Neoprobe Corporation

Progenics Corporation

John D Call

Dennis Joseph Denen

A surgical probe apparatus incorporates a probe structure with a handle component and forward crystal mount wherein a cadmium-telluride crystal is rigidly mounted against movement. A cup-shaped window assembly is provided having an internal cylindrical tungsten shield which extends forwardly from the front face of the crystal to define an air gap as well as to support an aluminum window. The window assembly is threadably mounted upon the handle at a transition region forming an outwardly extending ramp. This ramp is used in conjunction with a polymeric retainer component with legs containing dog structures which hold a cylindrical tungsten collimator in biased position against the window when attached.

Surgical probe apparatus

A surgical system wherein a two component hand-held probe is provided. The probe includes a sterilizable and reusable detector portion formed principally of metal in combination with a disposable handle and cable combination. Formed principally of metal components, the detector assembly includes a crystal receiver within which a detector crystal is retained in compression by an annular metal ring assembly having thin inwardly depending tines which contact the crystal forward surface and additionally apply the electrical ground thereto. An access channel rigidly supports bias and signal carrying electrical leads through a crystal mount to a rearward face thereof. The rearward face rigidly supports the forward stage of a preamplifier. In one embodiment a rigid polymeric crystal mount is employed. Particularly for this embodiment, a cup-shaped, shield containing window assembly is utilized.

Surgical probe apparatus and system

System for detecting emissions from a radiopharmaceutical injected within a lymph duct wherein a hand-held probe is utilized. When employed to locate sentinel lymph nodes, supplementary features are provided including a function for treating validated photon event pulses to determine count rate level signals. A function for count rate based ranging as well as an adjustable thresholding feature are also present. A post-threshold amplification circuit develops full-scale aural and visual outputs.

System for locating and detecting a source of photon emissions

A lighted nock is provided for an arrow which undergoes an initial acceleration when shot from a bow and thereupon reaches a zero acceleration during flight shortly in front of the bow. The nock is formed of transparent material within which is embedded a light emitting diode. An elongate cavity is positioned within the forward portion of the nock and within that cavity there is slidably located an elongate battery having a rod-shaped forward electrode and a rear face forming a second electrode. An energy storing spring is positioned within the cavity and a second cavity is positioned adjacent the first cavity. Within the second cavity there is located an electrical contact and between the two cavities is a position delimiter formed as an annular silicone ring. As the arrow is shot, the energy storage spring moves into compressive contact with the rearward face of the battery and is compressed to store energy sufficient, upon the arrow reaching zero acceleration, to cause the battery forward rod-shaped end to penetrate the position delimiter and close a circuit. Electrical contact between the second terminal of the diode and the battery is provided by an elongate spring of low spring rate positioned coaxially within the energy storage spring and maintaining continuous abutting contact with the rearward face or terminal of the battery.

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Columbus, OH, United States of America

John D Call