Abstract: A sniffing cap for an aroma bottle providing for regulated access to an aroma within the aroma bottle may include a cap body having a top cap portion, a bottom cap portion, and a push button positioned between the top cap portion and the bottom cap portion. The top cap portion may include at least one nozzle opening designed to be placed against a user's nostril and air vents extending through a side surface of the top cap portion. The bottom cap portion may be attached to the top cap portion and may include a dual section airflow tube extending therefrom. The push button may include a push button body configured to engage and disengage with channels in the cap body, thus regulating flow of air into and scent out of the aroma bottle.

Abstract: A security portal has a body having sidewalls and a top, a floor, and an entrance passageway, a remotely operable entrance barrier at the entrance passageway, a remotely operable exit barrier at the exit passageway, input apparatus in the security portal, an optical temperature sensor positioned and remotely operable to sense the subject's skin temperature, and a computerized base station remote from the security portal. The operative opens the entrance barrier to admit the subject, uses the input apparatus to solicit information, performs an evaluation process involving identity and skin temperature, and, depending on result of the evaluation process, the operative opens the entrance barrier and asks the subject to leave through the entrance passageway, or opens the exit barrier and asks the subject to leave through the exit passageway into the secured area.

Abstract: Disclosed are an aroma diffusion module and an aroma diffusion container including the same. The aroma diffusion container according to an embodiment of the present invention includes a container body; an opening and closing unit coupled to the upper end of the container body; and an aroma diffusion module mounted in the container body, in which the aroma diffusion module includes a porous module body; a first hollow formed at one side of the module body; and a second hollow formed inside the module body, a porous aroma diffusion medium is accommodated in the first hollow, and the second hollow allows external air to be introduced into the container body through a slit of a membrane member unit.

Abstract: The present system is directed in various embodiments to devices, systems and methods for detection, evaluation and/or monitoring olfactory dysfunction by measuring and determining the patient's olfactory detection threshold for the left and the right nostril. In some cases, the present invention relates to devices, systems and methods for detecting an asymmetric differential in a patient's relative olfactory detection and/or identification threshold (left vs right nostril) which, when present, may be used as a device to detect, diagnose and/or monitor olfactory deterioration resulting from Alzheimer's disease, and/or the efficacy of treatment regimens therefor over time. Alternatively, general olfactory dysfunction may be evaluated and/or monitored without regard to the individual nostril's performance.

Abstract: Methods, systems, and apparatus, including medium-encoded computer program products, for analyzing data include: receiving data including a person's responses regarding judgments of semantic similarities between items selected from a group of items falling into a same categorical level; processing the data to determine a measure of distance within a generated representation of the person's responses regarding the judgments of semantic similarities; and generating a score of degree of cognitive impairment for the person based at least in part on the determined measure of distance within the generated representation.

Abstract: Systems and methods for performing non-obtrusive, automatic adjustment of an auditory prosthesis are disclosed. A control expression can be detected during a conversation. Upon detection of the control expression, an audio setting adjustment can be selected and applied to the auditory prosthesis. Multiple adjustments can be made in response to identifying multiple control expressions during a conversation.

Abstract: The present system is directed in various embodiments to devices, systems and methods for detection, evaluation and/or monitoring olfactory dysfunction by measuring and determining the patient's olfactory detection threshold for the left and the right nostril. More specifically, the present invention relates to devices, systems and methods for detecting an asymmetric differential in a patient's olfactory detection threshold (left vs right nostril) which, when present, may be used as a device to detect, diagnose and/or monitor olfactory deterioration resulting from certain neurodegenerative disorders such as Alzheimer's disease.

Abstract: The invention is a biologically inspired artificial olfactory method and system comprising the design of at least one septum with at least two nostrils, wherein each nostril is designed having special characteristics. This artificial nose permits detecting the direction wherefrom a smell emanates. The septum is utilized to realize the separation of the air currents external to the olfactory system. In this manner the measurement of the environment may be obtained in two different positions simultaneously. These measurements reflect different concentrations and reaction times, consequently they may be utilized to calculate the direction wherefrom a smell emanates. Each nostril comprises an air chamber performing the principal biological processes carried out within the nose. These processes are: the process of aspiration, the process of division, the process of conduction, the sensing, the processing, the transformation of the air or smell filtration, and expulsion.

Abstract: The present system is directed in various embodiments to devices, systems and methods for detection, evaluation and/or monitoring olfactory dysfunction by measuring and determining the patient's olfactory detection threshold for the left and the right nostril. More specifically, the present invention relates to devices, systems and methods for detecting an asymmetric differential in a patient's olfactory detection threshold (left vs right nostril) which, when present, may be used as a device to detect, diagnose and/or monitor olfactory deterioration resulting from certain neurodegenerative disorders such as Alzheimer's disease.

Abstract: A portable diagnostic instrument for use by medical professionals. The portable diagnostic instrument can comprise a control unit that can constantly maintain the frequency of sound or vibration produced by the device, even when battery power is reduced. The control unit can also comprise a warning unit to provide information about remaining battery life to the user. Furthermore, the portable diagnostic instrument can comprise a unit capable of producing vibration, a unit capable of producing sound at differing frequencies, and a unit capable of producing temperatures at differing temperatures. The device can produce both the sound, vibration, and temperature at the same time or each can be operated individually. Moreover, the device is capable of being attached to other medical equipment that is carried by a medical professional or can be easily kept in a pocket, so that it is readily available when needed.

Abstract: An exhaust-gas aftertreatment device is provided, comprising a control unit for controlling a diaphragm pump that draws a urea/water solution out of a circuit and pumps it, via a pressure filter, to a metering unit comprising an atomizing nozzle for atomizing the urea/water solution into an exhaust-gas stream. The metering unit may also comprise a metering valve, including an atomizing nozzle, a pressure and temperature sensor, a heating means and a return baffle.

Abstract: Described herein are various apparatus and systems useful in sensory discrimination. Through the use of a multi-well sample plate, the high-throughput analysis apparatus and method allow for rapid sensory discrimination of a large number of samples.

Abstract: An olfactometer is disclosed. Such an olfactometer may include a control unit, an odor box, and a nose piece in communication with the odor box. The control unit may include a reservoir, and a compressor for supplying pressurized air to the reservoir. The odor box may include at least one compressed air actuated valve, and at least one odor canister in communication with the valve. A compressed air flow and a breathable air flow are both released from the reservoir and directed to the valve. The compressed air flow actuates the valve to thereby direct the breathable air to the odor canister to odorize the breathable air. The odorized breathable air is then directed to the nose piece.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method of evaluating the human subconscious response to smell and a method of evaluating a subject's subconscious response to an aroma stimulus.

Abstract: A computerized security system which enhances the security provided by watchdogs on a given premises by analyzing the auditory and physiological indications given by the dogs to assess the level of security at any point in time. By attaching sensors to the dogs and placing microphones in their proximity the system continuously collects information about the dogs' auditory and physiological behavior, and according to predetermined parameters it assesses the watchdogs' physiological and emotional state. Having concluded that any of the dogs sense a threat or has been neutralized in any way the system may update the state of security on the users' security terminals. The system determines between three possible security states: no alert when no irregular activity is registered, medium alert if the dogs indicate a state of moderate alertness and high incase there are indications for a definite hostile presence.

Abstract: A computerized security system which enhances the security provided by watchdogs on a given premises by analyzing the auditory and physiological indications given by the dogs to assess the level of security at any point in time. By attaching sensors to the dogs and placing microphones in their proximity the system continuously collects information about the dogs' auditory and physiological behavior, and according to predetermined parameters it assesses the watchdogs' physiological and emotional state. Having concluded that any of the dogs sense a threat or has been neutralized in any way the system may update the state of security on the users' security terminals. The system determines between three possible security states: no alert when no irregular activity is registered, medium alert if the dogs indicate a state of moderate alertness and high incase there are indications for a definite hostile presence.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for readily and reliably screening olfactory mucosa stimulating compounds are provided. An olfactory mucosa stimulating compound is sprayed through an atomizing nozzle 33 to an olfactory mucosa of a rat fixed in a test animal fixing device 32. A measuring electrode portion 10 is implanted in an olfactory bulb of the rat for measuring an electrical signal generated in the olfactory bulb. Efficacy of the olfactory mucosa stimulating compound is determined based on a correlation between an electrical signal measured by the measuring electrode portion 10 when the olfactory mucosa stimulating compound is sprayed on the olfactory mucosa of the rat and a physiological response induced in the rat.

Abstract: A system and method for observing, collecting and analyzing olefactory characteristics of a human or animal subject, such as sniffing, breathing and respiratory patterns and sounds. Example applications include the evaluation and training of dogs for explosive and drug detection, clinical diagnostics, scientific research, and identification.

Abstract: A method of evaluating a person's olfactory perception by determining his ability to distinguish, differentiate, recognize, recall and remember distinct odors and scents when the person is presented with various odor-emitting samples. The odor-emitting samples are divided into several groups wherein the individual groups comprise two identical and one slightly different odor-emitting sample. Additionally, another group is presented to the person which comprises several individual odor-emitting samples which differ markedly from all of the other samples presented. The odor-emitting samples from the individual groups are presented to the person sequentially and the results are reported and then compared with other persons subject to the same tests. The person's olfactory perception acumen is thus recorded. This invention has great utility for many fast-growing and dynamic fields such as the food and beverage industry, academia and research facilities.

Abstract: Odors are evaluated in relation to a target or priming stimulus by testing a subject by presenting the subject with one or more adors under different conditions, at least some being in the presence of one or more targets or priming stimuli; subsequently testing recognition of said one or more adors by the subject and monitoring implicit ador memory; and evaluating the results of implicit memory for ador/target combinations presented to the subject in the first stage of testing. Evaluation of the results of implicit memory for ador/target combinations presented to the subject provides a measure of the degree of association between the ador and target in a particular ador/target combination. These measures can be compared and used as a basis for ador selection.

Abstract: A more reliable and precise method of determining the olfactory threshold is provided by a digitally operated apparatus that dispenses controlled amounts of a volatile test fluid from a digital jetting device of the type used for ink jet printing. A precise number and size of micro droplets are dispensed onto a heater which vaporizes the fluid at a test location where a patient can sniff and report whether the odor is sensed. Incremental adjustments are made to determine the approximate threshold of olfactory perception of the odor. Sensors are included to verify dispensing and to coordinate dispensing with breathing.

Abstract: There is disclosed an odor concentration measuring device which can objectively and easily measure an odor concentration. The odor concentration measuring device 1 is provided with an injector having a cylinder 3 and a piston 5, and an odor sensor 11 is fixed to an inner wall 3a of the cylinder 3. The odor sensor 11 measures the odor of air inside the cylinder 3, and outputs a voltage V in accordance with the odor intensity. A control box 7 provided on the outer periphery of the cylinder 3 is provided with an electronic control circuit, which allows a blue LED 9b to light instead of a red LED 9r when the voltage V reaches a value corresponding to the odor intensity which cannot be perceived by people. By reciprocating the piston 5, the sample air is diluted. The odor concentration can be measured by the dilution magnification at which the lighting state of the LED 9r or 9b is changed.