Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention include systems for launching primary or secondary payloads or actuating other launch vehicle or payload or instrumentation devices. The system includes an adapter assembly and at least one sequencer mounted to the adapter assembly. The sequencer includes: controller boards, each of the controller boards having a controller for controlling deployment of the payloads and data files; output ports coupled to the controller boards and configured to transmit signals from the controller boards to dispensers therethrough, deployment mechanisms containing the payloads, the adapter assembly having channels for accommodating the dispensers; and a detector coupled to the controller boards and adapted to detect an external signal and, in response to the external signal, to send an initiation signal to the controller boards. The system also includes at least one power supply coupled to the sequencer and adapted to provide an electrical power to the sequencer.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention include systems for launching primary or secondary payloads or actuating other launch vehicle or payload or instrumentation devices. The system includes an adapter assembly and at least one sequencer mounted to the adapter assembly. The sequencer includes: controller boards, each of the controller boards having a controller for controlling deployment of the payloads and data files; output ports coupled to the controller boards and configured to transmit signals from the controller boards to dispensers therethrough, deployment mechanisms containing the payloads, the adapter assembly having channels for accommodating the dispensers; and a detector coupled to the controller boards and adapted to detect an external signal and, in response to the external signal, to send an initiation signal to the controller boards. The system also includes at least one power supply coupled to the sequencer and adapted to provide an electrical power to the sequencer.

Abstract: The present invention relates to telemetry-based sensing systems that continuously measures physical, chemical and biological parameters. More specifically, these sensing systems comprise a small, modular, low-power implantable biotelemetry system capable of continuously sensing physiological characteristics using implantable transmitters, a receiver, and a data acquisition system to analyze and record the transmitted signal over several months. The preferred embodiment is a preterm labor and fetal monitoring system. Key features of the invention include Pulse Interval Modulation (PIM) that is used to send temperature and pressure information out of the biological environment. The RF carrier frequency is 174-216 MHz and a pair of RF bursts (pulses) is transmitted at a frequency of about 1-2 Hz. The transmission range is 3 to 10 feet, depending on the position of the transmitter in the body and its biological environment. The entire transmitter is encapsulated in biocompatible silicone rubber.

Abstract: A cardiorespiratory alert system is described which comprises a patient unit which communicates with a caregiver unit, via an optional central base station in a Hospital Configuration, or via a base station in an Alternate Site/Home Configuration. A number of techniques are employed to provide a system which provides alerts to the caregiver unit when life-threatening conditions are detected in the patient, yet is tolerant to the presence of artifact so that false positives are reduced. The present invention utilizes patient cooperation as well as a number of artifact reducing mechanisms to provide increased immunity to artifact.

Abstract: A cardiorespiratory alert system is described which comprises a patient unit which communicates with a caregiver unit, via an optional central base station in a Hospital Configuration, or via a base station in an Alternate Site/Home Configuration. A number of techniques are employed, including 1) withholding an alert in the presence of an apparent alert condition on some channels when a satisfactory signal condition exists on a different channel, and 2) correlating the conditions found in the signals for one parameter with those found for other parameters to confirm or discount the significance of the signals, so as to result in a system which provides alerts to the caregiver unit when life-threatening conditions are detected in the patient, yet is tolerant to the presence of artifact so that false positives are reduced. The present invention utilizes patient cooperation as well as a number of artifact reducing mechanisms to provide increased immunity to artifact.

Abstract: The system of the present invention provides a link between the caregiver and the subject being monitored which utilizes an intermediate base station and redundant signal paths between the base station and the caregiver. The caregiver wears a unit which receives signals from the base station. Signals from the base station provide information about the subject being monitored and provide signals for use in determining whether the caregiver remains within the range of the base station. The unit worn by the subject being monitored can include diagnostic circuitry for evaluating signals received from sensors to transmit an alarm signal to the base station when the subject being monitored is in need of assistance. A range monitoring system is provided which will alert the subject being monitored as well as the caregiver whenever the subject being monitored moves outside the range of the base station.

Abstract: A data monitoring system which simultaneously monitors, transmits by radio an records data relating to a plurality of physiological parameters comprises a portable sensor unit which is worn by the patient and includes a plurality of sensors attached to the patient's body each of which monitors a physiological parameter and generates a corresponding electrical signal, a circuit pack which converts the signals into a series stream of digital data and a transmitter which periodically transmits the data. A base station includes both a receiver which receives the transmitted data and reconverts it to a digital signal and a data processing unit which records the data.