Abstract: A disposable real-time closed catheter urine output monitoring system. The monitoring system of the invention can measure urine outputs at both high and low urine flow in real time, using a pressure chamber in the form of a hollow body having an input port for coupling to a tube connected to a catheter for collection of urine from a patient, an exit port coupled to a collection container and a vent port, such that air may flow through the vent, but urine is blocked by the vent. A sensor measures flow from the exit port of the pressure chamber into the collection container, and a pressure sensor may be included to measure pressure in the pressure chamber. The invention also provides a method of using the apparatus in a real-time monitoring system.

Abstract: A variety of systems and methods are described which quickly and conveniently provide for the selective transmission of individual solid pharmaceutical products from a common location into individual blister package product cavities. In accordance with the preferred exemplary embodiments, an automated alignment mechanism alters the orientation of solid pharmaceutical products that are initially arranged randomly in a two-dimensional array into one or more linear transmission systems. Each linear transmission system is essentially a one-dimensional stack of solid pharmaceutical products, vitamins or other elements. In accordance with another aspect of the present invention, after the solid pharmaceutical products have been arranged in one or more of the linear transmission systems or vertical stacks, the solid pharmaceutical products are selectively transmitted into individual product package blister cavities or into product package templates having locations corresponding to the blister package cavities.

Abstract: A sensor for detecting a substance in a physical space, having an RF energy emitter fed by a signal source on one side of the space and an RF energy receiving element coupled to a detector at an opposite side of the channel, spaced apart by a distance (r) selected so that when the signal wavelength (?) changes based on the value of the dielectric constant (?) of the particular substance in the physical space between the emitter and receiver, the mode of field type within the sensor channel changes between near field and intermediate or far field mode.

Abstract: The invention presents a cold beverage dispenser which uses a heat exchanger to cool incoming water with a very cold closed loop of chilled coolant. Under control of a control system, the cooled water from the heat exchanger is mixed with uncooled in put water to regulate its temperature, then (if desired) carbonated. The regulated temperature water, optionally carbonated, is mixed with a liquid concentrate and dispensed at one or more dispensing stations. Preferably, the temperature, carbonation and strength of the dispensed beverage is controllable by the consumer.

Abstract: A disposable real-time closed catheter urine output monitoring system. The monitoring system of the invention can measure urine outputs at both high and low urine flow in real time, using a pressure chamber in the form of a hollow body having an input port for coupling to a tube connected to a catheter for collection of urine from a patient, an exit port coupled to a collection container and a vent port, such that air may flow through the vent, but urine is blocked by the vent. A sensor measures flow from the exit port of the pressure chamber into the collection container, and a pressure sensor may be included to measure pressure in the pressure chamber. The invention also provides a method of using the apparatus in a real-time monitoring system.

Abstract: A beverage dispenser and method of operation, in which incoming water for beverage preparation is heated by a liquid-to-liquid heat exchanger. The heated water may be mixed with cold water using controlled valves, to generate a selected temperature stream. This controlled-temperature stream may be mixed with beverage concentrate or sprayed over coffee grounds to brew fresh coffee.

Abstract: A disposable concentrate pump where the small pump body is part of a liquid collapsible bag reservoir, and the actuating solenoid is mounted in the dispenser. When a new bag is loaded, the attached pump body is inserted into a solenoid. When the bag is empty the in-bag part of the pump will be disposed of, along with the empty bag.

Abstract: A sensor for detecting a substance in a physical space, having an RF energy emitter fed by a signal source on one side of the space and an RF energy receiving element coupled to a detector at an opposite side of the channel, spaced apart by a distance (r) selected so that when the signal wavelength (?) changes based on the value of the dielectric constant (?) of the particular substance in the physical space between the emitter and receiver, the mode of field type within the sensor channel changes between near field and intermediate or far field mode.

Abstract: A variety of systems and methods are described which quickly and conveniently provide for the selective transmission of individual solid pharmaceutical products from a common location into individual blister package product cavities. In accordance with the preferred exemplary embodiments, an automated alignment mechanism alters the orientation of solid pharmaceutical products that are initially arranged randomly in a two-dimensional array into one or more linear transmission systems. Each linear transmission system is essentially a one-dimensional stack of solid pharmaceutical products, vitamins or other elements. In accordance with another aspect of the present invention, after the solid pharmaceutical products have been arranged in one or more of the linear transmission systems or vertical stacks, the solid pharmaceutical products are selectively transmitted into individual product package blister cavities or into product package templates having locations corresponding to the blister package cavities.

Abstract: Systems and methods are described for detecting the presence and/or absence of a solid, liquid or gas which utilize an RF energy emitter and RF energy detector for determining whether a solid, liquid or gas is present within a defined physical space. More specifically, an RF energy emitter is provided at a first side of a solid, liquid or gas transmission channel and an RF energy receiver/detector is provided at an opposite side of the solid liquid or gas fluid channel. The RF energy emitter either continuously or periodically emits RF energy which in the preferred exemplary embodiment is in the high-frequency or more preferably ultrahigh frequency signal range. The amount of detected RF energy transferred across the channel is used in determining the presence and/or absence of a solid, liquid or gas.

Abstract: A disposable concentrate pump where the small pump body is part of a liquid collapsible bag reservoir, and the actuating solenoid is mounted in the dispenser. When a new bag is loaded, the attached pump body is inserted into a solenoid. When the bag is empty the in-bag part of the pump will be disposed of, along with the empty bag.

Abstract: The invention presents a cold beverage dispenser which uses a heat exchanger to cool incoming water with a very cold closed loop of chilled coolant. Under control of a control system, the cooled water from the heat exchanger is mixed with uncooled in put water to regulate its temperature, then (if desired) carbonated. The regulated temperature water, optionally carbonated, is mixed with a liquid concentrate and dispensed at one or more dispensing stations. Preferably, the temperature, carbonation and strength of the dispensed beverage is controllable by the consumer.

Abstract: A pill dissolver includes a first crushing surface, and a second crushing surface positioned to receive a cup between the first crushing surface and the second crushing surface. The pill dissolver also includes pinching jaws operable to pinch a top portion of the cup above the first and second crushing surfaces. The pill dissolver further includes an actuator which creates relative movement and an impact force between the first crushing surface and the second crushing surface. A method of dissolving a pill and a pill dissolving system are also described.

Abstract: A beverage dispenser and method of operation, in which incoming water for beverage preparation is heated by a liquid-to-liquid heat exchanger. The heated water may be mixed with cold water using controlled valves, to generate a selected temperature stream. This controlled-temperature stream may be mixed with beverage concentrate or sprayed over coffee grounds to brew fresh coffee.