Abstract: A power and data coupling device for medical sensors comprises a first conductive surface integrated into a medical device and configured to couple via an electric field with a second conductive surface. The second conductive surface is translatable with respect to the first conductive surface. Additionally, the first conductive surface is connected to a power source for providing power, through the electric field, to the second conductive surface. The first conductive surface also radiates a time-varying electric field that is configured to convey power to the second conductive surface. Further, the first conductive surface is connected to a pick-up that is configured to receive signals from the second conductive surface.

Abstract: An earpiece configured to be positioned within an ear canal of a subject includes a housing, a sensor assembly disposed within the housing, and a cover removably secured to a free end of the housing. The sensor assembly includes at least one optical emitter and at least one optical detector. The cover includes at least one light guide configured to guide light from the at least one optical emitter and/or guide light from the ear of the subject to the at least one optical detector. The cover also includes a plurality of stabilizing members extending outwardly from an outer surface of the cover adjacent the at least one light guide. The earpiece may also include at least one ear support fitting associated with the housing that is configured to stabilize the earpiece within the ear canal.

Abstract: An optical adapter is configured to be removably secured to a wearable monitoring device. The monitoring device includes a housing having a portion with a biometric sensor that is wearably positionable adjacent the skin of a subject. The biometric sensor includes an optical emitter and an optical detector. The optical adapter includes a base that is configured to be removably secured to the housing portion. The optical adapter includes a first light guide extending outwardly from the base that is in optical communication with the optical emitter when the base is secured to the housing portion, and a second light guide extending outwardly from the base that is in optical communication with the optical detector when the base is secured to the housing portion. The optical adapter also includes a plurality of stabilizing members extending outwardly from the base.

Abstract: A method implemented for managing a merchant queue includes receiving order data associated with a placed order and user data for a user from a user device. User characteristics are determined based on historical data associated with the user. A placement of the placed order in a production queue is determined based on the order data and the user characteristics. A time at which the placed order is estimated to be ready is permitted to change based on changes to the user data.

Abstract: A method of monitoring a subject via a photoplethysmography (PPG) sensor configured to detect and/or measure PPG information from the subject includes changing, via a processor, signal analysis frequency of the PPG sensor signals, optical wavelength emission of the PPG sensor, and/or PPG sensor interrogation power at predetermined times. Each predetermined time is associated with measuring at least one different biometric parameter from a plurality of biometric parameters.

Abstract: A monitoring device configured to be attached to a body of a subject includes a sensor configured to detect and/or measure physiological information from the subject, and a processor coupled to the sensor that is configured to receive and analyze signals produced by the sensor. The processor is configured to change signal analysis frequency and/or sensor interrogation power in response to detecting a change in subject activity, a change in subject stress level, a change in environmental conditions, a change in time, and/or a change in location of the subject.

Abstract: A monitoring device includes a biasing element having opposite first and second end portions, an earbud attached to the biasing element first end portion, and a sensing element attached to the biasing element second end portion. The earbud has a first mass, and the sensing element has a second mass that is less than the first mass. The biasing element is configured to urge the sensing element into contact with a portion of the ear when the earbud is inserted into the ear. The biasing element decouples motion of the earbud from the sensing element. The sensing element includes at least one energy emitter configured to direct energy at a target region of the ear and at least one detector configured to detect an energy response signal from the target region or a region adjacent the target region.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus are described for facilitating the extraction of cleaner biometric signals from biometric monitors. A motion reference signal is generated independently from a biometric signal and then the motion reference signal is used to remove motion artifacts from the biometric signal.

Abstract: A monitoring device configured to be attached within a portion of an ear of a subject includes an elastomeric arm having opposite first and second end portions. A sensing element is located at the elastomeric arm second end portion and includes at least one energy emitter configured to direct energy at a target region of the ear and at least one detector configured to detect an energy response signal from the target region or a region adjacent the target region. The monitoring device is configured such that the elastomeric arm first end portion engages the ear at a first location within the ear and such that the elastomeric arm resiliently bends such that a surface of the sensing element is urged into contact with the ear at a second location within the ear.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus are described for facilitating the extraction of cleaner biometric signals from biometric monitors. A motion reference signal is generated independently from a biometric signal and then the motion reference signal is used to remove motion artifacts from the biometric signal.

Abstract: Method of scheduling drug administration using a pulse-oximetry integrated intravenous fluid system comprising retrieving from at least one network server database via an intravenous pump unit patient-related and drug-related data and information. The retrieved data are displayed on the intravenous pump unit interface and then a patient's pulse oximetry data is acquired. Using the pulse oximetry data, patient history, patient condition, diagnosis, and information relating to the one or more drugs, a medical personnel determines a schedule of drug administration. During the set duration of a drug administration schedule, one or more observed effects of the one or more drugs administered to the patient via the intravenous pump unit interface is inputted into the IV pump unit, and the patient record stored in the at least one network database is updated.

Abstract: A monitoring device configured to be attached to a body of a subject includes a sensor having at least one optical emitter and at least one optical detector, and a processor coupled to the sensor. The processor is configured to instruct the at least one optical emitter to emit a different wavelength of light into the body of the subject during each of a series of respective time intervals. The processor is configured to measure a respective different physiological parameter from signals produced by the at least one optical detector upon receiving light from the body of the subject during each of the respective time intervals.

Abstract: A method for designing a smoothie pod includes: receiving input from a user via a user device that communicates with a beverage profile system over a communications network, wherein the input is received via a graphical user interface and includes selections of ingredients to be added to the smoothie pod; determining, via the beverage profile system, that a flavor profile of the smoothie pod that is based on the ingredients selected by the user includes at least one flavor type having a percentage of the flavor profile that is outside of an acceptable threshold percentage range of the flavor profile; and presenting a suggestion via the graphical user interface of one or more additional ingredients to be added to the smoothie pod to modify the percentage of the flavor type to be within the acceptable threshold percentage range of the flavor profile.

Abstract: An apparatus includes a digital camera configured to capture a plurality of images of a region of a body of a subject, a photoplethysmography (PPG) sensor configured to sense blood flow information from the subject, and a processor in communication with the digital camera and the PPG sensor. The processor is configured to analyze a blood flow information signal from the PPG sensor and determine a heart rate frequency and/or a breathing rate frequency of the subject. The processor is also configured to analyze the plurality of images and determine whether or not a portion of the region of the body is modulating at a frequency that is similar to the heart rate frequency and/or the breathing rate frequency of the subject.

Abstract: A monitoring device includes a band capable of at least partially encircling a portion of a body of a subject. An optical source and an optical detector are supported by the band. A first light guide is in optical communication with the optical source and a second light guide is in optical communication with the optical detector. A distal end of the first light guide is configured to deliver light from the optical source into the body, and a distal end of the second light guide is configured to collect light from the body and deliver collected light to the optical detector. The first and second light guides define respective first and second axial directions that diverge outwardly from the band such that light rays directed into the body via the first light guide cannot overlap with light rays collected by the second light guide.

Abstract: An ear worn device includes an optical source, an optical detector, and a housing supporting the optical source and optical detector. The housing is configured to be positioned within an ear of a subject and includes a first light guide in optical communication with the optical source and a second light guide in optical communication with the optical detector. A distal end of the first light guide is configured to deliver light from the optical source into the ear, and a distal end of the second light guide is configured to collect light from the ear and deliver collected light to the optical detector. The first and second light guides define respective first and second axial directions that are outwardly diverging such that light rays directed into the ear via the first light guide cannot overlap with light rays collected by the second light guide.