| Patent application number | Description | Published |
|---|
| 20080216570 | Isometric Strength testing apparatus - An isometric strength testing device includes a base for selectively supporting either a chair or a wheelchair for the subject to be tested. A pair of limb supports are positioned on the base, one to immobilize an arm and the other a leg of the subject. Each support includes a band carrying a load cell for generating a signal measurement of the force applied to the cell. Goniometers are associated with the supports for establishing appropriate angles of the subject's limbs at the knee and elbow. A computer connected to the force plates processes and displays data generated by the load cells. | 09-11-2008 |
| 20080221391 | DIRECT DRIVE INSTRUMENTS AND METHODS OF USE - Disclosed herein are various instruments, systems, and methods of use. The instruments can have various control members and/or handles for controlling various degrees of freedom. In addition, the control members can include various control mechanisms for transferring user inputs from a handle to a distal portion of the instrument. In one aspect, an instrument can comprise a control member and a catheter. The catheter can be adjustably and/or detachably connected to the control member. | 09-11-2008 |
| 20080287862 | Drive systems and methods of use - Drive systems and methods of use are disclosed herein for performing medical procedures on a patient. The drive systems include various handle types and triggers for controlling catheters and end effectors. The various handle types include a flexible handle and ambidextrous handles that can alter the handedness of the handle for particularized use. The handles drive articulation sections of the catheter and end effectors with various degrees of freedom, and include locks for holding the catheter and/or end effector in place. The catheter systems include structures for allowing degrees of freedom, such as notches, mechanical interlocks, and articulation joints. In addition, the catheters articulate via cables or fluids. | 11-20-2008 |
| 20090036922 | SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR CLOSING A TISSUE OPENING - The present invention is directed to tissue closure devices for closing a tissue opening, including one or more closure components, each closure component having a first member and a second member, each of the first and second members having a first surface that adheres to a tissue surface proximate to the tissue opening, each of the first and second members having a second surface substantially orthogonal to the first surface, and each of the first and second members having a transitional region between the first surface and the second surface which is contoured to evert an edge of the tissue opening upon the drawing together of the first and second members. The present invention is also directed to systems and kits, dressing systems, and methods for tissue repair and closure. | 02-05-2009 |
| 20090093733 | THERMAL MONITORING - A rectal thermal monitor for transrectal prostate temperature measurement includes a handle arranged in a proximal end portion of the monitor for gripping by a user, an elongate shaft extending from the handle, and a probe portion arranged on a distal end portion of the shaft. The probe portion is arranged at a position opposite the handle portion, and is shaped to facilitate insertion through an anal sphincter and into a rectum of a patient. A temperature sensing element is arranged within the distal probe portion and is adapted and configured to sense a temperature of the prostate of the patient through the rectum wall of the patient. The probe portion can include one or more compliant materials and/or be shaped so as to compress during insertion through the anal sphincter of the patient. | 04-09-2009 |
| 20100004591 | MULTI-PLANE MOTION CONTROL MECHANISM - A hand-holdable steering mechanism is used as part of a medical device such as a catheter or an endoscope to allow movement of a steerable distal portion of the catheter or endoscope. The mechanism can include a housing and an actuation system. The actuation system is adapted for one-handed operation by a user, and it allows the user to achieve 360 degree articulation of the steerable distal portion. The actuation system can include a first actuator and a second actuator where the first and second actuators are movable with respect to each other. The first actuator can be at least partially disposed within the second actuator. | 01-07-2010 |
| 20100121147 | STEERING MECHANISM - A steering mechanism is used as part of a medical device such as a catheter or an endoscope to allow movement of a steerable distal portion of the catheter or endoscope. The mechanism can include a elongate housing and an actuation system. The elongate housing is adapted to be coupled to the steerable portion of the medical device. The actuation system includes an actuator, a first cam, and a second cam. The actuator can move the first cam between a first position and a second position as the actuator is moved along a first axis (or about a second axis different than the first axis). Movement of the first cam between its first and second positions moves the steerable portion of the medical device along a first plane. The actuator can move the second cam between a first position and a second position as the actuator is moved along the second axis (or about the first axis). Movement of the second cam between its first and second positions moves the steerable portion of the medical device along a second plane different than the first plane. | 05-13-2010 |
