Abstract: Systems and methods for automatically monitoring and controlling pressure in a body part are disclosed. The systems include an implantable tube with one open end of the tube implanted in the body part, an implantable valve coupled with the tube having at least one open state and a closed state, an implantable sensor for measuring pressure, and an implantable control device coupled with the sensor and the valve. The control device switches the valve between the at least one open state and the closed state, based on pressure information received from the sensor. When the valve is in the at least one open state, the tube drains fluids from the body part due to a difference of pressure between the open ends of the tube. Methods for using the systems to administer drugs and monitor and control fluid pressures in various biological systems are also disclosed.

Abstract: Systems and methods for automatically monitoring and controlling pressure in a body part are disclosed. The systems include an implantable tube with one open end of the tube implanted in the body part, an implantable valve coupled with the tube having at least one open state and a closed state, an implantable sensor for measuring pressure, and an implantable control device coupled with the sensor and the valve. The control device switches the valve between the at least one open state and the closed state, based on pressure information received from the sensor. When the valve is in the at least one open state, the tube drains fluids from the body part due to a difference of pressure between the open ends of the tube. Methods for using the systems to administer drugs and monitor and control fluid pressures in various biological systems are also disclosed.

Abstract: An apparatus for testing and measuring sensory thresholds in humans and animals, including an electronic algometer and a probe housing. A strain gauge is installed within the probe housing and having one end fixed thereto and the other end movable. A support member is attached to the movable end of the strain gauge and extends out from an opening on the probe housing. A pipette member is press-fitted to the support member, where a resilient string has one end attached to the pipette member and the other end has a uniform tip diameter for creating a uniform reaction when a force is exerted thereto. The strain gauge measures the amount of deflection responsive to the force applied from the nylon string onto the support member with the uniform tip diameter of the resilient string in contact with the skin area of the human or animal and generates an electrical output signal indicative of the pressure applied.

Abstract: Described is an automatic paging system that will alert a paging service subscriber to the occurrence of specific events at a remote location using a standard home type answering machine and/or a standard alarm system. The paging system works in conjunction with existing paging subscription services and answering machines presently available. The system detects if a valid message has been left on the answering machine or if an alarm has been tripped, then dials a number that the user programs into the system that corresponds to the paging service telephone number, then waits for an acknowledgment tone from the paging service and dials a distinct code that corresponds to what has occurred at the remote location. The system will forward a telephone number to the paging service subscriber, if such a number has been entered into the answering machine by a caller.