Abstract: A toilet seat handle for lifting a toilet seat and its cover. The toilet seat handle is affixed to the toilet seat cover, and selectively engages the toilet seat to lift the cover and the seat individually or together. Because the handle mechanism is affixed to the front of the cover, when the toilet is being used, with the seat up or down, the handle mechanism is well away from the toilet, such that the handle mechanism remains clean and sanitary.

Abstract: A toilet illumination device engageable with a toilet seat is provided which illuminates the toilet and proximal area in low ambient light or darkness. The device is battery powered and utilizes light emitters such as LED's to provide a low energy light source to assist users in locating and using the toilet upon awakening in the night. The device may emit light in a spectrum or lumen level known to not significantly interfere with user's falling back to sleep due to the low light and color characteristics of the light emitting diodes. The device once activated in low light conditions and may illuminate a plurality of light emitting diodes when the seat is lifted and or lowered without the need to turn on bathroom lights or other brighter and more energy consuming light sources.

Abstract: A glass-wiping robot comprising a glass-wiping robot housing (1), a power cord (2) extending outward through the housing (1), a protruding mechanism (3) provided on the housing (1) and protruding from the surface thereof, and a power cord positioning sheath (4) provided on the housing (1), where the power cord (2) passes through a central through-hole of the power cord positioning sheath (4) and is fixed. By providing the power cord positioning sheath (4), the glass-wiping robot ensures that the power cord (2) does not interfere with other parts on the surface of the machine body of the glass-wiping robot, prevents the power cord (2) from hanging downward and winding when the glass-wiping robot is working, provides a simplified structure, and greatly improves the operational safety of the glass-wiping robot.

Abstract: A cleaner and a vertical cleaner are provided. The cleaner includes: a body having a connecting tube; a brush holder, with a rolling brush mounted therein; a motor cover rotatably mounted onto the brush holder around a first axis, defining an accommodating space therein, and having an opening, the connecting tube being configured to connect to the opening rotatably around a second axis different from the first axis; a motor disposed in the accommodating space for driving the rolling brush to rotate relative to the brush holder around a third axis parallel to the first axis.

Abstract: An autonomous floor cleaning robot includes a transport drive and control system arranged for autonomous movement of the robot over a floor for performing cleaning operations. The robot chassis carries a first cleaning zone comprising cleaning elements arranged to suction loose particulates up from the cleaning surface and a second cleaning zone comprising cleaning elements arraigned to apply a cleaning fluid onto the surface and to thereafter collect the cleaning fluid up from the surface after it has been used to clean the surface. The robot chassis carries a supply of cleaning fluid and a waste container for storing waste materials collected up from the cleaning surface.

Abstract: A dishwasher includes a control facility for executing a wash cycle for cleaning items held in a wash chamber which is filled with water via a water inlet facility having an inlet valve operably connected to the control facility. To identify malfunction of the water inlet facility, the control facility executes an identification sequence which includes a test filling phase, in which the inlet valve is opened for a period corresponding to a predefined time value. A detection facility detects during operation of a recirculation pump to recirculate water in the wash chamber at least one operating parameter corresponding to a quantity of water in the wash chamber at an end of the test filling phase. The control facility determines a water flow into the wash chamber during the test filling phase from the detected operating parameter and compares the determined water flow with a minimum water flow.

Abstract: A method of determining the number of doses and the types of a treating chemistry available in the bulk dispensing system, and providing an indication of the determination on a user interface.

Abstract: A fluid inlet housing for controlled filling of a dishwasher is provided. For example, a dishwasher comprising a tub for receiving dishware therein, a water conduit, and a fluid inlet housing is provided. The fluid inlet housing is in fluid communication with the tub and the water conduit. Additionally, the fluid inlet housing is configured to direct water from the water conduit into the tub. The fluid inlet housing comprises an inlet for receiving water from the water conduit and an outlet for directing water into the tub. The fluid inlet housing also comprises a first baffle positioned between the inlet and the outlet and configured to divide water flow from the inlet into divergent paths. Moreover, the fluid inlet housing further comprises a second baffle positioned between the first baffle and the outlet and configured to combine the divergent paths of water flow prior to flowing through the outlet.

Abstract: A dishwasher for treating dishes includes a tub at least partially defining a treating chamber, a spraying system having a distribution header and at least one aperture provided on the distribution header for spraying wash liquid into the treating chamber, and a recirculation system for recirculating liquid sprayed in the treating chamber to the spraying system. A light assembly is provided on the distribution header, and includes a light source that emits light to a light guide, which in turn distributes light to the treating chamber.

Abstract: A dishwasher, including a chamber for washing dishes and a chamber for storing dishes is provided. A mechanism is also provided allowing the dish racks to move the dishes from the washing chamber to the storage chamber of the dishwasher once the wash is completed.

Abstract: A water-bearing domestic appliance, in particular a dishwasher, includes a liquid storage container, in particular a storage container in which washing liquid can be temporarily stored. At least one flow-control element is arranged in a liquid chamber of the storage container to divert and/or to split the washing liquor flowing into the storage container or being discharged from it.

Abstract: An imaging unit includes: an imager that receives and photoelectrically converts light from a target to be captured; a branching unit that branches a signal from the imager into two signals; a first converter into which one of the two signals is input to convert the input signal into an optical signal; a second converter into which the other of the two signals is input to convert the input signal into an electric signal; a first output unit that outputs the optical signal; a second output unit that outputs the electric signal; a detector that detects a unit connected to the imaging unit; and a controller that causes the first output unit to output the optical signal if the unit detected by the detector is the control unit, and causes the second output unit to output the electric signal if the unit detected by the detector is the inspection unit.

Abstract: A pump unit which can be made to be small-sized, and which enables to achieve a sufficient flow and an endoscope apparatus using such pump are provided. The pump unit which transports a fluid in a channel upon generating a progressive wave which is propagated in a longitudinal direction of the channel, in a first flexible thin film which constitutes at least a part of a channel-wall surface, includes a vibration exciter unit.

Abstract: Present invention describes a swallowable device with a soft, compliant exterior, whose shape can be changed through the use of magnetic fields, and which can be locomoted in a rolling motion through magnetic control from the exterior of the patient. The present invention could be used for a variety of medical applications inside the GI tract including but not limited to drug delivery, biopsy, heat cauterization, pH sensing, biochemical sensing, micro-surgery, and active imaging.

Abstract: A portable medical illuminator is configured for attachment to a medical device wherein the illuminator includes an illuminator housing and a light source disposed in relation to the housing. A portable rechargeable power supply is connected to the light source, and an inductive charging coil is disposed within the illuminator housing to enable contactless charging of the contained portable power supply.

Abstract: Apparatuses and methods for mobile imaging and image analysis. In particular, described herein are methods and apparatuses for assisting in the acquisition and analysis of images of the tympanic membrane to provide information that may be helpful in the understanding and management of disease, such ear infection (acute otitis media). These apparatuses may guide or direct a subject in taking an image of a tympanic membrane, including automatically detecting which direction to adjust the position of the apparatus to capture an image of the tympanic membrane and automatically indicating when the tympanic membrane has been imaged.

Abstract: Endotracheal tube coupling adapters for facilitating collection and removal of biofilm or any debris from endotracheal tubes for disposal or laboratory testing are disclosed. The endotracheal tube coupling adapters may be adapted for use in closed suction systems. The endotracheal tube coupling adapters may be configured to remain coupled to an endotracheal tube from the time of intubation until the time of removal and to receive visualization, cleaning, and/or biofilm collection devices or members without being removed from the endotracheal tube.

Abstract: A macular health measurement and storage system comprises a plurality of macular-pigment measurement machine for measuring macular pigment density in humans, a plurality of computers each of which is associated with a corresponding one the macular-pigment measuring machines, and a central host. The plurality of macular-pigment measurement machines include a device for receiving macular pigment data from a patient, at least one data transfer port, and at least one processor that enables the transfer of the macular pigment data from the transfer port. The plurality of computers include a first port coupled to the data transfer port of the corresponding macular-pigment measurement machine for receiving the macular pigment data. Each of the computers includes a second port for transferring patient data. The central host is coupled to the second ports on each of the plurality of computers. The central host includes a storage device for storing the patient data.

Abstract: A non-stereo fundus image is used to obtain a plurality of glaucoma indicators. Additionally, genome data for the subject is used to obtain genetic marker data relating to one or more genes and/or SNPs associated with glaucoma. The glaucoma indicators and genetic marker data are input into an adaptive model operative to generate an output indicative of a risk of glaucoma in the subject. In combination, the genetic indicators and genome data are more informative about the risk of glaucoma than either of the two in isolation. The adaptive model may be a two-stage model, having a first stage in which individual genetic indicators are combined with respective portions of the genome data by first adaptive model modules to form respective first outputs, and a second stage in which the first outputs are combined by a second adaptive mode.

Abstract: Described herein is a light directing assembly for use in an object analysis system. The light directing assembly includes a plurality of optical relay assemblies. Each optical relay assembly includes at least one optical element configured to relay an interrogation beam from a light transmission system to an object and relay a return beam from the object to the light transmission system, the return beam being generated by reflection or back scattering of the interrogation beam by the object. Each optical relay assembly defines an interrogation angle at which the interrogation beam relayed by the optical relay assembly reaches the object, and an optical path length being the distance from the light transmission system to the object traveled by an interrogation beam via the optical relay assembly.

Abstract: An optical system for measuring an observed object includes an illuminant component, an imaging component, and an optical component. The illuminant component generates a measuring light. The optical component including a mirror and a beam splitter is located between the illuminant component and the imaging component. The mirror is located between the illuminant component and the observed object, the beam splitter is located between the mirror, the observed object, and the imaging component. The measuring light is projected to the observed object via the mirror and beam splitter, and an imaging light that has been generated from the illuminant component and reflected by the observed object is projected to the imaging component via the beam splitter, the imaging light and the measuring light intersect at the beam splitter. The present invention also provides a measurement method.

Abstract: An adherent patient device is configured to adhere to the skin of the patient and measure electrocardiogram data, impedance data, accelerometer data, blood oxygen data and temperature data. The adherent device can communicate wirelessly with gateways and a local processor system, such that the patient can wander about the hospital and update the monitoring station with the patient data when the patient is ambulatory. The local processor system can be configured to customize alerts for the patient, for example to notify automatically a specialist in response to a special condition of the patient. The adherent device may comprise a unique adherent device identifier such that the customized alert can be sent based on the unique device identifier. Each of the gateways can be carried and may comprise a unique gateway identifier, such that the unique device identifier and the unique gateway identifier can be used to locate the ambulatory patient.

Abstract: A system (800) for processing accelerometer data is disclosed. The system (800) includes an accelerometer (806), a first processor (810), a power supply (816), and a second processor (804). The accelerometer (806) measures a physiological acceleration parameter. The first processor (810) is operatively connected to the accelerometer (806). The first processor (810) is configured to receive the acceleration parameter from the accelerometer (806) and configured to output machine readable acceleration data. The machine readable acceleration data includes time domain accelerometer data. The power supply (816) is electrically connected to the first processor (810). The second processor (804) is configured to receive the machine readable acceleration data and transform the time domain accelerometer data into frequency domain accelerometer data. The frequency domain accelerometer data may be used to estimate patient healing status.

Abstract: A pendant breast imaging system that operates with a MRI system and which allows a planar gamma camera breast imaging system to be positioned away from the breast area while MRI imaging is occurring, and which then moves into breast imaging position after MRI imaging is complete, and which can again be removed from the breast area to allow intervention to occur is described. It may use various collimator or scintillator materials and designs.

Abstract: A method is disclosed for performing a combined magnetic resonance/positron emission tomography scan of an examination object in an MR/PET system. An embodiment of the method entails acquiring first magnetic resonance data using a first readout gradient field. The first readout gradient field is chosen such that, at a location of the field of view of the magnetic resonance system, a distortion caused by a nonlinearity of the first readout gradient field and a distortion caused by a B0 field inhomogeneity substantially cancel each other out. First magnetic resonance images for planning the combined magnetic resonance/positron emission tomography session and determining an attenuation correction map for a positron emission tomography scan are determined on the basis of the first magnetic resonance data. Positron emission data and second magnetic resonance data are acquired using a second readout gradient field.

Abstract: Devices, systems, and methods for reconditioning an intravascular device for reuse are provided. The method includes reading first security data from a memory of the intravascular device; determining if the intravascular device is authentic; generating second security data, when the intravascular device is authentic; and writing the second security data to the memory of the intravascular device. Devices, systems, and methods for authenticating an intravascular device for use are also provided.

Abstract: A method and an apparatus for measuring and displaying dental plaque are provided, and the method includes the steps of dividing near infrared light output from a light source into measurement light and reference light, applying the measurement light toward a tooth in an oral cavity and scanning the tooth with the measurement light, producing interference light from reflected light and back-scattered light from the tooth and the reference light, generating an optical coherence tomographic image based on a scattering intensity value of the interference light, extracting a dental plaque region having a specific scattering intensity value from the optical coherence tomographic image, and quantifying the dental plaque. A method and an apparatus for measuring and displaying gingiva and/or alveolar bone are further provided. A method and an apparatus for quantifying dental plaque, digitizing the dental plaque, and generating an image of the dental plaque are further provided.

Abstract: A medical probe includes an insertion tube having a distal end configured for insertion into a body of a patient and containing a lumen for conveying an irrigation fluid and an electrical conductor for conveying electrical energy. A conductive cap is attached to the distal end of the insertion tube and coupled electrically to the electrical conductor. The conductive cap has an outer surface perforated by multiple apertures and defines an inner cavity in fluid communication with the lumen of the insertion tube so as to permit the irrigation fluid from the lumen to flow out of the cap through the apertures. A plurality of temperature sensors are mounted within the conductive cap in thermal communication with the outer surface and are thermally insulated from the irrigation fluid in the inner cavity.

Abstract: An electronic apparatus includes an alarm unit, a reception unit, and a control unit. The alarm unit is capable of outputting an alarm. The reception unit receives an alarm stop signal from a thermometer. The control unit causes the alarm unit to output the alarm at a set time and stop the alarm on the basis of the alarm stop signal.

Abstract: An apparatus for evaluating a vascular endothelial function, includes: a cuff pressure controlling unit configured to perform continuous pressure stimulation on a part of a body of a subject for a predetermined time, by using a cuff adapted to be wrapped around the part of the body of the subject; a cuff pressure detecting unit configured to detect a cuff pressure from an output of a pressure sensor connected to the cuff; a pulse wave detecting unit configured to detect a pulse wave from the output of the pressure sensor; and an analyzing unit configured to evaluate the vascular endothelial function by comparing vessel viscoelastic indexes which are obtained from the pulse wave detected in two of zones before, during, and after the pressure stimulation, and which exclude an amplitude of the pulse wave.

Abstract: A device can include a vibration sensor configured to sense blood flow in a lumen of a person; a cuff coupled to the vibration sensor and configured to contact a limb of the person; a mechanical cuff tensioner coupled to the cuff, the mechanical cuff tensioner configured to adjust a compressive force of the cuff on the lumen; a tension sensor operably coupled to the mechanical cuff tensioner, the tension sensor configured to measure a first tension value of the cuff during a first sense by the vibration sensor and to measure a second tension value of the cuff during a second sense by the vibration sensor; and a recorder mechanism configured to record the first tension value, the first measurement by the vibration sensor, the second tension value, and the second measurement by the vibration sensor.

Abstract: A sensor for physiology sensing may be configured to generate oscillation signals for emitting radio frequency pulses for range gated sensing. The sensor may include a radio frequency transmitter configured to emit the pulses and a receiver configured to receive reflected ones of the emitted radio frequency pulses. The received pulses may be processed to detect physiology characteristics such as motion, sleep, respiration and/or heartbeat. In some embodiments, the sensor may employ a circuit including a pulse generator configured to generate signal pulses. The circuit may also include a dielectric resonator oscillator configured to generate a radio frequency oscillating signal. A switched oscillation circuit may be coupled to the pulse generator and the dielectric resonator oscillator. The switched circuit may be configured to generate a pulsed radio frequency oscillating signal for emitting the radio frequency pulses.

Abstract: Systems and methods of monitoring a subject's neurological condition are provided. In some embodiments, the method includes the steps of analyzing a physiological signal (such as an EEG) from a subject to determine if the subject is in a contra-ictal condition; and if the subject is in a contra-ictal condition, providing an indication (e.g., to the subject and/or to a caregiver) that the subject is in the contra-ictal condition. The systems and methods may utilize a minimally invasive, leadless device to monitor the subject's condition. In some embodiments, if the subject is in a pro-ictal condition, the method includes the step of providing an indication (such as a red light) that the subject is in the pro-ictal condition.

Abstract: According to one embodiment, a pulse wave velocity measuring device includes a first sensor, a second sensor, a base body and a calculation unit. The first sensor is configured to sense a pulse wave propagating through an interior of a vessel. The second sensor is separated from the first sensor and is configured to sense the pulse wave. The base body is configured to hold the first sensor and the second sensor and regulate a distance between the first sensor and the second sensor. The calculation unit is configured to derive a difference between a time of the sensing of the pulse wave by the first sensor and a time of the sensing of the pulse wave by the second sensor.

Abstract: This invention discloses a pulse-sensing device and methods for pulse sensing. In one embodiment, the device includes a robotic finger comprising a humanoid-finger structure, and an actuating-force transferring member for transferring an actuating force to the structure at an actuation point thereon and along an actuation direction. One end of the structure is pivotally mounted to a fulcrum and another end has a sensing area. The robotic finger is configured such that, when the sensing area contacts a person's wrist, a first perpendicular distance from the fulcrum to a first line is substantially longer than a second perpendicular distance from the fulcrum to a second line, where the first line is a straight line passing through a sensing point of the sensing area and being substantially perpendicular to the sensing area, and the second line is a straight line passing through the actuation point and orienting along the actuation direction.

Abstract: An electronic device is an electronic device that measures biological information. The electronic device includes a biological-information sensor section configured to measure the biological information and an armor case configured to house the biological-information sensor section. The armor case includes a case main body section and a rear lid section. One surface of the case main body section is integrally molded with a windshield and the other surface of the case main body section is formed of a transparent member in which an opening section is formed. The rear lid section is attached to the case main body section to close the opening section and at least a part of the rear lid section is formed of a transparent member.

Abstract: An adapter for an endovascular device and a catheter steering device are provided. The adapter for an endovascular device includes a body, a conductive metal ring and a conductive wire. The body includes a first open end, a second open end, a central lumen having a substantially cylindrical surface extending from the first open end to the second open end, and a channel extending from the central lumen to an external opening. The conductive metal ring is attached to the surface of the central lumen, and the conductive wire is coupled to the conductive metal ring and extends through the channel and the external opening. The steering device for a catheter that has a plurality of lumens with spaced distal openings includes a stylet for disposition within one of the plurality of lumens, and a steering member for disposition within a different one of the plurality of lumens.

Abstract: An ECG device designed as a portable hand-held device, comprising a housing, on the outer face of which a plurality of ECG sensors in the form of capacitive electrodes is arranged in a sensor region, characterized by the following features: the EGG device has at least one flexible retaining mat in the sensor region, which retaining mat is designed to retain at least some or all ECG sensors, the retaining mat is made of liquid-tight material, at least some or all ECG sensors are fastened to the outer face of the retaining mat facing away from the housing.

Abstract: An arrangement may include a first system provided by a mobile device for processing ECG data representative of a beating heart. The mobile device may be adapted to execute a process for using at least one pattern to detect a notable finding in the ECG data and for sending the notable finding to a second system. The second system may be adapted to execute a process for analyzing the notable finding, for determining at least one new pattern to send to the mobile device, and for sending the at least one new pattern to the mobile device. The at least one new pattern may also include a rule that includes a set of conditions and an action to perform if the set of conditions is met.

Abstract: A method includes storing baseline data representing at least one local or global electrical characteristics for at least a portion of a region of interest (ROI) of a patient's anatomical structure. The baseline data is determined based on electrical measurement data obtained during at least one first measurement interval. The method also includes storing in memory other data representing the at least one local or global electrical characteristics for the at least a portion of the ROI based on electrical measurement data obtained during at least one subsequent measurement interval. The method also includes evaluating the baseline data relative to the other data to determine a change in the at least one local or global electrical characteristics. The method also includes generating an output based on the evaluating to provide an indication of progress or success associated with the applying the treatment.

Abstract: In a cardiographic apparatus (10), a plurality of electrodes (16) are configured for operative connection with a subject (14). A cardiograph (12, 12?, 12?) is connected with the plurality of electrodes to acquire cardiographic data. A respiratory gate (20, 22, 26, 36, 46, 50, 52, 54) is configured to identify end expiration periods or other quiescent respiratory periods so as to generate a cardiographic dataset (30) limited to the identified end-expiration periods from cardiographic data acquired by the cardiograph at least during the identified end expiration periods.

Abstract: Systems, methods, and apparatus for neuro-robotic goal selection are disclosed. An example method to control a robot is described, including presenting a target object to a user, the target object corresponding to a goal to be effectuated by a robot, emphasizing a portion of the target object, identifying a first brain signal corresponding to a first mental response of the user to the emphasized portion, determining whether the first mental response corresponds to a selection of the emphasized portion by the user, and effectuating the robot with respect to the goal based on the emphasized portion.

Abstract: A device configured to detect a physiological signal of a patient includes a monitor portion and one or more electrode portions. At least one of the electrode portions is made as a non-contact electrode or a dry electrode, with further adjustments according to embodiments. The electrode portion includes a substrate that has a back side and a front side that is configured to be brought proximately to the patient. At the front side, a sensing electrode may detect a patient signal, and a guard electrode may protect this detection by having a suitable shape, such as a ring. At the back side, a circuit may generate an output signal from the detected signal, and couple it to an output conductor. Moreover, the adjustments may include that the circuit can couple a version of the output signal to the guard electrode.

Abstract: A system and method for beamforming in soft-field tomography are provided. One soft-field tomography system includes a plurality of transducers configured for positioning proximate a surface of an object and one or more excitation drivers coupled to the plurality of transducers and configured to generate excitation signals for the plurality of transducers. The excitation signals include at least one frequency component. The soft-field tomography system further includes one or more response detectors coupled to the plurality of transducers and configured to measure a response of the object at the plurality of transducers to the excitation applied by the plurality of transducers based on the excitation signals. The soft-field tomography system also includes a soft-field reconstruction module configured to reconstruct a property distribution based on the excitation signals and the measured response using an Electrical Impedance Spectroscopy (EIS) beamformer.

Abstract: A device is described for measuring electrical characteristics of biological tissues with plurality of electrodes and a processor controlling the stimulation and measurement in order to detect the presence of abnormal tissue masses in organs. Examples of suitable organs are the breast, skin, oral cavity, lung, liver, colon, rectum, cervix, and prostate and determine probability of tumors containing malignant cancer cells being present in tissue. The approach can also be applied to biopsied tissue samples. The device has the capability of providing the location of the abnormality. The method for measuring electrical characteristics includes placing electrodes and applying a voltage waveform in conjunction with a current detector. A mathematical analysis method is then applied to the collected data, which computes spectrum of frequencies and correlates magnitudes and phases with given algebraic conditions to determine mass presence and type.

Abstract: Methods to generate luminal organ profiles using impedance. One embodiment of such a method comprises the steps of introducing an impedance device having at least two detection electrodes positioned in between at least two excitation electrodes into a treatment site of a luminal organ at a first position, measuring a first treatment site conductance at the first position using the impedance device and at least two injections of solutions having different conductivities, moving the impedance device to a second position in the luminal organ, measuring a second treatment site conductance at the second position using the impedance device and the at least two injections of solutions having different conductivities, calculating a first position cross-sectional area using the first treatment site conductance and a second position cross-sectional area using the second treatment site conductance, and constructing a profile of the treatment site.

Abstract: Devices, systems, and methods for spine centrum extraction and intervertebral disk dividing are disclosed.

Abstract: A medical tool includes a location sensor at a distal end. While the tool is being maneuvered to a desired region of interest, a control unit records a first location reading obtained according to an output from the sensor when requested by a user, indicative of when a patient's anatomy constrains free movement of the tool in at least one degree of freedom. Once the tool has reached the region of interest, the control unit records a second location reading according to the sensor output indicative of a current location. A relaxation shape of the tool forms a shape constraint on the tool shape reconstruction. The control unit determines a reconstruction representing the current shape of the tool based on the positional constraints and the shape constraint. The reconstruction is graphically superimposed on an image of the region of interest.

Abstract: A system and method for catheter placement using ECG is provided. In certain embodiments, the system and method can generate a patient specific window for tracking a characteristic of an ECG waveform, such as the amplitude of a P-wave. The patient specific window can be utilized in a system and method for assisting in the placement of a catheter within a patient. In other embodiments, a tip location algorithm can be used with an anti-thrombogenic catheter and an intravascular electrode assembly for maintaining a high resolution intravascular signal in an ECG based catheter tip placement system.

Abstract: An apnea detector is disclosed. A detector unit in communication with a capacitive type sensor is adapted to receive an electrical signal which is indicative of variable capacitance resulting from movement of a subject and to emit an alert signal when the received electrical signal is indicative of symptoms of apnea. In one embodiment, a detector unit is in communication with a curvature sensor adapted to detect a variable curvature of a subject body surface resulting from breathing patterns of a subject. The detector unit is attached to an article of clothing of the subject.