text:
A specimen removal pouch and applicator includes a pouch fabricated from a flexible membrane, a drawstring thread forming a running noose disposed circumferentially round the end of the pouch, an endoscopic tubular portion, and a pusher rod having an aperture for permitting the passage therethrough of a single thread. When the drawstring thread is pulled, the knot is stopped at the aperture and the noose is closed, thereby closing the mouth of the pouch. The pouch is detached from the apparatus.
1. A surgical apparatus for removing body tissue from an interior portion of a body in a minimally invasive surgical procedure, which comprises:
a) an endoscopic portion having a longitudinally extending bore and configured and dimensioned to be at least partially insertable through a cannula;
b) a pouch assembly movable between a proximal location at least partially within said endoscopic portion and a distal location at least partially exterior to said endoscopic portion, said pouch assembly including a support and a pouch removably attached to said support, said pouch having a first end movable between an open configuration and a closed configuration, and a closed second end;
b) a drive member slidably disposed within said bore for moving said pouch from said proximal location to said distal location, said support being attached to a distal end of said drive member;
c) means associated with said pouch for detaching said pouch from said support;
d) closing means for moving said first end of said pouch from said open configuration to said closed configuration; and
e) gaseous seal means for preventing passage of fluid or gases through said apparatus.
2. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein said pouch includes a circumferential concave portion adjacent said first end for facilitating rolling and placing of said pouch within said tubular member.
3. The apparatus of claim 1, further comprising means for properly orienting said pouch, said means for properly orienting said pouch being disposed about said pouch.
4. The apparatus of claim 3, wherein said means for properly orienting said pouch comprises a plurality of opaque arrows printed on said support.
5. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein said closing means comprises a drawstring thread, said drawstring thread having a first end portion slidably attached to a second end portion of said drawstring thread thereby forming a running loop.
6. The apparatus of claim 5, wherein said running loop comprises a running bowline, said running bowline being slidable in both a distal and a proximal direction for both closing and opening said pouch.
7. The apparatus of claim 5, wherein said running loop comprises a slip knot, said slip knot being slidable in both a distal and a proximal direction for both closing and opening said pouch.
8. The apparatus of claim 5 further comprising grasping means located at a proximal end of said drive member for permitting actuation of said drive member by a user.
9. The apparatus of claim 8, wherein said grasping means comprises a drive rod pull ring.
10. The apparatus of claim 9, wherein said drive rod pull ring includes at least one projection for gripping of said pull ring with at least one finger.
11. The apparatus of claim 9 further including a drawstring pull ring attached to said drawstring at one end.
12. The apparatus of claim 11, wherein said drive rod pull ring includes a recess, and said drawstring pull ring is removably mounted within said recess.
13. The apparatus of claim 12 further including a knife mounted to said drive rod pull ring.
14. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein said pouch is dimensioned to withstand a cubic capacity from about 15 liters to about 2.0 liters.
15. The apparatus of claim 13, wherein said pouch is fabricated from a material selected from the group consisting of polyurethane and latex.
16. The apparatus of claim 13, wherein said pouch is fabricated from transparent material which is substantially impervious to the passage therethrough of cancer cells.
17. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein said surgical apparatus is fabricated from gamma stable material.
18. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein said means associated with said pouch comprises at least one perforation formed in said pouch, adjacent said first end.
19. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein said means associated with said pouch comprises a line of perforations extending circumferentially around said pouch, adjacent said first end.
20. A surgical apparatus for removing tissue from an interior portion of a body during a surgical procedure which comprises:
a) an elongated tube having a longitudinally extending bore extending therethrough;
b) a pouch assembly movable between a first position at least partially disposed within the bore and a second position at least partially exterior to the bore, the pouch assembly including:
a support member and
a pouch removably attached to the support member, the pouch having a first end biased into an open configuration by the support member and movable between the open configuration and a closed configuration, and a closed second end;
c) a drive member slidably disposed within the bore for moving the pouch from the first position to the second position, the support member being attached to the drive member at one end; and
d) a closing member operatively associated with the pouch,
wherein actuation of the closing member moves the first end of the pouch from the open configuration to the closed configuration while detaching the pouch from the support member.
21. The surgical apparatus according to claim 20 wherein the closing member comprises a drawstring thread, the drawstring thread having a first end portion slidably attached to a second end portion of the drawstring thread thereby forming a running knot.
22. The surgical apparatus according to claim 21 wherein the running knot is in abutment with the drive member.
This application is a continuation-in-part of commonly assigned, U.S. application Ser. No. 07/906,794 filed Jun. 30, 1992, now abandoned.
1. Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to a surgical containment apparatus and method for use. More particularly, the present invention relates to a specimen retrieval pouch and method for its use in minimally invasive surgical procedures.
2. Background of the Art
Laparoscopic and endoscopic surgical procedures are minimally invasive procedures in which operations are carried out within the body by means of elongated instruments inserted through small entrance openings in the body. The initial opening in the body tissue to allow passage of the endoscopic or laparoscopic instruments to the interior of the body may be a natural passageway of the body, or it can be created by a tissue piercing instrument such as a trocar. Laparoscopic and endoscopic procedures generally require that any instrumentation inserted in the body be sealed, i.e. provisions must be made to ensure that gases do not enter or exit the body through the instrument or the entrance incision so that the surgical region of the body, e.g. the peritoneum, may be insufflated. Mechanical actuation of such instruments is for the most part constrained to the movement of the various components along a longitudinal axis with means provided to convert longitudinal movement to lateral movement where necessary. Because the endoscopic or laparoscopic tubes, instrumentation, and any required punctures or incisions are relatively narrow, endoscopic or laparoscopic surgery is less invasive and causes much less trauma to the patient as compared to procedures in which the surgeon is required to cut open large areas of body tissue.
Minimally invasive procedures are often used to partially or totally remove body tissue or organs from the interior of the body, e.g. nephrectomy, cholecystectomy and other such procedures. During such procedures, it is common that a cyst, tumor or other affected tissue or organ must be removed via the access opening in the skin, or through a cannula. Various types of entrapment devices have been disclosed to facilitate this procedure.
For example, U.S. Pat. No. 5,037,379 to Clayman et al. discloses a surgical tissue bag for percutaneously debulking tissue by morcellation. The bag includes a layer of puncture-resistant material, a layer of moisture-resistant material and a drawstring. In a disclosed method of use, the bag is placed within the body cavity, the body tissue or organ is placed within the bag, the opening of the bag is pulled through the incision in the skin leaving the distal end of the bag containing the tissue or organ within the body cavity, a morcellator is then inserted into the bag, and then the tissue or organ is debulked and suctioned out of the bag.
U.S. Pat. No. 5,074,867 to Wilk discloses a planar membrane having filaments attached to its corners. The membrane is placed within a body cavity with the filaments extending through the trocar cannula to the outside of the body. The organ or tissue to be removed is placed on the membrane and the filaments are pulled to close the membrane around the organ and draw it through the cannula, if the organ is sufficiently deformable. If the organ is not sufficiently deformable, e.g. because of the presence of gall stones, a forceps or other instrument is used to crush the stones or tissue.
Although entrapment bags such as those described above are known, there remains a need for an improved specimen retrieval pouch to facilitate tissue removal in minimally invasive surgical procedures.
Provided herein is an apparatus for removing body tissue from the interior of the body in a minimally invasive surgical procedure. The apparatus includes a pouch having an openable end. The pouch is preferably part of a pouch assembly comprising the pouch and a pouch support. The pouch support can be attached to the drive means. The pouch may have perforations to facilitate detachment of the pouch from the support. The detachment can be simultaneous with the closing of the pouch in response to pulling the drawstring thread.
The apparatus may further include a drawstring thread forming a running loop disposed circumferentially around the pouch in proximity to the openable end thereof; attachment means for slidably attaching a first end portion of the drawstring thread to a second end portion of the drawstring thread to form the running loop; an endoscopic tubular portion having a distal end for insertion into a body; drive means for moving the pouch (i.e., pushing or pulling the pouch) through the endoscopic tubular portion; and stop means having an aperture for permitting passage therethrough of a single thread, the second end portion of the drawstring thread extending through the aperture, and the aperture means possessing a surface for abutting and holding the attachment means.
The pouch can be fabricated from a material selected from the group consisting of polyurethane and latex and preferably is transparent. A running knot is the preferred attachment means.
Stop means is provided by a distal surface of the drive means. The drive means can be an elongated rod slidably disposed within the tubular portion. In the embodiment described below having only a single drawstring thread the aperture of the stop means has a diameter of large enough dimension to permit passage therethrough of only a single threadline, but smaller dimension than the attachment means. The aperture can be oriented parallel to the longitudinal axis of the drive rod or transverse to the longitudinal axis of the drive rod.
The apparatus can further include means for resiliently opening the openable end of the pouch, such as spring means circumferentially attached to the openable end of the pouch and movable between an elongated and narrow closed configuration and a rounded open configuration, the spring means being resiliently biased to the open configuration. The spring means, which can support the pouch as well as open it, is attached to the distal end of the drive means and is slidably movable through the tubular portion when in the closed configuration, and resiliently moveable to its open configuration when moved outside said tubular portion. The spring means can include two elastic prongs each having a proximal end portion having a side surface in facing relation to the side surface of the proximal end portion of the other elastic prong and fastened thereto, and each elastic prong further having a distal end portion joined to the distal end portion of the other prong by a flexible membrane, such as shrink-wrap type tubing, attached to both said end portions.
The pouch can have perforations extending circumferentially therearound between the locations of the spring means and the drawstring thread.
The apparatus preferably further includes at least one gaseous sealing means, such as a coating of viscous sealing material applied to the outer surfaces of the drive means and the drawstring thread, and/or elastomeric seals, for example, o-rings.
Knife means may be provided to cut the drawstring thread.
The apparatus may be fabricated from materials which are gamma stable, thereby permitting gamma sterilization of the instrument.
In use, the apparatus is inserted through a cannula which has been inserted into a body. The pouch is deployed by advancing the drive means. The body tissue is severed, if necessary, and placed within the pouch. The pouch is then closed and detached from the apparatus. The neck of the pouch can then be brought to the distal end of the trocar cannula and the whole assembly removed. Alternatively, after closing and detaching the pouch the pouch can be moved adjacent the interior wall of the patient's body, the apparatus and trocar cannula are then removed, and the neck of the pouch is pulled through an opening in the wall of the body tissue. The bag can then be opened and the specimen, which is still entrapped in the distal end of the pouch in the interior of the patient, can be removed by the surgeon. After removal of the specimen, the pouch may be removed through the same opening in the wall of the body tissue. If later removal of the pouch containing the specimen of body tissue is desired, the pouch and specimen may be "parked" by permitting it to remain in the body cavity until a later time during the operation whereupon the pouch may be removed in conjunction with the same cannula, an alternative cannula, or through an opening in the wall of body tissue in any of the ways discussed.
Preferred embodiments of the invention are described hereinbelow with reference to the drawings wherein:
FIGS. 1a and 1b are perspective views of the apparatus of the present invention in the deployed configuration;
FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the apparatus in the initial, undeployed configuration;
FIG. 3 is an exploded perspective view of the apparatus;
FIGS. 3a and 3b illustrate, respectively, in perspective view a running knot, and, as an alternative, an eyelet means for slidably attaching a first end portion of the drawstring thread to a second end portion for form a running loop.
FIG. 4 is an elevational partially cut away view of the specimen removal pouch assembly;
FIG. 4a is an elevational view of an alternative pouch having a circumferential flared section;
FIG. 4b is an elevational view of an alternative pouch having a proximal, circumferential notch section;
FIGS. 5a, 5b, 6 and 7 are, respectively, plan, elevational, perspective, and end views of the drive rod;
FIG. 6a illustrates a side view of O-ring 210a;
FIG. 8 is a bottom plan view of the finger loop;
FIGS. 8a and 8b are perspective views of alternative finger loops;
FIG. 8c is a perspective view of a pull ring for engagement with the alternative finger loop;
FIG. 9 is a detached view of the fixture at the proximal end of the finger loop;
FIG. 10 illustrates the insertion of the apparatus of the present invention through a trocar cannula into a body cavity;
FIGS. 11 and 12 illustrate deployment of the specimen removal pouch;
FIG. 13 illustrates the entrapment of a tissue specimen;
FIGS. 14, 15 and 16 illustrate closure of the pouch;
FIG. 17 illustrates cutting of the drawstring;
FIG. 18 illustrates removal of the apparatus from the cannula;
FIGS. 19 and 20 illustrate follow-up procedures for removal of the pouch; and
FIG. 21 illustrates an alternative embodiment in a partially cutaway view.
As used herein with reference to the present invention, the terms "laparoscopic" and "endoscopic" are interchangeable and refer to instruments having a relatively narrow operating portion for insertion into a cannula or a small incision in the skin, or to a surgical procedure in which such instruments are employed. Use herein of the term "laparoscopic" should not be construed so as to exclude "endoscopic" and use herein of the term "endoscopic" should not be construed so as to exclude "laparoscopic". To the contrary, it is believed that the present invention may find use in any procedure where access to the interior of the body is limited to a relatively small incision, with or without the use of a cannula, including, but not limited to, laparoscopic procedures.
A preferred embodiment of the removal pouch and applicator assembly 100 of the present invention is shown in FIGS. 1 to 9.
Referring specifically to FIG. 4, the removal pouch 260 includes a flexible film or sheet preferably formed from a substantially transparent polymeric material. A preferred material is polyurethane sheet of about 0.001 to about 0.005 inches in thickness, although other biocompatible materials capable of forming a flexible membrane, such as, for example, latex, may be used, and other appropriate thicknesses. Preferably, the material is transparent to permit viewing of its contents. Also, the pouch material should be impervious to penetration by cancer cells.
The pouch may be of any dimensions suitable for the purpose of organ entrapment or removal. In the present embodiment, the pouch 260 has a diameter of from about 1.5 inches to about 6.0 inches, a depth of from about 2 inches to about 10 inches, and is able to withstand a cubic capacity of up to about 2.0 liters of water, depending upon the pouch's dimensions.
Pouch 260 includes a closed distal end portion 262 and an openable and closable end portion or mouth 264. Optionally, as illustrated in FIG. 4a, the pouch 260 may include a circumferential wider diameter flared portion 261 in the vicinity of the open proximal end portion or mouth 264. The pouch 260 may alternatively include a circumferential concave portion 263 in the vicinity of the open proximal end portion or mouth 264, for facilitating rolling and placement of the pouch 260 within an elongated tube 180 (See FIG. 2). The open proximal end portion or mouth 264 is defined by a proximal (upper) circumferential tubular portion or sleeve 263, and a distal (lower) circumferential tubular portion or sleeve 266, which are spaced apart from each other.
The pouch possesses a linear portion weakened by perforation or, more preferably, scoring, which extends circumferentially around the mouth 264 of the pouch between the proximal and distal sleeves 263 and 266, respectively. The scored line 265 may be created by induction heating to create a linear portion having thickness less than that of the original material to facilitate tearing of the material along the scored line 265.
The proximal sleeve 263 is adapted to receive a spring member 230, described below. The distal sleeve 266 is adapted to receive a drawstring 250. The scored portion 265 is adapted to tear when the drawstring 250 is pulled with sufficient force so as to close the mouth 264 of the bag distal to the perforation 265, thereby providing fast detachment of pouch 260 from the spring member 230 simultaneously with closure of mouth 264. Clearly, alternative means also can be utilized to detach the pouch 260 from the spring member 230, such as by pulling with a grasper or by cutting with a scissors.
Referring now to FIGS. 1a, 1b, 2 and 3, the laparoscopic removal pouch and applicator assembly includes the elongated tube 180 which is of such dimensions so as to be insertable through a trocar cannula for endoscopic or laparoscopic procedures.
Referring additionally now to FIGS. 5, 6 and 7, the drive rod or bar is an elongated generally cylindrical member slidably disposed through the bore of tube 180. Drive rod 190 includes a distal pushing end 191 and is attached to the pouch assembly to move the pouch from a non-deployed position contained within the outer tube 180 (as shown in FIG. 2) to a deployed position distal to the outer tube 180, (as shown in FIGS. 1a and 16). A spring retainer slot 192 extends longitudinally through the drive rod and opens at the distal end 191. Aperture 193 extends transverse to the drive rod 190 across the spring retainer slot 192. Pin 200 is disposed through aperture 193 and through apertures 231b and 232b (See FIGS. 3, 5a and 5b) for fastening spring 230 within retainer slot 192.
Drawstring aperture 194 extends longitudinally through the drive rod opening distally at end 192. Drawstring aperture 194 opens proximally into drawstring slot 195, which extends longitudinally along the drive rod 190. Drawstring slot 195 terminates at its proximal end at slot 197. Proximal slot 197 is adapted to receive finger loop 130. Drive rod 190 also includes circumferential slots 196 for receiving O-rings 210a, 210b and 210c. The O-rings help maintain a gaseous seal and/or help to maintain the drawstring in place while permitting sliding movement of the drive rod 190 through tube 180. As shown in FIG. 6a, O-ring 210a includes an inwardly pointing projection 210d for providing additional fluid and gas sealability.
The drive rod 190 is preferably fabricated from a strong polymeric material. A material suitable for fabricating the drive rod 190 is polycarbonate plastic with 20% glass fiber filler. If gamma sterilization is desired, this material has the additional advantage of being gamma stable. Other materials suitable for the purposes discussed herein may also be used. To maintain a gaseous seal within the instrument, close tolerances are observed. The outer diameter of the drive rod 190 is slightly less than the inner diameter of the tube 180 through which it slides longitudinally. Additionally, the drive rod 190 is preferably coated with grease as a viscous sealing material to insure that no gases exit or enter the body through the seal when the operation site (e.g. the peritoneum or other body cavity) is insufflated. Any grease that will operate as a viscous sealing material may be used, but if gamma sterilization is desired the grease chosen should be gamma stable. A material suitable for viscous sealing which is also gamma stable is Antiseize Thread Compound 767 available from the Loctite Corporation. A locking tab 105 is included to prevent premature actuation of the instrument during shipping. The locking tab includes snap fit engagement means to engage slot 198 of the drive rod. When thus engaged, the drive rod cannot be pushed distally beyond the point where the locking tab 105 engages the proximal end of the handle portions 110, 120. To actuate the instrument the surgeon must first disengage the locking tab by pulling it off the instrument.
The spring 230 comprises two flexible and resilient strips 231 and 232 which, in unstressed or freely expanded condition together form a generally circular hoop for supporting the periphery of opening 264 of pouch 260. Each strip 231 and 232 has a proximal end portion, 231a and 232a, respectively, with apertures 231b and 232b extending laterally therethrough. The proximal end portions 231a and 232a are adapted to be received into slot 192 of the drive rod 190 so that longitudinal movement of the drive rod 190 in the manner described below will move spring 230 and attached pouch 260. Apertures 231b and 232b are configured so as to align with aperture 193 of the drive rod, thereby permitting disposition therethrough of pin 200. The distal ends 231c and 232c, respectively, meet in opposing relationship where they are joined by tubing 240 made from polymeric, and preferably shrink-wrap type material. In addition, a plurality of arrows 241 may be disposed about the tubing 240 to aid in the manufacturing assembly of the instrument and to also help the surgeon properly orientate the pouch 260, prior to organ entrapment and removal. Spring 230 is preferably fabricated from a resilient metal. One example of such a resilient metal is stainless steel. Other resilient materials are also contemplated, including TINEL brand super elastic metal available from Raychem Corporation of Menlo Park, Calif. and plastic.
Referring now to FIGS. 3, 8 and 9, the finger loop 130 includes a ring portion 134 for engagement by a user's finger. The distal end of the finger loop includes projection 131 for engaging slot 197 in the drive rod 190, wherein the projection 132 is fixedly attached. Projection 131 includes a key portion 131a which engages a corresponding notch in the handle portion 120 to prevent relative rotation of the drive rod within the apparatus when the pouch is fully deployed. Aperture 132 extends longitudinally from distal opening 132a to proximal opening 132b. Aperture 132 receives thread 250. At its proximal end, finger loop 130 may possess a fixture 135 for releasably holding pull ring 160. Fixture 135 comprises spaced apart generally proximally pointing prongs 135a and 135b which define a proximally opening mouth 135c for snap-fit reception of post 170 of the pull ring 160. In an alternate embodiment shown in FIG. 8a, ring portion 134 has an interior recess 171 dimensioned to releasably hold pull ring 160 (FIG. 8c). Interior recess 171 is defined by interior wall 173 of ring portion 134 and shoulder 175. The interior wall 173 contains at least one depression 177, for snap-fit reception of corresponding projections 179 of pull ring 160. In the preferred embodiment, three circumferential depressions 177 are disposed along the interior wall 173, one at a distal end thereof and two opposite each other at a proximal end thereof. As seen in FIG. 8b, ring portion 134 may also include projections 183 to allow the instrument to be gripped with more than one finger, if desired. In the preferred embodiment, projections 183 extend outwardly in a transverse direction from ring portion 160 and include tapered ends 185. Tapered ends 185 may be rounded and may also include a slight bend to facilitate gripping with more than one finger, when desired. Knife 140 is mounted laterally across the mouth at the distal end thereof with sharp knife edge 140a pointed proximally. The knife blade 140 is secured at the fixture 135 by means of pins 150 disposed through apertures 137 in the finger loop 130. The knife edge 140a functions to cut the drawstring 250, as will be described below. Alternatively, the knife can be insert molded or mounted, onto the finger loop 130.
Referring to FIG. 3, handle portions 110 and 120 are fixedly joined together to form a unitary ring handle, which is fixedly mounted to the proximal end of tube 180 for receipt of a user's finger to facilitate manipulation of the instrument.
Pull ring 160 is a finger ring to facilitate pulling of drawstring 250 to which it is attached, preferably by means of an adhesive. In one embodiment, post 170, which may be in integral part of pull ring 160, is pivotally mounted into mouth 135c of fixture 135 in a snap-fit engagement and may be disengaged by exerting a pulling force thereon to separate ring 160 from ring portion 134 for reasons discussed below. When utilizing post 170, pull ring 160 preferably includes projection 161 which is engageable with a corresponding depression in finger loop 130 to prevent inadvertent or unintended pivoting of the pull ring 160. In an alternate embodiment, FIG. 8b, pull ring 160 includes at least one projection 179 for snap-fit engagement with corresponding depressions 177 of ring portion 134 and may be disengaged by exerting a pulling or pushing force sufficient to separate pull ring 160 from ring portion 134 for reasons discussed below. In a preferred embodiment, the pull ring is distinctively colored to alert the user as to the orientation of the pouch 260.
Drawstring 250 is tied at one end to pull ring 160, and extends through aperture 132 in the finger loop, through drawstring slot 195 in the drive rod, through drawstring aperture 194, and around the mouth 264 of the pouch through lower tubular chamber 266. The drawstring is preferably coated with grease as a viscous sealing material to insure that gases do not enter or exit the peritoneum through aperture 194. Any grease that will operate as a viscous sealing material may be used, but if gamma sterilization is desired the grease chosen should be gamma stable. As previously mentioned, a material suitable for viscous sealing which is also gamma stable is Antiseize Thread Compound 767 available from the Loctite Corporation. The end of the drawstring is brought around and tied to the drawstring to form a loop 252 tied by knot 251. Knot 251 is a "running knot", i.e. a knot that slips along the rope or line around which it is tied. Thus, loop 252 tightens when the standing part of the line is pulled. For proper operation, knot 251 should have a size larger than the diameter of aperture 194. When drawstring 250 is pulled proximally, the knot 251 will be pulled up to the distal opening of aperture 194 where the knot 251 will abut the distal face 191 of drive rod 190. Aperture 194 has a diameter large enough to admit a single threadline of drawstring 250 with minimal clearance to help maintain a gaseous seal with further sealing provided by the grease, but not large enough to permit knot 251 to pass through. Thus, knot 251 is retained in position while drawstring 250 is pulled proximally, thereby closing loop 252. This, in turn, closes mouth 264 of pouch 260 and detaches the lower portion of pouch 260 along perforation 265. Use of the running knot enables closing and opening of the pouch to be achieved by a single actuating line of drawstring thread moving through the apparatus. An aperture or thread passage in a laparoscopic instrument for accommodating a single line of thread need not have as large a diameter as that for accommodating two or more lines of drawstring thread.
A further advantage is that it is easier to maintain a proper gaseous seal within aperture 194 when a single thread is moved therethrough than if two or more lines of thread were disposed therethrough. Although apparatus configurations having only a single actuating threadline are preferred, also contemplated as being within the scope of the present invention are apparatus employing multiple actuating threadlines from, for example, two or more threads, or doubled-over single threads.
Any type of running knot having the proper diameter may be used, such as the slip knot or running bowline, and variations thereof. The knot preferably should maintain enough friction on the drawstring such that the knot slides along the drawstring when the drawstring is pulled with sufficient tension. The knot should also preferably slide in both a distal and proximal direction for closing, and if necessary to facilitate removal of tissue, opening of the pouch after detachment.
The present invention contemplates means other than knots for accomplishing the same function as described above. For example, rings, eyelets, and the like may be used. As shown in FIG. 3A, one end of the drawstring thread is attached to ring member 220, which has an aperture 221 for receiving drawstring 250. When the drawstring 250 is pulled proximally, ring member 220 abuts the proximal face 181 at aperture 194, permitting drawstring 250 to be pulled through, thereby closing loop 252.
Thus, any means for slidably attaching one end of the drawstring to the drawstring thread to form a reducible loop, or running noose, is contemplated as being within the scope of the present invention.
Tube 180 is of such diameter as to permit it to be slidably disposed through a trocar cannula for use in endoscopic or laparoscopic operations, and is generally between about 0.25 inches to 0.50 inches in diameter, and about 10 inches to about 15 inches long, although other dimensions may also be used if appropriate to the operation being performed. Tube 180 slidably houses the drive rod 190 and, when undeployed, the spring 230 and pouch 260. In the initial, unused condition, pouch 260 will be rolled up and spring portions 231 and 232 will be relatively straight and positioned within tube 180. When the drive rod 190 is advanced, the spring 230 connected thereto will exit the distal end of tube 180 and resiliently pop open, thereby deploying and opening pouch 260. Tube 180 is preferably from a metal such as stainless steel and is preferably coated with a shrink wrap plastic such as shrinkable polyethylene fiberglass, or polyvinyl chloride of a grade suitable for use in surgical procedures.
Minimally invasive surgery in the abdomen usually requires the placement of one or more trocar assemblies in the abdominal wall to provide access to the peritoneum for the surgical instruments. The trocar assembly may include an obturator with a sharp, tissue piercing point, a cannula having a tube and a proximal section which usually includes valve and sealing means. The surgeon inserts the trocar assembly into the abdominal wall and then removes the obturator leaving the cannula inserted into the body cavity and the proximal section outside the body. The body cavity is then insufflated. Additional cannulas can be inserted and various operating and optical viewing instruments may be inserted through the several cannulas. The cannula sealing means helps prevent the entry or escape of gas between the inside of the cannula and the outside of the instrument. As mentioned before, the instruments generally have internal sealing means to prevent the escape or entry of gas through the interior of the instrument. Placement of trocar cannulas and insertion of instruments therethrough are performed in accordance with methods and apparatus known and commonly available to those with skill in the art.
Referring now to FIGS. 10 to 20, a method of using the apparatus of the present invention in minimally invasive surgery will now be described. By way of illustration, surgical procedures in which the method of the present invention may be used include, but are not limited to, nephrectomy, cholecystectomy, appendectomy, and the like.
FIG. 10 shows a diagrammatic view of a trocar cannula 300 inserted through a wall of body tissue 400 to gain access to a body cavity, such as for example the peritoneum. The applicator assembly 100, with the specimen retrieval pouch in the non-deployed position is inserted through the cannula 300 in the direction of arrow A such that the distal end of the applicator assembly 100 is positioned within the body cavity. As depicted in FIG. 10, the applicator assembly is in the initial condition with specimen retrieval pouch 260 retained within tube 180. Pull ring 160 is positioned atop post 170. The locking tab 105 is removed at this time to permit actuation of the instrument.
Referring now to FIG. 11, the drive rod 190 is advanced longitudinally distally by the surgeon's pushing of the finger loop 130 as indicated by arrow B. The finger loops of ring portion 110 (and 120) may be grasped by the user during the movement of finger loop 130. This movement, of drive rod 190 advances the pouch 260 beyond the distal end of tube 180 where spring 230 is no longer restrained by tube 180 and, therefore, resiliently pops open to its substantially round configuration to thereby open the mouth 264 of the pouch.
Referring now to FIG. 12, non-traumatic forceps or graspers 500 may be inserted through another cannula and manipulated to gently unroll the pouch 260 if necessary.
Referring to FIG. 13, the specimen of body tissue 410 is excised and placed into pouch 260. The specimen may optionally be treated, i.e. morcellated or otherwise divided prior to removal from the body cavity.
Referring to FIG. 14, the pull ring 160 is pivoted with post 170 in a direction as shown by arrow C to a position as illustrated in FIG. 15.
Referring to FIG. 15, the pull ring 160 is grasped and pulled thereby disengaging post 170 from fixture 135 and permitting removal of pull ring 160 from the finger loop 130.
When the pull ring 160 is pulled (FIG. 16), drawstring 250 is moved proximally, thereby detaching the pouch 260 from the spring support 230 along perforation line 265. Continued pulling of the drawstring 250 will bring running knot 251 into abutment with the distal end 191 of the pusher thus reducing noose or loop 252 and closing the mouth of the pouch 260.
Referring to FIG. 17, the drawstring 250 is inserted into mouth 135c of fixture 135 and cut by knife 140 to allow for subsequent removal of the instrument with the closed pouch remaining inside the body cavity.
Referring to FIG. 18 the finger loop 130 is pulled so as to withdraw spring 230 back into tube 180, whereupon spring 230 refolds back into its predeployed relatively straight configuration to permit removal of the apparatus 100 from the cannula 300. The drive rod 190 is not retracted completely out of the proximal end of tube 180, since complete retraction of the drive rod will permit exit of the spring 230 and subsequent opening of the spring 230 outside the proximal end of the apparatus.
At this point drawstring 250 is sitting in the cannula and as shown in FIG. 20, the pouch with tissue specimen can be immediately removed through the trocar site by pulling the drawstring 250 through the cannula until the end of the pouch 260 reaches the neck of the trocar and both can be removed together, or the trocar can be removed first and removed thereafter through the same incision. Alternatively, with the drawstring securely holding the pouch closed, the drawstring may be grasped by an appropriate endoscopic instrument, such as a grasper, and held inside the body cavity, as shown in FIG. 19, and removed at a later time during the operation. If necessary, the incision may be enlarged to permit passage therethrough of the pouch and specimen. However, it is alternatively contemplated that if the specimens contained in the pouch is sufficiently small, or if divided as discussed above, it can be removed through the cannula.
FIG. 21 illustrates an alternative embodiment of a laparoscopic removal pouch assembly 10. The flexible removal pouch 14 has a closed distal end 17 and an open proximal end 18. The pouch is preferably fabricated from a latex or other material suitable for use in surgical procedures. A drawstring 13 is disposed laterally through transverse aperture 12 in proximity to the distal end of the push rod 11. Push rod 11 is an elongated member having a blunt end 19 for pushing pouch 14 through a cannula 20. Preferably, push rod 11 has a longitudinal slot 11a through which the drawstring thread 13 may be disposed. The drawstring 13 is disposed around the open end 18 of the pouch 14 to form a loop in a sewn-in type construction 16, whereupon it terminates in a running knot 15 to form running noose 15a. The aperture 12 has a diameter large enough to admit drawstring 13, but not large enough to permit running knot 15 to pass through.
In use, the blunt end 19 of the push rod 11 is used to push the inner surface of closed end 17 to insert pouch 14 through a cannula inserted through an opening in a tissue wall into a body cavity. The pouch 14 is removed from the rod 11 by means of a grasper inserted through another cannula and positioned in proximity to the tissue severed for removal. The pouch 14 is manipulated so as to scoop up the tissue into the closed end 17, and the drawstring 13 is then pulled from outside the body to cinch closed the open end 18 of the pouch 14. When the drawstring 13 is pulled, knot 15 abuts the rod 11 at aperture 12 and, since knot 15 is too large to pass through, it is stopped from moving further. Continued pulling of drawstring 13 results in closing of the noose 15a and, therefore, closing of the mouth 18 of the pouch. The tissue specimen is thereby trapped within the pouch 14. Rod 11 is then pulled proximally out of the cannula, drawing the pouch 14 and excised body tissue therethrough or through the incision in the wall of the body tissue.
While the above description contains many specifics, these specifics should not be construed as limitations on the scope of the invention, but merely as exemplifications of preferred embodiments thereof. Those skilled in the art will envision many other possible variations that are within the scope and spirit of the invention as defined by the claims appended hereto.
Patent Citations
Non-Patent Citations
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|Property type
|Minimum Stay
BRING YOUR BOAT! Captain's Harbor is located in protected waters just east of Pine Island Sound. There are a host of outdoor and boating related activities to be had here. It is a short boat ride to Boca Grande (shops, restaurants & beaches); Cayo Costa (unbelievable shelling and beaches) and Cabbage Key (famous restaurant and bar).
A little further to the north is Captiva and Sanibel islands, also known for their exquisite beaches. Fishing in this area is world class, with an abundance of Snook, Redfish, Tarpon, Trout, Grouper, Snapper, etc...
Captain's Harbor is a quaint and quiet little community located on Stringfellow Road in close proximity to restaurants and marinas. The community has tennis courts onsite as well as a community pool. The downstairs of our unit has a two car garage with a two car carport. The upstairs is a two bed two bath with a living area, dining area, kitchen and laundry room. There is a direct view of the water from the kitchen, dining and living areas.
Keywords: Condominium

subset: commoncrawl


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Privacy and Cookies
Start-up carrier People Express has applied to the US Department of Transportation (DOT) for a pair of slots at Washington National airport for seasonal service to Myrtle Beach and Palm Beach.
The carrier plans to operate daily to Myrtle Beach from April to October, and then to Palm Beach from October to April, it says in a filing. It plans to operate Boeing 737-400 aircraft on the route, configured with 150 seats.
Newport News, Virginia-based People Express has said it plans to start operations in the second quarter of 2014.
The slot pair at Washington National is being used temporarily by Southwest Airlines, but the DOT has said it will auction off the pair to an airline with limited or no service at the airport for a flight to a small or medium city within a 2,012km (1,250 mile) perimeter. Southwest began using the slot pair temporarily after Frontier Airlines discontinued service on 1 February.
In its application, People Express says it will be a new entrant to the airport and will offer service on a route not currently served and offer competition on a "high-fare, monopoly route".
US Airways is the only carrier operating non-stop between Washington National and Palm Beach, schedules in Innovata show.


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Nacah Tech LLC
based in Pittsburgh, PENNSYLVANIA (USA)
Nacah Tech has a unique approach for your Thermal Oxidizers and Combustion Systems. Resource saving ideas are key for Nacah Tech LLC thermal oxidizers, combustion systems, afterburners or other thermal air pollution control systems. Nacah Tech becomes a strong, contributing project team member whose combustion experience benefits the customer and their process. When we ...
Chemisch Thermische Prozesstechnik GmbH / CTP Air Pollution Control
based in Graz, AUSTRIA
CTP (Chemisch Thermische Prozesstechnik GmbH) is one of the world`s leading companies in air pollution control for industrial applications. CTP was founded in 1985 and since then, its engineers, chemists and researchers have been developing individual technologies to serve customers worldwide, covering all industrial sectors. At CTP, we adhere to high quality standards ...
McGill AirClean LLC
based in Columbus, OHIO (USA)
McGill AirClean has more than 40 years of experience solving air pollution control problems for boilers, furnaces, incinerators, and a variety of industrial processes. During that time, we have helped customers comply with air emission regulation in industries such as glass, wood products, pulp and paper, automotive, chemical, pharmaceutical, food, metals, petrochemical, ...
based in Montreal, QUEBEC (CANADA)
A technology leader in the Air Filtration & Dust Collection industry, we deliver reliable products manufactured to perform correctly in your application. When designing Fume & Dust Control products, our first priority is worker safety. Keeping unbreathables away from the operator's repository zone requires capture-at-source equipment that is easy-to-use, ...
Pollution Systems
based in Houston, TEXAS (USA)
Pollution Systems designs, builds and services all types of industrial air pollution control systems. We offer Thermal Oxidizers, Catalytic Oxidizers, Regenerative Thermal Oxidizers, Direct Fired Oxidizers, Enclosed Flares, Gas Scrubbers, Particulate Scrubbers, Rotor Concentrators, Heat Recovery Systems and Ceramic Media. On-site services include equipment maintenance ...
United Air Specialists, Inc.
based in Cincinnati, OHIO (USA)
United Air Specialists, Inc. (UAS), founded in 1966, is an industry-leading manufacturer of high-performance air filtration and air pollution control equipment including industrial cartridge filter dust collectors and electrostatic precipitator mist collectors. For over 45 years, UAS has been designing and manufacturing clean air solutions to the highest quality ...
Air-Clear LLC
based in Kirkwood, DELAWARE (USA)
Air-Clear, LLC was founded our goal was to offer our customers the best solutions possible for their air quality needs, and over the years, this goal has served us well. We pride ourselves in building the highest quality, cost-effective and reliable systems, each designed to meet each of our customer's specific project objectives. Our approach is to learn as much as ...
Sentry Air Systems, Inc.
based in Houston, TEXAS (USA)
Founded in 1983, Sentry Air Systems, Inc. engineers clean air through the design and manufacturing of high quality air purification systems. Our patented line of quiet, compact and durable air cleaners offers simple and effective solutions to fume control and extraction. Our line of floor, bench top, mounted and portable units serve a variety of applications including ...
Tecam Group
based in Llinars del Vallès, SPAIN
Tecam Group offers advanced environmental technology to reduce Air Pollution Emissions and to incinerate Industrial Waste, both generated during production processes from the Industry. Tecam Group designs, manufactures and installs Thermal Oxidizers (TO), Regenerative Thermal Oxidizers (RTO), Regenerative Catalytic Oxidizers (RCO), Zeolite Rotor-Concentrator + ...
Kono Kogs, Inc.
based in Green Bay, WISCONSIN (USA)
Kono Kogs, Inc. is a worldwide supplier of used air pollution control equipment. We buy, refurbish, and sell used catalytic, thermal, fume, and regenerative thermal oxidizers (RTO). These systems are available as-is, or reconditioned with a performance warranty.


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Devin Mellon is ranked in all six major polls for the first time this season
Feb. 22, 2012
Match Notes | Live Results | Live Video ($)
Missouri closes out the 2012 regular season this Friday, as they travel to Stillwater, Okla., for their final dual of the year against No. 3 Oklahoma State. Action will get underway from Gallagher-Iba Arena at 7 p.m. on Friday evening.
Two weeks ago, the Tigers jumped back into the top-10 of the NWCA/USA Today Division I Coaches Poll for the first time since coming in at ninth on Jan. 10. Mizzou ranked 10th in the country, a spot they held onto this week after having being off last weekend.
These two last met just a few weeks ago on Feb. 4 in Columbia. Missouri lead 12-9 with three matches to go, but the Cowboys would take all three contests to pull out the 22-12 victory. Drake Houdashelt scored a win over then-No. 9 Albert White to open things up, while Brent Haynes defetated then-No. 7 Blake Rosholt, 10-4.
Live play-by-play and results will be provided for free at the Oklahoma State website, www.okstate.com. For a fee, fans can watch live streaming video of the match at www.okstate.tv. The Mizzou Wrestling Twitter account, @MizzouWrestling, will also post updates and results.
Oklahoma State is currently ranked No. 3 in the country and is coming off their first loss of the year, falling 18-13 to Minnesota in the NWCA National Duals championship bout this past weekend. Since facing the Tigers back on Feb. 4 in Columbia, Oklahoma State has defeated No. 10 Wyoming (28-7), No. 6 Ohio State (25-6), No. 12 Oklahoma (19-18) and No. 5 Illinois (19-15) before falling to Minnesota.
The Cowboys have already clinched the first-ever Big 12 regular season dual championship with their 5-0 record in the league. The Oklahoma Sooners finished the year at 3-3, while Iowa State was winless at 0-6. The Tigers are currently 3-2 in the Big 12 this year.
OSU has seven wrestlers ranked in the latest Intermat rankings. Leading the way is junior Jordan Oliver, who is No. 1 at 133 pounds, and senior Jamal Parks, who ranks second at 149. Also earning top-20 spots are No. 13 Jon Morrison (125), No. 11 Josh Kindig (141), No. 19 Albert White (157), No. 3 Chris Perry (174) and No. 8 Blake Rosholt (197). Heavyweight Alan Gelogaev, who ranked in at No. 2 in the nation last week, has been lost for the year due to injury.
Oklahoma State defeated Missouri by a 22-12 final in Columbia earlier in the month. The Cowboys own the all-time series by a 35-5-1 margin.
Missouri hosts the Big 12 Championships next Saturday, March 3, at the Hearnes Center. Session One will begin at 11 a.m. CT, with doors opening at 10 a.m. The championship round will take place that evening at 6:30 p.m. For ticket information, please visit mutigers.com.
If you're on Facebook or Twitter, make sure to follow the official University of Missouri Wrestling team to get exclusive updates, pictures, video content and live results throughout the entire season. Head to facebook.com/MizzouWrestling or twitter.com/MizzouWrestling and follow us today.
The NCAA Wrestling Championships will return to the Midwest in 2012, as the event heads back to St. Louis, Mo., after a two year hiatus. The three day tournament will run from March 15-17 and be held at the Scottrade Center. A limited number of tickets remain for the NCAA Championships and can be purchased at ticketmaster.com.
For the fourth time in program history and first time since 2007, the University of Missouri will play host to the Big 12 Wrestling Championships, held in the Hearnes Center. The event will take place on Saturday, March 3, 2012. Head to mutigers.com for information on purchasing tickets.
The No. 13 Mizzou wrestling squad went 2-1 at the NWCA/Cliff Keen National Duals on Saturda, Feb. 11, defeating Cal Poly and No. 11 Michigan before losing to No. 4 Minnesota in the Rutgers Regional Finals. Missouri is now 14-4 in duals this season.
The Tigers opened the day with a dominating 34-6 victory over Cal Poly, setting up a 21-12 victory over the Wolverines in the semifinals. Minnesota defeated the Tigers by a 26-7 score in the championship bout. Junior Brent Haynes had an impressive day, winning all three of his matches against ranked opponents, scoring bonus points in two of his bouts. Redshirt freshman Drake Houdashelt was also 3-0, which included a pin in his first contest.
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Mizzou wrestling crowned five All-Americans Friday at Scottrade Center, tying the program record ...
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NCAA Wrestling Championships Central
Here's your one-stop shop for all of the live stats and video links for each session of the NCAA ...
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Contributors: Politics - Open Season
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Wednesday Aug 29, 2012 | 9:31 am
Ron and Rand Paul may present challenges for GOP going forward
TAMPA, Fla. — Tuesday's brief showdown between Ron Paul supporters and GOP leaders on the floor of the Republican National Convention made clear that – despite attempts to suggest otherwise at the Tampa event – not everyone within the party is aligned behind Mitt Romney. In all likelihood, the dispute over Maine's delegates loyal to Paul will be a mere blip of disunity during the four-day pep rally for Romney […]CONTINUE READING
Tuesday Aug 28, 2012 | 4:42 pm
NOM complaint grows
Fred Karger, the California man who filed the original campaign finance complaint in 2009 against the National Organization for Marriage, is raising new questions with the Maine ethics commission. Last week, Karger asked the commission to look into allegations that the Douglas and Maria DeVos Foundation of Ada, Michigan, gave $500,000 to NOM in 2009 that was not reported as a contribution. "It is impossible for us to determine if the […]Continue Reading
Tuesday Aug 28, 2012 | 2:07 pm
Paul makes surprise visit, speaks with Maine delegation chairman
Congressman Ron Paul made an unannounced visit to the floor of the Republican National Convention on today, stopping by to visit delegations from Maine and other states where he has vocal supporters. (Above, Texas Congressman Ron Paul talks with members of Maine's delegation, many wearing Paul hats, on the floor of the convention on Tuesday) Paul's surprise visit delighted his small but vocal backers in the convention center. Flocked by […]Continue Reading
Tuesday Aug 28, 2012 | 12:33 pm
Maine's Ron Paul supporters are hoping for a floor fight
TAMPA, Fla. – Maine supporters of libertarian Ron Paul were preparing Tuesday morning to take their weeks-long fight for a voice at the Republican National Convention to the convention floor. After exhausting all other appeals, members of Maine's delegation to the national event plan to ask the rest of the convention attendees to re-seat 10 delegates and 10 alternates who support Paul. The delegates and alternates were removed and replaced […]Continue Reading
Tuesday Aug 28, 2012 | 9:52 am
Big-name Maine Republicans skip Tampa convention
TAMPA, Fla. – The list of speakers and attendees of the Republican National Convention reads like a who's who in the GOP across the country. For the Maine Republican Party, however, the 2012 convention is notable for who is not in Tampa – namely, pretty much all of the state's big-name GOP politicians. Gov. Paul LePage announced last week that he was skipping the convention due, in large part, to […]Continue Reading
Monday Aug 27, 2012 | 4:52 pm
DeCoster, Land o Lakes reward friendly Maine lawmakers
Many of you may recall last year's fight over a special bill to reduce labor protections for worker's at Austin Jack DeCoster's notorious egg farms, home to serial violations of labor, environmental, health, and worker safety laws of frankly jaw dropping magnitude. The bill — sponsored by Rep. Dale Crafts (R-Lisbon Falls) and backed by Rep. Jeffrey Timberlake (R-Turner) — was approved in commitee, but struck down after Sen. Chris Rector (R-Thomaston) and […]Continue Reading
Monday Aug 27, 2012 | 3:17 pm
Lesbian group backs gay marriage
LPAC, which describes itself as "the lesbian super PAC," announced today that it is endorsing the Maine campaign for gay marriage. "We are excited about the prospects of winning marriage at the ballot box for the first time in 2012," said LPAC Chairwoman Sarah Schmidt in a prepared statement. "Mainers United for Marriage and their coalition partners in Maine have done an incredible job changing hearts and minds about marriage over […]Continue Reading
Monday Aug 27, 2012 | 12:02 pm
Snowe, Collins express frustration with GOP
Maine's two U.S. Senators have had some harsh words for their party in the last few days. Sen. Olympia Snowe and Sen. Susan Collins are both clearly frustrated that Republicans are once again defending a rigid pro-life platform in the wake of the controversial "legitimate rape" comments of Rep. Todd Akin, R-Missouri. Snowe wrote an opinion piece published in the Washington Post Friday calling for Republican presidential candidate Mitt […]Continue Reading
Monday Aug 27, 2012 | 11:15 am
Live from Tampa: Maine delegation under extra scrutiny
TAMPA, Fla. – Maine's delegation to the Republican National Convention is one of a handful of states being subjected to additional credentialing scrutiny in another apparent example of lingering tension over the bitter fight between national party leaders and Ron Paul supporters. Delegation member said that Maine's representatives will have to pick up their credentials to access the convention floor on a daily basis, whereas delegations in most other states […]Continue Reading
Friday Aug 24, 2012 | 9:57 am
Catholics plan Sunday gay-marriage event
Catholics for Marriage Equality will join the Lincoln County Coalition for Marriage Equality for a demonstration of support for gay marriage on Sunday. The gathering is set for noon on the bridge over the Damariscotta River between Newcastle and Damariscotta, according to a release sent out this morning. "Help hold our purple banners that proclaim the way life should be for all loving couples in Maine," the release says. Of course […]Continue Reading


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2015 NEW 9" GOOGLE LATEST ANDROID HDMI-READY 4.4 DUAL CAMERA QUAD CORE TABLET PC 8GB Wi-Fi
With FREE Keyboard case!!! Local Delivery Available for £5 within 15 miles. Now comes with New Android 4.4 operating system and LED flashlight!!! Ideal gift for yourself, friends and family, Birthday, etc... Colours Available-


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Students lean illustration techniques during intersession
During a wintersession illustration class at the University of Mississippi Wednesday, students watched as acting assistant art professor Katherine Rhodes Fields demonstrated how to transfer images using a variety of techniques.
Dabbing wintergreen or clove oil on the back of a printed image and using a large wooden spoon, the students watched as Fields transferred a sketch, newspaper photograph and magazine pictures onto a plain piece of paper.
The technique is often used to create collages, Fields said, or to allow artists to take an image from their sketch pad and transfer it to another media. (January 7, 2011, Page 1B)
A quiet mind in an active body
For Jimmyle Listenbee, working as a dancer and choreographer has blended naturally with her practice in Zen Buddhism. Senior staff writer Lucy Schultze talks with Listenbee on how the Calhoun City native found her way from Sunday school to Eastern philosophy in this week's "A Conversation With…" (January 6, 2011, Page 3)
Taking a look back
EAGLE photographer displays some of his favorite LafaShopper covers in today's Oxford Living. (December 30, 2010, Page 1B)
Remember the good years during a bad football season
When the Ole Miss Rebels have a not-so-great football season, Historian Jack Lamar Mayfield likes to think about some of those great years in the past when the Rebels saw lots of Bowl action — particularly under the direction of Coach John Vaught from 1946 through 1970. (December 30, 2010, Page 2B)
Shifting gears in an art career
Tina Lutz, former director of the Tupelo GumTree Museum of Art and GumTree Festival, is pursuing a master of fine arts degree in studio arts with an emphasis in printmaking from the University of Mississippi Art Department. Lutz talks with senior staff writer Lucy Schultze about her new shift in her art career in this week's "A Conversation With…" (December 30, 2010, Page 3A)
The gift of life's possibilities
John Robert Phillips will get his share of presents this Christmas, but none will mean as much as the everyday gift of his grandmother's care. Retired teacher Karen Namorato talks about the challenges of helping a child born with both Down syndrome and deafness in this week's "A Conversation With…" (December 23, 2010, Page 3A)
Remembering Christmases spent on South Lamar
Jack Mayfield takes us down Memory Lane as he recalls Christmases of the past when he spent the holidays with his grandparents in their South Lamar home. Read about his childhood memories in today's Oxford Living. (December 23, 2010, Page 3B)
Decorating during the holidays a tradition for local woman
Santa will definitely make an appearance at the Adams' home in Abbeville this year. In fact, about 100 Santa's are already displayed in their living room. See Katherine Adams winter wonderland in today's Oxford Living on page 1. (December 23, 2010, Page 1B)
Why I look forward to Christmas
Playing Santa Claus is one of Jack Mayfield's favorite things to do during the holidays. This week in Oxford Living, the historian takes a break from Oxford's history to tell us why having a long white beard makes for the perfect Santa Claus. (December 17, 2010, Page 3B)
Friendship is a sheltering tree
Columnist Joanne Wilkinson shares her memories of a good friend and reminds us all how important our friends are to us — in good times and not-so-good times. (December 17, 2010, Page 3B)


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Narrow your search
Remember those deadly wrist blades in "Alien vs. Predator"? The folks of "Man at Arms: Reforged" have built a real blade gauntlet that looks absolutely deadly.
Kitfox Games' retro-styled Moon Hunters is a beautifully designed action adventure RPG that allows you to create your own heroic legend to live on through the ages.
Warner Bros has announced a new remake for classic arcade game Gauntlet, coming in winter for PC via Steam and the Steam Machine.
Twins Jacob and Evie Frye lead the Assassin's charge.
Watch laser enthusiast Patrick Priebe show off the blasting abilities of his slick Iron Man glove in a new YouTube video.
New SoundTouch Wi-Fi line includes three speaker models at launch: the SoundTouch 30, SoundTouch 20, and SoundTouch Portable
Remember how cool the Power Glove was when it came out in 1989? It even starred in "The Wizard" with Fred Savage! But teens today aren't buying the old hype in the Fine Brothers' latest video.
A new all-cotton hydrophobic shirt from Threadsmiths runs a liquid gauntlet full of coffee, tea, soy sauce and wine.
Intel CEO Brian Krzanich says he plans to greatly increase the hiring, progression and retention of women and minorities in the company, and invited the industry to join him.
Transform every snow day into your own Battle of Hoth by wearing this highly detailed replica Imperial costume from Anovos.


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BOISE -- Lawmakers are considering a bill to create an advisory board to oversee the state treasurer's office.
Senate President Pro-Tem Brent Hill introduced the measure, which was approved by a senate committee.
Last month, state auditors said Ron Crane's office lost $10 million and risked millions more taxpayer dollars from potential losses in ill-advised transactions in 2008.
Treasurer Crane does not agree that his office made a mistake, but he does support the measure to create an advisory board.


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Join Lyfeliek and Hardlydan for game talk and fun! This time, The Gamesmen finally get back to playing RPG! Games/topics covered are Counter-Strike: Global Offensive and it's rocky worldwide release, wi-fi-enabled donkeys, multiple industry layoffs and closings, plus many, many others!
RPG Music:
Wiid Arms 3 – "Gunmetal Action"
Grandia III – "GRTurbo"
FFX – "Otherworld"
Show Notes:
Email at email@example.com
Leave A Voicemail (412)267-RPG1
On Twitter @thegamesmenrpg
Be sure to check out www.vghub.net


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Na Wai Puna o Kona – Na Kupuna Kaulana Hawai'i lā Nā mea Aloha lā Eia ho'i ke ola lā 'O Hawai'i Famous is Hawai'i Loveable things indeed Present is the life Hawai'i Kamehameha Hawai'i lā Mō'i ka moku lā … Continue reading
Monthly Archives: May 2012
Second in a series of profiles on Hawai'i Island National Parks, by Robert Oaks… Traditional Hawaiian society was regulated by a series of rules—kapu—the violation of which led to severe punishment, often including death. Examples of violating a kapu included … Continue reading
…Hawai'i Island Best Place to See a Rare Astronomical Event… By Jon Lomberg… June 5, 2012 On June 5, 2012, the Earth, Sun, and the planet Venus will briefly line up, and Venus will slowly move across the Sun's face, … Continue reading
…Visionary Philanthropist Wants Kids to Have a Better Future… By Fern Gavelek… He goes to bed every night with pen and paper at his side. "That's because I dream of ideas while falling asleep," says Earl Bakken, M.D. HON. C. … Continue reading
…The Saito Family and Pa'auilo Store… By Hadley Catalano… It might just be that a simple bento roll is what has kept the Saito family of Hāmākua in business all these years, and helped their family store to recently reach … Continue reading
By Catherine Tarleton… Little did Leo Sears know, back in Kansas, that his first onstage experience in a local high school play, "Curtain Going Up," would be an appropriate title for his own life drama and career. Even though his … Continue reading
…By Jessica Kirkwood… The tattoo is not just a form of art, but a sacred dance in symbolic healing. Marked in momentum, the rhythm beats fast from the coiled snake. Journeying, thoughts come forth from the void. Let them go. … Continue reading
…Listening to the Buzz with Bee Oracle Alison Yahna… By Marya Mann… A honeybee swarm came to Alison Yahna and it changed her life forever. The bees came in a swirling rush, alighting on a small cedar tree near her … Continue reading
…Big Island Honeybees are Vital to Keeping Us Fed, Our Skin Soft and Even Healing Cuts on Fish Fins… By Denise Laitinen… Raw honey may look like liquid gold, but it is the bees themselves that are worth their weight … Continue reading
…GPS Tracking Reveals the Hawaiian Goose Doin' What Comes Naturally… By Fern Gavelek… Hawai'i's beloved state bird, the nēnē, is making a comeback, and a new Hawai'i Island study has revealed some fascinating facts about the Hawaiian goose and how … Continue reading


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A microprocessor architecture for executing byte compiled Java programs directly in hardware. The microprocessor targets the lower end of the embedded systems domain and features two orthogonal programming models, a Java model and a RISC model. The entities share a common data path and operate independently, although not in parallel. The microprocessor includes a combined register file in which the Java module sees the elements in the register file as a circular operand stack and the RISC module sees the elements as a conventional register file. The integrated microprocessor architecture facilitates access to hardware-near instructions and provides powerful interrupt and instruction trapping capabilities.
1. A microprocessor for executing bytecode compiled from an objected oriented programming language in hardware comprising:
a RISC processor, the RISC processor configured to be an embedded processor;
a first module to execute a set of instructions in bytecode in the RISC processor;
a RISC module to execute a set of instructions as microcode in the RISC processor, said RISC module including means for handling interrupts and a flexible hardware interface to control highly specialized peripheral devices; and
a datapath in the RISC processor shared by both modules, said datapath including a register file shared by both modules, said register file having a plurality of elements shared by the first module and the RISC module, the first module seeing a first portion of the plurality of elements a circular operand stack and a remaining portion of the plurality of elements as storage registers, the RISC module seeing the plurality of elements as a register file.
2. The microprocessor of
3. The microprocessor of
4. The microprocessor of
5. The microprocessor of
6. The microprocessor of
7. The microprocessor of
8. The microprocessor of
9. The microprocessor of
10. The microprocessor of
11. The microprocessor of
12. The microprocessor of
13. A microprocessor for executing bytecode compiled from an objected oriented programming language in hardware comprising:
a RISC processor, the RISC processor configured to be an embedded processor;
a first module to execute a set of instructions in bytecode in the RISC processor;
a RISC module to execute a set of instructions as microcode in the RISC processor, the set of instructions to be executed as microcode being more complex than the set of instructions in bytecode, said RISC module including means for handling interrupts and a flexible hardware interface to control highly specialized highly peripheral devices; and
a datapath shared by both modules, said datapath including a register file shared by both modules, said register file including:
i) a plurality of elements shared by the first module and the RISC module, the first module seeing a portion of these elements as a circular operand stack and a remaining portion as storage registers, the RISC module seeing the plurality of elements as a register file;
ii) a control bit tracking which module is in operation;
iii) a program counter containing the address of an instruction to be executed;
iv) a program counter base register storing the address of a new method to be invoked;
v) a local variable address to store base address information for local variables in a method;
vi) a constant pool address to store the base address for the constant pool in a class;
vii) a stack pointer to track where the top of the operand is; and
viii) a RISC stack pointer to point where the RISC can temporarily store variables if the register file is full.
14. The microprocessor of
15. The microprocessor of
16. The microprocessor of
17. The microprocessor of
18. The microprocessor of
19. A method of executing bytecode compiled from an object oriented programming language in an embedded RISC processor, said method comprising:
executing a set of instruction as bytecode in the processor with a first module;
executing a set of instructions as microcode with the RISC module, the set of instructions to be executed as microcode being more complex than the set of bytecode instructions;
interrupting the processor when an instruction too complex for execution by the first module appears;
confirming that a set of implementation specific conditions require the processor to be interrupted;
executing the complex instruction separately from other instructions in the RISC module;
storing a return address on top of a stack in the RISC module; and
returning to the first module when the RISC module has finished executing the complex instruction.
20. The method of
jumping to a predefined address and reading a new branch address;
executing a branch instruction to the new branch address in the RISC module; and
executing a return instruction to return to program execution using the first module.
21. A microprocessor for executing bytecode compiled from an object oriented programming language in hardware comprising:
a RISC processor, the RISC processor configured to be an embedded processor;
a first module to execute a set of instructions in bytecode in the RISC processor;
a RISC module to execute a set of instructions as microcode in the RISC processor, said RISC module including means for handling interrupts and a flexible hardware interface to control highly specialized devices; and
a datapath in the RISC processor shared by both modules, said datapath including a register file shared by both modules, said register file having a local variable base address to store base address information for local variables in a method, and said register file having a plurality of elements shared by the first module and the RISC module, the first module seeing a first portion of the plurality of elements as a circular operand stack and a remaining portion of the plurality of elements as storage registers, the RISC module seeing the plurality of elements as a register file.
22. The microprocessor of
23. The microprocessor of
24. The microprocessor of
25. The microprocessor of
26. The microprocessor of
27. The microprocessor of
28. The microprocessor of
29. The microprocessor of
30. The microprocessor of
31. The microprocessor of
This application is a continuation of U.S. patent application, Ser. No. 10/114,678, filed Apr. 1, 2002, now abandoned.
The invention relates generally to microprocessors, and more specifically to a microprocessor with a JAVA Virtual machine core architecture.
JAVA is an object oriented programming language that has become a de facto standard in network programming. At the present time, JAVA is also beginning to be utilized in the domain of embedded systems, or systems that contain a microprocessor or a microcontroller. Some of the strong points of the JAVA environment like its object orientation, automatic garbage collection and run time security features can be used with success in embedded applications. However, its run time environment presents a challenge for system designers because of the resource overhead related to running the JAVA code in a virtual machine such as an interpreter or a just-in-time compiler. The JAVA binary code, called bytecode, is distributed in one or more class files. Bytecodes are the instructions of a hypothetical computer that is specifically designed for the execution of JAVA programs. Conventional CPUs cannot execute this bytecode and therefore execute it in a software layer called the JAVA Virtual machine. This machine is an abstract machine specification and no implementation guidelines are given. The JAVA Virtual Machine Specification is published by Sun Microsystems.
With reference to
A second method 903, is similar except that instead of using an interpreter, the JAVA bytecode is dynamically compiled into the binary format 940 for the native platform by a Just In Time (JIT) compiler 935. This process occurs inside the virtual machine and is not stored after the program has ended. The newest JAVA JIT technique is called HotSpot and uses a principle where bottlenecks are analyzed and recompiled during program execution. However, the JIT compiler will suffer from a memory overhead of a factor of two or three while executing the same application.
A third method 901 involves the use of cross compilers 910 to compile the JAVA source code into binary format 920 for the native platform. However, the platform independence is lost and the binary program cannot be executed on multiple platforms.
In a fourth method 904, a JAVA operating system 945 and JAVA processor 970 are used to execute the bytecode directly in silicon. Some JAVA processors have a folding mechanism, which means that several instructions are combined and executed as one. However, most JAVA processors will execute as an interpreter wherein each opcode is read and then the appropriate action is taken to execute the instruction.
There is no generally preferred run-time environment. Each of these environments can be used with success for different systems depending on their requirements. However, for embedded systems, the use of a JAVA processor (the fourth method 904) is by far the preferred technical solution if JAVA is to be implemented in embedded systems. In recent years, several JAVA virtual machines have been developed for embedded processor platforms. Most of the software solutions aim for 32 bit processors with some 100K memory size. Additionally, some JAVA hardware processors for executing JAVA programs on silicon have also been developed. These processors, which support direct execution of JAVA instructions, implement 32 bits stack machines. Some rely on extensions to the JAVA binary format in order to offer features like direct addressing and bit manipulation instructions. Others do not execute JAVA binary codes directly, but have a very close architectural match to thereby increase performance of the virtual machine. The processors are all targeted for medium to large embedded systems. There are currently no 8 or 16 bit processors available for direct execution of JAVA byte compiled code, even though the eight bit processor market has been considerably larger than the 32 bit processor market.
It is the object of the present invention to provide a microprocessor for executing JAVA byte compiled code in hardware.
It is a further object of the present invention to provide a microprocessor architecture for executing JAVA that is small and power efficient enough to be a preferred solution in small to medium sized embedded applications.
The above objects have been achieved by a microprocessor for executing byte compiled JAVA code in hardware that includes a RISC processor, a JAVA module for executing a first set of JAVA instructions in the RISC processor, a RISC module for executing a second set of JAVA instructions as microcode in the RISC processor, and a data path in the RISC processor, including a register file, shared by both modules. The JAVA module sees the elements in the register file as a circular operand stack and the RISC module sees the plurality of elements as a register file. The microprocessor architecture is deduced from the observation that, despite JAVA's high semantic content instruction set, it shares a majority of the executed instructions with instructions of a generic RISC processor. The architecture is intended to provide designers of embedded applications with an easy to integrate, small and cost effective processor solution with a well defined programming model. This results in the processor architecture embracing two programming models, making JAVA easy to integrate in small to medium size embedded applications.
With reference to
RISC is an abbreviation for "reduced instruction set computer". The idea behind the RISC architecture is that a simpler instruction set could be executed with a higher clock frequency and more efficient pipe lining, ensuring a higher throughput than in traditional stack machines. The instruction set of a RISC will of course vary from processor to processor but generally it has the following instructions: LOAD, STORE, ADD, SUB, AND, OR, SHIFT, BRANCH. In addition RISC architectures will in general include some form of bit manipulation instructions. Comparing JAVA'S instruction set with a generic RISC instruction set, it can be found that most of the RISC instructions appear in the JAVA instruction set. The overlap of common instructions 25 is illustrated in the diagram of
With reference to
With reference to
Thus, the JAVA model is able to execute the JAVA parts of the program. Such parts may be network capabilities or algorithms which are already implemented in a company's software library, and constitute modules of legacy software for reuse. The RISC model aids in execution of the JAVA code by executing complex instructions as microcode. It also provides a flexible hardware interface which can be used to, for example, control highly specialized peripheral devices like sensors and actuators. In order to be compatible with the JAVA Virtual machine specification, all JAVA instructions need to be implemented. However, in an embedded processor targeted for small to medium applications, several of the number formats supported by the JAVA Virtual machine are excessive. For instance, there are few processors in this segment that offer floating point units. Several of JAVA's more complex instructions have to be trapped and executed as microcode. Which instructions to trap and which to implement directly into hardware is usually an implementation specific issue decided by the designer. Additionally, which RISC instruction set to use depends on the RISC model chosen, as the present invention can also be used with other types of RISC architectures in addition to the RISC architectural described herein.
A key architectural element in the proposed microprocessor architecture is the register file. This module has the function of a push-pop stack in JAVA mode and as a conventional load/store register file in RISC mode. This is also the module which allows the two virtual processors to communicate. With reference to
With reference to
The virtual processors communicate through the register file. The RISC unit executes, amongst others, complex JAVA instructions. These small RISC programs have to fetch their operands from the top of the JAVA operand stack and place the results back to the top of the JAVA operand stack, and at the same time make sure that the JAVA stack pointer is incremented or decremented depending on the operation performed. This presents a problem since the RISC instruction format will only handle static registers. The problem is solved by setting and clearing two status bits in the status register. Each of the status bits controls whether the source (X) or the destination (Y) operand are to be fetched from the register indicated in the instruction or whether the register number is to be dynamically read from the JAVA stack pointer register. The RISC program which replaces a JAVA instruction has to set and clear these bits at the appropriate time. By setting the two bits in the register file, the RISC processor can use the content of the top of stack register as an argument for which register to access.
With reference to
The JAVA Virtual machine specification does not describe the concept of interrupts. Therefore interrupts are handled by default by the RISC module. With reference to
The instruction trapping mechanism involves steps similar to the interrupt mechanism. When an unimplemented instruction occurs, the JAVA control module detects this and the return address is stored on the top of the stack. Then, the processor switches to RISC mode and fetches a jump address from a predefined location in the memory. The RISC module then continues execution at the address fetched in the last step. Having the trapping mechanism be similar to the interrupt mechanism achieves maximum flexibility since only the first jump address is predefined in the design. This will enable the software linker to optimally plan the memory usage by only linking the RISC routines for the JAVA opcodes actually present in the program, thus saving precious memory space. The RISC routine should end by popping the program counter off the top of the stack and saving it in the program counter register. This will ensure that the JAVA program continues at the correct place. Additionally, the microprocessor has a stack overflow/underflow handling mechanism. This mechanism in the JAVA push-pop stack can be implemented by reusing existing logic for instruction trapping. When an overflow occurs, the processor traps the overflow flag and jumps to a predefined address where it finds a jump vector to the software procedure that will handle the overflow/underflow condition.
With reference to
The JAVA Virtual machine specification contains 201 instructions, many of them type specific. The number of instructions hardware implemented, and the number of instructions trapped, depends on the RISC architecture that is used. Other types of RISC architectures will have an effect on the number of instructions hardware implemented and trapped. The following instructions were not hardware implemented in the preferred embodiment of the present invention since these instructions are not considered as important in a small embedded processor: all instructions of type "float", all instructions of type "double", and all instructions of type "long". This eliminates approximately 90 instructions from the 201 possible JAVA instructions. Of the remaining instructions, 68 instructions are implemented in the JAVA Virtual machine and 43 instructions are trapped and are executed as RISC routines. The instructions that are trapped and executed as RISC routines are noted below in Table 1.
For the RISC architecture, the SMILE RISC architecture was chosen. SMILE is an abbreviation for "Scalable Microcontroller Library Element" and was developed by Andrew K. Betts at University College London and is described in several publications, including:
The essential details of the SMILE specification are described below at the end of this section. SMILE is targeted for small embedded systems and has certain scalability qualities. The virtual RISC of the present invention implements a modified SMILE instruction set, except that the instructions format was slightly changed in order to accommodate 32 register addressing as is shown in
The signals shown in each of
After the instruction R2J is executed, the processor switches to JAVA mode in the next clock cycle. The transfer of control is seamless as shown in
As shown in
Execution of "istore" at time 215 takes two clock cycles as shown in
At time 315 in
With reference to
Finally, the JAVA stack pointer is incremented again at time 495 before the RISC returns control to the JAVA module again at time 515 in
Smile Specification
As discussed above, the SMILE RISC specification was chosen in the implementation of the present invention. The specification of the SMILE implementation used in the present invention is described herein.
The SMILE microcontroller must satisfy the following requirements: scalable size, design simplicity, moderate speed and moderate code efficiency. SMILE would typically be part of a larger system including timers, memory and some form of analog interface. The design will follow RISC principles whenever this is practical and relevant. The compact instruction set (24 instructions) will have the following features:
Uniformity: Every type of operation will be applicable to all processor registers and all combinations of processor registers in the same way (with the exception of some operations on the status register), and all instructions will be conditioned.
Completeness: The instruction set will be complete with respect to the application area of embedded control.
Orthogonality: The instruction set will be orthogonal, and there will be no undecoded instructions.
Parameterization & Scalability: as the user may be in a position to modify the core hardware, the design will be parameterized. It will also be possible to scale the design according to the width of the memory, with the smallest width being 4 bits. Functionality will degrade gracefully as the memory width is reduced. Finally, expansion of the instruction set will be allowed through the addition of application specific instructions.
The following three parameters will be specified in order to characterize a particular version of SMILE:
The following restrictions apply to the choice of the above parameters. NRE is a power of 2.
The processor switches between processes on interrupt. Each process will see a set of NSR+NLR General Purpose Registers. Register L[NLR−1] will be the program counter, PC.
Register L[0] will be the stack pointer, SP. Register S[NSR−1] will be the Interrupt Control and Status Register, SR. Registers designated "local" are stacked on interrupt. The local registers are to be the Program Counter, PC (L[NLR−1]), the Status Register, SR ((S[NSR−1]), and the Memory Configuration Register, MCR. All other registers will be designated "global". When short registers are combined in an operation with long registers, or they are used as an address, they are zero-extended. This allows the short registers to be used to point to the first page (2WSR locations) of data memory.
Status information is held in two registers, SR1 and SR2, as defined by the following diagram. The addressing modes used to access this information are shown in
With reference to
For this version of the specification, data and instruction memories will be identical. Memory accesses that use the program counter as a pointer will read instruction memory, while all others will read or write data memory (nb, immediate constants are therefore in instruction memory). Accesses to instruction memory are read-only. Memory will be accessed as shorts or longs, depending on the operation. The high and low parts of longs will be ordered according to the little endian convention.
The instruction set is noted in Table 2 below:
The following are attributes of the instruction set shown in Table 2. ST x,y is not an allowed instruction. Status bits K and P are affected by all 50 instructions. All instructions may have a further field <cdn> added to specify a condition (not shown in above table). If this is not specified, then the default condition tests the S bit. This bit is set by all instructions except TB and FB, which sets or clears it depending on the result of the test. Instructions are always executed, and the appropriate status bits set. However, the results are only stored if <cdn> is true. The y result is always stored in pre-decrement and post-increment instructions. The VS instruction is identical to the JS instruction, except that the jump address is not required to follow the instruction. Instead, this address is fetched from an address table that is internal to the SMILE core, and the index used to retrieve the appropriate address is n—the VS argument. This instruction therefore allows a subroutine jump where the destination of the jump is coded into the instruction itself.
The addressing modes for the Ax operand are defined as follows:
Table 3 defines the status calculations, where: Ax_result denotes the result of the calculation for Ax which, in fact, will only be stored if the condition corresponding to the operation is met. Ay_result denotes the result of the calculation of the effective address for the y field in pre-decrement, post-increment and displacement addressing modes.
The code for an immediate mode instruction, IN Ax, <constant>, is identical to the code for IN Ax, (PC)+, followed by the <constant> value, where the latter value has the size of the x register. In this context, IN stands for LD|ST|AD|SU|AN|OR|EO. The instruction format for LD, ST, AD, SU, AN, OR, EO is shown in
The fields of the SMILE instruction are coded as follows:
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ECHL Game Night 11/24: Chiefs at RoyalsSubmitted by pete on November 24, 2006 - 21:45
I'm amazed at how well Johnatown has played with Spina and Lascek getting called up.
Gerald Coleman stopped 38 of 43 for the victory as the Chiefs were outshot 43-27. Rookie Maxime Boisclair led the way for Johnstown with a hat trick and a pair of assists. Veteran Randy Rowe chipped in 4 assists. Andre Deveaux had 1 goal and 2 assists. Radek Smolenak and PJ Atherton each had 1 goal and 1 assist as well. Doug Andress also had a goal for the Chiefs. Zbynek Hrdel and rookie Gus Katsuras had individual assists in the game. Boisclair, Rowe and Deveaux were named the game's three stars.
First Period
JHN Andress, (5) (Rowe, Boisclair), 3:24 (PP)
REA Hogeboom, (7) (MacMillan), 10:07
JHN Smolenak, (5) (Hrdel), 11:49
JHN Deveaux, (2) (Boisclair, Rowe), 13:26
JHN Boisclair, (6) (Atherton, Deveaux), 19:00
Second Period
JHN Boisclair, (7) (Rowe, Deveaux), 13:19
JHN Atherton, (1) (Smolenak, Katsuras), 16:07 (PP)
REA Becker, (4) (Mihaly, Bala), 19:41 (PP)
Third Period
REA Mihaly, (13) (Collymore, Zappala), 11:01
JHN Boisclair, (8) (Rowe), 16:11
REA Christiansen, (1) (Lukacevic, Mihaly), 19:08
REA Bala, (3) (Hogeboom, Lukacevic), 19:35
Game sheet from ECHL.com.
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CHL-Russia Challenge: Russia vs. OHL Game OneSubmitted by pete on November 23, 2006 - 22:51
In the first game between the OHL and a select touring team of Russian juniors in the CHL-Russia Challenge, Chris Lawrence had an assist tonight as the OHL won 5-0. Denis Kazionov is a member of Russia's entrant in the tour.
Kazionov had 2 assists on Tuesday night in Russia's 4-3 loss to a team of QMJHL stars. Kazionov also had an assist on Monday on the opening night of the tour as Russia fell 6-2 to the QMJHL.
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Thursday's Superleague ScoresSubmitted by pete on November 23, 2006 - 22:42
Dimitri Kazionov snapped a long scoreless streak tallying a goal and adding an assist in Kazan's 5-2 win over Chekhov. Kazionov still leads all Lightning Russian prospects in scoring with 7 goals and 14 points in 26 games.
Evgeny Artyukhin and Yaroslavl were shutout by Ufa 1-0. Artyukhin's 137 penalty minutes in 24 games is tops in the Superleague.
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NHL Game Night 11/22: Lightning at PanthersSubmitted by pete on November 23, 2006 - 11:34
It's good to know that no matter how poorly the Lightning are playing, they've always got those toothless old pussy cats on the schedule to act as slump busters.
Johan Holmqvist stopped 31 of 35 shots for the win. Martin St. Louis led the way with 3 assists in the game while Brad Richards had 2 goals, one of the empty net variety. Ryan Craig, Eric Perrin and Dan Boyle each had 1 goal and 1 assist. Individual assists went to Nolan Pratt, Filip Kuba, Doug Janik, Blair Jones and Nikita Alexeev. Jones' assist was his first NHL point.
First Period
Tampa Bay 7:38, Eric Perrin 5 (Ryan Craig, Nolan Pratt)
Tampa Bay 15:39, Brad Richards 7 (power play) (Filip Kuba, Dan Boyle)
Second Period
Florida 12:21, Ville Peltonen 2 (power play) (Ruslan Salei, Olli Jokinen)
Florida 18:05, Gary Roberts 4 (Stephen Weiss, Nathan Horton)
Florida 19:52, Ruslan Salei 3 (power play) (Olli Jokinen, Joe Nieuwendyk)
Third Period
Tampa Bay 3:05, Ryan Craig 7 (Martin St. Louis, Dan Boyle)
Tampa Bay 7:14, Dan Boyle 2 (Doug Janik, Martin St. Louis)
Tampa Bay 12:12, Ryan Craig 8 (Eric Perrin, Blair Jones)
Florida 16:44, Olli Jokinen 10 (Ville Peltonen, Bryan Allen)
Tampa Bay 19:47, Brad Richards 8 (empty net) (Nikita Alexeev, Martin St. Louis)
Now go eat turkey.
Game sheet from NHL.com.
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AHL Game Night 11/22: Pirates at FalconsSubmitted by pete on November 23, 2006 - 11:21
All hail Karri Ramo.
Karri Ramo won his third straight shootout decision to advance his record to 7-3-0 on the year stopping 30 of 32 shots faced in regulation and overtime before stopping 4 of 5 penalty shots in the shootout. Falcons goals were scored unassisted by David Spina, shorthanded, and Dan Cavanaugh. Adam Henrich and Daniel Corso scored the winning markers in the shootout as Henrich was given the privilige/responsibility by Coach Stirling to shoot first for the Falcons. Spina and Cavanaugh were the first and third stars of the game respectively.
With the win, Springfield pulls into Thanksgiving at 9-9-0, good for 18 points and 6th in the 7th team Atlantic Division just 1 point behind Bridgeport and Worcester for 8th in the Eastern Conference.
First Period
POR Wilson, (4) (Rome, Ferguson), 5:15
SPR Spina, (1) , 6:38 (SH)
POR Konopka, (6) (Miller), 17:00
Second Period
Third Period
SPR Cavanaugh, (1) , 3:15
POR- Skinner
SPR- Henrich, Corso
Game sheet from TheAHL.com.
Wednesday's Superleague ScoresSubmitted by pete on November 23, 2006 - 11:11
Denis Kazionov did not play in Tver's 2-0 loss to Novosibirsk. Kazionov has been named to Russia's team for the annual CHL-Russia Challenge.
Albert Vishnyakov was scoreless in Dynamo's 4-3 loss to Novokuznetsk.
Apologies for the lateness of Wednesday's game posts. Holiday travel has gotten me behind a half a day.
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CHL Game Night: 11/22
Marek Bartanus had a goal and was -1 in Owen Sound's 8-4 thumping of Oshawa. He also had a double-minor for spearing. The Attack spotted the Generals a 4-0 lead, then scored 8 straight. The goal was Bartanus' fourth in 21 games this year. Last year, the winger had 7 goals in 49 games.
Dane Crowley and Swift Current shutout Portland 3-0. Crowley had an assist, two minor penalties, was even, and was named the game's Third Star.
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CHL Game Night: 11/21Submitted by pete on November 22, 2006 - 08:53
Vladimir Mihalik was +2 in Prince George's 3-0 shutout victory against Regina. Mihalik's +/- now moves to the positive side of the ledger at +1 now after being in the minus overall since October 1st of this year.
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NCAA Game Night: 11/21Submitted by Nigel on November 21, 2006 - 21:30
John Wessbecker was scoreless with 2 PIM and an even rating in UMASS' 3-0 loss to Vermont.
Vermont defensemen, Art Femenella missed his 4th straight game due to injury.
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Henrich Recalled to SpringfieldSubmitted by pete on November 21, 2006 - 18:43
In a move to fill the vacancy left by Blair Jones who is up with the Lightning, the Springfield Falcons today announced the recall of LW/C Adam Henrich. Henrich, a former 2002 2nd round pick, is riding a hot streak with 7 points in his last 3 games in the ECHL.
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