Abstract: An automated machine for attaching a suture to a surgical needle comprises a first apparatus located at a first predetermined location for sorting a plurality of randomly oriented needles and orienting each needle for automatic handling at a first predetermined location, each of the needles having a suture receiving opening formed therein. A second apparatus located at a second predetermined location is provided for automatically cutting an indefinite length of suture material to a definite length suture strand and for automatically inserting an end of the definite length suture strand into the suture receiving opening formed in the needle. Also provided is a third apparatus for swaging the needle to close the suture receiving opening about the suture to secure said suture thereto and form therefrom a needle and suture assembly.

Abstract: A blood pressure cuff is applied about a subject's artery, and inflated above the systolic level thus fully occluding the artery for a full heart cycle. The cuff pressure is thereafter reduced to permit an increasing flow through the progressively less occluded artery, and a measure of the peak amplitudes of the successively encountered blood pressure (oscillatory complex) pulses stored in memory. Also retained is the cuff pressure obtaining for each stored complex peak. In accordance with varying aspects of the present invention, the stored complex peak-representing data ensemble is corrected for aberrations; and improved data processing operates on the stored (and advantageously corrected) pulse peak data and the corresponding cuff pressure information to determine the subject's systolic arterial blood pressure.

Abstract: A dual energy method for CT scanning. Scanning is carried out at low and high energy levels, S.sub.2 and S.sub.1 respectively, each at a preselected dose level. Detected electronic signals (I.sub.2,I.sub.1) are digitized. A look up table is used to generate a pair of values from each pair of signals, one a photoelectric component and the other a Compton component. Each of these values are subjected to spatial filtering by a convolution filter function for each signal specially designed to increase the signal to noise ratio in the resultant combined image by exploiting the correlation in noise in the two values.

Abstract: The deflation of the inflatable and deflatable cuff worn by a subject during automatic sphygmomanometric measurement is accomplished in unequal size decrements and principally in larger steps than 7 Torr. Each step after detection of the initial oscillations is determined in the first instance by reference to a look-up table or an equation as a function of prevailing cuff pressure. This Base Step dimension is augmented by a factor proportional to the last oscillation amplitude, the factor being increased after detection of the maximum oscillation amplitude. A valve mechanism with at least two different effective orifice sizes is used for deflation, the smaller size effective orifice being used first, to maintain control over the decrement step rate while holding the time for decrement within a predetermined limit of 8 mSec. per Torr, i.e., maintaining the rate above 125 Torr per second.

Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for the accurate, ongoing filling of prescriptions for disposable contact lenses. In a preferred system, a central ordering/inventory computer is associated with satellite PCs at which attending eye care professionals can place orders. In preferred methods, periodic serial to batcxh mode conversions merge new orders, standing orders, order changes, as well as other updates and deletions. Patient history files allow maintenance of data bases for the eye care professionals as well as for the manufacturer of lenses.

Abstract: In scintillation cameras, spatial or linearity correction is accomplished utilizing a weighted average of correction vectors in the region of the apparent location of scintillation events. Such vectors are developed in a calibration step using a pinhole or slot apertured mask. On the fly, vectors beyond those next adjacent the apparent location are used for correction, which are constrained to exhibit continuity in both the functional value, and at a minimum the first derivative, but which may include continuity in higher order derivatives also. One such correction function, which insures continuity in both the functional value and its first derivative, is called a Hermite interpolation function.

Abstract: A blood pressure cuff is applied about a subject's artery, and inflated above the systolic level thus fully occluding the artery for a full heart cycle. The cuff pressure is thereafter reduced to permit an increasing flow through the progressively less occluded artery, and a measure of the peak amplitudes of the successively encountered blood flow (oscillatory complex) pulses stored in memory. Also retained is the cuff pressure obtaining for each stored complex peak. In accordance with varying aspects of the present invention, the stored complex peak-representing data ensemble is corrected for aberrations; and improved data processing operates on the stored (and advantageously corrected) pulse peak data and the corresponding cuff pressure information to determine the subject's mean arterial blood pressure.

Abstract: A hollow waveguide has a rectangular or square internal cross-section, with all internal surfaces coated with a reflecting metal such as silver. One pair of opposing surfaces is dielectric overcoated of a thickness less than half the quarter wave thickness, while the other pair of opposing surfaces is dielectric overcoated with a different material and has a thickness which is an integral multiple of the quarter wave thickness. ThF.sub.4, ZnSe, and Ge are suitable materials.

Abstract: A hollow waveguide has an inner reflective layer such as silver, overcoated with plural layers of dielectric. Preferably three dielectric layers are used, with the inner two having quarter wave thickness, and the outer one having one half on one and one half the quarter wave thickness. Compositions for the dielectric include ThF.sub.4 /Ge/ThF.sub.4, ZnSe/Ge/ZnSe, Ge/ThF.sub.4 /Ge, and ThF.sub.4 /ZnSe/ThF.sub.4.

Abstract: Samples are prepared and applied to a cuvette, and the cuvette is translated in a given direction. Laser light is coupled to the sample through a Bragg cell, which causes the beam to scan the sample transversely to the given direction. Select optical parameters are monitored, and when they occur, the scan is stopped or slowed for a more complete analysis of the illuminated cell.

Abstract: A flexible hollow waveguide has an optically smooth, rectangular cross section internal channel, in which reflecting metal is overcoated with a ThF.sub.4 or ZnSe dielectric approximately one-half of the quarter wave thickness. CO.sub.2 laser propagation is promoted for guide curvatures down to about 5 cm radius of curvature.

Abstract: A mechanical support structure which coordinates patient positioning and medical diagnostic equipment positioning in a unified system. More particularly, the system includes a vertically adjustable patient table supported at both ends by substantial upright end support members. Also suspended between these two end supports is a radiation detector such as a scintillation camera head whose position relative to the patient table is conveniently and accurately adjustable from an operator control panel provided on one end support. Each degree of freedom afforded the detector is accomplished independently of the other and, if desired, simultaneously, or in any desired combination. To perform static imaging the separation between the detector and the patient table is adjustable, as is the lateral position of the detector between the two end stands and hence along the span of the patient table. In a detector having a non-symmetrical field of view, its length and width orientation may be reversed.

Abstract: A blood pressure cuff is applied about a subject's artery, and inflated above the systolic level thus fully occluding the artery for a full heart cycle. The cuff pressure is thereafter reduced to permit an increasing flow through the progressively less occluded artery, and a measure of the peak amplitudes of the successively encountered blood flow (oscillatory complex) pulses stored in memory. Also retained is the cuff pressure obtaining for each stored complex peak. In accordance with varying aspects of the present invention, the stored complex peak-representing data ensemble is corrected for aberrations; and improved data processing operates on the stored (and advantageously corrected) pulse peak data and the corresponding cuff pressure information to determine the subject's diastolic arterial blood pressure.

Abstract: Lysing reagents for use in flow cytometry instruments. Lysing reagents suitable for lysing red blood cells are provided thereby permitting 3-part differential counting of white blood cells. The reagents comprise a leukoprotective agent for preserving the lymphocyte cellular integrity during analysis, and buffers adjusted to provide the correct pH environment for optimal lysis and activity. Preferred embodiments will additionally incorporate non-ionic preservatives in very low concentrations.

Abstract: An inflatable, deflatable cuff, worn by the subject, is coupled to an air reservoir which is at a predetermined pressure which is above systolic pressure. The pressure head is established by a pump mechanism preferably located within the reservoir. When the reservoir is operatively coupled to the cuff, the cuff quickly inflates to a desired artery-occluding initial pressure preparatory to a following blood pressure measuring cycle of operation. The air pump resumes air flow into the reservoir when pressure within the reservoir falls below a predetermined threshold in preparation for a subsequent measurement cycle. The pump also supplies air directly to the cuff should the reservoir contents ever be inadequate to inflate fully the occluding cuff.

Abstract: An all metal and ceramic high vacuum rotary anode x-ray tube adapted for mounting on a gantry of a rotational type CT scanner. The evacuated region where x-rays are generated is maintained at about 10.sup.-7 Torr. Vacuum sealing about the rotating shaft of the anode is provided by a magnetic fluid. No bearings are utilized within the evacuated region. Large, long wearing ball bearings that transmit rotation through the vacuum seal are provided about the shaft outside of the high vacuum region where conventional lubricants may be applied. Circulating coolant is applied internally through the anode assuring continual operation of the tube without the need for frequent cool-down waits. A preferred embodiment discloses a modified path in the rotor for the coolant designed to disturb the conventional laminar type of flow which is heat transfer inefficient to one characterized by high turbulence resulting in approximately an order of magnitude improvement in the coefficient of heat transfer.