Abstract: The invention is directed to devices and methods for tissue dilators. The present invention encompasses a large variety of discrete structure, all intended to be applied externally to a subject for the purpose of dilating, or lifting, tissue adjacent to nasal passageways of the subject, including the vestibule and/or the valve of the subject so as to decrease resistance to inhalation and exhalation of said subject during respiration. The dilator comprises an alignment feature which is aligned with the uses nasal ridge during application to ensure a proper application.

Abstract: A method and a sensor holding and positioning device. In one embodiment, the device includes a sensor base having two feet, the base forming a raised bridge between the two feet. The bridge has one or more cross members spanning all or part of the space between the two feet. A sensor suspension including a sensor holder and sensor-height-adjustment mechanism is coupled by a pivot-arm axle to the sensor base, such that the sensor suspension is able to rotate in an arc about the long axis of the axle. In one such embodiment, the device further includes a pressure sensor attached to the sensor holder of the sensor suspension. In another such embodiment, the sensor suspension is able to slide back and forth along a line parallel to the long axis of the axle. Another aspect is a method for positioning a sensor over the radial artery, for example in a human's wrist. Yet another aspect is a pulse-waveform acquisition system.

Abstract: The invention is directed to devices and methods for tissue dilators. In preferred embodiments, the dilators are particularly advantageous for use as a nasal dilator for dilating or supporting tissues overlying a nasal passage. The present invention relates to tissue dilator devices, methods of fabrication of tissue dilators, and methods of use for tissue dilators. In particular, the present invention relates to a wide variety of tissue dilators adapted to be coupled to dilate interior nasal passages of a subject including the vestibule and/or the valve thereof. The present invention is not intended to be limited to the illustrated or described embodiments as they are intended merely to assist the reader of this disclosure in understanding the subject matter of the invention described, taught, enabled and depicted herein.

Abstract: A sensor holding and positioning device. In one embodiment, the device includes a sensor base having two feet, the base forming a raised bridge between the two feet. The bridge has one or more cross members spanning all or part of the space between the two feet. A sensor suspension including a sensor holder and sensor-height-adjustment mechanism is coupled by a pivot-arm axle to the sensor base, such that the sensor suspension is able to rotate in an arc about the long axis of the axle. In one such embodiment, the device further includes a pressure sensor attached to the sensor holder of the sensor suspension. In another such embodiment, the sensor suspension is able to slide back and forth along a line parallel to the long axis of the axle. Another aspect is for positioning the sensor over the radial artery, for example in a human's wrist. Yet another aspect is a pulse-waveform acquisition system.

Abstract: A convection oven includes a frame having a base member and two upright members which extend upwardly from the base member. A cooking chamber is removably supported by the frame and includes an upper enclosure member and a lower enclosure member. A housing attached to the upper enclosure member is configured so that cool air flows from a peripheral portion of an arm into a central portion of the housing and then is expelled from the arm over the upper surface of the upper enclosure member. A passive hinge connects the housing to the frame such that the housing and upper enclosure member may be both separated from the frame and lower enclosure member by lifting the housing vertically and pivoted relative to the frame and lower enclosure member. An extension ring selectively enlarges the size of the cooking chamber. A holster may hold the upper enclosure member and the housing when they are separated from the lower enclosure member.