Abstract: A health monitoring apparatus is providing, which includes a body section and a housing section that covers the body section. The body section includes a printed circuit board, a flow meter section, a first mouth probe, a second mouth probe, and a non-contact thermometer light guide. The flow meter section includes a base and a pair of channel walls extending upward from the base and a gap there between to define a fluid flow channel having a fluid receiving passageway. The first mouth probe extends outward from the fluid flow channel, and the second mouth probe is disposed axially with respect to the first mouth probe and extends outward from the fluid flow channel. The non-contact thermometer light guide is disposed along the first mouth probe and leads into the flow meter section. The non-contact thermometer light guide includes an electromagnetic radiation sensor disposed along a trailing end of the non-contact thermometer light guide.

Abstract: An apparatus and system are provided for monitoring an individual, a group or a community of individuals for respiratory infections. Predictive health data, such as waking peak expiratory flow rate (“WPF”) and basal metabolic temperature (“BMT”) are measured and charted to provide an indication of early stage respiratory infection. Data may be collected for target populations and reported to health agencies for use in combating the spread of infection. An apparatus is provided which can simultaneously measure WPF and BMT and other health-condition-related values and automatically transmit readings to a data collection and analysis program on a remote computer.

Abstract: An apparatus and system are provided for monitoring an individual, a group or a community of individuals for respiratory infections. Predictive health data, such as waking peak expiratory flow rate (“WPF”) and basal metabolic temperature (“BMT”) are measured and charted to provide an indication of early stage respiratory infection. Data may be collected for target populations and reported to health agencies for use in combating the spread of infection. An apparatus is provided which can simultaneously measure WPF and BMT and other health-condition-related values and automatically transmit readings to a data collection and analysis program on a remote computer.

Abstract: An apparatus and system are provided for monitoring an individual, a group or a community of individuals for respiratory infections. Predictive health data, such as waking peak expiratory flow rate (“WPF”) and basal metabolic temperature (“BMT”) are measured and charted to provide an indication of early stage respiratory infection. Data may be collected for target populations and reported to health agencies for use in combating the spread of infection. An apparatus is provided which can simultaneously measure WPF and BMT and other health-condition-related values and automatically transmit readings to a data collection and analysis program on a remote computer.

Abstract: A method and system for an early warning detection of bioterrorism events includes obtaining temperature readings from a statistical sample of individuals in a community, and comparing the individual readings to one or more detection thresholds spaced apart by predetermined values with at least one of the thresholds being below the normally accepted temperature range defined as a low-grade fever. The comparison is then used to identify and evaluate a community's potential infection by a biological warfare agent so that early therapeutic action may be taken.

Abstract: A method and system for an early warning detection of bioterrorism events includes obtaining temperature readings from a statistical sample of individuals in a community, and comparing the individual readings to one or more detection thresholds spaced apart by predetermined values with at least one of the thresholds being below the normally accepted temperature range defined as a low-grade fever. The comparison is then used to identify and evaluate a community's potential infection by a biological warfare agent so that early therapeutic action may be taken.

Abstract: A liquid crystal display module comprises a liquid crystal display and a housing which carries the display, typically of C-shaped cross section with the liquid crystal display being attached to opposed ends of the C-shaped cross section of the housing. A conductor carried by the housing provides electronic communication between electronic circuitry and the liquid crystal display. A pair of light pipes are respectively positioned adjacent opposed edges of the housing, a first of the light pipes being connected to a source of light and the other of the light pipes being connected to a sensor for the light. The light pipes each define spaced branches positioned so that spaced light beams can be emitted from the branches of the first light pipe to pass through the liquid crystal display and to be received by the other light pipe through the branches thereof, to be sensed by the sensor.

Abstract: A digital clock comprises an electronic timekeeping circuit, plus an electronic digital display connected to the time keeping circuit to display time as controlled by the circuit. An electronic control is provided to permit changing of individual numerals displayed in a plurality of locations by manually pointing at the individual numerals. The electronic control may comprise a transparent, touch-sensitive detector, positioned in front of the digital display to permit manual changing of the individual numerals.

Abstract: A digital clock comprises an electronic timekeeping circuit, plus electronic digital display means connected to the time keeping circuit to display time as controlled by the circuit. Electronic control means are provided to permit changing of individual numerals displayed in a plurality of locations by manually pointing at the individual numerals. The electronic control means may comprise transparent touch-sensitive detection means positioned in front of the digital display means to permit manual changing of the individual numerals. Alternatively, the electronic control means may comprise one or more light beam emitters and one or more light beam sensors, plus an optical means for passing individual time-gated light beams from the emitter(s) to the sensor(s) in front of the numerals in a position to permit selective occlusion of the individual light beams by manual pointing.

Abstract: In a fingerprint matching system, a finger platen formed of an optical element having a tacky reading surface for providing an accurate and consistent image of a fingerprint pattern.

Abstract: The body portion (A) of a small portable sterilizer has a face panel (46) against which a door (B) is selectively closed. The face panel defines an access opening for a sterilization chamber (10) which receives a cassette (C), an access opening for an anti-microbial concentrate chamber (20) which receives a powdered or other sterilant concentrate, and an outlet opening (50) from a microbe filter which filters microbes from incoming rinse water. The face plate and the door define fluid flow channels (48, 52) therebetween for selectively directing sterilant solutions and rinse solutions among the anti-microbial concentrate chamber, the sterilization chamber, and the microbial filter. The cassette is configured to assure that it is inserted into the sterilization chamber with a unique orientation such that its fluid inlet apertures (114) and outlet apertures (124) are at preselected locations.

Abstract: A crib dropside is provided which includes a double-acting latch mechanism for releasing the dropside from a locked position. The dropside includes an upper rail having a groove extending within the front surface thereof. The grove extends for the entire length of the rail. A pair of spring-loaded locking pins are mounted to each end of the rail. A cable extends within the groove and is secured at each end to the locking pins, the center of the cable being secured to a slide member within the latch mechanism. The dropside is slidably mounted to a pair of tracks, the tracks including openings for receiving the locking pins. Actuation of the latch mechanism causes the pins to be withdrawn from the openings. Additional openings are provided within the tracks for allowing a mattress support and crib stabilizer bars to be mounted thereto.

Abstract: An apparatus for providing a control signal utilizes a liquid crystal panel and means for transiently forming transparent windows therein. There is a source of electromagnetic radiation (EMR) adjacent the panel and positioned to pass EMR through transiently open windows. There is an EMR detector positioned adjacent the source and a defined EMR path between the source and detector which path is formed in response to a transiently open window and includes an area for the positioning of an object to occlude the EMR radiation passing between the source and detector. The path also includes a reflector which directs EMR from the source back in the same general direction to the detector. There is a timing and logic circuit correlating the opening of the transient windows and the detection of EMR at said detector to provide a control signal.

Abstract: A liquid crystal display module defines a housing of essentially C-shaped cross-section for improved economy and for connection, protection, and support of the liquid crystal display and backlighting elements. Additionally, the drivers for the LCD may be so located by this invention, as to make room for a more intense light source to illuminate the LCD display. Also, the LCD module may exhibit a software variable color display through the use of one or more white or different color light sources and color polarizers. The invention also includes an improvement to the conventional means of applying printed circuitry to the unique housing.

Abstract: An apparatus for providing a control signal includes a liquid crystal panel with means for transiently forming transparent windows therein. There is a source of electromagnetic radiation (EMR) adjacent one side of the panel and positioned to pass EMR through a first set of transiently open windows adjacent thereto. There is an EMR detector positioned adjacent an opposite side of the panel and positioned to detect EMR from the source which has passed through one or more of the first set of transiently open windows and which has also passed through one or more of a second set of transiently open windows positioned adjacent the detector. There is a timing and logic circuit which correlates the opening of windows in the first set and in the second set whereby an EMR occluding object may be located relative to mutually perpendicular axes, one of which is parallel to both the first and second set of transiently open windows, the location of said occluding object providing a control signal representative thereof.

Abstract: A control system comprises a liquid crystal display panel; a light source; and a light detector. Light from the source is directed through at least a portion of the liquid crystal display panel to the light detector. A control circuit is provided for holding the liquid crystal display in generally opaque condition while preferably sequentially momentarily clarifying segments of the portion, whereby momentary, sequential, transversely spaced light beams are generated between the light source and the light detector. A timer and logic circuit is provided for correlating signals received from the light detector with generated, individual, spaced light beams that create the signals. Accordingly, occlusion of at least one of the individual light beams with an opaque member causes a specific characteristic response by the timer and logic circuit.

Abstract: A reflector for an electric light has a first reflector member with a socket for the light bulb and a second reflector member positioned generally forward of the socket. In one aspect of the invention a first angular segment of the first reflector defines curved reflector means for reflecting light from the light in the socket into a collimated beam. The remaining angular segment of the first reflector defines a transversely directed, curved reflector for focusing light from the light bulb back to the filament in the light bulb to increase the filament temperature. In another aspect of the invention, the first, angular segment of the second reflector member defines a transparent partition, with the partition carrying a plurality of transparent ridges of triangular cross section. The ridges are circumferentially disposed at different radii about an extension of the central axis of the socket. Thus light from the light bulb in the socket is diffracted by the ridges into the collimated beam.

Abstract: An electric light has a casing with a depth that is less than half as great as its width. This is rendered possible by the use of a compact, precision reflector which permits a focused, parallel-directed beam despite the configuration of the casing.

Abstract: An improved airless electric sprayer is disclosed having superior balance, portability, receptacle interchangeability, cleanability and a non-tipping stand feature. The user's hand conveniently grasps a piston grip in close proximity to the nozzle for accurate spray control at a position generally above the combined center of mass of a motor housing and receptacle for balanced comfortable use. The invention includes a release and lock arrangement affording handy receptacle attachment and disengagement without need for unscrewing the receptacle from the body of the sprayer, which also prevents spillage. To prevent clogging, any unsprayed liquid is allowed to accumulate around a reduced piston section and drain therefrom back into the receptacle. The housing has an access panel to expose pump assembly for convenient cleaning.

Abstract: The sprayer comprises two main functioning units; namely, a flow control system incorporated in the chemical concentrate jar top closure and a spray nozzle integral with the closure for dispensing dilute solutions of fertilizer, pesticides and the like as supplied by the flow control system. The control system comprises an ejector for drawing concentrate from the reservoir jar and a pair of coaxial, independently rotatable valve elements, one, acting with fixed structure, serving to turn the water supply off or direct the water into the chemical concentrate jar or through the unit to the spray nozzle, the other, operating in conjunction with the first valve element, controlling by means of flow resistance in a labyrinth, desirably in conjunction with an orifice metering disc, proportionate feed from the jar of chemical concentrate to the main water stream. Proportionate feed may be accomplished without the flow resistance control by appropriate dimensioning of the ejector.