Abstract: A hospital bed or mattress for neonatal infants with a respiration monitor and alarm to detect apnea. No sensor or other appliance is attached to the infant. The bed comprises a base or frame structure with a soft resilient membranous top or cover, e.g., of sheet rubber. The closed air space below the pan is vented to the outside as by a small hole or tube, the average air pressure inside being about atmospheric. The baby's breathing causes slight rhythmic displacements of portions of the body, which in turn transmit small dynamic "recoil" forces proportional to acceleration to the flexible membrane on which the baby rests. The resulting diaphragm-like displacements modulate the air pressure inside. Breathing is sensed by monitoring this acoustic signal by a vented pressure microphone or by sensitive anemometer means connected to the vent. Acoustic and electrical filtering are used to discriminate against higher-frequency signals from the heart-beat and from ambient vibration.

Abstract: An in-line connector for electrical cables used to conduct power to submersible pumps located down-hole in oil wells. The cable may be divided into lengths or sections a few hundred meters long, joined in series by the connectors, so that defective sections of cable can be replaced at the well site. Such cables typically comprise three heavy gauge conductors with high-temperature insulation and an outer wrapping of interlocking steel armor. The novel connectors are smooth in profile and sealed against the entry of fluids. The cable armor is preferably soldered into the ends of the connectors.