Abstract: Residual alkali metal ions from water, typically water having passed through a strong base demineralizer unit, may be removed by passing the water through a weak acid cation exchange resin, having a particle size distribution in which at least 90 weight percent of the resin has a particle size of at least 15 microns and at least 90 weight percent of the resin has a particle size of no more than 150 microns.

Abstract: A flipper control circuit is provided for a pinball machine having a flippper, a flipper switch for activating the flipper, means for holding the flipper in an actuated position until the flipper switch is deactivated, and a solenoid coil for controlling the movement of the flipper in response to the voltage applied to the solenoid coil. A first voltage is applied to the solenoid coil when the flipper switch is activated. A second holding voltage is applied to the solenoid coil when the flipper is in the actuated position, to hold the flipper in the actuated position until the flipper switch is deactivated. A switch electrically disconnects the first voltage from the solenoid coil when the flipper is in the actuated position.

Abstract: A hemostasis valve is provided for catheters or the like, comprising an elastomeric partition valve secured in a housing. A linear slit extends through the partition valve between the major faces thereof. By this invention, the partition of the valve has at least one concave face through which the slit extends. Such a partition valve provides further improved sealing characteristics over a wide range of diameters of catheters, leads, or the like penetrating the partition valve, particularly reducing frictional resistance to catheter advancement and rotation through the valve and also reducing catheter collapse in the valve.

Abstract: An apparatus for detecting and guiding a web includes a web scanner bar unit that extends across the entire width of the web path for controlling a steering mechanism to maintain a more precise edge and/or center alignment. The web scanner bar unit is formed of an infrared light-emitting diode array and a phototransistor array formed on opposite sides of the web. A microprocessor-based controller unit is provided for controlling the operation of the web scanner bar unit to form right and left eyespots in order to determine the respective right and left edges of the web. Further, the web scanner bar unit is capable of detecting a break in the intermediate area of the web.

Abstract: A liquid heater for use as a facial sauna or the like includes a conductive heating bowl, an electric heating element for heating the bowl and a terminal board as part of a circuit for control of the heating element. An integral, one-piece bracket is attached to the underside of the bowl, the bracket defining a plurality of arms having free ends extending outwardly from the bowl. The terminal board is carried by the arm in spaced relation from the bowl, typically at the edges of the board, to provide an air gap for thermal insulation of the board from the heat generated. The bracket also defines a tunnel positioned against the underside of the bowl, with the heating element occupying the tunnel.

Abstract: A catheter such as a medical catheter for PTCA procedures or the like. The catheter has a longitudinally extending wire therein, typically a steering wire. A catheter hub is positioned on the proximal end of the catheter. By this invention, the wire defines a coiled end positioned within a bore of the catheter hub and secured to the hub. Thus, fluids can flow through the bore of the hub and coiled wire end to and from the catheter, for example for the purpose of inflating or deflating a catheter balloon. At the same time, the same hub can be used to steer the distal end of the catheter by rotation of the hub in a conventional catheter steering technique.

Abstract: A multi-programmable ROM-less cardiac pacer employs an intermittent microprocessor turned ON and OFF by a pacer timer clockwise independent of the processor to time intervals preset by the processor. Sensed activity and external communications restart the processor with an interrupt request. Five antitachycardia mechanisms are externally programmable: programmed burst, burst rate scanning, automatic overdrive, programmed critically timed and critically timed scanning. In scanning mechanisms, the interval changes progressively until the tachycardia is terminated by a successful interval which is stored. Runaway protection is executed in the software. For telemetry, the pacer collects the following monitored pacing data over a programmable period of time: percent pacing, average rate, maximum rate, number of tachycardia episodes and maximum tachycardia duration.

Abstract: An on-glass antenna for a vehicle is provided having a radiator for location on the outside of the vehicle window and a cable for location on the inside of the vehicle window for coupling the radiator to a transmitter/receiver. The cable comprises a first cable portion, a second cable portion, and an impedance matching member at the intersection of the first and second cable portions. The first cable portion and the impedance matching member together have a combined electrical length of about 1/4 wavelength.

Abstract: An antenna system for mounting on a glass plate with a radiator extending from one side of the glass plate and with an electrical connector and a cable extending from the opposite side of the glass plate whereby energy is transferred through the glass plate. Coupling means for a cable is provided, defining a receptacle for retaining the coupled end of the coaxial cable at an angle of essentially 15 to 60 degrees to said glass plate in said mounted position. Also, the antenna may define a helical base portion which may be attached to the glass plate on the side opposite to the coupling means. The helical base serves to shorten the antenna, and also to simultaneously serve as an electrical phase cancelling coil. Additionally, improvements are disclosed in the design of field cancelling conductors used.

Abstract: Automatic detection of cardiac pacer evoked potentials may be obtained through a cardiac pacer lead positioned in a heart chamber. An electrical stimulus is emitted in unipolar mode from a first electrode to stimulate muscular contraction. The cardiac electrical activity evoked by the stimulus is then detected in unipolar mode by a second electrode which is spaced from the first electrode and free of electrical connection thereto. Accordingly, signal interference caused by residual polarization of the first electrode is suppressed. The natural cardiac electrical activity is sensed in a bipolar mode, and the pulse is inhibited if a heartbeat is detected within an alert period.

Abstract: A system is provided for automatically switching an electric circuit on and off at certain times of the day, in which those certain times of the day vary throughout the year in accordance with a pattern built into the system and are not intended to be altered by the user. A computer timer provides the time of day and day of the year. A memory is permanently programmed with data that are stored to identify switch-on times and switch-off times for each day. The time of day and day of the year are compared with the switch-on times and switch-off times that are stored in the memory, and a current switching device is operated accordingly to switch an appliance, such as an electric lamp, on and off at the programmed switch-on times and switch-off times, respectively.

Abstract: A method for cardiac pacing and sensing is disclosed. A cardiac pacing lead is inserted into a heart chamber. The lead carries a plurality of separate electrodes positioned at the distal tip of the lead and transversely spaced from and electrically isolated from each other. A separate electrical conductor is provided for each electrode. A plurality of the electrodes are combined via electrical conductors to provide a relatively large electrode area for sensing cardiac activity. One of the electrodes is used for providing pacing pulses to the heart chamber. The pacing electrode has a relatively smaller surface area than the relatively large surface area used for sensing.

Abstract: A packaged sheath for a probe comprises a backing web, a flattened probe sheath having an open and a closed end and made of a pair of connected flat sides, and first and second tab members sealed to respective flat sides of the sheath adjacent the open end. The tab members serve as a gripping handle for the sheath, the first tab member having an outer end projecting beyond the second tab member. An upper web is peripherally sealed to the backing web at side areas, the first and second tab members projecting outwardly beyond the ends of the backing web and upper web adjacent the sheath open end. This permits easy grasping of the tab members without grasping of the backing or upper web, having advantages as described.

Abstract: A system is disclosed for preventing a tie from becoming soiled. The necktie has a front ply and a rear ply with the rear ply defining an opening. A bib is attached to the inside of the necktie and is folded and positioned within the opening between the front ply and the rear ply. The bib defines a slot which enables a portion of the necktie to pass through the slot when the bib is unfolded and removed via the opening from between the front ply and the rear ply. In this manner, the bib will overlie the necktie portion that is passed through the slot.

Abstract: A testing system for determining accelerated weathering characteristics of various items such as fabrics and paint samples. Rack means are provided for carrying samples to be tested. A source of irradiation of the inner-facing surfaces of the samples carried on the rack is also provided, along with a blower system for directing a stream of air through the rack. In accordance with this invention, a generally conical member is positioned in the stream of air to redirect the stream outwardly in a generally conical flow path. The generally conical flow path is positioned by the conical member to flow across the inner-facing surfaces of the samples carried on the rack.

Abstract: A suction ablation catheter, for use in inactivating portions of the heart's conduction system to prevent abnormal heartbeat rates, comprises a tubular body having an open, distal end and a proximal aperture for applying suction through the catheter and through the distal end. The catheter also has an electrode at or adjacent the distal end, and an electrode lead extending along the catheter for communication by the electrode with a power source. In accordance with this invention, a tubular, insulating member made of refractory material is positioned adjacent the distal end, the electrode being positioned within the insulating member to localize the effects of electrical pulses emitted from the electrode.

Abstract: A cardiac pacer analysis system which is external to the patient is provided for an implanted pacer having patient history stored within the pacer. Information is transmitted from the pacer, and is received, stored and processed. Events in the received information are identified and characterized, observed problems are identified, probable causes of observed problems are indicated and possible corrective actions are provided. The results of the analyses are displayed for the clinician.

Abstract: A packaged sheath for a probe such as a medical thermometer or the like comprises a backing web, and a flattened probe sheath having an open end and a closed end. The sheath defines a pair of connected, flat sides, with a portion of one flat side of the sheath being sealed adjacent its open end to the backing web. A tab member is sealed in an area to the other flat side of the sheath adjacent its open end. An upper web is peripherally sealed to the backing web at side areas. A preferred design of packaged sheath in accordance with this invention can be opened in a variety of different ways, to conform to varying, customary procedures to which the user has been previously trained.

Abstract: A radiation sensor comprises a housing, a radiation filter, and a photocell positioned to sense radiation passing through the filter. Means are provided for receiving signals from the photocell indicative of radiation sensed by the photocell. In accordance with this invention, means are provided for hermetically sealing the filter and photocell from the exterior, and also for providing cooling (and optionally heating) of the filter and photocell to hold their respective temperatures below predetermined maximum levels, for improvement of sensing accuracy and operating life.

Abstract: An apparatus is provided for handling a web of material fed from a roll. When the roll is larger than a selected amount, a roll contacting belt contacts the outer surface of the roll to aid in rotating the roll. The roll contacting belt is speed-responsive to a tension sensing means. Once the roll decreases to the selected amount, the roll contacting belt is disengaged from the roll and a core brake controls the speed of the roll. This arrangement reduces web upsets caused by out of round new large rolls and eliminates telescoping due to the action of the belt against small diameter rolls. In the illustrative form of the invention, the apparatus provides a continuous supply of web material by handling a first roll from which web material is being fed through an infeed roller and a nip roller, and a second roll from which web material is fed after the web material of the first roll has expired.