Abstract: A catheter for use in an electrophysiological procedure to ablate a site includes a first electrode having a first work function and energized by a source of RF energy. A second electrode having a second work function is disposed adjacent tissue. The difference in work functions of the first and second electrodes, operating in the presence of an electrolyte represented by intermediate tissue, produces an exchange of electrical charges through chemical reaction to create a galvanic cell. The galvanic cell serves as a current source to provide a unique electrode signal used to regulate the RF energy applied to the first electrode.

Abstract: A catheter for use in an electrophysiological procedure to ablate a site includes a metallic tip having a first work function and energized by a source of RF energy. The RF energy return path is through a relatively large plate of a metallic material having a second work function and disposed at a location removed from the ablation site. The difference in work functions of the tip and the plate, operating in the presence of an electrolyte represented by intermediate tissue, produces an exchange of electrical charges through chemical reaction to create a galvanic cell. By loading the galvanic cell with a shunt resistor, it becomes a current source providing a current signal having a peak value representative of occurrence of tissue damage. This representation is used to regulate the RF energy applied to the ablation site.

Abstract: A hollow core coaxial catheter supporting a heatable probe or balloon transmits electrical power, such as RF energy, to the ohmically resistive probe or balloon. The hollow core may accommodate passage of a guide wire, fiber optics for imaging or laser, fluid flow for perfusion and/or a lumen for fluid inflation and pressurization of a balloon. Inner and outer electrical conductors are disposed on radially opposed sides of dielectric tubing with an outer covering of dielectric material mechanically shielding and electrically insulating the outer conductor. A similar inner covering of dielectric material may be disposed radially inwardly of the inner conductor to mechanically and electrically insulate the inner conductor. An ohmically resistive load, in the event RF energy is the power source, interconnects the inner and outer conductors to form the probe.

Abstract: A hollow core coaxial catheter supporting a heatable probe or balloon transmits electrical power, such as RF energy, to the ohmically resistive probe or balloon. The hollow core may accommodate passage of a guide wire, fiber optics for imaging or laser, fluid flow for perfusion and/or a lumen for fluid inflation and pressurization of a balloon. Inner and outer electrical conductors are disposed on radially opposed sides of dielectric tubing with an outer covering of dielectric material mechanically shielding and electrically insulating the outer conductor. A similar inner covering of dielectric material may be disposed radially inwardly of the inner conductor to mechanically and electrically insulate the inner conductor. An ohmically resistive load, in the event RF energy is the power source, interconnects the inner and outer conductors to form the probe.

Abstract: A pair of jaws moveable with respect to one another whether mounted in a hand held sealer or desk mounted sealer, compresses, heats, elongates, spreads and welds liquid filled tubing placed therebetween. Variants of the pair of jaws provide means for serially or simultaneously segmenting the tubing into a plurality of sealed compartments. The pair of jaws are electrically connected to a source of RF energy as the plates of a variable capacitor in an RF resonant circuit. The flow of RF energy across the pair of jaws, which energy heats the tubing and, in conjunction with mechanical pressure, makes the weld, is a function of timing and of the spacing between the jaws which spacing affects the degree of resonance of the RF resonant circuit.

Abstract: A pair of jaws moveable with respect to one another whether mounted in a hand held sealer or desk mounted sealer, compresses, heats, elongates, spreads and welds liquid filled tubing placed therebetween. Variants of the pair of jaws provide means for serially or simultaneously segmenting the tubing into a plurality of sealed compartments. The pair of jaws are electrically connected to a source of RF energy as the plates of a variable capacitor in an RF resonant circuit. The flow of RF energy across the pair of jaws, which energy heats the tubing and, in conjunction with mechanical pressure, makes the weld, is a function of timing and of the spacing between the jaws which spacing affects the degree of resonance of the RF resonant circuit.

Abstract: A pair of jaws moveable with respect to one another whether mounted in a hand held sealer or desk mounted sealer, compresses, heats, elongates, spreads and welds liquid filled tubing placed therebetween. Variants of the pair of jaws provide means for serially or simultaneously segmenting the tubing into a plurality of sealed compartments. The pair of jaws are electrically connected to a source of RF energy as the plates of a variable capacitor in an RF resonant circuit. The flow of RF energy across the pair of jaws, which energy heats the tubing and, in conjunction with mechanical pressure, makes the weld, is a function of timing and of the spacing between the jaws which spacing affects the degree of resonance of the RF resonant circuit.

Abstract: A stackable solar pool heater is formed of a semi-rigid self-cleaning centrally raised aerodynamically response membrane which membrane includes a depending integral perimeter. Flotation elements, providing a flotation ratio of approximately two to one, are secured periodically about the perimeter to maintain the perimeter partially submerged and the main body of the membrane raised above the water surface. A centrally located aperture is disposed in the membrane to equalize the pressure internal to the membrane with ambient and reduce the pressure therein in response to the low pressure extant the central part of the membrane created by the wind blowing across the raised surface of the membrane.

Abstract: A solar pool heater is defined by a submersible tubular ring attached to the perimeter of a transparent or translucent sheet. Floatation of the heater is obtained through an air bubble captured by the sheet and maintained by the ring. The ring is perforated to permit the entry of water within the ring to induce partial submersion and thereby establish a peripheral seal about the captured air bubble. The submersed ring also prevents overlapping of adjacent heaters and reduces the likelihood of the heaters being blown off the pool by wind. By developing the sheet from material transparent to at least a spectrum of the solar rays, the air space intermediate the sheet and the underlying water surface will provide a "greenhouse" effect to heat the water through direct impingement by the received radiant energy; additionally, radiation of heat from the water will be reduced by the sheet, whereby, the heater not only collects but retains the impinged radiant energy.

Abstract: A desk mounted tubing sealer useable by either seated or standing operators heat seals liquid filled plastic tubing on command. The sealer generates a source of RF energy to heat seal plastic tubing on placement thereof between a fixed jaw and a tube compressing movable jaw. The jaws and attendant structure serves as a heat sink to dissipate heat and prevent a heat buildup during rapid repetitive operation of the sealer. Adequate space and drainage are provided about the operating components for cleaning purposes in the event of a burst tube during formation of a seal.

Abstract: A solar pool heater is defined by a submersible tubular ring attached to the perimeter of a floating sheet. The ring is perforated to permit the entry of water within the ring to induce at least partial submersion. The submersed ring prevents overlapping of adjacent heaters and reduces the likelihood of the heaters being blown off the pool by wind. The sheet includes a plurality of captive air bubbles to provide a floatationcapability while simultaneously insulating the water surface from the ambient air. By developing the sheet from material transparent to at least a spectrum of the solar rays, the underlying water will become heated by the received radiant energy.