Abstract: The present invention relates to a process for oxidizing secondary amino groups to the corresponding radical nitroxyl groups within a polymer comprising, for example, 2,2,6,6-tetramethylpiperidinyl units. The process assures a particularly high degree of oxidation.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a process for oxidizing secondary amino groups to the corresponding radical nitroxyl groups within a polymer comprising, for example, 2,2,6,6-tetramethylpiperidinyl units. The process assures a particularly high degree of oxidation.

Abstract: An electromagnetic pedicle awl utilizes a tightly focused time-varying magnetic flux to create a localized electromotive force (EMF) near the tip. The localized EMF creates localized eddy currents in nearby nerves which excite ionic nerve channels, the excitation being detected by an electromyographic recording device. The awl only excites nerves directly in front of and directly to the side of the tip. The awl is comprised of a tapered awl or drill tip in combination with a solid core surrounded by a solenoid. A pulsed electric current source drives the solenoid to create a time-varying magnetic field in the vicinity of the tapered tip. The awl or drill tip may be stationary with respect to the solenoid or it may rotate. The awl in combination with an EMG detector connected to a patient is sensitive to the pedicle hole position with respect to adjacent nerves and reduces false placement failure.

Abstract: An electromagnetic pedicle awl utilizes a tightly focused time-varying magnetic flux to create a localized electromotive force (EMF) near the tip. The localized EMF creates localized eddy currents in nearby nerves which excite ionic nerve channels, the excitation being detected by an electromyographic recording device. The awl only excites nerves directly in front of and directly to the side of the tip. The awl is comprised of a tapered awl or drill tip in combination with a solid core surrounded by a solenoid. A pulsed electric current source drives the solenoid to create a time-varying magnetic field in the vicinity of the tapered tip. The awl or drill tip may be stationary with respect to the solenoid or it may rotate. The awl in combination with an EMG detector connected to a patient is sensitive to the pedicle hole position with respect to adjacent nerves and reduces false placement failure.

Abstract: An electromagnetic pedicle awl utilizes a tightly focused time-varying magnetic flux to create a localized electromotive force (EMF) near the tip. The localized EMF creates localized eddy currents in nearby nerves which excite ionic nerve channels, the excitation being detected by an electromyographic recording device. The awl only excites nerves directly in front of and directly to the side of the tip. The awl is comprised of a tapered awl or drill tip in combination with a solid core surrounded by a solenoid. A pulsed electric current source drives the solenoid to create a time-varying magnetic field in the vicinity of the tapered tip. The awl or drill tip may be stationary with respect to the solenoid or it may rotate. The awl in combination with an EMG detector connected to a patient is sensitive to the pedicle hole position with respect to adjacent nerves and reduces false placement failure.

Abstract: A system for measuring and converting to an observer intelligible form an internal physiological parameter of a patient. The invention allows transcutaneous telemetry of intracranial pressure via a system which includes a patient implanted sensor module and an external processing module, optically coupled to the sensor module via an external coupling module. A sensor within the sensor module transduces the measured pressure and a near infrared emitter transmits the telemetry when interrogated by the external coupling module. A set of tuned inductor-crystal circuits comprised in part of a cylindrical crystal oscillator whose resonant frequency is sensed by a dipper circuit arrangement is provided. Power for the sensor module is derived inductively through rectification of a transcutaneously-applied high-frequency alternating electromagnetic field generated within the external coupling module.

Abstract: An optical text scanning device compatible with a small handheld computer such as a personal digital assistant (PDA). The scanning device allows for a clear view of the text that is scanned simultaneous to the scanning process so that the operator can continuously align the device to the text. The scanned images of the text are converted in real-time to standard byte or word characters for subsequent display on the computer's viewing screen. The operator can quickly verify the accuracy of the conversion by comparing the displayed character with the actual character of text on the surface that is being scanned. Scanned text characters are stored in standard digital text files for ease of manipulation.

Abstract: A system for measuring and converting to an observer intelligible form an internal physiological parameter of a patient. The invention allows transcutaneous telemetry of intracranial pressure via a system which includes a patient implanted sensor module and an external processing module, optically coupled to the sensor module via an external coupling module. A sensor within the sensor module transduces the measured pressure and a near infrared emitter transmits the telemetry when interrogated by the external coupling module. A set of tuned inductor-crystal circuits comprised in part of a cylindrical crystal oscillator whose resonant frequency is sensed by a dipper circuit arrangement is provided. Power for the sensor module is derived inductively through rectification of a transcutaneously-applied high-frequency alternating electromagnetic field generated within the external coupling module.

Abstract: An electromagnetic pedicle awl utilizes a tightly focused time-varying magnetic flux to create a localized electromotive force (EMF) near the tip. The localized EMF creates localized eddy currents in nearby nerves which excite ionic nerve channels, the excitation being detected by an electromyographic recording device. The awl only excites nerves directly in front of and directly to the side of the tip. The awl is comprised of a tapered awl or drill tip in combination with a solid core surrounded by a solenoid. A pulsed electric current source drives the solenoid to create a time-varying magnetic field in the vicinity of the tapered tip. The awl or drill tip may be stationary with respect to the solenoid or it may rotate. The awl in combination with an EMG detector connected to a patient is sensitive to the pedicle hole position with respect to adjacent nerves and reduces false placement failure.

Abstract: A system for measuring and converting to an observer intelligible form an internal physiological parameter of a medical patient. The invention allows transcutaneous telemetry of the measured information intracranial pressure via a system which includes a patient implanted sensor module and a processing and display module which is external of the patient and optically coupled to the sensor module via an external coupling module. A sensor within the implanted module transduces the measured information and a near infrared (NIR) emitter transmits this telemetry information when interrogated by the complementary external coupling module. Alternately, a set of tuned inductor-crystal circuits versus inductor-crystal comprised in part of a cylindrical crystal oscillator whose resonant frequency is sensed by a dipper circuit arrangement is provided.

Abstract: An electromagnetic pedicle awl utilizes a tightly focused time-varying magnetic flux to create a localized electromotive force (EMF) near the tip of a pedicle awl. The localized EMF creates localized eddy currents in nearby nerves which in turn excite ionic nerve channels, the excitation being detected by an electromyographic recording device. In comparison to the electrically stimulated pedicle awl of the prior art, the electromagnetic pedicle awl only excites nerves directly in front of and directly to the side of the tip. The electromagnetic pedicle awl is comprised of a tapered awl or drill tip in combination with a solid core surrounded by a solenoid. A pulsed electric current source drives the solenoid to create a time-varying magnetic field in the vicinity of the tapered tip. The awl or drill tip may be stationary with respect to the solenoid or it may rotate.

Abstract: An optical text scanning device compatible with a small handheld computer such as a personal digital assistant (PDA). The scanning device allows for a clear view of the text that is scanned simultaneous to the scanning process so that the operator can continuously align the device to the text. The scanned images of the text are converted in real-time to standard byte or word characters for subsequent display on the computer's viewing screen. The operator can quickly verify the accuracy of the conversion by comparing the displayed character with the actual character of text on the surface that is being scanned. Scanned text characters are stored in standard digital text files for ease of manipulation.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for the radiation curing of surfaces of workpieces, wherein the workpieces are held in a multiplicity of hermetically sealable and at least partly radiation-transparent holding fixtures and are fed consecutively in a cycle to an irradiation device (26), wherein the holding fixtures with the workpieces contained therein are purged with inert gas, and before irradiation or in an irradiation station inert gas is fed into a holding fixture and the holding fixture is purged with the inert gas and the gas displaced by purging is fed to a holding fixture at a previous stage of the operating cycle, for purging of the same, and an apparatus for implementation of the method.

Abstract: An electromagnetic pedicle awl utilizes a tightly focused time-varying magnetic flux to create a localized electromotive force (EMF) near the tip of a pedicle awl. The localized EMF creates localized eddy currents in nearby nerves which in turn excite ionic nerve channels, the excitation being detected by an electromyographic recording device. In comparison to the electrically stimulated pedicle awl of the prior art, the electromagnetic pedicle awl only excites nerves directly in front of and directly to the side of the tip. The electromagnetic pedicle awl is comprised of a tapered awl or drill tip in combination with a solid core surrounded by a solenoid. A pulsed electric current source drives the solenoid to create a time-varying magnetic field in the vicinity of the tapered tip. The awl or drill tip may be stationary with respect to the solenoid or it may rotate.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for the radiation curing of surfaces of workpieces, wherein the workpieces are held in a multiplicity of hermetically sealable and at least partly radiation-transparent holding fixtures and are fed consecutively in a cycle to an irradiation device (26), wherein the holding fixtures with the workpieces contained therein are purged with inert gas, and before irradiation or in an irradiation station inert gas is fed into a holding fixture and the holding fixture is purged with the inert gas and the gas displaced by purging is fed to a holding fixture at a previous stage of the operating cycle, for purging of the same, and an apparatus for implementation of the method.

Abstract: A system for measuring and converting to an observer intelligible form an internal physiological parameter of a medical patient. The invention allows transcutaneous telemetry of the measured information intracranial pressure via a system which includes a patient implanted sensor module and a processing and display module which is external of the patient and optically coupled to the sensor module via an external coupling module. A sensor within the implanted module transduces the measured information and a near infrared (NIR) emitter transmits this telemetry information when interrogated by the complementary external coupling module. Alternately, a set of tuned inductor-crystal circuits versus inductor-crystal comprised in part of a cylindrical crystal oscillator whose resonant frequency is sensed by a dipper circuit arrangement is provided.

Abstract: Disclosed is a system and method for monitoring the breath chemistry of a patient's breath using a specially designed self-condensing sensor module mounted in a mask, nasal cannula, headband with boom apparatus, or similar device for directing the patients' breath towards the self-condensing sensor. Monitoring of a patient's breath pH provided by the miniaturized self-condensing pH sensor provides for real-time monitoring of patient airway pH values. The specially designed self-condensing sensor module incorporates a data transfer means, e.g. direct wiring or by providing a transmitter with an antenna for wireless transferring of the pH data to a processing receiver. The self-condensing pH sensor comprises a multi-tubular design with the outer tubular member housing a silver chloride reference element, an ion conducting path, and an antimony sensor plug isolated in an inner tubular member that is co-linearly or coaxially configured with the outer tubular member.

Abstract: Disclosed is a system and method for monitoring, diagnosing, and treating certain respiratory conditions, such as asthma. The system includes a mask apparatus fitted with a pH sensor and thermocouple, a continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) device, a processing receiver, and a therapeutic nebulizer/atomizer/humidifier device. The mask apparatus, CPAP device and therapeutic nebulizer/atomizer/humidifier device are connected by a pneumatic means. The pH sensor and the thermocouple are in electrical communication with the processing receiver that controls, through an electronic means, the CPAP device and therapeutic nebulizer/atomizer/humidifier device. The electrical communications can be in the form of a plurality of wires or employ wireless means.

Abstract: The present invention pertains to an apparatus and a means of constructing a pH sensor that can detect changes in pH levels of humidified gases and liquid samples. When electronically connected to a computerized or analog display means, sensitive quantitative measurements can be obtained. Given the construction of current pH devices available today, there is a need in the field for a novel, miniaturized, self-condensing pH probe that can be used in fluid or humidified gases.

Abstract: An optical text scanning device compatible with a small handheld computer such as a personal digital assistant (PDA). The scanning device allows for a clear view of the text that is scanned simultaneous to the scanning process so that the operator can continuously align the device to the text. The scanned images of the text are converted in real-time to standard byte or word characters for subsequent display on the computer's viewing screen. The operator can quickly verify the accuracy of the conversion by comparing the displayed character with the actual character of text on the surface that is being scanned. Scanned text characters are stored in standard digital text files for ease of manipulation.