Abstract: A pacemaker of the inhibited demand type which is equipped with a battery and pacemaker efficiency evaluator. A magnetically initialized test circuit synchronizes the timing of test stimulating pulses with the natural R-wave or, the end of a basic pacemaker escape interval, thereby to enhance patient safety by avoiding competition during testing. The synchronized test circuit produces an alternating sequence of sensing and pacing periods which are maintained during the test. Upon actuation of the test, the first R-wave, or the end of the basic pacer interval, is sensed and a number of stimulating pulses is applied at the end of successive test intervals, which intervals are located between pacemaker output pulses, the duration of which indicates the battery status. This sequence of sensing, synchronization, an application of test pulses is repeated during the duration of the magnet test.

Abstract: A micropower DC/DC conversion system providing a stabilized voltage output at a predetermined voltage higher than that of the energy source. The system is powered by one or more primary cells in parallel or by a suitable battery, and the system is of special use with systems requiring low power at stabilized voltage which is substantially independent of the energy source impedance and load variations.According to the preferred embodiment of the system the output voltage stabilization is controlled by voltage detection circuit based on C-MOS inverters which allows extremely low power drain. The system is of special value for use with electronic implantable devices such as cardiac pacemakers.

Abstract: An instrument for viscoelastic measurement, particularly for breast palpation, uses a plurality of spaced elongated electret strips which are pressed into the body being examined by a pressure member which applies a given periodic or steady stress to the tissue beneath the electret strips. Electronic measuring means then interrogates the output voltage of each of the strips in turn and the output of each strip is displayed to produce a display characteristic which will show the presence of an inclusion in the breast tissue being examined.

Abstract: An instrument for viscoelastic measurement, particularly for breast palpation, uses a sensing transducer head which contains at least two spaced, relatively small area transducers. The transducers can be fixed relative to a glove to be worn by an examiner or can be otherwise supported. The transducers have output leads connected to monitoring circuits which monitor differences in output of the transducers when both are pressed against breast tissue in order to sense thickened areas which may be too small to be sensed by manual palpation. The transducer may be attached to a position monitor so that the transducer head output can be continuously related to the location in space of the transducer head, and the output can be displayed in a suitable display.