Abstract: In an apparatus for medical treatments, examinations or tests comprising a hamber connectible to a vacuum source and having at its one end side a passage aperture with a flexible sealing member, the chamber is formed of a foldable bellow provided with a support structure adapted to be dismantled. In axial direction of the bellow, the support structure contains a plurality of substantially parallel-mounted peripheral members backing up peripherally the bellow and being mobile relative to each other, as well as mobile longitudinal stiffening elements secured to the peripheral members.

Abstract: A method for non-invasive in vivo determination of muscle fiber composition and apparatus for accomplishing the same. The method includes the steps of electrically stimulating a chosen muscle; determining the stimulation current; measuring the electrical potential of the muscle; the contraction time; and the force produced by the contraction; and by intercorrelating the data by multiple regression, determining the type, percentage and size of muscle fibers within the muscle stimulated. Apparatus for determining the muscle composition includes a muscle stimulator of controlled voltage; electromyogram equipment; and a force transducer providing a tension curve as well as force measurements.

Abstract: A vocal tactile feedback apparatus and method for use in the treatment of stuttering and other speech or hearing abnormalities is disclosed. A microphone and amplifier are utilized to produce and amplify an electronic signal responsive to vocal utterances spoken within a known range of the microphone. The amplified signal is then delayed by a suitable delaying circuit for a desired time interval and is then transmitted to an electro-mechanical transducer attached to the outer surface of the laryngeal or glottis region of the neck of a user. The transducer then transforms the amplified delayed signal into a mechanical vibration to provide delayed vibrotactile feedback of the vocal utterances whether spoken by the user or by others. A unique transducer assembly for use in the apparatus and method is disclosed.

Abstract: A method of managing and controlling stress in a person engaged in a goal oriented, cognitive task involves simultaneous measurement of a physical parameter of the person which varies in accordance with the level of the person's stress and the productivity of the person performing the task. A programmed computer calculates the stress point for the person beyond which productivity decreases and provides a visual display of the physical parameters and stress point on a cathode ray tube.

Abstract: The treatment of biological tissue is effected by a pulsed electric field induced by a time changing magnetic field produced by a magnetic coil or a plurality of magnetic coils. These magnetic coils are arranged in the area of desired treatment and respond to a driving current to induce the pulsed electric field into the localized treatment area. The driving current and concomitant magnetic field generates an electric field waveform that has a first pulse in a positive direction having a selected value followed by a second pulse in a negative direction having a larger value than the first pulse, and in turn followed by a third pulse in the positive direction having a value on the order of the first pulse. The apparatus for applying the driving current includes switching circuitry for energizing the magnetic coils in pairs to induce a symmetrical distribution of the magnetic and electric fields in the treatment area.

Abstract: A device for sensing heart and breathing rates in a single transducer and having electronic and filtering circuits to process the electrical signal generated by the transducer. The transducer is an electromagnetic sensor constructed to enhance sensitivity in the vertical direction of vibration produced on a conventional bed by the action of patient's heart beat and breathing functions and achieves sufficient sensitivity with no physical coupling between the patient resting in bed and the sensor placed on the bed away from the patient. The electronic circuits integrates the electrical energy generated by the sensor that pertains to cardiac and breathing informations and sets off an alarm when pre-set circuits of these functions have been surpassed. The device has applications in monitoring SID Syndrome and non-ambulatory patients.

Abstract: A directive light beam in a wavelength range appropriate for penetrating into body tissues is applied to a portion of a patient's body and the energy transmitted or back-scattered by the underlying tissue is analyzed spectrophotometrically for the presence of glucose. Analysis is performed using especially selected bands in the near-infrared region.

Abstract: The coaxial annular space between a rod and a slidably received outer cylinder is divided into three serial chambers by four seals. Two seals are spaced apart and affixed to the front of the rod. Two seals are spaced apart and affixed to the cylinder rearwardly of the first two. By relative forward rod movement, a specimen capturing zone is exposed at the desired site of a biological specimen. Thereafter, rearward rod movement reseals the capturing zone. Further, rearward rod movement reduces the volume of a media containing chamber and thereby moves the collection zone into contact with the desired medium. The third chamber prevents contamination of the biologically active portions of the structure during operation. Pre-scored break lines formed in the cylinder and rod facilitate severance of unneeded portions after collection of a biological specimen and/or after transportion to a suitable laboratory facility. Color-coded indicia are used on the rod and/or cylinder so as to facilitate proper operation.

Abstract: A display monitor is disclosed for a pulse oximeter of the type wherein light of two different wavelengths is passed through body tissue, such as a finger, an ear or the scalp, so as to be modulated by the pulsatile component of arterial blood therein and thereby indicate oxygen saturation. A tonal signal is emitted having a pitch proportional to the ratio of oxygen saturation and a sequential repetition proportional to pulse. A visual cue consisting of an array of strobed light emitting diodes is flashed having a total light output proportional to the magnitude of the pulse and a sequential flashing rate proportional to pulse rate. A systematic rejection of extraneous or irregular detected data prevents undue sounding of alarms.

Abstract: An electromedical system comprising a temperature sensor which can be placed in the ear of a pig. According to the invention the temperature sensor is constituted by a substantially circular resilient element fixable in the auditory meatus, and which via a conductor, e.g. a wire is connected to an outwardly located transmitter capable of transmitting the temperatures measured to one or several receivers placed at a distance therefrom. As a result a current recording of the temperature of a pig can be performed. The construction of the sensor ensures close contact with the auditory meatus, at the same time while the hearing of the animal is not affected, and normal secretion can take place.

Abstract: A compact disposable blood sampling unit includes at least two, preferably three main components (1, 5, 2, 3; 1, 5, 12; 14, 15, 16), which in the storage and transport position are placed on top of each other. These main components comprise a lancet (14; 25) for making a prick for blood, means for taking up blood such as a test strip (13) or a cuvette (3) and a holder (1; 20) for a desinfectant. In the storage and transport position the lancet (4; 25) is enclosed.

Abstract: A physiological pressure measuring system usable in conjunction with an intravascular infusion line leading to a patient whose pressure is to be monitored. The system includes a detector having a transparent chamber interposed in the line and a flexible bulb mounted therein whose exterior is subjected to the fluid pressure in the chamber, the bulb interior communicating with a flexible pipe terminating in a hollow plug vented to the atmosphere whereby the bulb is caused to collapse when the infusion fluid pressure which reflects the physiologial pressure is greater than atmospheric. Associated with the detector is a fluid pressure transducer yielding a signal as a function of the applied pressure, the transducer input port being in the form of a tubular jack adapted to telescopically receive the plug. When the plug is inserted in the jack, a seal is effected to create a closed air column which exerts pressure on the transducer.

Abstract: Ischemia in a hollow internal organ can be detected in its incipient stages by obtaining a CO.sub.2 sample from within the organ of interest, measuring the partial pressure of CO.sub.2 sample, measuring the bicarbonate concentration of an arterial blood sample, and on the basis of these two measurements calculating the pH of the wall of the organ. The value of the pH is an indicator of the onset of ischemia in the organ. The CO.sub.2 sample is obtained by a novel catheter, multiple embodiments of which are disclosed.

Abstract: The present invention concerns a device for measuring the peak flow of a person's exhalation. The device comprises a frame structure which is provided with a mouth piece. Inside the frame structure, a flap is disposed, along with a pointer. A spring of the flap has been disposed in a hollow space in the lower part of the flap, where the spring is not in contact with the exhaled air. The frame structure comprises a frame part and a transparent cover part, whereby the hygienic conditions of the interior of the device can be observed, without any need to open the same.

Abstract: A bone marrow needle has a cannula (12) connected to a cannula handle portion (18) extending equal distances from the axis of the cannula bore. A stylet (14) is slidably positioned into the cannula with its stylet handle (16) matingly receiving the proximal projections (18.4, 18.5) of the cannula handle portion into recess (16.6), thus preventing relative rotational movement of the cannula and stylus during use. Proximal projections (18.4, 18.5) define a space therebetween for a syringe connector (12.3) that enables aspiration through the cannula after insertion into the bone.

Abstract: An instrument for inserting one or more hollow needles into the body for interstitial radiotherapy of malignant tumors, which permits the incremental advancement of a needle by means of a reciprocating tubular element having a collapsible end portion which alternately grips the needle to advance it into the body, and releases the needle to permit the instrument to be moved back on the needle to a new position to again advance it further into the body. The instrument permits the insertion of a needle with only one hand, freeing the other hand to both support the area being implanted and to maintain a continuous stereotactic guidance of the advancing needle, as well as facilitating implanation of long and closely spaced needles deep within the body.

Abstract: A method and apparatus in which a blunt interior needle is positioned within a larger external needle and a sample cavity is formed at the blunt end of the interior needle. An optical fiber extends from the sample cavity up the interior needle and to a light source and light detector. A reflective surface is placed at the end of the sample cavity reflects light back to the optical fiber. A beam splitter separates the incident and reflected light.To make an in-vivo measurement of chemical concentrations in a body, the needle is inserted into the body and fluids are aspirated into the sample cavity. Light is then transmitted to the cavity by the optical fiber and is transmitted from the cavity to a detector by the same fiber. By measuring the amount of light reflected, one can determine the amount of light absorbed in the cavity and may thus determine concentrations of selected chemicals.

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: Apparatus for monitoring and regulating intracranial pressure. Primary components are a manometer tube connected to a fluid collector, a transducer for dynamic electronic monitoring, and an automatic regulator. These components are interconnected by tubing and three main stopcocks which permit multiple procedures to be performed. A fourth stopcock, syringe and appropriate connections permit the system to be connected to a dedicated source of sterile liquid.

Abstract: Tomographic images (I.sub.1 and I.sub.2) of a body are constructed by placing a plurality of surface electrodes (1 to 16) at spaced intervals on the body (M), causing currents to flow in the body, and measuring the potential between pairs of electrodes, calculating the potential in each case on the assumption that the body consists of one uniform medium, plotting the isopotentials corresponding to the calculated results to create a uniform image of the body, obtaining the ratio between the measured potential and the calculated potential in each case, and modifying the image in accordance with the respective ratios by increasing the impedance along an isopotential in proportion to a ratio greater than unity or decreasing the impedance in proportion to a ratio less than unity. The calculations of potentials and the obtaining of ratios are carried out using a computer and the plotting of the isopotentials is carried out by a visual display unit (VDU) and/or a print-out unit run off the computer.