Abstract: An apparatus and method are disclosed for automatically and periodically measuring the level of a patient's blood glucose when a patient has a catheter in a blood vessel. A wearable, disposable test unit is attached by air, fluid and electric lines to a bedside monitor. The test unit has a glucose oxidase electrode for measuring blood glucose. A pumping chamber in the unit contains a pneumatic pump which draws blood into the device and then expels all but a residual portion of blood back into the patient's blood vessel catheter. A testing area is formed in a passageway adjacent the pumping chamber. A test is done either when the pumping chamber is filled with blood, or on the blood filling the passageway when the pumping chamber is empty. The test cycle is repeated about every 60 seconds. Provision is made to automatically calibrate the device every few hours or whenever calibration is required.

Abstract: An apparatus for automatically and periodically measuring a patient's blood glucose level wherein the patient has a catheter in a blood vessel and is receiving infusion fluid through the catheter. A testing unit is provided which has a main infusion channel and, in a preferred embodiment, the testing unit includes a side channel. The side channel has a restrictive cross-sectional area compared with the main infusion channel. A glucose test chamber is formed in the side channel. First and second valves are placed adjacent the test chamber in the side channel to isolate a blood sample for testing. The isolation of the sample provides more accurate blood glucose measurements than those provided by systems of the prior art. A second embodiment of the invention has an isolatable test chamber placed in the main infusion line and no side channel is utilized.

Abstract: A method of generating a clock signal from a moving medium includes detecting movement of at least one mark that moves synchronously with the medium. A generally sinusoidal output signal corresponding to movement of the mark is produced. The generally sinusoidal output signal is interpolated to provide a clock signal having a higher frequency than said generally sinusoidal output signal. The interpolation dynamically adjusts the phase of the interpolated output clock signal to correct for errors in the phase of said output signal. In one embodiment, servo tracks are written to a magnetic disk using a servo pattern signal, the phase of the servo pattern signal being adjusted relative to a clock signal. In another aspect, timing errors in a servo track writer are characterised.

Abstract: A pulse oximetry sensor for use on pediatric patients comprised of a resilient foot wrap extending around the patient's foot, with an adjustable slide having slotted openings into which the ends of the foot wrap are inserted. The slide carries a plunger with a piercing member which can be pushed downward through the rubber to lock the slide in place making the foot wrap variable in size. The wrap has two resilient receptacles into which sensors are inserted, the receptacles being sized relative to the sensors so that the flexible receptacles stretch and securely hold the sensors in position.

Abstract: An apparatus for checking continuity of fiber optic links from source to receiver before enabling the source delivers full power so as to thereby prevent eye damage to personnel and provide a supervisory signal to the system user that the link elements are intact and functioning. The apparatus includes a transmitter, a receiver and a detector for detecting that an optical transmission between the transmitter and receiver can be effected.

Abstract: Cars of a multi-car train are loaded while in transit utilizing an overhead loading hopper into which a load out conveyor delivers bulk material such as coal in quantums to fully and evenly fill the individual receiving cars as each passes beneath the hopper and each quantum of material delivered to the hopper is specially measured to equal the predetermined gross loaded weight of the car in loading position less the car's actual weight as it was measured in transit. Loading of each car from the hopper is regulated by the speed of the conveyor and by an operator controlled diverter gate which initially directs the coal through an aft chute of the hopper which each car reaches first and then through a fore chute to complete its loading.