Abstract: Apparatus is disclosed for aspiration of the operative site during open site surgery having automatic controls for responsively venting the aspiration system to atmosphere under certain conditions and for overriding the venting as desired comprising a continuously operating pump for providing suction, an aspiration line connected to the pump, a venting valve and, an aspiration valve in the aspiration line, a vacuum pressure responsive switch connected between the aspiration valve and the pump and a control system embodying activation switches and logic for controlling the operation of the valves.

Abstract: A handpiece electrical switch assembly is shown comprising a pair of electrical contacts having a dielectric spacer sandwiched between the contacts, the spacer having an opening therein all mounted on the handpiece, and a sliding activator mounted on the handpiece acting to cam a cantilevered finger against the electrical contacts forcing them into electrically conductive contact with each other.

Abstract: A novel electro-optical switch is shown comprising a fixedly mounted lamp, a solid state photo-responsive transistor mounted in position to receive light from the lamp for responsively switching from one state to a second state and actuation means intermediate the transistor and the lamp for obstructing the light path between the lamp and the transistor.

Abstract: Brassiere tapes having a body portion and a pair of overlapping tabs extending outwardly therefrom are manufactured by providing a continuous strip of the tape having elements thereon and layers of material in the body portion and in each of the tabs weldable with ultrasonic vibratory energy, and separating the tabs physically from each other and simultaneously maintaining the tabs in acoustical energy coupling relationship to each other, such that the individual layers of material in the strip may be simultaneously severed and welded across the body portion and the tabs when interposed between an ultrasonically vibrating horn and an anvil, except for the layers of material in the tabs physically separated from each other. Advancing of the strip is accomplished on an intermittent basis between the horn and the anvil by means of the elements for continuously producing the tapes having a desired number of elements thereon.

Abstract: A fluidic control system for use in irrigation and aspiration of the anterior chamber of the eye during ultrasonic emulsification of a cataract therein. The system comprises a handpiece with an (ultrasonically vibrated) hollow tip, the hollow tip being connected to the fluid withdrawal or aspirating portion, while an annular passage around the tip is used to introduce fluid for irrigation purposes. The aspirating portion comprises a withdrawal hose attached to the output manifold of the handpiece in fluid communication with the hollow tip, a constant flow pump attached to the other end of the withdrawal hose, and a vacuum relief valve connected to the withdrawal hose intermediate the pump and the handpiece. The irrigation portion comprises a fluid supply bottle at a predetermined height above the eye, and administration set attached to the bottle, and an inflow hose attached to the intake manifold of the handpiece and in fluid communication with the annular passage.

Abstract: A contactless activity and respiration monitor is described which includes a resilient, capacitive pad, which may be a mattress, or a pad used with a mattress, having a capacitor therein responsive to the activity or respiration of a body lying on it. Electronic capacitance sensing circuitry is disclosed which provides an indication or alarm in the event of excessive activity or apnea, or low or high respiration rate. Readouts of respiration rate, and number of events of activity may also be provided. Circuits are disclosed for filtering out large static or relatively long term changes in the capacitance of the capacitive pad while maintaining the high sensitivity necessary to sense movements caused by respiration.

Abstract: Method and apparatus are disclosed for use in surgically removing tumorous neurological tissue which apparatus comprises a handpiece mounting a hollow tool tip vibrating transversely to its long axis in the ultrasonic range, means for introducing fluid adjacent the tool tip to flush the operative site area, and means adjacent the tool tip for withdrawing the fluid mixture from the site. The method comprises applying an ultrasonically vibrated tool to tumorous nerve tissue, while simultaneously introducing irrigation fluid to flush the area of the tissue and withdrawing the resulting mixture from the area adjacent the tool.

Abstract: An ultrasonic cutting apparatus comprising a tuning fork or U-shaped flexural member having legs on which cutting means are mounted, and an ultrasonic drive connected to the flexural member for inducing ultrasonic vibrations in the flexural member. Also disclosed herein is an ultrasonic drive member having a "folded over" resonant holder, and a piezoelectric crystal compressively mounted in the holder by coupling means for transmitting the ultrasonic excitation from the drive to the flexural member.

Abstract: An improved coaxial ophthalmoscope incorporating a light trap for absorbing substantially all of the light not utilized for illuminating the retina of the eye under examination and thereby preventing the unused light from reflecting back into the eye of the viewer thus obscuring the vision thereof.

Abstract: A handheld ultraviolet light applicator and power circuit for dental use is disclosed having a U-shaped argon filled glass ultraviolet lamp enclosed in a flat or curved lens and attached to a handle. Lamp excitation is supplied through a shielded cable from a power source having a high reactance transformer coupled to a fused safety circuit responsively cutting off power in the event of dangerous open circuit conditions.

Abstract: An ultrasonic hand-held cleaning device having a housing enclosing a casing, an energyzing winding about the casing, and a fluid conduit attached to the interior of the casing. A sleeve is insertably mounted into the end of the casing, and acts to support a connecting body at a spaced distance within the sleeve so as to form an annular space in fluid communication with the casing. A vibrator is attached at the casing end to the connecting body and is therefore located in the casing opposite the energyzing winding. A cleaning tool is attached at the other end of the connecting body. In one version fluid moving through the annular space is sprayed out an annular nozzle around the tool which is itself vibrating ultrasonically as a result of reverbretory vibrations induced by the vibrator. In a second preferred embodiment the connecting body has a ring at its nodal point, the sleeve being cut out to accomodate the ring and having two longitudinal slots for the passage of fluid.

Abstract: An ultrasonic cutting apparatus comprising a tuning fork or U-shaped flexural member having legs on which cutting means are mounted, and an ultrasonic drive connected to the flexural member for inducing ultrasonic vibrations in the flexural member. Also disclosed herein is an ultrasonic drive member having a "folded over" resonant holder, and a piezoelectric crystal compressively mounted in the holder by coupling means for transmitting the ultrasonic excitation from the drive to the flexural member.