Abstract: The instrument monitors the acoustic and electromechanical signals of the patient and calculates an energy spectrum periodogram or histogram using time series analysis techniques. The patient lies down on a large piezoelectric film (few microns thick) that has the capability of measuring signals from very high to very low frequencies. The heart and respiration rates as well as obstructive apnea can be observed, detected and measured from the spectral peaks in the resulting energy spectrum. A microcomputing machine provides calculations to determine the energy spectrum and provides for discrimination between noise and a true apnea episode. An alarm calls for assistance in the event of an apnea, including obstructive apnea, or a Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS) episode.

Abstract: A compact forced air cooled thermophotovoltaic generator includes a TPV converter assembly, a fan which is driven by electric power generated by the converter assembly and a housing for enclosing the assembly and fan. The assembly includes a fuel/air mixing tube, an infrared emitter positioned in the combustion chamber, a receiver positioned around the emitter and a heat shield positioned between the receiver and the emitter. The receiver includes a circuit having TPV cells connected to an inner surface and radial fins extending from an outer surface. A fuel source may be provided proximate (i.e. beneath) the mixing tube or may be remotely connected to the mixing tube by a fuel line. A housing encloses the TPV converter assembly and the fuel source, if provided as part of the unit. A fan or other updraft mechanism electrically connected to the cell circuit is provided at the bottom of the housing beneath the fuel source and/or converter assembly.

Abstract: A cylindrical roller bearing is disclosed. Roller insertion slots are closed without forming a screw hole, but the closing of the insertion slot is firm, and the aesthetic appearance of the bearing is very perfect. Rollers 4 are inserted into operating channels 2c and 3c of inner and outer races 2 and 3 of the roller bearing 1. Insertion slots 2b and 3b are formed respectively on the collars 2a and 3a of the inner and outer races 2 and 3 to form a roller insertion hole 5 for inserting the rollers 4. The roller insertion holes 5 may be circular, rectangular, twin-arcuate or the like. After filling the rollers 4 into the operating channels 2c and 3c, a closing piece 6 is press-fitted into the insertion hole 5. The closing piece 6 may consist of two pieces 6a and 6b, and has a size larger than that of the insertion hole 5 by about 0.01 mm. Thus the closing pieces are firmly fitted into the insertion slots to such a degree that the closing pieces will never depart under any operating conditions.