Abstract: An erythema meter includes a probe, a light source of one or more specific probing and reference wavelengths, and an acoustic detector which determines the level of erythema present in the dental pulp chamber of a tooth. The probing and reference wavelengths are delivered in pulsed or amplitude modulated fashion through the probe, thereby permitting electronic identification and filtering of the received data. The absorption of the light wave raises the temperature of the material in the tooth and causes it to expand, thus creating tiny shockwaves which are picked up with the acoustic detector, revealing information on the location of blood and the quantity of blood inside the tooth. The erythema meter accurately measures the erythema, or inflammation, within the tooth in a qualitative and quantitative manner.

Abstract: Devices, systems, and methods determine the health of oral objects by providing objective measurements using a detachable probe body. The detachable probe body may isolate reusable system components (including an electromagnetic signal detection, signal transmission, energy generation, and or energy transmitting components) from the oral cavity, optionally by encasing at least a portion of one or more of these components in a sheath or the like. A window of the probe body maintains sterile isolation and transmits electromagnetic energy to and or signals from the oral object. Accuracy can be enhanced by a clamp or other structure for engaging a surface of the oral object so as to maintain a fixed alignment between the signal receiver and the oral object.

Abstract: This invention consists of a sock, a sending unit, a receiving unit, a sensor light, and a line that can be connected to a pulse-oximeter cord. A medical professional places the sock over a patient's foot and adjusts its position until the equipment is properly aligned. The cord from the pulse-oximeter can then be attached to the line from the sending unit. The sending unit activates the sensor light that emits radiation at a minimum of two wavelengths. The receiving unit detects the radiation after it passes through the skin and produces an electrical signal in response to the radiation that can be decoded by the pulse-oximeter.

Abstract: A method for analysis of blood components or parameters is disclosed where a probe having an excitation outlet and a response inlet is placed in proximity to or in contact with a tissue of an underside of a patient's tongue over a big vein in the tongue so that an excitation signal exits the outlet, produces a response which enters the inlet for detection and analysis.

Abstract: Methods, systems, and related computer program products are provided for the reliable measurement of absolute chromophore concentrations in biological tissue, such as those indicative of blood oxygenation levels in the brain, based on infrared optical scanning. A plurality of probe patches is positioned at a respective plurality of locations around the patient's head, each probe patch being positioned against the skin of the head, wherein at least one of the probe patches is positioned where the skin includes active hair follicles. Each probe patch comprises a first infrared source-detector pair having a relatively short source-detector spacing and a second infrared source-detector pair having a relatively long source-detector spacing. Phase-only measurements are acquired for each of a plurality of infrared radiation wavelengths and modulation frequencies for each source-detector pair. Absolute regional chromophore concentrations in the brain are computed based on the phase-only measurements.

Abstract: Appropriate measurement and analysis parameters are set according to cerebral function to be measured. To measure gustatory function, a time period of absence of cerebral activity to be measured is set so as not to contain a period of 60 seconds after start of stimulation, an activity period for analysis for an oxyhemoglobin concentration change signal is set so as to contain a period between an instant after a lapse of 16 seconds, and an instant after a lapse of 25 seconds, after the start of the stimulation, and an activity period for analysis for a deoxyhemoglobin concentration change signal is set so as to contain a period between an instant after a lapse of 28 seconds and an instant after a lapse of 37 seconds after the start of the stimulation. Moreover, a time interval between stimulations is set to 80 seconds or more.

Abstract: Methods, systems, and related computer program products for non-invasive monitoring of a biological volume, such as a human brain, are described. In one preferred embodiment, each of a plurality of optical sources emits optical radiation into the biological volume each of a plurality of optical detectors detects optical radiation impinging thereupon from the biological volume. The optical measurements are processed to compute a requisite property value associated with each source-detector pair. For each source-detector pair, a volumetric basis region corresponding thereto is weighted by the requisite property value, the volumetric basis region being predetermined and representative of an estimated subvolume of the biological volume encountered by optical radiation emitted from that source and propagating to that detector. The weighted volumetric basis regions are accumulated into a volumetric cumulative array, and a display output is generated based at least in part on the volumetric cumulative array.

Abstract: An in-vitro model apparatus of a human spine and methods for detecting and analyzing substance distribution patterns therein. In one embodiment, the model apparatus includes a column body defining a passageway that substantially mimics the size, shape, and structure of an adult human spinal canal. Also included is a cord structure that may be located and anchored within the passageway. The cord structure substantially mimics the size, shape, and structure of an adult human spinal cord. For example, the cord structure may include connecting elements that resemble nerve roots, dentate ligaments, and the septum posticum of a human spine. The passageway of the model apparatus may be filled with a first fluid that simulates cerebro-spinal fluid (CSF), and a second fluid containing a drug (or simulated drug) may be introduced into the passageway, after which the drug's distribution within the passageway may be analyzed.

Abstract: A physiological detector with a waterproof structure installed on a glove body corresponding to a finger has a sealed casing for wrapping a detection element. The casing includes a conducting cylinder with an end electrically connected to the detection element and another end exposed from the casing and fixed onto the glove body. The glove body has a conducting circuit electrically connected to an exposed end of the conducting circuit and conducting cylinder, and a physiological measuring device installed at a position corresponding to the back of a hand for processing human physiological parameters detected by the detection element. The physiological measuring device is electrically connected to the physiological detector through the conducting circuit, so that users can wear the physiological detector easily. The detection element of the physiological detector is wrapped into a sealed casing, and thus it is not necessary to remove the detector for a convenient washing.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for measuring cerebral O2 saturation and detecting cerebral hypoxia-ischemia using multi-wavelength near infrared spectroscopy (NIRS). Near-infrared light produced by an emitter is directed through brain tissue. The intensity of the light that passes through the brain tissue is measured using photodiode detectors positioned at distinct distances from the emitter. This process is conducted for at least three wavelengths of near-infrared light. One of the wavelengths used is substantially at an isobestic point for oxy-hemoglobin and deoxy-hemoglobin, but the other two may be any wavelengths within the near-infrared spectrum (700 nm to 900 nm), so long as one of the additional wavelengths is greater than the isobestic point and the other is less than the isobestic point. Tissue oxygenation is calculated using an algorithm derived from the Beer-Lambert law. Cerebral hypoxia-ischemia may be diagnosed using the calculated tissue oxygenation value.

Abstract: A method and device are presented for use in non-invasive optical measurements of at least one desired characteristic of patient's blood. A condition of artificial blood kinetics is created at a measurement location in a patient's blood perfused fleshy medium and maintained for a certain time period. This condition is altered over a predetermined time interval within said certain time period so as to modulate scattering properties of blood. Optical measurements are applied to the measurement location by illuminating it with incident light beams of at least two different wavelengths in a range where the scattering properties of blood are sensitive to light radiation, detecting light responses of the medium, and generating measured data indicative of time evolutions of the light responses of the medium for said at least two different wavelengths, respectively, over at least a part of said predetermined time interval.

Abstract: A flexible finger sensor having a finger entrance, a sensor holder at a distal end of the assembly, and a fenestrated region disposed between the finger entrance and the sensor holder. A displacement resistant finger sensor and method of use for reducing motion-related artifacts by mechanical isolation from external forces by providing a resilient sensor body having a digit entrance, a sensor holder, and a fenestrated region between the digit entrance and the sensor holder. The sensor holder maintains sensing elements relative to a user's finger, with said sensing elements being in communication with a monitoring device via a lead wire. The lead wire may extend at a lateral edge of the sensor body. A force to the lead wire may be applied so as to distort the fenestrated region without substantially disturbing the sensing elements relative to the finger surface.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for monitoring oxygen saturation levels in tissue are disclosed. According to one aspect of the present invention, a sensor arrangement for use in an optical imaging system includes a first source structure, a second source structure, and a detector arrangement. The first source structure provides a first beam of light and the second source structure provides a second beam of light. The detector arrangement includes detector structures that have centerpoints, and receives the first and second beams of light after the first and second beams of light are reflected off of an external surface. The detector arrangement is arranged to define a first axis that passes through the centerpoint of each detector structure, and a distance from a centerpoint of the first source structure to the first axis is not equal to a distance from a centerpoint of the second source structure to the first axis.

Abstract: There is provided a living body light measuring device capable of monitoring a time curve of a blood substance concentration as time curves of parameters of a signal waveform and judging or analyzing characteristic traits of a subject relevant to the parameters of the signal waveform, wherein a signal processor extracts parameters such as a peak value and latency from a hemoglobin signal waveform measured before and after substance intake of a testee, and generates and displays a time curve graph having a parameter and time respectively as its ordinate and abscissa. Influence of an intake substance upon blood component concentrations and blood flow can be monitored by monitoring the time curves of parameters of the signal waveform. A category processor classifies measurement data into categories, analyzes time curves of a plurality of parameters every category, and displays a result on a result viewer.

Abstract: Forehead oximetry sensor devices and methods for determining physiological parameters using forehead oximetry sensors. One method includes placing an oximetry sensor on the forehead of a patient, such that the sensor is placed on the lower forehead region, above the eyebrow with the sensor optics placed lateral of the iris and proximal the temple; and operating the pulse oximeter to obtain the physiological parameter. In one aspect, the method also includes providing and placing a headband over the oximetry sensor, or alternately, the sensor is a headband-integrated sensor. The headband has an elastic segment sized to fit around the patient's head. The headband also includes a non-elastic segment that is smaller than and attached with the elastic segment. The non-elastic segment is sized to span a portion of the elastic segment when the elastic segment is stretched. In addition, the non-elastic segment is larger than the portion of the elastic segment it spans when the elastic segment is not stretched.

Abstract: The present invention provides a biological measurement probe readily wearable on a biological surface having a large curvature and a measurement technique of simultaneously measuring the blood circulation dynamic change accompanying the auditory/language/visual function activities of a subject (especially baby) and brain waves. A biological measurement probe having illuminating means for illuminating a subject through a first optical waveguide and light collecting means for collecting light illuminated from the illuminating means and propagated through the subject through a second optical waveguide, has first and second guide members having passages through which the first and second optical waveguides are passed and fixing the first and second optical waveguides, and a base member connecting the first guide member to the second one, holding them, and forming a portion brought into contact with the subject.

Abstract: A sensor assembly for monitoring physiological characteristics interfaces to a subject's ear. The sensor assembly has a projection that projects into the subject's concha. The projection may have a notch to accommodate the subject's anti-tragus. A clip connected to the projection holds a sensor against the subject's lobule. The sensor may comprise a pulse-oximetry-type sensor.

Abstract: A non-invasive optical sensor which uses the motion signal to calculate the physiological characteristic being measured. For pulse oximetry, a least squares or a ratio-of-ratios technique can be applied to the motion signal itself. This is made possible by selecting a site on the patient where variations in motion produce signals of two wavelengths which are sufficiently correlated. In particular, it has been determined that a sensor placed on a nail, in particular a thumbnail, exhibits the characteristics of having the red and infrared signals correlated when used for pulse oximetry, and the resulting signals correlate to arterial oxygen saturation.

Abstract: Disclosed is a probe for biomeasurement by use of light capable of adjusting positions of incident points and detection points without changing the distance between the incident point and the detection point in accordance with the size of a subject's head, and an optical bioinstrumentation for living body using the probe. The distances between the incident points and the detection points are approximately the same. A gap is formed by removing part of connecting members, rotatable about the incident point and the detection point, around the subject head top portion. The size of the probe is changed by changing the distance between the incident points or the detection points around the gap.

Abstract: An apparatus for measuring a bio signal including a bio signal measurement unit, which is insertable into an ear to be in close contact with an internal surface of the ear, the bio signal measurement unit having a photo plethysmography (PPG) measurement module for radiating light of different wavelengths onto the internal surface of the ear, detecting light transmitted through the ear, and outputting a PPG signal including bio information, a control unit having a PPG signal processor for generating the bio information using the PPG signal measured by the PPG measurement module, and an output unit for displaying the bio information generated from the control unit.

Abstract: A device 4 to measure a degree of acquisition is provided to present objective scientific data of an educational effect by applying brain science to an educational field. A device 4 to measure a degree of acquisition comprises a measuring portion 1 that measures a blood amount or/and a blood component amount in a predetermined measuring region S of brains of a subject P, a diachronic change data producing portion 2 that obtains the blood amount or/and the blood component amount measured in the above-mentioned measuring portion 1 chronologically and produces diachronic change data as data showing diachronic change of the blood amount or/and the blood component amount, and a waveform output portion 3 that outputs a waveform of the diachronic change data in each work in a comparable manner in case the subject P repeatedly conducts the predetermined work several times.

Abstract: A system for monitoring the ambient conditions of a mammalian joint, and particularly a joint that has been instrumented with a joint endoprosthesis includes a sensor supported by a component of the joint endoprosthesis. The system includes a transmission element that is also supported within the body of the patient, preferably within the endoprosthesis. The transmission element transmits a signal indicative of the sensed ambient condition within the instrumented joint. For example, the sensor can be a temperature sensor used to evaluate the temperature within a joint, such as a hip joint, during activity or exercise by the patient.

Abstract: An image generating methodology for displaying brain activation areas with improved accuracy in a living body light measurement system for generating an image of the changes in blood volume of the brain. A spatial intensity distribution of changes in blood volume can be generated by detecting brain activation in many sampling points, and a spatial interpolation process is executed on this data. A threshold process is executed on the distribution to extract the distribution of coordinates having a signal intensity of at least the predetermined threshold. The displacement between the brain activation area and the maximal location of the distribution is stored in a recording unit of the system in order to compensate for the distribution extracted by the threshold process. Accordingly, brain activation areas can be estimated with greater location accuracy, and the diagnosis and medial treatment for brain diseases can likewise be executed with greater accuracy.

Abstract: The present claimed invention intends to provide a simple and superior means that is possible to express a tendency or a characteristic of a learner as scientific data by making use of a fact that a blood amount or/and a blood component amount in a predetermined region of brains causes a characteristic change when a learner acquires strategy to solve a work during a process of solving the work and that is effective for developing a new educational method from the scientific data. In case a subject conducts a predetermined work, a blood amount or/and a blood component amount in a predetermined measuring region of brains of the subject is measured chronologically by the use of a near-infrared spectroscopy, time change data as data showing time change of the blood amount or/and the blood component amount is produced and a state of strategy acquisition to solve the work for the subject is determined based on the time change data.

Abstract: The present invention relates to novel lip/cheek probes for detection of pulse-based differences in light absorbence across the vascularized tissue of a lip or cheek of a patient. These probes are fabricated to provide signals to estimate arterial oxygen saturation, and/or to obtain other photoplethysmographic data. The present invention also relates to a combined probe/cannula. The present invention also relates to other devices that combine a pulse oximeter probe with a device supplying oxygen or other oxygen-containing gas to a person in need thereof, and to sampling means for exhaled carbon dioxide in combination with the novel lip/cheek probes. In certain embodiments, an additional limitation of a control means to adjust the flow rate of such gas is provided, where such control is directed by the blood oxygen saturation data obtained from the pulse oximeter probe.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for detecting oxygen saturation levels in blood from within an auditory canal of a living being proximal to a tympanic membrane are disclosed. The auditory canal is lined with tissue and includes a proximal bend and a distal bend located between the proximal bend and the tympanic membrane. Oxygen levels are detected by emitting one or more wavelengths of light into a first position on the tissue of the auditory canal in a first region defined by the distal bend and the tympanic membrane. The wavelengths of light are then sensed at a second position on the tissue of the auditory canal in the first region. A blood oxygen saturation level and/or pulse rate is then calculated responsive to intensity information corresponding to the wavelengths of light detected at the second position.

Abstract: A method for use and an improved oximeter sensor substrate that is conforming to the shape of the patient's forehead. In one embodiment, the present invention is an oximeter sensor, having a substrate with a shape similar to a shape of at least a portion of a patient's forehead and including a section adapted to substantially fit over a portion of a forehead of a patient; an emitter disposed on the substrate at a position located on the section; and a detector disposed on the substrate at a distance from the emitter. In one embodiment, the substrate includes a hat that holds the emitter and the detector in a spaced-part manner against the patient's forehead.

Abstract: The present invention relates to novel nasal pulse oximeter probes that are configured to be placed across the septum of the nose. These probes are fabricated to provide signals to obtain arterial oxygen saturation and other photoplethysmographic data. The present invention also relates to a combined nasal pulse oximeter probe/nasal cannula. The present invention also relates to other devices that combine a pulse oximeter probe with a device supplying oxygen or other oxygen-containing gas to a person in need thereof, and to sampling means for exhaled carbon dioxide in combination with the novel nasal probe. In certain embodiments, an additional limitation of a control means to adjust the flow rate of such gas is provided, where such control is directed by the blood oxygen saturation data obtained from the pulse oximeter probe.

Abstract: A process for measuring skin ashing is provided. The process comprises selecting a desired skin testing area and acguiring an image of the area using x-polarization technique. The image is analyzed by obtaining a light distributing image, storing the difference between this image and the original image and using a differential in intensity to define ashing.

Abstract: An embodiment of the present invention comprises a self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA) mask that incorporates a series of physiologic sensors. These physiologic sensors are mounted on the interior of the SCBA mask in such a way as to contact the facial skin of an individual wearing the mask. The physiologic sensors monitor, among other things, heart rate and carbon monoxide and oxygen saturation levels. The physiologic sensors are connected to a transmitting apparatus attached to the SCBA. The SCBA transmitter sends output data from the physiologic sensors to a remote processor. The SCBA transmitter also sends location information of the individual wearing the SCBA mask to the remote processor. The remote processor compiles the physiologic and location data for the wearer of the SCBA and transmits a signal back to the SCBA receiver which, in turn, sends a signal to a display integrated into a SCBA mask. The display indicates to the individual his physiologic status.

Abstract: Irradiated points and light receiving points are arranged such that sampling points are arranged over an entire spherical head with no vacant space. The sampling points are arranged to cover the entire spherical head by combining a plurality of rhombic shells and inverting the respective positions of irradiated points and light receiving points in the adjacent shells. As a result, a whole brain probe capable of covering the entire head is provided to allow an image of the whole brain to be viewed as a single image.

Abstract: A medical diagnostic instrument includes at least one blood oxygen saturation sensor and at least one temperature sensor. The sensors are being capable of measuring blood oxygen saturation and temperature simultaneously after insertion of a probe portion of the instrument relative to a defined body site, such as the axilla, rectum, or sublingual pocket of a patient. At least a portion of the probe portion of the instrument is disposable.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for reproducibly interfacing a living tissue sample to the measurement probe of a spectrometer instrument in-situ minimizes spectral interference related to sampling variations. A minimal contact subject interface includes supports replaceably mounted on a base. An optical coupling means, such as a fiber optic probe, contacts the measurement site through a probe aperture in the base. During use, a subject rests an extremity on the support elements, so that the extremity is reproducibly positioned and supported in relation to the optical coupling means. The supports have a small contact area, minimizing contact with the skin at the measurement site. The interface module is adjustable to fit any subject. By reproducibly positioning and supporting the body appendage using minimal contact supports, spectral interference due to variations in placement, applied pressure, and temperature transients secondary to contact with the interface module are greatly minimized.

Abstract: A method for use and an improved oximeter sensor substrate that is conforming to the shape of the patient's forehead. In one embodiment, the present invention is an oximeter sensor, having a substrate with a shape similar to a shape of at least a portion of a patient's forehead and including a section adapted to substantially fit over a portion of a forehead of a patient; an emitter disposed on the substrate at a position located on the section; and a detector disposed on the substrate at a distance from the emitter. In one embodiment, the substrate includes a hat that holds the emitter and the detector in a spaced-part manner against the patient's forehead.

Abstract: The present invention relates to novel lip/cheek probes for detection of pulse-based differences in light absorbence across the vascularized tissue of a lip or cheek of a patient. These probes are fabricated to provide signals to estimate arterial oxygen saturation, and/or to obtain other photoplethysmographic data. The present invention also relates to a combined probe/cannula. The present invention also relates to other devices that combine a pulse oximeter probe with a device supplying oxygen or other oxygen-containing gas to a person in need thereof, and to sampling means for exhaled carbon dioxide in combination with the novel lip/cheek probes. In certain embodiments, an additional limitation of a control means to adjust the flow rate of such gas is provided, where such control is directed by the blood oxygen saturation data obtained from the pulse oximeter probe.

Abstract: The present invention relates to novel nasal pulse oximeter probes that are configured to be placed across the septum of the nose. These probes are fabricated to provide signals to obtain arterial oxygen saturation and other photoplethysmographic data. The present invention also relates to a combined nasal pulse oximeter probe/nasal cannula. The present invention also relates to other devices that combine a pulse oximeter probe with a device supplying oxygen or other oxygen-containing gas to a person in need thereof, and to sampling means for exhaled carbon dioxide in combination with the novel nasal probe. In certain embodiments, an additional limitation of a control means to adjust the flow rate of such gas is provided, where such control is directed by the blood oxygen saturation data obtained from the pulse oximeter probe.

Abstract: An apparatus for measuring a bio signal including a bio signal measurement unit, which is insertable into an ear to be in close contact with an internal surface of the ear, the bio signal measurement unit having a photo plethysmography (PPG) measurement module for radiating light of different wavelengths onto the internal surface of the ear, detecting light transmitted through the ear, and outputting a PPG signal including bio information, a control unit having a PPG signal processor for generating the bio information using the PPG signal measured by the PPG measurement module, and an output unit for displaying the bio information generated from the control unit.

Abstract: A device 4 to measure a degree of acquisition is provided to present objective scientific data of an educational effect by applying brain science to an educational field. A device 4 to measure a degree of acquisition comprises a measuring portion 1 that measures a blood amount or/and a blood component amount in a predetermined measuring region S of brains of a subject P, a diachronic change data producing portion 2 that obtains the blood amount or/and the blood component amount measured in the above-mentioned measuring portion 1 chronologically and produces diachronic change data as data showing diachronic change of the blood amount or/and the blood component amount, and a waveform output portion 3 that outputs a waveform of the diachronic change data in each work in a comparable manner in case the subject P repeatedly conducts the predetermined work several times.

Abstract: A cognition spectrophotometer system for transcranial brain examination using electromagnetic radiation of a visible or infrared wavelength includes an optical unit, a stimulation module, a remote communication unit, and a processor. The optical unit includes a light source adapted to introduce transcranially from an input port, placed at a input location on the exterior of the head, electromagnetic radiation of the wavelength into the brain, and a light detector adapted to detect, at a detection port placed at a detection location on the exterior of the head, radiation that has migrated in the brain. The stimulation module is constructed and arranged to cause stimulation of a brain activity while introducing the radiation at the input port. The remote communication unit includes a transmitter and a receiver.

Abstract: A finger oximeter has a fixed first finger grip member and a second finger grip member that is movable relative to the first fixed finger grip member. The finger grip members are mounted to a casing, with the first finger grip member being fixedly coupled to a top portion of the casing and the second finger grip member being movable vertically within the casing. A force is continuously applied against the movable finger grip member to bias it towards the fixed finger gripping member. This biasing force has sufficient yield so that when a finger is inserted between the two finger grip members, the movable finger grip member would yield to the incoming finger. At the same time the biasing force is of a sufficient magnitude to push the movable finger grip member towards the fixed finger grip member to effect a firm grip of the finger. The biasing force is evenly distributed to the movable finger grip portion to effect a floating finger grip suspension system for the finger oximeter.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for spectrophotometric in vivo monitoring of blood metabolites such as hemoglobin oxygen concentration at a plurality of different areas or regions on the same organ or test site on an ongoing basis, by applying a plurality of spectrophotometric sensors to a test subject at each of a corresponding plurality of testing sites and coupling each such sensor to a control and processing station, operating each of said sensors to spectrophotometrically irradiate a particular region within the test subject; detecting and receiving the light energy resulting from said spectrophotometric irradiation for each such region and conveying corresponding signals to said control and processing station, analyzing said conveyed signals to determine preselected blood metabolite data, and visually displaying the data so determined for each of a plurality of said areas or regions in a comparative manner.

Abstract: A highly reliable optical measuring instrument for multi-channel simultaneous measurement has an intensity of light emitted from a light source modulated at different frequencies and the light is applied to multiple positions of a test object. The light which is detected from the test object is converted into electric signals by a photodiode, and modulation signals are detected by a lock-in amplifier module. The signals are processed as information on the test object interior by a processing unit. Light is applied sequentially from a light source in a preparatory measurement step prior to final measuring, and the signal level of the detection light is measured for each light applied position. A control unit controls light intensity and detection signal level to ensure that the difference in detection light levels is kept within a specified range.

Abstract: Dermal hydration is determined in a target region of a human subject by determining a relationship between first and second measurements. The first measurement is a measurement of a first type of electromagnetic radiation that has been reflected from the target region, the second measurement is a measurement of a second type of electromagnetic radiation that has been reflected from the target region, and the second type of electromagnetic radiation is absorbed by liquid, namely water or perspiration, to a greater degree than the first type of electromagnetic radiation is absorbed by the liquid. The electromagnetic radiation that is reflected from the region and measured is initially transmitted to the region from a remote location, and the transmitted electromagnetic radiation is not visible to a naked human eye. An examination being carried out in accordance with the present invention can be carried out while the region is moving, by tracking the region.

Abstract: A switching device is interposed between a conventional physiological information monitor and a plurality of conventional sensors for a particular physiological function. The sensors are located on different parts of the body. Each of the plurality of sensors may be selected through the switching device to give a continuous indication of a particular physiological function in a localized area of the body. The device prevents the loss of information due to interrupted blood flow in a particular part of the body or the failure of a sensor.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus using the principles of time-resolved spectroscopy are disclosed. The present invention employs incident light pulses of sufficiently short duration to permit the rate of the rise and decay of such pulses to be measured. Consequently, the rate of decay, u, permits a determination of the concentration of an absorptive pigment, such as hemoglobin. The present invention also allows the precise path length the photons travel to be determined. Using this path length information and by measuring changes in optical density using known continuous light (CW) spectrophotometry systems, the methods and apparatus disclosed allow changes in the concentration of an absorptive pigment to be correctly be measured. From these data, the oxygenation state of a tissue region, such as the brain, can be accurately determined in real time.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for positioning sensors relative to one another and anatomic features in a non-invasive device for measuring and monitoring multiple physiological variables from a single site uses an earpiece incorporating a shielded pulse oximetry sensor (POS) having a miniaturized set of LEDs and photosensors configured for pulse oximetry measurements in the reflectance mode and located in the earpiece so as to position the POS against a rear wall of an ear canal. The earpiece also includes a thermopile of no larger than 7 mm. in diameter located on the earpiece to so as to position the thermopile past a second turn of an external auditory meatus so as to view the tympanic membrane. The thermopile includes a reference temperature sensor attached to its base for ambient temperature compensation.

Abstract: A disposable digit cover structured to be applied to envelop a portion of a human finger or toe, i.e., digit, for aiding in prevention of the spread of communicable diseases and cross-patient contamination from pulse oximeter probes. The cover is a flexible, tubular structure of material impervious to the passage of infectious agents, and having an open end, a closed end and being sufficiently transparent to light to serve as a barrier between a human digit and a pulse oximeter probe. The barrier is first placed over the digit, the medical probe is then clamped on the barrier to pass light into the digit. The readings are taken, the probe is removed, then the barrier is removed and discarded.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for transcranial examination of brain activity. Electromagnetic radiation of a selected wavelength is introduced into the brain from an input port located on an exterior of the subject's head. Radiation that has migrated through the subject's head is detected at a detection port to generate detected signals. While introducing and detecting the electromagnetic radiation, stimulation of brain activity is induced. The detected radiation signals are processed, and the processed signals are analyzed to determine a characteristic of the brain activity by correlating the processed signals with the stimulation.

Abstract: A method and a device for counting the number of sleep disordered breathing events experienced by a subject within a specified time period.

Abstract: A switching device is interposed between a conventional oximeter and a plurality of conventional photosensors. The photosensors are located on different extremities of the body. The switching device may be operated in the manual mode or an automatic mode. In the manual mode each different photosensor may be individually selected to provide the input signal to the oximeter. In the automatic mode, the switching device scans the incoming signals from the different photosensors and forwards the best, strongest or least distorted signal to the oximeter. The device prevents the loss of oximetery information due to interrupted blood flow in a particular part of the body or the failure of a sensor.