Abstract: Method for identifying a location of a subject in a facility and a corresponding system including a kinematic sensor configured to detect a change in subject's mechanical characteristic, and a communications unit. Communications unit includes a controller configured to receive feedback from the kinematic sensor and a unit transceiver controlled by the controller to transmit a first radio frequency (RF) signal communicating the change. The system may include a housing facilitating coupling of the kinematic sensor with the subject, and at least one facility transceiver unit arranged in a fixed location to extract the first RF signal relative to an RF pattern and to produce an output signal. A processor is configured in communication with the facility transceiver unit (wirelessly or over the facility's power wire) to receive the output signal and to generate data representative of a location of the subject relative to the fixed location.

Abstract: A system and optimization algorithm for determining the preferred operational wavelengths of a device configured for measurement of molecular analytes in a sample. Operational wavelengths are determined by solving a system of equations linking empirically defined functions representative of these analytes, spectrally dependent coefficients corresponding to these analytes, path lengths traversed by waves probing the analytes at wavelengths corresponding to the absorption level described by the functions representative of these analytes, and, optionally, a cost-function taking into account at least one of spectral separation between the operational wavelengths, manufacturability of wave source(s) producing wave(s) at operational wavelength(s), and the noise factor associated with the operation of such wave source(s).

Abstract: A system and method of dynamically localizing a measurement of parameter characterizing tissue sample with waves produced by spectrometric system at multiple wavelengths and detected at a fixed location of the detector of the system. The parameter is calculated based on impulse response of the sample, reference data representing characteristics of material components of the sample, and path lengths through the sample corresponding to different wavelengths. Dynamic localization is effectuated by considering different portions of a curve representing the determined parameter, and provides for the formation of a spatial map of distribution of the parameter across the sample. Additional measurement of impulse response at multiple detectors facilitates determination of change of the measured parameter across the sample as a function of time.

Abstract: A fall detection device may be uniquely associated with a wearer. The fall detection device may predict whether a fall event is imminent based on kinematic information of the wearer's body. The device may also confirm whether the wearer actually experienced a fall event based on additional kinematic information.

Abstract: A system and method for detecting vascular contamination by surgical anesthetic using non-invasive IR spectrophotometry. One embodiment is a method for operating an instrument such as an enhanced pulse oximeter to monitor a patient receiving local anesthetic marked with dye that absorbs infrared light. Light is applied to and detected from tissue of the patient. A signal representative of the detected light is processed to derive patient oxygenation information. The detected light is also processed to derive information representative of the presence of the dye-marked anesthetic. The oxygenation information and the information representative of the presence of anesthetic are displayed. The oxygenation monitoring and display and the anesthetic monitoring and display can occur separately or concurrently. Fluorescing dyes and fluorescence detection approaches are used for anesthetic detection in some embodiments.

Abstract: A monitor of a physiological parameter of subject under test to which the monitor is attached, in operation. The monitor includes a set of accelerometers operating in different ranges of acceleration and a physiological sensor. The physiological sensor may include an ECG circuit producing an output data characterizing the subject as a function of a degree of motion and/or reorientation of the monitor or an oximeter device. The process of monitoring includes a determination of R-wave of the subject.

Abstract: A fall detection device may be uniquely associated with a wearer. The fall detection device may predict whether a fall event is imminent based on kinematic information of the wearer's body. The device may also confirm whether the wearer actually experienced a fall event based on additional kinematic information.

Abstract: A magnetic levitation system for immobile patients in a wheelchair is disclosed. A magnet multi-pole configuration that is mechanically stable is provided that lifts the body and/or load shifts (rotates the body from side to side) the body. Based on a multi-pole configuration of permanent magnets in the pelvis, a corresponding multi-pole configuration for magnet repulsion is placed below the patient, typically as part of the wheelchair. Alternatively, a unipolar repulsion with mechanical patient restraint is implemented to achieve body lift or levitation. Either permanent magnets or electromagnets, optionally with magnetic sensor-mediated active computerized feedback control below the body, are sufficient to implement a complete multi-pole repulsive configuration that is mechanically stable. The apparatus reduces compressive force on soft tissues disposed between a human pelvis and a wheelchair seat.

Abstract: A package for a semiconductor chip or other heat producing device has a supporting substrate to which the devices mount and electrically connect. An enclosure is formed over the heat producing devices and filled with a working fluid including a chemical compound that reacts endothermically to absorb heat produced by the devices and releases the heat in a reverse reaction to the enclosure.

Abstract: A package for a semiconductor chip or other heat producing device has a supporting substrate to which the devices mount and electrically connect. An enclosure is formed over the heat producing devices and filled with a supercritical fluid that transports heat from the devices to a heat sink in thermal contact with the enclosure.

Abstract: An activity-contingent weight loss method and system. The system includes measuring information representative of caloric expenditure during one day, and prescribing a caloric allowance for the following day as a function of the caloric expenditure during the previous day.

Abstract: A magnetic levitation system for immobile patients in a wheelchair is disclosed. A magnet multi-pole configuration that is mechanically stable is provided that lifts the body and/or load shifts (rotates the body from side to side) the body. Based on a multi-pole configuration of permanent magnets in the pelvis, a corresponding multi-pole configuration for magnet repulsion is placed below the patient, typically as part of the wheelchair. Alternatively, a unipolar repulsion with mechanical patient restraint is implemented to achieve body lift or levitation. Either permanent magnets or electromagnets, optionally with magnetic sensor-mediated active computerized feedback control below the body, are sufficient to implement a complete multi-pole repulsive configuration that is mechanically stable. The apparatus reduces compressive force on soft tissues disposed between a human pelvis and a wheelchair seat.

Abstract: A system for monitoring a physical parameter of a subject includes a sensor, a transmitter, a repeater, and a base station. The sensor is located within the body of the subject and is operable to sense a physical parameter of the subject. The transmitter is electrically connected to the sensor, and is operable to transmit a spread spectrum encoded signal using a digital spreading code, the encoded signal carrying information indicative of the sensed physical parameter and being transmitted to a local region outside the body. The repeater is located in the local region, is movable with the subject, and is operable to receive the transmitted encoded signal and retransmit it to a remote region outside the body. The base station is located in the remote region and is operable to receive and decode the retransmitted encoded signal.

Abstract: A package for a semiconductor chip or other heat producing device has a supporting substrate to which the devices mount and electrically connect. An enclosure is formed over the heat producing devices and filled with a working fluid including a chemical compound that reacts endothermically to absorb heat produced by the devices and releases the heat in a reverse reaction to the enclosure.

Abstract: A circuit for aligning the phase of a parallel data signal to a clock signal. The circuit includes a parallel data terminal for receiving a parallel data signal formed by multiple word bits, a clock terminal for receiving a clock signal, and a data ready terminal for receiving a data ready signal which has a logic state transition aligned with a first information bit of the parallel data signal. A plurality of data signal delay and sampling circuits connected to the clock terminal and the parallel data terminal provide time-slice bit samples of each information bit of the parallel data signal. A comparator and decision circuit coupled to the clock terminal and at least one of the data signal delay and sampling circuits compares and selects one of the plurality of time-slice bit samples which is phase aligned with the clock signal.

Abstract: A parallel, point-to-point bus architecture for interconnecting two or more electronic components for data communication. The bus architecture includes a non-blocking crosspoint switch having a tap for interconnection to each component, a clock terminal for receiving a common clock signal and an interface for connecting each component to a tap of the crosspoint switch. Each interface includes parallel data terminals for coupling data signals between the crosspoint switch tap and the component, a clock terminal for coupling the common clock signal between the crosspoint switch tap and the component and a clock-to-data alignment system. The clock-to-data alignment system aligns the data signals coupled between the crosspoint switch tap and the component to the common clock signal. Simultaneous data communications at very high speeds can be achieved through use of the bus.

Abstract: A circuit for aligning the phase of a parallel data signal to a clock signal. The circuit includes a parallel data terminal for receiving a parallel data signal formed by multiple word bits, a clock terminal for receiving a clock signal, and a data ready terminal for receiving a data ready signal which has a logic state transition aligned with a first information bit of the parallel data signal. A plurality of data signal delay and sampling circuits connected to the clock terminal and the parallel data terminal provide time-slice bit samples of each information bit of the parallel data signal. A comparator and decision circuit coupled to the clock terminal and at least one of the data signal delay and sampling circuits compares and selects one of the plurality of time-slice bit samples which is phase aligned with the clock signal.

Abstract: A parallel, point-to-point bus architecture for interconnecting two or more electronic components for data communication. The bus architecture includes a non-blocking crosspoint switch having a tap for interconnection to each component, a clock terminal for receiving a common clock signal and an interface for connecting each component to a tap of the crosspoint switch. Each interface includes parallel data terminals for coupling data signals between the crosspoint switch tap and the component, a clock terminal for coupling the common clock signal between the crosspoint switch tap and the component and a clock-to-data alignment system. The clock-to-data alignment system aligns the data signals coupled between the crosspoint switch tap and the component to the common clock signal. Simultaneous data communications at very high speeds can be achieved through use of the bus.

Abstract: A self-terminating FET digital logic receiver for impedance-matched interconnection to a transmission line having a uniform characteristic impedance. The receiver includes an input terminal, a current mirror formed by first and second FETs, and a load. First and second non-zero current level digital logic signals are received from the transmission line at the input terminal. The first current mirror FET is connected to the input terminal and configured to provide nonlinear current/voltage characteristics between the first and second current levels which approximate the characteristic impedance of the transmission line. Substantially all the current of the digital logic signals is therefore absorbed by the first FET to minimize signal reflections on the transmission line. The second FET is connected to the first FET to provide a mirror current having current levels proportional to the current levels of the digital logic signals.

Abstract: A carrier apparatus (40) for mounting logic components on the surface of a circuit board (41). The carrier apparatus (40) includes a housing structure defining top and bottom surfaces and further defining a cavity (50) in the bottom surface for receipt of a logic component (51). A recessed cover portion (56) is attached to the housing so as to enclose the cavity (50) thereby effectively sealing the logic component (51) in the housing. The carrier apparatus (40) includes means for mounting the housing on a circuit board such that the cover (56) does not make contact with the surface of the circuit board (41). The housing further includes means for electrically interconnecting the logic component (51) to the circuit board (41).