Abstract: An electrical feed-through apparatus is prevents or substantially reduces partial corona discharges in penetrators for high voltage supply for underwater facilities. A flange of a first thickness has an opening providing a passage between first and second oppositely located sides of the flange. An elongated tube of a solid, electrically insulating material has a first length greater than the first thickness, and is positioned in the passage, with first and second parts of the tube protruding from the first and second sides of the flange, respectively. First and second attachment sleeves are positioned on the tube and are attached to the first and second parts of the tube, respectively, at a distance from respective first and second ends of the tube. The sleeves are attached to the respective first and second oppositely located sides of the flange.

Abstract: A wearable body fat combustion measurement device includes a housing including a first chamber with an opening, a fixing means attached to the housing and configured to bring the housing into close contact with a user's skin in a state in which the opening of the first chamber faces the user's skin, a measurement sensor disposed inside the first chamber and configured to generate an electrical signal according to an amount of acetone contained in a gas evaporated from sweat discharged from the user's skin and introduced into the first chamber through the opening, a reference sensor disposed outside the first chamber and configured to generate an electrical signal according to a concentration of a gas component contained in an ambient air and detectable by the measurement sensor, and a signal processor configured to process the electrical signals received from the measurement sensor and the reference sensor.

Abstract: A body fat combustion amount measurement device includes: a sample gas passage through which an exhaled gas flows; a sample gas chamber having an inlet through which a part of the exhaled gas flowing through the sample gas passage is introduced and an outlet through which the exhaled gas is discharged, the sample gas chamber configured to define an internal space through which the exhaled gas flows; a photoionization detector disposed in the internal space of the sample gas chamber and configured to generate an electrical signal corresponding to an amount of acetone contained in the exhaled gas existing inside the sample gas chamber; and a heater configured to increase a temperature of the internal space of the sample gas chamber to prevent moisture contained in the exhaled gas from being condensed in the sample gas chamber.

Abstract: A breath analyzer includes an analyzer body and an alcohol sensor module detachably attached to the analyzer body. The analyzer body includes a signal processing unit for calculating an alcohol concentration, a display unit for displaying the alcohol concentration, a connector coupling unit connected to the signal processing unit and a breath passage conduit. The alcohol sensor module includes an alcohol sensor. The alcohol sensor includes a sample gas passage and a reaction cell arranged within the sample gas passage to output an actual detection signal value corresponding to an alcohol concentration in a sample gas. The sample gas passage is composed of a sample gas inlet tube, a sample gas outlet tube and a sample gas chamber.

Abstract: An apparatus for treating polymeric materials comprises a treatment chamber adapted to maintain a selected atmosphere; a means for supporting the polymeric material within the chamber; and, a source of plasma-derived gas containing at least one reactive oxidative species whereby the polymer is stabilized and cross linked through exposure to the oxidative species in the chamber at a selected temperature. The polymer may be directly exposed to the plasma, or alternatively, the plasma may be established in a separate volume from which the reactive species may be extracted and introduced into the vicinity of the polymer. The apparatus may be configured for either batch-type or continuous-type processing. The apparatus and method are especially useful for preparing polymer fibers, particularly PAN fibers, for later carbonization treatments.

Abstract: Circuitry adapted for carrying out associated techniques for: (a) calculating a damping factor, e.g., a damping ratio represented by ?, or a quality factor Q, where ??1/2Q, for a transient signal received, having been emitted from a resonator-type sensor element; (b) determining amplitude, A, of the transient signal; or (c) generating a frequency response dataset of interrelated points for the transient signal. A threshold comparison circuit is included for converting the transient signal received into a first and second digital waveform; the first digital waveform represents cycle crossings of the transient signal associated with a first threshold value, and the second digital waveform represents cycle crossings of the transient signal associated with a second threshold value. The transient signal may be converted, likewise, into third, and so on, digital waveforms, whereby the third digital waveform represents cycle crossings of the transient signal associated with a third threshold value.

Abstract: A specialty support surface for a variable width bed that can easily change its width from a wide bariatric mattress to a standard width so it can fit through a standard hospital door frame. The support surface can be placed on any bariatric bed frame that is designed to reduce its width to fit through a standard door. The support surface has the normal traverse air cells (used to reduce or relieve pressure). In addition, transverse air cells have independently controlled compartments on their ends. By inflating or deflating the controlled compartments, the length of the transverse air cells can be varied. These controllable compartments are controlled through an electronic controller by simply pressing a keypad on its touch panel. The electronic controller is used to control air pressure to the various compartments of the specialty support surface. The mattress replacement can be single or multi zone.

Abstract: This invention concerns an ellipsometer for the examination of a sample whereby the ellipsometer has a broadband light source on the emitter side and a detector on the receiver side for a receiver light beam reflected from the sample. A refractive optic for the generation of a measuring spot on the sample and an aperture arranged on the emitter side for the definition of a measuring spot on the sample. The spectroscopic ellipsometer of the present invention makes it possible to easily produce a precisely defined measuring spot on the sample.

Abstract: A network of remote sensing node assemblies, a first and second of which each has a sensor element, as well as associated technique and program code for transmitting information collected about a liquid environment. The network provides the capability of sensing the liquid to collect a wide variety of types of information/data about the liquid and any surrounding environments, and transmitting from the originating node assembly to a different node within acoustic transmission range, and then transmitting further to a third node assembly where the information may be processed and communicated to a user, or further transmitted by way of suitable medium, preferably as electromagnetic signals, to a host location for processing into a compilation of data. Each of at least two sensing node assemblies has at least one sensor element adapted for operation while immersed within the liquid, a source of power, and a transducer for receiving acoustic waves/signals transmitted from another node assembly.

Abstract: A sensing and displaying system is provided including a sensor unit having a transducer disposed in intimate contact with a vessel. The transducer senses a characteristic within the vessel like pressure and outputs an electrical signal representative thereof. The sensor unit further includes a response signal generator which transmits a signal representative of the characteristic. A receiver unit receives the transmitted signal and converts it to visual indicia of the characteristic, for example, a number on a liquid crystal display. The system is capable of two-way communication between the sensor unit and the receiver unit. Both the sensor unit and receiver unit store transmitted data in internal memory.

Abstract: Apparatus for capacitive electrical detection or measurement relating to a medium, comprising at least one electrode having a given surface extension and an oscillator circuit the output frequency of which is a function of the capacitance being associated with the electrode and the dielectric constant of the medium, and is taken as a basis for the detection or measurement. The effective spacing of the electrode from a counter electrode or from earth is of the same or a substantially higher order of magnitude as seen in relation to the surface extension of the electrode. A conductor connecting the electrode to the oscillator circuit has a length that is a small fraction as seen in relation to the surface extension of the electrode.

Abstract: A sensing and displaying system is provided including a sensor unit having a transducer disposed in intimate contact with a vessel. The transducer senses a characteristic within the vessel like pressure and outputs an electrical signal representative thereof. The sensor unit further includes a response signal generator which transmits a signal representative of the characteristic. A receiver unit receives the transmitted signal and converts it to visual indicia of the characteristic, for example, a number on a liquid crystal display. The system is capable of two-way communication between the sensor unit and the receiver unit. Both the sensor unit and receiver unit store transmitted data in internal memory.

Abstract: An improved position responsive sensor is disclosed comprising a substrate having first and second parallel, conductive strips at the edges in electrical contact with high resistance coating on the top surface and low resistance coating on the bottom surface respectively. A d. c. voltage is applied to the top surface of substrate, at the same time an a. c. voltage is applied to the bottom surface. An electrical conductive probe or a flexible resistive sheet is used to detected both d. c. and a. c. voltage between the contact point and the ground, whereby the electrical output signals are accurately related to the x and y coordinates of the contacted point on the top surface of substrate.

Abstract: An air distribution device with a plurality of sheets is provided to prevent and treat decubitus ulcers. Air from an air source is provided between sheets of the coverlet which are air tight except for a plurality of very tiny apertures that are provided in the top sheet. The device is used between a support surface such as an alternating pressure mattress and a patient. The air escaping from the tiny apertures circulates around the patient to remove excess moisture from the patient's skin and wounds. The top sheet of the coverlet is made of a low friction nylon with an undercoating of a waterproof yet vapor permeable polyurethane. The top sheet has a plurality of apertures punched through the material. The central sheet is made out of the identical material of the top sheet, except there are no tiny apertures.

Abstract: The present invention adjusts the relationship of two optical components within an optical coupler by the use of eccentric sleeves. As individual eccentric sleeves of an adjustable subassembly are rotated, they change either the angle or the location of the axis of one optical component relative to the location of the axis of another fixed optical component. Adjustment of the alignment of the optical components therefore requires only the rotation of the sleeves of the adjustable subassembly. Locking the sleeves into a selected adjustment is accomplished by the insertion of a low expansion, quick setting, bonding agent into holes located so that they feed the bonding agent into the spaces between the sleeves. Thus, after the bonding agent has fused together the otherwise movable parts, any further movement of the sleeves is prevented, and the alignment is permanently preserved.

Abstract: A sensing and displaying system is provided including a sensor unit having a transducer disposed in intimate contact with a vessel. The transducer senses a characteristic within the vessel like pressure and outputs electrical signal representative thereof. The sensor unit further includes a response signal generator which transmit a signal representative of the characteristic. A receiver unit receives the transmitted signal and converts it to visual indicia of the characteristic, for example, a number on a liquid crystal display. The system is capable of two-way communication between the sensor unit and the receiver unit. Both the sensor unit and receiver unit store transmitted data in internal memory.

Abstract: A pulsating medical (surgical) operating table cushion comprising an air sac array having two groups of pneumatically expandable and contractible air cells respectively communicating with one another in each of the groups. An air pump supplies air under pressure to the cells in each group through a separate conduit pipe for each respective group. Solenoid valves direct the air flow from the air pump either into the first conduit or the second conduit based upon an air supply controller. A timer provided in the air supply control circuitry changes the sequence of the air control valves after a predetermined period of time passes.

Abstract: A pneumatic device for therapeutic treatment of the skin and skin pressure areas of immobile patients seated in a chair, or a mobile wheel chair, which provides for alternating low air loss pressure sacs that are in contact with the seated patient that includes an air sac array overlay that is conveniently and quickly mounted to a bedside chair, or wheel chair, a portable air supply that can be attached for controlling the individual air sac alternating air pressures, the portable air supply housing being mounted on the side arm of a chair, or another location on a wheel chair, and a separate removable coverlet that is liquid impervious for incontinent patients while providing for sweat absorption for the patient seated thereon. The portable air supply can be quickly detached from the air sac chair overlay for use with a bed mattress air pressure alternating device. The portable air supply being battery powered when used on a mobile wheel chair.

Abstract: The apparatus is an attenuator for use in an optical fiber link. The attenuator is a full circular loop of continuous optical fiber with connection means at the ends of the loop to interconnect with the other optical fiber components in the system. The attenuation of optical transmission through the loop is continuously variable by twisting the loop out of its original planar configuration. A lockable rotating shaft clamped to the side of the loop remote from the connection means is turned to rotate the loop.