Abstract: A non-contact tonometer having a fluid pulse generating system for causing corneal applanation is improved by changing the pressure versus time characteristics of the fluid pulse from a linearly increasing relationship of the prior art to a non-linearly increasing relationship which reduces the impulse energy delivered to the eye during testing for purposes of patient comfort. In a preferred embodiment, an automatically driven piston for producing an air pulse is provided with a linearly increasing current source for driving the piston mechanism, whereby the pressure ramp of the air pulse increases as a squared function of time to reduce impulse energy delivered to the eye.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for altering a function of neural tissue in a patient. An electromagnetic signal is applied to the neural tissue through an electrode. The electromagnetic signal has a frequency component above the physiological stimulation frequency range and an intensity sufficient to produce an alteration of the neural tissue, the alteration causing the patient to experience a reduction in pain, and a waveform that prevents lethal temperature elevation of the neural tissue during application of the electromagnetic signal to the neural tissue.

Abstract: Device for introduction into a human or animal body, especially into an artery, specifically to be positioned in an aneurysmal sac in an artery between the wall of the artery and the wall of an endoprosthesis, comprising at least a pressure sensor and a transponder for wireless transmitting data available from the pressure sensor.

Abstract: An anatomic torsion monitor includes an examination table (A) equipped with forcibly extendable pads (54, 56) which are utilized to rotationally displace a patient (P) about the patient's transverse axis. A laser (84), or other such pointer, is disposed on a platform (90) which rests across the abdomen of the patient (P) to measure the rotational displacement. The output of the laser (84) is projected onto a scaled chart (100). Clockwise and counterclockwise rotational displacements of the patient (P) as a function of applied forces are obtained by reading the projection of the laser (84) on the scaled chart (100) as the forces are applied and withdrawn. Plotting the rotational displacement versus force on a Cartesian coordinate system produces a continuous, bounded, four quadrant hysteresis loop (116).

Abstract: A quantitative process for monitoring female fertility cycle wherein the process involves directing a laser beam, preferably generated by a diode laser, onto an area of a slide containing an air-dried sample of a female body fluid. The diffraction pattern resulting from the sample is detected by a two-dimensional photo diode array and analyzed by a microprocessor. If a ferning pattern exists, such pattern will generate a characteristic structure in the diffraction pattern which is then detected by the photo diode array. If no ferning occurs, the corresponding diffraction pattern will be structureless. The microprocessor is programmed with an algorithm to produce a quantitative index of ferning indicating quantitatively the ferning level. Preferably, a plurality of spots on the sample are measured to determine the ferning level at each spot, and the microprocessor then makes a final determination as to final ferning level on the basis of the test results of all of the spots.

Abstract: The three dimensional device is adapted to be inserted into a portion of a vasculature for occluding the portion of the vasculature for use in interventional therapy and vascular surgery. The device is formed from a multi-stranded microcable having a plurality of flexible strands of a shape memory material and at least one radiopaque strand. The flexible strands in a multi-stranded micro-cable of the device can be helically wound, or can be configured as parallel, longitudinal strands, and can also be formed to have a secondary, three dimensional therapeutic configuration, such as helical, conical, spherical, or other geometric shapes. The strands can be made of a shape memory nickel titanium alloy, that is highly flexible at a temperature appropriate for introduction into the body via a catheter, and that after placement will take on the therapeutic shape.

Abstract: Apparatus for monitoring oro-nasal respiration. A pair of nasal prongs, suitable for insertion into the lower portion of the nares, join together via a small plenum chamber to form a single tube conveying the nasal pressure towards an electrical pressure transducer. Another prong is held in proximity with the patient's mouth. A baffle element extends downwards from a location above the open end of the prong to redirect a portion of oral airflow. The oral tube extends towards the electrical pressure transducers and conjoins with the nasal tube at a junction to form a common tube connected to the pressure transducer. The relative lengths and/or diameters of the nasal tube and the oral tube are arranged so that the respective pneumatic impedances are different, so that the contributions of respiratory airflow from each of said tubes are substantially equal.

Abstract: A novel method and apparatus of monitoring brain wave activity in a patient allows the patient to be mobile during the monitoring. A size adjustable skull cap is fitted to the patient. In the skull cap a plurality of sensors monitor the patient's brain waves and transmit the data with a polydirectional antenna over a wireless connection to a supporting system. The supporting system processes, correlates and allows a physician to review, edit and annotate the data obtained from monitoring the patient.

Abstract: An ear wax-removal assembly includes a funnel-shaped speculum that is inserted into a patient's ear canal, and an ear wax repository which is articulated to the speculum. The repository can take the form of a cavity, a sheet, or a suction mechanism. In each case, the position of the speculum governs the position of the repository, and both are controlled by a physician during the ear wax removal procedure. The assembly eliminates the use of a separate gauze sheet for removal of dislodged ear wax from the cleaning tool, which gauze sheet is typically placed on the shoulder of the patient; and the assembly also eliminates the need for an attendant for cleaning dislodged ear wax from the cleaning tool.

Abstract: Small bandwidth frequency ranges are disclosed for frequency transformation and processing of EEG signals for determining sleeping staging with a sleep staging index (S.sub.F) in which a frequency transformation of a time domain EEG signal from an EEG measuring device is supplied in a plurality of sub-band frequency ranges a, b, and c. Processing of the frequency domain transformed data is performed which ascertains values A, B, and C representative of the frequency range a from 4.75 to 6.75 Hz, the frequency range b from 12.75 to 18.5 Hz, and the frequency range c from 18.75 to 35.0 Hz or representative of least two of said frequency ranges and determines therefrom a sleep staging index S.sub.F.

Abstract: In a method for improving cardiac function, a compressive device is inserted into an intrapericardial space about a lower end portion of a heart. Thereafter the compressive device is operated to compress and close off lower portions of both ventricles of the heart.

Abstract: A small volume blood collection apparatus and method. A capillary tube has an end cap on each end thereof. Each end cap has a passage formed therethrough, a plug for selectively closing the passage and a flexible arm extending between the plug and a base portion of the end cap. A Luer surface is defined on each end cap.

Abstract: The invention relates generally to methods and apparatus for inducing hypothermia in an animal. Known methods for inducing hypothermia all involve cooling the outside or inside of an animal, sometimes in conjuction with drugs that disable the animal's homeostatic responses. The present invention is directed to a method and apparatus for applying heat to the hypothalamus of a warm-blooded animal in order to utilize the physiological mechanisms that regulate body temperature to effect a compensatory cooling response, thereby lowering body temperature. It is new and unsuggested in the art to apply heat in an effort to reduce body temperature.

Abstract: A jacket for placement over a heart to constrain congestive heart failure related expansion includes a biocompatible fabric formed into a pouch having a base end and an apical end with an interior of the pouch sized to receive a patient's heart. The base end has a peripheral edge defining a base opening sized to pass an apex of the heart through the base opening. The heart is slipped into the interior of the pouch with the apical end facing the apex of the heart and with the base end facing toward a base of the heart. At the base end, the fabric is folded over for the peripheral edge to have at least a double layer of the fabric. The double layer terminates at a free edge on an outer surface of the pouch and is spaced from the peripheral edge. In an additional embodiment, the fabric includes a side edge of opposing fabric surfaces extending from the apical end to the base end. The opposing fabric surfaces are joined by a stitch assembly.

Abstract: A process and device to determine the image of the nasal and/or buccal respiratory flow of a user, in which a respiratory gas at at least one pressure level is administered by means of at least one blower driven by a motor. The current consumed by the blower motor is continuously measured and a consumed current signal is generated. The consumed current signal is processed and an image of the nasal and/or buccal respiratory flow of the user is determined from the processed current signal.

Abstract: A human female cervical specimen gathering device is disclosed which can be self administered by women. The device consists of a cardboard tube that houses a retractable sponge, The handle is adapted to allow it to serve as a screw-cap lid, once the device is inserted into a conical tube containing fixative or preservative. After transport to the lab the tube call easily be agitated to liberate cells, centrifuged, and prepared as a thin smear for cytology or DNA probes.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a pulse wave detecting device for detecting pulse waves, and to a pulse measurer employing this pulse wave detecting device. The present invention addresses the problem of obtaining a pulse wave signal in which the noise components have been suitably removed from a pulse waveform, and of determining the pulse rate with high accuracy based on this pulse wave signal.The method for deriving the pulse wave signal and pulse rate is as follows.The pulse wave signal from pulse wave detecting sensor unit (30) is temporarily stored in buffer (503). When impulse noise is detected in the pulse wave signal in buffer (503) by impulse noise detecting means (505), the band pass for first digital filter (506) becomes a hill-shaped curve centered on the frequency corresponding to the preceding pulse rate, and impulse noise in the pulse wave signal output from buffer (503) is decreased.

Abstract: A phacoemulsification apparatus including a personal computer for displaying, storing and transmitting data relating to a surgical operation. Preferably, the personal computer is operated by MICROSOFT WINDOWS 95 or 98 software to take advantage of various communication applications.

Abstract: A sampling apparatus for sampling body fluid includes a sampler having an external geometry selected to mate with an internal geometry of a testing apparatus such that the sampler may be inserted within the testing apparatus in a predetermined alignment--and with a sampling location positioned accurately within a light path for detecting an amount of a desired constituent within fluid collected by the sampler.

Abstract: A blood viscosity measuring system and method that monitors the rising head of a column of fluid representing a living being's blood in-vivo to determine the blood viscosity over a range of shears. The system includes a capillary tube, at least a portion of which is located within the vascular system of the being, and a riser tube, having a liquid therein coupled to the capillary tube. A sensor and associated microprocessor are provided to determine the change in the height of the liquid in the riser tube at plural points along the length of the tube from which the viscosity is calculated.