Abstract: Systems and methods for measuring phase dynamics and other properties (e.g. intracranial pressure) are disclosed. For example, the system may generate a reference waveform and a measurement waveform using digital synthesizers, each waveform having an identical constant frequency but also a relative phase shift. Next, system may send a tone-burst, via a transducer, into a sample (e.g. a skull or a bonded material), and then receive a reflected tone-burst in response. Then, a phase difference between the received tone-burst and the measurement waveform may be determined with a linear phase detector. Next, the phase shift of the measurement waveform may be adjusted, by the determined phase difference, such that there is no longer any phase difference between the received tone-burst and the adjusted measurement waveform generated by the appropriate digital synthesizer. A similar adjustment may occur after subsequent tone-bursts, allowing accurate monitoring of continuously variable phase relationships.

Abstract: Disclosed embodiments include flexible tube assemblies, flexible needle assemblies, systems, methods of fabricating a flexible tube, and methods of fabricating a flexible needle.

Abstract: A system for estimating the position of an imaging capsule that examines the gastrointestinal tract of a user, including an imaging capsule for examining inside the user; and a recorder for communicating with the imaging capsule from outside the user. The imaging capsule includes a controller for controlling functionality of the imaging capsule, a transceiver for communication with the recorder and a coil for transmission of electromagnetic signals. The recorder includes a controller for controlling functionality of the recorder, a transceiver for communication with the imaging capsule and a coil for receiving electromagnetic signals from the coil of the imaging capsule. Wherein the recorder determines the location of the imaging capsule based on measurements of the amplitude of the electromagnetic signals transmitted by the coil in the imaging capsule.

Abstract: A method for detection of interference in impedance based monitoring of a subject by using a monitor is disclosed. The method comprising, connecting the subject to the monitor using one or more leads; and before current is applied to the subject, measuring voltage on the subject via at least one of the one or more leads and if any voltage is detected then the monitor indicates a warning. An impedance based monitor is disclosed, the monitor being connectable to a subject. The monitor is configured to measure voltage on the subject, before any current is applied to the subject, and if any voltage is detected then the monitor is configured to indicate a warning.

Abstract: A soft tissue biopsy or material collection device may comprise a work element consisting of an outer tube with external sheath and formed from a tapered helical structure over an internal tube structure configured to open and close its distal end to perform penetration, coring, capturing, parting off and transporting multiple material samples in a single or multiple insertion procedure.

Abstract: A pulmonary function measurement device, a pulmonary function measurement method, and a pulmonary function measurement program are disclosed. The pulmonary function measurement device for measuring data for evaluating a pulmonary function includes a sound output unit configured to be fixed to a body surface on one of front and rear sides of a lung, and outputs a sound toward the lung; a sound detection unit configured to be fixed to a body surface on one of the front and rear sides of the lung different from the side on which the sound output unit is to be fixed, and detects the sound from the sound output unit; a measurement unit configured to calculate a transmission time from when the sound output unit outputs the sound to when the sound detection unit detects the sound; and a variation calculation configured to calculate the amount of variation in the transmission time.

Abstract: An exemplary monitoring system 1) receives a user input command to begin monitoring evoked responses that occur in response to acoustic stimulation during an insertion procedure in which a lead that is communicatively coupled to a cochlear implant is inserted into a cochlea of a patient, the lead having an array of intracochlear electrodes and an extracochlear electrode, the extracochlear electrode physically and communicatively coupled to a probe that is also communicatively coupled to the monitoring system, 2) directs, in response to the user input command, the cochlear implant to short an intracochlear electrode with the extracochlear electrode, 3) presents the acoustic stimulation to the patient, and 4) records the evoked responses that occur in response to the acoustic stimulation by using the intracochlear electrode to detect signals representative of the evoked responses and receiving the detected signals by way of the extracochlear electrode and the probe.

Abstract: A system and method for non-invasive and/or non-contact measurement of a subject's tremor in the context of therapeutic intervention is presented. The system includes a memory, a communications interface, a sensor to measure a signal associated with position or motion of an extremity of the subject, and a processor. The processor is configured to receive the signal from the sensor. The processor is further configured to communicate, via the communications interface, the signal, login credentials, and position or motion data to a remote server coupled to a remote electronic health record database. The remote server is configured to receive the signal and perform an analysis that quantifies a severity of tremor based on the position or motion signals of the subject. The processor is configured to receive the analysis that quantified the severity of tremor and cause the quantified severity of tremor to be displayed via a display device.

Abstract: An animal health monitoring system includes a plurality of animal tag assemblies configured for being disposed on members of an animal population, each of the animal tag assemblies including one or more sensors configured to measure one or more animal characteristics of a member of the animal population. The system includes a concentrator communicatively coupled to the plurality of animal tag assemblies and configured to acquire one or more animal characteristics from the plurality of animal tag assemblies. The system includes a controller communicatively coupled to the concentrator and configured to receive the acquired one or more animal characteristics from the plurality of animal tag assemblies from the concentrator, determine a health state of one or more of the members of the animal population based on the received one or more animal characteristics and report the determined health state to one or more user devices.

Abstract: Provided herein are systems, methods and devices for the Detection and Prevention of Pressure Ulcers. The system, methods, and devices generally relate to sensors and fluid systems for detecting ulcers and preventing further pain for the patient and allow healthcare providers with valuable information to reposition a patient.

Abstract: A wearable cardioverter defibrillator (“WCD”) system may include an impedance detector configured to render an impedance signal of the patient. The WCD system may determine, from the impedance signal, a characteristic of breathing by the patient that can be used as a vital sign. The WCD system may determine, from at least the breathing characteristic, whether or not a shock criterion is met. If the shock criterion is met, the WCD system may control a discharge circuit to discharge a stored electrical charge through the patient. An advantage can be that the breathing characteristic may be used to determine whether or not a patient is experiencing a condition that requires defibrillation therapy, such as sudden cardiac arrest. Even more advantages can be had in discerning the state of the patient when the breathing characteristic is combined with other data, such as from a motion detector.

Abstract: The purpose of the present invention is to reduce the influence of pump ripple and to achieve fast control of cuff pressure with a general purpose magnetic valve when continuously measuring blood pressure. A blood pressure meter 1 includes a pump 11, a cuff 12 to be mounted on the site of blood pressure measurement of a subject, a first valve 13, a first pressure sensor 14, a detection sensor 18, a second valve 23, and a second pressure sensor 24. The blood pressure meter 1 also includes a valve opening adjustment unit 42 and a blood pressure measurement unit 43. The first valve 13 adjusts discharge volume of the pump 11 and the second valve 23 adjusts cuff pressure inside the cuff 12. The first pressure sensor 14 detects the discharge pressure of the pump 11, the second pressure sensor 24 detects the cuff pressure, and the detection sensor 18 detects the amount of light associated with the volume of the artery at the site of blood pressure measurement of the subject.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device for assessing the characteristics of the swallowing process in a subject a sensor that is capable of detecting vibrations of the throat during swallowing.

Abstract: A method and program product includes assigning a first location of at least one embedded device. The embedded device includes at least one sensor and is associated with a one joint capable of movement. The first location is captured by the sensor. A second location of the at least one embedded device is assigned. The second location being captured by observation of the embedded device by at least one external sensor. A pose correspondence between the first location and the second location is established using a model of the joint. The sensor is calibrated by tracking a change in a pose captured by the external sensor and a change in a pose captured by the one sensor as the joint moves.

Abstract: A method of monitoring respiration with an acoustic measurement device, the acoustic measurement device having a sound transducer, the sound transducer configured to measure sound associated with airflow through a mammalian trachea, the method includes correlating the measured sound into a measurement of tidal volume and generating at least one from the group consisting of an alert and an alarm if the measured tidal volume falls outside of a predetermined range.

Abstract: A method of monitoring respiration with an acoustic measurement device, the acoustic measurement device having a sound transducer, the sound transducer configured to measure sound associated with airflow through a mammalian trachea, the method includes correlating the measured sound into a measurement of tidal volume and generating at least one from the group consisting of an alert and an alarm if the measured tidal volume falls outside of a predetermined range.

Abstract: The invention relates to a combined two-compartment device for diagnosing body liquids, which comprises: (a) an upper compartment for collecting and storing the body liquid; (b) a lower diagnostic compartment for diagnosing the body liquid at a diagnostic stage, said diagnostic compartment comprises a diagnostic strip; (c) an opening at the bottom wall between said upper compartment and said lower compartment, wherein said opening is kept blocked by a suitable valve until just before said diagnostic stage; and (d) a mechanism for releasing said blockage of said opening, thereby to allow flow of the body liquid to said lower compartment, and thereby to come into contact with said diagnostic strip and to affect the diagnostic strip accordingly.

Abstract: Knee adduction moment of an untethered human during gait is modulated by determining at least one feature associated with instantaneous knee adduction moment of the untethered human during a gait cycle. Feedback to be transmitted to the human is, optionally, derived from the feature, such as by comparing the at least one feature to a value, such as a target value. The feature, or feedback derived from the feature, is transmitted to the human for response by the human, thereby modulating knee adduction moment of the untethered human during the gait.

Abstract: An animal health monitoring system includes a plurality of animal tag assemblies configured for being disposed on members of an animal population, each of the animal tag assemblies including one or more sensors configured to measure one or more animal characteristics of a member of the animal population. The system includes a concentrator communicatively coupled to the plurality of animal tag assemblies and configured to acquire one or more animal characteristics from the plurality of animal tag assemblies. The system includes a controller communicatively coupled to the concentrator and configured to receive the acquired one or more animal characteristics from the plurality of animal tag assemblies from the concentrator, determine a health state of one or more of the members of the animal population based on the received one or more animal characteristics, and report the determined health state to one or more user devices.

Abstract: A biological fluid sampling vessel may include a container portion having an opening and an interior for housing a urine sample therein. The vessel may further include a sampling portion that removably engages the container portion to close off the interior. The sampling portion may include a sampling wand configured for obtaining a sample.