Abstract: A device for invasively measuring fluid pressure is disclosed. The device includes a disposable housing having a fluid contacting area and a non-fluid contacting area. A disposable diaphragm in a substantially non-elastic state is disposed within the housing and separates the fluid contacting area from the non-fluid contacting area. A side of the diaphragm is adapted to contact the fluid, and the diaphragm has sufficient flexibility to move a distance axially within the non-fluid contacting area in response to fluid contact. The distance is substantially proportional to the fluid pressure. An electronic sensing device is removably attached adjacent the non-fluid contacting area of the housing, and is spaced from the diaphragm. The electronic sensing device is capable of determining the fluid pressure.

Abstract: The invention provides a drive system (10) for a vehicle (12) and a method for driving a vehicle (12). The drive system (10) includes a first drive wheel (14) rotatable about a first axis (16) for supporting the vehicle (12). The drive system (10) also includes a second drive wheel (18) rotatable about the first axis (16) for supporting the vehicle (12). The drive system (10) also includes at least one castor (20) rotatable about a second axis (22) transverse to the first axis (16). The castor (20) is forward of the first and second drive wheels (14, 18) in a direction of travel of the vehicle (12). The drive system (10) also includes a controller (24) for differentially driving the first and second drive wheels (14, 18) in response to a position of the at least one castor (20) about the second axis (22).

Abstract: A device for selectively relieving pressure exerted upon a member is disclosed. The device includes at least one housing and an electroactive polymeric material disposed within the at least one housing. The electroactive polymeric material is configured to expand when exposed to an electric field such that at least some of the pressure exerted upon the member is relieved.

Abstract: The present invention creates a virtual sensor plane by arraying two one-dimensional light sensors at right angles to one another wherein the shaft of a joystick extends perpendicularly through the virtual sensor plane. With this configuration, the sensor plane can detect traditional joystick rotation around a point along its axis as well as a herein-disclosed true rotation of the joystick around the joystick axis itself. Between the light sources and lenses which enable light detection and the optical, rather than mechanical or electromechanical, nature of the light sensors, wear surfaces in the joystick are minimized or eliminated everywhere except, where applicable, in the universal joint at the base of joystick configurations which include such a universal joint.

Abstract: The invention is a hemodialysis system in which at least one disposable sensor is combined with a dialysis circuit, in combination with an optional transceiver, to provide real-time or near-real-time patient data. Sensors for any or all of blood pressure, conductivity, temperature, oxygenation, sodium levels, calcium levels, phosphorus levels, urea levels, potassium levels, without limitation, may be included in the blood circuit. Preferably, the sensors are MEMS or ISFET sensors and are positioned in the overall system upstream of, or within the upstream portion of, the dialyzer.

Abstract: A manually-operated control for generating a vector signal comprises first and second plates arranged in substantially parallel planes and being movable relative to each other in two directions while remaining substantially parallel. A non-tilt handle connected to one of the plates causes the relative movement of the plates. A CCD camera is fixed to one of the plates focused on the other plate. A microprocessor-based controller is connected to input and process images sequentially input from the camera for detecting and quantifying the relative movement of the two plates in two directions and generating a vector signal indicative thereof.

Abstract: A manually-operated control for generating a vector signal comprises a handle with an elongate axis pivotally mounted to the housing for universal rotation about a pivot point on the axis of the handle. An imaged surface moves in two directions with the rotation of the handle about two perpendicular axes intersecting at the pivot point. A camera and LED are focused on the imaged surface. A microprocessor-based controller inputs and processes images sequentially input from the camera for detecting and quantifying the movement of the imaged surface in two directions and generates a vector signal indicative thereof.

Abstract: A process for manufacturing a safety hose system. In one embodiment, the process of the present invention comprises the steps of positioning the inside hose with the outside hose; inserting first and second pre-mold inserts about the first and second end portions of the inside hose; attaching the first and second connectors to the first and second end portions of the inside hose to form first and second crimped portions, respectively; applying an adhesive to the first and second crimped portions; inserting the first and second crimped portions into the connector inlet portions of the first and second pre-mold inserts, respectively; inserting the drain hose into the drain hose inlet portion of the first pre-mold insert; molding a first end-cap member to the first end portion of the outside hose, the first pre-mold insert, and the drain hose; and molding a second end-cap member to the second end portion of the outside hose and the second pre-mold insert.

Abstract: A safety hose system for connecting an inlet connector of a washing machine to an outlet connector of a water supply. The safety hose system comprises an inner hose unit engaged with an outside hose unit. The inner hose unit comprises an inner hose having first and second end portions and a first channel to transport the flow of water from the water supply to the washing machine. The inner hose unit further comprises first and second fittings engaged with the first and second end portions of the inner hose. The outside hose unit comprising an outside hose having first and second end portions. The outside hose unit further comprises first and second connectors engaged with the outside hose. The outside hose unit is compressed to provide a positively biased force upon the first and second fittings to provide a sealed channel about the inner hose and to allow the first and second connectors to be engaged with the inlet connector of the washing machine and the outlet connector of the water supply, respectively.