2625results about "Dispensing apparatus" patented technology

A system for reprocessing flexible endoscopes having lumen therein. The reprocessing system deploys steam to disinfect and/or sterilize the endoscopes, and designs, components, and methods for reducing or balancing the reprocessing cycle time and the effects of thermal expansion and contraction on the endoscopes.

System and method for removing threads from discussion groups based on ratings of the individual posts within the thread. If a user takes the time to rate a post positively, then the post (and the thread) is considered to be useful to the entire community and should not be deleted. To rate the post, a window is displayed to the user whenever the post is open and queries the user whether the post is useful. A positive rating rates a delete date associated with the post. If there is not positive rating of a post, the thread may be considered useful if the originator of a post marks the post as being answered, in which case delete clock is reset. If however, none of the posts within the thread are rated positively, then the thread is considered not be useful and deleted.

A glucose meter module integrated into a holster device that can securely accommodate another device such as a portable server device or an insulin pump is described. The glucose measuring module and the health device communicate with each other by a short range wireless modality. In the case in which the accommodated device is a server, such as personal digital assistant or cell phone, the device stores data in a memory, displays data on a visual display, and can wirelessly transmit such data to other devices within a personal area network. In the case where the accommodated device is a cell phone, the phone can further transmit data to remote sites. In the case where the accommodated device is an insulin pump, wirelessly received data are stored in a memory, are available for visual display on the insulin pump, and can be incorporated into the electronic processes that regulate the performance of the pump.

Systems and methods support dental implant patient scheduling and treatment process relating to packaging one or more dental appliances as a kit which is readily used by dental professional during surgery, by communicating manufacturing progress information with a doctor over a network and performing patient scheduling and treatment when the dental appliances reach a certain manufacturing progress. A network-based service may also provide a doctor with a treatment solution including a surgical kit derived from patient data.

The invention provides a substantially moisture-proof, air-tight apparatus for both dispensing a plurality of diagnostic test strips and testing a biological fluid dispensed onto the strip. One strip may be advanced for use in testing using a single, translational movement.

The invention provides a two-part package and method of use for a pre-attached medical implant and delivery tool system. The package includes a wet compartment and a dry compartment and allows a pre-attached implant and delivery tool system to be at least partially stored immersed in a fluid in the wet compartment and at least partially stored in the dry compartment. In one embodiment the implant comprises a replacement heart valve, and the heart valve is stored inside the wet compartment while the heart valve delivery tool remains dry in the dry compartment.

A sterilization container for medical instruments includes a receptacle with a bottom wall and an open top, there being a multiplicity of vent openings in the bottom wall. The receptacle has a cover movable between a closed position wherein the cover closes the open top of the receptacle and an open position wherein the cover is positioned to allow access to the interior of the receptacle. A filter sheet is positioned in the receptacle so as to cover the bottom wall and the vent openings therein and the receptacle contains one or more trays for supporting medical instruments above the filter sheet. A perforated highly thermally conductive plate is positioned between the trays and the filter sheet so that when steam enters the container through the vent openings during steam sterilization, it heats the plate to a temperature sufficient to revaporize steam condensate collecting on the plate. The internal structure of the container is also disclosed.

A packaging system and method which provides at least one tray or nest, having a number of wells and ribs to position and secure a patch-like, self-contained substance infusion device having one or more patient needles which can be placed in fluid communication with a fluid reservoir assembly within the device and upon which a disk, or Belleville spring assembly applies an essentially even and constant pressure to the contents. The device further provides for the release of one or more spring-loaded patient needles a patient's skin surface to establish a fluid communication path between the patient needles and the pressurized fluid reservoir contents.

A light emitting toothbrush is provided that includes three light emitting diodes, each having a different primary color. A battery is provided as a power source, and a control circuit is used to control the diodes. The control circuit is configured to sequentially or simultaneously power some or all of the diodes, and it can be configured to vary the power to each diode, thereby providing an almost infinite spectrum of colors of light. A switch is actuated when the brush head contacts an operator's teeth, thereby activating the diodes. A package is provided that allows a potential purchaser to apply a force to the brush head and activate the lights while the toothbrush is still in the package. The control circuit can be configured to control the diodes to provide signals to the operator and/or provide aesthetically pleasing light.

A novel adjustable hand grip device for use with a three dimensional coordinate measurement system provides an ergnomically formed pistol grip rotatably positioned on a manually manipulated multijointed measuring arm allowing a plurality of angular positions convenient to an operator. The adjustable hand grip includes a clamp for releasably securing the device n a preselected position. An embodiment of the present invention includes a ball and detent device for releasably positioning the hand grip in a plurality of preselected positions. In yet another embodiment the hand grip device includes a swivel joint allowing rotation of the pistol grip relative to the clamp.

A toner container detachably attached to a toner-container holder of a main body of an image forming apparatus includes a container body that includes an opening, and discharges toner contained in the container body, from the opening; and a held portion that is held by the toner-container holder in a non-rotating manner. The held portion includes an open/close member for opening/closing the toner outlet in synchronization with an attachment/detachment operation of the held portion to/from the toner-container holder.

A toner supply container, detachably mountable to a main assembly of an image forming apparatus, for supplying toner to the main assembly of the image forming apparatus. The toner supply container includes a main body for accommodating the toner; a discharging opening for permitting discharging of the toner accommodated in the main body of the container; a container shutter member for opening and closing the discharging opening, the container shutter member being provided with an engaging portion engageable with a main assembly shutter member provided in the main assembly of the apparatus, wherein the main assembly shutter member is openable and closable relative to a toner reception opening of the main assembly of the apparatus while the container shutter member and the main assembly shutter member are interrelated with each other, and wherein the engaging portion is capable of passing by a position corresponding to the discharging opening; cover seals covers the engaging portion relative to the discharging opening.

A safety shield for a needle assembly which includes a cover, a mount and a hinge forming a shield body. The shield body defines a cavity in which a needle assembly having a needle and a luer hub is positioned. The mount includes a socket for receipt of the luer hub while the cover includes a retainer for coupling with the needle assembly. A hinge includes a living hinge between the cover and the mount. A tab encloses one end of the mount. Both the cover and the tab are associated with the mount by means of frangible webs to define a sealed body. A flexible tear strip extends over the cavity to fully seal the body.

A storage package (1) contains a medical device (7) having a coated surface (8 ) which exhibits a reduced friction when wetted with a wetting liquid and a supply of the wetting liquid (9). The package is adapted such that the coated surface of the medical device is maintained contact with the supply of wetting liquid during storage. A good shelf-life for the medical device is achieved an where the medical device is a urethral catheter the catheter is immediately “ready-for-use” after the package has been opened.

The present invention is a cosmetic or dermatological preparation for use with a dispenser that includes an auxiliary to keep the dispenser operating smoothly. The auxiliary is selected from the group consisting of (i) polyols having 2 to 6 carbon atoms and 2 to 6 hydroxyl or alkoxy groups and (ii) surfactants that reduce the surface tension of the preparation to less than 30 mN/m. The preparation is particularly suitable with a dispenser comprising a container and an inner container wall for housing a cosmetic or dermatological preparation; a follow-up plunger on a base side of the dispenser, which is capable of being slidably displaced on the inner container wall under the pressure of the ambient atmosphere; a head section on a top end of the dispenser that can be slidably displaced in relation to the container and that comprises a dispensing channel, the dispensing channel capable of being connected in a communicating manner to the container; a manually actuable delivery device comprising a variable-volume delivery chamber, a delivery element that can be displaced longitudinally in relation to the container and the head section, comprising a delivery plunger that can be slidably displaced within the delivery chamber and a delivery stem connected to the delivery plunger, and a delivery channel circumferentially enclosed by the delivery stem and comprising a delivery-channel inlet opening communicating with the delivery chamber and a delivery-channel outlet opening. The delivery channel outlet opening is capable of being moved into an open position relative to the dispensing channel by displacing the delivery element.

Cartridge for a testing device and method of testing using the testing device with the cartridge. The cartridge includes a plurality of lancet needles and a mechanism allowing the cartridge to be mounted to the testing device. The method provides for puncturing a surface of skin using the testing device by arranging the testing device adjacent against a user's skin, triggering the testing device so that one of the plurality of lancet needles is caused to penetrate the user's skin, and rotating the cartridge to another position. This Abstract is not intended to define the invention disclosed in the specification, nor intended to limit the scope of the invention in any way.

A holster (10) includes one or more modular inserts (90, 100) positioned within a rigid body (20) of the holster (10) to fit and position a preselected handgun (56) or group of similar handguns or other service items. Also described are security devices including a pivoting security hood (66) and an internal handgun retention device that engages an ejection port (136) of the handgun. The hood (66) and internal retention device may be both opened by a common release lever (70) of the holster (10) that is preferably located along a portion of the holster (10) substantially adjacent a user wearing the holster (10). The release lever (70) drives a rocking latch located along a front wall of the holster body (20), which latches the hood (66) in the closed position and engages an ejection port (136) of a holstered handgun (56). When actuated by the release lever (70), the latch (120) disengages the hood (66) and the ejection port (136), allowing the hood (66) to rotate open and the handgun (56) to be withdrawn from the holster (10).

A tool for gripping and removing mechanical fasteners such as pedicle screws. With reference to FIG. 7, the device generally resembles a screwdriver, having a handle on one end, a long shaft in the middle, and fastener engaging means on the other end. The fastener engaging means comprises a set of two or more jaws having inward facing gripping surfaces positioned to grasp the external surfaces of a screw head. The jaws are formed as part of a collet slidably mounted within an outer thread sleeve. The thread sleeve is attached to the shaft. A tapered journal on the collet interacts with a tapered bore in the thread sleeve so that when the collet is pulled into the thread sleeve, the set of two or more jaws are squeezed together. The threaded engagements between the collet and the thread sleeve should be the reverse of the thread on the screw to be removed; i.e., if a right-hand screw is to be removed then the threaded engagement between the collet and the thread sleeve should be made with a left-hand thread. In operation, the jaws are placed over the screw head and the device is rotated in a counterclockwise direction (for removal of a screw with a right-hand thread). The inward facing surfaces on the jaws bear against the bolt head, thereby impeding the rotation of the collet relative to the thread sleeve. The left-hand threaded engagement between the collet and the thread sleeve therefore pulls the collet further into the thread sleeve, whereupon the tapered bore squeezes the jaws more tightly together. Thus, the reader will appreciate, applying torque to the device when it is in position on a screw head simultaneously torques the screw head and squeezes the jaws more tightly together. The inward facing surfaces are also provided with an undercut in order to accommodate axial misalignment between the jaws and the screw head.

A lancet is pressed against a puncture needle cartridge while fitting a puncture needle loading inlet of the lancet to the axis of a puncture needle on the puncture needle cartridge. At this time, in order to facilitate the operation, one of plural puncture needles arranged in parallel is tilted up from its initial position at a predetermined angle, and the puncture needle is guided into a puncture needle holding rod of the lancet, and simultaneously, the puncture needle is pressed up to a position where the rear end part of the needle pushes the bottom surface of a puncture needle loading chamber of the puncture needle holding rod, whereby the puncture needle is loaded. When discarding a used puncture needle, the puncture needle is inserted into a lancet guide member of the puncture needle cartridge, whereby the puncture needle is reliably captured to be discarded.

A method and apparatus for transporting syringes containing radioactive material. The apparatus includes a radiopharmaceutical pig having an inner chamber in which a sharps container can be secured. The sharps container has a housing and an attachable cap. The method includes assembling the radiopharmaceutical pig so that the chamber of the radiopharmaceutical pig contains the syringe in the sharps container housing. The radiopharmaceutical pig is disassembled, where upon the syringe is removed, discharged, and then replaced in the sharps container housing. The cap of the sharps container is affixed to the housing of the sharps container, thus enclosing the contaminated syringe therein. The radiopharmaceutical pig is assembled so that its chamber contains the sharps container and the syringe. The radiopharmaceutical pig is transported to a disposal area, where it is disassembled and the sharps container containing the syringe is placed in a particular disposal container.

An apparatus for treating urinary incontinence, comprising: a support section adapted for providing urethral support; an anchoring section for resisting movement of the apparatus; an insert, a portion of which is adapted to be positioned where the support section attaches to the node; and, wherein the insert urges the support section radially outwards from a central axis of the apparatus.

Embodiments of the invention include a packaging for a medical kit. The packaging includes a bottom configured to receive a plurality of medical products and a top having at least one protrusion extending therefrom. The bottom and the top are shaped so that the bottom receives the top with the at least one protrusion extending towards the bottom. The at least one protrusion is configured to deform about the plurality of medical products to restrict movement of the plurality of medical products.

A flexible package comprising a dispensing opening and a resealable closure flap. The closure flap may have an area that is at least four times the size of the area of the dispensing opening. The package and the closure flap may comprise a resealable fastening element system.

A disposed system for medical waste, and particularly sharp ended waste, includes a sharps receptacle and a companion needle holder. The needle holder has an actuation mechanism capable of detachably mounting an externally threaded hub of a needle assembly to the holder. The sharps receptacle has a top with an automatic release structure disposed thereon for engagement with the actuation mechanism of the needle holder. The automatic release structure cooperates with the actuation mechanism of the needle holder to automatically detach a mounted needle assembly from the holder into the sharps receptacle in response to placement of the holder into the automatic release structure.

An overtube for use with an endoscopic surgical instrument. In various embodiments, the overtube may comprise a hollow tubular member that has an implantable tip detachably affixed to a distal end thereof. The implantable tip may have at least one retention member formed thereon to retain the tip within an organ wall. The implantable tip may further have a lumen extending therethrough to form a passageway through the organ wall. A plug member may be provided to selectively seal off the lumen within the implantable tip.

A storage container for storing used diagnostic test strips has a base wall, a top wall, and a side wall that define an enclosed container space. The container has formed therein a test strip opening that connects the outside environment with the enclosed container space. The test strip opening is sized to receive a test strip and allow its passage from the outside environment to the enclosed container space. The test strip opening is disposed on the container in a position to restrain a test strip disposed in the container space from falling out of the container through the test strip opening, or the test strip opening is shaped to restrain a test strip disposed in the container space from falling out of the container through the test strip opening, or both.

A system for organizing a set of surgical instruments for an endoscopic surgical procedure includes a tray body that defines a set of recesses. Some of the recesses are each designed to receive the operating portion of a respective endoscopic surgical instrument. These recesses are notched at one side such that the elongated invasive portions of the endoscopic surgical instruments are positioned entirely or partially outside of the tray body, directly supported by the same table surface that supports the tray body during an endoscopic procedure.

A vapor hydrated packaged catheter assembly and method of manufacturing and distributing same includes a gas impermeable package housing a catheter within a catheter-receiving cavity. The catheter assembly has a hydrophilic coating applied to at least a portion of the outer surface of a catheter tube or shaft which may be surrounded by a sleeve to provide a no-touch, sure grip feature. The catheter assembly is disposed within the catheter receiving cavity of the package together with a limited amount of a vapor donating liquid provided as a source of vapor to activate the hydrophilic coating. The amount of vapor donating liquid is less than the amount that would otherwise be sufficient to cause a spill hazard. It may be loose liquid as a desired percentage of the volume of a tube-receiving portion of the catheter receiving cavity of the package, or it may be contained in a liquid sequestering element. The activation of at least some of the hydrophilic coating occurs solely by reason of exposure of the outer surface of the catheter to a vapor produced by the vapor donating liquid. The distribution of the catheter following manufacture is delayed for a time sufficient to permit the vapor to complete hydration of the entire hydrophilic coating on the surface.

A part of a toner supply path is formed in a setting unit, and a nozzle coupled to a toner container is provided, wherein the fitting direction of the toner container to the setting unit and the coupling direction of the nozzle to the toner container are different.

The invention relates to a mobile phone holder for attaching a mobile phone to a body part of a user or to a dashboard or other structures in a vehicle. The mobile phone can be intermittently rotated under the manipulation of the user and attached/detached to a waist belt or the structures in the vehicle in an easy and secure manner. This prevents loss of the mobile phone while ensuring convenience in use.