Abstract: A peak flow meter is provided comprising an elongated body having a longitudinal direction and a predetermined cross sectional shape and a growing area. The body has an open entering end and an open exit end. The body is circumferentially continuous substantially from end to end. A piston and an indicator are mounted in said body for movement longitudinally thereof upon exhalation into the open entering end. The indicator is pushed along said body for movement by the piston longitudinally of said body. The indicator is of low mass so as not to overshoot, and is returned to rest by shaking a weight against it. A logarithmic scale is provided along said body against which the position of said indicator can be read.

Abstract: An improved peak flow meter for measuring the peak flow of exhaled air including an indicator and one or a plurality of vents designed so that the indicator provides a logarithmic measurement of the exhaled air. Also provided is a peak flow meter adaptable for low and high flow rate applications.

Abstract: A ventilator breathing circuit is provided with an inline axially extensible inhalation chamber. Telescoping conduits are disposed within the chamber and normally are in fluid communication. The chamber comprises a pleated outer shell so that it may be axially extended upon separation of the telescoping conduits. A receptacle is provided opening into the chamber for receiving a metered dose inhalation medication cannister. In addition, an air leakage path is provided from the chamber which is designed to be covered manually during use, but which will provide an audible signal if the chamber is left in extended position and unattended.

Abstract: A kidney stone disintegrating system includes a computer-controlled aiming system. The disintegrating system includes a reflector containing water through which the reflector is coupled to a living body having a kidney stone. The reflector is a portion of an ellipsoid and a spark gap generator is located at one focus of the ellipsoid. An electrical energy source is connected to the spark gap generator for generating a spark which in turn generates a shock wave in the fluid. Three motors are connected to the reflector for moving it in respectively X-axis, Y-axis and Z-axis directions to locate the reflector so that the kidney stone lies at the second focus point thereof. A pair of ultrasound transducers are carried by an articulated support comprising a plurality of pivotally interconnected arms. Precision potentiometers are provided between the arms to indicate the relative positions thereof, and electrical potentials from the potentiometers are connected to a computer.

Abstract: A length of braided wire, having an outside diameter, is selected as is a length of heat-shrinkable tubing which has an initial inside diameter greater than the outer diameter of the braided wire. The braided wire is inserted into the tubing such that, at one end of the tubing, the tubing extends beyond the braided wire. The one end of the tubing is grasped without grasping the braided wire, and the one end is supported against movement in a vertical direction. A weight is attached to the other end of the tubing so that the tubing with the braided wire inserted will extend downwardly from the first end to the other end thereof. Heat is applied to the tubing starting at the one end and moving slowly downwardly to the other end. The heat causes the tubing to shrink and, simultaneously, the weight pulls the tubing downwardly to cause the tubing to stretch so that a tight-fitting insulating cover, having decreased wall thickness, is produced.

Abstract: Apparatus for the non-invasive disintegration of kidney stones and the like. An ellipsoidal reflector open at one end is positionable against the body, and may have a diaphragm across the opened end to prevent leakage of water contained in the reflector. A spark gap is located at the first focal point of the ellipsoid, and sonic aiming means is physically interconnected with the ellipsoid for aiming the ellipsoid at the kidney stone or the like to locate the kidney stone at the second focal point of the ellipsoid. A series of sparks discharged across the spark gap generates a succession of shock waves that travel through water in the reflector, and through the body to impinge on the kidney stone or the like and thereby to disintegrate the same.

Abstract: Apparatus for the non-invasive disintegration of kidney stones and the like. An ellipsoidal reflector open at one end is positionable against the body, and may have a diaphragm across the opened end to prevent leakage of water contained in the reflector. A spark gap is located at the first focal point of the ellipsoid, and sonic aiming means is physically interconnected with the ellipsoid for aiming the ellipsoid at the kidney stone or the like to locate the kidney stone at the second focal point of the ellipsoid. A series of sparks discharged across the spark gap generates a succession of shock waves that travel through water in the reflector, and through the body to impinge on the kidney stone or the like and thereby to disintegrate the same.

Abstract: An electrode for use in fiber optic scopes has a connecting end and a discharge end and includes an elongated flexible center conductor and an inner insulation sleeve extending along and covering the conductor. An outer insulation sleeve extends along and covers the inner insulation sleeve and leaves a gap therebetween to define an irrigant conduit between the inner and outer insulation sleeves. A metallic sleeve extends along the irrigant conduit, the metallic sleeve being of a woven braided material whereby to permit passage of the irrigant through the irrigant conduit. Irrigant input means are in communication with the irrigant conduit. Adjacent the discharge end of the electrode is a balloon for centering the electrode in a duct.

Abstract: An instrument for attacking calculi of a patient by hydraulic impacts formed by electrical discharges in a liquid medium surrounding the calculi by detecting if the discharge end of the lithotrite of the instrument is adjacent to tissue of the patient and detecting by measuring the conductivity of the liquid medium and determining whether the measured conductivity falls within predetermined levels.