Abstract: Surgical means for removing a portion of a body comprising means for applying a vacuum upon the portion of the body to be removed sufficient to move such portion away from the remainder of the body immediately adjacent to such portion and means for cutting such portion of the body that has been moved to sever it from the remainder of the body. The invention is also directed to a process for removing a portion of the body wherein a vacuum is applied to such portion and thereafter is severed from the remainder of the body.

Abstract: A stent comprising a wire skeletal frame, the frame being adapted to assume a first condition in which the frame is relatively rigid and substantially tubular in configuration and a second condition in which the frame is flexible, of reduced stress, and collapsible, such that in the second condition walls of the frame are adapted to be positioned against each other to form a stent diameter substantially equal to the combined thickness of the frame walls in abutting engagement with each other, the frame in its second condition being substantially devoid of bias therein urging the frame to assume the first configuration.

Abstract: An apparatus for widening a stenosis in a body cavity, such as an artery, in the bile duct, in the ureter, etc. is proposed, which in view of a problem-free, reliable and permanent widening of a stenosis is characterized by a memory alloy part having a cylindrical jacket-shaped outer contour, said part radially widening at a transition temperature, which is above ambient temperature, but below body temperature, whilst maintaining a cylindrical outer contour and at a temperature below the transition temperature the diameter is smaller than that of the vessel.

Abstract: A medical implant particularly suited for stabilizing an aortic aneurism. The implant is intended to be inserted into the patient and expanded to bring a graft into contact with inner wall linings of a blood vessel. The act of expanding the device also causes the device to separate from an insertion catheter used in placing the device. A preferred implant includes two plastic tubes spaced apart by a wire mesh that expands as the two tubes are moved closer together. A flexible graft covers the wire mesh so that as the mesh expands, the graft contacts inner wall linings of a blood vessel, typically the aortic artery.

Abstract: A forceps having forceps jaws operated by manually operable handle also has a cable connected between the forceps jaws and a manually operable actuator such that the forceps jaws are swung to a desired position when the actuator is operated.

Abstract: An endoscopic surgical instrument is disclosed which is particularly facilitated for grasping the anvil portion of an circular surgical stapling device. The present instrument includes a generally elongated shaft, with a pair of cooperating jaw members disposed at the distal end of the shaft. The jaw members cooperate in a pincer-like action for gripping the anvil portion of the associated surgical stapler therebetween. The jaw members include cooperating jaw portions, each of which defines a semi-cylindrical gripping surface. The jaw portions are angularly disposed relative to the longitudinal axis of the associated shaft, and are otherwise configured to facilitate gripping and manipulation of the anvil portion of the surgical stapling device, as well as tissue manipulation.

Abstract: Forceps suitable for gripping body tissue or organs including a pair of jaws the gripping force of which can be adjusted. The forceps include an operating rod providing with axially spaced angularly offset cams which are selectively engagable by rotating the control rod with longitudinally slidable link assemblies separated by compression springs of differing stiffnesses. Rotation of the control rod to a particular angular position determines whether no spring or one or more springs are connected in series to determine the gripping force exerted by the forceps when the control rod is axially displaced. A control rod actuating lever is locked in position by means of a locking device.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for determining, in three dimensions, the location, size, depth and width of tumors, lesions, abnormalities, structures, and the like, particularly useful for stereotactic surgery. The invention utilizes several energy beams which, when they intersect, allow for such measurements and calculations. In one embodiment, the energy sources attach to a stereotactic frame. In an alternative embodiment, the energy sources are incorporated within a stereotactic microscope. Either embodiment may be mounted on an articulated robotic type arm.

Abstract: An implantable cardiac stimulator with an analog-to-digital converter which comprises timing means for defining measurement cycles. During successive cycles, the value of a cardiac waveform is sampled. The difference between sampled values in two different measurement cycles produces a value whose probability is predicted. A digital code is assigned to each expected difference value such that difference values with a high expected probability have a shorter code and values with a low probability have a longer code. Means are provided for assigning a digital code based on the determined difference, the digital code being of predetermined variable size, the size of the code being proportional to the predicted probability of occurrence of a particular difference. The variability in code length permits the resulting digital representation of the waveform to be compressed and the energy required for conversion to be reduced.

Abstract: An apparatus for detecting, identifying and treating tachyarrhythmias. Tachyarrhythmias are detected and identified by the use of overlapping ranges of intervals. Provisional identification of tachyarrhythmia is accomplished by measuring and tracking intervals within two overlapping or adjacent interval ranges. Further classification and identification of tachyarrhythmias is accomplished by determining the relative numbers of intervals within a preceding series falling within a third interval range, overlapping one or both of the other interval ranges. In response to identification of the tachyarrhythmia, an appropriate therapy is selected and delivered.

Abstract: An implantable variable rate cardiac pacemaker adaptive to patient exercise has a sensor responsive to each of several preselected different static physical positions of the implant patient to produce electrical output signals uniquely representative of the different physical positions. The pulse generator of the pacemaker is responsive to each output signal of the sensor to generate pacing pulses at a rate different from the rates generated in response to each of the other output signals of the sensor, so that each preselected different physical position has its own representative pacing pulse rate for stimulation of the patient's heart. The generator includes a rate control section adapted to respond to a change by the implant patient from one preselected physical position to another by producing a predetermined pattern of transition from the rate representative of the old position to the rate representative of the new position.

Abstract: A sensor lead for use in conjunction with an implantable monitoring or therapeutic device. The lead is provided with a V-shaped bend near its distal end, and carries a blood parameter sensor distal to the V-shaped bend. The blood parameter sensor may be, for example, an oxygen sensor, a pulse sensor or a flow sensor. The V-shaped bend facilitates the location of the sensor in an internal jugular vein, allowing the sensor to be used to monitor blood flow from the brain.

Abstract: A method of and apparatus for telemetering analog and digital data transcutaneously between an implantable medical device and an external receiver, such as between an external programmer and an implantable cardiac pacer. A damped carrier at 175 kilohertz is pulse position modulated by digital data. The data, along with synchronization and identification codes, are positioned into predefined ranges within predefined frames as measured by individual time periods. The data is uniquely identified by the position of one or more bursts of the carrier within the predefined range. An automatically initiated hand shake protocol maintains the link over slight variations in programmer head position with an indicator notifying the operator when repositioning is required. Analog data may be transferred in digital form or alternatively transferred using phase modulation of the carrier bursts. A cyclic redundancy code is used for link error detection.

Abstract: A neurostimulator for generating stimulation pulses for the central or peripheral nervous system, particularly against pain in the region of the spinal cord includes a control circuit for generating stimulation pulses with a pulse generator whose output is connected with stimulation electrodes. The stimulation pulses are generated at periodic intervals with an activity period corresponding essentially to an effective duration corresponding to a biological half-lifetime of a body's own active substances. The control circuit creates a respective rest period corresponding to a time required by the body's own active substances to regenerate themselves for a corresponding activity period.

Abstract: The invention refers to a patch arrangement for electric elimination of muscle spasms. The invention is based upon the object to employ electrotherapy through stable galvanization without external voltage source to attain high efficiency and to make it overall more practical. In accordance with the invention, the object is attained by arranging a plane electrode of different metals at both sides of the affected area. A further metal electrode is applied onto both of these skin contact electrodes at the other side or body-distant side thereof wherein the metals of these electrodes may correspond to those of both skin electrodes, however, with opposing polarity according to the electrochemical series. Both obtained compact bimetallic electrodes are insulated at their border against electrolytic shorting and attached to the body by means of the electrocardiographic electrode patch which is available in the medical trade.

Abstract: An endoscope illumination optical system includes a spherical lens element and a divergent lens element, positioned in order from a circular light exit end of a light guide fiber bundle. The spherical lens element has a refractive index n satisfying the following conditions when sin=r/R:1.8 cos (.THETA./2)<n<2.2 cos (.THETA./2) andr<Rwhere r is the radius of said light exit end of said light guide fiber bundle; and R is the radius of said transparent spherical element.

Abstract: A laser heating system projects a beam of optical radiation on a region to be heated. A sensor detects changes in temperature of the region by sensing the black body radiation of the heated region. A control circuit then controls the intensity of the beam as a function of the sensed black body radiation. In another embodiment, the beam is moved among the region and the light intensity of the beam is dynamically controlled.

Abstract: A method for preventing platelet adhesion to a vascular surface in a mammal, which includes irradiating the vascular surface with a pulse of laser energy having a pulse duration less than the thermal relaxation time of the irradiated vascular surface, wherein lasar energy is delivered to said vascular surface via radiographic contrast material.

Abstract: A system for internal heat treatment of specific bodies by microwave including a generator 1 of microwave energy at a frequency f0, at least one channel for transmission of the microwave energy, each channel making it possible to generate a modulated microwave treatment signal, the wave of the microwave energy of two consecutive channels exhibiting a phase shift of defined value. At least one microwave applicator is associated with one of the channels in order to ensure application of the microwave energy delivered by this channel at separate adjacent points of the area Z to be treated, and a dual-temperature-reference radiometer is interconnected selectively to the applicator which then plays the role of temperature sensor, the absolute temperature of the adjacent point of the area Z to be treated being thus determined. The microwave powers radiated and the instantaneous temperatures of the separate points of the area Z to be treated are displayed.

Abstract: A connector for establishing an external connection with multiple-conductor implantable leads. The connector body is generally cylindrical in shape and includes a unique twist lock design. The cylindrical connector body has two sections which rotate axially with respect to one another, from an `open` position to a `closed` position. Each of the sections has a longitudinal slot therein extending along its surface parallel to the cylindrical axis of the connector. In the `open` position, the slots in the respective sections are in alignment, forming a single longitudinal opening. The opening is keyed to accept an elongated end piece from a lead stylet, the end piece being attached to the end of the implantable electrode. The end piece supports the end of the lead such that the multiple, spaced apart electrical contacts disposed on the lead are exposed on at least one side.

Abstract: A body implantable lead affixed with a pin or pins at its proximal end adapted to be connected to a pulse generator or signal detector with an electrode or electrodes at its distal end adapted to be placed within a body cavity or in contact with body tissue. One or more electrical conductors encased within nonconductive body compatible material electrically connects the electrode with a pin and comprises a length of resilient, single filar or multifilar coil conductor wherein the conductor is non-circular in cross section. The non-circular cross section is preferably elliptic, oval, rectangular or trapezoidal with a major dimension generally perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the length of coiled conductor and its minor dimension generally parallel to that axis, whereby a specific ratio of torque to bending stiffness is effected.

Abstract: A patch electrode including a generally oval-shaped metallic mesh affixed to a polymer insulation backing and an insulation frame, and further including a plurality of specially designed lattices which divide the metallic mesh into a plurality of windows or apertures. The windows effectively act as smaller electrodes distributing the higher current densities inward from each of their own individual edges.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for manufacturing a circulatory system non-pyrogenic vascular prosthesis comprising a multilaminar tubular member comprising an interior strata, a unitary medial strata and an exterior strata. The interior strata bears a pseudoneointima facilitating lumen surface and the exterior strata bears a stabilization promoter surface. The interior and exterior stratum being separated solely by said unitary medial strata which comprises an exclusionary boundary.

Abstract: An improved heart valve prosthesis arranged for permanent implantation to replace a defective natural heart valve, wherein the improved prosthesis device includes an annular body or ring designed to retain a pair of rotatable flat plate occluders. The structure of the present invention contains modifications which improve the flow dynamics therethrough, and reduce if not eliminate the formation of eddies or areas of stasis in and along the flow pattern. The annular ring is provided with oppositely disposed pairs of spherical segments which form pivot areas for the occluders, with the occluders being provided with concavities engageable with the spherical segments. Stops are provided for controlling the degree of arcuate travel or rotational skirt of motion. The abutment surfaces are arranged at positions spaced from the axis of rotation so as to improve the distribution of stresses created during closure.

Abstract: Presbyopia and hyperopia are treated by a method which increases the amplitude of accommodation by increasing the effective working distance of the ciliary muscle in the presbyopic eye. The effective working distance of the ciliary muscle can be increased by expanding the sclera in the region of the ciliary body. This expansion may be accomplished by suturing to the sclera in the region of the ciliary body a relatively rigid band having a diameter slightly greater than that of the sclera in that region. The scleral expansion band comprises anterior and posterior rims and a web extending between the rims, the anterior rim having a smaller diameter than the posterior rim.

Abstract: The invention relates to an artificial cornea comprising a transparent optical part placed in an orifice formed in the cornea. Its posterior end is fixed to a support part by being screwed thereto. The support part is pressed against the inside wall of the cornea. To assist in holding the support part, the prosthesis may include a fixing part which exerts forwards traction on the optical part and thus on the support part.

Abstract: An apparatus for implanting a folded intraocular lens of resilient material uch as silicone lens comprises a tubular implantation instrument for carrying the folded lens therein, and a manipulator assembly which is connected to the implantation instrument and which comprises a pushing means for inserting the folded lens from the implantation instrument into the lens capsule of an eye.

Abstract: An optical body 1 in an intraocular prosthetic lens is made up of a first planoconvex optic element 3 and a second planoconvex optic element 4, both interconnected by their bases. An optic axis 5 of the first planoconvex optic element 3 is offset with respect to the optic axis 6 of the second planoconvex optic element 4.

Abstract: An intraocular insert for implantation in the interior of a human eye, characterized in that the insert includes a converging lens to face the anterior side of the eye, and a diverging lens in alignment with and spaced behind the converging lens to face the posterior side of the eye.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for bonding soft tissues. The method comprises the steps of (a) applying a polymerizable collagen composition onto at least portion of a surface of at least one of a first tissue and a second tissue, (b) exposing the polymerizable collagen composition to an initiator so as to initiate polymerization of the polymerizable collagen composition and (c) contacting the first tissue and the second tissue so that the exposed polymerizable collagen composition forms a bond between the first tissue and the second tissue.

Abstract: A support for a breast prosthesis including a bra cup (of conventional design) which is attached to the perimeter of a cup support member. The cup support member also includes apparatus for positioning the cup from a horizontal surface a distance sufficient to prevent the cup, when holding a prosthesis, from touching such horizontal surface. The positioning apparatus is detachable.

Abstract: Methods for manufacturing texturized coverings for implants into the human body are described which generate small wells or channels on the exterior surface of the implant. Optionally, the texturized surface may be formed by affixing globules on the exterior surface of a mandrel or the interior surface of a mold, which is then coated with silicone rubber and cured. The surface may be optionally microtexturized, for example, by microtexturizing the surface of the globules by etching or sand blasting.

Abstract: Method of stabilizing fabrics by impregnation with a water soluble stiffening agent so that the fabric will not readily stretch in any direction. The water soluble stiffening agent is prepared by producing a mixture of Poly Vinyl Alcohol and water and diluting such with Ethanol. The materials produced thereby is particularly suited for embroidery work, for accurate cutting of materials, and in the process of applique.

Abstract: A process for the preparation of copolymers of carbon monoxide and one or more ethylenically unsaturated compounds by contacting the monomers, under polymerization conditions, with a catalyst system comprising a) a source of cations of one or more metals of Group VIII of the Periodic Table and b) a bidentate ligand, and c) a minor amount of a compound containing a hydride moiety. Copolymers made by this process generally have low molecular weights.

Abstract: Leather is dyed using dye mixtures comprising at least two metal-free dyes each carrying a single sulfo or carboxyl group and having a molecular weight in the range from 450 to 700.It is preferred to use a trichromatic dyeing formulation comprising at least one yellow dye of formula (1), at least one red dye of formula (2) and at least one blue dye of formula (3) according to claim 2.Leather is dyed in brilliant shades with these dye mixtures.

Abstract: Stain-resistant, multicolored cationic dyeable carpet fibers are space dyed with an acid dye or premetalized acid dye, heatset, then tufted together with undyed cationic dyeable nylon fibers into a carpet. The carpet is then overdyed with an acid dye or premetalized acid dye to selectively dye only the previously undyed cationic dyeable nylon fibers, without staining or discoloring the adjacent previously dyed fibers, resulting in a multicolored stain resistant carpet.

Abstract: The invention includes a compound of formula I ##STR1## where R' is hydrogen, an alkyl, or aryl group; R"O is derived from R"OH which is a polyether mono-ol or hydrocarbyl mono-ol; and R'" independently is a hydrogen, an alkyl group or a substituted alkyl group. The invention also includes an unleaded fuel composition containing a compound of formula I and a process for making the compound of formula I.

Abstract: A fuel oil composition for use in a spark ignition engine, which comprises conventional gasoline for spark ignition engine use and a compound selected from the group consisting of an alkynyl alcohol, alkynyl ether, alkynyl ketone, alkenyl aldehyde or an acetal thereof, furan or a furan compound, and an alkenyl ether.

Abstract: A process for thermochemical beneficiation of carbonaceous solids including a fraction of particles of a size less than 1/4 inch across is provided. The process includes steps of providing a reactor vessel including therein a retaining structure operably positioned to separate a portion of carbonaceous solids from a wall of the reactor vessel, with a free standing liquids region therebetween. The process includes providing a portion of carbonaceous solids piled above an uppermost liquid level of process liquid within the reactor vessel. The disclosure also provides a preferred reactor arrangement for conduct of the process.

Abstract: A pressure swing adsorption process is set forth for the recovery of two gas products at high recovery and high purity using the steps of adsorption, depressurization, low pressure purge, evacuation and repressurization. The purge effluent and a portion of the depressurization effluent are used to partially accomplish the repressurization step.

Abstract: A vacuum system which uses water as a filtration medium to effectively capture dirt and dust particles. The vacuum system uses a canister or tank, which can be placed on a wheeled mobile frame for mobility. Within the tank, a removeable insert includes a number of equally spaced annular plates with a first of the annular plates fitting snugly against the outside wall of the tank and the next plate fitting snugly against the outside wall of a central cylindrical column. The plates then continue to alternate from outside wall of the tank to the outside wall of the column to form alternating gaps and, thus, a serpentine airflow path. The bottom portion of the tank is filled with a quantity of water sufficient to cover the bottom of an air intake port. A blower draws air, along with accompanying debris, from the intake port through the water.

Abstract: A method for producing a silica glass optical fiber, which comprises coating carbon on the optical fiber with the use of the remaining heat of not less than 800.degree. C. possessed by the optical fiber just after heat wire drawing, for thermal decomposition of a carbon coat-forming gas comprised of one or more members selected from the group of halogenated hydrocarbons, hydrocarbons, and halogen molecules, which has 5 to 15 hydrogen atoms per 10 halogen atoms, and a reaction apparatus for coating carbon, wherein the area of the outer end of an exhaust region is greater than the transverse sectional area of a coating region, and the outer end is outwardly opened.

Abstract: There is provided a continuous method for manufacturing of organic fertilizers by fermentation of a waste containing organic materials or mixture of said waste with cellulose-containing organic materials in the presence of thermophilic and aerobic microorganisms comprising the steps:a. adjusting the moisture content of said waste or mixture to 45-65 wt %,b. shearing and kneading said waste or mixture at a temperature elevated to 40.degree. C.-90.degree. C. by the pressure and friction of said shearing and kneading, whereby thermophilic microorganisms are caused to be activated, andc. pulverizing the thus-treated waste or mixture while contacting it with air, whereby said aerobic microorganisms are caused to be activated,the improvement which comprises subjecting a part of the product of step c. to fermentation by thermophilic microorganisms at a temperature of higher than 40.degree. C. for more than 5 hours, and recycling the thus treated product with fresh raw materials to step a.

Abstract: A new slow releasing particulate iron humate agricultural nutrient composition exhibiting substantially complete solubility of its iron content in soil solutions as indicated by neutral citrate solubilities, and almost no solubility in water, and a new method for preparing the composition. The method comprises admixing and coreacting iron humate with about equimolar amounts of a divalent metal oxide, an aqueous hydroxide of a monovalent Lewis acid, and a water soluble inorganic phosphate. The iron humate amounts to between 20 and 70 percent of the nutrient particles, and the reaction is carried out at temperatures between 60.degree. and 150.degree. C. for between 4 and 25 minutes.

Abstract: An article comprises a Cr-bearing, predominantly gamma titanium aluminide matrix including second phase dispersoids, such as TiB.sub.2, in an amount effective to increase both the strength and the ductility of the matrix.

Abstract: Disclosed is a contact material for vacuum circuit breakers and a manufacturing process thereof. The contact material includes a copper component, a chromium component and a bismuth component, and has a metallographic structure comprising: a first phase including the copper component and the bismuth component; and a second phase including the chromium component and interposed among the first phase. In this structure, the boundary surface between the first phase and the second phase appears in a structural cross section of the alloy composition as a substantially smooth boundary line, such that when a segment of the boundary line is defined by two arbitrary points which lie on the boundary line at a straight distance of 10 .mu.m, the ratio of the length of the segment to the straight distance of 10 .mu.m lies within a range of approximately 1.0 to 1.4.

Abstract: A multi-component composition suitable for amalgamation with mercury to form a dental amalgam, an amalgam and a method for producing such a multi-component composition. The multi-component composition has: from 30 to 90% (by weight) of a first component containing at least 30% silver, at least 20% tin and at least 10% copper; from 10 to 70% (by weight) of a second component containing at least 30% silver, at least 20% tin and at least 10% copper; and up to 15% (by weight) of a third component containing silver and/or alloy powder containing at least 80% (by weight) silver. The first component is spherically shaped atomized alloy powder. The second component is mechanically worked atomized alloy powder. The surface area to volume ratio of the powder of the second component is greater than the surface area to volume ratio of the powder of the first component.

Abstract: A method for producing single-phase intermetallic phases, which melt incongruently within a temperature range of 900.degree. to 2,000.degree. K., with a homogeneity range of .ltoreq.10 atom % at room temperature by co-reduction is described. The exothermic reaction of the calciothermal reduction is adjusted by altering the oxide content of the reaction mixture, the composition of which corresponds to the desired single-phase alloy, in such a way that the temperature condition T.sub.m >T.sub.R .gtoreq.0.9 T.sub.m (in .degree. K.) is fulfilled, T.sub.m being the melting temperature of the intermetallic phase and T.sub.R the reaction temperature. The components of the reaction mixture, with the exception of calcium, have an average particle size of .ltoreq.75 .mu.m. The reaction product at the end of the exothermic reaction is tempered at a temperature which is at least 0.7 times the melting temperature T.sub.m of the desired, single-phase alloy, measured in .degree. K.

Abstract: An apparatus, and method of operating the apparatus, wherein a feed material is converted into a glassified condition for subsequent use or disposal. The apparatus is particularly useful for disposal of hazardous or noxious waste materials which are otherwise either difficult or expensive to dispose of. The apparatus is preferably constructed by excavating a melt zone in a quantity of soil or rock, and lining the melt zone with a back fill material if refractory properties are needed. The feed material is fed into the melt zone and, preferably, combusted to an ash, whereupon the heat of combustion is used to melt the ash to a molten condition. Electrodes may be used to maintain the molten feed material in a molten condition, and to maintain homogeneity of the molten materials.

Abstract: The invention provides a method for both disposing of an environmentally undesirable material comprising petroleum coke and the sulfur and heavy metals contained therein and of providing fuel for a process of making molten iron or steel preproducts and reduction gas in a melter gasifier having an upper fuel charging end, a reduction gas discharging end, a lower molten metal and slag collection end, and means providing an entry for charging ferrous material into the melter gasifier; introducing petroleum coke into the melter gasifier at the upper fuel charging end; blowing oxygen-containing gas into the petroleum coke to form at least a first fluidized bed of coke particles from the petroleum coke; introducing ferrous material into the melter gasifier through the entry means, reacting petroleum coke, oxygen and particulate ferrous material to combust the major portion of the petroleum coke to produce reduction gas and molten iron or steel preproducts containing heavy metals freed from combustion of the petrole