Abstract:
A method and apparatus for safer and more effective deep trans-cervical intra-uterine artificial insemination (AI) is provided. Such a deep AI catheter causes minimal discomfort and risk of trauma, and does not require the services of a highly trained AI professional. First, a catheter is inserted into the cervical tract of the animal. A membrane, initially positioned inside a tube section of the catheter, is then extended from an opening in the tube and into the tract under pressure. The membrane extends into the tract without friction thereby reducing the discomfort and the risk of trauma or injury to the animal. When the membrane is fully extended into the tract, pressure causes the tip of the membrane to open thereby releasing the AI fluid and depositing the genetic material suspended in the fluid into the reproductive tract. In addition to AI and embryo transplant, other applications for the pathway include other therapeutic, diagnostic or procedures, such as introducing fluoroscopic cameras, instruments, and drug delivery.
Abstract:
A method and apparatus for safer and more effective deep trans-cervical intra-uterine artificial insemination (AI) is provided. Such a deep AI catheter causes minimal discomfort and risk of trauma, and does not require the services of a highly trained AI professional. First, a catheter is inserted into the cervical tract of the animal. A membrane, initially positioned inside a tube section of the catheter, is then extended from an opening in the tube and into the tract under pressure. The membrane extends into the tract without friction thereby reducing the discomfort and the risk of trauma or injury to the animal. When the membrane is fully extended into the tract, pressure causes the tip of the membrane to open thereby releasing the AI fluid and depositing the genetic material suspended in the fluid into the reproductive tract. In addition to AI and embryo transplant, other applications for the pathway include other therapeutic, diagnostic or procedures, such as introducing fluoroscopic cameras, instruments, and drug delivery.
Abstract:
The present invention provides landscape edging blocks, block systems, and methods of manufacturing such blocks and block systems. Landscape edging blocks of the invention can be used to separate landscape regions from each other. For example, landscape edging blocks of the invention can be used to separate a lawn from a decorative bed or garden such as those containing flowers, shrubs, trees, and the like. Landscape edging blocks of the invention preferably include a display surface wherein aggregate material of the landscape edging block is exposed on at least a portion of the display surface to a greater degree than on at least one other surface of the landscape edging block. Also, landscape edging blocks of the invention preferably include an overlapping engagement system for positioning adjacent block with respect to each other. The overlapping system inhibits growth of grass or other vegetation between two adjoining blocks. Landscape edging blocks of the invention may be straight or curved, thus allowing multiple blocks to be assembled to form various configurations.
Abstract:
A method and apparatus for safer and more effective deep trans-cervical intra-uterine artificial insemination (AI) is provided. Such a deep AI catheter causes minimal discomfort and risk of trauma, and does not require the services of a highly trained AI professional. First, a catheter is inserted into the cervical tract of the animal. A membrane, initially positioned inside a tube section of the catheter, is then extended from an opening in the tube and into the tract under pressure. The membrane extends into the tract without friction thereby reducing the discomfort and the risk of trauma or injury to the animal. When the membrane is fully extended into the tract, pressure causes the tip of the membrane to open thereby releasing the AI fluid and depositing the genetic material suspended in the fluid into the reproductive tract. Deployment of the membrane is facilitated by tapering its wall thickness towards its tip. In addition to AI and embryo transplant, other applications for the pathway include therapeutic, diagnostic, or other procedures such as introducing fluoroscopic cameras, instruments, and drug delivery.
Abstract:
A drawing template for facilitating the formation of images upon a spherical surface is disclosed. In a first embodiment the template comprises first and second transparent hollow hemispheres having indicia formed upon their surfaces such that the two hemispheres may be disposed about a spherical drawing surface and the indicia may then be used as a guide to form corresponding images upon the drawing surface. In a second embodiment, a planar sheet of flexible material is configured such that it will conform substantially to the shape of a sphere when placed in laminar juxtaposition therewith. Indicia formed upon the sheet of flexible material provide a guide by which images may be formed upon the drawing surface. Both embodiments of the drawing template of the present invention are particularly applicable for use with a three-dimensional drawing device which forms images upon the inner surface of a transparent sphere.