Palm size surgical stapler for single hand operation

Palm-size staplers for surgical procedures are proposed. The staplers include cartridge and slider assemblies with the cartridge assembly containing staples. As the slider assembly advances step-wise incrementally it provides a staple ejection force causing ejection of staples. Optionally, a blade element may be included for cutting. An anvil member is operable in closed and open positions with respect to the cartridge assembly. When in a closed position, the anvil member holds a portion of tissue against the cartridge assembly, ejected staples passing through the held tissue. Actuation of the staplers is effected by a lever member. A locking mechanism, when in its locked position, holds the anvil member adjacent to the cartridge assembly allowing closure of the staple to occur. The devices are intended for one hand use.

Method for treating fecal incontinence

A sphincter tissue region is treated using a support structure sized for advancement into the anal canal. At least one electrode is carried by the structure. A mechanism is coupled to the electrode to move the electrode between a first position retracted in the support structure and a second position extended from the support structure through surface tissue to penetrate a subsurface tissue region at or near a sphincter in the anal canal. A cable is coupled to the electrode to conduct energy for application by the electrode to form a lesion in the subsurface tissue region.

System and methods for facilitating a linear grid database with data organization by dimension

A system and methods for organizing and querying data within a linear grid management system. Data having multiple dimensions is associated with physical locations, where a first dimension is associated with a node and a second dimension is associated with a data storage identifier of a memory storage device. The data may have a third dimension which provides a field for ordering data within the memory storage device. Metadata may be used to map a logical table to data stored in the memory storage device. The data query may be divided into multiple subqueries, wherein each subquery is related directly to one node associated with a data storage identifier related to a memory storage device. A preSQL and postSQL process may be generated to access an external database. A dispatcher may manage data subrequests and a node may generate a unique and efficient parsing process from the received data subrequest.

Transcutaneous analyte sensor

The present invention relates generally to systems and methods for measuring an analyte in a host. More particularly, the present invention relates to systems and methods for transcutaneous measurement of glucose in a host. In some embodiments, a device is provided for monitoring glucose concentration in a host, including a continuous glucose sensor and an integrated receiver including a single point glucose monitor. In some embodiments, a computer system is provided that determines a rate of change of continuous analyte sensor data.

Manipulator

A manipulator has a treating portion, a driving portion which are connected by a connecting portion, a first pulley on which a first wire which passes through inside of the connecting portion and is driven by the driving portion is hung for rotation, and a main shaft portion which rotatably supports the treating portion around a main shaft along a direction different from a first rotor axis that the first pulley rotates, one end portion of which is fixed to the first pulley.

Closed loop system for controlling insulin infusion

A closed loop infusion system controls the rate that fluid is infused into the body of a user. The closed loop infusion system includes a sensor system, a controller, and a delivery system. The sensor system includes a sensor for monitoring a condition of the user. The sensor produces a sensor signal, which is representative of the condition of the user. The sensor signal is used to generate a controller input. The controller uses the controller input to generate commands to operate the delivery system. The delivery system infuses a liquid into the user at a rate dictated by the commands from the controller. Preferably, the sensor system monitors the glucose concentration in the body of the user, and the liquid infused by the delivery system into the body of the user includes insulin.

System and method to support single instance storage operations

Systems and methods for single instance storage operations are provided. Systems constructed in accordance with the principals of the present invention may process data containing a payload and associated metadata. Often, chunks of data are copied to traditional archive storage wherein some or all of the chunk, including the payload and associated metadata are copied to the physical archive storage medium. In some embodiments, chunks of data are designated for storage in single instance storage devices. The system may remove the encapsulation from the chunk and may copy the chunk payload to a single instance storage device. The single instance storage device may return a signature or other identifier for items copied from the chunk payload. The metadata associated with the chunk may be maintained in separate storage and may track the association between the logical identifiers and the signatures for the individual items of the chunk payload which may be generated by the single instance storage device.

RFID reader with multiple interfaces

A pocket-size RFID reader apparatus having a contactless interface and a slot for insertion of a contactless smart card fob, and having a biometric sensor, thereby providing two levels of personalization. The apparatus may have a wireless interface; and a slot for insertion of a wireless SD I/O device. The apparatus may have a slot for insertion of an external memory device. The apparatus may have a mechanical connection (contact) interface. The apparatus may also have an RF interface for reading an electronic immobilizer within the apparatus.

Noninvasive multi-parameter patient monitor

Embodiments of the present disclosure include a handheld multi-parameter patient monitor capable of determining multiple physiological parameters from the output of a light sensitive detector capable of detecting light attenuated by body tissue. For example, in an embodiment, the monitor is capable of advantageously and accurately displaying one or more of pulse rate, plethysmograph data, perfusion quality, signal confidence, and values of blood constituents in body tissue, including for example, arterial carbon monoxide saturation (“HbCO”), methemoglobin saturation (“HbMet”), total hemoglobin (“Hbt”), arterial oxygen saturation (“SpO2”), fractional arterial oxygen saturation (“SpaO2”), or the like. In an embodiment, the monitor advantageously includes a plurality of display modes enabling more parameter data to be displayed than the available physical display real estate.

Formation of deep via airgaps for three dimensional wafer to wafer interconnect

A method for forming deep via airgaps in a semiconductor substrate is disclosed comprising the steps of patterning a hole in the substrate, partly fill said hole with a sacrificial material (e.g. poly-Si), forming spacers on the sidewalls of the unfilled part of the hole (e.g. TEOS) to narrow the opening, removing through said narrowed opening the remaining part of the sacrificial material (e.g. by isotropic etching) and finally sealing the opening of the airgap by depositing a conformal layer (TEOS) above the spacers. The method of forming a deep via airgap is used to create wafer to wafer vertical stacking. After completion of conventional FEOL and BEOL processing the backside of the wafer will be thinned such that the deep via airgap is opened and conductive material can be deposited within said (airgap) via opening and a through wafer or deep via filled with conductive material is created.