Abstract: A gas supply system utilizes waste heat from a compressor to promote evaporation of liquid waste water that is generated as condensate by the compressor.

Abstract: A sieve module includes an impermeable housing, and interface assembly, and an adsorptive material. The interface assembly is connected to a first end of the impermeable housing and includes an inlet port and an outlet port. The inlet port is in fluid communication with a first interior space of the impermeable housing, wherein the inlet port is configured to receive gas from an exterior of the impermeable housing. The outlet port in fluid communication with a second interior space of the impermeable housing, wherein the outlet port is configured to expel the gas to the exterior of the impermeable housing. An adsorptive material is disposed within the first interior space of the impermeable housing, wherein the interface assembly is configured such that the gas travels from the inlet port to the outlet port by traveling through the adsorptive material.

Abstract: An aspect of the disclosure is a diagnostic system. The diagnostic system includes a communications interface, an output gas interface, one or more sensors, and a controller that is configured to execute a diagnostic procedure. The diagnostic procedure causes the controller to transmit one or more commands to the oxygen concentrator using the communications interface, to obtain the one or more gas property measurements from the one or more sensors during operation of the oxygen concentrator, and to determine a diagnostic result by comparing the one or more gas property measurements obtained from the one or more sensors during operation of the oxygen concentrator to a testing standard described by the diagnostic procedure. The diagnostic procedure also causes the controller to output information regarding the diagnostic result for display to a user.

Abstract: A device for invasively measuring fluid pressure is disclosed. The device includes a disposable housing having a fluid contacting area and a non-fluid contacting area. A disposable diaphragm in a substantially non-elastic state is disposed within the housing and separates the fluid contacting area from the non-fluid contacting area. A side of the diaphragm is adapted to contact the fluid, and the diaphragm has sufficient flexibility to move a distance axially within the non-fluid contacting area in response to fluid contact. The distance is substantially proportional to the fluid pressure. An electronic sensing device is removably attached adjacent the non-fluid contacting area of the housing, and is spaced from the diaphragm. The electronic sensing device is capable of determining the fluid pressure.

Abstract: The invention provides a drive system (10) for a vehicle (12) and a method for driving a vehicle (12). The drive system (10) includes a first drive wheel (14) rotatable about a first axis (16) for supporting the vehicle (12). The drive system (10) also includes a second drive wheel (18) rotatable about the first axis (16) for supporting the vehicle (12). The drive system (10) also includes at least one castor (20) rotatable about a second axis (22) transverse to the first axis (16). The castor (20) is forward of the first and second drive wheels (14, 18) in a direction of travel of the vehicle (12). The drive system (10) also includes a controller (24) for differentially driving the first and second drive wheels (14, 18) in response to a position of the at least one castor (20) about the second axis (22).

Abstract: A device for selectively relieving pressure exerted upon a member is disclosed. The device includes at least one housing and an electroactive polymeric material disposed within the at least one housing. The electroactive polymeric material is configured to expand when exposed to an electric field such that at least some of the pressure exerted upon the member is relieved.

Abstract: The present invention creates a virtual sensor plane by arraying two one-dimensional light sensors at right angles to one another wherein the shaft of a joystick extends perpendicularly through the virtual sensor plane. With this configuration, the sensor plane can detect traditional joystick rotation around a point along its axis as well as a herein-disclosed true rotation of the joystick around the joystick axis itself. Between the light sources and lenses which enable light detection and the optical, rather than mechanical or electromechanical, nature of the light sensors, wear surfaces in the joystick are minimized or eliminated everywhere except, where applicable, in the universal joint at the base of joystick configurations which include such a universal joint.

Abstract: The invention is a hemodialysis system in which at least one disposable sensor is combined with a dialysis circuit, in combination with an optional transceiver, to provide real-time or near-real-time patient data. Sensors for any or all of blood pressure, conductivity, temperature, oxygenation, sodium levels, calcium levels, phosphorus levels, urea levels, potassium levels, without limitation, may be included in the blood circuit. Preferably, the sensors are MEMS or ISFET sensors and are positioned in the overall system upstream of, or within the upstream portion of, the dialyzer.

Abstract: A needle disengagement sensing mechanism includes a fistula needle that is adapted to carry fluid. An electronic sensing system is operatively connected to the needle. The sensing system is capable of detecting partial or full disengagement of the needle from a position where it is engaged with the fluid. Disengagement detection is a result of i) a comparative analysis of complex impedance measurements of the needle when in and at least partially out of the fluid engaged position and/or ii) a comparative analysis of optical spectroscopic measurements taken through an area of the mechanism adapted to carry the fluid, the measurements being taken when the needle is in and at least partially out of the fluid engaged position. An alarm control conduit operatively connects the sensing system to a hemodialysis machine and/or an electronic device. The alarm control conduit generates an alarm upon detecting at least partial disengagement of the needle.

Abstract: A manually-operated control for generating a vector signal comprises first and second plates arranged in substantially parallel planes and being movable relative to each other in two directions while remaining substantially parallel. A non-tilt handle connected to one of the plates causes the relative movement of the plates. A CCD camera is fixed to one of the plates focused on the other plate. A microprocessor-based controller is connected to input and process images sequentially input from the camera for detecting and quantifying the relative movement of the two plates in two directions and generating a vector signal indicative thereof.

Abstract: A manually-operated control for generating a vector signal comprises a handle with an elongate axis pivotally mounted to the housing for universal rotation about a pivot point on the axis of the handle. An imaged surface moves in two directions with the rotation of the handle about two perpendicular axes intersecting at the pivot point. A camera and LED are focused on the imaged surface. A microprocessor-based controller inputs and processes images sequentially input from the camera for detecting and quantifying the movement of the imaged surface in two directions and generates a vector signal indicative thereof.