text:
A safety trocar is provided in which the cannula is reciprocally mounted to the cannula housing and reciprocates into the cannula housing when a proximally directed force is applied thereto. The piercing tip is maintained in the exposed position by a latching mechanism associated with the obturator shaft, and is automatically withdrawn into the cannula under the force of a spring when the proximal force is removed from the cannula, the cannula thus advancing distally and releasing the latching mechanism. Penetration force is maintained at a minimum, and safe and efficacious trocar entry is facilitated.
1. A trocar comprising:
(a) a cannula assembly comprising a cannula and a cannula housing defining an internal cannula passage, said cannula being reciprocally mounted with respect to said cannula housing for movement between a distal position and a proximal position;
(b) a trocar assembly adapted to cooperate with said cannula assembly, said trocar assembly comprising a piercing tip mounted to an obturator shaft and a trocar housing, said piercing tip and at least a portion of said obturator shaft being configured and dimensioned for entry into said internal cannula passage;
(c) releasable obturator means associated with the obturator shaft which releasably maintains the piercing tip in an extended position relative to said cannula;
(d) release means associated at least in part with the cannula assembly and actuated by movement of said cannula with respect to said cannula housing for releasing the releasable obturator means; and
(e) biasing means for retracting said piercing tip and said obturator shaft from said extended position to a retracted position in response to release of the releasable obturator means.
2. The trocar of claim 1, wherein said cannula includes a slot which defines an internal shelf and said internal shelf is adapted to cooperate with said releasable obturator means to maintain said piercing tip in said extended position.
3. The trocar of claim 1, wherein said releasable obturator means comprises a latch and a spring biasing said latch radially outward.
4. The trocar of claim 1, wherein said release means for releasing said releasable obturator means comprises a slot in said cannula.
5. The trocar of claim 4, wherein said release means further comprises a latch release finger associated with said releasable obturator means and said slot in said cannula is adapted to align with said latch release finger.
6. the trocar of claim 1, wherein said trocar assembly further comprises an indicator means which signals the position of said piercing tip.
7. The trocar of claim 1, wherein said release means for releasing the releasable obturator means and said biasing means cooperate to automatically retract said piercing tip to said retracted position in response to removal of a counterforce from the distal end of said cannula.
8. The trocar of claim 1, wherein said cannula assembly further comprises cannula biasing means.
9. The trocar of claim 8, wherein said cannula biasing means comprises at least one spring biasing said cannula toward said distal position.
10. The trocar of claim 1, wherein said cannula includes an abutment means.
11. The trocar of claim 10, wherein said abutment means is positioned on the exterior of said cannula toward the distal end thereof.
12. The trocar of claim 10, wherein said abutment means is selected from the group consisting of a circumferential abutment surface, a plurality of radially spaced, outwardly directed protuberances, inflatable means, and flange means.
13. The trocar of claim 10, wherein said abutment means is repositionable along the longitudinal axis of said cannula.
14. The trocar of claim 1, wherein said releasable obturator means comprises a latch and a leaf spring.
15. The trocar of claim 14, wherein said release means comprises a latch release finger and said latch is rotatably joined to said latch release finger by pin means.
16. The trocar of claim 1, wherein said obturator shaft includes a hollow region in which is mounted a leaf spring and a latch subassembly, said leaf spring biasing said latch subassembly radially outward.
17. The trocar of claim 1, wherein said release means for releasing said releasable obturator means comprises a shelf insert, said shelf insert forming a longitudinal slot.
18. A trocar comprising:
(a) a cannula assembly comprising a cannula reciprocally mounted to a cannula housing, said cannula defining an internal shelf;
(b) a trocar assembly comprising a piercing tip, an obturator shaft and a trocar housing;
(c) latch means associated with said obturator shaft, said latch means adapted to releasably engage said internal shelf; and
(d) biasing means for retracting said piercing tip from an extended position wherein said piercing tip extends beyond said cannula to a retracted position wherein said piercing tip is shielded by said cannula;
wherein reciprocation of said cannula with respect to said trocar assembly releases said latch means from engagement with said internal shelf and allows said biasing means to retract said piercing tip to said retracted position.
19. The trocar of claim 18, wherein said latch means comprises a latch and a leaf spring abutting said latch.
20. The trocar of claim 18, wherein said cannula assembly further comprises a shelf insert positioned adjacent said internal shelf, said latch means engaging both said internal shelf and said shelf insert.
21. The trocar of claim 18, wherein said cannula may be reciprocated manually by a surgeon or through contact with a body wall of a patient.
22. The trocar of claim 11, wherein said cannula assembly further comprises abutment means on said cannula.
23. A method for inserting a trocar, comprising:
(a) advancing an obturator shaft and a piercing tip to expose said piercing tip from a cannula, said piercing tip being maintained in said exposed position through engagement of latch means associated with said obturator shaft with a shelf formed in said cannula;
(b) pressing said piercing tip against a body wall, said body wall thereby exerting a counterforce against said cannula and causing reciprocation of said cannula into a cannula housing against the bias of cannula biasing means;
(c) entering said piercing tip into a body cavity, thereby removing said counterforce from said cannula, said cannula biasing means causing said cannula to move distally, thereby releasing said latch means from engagement with said shelf, whereby said piercing tip is automatically withdrawn into said cannula under the action of obturator biasing means.
24. The method of claim 23, wherein said latch means comprises a latch and a leaf spring abutting said latch and biasing said latch radially outward.
25. The method of claim 23, wherein said cannula includes abutment means which facilitate sensing of counterforce by said cannula.
26. A trocar comprising:
(a) a cannula assembly comprising a cannula and a cannula housing defining an internal cannula passage;
(b) a trocar assembly adapted to cooperate with said cannula assembly, said trocar assembly comprising a trocar housing and obturator means which includes a piercing tip at a distal end thereof, at least a portion of said obturator means being configured and dimensioned for entry into said internal cannula passage;
(c) button means mounted to said obturator means and extending from said trocar housing for advancing said piercing tip to an extended position relative to said cannula;
(d) latching means mounted to said trocar assembly and adapted to cooperate with engagement means, said latching means adapted to assume a latched position wherein said latching means engages said engagement means and maintains said piercing tip in said extended position relative to said cannula, and an unlatched position wherein said latching means is released from engagement with said engagement means; and
(e) biasing means for retracting said piercing tip from said extended position to a retracted position after said latching means has assumed said unlatched position.
27. The trocar of claim 26, wherein said engagement means comprises a shelf formed on said cannula.
28. The trocar of claim 26, wherein said latching means is mounted to said obturator means.
This invention relates to a surgical trocar and more particularly to a safety trocar in which the sharp cutting tip retracts into the cannula so as to minimize the likelihood of inadvertent injury to viscera and other internal tissue.
Trocars are sharp pointed surgical instruments used to puncture a body cavity. Trocars are generally adapted to be used together with a tubular trocar sleeve or cannula. Once the body cavity has been punctured by the trocar, the sharp trocar is removed from the cannula, thereby leaving the cannula extending into the body cavity. Endoscopic surgical procedures are then performed through the cannula with accessory instrumentation such as laparoscopes, dissectors, graspers, etc.
Commercially available safety trocars include a spring-loaded safety shield which is adapted to cover the trocars tip once the body cavity has been entered so as to provide an increased level of protection to internal structures from puncture of laceration. For example, U.S. Pat. No. 4,601,710 to Moll describes a trocar assembly which consists of two subassemblies: a trocar subassembly which includes a sharp-tipped trocar and a spring-loaded tubular safety shield positioned therearound, and a cannula subassembly.
When ready for use, the trocar and safety shield of the trocar subassembly are inserted through the cannula. The safety shield is initially in its distal-most position covering the trocar tip. Exertion of pressure against the skin with the trocar causes the shield to be pushed rearwardly against the spring to expose the piercing tip of the trocar. The tip penetrates the skin and underlying tissue with continued pressure. Once the tip has penetrated through the wall and has entered the cavity, the force against the front end of the shield ceases and the shield is automatically moved back to its distally extended position. Viscera and other internal tissue are thus protected from contact with the sharp piercing tip and potential damage therefrom.
An article entitled "Needle for the Puncture and Lavage of the Abdominal Cavity" authored by F. S. Subairov discloses a safety device for puncturing the abdominal cavity which consists of a hollow tube, a stylet and a spring. The spring is soldered to the stylet and threaded into the rear of the hollow tube. The distal end of the stylet is exposed from the hollow tube by pressing the stylet toward the tube, thereby compressing the spring. Once the stylet and tube enter a body cavity, the tube is advanced under spring force to cover the distal end of the stylet. A similar device is disclosed in EP 350,291 (see FIGS. 1-4).
U.S. Pat. No. 4,535,773 to Yoon suggests several alternative safety trocar designs. In one embodiment (see FIGS. 22-28), a spring-loaded blunt probe is provided within the trocar shaft, as with conventional Verres needles. The blunt probe is adapted to reciprocally slide through an aperture in the trocar tip such that when the trocar tip enters a body cavity, the blunt probe springs distally forward through the aperture to prevent contact between the trocar tip and body organs. In a second embodiment (see FIGS. 33-36), pressure sensors or transducers are fitted into the trocar blade surfaces and the distal end of the cannula. Sets of electrical leads run through the trocar shaft and communicate with an alarm network in the proximal portion of the device. A further modification is suggested in which the trocar shaft is initially manually extended and maintained in its extended position by a detent which protrudes through a hole in the surrounding tubular structure. The hole aligns with a solenoid socket. When the instrument is fully assembled and the trocar tip is forced through a body wall, the electrical leads running through the trocar shaft send electrical signals to the solenoid which, at the appropriate instant, forces the detent from the hole, allowing the trocar tip to withdraw into the cannula. Additional mechanisms for effecting withdrawal of cutting implements are also known. See, e.g., U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,375,815 to Burns; 3,657,812 to Lee; and 3,030,959 to Grunert.
It has now been found that an improved safety trocar may be provided which includes:
(a) a cannula assembly comprising a cannula and a cannula housing;
(b) a trocar assembly comprising a sharp trocar tip, an obturator shaft, and a trocar housing;
(c) means associated with the obturator shaft which releasably maintains the trocar tip in an extended position;
(d) means associated with the cannula assembly for releasing the releasable obturator means; and
(e) biasing means for retracting the trocar tip from the extended position to a retracted position in response to release of the releasable obturator means.
The safety trocar of the present invention is adapted to be armed by the surgeon immediately prior to use. Arming may be accomplished by advancing a button which extends through the trocar housing, by compressing the trocar housing toward the cannula housing, or by like means. Once armed, the trocar tip releasably protrudes beyond the distal end of the cannula.
As the surgeon presses the trocar, and more particularly the trocar tip, against the body wall of a patient, an incision into and through the body wall is begun. With continued pressure by the surgeon, the distal end of the cannula comes into contact with the body wall. The initial counterforce exerted by the body wall against the cannula causes a mechanism associated with the cannula to position the obturator shaft (together with the cutting tip) for immediate retraction upon entry of distal end of the cannula into the body cavity. Thus, removal of the counterforce from the distal end of the cannula, e.g., upon entering the body cavity, results in immediate and automatic withdrawal of the trocar tip into the cannula under the force of a biasing means, e.g., a spring.
In a preferred embodiment of the trocar, a latch is associated with the obturator shaft to which the trocar tip is mounted, the latch being biased radially outward and being adapted to engage an internal shelf formed in the cannula when the trocar is armed. The cannula is reciprocally mounted to the cannula housing and biased, e.g., by a compression spring, distally relative to the cannula housing. As the trocar tip enters the body cavity and the body wall exerts force on the distal end of the cannula, the cannula reciprocates proximally into the cannula housing. This cannula reciprocation repositions the cannula's internal shelf relative to the latch such that, upon distal movement of the cannula upon entry into the body cavity, the latch is released from engagement with the internal shelf. A spring which was loaded upon arming the trocar is thus free to immediately retract the trocar tip into the cannula. In a particularly preferred trocar embodiment, abutment means are provided on the exterior of the cannula toward its distal end to facilitate reciprocation thereof through contact with the body wall.
The trocar of the invention is also designed to permit manual retraction or disarming of the cutting tip, if so desired. This is accomplished by manually reciprocating the cannula housing and releasing, thereby disengaging the latch from the internal shelf. The trocar is also typically provided with an indicator which signals the surgeon as to whether the trocar is armed or disarmed. For example, the relative position of the button used to arm the trocar may be calibrated or indexed to communicate the trocar tip position or a window may be provided through which a trocar tip position indicator is visible.
The trocar of the present invention provides a safe and efficacious means for gaining access to body cavities to permit minimally-invasive diagnostic and surgical procedures to be accomplished. The trocar is equipped with a reliable mechanism for effectuating immediate, automatic retraction of the cutting tip into the cannula. Penetration force is kept to a minimum through the unique internal mechanism for releasably maintaining the trocar tip in the armed position.
The present invention will become apparent from the following detailed description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings in which:
FIG. 1 is a side view of a trocar of the present invention in an armed configuration;
FIG. 2 is a top view of the trocar assembly of FIG. 1, partially in cross section;
FIG. 3 is an exploded view of a spring assembly;
FIG. 4 is a front view of a top trocar housing;
FIGS. 5 and 6 are plan and side views, respectively, of a spring-retaining plate;
FIGS. 7 and 8 are partial side views of the cannula;
FIG. 9 is a plan view of a lower cannula housing;
FIG. 10 is a sectional side view of the cannula housing of FIG. 9 taken along line 10--10;
FIG. 11 is a bottom view of a trocar housing;
FIG. 12 is a side view of a shelf insert;
FIG. 13 is a front view of the shelf insert of FIG. 12;
FIG. 14 is a side view of a latch;
FIG. 15 is a side view of a latch release finger;
FIG. 16 is a side view, partially in section, of a portion of a cannula;
FIG. 17 is a side view of a latch subassembly.
FIG. 18 is a top view, partially in section, of the proximal end of an unarmed trocar of the present invention; and
FIGS. 19-21 are top views, partially in section, of the proximal end of an armed trocar of the present invention showing a sequence of positions which culminate in retraction of the trocar tip.
Referring to FIG. 1, trocar 10 is shown in its fully assembled condition with cutting tip 12 extending from cannula 14. Trocar 10 includes a trocar assembly 16 and a cannula assembly 18. The longitudinally extending or endoscopic portion of trocar assembly 16 which extends from trocar housing 20 is shielded from view in FIG. 1 by cannula housing 21 and cannula 14, except for extended cutting tip 12. A circumferential abutment surface 15 is provided toward the distal end of cannula 14.
Referring now to FIGS. 2 and 3, pyramidal cutting tip 12 is rotatably mounted to obturator shaft 22 at swivel joint 24. A cylindrical channel 26 is formed in the proximal end of obturator shaft 22. A tension spring 28 (see FIGS. 1 and 3) is positioned within channel 26 and anchored to obturator shaft 22 at distal extension 30 by pin 32. An anchor pin 34 which is adapted to mount to rear wall 36 of trocar housing 20 includes an aperture 35 which cooperates with proximal arm 37 to anchor tension spring 28 to trocar housing 20.
A flange 38 is formed at the proximal end of obturator shaft 22 encircling tension spring 28. Flange 38 forms a half-moon shaped button 40 which slides within slot 42 in the upper face 44 of trocar housing 20. Movement of button 40 within slot 42 moves obturator shaft 22 and cutting tip 12 relative to trocar housing 20. Tension spring 28 biases obturator shaft 22 and its accompanying structure proximally, such that flange 38 rests against rear face 46 of slot 42 absent external influences.
Referring to FIG. 4, top housing 48 of trocar housing 20 is shown. Top housing 48 includes mounting legs 50 for attachment to a bottom housing 90 (FIG. 11). Upper face 44 includes a concave region 52 in the base of which is formed slot 42. As most clearly seen in FIG. 1, button 40 is sized and dimensioned to conform to and slide within concave region 52 while extending slightly above upper face 44 of trocar housing 20. The cooperation between concave region 52 and button 40 facilitates unimpeded movement of button 40, particularly upon retraction of trocar tip 12 as discussed below, without sacrificing convenient thumb access to button 40 for arming of trocar 10 by the surgeon.
Turning to cannula assembly 18, cannula 14 defines a tubular lumen and is reciprocally mounted to cannula housing 21. Referring to FIGS. 2 and 5-8, a spring-retaining plate 54 is mounted to flange 56 at the proximal end of cannula 14, e.g., by adhesive or welding, with central aperture 58 in plate 54 aligned with the lumen through cannula 14. Aperture 58 is sized to accommodate unencumbered passage of obturator shaft 22 and includes oppositely directed extension arms 62, each arm 62 having an aperture 64. Apertures 64 receive and frictionally engage cylindrical pins 66. Aperture extension 60 is formed in one extension arm 62 allowing passage of latch subassembly 147 therethrough, as described below.
Referring again to FIG. 2, cannula housing 21 receives spring-retaining plate 54 with cylindrical pins 66 facing proximally. Compression springs 68 are positioned against extension arms 62 and around pins 66. Pins 66 thus act to position and support springs 68. Chambers 70 are formed in cannula housing 21 to receive and capture the opposite ends of compression springs 68. Reciprocation of cannula 14 into cannula housing 21 causes proximal movement of plate 54 which compresses springs 68 within chambers 70, thereby biasing cannula 14 in the distal direction.
Returning to FIGS. 7 and 8, the proximal end of cannula 14 includes two slots 72 and 74, preferably separated by at least 90�. Alignment slot 72 serves to maintain rotational alignment of cannula 14 with respect to cannula housing 21. Referring additionally to FIGS. 9 and 10, alignment pin 76 is fixedly secured within aperture 78 in lower cannula housing 80 and, when fully inserted into housing 80, extends into lumen 82. In assembling cannula 14 within lower cannula housing 80, alignment pin 76 is positioned within alignment slot 72, thereby preventing rotation of cannula 14 yet permitting axial movement of cannula 14 relative to cannula housing 21. Additionally, inwardly directed orientation pin 84 on proximal housing extension face 86 cooperates with an orientation slot 88 in bottom housing 90 (see FIG. 11) to ensure proper alignment between cannula housing 21 and trocar housing 20. A gasket 92 and stabilizer plate 96 are positioned within flange 94 in lower cannula housing 80 to provide a gas seal with inserted instrumentation, and to cooperate with an internal flapper valve, as is known in the art.
Slot 74 in cannula 14 forms an internal shelf 98 with which latch 100 (see FIG. 14) is adapted to engage. Internal shelf insert 102 (FIGS. 12 and 13) is positional within cavity 104 in lower cannula housing. Shelf insert 102 comprises angled latching faces 106, bridging arm 108 and longitudinal slot 110. Shelf insert 102 is positioned within cavity 104 such that angled latching faces 106 are directed distally and edges 112 are substantially aligned with internal shelf 98 of cannula 14. Bridging arm 108 abuts outer wall 114 of cavity 104 and is typically secured thereto, e.g., by an adhesive.
Latch 100 has a body 116 which forms a latch finger 118 which includes an outer camming face 120 and an inner latching face 122. Aperture 124 is located in mid-region 117 of body 116 and permits latch 100 to be movably joined to latch release finger 126 (see FIGS. 15 and 17). Mid-region 117 is of reduced thickness relative to the remainder of body 116 to accommodate latch release finger 126. Aperture 128 is formed in the region of body 116 distant from latch finger 118.
Latch release finger 126 includes a substantially triangularly-shaped extension 138 having distal and proximal cam faces 140 and 142, respectively. Latch release finger 126 also includes an aperture 144 and a spring abutment region 145. As shown in FIG. 16, latch release finger 126 is movably mounted to latch 100 by means of a pin (not pictured) which passes through apertures 144 and 124 to form a latch subassembly 147. When release finger 126 is positioned such that extension 138 is directed toward aperture 128, abutment region 145 extends below latch wall 148.
Latch subassembly 147 is pivotally joined to obturator shaft 22 by a pin (not pictured) which passes through aperture 128 in latch body 116 and aperture 132 in hollow region 130 of shaft 22. As shown in FIG. 16, a leaf spring 134 is mounted to shelf 136 in hollow region 130, e.g., by an adhesive. The proximal region 146 of leaf spring 134 biases latch 100 clockwise around aperture 128 and biases release finger 126 counter-clockwise relative to aperture 144. Hollow region 130 is sized and dimensioned to permit latch subassembly 147 to be fully recessed therewithin (against the bias of leaf spring 134). Inasmuch as release finger 126 is restricted in its counter-clockwise rotation by latch finger 118 and/or abutment with wall 119, and in its clockwise rotation by engagement between spring abutment region 145 and leaf spring 134, the full range of rotation of release finger 126 is approximately 90�.
In use, and referring generally to FIGS. 18-21 cutting tip 12 and obturator shaft 22 are introduced through cannula housing 21 and into cannula 14. When obturator shaft 22 is fully inserted, trocar housing 16 abuts cannula housing 21. However, cutting tip 21 remains within cannula 14 until trocar 10 is armed by the surgeon. To arm the instrument, the surgeon advances button 40 within channel 42 which distally advances obturator shaft 22 and causes cutting tip 12 to extend beyond cannula 14. Distal movement of obturator shaft 22 also results in distal movement of latch subassembly 147.
Leaf spring 134 biases latch subassembly 147 outward from hollow region 130. As obturator shaft 22 moves distally, outwardly biased latch subassembly 147 passes through aperture extension 60 in spring-retaining plate 54. Outer camming face 120 of latch 100 then contacts flange 56 at the proximal end of cannula 14, causing counterclockwise rotation of latch subassembly 147 relative to aperture 128 (see FIG. 17). This counterclockwise rotation recesses latch subassembly 147 within hollow region 130 against the bias of leaf spring 134.
As cutting tip 12 approaches its fully armed position, latch subassembly 147 comes into alignment with slot 74 in cannula 14. Outer camming face 120 is thus freed from contact with the inner surface of cannula 14, and leaf spring 134 causes latch subassembly 147 to rotate clockwise such that latch finger 118 extends radially outward from hollow region 130. However, latch release finger 126 remains positioned such that extension 138 is directed substantially toward aperture 128, with abutment region 145 resting against leaf spring 134. The freeing of camming face 120 from contact with cannula 14 is generally accompanied by an audible click, signalling the surgeon that trocar 10 is armed and further distal movement of button 40 is unnecessary.
When the surgeon releases button 40, tension spring 38 draws obturator shaft 22 proximally until inner latching face 122 of latch 100 engages internal shelf 98 and shelf insert 102. Latch release finger 126 passes back within cannula 14 proximal of slot 74, thereby pressing abutment region 145 against the bias of leaf spring 134. In this fully armed position of FIGS. 1 and 2, cutting tip 12 extends beyond cannula 14 and button 40 is distally located within slot 42.
The surgeon presses armed trocar 10 against the body wall of a patient, thus causing piercing tip 12 to incise the tissue. As cutting tip 12 passes through the body wall, the distal end of cannula 14 is brought into engagement with tissue. The counterforce exerted by the body wall against cannula 14 and abutment surface 15 causes cannula 14 to move proximally against the bias of compression springs 68. This proximal movement of cannula 14 release latch release finger 126 to enter slot 74. Latch release finger 126 rotates counterclockwise relative to aperture 144 within longitudinal slot 110 in shelf insert 102.
As the surgeon continues to press trocar 10 against the body wall, piercing tip 12 enters the body cavity. Continued pressure by the surgeon advances cannula 14 into the body cavity as well. As soon as the counterforce of the body wall against the distal end of the cannula 14 and abutment surface 15 is surpassed by the distally-directed force of compression springs 68 against spring-retaining plate 54, cannula 14 is driven distally relative to cannula housing 18. As cannula 14 moves distally, internal shelf 98 contacts proximal cam face 142 of latch release finger 126. Latch release finger 126 is thus driven counterclockwise such that extension 138 abuts latch finger 118 and/or the body of latch release finger 126 abuts wall 119 of latch 100. In this position, latch release finger 126 prevents engagement between internal shelf 98 and latch finger 118.
As cannula 14 continues to move distally, internal shelf 98 cams latch subassembly 147 counterclockwise relative to aperture 128 against the bias of leaf spring 134, thus freeing latch finger 118 from engagement with shelf insert 102. As soon as the tip of latch finger 118 rotates out of engagement with shelf insert 102, tension spring 28 draws obturator shaft 22 and cutting tip 12 proximally such that cutting tip 12 is positioned within cannula 14. Button 40 is also drawn proximally within slot 42 and is once again positioned to allow the surgeon to arm trocar 10, if so desired.
If, after arming trocar 10, the surgeon determines that it is desirable to manually retract cutting tip 12 into cannula 14, the surgeon simply moves cannula 14 proximally with respect to cannula housing 18 and releases. Cannula 14 will then move distally under the bias of compression springs 68 rotating latch subassembly 147 counterclockwise. Latch finger 118 is thus moved out of engagement with shelf insert 102, allowing tension spring 28 to withdraw cutting tip 12 into cannula 14.
The position of button 40 within slot 42 provides the surgeon with a visual indication of the position of cutting tip 12 relative to cannula 14. The audible click associated with the movement of latch 100 during the arming of trocar 10 also provides an aural signal to the surgeon.
Many structures may be included toward the distal end of cannula 14 to facilitate the sensing of body wall counterforce to effectuate reciprocation of cannula 14, abutment surface 15 being but one example. Exemplary structures include radially spaced, outwardly directed protuberances, inflatable means of the type known in the art for fixedly positioning catheters and like devices, and flange means of varying geometries. Such structures may be fixedly secured to cannula 14 or repositionable along the longitudinal axis of cannula based on such factors as patient size and weight.
While the above description contains many specific details, these details should not be construed as limitations on the scope of the invention, but merely as examples 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
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text:
Step 1: Supplies Needed
pony beads (or similar type of bead)
office clamp (or strong tape)
braided cord (or other type of flexible thick cord)
Step 2: How to Braid the Chords
1. Clamp 3 strands of chord to a sturdy surface, if you want, tie a small loose knot for more strength.
2. Separate the 3 strands, one in each hand and the third within the fingertips.
3. Move the strand in your right hand over the middle one so that the right and the middle switch places.
4. Repeat step 2 but with the left hand, and repeat until the entire chord is braided.
If you want 2 different colors, than follow my instructions and braid both colors.
Step 3: Before the Beads...
Before you start applying the beads, remove the knots from the braids (if you chose to add strength). Tie a large knot to start the beads and keep them from separating.
Step 4: Apply the Beads
2. With the other braided chord, put it through the same 3 chords but the other direction, making the ends show through the opposite ends.
3. Pull the ends tight.
4. Push them up to the knot where the 2 chords are tied together.

subset: commoncrawl


text:
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Cooking Tricks You Won't Believe
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Cooking doesn't always have to be "by the book." We all have that friend who refuses to adhere to recipes when cooking. Or perhaps you have a mom who insists that every family recipe is perfected with "a little bit of this and a little bit of that." Or maybe you're just bored with your kitchen routine and want a new way to play in the kitchen. This infographic is our personal call-out to those who don't like to be pinned down to traditional ways of getting a recipe made.
In this case, we've dug up some quirky and inventive ways to make favorite comfort food recipes. Though we did find recipes that stick to a traditional recipe format, we made it our goal to find ones that will help you think of cooking in a different light – and make you feel pretty darn resourceful while you're at it. From "man bacon" in a waffle maker to grilled cheese sandwiches made with a clothing iron, these recipes will have you start thinking of new ways you can use your kitchen (and non-kitchen) appliances. We particularly love the 3-minute microwave chocolate cake.
In addition, we've also dug up some fun cooking tips to save you time cooking, day in and day out. You might not have known that soaking cutting boards in vinegar actually removes bad smells, for example. From peeling a head of garlic using just a covered salad bowl to using shower caps as bowl lids (how genius is that?), this little graphic will come in handy. We promise.
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Vegan most of my life - Harvard-based for a very long time
More interested in walking quickly for the exercise through Greater Boston's neighborhoods.
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This week, BORDC participated in the week of action against CISPA,the Cyber Intelligence Sharing and Protection Act. Participants ranged from civil liberties advocates to major companies. Craigslist, Firefox, and Reddit all displayed anti-CISPA messages that allowed users to connect with online action opportunities. Since the week of action began, the list of supporters has continued to grow daily.
As we wrote several weeks ago, CISPA is back in front of Congress after it elicited significant opposition from the privacy and civil liberties world last year. Even those who argue that some form of cybersecurity is needed acknowledge that there are serious flaws in CISPA as written. The bill is riddled with problematic provisions, including immunity from civil or criminal liability for companies who share users' private information with the government, the ability to use intelligence information information they receive from the government for reasons completely unrelated to cybersecurity, including commercial purposes, and authorization to share information directly with the National Security Agency.
While many of the major corporations that supported the bill last year have maintained that support, there is one noteable absence: Facebook. While the company has not come out in vocal opposition, Facebook reps did tell Cnet that the company: "prefer[s] a legislative 'balance' that ensures 'the privacy of our users.'" Microsoft is also absent from the list of CISPA supporters this year, while other big corporations like AT&T and IBM continue to support the legislation.
That support has not only taken the form of letters sent to the House Intelligence Committee. One of the sponsors of the bill, Rep. Mike Rogers (MI-08-R) made a major gaffe this week. He retweeted a a story that revealed that members of the House Intelligence Committee "have received, on average, 15 times more money in campaign contributions from pro-CISPA organizations than from anti-CISPA organizations." He deleted his tweet 23 minutes later, but not before the Sunlight Foundation got a screen shot of it. His tweet is a prime example of why CISPA is so concerning; it is being driven by the lobbying of corporations with horrible privacy track records that will be shielded from liability and potentially make millions off shared information.
At this point, it is likely that a vote on CISPA will take place in mid-April, which means there is still plenty of time to contact your representative to tell them what you know about the bill. Be sure to watch our blog, as well as BORDC ally EFF's homepage for continuing updates.
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US Air Force and Boeing researchers on 26 May took a leap towards harnessing hypersonic vehicles for space access or weapons applications with the longest-ever supersonic combustion ramjet-powered flight, off the southern California Pacific coast.
The Boeing Phantom Works-built X-51A Waverider achieved 140s burn of its Pratt & Whitney Rocketdyne-built air breathing scramjet engine and accelerated to 70,000ft (21,350m) and Mach 5 before controllers at the Point Mugu naval air warfare centre sea range terminated the mission because of a loss of telemetry.
The previous longest scramjet burn in a flight test was 12s in a hydrogen-based engine in the NASA X-43.
The X-51A was carried to about 49,500ft under the wing of a Boeing B-52H before release. Four seconds later an Army Tactical Missile solid rocket booster accelerated the X-51 to about M4.8 before it and a connecting interstage were jettisoned.
Air Force Research Laboratory X-51A programme manager Charlie Brink says preliminary data shows that the separation from the B-52H was "phenomenal" and the solid booster light was "perfect". At 65,000ft the booster separated from the vehicle as planned, followed by the start of the scramjet engine with an ethylene mix and switchover to JP-7 fuel.
While the programme had a goal for a 300s flight to M6, Brink says that at roughly 140s of powered flight, engineers "started noticing some anomalies with some sensors". The engine continued to run, but the telemetry stream to the ground was interrupted, requiring controllers to activate the self-destruct function.
Despite the shorter flight, the team was exhilarated over the results. "Up until 140s, everything was working textbook, per calculations", says Joe Vogel, Boeing's X-51A programme manager.
In M5-plus hypersonic flight, heat and pressure make conventional turbine engines impractical. A scramjet's great advantage is the ability to capture and burn oxygen in thin atmosphere, rather than having to carry it in a large tank like other rockets. Not having to carry the oxidizer needed for combustion means more payload capability.
Brink says engineers will review data for the rest of the fiscal year and the programme is likely to pick up with flight tests in October or November, incorporating any required lessons learned from the 26 May flight.
The X-51A was released from under the B-52's wing at 49,500ft
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Parent to Parent
A place for parents to talk about life's most challenging job
By Amy Graff
Monthly Archive for May, 2012
Readers write essays about love for their mother-in-laws
Our Mother's Day edition of Unwind will feature four of the essays we received in a contest asking readers to describe their love for their mother-in-law in 200 words. But we wanted to feature all of the essays not printed on Sunday here, so you could enjoy them. When I first read about this contest […] [Read More]
TIME cover shows nursing preschooler
We could talk about how late it's appropriate to nurse. (I think this is a personal choice, though for me, when they were old enough to ask for breastmilk using a complete sentence, it was time to stop.) But I'm really interested in how everyone feels about this very edgy TIME Magazine cover. I think […] [Read More]
Tanning mom inspires tanorexic doll
Really, tanorexia should not be taken lightly. But maybe this doll from a Connecticut spoof dollmaker, will be a wake-up call to those who spend too much time in the tanning booth. [Read More]
A chat with Shaq's mom and another inspiring mother
Lucille O'Neal is best known as the mother of NBA Basketball Star Shaquille O'Neal, but she is also the author of a motivational book, "Walk Like You Have Somewhere to Go" — a story about her exceptional life journey. O'Neal's overcame poverty, rejection, abuse, addiction and the illness of a child, but went on to […] [Read More]
Middle school teacher in Texas accused of lifting kids by the hair
Three students have accused a middle school physical education teacher in Texas of lifting them up by the hair. Reminds me of a creepy phys ed story of my own. I grew up in a small, rural community in southcentral Pennsylvania. Our gym teacher used to play the "crab game" with us. When we lined […] [Read More]
Ask the expert: How do I teach my kids about money?
As summer nears, kids will need money for beach trips, ice cream sundaes, and nights out at the movies. And if you didn't strike a deal like supermodel Linda Evangelista did yesterday, you might want to show them the value of saving, setting goals, and tracking earnings from now until that fateful last day of […] [Read More]
Can you raise a kid on $46,000 a month?
Supermodel Linda Evangelista has settled a child support fight with her French billionaire ex for their 5-year-old son. Details of the agreement are not public, but she was asking for $46,000 a month, because, you know, nannies and security patrols don't come cheap. For that sort of money, you could hire someone to carry your […] [Read More]
Would you let your kids wear that?
Warm weather brings out the short shorts and the skimpy tops. But we don't all have the same standards when it comes to what we believe is appropriate. This week's Parent to Parent page is on what we can expect teens and young girls to wear now that summer is near. Where do you draw […] [Read More]
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text: Comments by Chris Pawling/South Jersey Times - NJ.com tag:profile.nj.com,2015:cpawling/5478 2012-08-01T22:32:14Z Movable Type Enterprise 4.29-advance Comment on Philadephia Flyers give coach Peter Laviolette multi-year contract extension tag:www.nj.com,2015:/gloucester-county/index.ssf//5583.21239834 2012-08-01T22:32:14Z 2012-08-01T22:32:14Z As the South Jersey Media Flyers beat writer, I couldn't be happier about this news. Lavi is a true professional and seems to have a great relationship with the team. Not to mention, if he ever has to take a cpawling Comment on Cole Hamels' extension highlights big day for Philadelphia Phillies tag:www.nj.com,2015:/gloucester-sports/index.ssf/8001855.21211988 2012-07-26T22:12:37Z 2012-07-26T22:12:37Z This is a true blessing to Phillies fans. Hamels should to be an elite pitcher until his arm falls off. cpawling Comment on Mike Trout is a legitimate MVP candidate tag:www.nj.com,2015:/gloucester-sports/index.ssf/8001855.21182431 2012-07-21T20:20:29Z 2012-07-21T20:20:29Z Bring that MVP to South Jersey! cpawling Comment on Los Angeles Dodgers rally, beat Philadelphia Phillies in 12th inning tag:www.nj.com,2015:/gloucester-sports/index.ssf/8001855.21171588 2012-07-19T21:14:52Z 2012-07-19T21:14:52Z Couldn't agree more Bill. Just when you think they have it together, the pen reminds us of how terrible a good game can get. cpawling Comment on Philadelphia Phillies pitcher Roy Halladay to come off disabled list, pitch on Tuesday tag:www.nj.com,2015:/gloucester-sports/index.ssf/8001855.21148400 2012-07-16T21:23:56Z 2012-07-16T21:23:56Z Don't ever lose the Phaith, Mr. Evans! cpawling Comment on South Jersey native Michael Kidd-Gilchrist overcoming stutter as he becomes face of Charlotte Bobcats franchise tag:www.nj.com,2015:/gloucester-sports/index.ssf/8001855.21136998 2012-07-14T21:19:31Z 2012-07-14T21:19:31Z Great story Matt. Nice to see guys do work OFF the court to better themselves. cpawling Comment on Philadelphia Phillies receive their first-half grades tag:www.nj.com,2015:/gloucester-sports/index.ssf/8001855.21100665 2012-07-09T21:24:24Z 2012-07-09T21:24:24Z The only 'A' this team deserves is from Chooch. Case closed. I agree with Matt that the above three have been a joke, especially Victorino. Tough to say considering he's been one of my favorite players. cpawling Comment on Next phase of Rowan Boulevard construction will begin soon tag:www.nj.com,2015:/gloucester-county/index.ssf//5583.21077335 2012-07-05T20:46:23Z 2012-07-05T20:46:23Z I started at Rowan in 2003 and graduated in 2007. From 2003-present it's unbelievable how much work has been done to the area. I wonder how much tuition is going to rise in the coming years (as it has in cpawling Comment on Atlantic City is celebrating America's birthday with fireworks tag:www.nj.com,2015:/indulge/index.ssf//8002399.21058936 2012-07-02T21:21:21Z 2012-07-02T21:21:21Z With the amount of money that town brings in I can't imagine it being anything other than spectacular. cpawling Comment on Black bears spotted near Howard Street in Vineland tag:www.nj.com,2015:/cumberland/index.ssf//5585.21042794 2012-06-29T22:02:29Z 2012-06-29T22:02:29Z If a bear got a hold of you, what would your initial reaction be? cpawling Comment on Philadelphia 76ers take Harkless with 15th pick in NBA Draft tag:www.nj.com,2015:/gloucester-sports/index.ssf/8001855.21036606 2012-06-29T02:24:34Z 2012-06-29T02:24:34Z Anyone want to offer up some insight on why the Sixers didn't go with a big man? Seven-footer Fab Mello was still up for grabs at the time. cpawling Comment on Road rage leads to aggravated assault charge in Winslow Township tag:www.nj.com,2015:/gloucester-county/index.ssf//5583.21035063 2012-06-28T22:32:21Z 2012-06-28T22:32:21Z Just goes to show you, once it gets physical ANYTHING can happen. Even if it's just a push. cpawling Comment on Local swimmers going to U.S. Olympic Trials in Nebraska tag:www.nj.com,2015:/gloucester-county/index.ssf//5583.21007421 2012-06-25T22:55:09Z 2012-06-25T22:55:09Z There's a PDF file called "2012 Olympic Trials Time Standards" on this website. I'm assuming after you qualify at a meet that applies to US Olympic standards and policies, you'd simply apply for a seeding (a spot in the competition). cpawling Comment on Collingswood man pleads guilty to his role in drug network with ties to Bloods tag:www.nj.com,2015:/camden/index.ssf//5584.21007229 2012-06-25T22:28:55Z 2012-06-25T22:28:55Z I wouldn't be surprised if someone was able to post on this page that they know someone who knows someone in a small local town that's a part of the Bloods or Crips. Anyone? cpawling Comment on Woolwich Township New Jersey Turnpike crash injures two, closes highway for more than 2 hours tag:www.nj.com,2015:/gloucester-county/index.ssf//5583.20970492 2012-06-21T03:54:08Z 2012-06-21T03:54:08Z Anyone think there's a possibility that a lot of these recent car accidents are the result of texting and driving? I'll admit, I do it plenty myself and it can DEFINITELY be distracting. cpawling


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As the weather begins to cool in much of Australia, some of our most hated house guests – rats and mice – are busy searching for a warmer spot to sleep, and many will find it in a wall cavity, snuggled up in ceiling insulation or curled behind a fridge.
In Sydney, pest controller Rodrigo Matamala says he's seen a spike in calls in recent weeks, mostly from people concerned about rats in their rooves.
He normally receives calls about rats from May to July, but this year the phone started ringing in March.
"We've been experiencing about a 300 per cent increase in calls – just for rodents," says Matamala, owner of Easy On Earth Pest Control.
"They are mammals, just like us, so they're ... looking for shelter.
"They tend to pee and poo and breed in the same spot, and because the [ceiling] insulation is so thick, a lot of people have really no idea that they have been living with them until the gyprock in the ceiling collapses or the smell is really bad."
In Melbourne, Simon Dixon, owner of Exopest, says he's been getting more calls from people seeing mice in their homes.
"It's the small house mouse we're seeing coming inside," Dixon says.
"[There's been] no real increase in rats yet, but the mice are normally first in, they feel the cold the most."
Good growing conditions for plants over the summer and autumn means there is plenty of food around for rodents, says Dixon.
"There's ideal breeding conditions," he says.
The major challenge with keeping rodents out is they can fit through surprisingly small holes.
"A mouse can get through a hole the size of a pencil," says Dixon.
Rats, explains Matamala, have "very flexible bones" and common black rats – often called roof rats – can squeeze through a finger-width hole.
Matamala says the first thing all householders should do is check entry points and seal them up. He prefers a strong mesh (available from hardware stores) to block holes in areas such as the walls and eaves.
Chicken wire has traditionally been used to try to thwart rats but Matamala says it is too weak.
"From my experience a lot of the pest controllers try to push it into a gap but these creatures are quite smart so what we've been finding is that when we do the inspections ... the creature has grabbed the whole mesh and just ripped it apart and put it to the side, and then used the same gap again.
"Half of their family might be still in the cavity so then they're trying to save them, so they'll go the extra mile to actually remove the mesh if it's not properly screwed to the wall."
Matamala says timber is no good for blocking holes as rats can gnaw through it, just as they can with plastic.
Dixon says steel wool can be used to block smaller holes.
"Steel wool is very good, they won't gnaw through that – it's too sharp," he says.
If using steel wool, Dixon says it's important to "stuff it in quite hard as rats can pull it aside".
Dixon also recommends spray-in expandable foam.
Matamala favours using chemical treatments – in the form of rodent baits in tamper proof stations – only when physical barriers fail or entry points can't easily be sealed up.
Dixon, however, says it's a good idea for homeowners to strike pre-emptively as we head towards winter. He suggests baiting areas including the ceiling cavity, behind the fridge and under the dishwasher before rodents have a chance to set up home indoors.
Have you had rats or mice in your home? What has worked to get rid of them?


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Politico: "Romney: Newt's the front-runner"
Powerline: "Obama Administration Coordinating With Left-Wing Groups on Voter Fraud?"
Datechguy's Blog: "Is conservative new media worth as much as the occupods?"
Gallup: "In U.S., Fear of Big Government at Near-Record Level"
Dealbook: "A Romance With Risk That Brought On a Panic"
Patton Dodd: "Tim Tebow: God's Quarterback"


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[authors: Ira B. Mirsky]
The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) has begun notifying teaching hospitals that it has completed its review of their medical resident FICA refund claims for tax periods ending before April 1, 2005. Many hospitals have been waiting for this since the March 2010 announcement the IRS would allow medical resident FICA refund claims for tax periods ending before April 1, 2005. The first of these hospitals to be contacted should receive IRS FICA refund checks as early as May 2012
The IRS is using a form letter (Letter 4878) that provides a narrative description of a hospital's obligation upon receipt of the FICA tax refund, as well as an explanation of the claims allowed or disallowed. In some cases, the IRS is disallowing FICA refund claims with respect to selected employment tax quarters, or selected employees/medical residents.
In other cases the IRS may be correctly disallowing FICA refund claims for certain employment tax quarters, because the teaching hospital had previously requested a credit adjustment, rather than a refund, in connection with wages paid to medical residents. In these cases, the hospital should have already repaid the affected employees their share of FICA taxes and received the benefit of a credit offset against the hospital's immediate FICA tax deposit obligations for both the employer's and employee's share of FICA taxes.
When to Expect to Receive Refunds and Expected Form of Payment
The IRS form letter advises a hospital that it should expect to receive its FICA refunds within eight to 12 weeks from the date of the letter. The IRS also explains that the hospital will receive two separate refund checks for each employment tax quarter for which qualifying FICA claims are pending:
Obligations and Potential Problems Related to Processing the Refunds
The hospital is required to file corrected Forms W-2 with the Social Security Administration (SSA), showing reduced wages for Social Security (Form W-2, Box 3) and Medicare tax (Form W-2, Box 5) purposes, respectively, for each calendar year for each employee who received a FICA refund. Instructions for filing Forms W-2c with the SSA are provided as an attachment to the letter.
The IRS refund of the employee's share of FICA tax and applicable interest will be provided as an aggregate payment for each quarter. The hospital will be responsible for apportioning the refund of FICA tax and applicable interest among individual employees. The hospital may not reduce the employee's share of the FICA refund and statutory interest by any of the costs incurred by the hospital in order to obtain the refund.
The hospital should closely scrutinize the IRS interest calculations in connection with the FICA refund payments, because this settlement initiative presents the first time the IRS will be computing statutory interest at potentially different rates for the refund of the employer's and employee's share of FICA tax. The IRS Service Center had to create a new interest computation methodology for this purpose.
The hospital is required to separately report interest payments of $600 or more to employees on Form 1099-INT, "Interest Income."
It appears that, for some hospitals, the IRS is computing the statutory interest on the employer's share of FICA refund payments using the higher non-corporate rate. Even this 1 percent interest rate difference could mean millions of dollars, given the number of years at issue for the outstanding FICA refund claims of some hospitals.
Processing the FICA tax refunds imposed a heavy burden on the IRS. An equally heavy burden is imposed on hospitals that receive the refunds. Questions related to processing the refunds or the required SSA filings can be directed to author Ira Mirsky, an employment tax specialist.
See more »
DISCLAIMER: Because of the generality of this update, the information provided herein may not be applicable in all situations and should not be acted upon without specific legal advice based on particular situations.
© McDermott Will & Emery
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that contribute to adaptive traits and that will be useful in an agronomic context. These advantages include the following: (i) segregating variation is not required to identify genes of interest; (ii) far fewer plant samples are needed than for LD mapping, with only tens (<100) of samples (Teshima et al., 2006) often sufficing as opposed to hundreds or thousands (Long and Langley, 1999); (iii) like LD mapping, bottom-up approaches can be applied to species that reproduce slowly and lack genetic tools; and (iv) they allow inferences about demographic history, providing historical insights into the process of domestication. We should note, of course, that bottom-up and top-down approaches are not mutually exclusive; for example, bottom-up approaches in maize are also being used to identify candidate genes for LD mapping (Yu and Buckler, 2006).
Although they have advantages, bottom-up approaches are also not a panacea, for at least four reasons. First, their success will vary among species, depending on levels and distribution of genetic diversity. For example, initial surveys of genetic diversity in sorghum have failed to identify selected genes (Hamblin et al., 2006). This failure is in part a limitation of the study system, because sorghum has low genetic diversity, but it may also reflect inefficient sample design. Simulation studies suggest that these methods should be quite powerful with moderate (<100) sample sizes, even with diversity levels as low as those found in sorghum (Teshima et al., 2006, and M. Przeworski, personal communication), but empirical studies relied on a sample of 17 domesticated individuals and only one wild plant (Hamblin et al., 2006). Second, genes identified as selected may have been targets of selection or may be linked to a target of selection (through "hitchhiking"). For example, selection on the rice gene waxy appears to have affected patterns of sequence diversity in 29 additional genes. This lack of resolution is, however, a shortcoming shared with QTL and LD methods, because in all cases it is difficult to differentiate between a target (or "causal") marker and linkage effects (Weigel and Nordborg, 2005). In fact, when the genomic locations of genes are available, the expected chromosomal resolution of bottom-up approaches is at worst similar to QTL and LD mapping. Third, like top-down approaches, bottom-up approaches may not be feasible for all crops. The limitation here is not generation time (as in QTL studies), but rather levels of genetic diversity, polyploidy, and population structure. Polyploidy makes population genetic analysis difficult, requiring careful separation of homeologs and their independent evolutionary histories. As with LD mapping, unrecognized population structure can be problematic for population genetic analyses, producing patterns that can be mistaken for selection. Finally, bottom-up approaches share a major limitation with both association and QTL mapping. All three methods identify candidate genes or regions, but verification requires additional functional characterization (Weigel and Nordborg, 2005). It is worth noting that in many cases


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Home Maidstone News Article
Two women had to been cut free from their car after a crash with a lorry.
The pair were involved in a smash on the M20, between J6 for Maidstone town centre and J7 for Detling Hill.
Three fire crews attended the coast-bound carriageway and stablisied the car before using specialist cutting equipment.
Firefighters needed to make space so paramedics could reach and treat the duo trapped inside the vehicle at just after 5pm yesterday.
The casualties were then removed from the wreckage and taken to hospital by South East Coast Ambulance for further medical attention.
Emergency services left the scene at just before 6.30pm.
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The State Board of Election Commissioners develops rules to assure even and consistent application of voter registration laws and fair and orderly election procedures. Click on the links below to view information about the board's rules.
**"On October 15, 2014, the Arkansas Supreme Court ruled Act 595 of 2013 (the Voter ID Act) to be unconstitutional. Procedures for processing voters will revert back to the same procedures used prior to January 1, 2014. Most notably, these changes require all poll workers to ask voters to provide identification. However, unless otherwise noted on the poll book, voters are not required to provide identification in order to vote a regular ballot. The Rules for Voter Identification and the Rules for Poll Watchers, Vote Challenges, and Provisional Voting have not yet been revised or repealed to reflect the court's decision, rendering certain portions of these current rules unenforceable." Commissione Page
The rules listed below were promulgated by the office of the Secretary of State. Please search the Secretary of State's website, under the Rules and Regs section, for specific rulemaking and effective dates. Rules listed below are only to provide information and assistance with certian election procedures.


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November 7, 9, 12, 14, 19, 21, 26
December 3, 5
Wolfie, Syd, Barry and Harriet invite you into their magical world where anything is possible when you use your imagination. Whether it's The Tortoise And The Hare or The Boy Who Cried Wolf, everyone knows at least one of Aesop's great Fables. In this spellbinding production, storytellers use song, dance and drama to bring these famous Fables to life.
Directed by Claire McDonald.
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Global Studies Colloquium Brings Taiwanese Students to UST7/27/2015
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Justin Timberlake took his show on the road on Wednesday, performing at the BRIT Awards in London (because Americans are not the only ones happy to have him back in music full-time). The singer shared new material from his upcoming album, The 20/20 Experience, in the same dapper dress we've come to expect and with Instagram filters ready to transport us to the days of the original Rat Pack, should we not fully understand his whole shtick by now.
Brit Awards 2013
Emeli Sande Wins Brit Award Over Posthumous Amy Winehouse
In today's microwave culture instant celebrities are made from a single catchy YouTube video. Whether the "artist" has actual talent matters little if they can churn out a Billboard top 10. So when someone like Emeli Sande, who writes her own music and has a voice comparable to the feeling of a cool breeze wins an award, music purists want to rejoice. Read more…
Best Of The Brit Awards In Photos
The Brit Awards are underway in London with a hefty lineup of some of our favorite Brits. And what's a British awards show without a performance by the very American Justin Timberlake? It's all love. Music transcends. You Oughta Know artist Emeli Sande won big for British Female Solo Artist. One Direction took the stage while Harry gazed into Taylor Swift's eyes the entire time (we're totally making that up) as she sat in the audience writing her next song (yeah, we made that up too). T. Swift also performed in what looks like a wedding gown. Other notables Rita Ora, Frank Ocean, Jessie Ware and Lana Del Rey graced the red carpet. What was up with all the black this year? Boring! Meanwhile Jessie J stole the show with her side peek-a-boob. Check out our gallery of the best of the Brit Awards.
Read more…


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Below is the poem entitled Hesitation - E which was written by poet
Emm 'n Ashe
Lemons. Please feel free to comment on this poem. However, please remember, PoetrySoup is a place of encouragement and growth.
Read Poems by
Emm 'n Ashe
Emm 'N Ashe Lemons
One step at a time
Its hard for her to see her past and present intertwine
But shes fighting hard to see it
And trying to be strong to believe it
But thoughts rush through her mind
What if its still not the right time?
Will it all go wrong
Or will this be fine?
She takes a few more steps, but she wants this to rewind
There is no going back after she opens the door
With every step she doubts it more and more
And questions rush through her head
Is this the future I want to be led?
Behind the door can I be wrong?
The curious look in her eyes fade
Her hand are shaking and her legs are sore
But she still cant stop shes going for it still
With all the doubts in her head removing the thrill
She opens the door and the light burns her eyes
She wonders if she really ever wanted this prize
And all along she knew she was right
This was not her battle to fight
But it was too late the light had been lit
Theres no turning back
Her fate is now fit
A comment has not been posted for this poem. Encourage a poet by being the first to comment.


text:
Windy City Open Updates
Updates on information for The Windy City Open 2007
www.WindyCityOpen.net. Once again, it is at Pheasant Run Resort in St. Charles, IL www.PheasantRun.com
There are a couple of changes to be aware of:
§ The Bank Tournament has been changed to double elimination from Single elimination.
§ The late fee charge is now Dec 25th, 2006 after that date there is a late fee on EVERY event!§ In the Womens Division, The Womens 3 Man Team spot has been changed to 1 for Grandmasters
§ The Hotel is beginning to sell out, so please make your reservations today before you loose the great player rate and location.
§ If you need the team form for either event, please call or email us.
§ Enclosed is the registration form for all events. You dont have to use it just for booking your room and registration, you can simply use it as solely a registration form, however we can ONLY take credit card payments IF you are booking your room and registration.
§ We welcome back again The Black Widow, Jeanette Lee. She will be partaking in many of the events in addition to holding a fantastic pool school. She is only taking a very small limited amount of players so she can devote as much time to each individual. So, if you are interested, please contact us today 630-244-2900 email@example.com .
Want a true Black Widow Experience?
Want to play challenge matches and master the tricks of the Black Widow? Have lunch with her?
From January 2nd January 4th, 2007, Jeanette The Black Widow Lee will host her 2nd annual Black Widow Experience at the Windy City Open in Chicago, IL.
The Experience will provide personal instruction from The Black Widow herself as well as top professionals, George Breedlove, Mark Wilson, and Jerry Briesath.
This year its more affordable than ever because, rather than a casino in Vegas, its at the Windy City Open where there are already more than enough tables and affordable lodging to keep the cost down and open competitive events to keep having fun all week long.
The holiday gift that keeps on giving, all attendants will improve their billiard game, get a one-on-one challenge and goody bag of autographed memorabilia and have a lifetime of memories from learning and playing with The Black Widow and her team of experts
For details and pricing information contact, Eydie Romano at email@example.com or call 630-244-2900.Also, ask about our specialty classes
The Legendary Buddy Hall will be attending and playing this year at The Windy City Open!
"Buddy" Hall, also known as "The Rifleman" for his straight shooting, was born in 1945 in Metropolis, Illinois, and has been recognized as a championship player for three consecutive decades, garnering more than 70 professional titles. Titles include the Caesar's Tahoe 9-Ball Championship [1982 & 1983]; the International 9-Ball Classic [1991]; Challenge of Champions [1992]; and the U.S. Open 9-Ball Championship [1991 & 1998]. Became the 39th Inductee into the Billiard Congress of America Hall of Fame [2000]; and also, represented the U.S.A. at the 6th World Games in Akita, Japan [2001]. Hall has also won three of the ten richest top prizes in pool, and many consider him to be one of the most fundamentally solid 9-ball players of all time. He has been selected as Player of the Year in 1982, 1991, and 1998 and Senior Tour Player of the Year in 1998. Rags to Rifleman, a biography of his life and career, was published in 1993, and Hall has starred in a number of instructional tapes. Hall has been a champion player for over 20 years with countless titles to his credit. He competes on both the men's pro tour and Steve Mizerak's Senior Tour.
Beverly and Joanne Ashton aka The Ashton Twins are coming in all the way from Calgary, Canada. They have been a staple at many events including The Windy City Open, Midwest Expo, BCA Vegas, Valley Vegas and many more for years now. Both girls are talented semi professional players who will show you no mercy on the pool table any day of the week. Budweiser Beer is their Chicago sponsor, so if you want to challenge one of these beauties, it better be with a Bud in your hands!
There are only a few more weeks to this event begins. There are 22 NON-Stop events for a week straight and we welcome all young and older to participate. There is something for everyone here, dont miss out on all the Action Action Action!!!


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Online Account Information
EasyTEL's online account information allows you to review billing activity and check unbilled services at anytime. If you're a long distance customer, you can track your calls up to the previous day's activity and avoid being "surprised" at the end of each month. Sort your long distance call details by several criteria including date, call duration, location and cost. You can even download your long distance call details for your records, or for integration into a spreadsheet for analysis (CSV format).
Online Account Information Demonstration
For more details on how our online account information works, get some 'hands on' experience with our Online Demonstration!
Account Information
Are you an existing customer? You can log into your account from here. For other services such as voicemail and virtual pbx, please visit the Account Access page.


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Dansko DarbySKU: #7894519
Product Information
- The Darby is part of the Dansko® Carmel Collection.
- Take your style and comfort to new heights with these classically chic Dansko sandals.
- Full-grain leather upper with an adjustable buckle closure for a secure and personalized fit.
- DRI-LEX® wrapped footbed wicks away moisture to keep your feet dry and odor free.
- Pillow soft footbed combined with full foot support for all-day comfort.
- Lightweight polyurethane outsole with beveled heel for greater stability at impact.
- Dansko Carmel outsole carries the Seal of Acceptance from the APMA (American Podiatric Medical Association).
- Dansko Footwear Size Chart
- Measurements:
- Heel Height: 1 3⁄4 in
- Weight: 9 oz
- Platform Height: 1 in
- Product measurements were taken using size 38 (US Women's 7.5-8), width Regular. Please note that measurements may vary by size.


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ACParadise Network: American Cosplay Paradise American Cosplay Experience American Cosplay Snapshots
My Facebook Page
I'm a lifelong fan of DBZ. Love Beyblade, Hetalia, Death Note, Ranma 1/2, YGO GX, Slayers and anything I can laugh about! Love costuming with crazy colours and crazier wigs!
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Thank you so much IchigoKitty for upgrading my account!!!!
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- Colombian_Otaku says, "Ultimate Perfection!"
- For Matoi Ryuko from Kill la Kill
- Sapphire_hime says, "You're Ukyou come to life!"
- For Ukyo Kuonji from Ranma 1/2
- Lady Ava says, "I'm not a big fan of Kill La Kill, but hot damn this is one amazing costume! The construction, the materials...everything. You really brought her to life and you should be so proud of all your hard work! It's outstanding! <3"
- For Matoi Ryuko from Kill la Kill
- Dessi_desu says, "You two are too perfect!!! Neptune is my absolute favorite sailor senshi *A*"
- For Sailor Neptune from Sailor Moon
- Envel says, "Description should read "I have no sexy costumes and I thought that was a crime!" ^_~ Seriously though, this costume is SO BADASS! The materials you chose, the fake boobs, and that fantastic wig all look amazing!"
- For Matoi Ryuko from Kill la Kill


text: Comments by David Bohr | firstname.lastname@example.com - PennLive.com tag:profile.pennlive.com,2015:dbohr/2754 2012-06-11T14:54:40Z Movable Type Enterprise 4.29-advance Comment on Water is a hardship in many countries tag:www.pennlive.com,2015:/editorials/index.ssf//5295.20871628 2012-06-11T14:54:40Z 2012-06-11T14:54:40Z Synical1, I don't know who you are quoting, but your overall point about doing good here in the USA is perfectly fine. However the $20-$30 billion figure I mention in my article would be for providing clear water to the dbohr Comment on Cheers & Jeers: A church to the rescue & Miss USA misstep tag:www.pennlive.com,2015:/editorials/index.ssf//5295.20860901 2012-06-10T04:17:50Z 2012-06-10T04:17:50Z Just a couple additions to Heather's CHEER for Meghan Vogel. Not only did she carry an opponent across the finish line, but because that other runner was ahead of her at the time she fell, Vogel made sure that she dbohr Comment on 'Tis the season for true giving tag:www.pennlive.com,2015:/editorials/index.ssf//5295.13252429 2010-11-30T22:18:30Z 2010-11-30T22:18:30Z One way of looking at poverty (and how to help those in poverty) is to use the Poverty Wheel. It was an idea I first heard of from Compassion International president Wess Stafford. Picture a wheel with six spokes. At dbohr Comment on Central Pennsylvania pastors say sacred calling can be stressful tag:www.pennlive.com,2015:/midstate/index.ssf//3032.11924672 2010-08-23T16:13:04Z 2010-08-23T16:13:04Z Part of the problem is that too many believers/church members/regular attenders expect the pastor to always be doing everything. After coming to know Christ, a Christian should be growing in the faith, and part of that growing is getting involved. dbohr Comment on Upper Dauphin wins the Region 4 Legion baseball championship over Campbelltown tag:blog.pennlive.com,2015:/patriotnewssports//1395.11532036 2010-07-24T19:21:21Z 2010-07-24T19:21:21Z Phils24, Weary had to pitch several innings of relief in the morning game, and was allowed only four innings in the final by the tournament's rules. Had Weary started, he would have been unable to finish. dbohr Comment on Upper Dauphin wins the Region 4 Legion baseball championship over Campbelltown tag:blog.pennlive.com,2015:/patriotnewssports//1395.11502457 2010-07-22T16:11:20Z 2010-07-22T16:11:20Z Faxman, Thanks for the correction. dbohr Comment on Chain of churches based in Lancaster County has a laid-back, come-as-you-are approach that links worship to daily living tag:www.pennlive.com,2015:/midstate/index.ssf//3032.10690103 2010-05-16T04:06:18Z 2010-05-16T04:06:18Z I have been regularly attending this church since September. Just recently, we completed a five-week series on world poverty. Each week we did something to share in the suffering of the world's poor and/or help the poor in some way. dbohr


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Main News Page
Friday, March 25, 2011
More items for
Health & Safety
Washington State authorities are investigating the harrowing ordeal of a sewer worker who was swept 3,500 feet through an underground pipe full of sewage after he briefly unhooked his safety lanyard while inspecting the system.
The 37-year-old worker, who was not identified, was eventually pulled to safety at the Chambers Creek Regional Wastewater Treatment Plant near Tacoma, WA, after he grabbed a grate where the six-foot-diameter pipe narrowed to four feet, authorities said.
'He's So Lucky'
The man remained conscious throughout the incident, suffered only minor injuries, and returned to work later this week, his employer said.
"He's so lucky," said Hallie McCurdy, spokeswoman for West Pierce Fire & Rescue, which responded to the scene.
Frank Coluccio Construction Co.
Coluccio Construction's services include sewerrelining. This project photo is from the company'sarchive.
The Washington State Department of Labor & Industries is investigating the incident, which involved an employee of Seattle-based Frank Coluccio Construction Co.
'Immediately Lost Footing'
The episode began at 7:59 a.m. Monday (March 21), when the fire company responded to a call for a swift water rescue. The crew was doing prep work for relining the pipe with a smaller fiberglass pipe insert. The line collects all the wastewater flow from Pierce County and carries it to the treatment plant.
Ray Clouatre, corporate safety director at Coluccio Construction, told PaintSquare News that a five-member crew had been working in an 85-foot-deep shaft (two topside, three in the shaft). One worker was sent into the pipe, which had live sewage flowing through it.
"They had worked in the pipe many times before," Clouatre wrote in an email. "The flow of sewage was ankle to thigh high, depending on time and location, so workers were required to wear a harness and lanyard and tie off to a cable attached to a winch in the shaft when entering.
"This worker tied off to the cable and entered the pipe. He went into the pipe to inspect some work. He got as far as the cable would let him go.
"He wanted to see something a few feet further, so he unhooked his lanyard. He immediately lost his footing and fell down, and the flow carried him down pipe."
Search and Rescue
Co-workers in the shaft saw the accident and immediately reported it to the foreman.
"Crews went to the next manhole in line, where a ladder had been installed to catch a person in case this ever happened," Clouatre reported.
"The worker in the pipe got to that location before the crew arrived, though. The worker grabbed the 'mancatcher,' but the flow was strong and there was just enough room below it that he slipped under it and continued down pipe."
Meanwhile, a county crew working at the plant downstream was notified and began opening manholes farther down.
Eventually, Clouatre said, the worker was able to stop himself and wait. "He saw a manhole opened in front of him and a Pierce County worker down in it. He made his way to that location and was then pulled out" by his co-workers and by some on the county crew.
The dark, half-mile trip lasted about 30 minutes. Part of the system runs 150 feet underground, fire officials said.
'Great Worker,' 'Bad Call'
The man ended up about 300 feet from where the sewer line empties in to the treatment plant.
"If the worker hadn't stopped himself, he would have gone into the plant, where screens sift debris from wastewater as it moves into the plant to be treated," reported the Tacoma-Seattle News Tribune. "That's where the man's hard hat ended up."
The worker was treated at the hospital for "a few cuts, scrapes, and a broken tooth" and "is okay," Clouatre said.
Clouatre called the employee "a great worker" who had "just wanted to accomplish his assigned task." The worker made "a bad judgment call," Clouatre added. "He should have returned to the shaft, got a longer lifeline, and then returned to the pipe."
Safety Record
Coluccio Construction, more than 50 years old, provides pipeline, shaft construction, tunnel, drilling, ground stabilization and other services for a variety of industries.
Occupational Safety and Health Administration records show no open cases involving the company. The company has one closed case, from 2005, in which it paid a $300 fine for three violations; and one serious violation in 2003, for which it was fined $1,800.
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A workshop on "Business Fundamentals" is scheduled for 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Thursday, February 7, in Mt. Gay. The workshop is part of the West Virginia Small Business Development Center (WVSBDC) training and business coaching program Three Step Jump Start to help small business owners receive the right information at the right time.
The "Business Fundamentals" workshop will be held at the Southern Community & Technical College campus, Dempsey Road, Room 227-B, Mt. Gay. To register, call 304-528-5616 or email firstname.lastname@example.com.
Registration is required at least two days in advance. Reasonable accommodations for persons with disabilities will be made if requested in advance.
Three Step Jump Start helps entrepreneurs and small business owners in West Virginia accelerate their potential success by learning the structure and services provided by WVSBDC. The first step is to view the Three Step Jump Start video on the agency's website, www.wvsbdc.org.
Individuals can then attend the Business Fundamentals workshop, designed specifically for start-ups and new businesses. The workshop provides essential information on what an entrepreneur needs to know to start a business successfully. There is a $35 per person fee per workshop.
After completing the workshop, interested entrepreneurs or business owners may schedule an appointment with WVSBDC for one-on-one coaching sessions. The WVSBDC coaches provide assistance with business plan development, financial statement preparation, cash flow analysis and other services.
The WVSBDC is part of the West Virginia Development Office and creates economic impact through offering entrepreneurs and small businesses cost-effective business coaching and technical assistance. The West Virginia SBDC is funded in part through a cooperative agreement with the U.S. Small Business Administration.


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Thursday, November 14, 2013
Miller to participate in lecture about Oklahoma authors
The OSU Center for Oklahoma Studies will host Teresa Miller, executive director of the Oklahoma Center for Poets and Writers at OSU-Tulsa, at 3:30 p.m. on Thursday, Nov. 14 at the OSU-Stillwater Library for its annual Oklahoma Ovation lecture. The lecture commemorates Statehood Day, Nov. 16.
Mary Larson, Oklahoma oral history research program director, will interview Miller about Oklahoma authors, past and present, and what it means to have an "Oklahoma voice." Miller will also discuss issues of cultural and literary identity. The lecture will end with a question and answer session.
An author herself, Miller has worked with a number of Oklahoma writers since founding the Oklahoma Center for Poets and Writers in 1994. She is the executive director and host of the television program Writing Out Loud.


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Below is the poem entitled Days Of Yesteryear which was written by poet
Gigno. Please feel free to comment on this poem. However, please remember, PoetrySoup is a place of encouragement and growth.
Read Poems by
... Gigno
I posted this earlier but erased it along with another by accident.
Become a
Premium Member
and post notes and photos about your poem.
We would find a spot in our town
Any place we could just hang out
A nook we had to gladly get down
Retreating there and turning out
We tried to do something as dumb
As blame thoughts of being young
To think an end would never come
No stone unturned or song unsung


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GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. – With thousands of children waiting for a forever home in the Michigan foster system, FOX 17 continues featuring local youth looking for a family.
"My birth mom wasn't really taking good care of my siblings and me so I just went to my first foster home," 13-year-old Decota says. He's bounced around from foster homes and group homes ever since.
"I actually do get lonely," he says.
The eighth-grader wants to be a storm chaser, so FOX 17 Chief Meteorologist Rick Mecklenburg gave him a tour of the weather center.
Decota dreams of one day being able to do things every 13-year-old boy should be able to.
"Be able to go to a public school and play on the football team is what I would want to do," he says.
And though he's never had one, he knows he wants a dad – a mentor – to fill a void and take time to do what little boys without fathers can only dream about.
Decota has a list of things he wants to do with a father figure.
"Go outside, play catch, watch movies at night, have popcorn," he says.
Not to mention the loving support of a family – encouragement and confidence in not being alone.
"Let's say when you got in a football game and his team lost," Decota says. "They`d say 'It's OK. It's not a big deal. It's just a game.'"
Decota hopes to attend Michigan State University and loves the Spartans – though he'd gladly accept a family who roots for the Maize and Blue.
He's also interested in joining the National Guard when he grows up.
"National Guard serves their cities," he says. "Dangerous stuff, like help them put out a wildfire. That I`d be interested in."
But above all, he just wants love and compassion – things he promises to give his forever family in return.
If you'd like to adopt Decota or another child, call Orchards Children's Services at 855-694-7301.


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Serious BBQ: Last summer days with the grill.
After a long and wonderful summer of grilling out almost every night and certainly every weekend, I find myself looking at Monday as sort of a sad goodbye to summer. Yes, Labor Day is here. This is the time of year where pools start to close and the summer winds down. Wal-Mart has all their mechanical witches and talking pumpkins out on the shelves for Halloween and I am sure the Christmas stuff is on order.
That being said, I will not go quietly into the night. I will not put the grill cover on and shove my grill into a dark corner. This weekend I feast!!!
BBQ. When I smell this cooking in the spring it brings a smile to my face. As soon as the smells of charred meat flow through the air it screams 'SUMMER TIME!!' to all with a nose.
I must have brisket and chicken slathered in homemade BBQ sauce.
This weekend I will grill.
Anyone want to share a homemade BBQ sauce recipe?
Talk is closed, but that doesn't mean the conversations have to stop!
Check out this post for a more thorough explanation, and jump onto our Facebook page or our Twitter feed to keep the conversations going!


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A dancer by the name of Delly Madrid was knocked unconscious during a live broadcast on Peruvian television when she fell face first onto the ground during a dance routine.
Delly Madrid, who is also a model, fell while attempting to balance on a bamboo pole held up by two other dancers.
The pole snapped in two, sending the gorgeous 32-year-old Delly Madrid crashing to the floor.
The music stopped, and Madrid can be seen clutching her head, as other dancers surrounded her, calling for paramedics.
Production staff on the live dancing programme El Grand Show can be seen running on to the set to attend to Madrid.
The broadcast was eventually cancelled after a replay of the incident was played to viewers.
"I do not know what to say, you have seen it," said the show's host, Gisela Valcarcel. "There's no more dancing. What we want is to go out to be next to Delly."
Luckily, despite the very hard fall, Madrid only suffered some bruising and swelling.
Miss Madrid appeared on Peruvian television following the fall, wearing a neck brace. She was thankful that she did not suffer worse injuries.
"I could be paralyzed, quadriplegic, or [have] died on the spot," she said.
James Gilbert | Elite.