Abstract: Systems and methods for synchronizing machine-induced inexsufflation with diaphragmatic pacing of a subject, e.g. through a diaphragm pacer, use the detected onset of an inhalation and/or exhalation of a subject. The detection is based on output signals generated by one or more sensors.

Abstract: Systems and methods for synchronizing machine-induced inexsufflation with diaphragmatic pacing of a subject, e.g. through a diaphragm pacer, use the detected onset of an inhalation and/or exhalation of a subject. The detection is based on output signals generated by one or more sensors.

Abstract: An instrumented navigation system for aiding a towboat and barge configuration in the entry and traversal of a lock located on a waterway or for navigation around other structures, such as bridge piers or docks. The system consists of wirelessly linked computers on the towboat and the lock which display navigational charts showing the position of the tows as they approach and enter the locks. The computers are also linked to sensors which send information, such as the speed and position of the tows, to the computers for display.

Abstract: A device and method for monitoring a subject and providing feedback back to the subject that is pertinent to a behavior of the subject. The device includes a source of light having first and second wavelengths wherein the first wavelength does not equal the second wavelength; at least one image sensor producing a first signal indicative of reflected light having the first wavelength and a second signal indicative of reflected light having the second wavelength; a controller receiving the first and second signals and producing a third signal indicative of the first signal subtracted from the second signal; and an interface in communication with the controller providing informational content to the subject in response to the third signal, wherein the informational content is associated with a behavior of the subject.

Abstract: An instrumented navigation system for aiding a towboat and barge configuration in the entry and traversal of a lock located on a waterway or for navigation around other structures, such as bridge piers or docks. The system consists of wirelessly linked computers on the towboat and the lock which display navigational charts showing the position of the tows as they approach and enter the locks. The computers are also linked to sensors which send information, such as the speed and position of the tows, to the computers for display.

Abstract: A tool having an exceptionally sharp replaceable working element, in which the edges of the working element are protected by elongated rods, and a handle for the tool having parallel slots therein and the rods being wedged in the slots to hold the working element firmly in place during use.

Abstract: A device and method for monitoring a subject and providing feedback back to the subject that is pertinent to a behavior of the subject. The device includes a source of light having first and second wavelengths wherein the first wavelength does not equal the second wavelength; at least one image sensor producing a first signal indicative of reflected light having the first wavelength and a second signal indicative of reflected light having the second wavelength; a controller receiving the first and second signals and producing a third signal indicative of the first signal subtracted from the second signal; and an interface in communication with the controller providing informational content to the subject in response to the third signal, wherein the informational content is associated with a behavior of the subject.

Abstract: A device and method for monitoring a subject's eyes. The device includes a light source producing light of a first wavelength and producing light of a second wavelength, and the device includes at least one image sensor positioned to receive light reflected from the subject's eyes. The at least one image sensor produces a first signal indicative of light of the first wavelength and produces a second signal indicative of light of the second wavelength. The device may include a controller connected to the at least one image sensor and receiving the first and second signals. The controller may subtract the first signal from the second signal and produce a third signal indicative thereof. The controller may also provide a synchronization signal to the at least one image sensor and may also provide the signal to other components, such as the light source. One or more filters may be provided in the path of the reflected light so as to filter the light before it reaches the at least one image sensor.

Abstract: Method and apparatus are presented for snaring explosive, combustible, and other hazardous compounds in vapor and in particulate form, and also combustion residues, which system can be used to prevent, or retrodict the cause of explosions, fires, etc. after they have occurred. The snares are in the form of gated chambers on rotating time disks and moving belts which are used to capture molecules and particulate matter. The combination detects hazardous molecules and combustible particles or causes of dust explosions; and indicates an approximate time-history record of the evolution of particles before or during the course of fires and explosions, or other onerous occurances.

Abstract: A CO based, Diesel discriminating, fire detection system and method is disclosed which significantly reduces the threshold of CO needed to detect a fire in a mine that also contains CO from Diesel equipment without a corresponding increase in the number of false alarms. The system measures both the CO and NO levels at many points throughout the mine and calculates a CO/NO ratio for each of these locations. A long term average concentration (4 hours) and a short term average concentration (1 hour) for both CO and NO are continually updated to reflect the changing dynamics of the mine environment. Using the CO/NO ratio, the detection system can effectively differentiate between CO produced by a Diesel and CO produced from a fire and can activate an alarm when the CO level resulting from a fire exceeds a predetermined threshold level.

Abstract: A gas sensing thick film is positioned on an insulating substrate in contact with a pair of electrodes. A non-porous glass layer surrounds the film to stabilize it on the substrate. A heating element maintains the film at a preselected elevated temperature. The gas sensing thick film has a response characteristic for a preselected target gas to be detected which is enhanced by impregnating the film with platinum or palladium chlorine free compounds. The response characteristic of the gas sensing film is further increased by promoting combustion of interference gases on an outer filter layer fabricated of either conductive or nonconductive material. The incorporation of an insulating material between the gas sensing film and the outer filter layer also serves to increase the relative response of the gas sensing film to a preselected target gas.

Abstract: A gas sensing instrument provides programmable control of the operating temperatures of an array of gas sensors for the detection of target gases in air. The control facilitates precise temperature setpoint resolution. The gas sensors in the array have an improved construction density with reduction in size and an extended operating life provided by reduced power consumption. A programmable circuit functions as a programmable-resistor temperature controller in a Wheatstone bridge configuration. A multiplying digital to analog converter circuit controls the ratio of voltage to current that functions as a resistance equivalent. The programmable circuit is interfaced with a computer to provide selectable temperature control for at least 256 setpoints.