Abstract: Peritonitis sensors, including peritonitis sensors for automated peritoneal dialysis (APD) systems, and associated systems, devices, and methods are disclosed herein. In one embodiment, an APD system includes a disposable set, a portion of which is at least partially aligned with a peritonitis sensor. The peritonitis sensor can be configured to capture one or more peritonitis measurements from the solution in the disposable set. The APD system can determine whether one or more peritonitis measurements indicate the presence of peritonitis in a patient from which the solution is drained. In some embodiments, if the APD system determines that one or more peritonitis measurements indicate peritonitis, the APD system can alert a user of the system to the presence of peritonitis in the patient.

Abstract: Pressure sensors, including optical pressure sensors for automated peritoneal dialysis (APD) systems, and associated systems, devices, and methods are disclosed herein. In one embodiment, an APD system includes a diaphragm positioned over an opening in a cavity of a disposable set. The diaphragm has an outer surface and an inner surface opposite the outer surface. The diaphragm is configured to deform in response to a force applied against the diaphragm due to pressure of fluid within the cavity. The APD system further includes a pressure sensor configured to measure a pressure of the fluid within cavity. The pressure sensor includes a light source and a photosensor.

Abstract: Pressure sensors, including pressure sensors for automated peritoneal dialysis (APD) systems, and associated systems, devices, and methods are disclosed herein. In one embodiment, an APD system includes a diaphragm positioned over an opening in a disposable set that includes one or more fluid lines. The diaphragm is affixed to the disposable set about a periphery of the opening. The APD system further includes a pressure sensor configured to measure a pressure of fluid flowing through the disposable set. The pressure sensor includes a load cell and an indenter. The indenter can be moveable along an axis such that, when the diaphragm is aligned with the axis, a convexly curved surface of the indenter can be positioned against the diaphragm. When the indenter is contacting the diaphragm, the load cell can measure a force applied to the load cell by the diaphragm and/or by the fluid flowing through the disposable set.

Abstract: Damping devices, including damping devices for automated peritoneal dialysis (APD) systems, and associated systems, devices, and methods are disclosed herein. In one embodiment, a damping device includes a body portion, a first membrane, and a second membrane. The body portion can include a first side, a second side opposite the first side, an inlet, and a cavity fluidly coupled to the inlet. The cavity can be defined at least in part by a lumen in the body portion extending from the first side to the second side. The first membrane can be affixed to the first side of the body portion such that the first membrane hermetically seals the cavity at the first side. The second membrane can be affixed to the second side of the body portion such that the second membrane hermetically seals the cavity at the second side.

Abstract: A system and method for providing a medical simulation device that utilizes open software platforms and provides functionality in both software and hardware modules is disclosed. The medical simulation system facilitates plug and play operation with installed hardware and software modules that are automatically recognized by the system for compatibility and the system configures itself according to identification information of the hardware module.

Abstract: A system and method for providing a medical simulation device that utilizes open software platforms and provides functionality in both software and hardware modules is disclosed. The medical simulation system facilitates plug and play operation with installed hardware and software modules that are automatically recognized by the system for compatibility and the system configures itself according to identification information of the hardware module.

Abstract: A wearable platform embodied in a belt or patch provides physiological monitoring of soldiers during field operations or trauma victims at accident sites and makes health state assessments. The platform includes sensors for heart rate, body motion, respiration rate and intensity, and temperature and further contains a microprocessor and short range transmitter. An analog circuit running an algorithm obtains the R-wave period from the EKG signal and produces electrical pulses with the period between pulses corresponding to the R-wave period. A rule based processing engine having an evaluation algorithm is capable of making a medical evaluation of subject condition and determines a confidence level for the evaluation. The rules are subject to variation depending upon the subject population. The information is communicated wirelessly to a local hub for relay to a remote monitor.

Abstract: A method for implanting a glenoid component during shoulder arthroplasty is disclosed. In the method, a template is placed against a surface of a glenoid cavity of a scapula, and a bone marking tool is inserted through a cut-out guide in the template. The bone marking tool is used to create a bone mark on the surface of the glenoid cavity. A drill is aligned with the bone mark and a first pilot hole is drilled in the surface of the glenoid cavity. A locating pin of a first drill jig is placed in the first pilot hole, and a drill is inserted through a guide hole of the first drill jig to drill a second pilot hole in the surface of the glenoid cavity. Bone material is removed between the first pilot hole and the second pilot hole to create a slot in the surface of the glenoid cavity between the first pilot hole and the second pilot hole. A keel of a glenoid component is positioned in the slot, and the glenoid component is secured in the scapula. A kit is also provided for use with the method.

Abstract: A system and method for providing a medical simulation device that utilizes open software platforms and provides functionality in both software and hardware modules is disclosed. The medical simulation system facilitates plug and play operation with installed hardware and software modules that are automatically recognized by the system for compatibility and the system configures itself according to identification information of the hardware module.

Abstract: A wearable platform embodied in a belt or patch provides physiological monitoring of soldiers during field operations or trauma victims at accident sites and makes health state assessments. The platform includes sensors for heart rate, body motion, respiration rate and intensity, and temperature and further contains a microprocessor and short range transmitter. An analog circuit running an algorithm obtains the R-wave period from the EKG signal and produces electrical pulses with the period between pulses corresponding to the R-wave period. A rule based processing engine having an evaluation algorithm is capable of making a medical evaluation of subject condition and determines a confidence level for the evaluation. The rules are subject to variation depending upon the subject population. The information is communicated wirelessly to a local hub for relay to a remote monitor.

Abstract: A wearable platform embodied in a belt or patch provides physiological monitoring of soldiers during field operations or trauma victims at accident sites and makes health state assessments. The platform includes sensors for heart rate, body motion, respiration rate and intensity, and temperature and further contains a microprocessor and short range transmitter. An analog circuit running an algorithm obtains the R-wave period from the EKG signal and produces electrical pulses with the period between pulses corresponding to the R-wave period. A rule based processing engine having an evaluation algorithm is capable of making a medical evaluation of subject condition and determines a confidence level for the evaluation. The rules are subject to variation depending upon the subject population. The information is communicated wirelessly to a local hub for relay to a remote monitor.

Abstract: A wearable platform embodied in a belt or flattened patch-like central body shaped to conform to the abdomen provides physiological monitoring of soldiers during field operations or trauma victims at accident sites and makes health state assessments. The platform includes sensors for heart rate, body motion, respiration rate and intensity, and temperature and further contains a microprocessor and short range transmitter. The respiration sensor uses conductive ink in a novel manner. A small square of the ink is coated on an arched structure so that flexing of the arch either to increase or decrease its radius of curvature modifies the resistance of the structure. This is utilized to set the unstressed resistance of the arch structure and to allow a greater range of resistance values capable of measuring distortions in different deformations of the arch. The respiration sensor supplements the motion information provided by an accelerometer sensor.

Abstract: Various methods and devices for driving fluid from a syringe are provided. In one exemplary embodiment, a syringe driver is provided having a frame that is adapted to seat a syringe, a driver that is slidably disposed within the frame and that is adapted to seat a plunger of a syringe, and a puller that is slidably disposed within the frame and that has a latch formed thereon for mating to an engagement element on the frame. The device can also include a force-delivery element, such as a constant force spring, that is coupled to and extends between the driver and the puller.

Abstract: An apparatus for monitoring the consumption of fluid by a user, particularly fluids being drank from a container. The apparatus may be used with wide variety of container types. The fluid monitoring unit uses a pair of gears in rotational engagement with each other such that fluid passes around them and rotation of at least one gear is indicative of fluid consumption. The gears in at least one exemplary embodiment are arranged to have low frictional resistance with respect to each other and their respective axles such that the gears quickly and easily rotate and over a wide fluid flow range. This allows the apparatus to accurately and consistently monitor fluid flow from very low flow rates to high flow rates and therefore provide very reliable consumption information. The apparatus in one exemplary embodiment includes an electromagnetic drinking straw embodiment that allows a user to monitor the consumption of fluids from virtually any container type.

Abstract: The present invention comprises an apparatus for pumping fluid through tubing. The apparatus includes a tubing base having a tubing support surface and a stop platen. The stop platen and the tubing support surface each comprise respective ridges aligned with a direction of fluid flow through the apparatus. The respective ridges are operatively arranged to engage a wall of tubing along a longitudinal axis of the tubing. In some aspects, the respective ridges are arcuate in a plane orthogonal to the direction of flow. In some aspects, the respective ridges are centered with respect to a transverse axis of the tubing and have a respective width less than an outside diameter of the tubing.

Abstract: A system and method for transmitting and receiving electronic files via a computer network simulates physical postal system functions and images to provide a familiarity that facilitates use by sending and receiving parties. A server functions as the communication link between sending and receiving computers. Accounts for subscribers are established at the server and debited as files are transmitted. A sending subscriber computer displays an image of a physical envelope with data fields for entry of the receiving computer email address at the recipient field, the sending computer email address at the return address field and the amount charged for the transmission at the postage field. A packing list is displayed and permits attachment of files to be transmitted. Upon receiving a package, the server sends a message notifying the recipient that mail is waiting along with a package identification code to be used by the recipient when retrieving the mail.

Abstract: Inexpensive wideband transducers convert low frequency components (i.e., approximately 50 Hz through 800 Hz) of an audio signal to mechanical vibrations at the same frequencies so that the vibrations may be perceived at the user's skin, typically at a hand or finger. The transducer may be a small permanent magnet moving coil loudspeaker with most of the diaphragm cone removed to minimize soundwave generation, or it may be a small d.c. or stepping motor arranged to have its drive shaft rotated in alternate directions through small angles corresponding to signal amplitude. Vibrations may be applied to the user's hand through a hand-held case vibrating with the motor, or to a finger via a contactor extending outside the case from the motor or loudspeaker. The transducer has particular utility in conjunction with closed captioned in television programs to enhance appreciation of speech therein while also training the user in utilizing the transducer.

Abstract: An apparatus for making ac surface photovoltage (SPV) measurements of a specimen of semiconductor material under dc bias voltage conditions includes a light source whose output beam is intensity modulated, an adjustable dc bias voltage source, a conductive base for supporting the specimen and a novel capacitance type reference electrode assembly for sensing the SPV signals. The reference electrode assembly includes in one embodiment a button made of insulating elastomeric material and attached to a rigid plate made of insulating material. A film made of insulating material and having a conductive coating on one side which serves as a reference electrode is attached to the button. When SPV measurements are being taken, the film is pressed against the specimen with pressure sufficient to hold the reference electrode in close compliance with the specimen, with pressure being applied to the plate from an external source and being transmitted from the rigid plate to the film through the elastomeric button.