Abstract: A patient physiological parameter monitoring apparatus for a subject includes a sensor assembly having at least one responsive element that produces a first signal upon detection of a change in temperature. The assembly also includes a converter for converting the first signal into an electrical signal, and a transmitter for wirelessly transmitting converted electrical signals upon demand based upon receipt of a transmitted signal from an interrogation device. Preferably, at least a portion of the sensor assembly is disposable to permit single use or single subject use and can be further used to track location and information of medical equipment in addition to subjects.

Abstract: A medical diagnostic instrument includes at least one blood oxygen saturation sensor and at least one temperature sensor. The sensors are being capable of measuring blood oxygen saturation and temperature simultaneously after insertion of a probe portion of the instrument relative to a defined body site, such as the axilla, rectum, or sublingual pocket of a patient. At least a portion of the probe portion of the instrument is disposable.

Abstract: A medical diagnostic instrument includes at least one blood oxygen saturation sensor and at least one temperature sensor. The sensors are being capable of measuring blood oxygen saturation and temperature simultaneously after insertion of a probe portion of the instrument relative to a defined body site, such as the axilla, rectum, or sublingual pocket of a patient. At least a portion of the probe portion of the instrument is disposable.

Abstract: A probe tip in combination with a seal assembly that prevents debris and other contaminants from entering the probe tip. In the preferred embodiment, the seal comprises a tube with a filter holder assembly attached at the distal end of the holder. The filter holder assembly includes an infrared filter seated inside a screw-on member that is attached to a holder member with a sealing member located directly behind the infrared filter. During manufacturing, a predetermined force is applied to the proximal end of the tube which drives the distal end of the tube and filter holder assembly against the probe tip opening, thereby forming a watertight seal thereto. In alternative embodiments, the seal assembly may be comprised of a collar and gasket combination instead of a filter holder assembly.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to an ambient temperature recalibration subsystem for a recalibration system that recalibrates a tympanic thermometer. In particular, the present invention relates to a computer-related invention comprising a computer that is in communication with a tympanic thermometer which includes an ambient sensing subsystem for sensing the surrounding ambient temperature experienced by the tympanic thermometer. The ambient temperature recalibration subsystem makes several threshold determinations before recalibration of the tympanic thermometer is allowed to proceed. The computer first instructs the thermometer to take a plurality of ambient temperature readings for determining whether the current ambient temperature experienced by the thermometer is stable.

Abstract: A medical fluid delivery set is provided with a magnetic field source in the region of its mounting to a fluid flow control apparatus. The flow control apparatus includes a magnetic field sensitive switching component which detects the proper placement of the delivery set on the flow control apparatus and prevents operation of the fluid delivery system unless a set is in proper position.

Abstract: A probe tip in combination with a seal assembly that prevents debris and other contaminants from entering the probe tip. In the preferred embodiment, the seal comprises a tube with a filter holder assembly attached at the distal end of the holder. The filter holder assembly includes an infrared filter seated inside a screw-on member that is attached to a holder member with a sealing member located directly behind the infrared filter. During manufacturing, a predetermined force is applied to the proximal end of the tube which drives the distal end of the tube and filter holder assembly against the probe tip opening, thereby forming a watertight seal thereto. In alternative embodiments, the seal assembly may be comprised of a collar and gasket combination instead of a filter holder assembly.

Abstract: A fluid delivery system is disclosed which includes a pump and a fluid delivery set. The fluid delivery set includes a stop cock valve, and the pump includes a valve actuation unit into which the stop cock valve is positioned for operation of the system. The valve actuation unit includes a valve receiving mechanism which requires the valve to be closed in order to be inserted into or removed from the valve actuation unit, thereby preventing accidental free flow of fluid at all times. The fluid delivery set may also include an auxiliary fluid source to allow periodic flushing of the fluid delivery line, and the valve actuation unit can be programmed by the pump to automatically initiate periodic flushing cycles if desired.

Abstract: A fluid delivery system is disclosed which includes a pump and a fluid delivery set. The fluid delivery set includes a stop cock valve, and the pump includes a valve actuation unit into which the stop cock valve is positioned for operation of the system. The valve actuation unit includes a valve receiving mechanism which requires the valve to be closed in order to be inserted into or removed from the valve actuation unit, thereby preventing accidental free flow of fluid at all times. The fluid delivery set may also include an auxiliary fluid source to allow periodic flushing of the fluid delivery line, and the valve actuation unit can be programmed by the pump to automatically initiate periodic flushing cycles if desired.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a stop-cock valve useable in conjunction with a fluid delivery set for delivering fluids such as intravenous fluids or enteral fluids from one or more containers to a patient. The valve includes a shear-away interference member which holds the valve in a closed position prior to use in order to prevent accidental premature free flow of fluid therethrough. The valve also includes a venting passage for allowing access of sterilization gas into all fluid flow passages of the valve even when the valve stem is rotated to a closed position.

Abstract: A medical fluid delivery set is provided with a magnetic field source in the region of its mounting to a fluid flow control apparatus. The flow control apparatus includes a magnetic field sensitive switching component which detects the proper placement of the delivery set on the flow control apparatus and prevents operation of the fluid delivery system unless a set is in proper position.

Abstract: A pump assembly used in conjunction with a fluid delivery set is disclosed which includes a tube slot into which the outlet tube of the fluid delivery set is intended to be mounted. The invention includes a retention member which is pivotally attached to the pump adjacent the point at which the outlet tube exits the tube slot of the pump assembly. The retention member includes a pivoting flat elongate arm which is secured to the pump by a pin and designed to rotate from a first position wherein the tube can be placed into the tube slot, and a second position wherein the tube is secured in the tube slot by the arm. The arm also has formed thereon a tab member which includes a tapered guide edge for ensuring that the tubing is forced into a secured position within the tube slot when the arm is pivoted thereover.

Abstract: A medical fluid delivery set is provided with a magnetic field source in the region of its mounting to a fluid flow control apparatus. The flow control apparatus includes a magnetic field sensitive switching component which detects the proper placement of the delivery set on the flow control apparatus and prevents operation of the fluid delivery system unless a set is in proper position.

Abstract: A fail-safe circuit is disclosed for use with an intermittently operated d.c. motor connected by means of a circuit breaker to a power supply, wherein a control circuit provides control pulses intermittently to the motor. The fail-safe circuit includes a capacitor which is charged when the drive pulses are being applied to said motor, and is discharged when the drive pulses are not being applied to said motor. A reference voltage is generated and compared with the voltage stored on said capacitor. When the voltage on the capacitor exceeds the reference voltage, the circuit breaker is caused to interrupt the power supply to the motor.