Abstract: A dispersed-type testing/measuring system provides for example a simplified terminal unit to be installed at a patient's home. The dispersed-type testing/measuring system has a central controlling unit (20) and a plurality of terminal units 30 each accessible to the central controlling unit via a communication line (15). Each terminal unit (30) includes a crude data collecting portion (40), and a data transmitting means 45 for sending the data collected by the crude data collecting portion 40 to the central controlling unit (20). The central controlling unit 20 includes a measurement data calculating means (210) for generating measurement data by making calculation on the crude data sent from each terminal unit (30).

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for determining the difference between a regional CO2 partial pressure of a selected body organ of a mammalian subject, such as the gut, and a systemic CO2 partial pressure of the subject. The regional CO2 partial pressure value is tonometrically obtained at body temperature using a gaseous sampling medium. A systemic CO2 partial pressure value is obtained from the blood. The systemic CO2 partial pressure value can be that for the body temperature or for a standard temperature. If the systemic CO2 partial pressure value is that for the body temperature, the regional CO2 partial pressure value is compared to the systemic CO2 partial pressure value and the difference therebetween is provided as a CO2 partial pressure gap measurement.

Abstract: Apparatus for measuring respiratory air flow from the nostrils of the nose and/or the mouth of a patient comprising a device positioned in the vicinity of the nose and/or mouth of the patient and having at least one acoustic duct receiving respiratory air flow from the patient. A sensor is exposed to the acoustic duct and senses turbulence and/or vibration and/or sound in the air flow in the acoustic duct to provide an electric output signal. The electrical signal is digitally processed to provide a real-time signal indicative of breathing of the patient.

Abstract: A medical telemetry system is provided for collecting the real-time physiologic data of patients (including ambulatory patients) of a medical facility, and for transferring the data via RF to a real-time data distribution network for monitoring and display. The system includes battery-powered remote telemeters which attach to respective patients, and which collect and transmit (in data packets) the physiologic data of the patients. The remote telemeters communicate bi-directionally with a number of ceiling-mounted RF transceivers, referred to as “VCELLs,” using a wireless TDMA protocol. The VCELLs, which are hardwire-connected to a LAN, forward the data packets received from the telemeters to patient monitoring stations on the LAN. The VCELLs are distributed throughout the medical facility such that different VCELLs provide coverage for different patient areas.

Abstract: A microsensor for the determination of glucose and other analytes in liquids, based on affinity viscosimetry. The sensor based on affinity viscosimetry with stable working properties can be sufficiently minaturized for implantation in the organism. The sensor has a completely closed liquid conducting system having a dialysis chamber of a dialysis hollow fiber filled with the aqueous polymer system, and a measuring system for electrical signal transduction working in such a way that the sensitive polymer solution and eventually other liquids which are not miscible but hydraulically coupled with the polymer solution, are able to move on a closed path. The measuring system contains a micromotor to induce the liquid movement and a signal transducer sensitive to either pressure, volume or streaming to form signals related unequivocally to viscosity.

Abstract: A system and method for providing computerized, knowledge-based medical diagnostic and treatment advice. The medical advice is provided to the general public over networks, such as a telephone network or a computer network. The invention also includes a stand-alone embodiment that may utilize occasional connectivity to a central computer by use of a network, such as the Internet. Two new authoring languages, interactive voice response and speech recognition are used to enable expert and general practitioner knowledge to be encoded for access by the public. “Meta” functions for time-density analysis of a number of factors regarding the number of medical complaints per unit of time are an integral part of the system. A re-enter feature monitors the user's changing condition over time. A symptom severity analysis helps to respond to the changing conditions. System sensitivity factors may be changed at a global level or other levels to adjust the system advice as necessary.

Abstract: A respiratory function monitoring device comprising a flow sensor and a conversion device is herein disclosed. Also disclosed are structures for carrying out an auto-zero calibration, a purging function, and temperature compensation. Methods for implementing the auto-zero calibration, the purge function, and the temperature compensation are also disclosed.

Abstract: A sensor for non-invasive and continuous determination of the duration of arterial pulse waves is provided in which at least two spaced apart piezoelectric pressure sensors are disposed in succession in the flow direction of the artery, with the sensor being provided with pressure sensitive surfaces and being integrated in a casing. The piezoelectric pressure sensors are provided with a pressure-sensitive, strip-shaped surface, with the strips each being disposed in their longitudinal extension perpendicular to the flow direction of the artery. The casing is provided with at least two recesses adapted to the contours of the strip-shaped surfaces into which the pressure-sensitive, strip-shaped surfaces of the pressure sensors are disposed flush to the surface of the casing.

Abstract: An implantable chemical sensor system for medical applications is described which permits selective recognition of an analyte using an expandable biocompatible sensor, such as a polymer, that undergoes a dimensional change in the presence of the analyte. The expandable polymer is incorporated into an electronic circuit component that changes its properties (e.g., frequency) when the polymer changes dimension. As the circuit changes its characteristics, an external interrogator transmits a signal transdermally to the transducer, and the concentration of the analyte is determined from the measured changes in the circuit. This invention may be used for minimally invasive monitoring of blood glucose levels in diabetic patients.

Abstract: A re-breathing method for determining pulmonary capillary blood flow that accounts for changes in the carbon dioxide content of a patient. The carbon dioxide elimination and partial pressure of end tidal carbon dioxide of the patient are measured prior to re-breathing, during re-breathing, and after re-breathing. A rate of change of carbon dioxide content of the venous blood of the patient is then calculated. The rate of change is then employed in calculating the pulmonary capillary blood flow of the patient.

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: 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 method and system for correlating physiological attributes including heart rate, temperature, general somatic activity (GSA), and galvanic skin response (GSR) to N emotions of a user of a computer input device, such as a mouse. Sensors are in the mouse to sense the physiological attributes, which are correlated to emotions using a correlation model. The correlation model is derived from a calibration process in which a baseline attribute-to-emotion correlation is rendered based on statistical analysis of calibration signals generated by users having emotions that are measured or otherwise known at calibration time. A vector in N dimensions, representative of a subject user's emotions, is output for subsequent subject users whose emotions are sought to be known, with the baseline being the reference in the N-dimensional space of the vector.

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.

Abstract: A breath test analyzer, which analyzes exhaled breaths of a patient for isotope labeled products generated in the patient's body after ingestion by the patient of an isotope labeled substance, where the presence of these isotope labeled products provide an indication of a medical condition in the patient. The analyzer uses a very sensitive infra-red spectrophotometer, which enables it to continuously collect and analyze multiple samples of the patient's breath, and process the outputs in real time, while the patient is still connected to the analyzer, such that a definitive result is obtained within a short time, such as the order of a few minutes. The breath test analyzer is sufficiently small that it can be easily accomodated in the office of a physician. The breath test analyzer can be utilized for a number of diagnostic breath tests, according to the isotope labeled substance ingested by the patient and the gases detected in the patient's breath.

Abstract: The process for detection and for quantitative determination of substances emitted or perspired through the skin is derived from flow diffusion analysis. The measuring system conceived for this purpose uses a diffusion half cell through which an acceptor medium flows and which is closed by a membrane. For the duration of the measurement, the membrane is brought into contact with the skin or a closed gas volume formed over the skin. With the process and the related measuring system, the blood alcohol level can be determined with a good degree of precision indirectly via the quantity of (gaseous) ethanol emitted through the skin.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for health prophylaxis through food combining. Using an electronic multi-food combining table to recommend nutritional quality of food stuff combinations consumed. Recommendations are based on observations over a 3-4 hour period after meals are digested.

Abstract: A method of sampling one or more respiratory profile characteristics and monitoring a variety of respiratory profile parameters. The sampled respiratory characteristics include respiratory flow rate, respiratory pressure, and partial pressure of at least one constituent of a patient's respiration. The method detects patient breaths, determines whether each breath, is a spontaneous breath or a ventilator-induced breath, and calculates various respiratory profile parameters based on the sampled measurements. The method displays the respiratory profile parameters in graphic and numeric forms. Preferably, the method allows a user to select the displayed respiratory profile parameters.

Abstract: An analyte monitor includes a sensor, a sensor control unit, and a display unit. The sensor has, for example, a substrate, a recessed channel formed in the substrate, and conductive material disposed in the recessed channel to form a working electrode. The sensor control unit typically has a housing adapted for placement on skin and is adapted to receive a portion of an electrochemical sensor. The sensor control unit also includes two or more conductive contacts disposed on the housing and configured for coupling to two or more contact pads on the sensor. A transmitter is disposed in the housing and coupled to the plurality of conductive contacts for transmitting data obtained using the sensor. The display unit has a receiver for receiving data transmitted by the transmitter of the sensor control unit and a display coupled to the receiver for displaying an indication of a level of an analyte.

Abstract: A sleep monitoring apparatus adapted to be mounted on a human head of a patient having a front face and first and second sides with the front face having a mouth, a nose with nostrils therein and first and second eyes and first and second ears on the first and second sides comprising a movable headpiece adapted to be mounted on the head and engages the head above the eyes. An acoustical device is provided which is adapted to be positioned on the face in the vicinity of the nose and/or mouth of the patient and having at least one acoustic duct from receiving respiratory airflow from the patient. A sensor which is exposed to the acoustic duct is provided for sensing turbulence and/or pressure changes in the respiratory airflow in the acoustic duct and providing an electrical output. Electrical circuitry is carried by the headpiece for receiving the electrical output and for processing the electrical output to provide a real-time signal from the headpiece which is indicative of the breathing of the patient.