Abstract: Electrosurgical energy is used in combination with a surgical tool to seal vessels and vascular tissue of a patient. One of the important advances of the present system is that it can effectively seal vessels of a patient without leaving any foreign material in the body of the patient. The present system is also capable of sealing vessels as large as ten millimeters in diameter. Another advantage of the present system is that the surgeon can visually inspect the integrity of the seal. The invention works with a combination of pressure and controlled application of electrosurgical energy to achieve the desired result. A surgical tool is used to grasp and apply an appropriate amount of closure force to the tissue of the patient. The tool is capable of conducting electrosurgical energy to the tissue concurrently with the application of the closure force.

Abstract: Illumination fixtures for use in treating light deficiency and mood disorders, as well as color therapy, are disclosed. The fixtures employ an illumination gas having a high neon gas content. Fixtures in which the glass tubing is bent and convoluted in a three dimensional arrangement provide a high level of illumination in a compact device and substantially reduce glare. Fixtures employing multiple color tubing, dimmer(s) and/or timer(s) may be used to simulate natural lighting conditions, such as sunrise, neon illumination sources may also be used in combination with an as a source for fiber optic cables.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for selective marking using natural or artificial light (10) includes a semi-rigid, flexible design (12) with thread holes (14) in the periphery. A beveled edge (16) is provided around the design edge so that top (18) angles away from bottom (20) along the beveled edge (16). Additionally, a gripping edge (22) is provided so that when the semi-rigid, flexible design (12) is attached to a user's clothing and the semi-rigid, flexible design (12) is brought in contact in the location desired on the user's skin, the semi-rigid, flexible design (12) does not slip or move from its original position. In a preferred embodiment, a universal retainer (24) is provided with interior space (26) and retaining edge (28) for removably receiving a variety of different semi-rigid, flexible designs (12). When exposed to natural or artificial light, a tatoo-like design is created. In another embodiment, a non-threaded, permanent retainer (36) is provided with flexible retaining posts (38).

Abstract: A projected display sport goggle that is used to provide continuous and uninterrupted feedback of information to the athlete. The goggle will permit the athlete to adjust their performance based on real time information. This information includes speed, distance traveled, temperature, heart rate, time of day, elapsed time, cadence, and a time based alarm. The informational display presented by the goggle is easy to read and understand. Similar in size and shape to a pair of eyeglasses, it will not significantly interfere with or restrict the movement of the athlete. It is capable of withstanding the impacts and shocks associated with athletic activities. It is easy to use and operate, and is inexpensive to manufacture. The goggle provides a safe, economic, and highly reliable method for monitoring an athlete's performance.

Abstract: A blood pressure monitor kit suitable for use in emergency scenarios such as cardiopulmonary arrest situations. The kit includes a catheter for insertion in the femoral artery of the patient, a transducer arranged to receive blood pressure signals from the catheter and operative to convert the blood pressure signals into electric signals; a housing; a monitor mounted in the housing and including electric circuitry arranged to receive the electric signals from the transducer and operative to generate at least one display indicative of a condition of the patient's blood pressure; a battery positioned within the housing and operative to power the electric circuitry; a switch associated with the housing for connecting the battery into the electrical circuitry to power the circuitry; and a securement device on the housing operative to secure the housing to a patient's body at a location proximate the location of the catheter insertion.

Abstract: A pulse oximeter display device which displays oxygen saturation data is provided. The device comprises a multicolor display unit which displays oxygen saturation data in first and second colors. A display drive is coupled to the display unit, and a control unit is coupled to the display drive. Limits for oxygen saturation data are set by the control unit. The control unit further provides three signals to the display drive. The first signal is provided to continuously illuminate the display in the first color if the oxygen saturation data is within the limits. The second signal is provided to intermittently illuminate the display unit in the second color if the oxygen saturation data is not within the limits. The third signal is provided to continuously illuminate the display unit in the second color if the limits have not been set.

Abstract: A sterile surgical-thermal drape (10) is provided. The sterile surgical-thermal drape (10) includes a sterile surgical drape (12) that maintains a sterile field and a thermal device (14) attached (16) to the sterile surgical drape (12) for regulating the body temperature of a patient (32). The thermal device (14) has an external surface, and is operable to provide convective heating or cooling to a patient.

Abstract: In man, autonomic and cortical resonances of the nervous system can be excited by inducing subliminal heat pulses in the skin by means of a resistive heat patch, laser, heat lamp, or microwave radiation, or through a slow air jet that carries a small periodic fluctuation in temperature. Deeply subliminal skin temperature oscillations of frequency near 1/2 Hz induced in a subject by any of these means cause sleepiness, drowziness, relaxation, a tonic smile, ptosis of the eyelids, a tense feeling, sudden loose stool, or sexual excitement, depending on the precise pulse frequency used. For certain higher frequencies, the induced subliminal skin temperature oscillations cause fractured thought and a slowing of certain cortical processes. The method and apparatus can be used by the general public as an aid to relaxation, sleep, or arousal, and clinically for the control and perhaps treatment of tremors, seizures, and emotional disorders.

Abstract: An apparatus (2) is provided for producing electrical stimulation to at least one person (10a, 10b) in response to a varying output audio signal (4). The apparatus (2) includes a first circuit (13) which receives the varying output audio signal (4). A second circuit (20), coupled to the first circuit (13), generates a plurality of electrical pulses which vary in response to the varying output audio signal (4). A node (8a, 8b) is coupled to the second circuit (20). The node (8a, 8b) conducts the electrical pulses in order to provide a pleasing variable stimulus to the person (10a, 10b) when the person (10a, 10b) contacts the node (8a, 8b).

Abstract: A cooling cylindrical insert device to aid in the removal of pain and for the therapeutic treatment of hemorrhoids and anal fissures. The device includes a hollow insert, finger or bulb contoured for insertion into the anus. At least one inlet and/or outlet opening is provided in the insert at its base, with one or two tubes connected to the openings. A container of cold liquid is provided connected to the inlet and outlet tubes. Thus, cold liquid is circulated from the container, through the inlet tube and inlet opening, through the cylindrical insert device, through the outlet opening and outlet tubes back into the container. A pump is provided to circulate the liquid.

Abstract: A data playback device which records, stores, and plays back actual patient oscillometric blood pressure data to create a more realistic NIBP simulation for testing of an NIBP monitor. The system is made up of two units, a computer and a converter. The converter has a Universal Asynchronous Receiver/Transmitter (UART) connected to the computer and 16-bit D/A and A/D converters connected to the input and output, respectively, of a blood pressure monitor. The A/D converter senses cuff pressure and sends the signal to the computer. The computer then calculates the pressure pulse data from the stored patient data and sends it to the monitor via the D/A converter, where the pressure pulse data is converted to a voltage and electronically summed with the pressure transducer signal output by the blood pressure monitor under test.

Abstract: A modular device with an injury pack holder (10) is shown for providing cooling and/or heating therapy to an injury, having a generally tubular shape and open first end (15) and an open second end (16). A plurality of module openings (55a, 55b and 55c) are cut through the injury pack holder (10) and covered with a retention mesh (60). A thermoelectric assembly (75) containing a Peltier device (85), fan (110), radiator (120), first plate (80) and second plate (88), transfers heat energy to a gel pack (95) which cools or heats an area, is installed in one of the module openings (55a, 55b, 55c). A battery pack (99) can be installed in another module opening (55a, 55b, 55c) or can be remotely located for operation of the thermoelectric assembly (75). The thermoelectric assembly (75) can be operated with other power supply devices such as a household adapter (160) or an auto adapter (170).

Abstract: An apparatus for supporting a human or animal body, while selectively cooling weight-bearing areas of the body in order to prevent or reduce damage from ischemia includes a cooling layer that is partitioned into a plurality of zones, and a surface disposed over the cooling layer to support the body. Each zone of the cooling layer is disposed for cooling a respective portion of the surface. A mechanism is provided to selectively operate one or more zones of the plurality of the zones to cool a portion of the surface that receives pressure from a weight-bearing surface of the body being supported.

Abstract: Sleep apnea screening and/or detection apparatus for use by a patient breathing through the nose and/or mouth and producing an air flow into and out of the lungs of the patient and creating audible sounds. It is comprised of a first microphone positioned in the vicinity of the patient's nose and mouth and out of contact therewith to pick up audible sounds created by breathing of the patient and providing a first electrical analog signal. A second microphone is provided which is positioned near the patient for picking up ambient noise in the vicinity of the patient and providing a second electrical analog signal, an active noise controller is provided for combining the first and second electrical analog signals to provide a third electrical signal for generating a fourth electrical signal providing a waveform which is closely correlated with the air flow of the patient.

Abstract: This invention considers the problem with inflation of the units by hands, and introduces a dual action inflation unit to be used for measurement of the blood pressure cuff and similar units such as D. Devices. The prototype of this unit consists of an electrical/pedal pumps combined with a manual inflation units. This will allow the electrical/pedal pumps to be used first for inflation of most of the inflatable part and then the manual unit will be used for a lesser degree of inflation as well as the adjustment of the inflation units. This combination is to prevent straining of the hands. It will also allow quick and easy action. This unit also allows a trigger system to be used for controlling the pressure in the system to prevent from the discomfort of the rotational action; it also has safety valves to prevent the pressure from exceeding a predicted level.

Abstract: An in vivo rezero apparatus for a pressure transducer is disclosed. This invention includes embodiments where both sides of the pressure transducer are exposed to atmospheric pressure to rezero the pressure transducer and embodiments where both sides of the pressure transducer are exposed to physiologic pressure to rezero the pressure transducer.

Abstract: An epilator probeholder for a replaceable, flexible, insulated epilator probe including a length of coaxial cable, and a coaxial capacitor structure for holding the epilator probe. The coaxial capacitor structure has an inner female connector and an outer conductive shell, the coaxial cable inner conductor is connected to the inner female connector for holding the flexible probe, and the coaxial cable outer conductor is connected to the outer conductive shell. The inner female connector is insulated from the outer conductive shell, the other end of the coaxial cable is connected to a standard coaxial connector, and the impedance seen at the input of the standard coaxial connector is standardized.

Abstract: A heating or cooling pad device, particularly for use in surgical operations and medical procedures, which has a human shaped pad for receiving a lying body. The heating or cooling pad can be formed from a chemical reaction pack to generate heat or cold. Alternatively, the pad may consist of an inflatable structure which conducts thermally controlled pressurized fluid from an inlet port through a series of interacting channels to an outlet port. The pad might also have a concave curvature on its surface to thereby cradle a patient when inflated. A stiffener might be adhered to the lower surface of the pad. The pad includes a series of hook and pile attachment strips for selectively attaching modular sections of insulated material which can then be used to wrap around and secure the patient lying on the pad. A single piece section of insulated material might also be used underneath the pad, with the section having flaps which extend around to secure and insulate the patient.

Abstract: This invention provides an electronic blood pressure meter which can measure blood pressure with great accuracy. The angle of inclination is detected by inclination sensor and the height of the limb where the measurement is to be taken is obtained from this angle of inclination. An MPU determines whether the height which is obtained is within a specified difference from the height of the heart. The result of this determination is communicated via display or buzzer.

Abstract: The invention includes a method for the hyperthermic treatment of tumors including the steps of providing a pulsed radiation output from a radiation source; and directing said pulsed radiation output toward a tumor. The invention further includes an apparatus for the treatment of tumors having a radiation source adapted to produce broad-band pulsed radiation output at least in the visible and near-infrared range of wavelengths, a delivery system proximal to the radiation source and adapted to focus and direct the pulsed radiation output to a dermal treatment site, and a filtering system adapted to restrict the pulsed radiation output to bands in the visible and near-infrared range of wavelengths.