Abstract: The gas sample identification apparatus transmits at least one beam of light of predefined frequency band through a gas sample present in a gas sampling chamber. The presence and concentration of various agents in the gas sample are determined by a linear variable filter that selectively passes the light beam transmitted through the gas sample chamber to an array of detectors. The detectors are positioned to receive only a narrow passband component of the light beam. The output signals from the array of detectors is processed by a multivariate statistical processor to accurately identify both the presence and concentration of one or more agents contained in the gas sample.

Abstract: An optical alignment device comprised of two "H" shaped structures may be used to precisely position an optical element in two orthogonal directions. Each "H" shaped web structure includes two flanges extending from opposite ends of a center web having a centroidal flexure axis. The "H" shaped structures also each include an aperture extending through the flanges and the web. The center webs may be resiliently flexed, allowing the angle between the flanges of each "H" shaped structure to be adjusted by rotating screws fitted through one flange and threaded to the other. The "H" shaped structures are mounted together so that their flexure axes are orthogonally oriented with respect to each other and so that the apertures of each structure are aligned to form an optical path cavity.

Abstract: The thermal time of flight signal guard overcomes the leakage crosstalk problem encountered in prior art systems by eliminating the leakage currents in the flow transducer before they reach the temperature sensors. This is accomplished by the installation of a conductive strip into the fluid flow path, interposed between the temperature sensors and the heat source. The conductive strip intercepts any errant leakage currents that are generated by the heat source and carried by moisture which accumulates on the walls of the fluid flow path to the temperature sensor. The signals that pass through the fluid flow conduit past the conductive strip to the temperature sensors are the thermal tracer signals. Therefore, the temperature sensors operate in a leakage current free environment and the signals produced by the temperature sensors are devoid of leakage current noise.

Abstract: The apparatus of the present invention characterizes the operating characteristics of a medical monitoring probe in a more comprehensive and accurate manner than is heretofore known in the prior art. This apparatus not only identifies the present value of a plurality of operating characteristics of the optical components contained in the probe, but also computes the interrelationship therebetween to produce a composite probe indicia that substantially defines the net operating characteristics of the probe, including the interrelation of the various interactive and/or cumulative effects. This composite probe indicia represents either a number or a graphical representation of probe operating characteristics that can be used directly by the processor contained within the monitoring system to perform the required computations.

Abstract: This probe makes use of a simplified housing construction that significantly reduces the cost of the manufacture of the probe housing. The housing is implemented using two molded housing halves, which are pivotally connected together and which include an integral spring member. In addition, the housing includes a connector mounted thereon for enabling the probe to be disengaged from the cable and its associated connector that interconnects the probe with the medical monitoring equipment. As a further improvement, a notch is provided on the housing so that the conductors can be positioned to exit the probe in any direction to minimize the possibility of the conductors inadvertently pulling the probe loose from the patient's finger.