Abstract:
Methods and apparatus are provided for selective surgical removal of tissue, e.g., for enlargement of diseased spinal structures. The current invention includes specific tools that enable safe tissue modification in epidural space, including a barrier that separates the area where tissue modification will take place from adjacent vulnerable neural and vascular structures. In one variation, a tissue abrasion device is provided including a thin belt or ribbon with an abrasive cutting surface. The device optionally may be placed within a protective sheath that exposes the abrasive surface of the ribbon only in the area where tissue removal is desired.
Abstract:
A system includes a board having opposing surfaces and at least one leg connected to one surface of the board through a first pivotable fitting to allow the board and the leg to move between a first position wherein the board and the leg are substantially parallel and a second position wherein the board and the leg are substantially perpendicular. The system also includes a locking mechanism secured to the board through a second pivotable fitting at a first end and configured to rotate at a second end opposite the first end between a storage position extending parallel with the board and a work position extending perpendicular to the board.
Abstract:
A passenger seat for a vehicle having a floor includes a footrest positioned forward of a seat bottom. The footrest includes a resilient support surface positioned above the floor for supporting a passenger's feet. The footrest may be an enclosure suspended below the bottom of a forward-positioned seat. In an alternative embodiment, the footrest may include a resilient support surface footrest which allows each of a passenger's feet to be supported above the floor in different longitudinal positions.
Abstract:
The present invention includes apparatus and method for image transfer onto one of a plurality of a pad medium pages while the pages are aggregated together. A preferred embodiment for a printer includes a housing; a print engine, within the housing, for transferring an image to a transfer medium when the transfer medium is located at a print position; and a transfer medium registration system, coupled to the print engine, for positioning a pad including a plurality of transfer media releasably secured to one another, wherein the print registration system locates one of the transfer media at the print position. The method including positioning a pad at a print position of a print transfer engine, the pad including a plurality of transfer media releasably secured to one another; and transferring an image to one of the transfer media positioned at the print position.
Abstract:
A storage case for compact disks rotatably mounted inside a housing. The cradle preferably comprises a base, an outwardly angled side wall extending upward from the base, and at least one lobe extending upward from the opposite side of the base. A slot is formed between the lobe and the side wall for storing the disk. The tabs, preferably located within the lobe, secure the disk inside the cradle, preventing the disk from inadvertently falling out of the cradle.
Abstract:
Methods and apparatus are provided for selective surgical removal of tissue, e.g., for enlargement of diseased spinal structures, such as impinged lateral recesses and pathologically narrowed neural foramen. In one variation, tissue may be ablated, resected, removed, or otherwise remodeled by standard small endoscopic tools delivered into the epidural space through an epidural needle. Once the sharp tip of the needle is in the epidural space, it is converted to a blunt tipped instrument for further safe advancement. A specially designed epidural catheter that is used to cover the previously sharp needle tip may also contain a fiberoptic cable. Further embodiments of the current invention include a double barreled epidural needle or other means for placement of a working channel for the placement of tools within the epidural space, beside the epidural instrument. The current invention includes specific tools that enable safe tissue modification in the epidural space, including a barrier that separates the area where tissue modification will take place from adjacent vulnerable neural and vascular structures. In one variation, a tissue abrasion device is provided including a thin belt or ribbon with an abrasive cutting surface. The device may be placed through the neural foramina of the spine and around the anterior border of a facet joint. Once properly positioned, a medical practitioner may enlarge the lateral recess and neural foramina via frictional abrasion, i.e., by sliding the abrasive surface of the ribbon across impinging tissues. A nerve stimulator optionally may be provided to reduce a risk of inadvertent neural abrasion. Additionally, safe epidural placement of the working barrier and epidural tissue modification tools may be further improved with the use of electrical nerve stimulation capabilities within the invention that, when combined with neural stimulation monitors, provide neural localization capabilities to the surgeon. The device optionally may be placed within a protective sheath that exposes the abrasive surface of the ribbon only in the area where tissue removal is desired. Furthermore, an endoscope may be incorporated into the device in order to monitor safe tissue removal. Finally, tissue remodeling within the epidural space may be ensured through the placement of compression dressings against remodeled tissue surfaces, or through the placement of tissue retention straps, belts or cables that are wrapped around and pull under tension aspects of the impinging soft tissue and bone in the posterior spinal canal.
Abstract:
In general, the present invention provides a novel whisking device having independent wire movement accomplished via a non-crossing wire pattern. In accordance with one embodiment of the present invention, the whisk comprises a handle having a first end and a second end, and a plurality of whisk elements coupled to and extending outward from the second end of the handle. The plurality of whisk elements have a first region and a second region, wherein the plurality of whisk elements in the first region form a generally conical shape, and wherein the plurality of whisk elements in the second region are non-crossing and form a generally hemispherical shape. In one embodiment, the non-crossing whisk elements in the second region have a generally hemispherical shape whose terminus comprises a generally circular gap between the whisk elements.