Abstract: A micro-server adapted to be embedded into a piece of industrial machinery, an automobile, a consumer product, and the like, for publishing information, possibly in the form of web pages, about the device into which the micro-server is embedded or with which it is associated and/or for controlling a micro-server equipped device from a possibly remote client. The information may be published such that it is accessible using a standard web-browser. Other suitable protocols could also be used. The micro-server is capable of interfacing with a device to access information from the device, such as control or maintenance information. The micro-server can then organize and format that information compatible with a communication protocol in preparation for publishing the information. The micro-server conveniently abstracts from the first device the details of the communication protocol used to publish the information.

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: 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: 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: 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: A manipulator apparatus comprises an elongated member having a number of arm sections interconnected by rotary actuators and supported by a vertical member rotatably mounted on a console. The other end of the elongated member terminates in a terminal motion actuator adapted to support an article handling member. Each rotary actuator comprises a stepping motor coupled to a harmonic drive device, wherein control pulses fed into the stepping motor will initiate motion which is reduced by the harmonic drive device and then imparted to the respective arm section. The vertical member is similarly controlled. The terminal motion actuator comprises a stepping motor rotatably supported by a rotary actuator comprising a combination of a stepping motor and a harmonic drive device. The terminal motion actuator has mounting means for supporting article handling members. The vertical member is rotatably supported in such manner that free play is totally eliminated.