Abstract: A process for monitoring infusion into a patient includes hanging a fluid bag from a monitoring apparatus. The weight of the fluid bag is periodically measured, using an electronic weight sensing mechanism and a microprocessor, to detect either a no-fluid-flow condition, a near empty bag condition, or a preselected amount of fluid loss condition. A switch is depressed on the monitoring apparatus for selecting the monitoring of an amount of fluid to be infused totaling less than the fluid within the fluid infusion bag. Otherwise, the apparatus detects a near empty bag condition. An alarm is activated when either the no-fluid-flow condition, the near empty bag condition, or the preselected amount of fluid loss condition has been detected. The rate of fluid loss from the fluid bag can be calculated and displayed.

Abstract: Energy dissipating loads are controlled from a location remote from the load. Load control information is transmitted between the remote location and the load by way of electrical energy transmission lines including a neutral conductor, a ground conductor and a line conductor. Load control information representative of the electrical energy applied to the load is determined and the load control information and applied to the energy transmission lines at an impressing end for transmission to a receiving end wherein the load control information is impressed between the neutral conductor and the ground conductor to provide impressed load control information. The impressed load control information is received at the receiving end by obtaining the load control information from between the neutral conductor and the ground conductor to provide received load control information. The energy of the load is controlled in accordance with the received load control information.

Abstract: A process for monitoring infusion into a patient includes hanging a fluid bag from a monitoring apparatus. The weight of the fluid bag is periodically measured, using an electronic weight sensing mechanism and a microprocessor, to detect either a no-fluid-flow condition, a near empty bag condition, or a preselected amount of fluid loss condition. A switch is depressed on the monitoring apparatus for selecting the monitoring of an amount of fluid to be infused totaling less than the fluid within the fluid infusion bag. Otherwise, the apparatus detects a near empty bag condition. An alarm is activated when either the no-fluid-flow condition, the near empty bag condition, or the preselected amount of fluid loss condition has been detected. The rate of fluid loss from the fluid bag can be calculated and displayed.

Abstract: A liquid medication dispenser apparatus which provides for user-friendly medication measurement and compliance. The apparatus measures and dispenses liquid medication doses and records the time and dose sizes for up to one year. The recorded information can then be downloaded to a personal computer for evaluation of patient compliance. A disposable, motor driven pump is used to provide a very wide range of medication dispensation volumes, while maintaining full accuracy and reducing the risks of patient errors as might occur with a manual dispense system.

Abstract: A method for the enhanced accuracy in dispensing from a fluid roller dispensing pump, wherein a keyed one way insertable cassette with pump compressible tubing is utilized with the fluid dispensing pump. The cassette holds and maintains a compressible plastic tube adjacent a roller pump, whereby the rollers of the pump compress the tubing to draw and accurately dispense predetermined exact amounts of liquids into vials, hypodermics and the like for accurate medical and/or laboratory use, and wherein slightly improper placement still provides dispensing but with not always detectable inaccuracies. The cassette is provided with positive proper position indicator elements to ensure both proper orientation and complete locking engagement to ensure accurate pumping and dispensing. In a preferred embodiment the pump embodies current use sensors which determine if the cassette, which causes the pump to use more current, is present. A keyed one-way cassette fitting prevents improper placement.

Abstract: A variable reluctance transducer system incorporating digital control of parallel resonant circuits including two inductive sensors L1 and L2 on each side of a flat diaphram. The dual variable reluctance elements provide dual frequency signals for digital calculation to obtain a quotient of the frequencies, thereby substantially eliminating the resonant frequencies as a variable in the accuracy of the device. Manipulation of the produced quotient by a micro-controller 10 employing digital calibration tables stored in a programmable read only memory 14 allows calibration reponsive to a temperature sensor 16, thereby substantially eliminating temperature induced errors in the system, further increasing accuracy.

Abstract: A program controlled irrigation system (10) operates with two programs. Program A and Program B, for irrigating a plurality of zones. Selected zones are dedicated to the irrigation of grass, for example, under Program A while other zones are dedicated to the irrigation of shrubs, for example, under Program B. A total of six times for starting an irrigation cycle are available for both Programs A and B. Under program control, the six starting times can be allocated in any combination to Programs A and B. Further, starting times can be shifted readily between Programs A and B thereby providing flexibility to meet the changing demands in grass and shrub irrigation. Each zone is constantly monitored for overcurrent conditions wherein zone operation is terminated if the overcurrent of the particular zone is sustained beyond a set period. Also, if the current reaches an excessive level in a very short period, zone operation is terminated.

Abstract: A broadcast and reception system provides a segmented broadcast signal for providing regional traffic information and a receiver adapted to receive selected segments of that broadcast. The segmented broadcast signal includes a number of segments which each include a tone sequence, a digital regional code, a digital duration code, and an audio segment. The receiver monitors selected regional traffic segments and converts the selected audio segment to a form compatible with a standard automotive radio. Thus, a user can selectively monitor regional traffic information without having to listen to reports from regions of no interest to him. Alternatively, the selected traffic information can automatically override normal radio listening.

Abstract: A control system and circuit for use with one or more inductance-type actuators, such as solenoid controlled water sprinkler valves, having a relatively low impedance at low frequencies, which serves to operate the actuators, for example, when ground moisture falls below a preset level. A sensor having a relatively high impedance at low frequencies, and which for example may be moisture variable, is provided for each actuator. The control circuit is connected to the actuator over appropriate electric leads, and the same leads are used to connect the sensor back to the control circuit thereby obviating the need for extra wires and difficult retrofits.