Abstract: A system and method for automatically quantifying mobility of a person performing a mobility diagnostic procedure. In one exemplary embodiment, the system measures a posture change test procedure with integrated inertial, location, and navigation type sensors found in a mobile computing device worn by a patient during the posture change test procedure, such as a timed-up-and-go (TUG) procedure. The measurements captured during the posture change inform a health care provider about the mobility of a patient. For example, a determination about the likelihood of the patient experiencing a fall can be assessed from measurable parameters produced from the inertial, location, and navigation-type sensors.

Abstract: An apparatus for measuring a physiological parameter of a user is disclosed. The apparatus comprises at least one processor and at least one memory comprising a computer program code comprising program instructions of a first algorithm modelling acquisition of the physiological parameter from motion of a user's arm and program instructions of a second algorithm modelling acquisition of the physiological parameter from motion of the user's torso. The at least one memory and the computer program code are configured, with the at least one processor, to cause the apparatus to: acquire torso acceleration data representing motion of the torso of the user; process the torso acceleration data with the second algorithm; and acquire, from the acceleration data processed with the second algorithm, reference parameters for the first algorithm.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for conducting electromyography of a deep muscle non-invasively are provided. An array of suitable surface electromyography electrodes is arranged in one or more rings encircling a part of the human body in which a deep muscle being investigated is located. The potential of at least selected electrodes relative to another electrode selected from a common reference electrode (mono-polar) and other electrodes (bi-polar) in the array is recorded and the data is processed in respect of the recorded potentials of at least some of said selected electrodes in order to determine (optionally using approximations or algorithms, or both) the contribution being made by at least the deep muscle being investigated. Typically, this is done mathematically by resolving the electromyography signals into their constituent components using a suitable technique.

Abstract: A device for sleep apnea avoidance and data collection may include a sensor configured to sense a pressure and generate a first signal when the pressure exceeds a threshold. A signal generator module may be configured to generate a first stimulating signal in response to the first signal. The sensed pressure may include a pressure exerted on the sensor when a user of the device lies down on the device. The first stimulating signal may be configured to cause the user to change sleeping position, for example, from a first sleeping position that causes snoring to a second sleeping position that stops snoring.

Abstract: A method and an apparatus for swallowing impairment detection acquire dual axis accelerometry data representative of one or more swallowing events executed by a candidate. Upon feature extraction and classification, vibrational data acquired in respect of each swallowing event is classified as indicative of one of normal or possibly impaired swallowing. Computer-readable media comprising statements and instructions for implementation by a processing device are also described in facilitating swallowing impairment detection respective to candidate swallowing events.

Abstract: Method, device and system for measuring a degree of torsion or bending of a joint. The method comprises the steps of attaching a sensor (56) to the limbs that are joined by the joint, measuring an output signal of the sensor during torsion or bending at the joint, and a final step of relating said output signal of the sensor to a degree of torsion or bending. The sensor comprises an electrically conductive loop (51), with loop parts that run from one limb to other and back in the loop, the area of said loop at least partially covering both limbs from one limb to the other. The limbs may be limbs of the human or animal body, for instance limbs at a knee. The sensor further comprises an output unit (57) for providing an output signal that is a measure for the inductance of the loop. Calibration data for the sensor may be determined by detecting the output signal of the sensor for a well defined degree of torsion or bending at said joint under static conditions and storing the calibration data.

Abstract: Collection devices, kits and methods related to sample collection and analysis can be used to collect and store samples (e.g., biological samples) from a variety of sources and optionally, for analysis of such samples (e.g., forensics analysis, medical diagnostics, etc.). Methods of production and use thereof are described herein. A device for collecting a sample (e.g., a sample including nucleic acid) includes an outer protective housing and a collection tip operably coupled to a carrier. The collection tip includes a hydrophilic and at least partially soluble material (e.g., hydrophilic and at least partially soluble polycaprolactone (PCL)) and is movable (e.g., retractable) from a first protected position within the outer protective housing to a second collecting position outside the outer protective housing.

Abstract: A microbiopsy device for taking biological samples, comprising a body including two or more cutting elements for cutting tissue to form a biological sample; and a chamber inside the body for receiving and retaining the biological sample, the chamber having an opening between the cutting elements, wherein the cutting elements are arranged to cut a section of tissue having a width of less than 1 mm.

Abstract: A modular sensor system is disclosed. The system can include one or more sensors, a mounting unit, and a control unit. The mounting unit can enable the control unit and/or one or more sensors to be securely, but detachably, mounted to a patient's body. The control unit can include electronics and other components configured to interface with, monitor, and record data from the one or more sensors. The control unit can further include a wired bus, transceiver, antenna, or other suitable components to enable wireless communication between the system and a central control or monitor. Some or all of the components included in the control unit can be removable from the system to enable some or all of the electronics of the system to be removed.

Abstract: A system for measuring the flow properties of a tear duct, to ascertain its flow resistance, includes a syringe communicating with a cannula to supply liquid to a punctum of an eye, the cannula having a tip to seal to the punctum. A motor is arranged to actuate the syringe. A pressure sensor monitors the pressure of the liquid supplied to the punctum. A monitoring circuit provides an indication of the flow resistance. A feedback circuit controls the motor in accordance with the measured pressure, to maintain a preset liquid pressure, or to ensure that the liquid pressure does not exceed a preset threshold. The system may prevent flow through the other punctum of the eye. If the flow rate of the liquid supplied to the punctum is also monitored, the monitoring circuit is arranged to determine the flow resistance from the pressure and the flow rate.

Abstract: A lancing device (1) for taking blood samples comprises a housing (2), an axially displaceable lancet holder element (32) for holding a replaceable lancet (12), and a drive unit (30) comprising at least a lancing spring element (31) for driving the axially displaceable lancet holder element (32) in a lancing direction (18). The lancing device further comprises a tensioning carriage part (26) which can be fixed in a tensioning position (36) for tensioning the lancing spring element (31). The fixable tensioning carriage part (26) is temporarily axially fixed in this tensioning position (36) by means of a latching apparatus (35) which can be latched to the axially displaceable lancet holder element (32).

Abstract: A guide wire includes an elongated wire body having flexibility; a distal member that covers a distal portion of the wire body and is configured to have a resin material; and a hydrophilic lubricant layer that is formed so as to cover a proximal end of the distal member and is configured to have a hydrophilic material. In addition, the hydrophilic lubricant layer has a tapered shape whose outer diameter gradually decreases toward a proximal side. In addition, the maximum outer diameter of the hydrophilic lubricant layer is smaller than the maximum outer diameter of the distal member. In addition, a proximal portion of the distal member has a tapered shape whose outer diameter gradually decreases toward the proximal side, and a distal end of the hydrophilic lubricant layer is positioned at the tapered portion of the distal member.

Abstract: A lancing system can include a device body having a sealing device coupled to a lancing end, a lancing shaft slideably coupled to the lancing end, a lancing spring coupled to the lancing shaft, a release mechanism, a main shaft slideably coupled with a free end of the device body in communication with the release mechanism, a piston coupled to the main shaft, a vacuum spring coupled to the piston, and a shaft coupler having at least two separable portions for removably coupling the lancing shaft to the main shaft. The system can include a lance tool having an insertion portion and a removal portion. A method can include creating a first portion of a vacuum, lancing a surface, and creating a second portion of a vacuum.

Abstract: A method for use in analyzing impedance measurements on a subject is described. The method can include, in a processing system, determining at least one impedance value at each of a number of frequencies, each impedance value representing the impedance of a segment of the subject, determining a dispersion parameter value indicative of a dispersion of the impedance values and, determining an indicator based at least on part on the dispersion parameter value.

Abstract: A hand-held neuroscreening device includes an elongate handle having a first end, a second end, and longitudinal axis extending therethrough between the first end and the second end. A head portion is fixedly attached to the first end of the handle. The head portion has a longitudinal axis, a fixed temperature surface extending in a first plane oblique to the head portion longitudinal axis, and a variable temperature surface extending in a second plane oblique to the first plane. A method of using the device is also disclosed.

Abstract: A device for guiding a depth gauge for measuring blind holes formed through a bone including (a) a handle having an elongated body, an upper surface of the body having a peg extending therefrom to removably engage a proximal end of a first elongated rod of the depth gauge, the handle including a first slot extending into the upper surface and open to a first elongated channel extending through the handle and (b) a first elongated shaft extending through the first elongated channel and including a first tab extending through the first slot, a range of movement of the first elongated shaft relative to the handle being limited by engagement of the first tab with walls of the first slot. In an operative configuration, the slotted tab receives a proximal end of the depth gauge to control movement of an increased diameter insert at a distal end thereof.

Abstract: A method for estrus detection includes storing location information associated with a dairy livestock. This information includes coordinate locations of the dairy livestock within a free stall pen at each of a plurality of times during a time period including a first time and a second time. The coordinate locations comprise at least a first (X, Y, Z) location of the dairy livestock at the first time and a second (X, Y, Z) location of the dairy livestock at the second time. The method further includes determining, based on at least the first and second (X, Y, Z) locations, a turn index parameter indicating a number of times the dairy livestock reverses directions during the time period. The method further includes determining whether the dairy livestock is likely to be in estrus based at least in part upon whether the determined turn index parameter is in excess of a baseline turn index parameter by more than a first predefined amount.

Abstract: A biopsy device comprises a body, a needle, and a needle firing assembly. The needle comprises a sharp tip and a hub. The hub comprises a distal flange and a proximal flange. The needle firing assembly is operable to drive the needle longitudinally relative to the body. The needle firing assembly comprises a fork member coupled with the hub of the needle. The fork member comprises a pair of distal ramped surfaces converging at a distal edge configured to engage the distal flange. The fork member further comprises a pair of proximal ramped surfaces converging at a proximal edge configured to engage the proximal flange.

Abstract: Sensor arrangement, comprising at least one ballistocardiographic sensor for detecting body movements of a subject and at least one noise sensor for detecting vibration, method of ballistocardiographic detection of body movements, ballistocardiographic sensor system and uses of the sensor arrangement. It is suggested to pickup an external noise signal using an inertia sensor that is vibration isolated from a subject under ballistocardiographic examination.

Abstract: A stochastic Bayesian non-linear filtering system and method that improves the filtering of noisy signals by providing efficiency, power, speed, and flexibility. The filter only requires the likelihood function p(observation|state) to determine the system state and works in various measurement models. This allows for the processing of noisy signals to be used in real time, such as in a biofeedback device that senses noisy surface electromyography muscle electrical activity, filters the sensed signal using the nonlinear filtering method, and provides vibrations based on the muscular activity.