Abstract: An intelligenet stethoscope for performing auscultation and for automatically diagnosing abnormalities based on body sounds is described in which the body sounds are received, digitized and stored in memory. The body sounds are recorded from a plurality of locations on the body, and all of the sounds are categorized according to specific characteristics to form a matrix of information. The generated matrix is then compared against a plurality of stored matrices using a technique similar to signature analysis. Each of the stored matrices contain information indicative of known abnormalities such as specific heart murmurs, lung abnormalities, etc. When a matrix match is found, the diagnosis is displayed on an LCD display formed in the body of the stethoscope. The LCD display is also capable of displaying a visual representation of the recorded body sounds. The resent invention is applicable to heart sounds, lung sounds, and bruits.

Abstract: Breathing apparatus for aircraft passengers and others comprising:(a) means (1) for supplying respiratory gases to a user, said supply means being detachably connectable to a first respiratory gas source (3), and thereby constituting a first oxygen supply system, said supply means including valve means (2), which valve means, when said supply means (1) is detached from the first respiratory gas source (3), automatically closes and prevents admission of noxious or hot gases into said supply means (1),(b) means for supplying (5) or enabling supply (50) of a second respiratory gas source to said supply means (1), and constituting a second oxygen supply system, in which an absorption means (4) for absorbing carbon dioxide is included; and either(c) means (6A) for automatically switching from said first oxygen supply system to said second oxygen supply system when said supply means (1) is detached from said first respiratory gas source (3); or(c') means (6) for manually or automatically causing said second oxygen

Abstract: An apparatus for monitoring intraocular pressure including an implantable intraocular lens and at least one sensor apparatus responsive to intraocular pressure being affixed to the lens.

Abstract: An isolation valve for use in administering mouth-to-mouth emergency artificial respiration includes a housing having a fixed inlet pipe and a rotatable outlet pipe, a bacteria filter permanently secured in the housing member around the periphery of the filter whereby all of the gas passing through the device must pass through the filter, and a one-way valve seated in the housing and cooperating with valve seats for opening and closing exhaust ports.

Abstract: The invention relates to an identification method for the cuff of a non-invasive automatic sphygmomanometer and to a flow restriction means for moderating the rate of pressure increase or decrease or both. Such a flow restriction means, which is fitted e.g. in a separate adapter (4), is useful particularly in connection with small-sized cuffs (6) intended for newborn babies. On the other hand, when using larger, such as adult cuffs, it is preferably to omit a flow restriction means completely. Identification is based on the fact that, when using a flow restriction means, either the increase of pressure downstream of a flow restriction means or the decrease of pressure upstream of a flow restriction means occurs slowly after the pumping is finished. If there is no flow restriction means at all, there will be no pressure change after the pumping is finished. Through the intermediary of a pressure sensing element (9), a control element (10) detects the size of a cuff.

Abstract: An exhaust valve and method for use in medical ventilation and anesthesiology therapy wherein the valve combines gas delivery and controlled exhalation or exhaust functions; also certain medical gas administering systems incorporating the novel valve and method.

Abstract: A non-contact type tonometer is disclosed. It has an arrangement for transfiguring a cornea to be tested by discharging a fluid to it. This first arrangement comprises a rotary solenoid, a cylinder, and a rotary solenoid driving circuit. It also has a second arrangement for detecting the physical quantity showing the transfiguration of the cornea. The second arrangement comprises a radiating optical system and a detecting optical system. It also has a circuit serving as a third arrangement for detecting the flow pressure of the fluid which has a correlation with an intraocular pressure. It has a fourth arrangement for establishing a correlation function curve between the physical quantity and the flow pressure of the fluid based on the information from the second and third arrangements, deducing a flow pressure value corresponding to the preset value of the physical quantity from the correlation function curve, and converting such deduced flow pressure value of the fluid to an intraocular pressure value.

Abstract: For an endoscopic resection or examination of a body cavity or joint where a physiological liquid is pumped at one location to a joint from a feed conduit connected to a feed pump and withdrawn at another location from the joint through a suction conduit connected to a suction pump, this suction pump is operated at a rate corresponding to a generally constant low rate of flow in the suction conduit and the feed pump is operated in accordance with the pressure detected in the joint to maintain the pressure above a predetermined desired level. Furthermore when a tool carrying one end of an auxiliary suction conduit is inserted into the joint so that periodically this conduit can be connected to the pump so that liquid can be withdrawn from the joint through this auxiliary conduit, the method comprises the step of automatically increasing the suction-pump rate when the auxiliary conduit is connected to the suction pump to a predetermined relatively high rate.

Abstract: An ophthalmic examining apparatus which is provided with at least non-contact type eye pressure measuring means and eye fundus observation means for observing the fundus of an eye to be examined and which is capable of examining glaucoma from eye pressure information and eye fundus image information.

Abstract: An apparatus which includes a bladder element (10) which is at least partially filled with fluid, a belt-like element (12) which holds the bladder against the patient's abdomen with some pressure, and a pressure monitoring device (18) which is connected to the bladder (10) to detect changes in the pressure of the fluid in the bladder (10) as the abdomen hardens due to uterine contractions.

Abstract: A system for positioning a tonometric sensor array over an artery on a patient's wrist such that minimal hold down pressure is required to flatten said artery. The preferred embodiment of the invention comprises a sensor case which can be attached to a patient's wrist in a manner similar to a conventional wristwatch. A transducer piston is received in the case and is movable therein. A protrusion in the lower face of the transducer piston defines a sensor mounting platform. A sensor comprising an array of pressure sensing elements is attached to the mounting platform such that the operative face of the sensor is offset from the lower surface of the piston by a predetermined distance. The sensor platform has a shape which allows part of it to fit between the radius bone and the flexor tendon in the patient's wrist. The required hold down pressure is provided by a pressurizable bellows.

Abstract: A method and an apparatus for automatic oscillometric blood pressure measuring determines a sequence of peak amplitudes. Two points p.sub.e1, p.sub.e2 are evaluated on an envelope (10) of said peak sequence, said points p.sub.e1, p.sub.e2 are the base for determining blood pressure values such as mean, diastolic and systolic pressures.

Abstract: Novel system for providing lubricity to the surface of a nasogastric intubation device, which system comprises a substantially homogeneous mixture consisting essentially of: (1) an effective amount of an unsaturated higher fatty acid having at least 16 carbon atoms; and (2) a polymer compatible therewith.The mixture may be coated on the surface of the portion of the length of the tube assembly to be lubricated or, alternatively, the acid may be contained in the polymer mix employed in the manufacture of the tube assembly.When the acid-containing surface is contacted with an aqueous alkaline solution prior to intubation, the acid is converted to the corresponding lubricious soap.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for arterial and venous blood sampling. The apparatus includes an efficient means of purging the fluid line and a fluid sampling device chamber of residue heparin solution to obtain and return a sufficiently undiluted blood sample without excessive blood waste and risk of entry of air, line contamination/nosocomial infection or misdiagnosis. The apparatus is also specially designed to protect the clinician from either self-contamination from patient fluids, accidental injection of medication or accidental injury from needle puncture.

Abstract: A bio-photosensor used to examine the function of various organs of a human body or the like. It has a flexible printed circuit board (FPC) formed with an electric circuit, a light emitter and a light receptor mounted on the FPC and connected to an electric cable through the electric circuit, and a fixing tape adapted to be put on the FPC applied to a finger or the like to fix it in position. In order to support the emitter and the receptor, a strip of flexible film is used. It can be fitted on the finger comfortably. Pairs of sensors are provided around the light receptor to check if the receptor is put in an exactly opposite position to the emitter when the bio-photosensor is put on the finger. The FPC is provided with a mark at such a position that the emitter and the receptor will be opposed to each other when the bio-photosensor is applied to the finger with the mark in contact with the finger tip.

Abstract: A transducer has a thick perimeter and an integral diaphragm extending across said perimeter, all formed of a thermoplastic resin. A thick mass is molded at the center of the diaphragm. Resistive elements formed of a conductive polymer are printed and baked on the diaphragm to form a Wheatstone bridge. The transducer is used as an accelerometer or load cell.

Abstract: A fingertip pulse wave sensor includes a fingertip cushion supporting member having a fingertip cushion supporting surface, and a nail supporting member having a nail supporting surface which is disposed in opposed relationship with the fingertip cushion supporting surface at an interval smaller than the standard thickness of fingertips. Either of the fingertip cushion supporting member of the nail supporting member is fixed, and the other of the fingertip cushion supporting member and the nail supporting member is hinged. The hinged fingertip cushion supporting member or nail supporting member is urged in the direction in which they are moved to each other by an elastic body which is capable of applying a substantially fixed amount of pressure with respect to the variations in the pivot stroke caused by the variations in the thickness of the fingertips resting on the fingertip cushion supporting member.

Abstract: A pneumatic connector for an automated non-invasive blood pressure monitor having a connector body (1) containing two oppositely arranged hollow cavities (8) for insertion of a differential pressure sensor in each cavity. The hollow cavities are connected by a bore (10) which is in connection with the main airway (6,7) in the connector body (1). Additionally, both differential pressure sensors have differential pressure sensors which are connected to the ambient air via a secondary airway.

Abstract: A pressurization system for a continuous blood pressure monitor transducer. The system comprises dual chamber compression apparatus and a switching mechanism, both of which are engaged with a servo motor drive mechanism. The drive mechanism simultaneously controls the compression apparatus and the switching mechanism, thereby coordinating flow of air from the compression chambers to the pressurizable chamber within the transducer. A detachable connector permits simultaneous interruption of air flow and the control signals to the drive mechanism.

Abstract: A disposable transducer manifold assembly is provided which includes a tubular manifold formed within a frame and having an inlet and provided with at least one sensing port. The sensing port is enclosed by a chamber defined by a housing integrally formed within said frame. A pressure sensing transducer in the form of a microchip sensor is located within said housing such that a sensing surface is adapted for direct exposure to fluid in said tubular manifold through said sensing port. Electrical cable connection means are provided which extend outwardly from the housing for electrically connecting the pressure sensing transducer to a monitor.