Abstract: This invention relates to the preparation of N-(phosphonomethyl)glycine (“glyphosate”) from N-(phosphonomethyl)iminodiacetic acid (“PMIDA”), and more particularly to methods for control of the conversion of PMIDA, for the identification of reaction end points relating to PMIDA conversion and the preparation of glyphosate products having controlled PMIDA content.

Abstract: A multi-dose injection syringe includes a syringe body for containing a medicine and a plunger moveable within the syringe body, from an injection start position, to eject medicine therefrom, the syringe further including a scale provided on one of the syringe body and the plunger, the scale providing a time ordered sequence of indicia and being configurable to align any one of the indicia with the injection start position, at least part of the syringe body being transparent such that the plunger's degree of progression through the syringe body, with respect to the time ordered sequence of indicia, is externally visible.

Abstract: A lancet body for a skin pricker has resiliently flexible fingers (9) with outwardly splayed tips (10). The device is fired by pressing a trigger (13) and a spring (5) urges the lancet forwards and the fingers (9) flex inwards as the tips (10) snap past barbs (11), so that the tips (10) of the arms (9) engage behind the barbs (11). If the user tries to push the lancet back into the cocked condition, the fingers (9) are trapped and will flex as the tips (10) press against the barbs (11) until the arms buckle and the tips (10) are pushed out through openings (14). Thus the lancet is arrested and immobilized before a re-cocked position is reached, and re-firing is prevented.

Abstract: A lancet has a generally tubular body (1). A hollow insert (4) with a closed end plugs one end of the body (1), and it has a co-axial projection (5) forming a sharp tip proud of that end of the body. The body (1) and insert (4) are simultaneously formed by twin shot moulding, the body being of polyethylene and the insert being of a liquid crystal polymer which will create a sharp tip of adequate strength.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention relate to methods, systems and mask assemblies for use in determining the occurrence of respiratory events using a frontal electrode array. The methods, systems and mask assemblies involve use of means for flow measurement of breathing gas of a person, blood oxygen saturation measurement means and a frontal electrode array for measuring frontal bioelectric signals, each of which is coupled to a processing unit. The processing unit is configured to determine the occurrence of at least one of an apnea event and a hypopnea event based on the measurement signals. Some embodiments involve calculation of an apnea-hypopnea index (AHI) based on the determined apnea and hypopnea events over a period of time.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention generally relate to needles having more than one electrode and which are particularly suited for use in electromyography. One embodiment relates to a tripolar needle having three concentric electrodes. The tripolar needle is formed by providing a needle blank having first and second concentric electrodes and forming a third concentric electrode around the needle blank. The tripolar needle has an outer diameter which is substantially constant along the shaft of the needle, except at the tip, where the needle is sharpened.

Abstract: Embodiments relate generally to devices, methods and stimulus units for use in measuring neuromuscular function. Certain embodiments relate to a device for use in measuring at least one of nerve and muscle function, comprising: a substrate locatable on a body part, the substrate comprising a base portion, a limb portion and an intermediate portion located intermediate the base portion and the limb portion; first, second and third electrode pairs respectively located on the base, intermediate and limb portions; and wherein at least one of the first, second and third electrode pairs is usable as stimulation electrodes for providing a stimulus to the body part and at least another of the first, second and third electrodes is usable as sensing electrodes for sensing an electrical potential in the body part in response to the stimulus.

Abstract: Embodiments relate generally to devices, methods and stimulus units for use in measuring neuromuscular function. One particular embodiment relates to a device comprising a substrate, wherein the substrate has a base portion and at least one limb coupled to the base portion. The device further comprises at least two stimulation electrodes operably associated with the substrate for providing a stimulus to a body part. The device further comprises at least two sensing electrodes operably associated with the substrate for sensing an electrical potential in the body part. The at least two sensing electrodes are spaced from the at least two stimulation electrodes. The device further comprises an elongate member coupled to one of the base portion and the at least one limb and having indicia for indicating separation of the at least two stimulation electrodes and the at least two sensing electrodes.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention relate to a mask assembly for use in treatment systems for treating obstructive sleep apnea using continuous positive air pressure (CPAP). The mask assembly comprises a mask or nasal interface for supplying gas to the nose of a wearer of the mask assembly. The mask assembly also comprises a strap or harness attached to the mask for securing the mask assembly to the wearer and sensors located on the mask assembly for measuring physiological signals of the wearer. These physiological signals are communicated to a monitoring unit which, in association with a CPAP device, serves to determine the efficacy of the CPAP treatment and to vary operational parameters of the treatment.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention relate to a wireless physiological monitoring system. The system includes at least one wireless sensor and a monitoring device which are linked to one another of a wireless fashion for measuring physiological signals of a patient. The at least one wireless sensor is located on the patient and may comprise a wireless surface electrode assembly or a wireless needle assembly. The system may also comprise a wireless stimulator syncronized with the wireless sensor for performing certain diagnostic tests, such as nerve conduction velocity tests, for example. The wireless sensor preferably includes active, reference and common conductors. The common conductor can be used to measure the common mode voltage of the patient in the vicinity of the testing, and this voltage can then be subtracted from the measured active and reference voltages.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention generally relate to needles having more than one electrode and which are particularly suited for use in electromyography. One embodiment relates to a tripolar needle having three concentric electrodes. The tripolar needle is formed by providing a needle blank having first and second concentric electrodes and forming a third concentric electrode around the needle blank. The tripolar needle has an outer diameter which is substantially constant along the shaft of the needle, except at the tip, where the needle is sharpened.

Abstract: After removal of a protective cap, the forward end of a barrel (1) of a skin pricker is placed against the skin and the user presses the projecting end of a trigger (6) forwards. As the trigger pivots about a fulcrum (9) of the barrel (1), a thin bridge onto a lancet (2) shears. The lancet is released, and shoots forward as a spring (3) extends, thus projecting a needle tip (4) to prick the skin. This projection is only momentary and the lancet (2), which is captive to the spring (3), is pulled back as the spring (3) reverts to a recovery position where the needle tip is safe inside the barrel. The trigger (6), although broken away from the lancet, remains captive to the barrel by the enlargement (11). The lancet cannot again be operated to eject the needle and the pricker is then intended to be discarded.

Abstract: A lancet device has a two part housing (1) integrally molded in a folded-out configuration with a spring (2), a lancet body (3) encasing a needle (4), and a needle cap (5) concealing the needle tip. The spring (2) is a zig-zag connected at one end to one housing part (7) by a web (19) and merging at the other end into the lancet body (3). This is folded over with the spring (2) about the web (19) into the housing part (7), and the other housing part (6) is closer over about web hinges (8) and fastened. A trigger (9) is incorporated in the other housing part (6) and is deformable inwardly to release the lancet body (3) from a catch arrangement (14, 21) which holds the lancet retracted with the spring energized. The needle cap (5) can be used for the retraction before being removed.