Abstract: Using the linear forces that are provided by an electromagnetic solenoid applied near the distal end of a medical catheter, various surgical instruments can be actuated or deployed for use in interventional medicine. The linear actuator uses the principles of magnetic repulsion and attraction as a means for moving a bobbin that can be attached to various types of moving components that translate linear movements into the actuation of a tool that is attached to the linear actuator. Using independent solenoid coils, movement modality is increased from two possible positions to three.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for detecting position and orientation of catheter distal magnetic element end while moving in a patient's heart is described. The apparatus includes magnetic sensors for to detect the magnetic field of a generated by the catheter tip. Each sensor transmits the field magnitude and direction to a detection unit, which filters the signals and removes other field sources, such as generated by CGCI coils and external medical hardware. The method allows the measurements of magnitude corresponding to the catheter tip distance from the sensor and the orientation of the field showing the magnetic tip orientation. Since the tip's magnetic field is not necessarily symmetric, the position and orientation computation technique are not independent of each other. Hence, an iterative calculation is used to converge to a solution. The method of determining tip position is calculated by triangulation from each sensor.

Abstract: A panel-mountable push button actuator assembly for operating a latch or other apparatus having a link, trigger or other operating element that must move a short distance includes a housing having a front portion configured to be inserted through a panel opening from the rear side of the panel, and a generally annular retaining cap that is releasably connected to the front portion of the housing to hold the housing in the panel opening. The cap preferably is held in its installed position on the housing by a compressed foam rubber washer that provides a seal between the cap and the panel. Also disclosed are an O-ring seal that optionally may be interposed between a push button of the actuator assembly and the housing, and a rigidified cam that may be used with the present and other types of push button actuator assemblies to engage and move a link, trigger or other operating element in response to depression of the push button.

Abstract: A locking system for toolboxes, industrial cabinets and the like includes a push button operator assembly connected by at least one movable link to at least one latch mechanism configured to latchingly engage an associated striker to releasably retain a first structure (such as a closure) on which the striker is mounted in a closed position relative to a second structure (such as a cabinet) on which the locking system is mounted. The push button operator assembly has a button that, when unlocked, can be depressed to move the associated link to unlatch the latch mechanism from the striker, and that, when locked, is inoperable when depressed to move the link.

Abstract: A locking system for toolboxes, industrial cabinets and the like includes a push button operator assembly connected by at least one movable link to at least one latch mechanism configured to latchingly engage an associated striker to releasably retain a first structure (such as a closure) on which the striker is mounted in a closed position relative to a second structure (such as a cabinet) on which the locking system is mounted. The push button operator assembly has a button that, when unlocked, can be depressed to move the associated link to unlatch the latch mechanism from the striker, and that, when locked, is inoperable when depressed to move the link.

Abstract: A retinoscope utilizing a plurality of infrared light sources each positioned at a difference distance, or eccentricity, from the optical axis of a camera is disclosed. The plural light sources are scanned while the fundus reflex is observed. Whether or not a reflex can be detected depends on the defocus of the eye relative to the camera, the pupil size, the eccentricity of the light source from the optical axis, and the camera-to-subject distance. The light sources are preferably light emitting diodes which are flashed repeatedly and sequentially. One-half of the camera aperture is occluded to permit determination of the amount and the direction of defocus. By noting which LED just creates a crescent of light in the pupil, and by measuring the pupil diameter, the relative defocus of the eye is determined.