Abstract:
There are provided embodiments of a hand-holdable case sized and shaped to integrate a personal electronic device with other interchangeable articles or devices to conveniently allow the combination to be hand-held as one. In one exemplary embodiment the case provides resistance to wear and tear as well as drop protection for a portable electronic device and an interchangeable article or device. In another exemplary embodiment, the case includes a back plate that reversibly attaches to the personal electronic device case and secures an article or device such that the personal electronic device and article or device are easily carried as one, yet the article or device can be easily and reversibly detached and reattached to the personal electronic device case without unsheathing the personal electronic device.
Abstract:
The invention provides surgical systems and methods for ablating heart tissue within the interior and/or exterior of the heart. A plurality of probes is provided with each probe configured for introduction into the chest for engaging the heart. Each probe includes an elongated shaft having an elongated ablating surface of a predetermined shape. The elongated shaft and the elongated ablating surface of each probe are configured to ablate a portion of the heart. A sealing device affixed to the heart tissue forms a hemostatic seal between the probe and the penetration in the heart to inhibit blood loss therethrough.
Abstract:
The invention provides surgical systems and methods for ablating heart tissue within the interior and/or exterior of the heart. A plurality of probes is provided with each probe configured for introduction into the chest for engaging the heart. Each probe includes an elongated shaft having an elongated ablating surface of a predetermined shape. The elongated shaft and the elongated ablating surface of each probe are configured to ablate a portion of the heart. A sealing device affixed to the heart tissue forms a hemostatic seal between the probe and the penetration in the heart to inhibit blood loss therethrough.
Abstract:
A method is disclosed for using tubular material to replace a semilunar heart valve (i.e., an aortic or pulmonary valve). To create such a replacement valve, the native valve cusps are removed from inside an aorta or pulmonary artery, and the inlet end of a tubular segment is sutured to the valve annulus. The outlet (distal) end of the tube is either “tacked” at three points distally, or sutured longitudinally along three lines; either method will allow the flaps of tissue between the suture lines to function as movable cusps. This approach generates flow patterns that reduce turbulence and closely duplicate the flow patterns of native semilunar valves. An article of manufacture is also disclosed, comprising a sterile biocompatible synthetic material which has been manufactured in tubular form, by methods such as extrusion or coating a cylindrical molding device, to avoid a need for a suture line or other seam to convert a flat sheet of material into a tubular shape. The synthetic tube is packaged within a sealed watertight enclosure that maintains sterility of the tube.
Abstract:
A method is disclosed for using tubular material to replace a semilunar heart valve (i.e., an aortic or pulmonary valve). To create such a replacement valve, the native valve cusps are removed from inside an aorta or pulmonary artery, and the inlet end of a tubular segment is sutured to the valve annulus. The outlet (distal) end of the tube is either “tacked” at three points distally, or sutured longitudinally along three lines; either method will allow the flaps of tissue between the suture lines to function as movable cusps. This approach generates flow patterns that reduce turbulence and closely duplicate the flow patterns of native semilunar valves. An article of manufacture is also disclosed, comprising a sterile biocompatible synthetic material which has been manufactured in tubular form, by methods such as extrusion or coating a cylindrical molding device, to avoid a need for a suture line or other seam to convert a flat sheet of material into a tubular shape. The synthetic tube is packaged within a sealed watertight enclosure that maintains sterility of the tube.
Abstract:
An opening switch device for interrupting the flow of high amperage currents such as those which occur in inductive energy storage systems is disclosed. The opening switch includes a plasma focus device incorporating an auxiliary electrode through which the current to be interrupted flows. This current is interrupted due to the enhanced resistance which occurs in the plasma focus device. A second embodiment of the plasma focus switch includes the application of an external magnetic field which is compressed by the plasma focus effect along with the current flowing through the auxiliary electrode.
Abstract:
A protective case is configured to receive a mobile device and to magnetically attach to another article and includes a front face mechanically connected to a plurality of side faces (the front face and side faces for detachably connecting to a mobile device), and a back face comprising at least one magnet for magnetically coupling an article comprising at least one magnet to said protective case.
Abstract:
The invention provides surgical systems and methods for ablating heart tissue within the interior and/or exterior of the heart. A plurality of probes is provided with each probe configured for introduction into the chest for engaging the heart. Each probe includes an elongated shaft having an elongated ablating surface of a predetermined shape. The elongated shaft and the elongated ablating surface of each probe are configured to ablate a portion of the heart. A sealing device affixed to the heart tissue forms a hemostatic seal between the probe and the penetration in the heart to inhibit blood loss therethrough.
Abstract:
The invention provides surgical systems and methods for ablating heart tissue within the interior and/or exterior of the heart. A plurality of probes is provided with each probe configured for introduction into the chest for engaging the heart. Each probe includes an elongated shaft having an elongated ablating surface of a predetermined shape. The elongated shaft and the elongated ablating surface of each probe are configured to ablate a portion of the heart. A sealing device affixed to the heart tissue forms a hemostatic seal between the probe and the penetration in the heart to inhibit blood loss therethrough.
Abstract:
A chart recorder of simple construction is provided for moving a strip of chart paper past a marker, the recorder providing a final marked chart strip which is not tightly rolled so it can be easily handled and viewed, with the recorder constructed so the marked chart strip can be viewed prior to opening a security-sealed housing. The chart strip (26) has a leading portion (30) connected to a first end (44) of a long string (42), with the second end (46) of the string mounted on a windup drum (52) that is driven by an ordinary clock drive (56). Thus, as the string is slowly wound up, the string pulls the chart strip along the string path. The recorder includes a guide (64) with a wide guide surface (100) that includes a narrow groove portion (102), and with the guide surface extending in a loop (62) of at least about 180.degree.. The housing (12) can be largely transparent so the marked chart can be viewed from outside the housing prior to opening the housing.