Abstract: A device operable to assess temperature response of small neural fibers. The device includes a heat source. A skin contacting probe tip that includes at least one skin contacting region is operatively connected to the heat source and operable to apply a heat to regions of skin having varying surface areas. A temperature sensor is arranged in the vicinity of the probe tip and is operable to detect a temperature of the probe tip. A controller is operatively connected to the heat source and the temperature sensor to maintain a target temperature of the probe tip.

Abstract: A system designed to measure and record in real time data relating to translational and angular acceleration of an individual's head during normal sporting activity. One embodiment of the device includes at least three orthogonal accelerometers mounted within a sports helmet together with means for recording, in real-time, the data output from the accelerometers. The data is either recorded on a memory card or other mass memory means installed in the helmet, or is transmitted to a nearby receiver for reception and storage on a computer's hard drive or other conventional mass storage device. The device provides real-time storage of translational and angular acceleration data over a length of time such that cumulative exposure effects and thus limits can be established for the individual's further or future participation in the sport. The data also allows detection of the precise motions of the head which precede the occurrence of a severe head injury.

Abstract: The device assists those who are visually handicapped and, in particular, warns blind or visually impaired travellers that they have entered a potentially dangerous area proximal to the edge of boarding platforms of the type typically found in public railway transit systems. An InfraRed Integrated Information System consists of an array of infrared transmitters and a portable detector/warning device to be held by the blind traveller. The transmitters create a beam of infrared light which bathes the section of the platform proximal to the platform edge. As the traveller moves into the region of the platform covered by the emission, the sensors in the warning device are activated and by audio, tactile or other stimuli alert the traveller of entry into the danger zone.

Abstract: The present invention provides an apparatus for continuously recording physiological data. The invention includes a unique data mapping and compression technique which allows relatively long term data acquisition without compromising the data sampling rate. The present physiological data recorder has application in recording physiological data which is non-periodic and is characterized by "bursts" of rapid activity interspersed among relatively long periods during which there is little or no activity. The invention has specific application in recording pH data in ambulatory patients and comprises a unique data compression means, an automatic calibration means, and a digital or analogue data playback means.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method of encoding information in a pulse width modulated nal using totally digital techniques. An incremental ramp wave is utilized as a modulation reference, and intercepts between the modulation reference and a signal to be encoded are detected and/or predicted logically by examining the values of these two signals at predetermined intervals.