Abstract: A medical treatment aid is described which allows for the rapid classification of child patients in an emergency, casualty or trauma room environment, and further displays treatment information relevant to the classification of the patient in a readily accessible manner.

Abstract: The present invention provides tools and methods designed to aid in the placement of artificial facet joints at virtually all spinal levels. One aspect of the present invention is a measurement tool for installing an artificial cephalad facet joint including a fixation measurement element and a support arm element. This measurement tool assists in the selection and/or configuration of an artificial cephalad facet joint for implantation in a patient. Another aspect is a measurement tool for installing a caudad facet joint including a stem element and a trial caudad bearing surface element. This measurement tool assists in the selection and/or configuration of a caudad facet joint for implantation in a patient. Yet another aspect is a measurement tool holder including a measurement surface connected to a holder element. This tool holder assists in determining the measurements obtained with the caudad facet joint measurement tool.

Abstract: A measuring device for measuring tunnel defects in tissue is disclosed. The measuring device can size the defect to aid future deployment of a tissue distension device. Exemplary tunnel defects are atrial septal defects, patent foramen ovales, left atrial appendages, mitral valve prolapse, and aortic valve defects. Methods for using the same are disclosed.

Abstract: A dual line protractor fixed to a central axis which has two housings, each housing having a spool with retractable lines, the housings and spools being rotatably attached to the central axis. The spools and housings rotate independently of each other on the central axis. The lines can be extended from the spools and the tips of the lines are attached to anatomical landmarks on first and second body members. The protractor is placed on a joint between the first and second body members. The lines extend from the spools and housings over degree marks on the protractor. The difference between the degree marks provide the angle between the body members at the joint. The application of the dual line protractor for these measurements is simple and rapid, requiring only a few minutes, so that the range of motion of several joints with several repeat measurements can be performed in a relatively short period of time.

Abstract: A disposable wound measuring device for making simultaneous three-dimensional (length, width and depth) measurements of a wound or ulcer to facilitate wound care assessment and healing that includes a flexible, clear plastic planar card or member superposed on the wound and having a centrally located aperture and concentric circles radially arranged about the aperture, and an elongated depth gauge insertable through the aperture and incrementally adjustable either vertically or obliquely through the aperture and relative to the wound surface and the plastic member for making a wound depth measurement with the depth gauge being retained in position by a plurality of beads equidistantly spaced along the gauge and slightly larger in diameter than the aperture thereby self-retaining the depth gauge in a particular position for making the wound depth measurement.

Abstract: In an embodiment, a bicycle saddle fit system comprises first and second supports, a substrate coupled to the first and second supports, and a measurement gauge coupled to the substrate. The first and second supports are each configured to receive sit bones of an adult human. At least one of the first and second supports is selectively moveable to locate the sit bones and to define a sit bone width. The substrate is configured to facilitate the selective moveability of the at least one of the first and second supports. The measurement gauge is configured to visually indicate the sit bone width. In another embodiment, a method of fitting a bicycle saddle to a human rider comprises locating the first and second sit bones of the rider, reading a sit bone width from the measurement gauge, and assessing a saddle characteristic based on the rider's sit-bone width.

Abstract: In one embodiment, an apparatus includes a projection having a tapered end portion configured to be inserted percutaneously through tissue. A measurement member is coupled to the projection and is configured to indicate a distance between adjacent anatomical structures. In another embodiment, an apparatus includes a measurement member configured to be percutaneously inserted between adjacent anatomical structures. The measurement member includes a wedge portion that is configured to contact the adjacent anatomical structures when the measurement member is moved distally between the adjacent anatomical structures. A size indicator is coupled to the wedge portion. The size indicator has a plurality of markings and is configured to be viewed on an image of the adjacent anatomical structures with the wedge portion of the measurement member disposed between the adjacent anatomical structures to indicate a distance between the adjacent anatomical structures.

Abstract: Measuring bedding articles and methods for measuring the length of a person's body or a portion thereof that enable such measurement while the person is lying down, thereby allowing the measuring of children or infants who cannot yet stand or the measuring of adults or adolescents who may be unable to stand for some reason. In some exemplary embodiments, the measuring bedding article comprises a measuring blanket or a measuring crib sheet. The measuring bedding article includes a measuring aid integral therewith and having end markings defining a distance therebetween, a plurality of markings between such end markings that define smaller distance increments, and a plurality of numerals that enable the making of measurements. The measuring article also includes a recordation label that allows multiple measurements and the corresponding dates thereof to be recorded for subsequent review and/or analysis that may be indicative of physical development or decline.

Abstract: A goniometer (also sometimes referred to as an arthrometer, fleximeter, or pronometer) for measuring the range of motion of an animal knee includes an anchor platform to which an animal's upper leg (femur) may be affixed, and a mobile platform to which the animal's lower leg (shin and tibia) may be affixed so that the upper and lower leg are situated along a common axis. The mobile platform is preferably movable in two degrees of freedom (translational and rotational) about the anchor platform so that the relative motion of the platforms causes the upper and lower leg to move about the intermediate knee joint. A force transducer (such as a spring scale) and/or a torque transducer (such as a common torque wrench) may be used to obtain measurements of the laxity of the knee joint.

Abstract: An apparatus for measuring the dimensions of pairs of human feet and a method for carrying out the measurements using the apparatus is described. The device is based on two light emitter/detector pairs. The emitter/detector pairs are caused to move in mutually orthogonal directions in order to measure the length of the longest foot and the width of each foot in the pair of feet being measured.

Abstract: A software system and apparatus for the collection of various measurements of the human body representing deviations from an ideal posture in several planes of motion relative to the body. A specially designed apparatus enables the correct measurements, while the software component performs an analysis of the measurements and recommends an exercise routine based on the severity of the deviations with respect to the planes of motion. The routine can be adjusted based on the flexibility and motivation of the patient as well as on the type of symptoms being experienced by the person. Additionally, physiologic factors are taken into account, such as the person's age and weight. The exercise routine is provided via a computer display, via email or via a web page available on the Internet, utilizing textual descriptions and visual and audio aids to describe the exercises.

Abstract: Measuring bedding articles and methods for measuring the length of a person's body or a portion thereof that enable such measurement while the person is lying down, thereby allowing the measuring of children or infants who cannot yet stand or the measuring of adults or adolescents who may be unable to stand for some reason. In some exemplary embodiments, the measuring bedding article comprises a measuring blanket or a measuring crib sheet. The measuring bedding article includes a measuring aid integral therewith and having end markings defining a distance therebetween, a plurality of markings between such end markings that define smaller distance increments, and a plurality of numerals that enable the making of measurements. The measuring article also includes a recordation label that allows multiple measurements and the corresponding dates thereof to be recorded for subsequent review and/or analysis that may be indicative of physical development or decline.

Abstract: In a foot inclination angle measuring method of the present application, the shape of a foot 10 is measured in three dimensions. And, based on three-dimensional data on the measured shape of the foot 10, a two-dimensional cross section 30 of the foot 10 orienting in a front-rear direction, which includes a cross section of a heel of the foot 10, is obtained. Then, a central line C1 of the two-dimensional cross section 30 in a right-left direction is obtained and the angle of inward/outward inclination of the foot 10 is obtained from the angle of inclination (a) of the central line C1.

Abstract: An office chair is provided having a back assembly which is configured to provide supplemental support to the back of a chair occupant in addition to the support provided by the primary support surface of the chair back. The chair back includes a lumbar support unit having a lumbar support pad wherein asymmetric support is provided to the left and right halves of the lumbar pad. As such, the asymmetric support loads are independently adjustable to more comfortably support a chair occupant. A testing apparatus and method are used to optimize the support pressure characteristics of the lumbar pad.

Abstract: Devices for measuring the parameters of an intervertebral disc space are provided. The devices may comprise one or more flexible internal members positioned in an axially concentric bore of a longitudinal element. When activated, the flexible internal member(s) may protrude out of one or more apertures in the longitudinal element and impinge on an adjacent surface of the intervertebral disc space. The device may be useful to determine at least one dimension of an intervertebral disc space.

Abstract: Methods to implement a sizing scheme to better quantify and more accurately represent clothing sizes. One embodiment is a method of providing an article of clothing after receiving the size alphanumeric characters determined from a sizing chart. A second embodiment is a method of making a sizing scheme chart for clothing, such as dresses, suits, blouses, pants, pajamas, and other clothing. A third embodiment provides a sizing chart for clothing. Various embodiments of the invention can apply to the waist and hip measurements, waist and bust measurements, and neck and chest measurements.

Abstract: A drill guide includes a window and graduated indicia corresponding to a scale provided along a side of the windows. A gauge for use therewith includes a handle, a shaft having a reference mark thereon, and an end portion. The end portion is slightly angled relative to the remainder of the shaft and is spring-like. The end portion includes a rounded tip which ensures that the gauge rides smoothly in and out of drilled bone and bore, and an angled upper catch that allows a user to retrieve the gauge without chipping bone.

Abstract: a device for measuring dimensions in a hollow organ of the body, includes: a length of conduit; a measuring mechanism on one end of the conduit; and an indicator in connection with a second end of the conduit. The indicator is in operative connection with the measuring mechanism to provide an indication of a dimension measured by the measuring mechanism. In one embodiment, the measuring mechanism includes extending members that open and close in the manner of forceps to contact the walls of the organ.

Abstract: Some demonstrative embodiments of the invention include devices and/or methods of measuring a personalized lens-orientation value for a spectacle frame supporting a pair of lenses. The device, according to some demonstrative embodiments, may include a pair of orientation-measuring mechanisms, each mechanism adapted to measure a value corresponding to an orientation of a surface of a respective one of the lenses relative to a reference axis. The device may also include an adjustable positioning mechanism to adjust a distance between the pair of orientation-measuring mechanisms according to an inter-pupil distance of the user. Other embodiments are described and claimed.

Abstract: A measurement device to determining a length of an anatomical feature is provided. In one embodiment, the measurement device is a depth gauge adapted to measure the depth of a vertebral endplate. The depth gauge may includes a probe that travels into the disc space. The depth gauge also includes a cam dial for indicating measurements.

Abstract: A dual line protractor fixed to a central axis which has two housings, each housing having a spool with retractable lines, the housings and spools being rotatably attached to the central axis. The spools and housings rotate independently of each other on the central axis. The lines can be extended from the spools and the tips of the lines are attached to anatomical landmarks on first and second body members. The protractor is placed on a joint between the first and second body members. The lines extend from the spools and housings over degree marks on the protractor. The difference between the degree marks provide the angle between the body members at the joint. The application of the dual line protractor for these measurements is simple and rapid, requiring only a few minutes, so that the range of motion of several joints with several repeat measurements can be performed in a relatively short period of time.

Abstract: The present invention provides tools and methods designed to aid in the placement of facet joint prostheses at virtually all spinal levels. One aspect of the present invention is a measurement tool for installing a cephalad facet joint prosthesis including a fixation measurement element and a support arm element. This measurement tool assists in the selection and/or configuration of a cephalad facet joint prosthesis for implantation in a patient. Another aspect is a measurement tool for installing a caudal facet joint prosthesis including a stem element and a trial caudal bearing surface element. This measurement tool assists in the selection and/or configuration of a caudal facet joint prosthesis for implantation in a patient. Yet another aspect is a measurement tool holder including a measurement surface connected to a holder element. This tool holder assists in determining the measurements obtained with the caudal facet joint prosthesis measurement tool.

Abstract: In one disclosed embodiment, a bicycle saddle fit system comprises an impression pad of sufficient size to span the sit bones of an adult human, and a measurement gauge fixed to and extending along the impression pad. The measurement gauge is usable to measure the distance between sit-bone impressions made in the impression pad by a person previously seated on the impression pad. In another disclosed embodiment, a method of fitting a bicycle saddle to a human rider comprises measuring a sit-bone width of the rider, determining a preferred riding posture of the rider, and assessing a saddle characteristic suitable for the rider based on both the rider's sit-bone width and the rider's preferred riding posture.

Abstract: The invention relates to a distance measuring instrument for pedicle screws which detects the spacing between two pedicle screws (3, 3?) with the ends (26, 27) of two crossing limbs (11, 12) and displays it on a cross-bar (25) fixedly connected to one of the limbs at a scale (22). Since the second limb (12) is divided into a pointer (16a) and into a flexural spring extending parallel to it at which a pronounced thumb grip (21a) is fastened, and since the thumb grip is connected to a scale (24) via which a pre-determined pre-tension can be read off relative to the pointer (16a), a spacing measurement can take place under a controlled pre-tension.

Abstract: The present invention is a tool to measure depth and width of bone cavities prior to and during oral implant placement. The tool includes a passive-depth gauge arm and an active spring caliper arm. The tool can be used to define the extraction socket for oral implant placement and allows measurement verifications after each step of the bone bed preparation prior to or during the actual implant placement in the extraction socket. There are multiple modifications of the primary design into separate embodiments to accommodate usage in different parts of the jaw and different points during the implant procedure.

Abstract: A measuring device is provided for use in the preparation of custom garments. According to one embodiment, the device includes a flexible belt capable of being encircled about a body part of an individual, and a strap attachable fixedly to the belt. The belt and strap preferably are made of a material simulating certain dimensions, the appearance and/or the tactile feel of a material from which the custom-tailored garment is to be prepared. The belt and strap each contain a respective scale of measurement indicia. Also provided are several methods for utilizing the measuring device.

Abstract: A device (1) for measuring the relative orientation according to at least one degree of freedom for two objects, including a constraint generator (10) suitable for causing a goniometric sensor (40) to move in a plane, having the function of measuring the variation of relative orientation of the two objects in this plane. The goniometric sensor (40) is arranged in a housing (41) that crosses longitudinally the constraint generator (10), which has high flexional stiffness in a first longitudinal plane (?) and a low flexional stiffness in a second longitudinal plane (?) orthogonal to the first (?). The sensor measures rotations in a plane and the constraint generator induces a rotation in that plane. With the device (1) a data suit (50) can be made for measuring the movement of limbs of an individual. For example, arranging three devices (10a, 10b, 10c) in series, but capable of measuring angles in orthogonal planes, the rotation can be measured of the arm (76) with respect to a shoulder (75) of an individual.

Abstract: A device and method for forming designs into the haired surface on the body. The device features a design head having a shape defined by a perimeter edge and a support shaft engaged with the design head. Hair is trimmed from the haired surface adjacent to the perimeter with one hand while the other hand compresses the design head against the haired surface. A second shape may be formed by trimming the haired surface inside of an aperture located inside the perimeter edge of the design head.

Abstract: A helmet with an optical display system is provided with a custom fit protective liner which precisely aligns the wearer's eyes with the optics on the helmet. The helmet is manufactured by positioning the subject's head in a fixture; determining the position of the subject's pupils with respect to the fixture; scanning the subject's head with a laser while positioned in the fixture in order to obtain a 3-D model of the subject's head; and providing a helmet liner having an outer surface which is profiled to position it inside a helmet shell. The position of the subject's pupils may be determined by scanning pupil locating features of the fixture. The 3-D model is then used to provide the helmet liner with an inner surface which conforms to the subject's head and is positioned with respect to the outer surface so that the outer surface will have a predetermined position with respect to the subject's pupils. The helmet liner is then fitted in the helmet shell to form a helmet.

Abstract: A device for at least one of neural sensor placement and taking reference system measurements may include a front frame member supportable by a person's nose when the device is placed on the person's head for at least one of neural sensor placement, taking reference system measurements or for other purposes. A pair of sidebar frame members may be attached to opposite ends of the front frame member. Each sidebar frame member may be respectively supported by one of the person's ears when the device is placed on the person's head. A back frame member includes opposite ends that may be respectively attached to each of the sidebar frame members. An angle measurement apparatus may be attached to at least one of the sidebar frame members. An arched member may be pivotably attached at one end to the angle measurement apparatus to determine an angle of the arched member relative to the sidebar frame member. An opposite end of the arched member may be attached to another of the sidebar frame members.

Abstract: The error of a sensor in motion capture system is corrected. An acceleration sensor determines the direction of gravity (G1) in a still initial state. The direction G1 will never change always if a drift dose not occur. However, actually if an object to which an acceleration sensor is attached moves along a coordinate axis, the direction gradually changes due to a drift with time. According to the invention, after a given time has passed, the acceleration sensor is stopped to determine the direction of gravity. Referring to the data on this determination, the true direction of gravity to be judged is compared with the direction of gravity G1 influenced by the drift. The difference between them is assumed to be an error due to a drift, and the error is subtracted from the determined value to correct the error of the measurement value.

Abstract: The invention relates to apparatus and methods for measuring a human head. The apparatus disclosed herein involve the use of linear rulers, or rotating contacting members, coupled to a support member. The apparatus disclosed herein can be positioned on a human head, using the methods disclosed herein, to determine the outer contour of the head. Such a measurement can aid in the diagnosis and monitoring of various abnormalities of the human head, including plagiocephaly.

Abstract: A method of treatment of congestive heart failure comprises the steps of introducing an aortic occlusion catheter through a patient's peripheral artery, the aortic occlusion catheter having an occluding member movable from a collapsed position to an expanded position; positioning the occluding member in the patient's ascending aorta; moving the occluding member from the collapsed shape to the expanded shape after the positioning step; introducing cardioplegic fluid into the patient's coronary blood vessels to arrest the patient's heart; maintaining circulation of oxygenated blood through the patient's arterial system; and reshaping an outer wall of the patient's heart while the heart is arrested so as to reduce the transverse dimension of the left ventricle.

Abstract: A sensing device is attached to a living subject that includes a first sensors for distinguishing lying, sitting, and standing positions. In another embodiment, sensor data is stored in a storage device as a function of time. Multiple points or multiple intervals of the time dependent data are used to direct a feedback mechanism to provide information or instruction in response to the time dependent output indicating too little activity, too much time with a joint not being moved beyond a specified range of motion, too many motions beyond a specified range of motion, or repetitive activity that can cause repetitive stress injury.

Abstract: A non-invasive method for determining the articular point of a joint is disclosed. The method uses a surgical navigation system having a stereoscopic cameras which tracks the positions of infrared emitting or reflecting markers attached to appendages on either side of the joint. A movable marker is used to palpate known landmarks on the appendages to determine their positions. The appendages are moved to determine the trajectories of the landmarks relative to the joint. Positional information from the cameras is fed to a data processing system with resident software which uses the positional information and trajectories to mathematically determine the position of the joint articular point according to the laws of kinematics.

Abstract: A height measuring apparatus and a bioinstrumentation apparatus with a height measuring device are provided capable of precise measurement accuracy without being affected by an examinee and being highly convenient to assemble, handle and operate. A height detector (a transceiver and a reflector or a transmitter and a receiver having a communication conformation with a laser or ultra sonic beam) has components arranged in a movable part (a head-contact arm or a movable bar) and in a stationary part (a height measurement unit (base platform) or a fixed bar) of a telescoping height measurement bar such that a communication signal route between the parts is not blocked when an examinee is standing thereon, to obtain a height measurement by detecting the distance between the movable and stationary parts.

Abstract: A device to measure the height of a person consists of an elongated base that extends from above the head of the person being measured to the flat surface on which the person stands and a sliding member. The base has two longitudinal channels, one containing a T-track and the other a measuring scale. There is a blank surface on which to record the height and other additional data. Decorative indicia may also be placed on the blank area. The vertically movable sliding member has a forward extending bar that rests against the top of the head of the person being measured. A follower extends from the side of the sliding member across the channel containing the scale. The top edge of the follower is at the same level as the bottom surface of the bar. The height can be read along the top edge of the follower. The sliding member has a threaded bolt extending through it with a tab on the back end which is movable within the T-track and prevents the sliding member from being pulled out of the T-track.

Abstract: A tibial sizer, or set of sizers, used to estimate the appropriate size tibial base plate implanted during knee arthroplasty. The preferred embodiment provides a measurement of the amount of exposed bone between a posterior proximal portion of the tibia and a posterior edge of the tibial sizer (which edge will correspond to the posterior edge of the tibial base plate). Preferably, the sizer includes a head and a handle extending outwardly from the head, as well as a channel with a slider configured and arranged to be slidably positioned within the channel. The slider includes markings for indicating the amount of exposed bone between a posterior proximal portion of a tibia and a posterior edge of the head of the sizer. Additional markings are also provided for indicating a suggested size of tibial base plate with respect to the anterior/posterior direction.

Abstract: A depth gauge for measuring the depth of a hole in a bone is disclosed having a digital readout for providing the measurement to a surgeon. The depth gauge has a probe with a tip inserted into and positioned proximate to the depth the hole, and has a reference member adjustably positioned relative the probe and against the bone proximate the hole. A measuring device is provided with the depth gauge for measuring the relative distance between the tip and the reference member, and the measuring device has a large, digital display for providing the relative distance.

Abstract: An apparatus for gauging the dimension of an object. The apparatus has a wall with a generally flat front surface, facing a first direction, and a peripheral edge. Space graduations are provided on the wall relative to which a dimension of an object placed in front of the wall can be gauged. The surface on the wall reflects an image of an object located in front of the wall. At least one of i) a depiction of at least one of a) an animate object; b) an inanimate object; and c) a scene; ii) at least one word; iii) a design; and iv) a logo is provided on the wall and is viewable from in front of the wall in conjunction with the spaced graduations and a reflected image from the surface on the wall.

Abstract: The described embodiments relate to cervical calibration guides. One such guide includes a gripable structure, and multiple reference structures. Individual reference structures have a deflectable region and a hinge region. The hinge regions of individual reference structures are joined with the gripable structure.

Abstract: A device for taking length and depth measurements during surgery. The device comprises a first longitudinal member and a second longitudinal member telescopically positioned within the first longitudinal member. The second longitudinal member may have a front part connectable thereto. The front part may have an opening, a passageway, and a moveable piece in the passageway. The device may also have a sliding member for moving the moveable piece between a first position where a portion of the moveable piece is outside the front part to a second position where the entire moveable piece is within the front part. The first and second longitudinal member may be locked with respect to one another. The prevent invention also discloses methods of using the device to take length and depth measurements during surgery.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for measuring the spinal distortions of a person with laser sources prior to and after chiropractic treatment of a patient to differentiate between spinal distortions prior to and subsequent to any treatment. The apparatus includes a wall chart having measurement indicia, shoulder and/or pelvic girdle harnesses or frames mounted on a patient and each having means for projecting laser line and/or dot beams onto the wall chart for measuring spinal tilt and torque. A unique protractor is provided to coact with the wall chart and the laser line beam to measure spinal tilt. A laser source for projecting a vertical line beam measures abnormalities in posture by projecting the beam to a side of a patient.

Abstract: A flexible measuring tape is extended from a predetermined location on a face a predetermined distance to a location on a scalp. A 2 cm by 2 cm square bundle of hair about that location is isolated. The bundle of isolated hair is captured in a slit in a two-part cartridge, one part being slidable in the other part about a changeable length slit 1 mm wide. The cartridge is placed in an “L” shaped end of a plunger extending from a first end of a body of a measuring device. The plunger is drawn into the body of the device to compress the hair in the changeable length slit as the two parts of the cartridge are pushed together between an end of the “L” and the first end of the body. A spring is provided on the plunger between a second end of the body of the device and an inner end of a knob at an outer end of the plunger.

Abstract: A method and apparatus is disclosed for calculating cup and band size for a brassiere comprising the steps of obtaining an under-the-bust measurement indicative of band size and a bust measurement indicative of cup size. If the under-the-bust measurement is even, then the apparatus increases the band size by a first selected amount and decreases the cup size by a second selected amount. The resulting measurements are selectively displayed on a screen according to sizing standards in the U.S. or according to sizing standards in other countries.

Abstract: Markers, methods of marking, and marking systems for use in association with images are disclosed. One marker is removable with a targeted design and metric dimensions inscribed on a clear plastic flap. This marker is attached adjacent to an area of interest with the target placed in such a manner to precisely pin point out an observed abnormality. A paper label at one edge is available for written comments and directions for further studies. The marker can be removed without damage to the image(s).

Abstract: An instrument for measuring the size of a testis has a pair of relatively displaceable jaws with testis contacting surfaces. The spacing between the jaws is displayed on a scale calibrated to a recommenced dose of a chemical sterilant at a given concentration for the testis measured for sterilizing a male animal having scrotal testes. The instrument is used to determine the appropriate dose to be administered the animal, each testis of which should be independently measured as the size of the testicles may different in the same animal.

Abstract: Prior to blood pressure calculations, air is enclosed in a blood pressure measurement bladder to be wound and mounted around the region for measurement, in advance. By referring to the variation in the pressure therein, the circumferential length of the region for measurement is detected based on the variation in the pressure therein during the winding correction determination process for the region for measurement. Then, the process enters blood pressure measurement, and the blood pressure measurement bladder is pressurized or depressurized. The pressure in the blood pressure measurement bladder is detected. A blood pressure based on the detected pressure is calculated according to the circumferential length of the region for measurement which has been detected in advance.

Abstract: An apparatus used for notifying a user of a patient's upper body physical orientation. The apparatus uses an inclinometer that is attached in the region of the patient's upper body to measure the physical orientation of the patient's upper body, which is then transmitted to a display. In one embodiment, the display can be set to display a plurality of alarm conditions. In other embodiments the patient upper body orientation information is transmitted to a processor and then to the nurses' station or to a ventilator. The invention also relates to a method for measuring the physical orientation of a patient, using such an apparatus.

Abstract: A system and method for sizing shoes for the foot of a user. A computer is provided that is adapted to receive a digital image of the foot, the computer having stored thereon a software package that includes an image processing component and a foot data component and optionally. The image processing component is adapted for receiving the digital image of the foot and producing a trace outline of the foot. The foot data component is adapted to receive the trace outline and determine foot data from the trace outline. The comparator component is adapted to receive the foot data and generate, based on the foot data, at least one of an indicator of the shoe size of the foot and an indicator of the best fitting shoe from among a plurality of shoes.