Abstract: A centrifugal blood pump driver comprises a motor housing and the housing contains a motor for rotationally driving the centrifugal blood pump and a controller operatively associated with the motor for controlling the rotational speed of the motor; a speed selector for generating a selected speed signal signifying a selected rotational speed for the motor; sensors operatively associated with the motor or controller for sensing the rotational speed of the motor and outputting a monitor signal signifying such rotational speed; program memory for storage of a program of microprocessor readable instructions; a microprocessor under program control, in electrical connection with the controller, the speed selector, the sensor and the program memory, for receiving the selected speed signal and generating a speed control signal to the controller signifying the selected speed for the controller, and for receiving the monitor signal and outputting a display signal; a display in electrical communication with the micropro

Abstract: The present invention pertains to an apparatus and method which enable the performance of vertical banded gastroplasty (VBG) without the use of staples. Further, a laparoscopic instrument which can be used in combination with the VBG apparatus and method is also disclosed.The laparoscopic instrument can also be used in combination with surgically functional elements other than the VBG apparatus. A particular advantage of the laparoscopic instrument is that surgically functional elements attached at the leading edge of levered jaws of the instrument can be rotated at least 180 degrees in a plane which is substantially parallel to a plane passing horizontally through the longitudinal centerline of the levered jaws.

Abstract: A waterproof coupler having a casing and a cap to form a junction box for enclosing a junction between a plurality of electric conductors. The casing has a single opening to enclosingly receive the junction. A plug member constructed of resilient material defines passages therethrough for the conductors. The member is adapted, when compressively urged by the cap into sealing position with the opening, to simultaneously seal the casing and the junction between the conductors. The bare ends of the conductors are anchored by solder balls to a disc positioned inside the casing.

Abstract: This invention relates to seismic transducer assemblies for converting compressional wave motion or acoustic energy into electric energy in a fluid medium such as is encountered in marshy terrains. It also relates to an improved method of manufacturing such transducers. The transducer includes a rigid hollow casing having a conical end cap to facilitate planting the casing into the ground. At least one pressure transducer element is mounted in the casing. A water-impervious, pressure-transmitting, insulating core fills the casing's cavity. The material rigidly holds the transducer in place and allows transfer of pressure energy from the fluid medium in which the transducer assembly is submerged, to the inner surfaces of the transducer element.