Abstract: Apparatus and method for noninvasive fragmentation of body concretions. The apparatus has an integral unit including an ultrasonic locating transducer and positioning structure. The concretion is localized with ultrasonics and then shattered upon generation of a shockwave, using a relfector with first and second foci. A spark gap at the first focus generates the shockwave which propagates to the second focus coincident with the concretion. The ultrasonic tranducer is positioned so that an axis of the transducer is coincident with a straight line passing through the first and second foci.

Abstract: The invention concerns a releasing means for a prosthetic elbow locking mechanism. When an elbow unlocking cable is tensed by the amputee, a switch is closed, triggering a one-shot circuit. The one-shot circuit emits a single pulse which drives the motor of the prosthetic elbow, turning the motor a few degrees and lifting the arm such that any frictional engagement between an elbow locking pawl and an elbow gear is relaxed. The locking pawl is readily withdrawn from engagement with the gear, once the motor is pulsed, upon continued application of further tension to the elbow unlocking cable.

Abstract: A heat shrinkable polymer material is particularly adapted for implanted biomedical use. A polycrystalline polymer is irradiated to produce crosslinking of its intramolecular structure to thereby impart viscoelasticity. The material is biocompatible and suitable for implanted use, from the standpoints of very low toxicity, ability to retain structural integrity and being non-carcinogenic and, moreover, is heat shrinkable at a temperature compatible with such implanted use.

Abstract: A single valve diaphragm pump is disclosed which generally includes: a pump housing, a flexible diaphragm reciprocally movable in the pump housing; an inlet filter means; and, an outlet valve. The flexible diaphragm conforms in shape to a portion of the pump housing when the diaphragm is in its actuation or rest position. The pump eliminates an inlet check valve and replaces it with an inlet filter means. The invented pump has a stroke volume which is extremely constant even though ambient pressure and reservoir pressure may vary over a considerable range. Furthermore, the invented pump provides a practical means for preventing gas bubbles from entering into the pump chamber. The invented pump can have application as a medication pump for use external to or implanted within a living body.

Abstract: A method and apparatus is disclosed for optically monitoring the concentration of singlet oxygen produced during photoradiation. A composite optical emission in the 1.27 micron frequency band is detected and electrically processed to separate a first component due to the decay of singlet oxygen from a second unwanted component due to the fluorescence of the photosensitizing dye.A pulsed excitation source is used to excite the photosensitizing dye and a time domain signal processor, such as a box-car integrator, is used to separate and process the singlet oxygen emission component in the time domain.The magnitude and/or other characteristics of the singlet oxygen emission component can be used to determine properties of complex biological or other media. In a therapeutic environment the magnitude and/or other characteristics of the singlet oxygen emission can be used by the treating physician to set a therapeutic light dosimetry.

Abstract: A method and apparatus is disclosed for optically monitoring the concentration of singlet oxygen produced during photoradiation. A composite optical emission in the 1.27 micron frequency band is detected and electrically processed to separate a first component due to the decay of singlet oxygen from a second unwanted component due to the fluorescence of the photosensitizing dye.A chopped CW excitation source is used to excite the photosensitizing dye and a signal processing means such as a lock-in amplifier is used to separate the singlet oxygen emission component which appears out of phase from the chopped excitation signal and the in-phase photosensitizer fluorescence.The magnitude and/or other characteristics of the singlet oxygen emission component can be used to determine properties of complex biological or other media. In a therapeutic environment the magnitude and/or other characteristics of the singlet oxygen emission can be used by the treating physician to set a therapeutic light dosimetry.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for filling, or refilling, the internal reservoir of a medication infusion system, wherein filling or refilling is permitted only when a means for injecting medication is properly positioned relative to the reservoir. Prior to filling or refilling, a pressure integrity check can be made to help assure that injected medication enters the reservoir without leakage. Additionally, flushing of a portion or all of the medication reservoir can be accomplished if desired. Medication is introduced to and is stored in the reservoir at a pressure below ambient body pressure.

Abstract: Optical devices using an organic charge transfer salt as the switching and storage media are disclosed. Generally, a light beam of a given intensity directed to a film of certain organic charge transfer salts causes the illuminated area to change from a first to a second state. This electrochemical process is reversible with heat energy transforming the illuminated area back into the first state. The first and second states have identifiably different optical and electrical properties. The organic charge transfer salt is used to fabricate an erasable or permanent optical memory and a threshold on bistable optoelectronic switch.

Abstract: An implantable hydraulic urinary sphincter system is disclosed for maintaining continence in those patients unable to control or stop inadvertent urinary flow. The invented apparatus generally consists of an artificial urinary sphincter and a control means for obtaining continence while causing the artificial sphincter to apply minimal pressure to the urethra for all conditions of the bladder. The invented apparatus: (1) automatically causes sphincter fluid pressure to increase or decrease with sensed bladder and/or abdominal pressure, and (2) is manually actuated by a patient when he or she desires to urinate. The invented apparatus can be filled with fluid, or the fluid pressure can be reset, after implantation without necessitating a surgical procedure.

Abstract: A two-way coherent inductive communications link between an external transceiver and an internal transceiver located in a biologically implanted programmable medical device. Digitally formatted command data and programming data is transmitted to the implanted medical device by frequency shift keying the inductive communications link. Internal transceiver is powered by the inductive field between internal and external transceivers. Digitally formatted data is transmitted to external transceiver by internal transceiver amplitude modulating inductive field. Immediate verification of the establishment of a reliable communications link is provided by determining existence of frequency lock and bit phase lock between internal and external transceivers.

Abstract: In a target detection communication system, apparatus and method for determining the presence of probable targets based on contacts (which can indicate the presence of a target, noise, chatter, or objects not of interest) detected within a predefined position sector or sectors over a specified number of scans. The position of each detected contact, as a contact of interest, is compared with the positions of contacts detected at previous times or scans. Velocity profiles indicate which previous contacts support the likelihood that the contact of interest represents a target having a velocity within a defined band. The likelihood, which can be represented by a quality value, may be a function of number of contacts, timing of contacts, or both the number and timing of contacts in a given velocity profile. A preselected threshold value, which is related to false alarm rate, is compared to the most likely, or highest quality, velocity profile associated with a contact of interest.

Abstract: The present invention provides an apparatus for continuously recording physiological data. The invention includes a unique data mapping and compression technique which allows relatively long term data acquisition without compromising the data sampling rate. The present physiological data recorder has application in recording physiological data which is non-periodic and is characterized by "bursts" of rapid activity interspersed among relatively long periods during which there is little or no activity. The invention has specific application in recording pH data in ambulatory patients and comprises a unique data compression means, an automatic calibration means, and a digital or analogue data playback means.

Abstract: A generated signal is passed through an elongated signal conveying element positioned preferably perpendicular to the surface of a fluid the level of which is to be measured. The signal is directed from the signal conveying element to a detector element which senses the signal output from the signal conveying element. The signal output detected in an optical embodiment varies logarithmically with the depth of immersion of the signal conveying element into the fluid. A preferred embodiment employs an electromagnetic wave, e.g., light, signal which passes through a light pipe signal conveying element. By nearly matching the light pipe index of refraction with that of the fluid, a predetermined percentage of the wave is lost into the fluid each time the light is reflected further along the pipe.

Abstract: An improved apparatus and method for optically localizing cancer lesions occluded beneath healthy tissue layers. A porphyrin tumor-specific marker is injected into a patient. After several days the healthy tissue has released the tumor-specific marker but the cancerous tissue has retained the tumor-specific marker. A long wavelength red excitation light illuminates an area of tissue and excites the porphyrin tumor-specific marker to fluorescence. An optical detection means monitors fluorescent emissions in the near infrared band and locates the source of the emissions.

Abstract: An improved apparatus for inhibiting self-injurious behavior (SIB) in patients includes a stimulus module for generating and applying an aversive electrical stimulation to the patient's skin and a sensor module and/or remote actuator for actuating the stimulus module in response to a patient's self-injurious behavior. The apparatus uses a near field magnetic link to transmit a coded signal from a sensor module or from a remote actuator to the stimulus module worn on the patient. The stimulus module uses a unique flyback circuit design and the electrical stimulation is tuned to achieve a maximum physiological response with minimal power drain.

Abstract: A current-controlled, bistable threshold or memory switch comprises a polycrystalline metal-organic semiconductor sandwiched between metallic electrodes. Films of either copper or silver complexed with TNAP, DDQ, TCNE, TCNQ, derivative TCNQ molecules, or other such electron acceptors provides switching between high and low impedance states with combined delay and switching times on the order of 1 nanosecond. Switching behavior of a complex of the present invention is related to the reduction potential of the acceptor molecule.Various other modifications, adaptations and alterations are of course possible in light of the above teachings. Therefore, it should be understood at this time that within the scope of the appended claims the invention may be practiced otherwise than as specifically described.

Abstract: A single-stage cryogenic tank support system is disclosed having a large-radius support tube surrounding an internal storage tank, both of which are enclosed by an external shell. The attachment tube is secured to the internal storage tank and external shell by cold and hot support rings, respectively, in a manner that inhibits thermal conductivity, provides low bending stress to the system, and avoids resonant vibrations of the system at low frequencies.

Abstract: A system consisting of a multiplicity of separate modules which collectively perform a useful biomedical purpose; the modules communicating with each other without the use of interconnecting wires. All modules may be intracorporeal or body mounted extracorporeal or some modules may be intracorporeal with others being body mounted extracorporeal. Signals are sent from one module to another by electromagnetic waves, by electrical signals using the body as an electrical conductor, or by acoustic waves. Physiologic sensor measurements sent from a first module causes a second module to perform some function in a closed-loop manner. One extracorporeal module can provide electrical power to an intracorporeal module; which power operates means for transferring data from the intracorporeal module to the body mounted extracorporeal module.

Abstract: A method and apparatus is disclosed for continuously monitoring hemoglobin saturation in the blood of premature infants. A substantial portion of the eye fundus is illuminated by passing at least two frequencies of light through the pupillary opening. The light scattered from the fundus is collected as it passes out through the pupillary opening and its intensity is measured. Calculations known in the art are used to determine blood hemoglobin based on the intensity of the scattered light. A contact lens with associated fiber optic links is used to illuminate the infant eye and to collect the scattered light.

Abstract: Method for producing low cost methanol. A source of carbon is provided to an OTEC plant or plantship which is processed to produce carbon monoxide which is reacted with hydrogen to produce methanol. The oxygen and hydrogen are obtained from the electrolysis of water with the required energy supplied by ocean thermal energy conversion.