Abstract: A sensor for evaluating tissue of a subject is provided. The sensor includes a flexible spine disposable on the subject, a flexible member that includes first and second flexible member portions accommodated within the flexible spine, a light source, a detector and a rigid member. The light source is attached to the first flexible member portion and is configured to emit light toward the tissue. The detector is attached to the second flexible member portion and is configured to receive the light having reflected off the tissue. The rigid member is coupled with the first and second flexible member portions. In response to a curvature of the flexible spine, the rigid member moves the first and second flexible member portions along the flexible spine to adjust a distance between the light source and the detector.

Abstract: A flow rate control device having features for selectively controlling the flow rate of a fluid over a continuous range of flow rates is provided. In particular, a flow rate control device including an inflatable flow restrictor is provided, where the flow restrictor is selectively inflatable to occlude a flow path of a fluid to thereby control the flow rate of the fluid. A flow rate control mechanism comprising a flow restrictor also is provided, the flow restrictor having an inflatable balloon for occluding a flow path of a fluid to selectively control the flow rate of the fluid.

Abstract: A sensor for evaluating tissue of a subject is provided. The sensor includes a flexible spine disposable on the subject, a flexible member that includes first and second flexible member portions accommodated within the flexible spine, a light source, a detector and a rigid member. The light source is attached to the first flexible member portion and is configured to emit light toward the tissue. The detector is attached to the second flexible member portion and is configured to receive the light having reflected off the tissue. The rigid member is coupled with the first and second flexible member portions.

Abstract: A flow rate control device having features for selectively controlling the flow rate of a fluid over a continuous range of flow rates is provided. In particular, a flow rate control device including an inflatable flow restrictor is provided, where the flow restrictor is selectively inflatable to occlude a flow path of a fluid to thereby control the flow rate of the fluid. A flow rate control mechanism comprising a flow restrictor also is provided, the flow restrictor having an inflatable balloon for occluding a flow path of a fluid to selectively control the flow rate of the fluid.

Abstract: An alignment system for accurately setting the flow rate of a flow selector device, the system includes a flow selector device having a flow rate selection mechanism rotatable between a plurality of pre-selected positions; a knob providing a grip to rotate the flow rate selection mechanism, the knob having a distal portion, a proximal portion, and at least one registering element; and a cover movable between an open position providing access to the knob and a closed position restricting access to the knob, the cover further including at least one cover element that prevents closure when the registering element is misaligned with a pre-selected position.

Abstract: An alignment system for accurately setting the flow rate of a flow selector device, the system includes a flow selector device having a flow rate selection mechanism rotatable between a plurality of pre-selected positions; a knob providing a grip to rotate the flow rate selection mechanism, the knob having a distal portion, a proximal portion, and at least one registering element; and a cover movable between an open position providing access to the knob and a closed position restricting access to the knob, the cover further including at least one cover element that prevents closure when the registering element is misaligned with a pre-selected position.