Abstract: The systems of the present invention provide improved accuracy in monitoring, analysing, detecting, predicting and/or providing alerts and alarms associated with depth of anaesthesia, depth of consciousness, hypnotic state, sedation depth, fatigue or vigilance of a subject, with as few as 3 surface electrodes. The systems incorporate real-time phase, amplitude and frequency analysis of a subject's electro-encephalogram. The systems weight outputs of various types of analyses to produce an integrated analysis or display for precise indication or alert to users of the systems including anaesthetists, nurses and other medical personnel, transport drivers and machine workers.

Abstract: Described is a soluble stable liquid formulation, process for preparing, and a method of using the soluble stable liquid formulation comprising ractopamine or a physiologically acceptable salt thereof, a liquid nonionic cosolvent, and water.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing an electromagnetic flow meter assembly is disclosed. The method comprises forming an insert from a deformable material, forming at least one reinforcing component; arranging the reinforcing component around a portion of the insert, and bonding the reinforcing component to the insert to reinforce the insert against deformation under the application of pressure. An electromagnetic flow meter assembly is also disclosed and comprises an insert for insertion into a flow conduit, wherein at least a portion of the insert is formed of a deformable non-ferromagnetic material, wherein the insert comprises an inlet section, a measuring section, and an outlet section. The assembly further comprises at least one reinforcing component surrounding the measuring section of the insert to reinforce the insert against deformation under the application of pressure.

Abstract: A sensor for measuring moisture content of a substrate, comprising: a coplanar waveguide; a directional coupler having a pair of generally parallel first and second strips defining a coupling gap therebetween; and a high frequency signal generator electrically coupled to said first strip and operable to couple power to said second strip with the substrate placed across said coupling gap to thereby generate a coupled power signal in said second strip having an amplitude related to moisture content of the substrate.

Abstract: Authenticating an identity of a user claiming to be a genuine-user includes receiving from the user biometric data pertaining to a plurality of biometric parameters. The received biometric data are compared with corresponding authentic biometric data which have previously been obtained from the genuine-user. The user's identity is authenticated if the received biometric data meet qualification criteria when compared with the corresponding authentic biometric data.

Abstract: The invention relates to improved apparatus and methods for respiratory inductive plesthysmography. The invention includes apparatus for measuring changes in the circumference of a subject comprising of an energisable conducting wire having two ends, engagement means for engaging said ends to form a gapless conducting loop, the engagement means being in electrical communication with the conducting wire. The relationship between the elements of the apparatus provides a reduced level of noise associated with a measureable signal attributed to the changes in circumference. Signals generated in the apparatus may be processed and communicated through various means for analysis of respiratory effort. A method is disclosed for measuring respiratory effort with a gapless conducting wire energised with current.

Abstract: The systems of the present invention provide improved accuracy in monitoring, analysing, detecting, predicting and/or providing alerts and alarms associated with depth of anaesthesia, depth of consciousness, hypnotic state, sedation depth, fatigue or vigilance of a subject, with as few as 3 surface electrodes. The systems incorporate real-time phase, amplitude and frequency analysis of a subject's electro-encephalogram. The systems weight outputs of various types of analyses to produce an integrated analysis or display for precise indication or alert to users of the systems including anaesthetists, nurses and other medical personnel, transport drivers and machine workers.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for assembling a fluid conduit assembly and testing the fluid conduit for leaks. Clipping devices support fasteners at a position remote from the conduit. According to the invention the fasteners can be loaded into clip nests provided by the clipping devices while leak testing of the conduit is performed. The performance of these steps simultaneously effectively eliminates the conventional requirement of pre-loading installation fasteners into the leak testing apparatus, and thus reduces the overall time required for the testing and assembly of fluid conduits by approximately one third. If the leak test is successful, all of the fasteners are then moved to the conduits and closed to integrate the conduit assembly.

Abstract: A system including a mask to detect an EEG signal and to deliver a gas, the mask having a forehead support extending from the body and adapted to contact a forehead surface of the patient during use, the forehead support having a plurality of sensors located thereon for detecting electrophysiological signals of the patient, with the plurality of sensors including EEG sensors positioned proximate to FP1/FP2 standard electrode placement positions of the patient, a gas delivery device in fluid communication with the mask and having an adjustable gas output, and a control system for determining a sleep stage from EEG signals detected by the mask and adjusting a gas delivery device based on the sleep stage.

Abstract: The systems of the present invention provide improved accuracy in monitoring, analysing, detecting, predicting and/or providing alerts and alarms associated with depth of anaesthesia, depth of consciousness, hypnotic state, sedation depth, fatigue or vigilance of a subject, with as few as 3 surface electrodes. The systems incorporate real-time phase, amplitude and frequency analysis of a subject's electro-encephalogram. The systems weight outputs of various types of analyses to produce an integrated analysis or display for precise indication or alert to users of the systems including anaesthetists, nurses and other medical personnel, transport drivers and machine workers.

Abstract: A method of forming a carbon-carbon composite is provided in which a blend of vapor grown carbon fibers, carbon nanofibers, and optionally, nano-graphene platelets are formed into a preform, densified, and then graphitized. The composite is low in cost to produce and exhibits high thermal conductivity for use in a variety of thermal management applications.

Abstract: Melt fracture is reduced, without the necessity of polymer processing-aid additives specifically designed to alleviate exit region surface melt fracture phenomenon, by heating at least a portion of the die through which the polymer is extruded. The die exit region is maintained at a temperature above the bulk melt temperature of the polymer extruded through the die exit hole.

Abstract: The present invention provides a gas delivery device and system and methods for delivering humidified pressurised gas through a conduit to a subject. The configuration of the elements of the gas delivery device enable the device to be conveniently oriented from a horizontal to vertical position to suit the needs of a user. The gas delivery device may incorporate a Helmholtz resonator for dampening sound of the motor. The conduit may incorporate concentric tubes to allow it to conveniently engage the humidifier at a single aperture. The invention includes a method of operating a blower motor for a gas delivery device using a single Hall sensor.

Abstract: A method of making a polymer composite from a mixture of a polymeric material, carbon nanofibers, and nano-scale particles is provided. The carbon nanofibers are less than about 1 micrometer in diameter, and the nano-scale particles are shorter in length than the carbon nanofibers. The nano-scale particles are selected from nano-scale carbon additives, non-conductive nano-clays, nano-scale conductive metallic additives, or combinations thereof. The components are mixed to form a polymer composite. A polymer composite having a resistivity of less than about 107 ohm-cm is also described.

Abstract: A method for restricting unauthorised access to a patient's diagnostic images. Patient identification data is stored in a first database and diagnostic images associated with the patient are stored in a remote second database. The patient is issued with an access code which is provided to a user who is authorised by the patient to access the patient's diagnostic image. Use of the access code permits an authorised user to match the patient identification data retrieved from the first database with the associated diagnostic image stored in the second database.

Abstract: Certain embodiments of the present technology provide a method of displaying and visualizing information in accordance with the amount of screen space available. Other embodiments provide a system for displaying and visualizing information in accordance with the amount of screen space available. Yet other embodiments provide a computer-readable medium having a set of instructions for execution by a computer, the set of instruction capable of displaying and visualizing information in accordance with the amount of screen space available.

Abstract: An improved replaceable valve shaft sealing system is disclosed that enables the operator to greatly reduce the maintenance needs of valves where rotational movement of a shaft, that is connected to the actual metering apparatus of the valve, actuates the opening or closing of the valve thereby regulating fluid flow. Such valves are subjected to differentiations in pressure, including the suction that occurs during pressure drops, temperature, which directly effects the valve body material and tolerances through thermal expansion, degradation of the sealing members due to presence of chemicals and absence of lubrication and wear due to the constant adjustment of the valve due to environmental variables, Current designs use O-rings to prevent the seepage of fluid into the valve body and though the rotating shaft, but current designs do little to prevent contamination of the lubrication into the fluid flow nor eliminate any of the axial loads that can cause O-rings to fail.

Abstract: A venting probe insertion chamber that is attached to a uniquely designed port which combines the attributes of a probe insertion chamber along with the ability to vent to atmosphere gasses that are present in piping system. This invention combines the functions of two existing products in an economically viable product. This inventive design performs all task required without the need for O-rings or sealing elements present on prior art products. Creating a simpler to manufacture and maintain device that allow for a user to obtain accurate readings of temperature and pressure while using a minimal amount of tooling. The user is able to remove the protective cap while using only a single tool to prevent dislodgement of the product from the associated port. Current state of the art can potentially place a user in harm as accidental dislodgement of their product can occur having only a single operator.

Abstract: A high differential pressure, low torque precision temperature control valve is disclosed herein. This valve is trunnionated with stem components that are separable from the plug for ease of maintenance and manufacturability and thus reducing the need to remove the entire plug and sealing assemblies in the field. Field repair of stem sealing devices can be accomplished inline. The stem design can be smaller in diameter with smaller bearing surfaces than would be anticipated creating a lower requirement of torque to rotationally transposition the plug within the fluid chamber while under high pressure. This valve's lower trunnionated stem is stationery reducing the problems associated with o-ring failure and leakage problems with objects that rotate. Due to the design of the orifices in the plug, this valve is capable of repeatability at lower opening ranges than prior art valves and reduces jetting, caviation and erosion often associated with lower opening ranges.

Abstract: The invention provides apparatus and methods for semi-automatic or automatic imaging or treatment of occlusions in vessels using pulsed or unpulsed focussed sound waves, preferably ultrasound, in Doppler technology. The apparatus comprises at least one sound transducer member including at least one sound-emitting element for producing at least one sound wave beam; means to adjust the parameters of said at least one sound wave beam; means to spatially locate said at least one sound-emitting element; means to move said at least one transducer member; means to control movement of said at least one transducer member automatically or semi-automatically; means to automatically or semi-automatically focus sound waves generated by said at least one sound-emitting element into a beam; and means to accept sound signals from sound-emitting element or elements.