Abstract: A method of operating a distributed call progress tone detection system. In one embodiment, the method includes: (1) receiving requests from an application over said packet network and transmitting transmit call and control processing commands to a switching partition via a main control unit, (2) providing an interface to corresponding access nodes via line interface modules, (3) generating a call on a first of said line interface modules, (4) employing an input-output distributor to interconnect a call progress tone detector and said first of said line interface modules to allow said call progress tone detector to perform a call progress tone detection analysis and generate an indication thereof with respect to said first of said line interface modules and (5) creating an interconnection between said first of said line interface modules and a second of said line interface modules based on said indication via said input-output distributor and notifying said application of said interconnection.

Abstract: A distributed call progress tone detection system and method of operation thereof. In one embodiment, the system includes a switching partition having line interface modules, a call progress tone detector configured to perform call progress tone detection analysis, and an input-output distributor configured to employ a circuit to interconnect the call progress tone detector and a first of the line interface modules. The system further includes a main control unit configured to receive requests from an application over a packet network, transmit call and control processing commands to the switching partition, create an interconnection between the first of the line interface modules and a second of the line interface modules based on an indication generated by the call progress tone detector and notify the application of the interconnection.

Abstract: A physiological instrument that includes a first component comprising an ECG monitor and a second component comprising a defibrillator. The second component may also include a pacemaker mounted to and electrically connected with the defibrillator. The first and second components may communicate with one another entirely by means of three optical communication channels, each channel including an optical signal path that includes windows through which the optical signals pass into and out of the components. The components may therefore operate in a fully integrated manner despite the fact that no electrical signal path exists between the components.

Abstract: A gas-containing hemodialysis liquid is introduced into a helical coil of tubing formed from a hydrophobic material. Axial flow through the tubing is prevented and the hemodialysis liquid is pressure forced through the hydrophobic material, to free the gases from solution. Gases are released from the liquid through the hydrophobic material into an annular chamber surrounding the tubing.

Abstract: A coil of hydrophobic tubing is wrapped around the side wall of an inner chamber. The gas-containing hemodialysis liquid is delivered into the inner chamber through one end thereof and flows out from the inner chamber into one end of the hydrophobic tubing through an opening at the opposite end of the inner chamber. It then flows through the tubing back towards the first end of the inner chamber, generally countercurrent to flow through the inner chamber. Gases are released from the liquid through the hydrophobic material into an annular chamber surrounding the tubing.