Abstract: A compression device particularly suited for DVT prophylaxis includes a disposable wrap and a re-usable controller removably mounted on the wrap to apply a tensioning force to the wrap when it is encircling the limb of a patient. The wrap includes a strap wrapped around an electric motor-driven pulley, with an encoder to determine the amount of rotation of the pulley and a current sensor to determine the current load on the motor during operation. A pretension protocol sets the pulley of the wrap at a proper frap position so that the wrap can properly execute a DVT prophylaxis protocol.

Abstract: A patient compliance monitoring system is provided for monitoring patient compliance in the use of a plurality of patient care and recovery devices in the hospital room. Sensors are associated with each of the devices to detect a usage history of the associated device and to generate usage data therefore. One device is a patient positioning device including a wedge-shaped body with at least one pressure sensor associated with the bottom surface. The wedge-shaped body is formed of a compressible viscoelastic open-cell foam composition that is adapted to compress under the weight so that the angle of the ramp surface of the wedge decreases from an initial ramp angle to a tilt angle for supporting the patient.

Abstract: A compression device particularly suited for DVT prophylaxis includes a disposable wrap and a re-usable controller removably mounted on the wrap to apply a tensioning force to the wrap when it is encircling the limb of a patient. The wrap includes an RF chip with a unique identifier and the controller includes an RF sensor and processor to authenticate the wrap before commencing a compression cycle. A kiosk is provided for storing a plurality of wraps for use by patients and a plurality of controllers to be used with any of the wraps. The processor of each controller can control an electric motor in the controller to tighten and loosen the wrap according to a compression protocol between a pre-tension compression force and maximum compression force. The amount of movement of the wrap changes as the patient's physiology changes while maintaining the pre-tension and maximum compression forces.

Abstract: A compression device particularly suited for DVT prophylaxis includes a disposable wrap and a re-usable controller removably mounted on the wrap to apply a tensioning force to the wrap when it is encircling the limb of a patient. The wrap includes an RF chip with a unique identifier and the controller includes an RF sensor and processor to authenticate the wrap before commencing a compression cycle. A kiosk is provided for storing a plurality of wraps for use by patients and a plurality of controllers to be used with any of the wraps. The processor of each controller can control an electric motor in the controller to tighten and loosen the wrap according to a compression protocol between a pre-tension compression force and maximum compression force. The amount of movement of the wrap changes as the patient's physiology changes while maintaining the pre-tension and maximum compression forces.

Abstract: A compression device particularly suited for DVT prophylaxis includes a disposable wrap and a re-usable controller removably mounted on the wrap to apply a tensioning force to the wrap when it is encircling the limb of a patient. The wrap includes an RF chip with a unique identifier and the controller includes an RF sensor and processor to authenticate the wrap before commencing a compression cycle. A kiosk is provided for storing a plurality of wraps for use by patients and a plurality of controllers to be used with any of the wraps. The processor of each controller can control an electric motor in the controller to tighten and loosen the wrap according to a three-stage DVT prophylaxis protocol that produces an optimum blood flow velocity. An accelerometer and software/firmware in the controller can also measure and summarize patient activity while wearing the device.

Abstract: A compression device particularly suited for DVT prophylaxis includes a disposable wrap and a re-usable controller removably mounted on the wrap to apply a tensioning force to the wrap when it is encircling the limb of a patient. The wrap includes an RF chip with a unique identifier and the controller includes an RF sensor and processor to authenticate the wrap before commencing a compression cycle. A kiosk is provided for storing a plurality of wraps for use by patients and a plurality of controllers to be used with any of the wraps. The processor of each controller can control an electric motor in the controller to tighten and loosen the wrap according to a compression protocol between a pre-tension compression force and maximum compression force. The amount of movement of the wrap changes as the patient's physiology changes while maintaining the pre-tension and maximum compression forces.

Abstract: A compression device particularly suited for DVT prophylaxis includes a disposable wrap and a re-usable controller removably mounted on the wrap to apply a tensioning force to the wrap when it is encircling the limb of a patient. The wrap includes an RF chip with a unique identifier and the controller includes an RF sensor and processor to authenticate the wrap before commencing a compression cycle. A kiosk is provided for storing a plurality of wraps for use by patients and a plurality of controllers to be used with any of the wraps. The processor of each controller can control an electric motor in the controller to tighten and loosen the wrap according to a three-stage DVT prophylaxis protocol that produces an optimum blood flow velocity. An accelerometer and software/firmware in the controller can also measure and summarize patient activity while wearing the device.

Abstract: A system and method for accurately measuring fluid level in a vessel is provided. Generally, the system contains an elongated portion being a coaxial tube having a hollow center, an arm being coaxial in shape, and a sensor containing a transmitter capable of creating and transmitting an excitation electromagnetic pulse for traversing the elongated portion and the arm, and a receiver for receiving reflected pulses, wherein a proximate end of the elongated portion joins a distal end of the arm in a manner to create a waveguide for an electromagnetic pulse provided by the sensor.

Abstract: Method, system, and apparatus are disclosed for projecting a sports object onto a playing surface based upon player position. The method and system includes monitoring player position and projecting the sports object onto a playing surface using a sports object projection apparatus based upon the monitored player position.

Abstract: A system and method for accurately measuring fluid level in a vessel is provided. Generally, the system contains an elongated portion being a coaxial tube having a hollow center, an arm being coaxial in shape, and a sensor containing a transmitter capable of creating and transmitting an excitation electromagnetic pulse for traversing the elongated portion and the arm, and a receiver for receiving reflected pulses, wherein a proximate end of the elongated portion joins a distal end of the arm in a manner to create a waveguide for an electromagnetic pulse provided by the sensor.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for automatically staining or treating multiple tissue samples mounted on slides are provided, in which the slides and reagent bottles are held in fixed position, and the reagent, wash and coverslipping solutions brought to the slides. Alternatively, the slides are held in fixed position, while the reagent, wash and coverslipping solutions brought to the slides.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for automatically staining or treating multiple tissue samples mounted on slides are provided, in which the slides and reagent bottles are held in fixed position, and the reagent, wash and coverslipping solutions brought to the slides. Alternatively, the slides are held in fixed position, while the reagent, wash and coverslipping solutions brought to the slides.

Abstract: A system and method for accurately measuring fluid level in a vessel is provided. Generally, the system contains an elongated portion being a coaxial tube having a hollow center, an arm being coaxial in shape, and a sensor containing a transmitter capable of creating and transmitting an excitation electromagnetic pulse for traversing the elongated portion and the arm, and a receiver for receiving reflected pulses, wherein a proximate end of the elongated portion joins a distal end of the arm in a manner to create a waveguide for an electromagnetic pulse provided by the sensor.

Abstract: A startup burner for rapidly heating a catalyst in a reformer, as well as related methods and modules, is disclosed.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for automatically staining or treating multiple tissue samples mounted on slides are provided, in which the slides and reagent bottles are held in fixed position, and the reagent, wash and coverslipping solutions brought to the slides. Alternatively, the slides are held in fixed position, while the reagent, wash and coverslipping solutions brought to the slides.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for automatically staining or treating multiple tissue samples mounted on slides are provided, in which the slides and reagent bottles are held in fixed position, and the reagent, wash and coverslipping solutions brought to the slides. Alternatively, the slides are held in fixed position, while the reagent, wash and coverslipping solutions brought to the slides.

Abstract: An automated rotary microtome blade changing apparatus, comprising an upper stage being adapted to releasably engage a supply cartridge and a waste cartridge, the upper stage having a loading segment adapted to engage and move blades contained within the supply cartridge into a cutting position; clamping means for releasably holding the blades in place for cutting operations; power means for driving the movement of blades and clamping mechanisms; and electronic control means for integrating all of the functions of the apparatus.