Abstract: A method and apparatus for improving the calculation of oxygen saturation by non-invasive pulse oximeters during transient conditions. Transient conditions introduce artifactual errors into the detected optical signal because of changes in transmittance of the light with localized blood volume changes and as the average background oxygen saturation level of the patient's blood changes. The invention relates to correcting the detected optical pulses by linear interpolation and rate of change techniques or by selective frequency filtering and compensating the detected optical signal using the filtered signal to provide accurate estimates of oxygen saturation during transient conditions.

Abstract: A process for diagnosing abnormal spinal conditions. The process utilizes the step of placing the patient in a draft-free room and uniformly spraying the patient with an evaporative liquid. After a waiting period, the surface skin temperature is measured and areas of above or below normal skin temperature are mapped.

Abstract: Methods and Devices are provided for evaluating among the trunk and limbs of the body the distribution of impairments of two types of abilities necessary for posture and equilibrium control: (1) ability to receive and correctly interpret somatosensory orientation and movement information derived from those body and limb parts in contact with supporting surfaces and (2) ability to coordinate the muscular contractions in those body and limb parts in contact with a supporting surface to execute functionally effective postural movements. In accordance with some embodiments, individuals may be classified in accordance with their performance of a Sense Test Procedure and a Motor Test Procedure, which may be implemented using an appropriate displacable support surface arrangement.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for detecting patient inspiration is provided. It includes means for providing a baseline level for the patient's respiration signal and for establishing a trigger level representative of inspiration. When the respiration signal crosses the trigger level for selected crossovers inspiration trigger signals are generated. Most importantly means are provided for automatically detecting shifts in the baseline level and for re-establishing the trigger level for the shifted waveform. In the preferred embodiment the apparatus is capable of detecting a baseline shift in about one cycle of the respiration waveform.The apparatus and method further provides for an inspiration detector with adjustable detection characteristics to accommodate both adult and neonate patients.

Abstract: A three-plane goniometer or angle measuring apparatus includes three small potentiometers which are closely spaced together to measure rotation of the knee about three different axes. The unit is primarily mounted on a cuff on the outside of the thigh. The mounting assembly for the three plane goniometer includes a curved yoke where the ends of the yoke curve from the front to the rear, with the goniometer unit being held between the ends of the rearwardly extending arms of the yoke, so that accurate measurement may be maintained in all three planes even while the knee is bent to its extreme flexed position. Extending downwardly from the goniometer is a square rod which slidably engages a square hole in a nylon ball mounted in a two-axis gimbal, which is secured to a cuff strapped to the calf of the leg.

Abstract: An apparatus for testing pulmonary functions uses a hollow tube having a venturi therein and an aspirator orifice in the hollow tube adjacent the venturi. A pressure signal analogous to the flow of air through the hollow tube is generated in the aspirator orifice. Various means are provided to respond to the pressure at the aspirator orifice and a timed cut off of the aspirator orifice is provided for measuring the flow for a predetermined time period, such as one second, thereby indicating the forced expiratory volume for one second (FEV.sub.1) without having to blow into expansible chambers, such as bellows or bags to determine the volume of air passing through the tube. The apparatus is adapted to measure the total volume of air passing through the tube, or the total volume during a predetermined time period.

Abstract: An apparatus for detecting and measuring changes in the shape of a wall of a body includes a detector capsule adapted for attachment to the wall and pneumatically connected to a volume transducer responsive to changes in the internal volume of the apparatus produced by changes in the shape of the wall. The internal volume of the capsule is partially defined by a flexible diaphragm for engagement and complementary movement with the wall. The capsule contains a resiliently deformable material which presses the diaphragm into contact with the wall regardless of the convex or concave shape of the wall.