Showing papers in "Official Gazette of the United States Patent and Trademark Office Patents in 1992"

Laser surgical unit

Abstract: Apparatus monitors RF return current to maximize the AC signal of impedance at two return electrodes. A transformer with driving and driven windings isolates ESU and patient. At ends of the driving winding are signal and ground terminals joined to the return electrodes with capacitors returning current. An AC coupling capacitor at the signal terminal has a timing circuit in sync to the voltage wave and relative to impedance of the return electrodes. Microprocessing the voltage at the signal terminal of the driving winding watches impedance and determines if the RF return current path is adequate. Voltage detection within the timing circuit has a voltage shaping circuit. A voltage comparator after the voltage detection forms a square wave. A current detection circuit and a coupling capacitor allow AC flow to the driving winding. Current shaping circuit in the current detection circuit has a voltage comparator at the output to form a square wave. Phase detection at the voltage and current detection circuits outputs filters the phase difference that is sampled and held as DC input to a switch, with an output and a few inputs to DC voltages. Phase locking an oscillating voltage source directly and/or through the sample and hold or DC switch tunes oscillation frequency and maximizes the voltage detection circuit output. Monitoring the return current with a signal from the voltage detection circuit connected to an oscillating voltage that is phase locked to the current phase therein shows that no phase difference and maximum signal voltage occur simultaneously.

Sleep apnea treatment apparatus

Abstract: Improved methodology and apparatus for the clinical study and treatment of sleep apnea which incorporates one or more of the following features: (1) application of mono-level, alternating high and low level, or variable positive airway pressure generally within the airway of the patient with the mono-level, high and low level, or variable airway pressure generally being coordinated with and/or responsive to the spontaneous respiration of the patient, (2) usage of adjustably programmable pressure ramp circuitry capable of producing multiple pressure ramp cycles of predetermined duration and pattern whereby the ramp cycles may be customized to accommodate the specific needs of an individual sleep apnea patient so as to ease the patient's transition from wakefulness to sleep, (3) remote control or patient-sensed operation of the apparatus, (4) employment of safety circuitry, reset circuitry and minimum system leak assurance circuitry, controls and methods, and (5) utilization of clinical control circuitry whereby sleep disorder data may be compiled and appropriate therapy implemented during a one-night sleep study.

Method for use in intra-abdominal surgery

Abstract: A method for use in intra-abdominal surgery comprises the steps of inserting a tubular member into a natural body cavity of a patient through a natural body opening, manipulating the tubular member from outside the patient so that a distal end of the tubular member engages a wall of the natural body cavity, and forming a fluid tight connection between the distal end of the tubular member and the wall Additional steps of the method include inserting an incising instrument through the tubular member upon insufflation of the abdominal cavity, manipulating the incising instrument from outside the patient to form a perforation through the surface of the wall, and moving a distal end of an endoscope through the tubular member and through the perforation The endoscope is used to visually inspect internal body tissues in an abdominal cavity of the patient Subsequently, a surgical operation is executed on the internal body tissues of the patient by manipulating an endoscopic surgical instrument passed along the endoscope through the natural body opening, the natural body cavity and the perforation into the abdominal cavity After the intra-abdominal operation, the surgical instrument and the endoscope are withdrawn from the abdominal cavity through the perforation, the perforation is closed, and the endoscope and the tubular member are withdrawn from the natural body cavity

Iontophoretic delivery device and method of hydrating same

Abstract: A dry-state iontophoretic drug delivery device (10, 30) is provided. The device has drug and electrolyte reservoirs (15, 16) which are initially in a non-hydrated condition. In one embodiment of the invention, a sealed liquid-containing pouch (21, 22) is provided in each electrode assembly (8, 9). Water or other liquid (20) is released from the pouch (21, 22) by pulling a tab (27, 28) attached to a portion (25, 26) of the pouch (21, 22) which is capable of being torn or ripped in order to hydrate the drug and electrolyte reservoirs (15, 16) and activate the device (10, 30). In another embodiment, the device (30) is held in a package (32). The device (30) has pouches (21, 22) which release their liquid contents automatically upon removal of the device (30) from the package (32). In yet another embodiment, the device (40) is held in a package (42) having a compression zone (46). The pouches (21, 22) must be moved through the compression zone (46) when removing the device (40) from the package (42). Compression causes the pouches (21, 22) to rupture and release the hydrating liquid (20).

Microbial oil mixtures and uses thereof

Abstract: The present invention relates to compositions including blends of microbial oils, methods of using such compositions, particularly as supplements for infant formula, and methods of increasing the amount of long chain polyunsaturated fatty acids in infant formula.

Flexible suture guide and holder

Abstract: An assembly for holding a substantially flexible suture guide of predetermined length in a substantially taut position used to achieve a suture line having a dimension equal to the length of the suture guide, such as the circumference about a heart valve annulus. The assembly includes a rigid suture guide holder having a surface against which the length of suture guide is releasably positioned. The guide holder can have a shape or geometry, such as a circumference or circumferential segment, equivalent to the shape or geometry of the intended suture line. The shape of the guide holder can therefore be selected to hold the suture guide in the shape most advantageous to placing the desired suture line. The assembly further includes a mechanism for releasably binding the suture guide to the surface of the holder and a detachable handle extendibly attached to the holder by means of a lanyard so that the handle can be detached to afford an unobstructed view of the surgical site, but cannot be removed from the surgical site until the holder has also been removed.

System for controlling artificial knee joint action in an above knee prosthesis

Abstract: This invention relates to an above knee prosthesis which employs a hydraulic damper to passively regulate the angular velocity or rotation of the artificial knee joint. A programmed microprocessor recognizes common gait patterns from information received from bending moment strain and knee angle sensors on the prosthesis. The microprocessor, under the control of a rule-based program, reacts at various transition points in the gait by activating a motor which in turn adjusts a valve assembly in the damper. The valve assembly is capable of variably and separately damping the knee joint motion in each of flexion and extension at the same time. Gait is improved because of the improved extent of control of knee action. In addition, distinct routines such as stair descending and sitting down can also be practised.

Ultrasonic probe for transmission and reception of ultrasonic wave and ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus including ultrasonic probe

Abstract: An ultrasonic probe to be used for an ultrasonic diagnostic apparatus for obtaining an ultrasonic image. The ultrasonic probe comprises a catheter having a hollow tubing structure, a joint having a tubing structure and arranged to be at its one end portion connected to a tip portion of said catheter, a bearing connected to the other end portion of the joint, a rotating shaft inserted into the bearing to be rotatable and arranged so that a portion of the rotating shaft contacts with one end portion of the bearing, and a rotator connected to the rotating shaft and arranged so that one end portion of the rotator contacts with the other end portion of the bearing so that the bearing is interposed and supported between the portion of the rotating shaft and the rotator. An ultrasonic transducer is inserted into the rotator for transmitting and receiving an ultrasonic wave, a torque transmission shaft having a hollow structure is at its one end portion connected to the rotating shaft, and a guide wire is inserted into the hollow of the torque transmission shaft. A rotating force generated by a drive section is applied through the torque transmission shaft to the ultrasonic transducer whereby the ultrasonic transducer rotationally driven to perform a radial scanning operation. This arrangement allows a free movement of the guidewire within the catheter so that the catheter can easily be lead along the guidewire up to a target portion within a blood vessel.

Angioplasty balloon catheter and adaptor

Abstract: The invention described is a single lumen balloon catheter with a detachable adaptor, a rotatable guide wire and a short guide tube, in which the guide tube provides a path for the guide wire, the adaptor incorporates means for rotating the guide wire and whereby axial force can be transmitted to the guide tube.

Method for treating fluids

Abstract: A fluid treating method for treating fluid to reduce the concentration of undesirable metal constituents contained therein is disclosed. The method utilizes a bed of metal particulate matter. The metal particulate matter comprises copper. Preferably, the metal particulate also contains zinc and can be in the form of an alloy. The fluid treated is often water, preferably, drinking water. Among the metals that may be effected by the present method are aluminum, arsenic, barium, cadmium, chromium, copper, gold, iron, lead, mercury, selenium and silver.

Methods and compositions for mineralizing and fluoridating calcified tissues

Abstract: This invention involves the use of amorphous calcium compounds such as: amorphous calcium phosphate (ACP), amorphous calcium phosphate fluoride (ACPF) and amorphous calcium carbonate phosphate (ACCP) for use in remineralizing teeth. These amorphous compounds or solutions which form the amorphous compounds, when applied either onto or into dental tissue prevent and/or repair dental weaknesses such as dental caries, exposed roots and dentin sensitivity. The compounds have the highest solubilities, fastest formation rates and fastest conversion rates (to apatite) among all the calcium phosphorate under physiological conditions. Moreover, in the presence to fluoride the amorphous compound convert rapidly to fluoride containing apatite.

Laterally reflecting tip for laser transmitting fiber.

Abstract: An operating assembly for use in a liquid operating environment includes a flexible elongated light transmitting fiber having a light reflecting tip mounted thereon for reflecting the light beam laterally. The tip includes a number of features which minimize undesired heating of the tip. The tip is preferably made of solid gold and has a reflecting mirror surface coined on the gold tip. A lateral flushing passageway is disposed through the tip and allows surrounding ambient liquid to flow across the surface of the mirror to aid in cooling the tip and to aid in keeping the mirror clean. The tip is preferably mounted on the fiber by crimping. The tip includes a sufficient volume of material having a sufficient thermal conductivity located between the reflecting mirror and the crimped connection so as to dissipate heat energy which may be generated in the tip and to avoid sufficient heat energy reaching the crimped connection to cause a thermally induced failure of the mechanical attachment of the tip to the fiber at the crimp.

Rotating/sliding contrained prosthetic knee

Abstract: A constrained prosthetic knee for surgical replacement of a dysfunctional knee includes a tibial platform, a movable bearing element, a hinge portion, and a femoral component In one embodiment of the invention, the femoral component is typically constructed of a cobalt-chromium or titanium alloy and includes an upward extension for securing the femoral component to the femur The femoral component, in this embodiment, includes a convex curve which rotatably and/or slidably engages the movable bearing, typically constructed of high molecular weight polyethylene The superior surface of the bearing element is designed to congruently slidably engage the inferior surface of the curved portion of the femoral component The inferior surface of the femoral component is generally convex with a radius of curvature matching the superior surface of the bearing element The inferior surface of the femoral component may have more than one radii of curvature at different points along the convex surface The superior surface of the tibial platform is generally flat and may include one or more protrusions for controlling the movement of the bearing element as it slides on the superior surface of the tibial platform The hinge portion of the prosthetic device includes a lateral hinge pin and a yoke which rotatably mounts the femoral component on the tibial platform and provides two planes of rotation The tibial platform includes a depending stem for securing the tibial portion to the tibia A coaxial superior-inferior shaft within the tibial stem supports the yoke to define the plane of rotation of the hinge portion relative to the tibial platform

Method for use of a laparo-suture needle

Abstract: A laparo-suture needle and method for use thereof. A medical suturing instrument employs an outer, hollow shaft having a laterally-disposed, elongate handle at a proximal end and an elongate, inner shaft disposed within the outer shaft. The inner shaft has a cutting edge at the distal end and extends out of the outer shaft at the proximal end, terminating in a spring-loaded push button. A lateral notch is formed in the inner shaft proximal of the cutting edge. The spring forces the inner shaft rearwardly so as to pull the notch within the outer shaft. By gripping the handle and placing pressure on the push button, the inner shaft is moved forward so as to expose the notch. A suture may then be placed in the notch so that the instrument grips the suture between the outer shaft and the inner shaft when the push button is released. The instrument is used for suturing muscle at an incision by gripping the end of a suture, forcing the distal end of the instrument beneath the epidermis within an incision, into the fatty tissue and through the muscle adjacent one side of the incision to force the suture through the muscle.

Rotational and translational bearing combination in biological joint replacement

Abstract: A joint prosthesis having a femoral element (16), a tibial element (12) and a bearing (20) for articulation therebetween is disclosed to further include an intermediate element (22). The intermediate element permits rotation of the bearing with respect to the tibial element and longitudinal translation of the bearing with respect to the intermediate element. Transverse translation of the bearing with respect to the intermediate element is precluded. In an alternative embodiment, the longitudinal translation may be limited either in the anterior or posterior direction.

Sterilization process in the manufacturing of snuff

Abstract: The present invention relates to tobacco and more particularly to a process for preparing a moist snuff product and the stabilization thereof to reduce the level of microflora bacteria and to provide normal tasting products with extended shelf-lives.

Method for ultrasonically applying a surgical device

Abstract: In a laparoscopic surgical closure method, a distal end portion of a laparoscopic instrument is inserted into an abdominal cavity of a patient through a trocar sleeve disposed in an abdominal wall of the patient. A surgical device such as a clip or a suture having two portions made of polymeric material is applied to an organic structure inside the patient. The instrument is manipulated to place the bonding component in operative contact with the surgical device upon application of the surgical device to the organic structure. Subsequently, the bonding component is operated to bond the two portions of the surgical device to one another to lock the surgical device to the organic structure. The bonding component at the distal end of the laparoscopic instrument may include a heat exchanger and/or an ultrasonic transducer.

Method for the production of transgenic wheat plants

Abstract: The subject invention pertains to a novel method for producing transgenic wheat plants. The transgenic plants are produced by delivering appropriate DNA to a specific callus type.

Tissue removal assembly

Abstract: A suction and irrigation lavage with a cannula having a distal end insertible into a patient's body, with a cutting edge for capture of body tissue in the cannula interior and a hollow cutter moveable relative to the cannula for cutting body tissue captured by the cutting edge. A conduit piece is rigidly attached to the cannula and supports the cutter for movement, and has a channel defined in communication with the hollow interior of the cutter. A source of suction is connected to: the conduit piece channel by a dual purpose valve for withdrawing body tissue cut by the cutter through the cannula and conduit piece; and a source of irrigation fluid for passing fluid into the patient. The conduit has a hand grip portion for positioning the distal end of the cannula to a desired location in a patient while at the same time allowing for a digit of the hand to actuate the valve to control passage of irrigation fluid or suction to the cannula if desired. A tool entry conduit is located within the cutter and extends outwardly of the conduit piece in a direction away from the cannula for permitting entry of a surgical tool into the conduit piece and the hollow cutter.

Tests for the rapid evaluation of ischemic states and kits

Abstract: The present invention relates to rapid methods for the detection of ischemic states and to kits for use in such methods. Provided for is a rapid method of testing for and quantifying ischemia based upon methods of detecting and quantifying the existence of an alteration of the serum protein albumin which occurs following an ischemic event; methods for detecting and quantifying this alteration include evaluating and quantifying the cobalt binding capacity of circulating albumin, analysis and measurement of the ability of serum albumin to bind exogenous cobalt, detection and measurement of the presence of endogenous copper in a purified albumin sample and use of an immunological assay specific to the altered form of serum albumin which occurs following an ischemic event. Also taught by the present invention is the detection and measurement of an ischemic event by measuring albumin N-terminal derivatives that arise following an ischemic event, including truncated albumin species lacking one to four N-terminal amino acids or albumin with an acetylated N-terminal Asp residue.

Mono-fluorinated derivatives of N-propargyl-1-aminoindan and their use as inhibitors of monoamine oxidase

Abstract: N-propargyl-1-amonoindan monofluorinated in the phenyl ring and their use as selective inhibitors of monoamine oxidase (MAO). There are provided several processes for the preparation of these novel compounds. There are also provided as novel compounds 1-aminoindans monofluorinated in the phenyl ring, which serve as intermediates in the preparation of the corresponding novel N-propargyl derivatives.

Methods for use in bone tissue regeneration

Abstract: The present invention provides compositions for use in bone tissue regeneration containing a barrier material and a graft material. The barrier material can be calcium sulfate, while the graft material can be any suitable material, including a composite graft material containing demineralized, freeze-dried, allogenic bone (DFDBA) and calcium sulfate. Alternatively, the barrier material can be any suitable material, while the graft material can be a composition of DFDBA and calcium sulfate. Methods of using the compositions for bone tissue regeneration are also provided, as well as kits containing calcium sulfate, a rehydrant and optionally DFDBA.

Bifunctional isothiocyanate derived thiocarbonyls as ligands for metal binding

Abstract: This invention relates to chelating agents useful for coupling metal ions to biologically active molecules. In particular, isothiocyanate derived thiocarbonyls for chelating metals such as technetium are provided that can be conjugated to a targeting molecule such as an antibody, a peptide or a protein.

Method for treating patients with precancerous lesions by administering substituted sulfonyl idenyl acetic and propionic acids and esters to patients with lesions sensitive to such compounds

Abstract: Substituted indenyl sulfonyl acetic acids are useful in the treatment of precancerous lesions sensitive to treatment with those sulfonyl compounds.

Hemoglobins as drug delivery agents

Abstract: The invention relates to methods and compositions for delivering drugs to the body by binding them to hemoglobin. This technique stabilizes the drug and extends its half-life in the body. The drug may be chemically coupled to or adsorbed on the hemoglobin chain(s). Polypeptide therapeutics are ideally linked to an artificial hemoglobin via a cysteine located deep within a cleft in the hemoglobin molecule.

Microbial monitoring device

Abstract: This invention presents methods for detection and evaluation of metabolic activity of microorganisms based upon their ability to consume dissolved oxygen. The methods utilize a fluorescence detection system which makes use of the sensitivity of the fluorescent emission of certain compounds to the presence of oxygen, which quenches (diminishes) the compound's fluorescent emission in a concentration dependent manner. Respiring microorganisms will affect the oxygen concentration of a liquid medium in which they are immersed. Thus, this invention provides a convenient system to gather information on the presence, identification and metabolic activity of microorganisms by determining their effect on the oxygen concentration of the media in which they are present.

Liquid deodorant compositions.

Abstract: Disclosed are liquid deodorant compositions characterized by the presence of water and zinc phenolsulfonate at a weight ratio of at least about 1:3, most preferably about 3:1; most preferably 3:1; low levels of irritation causing polyhydric alcohols; relatively low monohydric alcohol levels; and the presence of nonionic emulsifiers. Also disclosed is a method for treating or preventing human malodor.

Sterilization of tissue implants using iodine

Abstract: The present invention provides an iodine-based solution, and a method of using that solution, which sterilizes tissue implants without denaturing the proteins in the implant and without inducing calcification of the implant in vivo. Preferably, the tissue implants sterilized using the present invention are fixed without using glutaraldehyde. Most preferably, the tissue implants are fixed by photooxidation.

Thromboresistant coating for defoaming applications

Abstract: A composition for coating medical blood contacting surfaces comprises a mixture of an anticoagulant and a defoaming agent. The coating composition is applied by either dipping the device into a solution containing the mixture or by spraying the mixture onto the surface. Alternatively, the surface can be sequentially dip coated and/or sprayed with the individual components. In a preferred embodiment, the anticoagulant is a quaternary ammonium complex of heparin, preferably stearyldimethylbenzyl ammonium heparin, and the antifoaming agent is a mixture of polydimethylsiloxane and silicone dioxide.

Methods and compositions relating to useful antigens of moraxella catarrhalis

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to Moraxella catarrhalis outer membrane vesicle (OMV) compositions, to selected antigenic proteins from the outer membranes of M. catarrhalis which have a variety of useful properties, and to monoclonal antibodies against these proteins. Particular "Outer Membrane Proteins" (OMPs) of the invention are characterized as having molecular weights of about 30 kD, 80 kD (also termed CopB protein) and between about 200 and 700 kD (HMWP antigen). Passive immunization with monoclonal antibodies directed against these proteins confers protection against homologous and heterologous Moraxella catarrhalis strains in animal models, and active immunization with outer membrane vesicles also enhances pulmonary clearance of distinct M. catarrhalis strains. This demonstrates both the utility of antibodies in conferring passive immunity and the usefulness of OMPs, or variants thereof, in the preparation of vaccines. Also disclosed are DNA segments encoding these OMPs, methods for preparing the antigens, or variants, through the application of recombinant DNA techniques, as well as diagnostic methods and related embodiments.