Abstract: Attenuator apparatus for controlling the intensity of radiation including an attenuator having through openings that vary in size to vary the intensity of a beam of radiation passing through the shutter, and means for moving the attenuator to selectively regulate the intensity of the beam of radiation passing through.

Abstract: An infrared wound healing unit having a layer of an optically and radiographically transparent flexible heating element which, when powered, emits heat that serves to heal a wound according to monochromatic infrared energy (MIRE) treatment of the wound. This infrared wound healing unit is arranged so that: (a) heat emitted from the layer of an optically and radiographically transparent flexible heating element passes to a wound of a patient to treat the wound, (b) the wound of the patient that is being treated can be viewed while heat is emitted from the layer of an optically and radiographically transparent flexible heating element to treat the wound, (c) the wound is accessible for other forms of treatment, and (d) the infrared wound healing unit remains secured to the patient while the wound is being viewed or treated.

Abstract: An infrared wound healing unit having a layer of an optically and radiographically transparent flexible heating element which, when powered, emits heat that serves to heal a wound according to monochromatic infrared energy (MIRE) treatment of the wound. This infrared wound healing unit is arranged so that: (a) heat emitted from the layer of an optically and radiographically transparent flexible heating element passes to a wound of a patient to treat the wound, (b) the wound of the patient that is being treated can be viewed while heat is emitted from the layer of an optically and radiographically transparent flexible heating element to treat the wound, (c) the wound is accessible for other forms of treatment, and (d) the infrared wound healing unit remains secured to the patient while the wound is being viewed or treated.

Abstract: A water container having a germicidal water purification unit. Water stored in a reservoir passes through a conduit that extends through an array of light sources that operate in at least one of the visible light frequency range and the ultraviolet frequency range to purify the water. The light sources are activated, preferably on a selected as needed basis, by a power supply.

Abstract: Sunlight simulators that have optical homogenizer units that provide adjustably positionable beams of radiation, each within a selected portion of the spectrum of wave lengths of radiation emitted from a light source, that have uniform output intensity profiles measured across the ends of the optical homogenizer units. These sunlight simulators include either liquid light guides or fiber optic light guides that conduct the beams of radiation, developed from the light source, to the optical homogenizer units. Dosage regulating means control the doses of radiation provided by the optical homogenizer units.

Abstract: Sunlight simulators that have optical homogenizer units that provide adjustably positionable beams of radiation, each within a selected portion of the spectrum of wave lengths of radiation emitted from a light source, that have uniform output intensity profiles measured across the ends of the optical homogenizer units. These sunlight simulators include either liquid light guides or fiber optic light guides that conduct the beams of radiation, developed from the light source, to the optical homogenizer units. Dosage regulating means control the doses of radiation provided by the optical homogenizer units.

Abstract: Sunlight simulators that have optical homogenizer units that provide adjustably positionable beams of radiation, each within a selected portion of the spectrum of wave lengths of radiation emitted from a light source, that have uniform output intensity profiles measured across the ends of the optical homogenizer units. These sunlight simulators include either liquid light guides or fiber optic light guides that conduct the beams of radiation, developed from the light source, to the optical homogenizer units. Dosage regulating means control the doses of radiation provided by the optical homogenizer units.

Abstract: A germicidal water purification unit in which a plurality of light sources operating in the visible light frequency range or the ultraviolet frequency range are disposed along a conduit that carries water and radiate radially inward toward the axis of the conduit to kill microbiological pathogens present in the water.

Abstract: A meniscus inhibitor for an electrolytic tilt sensor having a metallic containment envelope having at least two apertures formed therein and an interior chamber, an electrolytic solution partially filling the chamber, and at least two electrodes, each electrode having an electrolytically active portion located within the chamber and a lead portion extending to the exterior of the envelope through a corresponding one of the apertures. The meniscus inhibitor is located within the interior chamber and is a nonporous, chemically resistant, high dielectric material which surrounds the electrodes and is in contact with a peripheral wall of the interior chamber.

Abstract: An infant care unit of the type comprising means for controlling the environment in which the infant resides includes one or more sensors spaced apart from the infant to sense a physiological parameter and provide a sensor output, the controlling means being responsive to the sensor output to change the environment or provide an alarm or other indication of the parameter. The sensors include one or more of an infrared sensor for sensing the infant's temperature, cameras coupled to video processing software for sensing respiration rate, heart rate or skin perfusion, microphones coupled to audio processing software for sensing respiration rate, breathing difficulty, or infant distress. Speakers are provided for cancelling noise or providing audio signals to the infant. The camera, microphone and speakers are capable of being coupled to a computer network for remote monitoring of the infant.

Abstract: An infant care unit of the type comprising means for controlling the environment in which the infant resides includes one or more sensors spaced apart from the infant to sense a physiological parameter and provide a sensor output, the controlling means being responsive to the sensor output to change the environment or provide an alarm or other indication of the parameter. The sensors include one or more of an infrared sensor for sensing the infant's temperature, cameras coupled to video processing software for sensing respiration rate, heart rate or skin perfusion, microphones coupled to audio processing software for sensing respiration rate, breathing difficulty, or infant distress. Speakers are provided for cancelling noise or providing audio signals to the infant. The camera, microphone and speakers are capable of being coupled to a computer network for remote monitoring of the infant.

Abstract: An electrolytic tilt sensor and a method of assembling the tilt sensor. The tilt sensor includes a metallic envelope comprising a metal container and a metal header welded to the enclosure, hermetically sealing the envelope. The envelope defines a chamber that contains an electrolytic solution and a plurality of electrodes. The electrodes extending through the header from outside of the envelope into the chamber. Each electrode is located in a separate aperture within the header and is insulated from the envelope by an insulator located between the electrode and the header. The method of assembling the tilt sensor includes the steps of placing the electrolytic solution into the container through an opening, engaging the header with the opening and welding the container and header to one another to hermetically seal the envelope.

Abstract: A infant radiant warmer having a bassinet assembly which includes a plurality of optically transparent electrothermal side panels surrounding a mattress assembly upon which a infant can be placed. The side panels serve both as radiant shields which reduce radiant heat losses from the infant and as sources of radiant heat which add to the warmth provided by an overhead infrared heater to the infant. This infant radiant warmer also has an optically transparent draft shield assembly which serves to maintain the environment of the bassinet assembly by inhibiting the effects of drafts, air-conditioning and disruptive temperatures in the atmosphere outside the bassinet assembly. Preferably, a humidifier is provided for humidifying the atmosphere within which the infant is placed.

Abstract: A infant radiant warmer having a bassinet assembly which includes a plurality of optically transparent electrothermal side panels surrounding a mattress assembly upon which a infant can be placed. The side panels serve both as radiant shields which reduce radiant heat losses from the infant and as sources of radiant heat which add to the warmth provided by an overhead infrared heater to the infant. This infant radiant warmer also has an optically transparent draft shield assembly which serves to maintain the environment of the bassinet assembly by inhibiting the effects of drafts, air-conditioning and disruptive temperatures in the atmosphere outside the bassinet assembly. Preferably, a humidifier is provided for humidifying the atmosphere within which the infant is placed.

Abstract: A thermal probe for measuring and controlling the temperature of a transparent, multi-panel assembly in which one of the panels has an electrically conductive coating which serves as a radiant heat source. A sensor, urged against the panel having the coating, senses the temperature of this panel and controls a power source which powers the coating. A compressible spacing member, fitted between the sensor and the other transparent panel, urges the sensor into proximity with the panel being measured and controlled.

Abstract: A radiant heater in the form of an overlay for an incubator hood. The heater has an optically transparent, radiotransparent and phototherapy transparent electrically conductive coating, preferably indium tin oxide, and includes appropriate retaining hook structure for retaining the heater on an incubator hood.

Abstract: A thermal probe for measuring and controlling the temperature of a transparent, multi-panel assembly in which one of the panels has an electrically conductive coating which serves as a radiant heat source. A sensor, urged against the panel having the coating, senses the temperature of this panel and controls a power source which powers the coating. A compressible spacing member, fitted between the sensor and the other transparent panel, urges the sensor into proximity with the panel being measured and controlled.

Abstract: A radiant heater is provided, which can be in the form of an overlay on an existing incubator hood or integrated in an incubator hood. The heater has an optically transparent, radiotransparent and phototherapy transparent electrically conductive coating, preferably indium tin oxide.