Abstract:
A cartridge interface assembly including a driving plunger including an outer shaft, and a driver including an inner shaft, the inner shaft mating with an intermediate shaft, the intermediate shaft mating with the outer shaft, so that the shafts are movable telescopically with respect to one another, wherein rotation of the driver causes the driving plunger to advance in a direction away from the driver.
Abstract:
Gastrointestinal apparatus (10) is provided, including a guiding element (16) and an inflatable mechanical device (96), adapted to pull the guiding element (16) through a colon of a patient. A gastrointestinal tool (12) is shaped to define a bore (14) therethrough, and the guiding element (16) is adapted to pass through the bore (14). Other embodiments are also described.
Abstract:
A cycle pedal including a pedal frame rotatably mounted on a rotation axis of a pedal pin, the pedal pin being securable to a crank arm of a cycle, a clamping mechanism for securing a rider's foot to the cycle pedal, and a ratchet mechanism coupled to the rotation axis and operative to permit rotation of the pedal frame about the rotation axis only in a first direction, wherein in a second direction opposite to the first direction, the ratchet mechanism does not permit rotation of the pedal frame about the rotation axis and is operative together with the clamping mechanism to transmit power in the second direction to the crank arm.
Abstract:
Apparatus is provide for use with a fluid pressure source, including an elongate carrier, adapted to be inserted through a proximal opening of a body lumen, and a distal piston head coupled to a distal portion of the carrier. The piston head is adapted to be in direct contact with a wall of the lumen when the carrier is inserted into the lumen, and to be advanced distally through the body lumen in response to pressure from the fluid pressure source. Additionally, the piston head is typically adapted to facilitate passage of fluid out of the lumen from a site within the lumen distal to the piston head.
Abstract:
A method and apparatus for printing a pattern on a substrate, by applying a photoresist layer over the substrate; locating a laser direct-imagining exposure head to print the pattern on the substrate by the application of one or more laser beams to the photoresist layer on the substrate while relative movement is effected between the exposure head and the substrate; and controlling the drive and the exposure head to cause the exposure head to print a first portion of the pattern on a first portion of the substrate at a first (normal) resolution, and a second portion of the pattern on a second portion of the substrate at a second (higher) resolution.
Abstract:
Apparatus is provided, including first and second longitudinal members coupled at respective first portions thereof to tissue surrounding the ventricle. The first portion of at least the first longitudinal member is coupled to a tissue anchor, and respective second portions of the first and second longitudinal members are coupled to respective first and second leaflets of a cardiac valve. The longitudinal members are arranged with respect to the tissue anchor and the portion of tissue surrounding the ventricle in a manner which facilitates adjustment of a degree of tension of the first and second longitudinal members to draw the first and second leaflets together. A longitudinal-member-coupling device is coupled to the first and second longitudinal members, and is advanceable toward a ventricular surface of the first and second leaflets, and responsively to draw together the first and second longitudinal members. Other applications are also described.
Abstract:
A steering tool including an internal tube disposed inside an external tube, the internal and external tubes being arranged for longitudinal axial movement relative to one another, wherein a distal end of the internal tube is fixedly joined to a distal end of the external tube, and at least one of the internal and external tubes is slotted near the distal end thereof, and wherein the longitudinal axial movement causes bending of the distal ends of the tubes.
Abstract:
Apparatus for use with an implant configured to be coupled to cardiac tissue of a patient, the apparatus including: a tissue anchor including: a distal tissue coupling element configured to couple the tissue anchor to the cardiac tissue of the patient, and a proximal implant-receiving element configured to receive at least a portion of the implant and facilitate coupling of the implant to the tissue anchor. The proximal implant-receiving element includes an implant-restraining element coupled to a portion of the implant-receiving element, the implant-restraining element being configured to restrain the implant from separating from the implant-receiving element. Other applications are also described.
Abstract:
Apparatus is provided for use with at least one tissue-adjustment device, including a tissue-engaging element having a distal portion configured to engage at least a first portion of tissue of a patient, and having a proximal portion. At least one docking station is coupled to the proximal portion of the tissue-engaging element and is configured to be coupled to the at least one tissue-adjustment device. The docking station includes a locking mechanism configured to lock the tissue-adjustment device to the tissue-engaging element. At least one guide member is reversibly coupled to the at least one docking station and is configured for facilitating slidable advancement of the at least one tissue-adjustment device toward the tissue-engaging element. Other applications are also described.