Abstract: A flow meter and method for measuring flow in liquids which may have entrained bubbles or foreign matter. The meter performs alternate transit time and Doppler measurements. The transit time measurements are used to calculate flow so long as they are successful. If the transit time measurements are not successful, the Doppler measurements are used.

Abstract: The present invention provides an improved method of manufacturing a pressure transducer of the optical fiber type and an improved pressure transducer of that type, the method including the steps of providing a housing having a greatest interior dimension less than twice the diameter of the optical fibers, deforming the housing by applying pressure thereto such that an interior dimension of the housing along one axis thereof exceeds twice the diameter of the optical fibers, and releasing the pressure on the housing so that the housing substantially resumes its undeformed state and fixedly traps the optical fibers at a preselected location within the housing. An improved pressure transducer of the optical fiber type has a housing receiving the distal end of an optical path, the housing including an aperture, and a pressure sensitive membrane disposed in covering relation to the aperture under tension.

Abstract: A physiological pressure transducer assembly mounted on a transvenously-insertable guide wire is disclosed. The multiple coils of the guide wire define an elongated tubular passage within which fiber optic leads are contained for the transmission of light signals to a pressure transducer. A window or aperture is cut along a restricted portion of the length of the guide wire coil to provide a pressure-sensing aperture over which an elastic, pressure-sensitive membrane is positioned. The coils of the guide wire adjacent to the sensing aperture are joined together for increased rigidity along the length of the pressure transducer assembly, as by soldering or brazing. A separate, cylindrical housing, preferably of molded plastic, is wholly contained within the reinforced length of the guide wire. The proximal end portions of fiber optic sending and receiving leads or paths are received and contained within the housing in a predetermined arrangement and geometry defining a light-transmitting gap.

Abstract: A fiber optic transducer utilizing a flexible membrane to transduce pressure by interrupting light transmission between fiber optic paths in a catheter or guide wire carrier by misaligning the paths or by interposing a blocking opaque shutter between the paths. Calibration data may be carried by the individual transducer in machine readable form.

Abstract: This invention relates to an introducer slitter for slitting an introducer tube portion having, for example, a catheter extending therethrough and into a body vessel while the introducer tube is moved rearwardly relative to the catheter to facilitate separating the introducer from the catheter without having to slide the introducer tube portion over the proximal end of the catheter. The slitter includes an arcuate section having an inner peripheral wall that extends arcuately through an angle of at least about 180.degree. and is adapted to abut against the catheter, and a nose portion that extends between the catheter and introducer tube portions as the introducer is moved axially rearwardly relative to the catheter, a handle section extending radially outwardly of the arcuate section and a radially extending cutting edge for engaging the introducer tube portion for slitting the introducer tube portion as the introducer is pulled rearwardly relative to the slitter.

Abstract: The device comprises a basin having a wall with a U-shaped indentation for reception of a user's neck. A series of independently adjustable ducts, each of which incorporates several jet heads, each jet head having a number of nozzles arranged to direct streams of water radially inwards, are mounted on the basin. The ducts are connected to a common water inlet manifold and are adjustable to selected stationary positions such that the whole of the user's hair can be simultaneously rinsed. The jet heads are preferably linearly and/or rotationally adjustable with respect to the ducts. Rinsing water is caused to accumulate in a pool at the bottom of the basin by a weir running across the floor and preferably incorporating a narrow gap to provide controlled out-flow of water. The ducts may also be adapted to fit within a conventional backwash basin by means of suitable bracket means.

Abstract: A tool for installing a body implantable electrode of a lead that includes an electrode holder assembly having a clamp for releasably clamping an electrode mounting head and a clamp operator conductor carrier assembly rotatably mounted by the holder assembly for operating the clamp from a head clamping position to a head release position. The carrier assembly has a chamber and a bore for holding part of the lead conductor.

Abstract: A tined lead that includes an insulated electrical conductor having one end electrically connectable to a pulse generator and an opposite end extending into one end portion of a metal electrode in electrically conductive relationship therewith, the opposite end portion of the electrode having a rounded tip for contacting body tissue, an axial bore through the tip surface to reduce the electrical conductive surface area of the tip and cross bores intersecting the axial bore remote from the tip, nonconductive, integrally joined plastic plugs filling said bores, and a nonconductive molded plastic member circumferentially surrounding the electrode, other than the tip, and the portion of the conductor that is connected to the electrode; the molded plastic member having a plurality of circumferentially spaced tines extending outwardly in a direction away from the tip. The tines are finned shaped and are flattened to be more flexible about axes parallel to the electrode axis than about axes perpendicular thereto.

Abstract: Temporary pacemaker lead apparatus that includes a bifurcated lead assembly having a first and a second electric conductor pin connectable to terminals of an external pulse generator, a ring electrode more closely adjacent to the pins than the tip electrode, a first electric conductor having a first end electrically connected to the first pin, an intermediate portion extending through a tubular member and a second end electrically connected to the tip electrode, a second electric conductor connected to the second pin, an intermediate portion extended through the above mentioned tubular member and a second end connected to the ring electrode, a junction member having the first and second conductor intermediate portions extended therethrough, the junction member having means which connects to the head portion of a lead introducer cannula head portion for storing the cannula after the cannula has been used in extending the electrode end portion of the lead assembly into a body vessel, for example a vein.

Abstract: A pacemaker bipolar lead assembly, for being electrically connected to a pulse generator to transmit electrical pulses into a heart, that includes a pair of wire conductor spring coils electrically connected to conductor pins, the first coil being electrically connected to a tip electrode and the second coil being electrically connected to a ring electrode. An internal ring having an outwardly facing groove is press fitted within the ring electrode with the second coil extending through the groove to retain the second coil in electrical conducting relationship with the ring electrode. Electrical insulation is provided on the coils and the conductor pins except for one end portions of the pins, the part of the second coil that is in electrical contact with the ring electrode and the juncture of the first coil with the tip electrode. An insulated portion of the first coil extends through the internal ring.