Abstract: A system and method for monitoring use of a respiratory device, such as a dry powder inhaler, comprise a tracking module adaptable to be temporarily mounted to the respiratory device, and reusable with other respiratory devices. Inhalation medication delivery and air flow through the respiratory device are monitored for the determination of proper respiratory device use. Other data such as location, orientation, shaking, and environmental data are sensed and stored. Low power devices are used to conserve battery power. An app for connection with mobile devices is provided.

Abstract: A respiratory system and method comprise a tracker module adaptable to be secured to a variety of inhalers, the tracker module sensing activation of the medication canister of the inhaler for delivery of medication to a user. The tracker module also senses the rate of inhalation air flow of the user when inhaling medication for determination of proper inhaler use. Upstream and downstream sensors provide flow information to determine quality of the inhalation. Other sensors are provided that monitor user presence at the inhaler, user technique in using the inhaler, and the attitude of the inhaler when it was used. Low power devices are used to conserve battery power.

Abstract: Disclosed are systems and methods for a first party to create, maintain, and operate an IP-xMOOC website for access to by second parties whereby a second party may register as a registered user of the first party's IP-xMOOC site, and may optionally be onboarded as a client by the first party. The onboarded client may access a restricted-access formal IP document template from the first party's IP-xMOOC site and then collaborate by encrypted electronic communication with a selected IP professional associated with the first party, prepare and finalize a formal IP document, that the IP professional may file electronically with a selected government agency.

Abstract: A respiratory system and method comprise a tracker module adaptable to be secured to a variety of inhalers, the tracker module sensing activation of the medication canister of the inhaler for delivery of medication to a user. The tracker module also senses the rate of inhalation air flow of the user when inhaling medication for determination of proper inhaler use. Upstream and downstream sensors provide flow information to determine quality of the inhalation. Other sensors are provided that monitor user presence at the inhaler, user technique in using the inhaler, and the attitude of the inhaler when it was used. Low power devices are used to conserve battery power.

Abstract: A respiratory system and method comprise a tracker module adaptable to be secured to a variety of inhalers, the tracker module sensing activation of the medication canister of the inhaler for delivery of medication to a user. The tracker module also senses the rate of inhalation air flow of the user when inhaling medication for determination of proper inhaler use. Upstream and downstream sensors provide flow information to determine quality of the inhalation. A flow sensor is an integral part of the tracking module and can be used on multiple inhalers. Other sensors are provided that monitor user presence at the inhaler, user technique in using the inhaler, and the attitude of the inhaler when it was used. Low power devices are used to conserve battery power. A spirometer provides user lung function data.

Abstract: A respiratory system and method comprise a tracker module adaptable to be secured to a variety of inhalers, the tracker module sensing activation of the medication canister of the inhaler for delivery of medication to a user. The tracker module also senses the rate of inhalation air flow of the user when inhaling medication for determination of proper inhaler use. Upstream and downstream sensors provide flow information to determine quality of the inhalation. A flow sensor is an integral part of the tracking module and can be used on multiple inhalers. Other sensors are provided that monitor user presence at the inhaler, user technique in using the inhaler, and the attitude of the inhaler when it was used. Low power devices are used to conserve battery power. A spirometer provides user lung function data.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for monitoring fluid in a fluid line are disclosed. The apparatus includes a first capacitor and a processor in communication with the first capacitor. The first capacitor is configured to sense the capacitance of the fluid line at the first capacitor. The processor is configured to compare the sensed capacitance at the first capacitor with a reference capacitance to determine the composition of the fluid in the fluid line at the first capacitor. In some embodiments, the apparatus also includes a second capacitor. The second capacitor is configured to sense the capacitance of the fluid line at the second capacitor. The processor is configured to compare the sensed capacitance at the second capacitor with a reference capacitance to determine the composition of the fluid in the fluid line at the second capacitor.

Abstract: An ultrasonic air-in-line detector for use with a fluid tube. A housing comprising a first arm and a second arm defines the edges of a cavity. A first convex lens mounted on the first arm protrudes into the cavity from the side of the first arm facing the cavity. A second convex lens mounted on the second arm protrudes into the cavity opposite the first convex lens from the side of the second arm facing the cavity. A first concave section is disposed on the side of the first arm facing the cavity and outside of a signal pathway between the first convex lens and the second convex lens. A second concave section is disposed on the side of the second arm facing the cavity outside of the signal pathway between the first convex lens and the second convex lens.

Abstract: A device for holding an IV tube in a pumping apparatus and for selectively occluding the tube when the door of the pumping apparatus is opened, to prevent free flow of fluid in the tube. A flange provided on a sliding clamp is designed to prevent inadvertent finger slippage causing pushing of a tab positioned in the sliding direction from the flange, resulting in undesirable fluid leakage. The flange is made slip-resistant using a textured surface, having a concave shape, or having an angled top portion to prevent finger slippage or having a concave setback to guide a finger when pushing the sliding clamp.

Abstract: The location of a medical device is determined by receiving one or more signals at the medical device transmitted by one or more beacons, respectively, at known locations. The one or more signals received at the medical device are sent from the medical device to a processor, which determines the location of the medical device based on the received one or more signals. One of the beacons may be a portable patient beacon, the location of which is determined when its signal is received by a medical device, the location of which was previously determined.

Abstract: A medical notification apparatus and method for use with a preexisting healthcare facility nurse call system are disclosed. The apparatus sends a message signal to the healthcare facility call system when the apparatus receives and identifies an acoustic signal indicative of a medical device alarm or other parameter. The apparatus comprises an acoustic sensor, a signal processing unit, and an interface unit. A band pass filter, timing gate, and a processor are configured in one embodiment to process the received acoustic signal to identify an acoustic alarm. A memory device may be used to store a set of identification criteria for identifying a variety of acoustic alarms, and to store a set of message signals. The sent message signal is selected from among the stored set of message signals.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for monitoring fluid in a fluid line are disclosed. The apparatus includes a first capacitor and a processor in communication with the first capacitor. The first capacitor is configured to sense the capacitance of the fluid line at the first capacitor. The processor is configured to compare the sensed capacitance at the first capacitor with a reference capacitance to determine the composition of the fluid in the fluid line at the first capacitor. In some embodiments, the apparatus also includes a second capacitor. The second capacitor is configured to sense the capacitance of the fluid line at the second capacitor. The processor is configured to compare the sensed capacitance at the second capacitor with a reference capacitance to determine the composition of the fluid in the fluid line at the second capacitor.

Abstract: The location of a medical device is determined by receiving one or more signals at the medical device transmitted by one or more beacons, respectively, at known locations. The one or more signals received at the medical device are sent from the medical device to a processor, which determines the location of the medical device based on the received one or more signals. One of the beacons may be a portable patient beacon, the location of which is determined when its signal is received by a medical device, the location of which was previously determined.

Abstract: An early warning system and method for predicting a failure of a backlight of any display that uses internal illumination, such as a liquid crystal display (LCD), digital light processing™ (DLP), or liquid crystal on silicon (LCoS). This display could be a flat screen type or a projector type. A display indicating that failure is imminent within a certain period of time is provided. A countdown display of life remaining may also be provided. Color temperature of the backlight is monitored and compared over time to form the prediction of failure. Measurements may also include measurements of individual components of light, such as the red, green, and blue components. Components may be compared individually over time to detect a color shift that reaches a threshold of prediction failure.

Abstract: An automatic stop valve formed in a container of a medical fluid administration system includes an electrical field that attracts the float and valve seat together to shut off flow from the exit port of the container when the fluid within the container is reduced to a predetermined level. One or both of the float and valve seat creates an electric field that attracts the other, which is made of a non-magnetic dielectric, into engagement. In one embodiment, the valve seat is formed of an electret that creates the electric field attracting the float to it to stop flow. In another embodiment, the float comprises an electret that attracts the float to the dielectric valve seat. In yet another embodiment, both the float and valve seat include electrets of opposite polarity that attract each other into engagement. The lack of magnetic and metallic materials makes the shut off valve suitable for use in an MRI environment.

Abstract: A medical notification apparatus and method for use with a preexisting healthcare facility nurse call system are disclosed. The apparatus sends a message signal to the healthcare facility call system when the apparatus receives and identifies an acoustic signal indicative of a medical device alarm or other parameter. The apparatus comprises an acoustic sensor, a signal processing unit, and an interface unit. A band pass filter, timing gate, and a processor are configured in one embodiment to process the received acoustic signal to identify an acoustic alarm. A memory device may be used to store a set of identification criteria for identifying a variety of acoustic alarms, and to store a set of message signals. The sent message signal is selected from among the stored set of message signals.

Abstract: An automatic stop valve formed in a container of a medical fluid administration system includes an electrical field that attracts the float and valve seat together to shut off flow from the exit port of the container when the fluid within the container is reduced to a predetermined level. One or both of the float and valve seat creates an electric field that attracts the other, which is made of a non-magnetic dielectric, into engagement. In one embodiment, the valve seat is formed of an electret that creates the electric field attracting the float to it to stop flow. In another embodiment, the float comprises an electret that attracts the float to the dielectric valve seat. In yet another embodiment, both the float and valve seat include electrets of opposite polarity that attract each other into engagement. The lack of magnetic and metallic materials makes the shut off valve suitable for use in an MRI environment.

Abstract: This invention is a process for increasing the toughness of solid state polymerized (SSP) poly(trimethylene terephthalate) (PTT) pellets which have an intrinsic viscosity of about 0.7 dl/g or greater prior to extrusion. The process comprises extruding the PTT SSP pellets at a temperature of about 245 to about 280° C for from about 1 minute to about 20 minutes, cutting the PTT into pellets, and crystallizing the PTT pellets to about 10 to about 45 percent crystallinity.