Abstract: Substantially continuous fluid delivery in a variable-speed peristaltic pump is achieved by operating the pump at maximum speed through most of the deadband regardless of the delivery rate. Safety means are disclosed to monitor the correct operation of the speed control.

Abstract: An intraocular lens for implantation within the eye comprising an optic having an optical axis, concave anterior and posterior faces and an interior gas-filled chamber. The chamber has concave forward and rear surfaces which extend transverse to the optical axis. A fixation member fixes the optic within the eye. The optic and fixation member are both constructed of a soft, deformable material.

Abstract: Apparatus for directing the tip of a scoping instrument having an elongated image transmitting optical system. The elongated optical system is slidably received within the tubular member of a directing cannula mechanism having a bending section at its distal end. The optical system is then held against longitudinal movement relative to the cannula mechanism at a location distant from the distal end. The cannula mechanism can be rotated on its axis for moving the tip of the optical system through 360.degree. of azimuth. A control mechanism is operable from a proximal end of the directing cannula mechanism and includes a single cable which extends through the tubular member to an annular member at the extremity of the distal end. When the desired azimuthal position of the cannula mechanism is achieved the cable is tensioned, enabling the annular member, and with it the tip of the optical system, to be deflected through an arc of 90.degree., or more.

Abstract: An assembly comprising an intraocular lens and a lens case. The intraocular lens includes an optic and at least one fixation member attached to the optic, with the fixation member having a desired configuration. The lens case has an optic cavity for receiving the optic and a fixation member cavity for holding the fixation member in substantially the desired configuration.

Abstract: An improved structure for directing the flow of blood and blood foam onto a heat exchanger in a bubble blood oxygenator is disclosed. An extended skirt extends from the plate where venous blood and oxygen are mixed to the top of the heat exchanger of the blood oxygenator. Blood and blood foam flow downwardly uniformly over the mixing plate and evenly onto the heat exchanger. Full utilization of the heat exchanger may thereby be more easily achieved.

Abstract: An automatic system for analyzing specimens which have been selectively treated. The specimens are arranged in a plurality of specimen trays with each tray containing a plurality of specimens. Tray towers support a plurality of specimen trays. A work station selectively moves the trays one at a time from the tower to selectively deliver reagent or analyze the specimen in the tray. A control system is adapted to sequentially actuate the work station to properly sequence the system so that the reagents are administered to the respective specimen and the specimen have been analyzed after a desired incubating period.

Abstract: A system for testing plastic cuvette belts for leak holes in the cuvettes comprises an array of conductive probes which are inserted into respective ones of a group of adjacent cuvettes. Alternate probes are biased to opposite high potentials sufficient to create arcing between the probes through any faulty seal in the cuvettes. A grounded electrode outside the cuvette enables holes to the outside to be detected also.

Abstract: A catheter comprising an elongated catheter body having a proximal end and at least one lumen therein opening at the proximal end, at least one extension tube, and a coupling for coupling the extension tube to the catheter body. The coupling includes an insert having a passage extending therethrough for receiving a portion of the extension tube and a main body extending over at least portions of the insert and a proximal region of the catheter body for use in retaining the extension tube, insert and catheter body together. The main body has at least one passage for use in joining the passage of the extension tube to the lumen.

Abstract: A ligator device has handles which are linked to a center slide to make the same move rearwardly when the handles are squeezed together. A pair of jaws surround the front of the slide top and bottom and are connected to it so as to open when the handles are released and close when the handles are squeezed. The forward ends of the jaws carry anvils which, when closed, squeeze ligating clips shut which are supplied from a magazine.

Abstract: Previously undesired artifacts in a color signal used in fiberoptic cardiac catheters to measure blood oxygenation levels are used to produce indications of blood flow and true pulse. For this purpose, the color signal is band-pass filtered to derive a DC mean signal level .mu. and an AC signal containing only those frequencies at which the signal is affected by blood flow variations. The RMS value of that band-pass-filtered AC signal (which corresponds to the standard deviation .sigma. of the AC signal) is divided by the DC value .mu. to produce a .sigma./.mu. signal representative of flood flow. By clipping the AC signal and using the resulting square wave to drive a one-shot multivibrator, an indication of the patient's true pulse can be obtained.

Abstract: An assembly for identifying the results of a specimen analysis wherein such specimen analysis occurs in an array of discrete cells. The assembly includes a housing having top, bottom, end walls, and sidewalls. An array receiving recess is provided on the top wall for receiving and holding in a fixed position the array of the discrete cells. An ultrasonic signal producing stylus is provided for selectively producing an ultrasonic signal adjacent a cell in the array in which the results of the analysis are to be identified. A first ultrasonic signal transducer is provided on the top wall for converting the ultrasonic signal from the ultrasonic signal generator to a first electrical signal. A second ultrasonic signal transducer is provided on the top wall for converting the ultrasonic signal from the ultrasonic signal generator to a second electrical signal.

Abstract: An apparatus for injecting a fluid into the heart and making temperature measurements within the pulmonary artery comprising an elongated flexible tube having a distal end portion, a temperature sensor mounted on the distal end portion, a peripheral wall, at lest one lumen extending longitudinally within the tube and an injectate port opening in the peripheral wall proximally of the temperature sensor. The tube can be advanced through a vein, the right atrium and the right ventricle to place the distal end portion in the pulmonary artery and the injectate port in the right atrium facing generally toward the inferior vena cave. The temperature sensor is oriented on the distal end portion so as to materially reduce the likelihood that it will contact the wall of the pulmonary artery during use.

Abstract: An endoscope comprising a reusable eyepiece and a disposable distal section mounted on the eyepiece in a predetermined angular orientation so that light can be conducted from the eyepiece through the distal section and an image can be conducted from the distal section to the eyepiece. Image conduction is accomplished, in part, by a somewhat resilient, nontubular image-conducting rod. Focusing is accomplished by a focusing ring which rotates, but does not translate, on the housing. The distal section is adapted to be at least partially received within a patient and can be introduced by an introducer attached to the distal section.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method of using soft biological tissue to interface between a surgically implanted prosthesis, tendon or ligament, and the surface of resected bone to promote the even remodeling of said resected bone.

Abstract: An implant device having a passageway and an anchor means for establishing a biological anchor both formed from either pyrolitic carbon disposed or a graphite subtrate or virneous carbon. The passageway having an inlet inclined with respect to the passageway outlet from between 45 and 75 degrees.

Abstract: A disposable collector for surgical implements which utilizes a pair of sponge plastic pads movable between a coplanar position to receive surgical implements, such as semicircular-shaped surgical needles and a folded position with their peripheral or frame portions in mutual contact to form an enclosure having depressed areas defining rows and columns of implement receiving elements, bordered by areas of depressions.In one embodiment the implement receiving elements are completely surrounded by depressed portions; in another embodiment a pair of crescent-shaped depressed portions extend in opposite directions from the implement receiving elements.

Abstract: An apparatus for administering a fluid from a source to a patient comprising a flexible conduit extending from the source to the patient and a roller clamp, including a rotary member which rotates and translates to restrict the conduit to control the flow of fluid to the patient. The roller clamp is retained in position, and a motor drives the rotary member to the desired position.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for blood dialysis. The device includes a plurality of semipermeable tubules for transporting blood therethrough. Distribution means are positioned adjacent the exterior of the tubules for admitting a dialysis solution which is passed along the outside of the tubules. The tubules are preferably arranged in a configuration such that the packing density of the tubules is between about 20% and about 50%, and preferably between about 25% and about 35%. This packing density insures adequate distribution of the dialysate solution as it is passed along the length of the tubules. The tubules may be wrapped and similarly curved; in a preferred embodiment they are spirally oriented. The configuration of the tubules allows for the movement of the tubule in a predetermined manner such that tubule masking is substantially prevented.