Abstract: A circuit arrangement for generating high voltage pulses from DC voltage. The circuit includes a transformer comprising at least two primary windings and secondary windings, in which the primary windings are serial connected with at least one diode, a switching circuit and a voltage source. A first capacitor is connected in parallel with the first primary winding and diode, and in series with the secondary primary winding. The switching circuit is formed from the emitter-collector-section of a switching transistor. The output of a transistor amplifier is connected to the base of the switching transistor. The input of the transistor amplifier is coupled with the output of a control circuit. Two serial connected resistors are inserted between the input of the transistor amplifier and the output of the control circuit. The emitter-collector-section of a first transistor is connected to the common terminal of both the resistors. A voltage divider is connected to the base of the first transistor.

Abstract: An instrument, method and two-piece plastic-like fastener for surgically fastening tissue by:(A) placing the tissue between: (1) a retainer of an absorbable material, that is located distally of the tissue and that has a hole which extends longitudinally through it; (2) an elongated rigid piercing member that is located proximally of the tissue, that extends longitudinally, and that has means on its distal end for piercing the tissue; and (3) a fastener of an absorbable material, that is also located proximally of the tissue and that has a distally extending prong which, during distal movement of the fastener, can (a) move distally through an opening pierced in the tissue by the piercing member and (b) then move distally into the retainer hole to hold the retainer and fastener together;(B) then moving the piercing member distally so that its distal end pierces the tissue; and(C) then moving the fastener distally so that its prong moves through the opening pierced in the tissue and into the retainer hole to ho

Abstract: A blood pressure system which cycles through an inflation cycle and a deflation cycle during which systolic and diastolic blood pressure in a patient is automatically measured. The blood pressure system basically comprises an inflatable pressure cuff system for accomplishing occlusion and the subsequent opening of an artery in a patient being monitored, and an electrical system for increasing and decreasing the pressure in the cuff under servo loop control and for displaying the systolic and diastolic measurements. A pressure transducer produces an electrical signal indicative of the actual pressure in the cuff. A solenoid valve permits selective pressure decrease during the deflation cycle. A rotary vane compression pump provides pressure increase during the inflation cycle. During the inflation cycle, pressure increase in the cuff is accomplished by a servo control loop comprising the transducer, the pump, and an inflate/deflate controller.