Abstract: Systems and methods for measuring fat content of a body are provided. An instrument may be employed that generates light with different center wavelengths without the use of narrow optical band-pass filters and without the use of any light diffusing material. The instrument may include at least two different center wavelengths infrared emitting diodes (IREDs) having center wavelengths that are about 10 nanometers apart. A first IRED may have a center wavelength between 935 and 945 nanometers, and a second IRED may have a center wavelength between 945 and 955 nanometers. The IREDs may be arranged in a circular pattern in holes in an opaque medium. A near-infrared optical detector may be located at the center of the circular pattern. The instrument may perform a body fat measurement at a fixed distance from the crease in the elbow towards the biceps of the arm. The instrument may instead perform the body fat measurement at a fixed distance from the elbow bone towards the triceps of the arm.

Abstract: In one aspect, the present invention provides a multi-function, self-service health kiosk. In another aspect, the present invention provides a wheelchair accessible health kiosk. In another aspect, the present invention provides a blood pressure measurement apparatus for use in a health kiosk.

Abstract: A system and method for detecting whether a subject has a physiological abnormality. The system includes a fingertip sensor and a data collection and analysis system coupled to the fingertip sensor.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for measuring a blood analyte concentration using an inexpensive, low precision sensor device is provided. One embodiment of the method includes obtaining energy absorption measurement data through a body part of an individual. A plurality of indicator variables are subsequently calculated from the energy absorption measurement data. An indicator variable from the plurality of indicator variables having the highest correlation to blood glucose level is determined, and a first optical term based on the indicator variable with the highest correlation to blood glucose level is allocated to form a regression analysis equation. An estimated value of the blood analyte concentration using the regression analysis equation is calculated.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for performing near-infrared (NIR) quantitative analysis includes the steps of providing NIR radiation at a plurality of different wavelengths for illumination of an object to be analyzed, and varying the amount of time that radiation at each wavelength illuminates the subject according to the output level of radiation at each wavelength so as to provide substantially similar detection data resolution for each of the plurality of wavelengths. The method is particularly applicable to non-invasive quantitative measurement of blood analytes such as blood glucose levels, using low cost IREDs operating outside their one-half power bandwidths.

Abstract: A method is disclosed for accurately providing general calibration of near-infrared quantitative analysis instruments for almost any individual user. The general calibration method comprises comparing an individual's near-infrared spectrum to a plurality of near-infrared spectral clusters. Each near-infrared spectral cluster has a set of calibration constants associated therewith. The calibration constants of the spectral cluster most closely associated with the individual spectra are used to custom calibrate the near-infrared analysis measurement instrument.

Abstract: An improved near-infrared quantitative analysis instrument includes a number of removable finger inserts each dimensioned for a different finger size, which facilitates properly aligning and fitting an individual user's finger into the optical system of the analysis instrument taking into account the size of the individual's finger. The insert according to the present invention can be also designed to accommodate samples of various substances for quantitative analyte measurement.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for preventing undesirable index finger rotational motion within a non-invasive quantitative blood analyte measurement instrument includes placing at least the middle finger or the thumb into proper alignment with the index finger when inserted in the instrument to prevent the index finger from rotating with respect to the instrument's optical axis. The natural pincer-type relationship of the thumb and index finger is used to align the index finger in the optical axis by the positioning of the thumb and the positioning of the middle finger is used to hinder the rotation of the finger toward the thumb away from the optical axis. Conductive material is provided in grooves formed on the instrument housing to dissipate EMI energy from the test subject.

Abstract: A low cost means for increasing measurement sensitivity in LED near-infrared instruments is disclosed which utilizes a current modification means for modifying the driving current supplied to each IRED as a function of the opacity of the particular sample being measured. The current modification means is part of the processing means and comprises means for measuring a signal level for each IRED at an analog-to-digital converter. Based upon the signal level detected for each IRED, the current modification means modifies the current to each IRED to a value that is as high as possible without saturating the analog-to-digital converter. Thus, by modifying the driving current of each IRED to such a maximal value, the analytical instrument of the present invention provides high resolution without the use of expensive electronic circuitry. Also provided is a system for generating and storing an optical signature of a particular user, thus further insuring the accuracy of measurements taken by the instrument.

Abstract: A method and means for generating synthetic spectra allowing quantitative measurement utilizes dual chip alternatively energized IREDs with optical bandpass filter(s) passing two optical bands which is be combined with curvilinear interpolation to be utilized in a low cost small size quantitative measuring instrument.

Abstract: A collapsible railing having an upper rail and a plurality of posts hingedly attached to the upper rail at spaced apart locations. A crank including a shaft portion and an arm portion which is mounted for rotation about the long axis of the shaft portion is connected to each post. An actuator actuates the motion of the crank to pivot the posts and the upper rails between a collapsed position in which each post is oriented generally horizontally, and an erect position in which the posts are in an upright position.

Abstract: A near-infrared quantitative analysis instrument for measuring a constituent of a sample material is disclosed which effectively utilizes energy in the 1200 to 1800 nanometer wavelengths regions by isolating and employing harmonic wavelengths emitted by typical, low cost commercially available light emitting diodes (LEDs) or infrared emitting diodes (IREDs). The analysis instrument utilizes these very desirable wavelength regions for quantitative analysis measurements by interposing suitable narrow bandpass filters which permit passage of only the selected harmonic wavelengths.

Abstract: An elevated passenger car having an emergency exit feature. The passenger car is of the type supported such that there are substantially no obstructions between the underside of the car and the ground below it. The car includes a body having a passenger compartment and an opening through the body generally at one end thereof defining an exit from the passenger compartment to outside the body. An end section is pivotally mounted on the body at the one end. Fluid pressure actuated cylinders swing the end section between a closed position in which the end section closes the exit and an open position in which said exit is opened to the outside. An elevator supported by the end section in its open position lowers passengers from the elevated passenger car.

Abstract: A method is disclosed for accurately providing general calibration of near-infrared quantitative analysis instruments for almost any individual user. The general calibration method comprises comparing an individual's near-infrared spectrum to a plurality of near-infrared spectral clusters. Each near-infrared spectral cluster has a set of calibration constants associated therewith. The calibration constants of the spectral cluster most closely associated with the individual spectra are used to custom calibrate the near-infrared analysis measurement instrument.

Abstract: A method and means for generating synthetic spectra allowing quantitative measurement utilizes dual chip alternatively energized IREDs with optical bandpass filter(s) passing two optical bands which could be combined with curvilinear interpolation to be utilized in a low cost small size quantitative measuring instrument.

Abstract: Near-infrared quantitative analysis instruments and methods non-invasively measure blood glucose by analyzing near-infrared energy following interactance with venous or arterial blood, or transmisison through a blood containing body part. The instruments and methods are accurate and readily lend themselves to at-home testing by diabetics.

Abstract: Near-infrared quantitative analysis instruments non-invasively measure blood glucose by analyzing near-infrared energy following interactance with venous or arterial blood, or transmission through a blood containing body part. A replaceable cartridge stores data unique to an individual patient/user. The analysis instruments are accurate and readily lend themselves to at-home testing by diabetics.

Abstract: A method is disclosed for easily and reliably custom calibrating near-infrared quantitative analysis instruments including obtaining a plurality of blood samples and blood glucose level measurements thereof at a predetermined time interval. These values are entered into the analysis instrument. Near-infrared optical measurements of the individual are simultaneously taken using the analysis instrument at another predetermined time interval. Calibration regression analysis is performed on the data to custom calibrate the analysis instrument which involves linearly interpolating the blood sample glucose measurements with the near-infrared optical recordings.

Abstract: A near-infrared quantitative analysis instrument and method non-invasively measures blood glucose by analyzing near-infrared energy following interactance with venous or arterial blood, or transmission through a blood containing body part. The instrument and method is accurate and can readily be utilized for at-home testing by diabetics.