Abstract: An optical switch and router configuration employing at least one material having radiation induced color centers to produce a change in the reflective index of the material. The material will reflect an input optical signal when the material is illuminated by a control optical signal source and the color centers are induced. An erase beam can be used to remove the color centers, therefore returning the material to a transmittive state such that an input optical signal can be transmitted through it, or the color centers can be allowed to dissipate after their naturally short lifetime.

Abstract: An electronic pressure sensor is described that includes a hollow stainless steel insert within a plastic outer housing. A piezoelectric pressure sensor is mounted to one end of the insert while the media to be measured flows into the other end. The insert protects the plastic outer housing from the pressure of the media. A microcontroller reads a digital signal from the pressure sensor and converts the signal into a digital output such as RS-232 or RS-485.

Abstract: An all digital physical parameter sensing network. Sensors under control of a central computer measure factors such as temperature, pressure, flow rate, filter efficiency and the like at numerous locations in a system such as a water treatment plant. Each sensor is precalibrated with voltage offset information, sensitivity variations, corrections for nonlinear behavior, etc. stored in memory at the sensor. All sensors generate corrected voltage signals conforming with the measured physical parameter, so that any sensor can be replaced without requiring recalibration. Basically, the system comprises a central computer, a communications interface between the computer and a single bus, plural sensor nodes along the bus each including a sensor for sensing a physical condition and processing the sensed information to correct for sensor individual characteristics and for transmitting the corrected sensed information to the central computer.

Abstract: An infusion pump system, comprises disposable tubing having an elastic segment and one-way check valves at each end of the segment for conveying intravenous fluid from a source to a patient, a compact, portable housing having an open receptacle for removably receiving a segment of the disposable tubing, a reciprocating ram mounted in the housing for periodically engaging and compressing the segment of the disposable tubing for pumping fluid therethrough, a motor mounted in the housing for driving the ram upon energization thereof, a control system mounted in the housing for receiving input signals and energizing the motor so that the fluid is pumped through the disposable tubing in accordance with pre-selected delivery rate parameters.

Abstract: A luminometer for analyzing genetic or non-genetic maaterial comprises an optical chamber for receiving and holding a vial of the sample material in a dark environment. A pumping system mounted in the luminometer pumps reagents into the vial to cause the sample material to luminesce, and a sensor is positioned in the dark environment relative to the vial to detect the luminescence. Instantaneous intensities of the luminescence are sequentially sampled at set intervals of time during a preselected time period and summed by a microprocessor to generate a signal that is descriptive of the constituents of the sample.

Abstract: A programmable infusion system includes a disposable IV tubing apparatus for conveying intravenous fluid from a source to a patient. A compact, portable case has a receptacle for removably receiving a segment of the disposable apparatus. A peristaltic pump is mounted in the case for engaging the segment of the disposable apparatus and pumping intravenous fluid therethrough. A motor is mounted in the case and is connected for driving the pump upon energization thereof. A bar code reader is mounted in an edge portion of the case for sensing a bar code label attached to the source of intravenous fluid, such as a bag. The bar code label represents the prescribed fluid delivery parameters. These are read and displayed in alphanumeric form by the system when the edge portion of the case containing the bar code reader is passed over the label.

Abstract: A diver's information system is disclosed that displays information in the diver's line of sight without substantially obstructing his vision. The diver's system includes a microprocessor, and has an input capability that allows a diver to select one or more dive parameters before a dive. A plurality of sensors, connected to the microprocessor, are provided to monitor parameters such as air tank pressure, depth and water temperature. The system monitors these parameters during the ensuing dive, and provides warnings upon any of a variety of conditions occurring, such as if one or more of the parameters are violated. Throughout the dive, the system periodically stores dive data and any warnings (if present) in a static RAM. Subsequent to the dive, the stored information can be downloaded into an external computer through a provided external port.

Abstract: An apparatus for determining the magnitude of heart muscle contractions has two ultrasonic transceivers, both of which are disposed in sonic alignment on selected points of the heart. A digital counter electrically interconnects the transceivers with a digital microprocessor. The counter determines a pulse transit time which corresponds to the difference in time between the transmission of a sonic pulse from the transmitter and the reception of the sonic pulse by the receiver. Immediately after determining each pulse transit time, the counter sends the transit time signal to the microprocessor, which first filters the signals to reject any signal which indicates a heart size that is unreasonably large or small. After filtering, the transit times are averaged in groups of a predetermined number and then converted to corresponding heart size measurements for storage and display.

Abstract: A fluorometer for measuring a particular fluorescence emanating from a specimen and operating in accordance with the following method. Producing a burst of concentrated light energy and directing the concentrated light energy toward the specimen to produce a fluorescence from the specimen including the particular fluorescence. Preferably producing an image of the fluorescence. Detecting the fluorescence and producing a signal in accordance with the fluorescence. Controlling the passage of the image of the fluorescence for detecting within a particular time period so as to optimize the detection of the particular fluorescence. Timing the operation to sequence the detection of the fluorescence within the particular time period after the production of the burst of concentrated light energy. Scanning the fluorescence from the specimen for forming signals representative of the fluorescence from the specimen.

Abstract: A fluorometer for measuring a particular fluorescence emanating from a specimen and operating in accordance with the following method. Producing a burst of concentrated light energy and directing the concentrated light energy toward the specimen to produce a fluorescence from the specimen including the particular fluorescence. Preferably producing an image of the fluorescence. Detecting the fluorescence and producing a signal in accordance with the fluorescence. Controlling the passage of the image of the fluorescence for detecting within a particular time period so as to optimize the detection of the particular fluorescence. Timing the operation to sequence the detection of the fluorescence within the particular time period after the production of the burst of concentrated light energy. Scanning the fluorescence from the specimen for forming signals representative of the fluorescence from the specimen.