Abstract: A device has a first and second PPD sensor configured for placement over an artery; a camera between the first and second PPD sensors; and a processor having memory with firmware for determining pulse transit time (PTT) between the PPD sensors, and determines blood pressure (BP) therefrom using a calibrated conversion from PTT to BP. The firmware also obtains initial and subsequent images of the artery, extracts features, and adjusts calibrated conversion from PTT to BP based upon features extracted from the initial and subsequent images of the artery. In embodiments the processor enhances the initial and subsequent images of the artery using a structured light tomographic enhancement process. A method uses first and second PPD sensors placed over an artery to determine pulse transit time; obtains initial and subsequent images of the artery with a camera; and uses features extracted from the initial and subsequent images of the artery to adjust a calibrated conversion from PTT to BP.

Abstract: A gear has a gear body made of a first plastic material. The gear body has an axis of rotation, external toothing arranged around an axis of rotation, a centrally located receiving opening, and an intermediate portion located between the external toothing and the wall of the receiving opening. The gear body is fixedly integrally formed on a support body, which is arranged at least partially in the intermediate portion and is made of a second plastic material having a higher stiffness and lower elasticity than the first plastic material, such that surface portions of the external toothing, of the wall of the receiving opening, of the intermediate portion, and of the support body form a substantially flat end face of the gear. The external toothing is helical toothing with teeth which, at least in portions, extend at a helix angle to the axis of rotation.

Abstract: Disclosed are a device and a method for compacting a continuously conveyed fiber composite (V) by means of heat (W) impingement. A heated treatment medium (L) is blasted towards the fiber composite (V) by means of at least one nozzle arrangement (2a, 2b). Said nozzle arrangement (2a, 2b) comprises a plurality of adjacent blasting nozzles (4) which are disposed at a distance (a) from each other. An intermediate space (5) is formed between two adjacent nozzles (4). Said intermediate space (5) between blasting nozzles (4) is essentially closed to the fiber composite (V) counter to the conveying path (F) such that an overpressure (P) can be created in a pressure chamber (6) located between the nozzle arrangement and the surface (O) of the fiber composite (V), whereby the treatment medium (L) can be blasted through the entire thickness of the fiber composite (V) even when said fiber composite has a great thickness.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for smoothing and shrinking tubular fabric material. The method comprises stretching the material along its width and moistening the stretched material. The material then enters a first smoothing and shrinking unit and is turned around a turning roller. The material engages a shrinkage belt which presses one side of the material against a support roller. The material then exits the first smoothing and shrinking unit and enters a second where the other side of the material is treated. The shrinkage of the material is increased since an elastic layer on each shrinkage belt varies the surface tension engaged to each side of the material.