Abstract: The present invention relates to a novel method and device for electromagnetic stimulation of the skin for the purpose of modifying a physiological condition or performing treatment of a given pathology, and also to an electronic device enabling said method to be implemented. The device is characterized in that it comprises electronic elements imparting oscillatory behavior thereto at at least one resonant frequency, said resonance being induced by electromagnetic induction external to the device. A particular embodiment of the device is a passive electronic circuit that does not include any source of energy, characterized in that it comprises in series a self-inductor (1), a capacitor (2), and a resistor (3).

Abstract: The method of treatment proceeds in that during one session an individual information field of a living organism in which infectious agents are present is registered, this field is combined with an additional external information field which is obtained by recording, storing and reproducing the information characteristics of infectious agents. The combined information field is processed and returned into the living organism.

Abstract: A device for influencing cell-growth mechanisms in vessels, in particular blood vessels, of a human or animal body, wherein to influence the cell growth mechanisms there is provided an excitation device (5; 5″′) which is adapted to produce stimulation currents in a region to be treated of the vessel (3; 3″′), wherein the frequency and/or the modulation frequency of the stimulation currents is in the range of frequencies at which distribution of secondary messenger substances controlling cell growth in the cells of the vessel (3; 3″′) is influenced. Implant for influencing cell-growth mechanisms in such vessels.

Abstract: A system and method for detecting lead adequacy and quality is disclosed. The system includes leads attached to a package having known electrical or optical characteristics. The package is adapted to interface with a testing device that allows the operator to ascertain whether the leads are appropriate for the desired task. This allows the testing of the lead set without the need to remove it from the package. The system of the present invention generally includes packaging of known electrical or optical characteristics, a package testing interface, and a lead testing assembly including hardware and/or software to determine whether the leads in question fulfill the desired characteristics. The lead testing assembly may be freestanding or may be incorporated into an existing testing instrument.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for biostimulation of a myocardial tissue, by irradiating the myocardial tissue with a source of electromagnetic radiation which causes biostimulation of the myocardial tissue. Preferably, the electromagnetic radiation is selected from the group consisting of infrared, visible light and ultraviolet radiation. Typically, the tissue is irradiated after the myocardial tissue develops an infarct of a given size, such that irradiating the myocardial tissue causes a reduction in the size of the infarct. The irradiation may also cause regeneration of cardiomyocytes in the infarct and help to preserve structure and activity of mitochondria in cardiomyocytes in the infarct.

Abstract: The invention is the placement of meaningful symbols on the side of a pacemaker housing to give patients greater comfort. The symbols include religious, philosophical, patriotic, or arbitrary themes.

Abstract: An improved system for invoicing, manufacturing, and re-programming implantable medical devices (IMDs) is disclosed. The system includes a web-enabled interface to receive manufacturing orders from remote sites such as healthcare facilities, other manufacturing sites, warehouses, and sales offices. The orders may include patient-specific information and/or requirements provided by the implanting physician or facility. For instance, patient-specific information may involve data obtained during prior patient evaluations, such as measured EKG signals and the like. This data is then used to select the software and/or hardware components to be incorporated into an IMD that is customized for the patient. For example, this data may be used to select particular software and/or hardware amplifier filters and/or digital signal processing (DSP) algorithms that may be best adapted to sense and process the unique signal characteristics associated with a patient's condition.

Abstract: A method for inserting a microdevice or nanodevice into a body fluid stream is disclosed. The micro or nanodevice may be inserted into or external to a cell, e.g., a red blood cell. For insertion into the cell, techniques such as reversible osmotic lysis, electroporation, microfine needle injection, and particle gun injection may be used. For the external device, it may be chemically modified with an organo hydroxyl, such as poly (ethylene glycol), methoxypoly (ethylene glycol). Also, it may include a lipid anchor.

Abstract: Protection of man from artificial electromagnetic radiation is achieved through affecting the thymus with a low-frequency electromagnetic field at a frequency corresponding to that of the Shuman wave. The method implementation device contains a generator (1) connected to a transmitting antenna (2), a comparator (3) and a logical bloc (4). The generator (1) serves as source of an electromagnetic field with an oscillation frequency corresponding to that of the Shuman wave oscillations. The intensity of the electromagnetic field is adjusted with the help of the logical bloc (4), which processes the signal from the comparator (3) comparing the current voltage between the acupunctural thymus projection points of the patient with the optimal value.

Abstract: A method and assembly for selectively actuating features of implanted medical devices with a magneto-static field. The method includes selectively exposing the implanted device to a static magnetic field source, selectively shielding the magnetic field source, and distancing the shielded magnetic field source from the medical device. One version of the assembly includes a permanent magnet and a displaceable shield assembly that shields the magnetic field generated by the magnet in one configuration and is displaceable to a second configuration wherein the magnetic field is at least partially exposed. In another version, the assembly is an electromagnet that can be selectively activated and deactivated. The electromagnet generates minimal magnet field when it is off.

Abstract: A cartridge is provided for storing one or more electrode pads such as a defibrillator electrode pad. The cartridge includes a housing having a rigid portion, a storage space disposed within the housing, and a storage-space opening that allows one to remove/insert the electrode pad or pads from/into the storage space. Because it has a housing with a rigid portion, such a cartridge can better protect one or more electrode pads from handling damage. Furthermore, one can construct the cartridge such that it is attachable to a medical device such as an AED. This allows an operator to carry or store the medical device, cartridge, and one or more electrode pads as a single unit. In addition, one can construct the cartridge such that the one or more electrode pads can be pre-connected to the medical device. This can eliminate connecting the one or more electrode pads to the medical device during an emergency.

Abstract: An implantable medical device having reduced volume includes a high voltage die mounted to a substrate and assembled into a device body. The die is flip chip mounted, reducing the size of the substrate and of the device. A high voltage implantable medical device such as an implantable cardio defibrillation device or a hybrid device has a high voltage flip chip die mounted to a substrate containing implantable medical device circuitry to operate with the high voltage flip chip.

Abstract: The system of the present invention includes a heat exchange catheter for warming flowing blood within a blood vessel. The heat exchange catheter includes a catheter body having a proximal end and a distal end with electrodes. The electrodes generate an electric field that radiates heat to the flowing blood. The electrodes comprise discrete bands that serially align and are spaced apart from each other. Each electrode has a polarity, and for each electrode there is an adjacent electrode having an opposite polarity. A support centrally aligns the catheter body within the blood vessel.

Abstract: A method and device for treating hemorrhoids is described and illustrated herein comprising, in part, the application of external heat to the affected rectal area of a person suffering from hemorrhoids.

Abstract: This invention relates to an electrically active implant with a plurality of energy-consuming components and an activation device designed to activate the implant. The electrically active implant is characterized by a deactivation device designed to deactivate the energy-consuming components of the implant, where the energy-consuming components of the implant can be deactivated during the implant's storage by means of the deactivation device, and, furthermore, characterized by a device for permanent storage of the implant-specific data.

Abstract: A method is described for increasing the likelihood of the occurrence of an arrhythmia in a heart, particularly a ventricular arrhythmia of the type leading to Sudden Cardiac Death. The method includes the steps of creating an atrioventricular block in the heart of an animal test subject, inducing a myocardial infarction in the heart of the test subject, and then stimulating myocardial hyperinnervation the test subject. In a specific example described herein, the atrioventricular block is created by ablating the atrioventricular node of the heart using an ablation catheter. The myocardial infarction is induced by ligating the left anterior descending portion of the coronary artery. Myocardial hyperinnervation is stimulated by application of Nerve Growth Factor or other neurotrophic vectors to the left stellate ganglion. The test subject is an adult canine.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for recording polarized electromagnetic radiation of an inactivated strain of pathogenic microorganisms onto a crystal, a method and a device for changing the activity of a strain of pathogenic microorganisms, a method for eliminating a strain of pathogenic microorganisms in a human or animal organism. The invention may be used for inactivation and subsequent elimination of pathogenic and conditionally pathogenic microorganisms in a human or animal organism.

Abstract: A technique for removing an implanted lead from a body includes the steps of releasably attaching a stylet to both the distal end of the implanted lead and to the proximal end of the implanted lead. This results in a substantially unified stylet and implanted lead structure whereby withdrawal of the stylet and of the implanted lead as a unit facilitates the complete removal of the implanted lead from the body. A threaded tip end may be used for threaded engagement with a tapped bore at the distal end of the implanted lead and at the proximal end, attachment being provided by a threaded region on the stylet distant from the threaded tip end for threaded engagement with a tapped bore of a connector pin integral with the implanted lead. In this instance, the diameter of the proximal threaded region on the stylet is greater than that of the threaded tip end.

Abstract: Safety adaptors for connecting external medical devices to lead connector elements of temporary medical leads extending percutaneously into a patient's body are disclosed. The safety adaptors comprise a first member attached to but movable in respect of a second member. An elongated bore receives a lead proximal end segment and includes the lead connector elements.

Abstract: The objective of the current invention is to restore color vision, in whole or in part, by electrically stimulating undamaged retinal cells, which remain in patients with, lost or degraded visual function. The invention is a retinal color prosthesis. Functionally, There are three main parts to this invention. One is external to the eye. The second part is internal to the eye. The third part is means for communication between those two parts. The external part has subsystems. These include an external imaging means, an eye-tracker, a head-motion tracker, a data processor, a patient's controller, a physician's local controller, a physician's remote controller, and a telemetry means. The imaging means may include a CCD or CMOS video camera. It gathers an image of what the eyes would be seeing if they were functional.

Abstract: A method of inhibiting the release of a proinflammatory cytokine in a cell is disclosed. The method comprises treating the cell with a cholinergic agonist. The method is useful in patients at risk for, or suffering from, a condition mediated by an inflammatory cytokine cascade, for example endotoxic shock. The cholinergic agonist treatment can be effected by stimulation of an efferent vagus nerve fiber, or the entire vagus nerve.

Abstract: Fluorescence imaging of tissue is used as a diagnostic tool in which geometric effects and specular reflections are compensated for by normalizing a fluorescence image with a cross-polarized image.

Abstract: A method is described for increasing the likelihood of the occurrence of an arrhythmia in a heart, particularly a ventricular arrhythmia of the type leading to Sudden Cardiac Death. The method includes the steps of creating an atrioventricular block in the heart of an animal test subject, inducing a myocardial infarction in the heart of the test subject, and then stimulating myocardial hyperinnervation the test subject. In a specific example described herein, the atrioventricular block is created by ablating the atrioventricular node of the heart using an ablation catheter. The myocardial infarction is induced by ligating the left anterior descending portion of the coronary artery. Myocardial hyperinnervation is stimulated by application of Nerve Growth Factor or other neurotrophic vectors to the left stellate ganglion. The test subject is an adult canine.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for treating disease and alleviating pain associated with the lymphatic system in a living mammalian body. The method generally relates to a non-invasive method for alleviating a disorder associated with a portion of the lymphatic system, e.g., a lymph node in a living mammalian body, wherein the treatment involves lymphatic activation characterized by localized pulsations at the closest exterior body surface to the activated portion of the lymphatic system. The activation involves placing a stimulation source in physical contact with the closest exterior body surface. In addition, an opposing body surface with respect to the closest exterior body surface is contacted simultaneously with the stimulation source. The stimulation source transfers energy to the affected portion until the localized pulsations substantially subside and/or lymph obstruction is substantially eliminated. This non-invasive method is particularly suited for pain relief and healing.

Abstract: Miniature defibrillators and cardioverters detect abnormal heart rhythms and automatically apply electrical therapy to restore normal heart function. Critical components in these devices are aluminum electrolytic capacitors, which store and deliver one or more life-saving bursts of electric charge to a heart of a patient. This type of capacitor requires regular “reform” to preserve its charging efficiency over time. Because reform expends valuable battery life, manufacturers developed wet-tantalum capacitors, which are generally understood not to require reform. Yet, the present inventors discovered through extensive study that wet-tantalum capacitors exhibit progressively worse charging efficiency over time. Accordingly, to address this problem, the inventors devised unique reform techniques for wet-tantalum capacitors.

Abstract: A system for monitoring and/or affecting parameters of a patient's body and more particularly to such a system comprised of a system control unit (SCU) and one or more other devices, preferably battery-powered, implanted in the patient's body, i.e., within the envelope defined by the patient's skin. Each such implanted device is configured to be monitored and/or controlled by the SCU via a wireless communication channel. In accordance with the invention, the SCU comprises a programmable unit capable of (1) transmitting commands to at least some of a plurality of implanted devices and (2) receiving data signal from at least some of those implanted devices. In accordance with a preferred embodiment, the system operates in closed loop fashion whereby the commands transmitted by the SCU are dependent, in part, on the content of the data signals received by the SCU.

Abstract: The present invention is directed toward an apparatus to rapidly deliver a drug to a patient The invention comprises a drug beneath a patient's skin in a drug depot site. A heating component is placed near the drug depot site and generates heat in and near the drug depot site. A control component connected to the heating component is used to control the magnitude and duration of heat generated by the heating component.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method of recording and displaying in context of an image a location of at least one point-of-interest in a body during an intra-body medical procedure.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for controlling activity of a heart of a living person during a medical procedure. Electrical signals are applied to the heart so as to induce a spontaneously-reversible cardioplegia thereof. The signals are preferably such that terminating application of the signals does not induce fibrillation. Most preferably, the signals have an amplitude that is below a level that would induce fibrillation upon termination thereof.

Abstract: This invention relates to a method for maintaining an electrotherapy device wherein the air temperature of the electrotherapy device environment is monitored and then adjusted based on the results of the monitoring step. The method may be accomplished by using an environmental carrying case. Additionally it is contemplated that air of the environment may be circulated to produce an ambient temperature. Monitoring the temperature may accomplished by using a thermostat or a temperature sensitive switch. In a preferred embodiment, a cooling means is activated when the temperature reaches a threshold temperature between 25° C. and 50° C., more preferably 43° C. The cooling means may be a fan. In a preferred embodiment, a heating means is activated when the temperature reaches a threshold temperature between −10° C. and 20° C., more preferably 0° C. The heating means may be heat strips.

Abstract: Miniature defibrillators and cardioverters detect abnormal heart rhythms and automatically apply electrical therapy to restore normal heart function. Critical components in these devices are aluminum electrolytic capacitors, which store and deliver one or more life-saving bursts of electric charge to a heart of a patient. This type of capacitor requires regular “reform” to preserve its charging efficiency over time. Because reform expends valuable battery life, manufacturers developed wet-tantalum capacitors, which are generally understood not to require reform. Yet, the present inventors discovered through extensive study that wet-tantalum capacitors exhibit progressively worse charging efficiency over time. Accordingly, to address this problem, the inventors devised unique reform techniques for wet-tantalum capacitors.

Abstract: An apparatus for promoting energy flow in an organism includes a plurality of conductive elements and a dielectric material. The conductive elements are disposed on the dielectric material in a predetermined spatial relationship. The apparatus further includes an overlaying mechanism which supports the dielectric material with the conductive elements across predetermined regions of the organism. The predetermined regions include reflex points where the first conductive element of the conductive elements channelizes energy from a first reflex point in the vicinity of a first meridian in the organism. The first conductive element transmits the energy received from the first reflex point to a second conductive element of the conductive elements. The second conductive element transmits the received energy to a second reflex point in the vicinity of at least one of the first meridian and a second meridian in the organism, whereby healthy flow of energy throughout the organism energy is substantially increased.

Abstract: A slimming device capable of activating effectively an uncoupling protein to provide a good slimming action is disclosed. The slimming device comprises a means for a physical stimulation that comprises physically stimulating an uncoupling protein that is responsible for thermogenesis to activate the same, thereby generating the heat. An uncoupling protein can be effectively activated by the physical stimulation.

Abstract: A thin film capacitor for use in an implantable defibrillator. A first dielectric polymer filmlayer has a metallized film on one side thereof. A second dielectric polymer film layer has a metallized film on one side thereof. The first and second layers are overlain on each other and wound spirally with the metallized film of one layer adjacent the dielectric polymer of the other layer. The beginnings and ends of the first and second metallized films are offset from the respective beginnings and ends of the first and second polymer film layers. The dielectric layers can be tapered in increasing thickness toward the respective beginnings and ends of the layers. The dielectric layers can themselves comprise at least two layers of differing polymer materials, the preferred materials being polyvinylidene fluoride and polyester for improved energy density and self-healing properties.

Abstract: A multi-capacitor module carries vertically-oriented surface mount tantalum capacitors. The module provides at least one conductor for coupling to the substrate capacitor terminals that are distal thereto. The module occupies less space, when mounted to a circuit board substrate, than individually mounting the bases of the surface mount capacitors to the substrate. This allows more efficient use of volume within an implantable cardiac rhythm management device, reducing its size, or alternatively, increasing its implanted longevity.

Abstract: A highly integrated electronic circuit is provided with a flexible substrate which has a component side and an insulating bottom side as well as with an arrangement, corresponding to the circuit function, of active and passive electronic components. These are mounted on bond pads of the substrate and connected by strip conductors, corresponding to the circuit function. The substrate is folded along a fold portion so that the sections of the substrate, which are on both sides of the fold portion and equipped with components, are approximately parallel and close to each other.

Abstract: A generator of a complex energy wave, having audio, radio and light components, including an audio frequency oscillator, a radio frequency transmitter, a radio frequency amplifier, an antenna tuner, an antenna, tuned coaxial cables and an optional reverberation unit.

Abstract: A method for the therapeutic treatment of diseased cells in a patient is disclosed. An electromagnetic field is generated and the patient exposed to the electromagnetic field. The electromagnetic field may be a pulsed electromagnetic field and may be used for the treatment of a patient having AIDS. The method may also comprise exposing the patient to an electromagnetic field having frequencies in a visible spectrum in combination with an electromagnetic field having frequencies not in the visible spectrum, such as may be useful to treat a variety of conditions.

Abstract: Improved implantable microstimulators are covered with a biocompatible polymeric coating in order to provide increased strength to the capsule and to capture fragments of the microstimulator should it become mechanically disrupted. Such coating also makes the microstimulator safer and easier to handle. The coating may include one or more diffusible chemical agents that are released in a controlled manner into the surrounding tissue. The chemical agents, such as trophic factors, antibiotics, hormones, neurotransmitters and other pharmaceutical substances, are selected to produce desired physiological effects, to aid, support or to supplement the effects of the electrical stimulation. Further, microstimulators in accordance with the invention provide systems that prevent and/or treat various disorders associated with prolonged inactivity, confinement or immobilization of one or more muscles. Such disorders include pressure ulcers, venous emboli, autonomic dysreflexia, sensorimotor spasticity and muscle atrophy.

Abstract: Disclosed are novel NO-releasing compounds which comprise a stabilized S-nitrosyl group and a free alcohol or a free thiol group. Also disclosed is a method of preparing the NO-releasing compounds. The method comprises reacting a polythiol or a thioalcohol with a nitrosylating agent. Also disclosed are medical devices coated with the disclosed compounds, methods of delivering NO to treatments sites in a subject by utilizing the medical devices and methods of sterilizing surfaces.

Abstract: A free-standing device for the testing of ECT (electroconvulsive therapy) instruments, and for training doctors in using such instruments, includes circuits to generate electrical wave forms which simulate the EEG (electroencephalograph) detectable brain waves, EMG (electromyograph) muscle activity and heart beats of a patient undergoing ECT. In one embodiment the ECT output leads of the ECT instrument are plugged into the device, the training doctor selects the ECT current and the device generates response EEG and EMG waveforms. It also measures the current and displays its measurement as a test of the accuracy of the stimulus selection controls of the ECT instrument.

Abstract: An implantable endocardial defibrillation lead having an elongated lead body with multiple lumens therein. Windows, cut through the lead body, provide access to selected ones of the lumens at selected locations along the lead body. In addition, a method and an apparatus for forming windows in a multilumen lead body are disclosed. A ferromagnetic stylet is inserted into a selected lumen. The lead body is oriented in a jig by application of an electromagnetic field. A grinder or punch cuts a window into the selected lumen.

Abstract: A thin film capacitor for use in an implantable defibrillator. A first dielectric polymer filmlayer has a metallized film on one side thereof. A second dielectric polymer film layer has a metallized film on one side thereof. The first and second layers are overlain on each other and wound spirally with the metallized film of one layer adjacent the dielectric polymer of the other layer. The beginnings and ends of the first and second metallized films are offset from the respective beginnings and ends of the first and second polymer film layers. The dielectric layers can be tapered in increasing thickness toward the respective beginnings and ends of the layers. The dielectric layers can themselves comprise at least two layers of differing polymer materials, the preferred materials being polyvinylidene fluoride and polyester for improved energy density and self-healing properties.

Abstract: The present invention relates to disposable thermal packs comprising a unified structure having at least one continuous layer of a semirigid material which softens when heated. The thermal packs also comprise a plurality of individual heat cells, which typically comprise an exothermic composition, spaced apart and fixed throughout the unified structure. The material of the continuous layer or layers provide sufficient rigidity to maintain structural support of the heat cells, to prevent unacceptable stretching of structures of the continuous layer or layers during processing or use of the thermal packs, and to deter easy access to heat cell contents, while also providing good overall drape characteristics when heated. The thermal packs, when incorporated into body wraps, pads, and the like, provide efficient and effective heat coverage by having excellent conformity with various body forms.

Abstract: A cardiac stimulator capable of measuring pacing impedance includes a tank capacitor for delivering charge to the heart via device leads, a shunt resistor, and high-impedance buffers for measuring pacing current through the shunt resistor. Soon after the leading edge of the stimulation pulse, the voltage across the shunt resistor, as sampled by a high-impedance buffer, indicates lead and cardiac tissue resistance. Just prior to opening the pacing switch to terminate the stimulation pulse, the voltage across the shunt resistor is sampled by a high-impedance buffer and held once again to allow the capacitance of the lead/heart tissue to be calculated. In alternative embodiments, a high-impedance buffer measures the voltage between the tank capacitor and ground immediately following the stimulation pulse to allow estimation of the lead/heart tissue capacitance.

Abstract: A device for promoting energy flow in an organism includes a metallic cross, at least one bioenergy channelizer unit having a plurality of conductive elements arranged on a dielectric material, and/or one or more mineral crystals, all mounted on a structure which is covered by a tinted covering, the device being placed adjacent to, or in proximity to, the organism. The conductive elements are disposed on the dielectric material in a predetermined spatial relationship. The device flanks across predetermined regions or structures of the organism, for example, hands, arms, feet, legs, torso, back, or the entire body, so as to overlay singular or multiple energy pathways called meridians, each relating to specific organs, glands or systems of the organism. The first conductive element and/or the metallic cross transmits the energy along from the first reflex point toward a second conductive element of the conductive elements.

Abstract: A method for forming a thin film resistor includes providing a sputter target having one or more silicon containing components and chromium diboride. For example, the one or more silicon containing components may include silicon and/or silicon carbide. The resistor film is then sputter deposited on a surface using a nitrogen containing sputter gas. The resistor material generally is sputtered to a thickness in the range of about 125 .ANG. to about 500 .ANG. while maintaining a desirable sheet resistance. The resistor film may be used in one or more electrical circuits, such as in an implantable medical device.

Abstract: Fiber, fabric, clothes, and shoes having a material incorporated therein which, when stimulated by energy, emits a predetermined spectrum having a first electromagnetic radiation having a wavelength range selected from the group consisting of about 0.2 .mu.m to about 50 .mu.m, and about 0.4 .mu.m to about 25 .mu.m, and a second radiation having a wavelength range selected from the group consisting of about 7500 .mu.m to about 100,000 .mu.m, and about 5400 .mu.m to about 500,000 .mu.m, similar to radiation generated by the human body over similar ranges. A reflecting layer is adjacent to a fabric having the material incorporated therein such that body heat is conserved so as to achieve a therapeutic result. The energy stimulating the material can be body heat, electrical heat, magnetic energy, or other energy forms.

Abstract: An article of manufacture and method of making and implanting the article made of a polyolefin star or linear copolymer are disclosed in which the polyolefin copolymer is biostable and crack-resistant when implanted in vivo. The polyolefin copolymer is the reaction product of a rubbery component which when homopolymerized produces a polymer having a low level of hardness, and a hardening component which when homopolymerized produces a polymer having a high level of hardness. The polyolefin copolymer is elastomeric, has a hardness intermediate the low and high levels of hardness, and has a backbone in which the majority of polymer linkages along the copolymer chain are alternating quaternary and secondary carbon atoms.

Abstract: A qualifying connection for an instrument attaches to a source of electrosurgery energy to and the instrument and has first and second parts coupled to the instrument and the source, respectively. Optical couplings on the connection transmit invisible energy to identify the instrument and are proximate on the first and second parts. A light modifier on the first part is proximal to the second part for modification of radiation in the infrared wavelengths so infrared transmitters encode signals and non contact coded proximity detectors on the second part are the coupled detectors. Non contact coded proximity detectors respond to modified infrared light establishing an Nth bit identification code. An infrared light supply in the source pass from the transmitters across the communicating couplings for encoding signals by modification of the infrared light with a light modifier. Mechanical attachments include conjugating male and female portions physically extending between the parts for mating engagement.