Abstract: A medication compliance monitoring system consisting of a blister pack having an array of plastic blisters defining compartments for medication, with a frangible non-conductive backing sheet having conductive traces behind the compartments which are respectively ruptured when the medication doses are removed. The blister pack is detachably connected to an electronic memory circuit via a multi-terminal male connector tab on the backing sheet, wired to the conductive traces, and a corresponding female connector with terminals wired to the electronic memory circuit. The electronic memory circuit addresses each individual trace periodically at a constant time interval over a predetermined extended period of time to determine if it is intact. The electronic memory circuit detects the ruptures and stores the time data thereof over said extended period of time.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for the hemodialysis of the blood of kidney failure patients. The concentration of the dialysis solution is initially selected so that the solution osmolality approximates the osmolality of the patient's blood. The dialysis solution concentration is then reduced linearly as a function of time as the dialysis is carried out. The conductivity of the dialysis solution is measured and compared with high and low limit references. If the conductivity is outside the limits, an alarm is given and the concentration of the dialysis solution is held constant. A timer controls a proportional pumping means to reduce the concentration of the dialysis solution and concurrently reduces the conductivity reference limits for the alarm.

Abstract: A system for controlling the operation of an electrically powered prosthetic appliance which replaces an amputee's missing limb. The method employed consists of conducting electromyographic (EMG) signals from the stump of the missing limb and processing the signals so as to reduce them to a near minimum number of linear time series model parameters effective to differentiate between each of the several functions performed by the missing limb from each other function thereof. A filter array carried by the amputee subsequently employs the identified parameters such that each individual filter of the array is tuned according to a set of parameters related to one of the limb functions considered. The myoelectric (EMG or ME) signal as obtained at a surface electrode worn by the amputee is fed to each filter of the above array of filters, and the outputs of these various filters are used for a decision by the system as to which limb function should be actuated.

Abstract: Iodinatable bile salt derivatives are obtained by providing bile salts and their glycine and taurine conjugates with iodinatable groups. The radioiodinated compounds are useful in the radioimmunoassay of bile salts and in physiological studies. The preferred compound is cholylglycylhistamine. The synthesis of radioiodinated conjugates and their purification by extraction and silica gel chromatography are described.

Abstract: A permanently attached artificial limb comprises an endoprosthesis in combination with an artificial tendon attachment. The artificial tendon attachment permits the use of existing skeletal muscles to power external articulating mechanical joints of the endoprosthesis device. The artificial tendon penetrates the skin and provides a strong interface with existing skeletal muscles.

Abstract: An electrically controlled pawl and ratchet mechanism on a prosthetic device to increase the lifting ability of the system throughout the excursion range thereof and without opening the system's terminal device. A ratchet wheel is positively connected to and driven by the forearm pulley assembly of the prosthetic system and an electrically controlled pawl is used therewith to provide uni-directional braking action, which inhibits opening of the associated terminal device. The device is self-locking on engagement of the pawl with the ratchet wheel under torque application conditions. Reduction of the applied torque to zero subsequently causes disengagement of the pawl, and the terminal device may then be freely used. The pawl is controlled by a solenoid which is energized for a timed period by a timer operated responsive to command energization of the system motor.

Abstract: A joint lock and cable arrangement for an externally powered prosthesis, the arrangement allowing shoulder and/or elbow joint movement of a prosthesis through the use of a single driving motor. The joint lock system includes a release solenoid and an electronic circuit which couples the solenoid and the driving motor, the release solenoid being activated to cause locking at a timed period after the motor is energized, so as to permit the desired operation of the associated joint for such timed period. The arrangement enables the use of a single motor to drive the shoulder joint and elbow joint of a prosthesis, and provides operation of a terminal device when both joints are in locked condition.