Abstract: In a first aspect the invention relates to a sensor system (10) for determining a proximity to icing conditions of an environment. The system includes a sensor having a sensor surface (12) for exposure to the environment, an electrically powered heat pump means (16) for cooling and/or heating the surface (12), and a temperature detector (14) for providing a signal representative of the temperature of the surface (12). An environment temperature is determined, and a processor determines, from the temperature detected by the temperature detector (14) and the environment temperature, a proximity to icing conditions of the environment to which the surface (12) is exposed. In a second aspect of the invention the sensor system includes a power monitor for determining an amount of power required to heat or cool the surface through a temperature indicative of ice formation. The processor determines the proximity to icing conditions from the detected temperatures and the amount of cooling or heating power.

Abstract: In a first aspect the invention relates to a sensor system (10) for determining a proximity to icing conditions of an environment. The system includes a sensor having a sensor surface (12) for exposure to the environment, an electrically powered heat pump means (16) for cooling and/or heating the surface (12), and a temperature detector (14) for providing a signal representative of the temperature of the surface (12). An environment temperature is determined, and a processor determines, from the temperature detected by the temperature detector (14) and the environment temperature, a proximity to icing conditions of the environment to which the surface (12) is exposed. In a second aspect of the invention the sensor system includes a power monitor for determining an amount of power required to heat or cool the surface through a temperature indicative of ice formation. The processor determines the proximity to icing conditions from the detected temperatures and the amount of cooling or heating power.

Abstract: The ablation catheter is comprised of a guiding catheter and an inner catheter. The guiding catheter is comprised of a shaft section which is attached to an articulating section at its distal end and a first handle at its proximal end. The inner catheter is comprised of an elongated central shaft, an electrode assembly attached to the distal end of the central shaft, and a second handle attached to the proximal end of the central shaft. The electrode assembly is comprised of a flexible plastic catheter tube having an outer surface, a porous tip electrode, and at least one linear electrode carried on the outer surface of the catheter tube. The electrode assembly is articulated to better align the electrode assembly to the generally arcuate shape of the inner chambers of the heart.

Abstract: The ablation catheter is comprised of a guiding catheter and an inner catheter. The guiding catheter is comprised of a shaft section which is attached to an articulating section at its distal end and a first handle at its proximal end. The inner catheter is comprised of an elongated central shaft, an electrode assembly attached to the distal end of the central shaft, and a second handle attached to the proximal end of the central shaft. The electrode assembly is comprised of a flexible plastic catheter tube having an outer surface, a porous tip electrode, and at least one linear electrode carried on the outer surface of the catheter tube. The electrode assembly is articulated to better align the electrode assembly to the generally arcuate shape of the inner chambers of the heart.

Abstract: The ablation catheter is comprised of a guiding catheter and an inner catheter. The guiding catheter is comprised of a shaft section which is attached to an articulating section at its distal end and a first handle at its proximal end. The inner catheter is comprised of an elongated central shaft, an electrode assembly attached to the distal end of the central shaft, and a second handle attached to the proximal end of the central shaft. The electrode assembly is comprised of a flexible plastic catheter tube having an outer surface, a porous tip electrode, and at least one linear electrode carried on the outer surface of the catheter tube. The electrode assembly is articulated to better align the electrode assembly to the generally arcuate shape of the inner chambers of the heart.

Abstract: The ablation catheter is comprised of a guiding catheter and an inner catheter. The guiding catheter is comprised of a shaft section which is attached to an articulating section at its distal end and a first handle at its proximal end. The inner catheter is comprised of an elongated central shaft, an electrode assembly attached to the distal end of the central shaft, and a second handle attached to the proximal end of the central shaft. The electrode assembly is comprised of a flexible plastic catheter tube having an outer surface, a porous tip electrode, and at least one linear electrode carried on the outer surface of the catheter tube. The electrode assembly is articulated to better align the electrode assembly to the generally arcuate shape of the inner chambers of the heart.

Abstract: An ablation catheter is provided which comprises an elongated catheter body, a plurality of electrodes, and a thermal monitoring circuit. The thermal monitoring circuit is comprised of a plurality of thermocouples joined in series. The thermocouples thermoconductively coupled to the electrodes. The thermal monitoring circuit will require only two wires to travel through the elongated catheter body in order to monitor a plurality of electrodes.

Abstract: A device for sensing velocity variations in a conductive body 10 moving through a magnetic gap 12 between two discrete portions 13, 14 of a magnetic circuit 15. The magnetic circuit 15 generates a magnetic flux 16 in the gap 12 to induce eddy currents 17 in the body 10 moving through the gap. The device includes an eddy current sensor defining at least one further gap 24 through which the body 10 is also moved, and at least one sensor coil 18. A voltage is induced in the coil by variations in the induced eddy currents. The voltage is detectable; providing an indication of variations, that is to say accelerations or decelerations, in velocity by providing two discrete magnetic circuit portions, the size and weight of the device be reduced while enhancing the ability to sense eddy currents. The device may be used in a vehicle to sense vibration, acceleration, or other motion.

Abstract: A device for sensing velocity variations in a conductive body 10 moving through a magnetic gap 12 between two discrete portions 13, 14 of a magnetic circuit 15, the magnetic circuit 15 generating a magnetic flux 16 in the gap 12 to induce eddy currents 17 in the body 10 moving therethrough, the device comprising eddy current sensor means 20 defining at least one further gap 24 through which the body 10 is also moved, and at least one sensor coil 18 having a voltage induced therein by variations in the induced eddy currents, said voltage being detectable to provide an indication of variations, that is to say accelerations or decelerations, in the velocity of the moving body 10.

Abstract: An intracranial bolt, for installation in an opening in the skull to provide access to the brain for a medical device, has a bore therethrough for the passage of the medical device, and an inflatable member in the bore which when inflated engages a medical device in the bore, releasably anchoring the device. The inflatable member comprises a cylinder of flexible sheet material inside the bore and secured to the wall of the bore defining an annular pocket therebetween. A passage extends through the bolt to the pocket for the introduction of fluid into the pocket to expanding radially inwardly. The bolt in a medical procedure on the brain by forming an opening in the skull; installing the intracranial bolt in the opening in the skull; and securing the cap on the bolt. When it is time to conduct the procedure, the cap is removed and a medical device can be inserted into the brain through the bolt. The inflatable member can be inflated to temporarily hold the medical device in place.

Abstract: A rotary forging or upsetting machine comprising an upper platen and a lower platen, the lower platen being rotatable about a first axis and the upper platen being rotatable about a second axis which intersects the first axis, the upper platen being mounted on carrier which is pivotable about an axis which passes through the point of intersection of the first and second axes, means being provided for adjusting the angle of the upper platen while the platens are rotating, and means being provided for applying a force to the lower platen to move it towards the upper platen so that a workpiece carried by the lower platen is deformed by the upper platen moving around the workpiece.

Abstract: This invention provides a holder which retains a natural tissue heart valve assembly during storage and transportation prior to implantation of the valve. The device includes an annular member circumscribing the heart valve assembly above the sewing ring thereof, and resilient arms which extend outwardly of the annular member and are connectable remote from the heart valve assembly. The device further includes resilient elements inclined outwardly for engaging the wall of a container receiving the heart valve holder and also may include a base member for supporting the base of the heart valve assembly and means releasably connecting said base member to said annular member so that the same are in spaced relationship.