Abstract: A lead connector seal and locking assembly for an implantable pulse generator such as a pacemaker is detailed. The pulse generator includes a header portion and an enclosed metallic housing or can, wherein the header portion includes an orifice for receiving a lead connector. The lead connector is secured within the orifice by the use of a defeasible active seal and locking mechanism, which includes a sphincter seal and a beveled washer which is forced against the sphincter seal upon insertion of an actuator. The actuator may be a forked clip inserted into a slot formed within the epoxy header in such a manner that prongs of the forked clip force the beveled cam to be displaced axially within the orifice of the header portion, compressing the sphincter seal.

Abstract: A multi-contact connector system for electrically and mechanically connecting a lead for the delivery of electrical energy at a body site to an implantable source of the electrical energy includes a plug connector element carried at a proximal end of the lead which is received in a socket connector element carried on the source of electrical energy. The plug connector element is a radially expandable sleeve with a number of exteriorly exposed contacts respectively connected to conductors contained within the lead. Corresponding contacts are mounted in the interior of the socket connector element. The plug connector sleeve fits over a flexible expansion element contained in the socket connector element. The expansion element is operated by a toggle switch after the connector elements are engaged so as to radially expand.

Abstract: A multi-part molded pacemaker connector that meets the precise requirements imposed by the VS-1 standard, yet does not require complex or expensive machining of individual parts. Advantageously, the pacemaker connector is made from a plurality of individually molded parts, with each individual part being designed to readily allow the insertion of seals and other connector components, prior to joining the parts together. The connector includes three molded pieces: a body tip, a body ring, and an entrance connector which are adapted to be joined during assembly. The connector further includes a garter spring, and preferably, two annular sealing rings. A tip connector block is insert-molded into the body tip. A conductive tube, which forms the ring connector, is insert-molded within the entrance connector. The body ring provides appropriate spacing between the tip connector block and the ring connector.

Abstract: A multi-part molded pacemaker connector meets the precise requirements imposed by the VS-1 standard, yet does not require complex nor expensive machining of individual parts. The connector includes a molded body tip and a molded body ring, adapted to be joined together during assembly. The body tip is molded to include a conductive connector block attached to a first conductive ribbon as an integral part thereof. The body ring is molded to include a second conductive ribbon, having a looped end exposed therewithin to provide a precise specified diameter against which a garter spring contact is placed. An inner shoulder molded within the body ring holds the spring contact laterally on one side. During assembly, an annular spacer is pressed into the body ring to restrain the spring contact laterally on the other side. Inner and outer annular seals are also inserted into the body tip and body ring during assembly. After assembly, i.e.

Abstract: A lead-to-pacemaker adapter allows the use of a smaller diameter lead connector than that for which the pacemaker was designed. The pacemaker is shipped with the adapter installed. If the adapter is not to be used, provision is made for its easy removal. The adapter is shown and described for use in a unipolar lead system. The adapter permits direct electrical connection from the terminal pin electrode to the pacemaker connector block and its terminal set screw without the interposition of any intermediate connecting elements.

Abstract: A feedthrough connector for an implantable medical device, combines the connector function with the feedthrough function and eliminates the need for the cast epoxy connector previously used on such devices. The feedthrough connector includes a barrel assembly having open and closed ends. The open end of the assembly has an opening for receiving a slidably inserted electrical lead. The barrel assembly includes cylindrical metal conductive portions separated by cylindrical ceramic insulating portions. Spring contacts are mounted on the inside of the metal portions and are adapted to make electrical contact with the appropriate contacts of an electrical lead when the lead is inserted into the connector. The outer side of the metal portions are electrically connected to the appropriate electrical circuit within the housing, and the open end of the barrel assembly is bonded (welded) to the device housing so that the inside of the device can be hermetically sealed.

Abstract: A connector block assembly for electrically connecting a proximal ring electrode of a bipolar pacemaker lead to the pacemaker. The connection is made in a way that maintains secure electrical contact and that prevents the delicate proximal ring electrode from being damaged or deformed. The pacemaker includes a connector block having a channel therethrough into which the proximal ring electrode is inserted. A C-ring is sandwiched between the ring electrode and an inner wall of the connector block's receiving channel. A setscrew adjustably forces the C-ring against the ring electrode. Mechanical stop means limit the transverse movement of the C-ring, thereby preventing the ring electrode from being deformed, while still maintaining a firm grasp of the ring electrode between the C-ring and the connector block. An alternative embodiment employs a resilient spring to firmly hold the ring electrode in electrical contact with the connector block.

Abstract: This device combines a carbide steel blade, a guide scraper post, and a cleaning pad saturated with solution to clean and condition a magnetic tape cassette. The cleaning pad is a member of a disposable pad strip containing a plurality of individual cleaning pads such that a fresh cleaning pad may be used for each cleaning application. A rotary dispensing valve delivers a predetermined amount of cleaning solution to the individual pad at the commencement of each cleaning cycle. Operation of the cleaning machine is initiated by depressing a starting lever which indexes the pad strip and dispenses cleaning solution from the rotary valve to the cleaning pad, while moving the scraping blade and cleaning pad into a position to contact the tape. Pushing of a run button then starts the tape drive system.

Abstract: A fishing reel for storing, retrieving and controlling the withdraw of fishing line from the fishing reel has support spindle means rotatably mounted with respect to a reel frame for supporting and mounting a line spool, means for preventing relative rotation between the spindle means and the line spool, drag hub means rotatably mounted to the reel frame and operationally connected to the support spindle means by a unidirectional clutch, drag shoe means for restricting rotation of the drag hub means relative to the reel frame, variable means for pre-selectably varying the contact pressure between the drag means and the drag shoe means, manual brake means for supplementally restricting rotation of the line spool and actuator means associated with the varible means and the manual brake means for actuating the variable means when the actuator means is adjusted circumferentially with respect to the reel frame and for actuating the manual brake means when the actuator is adjusted radially with respect to the reel