Abstract: A magnetic actuation urethral valve is adapted for inserting into the urethra of a patient who suffering from urinary incontinence in order to recover control of urine flow. The valve member is driven by a magnet rotor which is magnetically actuated by a rotating magnetic field generated from a controller outside the body. There is also an actuation device for the user to discharge by inserting an indwelling catheter into the valve in case the valve does not work for any reason.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for treating an occlusion or constriction, such as a stenosis in a blood vessel or other conduit in the body, as well as an apparatus and method for treating a tumor or cancerous area occurring around a conduit or duct in the body. The apparatus includes a catheter provided with a centering balloon including a catheter centering balloon encircling a portion of the catheter near its distal end. This centering balloon contains a plurality of thin spoke-like members. A second dilatation balloon attached to the surface of the catheter is used to treat the stenosed area. A radioactive source of material is included for treating the stenosis or cancer.

Abstract: A multi-function health device is provided that includes a gas inflatable short clothes, a gas inflatable short trousers, and at least one pair of gas inflatable tubes connected to gas transmission tubes. The user may selectably wear gas inflation tubes on the user's arms or legs, or the gas inflation tubes are used in combination with the gas inflatable short clothes or gas inflatable short trousers.

Abstract: An isolation unit for use with somatic healthcare has a framework of inflatable channels spaced apart, making the isolation unit self-supporting. Windows are located between the channels for allowing access to the interior of the isolation unit. At least one tube is situated in the isolation unit for circulating gas mixtures from the control unit. The isolation unit has a molecule structure allowing the tube to be connected to the corresponding tube of another module.

Abstract: There are provided weak magnetic warmth-keeping accessories, anti-hypnotic accessories, health and sanitation articles (excellent in anti-biotic property and anti-mold property) and those having cell-reproducing ability, each having weak magnetism of 2 to 20 gauss.

Abstract: This invention deals with inducing fibrinolysis in a human subject through electro-magnetic induction. The claimed method provides a non-invasive procedure to stimulate fibrinolysis in individuals such as quadriplegic patients, or others needing fibrinolytic stimulation.

Abstract: The present invention involves a time-resolved measurement method for the real time, non-invasive, simultaneous measurement of time-varying and other hemoglobin compartment saturation. This capability achieves absolute pulse oximetry and oximetry for tissue, without calibration based on a population of healthy people. Calculations conducted by the invention use quantitative measurement of tissue absorption spectrum for tissue saturation, and an amplitude of absorption oscillations for the time-varying hemoglobin compartments at various wavelengths. The invention illuminates tissue and senses light at predetermined distances apart on the tissue to be measured. Intensity and phase data are acquired from source-detector pairs to calculate absolute tissue optical properties from time-resolved measurement data, namely, a reduced scattering coefficient and an absorption coefficient.

Abstract: A low attenuation guide wire for use in combination with a radiation device for intravascular ionizing radiation therapy. The distal region of the guide wire is less attenuating to ionizing radiation than the proximal region and may be disposed adjacent the radiation emitting portion of the radiation device without significantly compromising the emission of radiation. Thus, the guide wire does not need to be removed or retracted in order to effectively deliver ionizing radiation to the vascular target site.

Abstract: A method for focal delivery of cells to a target tissue in an animal is provided wherein magnetic particles are inserted into cells and then administered into an animal. Focal delivery is accomplished by placement of a magnetic field around or adjacent to the target tissue to which the cells are to be delivered.

Abstract: An implant planning engine plans implants for radiotherapy, e.g., prostrate brachytherapy. The system optimizes intraoperative treatment planning on a real-time basis using a synergistic formulation of a genetic algorithm, multi-objective decision theory and a statistical sensitive analysis. A total solution for prostate seed implant brachytherapy is achieved.

Abstract: Methods for enhanced transdermal transport wherein the application of ultrasound is required only once for repeated or sustained transdermal extraction or delivery, over a period of time, rather than prior to each extraction or delivery. The method is applicable to analyte extraction, as well as for drug delivery. The method involves the initial application of an amount of low frequency ultrasound effective to permeabilize the skin or membrane followed by analyte extraction or drug delivery over a period of time. The initial application of ultrasound is effective to permeabilize the skin or membrane for at least about 30 minutes, preferably at least one to two hours, and more preferably up to four to ten hours. The ultrasound is preferably low frequency ultrasound, less than 2.5 MHz, more preferably less than 1 MHz.

Abstract: A light beam, which has been radiated out of a predetermined light source, is irradiated to the eyeball lying at a predetermined position. Each of intensity values of first and second backward scattered light beams of the light beam having been irradiated to the eyeball is detected. The first backward scattered light beam comes from an interface between the cornea of the eyeball and the ambient air, and the second backward scattered light beam comes from an interface between the cornea and the anterior aqueous chamber of the eyeball. A refractive index of the aqueous humor, which fills the anterior aqueous chamber, is calculated from the intensity values of the first and second backward scattered light beams.

Abstract: A movable mechanism (3) moves a first housing (1) having a light emitting element (4) mounted thereon and a second housing (2) having a photo sensing element (5) mounted thereon in a state that those housings are parallel to each other. The movable mechanism (3) includes a pair of knobs (15A and 15B) and a spring (11) urging those knobs to move apart from each other. When the knobs (15A and 15B), while resisting the force of the spring (11), are pressed so as to make a mutual approach of those knobs, the first housing (1) and the second housing (2) are moved apart from each other. At this time, a finger of a patient is placed between the housings, and an operator gradually lessens his force applied to the knobs (15A and 15B) and reduces the force to zero. Then, the finger is held between the first housing (1) and the second housing (2). In this case, the orientations of the axes of the light emitting element (4) and the photo sensing element (5) are variable irrespective of the thickness of the finger.

Abstract: A semen storage container containing the semen of a male pig is sealed with a stopper having a cone-shape vomiting portion whose point is closed at one end when the semen is used for artificial insemination, a predetermined portion of the cone-shape vomiting portion of the stopper is cut inserted into an insertion tube which is then inserted into the womb of female pig, thereby easily and cleanly carrying out artificial insemination. A window for confirming the amount of semen stored is added to the semen storage pack who se exterior is shading-printed to block a harmful ray of light such as direct ray of light, protecting the semen from deterioration.

Abstract: Near infrared rays of .lambda.1, .lambda.2, .lambda.3 in wavelength which are different from and near to one another are irradiated from a light source (2) to a part being measured (F) of a living body in such a state that vein bloodstream at the part being measured is stopped by applying a press force of a cuff (8), and the intensities of the transmitted near infrared rays of .lambda., .lambda.2, .lambda.3 in wavelength are detected by a photodetector (4) at the same time. In a processing circuit (14), the absorbance secondary differential value of the near infrared rays by the part being measured (F) is calculated on the basis of the transmitted light intensity detection values thus detected at the same time with respect to the three wavelengths, the variation width thereof within a predetermined time is calculated and then the blood sugar value in the living body is determined from the absorbance secondary differential value variation width on the basis of a calibration curve.

Abstract: A depth sensor is disclosed for sensing the position of a surgical device within a vessel wall during a surgical procedure. The depth sensor includes a housing, sensing assembly for sensing acoustic wave information generated during the surgical procedure, a processing assembly for processing the acoustic wave information received from the sensing assembly and a control assembly that receives data from the processing assembly thereby enabling operational control of the penetration device.

Abstract: A sexual stimulation apparatus for the sexual gratification of a woman or man, by simulating vaginal or anal intercourse, which generally includes a long hollow box or tube; with a seat for two persons on top; inside the container mechanical levers and cranks powered by an electric gear reduction motor; an on/off switch; a power indicator light; a ground fault interrupt circuit; a rheostat; and a dildo mounted on the end of a lever which is positioned underneath the seat so the dildo extends through a hole in the seat and thrusts in a generally vertical motion. The rotational speed of the electric motor is reduced by a gear box and is further reduced by the rheostat. The gear box rotates a hub. The hub has a radially mounted bar. A short, generally vertical rod with ball joints on each end is the link between the end of the bar and the end of a horizontal lever. This configuration acts to convert the rotational motion of the motor into the vertical reciprocating motion of the lever.

Abstract: A device suitable for influencing the ingestion of food via the mouth cavity of humans. The capacity of the mouth cavity is reduced with a view to reducing the body weight. This is accomplished by limiting the maximum degree to which the lower jaw can be opened.

Abstract: A light probe method and apparatus is provided for an infrared body chemistry measurement instrument. The light probe includes an illumination ring of a light-conducting material, having facets on an exterior circumferential surface, and an inner circumferential surface at about a forty-five degree angle, infrared light emitting devices positioned at each facet, a coaxially located optical detector, a shielding ring coaxially located between the optical detector and the illumination ring, and a cover having a central opening which exposes the optical detector, the shielding ring, and the illumination ring, wherein a length dimension of the light probe is less than a diameter dimension.

Abstract: A method for coupling an electromechanical transducer of a partially or totally implantable hearing aid and/or tinnitus masker to a middle ear ossicle of a hearing impaired person which is to be stimulated. The hearing aid and/or tinnitus masker includes the electromechanical transducer, a transducer positioning and fixing device, and an elongated coupling rod driven by the transducer, the elongated coupling rod having a tip. The method of the present invention includes performing a mastoidectomy to provide a mastoid cavity adapted for receiving the hearing aid and/or tinnitus masker transducer, passing the coupling rod through the natural passage of the aditus ad antrum, positioning and fixing the hearing aid and/or tinnitus masker transducer within the mastoid cavity with the elongated coupling rod passing through the aditus ad antrum, and contacting the tip of the elongated coupling rod with the ossicle to be stimulated.