Surgical instrument having an articulating end effector

An articulating surgical instrument is shown, which comprises a shaft and an end effector. The shaft has a longitudinal axis, and the end effector is operationally coupled, preferably mechanically coupled, to the shaft at an articulation pivot. The instrument also comprises a first band, and in some embodiments, a second band, each operationally connected to the end effector and extending through at least a portion of the shaft. An articulation control applies a force in a direction substantially transverse to the longitudinal axis, wherein the force, when applied in one direction, is translated through the first band to the end effector to effect rotation of the end effector relative to the shaft about the articulation pivot in a first rotational direction, and when the force is applied in the opposite direction, is translated through the second band to the end effector to effect rotation of the end effector relative to the shaft about the articulation pivot in a second rotational direction.

Adjustable storage rack for a vending machine

A vending machine includes at least one width-adjustable storage rack, the storage rack having a fixed wall and a movable wall connected to the fixed wall by at least one connecting link; and an adjustment mechanism constructed and adapted to position the movable wall relative to the fixed wall and to thereby vary an interior width between the fixed and movable walls. Two movable walls can be connected to a single fixed wall.

Methods and apparatus for endovascularly replacing a patient's heart valve

The present invention provides methods and apparatus for endovascularly replacing a patient's heart valve. The apparatus includes a replacement valve and an anchor having an expandable braid. In some embodiments, the expandable braid is fabricated from a single strand of wire. In some embodiments, the expandable braid comprises at least one turn feature. The anchor and the valve preferably are configured for endovascular delivery and deployment.

Implantable device with remodelable material and covering material

Medical devices for implantation within a body vessel can include a remodelable material, such as an extracellular matrix material, positioned within a lumen defined by an outer covering material. The covering material is preferably substantially non-remodelable, and can be supported by a radially expandable frame. The medical device can also include a valve means positioned within the covering material. The valve means can include one or more valve leaflets formed from the remodelable material, and a separate valve support frame. One or more therapeutic agents can be associated with the remodelable material or the covering material.

Method of manufacturing charge storage device

A method of manufacturing a charge storage device is provided. Utilizing the capacity for a precise control of the thickness and the silicon content of a deposited film in an atomic layer deposition process, a stacked gradual material layer such as a hafnium silicon oxide (HfxSiyOz) layer is formed. The silicon content is gradually changed throughout the duration of the HfxSiyOz deposition process. The etching rate for the HfxSiyOz layer in dilute hydrogen fluoride solution is dependent on the silicon content y in the HfxSiyOz layer. The sidewalls of the stacked gradual material layer are etched to form an uneven profile. The lower electrode, the capacitor dielectric layer and the upper electrode are formed on the uneven sidewalls of the stacked gradual material layers, the area between the lower electrode and the upper electrode is increased to improve the capacitance of the charge storage device.

Processing apparatus

A shower head structure (26) includes a shower head main body (78) of a one-piece structure formed in a generally cup shape and having a bottom wall (78A) provided with a plurality of gas injection holes (30A, 30B) formed therein and a side wall (78B) rising from a peripheral portion of the bottom wall. A plurality of gas diffusion chamber forming plates (82A-82C) are housed in the shower head main body (78). A through-hole is formed in a head mounting frame (76) disposed on a ceiling of a processing vessel (24). An upper portion of the side wall (78B) of the shower head main body (78) is inserted into the through-hole, so that a part of the side wall (78B) is exposed to the exterior of the processing vessel. A cooling mechanism (84) is disposed at the upper end portion of the side wall (78B). Heat transfer between the cooling mechanism (84) and the bottom wall (78A) is enhanced, so that the temperature of the bottom wall (78A) can be controlled at a proper value, thereby preventing any adhesion of an unnecessary film onto the bottom wall (78A).

Substrate supporting apparatus

A substrate supporting apparatus includes a plate member of an aluminum alloy having a flat upper surface, bottomed pits formed in the plate member, and spacer members held in the pits, individually. The spacer members are sapphire spheres. The diameter of each spacer member is a little smaller than that of each pit. The upper end of each spacer member projects from the upper surface of the plate member. A spot facing is formed in a region that includes the open edge portion of the pit. A bending portion which is obtained by plastically deforming the open edge portion of the pit toward the spacer member is formed on a bottom surface of the spot facing. A V-shaped groove is formed behind the bending portion.

Apparatus and method for replacing a cardiac valve

An apparatus for replacing a cardiac valve includes a first ring assembly and a second ring assembly. The first ring assembly includes a first magnetic member. The second ring assembly includes a second magnetic member and is magnetically attachable to the first magnetic member to sealingly attach the first and second ring assemblies together. A prosthetic cardiac valve is secured within the second ring assembly. A method for replacing a cardiac valve is also described.

Displaying network objects in mobile devices based on geolocation

Displaying network content searches on mobile devices involves obtaining results of a network content request via a mobile device. A geolocation of at least one object associated with the results of the network content request is also obtained. A scene is viewed in a camera view of the mobile device. A virtual location is determined in the camera view. The virtual location represents the actual location of the object relative to the scene contained in the camera view. A graphic representing the object is then displayed at the virtual location in the camera view.

Connector and methods of fabrication

A connector includes a unitary body defining a hollow center region configured and arranged to receive a proximal contact portion of a lead. The unitary body may define connector pockets and seal features within the hollow center region. The connector pockets can be spaced-apart and may define openings through the unitary body. The seal features may be disposed between the connector pockets.