Abstract: An electronic algesimeter adapted to determine by cutaneous sensation the threshold of pain experienced by a patient at any skin site on the body. The instrument includes a hand-held, pressure-sensitive transducer having projecting therefrom a sensor constituted by a pointed probe. When the point of the probe is pressed against the skin, the transducer then yields an electrical signal proportional to the applied pressure, this signal being fed to a resettable digital display. And when the pressure applied to the skin reaches a threshold value at which the patient experiences pain, a switch is actuated by the patient or the examiner to retain the digital indication at that value whereby it may be read by the examining physician and recorded after the instrument is withdrawn from the skin.

Abstract: A super-thin enuresis alarm comprising a buzzer case, a printed circuit board, a melody producing integrated circuit and a wet induction conductor can make a musical sound when the diaper in which it is put is wet.

Abstract: An electrosurgical generating system including an electrosurgical generator; a handpiece including an active electrode connected to the generator for applying electrosurgical current from the generator to a patient; and an initializing device or circuit for making an initial determination as to whether the handpiece includes power changing switches for changing the level of the output power delivered from the generator to the patient. Assuming the handpiece does include such switches, circuitry is also disclosed for limiting the amount the power can be increased or decreased from the handpiece. Also circuitry is disclosed for effecting the power increase or decrease in incremental steps.

Abstract: A device and method for determining and acting upon the pressure in a balloon sleeve which closes a tracheal tube in the trachea of a patient comprises an inflation cannula which is connected to a pump and valve arrangement for inflating the sleeve. A pressure-to-voltage converter is connected to the cannula for sensing an instantaneous static pressure in the cannula. A differentiator is connected to the converter for differentiating the static pressure to produce a signal corresponding to pressure variations in the sleeve. The varying voltage corresponding to the pressure variations is then rectified and integrated to produce a signal that rises and falls with rising and falling frequency of pressure variations in the sleeve. If the rate becomes too high or too low, a signal is generated which is then again integrated to provide for transient unacceptable conditions.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for monitoring a subject to detect the occurrence of apnea, wherein the respiration rate and amplitude of the subject is detected by a plurality of electrodes for a predetermined initial time interval of a plurality of breath to produce a measure of the average respiration volume of the subject, the latter measurement is stored, and is compared with the detected respiration rate and amplitude of the subject during subsequent time intervals. A signal is generated whenever a detected average volume falls below the reference average volume by a predetermined percentage.

Abstract: A cervical mucus extractor embodying a semi-flexible hemispherical cup carried at the end of a tube for insertion into the vagina to position the cup over the cervix, with a plunger extending coaxially within the tube and terminating in a tip that, by operation of the plunger, is inserted through the cup into contact with cervical mucus, the same being removable therefrom to extract the desired sample of such mucus, as for testing.

Abstract: A variable alternating current output nerve locator/stimulator comprising a hollow substantially cylindrical enclosure configured to operatively house a direct current power source electrically coupled to a current power convertor including circuitry to convert the direct current to alternating current electrically coupled to a current regulator, a nerve probe electrically coupled to the current regulator and a ground electrically coupled to the direct current power source, a removable nerve probe cover and a removable ground cover removably attached to opposite ends of the hollow substantially cylindrical enclosure to permit selective withdrawal of the ground from the hollow substantially cylindrical enclosure and application of the nerve probe to the patient after adjustment of the current regulator to control the alternating current from the direct current power source.

Abstract: An automatic dose meter and control circuit arrangement of switching and of analog modes of operation, especially for ultrasonic therapeutic apparatus. The efficiency of ultrasonic therapy depends to a great extent on the dose received by the patient. The essence of the invention lines in that a signal proportional to the dose get by the patient is generated and processed, and the operation of an ultrasonic generator feeding the treatment head is controlled with this signal. The duration of the treatment is determined in the function of the dose get by the patient, in this way the dose will always be equal to the predetermined value. The automatic dose meter and control circuit arrangement can be realized in two different types: analog mode of operation and switching mode of operation.

Abstract: A gaseous dispensing instrument and method for dispensing carbon dioxide gas into the fallopian tube canals of a female is disclosed. The instrument uses a manually operable pump vented to the atmosphere that communicates with a balloon secured to the end of a cannula. Upon insertion of the deflated balloon and cannula through the cervical opening into the uterine cavity, the balloon is expanded and partially withdrawn against the inner walls of the uterine cavity to seal the same. A chamber is charged with carbon dioxide, and upon the balloon being in place in the uterine cavity, gas is released into the uterine cavity and fallopian tube canals through a separate passage in the cannula.

Abstract: An improved biopsy needle suitable for obtaining a core sample from a prostate gland. A handle which may be held in the palm of the physician's hand is provided with a forward extending guide tube. A cannula with a sharpened distal end is slidably disposed within the guide tube and is movable by a thumb tab from a retracted position within the guide tube to an extended position in which the cutting edge extends from the guide tube. A sampling stylet having a sharpened distal end and a sample-collecting slot therein is telescopically disposed within the cannula and projects from the rear of the handle. A knob at the proximal end of the stylet permits movement from a retracted position in which the pointed tip of the stylet projects slightly from the distal end of the guide tube to an extended position in which the pointed distal end extends from the guide tube distal end.

Abstract: A monitor system is provided for a device used in the treatment of sleep apnea. The device engages the user's tongue in a socket. The tongue is thereby held in a forward position, increasing the size of the air passageway, while at the same time flow of air through the mouth is blocked. The monitor is responsive to the position of the tongue in the socket and activates an alarm when the tongue slips out of the socket. One example of such a monitor includes circuitry with a thermistor. Thermistor temperature changes are used to generate a voltage that enables alarm and recording circuitry.

Abstract: An instrument for inserting a plurality of hollow needles into a body for interstitial radiotherapy comprising a unit having a pair of elongated members each having first and second ends and providing clamping portion at the first ends and a handle at the second ends. The members are pivotally connected intermediate their ends for movement between closed and opened conditions by actuation of the handle, and the clamping portion engages the needles when the members are in the closed condition and disengages and releases the needles when the members are in the opened condition.

Abstract: In the diagnostic evaluation of the measurement of head rotations for the functional examination of the cervical portion of the spine and the upper dorsal column it is to be noted that the head rotates not only with reference to that axial system which corresponds to the measuring system arranged between the holder and the supporting device, but also performs a three-dimensional movement in space. When tilting the head, e.g., the same not only rotates about a horizontal, frontal axis (parallel ear-to-ear) but also moves forward and downward. Even more complex are rotary or lateral tilting movements of the head which, beyond a certain extend of displacement, proceed only with a three-dimensional motion of the head. Yet the rotations of the head in a broader sense, including the ancillary movements referred to, are what permits more accurate conclusions as to the function of the spine. Analogous conditions apply to other sequences of movement with multijointed motion progressions, e.g. of the extremities.

Abstract: An ECG electrode pad comprising a flexible non-conductive pad with a plurality of ECG electrodes positioned thereon to correspond with the anatomically correct placement for precordial ECG electrodes to be utilized in electrocardiographic monitoring or recording.

Abstract: An arrangement for noninvasively detecting both alternating and direct biocurrents in a living organism applies a magnetic field to the organism, such that a biocurrent flowing in the organism interacts with the applied magnetic field to generate a force in the tissue of the organism at the location of the biocurrent, producing an acoustic response thereat. The acoustic response is detected by placing at least one acoustic transducer detector, such as a microphone, in proximity to the organism, such that the detected acoustic response corresponds to the biocurrent. The applied magnetic field can be generated by a circular array of magnetic field generators placed symmetrically about the organism. The applied magnetic field can be rotated relative to the organism by selectively energizing opposite pairs of magnetic field generators in sequence.

Abstract: Acoustic signals generated by muscles during contraction are used, in accordance with the invention, to generate signals responsive to muscle activity, measure muscle fatigue and excitation-contraction decoupling, provide a biofeedback response, control cybernetic systems, and control prosthetic devices. Such myoacoustic signals, when compared against myoelectric signals permit the extent of contraction of muscles to be compared against the excitation thereto. Moreover, a plurality of such myoacoustic signals can be compared synchronously against one another in a multichanneled recorder to analyse dynamic muscle problems, such as situations which result in poor posture and improper gait. These myoacoustic signals can also be used to drive prosthetic devices which are currently driven by myoelectric signals. It is an advantage of the present invention that myoacoustic signals can be analyzed using circuitry which is currently available and in use for analyzing myoelectric signals.

Abstract: A probe for studying the visco-elastic behavior of sphincters of living organisms is comprised of an expansible head formed by three articulated groups disposed radially at 120.degree. intervals about a central axis. Each of the articulated groups is composed of a cross-piece which interconnects a rigid member, carrying a strain gauge on its outer surface, to the central axis. The cross-pieces are articulated at one end about the opposite ends of the rigid member and are articulated at the other end about two blocks which are carried by the central axis. The cross-pieces are constructed such that rotation of the central axis causes the distance between the rigid elements and the central axis to vary. A flexible shaft couples the central axis to a motor.

Abstract: A contactor for diagnostic or therapeutic purposes has a nonmetallic suction cup surrounding a recessed electrode which comprises a contact plate of compressed or sintered silver powder admixed with a silver salt, e.g. silver chloride, supported on a conductive body of graphite. A metallic tube traversed by an airstream, communicating through a lateral orifice with the interior of the suction cup, passes through a bore of the graphite body to form part of a conductive connection between the electrode and a remote voltage source. The tube is silver-coated in its area of contact with the graphite body, as is a grub screw holding that tube in position within that body.

Abstract: A direct contact hyperthermia applicator includes an ultrasonic lens with an array of ultrasonic transducers and an array of microwave antenna elements mounted behind the lens and positioned for transmission of ultrasonic wave energy and microwave energy therethrough. The antenna elements can be waveguide sections having radiating apertures or microstrip antenna elements. A fluid enclosure is defined between the front surface of the lens and a thin rubber sheet sealed around the periphery of the lens. During hyperthermia treatment, the rubber sheet conforms to the contours of the patient's body. The fluid, which is typically cooled distilled water, improves coupling of microwave energy and ultrasonic wave energy into the patient's body and cools the surface region.

Abstract: An aspiration biopsy device in the form of a modified syringe having a pair of valves therein and a holding structure to hold the piston of the syringe in a desired vacuum creating location. In a first embodiment there is a stop cock type open-shut valve between the needle and the syringe body, a hole in the side of the syringe barrel intermediate the ends thereof and a spring, which when the stop cock is closed, biases the piston to a vacuum creating position with the piston head located between the hole and the needle. In a second embodiment, instead of the hole in the side of the barrel being intermediate the ends thereof, the hole is located near the needle mounting end of the barrel and an open-shut valve controls the opening and closing of such hole. In a third embodiment of this invention, instead of the spring of the first two embodiments, a physical stop arrangement is carried by the piston and the barrel to hold the piston in its vacuum creating position.