Abstract: An apparatus for selectively enabling power including a power supply, and a device having a controller and an input activated by a user. The controller is selectively powered by the power supply. While the device is in a sleep state, a sensing circuit senses activation of the input by the user and enables the power supply to provide power to the controller in response to the sensed activation of the input by the user. A latch circuit causes the power supply to continue to provide power to the controller. The controller is responsive to the sensed activation of the input by the user for enabling the latch circuit and for disabling the latch circuit, thereby reentering the device into a sleep state.

Abstract: A probe cover having a portion that operates as a blackbody. The blackbody is a combination of a stretchable film and a metal. The blackbody rapidly heats to equilibrium with the body tissue. An infrared thermometer using the probe cover may view the blackbody to acquire the temperature of the body tissue temperature being measured.

Abstract: A method for calibrating a thermometer is disclosed. The thermometer comprises a primary temperature sensor for determining the temperature of a target. The thermometer also comprises a reference temperature sensor positioned proximate to the primary temperature sensor and being responsive to an extraneous temperature affecting the primary temperature sensor. One calibration method calibrates the reference temperature sensor. This calibration can utilize a non-electrically conductive liquid bath for temperature control. Another calibration method calibrates the reference temperature sensor and the primary temperature sensor.

Abstract: An electronic thermometer includes an automatic activating system for automatically configuring the thermometer between an active state (broadly, the thermometer is turned on) and a non-active state (broadly, the thermometer is turned off). In general the activating system includes a solid-state activating sensor, such as a Hall-effect sensor, in a housing of the thermometer and a magnet in a probe of the thermometer for activating the sensor when the probe is received in a probe well.

Abstract: A medical pump including an electromagnetic emitter and detector is provided. The emitter emits electromagnetic radiation of a predetermined wavelength. A pump set that is compatible with the medical pump modifies the emitted electromagnetic radiation when properly installed in the pump. The detector receives electromagnetic radiation, and a filter excludes electromagnetic radiation having a wavelength other than the predetermined wavelength. The pump monitors the filtered signal to determine whether the received electromagnetic radiation corresponds to the emitted electromagnetic radiation as modified by a properly loaded, compatible pump set and determines whether a compatible pump set is properly loaded in the pump as a function thereof.

Abstract: An electronic thermometer includes an automatic activating system for automatically configuring the thermometer between an active state (broadly, the thermometer is turned on) and a non-active state (broadly, the thermometer is turned off). In general the activating system includes a solid-state activating sensor, such as a Hall-effect sensor, in a housing of the thermometer and a magnet in a probe of the thermometer for activating the sensor when the probe is received in a probe well.

Abstract: A method for calibrating a thermometer is disclosed. The thermometer comprises a primary temperature sensor for determining the temperature of a target. The thermometer also comprises a reference temperature sensor positioned proximate to the primary temperature sensor and being responsive to an extraneous temperature affecting the primary temperature sensor. One calibration method calibrates the reference temperature sensor. This calibration can utilize a non-electrically conductive liquid bath for temperature control. Another calibration method calibrates the reference temperature sensor and the primary temperature sensor.

Abstract: A portable test apparatus for testing the accuracy of a radiation-sensing thermometer. The portable test apparatus comprises a target adapted to be maintained at a target temperature for sensing by the radiation-sensing thermometer. The apparatus also comprises a communication link adapted to receive temperature-sensing information from the radiation-sensing thermometer. The apparatus also comprises a processor adapted to analyze the received temperature-sensing information and to provide an indication to a user about whether the thermometer is functioning properly.

Abstract: A pharmaceutical composition comprises one or more discrete orally deliverable dosage forms, each comprising a poorly soluble coxib component in an amount effective when administered once daily for treatment or prevention of a COX-2 mediated disorder, an aspirin component in a cardioprotective effective amount when administered once daily, and at least one pharmaceutically acceptable excipient; the dosage forms having no substantial barrier to intimate commingling of the coxib and aspirin components. A method of simultaneously treating or preventing a COX-2 mediated disorder and providing cardioprotection comprises orally administering such a pharmaceutical composition to a subject in need thereof.

Abstract: The present invention provides a novel formulation of matter and a novel process for making it. In particular, the present invention provides unique and novel 1000 mg tablets of Colestipol hydrochloride having the advantageous properties of hardness and low friability and a novel process for making such tablets.

Abstract: A gas burner control system includes an electrical resistance igniter, gas valve means, and a microcomputer and related circuitry. The microcomputer and related circuitry control energizing of the igniter in such a manner so that the igniter, after successive ignition attempts, will eventually, in response to a learning routine, be heated to a desired ignition temperature. The microcomputer and related circuitry also control operation of a circulator blower in response to burner flame and provide for numerous checks on the integrity of system components.

Abstract: A gas burner control system includes an electrical resistance igniter, gas valve means, and a microcomputer and related circuitry. The microcomputer and related circuitry control energizing of the igniter in such a manner so that the igniter, after successive ignition attempts, will eventually, in response to a learning routine, be heated to a desired ignition temperature. The microcomputer and related circuitry also control operation of a circulator blower in response to burner flame and provide for numerous checks on the integrity of system components.