52results about How to "Easy manipulation" patented technology

Minimally invasive surgical devices and related tools are provided. The devices include image acquisition devices and forceps, scissors, clamps, ultrasound probes, lasers, cautery devices, staplers, knives, suturing devices, rivet drivers, ligation devices, aspiration devices, injection devices, biopsy devices, radiotherapy devices; and radioactive emitter loading devices. Other devices useful for internal procedures in a patient's body or for facilitating such procedures are also provided.

A vial adaptor for releasably holding a vial (1010) and releasable connection to an injector (1008) comprising: a dual-sleeved member (11) comprising a forward facing sleeve (12) and a rearward facing sleeve (16) adapted to operably engage a front end of a forward housing (1040) of said injector (1008), and comprising a vial stopper piercing member (46); and a vial engaging element (60) adapted to slidingly translate within said forward facing sleeve (12) and releasibly hold said vial (1010) in a position whereby said vial stopper piercing member (46) pierces a stopper of said vial (1010), said vial engaging element (60) adapted to allow forward movement of a plunger of said injector (1008) when said vial (1010) is in said position. In other aspects, a vial-stopper piercing spike and a method of manufacturing same is described.

A device and method for generating microcapsules employs an inertial-focusing channel for introducing particles dispersed in a prepolymer suspension fluid, a droplet-generating junction for introducing oil evenly onto the flow of particles to create separated droplets of prepolymer suspension fluid encapsulating respective particles in a streamline flow, and a polymerization section for exposing the droplets to UV light or heat to cause polymerization of a polymer coating on separate microcapsules each containing a respective particle. Preferred suspension fluids may be aqueous solution of poly(ethylene-glycol)-diacrylate (PEGDA), or poly(N-isopropyl-acryalmide) (PNIPAAM). The preferred device may employ a curved or linear inertial-focusing microchannel. Functional tags and / or handles may be added to the microcapsules allowing easy detection, measurement and handling of the microcapsules.

Structures and methods for tissue engineering include a multicellular body including a plurality of living cells. A plurality of multicellular bodies can be arranged in a pattern and allowed to fuse to form an engineered tissue. The arrangement can include filler bodies including a biocompatible material that resists migration and ingrowth of cells from the multicellular bodies and that is resistant to adherence of cells to it. Three-dimensional constructs can be assembled by printing or otherwise stacking the multicellular bodies and filler bodies such that there is direct contact between adjoining multicellular bodies, suitably along a contact area that has a substantial length. The direct contact between the multicellular bodies promotes efficient and reliable fusion. The increased contact area between adjoining multicellular bodies also promotes efficient and reliable fusion. Methods of producing multicellular bodies having characteristics that facilitate assembly of the three-dimensional constructs are also provided.

Structures and methods for tissue engineering include a multicellular body including a plurality of living cells. A plurality of multicellular bodies can be arranged in a pattern and allowed to fuse to form an engineered tissue. The arrangement can include filler bodies including a biocompatible material that resists migration and ingrowth of cells from the multicellular bodies and that is resistant to adherence of cells to it. Three-dimensional constructs can be assembled by printing or otherwise stacking the multicellular bodies and filler bodies such that there is direct contact between adjoining multicellular bodies, suitably along a contact area that has a substantial length. The direct contact between the multicellular bodies promotes efficient and reliable fusion. The increased contact area between adjoining multicellular bodies also promotes efficient and reliable fusion. Methods of producing multicellular bodies having characteristics that facilitate assembly of the three-dimensional constructs are also provided.

Biodegradable resorbable drug delivery systems characterized by an electrospun biodegradable resorbable polymeric fiber matrix with at least one therapeutic agent incorporated into the fibers of the matrix, wherein the fiber matrix has an interfibrillar space of at least 65% by volume. Therapeutic methods for delivering a chemotherapeutic agent to body cavities from which a tumor has been excised and for strengthening weakened blood vessel walls are also disclosed.

A clamp assembly for securing a flexible cable comprising an elongated body portion, a bore extending through the body portion, a clamping screw mounted in a sidewall of the body portion mounting a shoe at its inner end which snugly fits in a pocket, said shoe having an arcuate face to snugly embrace the cable and a means to finding a recess in the bore wall located opposite said show whereby rotation of screw in direction to advance the shoe inwardly presses the cable into the recess to firmly lock it in place.

A modular automatic spray gun manifold is provided. The manifold includes a plurality of spray gun modules arranged in an array in laterally spaced relation from each other. A junction element is arranged at an upstream end of the manifold. The junction element includes a liquid supply connection and a pressurized air connection. A first support assembly is arranged between the junction element and a first spray gun module in the spray gun module array for supporting the first spray gun module relative to the junction element. The first support assembly includes a plurality of fluid conduits for supplying fluid to the first spray gun module. The fluid conduits in the first support assembly communicate with the liquid supply and pressurized air supply connections of the junction element. A second support assembly is arranged between each adjacent pair of spray gun modules in the array of spray gun modules for supporting the adjacent pair of spray gun modules relative to each other. Each second support assembly includes a plurality of fluid conduits for communicating fluid between the adjacent spray gun modules. One or more retaining elements secure the spray gun modules, support assemblies and junction plate in assembled relation.

A kite safety, control, and depowering device for a kite having an airfoil with leading and trailing edges, at least two control lines attached to the airfoil and a control flying bar attached to at least two of the control lines. The device features a continuous trim and safety flying line disposed at their lower ends over a rapid depowering apparatus. The depowering apparatus includes means for capturing and rapidly releasing an expansion disposed on the trim line, such that when rapid depowering is required, a simply release mechanism may be actuated to change the angle of attack of the airfoil rapidly.

A grip element having a soft, compressible and deformable outer layer supported by an underlying support structure sufficiently rigid to maintain a receiving channel of the grip element in an open configuration. The support structure facilitates manipulation of the grip element and assembly of the grip element onto a hand-held article without having the outer layer collapse on itself as would occur without the support structure as a result of the soft, deformable nature of the outer layer. The grip element may be formed separately from the hand-held article on which it is to be assembled, and then positioned thereon such that the hand-held article is sold with the grip element pre-assembled thereon. If desired, the grip element may be provided separate from the hand-held article, the outer layer providing a readily compressible and deformable soft cushioning surface and the support structure facilitating insertion of the outer layer over at least a portion of a hand-held article. The outer layer and support structure may be co-molded such that the materials thereof are permanently and directly bonded together. If desired, a pattern may be formed on the outer layer, such as grooves, dimples, ribs, bumps, a lattice pattern, or a honeycomb pattern.

The present invention 10 discloses a domed covering element sized to cover and protect the entire wheel rim 14 while leaving the tire 16 fully exposed. A handle member 12 is fixedly attached to a central portion of the convex side of the covering element 10 to allow the user 18 to easily and rapidly put the present invention 10 into position and maintain it there with the use of just one hand so the other is free to spray or brush on the tire dressing 20. The domed shape of the covering element 10 keeps the user's hand 18 away from the dressing solution 20 during the application thereof as well as protecting the wheel rim 14 from getting scuffed from contact with the surface of the covering element. The present invention may include a resilient, compressible gasket 24 which encompasses the periphery of the covering element 10 to form an impermeable seal when a slight pressure is applied thereto. The gasket 24 assures that no solution 20 will pass therethrough and contact the wheel rim 14 even when heavily applied.

File formats systems and methods are disclosed that provide a framework that integrates concepts, such as objects based audio-visual representation, meta-data and object oriented programming, to achieve a flexible and generic representation of the audiovisual information and the associated methods to operate on the audiovisual information. A system and method are disclosed for storing data processed from presentation data. The data is stored according to a method comprising coding input presentation data by identifying objects from within the presentation data, coding each object individually and organizing the coded data into access layer data units. The access layer data units are stored throughout a plurality of segments, each segment comprising a segment table in a header portion thereof and those access layer data units that are members of the respective segment, there being one entry in the segment table for each access layer data unit therein. A plurality of extended segments are also stored, each of the extended segments further comprising one or more of the access layer data units that include protocol specific data, the extended segments each represented by a extended segment header. The data of an accessible object is also stored, including an accessible object header and identifiers of the plurality of extended segments, each of the extended segments being a member of the same object.

A method and apparatus for accurately determining the interior profile of cylindrical objects such as reformer catalyst tubes is described. The radius of the tube is measured from the axis of the tube for each point of the interior surface by calculating the angle of a reflected light beam and the deviation thereof. A first embodiment reflects an light beam off of the interior surface of the cylinder and measures the angle of the light reflected from the interior of the cylinder. A second embodiment removes rotating parts by using a cone mirror to reflect a ring of light onto the interior of the cylinder. Signal processing means are provided to reduce surplus signals allowing transmission of only useful information.

File formats systems and methods are disclosed that provide a framework that integrates concepts, such as objects based audio-visual representation, meta-data and object oriented programming, to achieve a flexible and generic representation of the audiovisual information and the associated methods to operate on the audiovisual information. A system and method are disclosed for storing data processed from presentation data. The data is stored according to a method comprising coding input presentation data by identifying objects from within the presentation data, coding each object individually and organizing the coded data into access layer data units. The access layer data units are stored throughout a plurality of segments, each segment comprising a segment table in a header portion thereof and those access layer data units that are members of the respective segment, there being one entry in the segment table for each access layer data unit therein. A plurality of extended segments are also stored, each of the extended segments further comprising one or more of the access layer data units that include protocol specific data, the extended segments each represented by a extended segment header. The data of an accessible object is also stored, including an accessible object header and identifiers of the plurality of extended segments, each of the extended segments being a member of the same object.

A rattle and noise detection system useful for a large variety of automotive vehicles is provided. The vehicles are examined in a stationary position with one of their tires having been driven onto said detection system. This tire rests against a roller assembly driven by an electromechanical drive train, electrically powered and remotely controlled. Each roller in the assembly can individually rotate around its center axis as the assembly itself rotates over a specific RPM range causing the longitudinal side of each roller to continuously strike the tires' treaded lower half at a predetermined position. This position is primarily a function of the tire size and the roller assembly's diameter and mounting position in the detection system. As the rollers continuously strike the tire, vibrations and shock waves are produced in the vehicle causing and maintaining the same annoying rattles, squeaks and noises noticeable during driving conditions. The detection system operator, who ideally is an automotive technician, is thereby empowered to efficiently locate, repair a problem, and immediately determine the repair's success. A tire positioning and holding system is also devised for operation on a surface that is not essentially level.

An improved aroma-producing composition is provided that is shelf-stable and allows controlled release of a desired aroma from the composition, and also food products treated with the aroma-producing composition. The aroma-producing composition is a homogenous one-phase system which includes an aroma-producing material and a fat-containing composition which includes a medium chain fatty acid triglyceride and fat or lipid having a melting point greater than the medium chain fatty acid triglyceride. The aroma-producing composition can be heated to induce and boost aroma release from the aroma-producing composition at an opportune time, such as when a food product treated with the aroma-producing composition is preheated by microwave heating immediately before it is consumed.

The present invention relates to a method for processing a signal obtain, from an in situ reformer tube inspection, that includes X, Y, and intensity data sets for each pixel of a sensor from an image sensor receiving a substantially ring shaped image. The method converts a signal having an X position, a Y position, and an intensity component to a signal having an angle, a radius, and an intensity and filtering out all signal sets that do not have a radius greater than a predetermined radius.

A vehicle cleaning apparatus adapted to be connected to a flexible hose of a wet vac, and having a separate connection for attaching a hose to a supply of water in which the working end of the attachment can be operated with one hand with great maneuverability inside a vehicle and, when needed, can supply a spray of water for individual spots requiring wetting as needed by the activation of a spring valve that is located a substantial distance away from the cleaning end of the attachment.

An improved hand-held food processor for performing selected cutting operations upon a foodstuff is disclosed comprising an elongated housing, a lever arm extended substantially through the housing and pivotally coupled thereto under a spring bias, and a processing plate containing a cutting panel slidably disposed and adapted to engage the pivoting lever arm at its lower tip to provide reciprocating cutting motion. The housing is formed having a narrow grip-like upper section for handling and an expanded bell-shaped lower section with an open bottom at the base of the housing. The lower section of the housing is further formed having a forward compartment intended to hold the foodstuff to be processed. A spring-driven press mechanism is slidably mounted within the forward compartment of the housing and releasably engaged for activation to push the foodstuff through the compartment and onto the reciprocating plate for delivery of processed foodstuff.

The present invention is directed to a multi-organ-chip device comprising a base layer; an organ layer arranged on the base layer; an antra layer arranged on the organ layer; and an actuator layer; wherein the base layer is configured to provide a solid support for the further layers; the organ layer is configured to comprise a multiplicity of individual organ equivalents, each organ equivalent comprising one or more organ growth sections, each of the organ growth sections being configured to comprise an organoid cavity for housing at least one organoid of an organ and to comprise a micro-inlet and a micro-outlet for fluid communication between the organoid cavity of the organ growth section and a self-contained circulation system, wherein the organ layer comprises at least one organ equivalent configured to represent the organs lung, small intestine, spleen, pancreas, liver, kidney and bone marrow, respectively, and a self-contained circulation system configured to be in direct fluid communication with the organ growth sections of the organ layer via the micro inlets and outlets of the organ growth sections; the antra layer is configured to comprise a multiplicity of cavities and tubes arranged to be in fluid communication with selected organ equivalents or organ growth sections in order to allow for exchange of fluids between cavities and organ growth sections; and the actuator layer is configured to comprise a multiplicity of actuators arranged and configured to regulate a pressure force applied on a selected organ equivalent, the self-contained circulation system and / or part thereof.

A bulkhead suited for constraining a bulk material within a shipping container. The bulkhead is foldable about a hinge feature, providing for easy manipulation and installation of the bulkhead within the shipping container. The bulkhead is suitable for construction with corrugated cardboard made from materials such as paper or plastic. The bulkhead optionally includes additional features such as a ripcord enabling quick and easy bulk material unloading, and an RFID tag enabling electronic identification and tracking of bulk material contents.

An apparatus to deliver gas into a liquid comprising a container for the gas to be injected, which is connected to a compressed gas source (1) by means of an inlet duct, said gas delivering apparatus comprising at least one sensor to measure pressure and one sensor to measure temperature, wherein said container is a measurement chamber (9) of known volume, which is connected to a final delivery system or injector (10) by means of an outlet duct, wherein the final delivery system or injector comprises a long application tube with a diffuser that allows the gas to be divided into very small bubbles to facilitate its dissolution into the liquid. A method to deliver a gas into a liquid comprising a) allowing the passage of a determined amount of gas into a container for the gas to be injected, wherein said method comprises the steps of: b) measuring the pressure difference and the gas temperature inside the gas container, being said container a measurement chamber with a constant volume; c) allowing the discharge of a gas dose in a predetermined amount of gas, measured in step b), by activating the application system; d) injecting the gas into the bulk of the liquid. The method of the present invention finds application mainly in the wine industry, wherein sulfur dioxide application is required to control fermentation.

A preshaped tubular catheter for percutaneous transradial approach to catheterization, comprises a distal bridge shaped portion having a distal arch defining a primary curve, a top defining a secondary curve, and a proximal arch defining a tertiary curve. The proximal arch is connected to a straight shaft. The shaft is stiff and the bridge shaped portion has a flexibility extending at least up to and including the primary curve and a stiffness extending at least up to and including the tertiary curve.

A cleaning tool comprising a long thin body member having an upper valved end connectable to a pressurized source of cleaning fluid and having a closed lower end with a plurality of adjacent jet discharge ports, said body member being constructed and arranged with a first hand grip zone located at the upper end and a second hand grip zone located adjacent to the discharge ports, and the hand grip zones having an insulated safety covering.

A modular automatic spray gun manifold is provided. The manifold includes a plurality of spray gun modules arranged in an array in laterally spaced relation from each other. A junction element is arranged at an upstream end of the manifold for introducing fluid into the manifold. A first support assembly is arranged between the junction element and a first spray gun module in the spray gun module array for supporting the first spray gun module relative to the junction element. The first support assembly includes a plurality of fluid conduits for supplying fluid to the first spray gun module. One or more second support assemblies with one second support assembly are arranged between each adjacent pair of spray gun modules in the array of spray gun modules for supporting the adjacent pair of spray gun modules relative to each other. Each second support assembly includes a plurality of fluid conduits for communicating fluid between the adjacent spray gun modules such that fluid introduced into the manifold through the junction element is communicated to each spray gun module. The first support assembly and each second support assembly include an interior space through which their respective plurality of fluid conduits extend and a heat transfer fluid inlet for communicating a hot heat transfer fluid into the interior space of the respective support assembly.

Composite wear parts including encapsulated preformed ceramic shapes are disclosed. Preformed ceramic shapes are embedded in a metal alloy to protect the base metal from abrasion. The preformed ceramic shapes may have a uniform, preformed geometry that provides for packing the preformed ceramic shapes together in a uniform way. The preformed ceramic shapes may be positioned at a location in the composite wear part exposed to an abrasion without using a binding agent. The preformed ceramic shapes may also be contained in a porous container. A truss structure may be integrated in the preformed ceramic shapes to compartmentalize the preformed ceramic shapes into multiple isolated sub regions to stiffen the composite wear parts.

A non-disposable trocar needle and handle for suturing laparoscopic and other small incisions. In one embodiment, the trocar needle has a handle and a curved needle tip which allow a surgeon, with a single twist of the handle, to pass the needle through the fascia, muscle and peritoneal layers on both sides of an incision. In another embodiment the trocar needle has a straight shaft with an eyelet defined through the sharp, pointed tip, the eyelet having a larger diameter on one end than the opposite end for better visualization laparoscopically.

A projection laser scanner and method used to locate otherwise difficult-to-see items inadvertently dropped onto relatively flat surface areas, such as but not limited to floors, countertops, and tabletops, which uses a laser beam with a broad field of view to illuminate items raised above the surface area, giving each a glowing appearance. Should surface areas comprise raised features, the laser beam will illuminate them. However, dropped items thereon will still be very evident and remain easy to locate. Safety applications of the projection laser scanner are many, and include but are not limited to, finding dropped medication, small tools, eyeglass screws, contact lenses, pins, needles, staples, and other objects that one would not want a small child or pet to find and swallow; broken glass or ceramic shards; rings, earrings, and gemstones inadvertently separated from jewelry; as well as countless other difficult-to-see items that blend into background surface areas.

File formats systems and methods are disclosed that provide a framework that integrates concepts, such as objects based audio-visual representation, meta-data and object oriented programming, to achieve a flexible and generic representation of the audiovisual information and the associated methods to operate on the audiovisual information. A system and method are disclosed for storing data processed from presentation data. The data is stored according to a method comprising coding input presentation data by identifying objects from within the presentation data, coding each object individually and organizing the coded data into access layer data units. The access layer data units are stored throughout a plurality of segments, each segment comprising a segment table in a header portion thereof and those access layer data units that are members of the respective segment, there being one entry in the segment table for each access layer data unit therein. A plurality of extended segments are also stored, each of the extended segments further comprising one or more of the access layer data units that include protocol specific data, the extended segments each represented by a extended segment header. The data of an accessible object is also stored, including an accessible object header and identifiers of the plurality of extended segments, each of the extended segments being a member of the same object.