Abstract: An infant calming/sleep-aid device that includes a moving platform and a sound generator, the sound and motion adapted to calm a fussy baby, induce sleep, and maintain sleep under normal conditions. The device makes a determination as to whether sound signals represent sound coming from inside the device or outside the device. If the sound signals are coming from the inside the device, then the signals are evaluated in a specified frequency band to determine whether the sound is a baby cry. If a determination is made that there is a baby cry, then a threshold analysis is performed to quantify the cry and compare it to a threshold value. If the cry is above a specified threshold, the device moves the platform and/or generates sound.

Abstract: An infant calming/sleep-aid device that includes a moving platform and a sound generator, the sound and motion adapted to calm a fussy baby, induce sleep, and maintain sleep under normal conditions. The device makes a determination as to whether sound signals represent sound coming from inside the device or outside the device. If the sound signals are coming from the inside the device, then the signals are evaluated in a specified frequency band to determine whether the sound is a baby cry. If a determination is made that there is a baby cry, then a threshold analysis is performed to quantify the cry and compare it to a threshold value. If the cry is above a specified threshold, the device moves the platform and/or generates sound.

Abstract: An infant calming/sleep-aid device that includes a moving platform and a sound generator, the sound and motion adapted to calm a fussy baby, induce sleep, and maintain sleep under normal conditions. The device makes a determination as to whether sound signals represent sound coming from inside the device or outside the device. If the sound signals are coming from the inside the device, then the signals are evaluated in a specified frequency band to determine whether the sound is a baby cry. If a determination is made that there is a baby cry, then a threshold analysis is performed to quantify the cry and compare it to a threshold value. If the cry is above a specified threshold, the device moves the platform and/or generates sound.

Abstract: An infant calming/sleep-aid device that includes a moving platform and a sound generator, the sound and motion adapted to calm a fussy baby, induce sleep, and maintain sleep under normal conditions. The device makes a determination as to whether sound signals represent sound coming from inside the device or outside the device. If the sound signals are coming from the inside the device, then the signals are evaluated in a specified frequency band to determine whether the sound is a baby cry. If a determination is made that there is a baby cry, then a threshold analysis is performed to quantify the cry and compare it to a threshold value. If the cry is above a specified threshold, the device moves the platform and/or generates sound.

Abstract: A wireless handheld device having a retractable keypad is provided according to an embodiment of the present invention. The device comprises a housing having an opening and a display coupled to the housing. A keypad is coupled to the housing open. A spring mechanism is coupled to the housing and the keypad, and extends the keypad from the housing open. The keypad and a microphone are positioned in a keypad housing having a first opening and an end for closing the device housing opening. A zigzag spring is positioned in the device housing and the keypad housing for extending the keypad responsive to pressing a button. A first member is coupled to a second member for guiding the keypad housing. The first member has a lock surface and the keypad housing has a lock surface for engaging with the first member lock surface responsive to the keypad housing being inserted into the device housing.

Abstract: An endoscopic suctioning instrument with variable suction is disclosed. The instrument has a hollow cannula having a proximal end and a distal end, and sliding sleeve having a proximal end and a distal end and a longitudinal axis, with the sliding sleeve being coaxial to and closely surrounding and slidingly engaging the hollow cannula. The sliding sleeve has a plurality of lateral holes at its distal end with the lateral holes being spaced along the longitudinal axis.

Abstract: A pinch valve for a flexible conduit is provided. The pinch valve has an arcuate rigid hook, an arcuate rigid pincher, and an actuator. The arcuate rigid hook has an inner surface of a diameter substantially equal to outer diameter of the flexible conduit, wherein the inner surface receives the conduit. The arcuate rigid pincher has an outer arcuate surface with a diameter at least as small as the inner diameter of the flexible conduit, and the flexible conduit is located between the arcuate hook and the arcuate rigid pincher. The actuator is coupled to either the hook or the pincher, and moves the hook relative to the pincher relative from a first position to collapse and pinch the flexible conduit therebetween to a second position where said flexible conduit is not collapsed and pinched. Preferably, the actuator is spring loaded so that the conduit is pinched.