Abstract: An apparatus for identifying the location of a nasogastric tube that includes a pump that selectively fluidly couples to a nasogastric tube, a pressure sensor that identifies the pressure of an inner chamber of the nasogastric tube, and a controller configured to selectively power the pump and read the pressure sensor to identify an impedance of at least one opening of the nasogastric tube.

Abstract: An apparatus and method of a tamperproof magnetic proximity sensor based on a magnetically shielded magnetic sensor. The proximity sensor is substantially impervious to external magnetic field and is protected by external magnetic sensors for preemptive detection of external magnetic field tamper attempts.

Abstract: A radar system for monitoring a premises in a home or building. The radar system includes transmitter and receiver antennae and a signal processor that processes a reflected signal. Doppler analysis of the reflected signal determines the activity and location of a subject's upper torso, and the subject's presence within the monitored premises.

Abstract: A radar fall detector system. The radar fall detector system includes transmitter and receiver antennae and a signal processor that processes a reflected signal. Doppler analysis of the reflected signal determines a subject's activity and condition, and its distance to a floor.

Abstract: The present invention enables reading from and writing onto a magnetic stripe medium with a static read/write head that does not require relative linear motion between the magnetic stripe medium and the head while reading or writing takes place. The reading and writing is accomplished using a stationary uni-dimensional, bi-dimensional, or multi-dimensional conductor array addressing and driving current through an individual conductor element. Reading from magnetic stripe is accomplished by using magnetic flux sensing method such as a fluxgate.

Abstract: A method of writing data on magnetic stripe of a smart card by imposing a magnetic field of a given polarity on each selected segment of the magnetic stripe, such that data on the magnetic stripe can be read by a magnetic card reader and interpreted as digital bits. The method includes providing a multi-dimensional conductor array placed proximate to the magnetic stripe, the number of conductors in the array is considerably smaller than the number of segments, and each segment is associated with two or more conductors. The method further includes providing current drivers for sending currents in a controlled direction through the conductor array. The system further includes sending currents, using said current drivers, through conductors of the array, such that for each one of the selected segment composite currents flowing through its associated two conductors overcome the coersivity of the segment on the magnetic stripe.

Abstract: A radar fall detector system. The radar fall detector system includes transmitter and receiver antennae and a signal processor that processes a reflected signal. Doppler analysis of the reflected signal determines a subject's moving body segment and its distance to a floor.

Abstract: A method of writing data on magnetic stripe of a smart card by imposing a magnetic field of a given polarity on each selected segment of the magnetic stripe, such that data on the magnetic stripe can be read by a magnetic card reader and interpreted as digital bits. The method includes providing a multi-dimensional conductor array placed proximate to the magnetic stripe, the number of conductors in the array is considerably smaller than the number of segments, and each segment is associated with two or more conductors. The method further includes providing current drivers for sending currents in a controlled direction through the conductor array. The system further includes sending currents, using said current drivers, through conductors of the array, such that for each one of the selected segment composite currents flowing through its associated two conductors overcome the coersivity of the segment on the magnetic stripe.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for analyzing a status of an object in a predetermined area of a parking lot facility having a plurality of parking spaces. A distinctive marking is projected into at least one predetermined area. An image of the predetermined area, that may include one or more objects, is captured. A three-dimensional model is produced from the captured image. A test is then performed on the produced model to determine an occupancy status of at least one parking space in the predetermined area. An indicating device provides information regarding the determined occupancy status.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for analyzing an orientation of a subject. An image of an area that includes a subject to be monitored is captured, so that a model can be produced. A consistency test is then performed on the produced model to determine predetermined features of the subject. In response to a predetermined result of the consistency test, an undesired orientation of the subject is indicated.

Abstract: The invention of a new patient movement sensor for bed, wheelchair, chair, etc., exit monitor is comprised of a tether made of lanyard such as is used for identification badge holders. The use of such lanyard allows for a selection of color varieties that can be imprinted with a logo, company name, message, etc. The lanyard tether can be used as a fixed length tether or a variable length tether. The tether length-control is not comprised of a loop for safety reasons. The invention is also comprised of a sensor (typically a balanced magnetic with a ferromagnetic shunt that is attached to the tether). Another feature of the invention is the use of signaling communications and voice communications enabling verbal communication between the caregiver and the alarm-site (resident).

Abstract: The present invention enables reading from and writing onto a magnetic stripe medium with a static read/write head that does not require relative linear motion between the magnetic stripe medium and the head while reading or writing takes place. The reading and writing is accomplished using a stationary uni-dimensional, bi-dimensional, or multi-dimensional conductor array addressing and driving current through an individual conductor element. Reading from magnetic stripe is accomplished by using magnetic flux sensing method such as a fluxgate.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for analyzing a status of an object (4) in a predetermined area (6) of a parking lot (5) facility having a plurality of parking spaces. An image of the predetermined area (6) of the parking lot (5) that may include one or more objects (4), is captured. A three-dimensional model is produced from the captured image. A test is then performed on the produced model to determine an occupancy status of at least one parking space in the predetermined area. An indicating device provides information regarding the determined occupancy status.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for determining a characteristic of a selected skin lesion. A capture device produces data representing an image of an object. A processing device processes the data to derive a three-dimensional model of the skin lesion, which is stored in a database. A reporting device indicates at least one specific property of the selected skin lesion. The processing device determines a change in at least one specific property of the skin lesion by comparing the three-dimensional model with at least one previously derived three-dimensional model that is stored in the database.

Abstract: An apparatus and method of proximity switch/sensor based generally on a balanceable magnetic pole array. The magnetic pole array contains at least four poles with optional ferromagnetic shunt(s). The proximity of a shunt to a magnetic pole array determines whether the array is balanced or unbalanced. A balanced array is one with a zone where the vector sum of magnetic fields emanating from the array's poles can be made to approach zero. A sensor such as a reed switch is placed in the balanced zone. When the balance of the array is disturbed by the application of one or multiple shunts, the resulting finite magnetic field vector along with the resulting magnetic flux, activates the sensor. This approach can be implemented in a variety of array structures that offer implementation of a variety of logical functions. Multiple shunts and their proximity to the array are used as the logical function's inputs and the sensor's state as the logical function's output.

Abstract: Monitoring an individual to determine when the individual is likely to exit a supportive structure. An apparatus has an image capturing device that captures successive images of the monitored individual in the supportive structure. A processing device compares a current captured image to a previous image to detect predetermined characteristics of the monitored individual with respect to the supportive structure. An alarm is actuated when it is determined that the detected predetermined characteristics exceed predetermined threshold values for at least one of the predetermined characteristics.

Abstract: Isochronous interface apparatus for transferring data from a source over a clocked channel to a destination. A channel input interface is interposed between the source and the channel. The channel input interface includes a data compressor adapted to compress the data with a compression ratio responsive to a signal. A first elastic buffer is coupled between the data compressor and the channel, having a first variable stack and providing a first signal representing the depth of the first variable stack. The first elastic buffer has an input coupled to the data compressor and has an output clocked by the channel and provides a signal representing the depth of the variable stack. The first signal is feedback to the data compressor for controlling the compression ratio of the data compressor. A channel output interface is interposed between the clocked channel and the destination. The channel output interface includes a data expander coupled to the channel.

Abstract: Method of transferring isochronous data from a source over a clocked channel to a sink. The data is compressed by a compression ratio responsive to a depth of a first variable stack. The compressed data is stored in the first stack and clocked by the channel. Compressed data on the channel is expanded and stored in a second variable stack. The variable stack is clocked to maintain the second variable stack at a constant depth.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for changing the bit rate of a digitized analog signal stream from a first bit rate to a second bit rate. A first sequence generator provides a digital predictor sequence clocked at the first bit rate. A combiner has an output providing a combined digital stream at the first bit rate, combining the digital predictor sequence at the first bit rate and the digital analog signal stream at the first bit rate. An adaptive processor has its input coupled to at the output of the signal combiner. The adaptive processor has variable weights which are responsive to an error signal, an output providing a processed combined digital stream having a bit rate responsive to the weights, and an error signal input port. A second sequence generator provides the same digital predictor sequence, but clocked at the second bit rate.

Abstract: A fall alert system (100) for informing monitoring personnel at a remote location when a monitored person falls. In one embodiment, a monitoring device (120) is positioned proximate a bed. A harness (36), having a ferromagnetic shunt (34) at one end, is attached to the person to be monitored. While the person is lying in bed, the shunt (34) is attached to a sensing means (18). When the monitored person is about to fall out of bed, the shunt (34) detaches from the sensing means (18), alerting monitoring personnel. Another embodiment is disclosed for monitoring mobile persons that wander from room to room in a their home or facility.