Abstract: A particle collector comprises a housing defining an enclosed chamber. An inlet opening in the housing provides fluid communication between a source of gas and particles and the chamber and an outlet opening provides fluid communication between the chamber and the exterior of the housing. The outlet opening is connected to a pump for drawing gas and particles through the housing from the inlet opening to the outlet opening. A collecting member having an adhesive on at least a portion of the surface is disposed in the chamber between the inlet opening and the outlet opening. The adhesive surface of the collecting member is positioned adjacent to the inlet opening. When gas and particles are drawn through the housing, the inlet opening directs a stream of gas and particles at the surface of the collecting member. Particles having an aerodynamic equivalent diameter of less than about 2.5 &mgr;m are captured.

Abstract: An apparatus for providing medical treatments is disclosed. In one aspect, an apparatus according the present invention comprises a mattress, a mattress support, cast shoes, a footboard support, a drive for causing the reciprocating movement, and a box frame to contain and support the reciprocating movement platform. In another aspect, an apparatus according to the present invention comprises a sling device connected to a drive causing the reciprocating movement, and a box frame to contain and support the reciprocating movement platform.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a system for continuous physical integrity monitoring of large civil structures such as bridges and high-rise buildings . . . wherein the relevant sensor data stream is generated continuously and transmitted to the data gathering location without the need for an incoming triggering signal of any kind; i.e., it is a one way transmission system. Specifically, it is a concept for an interlinked multi-parameter Early Warning Sensor system with a full time data management capability for structures. The invention is also directed to both the system construction, with its communication capability, and also designs of specific sensors applicable to the system as a whole. As a practical example of application of the present invention to a structure, the description in this application is directed primarily towards system applications for bridge integrity early warning systems.

Abstract: An optical encoder for detecting movement of a first structural element relative to a second structural element. The encoder includes a transmitter portion connected to the first structural element and having first and second optical fibers arranged side by side. Each of the first and second optical fibers has an end surface which lies in a first plane. The encoder also includes a reflector portion connected to the second structural clement. The reflector portion has a plurality of spaced reflective surfaces which face the end surfaces and lie in a second plane spaced from and parallel to the first plane so that pulses of light from an interrogation source can be transmitted along one of the first and second optical fibers toward the reflective surfaces and pulses of light reflected from the reflective surfaces can be transmitted along the other of the first and second optical fibers toward the interrogation source.

Abstract: Methods of medical treatment and diagnosis using mediators released by endothelial cells stimulated by external addition of pulses to the circulation are disclosed. The external pulses produce circumferential shear stress in body fluid channels that subsequently stimulates the endothelial cells to produce mediators that become available for therapeutic and diagnostic purposes. The preferred means of adding external pulses is the mechanical inducement of periodic acceleration of the body or parts of the body by a reciprocating motion platform.

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

Abstract: The present invention provides a method and apparatus for diagnosing of the medical condition of a fully ambulatory subject who exhibits temporal variations in various physiological parameters as a result of the subject's medical condition. The method comprises the steps of (1) locating a separate, self-contained, recording unit on a plurality of selected measurement sites of the subject, (2) using these units to collect sensor output data, (3) sampling this sensor output data at prescribed time intervals, (4) time stamping and storing this sampled data in recording, (5) transferring this data via a smart input/output interface device to an external computer, and (6) using the external computer with appropriate application software to analyze and diagnose the medical condition of the subject. A system of recording units is disclosed for an embodiment of the present invention directed at diagnosing subjects exhibiting sleep disorders.

Abstract: A remote monitoring system offers both random tracking and scheduled contacts while the monitored person is away from home, and continuous signalling at home, permitting the monitored person to be monitored even while asleep, by providing a remote monitoring system which includes a home monitoring unit for receiving RF transmissions from a wrist device, but which can be self-installed by the wearer of the device. The home monitoring unit transmits periodic status reports concerning the presence of an individual at the location of the monitoring unit, but the direct telephone connection may be replaced by an Internet connection for all but urgent communications.

Abstract: A method and apparatus which uses ultrasonic techniques to inspect critical pipe joints and other critical industrial areas that are normally inaccessible. A waveguide including one or more flexible fibers is embedded in concrete or whatever else embeds the piping which includes the critical area. One end of the waveguide is accessible so that an ultrasonic transducer can be used to transmit ultrasonic signals along the waveguide and receive reflected echoes to provide an ultrasonic image of the critical area. In a case where the area to be inspected is submerged, the waveguide takes the form of a flexible fiber bundle which is manipulated until its end is adjacent to the critical area. Some of the fibers in the bundle can be used to illuminate the critical area, and other fibers can transmit optical images for display on a video monitor. In an alternative embodiment, a single optical fiber waveguide is used to transmit illumination, optical signals and ultrasonic signals.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a system for continuous physical integrity monitoring of large civil structures such as bridges and high-rise buildings . . . wherein the relevant sensor data stream is generated continuously and transmitted to the data gathering location without the need for an incoming triggering signal of any kind; i.e., it is a one way transmission system. Specifically, it is a concept for an interlinked multi-parameter Early Warning Sensor system with a fill time data management capability for structures. The invention is also directed to both the system construction, with its communication capability, and also designs of specific sensors applicable to the system as a whole. As a practical example of application of the present invention to a structure, the description in this application is directed primarily towards system applications for bridge integrity early warning systems.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method and a device for evaluating a fully ambulatory subject for sleep apnea.

Abstract: A remote monitoring system offers both random tracking and scheduled contacts while the monitored person is away from home, and continuous signalling at home, permitting the monitored person to be monitored even while asleep, by providing a remote monitoring system which includes a home monitoring unit for receiving RF transmissions from a wrist device, but which can be self-installed by the wearer of the device. The home monitoring unit transmits periodic status reports concerning the presence of an individual at the location of the monitoring unit, but the direct telephone connection may be replaced by an Internet connection for all but urgent communications.

Abstract: The present invention provides apparatus and methods for monitoring and recording the position and extent of motion of the body of a human or a lower animal. In a preferred embodiment of the invention, it comprises: (1) a three-dimensional-position monitoring, mercury sensor, (2) a programmable control unit that receives as input the output from the sensor and has the capability to sufficiently interpret said input so as to determine the position and related movements with respect to gravity of the measurement site at which said sensor is located on its user's body, (3) a storage device, operable by said control unit, that stores time-stamped, data regarding the user's body position and related movements, and (4) an interface device that has the capability of transferring the stored data to an external computer.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a system for continuous physical integrity monitoring of large civil structures such as bridges and high-rise buildings . . . wherein the relevant sensor data stream is generated continuously and transmitted to the data gathering location without the need for an incoming triggering signal of any kind; i.e., it is a one way transmission system. Specifically, it is a concept for an interlinked multi-parameter Early Warning Sensor system with a full time data management capability for structures. The invention is also directed to both the system construction, with its communication capability, and also designs of specific sensors applicable to the system as a whole. As a practical example of application of the present invention to a structure, the description in this application is directed primarily towards system applications for bridge integrity early warning systems.

Abstract: A mechanical sensor for use with bolts, nuts, eye bolts and other fasteners is provided to sense fastener tension and to mechanically indicate that tension and changes therein by mechanically measuring deformation of the substrate being clamped by the fastener relative to the distortion or lack thereof in the substrate immediately adjacent the deformed substrate. The differential substrate deformation produces measurable and often clearly visible movement of a portion of the sensor. Such movement may be interrogated through utilization of visual, optical, electro-optical means as desired.

Abstract: A wide area surveillance system for application to large road networks is described. The system employs smart sensors to identify plural individual vehicles in the network. These vehicles are tracked on an individual basis, and the system derives the behavior of the vehicle. Furthermore, the system derives traffic behavior on a local basis, across roadway links, and in sections of the network. Processing in the system is divided into multiple processing layers, with geographical separation of tasks.

Abstract: A multi-purpose on-line or field-portable system and method for monitoring the presence and concentration of selected antigen-antibody reactions singly or in combination that result from the presence of specific microorganisms or free antigens present or suspended in aqueous solutions, during a given time period. The detection system comprises a detection column and two sensors mounted around the detection column. Each sensor consists of an electromagnetic radiation source and an appropriate detector for the electromagnetic radiation. The reacted analyte tends to accumulate at the sensor located at the bottom detection column. The lower sensor continually nulls against the upper sensor to subtract any optical effects due to non-reactants in the aqueous process or environmental stream. The response from the detector sensors drive an electric circuit, which provides an output signal. In the on-line automatic version, the signal can drive elements of a process system by switching automated valves.

Abstract: A time-temperature monitor is provided that is adapted for indicating the amount of accumulated time during which the ambient temperature adjacent to the monitor is above a predetermined temperature. The time-temperature monitor comprises a viscous, non-Newtonian fluid biased within a flow path defining element, with the rate of flow therethrough being regulated by a constricting orifice disposed in a nozzle that is positioned in fluid communication with the flow path defining element.

Abstract: A vascular graft is held in a collapsed state on a pair of stents which take the form of flexible sheets wound around a spool. A sheath is fitted closely around the graft to hold it in its collapsed state and to retain the stents in rolls tightly wound on the spool. After the spool has been inserted into a damaged vessel and advanced to the area of vascular damage, the sheath is withdrawn. The stents then unwind and expand to press the ends of the graft against healthy parts of the vessel on opposite sides of the damaged area. An alternative embodiment of the invention includes a Y-shaped graft for application to a branched part of a vessel. In place of a sheath, control cords with slip knots are used to retain the stents in their contracted conditions while the graft is being positioned in the vessel.

Abstract: An improved, low-cost stretchable band incorporating a conductor for disposition around the human torso or other three-dimensional object, and particularly intended for use with respiration monitoring apparatus, is disclosed. Also presented is an improved enclosure housing circuitry releasable connected to the conductor in the band when the band is incorporated in respiration monitoring apparatus.