Abstract: An in-the-ear (ITE) physiological measurement device (2) includes a structure (4) formed for easy insertion into multiple shaped and sized ear canals. An inflatable balloon (6) surrounds an end portion of the structure (4) to be positioned in the ear. Optionally, a mushroom shaped tip (22) is connected with an end of the structure (4) and carries a plurality of sensors (8). Inflation of the balloon (6) expands the tip (22) radially to position the sensors (8) proximate to vascular tissue within the ear canal. Once suitably positioned, the one or more sensors (8) sense physiological signals from the vascular tissue and bone structure.

Abstract: A device operable to extract a sample of body fluid, the device including at least one skin-penetration member, an actuator, a controller, and a housing mounting the at least one skin-penetration member for extension from the device. Another device for extracting body fluid includes at least one skin-penetration member having an inner bore and an outer diameter, and at least one axially moveable hollow tubular member disposed in the inner bore. Yet another device includes at least one skin-penetration member, an actuator, a controller, a housing mounting the at least one skin-penetration member, and a skin sensor measuring electrical parameters transmitted through the at least one skin-penetration member. Associated methods are also disclosed.

Abstract: A portable physiological monitoring device (12) includes a receiver (22) that wirelessly receives physiological measurements from each of a plurality of in-the-ear probes (14) upon entering a communication range of one of the in-the-ear probes (14). The portable physiological monitoring device (12) farther includes a display (30) for presenting the physiological measurements.

Abstract: An in-the-ear (ITE) physiological measurement device (2) includes a structure (4) formed for easy insertion into multiple shaped and sized ear canals. An inflatable balloon (6) surrounds an end portion of the structure (4) to be positioned in the ear. Optionally, a mushroom shaped tip (22) is connected with an end of the structure (4) and carries a plurality of sensors (8). Inflation of the balloon (6) expands the tip (22) radially to position the sensors (8) proximate to vascular tissue within the ear canal. Once suitably positioned, the one or more sensors (8) sense physiological signals from the vascular tissue and bone structure.

Abstract: In an illustrative embodiment of the present invention, a hearing aid device is tethered to a selector module via a cable. A keypad of the selector is pressed to program the hearing aid device with a particular acoustical format. More specifically, a command generated by the selector module is received at the hearing aid test unit to program a corresponding acoustical format. Consequently, a hearing impaired patient can reprogram the hearing aid device to compare which of multiple formats provides an optimal response for use.

Abstract: A flats singulation apparatus includes a input buffer section having a substantially horizontal ramp which is adapted to support thereon a stack of flats mailpieces on edge. The buffer section includes a moving belt and ram plate for moving the stack of flat pieces toward the front end of the ramp. A transfer section is at the end of the ramp and is adapted to remove the flat pieces substantially one at a time from the ramp and drop them downwardly. The transfer section includes a plurality of edge rollers extending across the end of the ramp and adapted to move the flat pieces from the stack, and a ledge plate extending downwardly from the edge rollers and having a horizontal ledge onto which the flat pieces drop. A pusher shelf is movable across the ledge to push the flat pieces off of the shelf. A separation section extends substantially horizontally across the end of the transfer section and includes means for moving the flat pieces away from the transfer section and separating flat pieces.

Abstract: An apparatus for transferring a kinescope and a chassis, which are coupled by cabling, from one location to another includes probes which engage apertures in the chassis to pick up the chassis. A frame supports suction cups to pick up the kinescope. The probes are supported by a bar which is pivotably attached to the frame. The chassis and kinescope are thus separately engaged and released but are simultaneously moved.

Abstract: An article transfer apparatus for transferring and assembling a television receiver back cover from a conveyor to a receiver cabinet. The apparatus is robotically operated and includes a set of pneumatically operated suction cups which are aligned to displace along axes which intersect at a common point to avoid torquing and misorienting the cover during the transfer. Vacuum is applied to the cups to assist in gripping the cover and for sensing a misgripped status. A fail-safe system locks the grip on the cover in case of power failure.

Abstract: Two vibratory feeders are coupled to a switching mechanism for feeding screws to a robotically operated screw driver. The feeders include screw sensors which cause a control to switch feeders in case of a sensed jam in the feeder then in operation. An operator is alerted to correct the jam and place the cleared feeder in stand-by.