Abstract: A method, for use in a non-invasive blood pressure monitoring system, of operating a tissue stress sensor at an off-optimum arterial applanation state. The system uses a stress sensor including a stress sensitive element for detecting stress of tissue overlying an artery of interest. The tissue stress sensor is placed in communication with tissue overlying the artery of interest and at least one electrical signal is obtained therefrom representing stress data across the length of the stress sensitive element. The data represents stress datum communicated to preselected portions of the stress sensitive element. From the stress datum, various techniques are used to determine the optimum applanation state and the actual applanation state. A waveform scaling factor function is created which compensates for the errors associated with operating the tissue stress sensor at an off-optimum applanation state.

Abstract: An aid for inducing sleep has a total of four light sources positioned in front of each eye of the user. The light sources are symmetrically arranged with respect to the centers of the eyes of the user, with two light sources at each eye being horizontally aligned and the other two light sources at each eye being vertically aligned.

Abstract: The method comprises generating pulses of a specified repetition rate, duration modulating each pulse, composing packets of stimulating pulses with a specified packet duration and specified pause duration between pulse packets, and modifying the duration of the pulse packet applied to the object in accordance with an assessment of the electrophysiologic parameters of the state of the biological object's interelectrode section, this assessment being performed simultaneously with object stimulation. The apparatus comprises a pulse generator, a pulse duration modulator, a stimulating pulse power amplifier, a first signal shaper generating a signal indicative of the object's response to stimulating pulses, a variable-duration pulse generator providing pulse packet duration signals, a second signal shaper providing signals of pulse packet duration, and a modulation control signal clipper.

Abstract: An apparatus for determining the optimum position of an endotracheal tube while allowing simultaneous ventilation of a patient with the endotracheal tube is disclosed. This apparatus contains a stylet, connecting means for adjustably and removably disposing the stylet within an endotracheal tube, means attached to the stylet for producing magnetic flux, and means for sensing the presence of magnetic flux.

Abstract: The ultrasonic wave diagnosing apparatus of this invention comprises a controlling circuit controlling the rotation, advance and retreat of an ultrasonic wave oscillator, a DC power source feeding an electric power to a DC motor rotating the ultrasonic wave oscillator, a DC motor controlling circuit inputting a controlling signal from the above mentioned controlling circuit and controlling the voltage of the above mentioned DC power source, a photointerrupter detecting the position of the ultrasonic wave oscillator by the advance and retreat, a stepping motor advancing and retreating the above mentioned ultrasonic wave oscillator and a record controlling apparatus controlling an auxiliary memorizing apparatus which can record an ultrasonic wave image obtained by the above mentioned ultrasonic wave oscillator so that, in order to reverse the rotation by inverting the phases of controlling signals A and B of the stepping motor advancing and retreating the above mentioned ultrasonic wave oscillator, a position d

Abstract: A cardiac lead for transmitting electric current to the heart and/or sensing and monitoring electrical activity of the heart has an elongated electrical conductor connected to a head. An electrode mounted on the head comprises a helical wire adapted to be turned into heart tissue. The helical wire is coated with platinum black particles which decrease electrical losses at the electrode-tissue interface. A plug impregnated with a drug located within the head is in contact with the helical wire and platinum black particles thereon. The drug migrates from the plug to the active outer end section of the electrode.

Abstract: A diagnostic apparatus includes light sources which emit near infrared light rays of different wavelengths. The light rays are introduced into human brain to be subjected to diagnosis and the light rays transmitted through the brain are picked up. There are provided a first detector which detects occurrences of respirations of the subject and outputs a respiration signal, and a second detector which detects occurrences of heartbeats of the subject and outputs a heartbeat signal. The light transmitted through the brain is derived in synchronism with both the respiration signal and the heartbeat signal and first and second modulated light transmission signals are produced which are respectively modulated by the respiration signal and the heartbeat signal. The first and second modulated light transmission signals are separately analyzed to provide variations in concentration of oxygenated media .DELTA.X.sub.02 and disoxygenated media .DELTA.X contained in venous and arterial blood of the brain, respectively.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for detecting radio waves that propagate along the atmospheric boundary layer of human skin. This function is realized with the use of a photonic cloth constructed of flax and wool, soaked in a saline solution and air dried, and subsequently placed upon the human skin. The radio waves can then be monitored by connecting the photonic cloth via a set of probes to an oscilloscope.

Abstract: A living body is replaced by a 3-D network. Admittance connected to lines forming the 3-D network is calculated. Position rt and magnitude qt=(jtx,jty,jtz) of a current dipole are assumed, and current sources jtx, jty and jtz are connected in parallel with lines coupled to a node. Node equations are formulated, and an admittance matrix Y is derived. An inverse matrix Y' of Y is calculated, and body surface potential generated by the current sources is calculated by using the inverse matrix Y'. Then, rt and qt minimizing cost function which is sum total of squares of differences between measured values of body surface potential and the above described calculated values for all measuring points are derived. Thereby potential distribution on the body surface can be calculated with due regard to the shape of the living body and conductivity distribution in the living body on the basis of the assumed current dipole.

Abstract: A device for ultrasonic imaging, and methods for the use an manufacture thereof, particularly of small coronary vessels. The device comprises an elongate member with a distal end that can be positioned within a small vessel of a patient's body while a proximal end is located outside the body, a transducer located at a distal end of the elongate member and operable to scan the distal coronary vessels with ultrasonic pulses, and a signal processor connected to a proximal end of the elongate member and to the transducer for generating and receiving pulses to and from the transducer. A motor may be also connected to the proximal end of the elongate member for rotating the transducer.

Abstract: A defibrillator pulse generator device for implantation in the pectoral position of a patient. The pulse generator device has a compact, light weight housing structure. A power source, a capacitive member and a sensing and control structure are enclosed in the housing structure. A connecting structure mounted on the housing provides connection to the electrode leads of the defibrillator system.

Abstract: A primary central controller switch box for providing a centralized means for alternatively coupling a defibrillator, a plurality of pacers and recorders in conjunction with a quadripolar endocardial catheter, an apex and back body surface electrode, and an arterial or ventricular catheter having a means for selection therebetween. The switch box incorporates a plurality of switches allowing for manual selection of each of said instruments in predetermined combinations to eliminate the possibility of multiple support therapy and further decrease the time it takes to switch between instruments when used in a cardiac catheterization environment, electro physiological environment, cardiac resuscitation ward, ablation study, or the like clinical settings.

Abstract: Disclosed is a cardiac defibrillator for providing a cardiac defibrillation pulse to a patient. The defibrillator comprises a switch contact (14) mounted on a movable switch (10) that moves between a charge position and a discharge position. In the charge position, the switch contact is coupled to a high-voltage battery (22) in order to provide a charge to an energy storage capacitor (30). When the movable switch is released from the charge position, the switch contact engages an electrode contact (32) and a defibrillation pulse flows into a patient (40). The duration of the cardiac defibrillation pulse can be varied by changing the length of time that the switch contact remains engaged with electrode contact. Also disposed within the switch contact path is a discharge contact (42), which is connected to a discharge resistor (48).

Abstract: A pacing lead is disclosed having folded tine elements in a first normal state, the tine elements being adapted to be unfolded by insertion of a stylet. In the second unfolded state, the tine elements are stretched to conform closely to the outer diameter of the lead casing, providing a reduced cross-section that facilitates introduction of the lead, and repositioning of the lead tip. A telescoping arrangement of inner and outer tubing elements is used to enable the stretching of the tine elements.

Abstract: The automatic bladder scanning apparatus includes a transducer assembly (30), which includes a plurality of individual transducer elements (32). A first plurality of transducer elements are connected into an approximately circular or octagonal arrangement to produce a transmitted signal beam. The data transmission signal is pseudo-random. The returning echo signal is received by another plurality of transducer elements arranged in a preselected pattern. One receiving pattern includes two orthogonal sets of linear arrays, while the other receiving pattern involves an octagonal arrangement. The received signals from the second plurality of transducer elements are processed to form a composite received signal. The composite received signal is then further processed to produce information concerning the three dimension image of the bladder, which information is then used to calculate the bladder volume.

Abstract: An ultrasonic imaging apparatus for obtaining a tomogram image of an object to be diagnosed on a monitor includes electroacoustic transducers, a phasing unit, a phase detection unit, and an adding unit. The electroacoustic transducers are positioned in aligned relationship along a surface of the object, emit ultrasonic waves which penetrate the object, detect the ultrasonic waves reflected from the object and convert the reflected and detected waves to electrical detection signals. A phasing unit is connected to the electroacoustic transducers and receives the detection signals, delays them in accordance with delay amounts previously set therein and determined in accordance with the respective distances between the electroacoustic transducers and the object, and phase adjusts same to produce phase-matched detection signals.

Abstract: An implantable defibrillator comprising a first implantable energy source connected to an implantable monitoring circuit means and a second implantable energy source having a predetermined different energy output than said first implantable energy source connected to an implantable inverter/output circuit means. The implantable monitoring circuit is powered by the first implantable energy source and the implantable inverter/output circuit is powered by the second implantable energy source.

Abstract: An electrode arrangement for an implantable defibrillator/cardioverter has two intravascular electrodes, one of which is disposed in the inferior vena cava. The arrangement has a third, planar electrode, which is disposed outside of the heart. Placement of one of the intravascular electrodes in the inferior vena cava, instead of in the right ventricle as in known systems, achieves a high utilization of the defibrillation energy without the presence of an endocardial electrode.

Abstract: An implantable arrangement for effecting in vivo defibrillation or cardioversion of a heart has a first electrode disposed in the inferior vena cava, a second electrode disposed in the right ventricle, and a planar electrode disposed outside of the heart. Pulse generating means are provided which simultaneously charge all three electrodes with pulses. An optimally low energy for successfully achieving defibrillation is thereby achieved.

Abstract: An apparatus for accurately indicating respiration movements on a recorder. The apparatus comprises two piezoelectric transducers which are disposed parallel to each other and each mounted on a support member. Between the two transducers is an elastic belt forming an elastic band, a portion of the belt having a loop or wave shape. The entire apparatus is enclosed in a rigid housing, and the elastic band wraps around the patient. When horizontal stretching forces are applied to the band, i.e. during respiration, the loop shape of the belt causes both piezoelectric transducers to bend in the same direction and generate an electronic signal for recording. Any other external force will cause the two transducers to bend in opposite directions, thereby canceling each other, and generating no signal for recording. The apparatus may further be used for prolonged periods of time and is also very sensitive, thereby resulting in accurate respiration data.