Abstract:
A closure is provided for connections between high voltage cables and other electrical equipment, such as another high voltage cable, a transformer, or switch gear. Insulation is provided by an insulating gel which forms interfaces with itself and/or materials of the cable or other electrical equipment. The interfaces have a high interfacial dielectric strength, which prevents failure along the interfaces.
Abstract:
A splice case for a telecommunications cable splice comprises first and second parts that are held together by springs that function also to deform surfaces of the parts to put a sealing material therein under compression. The splice case may contain a conductor organizer.
Abstract:
There is disclosed a high flow catheter for injecting fluids into a mammalian body. The catheter has an inside diameter, a proximal end for attachment to a fluid source and a distal end for insertion into the body. The inside diameter of the catheter varies over its length from a minimum at the proximal end to a maximum at the distal end.
Abstract:
A heat-shrinkable hollow article having one open end affording access to an internal cavity, the wall defining the internal cavity being shaped to provide stop means projecting into the cavity at a position or positions between the open end and the end of the cavity remote from the open end, whereby after heat-shrinking of the article onto a substrate a gap is left between the substrate and the end of the cavity remote from said open end.
Abstract:
Disclosed herein is a metallic V-ring sealing member capable of sealing hydraulic fluid against egress from a hydraulic system. The sealing member of the invention is fabricated from a metal capable of undergoing an austenitic to martensitic state change upon cooling below a transition temperature and of undergoing a further transformation from martensitic to austenitic state upon warming to a temperature of less than the operating temperature of the system. By the process of the invention, a hydraulic system may be sealed by cooling the sealing member of the invention below its transition temperature, placing the sealing member in sealing relationship to the parts of the system to be sealed and warming the sealing member to effect a transformation from its martensitic state to its austenitic state.
Abstract:
An expansible tunneling apparatus and associated methods for creating an anatomic working space for a surgical procedure. Various apparatus permitting observation during tunneling and balloon dissection are disclosed. In one embodiment, a tubular member has a bore extending therethrough and an open distal end. A lip is formed in the distal end of the tubular member to capture the distal tip of a laparoscope inserted into the tubular member to permit observation of the procedure during tunneling to a desired location and balloon inflation. An elongated neck of the balloon is secured to the tunneling member, and permits the tubular member to be withdrawn slightly from the balloon after inflation to facilitate observation. After the balloon has been advanced to the desired location in the body it is inflated to dissect tissue and create an operating space. Various balloon constructions and a reusable design are also disclosed.
Abstract:
Radiation treatment methods for breast cancer following resection, both intraoperative and post operative, involve mapping preferably using an electronic x-ray source, and can include rotation of a direction source. By using a very rapid, near-instantaneous method of pathology of tissue margins following resection, the invention carries out intraoperative radiation treatment, preferably with the patient remaining anesthetized. Whether or not radiation is intraoperative, the invention preferably includes a mapping procedure using an electronic source that is progressed through the resection cavity while radiation dose is sensed at one or more points, to determine the shape of the resection cavity.
Abstract:
A blood vessel clip applicator includes two twist pins at one end, between which a blood vessel is placed before occlusion. A magazine in the blood vessel clip applicator holds a plurality of blood vessel clips and can be rotated independently from a grip assembly, whereby the twist pins can be rotated to compress a blood vessel held between them. The blood vessel clip is placed on the blood vessel after it has been flattened. The blood vessel clip includes spring quality material, and has a head connected to a first leg and a second leg. The magazine has a constricted region adjacent to an exit aperture. As the head enters the constricted region, the compressive force exerted on the head by the constricted region opens the blood vessel clip to an open position.
Abstract:
A method and apparatus for dissecting a first layer of tissue from a second layer of tissue and thereafter holding open an anatomic space for the performance of a surgical procedure. The method includes steps of making an incision in a body, introducing a deflated balloon dissector into the incision, inflating the balloon dissector to effect dissection of the first layer of tissue from the second layer of tissue, deploying a retractor within the anatomic space in order to hold open the anatomic space, and optionally deflating or evacuating the balloon dissector to open a cavity for surgical manipulations. The apparatus includes a combined dissector-retractor having a balloon retractor disposed upon the surface of the balloon dissector and integrated therewith.
Abstract:
Methods and applicator apparatus are disclosed for brachytherapy treatment of tissue surrounding a cavity in a patient, particularly a resection cavity. In treatment regimes requiring recovery time between successive radiation treatments, applicators of the invention are retained under the skin, with the skin allowed to at least partially heal, and are re-accessed later for one or more subsequent treatments. To reduce patient discomfort an anesthetic agent can be infused through the applicator to patient tissue, for insertion, balloon inflation or removal of the applicator.