Abstract: A material processing apparatus includes a casing having a pyrolysis chamber for receiving and pyrolyzing feed materials therein into a gaseous material and solid ash residue, a mass of refractory material contained in the casing upon a bottom thereof, being spaced below a top and extending between opposite sides thereof, and including an inclined upper surface defining the bottom of the pyrolysis chamber and having a lower terminal edge being spaced from one of the opposite sides of the casing for defining a solid ash residue collection region therein, and a pusher mechanism disposed in the pyrolysis chamber for engaging and moving feed materials down the inclined upper surface of the refractory mass toward the lower terminal edge thereof.

Abstract: A low-nox burner for use in industrial furnaces and/or boilers which burn pulverized coal. The burner includes a burner tip which divides an annular pulverized coal stream into alternating fuel-rich and fuel-lean streams. The tip includes a plurality of alternating main and secondary blade members which are skewed to produce rotational movement in the streams. The main blade has a leading edge that is aligned with a radial vector extending through a center axis of the burner and a trailing edge that is tilted with respect to the radial vector in order to define a substantially planar surface between the leading and trailing edges. The secondary blade includes leading and trailing edges that are both aligned with radial vectors and defines a twisted surfaces between the edges. The secondary blade is skewed with respect to the longitudinal direction by an angle that is substantially greater than the angle at which the main blade is skewed.

Abstract: A system for disposing of refuse-derived fuel ("RDF") and converting the refuse-derived fuel into a fuel gas is described. The system includes a positive pressure combustion chamber and a feed system for feeding the RDF into the combustion chamber at high speed. No compaction of the low density RDF is required. The feed system includes a feed conveyor, first and second air locks with a first conduit between the feed conveyor and the first air lock, and a second conduit between the first and second air locks. Both conduits are generally vertically oriented, but sloped at an angle that prevents bridging of the RDF.

Abstract: A device for creating a raised motif on a tufted textile material includes first and second frames jointly movable with respect to the material. Remote controls command driving devices to move the second frame on the material according to a design.

Abstract: Equipment that positions and clamps a piece of cloth or the like on a base fabric through a jig-guide (13) (17), moves automatically when a first seam has been sewn on the most external edge. In this way it is possible to sew further seams in the inner part of the first seam according to any preset pattern. The said jig-guide is coupled to a further device the purpose of which is the facilitation of the loading and positioning operations during which the pieces of cloth are to be loaded and positioned. Such operations are carried out very easily and quickly through a load sliding plane (31) which is provided only with precise references and does not have any further mechanism which might hinder the insertion of the cloth. The sliding plane (31) moves on a fixed bed (32) since the edges of the first plane are bent downwards on the edges of the second plate and the first plane slides on the second plate through the a piston or the like (42).

Abstract: A safety device for sewing machines such as an overlock sewing machine and the like including a stopper secured to the sewing machine, a lever pivoted to a looper cover, a pin, a spring provided thereon, and engageable members formed on a chip guard cover and an auxiliary bed, respectively. A switch is so mounted on the sewing machine as to render the latter actuated when it is in contact with the looper cover.

Abstract: A tanker ship has upper and lower tanks for carrying cargo. The upper and lower tanks are separated from each other by an intermediate deck. The lower tank is filled with cargo to the intermediate deck such that the cargo is slightly pressurized and there is no ullage space. As the tanker sails, the cargo in the lower tank is likely to change pressure due to temperature changes. These pressure changes are detected by a pipe extending from the lower tank through the intermediate deck up to an ullage space in the corresponding upper tank. A siphon is used to transfer cargo between the upper and lower tanks to equalize the pressures. In the event that the lower tank is breached, sensors are used to detect the resulting drop in pressure from the lower tank cargo. The sensor system provides a warning to the crew, closes the siphon to prevent cargo transfer from the upper tank to the lower tank and opens an auxiliary pipe located in the upper portion of the lower tank.

Abstract: A ship typically is constructed with an outer hull, and an inner hull which defines the usable space of the ship. Between the outer hull, and the inner hull, the ship will generally have a low point, or bilge, for collection of any water which gets onto the ship. Therefore, one of the chambers of the ship can preferably be outfitted with processing equipment for cleaning the bilge water. The apparatus and associated method for cleaning the bilge water generally involves at least a gravity separation in a gravity separation chamber to separate at least some oil from the bilge water. Since a gravity separation is generally not sufficient to produce environmentally safe water, the ship can also be equipped with a further filtering arrangement for further processing of the bilge water.

Abstract: A self powered aquatic device that will tow a person through and across a water surface, where in use, most of the persons body is essentially in the water, but where the head and arms are supported above the surface in a manner that could be described as a powered alternative to swimming but with a higher speed capability. The towing device and the person form an essentially single combined hydrodynamically streamlined shape that diverts or guides surrounding water underneath or around the persons chest area in a smooth flow. Steering is executed with the upper arms or shoulders, instead of the hands, and a variable stretching or extending force is applied to the persons torso and spine, controlled by the person.

Abstract: A watercraft for extending the utility of a small personal watercraft designed to accommodate only one or two riders. The watercraft is comprised of a main hull that is devoid of any propulsion device and which defines a berthing area into which the smaller watercraft may be driven. The berthing area and the smaller watercraft are designed so that the propulsion device of the smaller watercraft may power the main hull when it is in the berthing area. A fuel supply system is provided in the main hull for transferring fuel to the smaller watercraft to extend the range of the combined watercraft.

Abstract: An air venting device is provided in a container with a sealed closure sucted to uncontrolled oscillations and designed to be filled by water. The air venting device includes an outside tube with a water presence indicator and an isolating valve to close off the outside tube in response to the water presence indicator and an inside tube with two open ends located at two different points in the container. One of the ends of the inside tube is fitted with a closure flap to close off the opening of the tube once the water in the container reaches a predetermined level through the action of a float. This end allows the air to enter even when the container is subjected to oscillations and so long as it is not completely full. This air venting device may be used in torpedo tubes of a submarine, for example.

Abstract: A device is removably mounted on the exterior roof surface of an automotive vehicle, for locating the vehicle while parked in a crowded parking lot. The locator device comprises a magnetic base attachable to the vehicle roof, a mast extending upwardly from the base, and a pennant extending laterally from the mast. The pennant is preferably formed of a stiff plastic sheet, so as to have a large surface area presented for viewing by the motorist when he returns to the parking lot seeking his vehicle. The magnetic base has three hundred sixty (360) degree adjustability around the mast axis, so that the stiff plastic sheet can face in any desired compass direction.

Abstract: A fish score card for counting the number of fish caught during a fishing trip is disclosed. The score card includes a column for each fisherman on the trip and a row for each possible type of fish caught. Each time a fish is caught the fisherman places a peg in the appropriate hole of the appropriate row and column of the scorecard. In an alternatively preferred embodiment, the fish score card may be attached to a combination length gauge and scale. The length gauge is for measuring the length of the fish and the scale is for weighing the fish.

Abstract: A method of fabricating a plurality of optoelectronic components on a semiconductor substrate, each optoelectronic component comprising several layers grown in a reactor. Every layer is being grown under a predetermined individual pressure. The active layers of all the components are lying substantially at the same height. Control of the pressure in the reactor during growth allows the thickness of the layer grown to be constant or to vary over the substrate area.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus enabling a diagnostic test to be carried out on milk flowing in a milk line from an animal being milked, without interrupting the milking process, in which a portion of the milk is diverted through a by-pass in which an extracting means (14) in the form of a vacuum-operable pump and timer acts to separate from the milk flowing in the by-pass a milk sample and to deliver said sample through an associated sampling valve (16) to a testing device (18).

Abstract: An apron adapted to be fitted to an existing sanitary facility for animals having a pan containing litter and a cover. The apron includes a shallow tray which is divided into first and second compartments wherein the first compartment has a top wall formed with an opening for receivably mounting the pan therein. A plurality of serrations are formed in the top wall to provide a number of breakaway portions to form various size pan receiving openings. The second compartment extends in front of an access opening formed in the pan cover and a screen is mounted over an open top of the compartment. As the animal exits the pan through the cover opening it passes over the screen, whereby debris trapped in the animals paws will be dislodged and will and pass through the screen and into the second compartment. A vanity panel extends in front of the access opening, on the opposite side of the screen from the cover opening to prevent the animal from jumping over the screen without first walking over the screen.

Abstract: A convertible harness system to be worn by a child or other person including a harness having a waist-encircling band and shoulder straps. A seat may be detachably suspended from the harness and includes a seat pad which extends between the legs of the wearer. The seat assembly may be removed for washing or in the event it is not necessary. The wearer may be guided and supported by handles or loops slidably secured to the shoulder straps. An optional tether may also be secured to the shoulder straps to restrain and control the wearer.

Abstract: A valve operating mechanism for an internal combustion engine for varying the operation of the valve dependent on engine operating conditions. A first rocker arm movable to follow a first cam and a second rocker arm movable to follow a second cam corresponding to a higher speed operating condition than that of the first cam are pivotally supported on a rocker arm shaft. A first connection switching device capable of switching the connection and disconnection between the third and first rocker arms and a second switching device capable of switching the connection and disconnection between at least one of the first and third rocker arms and the second rocker arm independently from the first connection switching device, are disposed at locations displaced circumferentially relative to the rocker arm shaft.

Abstract: A starting fluid injection system for an internal combustion engine includes a first valve mounted adjacent a starting fluid canister to release starting fluid from the canister, a nozzle mounted to inject staring fluid into an internal combustion engine, a conduit connected between the first valve and the nozzle to conduct starting fluid from the canister to the nozzle, and a second valve positioned downstream of the first valve immediately adjacent the nozzle. The second valve is remotely actuatable to stop starting fluid injection by the nozzle promptly on command, and the second valve eliminates undesired flow of starting fluid into the engine in the event the engine speed falls below a preset threshold.

Abstract: This invention relates to an intake means for a reciprocating internal combustion having a plurality of cylinders having cylinder heads in each of which there are provided at least two charging ducts (14, 15), provided with inlet valves, for intake air for the respective cylinder, of which charging ducts at least one is designed as a swirl duct, one of the charging ducts (14, 15) being controllable via a throttle valve (18) at an associated intake passage (4, 3). In order to achieve a simple design along with a favorable configuration of the valves in terms of space, the intake passages (3, 4) and the charging ducts (14, 15) are incorporated in a cast intake manifold (1) with the intake passages (3, 4) and the charging ducts (14, 15), cylinder by cylinder, being separated from another by means of partitions (2, 16), and a control valve (18) for one intake passage (4) being positioned next to an uncontrolled intake passage (3) at the inlet end to the intake manifold (1).

Abstract: An outboard engine assembly for use on a boat includes an engine having a substantially vertical crankshaft and a pair of banks of vertically juxtaposed horizontal cylinders, the banks being arranged in a V shape, the cylinders of the banks having axes angularly spaced from each other by an angle of 90.degree. or smaller. The outboard engine assembly has a propeller operatively connected to a downwardly extending vertical shaft coupled to the crankshaft. The engine and the vertical shaft is accommodated in a case assembly. The engine and the case assembly are installed on the hull of the boat by upper and lower support members. Vibroisolating rubber dampers are disposed between the boat hull and the upper and lower support members for isolating vibrations from the engine from the boat hull.

Abstract: A high horsepower internal combustion engine has an elongated block that is flexible during engine operation and an oil pan having sidewalls and is connectable to the block and flexible therewith. The oil pan has a plurality of baffles that are positioned within the oil pan, connected thereto at spaced apart locations and each have a flexible portion between the connecting location and the body of the baffle.

Abstract: Combustion engine of high efficiency comprising a stator and a rotor, a duct shaped as a closed circle between said stator and rotor, at least one vane sliding in the duct and being fastend to the rotor, wherein the expansion takes place at a substantially constant temperature and at a substantially constant pressure. Alternatively, the combustion engine is designed as a generator of a voltage, with the at least one vane being a permanent magnet sliding in the duct, and with field coils being arranged adjacent the duct for the induction of a voltage.

Abstract: The invention is directed to a method for checking the operability of a conduit system conducting a fluid flow. The conduit system is for an internal combustion engine and utilizes two fluids having temperatures which are different from each other. In this way, it is possible to set quite well-defined measuring conditions. The fluid flow in the conduit system to be checked is coupled to the temperature sensor in such a manner that the temperature thereof changes with a relatively steep gradient when, starting at a specific time point, the above-mentioned fluid operates to warm the temperature sensor. When the magnitude of the gradient remains below a threshold value, the conduit system checked is evaluated to be operational. The measurement is reliable even though it requires only a single temperature sensor.

Abstract: An induction regulator for an internal combustion engine comprises at least one perforated element for allowing passage of fuel/air mixture therethrough, at least one open top reservoir for retaining excess unvaporized fuel and a closed loop supporting strip which is coupled to the perforated element. The closed loop is mounted between opposed flanges of the engine manifold which is downstream of the engine's carburetor. The regulator improves the atomization of the fuel as it is processed through the manifold and carburetor, thereby leading to improved fuel consumption and reduced exhaust pollution. The continuous closed loop supporting strip provides for secure attachment of the regulator to the manifold, as well as allows for easier adjustment of the regulator with respect to the manifold.

Abstract: A misfire-detecting system for an internal combustion engine compares detected sparking voltage with a first predetermined comparative level and a second predetermined comparative level lower than the first predetermined comparative level. Whether a misfire has occurred in the engine is determined based upon a logical relationship between results of the comparisons. As a result, a misfire can be detected accurately even when dielectric breakdown of the mixture occurs while a misfire has occurred.

Abstract: A new two-cycle internal combustion engine configuration and control strategy in which the unburned hydrocarbon emissions are measured in the exhaust manifold during the scavenging process using a fast response air fuel sensor. The signal from the sensor is used to control the operation of a low pressure ratio blower and the inlet fuel and oil flow. In this way the inlet flow of fuel and air may be reduced which controls the short circuiting loss of fuel during the scavenging process and reduces unburned hydrocarbons in the exhaust gas.

Abstract: In a fuel injection system for a vehicle engine, the fuel injection is controlled in a feedback mode when no abnormality occurs in the control system, and it is controlled in an open loop mode by a limp home circuit when any abnormality in the control system is detected by a watch dog timer. The vehicle may thus be slowly driven to a safe or proper place for servicing. The limp home circuit includes fuel cutoff means for interrupting the fuel supply to the engine in the open loop mode of operation when the rotational speed of the engine exceeds a predetermined value.

Abstract: The present invention apparatus is a novel and unique combination of a damping member adapted to an indexed scale fastener for use with an archery bow. The indexed scale fastener and the damping member can be used together or separately. The damping member can be used at locations on the archery bow which are remote from the indexed scale fastener. The concept is to have the indexed scale fastener adapted to the conventional threaded openings where the prior art hex screws are located. A user can screw the indexed scale fastener to the archery bow and measure the poundage applied to the archery bow by simply reading the scale provided on the indexed scale fastener. The damping member can be threadedly mounted to the indexed scale fastener or to the archery bow, where the damping member absorbs the vibrations and shock in both the longitudinal and lateral directions caused by releasing of the arrow from the archery bow.

Abstract: A compound archery bow has limbs on upper and lower ends of a medial riser and a bowstring extends between outer ends of the limbs. A resilient power limb portion is cantilevered in the end of the riser. A rigid outer limb portion is affixed into a cam pulley that pivots on the free end of the power limb. Synchronizing pulleys disposed at ends of the riser are connected by a synchronizing cable. A cam cable extends from the respective end of the riser and rides in a cam groove on the cam pulley, with the cam cable being reeved in the pulley. A link member is coupled from a fixed point with respect to the cam pulley to the associated synchronizing wheel. The link member can be a rigid connecting rod or can be a reflex cable.

Abstract: This invention relates to a self-heating container for heating beverages or food contained within the container. The self-heating container or can includes a cup containing active lime that is positioned underneath a thin plate and another cup filled with water. When a bottom cover of the self-heating container is pressed downwardly, sharp spikes above the water cup pierce a thin plate located between a chamber containing the water and the active lime and causes the water inside the cup to flow into the active lime which results in a chemical reaction that heats the contents of the can or container.

Abstract: A simulated solid fuel effect gas fire comprising two elongate simulated solid fuel elements in the form of logs, with a partially aerated gas burner arranged in front of and below each log with respect to the front of the fire. Thus, in use, the flames from the burners engage a lower front portion of the logs, the flames then passing around the front of the logs. By this arrangement the lower front regions of the logs are heated to glow as radiants and the flames subsequently lick around the front of the logs as yellow flames, in accord with the visual effect of a real fire, complete combustion having been attained in the ambient atmosphere in front of the logs to thus form the yellow flames. By the provision of nodules by virtue of a bark pattern on the upper front portion of the logs, the flames heat the nodules to red heat and enhance both the radiant heat derived from the fire and the visual effect of the fire.

Abstract: A solar heater for a swimming pool or the like is formed by heat sealing two rectangular sheets of a flexible thermoplastic material, such as black vinyl, around the peripheral edges thereof. A plurality of spaced apart heat sealed seams are formed between the two sheets. The seams have end portions alternately spaced from and joined to the sealed peripheral edge to define a plurality of passageways forming a serpentine water pathway through the collector. Inlet and outlet fittings communicate with the passageways to permit pool water to circulate in the collector to be heated therein.

Abstract: A manipulator assembly for an endoscope includes a housing for a pair of control cables, first and second gear members disposed for rotation within the housing, and an endless toothed belt member coursed about such gear members and connected to the control cables. A control knob is provided for rotating the first gear member and a stepping assembly engages the second gear member for effecting a stepwise movement of the endless belt. The stepping assembly includes a knurled disc coupled to the second gear member and a resilient element engaging the knurled disc. A control element is provided outside of the housing for disengaging the stepping assembly. The control element includes a cam disc for disengaging the resilient element from the knurled disc.

Abstract: A drive for a phacoemulsification probe includes a drive circuit for supplying electrical power to the probe, circuitry for sensing the electrical power supplied by the drive circuit to the probe and for supplying electrical signals indicative of the magnitude of the electrical power supplied. A manually operable input device provides a signal indicative of the transducer power level desired by the user of the probe. A control circuit is responsive to the signal indicative of the desired transducer power level and to the signals indicative of the magnitude of the supplied electrical power for providing control signals to the drive circuit to control the power applied in an efficient manner. The drive circuit includes a totem-pole switch, responsive to at least one of the control signals, to apply power in a square-wave waveform, and a switching regulator for supplying a supply voltage to the totem-pole switch.

Abstract: A cabinet housing CPR masks and non-sterile hypoallergenic latex gloves is mounted on a wall in a visible location. A plastic tie seal maintains the cabinet door closed. In the event of a CPR emergency, the seal is pulled, twisted and thereby broken, the door opened and the mask and gloves removed. When the door is opened, a lever switch on the cabinet automatically activates a loud piezo buzzer mounted on top of the cabinet, thereby alerting others to the emergency. The buzzer can be deenergized with a key-activated switch.

Abstract: A nebulizer component, interconnected in the inspiratory flow path, includes an interior chamber with a lower region for storing liquid medicine at system pressures and an upper region containing a nebulizer (jet atomizer and baffle) for periodically nebulizing the liquid medicine for producing a fog of nebulized particles suspended in gas which mix with the breathable gas which flows through the chamber to the patient.

Abstract: A dry powder inhalator for delivering a precise dose of a medicament contains a mesh disc impregnated with a series of spaced, medicament doses about the disc periphery. The inhalator is armed by manually retracting a finger pull extending downwardly from the bottom of the inhalator housing or rotating the bottom of the housing. The user inserts a mouthpiece on the housing into the mouth and inhales. This causes a chamber in the housing under a diaphragm to evacuate, thereby pulling the diaphragm down onto a knock out lever. The pivoting of the lever enables release of a piston into a cylinder which first compresses, and then dispenses a reduced volume of air at high pressure in a burst up through the medicament disc. When the burst of air hits the impregnated disc, the dose is forced out of the mesh's interstices, producing a cloud of the drug in its powdered form, which is inhaled by the user.

Abstract: A carrier impregnated at spaced locations along its circumference with a dose of powdered medicament. The carrier is selectively indexed so as to present the impregnated doses of medicament seriatim between a pair of holes in an upper and lower pressure plate in an inhalator. Air is forced through the holes in the pressure plates and the encapsulated dose on the carrier to entrain a dose of the powdered medicament, which is then inhaled through a mouthpiece, by the patient-user. The powdered medicament is embedded in and across interstices in the carrier formed by intersecting and sometimes offset depressions on each surface of the carrier, providing corners and surfaces to cause the medicament entrained in the air stream to break up as it is pressed up against and passed through the carrier infrastructure to aerosol or atomize the same so that the medicament is presented in appropriate particle sizes for maximum benefit when inhaled.

Abstract: An aerosol delivery article provides delivery of aerosol particles of relatively small size without the necessity of exposing the material which is aerosolized to a significant degree of heat or high temperatures. An aerosol forming material is a multi-component material comprising an active ingredient and another ingredient having a relatively low vaporization temperature, and preferably that aerosol forming material is in the form of an emulsion. The aerosol forming material is nebulized so as to provide first stage multi-component aerosol particles of fairly large size. The first stage aerosol particles then are subjected to heat so as to vaporize the other ingredient of that aerosol and cause further dispersion of that first stage aerosol. As such, a second stage aerosol composed of fine particles of active ingredient is provided.

Abstract: An automatic controller utilizes a pulse oximeter signal to regulate the oxygen mixture output, peak expiratory end pressure, and inspiratory ventilation time from a positive pressure respiratory assist ventilator. The pulse oximeter senses a patient's hemoglobin saturation and pulse rate by an optical sensor to develop a signal which is used by calculator to determine the patient's corresponding partial pressure of arterial blood. The calculated partial pressure of arterial blood is then used by the calculator in determining the level of inspired oxygen, peak expiratory end pressure, and inspiratory ventilation time provided to the patient. The calculator generates a signal to control the level of inspired oxygen, expiratory end pressure, and inspiratory ventilation time output from a positive pressure respiratory assist ventilator.

Abstract: A pulmonary resuscitator is set forth of the type having a compressible bladder to be depressed to supply air to a mask. Both the compressible bladder and mask have integral therewith a network of inflatable tubes which when pressurized resiliently rigidify the bladder and mask to establish nominal erected bladder and mask shapes. The bladder has an inlet check valve and the mask has an outlet check valve where the outlet check valve utilizes a flapper valve for permitting flow of fluid into the mask upon depression of the bladder. Exhaust ports are located adjacent the flapper valve and are closed by the flapper valve when the bladder is depressed. The exhaust ports are opened when the flapper valve closes as the bladder returns to its nominal shape after being depressed. An air spring contained within the bladder chamber is in fluid communication with the network of inflatable tubes and through limiting orifices controls the rate at which the bladder returns to its nominal shape after depression.

Abstract: An electrode array microchip, fabricated preferrably using CMOS technology, comprising electrodes made with overglass cuts over metal2 regions is disclosed. Overglass cuts of dimensions approximately an order of magnitude smaller than dimensions quoted in current design rules for CMOS technology are successfully employed to make exposed electrodes of dimensions on the order of microns. Thus, the electrode array chip can be produced cheaply on commercial fabrication lines. The invention finds many uses in biology and medicine, particularly when applied to the measurement of neural electrical activity.

Abstract: An implantable cardiac monitor is arranged for detecting both arrhythmias and ischemia of the human heart. The monitor includes subcutaneous electrodes for establishing electrical contact with the heart and a sense amplifier coupled to each electrode for generating an electrocardiogram of a heart beat sensed at each of the electrodes. The electrocardiograms are digitized and the digital samples thereof are stored in a memory. A microprocessor processes the digital samples of the electrocardiograms and generates characterizing data indicative of the physiology of the heart. The cardiac monitor includes telemetry to permit the cardiac data to be interrogated externally of the patient for obtaining the generated cardiac data indicative of arrhythmic and ischemic episodes.

Abstract: A fetal electrode product for transmitting signals indicative of fetal heart rate from a fetus to a monitor. A drive mechanism slides and rotates a holder--to which are attached, at opposite ends, a fetal spiral electrode (FSE) and a reference electrode--to secure the FSE to the fetus. The drive mechanism has a solid drive rod, with at least two regions of different diameter defining the torque versus angular deflection characteristics of the drive rods and a clutch connected to the drive rod and imparting translation and rotation to the holder. The clutch is sufficiently pliable to slip over the reference electrode when the holder resists rotation. The drive rod, a handle, and the clutch are integrally molded together to form the drive mechanism and each has a channel transporting a twisted wire strand, which includes an untwisted length to facilitate removal of the FSE from the fetus, from the electrodes to a connector.

Abstract: A head holder with the following characteristics: it is compatible with MR (no metallic parts); it is adjustable for use with adults and children; it does not produce any degradation of imaging or spectroscopy raw data; it does not induce claustrophobia; it can be used as a fixation device for cervical spine MR examinations; and it can operate with any MR unit. A strap is placed around the head of the patient at the forehead, is tightened, and then the head with band attached is positioned for optimal comfort and examining advantage. Lock screws are then tightened, holding the head comfortably in three-dimensional space. Only a single band is placed over the forehead of the person and the rest of the fixation is provided by adjusting and locking screws located in the base and along the sides of the holder. This prevents the patient from being able to rotate his or her head from side to side or up and down. The holder is designed to fit into the MR table.

Abstract: The therapy apparatus described for treating concretions and tissue in the body of a patient by means of sound waves comprises a sound wave generator and an available X-ray device for locating an object for therapy, wherein the therapy apparatus has a spot film device. The spot film device is arranged within the axial passage of an X-ray cone for the available X-ray device attached to the sound wave generator and with its central longitudinal axis aligned with the focus thereof to be able to precisely adjust and fix a known X-ray device available to the therapy apparatus relative to the therapy apparatus quickly and safely.

Abstract: A data interpolation processing apparatus used in an ultrasonic diagnostic system and having an interpolation arithmetic unit for obtaining indication data related to a point of interest using a total of eight sampling data. The eight sampling data are located on a total of four scanning lines which include two scanning lines placed on each of opposite sides of the point of interest in the scanning direction, and which include two sampling data on each of the four scanning lines, wherein each of the two sampling data are placed on the opposite sides of a line extending in the scanning direction and passing through the point of interest.

Abstract: An ultrasonic non-invasive technique is descried for deriving the time dependencies of characteristics of certain regions in the intracranium medium. Precise measurements of the transit travel times of acoustic pulses are made and processed to extract variable portions indicative of, for example, the pulsatility due to cardiac pulses of a basal artery or a cerebroventricle or the variation in the pressure of brain tissue, as well as changes in the cross-sectional dimension of the basal artery and ventricle. In one technique, the transit time variations attributable to cardiac pulses are extracted by processing higher harmonics in the frequency domain. Frequency and phase detection techniques are described.

Abstract: A shaft for an invasive bodily probe which includes a central core, a metal sheath surrounding the core and an outer elastomeric coating. A membrane formed of a textile layer disposed between two layers of a flexible, tough film is disposed between the sheath and the outer elastomeric coating. The membrane typically is formed of a woven material whose interstices have been completely filled by two layers of a urethane material. The membrane completely seals the sheath and core to protect the patient from electrical currents carried by wires within the core, and to prevent bacteria and fluids from being trapped in cuts in the shaft. The wires are also protected from damage from bodily fluids and cleaning solutions, since the core is sealed from the environment.