Abstract: A noninvasive optical oximeter measures oxygen saturation of arterial blood. A patient's arterial blood is illuminated with light at two different wavelengths and the intensity of the reflected light is sensed by a photodetector and an output signal is created in response thereto. The output signal is processed to form a ratio representing the AC component of the reflected light at each wavelength over the DC component. The oxygen saturation of the blood is calculated by correlating the quotient of these ratios with an oxygen reference curve uniquely representative of the blood oxygen characteristics of a particular patient. The pulse amplitude signals for the AC component at each wavelength are compensated for the effects of upward or downward trends and, therefore, the accuracy of the blood oxygen saturation calculation is significantly increased.

Abstract: A noninvasive oximeter sensor for controlling and optimizing the minimum detection depth in the tissue of a patient is disclosed. In general, a minimum detection depth of 0.35 mm in the skin is considered optimum. The reflectance oximeter sensor component configuration of the present invention achieves the minimum detection depth. The present invention offers a more accurate indication of blood oxygen saturation in a patient's arterial blood than was available from previous reflectance oximeter sensors.

Abstract: An oximeter system for measuring blood oxygen saturation using a noninvasive optical technique is disclosed. A patient's arterial blood is illuminated with light at two different wavelengths and the intensity of the light which is transmitted through or reflected by said arterial blood is correlated with the blood oxygen saturation of the tissue. The system provides a manner in which filtering artifacts are avoided in the oximeter signal using a high resolution analog-to-digital converter of 14 bits or more, such that, it is unnecessary to separate the DC and pulsatile components of the oximeter signal prior to processing within the microprocessor.

Abstract: A system for measuring blood oxygen saturation uses a noninvasive optical technique. A patient's arterial blood is illuminated with light at two different wavelengths and the intensity of the reflected light is correlated with an oxygen saturation reference curve to determine the oxygen saturation of the patient's blood. The optical sensor includes one or more controlled heat sources which are used to maintain the patient's tissue at a predetermined temperature. Safety circuits are also provided in order to prevent thermal burns to a patient in the event of a system failure.

Abstract: An improved optical sensor which has increased sensitivity and which is resistant to the effects of ambient light. In one embodiment of the invention, the sensor housing has a flat lower face with a central protrusion in which a plurality of light emitting diodes and an optical sensor are mounted. When the sensor is placed on the patient's tissue, the portion of the sensor face containing the LEDs and detector protrudes slightly into the tissue to provide improved optical coupling of the sensor to the skin. A light absorbing compliant material is attached to the perimeter of the sensor to reduce the effects of ambient light and to provide a cushion to minimize discomfort to the patient. In an alternate embodiment of the sensor, the LEDs and detector are mounted in a horizontal configuration substantially parallel to the surface of the tissue. The light produced by the LEDs is projected into a central chamber of the housing where the respective beams are combined and directed toward the tissue.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for optical diagnosis and treatment of abnormal cells through the use of hormone-specific chemical markers which are preferential to genital tissues. Abnormal cells can be differentiated from normal cells by the amount of fluorescent or thermal radiation produced by the chemical marker retained in the respective cells when irradiated with electromagnetic radiation at a predetermined wavelength. Once the abnormal cells have been detected, they can be treated through the use of an optical technique based on photochemical or thermal reactions which can be controlled to destroy the abnormal cells, while leaving normal cells unharmed.

Abstract: A noninvasive optical oximeter for measuring oxygen saturation of arterial blood. A sample of blood is illuminated with light at two different wavelengths. Light reflected by the blood is sensed by a photodetector and an output signal is created in response thereto. The output signal is processed to form a quotient representing the AC components of the reflected light at each wavelength. The oxygen saturation of the blood is calculated by correlating this quotient with an oxygen saturation reference curve uniquely representative of the blood oxygen saturation characteristics of a particular individual. The reference curve used in the preferred embodiment of the invention is calibrated in a two-step process which minimizes the effects of calibration errors. A first oxygen saturation reference curve is calculated which is based on a linear relationship between the ratio of the AC components of the reflected light.

Abstract: A noninvasive optical oximeter for measuring oxygen saturation of arterial blood. A sample of blood is illuminated with light at two different wavelengths. Light reflected by the blood is sensed by a photodetector and an output signal is created in response thereto. The output signal is processed to form a quotient representing the AC components of the reflected light at each wavelength. The oxygen saturation of the blood is calculated by correlating this quotient with an oxygen saturation reference curve uniquely representative of the blood oxygen saturation characteristics of a particular individual.

Abstract: The hydrostatic transmission control system includes a first and second two-position solenoid valve which function to alter the hydraulic fluid parameters as delivered to the servo control cylinders of a variable displacement pump associated with a hydrostatic transmission. Activation of the first solenoid valve instigates a varying of pump displacement. Once the desired pump displacement has been achieved, the second solenoid valve is activated to maintain the desired pump displacement. The deactivation of both solenoid valves results in the hydrostatic transmission seeking and maintaining a neutral mode.