Abstract: A device and method for measuring values from a person lying down and to a pressure sensor that can be used for this purpose. The invention improves the acquisition of measurement data in a mattress having sensors arranged in the region of the thorax and or sacrum by using a measurement method in which measured values from the sensors are measured and recorded continuously.

Abstract: An underspringing arrangement having elongate bar elements (10) which have a multiplicity of mounts (20) for connecting slats (11) to the bar elements (10) making it possible for the position of the slats (11) to be changed by said slats being plugged, if required, into other mounts (12) of the bar elements (10). The underspringing arrangement also makes provision for the spring properties of the elastic bar elements (10) to be changed by additional springs (45) or filler elements (39). The underspringing arrangement may be provided as a single, specific underspringing arrangement in beds or may be arranged on a conventional underspringing arrangement for beds.

Abstract: The invention is a profiled bar, in particular sprung bars, in which a reinforcement of both synthetic fibers and natural fibers is embedded in a plastic matrix. The proportion of synthetic fibers can be reduced by using natural fibers derived from regrowing raw materials. This improves environmental compatibility and makes it easier to dispose of such sprung bars. The sprung bars are used in particular to form bottom sprung supports for furniture for sitting and lying on, and in particular for slatted frames.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for measuring the vital parameters of a person, said vital parameters being measured and recorded by a non-invasive method. The vital parameters measured and/or data retrieved from a data processing of vital parameters are regularly recorded during the rest phases of the person on a long-term basis, that is over a period of days, weeks, months and/or years. The invention further relates to a corresponding device for measuring the vital parameters.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device and method for examining and/or recording medical disorders, physical conditions and/or physiological processes of a test person or patient. The inventive device comprises a sensor unit and a display unit for indicating a sensor signal that is generated and/or processed by the sensor unit, whereby the sensor unit can be placed in the vicinity of test persons or patients. This is particularly advantageous in the field of nursing care in order to be able to monitor the quantity and quality of treatment. To this end, an odor detection unit is provided for measuring odors. By virtue of the fact that examination is carried out in a non-contact manner, measurements can be continuously taken without causing harm to the test person.

Abstract: A need often arises for micro-optical components, such as optical fibres and couplers, and micromechanical components with complex cross-sections which are different at opposite ends or, for directional couplers, at points along the length of the couplers. In the present invention, a soluble material 38 is added to at least one primary preform 35 to make a secondary preform 37 of circular cross-section. The secondary preform is then drawn to reduce the cross-section of the primary preform as required but the cross-sectional shape of the secondary preform is preserved. The soluble material is then removed and then part of the resulting product is heated and plastically deformed to give the required different ends 39 and 40 or other different cross-sections. In another aspect of the invention two soluble materials are used with different solubilities.

Abstract: For interferometric measurement of the length of the linear component of movement of a moving point relative to a fixed point and simultaneous recognition of the direction of that movement, two merged or overlapping Fabry-Perot part interferometers are used to form an asymmetric pattern of the reflection or transmission intensity which is periodically dependent on the linear component of the path, the pattern having main and secondary maxima of different heights and main and secondary minima of different depths. The intensity variation is converted by a detector into electrical intensity signals which cross threshold values of trigger circuits to produce output pulses. The pulses are combined and counted to produce displays of the direction and to provide a reading of the instantaneous position of the movable point.