Abstract: The invention relates to an RF-activated guidewire to electrosurgically pass through occlusive material to allow the use of other vescular therapeutic devices to traverse the guidewire through the occlusive material. More particularly, the invention relates to a catheter system for penetrating occulsive tissue in an arterial lumen, comprising:a substantially tubular sheath means;an electrically conductive guidewire, said guidewire having an electrosurgical tip and passing through said sheath means; anda voltage generating means electrically connected to said electrically conductive guidewire to activate said electrosurgical tip.

Abstract: The present invention is a clinically practical, rotational angioplasty system which employs a unique rotary ablative device for mechanically abrading, and thereby removing, lesions from within a patient's vessels. The device has a gas driven prime mover connected, via a hollow helical drive assembly, to an ellipsoidal, rotating, ablative burr which is used for the actual recanalization of the patient's vessel. The burr is provided with a central opening therethrough, which, together with the hollow drive assembly, permits the burr and drive assembly to be threaded over a guide wire similar to the type conventionally used in a catheterization procedure. The drive assembly is located within a hollow sheath which prevents the rotating drive assembly from contacting the inner walls of a patient's vessel.

Abstract: The pin vise is usable in connection with guidewire of the type used in medical applications, i.e., for guiding catheters. The pin vise is constructed from two parts which are assembled together to provide a handle over a guidewire.

Abstract: The present invention is a pump apparatus which is adapted to move liquids which contain debris. The apparatus is adapted to operate by alternating suction and pressure, whereby any debris which becomes lodged in any orifices or conduits in the system is effectively dislodged as a consequence of the normal operation of the system.The push-pull material transport system of the present invention includes a conduit to transport fluid from a first location to another location. The invention includes a peristaltic pump which has two heads. The first head pumps fluid from the first location to the second location, and the second head intermittently and periodically pumps fluid in the reverse direction in order to keep the conduit clear of debris.

Abstract: A radar system for continuously displaying target returns on a conventional television receiver. The radar includes a console connected to a rotating scanner unit through conventional slip rings. The scanner unit contains a radar antenna coupled to a receiver and transmitter, and a power supply generating a multitude of high-voltage and circuit supply voltages from AC power. A position transducer measures the rotary position of the scanner unit and triggers the transmitter as the scanner unit rotates. The return signal is thresholded to generate a video data signal, portions of which are sequentially stored in separate memory locations, each corresponding to a respective range. The set of video data in memory thus corresponds to targets within a predetermined range in a single direction.