Abstract: A nuclear magnetic resonance technique that allows simultaneous temperature determination and spectral acquisition. The technique employs a modification of the lock circuit of a Varian XL-100 Spectrometer which permits accurate measurement of the difference in resonance frequency between a primary lock nucleus and another, secondary, nucleus. The field stabilization function of the main lock circuit is not compromised. A feedback signal having a frequency equal to the frequency difference is substituted for the normal power supply in the spectrometer's existing radio frequency transmitter to modulate that transmitter. Thus, the transmitter's radio frequency signal is enhanced in a frequency corresponding to the resonance peak of the secondary nucleus. Determination of the frequency difference allows the determination of temperature without interference with the observed spectrum. The feedback character of the circuit and the presence of noise make the circuit self-activating.

Abstract: An improved telemetry transmission system for transmitting electrocardiographic information, indications of the occurrence of the pacing pulse and for transmitting digitally encoded information from an implanted pacemaker, an implanted drug dispensing device, or other implanted device, to a remote receiver. Digital data transmitted by the implanted system may include all programmed parameters as well as power source status and self test indications, or other programmed digital data such as the device serial number and lot number.

Abstract: Novel cathode materials for use in electrochemical cells are disclosed. The cathode materials consist essentially of a conductive solution comprised of iodine dissolved in a mixture of two organic pyridine-based constituents, both of which function as donors to form complexes with iodine. Preferably, the cathode materials further include, in addition to the dissolved iodine, an iodine solid phase suspended therein. Large amounts of the iodine solid phase, relative to the dissolved iodine, may be used.

Abstract: A cardiac pacemaker pulse generator utilizing digital circuitry for controlling the provision of cardiac stimulating pulses. The width of the pulses is increased as the battery voltage decreases to maintain the energy of the stimulation pulse. The pulse width of each pacemaker pulse is determined by comparing a reference signal to an incrementally increasing signal which is related to the battery voltage.

Abstract: An anchor for a body stimulation lead. A first body member is provided with an aperture while a second body member has a post extending from a surface thereof into the first body member aperture. At least the proximal portion of the post is slightly larger than the aperture to establish a press fit therein. Grooves are provided within one of the body members and are adapted to accept a body stimulation lead of known generally circular cross section. In a preferred embodiment, the groove opening is no greater than the lead diameter and the groove depth is at least as great as the lead radius. Suture cooperating elements are provided to facilitate securement of the anchor to body tissue.

Abstract: A cardiac pacemaker of the type responsive to a natural heart activity for affecting the operation of the pacemaker. Circuitry is provided which has an essentially polarity independent degree of response to sensed signals. In a preferred embodiment, the circuitry includes a differential input and a differential output, the output signals being of opposite polarity but of the same absolute value and being representative of sensed signals.

Abstract: A control means is disclosed that is used with a closed refrigeration system having a chiller and a condenser to provide refrigeration to chill the fluid medium and a refrigerant pump for pumping the refrigerant through the system with refrigerant capacity control means determining the capacity of the refrigerant, the control means for the system using signal inputs representative of outside air temperature, return chilled water temperature, supply chilled water temperature, and condenser temperature, in which settable controllers are used to determine the optimum temperature signals for controlling the system at any given time. A timer is also connected to the control mechanism for alternately interrupting an optimum temperature signal to reduce the overall change in the control signal. Additional control may be obtained through the use of signals representative of humidity, strong solution temperature and cooling water output pressure.

Abstract: A system for the treatment of ocular misalignment by electrical stimulation of ocular recti. A body implantable unit develops an electrical stimulation signal and delivers that signal to an ocular rectus without restricting its contraction. In a preferred embodiment, the implanted unit includes a receiving member which cooperates with an external transmitting unit, the external transmitting unit establishing the stimulation signal parameters. Preferably, the stimulation signal is a periodically interrupted train of pulses, the repetition rate of the stimulation signal pulses being within the range of 50 to 100 pulses per minute. The interruption of the pulse train results in a stochastic stimulation with the pulse train being delivered for approximately 1 to 5 seconds with the interval between stimulation signals being from approximately 5 to 25 seconds. The pulse amplitude may be selectively established in the range from about 0.8 to 15 volts with the pulses having a pulse width of approximately 0.

Abstract: A reservoir system for a flexible, elongated, body implantable member of the type that is adapted to provide communication between separated body sites. A reservoir body is formed of a cup and cover which cooperate to define a cavity. Slots in the cup and/or cover admit a portion of the elongated member into the cavity. A tool is engageable with an elongated member portion within the cavity to coil a desired length of the elongated member within the cavity. On growth of the body, the coil is uncoiled to accommodate the greater distance between the body sites between which the elongated member extends. In a preferred embodiment, the tool is first rotated in one direction to coil a desired length of the elongated member within the cavity and then rotated in the other direction to uncoil and recoil all but a portion of the outermost coil spiral.

Abstract: A reusable strip of perforated stainless steel for use following prophylaxis to remove any remaining plaque, calculus, and stains from interproximal surfaces and contact areas of the teeth without abrading or damaging tooth enamel.

Abstract: Preparation and use of polyvinylpyridine and iodine (PVP.n I.sub.2) as cathode materials for electrochemical cells.

Abstract: An operating and down-pressure hydraulic control system for vehicle-mounted implements such as earth compactors and the like. The assembly of hydraulic cylinders, valving and a hydraulic accumulator provided herein operates as a hydraulic system to raise, lower and otherwise position an implement and to provide down-pressure to it. The assembly also permits the hydraulic support of the implement to flex, while maintaining down-pressure on it, when the ground surface elevation rises or falls away relative to the implement as it moves over the ground being worked.

Abstract: A body implantable lead of the type having a lead body, at least one electrode carried by the lead body and tissue engaging tines extending at an acute angle from the lead body at a location adjacent the electrode. The present invention correlates the tensile stiffness of the lead body with the stiffness of the tines to optimize the tine holding force. The tines provide an adequate holding force to minimize unintentional lead dislodgements without requiring in an excessive force for intentional dislodgement of the lead for repositioning. Tine length and the angle at which they extend from the lead body are also discussed as affecting the probability of tine engagement with cardiac structure as well as having an effect on the holding force. In a preferred embodiment, the lead body has a spring constant (as defined herein) of 2.0 lb-in./10 in. or less and a tine stiffness (also defined herein) of less than 5.times.10.sup.-3 lb-in..sup.2.

Abstract: A cardiac pacemaker of the type responsive to heart activity to affect the operation of the pacemaker. Detecting circuitry detects the presence of signals representative of natural heart activity. In a preferred embodiment, bias circuitry establishes the sensitivity of the detecting circuit, the sensitivity being altered during the provision of an output signal to enhance the response of the detecting circuit to the natural heart activity representative signals. In essence, hysteresis is provided in that the sensitivity of the detecting circuit is increased during initiation of the output signal and reduced during termination of that signal.

Abstract: An alloy of gold, palladium, silver, copper, zinc and a small quantity of boron is provided to produce an alloy having a pleasing yellow color, high tarnish resistance and a hardness suitable for use as a material for rings and similar jewelry.

Abstract: A connector for interconnecting joists which define triangular panel roof areas of a geodesic dome and comprised of a metal sleeve having a plurality of circumferentially spaced openings extending therethrough and a plurality of metal tongues secured to the adjacent ends of the joists at their junction point and extending radially inwardly through the sleeve openings, each having a tapered pin extending through its tongue and bearing against the inner surface of the sleeve to cam the joists' ends against the exterior of the sleeve and thereby hold the same in rigid fixed relation to the sleeve.