Abstract: A single strap respirator mask with a head harness, including a respirator mask, which has a cup shape to fit over the face of a user. The mask includes a pair of ear portions located at and extending from opposite sites of the mask and each ear portion tapers in width from an inside position to an outside end as it extends from the mask. A single strap extends around the head of a user and is attached to the outside end of each ear portion. A head harness is attached to the single strap and lies against the back of the head of a user. The head harness has a width substantially larger than the width of the strap to broaden the support of the strap against the back of the head of a user.

Abstract: A method for processing medical images via an information handling system for identifying and tracking motion between vertebrae of a spine includes identifying one or more vertebra in each of at least two medical images and acquiring tracking data as a function of a position of the respective identified vertebrae from the at least two medical images. The method also includes processing a sequence of the at least two medical images as a function of the tracking data to track a motion between the vertebrae of the spine in the sequence. Computer software and an information handling system are also disclosed.

Abstract: A method is disclosed for diagnosing, monitoring and treating cardiovascular pathologies. Among the hemodynamic parameters of interest are peripheral resistance, compliance, and cardiac (left ventricular) output. Peripheral resistance determined according to the present invention has been found to be a reliable indicator, not only of hypertension, but also of the cause of the hypertension. The determined peripheral resistance can be compared against a predetermined threshold value. This comparison helps to foster a diagnosis of a hypertensive condition.

Abstract: Instrumentation and procedures for noninvasively determining the sex of human and animal subjects in vivo have been developed based on the irradiation of skin tissue with near infrared light. The method of sex determination provides additional information about primary sources of systematic tissue variability, namely, the thickness of the dermis and the subcutaneous fat. Categorization of subjects on the basis of the determination is therefore suitable for further spectral analysis and the measurement of biological and chemical compounds, such as blood analytes.

Abstract: The invention provides a class of samples that model the human body. This family of samples is based upon emulsions of oil in water with lecithin acting as the emulsifier. These solutions that have varying particle sizes may be spiked with basis set components (albumin, urea and glucose) to simulate skin tissues further. The family of samples is such that other organic compounds such as collagen, elastin, globulin and bilirubin may be added, as can salts such as Na+, K+ and Cl−. Layers of varying thickness with known index of refraction and particle size distributions may be generated using simple crosslinking reagents, such as collagen (gelatin). The resulting samples are flexible in each analyte's concentration and match the skin layers of the body in terms of the samples reduced scattering and absorption coefficients, &mgr;ms and &mgr;ma. This family of samples is provided for use in the medical field where lasers and spectroscopy based analyzers are used in treatment of the body.

Abstract: A corded earplug and a method of making a corded earplug, including providing a flexible cord material. Providing a mold member having at least one mold opening of a shape to produce at least an earplug portion inserting a short portion of the flexible cord material into the interior of the mold opening. Providing plastic material to form the earplug portion, and injecting the plastic material into the mold opening to surround the short portion of the cord material and to integrally form the earplug portion with the short portion of the cord material bonded within the earplug portion.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for non-invasively quantifying the hydration of the stratum corneum of a living subject utilizes in vivo spectral measurements made by irradiating skin tissue with near infrared (NIR) light. The apparatus includes a spectroscopic instrument in conjunction with a subject interface. The resulting NIR absorption spectra are passed to an analyzer for further processing, which includes detecting and eliminating invalid spectral measurements, and preprocessing to increase the signal-to-noise ratio. Finally, a calibration model developed from an exemplary set of measurements is applied to predict the SC hydration for the sample. The method of SC hydration measurement provides additional information about primary sources of systematic tissue variability, namely, the water content of the epidermal layer of skin and the penetration depth of the incident light.

Abstract: A fiber optic probe placement guide minimizes sampling errors during optical sampling of a tissue measurement site by allowing repeatable placement of the fiber optic probe at a targeted tissue measurement site. A mount, contoured to conform to the shape of the tissue measurement site, typically the arm of a human subject, contains an aperture for receiving a fiber optic probe. A temperature probe on the contact surface of the guide allows for monitoring of surface temperature within the vicinity of the tissue measurement site. Crosshair slots in the mount align with corresponding crosshairs at the tissue measurement site. The fiber optic probe placement guide is affixed to the tissue measurement site by means of adhesive tape or fastenable straps. Guideposts on the external surface of the mount are received by corresponding receptacles on a subject interface bearing the fiber optic probe to facilitate alignment of the fiber optic probe with the aperture.

Abstract: The invention provides a design process that is used in the determination of the pattern of detector and illumination optical fibers at the sampling area of a subject. Information about the system, specifically a monochromator (e.g. to determine the optimal number of fibers at an output slit) and the bundle termination at a detector optics stack (e.g. to determine the optimal number of fibers at the bundle termination), is of critical importance to this design. It is those numbers that determine the ratio and number of illumination to detection fibers, significantly limiting and constraining the solution space. Additional information about the estimated signal and noise in the skin is necessary to maximize the signal-to-noise ratio in the wavelength range of interest. Constraining the fibers to a hexagonal perimeter and prescribing a hex-packed pattern, such that alternating columns contain illumination and detection fibers, yields optimal results.

Abstract: A filter material laid in folds in a plurality of folds, characterized in that the folds are provided with at least one bending portion having a bending resistance moment that is reduced in comparison with the remaining portions and a method and apparatus for producing same.

Abstract: An in vivo, non-invasive method of tissue classification using near-IR (NIR) spectral measurements. A classification model is based on NIR spectral absorbance measurements from an exemplary population. Spectral features representing variation between tissue types are identified. Analytic techniques enhance the features of interest and correct spectral interference to improve the predictive ability of the classification model. A classification routine defines classes based on variation between tissue types, such that variation within a class is small compared to variation between classes. A decision rule assigns individual samples from the exemplary population to classes. An in-vivo, non-invasive procedure applies the classification model to individual tissue samples. A preferred embodiment of the invention distinguishes transgenic mice from non-transgenic individuals based on variation in fat composition within muscle tissue.

Abstract: A method and an apparatus for producing a thermoplastic filter material laid in folds, with the folds fixed in close vicinity. The thermoplastic filter material which has been heated for forming the folds is accumulated within a cooling path such that the folds are pushed together and fixed by cooling with respect to their shape.

Abstract: An earmuff for hearing protection of the ear of a wearer, including an outer cup of rigid plastic material. An inner cup of foam material is supported by the outer cup, and a cushion is attached to the outer cup for lying around the ear of the wearer. The outer cup of rigid plastic material includes a filler of metal powder such as Carbonyl iron powder.

Abstract: A respirator mask, including a body member of a thin rigid plastic material and having an inner surface conforming to the face of a user. The body member includes as an inner surface and at least one opening to receive a filter cartridge. A first over-molded member is formed of a flexible, rubber-like material and is over-molded on the inner surface of the body member to form an over-molded inner surface to fit and seal upon the face of the user. A second over-molded member is formed of a flexible rubber-like material and is over-molded within the at least one opening for receiving a filter cartridge. The second over-molded member includes at least one flange member extending inwardly around the cartridge opening and is flexible from a first position to seal to a cartridge member and to a second position to allow the cartridge member to pass through the flange and then return to the first position to lock the cartridge member within the cartridge opening.

Abstract: An intelligent system for measuring blood analytes noninvasively operates on a near infrared absorbance spectrum of in vivo skin tissue. An hierarchical architecture employs a pattern classification engine to adapt the calibration to the structural properties and physiological state of the subject as manifested in the absorbance spectrum. A priori information about the primary sources of sample variability are used to establish general categories of subjects. By applying calibration schemes specific to the various categories, the spectral interference is reduced resulting in improved prediction accuracy and parsimonious calibrations. Two classification rules are disclosed. The first rule assumes the classes are mutually exclusive and applies specific calibration models to the various subject categories. The second rule uses fuzzy set theory to develop calibration models and blood analyte predictions.

Abstract: A method is disclosed for diagnosing, monitoring and treating cardiovascular pathologies. Among the hemodynamic parameters of interest are peripheral resistance, compliance, and cardiac (left ventricular) output. Peripheral resistance determined according to the present invention has been found to be a reliable indicator, not only of hypertension, but also of the cause of the hypertension. The determined peripheral resistance can be compared against a predetermined threshold value. This comparison helps to foster a diagnosis of a hypertensive condition.