text:
Best prices for your stay 30/7/2017 31/7/2017Ages of Children: change Please provide ages Age Update Search Lock in the lowest price from our partners US$ 134View Deal Booking.comUS$ 134Hotels.comUS$ 135Expedia.comUS$ 134PricelineUS$ 134Hotwire.comUS$ 134TravelocityUS$ 134View all 10 dealsFourPoints.comUS$ 134Booking.comUS$ 134Hotels.comUS$ 135Expedia.comUS$ 134PricelineUS$ 134Hotwire.comUS$ 134TravelocityUS$ 134TripAdvisorUS$ 134Ctrip.comCancelonPrices are provided by our partners, and reflect average nightly room rates, including taxes and fees that are fixed, known to our partners, and due at time of booking. Please see our partners for more details. All photos (206) Full view Traveller (196)Room & Suite (52)Dining (6)
US$ 134FourPoints.com View Deal OverviewRoomsReviewsAboutPhotosNearbyQ&ARoom TipsMore Similar hotelsSee all 9 hotels in Schiller ParkCandlewood Suites Chicago O'Hare361 reviews#2 of 9 hotels in Schiller Park Hampton Inn Chicago-O'Hare International Airport968 reviews#1 of 9 hotels in Schiller Park Comfort Suites O'Hare442 reviews#3 of 9 hotels in Schiller Park Crowne Plaza Chicago O'Hare1,126 reviews#11 of 18 hotels in Rosemont Overview 3.0 744 reviewsExcellent10%Very good36%Average29%Poor14%Terrible11%Travellers talk about“shuttle runs every minutes” (9 reviews)“bed was very comfortable” (10 reviews)“one night stay” (14 reviews)Free WifiFree ParkingAir ConditioningPoolNon-Smoking HotelRestaurantAirport TransportationRoom ServiceFamily RoomsBar/LoungeFitness centreMultilingual StaffPets AllowedWheelchair AccessBusiness CentreDry CleaningShuttle Bus ServiceStar rating provided by Expedia.3.0 Star HotelAll hotel detailsOffers from Four Points by Sheraton Chicago O'Hare AirportSpecial Offer: Breakfast for 2 IncludedHotel deals
Similar hotelsSee all 9 hotels in Schiller ParkCandlewood Suites Chicago O'Hare361 reviews#2 of 9 hotels in Schiller Park Hampton Inn Chicago-O'Hare International Airport968 reviews#1 of 9 hotels in Schiller Park Comfort Suites O'Hare442 reviews#3 of 9 hotels in Schiller Park Crowne Plaza Chicago O'Hare1,126 reviews#11 of 18 hotels in Rosemont {"widget":{"name":"ibex_photo_carousel","template":"ibex_photo_carousel__widget","moduleList":["handlers"],"divClasses":"prw_rup prw_ibex_photo_carousel","js":{"handlers":"(ta.prwidgets.getjs(this,'handlers'))"},"dust":{"nav_controls":"ibex_photo_carousel__nav_controls"}},"containerClass":null,"scriptFlags":null}
Rooms 30 Jul31 Jul|1 room, 2 adults, 0 childrenAgeAges of Children Update Search Update Standard Room Getting you more information on this room See More Free Cancellation Select Show Available Rooms Sorry, this partner no longer has rooms available on TripAdvisor. Please visit one of our 8 partner sites to see rooms from US$ 134.We're sorry, there are no rooms available on TripAdvisor. Please change your dates, or view all Schiller Park hotels with availabilityStandard Room Getting you more information on this room See More Free Cancellation Select {"BOOKING_FEATURES": ["IB_STREAMLINED_SELECTED_ROOM","IB_NEW_REG_FLOW_INTERRUPTER","IB_SHOW_EMAIL_FOR_INSECURE_LOGIN","RCMS_INLINE_ROOM_GRID_MAX_OCC","IB_POST_BOOKING_LOGIN","IB_IRG_PERFORMANCE_METRICS","IB_IRG_MATCH_META","CHILDREN_SEARCH","IB_DW_INLINE_PASSWORD","ATTRACTIONS_REMOVE_PAYMENT_ADDRESS_FIELDS","HR_IB_EXCLUDE_TAXES_AND_FEES","IB_DW_CCNAME_WITH_AUTOCOMPLETE","IB_IRG_PERFORMANCE_METRICS_MOBILE","IB_BOOKNOW_CLEAN_WITH_ICON_SHORT_BTN","STORED_CARDS","IB_POST_BOOK_LOGIN_CTA","IB_PRICE_WINS_COPY","IB_DW_PROMPT_KNOWN_EMAIL","IB_PRICES_OUTSIDE_ROOM_BUTTON","IB_EXIT_INTERRUPTER","IB_SHOW_AMENITIES_AS_ICONS","IB_NEW_REG_FLOW","META_AIR","IB_INLINE_ROOM_GRID","IB_TIME_OF_STAY_PAYMENT_TYPES_V3","IBEX_HIGH_EQUITY_BRANDING","IB_PRICE_WINS_POST_TX","IB_BOOKING_FORM_FAVICON","IB_URGENCY_BLOCK","IB_NEW_REG_FLOW_POST_BOOK"] , "IMPRESSION_KEY": "cd5aa81808f74ac08b08493121e6823f", "roomSelectionModel": {"partnerInfos":[],"multiplePartners":false,"polling":{"locationId":219404,"bookingSessionId":null,"detailedAvailabilityKey":null,"commerceContentIds":[32475260],"additionalContentIds":[],"pollCount":0,"checkin":{"day":30,"month":7,"year":2017},"checkout":{"day":31,"month":7,"year":2017},"adults":2,"child_rm_ages":"","rooms":1,"display_rooms":300,"entryPrice":134,"entryCurrency":"USD","complete":false,"formKey":"","showAllRooms":true,"genNewBookingSessionId":false,"winningProviderAtClick":"","selectedRoomKey":null,"impressionKey":"cd5aa81808f74ac08b08493121e6823f","navArea":null,"referringServlet":"Hotel_Review","highestMetaPrice":135,"lowestMetaPrice":134,"additionalPartner":false,"highestMetaPriceDisplay":135,"roomsToVerify":[],"clazz":null},"summary":null,"unavailable":false,"metaOffers":[],"mismatchCheckModel":null,"totalMediaCount":0,"hotelPhotos":[],"noticeHeaderMessage":null,"moreProviders":null,"lowestPricePartner":null,"showAllRooms":true,"isMetaCheaper":false,"isBookingLessThanOrEqualToMeta":null,"avgHistoricalPrice":0.0,"avgHistoricalDisplayPrice":null,"expressBookState":{"hasFullTravelerInfo":false,"hasReducedBillingInfo":false,"hasFullBillingInfo":false},"highestMetaPrice":135,"lowestMetaPrice":134,"highestMetaPriceDisplay":135,"hotelName":"Four Points by Sheraton Chicago O'Hare Airport","hasSpecialTimeOfStayTaxes":false,"trackingTree":null,"trackingTreeId":null,"showPriceHoverTooltip":false,"trackingContext":"eyJzdGF0ZSI6IkhPVEVMX0FVQ1RJT04iLCJwIjoiSFJfTWFpbkNvbW1lcmNlIiwiaWRzIjp7IkJGSyI6ImNkNWFhODE4MDhmNzRhYzA4YjA4NDkzMTIxZTY4MjNmIiwiQUlLIjoiNTI1Y2U1NDhiNjE3NGM4MzhlN2Q2OWEzM2MyM2U5NDAifSwiZW50cnlTZXJ2bGV0IjoiSG90ZWxfUmV2aWV3In0=","cheaperPricesExist":false,"enableLPF":false,"priceDropPercent":0,"canExpandRooms":false,"expandRoomsToAllPartners":false,"roomSelectionKey":null,"useSupplierDirectTreatment":false,"isSupplierDirect":false,"showProviderSeparator":false,"clazz":null,"seeMoreMessage":null,"seeMoreIFrameMessage":null,"isPricelineCom":false}, "ibAvailability": true, "metaAvailability": true, "topOfferIsIB": false, "numHacTries": -1, "checkIn": "30/07/2017", "checkOut": "31/07/2017", "lowestPrice": "US$ 134", "hasDates": true, "hacComplete": false, "contentIdMappings": {"53914022":"TravelocityEWS","78855361":"OrbitzEWS","32475260":"BookingCom","79407789":"CheapTicketsEWS","32604619":"Expedia","109277465":"HotelsCom2IB","65675270":"Hotwire","78329494":"PricelineIB"}, "pollingEnabled": false, "preventScroll": false, "offerClickToken": null, "conditionalUpdate": false, "mightGetRooms": true, "divClasses": "ppr_rup ppr_priv_hr_inline_room_grid_hsx", "singlePartnerRoomGridWidget": {"widget":{"name":"ibex_room_grid_hsx","template":"ibex_room_grid_hsx__widget","moduleList":["handlers","tracking"],"divClasses":"prw_rup prw_ibex_room_grid_hsx","js":{"handlers":"(ta.prwidgets.getjs(this,'handlers'))","tracking":"(ta.prwidgets.getjs(this,'tracking'))"},"dust":{"sub_header":"ibex_room_grid_hsx__sub_header"}},"containerClass":null,"scriptFlags":null}, "multiPartnerRoomGridWidget": null, "mismatchMessage": {"widget":{"name":"ibex_mismatch_message","template":"ibex_mismatch_message__widget","moduleList":["handler"],"divClasses":"prw_rup prw_ibex_mismatch_message","js":{"handler":"(ta.prwidgets.getjs(this,'handler'))"},"dust":{}},"containerClass":null,"scriptFlags":null}, "maxRoomsToShow": 300, "isTablet": false, "roomGridRowWidget": {"widget":{"name":"ibex_room_grid_row_hsx","template":"ibex_room_grid_row_hsx__widget","moduleList":[],"divClasses":"prw_rup prw_ibex_room_grid_row_hsx","js":{},"dust":{"amenities":"ibex_room_grid_row_hsx__amenities","condition_col":"ibex_room_grid_row_hsx__condition_col","price_text":"ibex_room_grid_row_hsx__price_text","reservation_col":"ibex_room_grid_row_hsx__reservation_col"}},"containerClass":null,"scriptFlags":null}, "mismatchMessageLightbox": null, "deviceInfo": "OtherOS OtherBrowser", "bookOnTripAdvisor": "Book on <img class=\"ibHeaderImg\" alt=\"TripAdvisor\" src=\"https:\/\/static.tacdn.com\/img2\/branding\/rebrand\/TA_logo_primary.png\"\/>"} Write a ReviewTurn Your Opinions into Points! Turn your opinions into JPMilesLearn More Turn your opinions into PAYBACK PointsLearn More *You can enroll in only one programme at a time to earn rewards for reviews. 50 Reviews (744)Traveller rating Excellent75Very good230Average202Poor106Terrible85Traveller typeFamiliesCouplesSoloBusinessFriendsTime of year Mar-MayJun-AugSep-NovDec-FebLanguage All languages English (698)Chinese (Sim.) (53)Japanese (10)More languages Language English (698)Chinese (Sim.) (53)Japanese (10)German (8)Spanish (8)French (6)Italian (5)Portuguese (4)Danish (1)Dutch (1)Korean (1)Russian (1)There are newer reviews for Four Points by Sheraton Chicago O'Hare Airport See the most recent reviews Show reviews that mention All reviews shuttle runs every minutes
KkFiffFort Wayne, Indiana, United States30591Reviewed 11 May 2015 Average stay but cars are jammed in the lot!The lot is located in the back and apparently there is a code to get in to park your car long term (the front desk doesn't tell you that until you get back there). Then you have to call and get the code and then...More1 Thank KkFiff FrancCabernetMichigan6565Reviewed 10 May 2015 Quality and value as a place to stay ahead of flight--beware of road constructionVery nice inn for a traveler's night. Modern, well-equipped room. Located on the south side of O'Hare the current construction in the area can make this hotel easy to miss. We missed a turn as we tried to follow detour signs. Get good directions from...MoreThank FrancCabernet Response from Megan L, Starwood Hotels at Four Points by Sheraton Chicago O'Hare AirportResponded 12 May 2015Dear FrancCabernet,
We’re thrilled you found our newly updated accommodations to provide you a great value when traveling, and we are pleased to hear you enjoyed your stay. As you mentioned, there is a bit of construction going on in our area, so we apologize...More
PouxinLondon, United Kingdom318Reviewed 7 May 2015 via mobile Practical and comfortableClose to the airport, efficient shuttle service, helpful and quick desk staff, free wifi, comfy beds, big rooms. It's not the world's most charming hotel, and I wouldn't recommend it for romantic getaways, but as a good, practical business hotel I have zero complaints!Thank Pouxin 909deanerRegina, Canada5448Reviewed 6 May 2015 Typical Four Points stayFour Points by Sheraton usually don't make my short list of properties to stay at, however through work I tend to stay at a few of these hotels. This one lived up to my personal stereotype of Four Points hotels; it was under renovation, and...MoreThank 909deaner Sarah CSaint Louis, Missouri41Reviewed 5 May 2015 MehThe staff at this hotel are really great, so that is one thing they definitely have going for them! It needs several updates, though. I felt like the rooms were not soundproofed at all, which was pretty frustrating.
There were noticeable stains on the carpet...More1 Thank Sarah C Response from Megan L, Starwood Hotels at Four Points by Sheraton Chicago O'Hare AirportResponded 11 May 2015Dear Sarah C,
PreviousNext1…4546474849…140Updating list... Similar hotelsSee all 9 hotels in Schiller ParkCandlewood Suites Chicago O'Hare361 reviews#2 of 9 hotels in Schiller Park Hampton Inn Chicago-O'Hare International Airport968 reviews#1 of 9 hotels in Schiller Park Comfort Suites O'Hare442 reviews#3 of 9 hotels in Schiller Park Crowne Plaza Chicago O'Hare1,126 reviews#11 of 18 hotels in Rosemont About Amenities Top amenitiesPoolRestaurantRoom ServiceFitness Centre with Gym / Workout RoomBar/LoungeFree High Speed Internet ( WiFi )Free ParkingHotel AmenitiesBusiness Centre with Internet AccessRoom ServiceShuttle Bus ServiceAirport TransportationMeeting RoomsBanquet RoomMultilingual StaffConference FacilitiesFree ParkingDry CleaningLaundry ServiceRoom amenitiesAir ConditioningThings to doPoolRestaurantFitness Centre with Gym / Workout RoomBar/LoungeDetails Price rangeUS$ 117 - US$ 173 (Based on Average Rates for a Standard Room) Hotel classStar rating provided by Expedia.Room typesNon-Smoking Rooms ,Family Rooms Number of rooms295 Reservation OptionsTripAdvisor is proud to partner with Starwood, Booking.com, Hotels.com, Expedia, Ctrip TA, Travelocity, Priceline, TripOnline SA, Hotwire and Cancelon so you can book your Four Points by Sheraton Chicago O'Hare Airport reservations with confidence. We help millions of travellers each month to find the perfect hotel for both holiday and business trips, always with the best discounts and special offers. LocationUnited States >Illinois >Schiller Park Also Known AsFour Points By Sheraton Chicago o`Hare Airport Hotel Schiller Park ,4 Points By Sheraton Chicago o`Hare Airport ,Four Points Chicago ,Chicago Four Points ,Schiller Park Sheraton ,Schiller Park Four Points ,Sheraton Schiller Park ,Four Points Schiller Park Show More Show Less Add Photo Photos All photos (206) Full view Traveller (196)Room & Suite (52)Dining (6)Pool & Beach (2)Hotel & Grounds (121)Bathroom (25)
Nearby Nearby HotelsSee all 9 hotels in Schiller ParkComfort Suites O'Hare442 reviews 1.80 km away Best Western Plus O'Hare International South Hotel209 reviews 2.48 km away Candlewood Suites Chicago O'Hare361 reviews .42 km away Hampton Inn Chicago-O'Hare International Airport968 reviews .68 km away Nearby RestaurantsMirage Restaurant100 reviews .13 km away Hubcaps Pizza Bar & Grill O'hare19 reviews 1.22 km away AL & Joe's Delicatessen25 reviews 1.34 km away Jay's Beef31 reviews .95 km away Nearby AttractionsHopScotch Beer and Whiskey Bar7 reviews 2.37 km away Fashion Outlets of Chicago585 reviews 2.43 km away Zanies Comedy Club18 reviews 2.81 km away Kids on the Fly, Chicago Children's Museum at O'Hare Airport14 reviews 2.78 km away Ask a questionQuestions & AnswersSee all 6 questions Get quick answers from Four Points by Sheraton Chicago O'Hare Airport staff and past guests.Note: your question will be posted publicly on the Questions & Answers page.Verification: Posting guidelinesSubmitCancelAngela Rif we stay at your hotel, what is the best,least expensive way to get downtown?8 February 2017|Answer Show all 3 answers Hide all answersAre you sure you want to delete this question?Delete Confirm CancelWhat is your answer?Posting guidelinesSubmitCancelResponse from Fourpointsohare | Property representative |Hello,
Room Tips "They are all similar"Aron S3 days agoRead review "Request for the room on the front building will help you save a lot of walk. But if you have a car, it..."Piichiez15 days agoRead review "Ask for a room close to the Lobby or you may be in for a long walk."Ken R1 month agoRead review "Look at it first"Biggal912 months agoRead review Show More Is This Your TripAdvisor Listing? Own or manage this property? Claim your listing for free to respond to reviews, update your profile and much more. Claim Your Listing Know better. Book better. Go better. © 2017 TripAdvisor LLC All rights reserved. Terms of Use | Privacy Policy | Site MapSome photos provided by VFM Leonardo.* TripAdvisor LLC is not a booking agent and does not charge any service fees to users of our site... (more) TripAdvisor LLC is not responsible for content on external web sites. Taxes, fees not included for deals content. EXPLOREAbout UsHelp CentreCURRENCY/COUNTRYUS$USDIndia

value: Tripadvisor, Inc. is an American online travel company that operates a website and mobile app with user-generated content and a comparison shopping website.


text:
steiner : Messages : 5002-5031 of 5706 Skip to search. New User? Register Sign InHelp Make Y! My Homepage Notifications Help Mail My Y! Yahoo! Yahoo! Groups Search Search Web Breaking News Visit Yahoo! News for the latest. ×Close this window steiner
Messages 5002 - 5031 of 5706 Oldest
carynlouise24 Mar 2, 2009 8:16 am It was interesting to see on the 27.02 Russian TV broadcasted a news item on the French Professor who has written a book on 9/11 stating these attacks were an...
Re: To The List
carol organicethics Mar 4, 2009 2:34 pm Thank you for your response Andrew. As you can see, it took me a while to 'come around' and be able to comfortably assimilate the content of your...
carynlouise24 Mar 5, 2009 7:11 am - I am the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac and the God of Jacob. I am the God of the Living and not the God of the Dead - The Gospel of St. John Third...
Augoeideian
carynlouise24 Mar 11, 2009 5:53 pm As Joan of Arc said to the papal and the jury (the world council of churches in other words) `You cannot unburn me' Thus in piety we may say of The Christ `You...
carynlouise24 Mar 16, 2009 8:41 am The Uriel-Oriphiel Connection I am with my Father and my Father is with me. And thus I AM with nature and nature is with me. And thus I AM with Time as nature...
Open letter to P.S.
carynlouise24 Mar 20, 2009 7:13 am Peter might be pleased to hear when I swear I get a mouth abscess :) ow. I do think it is good we address the issue of so-called antisemitism and also the...
The Hebrew people fulfilled their mission over 2000 yrs ago
carynlouise24 Mar 23, 2009 3:59 pm http://groups.yahoo.com/group/waldorf-critics/message/9714 It might be well to bring in Reincarnation into the following Rudolf Steiner extracts taken in this...
carynlouise24 Mar 25, 2009 5:49 pm It was Socrates who remarked Comedy and Tragedy are the same � I go for the Comedy!...
Re: Body Politics
carol organicethics Apr 1, 2009 1:39 am Re: "... (I cannot today deny that I have not been forewarned - that given this individual's mesmerizing effect on people, should he become the next US...
Urania and Saturn
carynlouise24 Apr 2, 2009 2:38 pm What is interesting with Aquarius ruling both Saturn and Uranus is: John Jocelyn Aquarius: `Sometimes Saturn is assigned as co-ruler of Aquarius. The ...
Steiner's Agricultural Course and biodynamics
holderlin66 Apr 4, 2009 3:13 pm Dear Friends of Organic, I received this letter from our friend, Dr. Incao today. If the law he refers to is passed, it seems to herald the end of the organic...
Durward Starman durwardstarman Apr 5, 2009 12:09 am *******The links are to wackos hawking conspiracy theory nonsense ----and also completely off-topic. What a complete waste of the internet. Does no one on this...
Re: Steiner's Agricultural Course and biodynamics
Durward Starman durwardstarman Apr 5, 2009 12:24 am ******* If there's anything in this bill (written after the recent peanut-contamination episode that sickened and killed people here in the US) which would...
celestial_vision stephenm142 Apr 5, 2009 5:34 pm ... =================== Hi Starman, Wasn't sure you were still around, but I am glad that you are. Last time I thought you said you would be devoting your time...
Durward Starman durwardstarman Apr 5, 2009 6:07 pm ******* Well, I am going to give the list one more try. I'll also start posting the Calendar of the Soul mantras again at Easter. I hope someone here uses them...
carol organicethics Apr 10, 2009 2:03 pm Dunward: � "Spiritual" thinking can be understood by studying Dr. Steiner's philosophical works or any of his basic books. � Yes Dunward, spiritual thinking...
Durward Starman durwardstarman Apr 10, 2009 7:00 pm Dunward: � "Spiritual" thinking can be understood by studying Dr. Steiner's philosophical works or any of his basic books. � Yes Dunward, spiritual thinking...
carol organicethics Apr 11, 2009 12:56 am Hello Durward, I'm sorry about the letter mixup in my spelling your name � I hope this didn't throw you off too much - it surprises even me when my eyes seem...
Re: akasha/off-topic thread
Durward Starman durwardstarman Apr 11, 2009 1:15 am ******* Sorry, Carol, I have no interest in this topic, or in conspiracy theories in general. I had an interest in Steven's question of what constitutes...
carol organicethics Apr 11, 2009 1:25 am I'm not interested in pursuing this topic with anyone. It's now Easter weekend, apparently also the 100th anniversary of Rudolf Steiner's initial mention of...
Calendar of the Soul, 1st mantra (EASTER)
Durward Starman durwardstarman Apr 12, 2009 3:45 pm Happy Easter! We are starting again with the CALENDAR OF THE SOUL, a series of 52 mantras that enable you to experience the cycle of the year, so that our...
Calendar of the Soul, Week 2
Durward Starman durwardstarman Apr 20, 2009 2:41 am The 'CALENDAR OF THE SOUL' Dr. Rudolf Steiner gave out the 'Soul-Calendar' in 1912, consisting of 52 meditative mantras to enable us to experience the 'astral'...
galanolwe Apr 25, 2009 8:12 pm Hello, just joined, first post... What would be a good first read to understand R. Steiner and Anthroposophy? Also, I've heard that Steiner believed the human...
Durward Starman durwardstarman Apr 26, 2009 4:08 pm *******Welcome to our group. Perhaps next post you could tell us your name? ;-) How to start into anthroposophy is a big topic because there are so many ways...
Durward Starman durwardstarman Apr 26, 2009 4:34 pm The 'CALENDAR OF THE SOUL' Dr. Rudolf Steiner gave out the 'Soul-Calendar' in 1912, consisting of 52 meditative mantras to enable us to experience the 'astral'...
New file uploaded to steiner steiner@yahoogroups.com Apr 26, 2009 4:50 pm Hello, This email message is a notification to let you know that a file has been uploaded to the Files area of the steiner group. File : /FIRST STEPS IN...
Re: Human motives and the Pandemic III
Robert Mason robertsmason_99 Apr 28, 2009 5:50 pm ... interest today, about the unspeakably cruelty with which farm animals are treated by the food industry. It's horryfying and disgusting . . . It's no wonder...
Who are the designers behind evolution?
ignorantspirit May 1, 2009 9:17 am Scientists believe that evolution is driven by random mutations combined with natural selection. Thus, they believe that random mutations caused some animals...
Re: Who are the designers behind evolution?
Robert Mason robertsmason_99 May 1, 2009 6:32 pm ... *Mechanics* isn't the right word, but to answer the gist of your question: Yes, he said very much indeed, too much to cite here and now. A good place to...
Durward Starman durwardstarman May 4, 2009 12:55 am The 'CALENDAR OF THE SOUL' Dr. Rudolf Steiner gave out the 'Soul-Calendar' in 1912, consisting of 52 meditative mantras to enable us to experience the 'astral'...

type: global

value: Yahoo (, styled as yahoo!) is an American web services provider. It is headquartered in Sunnyvale, California and operated by the namesake Yahoo!


text:
03 Aug 2007 - 09 Oct 2009
This Month in Congress
Child Interstate
Abortion Notification Act
Alternative Pluripotent
Stem Cell Therapy Act
Abortion Non-
The Susan B. Anthony List realizes how important it is to have your voice heard by Members of Congress in our nation's capital. 2007 promises to be a busy legislative year: without a pro-life majority, we will have to work harder than ever to advance the pro-life agenda.
The new pro-abortion leadership in the U.S. House and Senate is dedicated to rolling back the pro-life successes we have made over the last decade. They want funding for abortions overseas, more money for Planned Parenthood here in the U.S., and taxpayer-funded embryo-destroying stem cell research. And this is only the beginning.
In response to these new challenges, the Susan B. Anthony List is redoubling its efforts to be your voice for the unborn on Capitol Hill. Click here to contribute to our preservation of the pro-life agenda in the 110th Congress.
The Susan B. Anthony List never stops lobbying on Capitol Hill for critical measures that protect the unborn, women and children. We are also intensifying our efforts to fight anti-life legislation at every stage of the legislative process.
Take Action | Help Our Cause | Legislation | About the SBA List | What We Do | Contribute
Site Search | Site Map | Privacy Statement
Copyright 2005 Susan B. Anthony List,
1800 North Kent Street, Suite 1070, Arlington, VA 22209
(703) 875-3370

value: An archive is an accumulation of historical records – in any media – or the physical facility in which they are located. Archives contain primary source documents that have accumulated over the course of an individual or organization's lifetime, and are kept to show the function of that person or organization.


text:
Erica Seguine | JAZZ LIVES
Tag Archives: Erica Seguine
Posted in Bliss!, Generosities, It's All True, Jazz Worth Reading, Pay Attention!, The Heroes Among Us, The Real Thing, The Things We Love, Wow!
Tagged contemporary jazz orchestra, Erica Seguine, Jazz Lives, Michael Steinman, modern composition, Shan Baker

value: WordPress (WP, WordPress.org) is a free and open-source content management system (CMS) written in PHP and paired with a MySQL or MariaDB database. Features include a plugin architecture and a template system, referred to within WordPress as Themes.


text:
May 2012 ~ Made by Sannie
By Sandra Thursday, May 31, 2012 10 comments
Two days ago I was at Lein's and this is the other project I made. This was the one that took me the longest. The background has a lot of layers (even though you may not see it... LOL). But most of the time is taken by the creative process itself. I find it hard to make decisions because I'm afraid I'd screw it up. I must not think that way, only positive thoughts. So what if I screw up, then I just start over! No big deal ... That's something I need to work on. Just do, and don't think or hesitate, just go for it!
With this card, I participate with Simon Says Stamp and Show.
By Sandra Tuesday, May 29, 2012 8 comments
Yesterday I packed almost all of my hobby supplies and went over to Lein's house for a crafty day. Even though I packed almost my whole craft room and I still forgot some stuff! Sigh ... but I manage to make two things... yes, it was not a very productive day, but we had a lot of fun anyways!
First was the brushless watercolor technique. This technique is the 7th challenge of the Compendium of Curiosities 2 Challenge from Studio L3. This time it is sponsored by electic Paperie!
I don't seem to get this technique to work on "regular" paper, only on water color paper, but that's okay. And there is at least one more way to do this technique. In the Creative Chemistry 101 we learned a different way. I thought it was funny to use this butterfly for the technique, LOL.
By Sandra Sunday, May 27, 2012 13 comments
By Sandra Thursday, May 24, 2012 12 comments
Today I made a card for my best friend Xander. His birthday is next weekend. Unfortunately, I don't see him as much the last couple of years. He is in the army and is located somewhere else in the country. He is only home on weekends and has a very busy schedule then. We used to have spaghetti nights every Monday and we watched a movie or some series (Heroes, Lost, Eli Stone). That was our thing for many years. Once in a while we have a spaghetti night and that's always very cool.
This card is like my other manly card, but this time a little less color. I bought a new punch, a zigzag one. I am super happy with it.
With this card, I participate with the following two challenges:
Use it Tuesday: Use two (jute rope and craft tape)
Creative Craft Challenges 2: Distressed (torn edges and distressed edges)
By Sandra Saturday, May 19, 2012 16 comments
Can't believe this is the 6th technique of the Compendium of Curiosities 2 challenge already! This time we have to do the technique that's called the Tissue Wrap Collage. This time the challenge is sponsored by The Funkie Boutique!
Fortunately we were informed we had to have tissue wrap. So I've ordered it right away. It's different than I expected. It's more waxy than I imagined.
For my first attempt I've used the weathered clock die, but that one has too many small holes and it was one big mess. So I've used the tattered floral die instead.
With this tag I'm also entering at Paper Take Weekly, where the theme is In The Garden.
By Sandra Friday, May 18, 2012 6 comments
Yesterday I was over at Lein's for a short crafty afternoon. I've only colored in this stamp. I color very slow, because I'm not so good at it, and I so wanna be. I don't color with my copics very often, and I still have to get the feeling of what colors goes well together. I found out that even if they are in the same color family, that it doesn't mean that they blend well together. So my first attempt therefore failed. The second attempt was much more successful! For this card I used the Mojo Monday sketch.
The colors are absolutely not a match with the original. In the photo it looks more blue than purple... The butterfly also, that's stamped with Dusty Concord Distress Ink! Then you know how much the colors are off in the picture.
By Sandra Thursday, May 17, 2012 14 comments
Today I made a card for my brother. Next week he will be 37. And of course I can not go to his birthday without a handmade card. I find it very difficult to make a masculine card. It's not a typical male card. When I think about a male card, it has dark colors. I wanted nice bright colors, for this one.
With this card, I participate with Frilly and Funkie. This time the challenge is to use stencils or masks. I used a stencil. I absolutely love this stencil. It is the Mini Punchinella of The Crafters' Workshop. I want a few more.... Can't get enough of them.
By Sandra Tuesday, May 15, 2012 16 comments
By Sandra Sunday, May 13, 2012 30 comments
By Sandra Saturday, May 12, 2012 14 comments
A few weeks ago my friend Ellen told me she got engaged! I'm so happy for her! That's a great reason for a card. Around that time I received an invitation from Our Creative Corner to be a guest designer for one time. I was thrilled, of course I wanted to. The challenge is a beautiful sketch of Meihsia Liu.
So I made this card for Ellen and Aaron.
By Sandra Wednesday, May 09, 2012 16 comments
By Sandra Saturday, May 05, 2012 21 comments
Compendium of Curiosties 2 Challenge (Faded Layers Technique)
Our Creative Corner (Color Challenge)
Inspiration Journal (Bring on the May Flowers)
I had so much fun making this tag, although I wasted 2 other tags making it. The Heidi Swapp Ghost Shapes are a bit to thick for this technique, and I used a clear stamp that was to soft. And finally I got it! I love the techniques in Tim's Book.
By Sandra Tuesday, May 01, 2012 30 comments

value: Blogger is an American online content management system (CMS) which enables multi-user blogs with time-stamped entries. Pyra Labs developed it before being acquired by Google in 2003.


text:
FILE - In this Thursday, Sept. 13, 2012 file photo, people demonstrate …FILE - In this Thursday, Sept. 13, 2012 file photo, people demonstrate the Nintendo's Wii U GamePad and console in New York. Nintendo seeks to shake up gaming again with the Wii U touchscreen controller. (AP Photo/Mark Lennihan, File)
LendingTreeSponsoredMass. boy feared dead; mother charged; 2 firedAssociated PressMandela signer admitted to psychiatric hospitalAFP'Superbug' bacteria widespread in U.S. chicken: consumer groupReutersPolice in standoff at home in Uwchlan Twp. (video)WPVI – PhiladelphiaRunning down the 35 bowl gamesAssociated PressIt looks like the Galaxy S5 might not be as exciting as we thoughtBGR NewsHackers ‘shopped’ for millions of credit cards at Target on Black Friday [Update]BGR NewsUS 'regrets' diplomat treatment as India seethesAFPLawyer: Accused Harvard student was under pressureAssociated PressDebate brews over whether to save island's wolvesAssociated PressLucie Arnaz recalls Christmas with Lucy, DesiAssociated PressWoman, 30, dead in Chicago River fall ID'd (video)WLS – ChicagoCredit Cards Are Now Offering 0% APR Through 2015AdChoices


text:
August | 2015 | An Angel's Island
Posted on August 23, 2015	by angeloftheisland
Originally posted on An Angel's Island:
My social media sites became filled last evening with news about Robin Williams’ death. Everyone was shocked, saddened, upset and devastated that this vivacious man who made it his job to make others…


text:
Why We Love Don Draper, From Jon Hamm - AOL On
Why We Love Don Draper, From Jon Hamm
Jon Hamm and January Jones Vs. Don What Other Mad Men Character Jon Hamm Will Gay Characters Return To Mad Marlo Thomas With Jon Hamm
Do The Clothes Make The Man? From What Makes The "Mad Men" Cast Click? Behind The Scenes Of "Mad Men" from Tweet
"Mad Men" star Jon Hamm shares why Don Draper is such a compelling character despite being so flawed. Part of the series ...
"Mondays With Marlo" on MarloThomas.com
AOL,character study,don draper,mad men,MarloThomas.com,Mondays with Marlo,new season,professional acting,television role,television series,tv actor,Jon Hamm,Marlo Thomas
The Hardest Part Of Fame, From Jon Jon Hamm on Reality TV
Typecasting In Hollywood, from Jon Jon Hamm's Favorite Movie Star

value: AOL (stylized as Aol., formerly a company known as AOL Inc. and originally known as America Online) is an American web portal and online service provider based in New York City.


text:
A DLL with dual edge triggered phase detector for fast lock and low jitter clock generator — Yonsei University
Kyungho Ryu, Dong Hoon Jung, Seongook Jung
A DLL based on a dual edge triggered phase detector (DET-PD) is proposed for a clock generator in low-power systems. The proposed DLL has a faster lock speed with the same loop dynamics compared to the conventional DLL based on a single-edge triggered phase detector (SET-PD). The proposed DET-PD solves the problem of a narrow capture range or low phase detector gain associated with the conventional DET-PD. In addition, the proposed duty cycle difference compensation circuit (DDC) prevents the increase in the phase offset when the two inputs to the DET-PD have different duty cycle. It also controls the DLL bandwidth to maintain the DLL jitter by controlling the negative edge delay difference tracking. Finally, the proposed duty cycle keeper (DCK) enlarges the duty cycle keeping range of the DLL output. The proposed DLL is fabricated using 0.18-μm process technology. It has an area of 0.035 mm 2 and a power consumption of 19 mW at 800 MHz operation. Its lock speed is over 1.9 times faster than that of the DLL based on the SET-PD without degrading the jitter.
https://doi.org/10.1109/TCSI.2011.2180453
Ryu, K., Jung, D. H., & Jung, S. (2012). A DLL with dual edge triggered phase detector for fast lock and low jitter clock generator. IEEE Transactions on Circuits and Systems I: Regular Papers, 59(9), 1860-1870. [6129518]. https://doi.org/10.1109/TCSI.2011.2180453
Ryu, Kyungho ; Jung, Dong Hoon ; Jung, Seongook. / A DLL with dual edge triggered phase detector for fast lock and low jitter clock generator. In: IEEE Transactions on Circuits and Systems I: Regular Papers. 2012 ; Vol. 59, No. 9. pp. 1860-1870.
@article{0417734a272f41b582bb16c6d25d0883,
title = "A DLL with dual edge triggered phase detector for fast lock and low jitter clock generator",
abstract = "A DLL based on a dual edge triggered phase detector (DET-PD) is proposed for a clock generator in low-power systems. The proposed DLL has a faster lock speed with the same loop dynamics compared to the conventional DLL based on a single-edge triggered phase detector (SET-PD). The proposed DET-PD solves the problem of a narrow capture range or low phase detector gain associated with the conventional DET-PD. In addition, the proposed duty cycle difference compensation circuit (DDC) prevents the increase in the phase offset when the two inputs to the DET-PD have different duty cycle. It also controls the DLL bandwidth to maintain the DLL jitter by controlling the negative edge delay difference tracking. Finally, the proposed duty cycle keeper (DCK) enlarges the duty cycle keeping range of the DLL output. The proposed DLL is fabricated using 0.18-μm process technology. It has an area of 0.035 mm 2 and a power consumption of 19 mW at 800 MHz operation. Its lock speed is over 1.9 times faster than that of the DLL based on the SET-PD without degrading the jitter.",
author = "Kyungho Ryu and Jung, {Dong Hoon} and Seongook Jung",
doi = "10.1109/TCSI.2011.2180453",
Ryu, K, Jung, DH & Jung, S 2012, 'A DLL with dual edge triggered phase detector for fast lock and low jitter clock generator', IEEE Transactions on Circuits and Systems I: Regular Papers, vol. 59, no. 9, 6129518, pp. 1860-1870. https://doi.org/10.1109/TCSI.2011.2180453
A DLL with dual edge triggered phase detector for fast lock and low jitter clock generator. / Ryu, Kyungho; Jung, Dong Hoon; Jung, Seongook.
In: IEEE Transactions on Circuits and Systems I: Regular Papers, Vol. 59, No. 9, 6129518, 19.01.2012, p. 1860-1870.
T1 - A DLL with dual edge triggered phase detector for fast lock and low jitter clock generator
N2 - A DLL based on a dual edge triggered phase detector (DET-PD) is proposed for a clock generator in low-power systems. The proposed DLL has a faster lock speed with the same loop dynamics compared to the conventional DLL based on a single-edge triggered phase detector (SET-PD). The proposed DET-PD solves the problem of a narrow capture range or low phase detector gain associated with the conventional DET-PD. In addition, the proposed duty cycle difference compensation circuit (DDC) prevents the increase in the phase offset when the two inputs to the DET-PD have different duty cycle. It also controls the DLL bandwidth to maintain the DLL jitter by controlling the negative edge delay difference tracking. Finally, the proposed duty cycle keeper (DCK) enlarges the duty cycle keeping range of the DLL output. The proposed DLL is fabricated using 0.18-μm process technology. It has an area of 0.035 mm 2 and a power consumption of 19 mW at 800 MHz operation. Its lock speed is over 1.9 times faster than that of the DLL based on the SET-PD without degrading the jitter.
AB - A DLL based on a dual edge triggered phase detector (DET-PD) is proposed for a clock generator in low-power systems. The proposed DLL has a faster lock speed with the same loop dynamics compared to the conventional DLL based on a single-edge triggered phase detector (SET-PD). The proposed DET-PD solves the problem of a narrow capture range or low phase detector gain associated with the conventional DET-PD. In addition, the proposed duty cycle difference compensation circuit (DDC) prevents the increase in the phase offset when the two inputs to the DET-PD have different duty cycle. It also controls the DLL bandwidth to maintain the DLL jitter by controlling the negative edge delay difference tracking. Finally, the proposed duty cycle keeper (DCK) enlarges the duty cycle keeping range of the DLL output. The proposed DLL is fabricated using 0.18-μm process technology. It has an area of 0.035 mm 2 and a power consumption of 19 mW at 800 MHz operation. Its lock speed is over 1.9 times faster than that of the DLL based on the SET-PD without degrading the jitter.
UR - http://www.scopus.com/inward/record.url?scp=84865693816&partnerID=8YFLogxK
UR - http://www.scopus.com/inward/citedby.url?scp=84865693816&partnerID=8YFLogxK
U2 - 10.1109/TCSI.2011.2180453
DO - 10.1109/TCSI.2011.2180453
M1 - 6129518
Ryu K, Jung DH, Jung S. A DLL with dual edge triggered phase detector for fast lock and low jitter clock generator. IEEE Transactions on Circuits and Systems I: Regular Papers. 2012 Jan 19;59(9):1860-1870. 6129518. https://doi.org/10.1109/TCSI.2011.2180453

value: Elsevier (Dutch: [ˈɛlzəviːr]) is a Netherlands-based publishing company specializing in scientific, technical, and medical content. It is a part of the RELX Group, known until 2015 as Reed Elsevier.


text:
SOLVED: Making Dough... I just received the B@D all in one - Fixya
Making Dough... I just received the B@D all in one horizontal b2300 breadmaker and I set it to make dough, however when it was done, it was comparable to pastry, there was no way I could get it to stick.... any solutions as to how to do it next time?
Posted by Karent on Dec 24, 2007
Karent Dec 24, 2007
Re: Making Dough... - Black & Decker B2000 Bread Maker Kitchen Appliances - Others
Oct 28, 2016 | Black & Decker B2300 Bread Machine
Help. my breadmaker wont finish cycles display just says "-" anyone know why?
You have it on the setting that just mixes it and proves the dough, knocks the dough back (that is a bread making term, knocks the air out of it), and then leaves you to remove the dough, shape it, re-prove and then bake in a conventional oven. check your manual.
Andrew - master bread maker :)
Sep 03, 2015 | Kitchen Appliances - Others
I have the same problem. Try using setting 2 and take out the dough ball before it starts baking. I tried number 1 but that didn't work either.
Nov 17, 2013 | Black & Decker B2300 Bread Machine
The dough of the bread piles up of a single side of the tank
It is Ok to push the dough to the middle with your hand just after the final punch down and before the final rise and bake.
Sep 28, 2013 | Black & Decker B2300 Bread Machine
b2300 bread maker dough
horizontal breadmaker b2300

value: Fixya is a question-and-answer website where community members ask and answer questions about consumer products. The company was launched in June 2005 and is headquartered in San Mateo, California.


text:
Coder Insights: A Story for those who are Married....not Married......and soon to be Married. I'm sure, u'll be touched.
A Story for those who are Married....not Married......and soon to be Married. I'm sure, u'll be touched.
On the second day, both of us acted much more easily. She leaned on my chest. I could smell the fragrance of her blouse. I realized that I hadn't looked at this woman carefully for a long time.. I realized she was not young any more. There were fine wrinkles on her face, her hair was graying! Our marriage had taken its toll on her.For a minute I wondered what I had done to her.
Dew seemed to suddenly wake up. She gave me a loud slap and then slammed the door and burst into tears. I walked down stairs and drove away.
That evening I arrived home, flowers in my hands, a smile on my face, I run upstairs, only to find my wife in the bed - dead.


text:
The Reference Frame: China will build a 52-kilometer collider by 2028
The proposed collider should be a "Higgs factory" colliding electrons and positrons at the energy of \(250\GeV\). While the Chinese say that this would put them at the forefront of particle physics, the representatives of the ILC which should be hosted by Japan say that it should be expected that the physics output of the Chinese collider should be very limited i.e. that the ILC should be superior.
I think that China is also working on a possible \(100\TeV\) hadron collider, a supersized Burger King Whopper SSC of a sort. As far as I know, Nima Arkani-Hamed was hired as the director of the Future Global High Energy Physics in a Chinese Dominated World or what's the exact name of the institution so he probably knows more about the status of these projects.
Too bad that the projects will take so much time.
The people's collider! Unfortunately, the boot is going to be on the other foot for us Europeans and Americans. We're going to be on the outside looking in at exciting experiments in Asia. On the other hand, I quote a top CERN-TH physicist, "I don't care who does what, I only care what gets done." [He was speaking in general about experiments.] I share his view.
Sep 3, 2014, 7:19:00 PM
I was brought to here from :http://holometer.fnal.gov/?But i do wonder, how much of the spiritual world people take in to account when they do these study.. or do they get closer to the other worlds that clearly are seen my many people, and beings that become visible sometimes. telekinesis study is now under new name in Russia, really successful schools for that.
Sep 3, 2014, 9:08:00 PM
Better late than never. Will Nima Arkani learn Chinese ?
Sep 3, 2014, 9:24:00 PM
Blow a thermonuclear vortex ring to excavate a whopping collider tunnel all at once. Fourier synthesis or summed wavelets, then have rather a large number of Chinese jump off carefully phased array in time and space coffee tables. Chinese experiments with Chile ("Antipodes Dragon") have been spectacular successes,http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Antipodes#mediaviewer/File:Antipodes_LAEA_inverted.png
Sep 3, 2014, 10:20:00 PM
Exactly, conversely to the US governement who is giving up on HEP, China seems to feel (for whatever reasons) some love for these things. As this is quite a long time we have to wait for the new colliders, I hope that nothing bad will crop up in the mean time and prevent that we will see them running.So Godspeed to these projects :-)!
Sep 3, 2014, 11:59:00 PM
For those who think 2028 is too far away please read up on LHC, from wikipedia : "The Large Hadron Collider (LHC) is the world's largest and most powerful particle collider, built by the European Organization for Nuclear Research (CERN) from 1998 to 2008.And the tunnel was already built for LEP with forethought for a hadron collider in the future. "I retired in 2001 and was head of our CMS collaboration at our institute, and the plans and discussions for the detector had started way before. 1998 . Why do you think 3000 physicists are needed for the experiments? It is the complexity of course. Worse than building a cathedral or a Parthenon.
Sep 4, 2014, 7:37:00 AM
Do you know of any good article summarising the pros and cons of either building a high-energy proton collider or a lower energy electron (or muon) collider that would presumably be cleaner?My understanding is that this is a policy choice for what to aim for with limited funding.
Sep 6, 2014, 6:41:00 AM
China wants to prove their status as a world power and advanced civilisation. Building a supercollider in that sense is not different from hosting the Olympics:1) It makes the rest of the planet go "wow" ;2) It allows people growing up inChina to look up to other Chinese people (scientists, athletes, etc) as being the best in the world at what they do.
Sep 6, 2014, 6:45:00 AM


text:
Okinawa | fit and busy
Turkey Meatballs and MRI results
Yesterday we got some exciting news about hubby’s career with USMC so I wanted to make sure that we ate/did what he wanted to celebrate. Which turned into a carb loaded cheat day for me 😉 On the plus side, I made the “Jamie Eason Turkey Meatloaf Muffins” but made a couple changes so we could use them as meatballs for the pasta (it was quinoa pasta to be fair) last night. I normally make a bunch of these and keep them around for snacks, they’re very filling and tasty!
…I also don’t have a real oven so since I had to use a smaller pan I made a smaller batch but we still ended up with HUGH meatballs. I was kind of nervous hubby wouldn’t like them but he did so it’s definitely a recipe I’ll be continuing to make. For the smaller recipe you’ll need:
1.25 lb ground turkey (For those on Oki who haven’t found it, this is in the frozen foods section)
1/2-3/4C quick cooking oats (For GF cooking I use Bob’s Red Mill Gluten Free oats)
Mix all the ingredients together in one large bowl
Spray muffin tin with canola oil
Roll the mixture into balls and place in muffin tin
Bake for approx. 40 min
The muffins are approx. 180 Cal/muffin, 22.2g protein, 8g fat, 4.6g carb (according to the Jamie Eason recipe)
Picture from Bodybuilding.com
Today I worked out with a trainer again and we hit legs… hard. Basically all sorts of squats, deadlifts, and hamstring curls followed by cardio. I admit I like working with a trainer mainly because they push me to try heavier weights that I wouldn’t normally think I could so, it’s always a good workout. Now resting my foot before deciding what to make for dinner 🙂
I did see the doctor when I was home, he said there was scar tissue built up from my previous surgery and I possibly re-stretched those ligaments… joy. But I’m allowed to keep working out as I can tolerate it and sounds like we’ll look into other options once I’m back in the states.
Tags: ankle injury, clean eating meatballs, clean eating snacks, fitness, gluten free meatballs, gluten free oats, gluten free snacks, health, healthy snacks, Jamie Eason Turkey Meatloaf, leg workout, MRI, Okinawa, strength training, turkey meatball, turkey meatloaf, wellness


text:
Patent US20050107824 - Medical instrument - Google PatentsSearch Images Maps Play YouTube News Gmail Drive More »Sign inAdvanced Patent SearchPatentsA hydraulically actuated medical instrument includes an elongated shaft having proximal and distal ends, a hydraulically actuated end effector at the distal end of the shaft and a fluid flow path extending through the shaft to the end effector. The end effector may be directly manually operated by way...http://www.google.com/patents/US20050107824?utm_source=gb-gplus-sharePatent US20050107824 - Medical instrumentAdvanced Patent SearchPublication numberUS20050107824 A1Publication typeApplicationApplication numberUS 10/990,651Publication dateMay 19, 2005Filing dateNov 17, 2004Priority dateAug 30, 2000Also published asEP1313401A1, EP1313401A4, US6830174, US7503474, US7922742, US8308757, US8647363, US20020062136, US20080172086, US20110155788, US20130006269, WO2002017799A1Publication number10990651, 990651, US 2005/0107824 A1, US 2005/107824 A1, US 20050107824 A1, US 20050107824A1, US 2005107824 A1, US 2005107824A1, US-A1-20050107824, US-A1-2005107824, US2005/0107824A1, US2005/107824A1, US20050107824 A1, US20050107824A1, US2005107824 A1, US2005107824A1InventorsRichard Hillstead, Bryan KnodelOriginal AssigneeHillstead Richard A., Knodel Bryan D.Export CitationBiBTeX, EndNote, RefManReferenced by (9), Classifications (14), Legal Events (2) External Links: USPTO, USPTO Assignment, EspacenetMedical instrumentUS 20050107824 A1Abstract A hydraulically actuated medical instrument includes an elongated shaft having proximal and distal ends, a hydraulically actuated end effector at the distal end of the shaft and a fluid flow path extending through the shaft to the end effector. The end effector may be directly manually operated by way of a handle located at the proximal end of the shaft or remotely, for example, via robotic controller. Articulation joints may be provided along the shaft, between the shaft and end effector or handle, or elsewhere. The hydraulic actuation of the present invention permits multiple axis instrument articulation, miniaturization and simplified instrument fabrication. Images(21) Claims(58)
DESCRIPTION OF ILLUSTRATED INSTRUMENT FIG. 1 is an overall cross-sectional view of a surgical stapling instrument, generally at 100, employing the present invention and particularly suited for endoscopic or laproscopic isolation of the left atrial appendage. As shown in FIGS. 1-3, the illustrated instrument 100 includes a proximal handle portion or assembly, generally at 102, a distal end effector or implement portion or assembly 104 and an intermediate barrel or shaft portion or assembly, generally at 106, connecting the handle and the effector portions. In this form, the present invention is particularly well suited for endoscopic application, where the end effector is inserted through a trocar or like device and is operated by the handle portion, which remains outside the patient. Although the present invention is illustrated in the context of an endoscopic stapler, the present invention is not, in its broader aspects, limited to a stapler or to a particular type of end effector. Accordingly, it should be understood that the following description of the present invention in its present and preferred stapler construction is for the purposes of illustration, and not for the purposes of limiting various aspects of the present invention to the specific structure or form shown in the drawings. Turning first to a brief overview of the illustrated instrument, as shown in FIG. 2, the handle portion 102 is divided into two halves or shells 108 that, when joined, house or mount the various mechanical and hydraulic parts involved in clamping the effector jaws together and firing the staples. In brief, each handle shell 108 includes a fixed grip area 110, a body portion 112 and a distal spherical portion 114 that cooperates with other parts to provide a swivel or gimbal action between the handle assembly and the barrel assembly 106, as will be described in more detail later. The handle may be made of any suitable material such as rigid, injection molded plastic or the like. The barrel portion 106 comprises a hollow elongated cylindrical barrel 116 preferably made of suitable metal, although rigid plastic may also be used. The barrel is sufficiently small to allow introduction of the instrument through the lumen of a trocar or other introductory device employed in the surgical procedure for access through the skin of the patient to the surgical site. The barrel 116 contains the fluid flow tubing 118 and 120 of the hydraulic actuation systems for, respectively, closing the distal effector jaws and firing staples. In addition, the barrel contains a balloon retractor subassembly, generally at 122 in FIG. 2, that positively returns an actuator balloon to its retracted position after staple firing, as also will be discussed in more detail later. The preferred effector or implement end 104 of the instrument may be seen in FIGS. 1 and 3. In the illustrated embodiment, the effector end or implement is in the form of a pair of jaws for clamping and stapling tissue. The effector end includes a lower jaw 124 and an upper jaw 126 pivotally attached to the lower jaw. The lower jaw contains a prefilled staple cartridge that are ejected by hydraulic action. The upper jaw includes the anvil, which includes a series of curved convex surfaces for forming the staple ends over to clench the tissue gripped between the jaws. Of course, the jaw positions may be reversed and other end effector arrangements may be employed without departing from the present invention. For example, the jaws may include multiple rows of staples with a cutting element located between the rows to separate tissue upon stapling. The end effector could also include electrodes for radio frequency sealing, or could comprise scissor blades for cutting tissue. These are just a few of the additional possible applications of the instrument of the present invention. The end effector assembly of FIGS. 1 and 3 is mounted to the distal end of the barrel 116 at an articulation joint, generally at 126, which allows relative side to side pivoting of the end effector jaws after they protrude through the distal end of the introduction trocar. In the preferred embodiment, the end effector is spring-biased at the articulation joint to extend proximately 30 degrees in the direction out of the plane of the paper in FIG. 1. This feature of the illustrated instrument places the jaws in a preferred position for clamping and sealing the left atrial appendage of a human heart after entry between the ribs, in the procedure described in U.S. Pat. No. 5,306,234 to Dr. Johnson. The Handle Assembly Turning now to FIG. 2, as pointed out earlier, the jaw clamping and staple firing of the present invention are hydraulically controlled, and each is controlled by a separate hydraulic system. The handle portion or assembly 102 mounts a hydraulic cylinder block 130 that includes a pair of parallel bores 132 and 134 for receiving, respectively, a piston for jaw clamping 136 and a piston for staple firing 138. The proximal end of each piston includes a gear rack for rack and pinion type cooperation with the gear teeth of separate clamping and for firing members. Coil springs 140 and 142 bias each piston toward a proximal, low pressure position. It is contemplated that the hydraulic fluid used in these systems will be water or a combination of water-alcohol mixture to prevent the growth of organisms within the hydraulic fluid. Incompressible liquids are the preferred hydraulic fluid, but other liquids, and possibly even gases, could also be used as the hydraulic fluid, if so desired. The clamping piston is moved forward, in a distal direction, by pivoting of clamp lever 144 toward the fixed pistol grip 110. Clamp lever 144 is pivotally mounted on cylindrical boss 146 that extends from the inside surface of handle shell 108. The clamp lever includes a raised arcuate segment that carries a series of gear teeth 148 on its upper surface, which engage with the teeth of the clamping piston gear rack 136, forming a rack and pinion arrangement. Upon pivoting of the clamping lever rearwardly, the clamping piston is forced forward or distally into bore 132, pressurizing the liquid located within the closed hydraulic system for the clamping action. To lock the clamp lever in the clamped position, the handle assembly includes a release button 150. The release button has a proximal external thumb release tab 152 and a distal nose 154 that cooperates with upper surfaces 156 of the clamp lever that flank the gear teeth 148. The release button 150 is pivotally mounted on a cylindrical boss 158 (extending from the inside surface of housing shell 108) intermediate the thumb tab and the nose piece so that downward pressure on the thumb tab raises the nose piece. Coil spring 160 is attached to the release button to bias the nose downwardly. As will be described in more detail later, when the clamp lever is pulled to the clamping position, the nose of release button 150 falls into a locking notch 162 in the clamp lever to hold it in the clamped position. After the jaws are clamped, the next action required of the surgeon is to fire the staples so that they extend through and clench the tissue that is gripped between the closed jaws. To carry out this action, the handle assembly includes a firing trigger 164 and a safety latch 166. The firing trigger is also pivotally mounted on boss 146 of the handle. As can be seen in FIGS. 2, 12 and 10, in that order, the firing trigger has a pair of spaced-apart side walls 168. The upper end of the clamping lever is located within the space or slot between the side walls of the firing trigger, and the boss 146 extends through both the firing trigger and clamping lever. The firing trigger is biased by torsion spring 170 to an extended firing position. However, until firing is needed, the trigger is held in retracted position within the handle by the safety latch 166. The safety latch 166 includes laterally extending wings 172 that extend through access openings or windows 174 in each side of the handle body 112. The safety latch is also pivotally mounted to the body and biased by a spring wire 176 to a latched position, where it retains the firing trigger in an inaccessible retracted position within the handle until the surgeon wishes to fire the staples. At that time, the firing trigger is deployed by pushing on the end of one of the wings 172 that extends through side window in the handle. This action pivots the safety latch to a release position, allowing the firing trigger to deploy downwardly, due to the bias of torsion spring 170. The surgeon may then squeeze the firing trigger, causing gear teeth 258 on the upper surface of the firing trigger to move the staple firing piston forward, pressurizing the hydraulic fluid within the staple firing hydraulic circuit. The details of the various clamping and staple firing actions is shown more clearly in later drawings, where extraneous parts or pieces have been removed to clarify an understanding of the different operations of the illustrated device. The Effector Assembly Turning now to the distal or effector end of the instrument 100, the parts of the distal end may first be seen in FIG. 3, an exploded view. The lower jaw 124 includes a bent u-shaped sheet metal channel 180 that includes an inclined slot 182 in each side wall and a pivot opening 184 in each side wall, where the upper jaw is pivotally attached to the lower jaw. The proximal end of the channel 180 is also formed into an articulation joint or knuckle, generally at 128, for pivotally joining, via pivot pin 129, with the distal end of the barrel or shaft 116. The lower jaw includes a replaceable staple supply cartridge, generally at 186, which fits into a u-shaped bent metal receiver 188 located within channel 180. The staple cartridge includes a side recess 189 for receiving a locator tab on the upper jaw where the jaws are clamped together. The lower jaw also includes a balloon housing 190 for housing the staple actuation balloon 192. The balloon terminates in a rounded balloon tip 194 for engaging against a wedge 196 in the staple cartridge. Axial expansion of the balloon forces the wedge through the staple cartridge, the sloped forward surface of wedge 196 forcing the staples upwardly out of the cartridge. The upper jaw 126 of the end effector includes an anvil body 198 that has pivot openings 200 for pivotal attachment to the lower jaw pivot openings 184 by pivot pin 202. The anvil body 198 also includes a pair of slots 204 that cooperate with inclined slots 182 in the lower jaw, via slide pin 206, for relative opening and closing of the jaws. The anvil body further includes a staple cartridge locator tab 207, for insertion into the side recess 189 of the staple cartridge for positively locating the staple cartridge when the jaws close. The upper jaw 126 also includes a nose piece 208 that has a central bore 210 for receiving piston 212. The piston 212 cooperates with a linkage 214 to open and close the jaws. More specifically, piston rod 216 extends through linkage eye 218 and through a coil spring 220 and into the nose piece bore 210 (with bushing 211 closing the proximal end of the nose piece bore except for a small hydraulic fluid port in the bushing). The linkage 214 includes pivot openings 222 that cooperate, via slide pin 206, with the slots 204 in the anvil body and inclined slots 182 in the lower jaw channel, as will be described in more detail later. Finally, the upper jaw includes an anvil former 224 which has concave pockets for receiving and bending over the staples to clench tissue gripped between the jaws, and a torsion spring 226 for laterally biasing the jaws to a angle position relative to the barrel 116. The Barrel Assembly Referring to FIG. 2, the barrel or shaft assembly 106 includes the barrel or shaft 116 which houses the hydraulic tubing 118 and 120 for the closing and firing systems and the balloon retractor subassembly 122. As mentioned earlier, the barrel or shaft 116 is a hollow, cylindrical, elongated tube, and is preferably made of metal, although suitably strong plastic may also be used. The proximal end of the barrel 116 includes opposed slots 228 for attachment to swivel joint 298 between the handle and barrel. The distal end of the barrel has upper and lower pivot openings 232 for receiving pivot pin 129 that joins the barrel and jaws to form the articulation joint 128. The balloon retraction subassembly 122 located within the barrel includes a balloon retractor tube 234 extending longitudinally within the barrel and closed at each end by a bushing 236. Hydraulic fluid from the staple firing piston communicates with the interior of the balloon retractor tube through tubing 120 that is attached to a hydraulic fluid port in the proximal bushing 236. The hydraulic fluid path extends through the distal end bushing 236 to an extension of tubing 120 that continues to the proximal end of balloon 192, located in the lower jaw of the effector assembly. The balloon retractor tube 234 encloses, as best seen in FIGS. 26-28, a cable cap 238 attached to the proximal end of a retractor wire 240. Retractor wire 240 extends through the distal bushing 236, through the extension of tubing 120 and through the balloon to the balloon tip 194. Coil spring 242 extending between the distal bushing of the retractor tube and the cable cap 238 biases the end cap to a proximal position, which corresponds to a balloon retracted position. With this arrangement, expansion of the balloon pulls, via wire 240, cable cap 238 in a distal direction, compressing coil spring 242. When the hydraulic force is reduced after staple firing, the force of the compressed coil spring pushes the cable cap rearwardly (proximally), pulling the wire 240 and thus the balloon to a retracted or deflated position. The Clamping Action FIGS. 4-9 show cross-sectional views of the handle portion and end effector portion with respect to the clamping operation, with parts and pieces relating to the firing action removed for better understanding of the clamping action. FIGS. 4-5 show the handle assembly and effector assembly as they are in the jaws open position. Turning to FIG. 4, the handle assembly 102 is shown there in cross-sectional view, illustrating the clamp lever 144 pivotally mounted on boss 146, the hydraulic cylinder block 130, and the clamping piston 136 which includes a gear rack at its proximal end. Flexible tubing 118, which may be plastic, silicone or other suitable material, extends from the clamping piston bore 132 to the distal end jaws for effecting the clamping action. The tubing is flexible at least in the vicinity of or in proximity to the articulation joints so as not to substantially interfere with or impair articulation of the joint. Compressed coil spring 140 extends between the hydraulic cylinder block 130 and flange 244 located on the piston. Coil spring 140 biases piston toward a proximal, low pressure position, so as to bias the effector jaws in an open position. In the position illustrated in FIGS. 4-5, the jaws are fully open, the clamp lever 144 is fully extended, and the clamping actuation piston is in the position fully to the right in the non-pressurized proximal position. The distal nose 154 of the release button 150 rests on the smooth upper surfaces 156 of the clamp lever 144 (See FIG. 10). Coil spring 160 is in tension, pulling the nose of the release button downwardly. As better seen in FIGS. 1 and 10, the distal or nose end of the release button is slotted. The clamping piston gear rack is slidably received within the nose piece slot, and the nose piece therefore prevents lateral, side-to-side shifting of the piston gear rack. Turning to FIG. 5, showing the end effector jaws in the open position, comparable to FIG. 4, the effector jaws are shown in cross-sectional view, without a staple cartridge, to better illustrate the clamping function. As shown there, the anvil body 198 is pivotally mounted by pivot pin 202, which extends through pivot openings 184 of the lower jaw channel and 200 in the upper jaw anvil body. Slide pin 206 extends through slots 182 in the lower jaw channel, slots 204 in the upper jaw anvil body, and through pivot openings 222 of the linkage 214. Piston 212 is located within the bore 210 of the nose piece 208. The piston includes an o-ring 246 located in an o-ring slot 248 around the circumference of the piston to seal against the leakage of hydraulic fluid. The proximal end of the nose piece is closed by a bushing 211, to which the hydraulic tubing 118 is attached. The fluid space 250 located between bushing 211 and piston 212, in normal operation, will be filled with hydraulic fluid. Upon pressurization of the hydraulic fluid, the piston will be moved distally or forwardly (to the left in FIG. 5). As will be recalled, the piston rod 216 extends through the eye 218 of the linkage 214, and movement of the piston to the left also pushes the linkage to the left. The forward or distal end of the nose piece is slotted on the underside to receive the eye 218 of linkage 214. As the piston moves to the left, action of the slide pin 206 moving along slots 204 in the upper jaw anvil body and 182 in the lower jaw channel pull the slots together, closing the jaws. Movement of the piston also compresses the coil spring 220 that extends between an inner shoulder 252 on the nose piece and the linkage eye 218. Accordingly, in the event of failure of the hydraulic clamping system, the spring 220 will move the piston 212 to a jaw-open position. FIGS. 6 and 7 show the handle assembly 102 and end effector assembly 104 in the position where the jaws are partially closed. As can be seen in FIG. 6, the clamp lever 144 has moved partially toward the fixed pistol grip 110. The rack and pinion gear arrangement between the clamping piston 136 and clamp lever gear teeth 148 has moved the clamping piston slightly distally or to the left in FIG. 6, pressurizing the hydraulic fluid within the bore 132 of the hydraulic cylinder block 130. Inasmuch as this is a closed hydraulic system full of normally incompressible liquid, little movement is required to generate very high pressures within the hydraulic system. This increased pressure is transmitted through the tubing 118 to the piston 212 located in the upper jaw at the distal end of the instrument. Turning to FIG. 7, increased hydraulic pressure through the tubing 118 and bushing 211 has moved the piston 212 slightly in the distal direction (to the left in the drawing) pulling the linkage 214 in a distal direction, and moving slide pin 206 distally along slots 204 in the upper jaw anvil body and 182 in the lower jaw channel. This action of the linkage and pin has drawn the upper and lower jaws of the distal end together. FIGS. 8 and 9 show the instrument 100 with the jaws 124 and 126 fully closed or clamped. As seen in FIG. 8, the clamp lever 144 has now been pivoted fully against the pistol grip 110. Nose end 154 of the release button 150 has dropped into the locking notch 162 in the upper area of the clamp lever, preventing the clamp lever from rotating clockwise, unless the thumb release tab 152 is depressed. Coil spring 160, which is in tension, holds the release button in this locked position. In the fully clamped position, the gear teeth 140 on the upper end of the clamp lever 144 have advanced the clamping piston 136 more completely in the compressed direction (to the left in the drawing), creating increased pressure in the clamping hydraulic circuit and further compressing piston coil spring 140. As shown in FIG. 9, the increased pressure of the hydraulic liquid, communicated through the tubing 118 and into the bore of the nose piece 208 has moved the piston 212 in upper jaw 126 distally. As a result, the piston 212 has pushed the linkage 214 toward the distal end of the jaw and the slide pin 206 to the distal end of the slots 204 in the upper jaw anvil body and 182 in the lower jaw channel. This action brings the jaws to the fully closed or clamping position. Again, coil spring 220 is compressed, biasing the piston to the low pressure or jaws open position. When it is desired to open the jaws, the above described action is reversed. The thumb tab 152 on the release button 150 is depressed, raising the nose 154 of the release button from the lock-out notch 162 in the clamp lever, and allowing the clamp lever to rotate clockwise to the open position. The bias of the compressed springs 220 in the upper jaw and 140 in the handle force the clamping piston 136 outwardly of the bore 130 in the hydraulic cylinder block to a low pressure position, where it was initially, as seen in FIG. 4 for example, and the jaws open by the reverse movement of slide pin 206 in the slots 204 in the upper jaw anvil and 182 in the lower jaw channel. The Stapling Action Turning now to the stapling action, the hydraulic circuit of the stapling action may be seen in FIGS. 12-26. As was pointed out earlier, the hydraulic system for the firing circuit has, at the proximal end, the staple firing piston 138, which is slidably received within bore 134 of the hydraulic cylinder block 130. As with the clamping hydraulic circuit, the firing hydraulic circuit is a closed circuit, pre-filled with essentially non-compressible liquid, although other fluid and even compressible gas may be employed if desired. Hydraulic fluid is conducted through flexible tubing 120, balloon retractor tube 234, tubing 120 extension and into the balloon 192, so that the tubing is located in proximity to the joints to allow articulation without substantial interference and without complicated mechanical structures for transmitting control actions to the end effector. Both clamping and firing pistons include one or more o-rings to seal against the respective bore to prevent leakage of hydraulic fluid. The handle mechanism by which the staple firing sequence occurs is perhaps best seen in FIGS. 11-15, which are views of the inside of the handle, with parts relating to the clamping action removed. Turning first to FIG. 11, the firing trigger 164 is shown in the retracted and undeployed position, where it is held by the safety latch 166 until the surgeon takes the positive step, after being satisfied with the clamping, to deploy the firing trigger. As may be seen in FIG. 12, the firing trigger is pivotally mounted on the same boss 146 as the clamp lever 144. More specifically, the firing trigger includes a pair of spaced apart circular side or end walls 168, one of which includes gear teeth 258 for cooperation with the gear rack of the staple-firing piston 138, and the other of which mounts the torsion spring 170, which biases the trigger to the deployed position. In the completed assembly (See FIG. 10), the upper end of the clamp lever 144 is located and captured between the spaced-apart circular walls 168 of the firing trigger, rotating freely relative to the firing trigger on the boss 146. As shown in FIG. 14, the rack of the staple firing piston is constrained against upward movement by a horizontal plate 260. The horizontal plate also includes an aperture 262 for receiving one arm of the torsion spring 170. The other arm of the torsion spring is captured in a slot 264 provided in the side face of the firing trigger. To hold the firing trigger in a retracted and inaccessible position until after the surgeon is satisfied with the clamping, the present invention employs the safety latch 166. As seen in FIGS. 1 and 12, the safety latch 166 includes a vertical wall or body 266 which mounts, at its upper end, opposed pivots 268 that extend into hollow bosses 270 of the handle, allowing the safety latch to pivot or swing about those pivot points. As seen in FIG. 13, a tongue or tab 272 protrudes proximally from the face of the safety latch for engagement with a window 274 (as best seen in FIG. 14) in the safety latch trigger. One end of spring wire 176 is attached, as seen in FIG. 14, to partition 276 of the handle. The other end of the spring wire is located in a slot 278 in the back side of the safety latch body 266. Thus, the spring wire biases the safety latch counterclockwise, so that the tongue 272 enters the trigger window 274 when the trigger is moved to a retracted position. As described briefly earlier, the safety latch includes a pair of wings 172 extending laterally from the body 266, and through windows 174 in the side walls of the handle. When the surgeon is satisfied with the clamping action, he or she may, by pushing on the end of the wings protruding through the window, pivot the safety latch clockwise to remove the latch tongue 272 from the firing trigger window 274, and allow the firing trigger to deploy under the biasing force of the torsion spring 170. In the deployed position, the firing trigger is accessible to the surgeon for executing the firing action of the staples. Similar to the clamping action, pulling on the trigger causes, through the meshing of gear teeth 258 and the teeth of the staple firing piston rack, the staple firing piston to move distally to compress the hydraulic fluid in the firing piston bore 134 and to compress the coil spring 142 that surrounds the firing piston. As hydraulic pressure is increased by the movement of the piston in the handle, the increased pressure is transmitted to the balloon 192 through the hollow tube 120, the balloon retractor tube 234, and tubing extension. The staple firing sequence in the distal lower jaw is most easily understood by reference to FIGS. 18-25. FIG. 18 is a perspective view of the end effector, which shows both the top and bottom jaws 124 and 126 of the preferred embodiment of the present invention. In FIG. 19, the upper jaw is removed, and only the lower jaw with the staple cartridge 186 remains. In that figure, the inclined slots 182 in the channel 180 are readily visible, as is the pivot opening 184 by which the upper jaw is pivotally attached to the lower jaw. The articulation joint 128 and pivot pin 129 mounting the end effector to the distal end of the barrel are also visible in FIG. 19. In FIG. 20, the channel is removed, and we can now see the receiver 188, containing the staple cartridge 186, and also the balloon housing-190. A balloon housing tab 280 is located on each side of the balloon housing 190 for snap interfit in side apertures 284 in channel 180 (see FIG. 19). FIG. 21 shows the distal end of the lower jaw with the receiver and staple cartridge, in large part, removed. In this figure, tubing 120, which conveys the hydraulic fluid to the balloon, is shown entering the rear or proximal end of the balloon housing 190. The rear of the balloon housing also includes an arcuate or cutout area for accommodating the pivot pin 202 that pivotally mounts the lower and upper jaws together. The balloon housing 190 has a generally U-shaped cross-sectional shape, forming a channel for receiving the deflated or retracted balloon. The convex, hemispherically shaped tip 194 of the balloon may be seen at the distal end of the housing in FIG. 21. FIG. 21 also shows the cam or wedge 196 which, when forced axially through the staple cartridge, ejects the staples. The proximal end of the wedge is generally spherically concave in shape to receive the spherically convex tip of the balloon. The wedge also includes a ramp or cam surface 284. Within the staple cartridge, as is well known in the prior art, each staple 286 is located atop a driver 288, and the drivers are aligned in a generally axial direction. As the wedge is forced forward or distally through the cartridge, the drivers are forced up the ramp surface of the wedge, ejecting the staples and forcing them against the anvil former that is located in the upper jaw. The balloon 192 has a fluted wall which allows it to be repeatedly expanded and retracted. As shown in FIG. 22, the balloon is in the retracted position. When the firing trigger is pulled, and the staple firing piston increases hydraulic pressure in the firing circuit, the balloon expands axially, as shown in FIG. 23, forcing the wedge through the cartridge and firing the staples into and through the tissue and forming the ends of the staples over to clench the tissue gripped there between. FIGS. 37 and 38 shows a vertical side cross-sectional view of the balloon when expanded and retracted, and showing the fluted or folded accordion configuration of the balloon. There is yet one additional safety feature associated with the firing of the staples in the instrument 100. Turning to FIG. 16, a depending hook 290 is located at the proximal end of the staple firing piston 138. That hook is engaged by a raised tab 292 on the nose 154 of the release button 150 until the jaws are clamped. This interference prevents axial movement of the staple firing piston until after the jaws have been fully clamped. It may be recalled from FIG. 8, that after the clamping lever is fully retracted, the nose of the release button falls into the locking notch 162 in the upper surface of the clamp lever 144. When that occurs, the raised tab on the release button drops out of engagement with the staple firing piston (see FIG. 17), allowing the piston to be moved by the firing trigger. Until such time, however, as the release button drops into the notch in the clamp lever, which occurs only in the fully clamped position, inadvertent or accidental firing of the staples is prevented. Articulation Joints It was previously noted that the present invention employs, as illustrated, a swivel or gimbal between the handle portion and the barrel or shaft portion. In the illustrated embodiment, as best seen in FIG. 4, this swivel or gimbal is in the nature of a ball and socket joint 294. As can be seen in FIG. 2, the distal end of each half of the handle includes a hemispherical portion 114, such that when the two handle halves are joined, a ball 296 is formed at the distal end of the handle portion. Slidably mounted over the ball is a socket 298, also formed by joining two halves, which includes a distal bore 300 for fixedly receiving the proximal end of the barrel or shaft 116. The proximal inside surface of the socket is curved to match the hemispherical shape of the ball, forming a relatively tight but still slidable frictional fit between the ball and socket. For locking engagement of the proximal end of the shaft into the socket, each socket half includes a inwardly extending tab 302, which enters a mating slot 228 in the proximal end of the barrel. This serves to lock the barrel or shaft in a fixed position relative to the socket. Accordingly, with this construction, the handle may be pivoted relative to the barrel or shaft in any direction for up to about 20 degrees. As clear from the description, the end effector of the present invention is also articulated relative to the barrel or shaft. As best seen in FIGS. 3 and 19, the proximal end of the lower jaw channel 180 is bent into a series of tabs 304, each of which includes a pivot opening 306 in axial alignment with the others. The distal end of the barrel, as also seen in FIG. 3, includes upper and lower axially aligned pivot openings 232. Pivot pin 129 extends through aligned pivot openings 232 in the distal end of the barrel and the aligned pivot openings 306 in the bent tabs of the lower jaw channel 180. This forms a hinged type of joint, allowing pivoting movement of the jaws laterally left and right relative to the barrel. For particular application of this device to the isolation of the atrial appendage, torsion spring 226 is located on the vertical pin, biasing the jaws at a lateral angle of about 30 degrees relative to the barrel, although other degrees of biasing may be employed, if desired. The spring allows the jaws and barrel to be in alignment as they pass through the trocar in the patient and to the treatment site, but as the distal end of the instrument emerges from the trocar, the jaws move to the angled position to which it is predisposed by the torsion spring. The end effector may also be mounted for articulation in other directions, such as vertically or at another angle. Also, the articulation joint between the barrel and end effector may be a gimbal or ball and socket type joint, such as used between the barrel and handle, for 360� of articulation. With such a joint, control wires extending from the handle, through the barrel and to the end effector could be used to control the direction and amount of articulation of the end effector to effect precise changes or adjustments to the position of the end effector, as may be required for particularly delicate medical procedures. FIGS. 39 a-e show an alternative embodiment of the present invention. As with the instrument described above, the version shown in FIGS. 39 a-e includes a handle portion 102, end effector portion 104 and barrel portion 106. In this embodiment jaws 300 and 302 are pivotally attached at 304 for opening and closing in a scissor-like movement. In addition, each jaw has a terminal portion that is separately pivotable at 308 to allow pivoting of the terminal portion of the jaws at up to a right angle with respect to the barrel portion 106 (as shown in FIG. 39 a). With this construction, the jaws may be in general alignment with the barrel for passage through a trocar, and then pivoted to any desired position at the surgical site. As can be seen from the above description, the present invention has several different aspects and features, which are not limited to the specific device shown in the attached drawings or to the specific procedure for which it is intended. Various of these features may be embodied in other devices for carrying out other procedures, including but not limited to stapling, cutting, grasping, coagulating or other surgical procedures. Although shown in a manual form, for direct control by the surgeon, the present invention is also applicable in robotically controlled procedures. The hydraulic actuation of the present invention particularly lends itself to small diameter instruments, multi-axis articulation and large force (e.g., clamping or cutting force) generation, which are not only advantageous in manual applications but are also particularly useful in robotic applications, where the instrument operation is remotely controlled through a robotic controller module or unit. In a robotic application, for example, the end effector assembly could be attached, by way of an elongated shown in FIG. 39 a). With this construction, the jaws may be in general alignment with the barrel for passage through a trocar, and then pivoted to any desired position at the surgical site. As can be seen from the above description, the present invention has several different aspects and features, which are not limited to the specific device shown in the attached drawings or to the specific procedure for which it is intended. Various of these features may be embodied in other devices for carrying out other procedures, including but not limited to stapling, cutting, grasping, coagulating or other surgical procedures. Although shown in a manual form, for direct control by the surgeon, the present invention is also applicable in robotically controlled procedures. The hydraulic actuation of the present invention particularly lends itself to small diameter instruments, multi-axis articulation and large force (e.g., clamping or cutting force) generation, which are not only advantageous in manual applications but are also particularly useful in robotic applications, where the instrument operation is remotely controlled through a robotic controller module or unit. In a robotic application, for example, the end effector assembly could be attached, by way of an elongated shaft, with a remote hydraulic pressure source. The hydraulic pressure source (which may include multiple independent hydraulic pressure sources) could be remotely controlled via electronic or electromechanical controller operated by programmable microprocessor alone or in combination with manual control or voice control commands or both, as already known in the art of remote robotic control. Referenced byCiting PatentFiling datePublication dateApplicantTitleUS7455208Sep 29, 2005Nov 25, 2008Ethicon Endo-Surgery, Inc.Surgical instrument with articulating shaft with rigid firing bar supportsUS7559450 *Feb 18, 2005Jul 14, 2009Ethicon Endo-Surgery, Inc.Surgical instrument incorporating a fluid transfer controlled articulation mechanismUS7559452Jun 23, 2005Jul 14, 2009Ethicon Endo-Surgery, Inc.Surgical instrument having fluid actuated opposing jawsUS7654431Apr 7, 2005Feb 2, 2010Ethicon Endo-Surgery, Inc.Surgical instrument with guided laterally moving articulation memberUS7784662Apr 7, 2005Aug 31, 2010Ethicon Endo-Surgery, Inc.Surgical instrument with articulating shaft with single pivot closure and double pivot frame groundUS7828186Sep 28, 2005Nov 9, 2010Ethicon Endo-Surgery, Inc.Surgical instrument incorporating a fluid transfer controlled articulation bladder and method of manufactureUS8556929 *Jan 29, 2010Oct 15, 2013Covidien LpSurgical forceps capable of adjusting seal plate width based on vessel sizeUS8733611 *Mar 4, 2009May 27, 2014Covidien LpRatcheting mechanism for surgical stapling deviceUS20090230170 *Mar 4, 2009Sep 17, 2009Tyco Healthcare Group LpRatcheting Mechanism for Surgical Stapling Device* Cited by examinerClassifications U.S. Classification606/205, 600/201International ClassificationA61B17/00, A61B17/28, A61B17/072Cooperative ClassificationA61B2017/2927, A61B2017/00539, A61B2017/2905, A61B17/07207, A61B2017/00398, A61B2017/2904, A61B2017/00557, A61B2017/07214European ClassificationA61B17/072BLegal EventsDateCodeEventDescriptionApr 19, 2012FPAYFee paymentYear of fee payment: 4Oct 8, 2009ASAssignmentOwner name: RICHARD A. HILLSTEAD, INC., GEORGIAFree format text: ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNORS INTEREST;ASSIGNOR:CEREBRAL VASCULAR APPLICATIONS, INC.;REEL/FRAME:023337/0738Effective date: 20090928RotateOriginal ImageGoogle Home - Sitemap - USPTO Bulk Downloads - Privacy Policy - Terms of Service - About Google Patents - Send FeedbackData provided by IFI CLAIMS Patent Services©2012 Google

value: Google Patents is a search engine from Google that indexes patents and patent applications.


text:
Woman admits texting boyfriend before crash that killed friend
Inside mansion of man accused of stealing from investors
Mum opens up on terrifying moment she was caught in rip