Abstract: An immersion sensor for use with a cushion or mattress for determining the relative immersion of a person within the cushion or mattress including a sensor, a ground and a circuit for measuring capacitance. The sensor includes a sheet of conductive material, and the ground includes a second sheet of conductive material. The circuit is adapted to send short bursts of electrical current to the sensor and a capacitor. The circuit is further adapted to measure the length of time the burst of current takes to charge the capacitor. Based upon the measured time, the circuit calculates the proximity of the object based upon the time taken to charge the capacitor. A method that may be implemented with the immersion sensor is also disclosed.

Abstract: An immersion sensor for use with a cushion or mattress for determining the relative immersion of a person within the cushion or mattress comprising a sensor, a ground and a circuit for measuring capacitance. The sensor comprises a sheet of conductive material, and the ground comprises a second sheet of conductive material. The circuit is adapted to send short bursts of electrical current to the sensor and a capacitor. The circuit is further adapted to measure the length of time the burst of current takes to charge the capacitor. Based upon the measured time, the circuit calculates the proximity of the object based upon the time taken to charge the capacitor. A method that may be implemented with the immersion sensor is also disclosed.

Abstract: A convenience kit assembled and organized to measure, fill and dispense medication and flush solutions to patients through connections to patient lines and catheters while improving safety and efficacy of such procedures by requiring fewer post-sterilization makes and breaks when compared to similar filling and dispensing methods using conventional components. Further the kit improves flush compliance by facilitating dispensing of flush solutions and decreases likelihood of infections by providing for flushing of patient lines and catheter connecting fittings without any additional line breaks. The kit is provided in resealable, tamper evident kit packaging which permits sealed transport of kit parts after initial opening and follow-on parts use. Convenience of operation is provided by a two syringe assembly which is operable by a single hand by which selective dispensing is accomplished from either of the two syringes while obstructing flow from the other syringe.

Abstract: A sensor for attachment to an inflatable air cell cushion to detect a change in immersion depth and bottoming out of the user seated on the cushion. The sensor includes an airflow conduit for attachment to the cushion inflation tube. The airflow conduit comprises a cylindrical body having a longitudinal inner bore. There is an opening through the conduit body in fluid communication with the bore. A transducer is positioned at the opening to detect changes in air pressure within the airflow conduit. The transducer is operatively connected to a warning light, an audible sensor and a mode set button. The functions of the electronic components are preprogrammed into a computer chip. A battery powers the sensor. The recited components are secured within a housing.