Abstract: A device for evaluating protective sensation, comprising a probe and a folding card attached to the probe, such that a portion of the probe extends from the folding card when the folding card is in a first position. The device may be folded into a convenient size to carry in a health care practitioner's pocket, wallet, or purse, and the probe may be protected within the folding card when the folding card is folded in a certain position.

Abstract: A measuring and gauging device for ruling the depth of penetration of the needle of an invasive instrument into a patient's body is also used to fit over the needle and the needle tip to protect against needle damage, accidental sticking of the user's fingers and puncture of the package within which the invasive instrument is stored and shipped.

Abstract: A specimen collecting device is disclosed. The device has an elongated foam member that is circumscribed by a hollow tubular member along a portion of its longitudinal axis. The hollow tubular member has a cross sectional area less than the uncompressed cross sectional area of the foam member so that the foam member is compressed along the circumscribed portion. Around the hollow tubular member is slidably mounted a flexible sleeve member having a first end that fits snugly around the hollow tubular member and a second end with an enlarged diameter that can surround the uncompressed foam member.

Abstract: A method of soft tissue cephalometric analysis for diagnosis and a method for cephalometric planning treatment for aesthetic correction of facial imbalance in a patient. Normal size, distance, and angle ranges and harmony values of various facial landmarks of aesthetically pleasing faces from a population group are established. The patient will place his or her head in a natural head position. Markers will be placed on soft tissue landmarks and an image will be taken of the patient's head. A true vertical line will be established, and soft and hard tissue landmarks will be measured to the true vertical line. Dentoskeletal measurements will be taken of the face. Finally, in the method of cephalometric planning treatment necessary orthodontic and orthognathic action will be taken to bring measurements into normal range to improve facial balance and aesthetics.

Abstract: A blood viscosity measuring system and method that monitors the rising head of a column of fluid representing a living being's blood in-vivo to determine the blood viscosity over a range of shears. The system includes a capillary tube, at least a portion of which is located within the vascular system of the being, and a riser tube, having a liquid therein coupled to the capillary tube. A sensor and associated microprocessor are provided to determine the change in the height of the liquid in the riser tube at plural points along the length of the tube from which the viscosity is calculated. The system can be utilized to determine the deformability of the red blood cells of a living being's blood and/or the thixotropic properties of a living being's blood. Use of the system enables one to screen a material, e.g., a pharmaceutical, on a test subject, such as a living human being or laboratory animal, to determine the likely effect of the material in altering a parameter of the blood, e.g.

Abstract: A measuring device that effectively measures the distance that a subject's ear is located from the mid point of the subject's shoulder. The device consists of a shoulder mounted base that is placed on a subject's shoulder by an examiner. Extending vertically from the shoulder mounted base is a vertical tower consisting of two parallel vertical members. An extension bar holder is slidably positioned overlying the vertical tower such that the vertical distance of the ear from the shoulder can be adjustably spanned by the extension bar holder and then locked into place. An extension bar is slidably mounted in the extension bar holder so that the extension bar can span the lateral to medial distance that the lateral shoulder is located from the ear. A measuring bar is mounted in the extension bar that includes a distance scale and an ear position cone so that the anterior distance a subject's ear is located from a subject's shoulder can be quickly and accurately measured.

Abstract: A blood-pressure monitoring apparatus including a measuring device which includes an inflatable cuff adapted to apply a pressing pressure to a first body portion of a living subject and which measures a blood-pressure value of the living subject by changing the pressing pressure of the inflatable cuff, a blood-pressure-relating-information obtaining device which iteratively obtains a piece of blood-pressure-relating information which changes in relation to a change of the blood pressure of the living subject, a starting device for starting, when the obtained blood-pressure-relating information satisfies a predetermined condition with respect to at least one reference value, a blood-pressure measurement of the measuring device, and a display device which displays a first graphical representation of the obtained blood-pressure-relating information, and a second graphical representation of the reference value, so that the first graphical representation can be compared with the second graphical representation by

Abstract: A temporarily implantable brachyherapy assembly is adapted to locally deliver acute doses of radiation to tissue at or adjacent to a body lumen wall. The assembly includes a radiation source which is stored in a housing in radioactive isolation. A first delivery member is adapted to removably engage the radiation source and remove it from storage for delivery to an injured or stenosed region of a vessel. The second delivery member is also a shielding device with a shielded region of substantially radiopaque material, and also with an unshielded region made of substantially radiolucent material and which is distal to the shielded region. A third delivery member or centering device has a lumen through which the second delivery member may be delivered to the treatment site. When not in use or between uses, the radiation source is housed within a storage assembly that includes a radiation shield two opposite windows which are adjustable between open and closed positions.

Abstract: The invention provides a method and system by which research data can be collected and analyzed during the course of the research testing, and the research testing itself possibly modified to account for conclusions drawn from the research data. In a first aspect of the invention, a research subject can respond to a protocol stored on a server by manipulating input keys on a remotely located client device onto which a research protocol has been installed. The protocol can include questions concerning the subject's physical or mental well being such as whether their symptoms are relieved or not, or even exacerbated. The protocol can also include calling for data obtained by coupling the client device with another medical device such as a glucose monitor. In a preferred embodiment, the subject is presented with narrowly structured questions and suggested answers provided by the protocol. The set of possible answers is restricted.

Abstract: A urine sugar detecting device including (a) a urine sugar sensor including a contact electrode and a cover film covering the contact electrode therewith, (b) a cartridge encasing the urine sugar sensor in fluid tight except the contact electrode, and (c) at least one contact pin having a straightly extending proximal portion and an obliquely, downwardly inclining distal portion, the contact pin being kept deformed in the cartridge so as to have a force with which the contact pin pierces the cover film to thereby have electrical connection with the contact electrode.

Abstract: A method for determining the statistical probability that an auditory brainstem response (ABR) to an acoustic stimulus is present in a human test subject. The method employs an algorithm that provides a continuously evolving estimate of the probability of ABR presence as acquired data accumulates. The algorithm employs a radical modification of a conventional FSP approach.

Abstract: This invention relates to a method and devices for detection, localization and characterization of occlusions, aneurysms, dissections stent position, dissections stent mal-position, wall characteristics and vascular bed. The invention is based on introducing an artificial pressure or flow excitation signal (a single signal or more) into the blood vessel (or in other tubular flowing fluid conduits), measurement and analysis of the pressure and or flow. The invention discloses a method and devices for detection and characterization of partial or total occlusion or aneurysm in blood vessels or in other tubular flowing fluid conduits within a body, such as urine flow in the urethra.

Abstract: A computerized method and system for measuring and determining severity of illness of a neonatal ICU patient uses a computer and a software program to process measured parameter values from preselected physical conditions. Measurement ranges for each measured physical condition are divided into contiguous zones; the contiguous zones are given predetermined weighting factors using the software program. The software program, using user inputs, optimally selects a single value of each measured physical condition from several measurements. The single selected value of each parameter is then modified using the software program. In one embodiment, for achieving the modification, the software program provides a predetermined weighting factor depending on the parameter value selection. For each selected measured value, an applicable zone and its predetermined weighting factor is determined to generate a modified partial score representing each measured physical condition.

Abstract: A blood viscosity measuring system and method that monitors the rising head of a column of fluid representing a living being's blood in-vivo to determine the blood viscosity over a range of shears. The system includes a capillary tube, at least a portion of which is located within the vascular system of the being, and a riser tube, having a liquid therein coupled to the capillary tube. A sensor and associated microprocessor are provided to determine the change in the height of the liquid in the riser tube at plural points along the length of the tube from which the viscosity is calculated. The system can be utilized to determine the deformability of the red blood cells of a living being's blood and/or the thixotropic properties of a living being's blood. Use of the system enables one to screen a material, e.g., a pharmaceutical, on a test subject, such as a living human being or laboratory animal, to determine the likely effect of the material in altering a parameter of the blood, e.g.

Abstract: Inside an endoscope air sending device (15), an air compressor (13), an air tank (34), an air filter (35), a pressure control valve (38), a pressure sensor (14), and a discharge valve (12) are provided so that those elements form a closed space therein. An air sending fan (47) is provided on the wall of a housing (10), and a circuit board (K) is provided above the air sending fan (47) and those elements forming the closed space. A discharge outlet (60) is provided on the housing (10) in such a manner that the discharge outlet (60) is located above the circuit board (K).

Abstract: A driver apparatus is provided for use with a biopsy instrument, the driver apparatus including a housing and an insertion mechanism including a carriage movably associated with the housing and adapted to support the biopsy instrument to affect longitudinal movement of at least a portion of the biopsy instrument. A linear motion control mechanism is also included that is adapted to move a tissue cutting element of the biopsy instrument from a first position to a second position relative to a tissue receiving portion of the biopsy instrument. Further, a tissue retract mechanism is included which facilitates removal of a tissue specimen from the biopsy instrument without removing the entire biopsy instrument from a surgical site.

Abstract: A hearing assistance system senses sound vibrations of an auditory element in the middle ear and provides a stimulus to an auditory sensory element. The vibrations are received through the tympanic membrane, and sensed at the tympanic membrane, malleus, incus, or other auditory element. An electromagnetic sensor includes receiving and reference elements, e.g. a permanent magnet and a coil, having a time-varying magnetic flux linkage due to the vibrations. The magnet and coil are pivotably coupled to an auditory element and a carrier, or vice-versa, for self-alignment. A resulting electrical signal on the coil is processed, then provided to an output stimulator for mechanical or electrical stimulation of the cochlea.

Abstract: An apparatus and method of monitoring/measuring intraocular pressure in an eye includes a miniature pressure sensor having an attachment for connecting the miniature pressure sensor to the iris of the eye or an intraocular lens. The miniature pressure sensor is preferably a Polysilicon Resonant Transducer (PRT).

Abstract: An orofacial measurement probe for measuring muscle forces within the oral cavity. The probe includes a bite member sized for insertion into the oral cavity and a pressure-sensitive transducer disposed in transducer housing. The bite member is formed with a rigid upper portion, a rigid lower portion and an elastomeric member holding the upper and power portions in spaced-apart relationship to one another. The upper and lower portions are formed and arranged so that together with the elastomeric member they define a hydraulic cavity, which carries a hydraulic fluid. At least one of the upper and lower portions is formed to provide a bite surface sized for engagement by one or more of the patient's teeth. The transducer housing is separate from the bite member and arranged to be external to the oral cavity when the bite member is inserted into the oral cavity.

Abstract: A system and related method for remotely monitoring the health of a patient are provided to inform the patient as to his/her state of health. Data on a patient physiological parameter is analyzed at a patient site using Shewhart's rules of detection. The patient is notified when the conditions for one of Shewhart's rules are met, which may indicate a significant change in the patient's health status. Preferably, the notice to the patient is tailored by the patient's health care provider, and may instruct the patient to contact the health care provider or take some other preventative action. Preferably, information is transferred from the patient site to a health care provider site.