Abstract: A crystal containing detector particularly suited for use in immunoguided surgery capable of detecting gamma emissions present at tumor sites. The instrument utilizes a cadmium-zinc-telluride detector crystal which may be retained within a finger mount positioned over the surgeon's finger. Within this mount there also is incorporated a first preamplification stage designed to accumulate charge signals from the detector as well as to drive a relatively short length of cable to a second preamplification stage located, for example, within a housing at the surgeon's upper arm. The small finger mounted probe may be moved between operative orientations at the underside of the tip of the finger to stand-by orientations at the top of the finger adjacent the knuckles. In an additional embodiment, the finger probe incorporates a sodium iodide crystal, the scintillations from which are transmitted via a short length of fiber optic cable to an upper arm mounted housing which contains a photomultiplier tube.

Abstract: A laparoscopic instrument is provided having a hand-grippable base to which an elongate accessing tube is connected which extends to a tip. Extending inwardly from the tip is a detection support region within which is formed a radiation transmissive window. Immediately spaced from and behind the window there is positioned a detecting crystal such as cadmium telluride which is retained in a crystal mount structure having an architecture designed for minimizing noise generation occasioned from microphonic (piezoelectric) phenomena and the like.

Abstract: A diagnostic method is described for determining the treatment modality for neoplastic (cancer) tissue within the peritoneal cavity of a patient. The method utilizes a laparoscope with a visual display output as well as a radiation responsive instrument. These instruments are employed first to carry out a visual survey of the colon and then a radionuclide survey of the colon to locate concentrations of radiolabeled locator. A next survey is carried out with the radiation responsive instrument to determine the location of lymph node involvement in the cancer as well as other metastatic disease. Should the latter involvement be found, open laparotomy is indicated as the treatment modality. On the other hand, where no lymph node involvement is determined and the region of locator concentration can additionally be visualized, then conventional laparoscopic resection procedure is the determined treatment modality.

Abstract: A detector particularly suited for use in immuno-guided surgery capable of detecting very faint gamma emissions and thereby localizing cancerous tumor. The detector employs a hand manipular probe within which is contained a crystal such as cadmium telluride which is secured in a light-tight environment. A noise immune structuring of the probe and crystal combination includes the utilization of a resilient compressible shock cushion layer located at one face of the crystal in conjunction with a biasing surface. Additionally, an elastomeric retainer is positioned over the assemblage of crystal, cup, and shock cushion layer to form a sub-assembly for retention within the device. A dead air space is developed between the forward facing window of the probe and the crystal remaining assemblage.

Abstract: A hand-held gamma radiation probe is employed to locate radiation concentrations in animal tissue in conjunction with a control function providing an enhanced audio output particularly suited for cuing the user as to source position. The probe is positioned at a location on the animal body representing background radiation and a squelch low count rate is developed therefrom. The squelch low count rate is multiplied by a range factor to develop a squelch high count rate and frequencies are developed from a look-up frequency table from lowest to highest in correspondence with the developed high and low squelch count rates. Slew rate limiting of the count rates is provided by development of a squelch delta value representing the difference between the squelch high and low count rates divided by a time element. Selection of frequencies for audio output from the frequency table is limited by the value of the squelch delta value.

Abstract: A detector particularly suited for use in immuno-guided surgery capable of detecting very faint gamma emissions and thereby localizing cancerous tumor. The detector employs a hand manipular probe within which is contained a crystal such as cadmium telluride which is secured in a light tight compressively restrained environment employing compliant yet conductive components which also serve to exhibit varying accoustical impedance to impinging microphonic effects. A preamplifier is incorporated within the probe device itself which employs an integrator stage front end combining a field effect transistor and bipolar device with a very small feedback capacitance of less than one picofarad. A bootstrap technique is utilized to enhance the amplification of the bipolar amplification stage. Pulse related signals outputted from the device are normalized and compared to produce pulse data which are analyzed. In one mode of operation a siren effect is employed to guide the surgeon towards emission sources.

Abstract: Disclosed is a stereoscopic projection system for viewing from an eye station a stereoscopic image composed of a 1 x magnification of an image source pair. Said system comprises a pair of image sources each having an image center which are spaced apart from each other; a concave spherical mirror segment having a center of curvature and located between said image source pair and said viewable stereoscopic image. The concave spherical mirror is disposed so that the image centers of said image source pair and said viewable stereoscopic image are located at said center of curvature. Image deflecting means are disposed between its image source and said spherical mirror about the juncture whereat the aperture of the system is the smallest so that the image center of each of said image sources are located in spaced apart relationship.

Abstract: The present invention is addressed to a method for the improved localization, differentiation, and removal of neoplastic tissue in animals. In particular, one aspect of the present invention involves a surgical procedure wherein an animal suspected of containing neoplastic tissue is surgically accessed and the tissue therein examined visually and by palpation for evidence of neoplastic tissue. The improved methodology commences with the administering to the animal of an effective amount of a labelled antibody specific for neoplastic tissue and labelled with a radioactive isotope exhibiting specific photon emissions of energy levels. Next, and importantly, the surgial procedure is delayed for a time interval following said administering for permitting the labelled antibody to preferentially concentrate in any neoplastic tissue present in the animal so as to increase the ratio of photon emissions from neoplastic tissue to background photon emissions in said animal.

Abstract: A position detector for use with a code carrier which defines a position and has alternating radiation transmissive and non-transmissive regions which define a multi-bit output is disclosed. The position detector includes a photodetector array mounted on one side of the code carrier and a radiation source mounted on the detector on the side opposite the photodetector array. A radiation guide is interposed between the code carrier and the photodetector array and has a plurality of radiation transmissive paths each of which is in exclusive communication with one photodetector.

Abstract: A highly reliable annunciator circuit which is immune from spurious signals generated in an elevator environment is provided. The circuit employs an input condition verification network which performs in conjunction with low true logic two-bit inputs by carrying out switching only when those inputs fall below a preset control value, highly enhanced performance is achieved. Volume control over the piezoelectric output developing a chime or gong sound is achieved through a variable impedance control which is adjustable on site.

Abstract: An ophthalmic refractor is provided which is configured for carrying out the Jackson cross-cylinder test. To improve accuracy, an optical encoder is provided in conjunction with each cylinder axis control knob and in conjunction with the lens mount of the cross-cylinder test lens. The cross-cylinder test lens is driven by a d.c. motor and worm gear assembly and a control circuit is provided for selectively energizing the drive motor in correspondence with the settings of the optical encoders. For power mode operation, the control circuit effects motor drive to align the axes of the cross-cylinder lens and pertinent cylinder axis. Correspondingly, for axis mode operation, the control circuit further adjusts the positioning by the motor of the cross-cylinder lens by 45.degree.. Illuminated digital displays are provided on the refractor for direct digital readout of cylinder axis diagnostic data as well as test mode identification.

Abstract: A simulator arrangement wherein visual cues are generated by a video system at a display surface (18) spaced from an eye position (14). The image at the display surface is formed as longitudinal boundaries emanating from a vanishing point (VP) positioned a predetermined distance above a fixed horizon (30) image. Hue and texture visual information are developed between the longitudinal boundaries from a memory function (178). The slopes of the longitudinal boundaries are developed as the quotient of the value of the transverse displacement of a boundary from the corresponding position of the eye position divided by a value representing simulated height of the eye position. The arrangement finds particular utilization in conjunction with flight trainers.

Abstract: A flight simulator arrangement wherein a conventional, movable base flight trainer is combined with a visual cue display surface spaced a predetermined distance from an eye position within the trainer. Thus, three degrees of motive freedom (roll, pitch and crab) are provided for a visual proprioceptive, and vestibular cue system by the trainer while the remaining geometric visual cue image alterations are developed by a video system. A geometric approach to computing runway image eliminates a need to electronically compute trigonometric functions, while utilization of a line generator and designated vanishing point at the video system raster permits facile development of the images of the longitudinal edges of the runway.