Abstract: An extracorporeal shockwave treatment device with improved means for alignment is disclosed. The device includes a reflector having a shock producing electrode. A central viewing device such as an optical fiber connected to a CCD camera is positioned through the electrode along the major axis of the reflector. Thus, the target area on the patient's skin can be viewed and aligned. Alternatively, the viewing device can be on the side of the reflector off-axis, and a laser beam is disposed along the major axis to produce a visible indicator on the patient's skin which can be aligned with the target area. In an alternate embodiment, a plurality of laser beams are positioned on the sides of the reflector, and the viewing device is positioned on the side of the reflector such that the indicators from the laser beams can be arranged to be centered at the center point of the target area. Optionally, the laser beams can converge in a manner which enables the user to determine the depth of the focal point.

Abstract: An extracorporeal isocentric lithotripter is presented having a common isocentric axis of rotation. The patient having a bodily concretion to be destroyed lies on a table which is movable to position the concretion on the isocentric axis. An X-ray emitter and an image intensifier lie on a common diameter which is rotated about said isocentric axis to position said X-ray apparatus and said image intensifier in at least two positions to ascertain the location of the concretion. A shockwave lithotripter shockhead is mounted on a support rotatable about said isocentric axis to align said shockhead with said bodily concretion. The shockhead is mounted on said rotatable support by a double pivot arrangement to bring the second focus point of said reflector into coincidence with said bodily concretion for destruction of said concretion.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods are provided for locating a target in a living body. Three cameras are supported at an elevated location such as on a wall or from a ceiling. The cameras are supplied as an integrated unit with a computer and are factory calibrated to said computer. A patient examining table is provided with a single radiation device, the radiation which is detectable by the cameras. The table is moved both horizontally and vertically to establish X, Y and Z coordinates relative to the room in which the installation is made. A hand held ultrasound probe is positioned to detect a target in a body disposed on said table, and an ultrasound scan screen apparatus displays the relation of the probe to the target, and also provides information for moving the table to position the target at a predetermined location.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for precision bone alignment includes a plurality of markers secured to bone portions prior to an orthopaedic/surgical procedure. Light emitting LED's are provided on said markers and are sensed by an optical three-dimensional sensor which provides respective positional electric signals to a computer, the computer in turn being connected to a monitor to provide a three-dimensional display. The signals prior to the orthopaedic/surgical procedure are stored in the computer. The sensor also provides signals following the orthopaedic/surgical procedure for comparison with the signals before the procedure to insure proper alignment.

Abstract: A lithotripter is provided with the usual open ended reflector covered by a diaphragm and filled with a conductive liquid such as salinated water. A spark gap is provided at the focus point of the reflector, and a spark generator is connected thereto for providing a succession of sparks across the spark gap, wherein the light guide has an entering end positioned within the reflector and adjacent the spark gap to convey a representation of the spark outside of said reflector. The light guide has an exit end to which a light sensitive device is connected for converting the light signal to an electric signal. The electric signal is connected to means for providing a visual display of the electric signal.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for locating a target in a living body are provided. A three-dimensional frame carries a plurality of infrared light emitting diodes, and this frame is placed on a table. The infrared LEDs are strobed by a computer. The position of the infrared LEDs is monitored by a pair of infrared sensitive cameras and stored in a computer. The frame is then removed and a living body is placed within or closely adjacent to the volume. An ultrasonic probe is hand held within the volume and is provided with a plurality of infrared LEDs so that the probe can be monitored by the cameras. The positions of the probe LEDs are compared in the computer with the initial position of the frame LEDs so that the position of the probe can be determined quite accurately, and the position of the target in the body can be displayed on a computer monitor.

Abstract: A cushion is provided in combination with a truncated ellipsoidal lithotripter reflector. The reflector is open at one end, and this end is closed by a diaphragm. The reflector is filled with liquid and a spark gap is provided at the first focus point of the reflector. The second focus point of the ellipsoidal reflector is intended to be positioned coincident with a bodily concretion such as a kidney stone. This cannot always be done with the diaphragm extended to engage the body in which the concretion is located. Thus, the present invention provides in combination with the foregoing a flexible cushion having one end engaging the diaphragm, and the other end thereof being adapted to engage the body having the concretion. A strap or the like encircles the sidewall of the cushion, and the strap is tightened or loosened to increase or decrease the axial length of the cushion, and thereby to provide fluid communication between the spark gap and the concretion.

Abstract: Structure is provided for inspecting a lithotripter ellipsoidal reflector. In one form of the invention a narrow light beam such as a laser light beam is projected through the first focus point of the reflector as relfects on to a target on the axis of reflection, thereby indicating visually the location of the second focus point. The target preferably is a rod lying on the axis of rotation. Preferably the light source is movable in a vertical plane, and the reflector is rotatable about its axis of rotation to provide redundancy in location of the second focus point. In a further form of the invention the target comprises a photocell so that the accuracy and reflectivity of the reflecting surface can be measured.

Abstract: A nebulizer has a body with oxygen inlet and outlet ends through which oxygen flows. An aspirator is provided within the body in communication with a water supply conduit for aspirating water into oxygen flowing through the body. A float valve interconnects the water inlet and the aspirator for controlling the flow of water into the oxygen flowing through the nebulizer.

Abstract: Electrode structure is provided in the reflector of a lithotripter lying on the axis of the reflector. The electrode structure has a pair of electrodes extending longitudinally along a cylinder fitting through a bore in the reflector at the apex thereof. The electrodes have inwardly turned tips with spaced confronting faces lying on opposite sides of the axis of the reflector. The electrodes exteriorly of the reflector also have terminals extending radially and rotatable into electrically engaging and electrode supporting position with a pair of fixed terminals. The fixed terminals support the electrode structure and are electrically connected to spark generating apparatus.

Abstract: Apparatus is provided for the extracorporeal destruction of kidney stones, and includes an ellipsoidal reflector. The reflector has a first focus point, and a second focus point, the reflector being truncated and the second focus point being disposed beyond the resulting open end of the reflector for coincidence with a kidney stone or the like. An extension from the apex of the reflector has a cavity with a spark gap therein. The cavity opens into the reflector, and the cavity and reflector are filled with liquid such as water. A spark produced across the spark gap produces a shock wave which moves to the first focus point of the reflector and is reflected to the second focus point.

Abstract: A lithotripter is provided with an upwardly opening reflector filled with water. A valve is secured to the undersurface of the member providing the reflector. A bore extends axially through the valve body in alignment with a bore in the reflector member to accommodate an electrode assembly. A disc is mounted in the body and also has a bore aligned with the first two mentioned bores to accommodate the electrode assembly. The electrode assembly can be partially withdrawn to clear the bore in the reflector member and also the bore in the disc, but blocking the passage of water through the valve body bore. The disc is then rotated to move the valve disc out of alignment with the reflector member body to prevent further loss of water from the reflector.

Abstract: An electrode construction is provided for electrohydraulic shock wave generation such as for extracorporeal kidney stone destruction. The construction includes a reflector adapted to be filled with liquid such as water for coupling to a human body. The reflector has a focus point. An insulated base supports a plurality of pairs of electrodes, and is movable relative to the reflector. The insulating base is moved to bring successive pairs of electrodes into substantial coincidence with the focus point of the reflector. Upon such movement electrical connection is automatically made to extensions of the pair of electrodes having their spark gap substantially coincident with said focus point.

Abstract: A venturi device is provided for sensing air flow. The device includes a body having first and second substantially cylindrical end portions interconnected by a wasp-waisted intermediate portion. The end portions are provided with bores which may be of different internal diameter. The intermediate portion is provided with axially aligned counterbores. These counterbores are connected by four bores of relatively small diameter. A radially inwardly extending wall in the through-bore comprises a flow restriction, and lateral bores are provided on opposite sides of the wall extending radially outwardly from the through-bore.

Abstract: A pediatric medication inhaler is provided for cooperation with a medication dispersing cylinder and a supply of medication. The inhaler is a one piece device in the nature of a mask molded of integral plastic or elastomer. The invention is characterized in having a bubble or relatively thin wall projecting from the mask-like device, which bubbler flexes inwardly upon inhalation so that a person providing medication to the infant can watch for inhalation.

Abstract: A pediatric medication inhaler is provided having an entering end and an exit end. A commercial medication dispenser is secured in the entering end, and a one-way valve is incorporated between the entering end and the exit end permitting air and medication flow from the entering end to the exit end, but preventing flow in the opposite direction. An adapter is secured to the exit end and is made of pliable foam plastic material contoured and adapted to conform to an infant's face. A whistle is provided in the adapter to provide an audible signal that the infant is breathing properly.

Abstract: An extracorporeal kidney stone disintegrator comprises an upwardly open ellipsoidal reflector having an open upper end. A spark gap is provided in said reflector at the first focus point thereof. A flexible waterproof shroud is fixed to the open end of the reflector and secured to the skin of a human body containing a concretion such as a kidney stone to be disintegrated. A body of water fills said reflector and said shroud and is in direct contact with the skin of said human body, the reflector being positioned relative to said body so that the concretion is at the second focus point of the reflector. Generation of a sprak across the spark gap causes generation of a shock wave focused on the concretion and coupled to the concretion by the body of water and by the tissues of the human body.

Abstract: A collapsible inhalation valve is provided for administering asthmatic medication or the like. The valve comprises an upright cylindrical air chamber adapted to be held in the hand. A reciprocating member holds a pressurized cartridge of medication for reciprocation between storage position substantially within the air chamber and raised using position substantially exterior to the air chamber. A mouthpiece is pivoted on the air chamber and is movable between storage position substantially within the air chamber and using position projecting from the air chamber. A one-way valve is provided at the bottom of the air chamber to allow movement of air into the air chamber while preventing movement of medication out of the air chamber. Another one-way valve is provided at the entrance to the mouthpiece permitting inhaling of misted medication, but preventing exhaling into the air chamber.

Abstract: A variable threshold circuit is provided for use with a rate volume monitor. A series analog switch is controlled by a comparator which is biased by a voltage divider. During low rate exhalation by a patient the bias keeps the analog switch biased against conduction, and noise is suppressed. When exhalation is at a high rate a resistor is switched by a second analog switch into parallel with one of the resistors of the voltage divider to change the bias to the comparator, and thus to render the first analog switch conductive. At this time the high level of the exhilation signal masks any noise.

Abstract: A drift compensating circuit cooperates with an air-pressure-to voltage transducer. The first input of a comparison circuit is connected to the transducer, while a reference voltage is connected to the second input. The reference voltage is provided by an up/down counter and a digital to analog converter. The comparison circuit has an output connected to the up/down counter to cause the counter to count up or down. The counter is enabled at predetermined intervals.