Abstract: Assembly of harness and sensor substrate plates for monitoring vital signals of a patient is provided. More specifically, the present invention provides a harness, a sensor substrate plate, and related devices for non-invasively monitoring vital signals of a patient. The sensor substrate plate provides removable attachment to the skin of a patient to measure vital signals of the patient. The sensor substrate plate comprises an elongated main body comprising an upper surface and an under surface. The upper surface is configured to removably contact the skin surface of the patient. Further, a plurality of slots on the upper surface of the main body is mechanically and electrically configured to hold sensors or electrodes for monitoring biometric parameters of the patient. The upper surface also includes a first through hole mechanically and electrically configured to hold an electrical connector; and a first end and a second end of the main body.

Abstract: Assembly of harness and sensor substrate plates for monitoring vital signals of a patient is provided. More specifically, the present invention provides a harness, a sensor substrate plate, and related devices for non-invasively monitoring vital signals of a patient. The sensor substrate plate provides removable attachment to the skin of a patient to measure vital signals of the patient. The sensor substrate plate comprises an elongated main body comprising an upper surface and an under surface. The upper surface is configured to removably contact the skin surface of the patient. Further, a plurality of slots on the upper surface of the main body is mechanically and electrically configured to hold sensors or electrodes for monitoring biomctric parameters of the patient. The upper surface also includes a first through hole mechanically and electrically configured to hold an electrical connector; and a first end and a second end of the main body.

Abstract: Systems and methods for non-invasive monitoring of animals are provided. In some aspects, a method for monitoring an animal subject is provided. The method includes receiving an indication identifying an animal subject to be monitored, and selecting a plurality of monitoring parameters in accordance with the indication. The method also includes monitoring the animal subject for a predetermined period of time using the plurality of monitoring parameters, and generating a report.

Abstract: A method and system for bandwidth management in a packet-based network utilizes processing based on bandwidth management policies defined by subscribers and service providers. This method and system allow a subscriber to control the bandwidth available for sessions in near-real time and simplify provisioning at hubs and gateways by allowing the voice/data bandwidth ratio to be established independently of the provisioned bandwidth for voice and data. Bandwidth management policies are stored in the database of the service manager. When a request for modification of the maximum bandwidth parameter for an access hub is received, a mid-call event is detected or a new session is attempted by a subscriber, the service manager determines the current bandwidth utilization and whether this current bandwidth utilization exceeds the maximum bandwidth defined. If the new maximum bandwidth is exceeded, the service manager performs policy processing.

Abstract: A method for applying a flame for depositing a doped layer to a wafer and chuck particularly adapted for suspending the wafer over the flame. The chuck includes a frame having an opening defined by an inner wall for receiving a wafer and a ledge surrounding at least a portion of a lower end of the opening for retaining a wafer placed into an upper end of the opening, and a suspension assembly for suspending the frame over a dopant-depositing flame such that the ledge is disposed between the flame and peripheral portions of the wafer. The inner wall and the ledge may be formed from a material having substantially the same thermal conduction and expansion characteristics as the wafer. The suspension assembly may be rotatable with respect to a dopant-depositing flame. The frame may have a plurality of openings, each for receiving a wafer. The suspension assembly may include a suspension member, and a support post connecting the suspension member to the frame.

Abstract: An electrode useful for generating or receiving electrical signals generally comprises a base and more than one dome-like protuberance on an exterior surface of the base. The electrodes can be utilized in connection with various probe applications. For example, the electrodes can be utilized with an esophageal probe for invasively monitoring cardiac functions, including the ECG or cardiac output of a patient. To further minimize the differences in voltage potential as may be caused by electrolytes present at the point of contact, a gold-plated layer may be provided on the outer surface of the electrodes. An exemplary probe generally comprises a chassis with an electrical cable extending from the proximal end of the chassis and with the cable terminating at an electrical plug configured for connection to a cardiac monitor.

Abstract: A method and system for bandwidth management in a packet-based network utilizes processing based on bandwidth management policies defined by subscribers and service providers. This method and system allow a subscriber to control the bandwidth available for sessions in near-real time and simplify provisioning at hubs and gateways by allowing the voice/data bandwidth ratio to be established independently of the provisioned bandwidth for voice and data. Bandwidth management policies are stored in the database of the service manager. When a request for modification of the maximum bandwidth parameter for an access hub is received, a mid-call event is detected or a new session is attempted by a subscriber, the service manager determines the current bandwidth utilization and whether this current bandwidth utilization exceeds the maximum bandwidth defined. If the new maximum bandwidth is exceeded, the service manager performs policy processing.

Abstract: An esophageal probe useful for invasively monitoring the cardiac output of a patient generally comprises a chassis with an electrical cable extending from the proximal end of the chassis and with the cable terminating at an electrical plug configured for connection to a cardiac output monitor. The probe includes an electrode assembly configured to generate and transmit electrical signals that are indicative of the impedance variation of the thorax. The probe further includes a deployment device attached to the chassis for stabilizing the probe within the esophagus. The probe may also be configured to include other sensing devices, for example, a temperature measuring device and an acoustic monitor.

Abstract: An electrode useful for generating electrical signals generally comprises a base and more than one dome-like protuberance on an exterior surface of the annular ring-like base. The electrodes can be utilized in connection with various probe applications. For example, the electrodes can be utilized with a probe adapted for insertion into an anatomical canal, e.g. the esophagus of an animal or a human for ECG or cardiac output measurements. An exemplary probe generally comprises a chassis with an electrical cable extending from the proximal end of the chassis and with the cable terminating at an electrical plug configured for connection to a cardiac monitor. The probe also includes an electrode assembly comprising the dome-like protuberances and configured to generate or receive electrical signals that are indicative of the cardiac functions of the patient. The probe may further include an engagement device attached to the chassis for stabilizing the probe within the esophagus.

Abstract: A probe useful for invasively monitoring the oxygen saturation level of blood in the tissue walls of an anatomical canal generally includes a chassis with an electrical connector extending from the proximal end of the chassis and terminating at a plug configured for connection to a pulse oximeter box. The probe further includes an optics assembly configured to generate and transmit electrical signals that are indicative of the dynamic oxygen saturation level of blood in the wall tissue. The probe further includes a deployment device attached to the chassis for biasing the optics assembly into the tissue wall of the anatomical canal.

Abstract: A probe useful for invasively monitoring the oxygen saturation level of blood in the tissue walls of an anatomical cavity generally comprises a chassis with an electrical connector extending from the proximal end of the chassis and terminating at a plug configured for connection to a pulse oximeter box. The probe further includes an optics assembly configured to generate and transmit electrical signals that are indicative of the dynamic oxygen saturation level of blood in the wall tissue. The probe further includes a deployment device attached to the chassis for biasing the optics assembly into the tissue wall of the anatomical canal and stabilizing the probe within the canal. Further, the oximetry sensing assembly may be configured as part of an esophageal stethoscope having other sensing devices, for example, a temperature sensor, a pacing assembly, and an acoustic monitor.

Abstract: An apparatus for determining spectral absorption by a specific substance in a fluid having an energy source, a sensor an interface device, a support structure and a connector. The energy source directs energy having a predetermined wavelength into the fluid. The sensor produces an electrical output reflecting the energy it senses and indicative of the spectral absorption of the energy by the specific substance. The interface means generates a reference voltage to allow the apparatus to cooperate with prior art devices. A support means secures the other elements in proximity to the fluid. The connector communicates electrical signals to a remote display device.

Abstract: A reflectance oximeter probe is suitably disposed at a distal end of an elongated, substantially flat, semi-rigid chassis configured for insertion into an anatomical canal, for example in the esophagus, rectum or vaginal cavity of a human patient. The reflectance probe may also be suitably employed in many veterinary applications. An electrical connector extends from a proximal end of the chassis and terminates at a plug configured for mechanical and electrical connection to a pulse oximeter box. The reflectance probe includes first and second LED's mounted to an emitter assembly and a detector assembly spaced apart from and mounted substantially coplanar with respect to the emitter assembly. The reflectance probe generates and transmits signals to the oximeter box, the signals indicative of the dynamic oxygen saturation level of the blood perfused mucus membrane tissue.

Abstract: An improved noninvasive, electrooptical sensor probe is suitable for removable attachment to the skin of a patient to measure light extinction during transillumination of the blood-perfused tissue beneath the skin. According to the preferred embodiment of the probe, the probe has a unitary chassis having two widened ends connected by a flexible bridge. The topside of each widened end has a concave finger location saddle. The underside of the chassis has a cavity to receive an electrical sensor assembly including a light source and a photosensor. The probe further includes a foam backing having a front end connected to a back end by a neck, and two wings which extend laterally from opposing sides of the back end. The foam backing has an adhesive topside, which is bonded to the underside of the chassis to capture the electrical sensor assembly in the cavity of the chassis. Removable release tabs cover the adhesive topside of the wings prior to the application of the probe to a patient.

Abstract: An improved noninvasive, electrooptical sensor probe is suitable for removable adhesive attachment to the skin of a patient to measure light extinction during transillumination of the blood-perfused tissue beneath the skin. The probe has a flexible generally U-shaped, web-like support structure having spaced, opposed upper and lower inner surfaces. A light source such as an LED is mounted in the support structure and positioned to emit light from one of the inner surfaces. A photosensor is also mounted in the support structure and positioned on the other of the inner surfaces to detect light emitted by the light source. A U-shaped alignment member is disposed in the support structure and extends substantially from the light source to the photosensor to hold the probe into the desired shape for use and aid in aligning the LED and photosensor.

Abstract: In a private communication network (10) served by a provider of call interconnection services, e.g., a carrier service node (15), the number of trunks (50-52) used within a call path is reduced without affecting the private nature of the private network. The service provider serves customer calls by means of a service node controller (SNC 40)--a switch such as a PBX. The SNC directly interconnects trunks (50,51) that connect it with a call-source and a call-destination node (20,21) of the customer, without routing the call through the customer's tandem node (24). The SNC merely queries the customer's tandem node over a control link (53), such as an ISDN D channel, to obtain requisite call-routing information from the customer's database (60). The customer retains ownership and control of the tandem node and its database, thereby preserving the private nature of the private network.

Abstract: An improved method of modifying a honeycombed body having a multiplicity of open-ended cells extending therethrough between opposite face ends of the body to produce therein a multiplicity of flow paths for at least two and possibly three separate fluids. For accommodating two fluids, selected columns of cells within the honeycombed body are provided with openings near at least one face end for first fluid flow through one or two longitudinal, opposed boundary surfaces and through inner cell walls parallel to the cell axes while the open-ends of such columns on a face end perpendicular to the selected cell axes are sealed against fluid flow. Second fluid flow is through the unselected columns of cells parallel to and either in the direction of or counter to the first fluid flow. Specifically, the invention provides an improved method for sealing the selected columns of cells on face ends of the body.

Abstract: In a private communication network (10) served by a provider of call interconnection services, e.g., a carrier service node (15), the number of trunks (50-52) used within a call path is reduced without affecting the private nature of the private network. The service provider serves customer calls by means of a service node controller (SNC 40)--a switch such as a PBX. The SNC directly interconnects trunks (50,51) that connect it with a call-source and a call-destination node (20,21) of the customer, without routing the call through the customer's tandem node (24). The SNC merely queries the customer's tandem node over a control link (53), such as an ISDN D channel, to obtain requisite call-routing information from the customer's database (60). The customer retains ownership and control of the tandem node and its database, thereby preserving the private nature of the private network.