Abstract: The device for blocking (e.g., embolizing) the side branches of an anatomical passageway under endoscopic guidance. The device comprises an elongate catheter body having a side branch blocking apparatus, such as an embolization catheter, disposed therein and further incorporating an endoscope (e.g., an angioscope). The incorporated endoscope is useable to A) visually locate side branches which emanate from the anatomical passageway and b) visually observe the operation of the side branch blocking apparatus. Also disclosed are methods for utilizing a device of the forgoing character, including methods for performing in situ embolization of the side branches of a vein, under angioscopic visualization. The endoscopic component of the device may also be utilized to visually observe the use and/or effect of one or more separate device, such as valvulotome(s) used for cutting venous valves located within the lumen of a vein.

Abstract: A radioactive suture for inhibiting an intimal hyperplastic response comprises a needle and a suture material having a radioactive beta-emitting element. This radioactive element is preferably chemically bonded to an organic substrate of the suture material. It is preferred that the radioactive suture material generates a beta radiation greater than 0.0002 uCi/cm. A first preferred method for producing the radioactive suture comprises the steps of placing the suture needle and the suture material in a sealed reaction chamber. Once the suture is in the reaction chamber, an ionized beta radiation emitting element, preferably ionized tritium, is introduced into the chamber. While in the chamber, an entropic exchange process begins wherein the beta radiation emitting element is exchanged for hydrogen molecules in the organic suture material. Once the desired level of tritium or other beta radiation emitting element is incorporated in the suture material, the reaction chamber is flushed.

Abstract: The device for blocking (e.g., embolizing) the side branches of an anatomical passageway under endoscopic guidance. The device comprises an elongate catheter body having a side branch blocking apparatus, such as an embolization catheter, disposed therein and further incorporating an endoscope (e.g., an angioscope). The incorporated endoscope is useable to A) visually locate side branches which emanate from the anatomical passageway and b) visually observe the operation of the side branch blocking apparatus. Also disclosed are methods for utilizing a device of the forgoing character, including methods for performing in situ embolization of the side branches of a vein, under angioscopic visualization. The endoscopic component of the device may also be utilized to visually observe the use and/or effect of one or more separate device, such as valvulotome(s) used for cutting venous valves located within the lumen of a vein.

Abstract: A peg hook for dispensing suspended packages or other articles has a resilient tongue near its front end for preventing removal of more than one article at a time. The hook is preferably formed as one piece of plastic material and has spaced fingers for fitting into holes in a pegboard backing panel so that the hook extends horizontally.

Abstract: A predictive caching system for use in computer system having at least one portion of memory in which information is stored for retrieval, a general cache used to speed the operation of accessing such memory, and a processor for controlling the access of the memory comprising apparatus for discerning a pattern of access of the memory, apparatus operating in response to the pattern determined by the apparatus for discerning a pattern of access of the memory for determining a next address which will probably accessed in such memory if the pattern discerned continues, and apparatus for storing the information at the next address determined prior to the next access of the memory whereby the information at the next address is available without the need to access the memory.

Abstract: In the reticle bar code scheme disclosed herein, the peculiar characteristics and requirements of a microlithographic reticle are utilized in a bar code scheme which provides multiple levels of error checking while permitting an extensive repertoire of reticle identifying characters. In reading the bar code, the reticle is moved passed a photoelectric sensor and, by counting a clock signal, the width of each bar is measured. A synchronization character at the start of the data character string provides a nominal bar width value and each character comprises three bars of each polarity, the bars being integral multiples of the nominal value with the width of the character being ten times the nominal value.

Abstract: An apparatus and method of measuring elevation of vehicles, such as radiodes, aircraft, or re-entry vehicles, is provided by identifying the specific geographic location of the vehicle in question and its difference from the geographic location of a reference station. The reference station altitude is then used as an arbitrary level to measure difference in elevation of the vehicle in question.

Abstract: A circuit, whose operating potential includes complementary pulsating signals, functions to produce quasi-static output signals which are virtually independent of the pulsations. An inverter circuit includes a first transistor connected between a first, fixed, operating voltage level and an output terminal and second and third transistors whose conduction paths are connected between the output terminal and, respectively, first and second sources of complementary pulsating signals whose voltages vary, in amplitude, between the first level and a second level. The same input signal is applied to the control electrodes of the second and third transistors whereby one of them always can, when turned on, clamp the output terminal to the second voltage level. The first transistor, when turned on, clamps the output to the first voltage level.

Abstract: A cascade amplifier embodying the present invention includes a plurality of amplifier stages in direct-coupled cascade connection. During specified intervals interspersed with normal amplification equal potentials are imposed on the inverting and non-inverting terminals of the first amplifier stage. A direct-coupled feedback connection from the output port of the final amplifier stage to the input port of one of the amplifier stages succeeding the first includes a sample-and-hold circuit. This sample-and-hold circuit samples the signal level appearing at the output port of the final amplifier stage during said specified intervals and holds that level for the feedback connection during the intervening periods of normal amplification to provide continuing compensation against input offset potential error.

Abstract: A current subtractor circuit utilizing a current mirror amplifier (CMA) as the subtracting element. An operational amplifier converts the difference current to an output voltage proportional to this difference. The operational amplifier additionally may be utilized to equalize the voltage drop across the conduction paths of the transistors comprising the CMA and to maintain the CMA output transistor in its constant current region of operation.

Abstract: A self-contained operator responsive video game system is disclosed. The system is capable of generating a virtually unlimited number of games where a player responds to and controls high resolution objects drawn on a display device such as a cathode ray tube. The system includes two interdependent sections, a computational section and a display section. The computational section includes means for entering operator commands, a program memory for storing the game rules and a digital processor for determining trajectories of moving objects and generating the line segment specification parameters required by the display section.

Abstract: A circuit comprising first and second current amplifiers connected in a regenerative feedback loop and which includes a starting circuit. The latter initiates current flow in the loop and is automatically disconnected from the loop once normal operating conditions are reached therein.

Abstract: A switch, connected in series with a current source across a source of operating voltage, is opened and closed in accordance with the ratio of two input signals to produce an output signal. The current source conducts an output current directly or inversely proportional to the sum of the input signals whereby a parameter of the switched output signal, such as slew rate, is proportional to a parameter of the input signals, such as common mode voltage.

Abstract: Each one of two switching transistors, driven by complementary input signals, has its conduction path connected between a different one of two output terminals and a first point of potential. Connected between each output terminal and a second point of potential are the conduction paths of a load transistor responsive to the signal at the other output terminal, and an input signal responsive transistor. When the switching transistor connected to one output terminal is being turned on, the effective impedance of the input signal responsive transistor connected between that output and the second point of potential is increased, thereby increasing the speed of response of the circuit and minimizing its power dissipation.

Abstract: A vector generator having a digital input and a cathode ray tube (CRT) display output is disclosed. Digital values specifying the initial point of the line segment in Cartesian coordinates are converted to proportional voltages applied across the capacitors of two identical resistance-capacitance networks which control the positioning of the CRT beam. A second pair of digital values defining the length and direction of the line segment with respect to the initial point are normalized digitally by left shifts until the larger of the pair equals or exceeds a normalization constant. The normalized values are added to the initial point coordinates, and the sums are then converted to proportional voltages applied to the resistors of the two networks. Simultaneously, a timer preset during the normalization operation is started and the CRT beam is turned on to start the drawing of the line segment. As a result of the normalization, the voltages applied to the RC networks are larger than needed to draw the segment.

Abstract: Unity current gain impedance transformation at the input of a field effect transistor current mirror amplifier reduces the input impedance and renders it independent of the mirror ratio. A net saving of semiconductor material may be obtained for a given mirror ratio and input impedance when the transformation is provided by a common gate connected complementary field effect transistor meeting certain effective threshold voltage and forward transfer conductance ratio requirements.

Abstract: A first field-effect transistorized constant current supply provides a first relatively constant output current. A second field-effect transistorized constant current supply is cascaded with, and driven by, the first current to provide a more highly regulated second constant output current. The system is self-starting and latch free. The second output current may be employed to drive a current mirror with a plurality of output current paths.

Abstract: Circuits for generating pulsating potentials and voltage levels outside the range of, and/or of greater magnitude than, the operating potential applied to the circuits. Each circuit includes first and second transistors for applying a first voltage to one plate of a capacitor and a second voltage to the other plate of the capacitor, during one time interval. During a subsequent time interval, the first and second transistors are turned off and a third transistor applies the second potential to the one plate of the capacitor. The change in the potential at the one plate of the capacitor is coupled to the other plate of the capacitor at which is produced an output potential outside the range of the first and second voltages. The potential difference between the first voltage and the output potential is greater in amplitude than the potential difference between the first and second voltages.

Abstract: Feedback, derived from the rate-of-change of the output current of a current mirror amplifier, varies the mirror ratio as a function of the spectral content of the output current. The feedback is regenerative whereby the rate-of-change of the output current is enhanced. Selection of parameters of the mirror and output node provide optimal compensation for step function input currents.

Abstract: A data distribution system includes a method and apparatus for distributing igitized video and text data relating to the geophysical and planetary environment in a format compatible with desk top type computers. The data distribution system comprises a data encoding means which processes and encodes the data utilizing a specialized data compression and data handling protocol coupled with a means for data transmission and a means for data expansion and decoding by the user. The processed data can then be displayed, stored, printed, deleted, imported, exported in accordance with the user's preferences.