Abstract: An inflatable/deflatable device for use in a body-implantable heart-assist pump. The device includes an inflatable/deflatable central portion, and a noninflatable, generally planar marginal portion joined thereto. In a preferred construction, the device is formed by the marginal joinder of a pair of flexible fluid-impervious sheets, wherein the central portion has opposite sides, and the marginal portion includes stretches distributed along these sides. The two flexible sheets may have different flexibilities, permitting the device to be inflated preferentially in a desired direction, and different curvatures, permitting the device to conform to adjoining surfaces in the heart-assist pump.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for monitoring the speed and travel of a moving article (such as a moving sheet of wood veneer) without contacting the article. The apparatus is stationary relative to such an article, and contains an optical imaging system including spaced coaxial positive lenses, and a cylindrical lens, which cooperate to produce, and to project onto a photodetector, a special distorted image of such an article. The projected image consists of moving elongated bands of light, wherein the speed of movement of the bands, and their travel distance in the image, are directly proportional to the speed and travel distance, respectively, of the viewed article. Further, the lenses in the imaging system are so arranged that the appearance of a projected image is substantially independent of changes, within a predetermined range, in the distance between the apparatus and the viewed article.

Abstract: An electromedical patient monitoring system having a minimum likelihood of electrical injury to a patient is provided. Signals from a body-contacting sensor are amplified and processed by self-contained, battery powered apparatus for display by an electrical monitor, such as a recorder. In a preferred embodiment, the apparatus includes an input circuit operatively connected to the sensor and including an AC amplifier. The output of the amplifier is inductively coupled to a synchronous detector, part of an output circuit operatively connected to the monitor. Operating power for both the amplifier and detector is derived from a battery-powered audio oscillator to which the input and output circuits are inductively coupled. Thus, the apparatus provides DC isolation of the sensor from both the monitor and from the power source for the apparatus.