Abstract: A physical information monitor system, including: (a) physical information obtaining component for successively obtaining physical information of a living subject; (b) physical information memory component for storing the physical information which is previously obtained in a comparatively normal condition of the living subject; (c) abnormality determining component for determining that the physical information obtained by the physical information obtaining component is abnormal if the physical information is outside a predetermined reference range; (d) a display device for indicating the physical information obtained by the physical information obtaining component; and (e) indication control component for controlling the display device to indicate, in a same indication area of the display device, the physical information which has been determined to be abnormal by the abnormality determining component and the physical information previously obtained in the comparatively normal condition of the subject and st

Abstract: A method for predicting a property of biological matter, such as biological fluid, containing water, in a dynamic condition where the biological fluid may be approximated to contain two compartments where one compartment has a proportionally larger or smaller amount of water than the other compartment having the property of interest. The method involves establishing a training set in the near-infrared (NIR) region with independent quantification of the property of the fluid using known techniques. The training set is mathematically analyzed according to a correlation developed by regression analysis after employment of a pre-processing technique such as a multiple derivative transformation of spectra or a ratioing of two wavelengths in the spectra. The result is a mathematical transformation equation which quantitatively relates spectral intensities at specific wavelengths to the property of interest.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for the measurement of oxygen, pH and CO.sub.2 in human and animal tissue is provided, in which the compounds preferably include a chromophore and/or fluorphor capable of absorbing an amount of energy and subsequently releasing the energy as phosphorescent and/or fluorescent light, and wherein the phosphorescence is quenched by molecular oxygen according to the Stern-Volmer relationship, CO.sub.2 is measured by fluorphor which alters fluorescence with pH.

Abstract: An apparatus for treating dermatological conditions with radiation includes a Peltier device for cooling the treatment area of the patient's skin. The Peltier cooling device has a cold surface in thermal communication with the treatment area and a hot surface, with an aperture extending between the cold and hot surfaces through which radiation is directed to the treatment area. In one embodiment, a lens disposed within the aperture of the cooling device distributes the cooling effect to provide substantially uniform cooling across the treatment area. A temperature sensor senses the temperature of the treatment area and is used to control the Peltier cooling device and/or the radiation source to ensure that the treatment area does not exceed a predetermined temperature. Various radiation sources are suitable for use with the Peltier cooled apparatus, including lasers and gas-discharge lamps, such as arc lamps and flash lamps.

Abstract: A cigarette smoke filter element is provided which permits a higher level of flavor to reach the smoker during initial smoking of the cigarette and consequently an enhanced flavor-to-tar ratio, by employing an elongate filter of microfine fibers which is provided with openings therethrough at the upstream end.

Abstract: A real-time biological data processing PC card is very lightweight, cost effective, and portable. The real-time biological data processing PC card is capable of converting a host personal computer system into a powerful diagnostic instrument. Each real-time biological data processing PC card is adapted to input and process biological data from one or more biological data sensors, and is interchangeable with other real-time biological data processing PC cards. A practitioner having three different real-time biological data processing PC cards, for example, each one corresponding to a different biological data collection device, effectively carries three full-sized, powerful diagnostic instruments. The full resources of a host personal computer can be utilized and converted into a powerful diagnostic instrument, for each biological data collection device, by the insertion of one of the real-time biological data processing PC cards.

Abstract: A method and device are provided for performing intraluminal tissue welding for anastomosis of a hollow organ. A retractable catheter assembly is delivered through the hollow organ and consists of a catheter connected to an optical fiber, an inflatable balloon, and a biocompatible patch mounted on the balloon. The disconnected ends of the hollow organ are brought together on the catheter assembly, and upon inflation of the balloon, the free ends are held together on the balloon to form a continuous channel while the patch is deployed against the inner wall of the hollow organ. The ends are joined or "welded" using laser radiation transmitted through the optical fiber to the patch. A thin layer of a light-absorbing dye on the patch can provide a target for welding. The patch may also contain a bonding agent to strengthen the bond. The laser radiation delivered has a pulse profile to minimize tissue damage.

Abstract: A prenatal audio communication device has a receiving chamber which accepts sound waves for transmission through a flexible tube to a megaphone secured against the abdomen of a pregnant woman so as to transfer sound waves from an external source with which the chamber is juxtaposed to a position proximate the ears of the baby in the womb. Means is connected to the megaphone for encircling the pregnant woman and securing the megaphone outlet port against her abdomen. Preferably, the inlet port has a perimeter contoured to be snugly juxtaposed about the mouth of a typical adult. A curved lip extends along the inlet port perimeter to form a continuous seal between the chamber and the face of the user, to increase the comfort level of the user when the chamber is pressed against the face and to make a single chamber more universally usable with a variety of sound wave source shapes and sizes.

Abstract: A deflectable tip catheter includes an elongated catheter body, a tip section carrying electrodes at the distal end of the catheter body and a control handle at the proximal end of the catheter body. The catheter body has a central lumen and the tip section has a pair of off axis lumens in communication with the central lumen of the catheter body. A compression coil is disposed in the central lumen of the catheter body and is fixedly attached at its proximal and distal ends to the proximal and distal ends of the catheter body by means of glue joints. A tunnel, formed by a short piece of tubing, is provided through each glue joint. A puller wire extends from the control handle, through the compression coil and into one off axis lumen of the tip section and is attached at is distal end to the wall of the tip section.

Abstract: A method for monitoring a volume of milk during breast feeding utilizes an elastic nipple shaped cover applied over a nipple area of a woman's breast with holes in the cover positioned above the nipple area for passage of milk to the baby's mouth. A micro measurement volume sensor is located in a space between the nipple and the elastic cover holes to measure the volume of milk flowing therethrough. Data from the micro measurement volume sensor is converted into a calibrated volumetric equivalent corresponding to milk volume data indicative of the milk volume. This milk volume data may be displayed in real time on a display monitor.

Abstract: A mirrorless scanner including a source of laser light producing a laser beam, a lens operative to receive the laser beam from the source of laser light and to direct it onto a target, and a vibrator coupled to the lens for vibrating the lens in at least two dimensions for causing the laser beam to scan across the target.

Abstract: A breath gas analysis module for supplying a sample gas to a gas detector includes a manifold having a body defining a chamber therein. The chamber includes a main passage extending through the manifold body, an outlet passage extending into the manifold body from an outlet end at a base of the manifold body and toward the main passage and a metering orifice extending between and in fluid communication with the main passage and an interior end of the outlet passage. An inlet tube is attached to the manifold body at one end of the main passage and defines an internal passage in fluid communication with the main passage. A collection tube is attached to the manifold body at another end of the main passage and defines an internal passage in fluid communication with the main passage. A check valve is positioned within the inlet tube internal passage and is oriented to permit fluid flow into, but not back from, the main passage.

Abstract: A method for measuring the concentration of a chemical present in a blood stream of a mammalian subject is disclosed. The method involves contacting the subject's skin with a sensor assembly comprised of an ionically conducting material which contacts the skin, a working electrode which is in contact with the ionically conducting material which electrode has a catalytic surface and a mask having an opening therein. The mask is positioned between the skin and the working electrode. When the electrode is activated, chemical is transported through the skin and the ionically conductive material. The mask is positioned so that it blocks the flow into the catalytic surface except for flow which is substantially axially to the catalytic surface. Electrical signal generated at the working electrode is monitored over a period of time and correlated with a concentration of chemical present in the blood stream of the mammalian subject.

Abstract: A method and device for distinguishing between yeast infection and other secretion-causing conditions makes use of the observation that secretions caused by yeast infection generally have a pH of less than about 4.5, whereas most other conditions cause less acid secretions. The device is for use by the woman having the secretions and does not involve introducing anything into the body nor does it require special skills or training. A material that indicates pH by a color change is mounted on a catamenial pad, pantyliner or the like worn on the body so as to be wetted by the secretions draining from the vagina. Observation of the color of the wetted material enables the user, by simple comparison to a color chart, to determine whether she has a yeast infection that is treatable by medicine available without medical prescription or whether she should instead see a physician because yeast treatment would be ineffectual and would delay proper treatment.

Abstract: A flush valve having a fluid receiving housing having a first passageway, a fluid discharge housing having a second passageway, and a flow restricting device having a capillary tube defining a primary fluid flow path extending between the first passageway and the second passageway. An elastomeric sealing tube encircles and is biased against the exterior surface of the flow restricting device. A secondary fluid flow path extends from the first passageway to the second passageway between the interior surface of the sealing tube and the exterior surface of the flow restricting means so as to bypass the capillary tube. A connecting plate connects the fluid receiving housing to the fluid discharge housing. Projecting from the connecting plate, receiving housing, and discharge housing are individual pairs of clamping fingers that are longitudinally aligned to form a single U-shaped channel.

Abstract: A method and an instrument for a continuous non-invasive detection of an analyte (e.g. glucose) concentration in a human body tissue such as blood is discussed herein. The instrument remote sensor assembly mounted in subject's ear canal continuously measures analyte concentration by detecting the infrared radiation naturally emitted by a human body. It uses an infrared detector with a combination of adequate filters such as, for example, a negative correlation filter or narrow band filters or other detector-filter assemblies. The method and instrument is based on the discovery that natural infrared emission from the human body, especially from the tympanic membrane, is modulated by the state of the emitting tissue. Spectral emissivity of human infrared radiation from the tympanic membrane consists of spectral information of the tissue (e.g. blood) analyte (e.g. glucose). This can be directly correlated with the blood analyte concentration, for example, the blood glucose concentration.

Abstract: The method and apparatus of the present invention provides a system wherein light-emitting diodes (LEDs) can be tuned within a given range by selecting their operating drive current in order to obtain a precise wavelength. The present invention further provides a manner in which to calibrate and utilize an LED probe, such that the shift in wavelength for a known change in drive current is a known quantity. In general, the principle of wavelength shift for current drive changes for LEDs is utilized in order to allow better calibration and added flexibility in the use of LED sensors, particularly in applications when the precise wavelength is needed in order to obtain accurate measurements. The present invention also provides a system in which it is not necessary to know precise wavelengths of LEDs where precise wavelengths were needed in the past. Finally, the present invention provides a method and apparatus for determining the operating wavelength of a light emitting element such as a light emitting diode.

Abstract: An electrode terminal is described for delivering a stimulation pulse to the heart or other tissues containing a linear array of fibers. The electrode terminal is elongated and adapted for orientation in a direction parallel to the tissue fibers. The device of the present invention further includes a power source for electrically energizing the terminal such that the energization of the terminal reduces the nonuniformity of the transmembrane voltage change in the tissue proximate the electrode which is produced during the stimulation pulse. Nonuniform transmembrane voltage changes are associated with arrhythmic conditions. The linear electrode of the present invention can be used for cardiac pacing, defibrillation, and the termination of tachycardia.

Abstract: A method for non-invasively measuring the concentration of an analyte, particularly blood analyte in blood. The method utilizes spectrographic techniques in conjunction with an improved optical interface between a sensor probe and a skin surface or tissue surface of the body containing the blood to be analyzed. An index-matching medium is disclosed to improve the interface between the sensor probe and skin surface during spectrographic analysis. In a preferred embodiment, the blood analyte concentration in blood is quantified utilizing a partial squares analysis relative to a model incorporating analysis of plural known blood samples.

Abstract: An apparatus (10) for modifying undesired behaviors in humans who have undergone one or more hypnotherapy sessions to implant positive and aversive posthypnotic suggestions which are to be elicited in response to corresponding detected trigger events. In a preferred embodiment, the apparatus is a watch (30) and includes signal generators (15, 16, 19, 20) which are controlled by a processor (12) to generate tactile, visual and/or audio active signals that trigger positive and aversive posthypnotic suggestions. The apparatus is programmed to randomly generate a plurality of positive active signals during a period of time programmed by the subject. Additionally, manual controls (14, 18) are provided to allow the subject to selectively activate the positive active signals or negative active signals as needed.