erector. A second vacuum head travels in a direction transverse to the flow of cases through the case erector. The action of the pair of vacuum heads and the motion thereof erects or expands the cases.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for making standing folds in a material web and a knife folding machine (1) for producing such standing folds. The knife folding machine has at least two folding knives (2, 3), which are situated one opposite the other with respect to the material web (4). A folding channel (5) extends from the folding knives (2, 3) in the folding direction (F). In order to reduce the costs involved in resetting the knife folding machine (1) to other material webs (4) to be folded or at the end of a material web (4), a work transfer device (14) is provided, which, in an ejection mode, has a stop (24) which juts into the projection area of the standing folds (26) in the folding channel (5) in the folding direction (F). As a result of the work transfer device (14), the standing fold parcel (26) in the folding channel (5) is able to be ejected and to be further processed in normal fashion by following appliances, without waste being incurred.

Abstract: A solid bowl screw centrifuge including: a drum having a solids discharge at a conical end and at least one discharge opening at an end opposite the conical end, the at least one discharge opening arranged with an axial drum lid; a screw rotatable at a different speed relative to the drum; a centripetal chamber section connected behind the drum lid with the at least one discharge opening; a centripetal pump arranged to discharge a liquid phase from the solid bowl screw centrifuge; and an adjustable throttling device connected in front of the centripetal pump in the centripetal chamber section, the adjustable throttling device being assigned to the at least one discharge opening.

Abstract: A device senses the presence of the distal end of a source wire in a reference position within a guidance channel of an afterloading apparatus for positioning an energy emitting source at a desired position within an animal body for radiation therapy treatment. The source wire is driven from the reference position through a guidance channel and a catheter tube. A sensing device detects the presence of the distal end of the wire. The sensing device has a pivotal lever element mounted near the guidance channel. The lever element is in a first position, when the distal end of the source wire is not present in its reference position and the lever element is in a second position, when the distal end is present in its reference position. The presence of the distal end and the energy emitting source can be sensed at several important operational positions.

Abstract: Certain aspects of the invention may be found in a sound and heartbeat playback system that selectively generates and/or plays back sounds and/or heartbeats that mimic a natural mother's sounds and heartbeats. In this regard, the generation of heartbeat or other soothing and calming sounds may be incorporated into toys. The sound and heartbeat playback system may therefore be employed in a surrogate mother toy, for example, a cuddly bear with which infants may usually cuddle, play and/or sleep. Accordingly, the sound emitted by the sound and heartbeat playback system may aid in calming infants when they are agitated and/or tired.

Abstract: A method for fixing one of a balloon and a tubular member to an object with a thread for a medical equipment, may include covering the object with an end of the one of the balloon and the tubular member, winding the thread at a first pitch in a first direction from an edge of the end of the one of the balloon and the tubular member toward an intermediate position of the one of the balloon and the tubular member, and winding the thread at a second pitch in a second direction opposite to the first direction, the second pitch being shorter than the first pitch.

Abstract: The illumination system is a cannula comprising a transparent or semitransparent material capable of carrying light from the proximal end of the cannula to the distal end of the cannula, thereby illuminating a surgical field. The surgical field is thus illuminated through components that do not occupy space that may otherwise by used for optics and or surgical tools. The illumination source may be optically coupled with the cannula at any appropriate location. The cannula comprises a sterilizable polymer which functions as a waveguide. A waveguide is a material medium that confines and guides light. When in use, the light source connected to the hub provides light which may be guided to the distal end of the cannula or any other suitable location. Thus, the sheath provides structure-guided illumination resulting in the illumination of the surgical site.

Abstract: A system having a whole nerve pathway diagram data recording unit 1; a nerve finding data input unit 2; a responsible nerve pathway data extraction unit 3 by which the data of a nerve pathway responsible for a nerve finding item showing an abnormal finding is extracted from the data of the whole nerve pathway diagram data recording unit based on the data obtained by the nerve finding input unit; a whole nerve pathway indication unit 5 by which the whole nerve pathway is indicated in a display unit 4 based on the data of the whole nerve pathway diagram data recording unit; a responsible nerve pathway indication unit 6 by which the responsible nerve pathway is indicated in the whole nerve pathway diagram based on the data of the whole nerve pathway diagram data recording unit; and a responsible lesion estimation/indication unit 7 by which the location of the responsible lesion in the whole nerve pathway diagram is estimated and indicated in the whole nerve pathway diagram based on the data of the responsible ne

Abstract: In general, the invention is directed to management of information from a plurality of emergency medical devices, such as automated external defibrillators, and associated docking stations. The medical devices and docking stations may communicate with one another and with a remote unit. The managed information includes information pertaining to authorized access and maintenance, inspection indications and inspection certifications. In general, an authorized user can access the emergency medical device without activating alarms that would accompany an emergency. The authorized user can further use the user input interface to enter an inspection certification, which records the inspection, the maintenance performed, the date the device is returned to service, and so forth.

Abstract: An illuminated display system and method of use may be applied to a variety of situations requiring organization, such as triage scenarios. Illustratively, illuminated signals from the illuminated display system visually provide the triage status of an injured user at a distance and in low-visibility settings. In particular, the illuminated display system includes a plurality of light emitters. Each light emitter from the plurality of light emitters provides a different predetermined wavelength of light than the other light emitters from the plurality of light emitters. In operation, each respective predetermined wavelength of light provides information relating to the degree of injury or other information associated with the user such that a desired light emitter is selected to display the desired wavelength and, ultimately, the desired information.

Abstract: A noninvasive blood glucose level measurement system for determining the glucose level of blood, including a processor configured for determining a blood glucose level from a measurement of arterial pressure. Also included is a method of determining a blood glucose level from a measurement of arterial pressure.

Abstract: An ultrasound reconstruction unit is provided. In one embodiment, a receive aperture control engine for the unit adaptively determines a set of reconstruction signals based on at least a series of selected echo signals and compares the size of a receive aperture with a predetermined number of reconstruction channels at each imaging point. The unit passes the selected echo signals from selected receive channels of one or more transducer elements to a reconstruction processor if the size of the receive aperture is not greater than the number of reconstruction channels. In another embodiment, the control engine compares the size of the receive aperture with a predetermined number of reconstruction channels at each imaging point and preprocess the selected echo signals to produce reconstructions signals that are equal in number to the number of reconstruction channels if the size of the receive aperture is greater than the number of reconstruction channels.

Abstract: A pressing cuff presses a pressure sensor above an artery. The level of the pressure applied to the pressure sensor is changed while the pulse wave is measured based on information about the pressure from the pressure sensor. In order to adjust the level of the applied pressure using the pressure of gas in the pressing cuff, a three-port valve and a two-port valve are controlled so that the connection is changed to establish a state of holding the amount of the gas in the pressing cuff. Then, the state is changed to a state of isolating and discharging gas in which a part of the held gas is isolated from the remaining amount of the gas to be discharged. Then, the state is changed to the state of holding the remaining amount of gas in the pressing cuff.

Abstract: Disordered breathing events may be classified as central, obstructive or a combination of central an obstructive in origin based on patient motion associated with respiratory effort. Central disordered breathing is associated with disrupted respiration with reduced respiratory effort. Obstructive disordered breathing is associated with disrupted respiration accompanied by respiratory effort. A disordered breathing classification system includes a disordered breathing detector and a respiratory effort motion sensor. Components of the disordered breathing classification system may be fully or partially implantable.

Abstract: A method of and apparatus for detecting diseased tissue based upon infrared imaging in two different bands of infrared wavelengths is described. The use of two series of infrared images taken in two different bands of infrared wavelengths increases sensitivity to the subtle temperature changes caused by diseased skin and tissue, especially in the case of cancerous tissue. By sensing skin temperature, the homogeneity thereof, the time variations thereof and the correlation between the two series of infrared images, the present invention decreases the rate of false positives and false negatives. The increased discrimination due to two series of infrared images allows for reliable detection of diseased or cancerous tissue even in the presence of skin tone variations such as birthmarks, tattoos and freckles. The present invention finds special application in the field of breast cancer detection where subtle skin temperature variations may readily be sensed using two series of infrared images.

Abstract: A pressure sensing catheter having a pressure sensor and an antenna that is coupled to the pressure sensor, e.g., by a connector, are provided. The pressure sensor can be adapted to measure a pressure surrounding the catheter, and the antenna can be adapted to telemetrically communicate the measured pressure to an external device. In an exemplary embodiment, the antenna, pressure sensor, and/or connector are hermetically sealed, e.g., by the catheter and/or a coating, to prevent the antenna, pressure sensor, and connector from coming into contact with fluid, thereby allowing the catheter to be permanently implanted or otherwise used for long term use. Exemplary methods for manufacturing and using pressure sensing catheters are also provided.

Abstract: A method is provided for calibrating a surgical biopsy system. The biopsy system includes a biopsy instrument and control unit. The biopsy instrument includes a piercer, rotatable cutter, and a port for receiving tissue samples. The method comprises the steps of translating the cutter distally until the translation of the cutter is stopped at an extended position and recording the extended position. The cutter is then translated from the extended position proximally until the translation of the cutter is stopped at a retracted position proximal to the extended position. The retracted position is recorded. The method further comprises the step of rotating the cutter to a rotation speed while the cutter is located at the retracted position and, if determined that the rotation speed is within a predetermined rotation speed range, a feedback signal is provided on the display allowing the operator to progress to the next procedural step.

Abstract: A biopsy device having an insert and related method are disclosed. The insert permits a user to obtain a tissue sample surrounding a center core(s) of removed tissue. The additional tissue provides an effective evaluation of whether all the desired tissue has been excised and a determination of whether an acceptable margin of healthy tissue has been removed.

Abstract: A method for using high intensity focused ultrasound (HIFU) to treat neurological structures to achieve a desired therapeutic affect. Depending on the dosage of HIFU applied, it can have a reversible or irreversible effect on neural structures. For example, a relatively high dose of HIFU can be used to permanently block nerve function, to provide a non-invasive alternative to severing a nerve to treat severe spasticity. Relatively lower doses of HIFU can be used to reversible a block nerve function, to alleviate pain, to achieve an anesthetic effect, or to achieve a cosmetic effect. Where sensory nerves are not necessary for voluntary function, but are involved in pain associated with tumors or bone cancer, HIFU can be used to non-invasively destroy such sensory nerves to alleviate pain without drugs. Preferably, ultrasound imaging synchronized to the HIFU therapy is used to provide real-time ultrasound image guided HIFU therapy of neural structures.

Abstract: A vibrating massager includes a housing (10), a power source (14) supported by the housing and a replaceable motor (12). The housing (10) and motor (12) are configured so that the motor may be readily replaced by a human operator without the need to replace the housing, power source, or other components. The motor (12) may be sized and configured to substitute for a conventional battery in a multi-battery device. When positioned in place of a battery in a supporting device, the motor operates to impart a vibrating motion to the supporting device.

Abstract: According to the invention, a shoe having at least one base spring element, which is arranged between appendages at a heel zone of the shoe and at a shaft zone taking support at the front edge of the shin bone and which stretches in the course of an ambulation phase, characterized in that a tensioning assembly moves the appendage of the base spring element at the heel zone away from the appendage at the shaft zone upon planting of the shoe, for stretching of the base spring element.

Abstract: Health equipment for dragging the lumber with the trunk of the human body securely supported is provided. The trunk support 2 is bendable only inwardly, and holds and supports the trunk of the human body. Since the trunk support 2 is placed around the human body and enfolds from the area below the costae to above the pelvis, the human body is securely supported, whereby lumbago treatment can be carried out with the patient suspended in the air. Since the lumber is dragged with the weight of the lower part of the patient's body, there is no possibility that the lumber is dragged with the excessive weight. The leg hanging unit 4 is a device to hang the legs of the patient. By using this leg hanging unit 4, so called mobilization may be carried out with the lower back portion suspended in the air, thereby increasing effectiveness of lumbago treatment.

Abstract: An autotransfusion device having: a first line and a first pump, the first line being connected to the inlet of a blood centrifugation cell, and branches of the first line being (i) connected to a red blood cell container, (ii) provided with a coupling, and (iii) being suitable to be connected to the patient; a second line connected to the outlet of a blood centrifugation cell and two branches of the second line being provided with two couplings; and a third line and a second pump, the third line being connected to the first line in an intermediate position between the first pump and the blood centrifugation cell, and branches of the third line (i) being connected to a physiological solution container and (ii) being provided with a coupling.

Abstract: A plug for the meatus of a lacrimal canaliculus, the plug including an elongate body (2, 12, 13) having a longitudinal axis (2a) and provided at one of its ends with a collar (1, 11) substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis, in which the elongate body (2, 12, 13) possesses a first portion (2, 12) adjacent to the collar (1, 11) of cross-section that is elliptical with a major axis, and a second portion (3, 4, 13) which extends the first portion (2) obliquely relative to its longitudinal axis (2a) in the plane of the above-mentioned major axis of the section of the first portion.

Abstract: A dual pump irrigation/aspiration pump system capable of operating in a plurality of different modes suitable for a variety of different endoscopic surgical procedures. The system monitors actual or calculated intra-articular pressure and adjusts flow to maintain surgeon requested pressure at the surgical site while controlling outflow. The irrigation/aspiration pump system has an inflow pump and tubing dedicated to communicating fluid to the surgical work site and an outflow pump and tubing dedicated to removing fluid from the work site at a controlled rate. The system further has different size inflow and outflow pumps and tubing cassettes, a subsystem for altering the outflow fluid flow rate to accommodate a surgical tool and a subsystem for declogging the surgical tool in the event of blockage. In a preferred embodiment a pressure control system provides inferred pressure information representative of the pressure at the work site.

Abstract: A portal access device that is adapted to provide long term access to a port implanted in a patient has two major components, an infuser assembly and a safety needle insertion device. The infuser assembly has an infuser housing that can be configured into a specific shape, for example a dome. A blunt cannula is attached to and extends downwardly from the underside of the infuser housing. Also connected to the infuser housing, preferably at a side thereof, is a tubing or catheter. The safety needle inserter assembly has a base having a proximal portion that is configured to form fit over the infuser housing. At the distal portion of the base uprights are provided so that a second end of an arm, to which first end a needle or a sharp cannula is connected, may be movably and hingedly connected to the base. The sharp cannula extends from the underside of the proximal end of the arm and passes through the base by way of a bore formed at the proximal portion of the base.

Abstract: The present invention concerns a medication pump for use with a medication cartridge that is loaded using a drive rod of the medication pump. In one embodiment, the drive rod includes an interface structure defining a first channel where the first channel has an axial portion disposed parallel to an axis of the drive rod and a locking portion disposed in a circumferential direction around an outer surface of the drive rod. In another embodiment of the invention, the drive rod includes a visual indicator at an interface end of the drive rod, so that when the interface structure of the drive rod is coupled to a plunger of a medication cartridge, the visual indicator will not be seen, to provide a way to check for secure coupling of the drive rod to the plunger. In its embodiment, the outer housing of the medication pump includes a window into a cartridge housing to allow a view of the visual indicator if it is not attached to the plunger.

Abstract: Needleless access port valves are generally discussed herein with particular discussions extended to needleless access port valves having a pliant valve body configured to expand to accommodate a plug when the same is pushed by a syringe or a medical implement and contract when the syringe or medical implement is removed to return the plug to its original position. The plug can move distally and tilt when inside the pliant valve body or remain generally upright when its top surface incorporates flow channels. Interior baffles are included for fluid flow through the interior cavity of the valve. The baffles can vary in shape, number, contour, and can include a ramp.

Abstract: A head part (11) for a multi-chamber tube bag (1) with a multi-component mass which can be pressed out, having a main chamber (2) for a first component and two secondary chambers (3, 4) for two other components, has a disk-shaped contact surface (12) for the multi-chamber tube bag (1) surrounding a press-out opening (13). At the contact surface (12), a plurality of raised portions (14) project toward the multi-chamber tube bag (1) and are provided at the head part (11) for narrowing the outlet regions (5, 6) of the two secondary chambers (3, 4) of the multi-chamber tube bag (1) when the multi-chamber tube bag (1) bears against the contact surface (12).

Abstract: In certain embodiments, a vial adaptor for removing liquid contents from a vial comprises a piercing member and a bag. The bag can be contained within the piercing member such that the bag is introduced to the vial when the vial adaptor is coupled with the vial. In some embodiments, the bag expands within the vial as liquid is removed from the vial via the adaptor, thereby regulating pressure within the vial. In other embodiments, a vial comprises a bag for regulating pressure within the vial as liquid is removed therefrom. In some embodiments, a vial adaptor is coupled with the vial in order to remove the liquid. In some embodiments, as the liquid is removed from the vial via the adaptor, the bag expands within the vial, and in other embodiments, the bag contracts within the vial.

Abstract: In certain embodiments, a vial adaptor for removing liquid contents from a vial comprises a piercing member and a bag. The bag can be contained within the piercing member such that the bag is introduced to the vial when the vial adaptor is coupled with the vial. In some embodiments, the bag expands within the vial as liquid is removed from the vial via the adaptor, thereby regulating pressure within the vial. In other embodiments, a vial comprises a bag for regulating pressure within the vial as liquid is removed therefrom. In some embodiments, a vial adaptor is coupled with the vial in order to remove the liquid. In some embodiments, as the liquid is removed from the vial via the adaptor, the bag expands within the vial, and in other embodiments, the bag contracts within the vial.

Abstract: A device for inserting implantable objects beneath the skin of a patient includes a handle for grasping the device and a base connected to the handle. The base comprises a post, a cannula, and a flexible actuator positioned in an angled track. The cannula is positioned coaxially around and is longitudinally slidable over the post from an extended position, where an implantable object is retained in the cannula, to a retracted position, where the implantable object is released from the cannula. A flexible actuator positioned on an angled track in the base is slidably engaged with a boss on the cannula and is used to move the cannula from an extended position to a retracted position to release the implantable object from the cannula; the actuator flexes between a locked and an unlocked position. The angled track provides for control of the release of the implantable object.

Abstract: A catheter is provided for uniform distribution of fluid medication within an anatomical region. One embodiment of the catheter is comprised of an elongate tubular catheter body defining a lumen. A distal end of the lumen is closed and a portion of the catheter body includes a plurality of openings thereby defining an infusion section of the catheter. A tubular sheath is constructed from a porous material and is positioned over the infusion section. The tubular sheath extends at least a length of the infusion section. The tubular sheath and the catheter body are configured such that fluid within the lumen must pass through the tubular sheath to exit the catheter. In at least one embodiment, a pore size of the porous material is less than about 0.5 microns.

Abstract: Devices and methods are provided for the controlled release or exposure of reservoir contents. The device includes a reservoir cap formed of an electrically conductive material, which prevents the reservoir contents from passing out from the device and prevents exposure of the reservoir contents to molecules outside of the device; an electrical input lead connected to said reservoir cap; and an electrical output lead connected to said reservoir cap, such that upon application of an electrical current through the reservoir cap, via the input lead and output lead, the reservoir cap ruptures to release or expose the reservoir contents. The reservoir contents can comprise a release system containing drug molecules for release or can comprise a secondary device, such as a sensor. In one embodiment, the controlled release system is incorporated into an implantable drug delivery device.

Abstract: An implantable medication delivery apparatus including a flow path coupling a medication reservoir to a device outlet port where the flow path includes a regulator means for limiting the magnitude of pressure transferred downstream from the medication reservoir. The regulator means is configured to respond to the reservoir pressure exceeding a certain threshold for closing a valve located downstream from the reservoir. The valve closure functions to isolate the device outlet port from further reservoir pressure increases which otherwise could induce unintended medication flow from the device outlet port.

Abstract: A temperature measuring unit of a temperature sensor has electrodes disposed on the upper and lower surfaces of a temperature measuring element, thin-film substrates disposed on the upper and lower surfaces of the electrodes, and laser beam shield plates disposed on the upper and lower surfaces of the thin-film substrates. One of the electrodes is bonded to the temperature measuring element by a conductive adhesive, and the other electrode is not bonded to the temperature measuring element by a conductive adhesive. When the temperature sensor is bonded to a hollow cylinder of an insert, the temperature measuring unit is curved along the surface of the hollow cylinder, tending to develop tensile stresses in the other electrode. At this time, the other electrode is positionally displaced depending on the developed tensile stresses, allowing the temperature sensor to be adjusted in length. Consequently, the temperature sensor is prevented from being broken or damaged.

Abstract: A cryosurgical probe system includes a fluid supply line connectable at an inlet section to a source of cryogenic fluid; a fluid connector assembly securely connected to an outlet section of the fluid supply line for receiving fluid from the outlet section of the fluid supply line; and, a detachable cryosurgical probe detachably connectable to the fluid connector assembly. The cryosurgical probe system includes the capability of providing return fluid flow.

Abstract: A method of inducing hyperthermia in at least a portion of a target area—e.g., a tumor or a portion of a tumor or targeted cancerous cells—is provided. Targeted RF absorption enhancers, e.g., antibodies bound to RF absorbing particles, are introduced into a patient. These targeted RF absorption enhancers will target certain cells in the target areas and enhance the effect of a hyperthermia generating RF signal directed toward the target area. The targeted RF absorption enhancers may, in a manner of speaking, add one or more RF absorption frequencies to cells in the target area, which will permit a hyperthermia generating RF signal at that frequency or frequencies to heat the targeted cells.

Abstract: A bipolar electrosurgical instrument for clamping, grasping, manipulating, and sealing tissue includes first and second shafts each having a jaw member extending from a distal end thereof and a handle disposed at a proximal end thereof. The handle being operable to effect movement of the jaw members relative to one another from a first position wherein the jaw members are disposed in spaced relation relative to one another to a second position wherein the jaw members cooperate to grasp tissue therebetween. The bipolar instrument is connectable to a source of electrical energy having a first electrical potential connected to one of the jaw members and a second electrical potential connected to the other of the jaw members such that the jaw members are capable of selectively conducting energy through tissue held therebetween to effect a seal. Both the first and second electrical potentials are transmitted to the jaw members through the first shaft.