Abstract: A magnetic control system for selectively enabling/disabling an implantable device's operation using externally applied pulsed magnetic means, e.g., a controlled electromagnet or the like. Typically, such implantable devices stimulate a neural pathway or muscle and/or block pain or muscle stimulation according to programmable settings. Preferably, once programmed from an external programmer, such implantable devices can operate “independently” using the externally provided programmed information. However, in certain circumstances, it may be desired to stop/pause the operation of such selected implanted device while not affecting other such devices. Accordingly, embodiments of the present invention include a magnetic sensor, preferably a magnetoresistive, Hall effect, saturated core reactors, or the like, to sense an externally provided magnetic field. By externally applying pulsed magnetic fields in sequences of controlled polarities, durations, intensities, etc.

Abstract: An electrically sensing and stimulating outer sheath for ensuring accurate surgical placement of a microsensor or a microstimulator near a nerve in living tissue is disclosed. The electrically sensing outer sheath may also be used to verify the function of the microstimulator or microsensor during surgical placement but before the outer sheath is removed. In the event that the microstimulator is not optimally placed near the nerve, or if the microstimulator is malfunctioning, this can be determined prior to removal of the outer sheath, thus reducing the possibility of nerve or tissue damage that might be incurred during a separate operation to remove the microstimulator.

Abstract: An implantable miniature eyelid electrode apparatus that causes a paralyzed eyelid to close or open by passing an electrical stimulating current to a nerve or muscle, is comprised of a longitudinally flexible, nonconductive body containing electrodes that pass an electrical signal to the nearby nerve or muscle, which closes or opens the eyelid. The apparatus is electrically actuated by a source that may be located remotely from the apparatus. The electrical signal passes along wires from the source to the apparatus. The apparatus is biocompatible with the environment in the living tissue and is electrically insulated from the surrounding tissue, except where the electrodes contact the living tissue. The apparatus is very small and is not obvious to visual inspection when implanted.

Abstract: A magnetic control system for selectively enabling/disabling an implantable device's operation using externally applied pulsed magnetic means, e.g., a controlled electromagnet or the like. Typically, such implantable devices stimulate a neural pathway or muscle and/or block pain or muscle stimulation according to programmable settings. Preferably, once programmed from an external programmer, such implantable devices can operate “independently” using the externally provided programmed information. However, in certain circumstances, it may be desired to stop/pause the operation of such selected implanted device while not affecting other such devices. Accordingly, embodiments of the present invention include a magnetic sensor, preferably a magnetoresistive, Hall effect, saturated core reactors, or the like, to sense an externally provided magnetic field. By externally applying pulsed magnetic fields in sequences of controlled polarities, durations, intensities, etc.

Abstract: The invention is directed to an electrically sensing and stimulating outer sheath for ensuring accurate surgical placement of a microsensor or a microstimulator near a nerve in living tissue. The electrically sensing outer sheath may also be used to verify the function of the microstimulator or microstimulator during surgical placement but before the outer sheath is removed. In the event that the microstimulator is not optimally placed near the nerve, or if the microstimulator is malfunctioning, this can be determined prior to removal of the outer sheath, thus reducing the possibility of nerve or tissue damage that might be incurred during a separate operation to remove the microstimulator.

Abstract: An implantable miniature eyelid electrode apparatus that causes a paralyzed eyelid to close or open by passing an electrical stimulating current to a nerve or muscle, is comprised of a longitudinally flexible, nonconductive body containing electrodes that pass an electrical signal to the nearby nerve or muscle, which closes or opens the eyelid. The apparatus is electrically actuated by a source that may be located remotely from the apparatus. The electrical signal passes along wires from the source to the apparatus. The apparatus is biocompatible with the environment in the living tissue and is electrically insulated from the surrounding tissue, except where the electrodes contact the living tissue. The apparatus is very small and is not obvious to visual inspection when implanted.

Abstract: A semiconductor device inspection system capable of objectively accomplishing visual image inspection of a semiconductor device and minimizing error in the inspection, to thereby effectively carry out the inspection with high accuracy and at high speed. The system includes a low magnification image pickup mechanism which consists of a plurality of low magnification image pickup units each carrying out low magnification image pickup of a semiconductor device to generate an image signal. The system also includes a signal processing system for processing the image signal to judge the correctness of the semiconductor device. In the image pickup units, their light receptors are each arranged in parallel to an inspected surface of the semiconductor device and their central axes intersect together on the inspected surface.

Abstract: An illumination system, particularly suitable for use with automatic vision systems employing an image sensing device or system, illuminates an object under analysis with the cone of light that may cover 360.degree. or only an arc segment about a part of the object under analysis. Light from a ring source is directed toward a curved parabolic surface on a light collector ring that substantially collimates the light and fans it out radially out toward a toroidal reflector surface on an encompassing ring, the relative position of which determines the angle of incidence of a cone of light formed to fall in the region of the object, so as to illuminate particular features with optimal efficiency. To change the angle of incidence while maintaining focus, a differential drive mechanism moves the parabolic collector ring and the toroidal angle generator ring in differential fashion concurrently.

Abstract: An integrating densitometer for comparing unknown values of an integrated color print with reference values of a standard to indicate changes in density and quality and quantity characteristics of color for correcting the values of the unknown to have substantially the values of the reference, the densitometer having a photopic filter before a light sensor, and a master control for biasing simultaneously individually adjustable color controls.