Abstract: A method and apparatus for facilitating interconnection of lead wires to an integrated circuit including the provision of an additional protective layer of insulation to the top of an integrated circuit chip or die and the provision of enlarged plated electrodes to the surface of the additional insulation to form enhanced bonding pads, such pads being electrically connected through the protective layers to the normal bonding pads of the integrated circuit device. The enhanced bonding pads are made of a soft conductive metal such that external wires to be attached thereto can be bonded to the pads using a thermal compression bonding technique.

Abstract: A lesion localization and marking wire and needle assembly for marking non-palpable lesions within the body. A marking device having a helically wound coil of wire attached to an end of the shaft which is insertable into the body through a needle or cannula for rotatingly anchoring the marking device into a lesion or tumor is provided. The needle or cannula is inserted into the body with the marking device positioned therein so that when the cannula is positioned proximate to a lesion the shaft of the marker is rotated to advance the marker into the lesion to mark it for subsequent surgical procedures. A second helical wire may be provided on the shaft which cooperates with a wire guide device attached to the needle to enable the physician to determine the depth of the marking device as it anchors into the lesion. In particular, the device is provided for marking for biopsy lesions of the breast.

Abstract: An applicator tool for animal ear tags the applicator tool having a tag reception area in which a tag to be applied can be located. Tag engagement means are coupled with operative means whereby the tag engagement means can apply a force to at least part of the tag in the tag reception area to apply the tag to an animal. The applicator tool includes tag location means with which a plurality of tags which are conjoined by lugs can be located. Tag transport means which is operative to transport a tag from the plurality of conjoined tags to the tag reception means. Removing means is provided for removing a single tag to be transported from the plurality of conjoined tags.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for facilitating interconnection of antenna lead wires to an integrated circuit and encapsulating the assembly to form an improved miniature transponder device including the provision of an additional protective layer of insulation to the top of an integrated circuit chip or die and the provision of enlarged plated electrodes to the surface of the additional insulation to form enhanced bonding pads, such pads being electrically connected through the protective layers to the normal bonding pads of the integrated circuit device. The enhanced bonding pads are made of a soft conductive metal such that external wires to be attached thereto can be bonded to the pads using a thermal compression bonding technique, This invention also extends to a method of encapsulating a transponder in heat shrunk plastics material.

Abstract: A medical device for localizing a nonpalpable breast lesion. The device includes a tubular introducer needle and a wire guide positioned therein for inserting into a breast to the site of the lesion. The wire guide includes a distal portion having a preformed, resilient helical coil configuration for locking into position about the lesion. The distal portion includes a superelastic metallic alloy for maintaining the helical coil configuration after repeated extensions from and retractions into the needle passageway. The needle is inserted with the wire guide positioned therein into the breast to the site of the lesion and from the distal portion of the needle. The distal end of the needle includes a plurality of indentations for enhancing the ultrasound visualization thereof. As the distal portion of the wire guide emerges from the needle, the acuate distal end of the wire guide cuts into and scribes a helical path about the tissue distal to the lesion.

Abstract: A lesion localization and marking wire and needle assembly for marking non-palpable lesions within the body. A marking device having a helically wound coil of wire attached to an end of the shaft which is insertable into the body through a needle or cannula for rotatingly anchoring the marking device into a lesion or tumor is provided. The needle or cannula is inserted into the body with the marking device positioned therein so that when the cannula is positioned proximate to a lesion the shaft of the marker is rotated to advance the marker into the lesion to mark it for subsequent surgical procedures. A second helical wire may be provided on the shaft which cooperates with a wire guide device attached to the needle to enable the physician to determine the depth of the marking device as it anchors into the lesion. In particular, the device is provided for marking for biopsy lesions of the breast.

Abstract: Method for inserting of a transponder into a living being using a guide. Introduction of the transponder is effected near the base of the ear. The guide (needle) is inserted in a position into the skin being situated between the base of the ear flap and the part of the triangular piece of cartilage (the cartilago scutiformis) lying closest to the skin.

Abstract: A hypodermic syringe is provided with a colorant disposed at a readily accessible portion of the syringe so that when the colorant is touched against the skin of a patient, the colorant is transferred to the skin of the patient giving a visual indication of the point at which an injection has or will be given. The plunger of the hypodermic syringe is provided with an axially disposed receptacle adapted to receive and retain the needle of the syringe.

Abstract: An ear tag applicator tool for applying a tag of the type having a portion which is able to be passed through an opening in the ear of an animal and the tag then bent into a substantially annular shape. The applicator tool has engagement means for engaging with the tag and being operable to force the portion of the tag through the ear of an animal and then bend the tag into a substantially annular shape. The applicator tool is characterized by an ear support surface which is substantially normal to the line of movement of the portion of the tag as the portion of the tag engages with and passes at least part way through the ear.

Abstract: Surgical method and instrument such as a snare or forceps clamps, which can be moved to a position to firmly grasp a polyp. A tissue marking agent is disposed on the surface of the instrument that contacts a polyp, and the marking agent is crushed against the polyp. The marking agent is absorbed by the polyp and stains the tissue from which the polyp projects, the assist in visualizing the polyp site if conventional surgery is later required. The method and device may optionally provide for cutting and removing of the polyp and for application of a hemostatic agent to the polyp base to minimize bleeding.

Abstract: A method of identifying an animal from a distance by a miniature responder includes implanting a responder (1) in the form of an injectable capsule, subcutaneously and laterally of the front part of the head of the animal between an eye (3) and the sensitive (mostly bald) nose tip (4), at the side (5) of the upper jaw (6). An apparatus for feeding, baiting and/or watering animals having a miniature responder implanted therein according to this method includes a detection coil (12) disposed in close proximity to a feeding, baiting, or watering device (11) so as to be poorly accessible to the animal, the device having a shape and/or position for guiding the animal's nose in use to the device (11) in a natural manner so that the miniature responder is well-oriented and well-centered relative to the detection coil (12).

Abstract: A lesion location device suitable for marking a lesion in breast tissue comprises a wire, of which the first portion which has been bent to form a second portion at an obtuse or acute angle to the first portion, a 180.degree. bend and a third portion which extends adjacent the second portion and continues beyond the bend in a direction substantially opposed to that of the second portion. The bend is resiliently pivotable and forms a spring mechanism to prevent ingress of the wire once in position in the lesion. Two graduated cannulas are also provided, one with a pointed end and one with a blunt end, which are suitable for the wire to be passed into them.

Abstract: A system for implanting a solid marker in an animal is provided. The apparatus includes a hollow tube having an entrance and an exit opening. A support is provided for supporting a hollow tube. A plunger is slideably disposed between a first position and a second position within the support. The plunger cooperates with the support and the tube. The plunger engages the marker proximate to the entrance opening of the tube, and ejects the marker through the tube when the plunger is moved from a first position to a second position. The hollow tubes are stored within the support in at least two groups. A gate prevents a tube from the second group from being displaced before the tubes from the first group are depleted.