Abstract: A method of non-invasively estimating the intrapulmonary shunt in a patient. The method includes non-invasively measuring respiratory flow, respiratory carbon dioxide content, and arterial blood oxygen content. A re-breathing process is employed to facilitate an estimate of the patient's pulmonary capillary blood flow. Any inaccuracies of the arterial blood oxygen content are corrected to provide a substantially accurate arterial blood oxygen content measurement. The respiratory flow and carbon dioxide content and arterial blood oxygen content measurements, and the pulmonary capillary blood flow estimate are employed to estimate an intrapulmonary shunt of the patient. The invention also includes a method of determining the total cardiac output of the patient which considers the estimated intrapulmonary shunt.

Abstract: A variable rate density gradient electrophoric gel is described which separate LDL subfractions with the precision of ultracentrifugation techniques. Also, an innovative bottom inlet mixing chamber particularly useful for producing these gels is described.

Abstract: An integrated airway adapter capable of monitoring CO.sub.2 concentration in real time, breath by breath using infrared absorption techniques and monitoring respiratory flow with differential pressure flowmeters under diverse inlet conditions through improved sensor configurations which minimize phase lag and dead space within the airway adapter.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for using the pressure of the surgical cuff installed surrounding an endotracheal tubes or the flow rate therethrough in the calculation of parameters in lung mechanics.

Abstract: A method and device for indirect, quantitative estimation of cardiac output utilizing invasive, indirect techniques.

Abstract: A differential pressure sensor for measuring respiratory gas flow including a tubular housing having a bore containing a diametrically-oriented, longitudinally extending strut containing first and second lumens having longitudinally spaced pressure ports at axially spaced locations of the strut, the ports being located on opposite sides of a bore restriction.

Abstract: A contact medium structure attachable to externally-applied medical diagnostic devices for providing self-adherence of the medical device to the skin of a patient thereby eliminating the need for belts or similar means. The contact medium is inherently adhesive, hydrophilic, skin-compatible, ultrasonic-compatible and pressure sensitive to facilitate self-adhesion of the medical device to the patient's skin. A particularly suitable contact medium is a mesh-reinforced hydrogel film which adheres to the device and extends beyond the perimeter of the device to provide additional adhesiveness and compliance with the contour of the patient's body. A support element associated with and extending beyond the perimeter of the medical device adheres to the contact medium and provides adjustability of the extended hydrogel film relative to the patient's skin.

Abstract: A differential pressure sensor for measuring respiratory gas flow including a tubular housing containing a diametrically-oriented, longitudinally extending strut containing first and second lumens having longitudinally-spaced pressure ports opening into respective axially-located notches at each end of the strut.

Abstract: A pressure differential flowmeter for respiratory flow measurement having enhanced signal processing. The non-linear nature of the signal generated by the differential pressure transducer is accommodated over a wide range of flows via a bank of amplifiers having differing gains, while baseline drift is compensated for by a combined analog and digital auto-referencing technique.

Abstract: A method and device for indirect, quantitative estimation of blood pressure attributes and similar variable physiological parameters utilizing indirect techniques.

Abstract: A non-invasive intracorporeal movement transducer for translating intracorporeal movement into a detectable pressure signal is described. The movement transducer includes a fluid-filled bubble with a rigid rear portion, and a semi-rigid, flexible forward portion which is placed against a patient's skin above the organ to be monitored. The rear portion of the bubble has a fluid duct which provides fluid communication to the interior, and tubing is connected between the duct and a pressure sensor which detects the pressure of fluid within the bubble. Self-adhering attachment means is associated with the rear portion of the bubble for affixing the bubble against the patient's skin. In one embodiment, the attachment means is a foam backing larger than the bubble, with adhesive on one side for adhering to the patient's skin and to the rear portion of the bubble.

Abstract: The present invention comprises a method and apparatus for monitoring neuromuscular blockage, and more specifically contemplates the quantitative measurement of movement of the skin of a patient overlying an electrically simulated skeletal muscle as an indicia of such blockage. The preferred embodiment of the apparatus of the present invention includes a piezoelectric film affixed over the patient's skin, the film generating an electric current in proportion to the magnitude of skin movement.

Abstract: A formable reusable enclosure is disclosed for use as a container wrap, a mailing tube, or the like. One specific embodiment of the enclosure comprises a pliable, elongated, substantially rectangular panel member having opposing ends and a tongue portion extending from one of the opposed ends. The panel member has an outer layer of bendable kraft board and an inner layer of corrugated paper adhered to the kraft board. The panel member is adapted to be formed into an enclosure by bending the panel member into the configuration of the peripheral wall of a container with the tongue portion overlapping the opposing end of the panel member. A slot is formed through the panel member adjacent to the end which is opposite to the tongue portion end. The slot has an engagement edge aligned parallel to the corrugations in the inner paper layer, enabling adjustment of the size of the enclosure by selecting a desired corrugation for engagement with the slot edge.