Abstract: A biocompatible thin film electrical component is configured for use in a human body or other ionic liquid environment. A polyimide substrate is bonded to a glass carrier plate sized for handling by automatic equipment and a multiple-layer metal conductor is deposited on the substrate and patterned to define an electrical circuit or biosensor. The polyimide and the glass establish a bond therebetween that withstands handling yet is broken using biocompatible releasing agents and techniques. The polyimide substrate and glass carrier plate preferably have similar thermal expansion properties to reduce the likelihood of fracture and delamination problems during release of the substrate from the carrier plate. An insulation layer covers the metal conductor and, in one embodiment, is made of a polyimide having a cure temperature lower than the temperature at which interdiffusion occurs in the metal layers in the conductor.

Abstract: An audible turn signal canister unit for automobiles incorporates an audible alarm in the form of a unitary, self-contained module which can be plugged into the existing socket in the automobile in place of a standard flasher unit. The alarm is a pure tone in the mid-speech frequency range (e.g. 1000 to 2500 Hz) in order to be more readily heard over background noise or by hearing impaired individuals. Optionally, the unit can be provided with a time delay circuit in the form of an electronic counter that is reset each time that the turn signal switch is turned on or closed in order to establish the beginning count for the activation of the alarm a predetermined time interval after the turn signal unit is activated.

Abstract: A hypodermic needle recapping device is of one-piece construction and comprises a handle in the form of a thin, flat plate provided with a plurality of holes of different sizes for interchangeable use in recapping a needle, each hole being of a slightly larger size than the cap to be replaced on the needle, and a plurality of notches of different sizes on outer edges of the plate are used interchangeably for recapping different sized caps onto a needle.

Abstract: A biocompatible thin film electrical component is configured for use in a human body or other ionic liquid environment. A polyimide substrate is bonded to a glass carrier plate sized for handling by automatic equipment and a multiple-layer metal conductor is deposited on the substrate and patterned to define an electrical circuit or biosensor. The polyimide and the glass establish a bond therebetween that withstands handling yet is know using biocompatible releasing agents and techniques. The polyimide substrate and glass carrier plate preferably have similar thermal expansion properties to reduce the likelihood of fracture and delamination problems during release of the substrate from the carrier plate. An insulation layer covers the metal conductor and, in one embodiment, is made of polyimide having a cure temperature lower than the temperature at which interediffusion occurrs in the metal layers in the conductor.

Abstract: A portable, hand-held tympanometer that has the capability of performing the tympanometry and of displaying and storing the test results all within the hand-held instrument. A separate unit that is not in any way attached to the tympanometer during the testing is provided to print the test results and to recharge the tympanometer battery. The tympanometer has a body portion and a head portion to which a speculum is attached, the speculum being adapted to engage the canal of the ear being examined in sealed relation thereto. A speaker in the speculum transmits acoustic signals into the ear canal and a microphone in the speculum receives the signals that are reflected back through the canal by the tympanic membrane. A pressure transducer is located in the head portion of the tympanometer, and a miniature pump located in the body portion operates to introduce a range of pressures into the ear canal while the acoustic signals are being transmitted and received.

Abstract: A combination otoscope and audiometer provided with conventional lighting means and an unobstructed viewing passage for visually inspecting the ear canal of a patient. The hand held instrument is also provided with a calibrated electronic circuit that automatically produces a sequence of tones of different frequencies and intensities, together with means for transmitting these tones to the patient's ear. The circuit includes timing means for precisely controlling the duration of each tone. Neither the production of the tones nor the duration thereof is under the control of the operator. The exterior of the instrument is provided with indicators in the form of light emitting diodes to tell the operator when each tone is being transmitted to the patient's ear.