Abstract: A gaseous mixture comprising oxygen, nitrous oxide, and an optional inert gas, is useful for radiosensitizing tissues in radiotherapy, particularly for treatment of cancer.

Abstract: A feedback control system is disclosed for use in processing signals employed in pulse transmittance oximetry. The signals are produced in response to light transmitted through, for example, a finger at two different wavelengths. Each signal includes a slowly varying baseline component representing the relatively fixed attenuation of light produced by bone, tissue, skin, and hair. The signals also include pulsatile components representing the attenuation produced by the changing blood volume and oxygen saturation within the finger. The signals are processed by the feedback control system before being converted by an analog-to-digital (A/D) converter (72) for subsequent analysis by a microcomputer (16). The feedback control system includes a controllable offset subtractor (66), a programmable gain amplifier (68), controllable drivers (44) for the light sources (40,42), and the microcomputer (16).

Abstract: A delivery system for interstitial radiation therapy comprising a substantially non-deflecting elongated member of material which is absorbable in living tissue and a plurality of radioactive seeds dispersed in a predetermined array within the member. In one form, the member comprises an elongated member having the seeds longitudinally spaced therein and forming a needle that can be inserted in the tumor to be treated.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for practicing diaphanography by directing a beam of collimated light along a linear input path into incidence with a flat side of a compressed human breast, and collecting light which emerges from an opposing flat side of the compressed breast along an output path that is colinear with the light input path and with an angular divergence no greater than the angular divergence of the collimated input beam of light. Application of a good scatter rejecting geometry assures that the useful information in that portion of the beam of light which passes directly through the compressed breast can be utilized even though the emergent light is only a small fraction of the incident light.

Abstract: A system for controlling muscular responses in living beings utilizes electrical stimulation of the muscle and acoustic monitoring of muscle performance. In one aspect, muscle functioning during a physical activity can be monitored acoustically, and the resulting signal compared against predetermined signal characteristics. Deviation of the muscle function from the desired characteristic can be corrected by applying a responsive electrical signal. Additionally, the response of a muscle to electrical stimulation can be monitored acoustically and an appropriate responsive correction to the electric signal, such as in its amplitude, frequency, spectral composition, duty cycle, can be made. In this manner, the invention permits control of muscle functions in dynamic and static states.

Abstract: A three-plane goniometer or angle measuring apparatus includes three small potentiometers which are closely spaced together to measure rotation of the knee about three different axes. The unit is primarily mounted on a cuff on the outside of the thigh. The mounting assembly for the three plane goniometer includes a curved yoke where the ends of the yoke curve from the front to the rear, with the goniometer unit being held between the ends of the rearwardly extending arms of the yoke, so that accurate measurement may be maintained in all three planes even while the knee is bent to its extreme flexed position. Extending downwardly from the goniometer is a square rod which slidably engages a square hole in a nylon ball mounted in a two-axis gimbal, which is secured to a cuff strapped to the calf of the leg.

Abstract: Improvements in catheters, particularly of the electrooptical type employing light energy and detect and measure body variables, such as blood pressure and flow and the composition of body fluid. Catheter head and medical instrument structures are provided which may be easily fabricated at low cost to receive and hold light pipes and to contain or define optical components, such as reflectors, lenses and the like, to permit their use in detecting such variables while the instrument or catheter is located in the body. Improvements are also provided in the structures of instrument capsules adapted to be swallowed and allowed to pass through the digestive tract for the purpose of detecting body variables such as the composition of body fluid and tissue.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods are provided for determining the concentration of a gaseous component in a fluid. A solid body of a natural or synthetic high polymer, which is permeable to the gaseous component, is exposed to the fluid, the polymer is exposed to infrared radiation, and the infrared absorption by the gas in the polymer is measured. In the preferred embodiment, a sensor is provided for making in vivo measurements of the concentration of CO.sub.2 in the blood. The sensor includes an optical fiber which is nonpermeable to CO.sub.2 and substantially transparent at the CO.sub.2 absorption wavelength range, and a solid body of polymeric material at the distal end of the fiber which is substantially transparent to the absorption wavelength range and permeable to CO.sub.2. An incident infrared signal is transmitted down the fiber, passes through the body, is reflected off the distal end of the body, and the intensity of the return signal is measured by a detector.

Abstract: This invention provides a sticking type magnetic therapeutic device having both N- and S-poles formed on one side of a permanent magnet body, whereby emitted magnetic lines of force are totally applied within the human body, resulting in effectual and effective application during therapeutic treatment, while avoiding the ill effect of extraneous magnetic lines of force on other electronic items such as magnetic cards, wrist watches or the like.

Abstract: A calibration reference apparatus comprising an elongated peripheral tubular wall open at one end and an end wall closing the other end of the tubular wall. The tubular wall and the end wall are integrally molded. The end wall defines a curved cavity opening toward the open end of the tubular wall. The calibration reference apparatus is adapted to receive a light guide through the tubular wall and in the cavity. A stop limits the extent to which the light guide can be advanced into the cavity whereby an end face of the light guide is spaced from a region of the surface to define a gap. The end wall and the gap are adapted to return a known ratio of the light directed into the gap from the end face of the light guide.

Abstract: An apparatus for measuring the location and attitude, as well as, locational and attitudinal changes of a rigid body in space has a transmission system which is composed of at least three current-permeated elements arranged at right angles relative to one another and supplied with different operating frequencies by an alternating current generator. The alternating magnetic field thereby generated are received by a plurality of magnetic field sensors arranged perpendicular to one another. The magnetic field sensors are attached to the rigid body. An evaluation electronic instrument separately evaluates the signals obtained from the three different alternative fields and converts them into quantities corresponding to the position to at least one point of the body. The magnetic field sensors are preferably magnetic coils which are arranged perpendicular to one another on a coil body of non-ferromagnetic material.

Abstract: Cyclic total parenteral nutrition is safely administered by tapering the infusion rate over a substantial period of time at the beginning and end of the infusion cycle. An infusion pump is disclosed which automatically calculates and performs a cycle profile having an appropriate steady-state rate and appropriate tapers in accordance with pre-established criteria when total volume and total infusion time per cycle are entered. The pump has a sleep mode for energy conservation without loss of memory when predetermined periods of inactivity occur.

Abstract: The present invention is addressed to a method for the improved localization, differentiation, and removal of neoplastic tissue in animals. In particular, one aspect of the present invention involves a surgical procedure wherein an animal suspected of containing neoplastic tissue is surgically accessed and the tissue therein examined visually and by palpation for evidence of neoplastic tissue. The improved methodology commences with the administering to the animal of an effective amount of a labelled antibody specific for neoplastic tissue and labelled with a radioactive isotope exhibiting specific photon emissions of energy levels. Next, and importantly, the surgial procedure is delayed for a time interval following said administering for permitting the labelled antibody to preferentially concentrate in any neoplastic tissue present in the animal so as to increase the ratio of photon emissions from neoplastic tissue to background photon emissions in said animal.

Abstract: A probe apparatus for use with an optical oximeter is disclosed. A pair of light emitting diodes emit light of known narrow wavelengths through an appendage of a patient onto a photosensor. A resistor of coded known resistance is used to enable the oximeter to calculate the co-efficient of extinction of the wavelengths of the LEDs. The resistor, LEDs and photosensor are mounted on self-attaching hook and eye tape for mounting the probe onto the appendage of the patient. The probe is detachably wired to the oximeter, rendering the probe completely disposable. The oximeter is programmed at the factory to calculate the co-efficients of extinction of any LEDs which may be encountered in a series of disposable probes. From the co-efficients of extinction, the pulse rate and degree of arterial oxygen saturation is computed and displayed by the oximeter.

Abstract: An apparatus (10) for measuring a predetermined penile rigidity or hardness in a penile tumescent event. The apparatus (10) includes a band-like structure (12) for releasably engaging a penis (11). Suitably attached and associated with band-like structure (12) are releasable fasteners (15) for detecting a predetermined force in a penile tumescent event whereby penile rigidity or hardness can be measured.

Abstract: To determine the heat or cold sensation or pain threshold of a human being, thermode is applied to the skin of the subject under investigation, and the temperature is varied until the subject feels pain. This pain threshold temperature is maintained for a predetermined period of time and then the subject is requested to adjust the temperature until the same sensation is felt. The pain threshold temperature values obtained by this "tonic" method may be verified or improved by a "phasic" method of applying thermal stimuli, wherein pulse-type thermal stimuli are applied with randomly varying spacings and with temperatures which vary randomly about the pain threshold temperature established by the tonic method.

Abstract: A pulse oximeter includes a capacitive d.c. blocking element to separate the time varying red and infra-red components of a light source transmitted through or reflected form the blood from the composite light signals. The magnitudes of the signal amplitudes are then digitized and converted for use as independent variables applied to a ROM based look-up table to determine blood oxygen saturation.

Abstract: A biopsy instrument for the collection and extraction of endocervical tissue samples is disclosed. The instrument has a sample extraction head preferably ellipsoid or cylindrical in shape and of one-piece construction. The head contains one or more longitudinal blade portions integral with the surface of the head. Directly adjacent to each blade portion is a sample collection well. The well is of sufficient depth to permit the retention and removal of tissue specimens.

Abstract: Apparatus for measuring the oxygen uptake of a person connected to a respirator (23) includes a closed container (1) of variable volume. The container (1) can be connected to the respiratory passages of the person, via an inspiration line (2) and an expiration line (3), so that the person can inspire from and expire to the container (1). One of the lines incorporates a carbon dioxide absorber (19) for removing carbon dioxide from the respiratory gas. Means (17,18) are provided for monitoring the volume of the container (1), and controllable means (8,9,10) are found for supplying pure oxygen gas to the container (1). The oxygen-gas supply means (8,9,10) are so controlled by the means (17,18) monitoring the volume of the bellows (1) that the volume of the bellows at a given predetermined point in the breathing cycle of the person connected to the apparatus is held substantially unchanged. Means are also provided for determining the amount of oxygen gas supplied to the container (1) herewith.

Abstract: A method and a device for measuring the penile rigidity of a patient. The device comprises a cuff including a non-elastic tissue band having one of its faces entirely covered with a plastic container filled up with a liquid. A VELCRO strap is provided for ridigity wrapping up the non elastic tissue band around the penis of the patient, with the liquid container in direct contact with the penis. A pressure transducer is mounted in direct communication with the liquid inside the plastic container for sensing the liquid pressure inside this container. An electronic device is provided for amplifying the pressure signal given by the transducer and for recording and displaying the same. In use, any erection of the penis causes an increase in penile pressure, which, in turn, comprises the liquid inside the container held in position by the cuff. Such a compression recorded by the electronic device, is, in practice, directly related to the penis rigidity of the patient.