Abstract: A computer-implemented method for measuring full field deformation characteristics of a deformable body. The method includes determining optical setup design parameters for measuring displacement and strain fields, and generating and applying a dot pattern on a planar side of a deformable body. A sequence of images of the dot pattern is acquired before and after deformation of the body. Irregular objects are eliminated from the images based on dot light intensity threshold and the object area or another geometrical cutoff criterion. The characteristic points of the dots are determined, and the characteristic points are matched between two or more of the sequential images. The displacement vector of the characteristic points is found, and mesh free or other techniques are used to estimate the full field displacement based on the displacement vector of the characteristic points. Strain tensor or other displacement-derived quantities can also be estimated using mesh-free or other analysis techniques.

Abstract: An apparatus is provided for indicating the presence of pressure within a collection chamber of a device such as a chest drainage device. The apparatus includes a bladder configured to be positioned within the collection chamber or within another chamber in fluid flow communication with the collection chamber. The bladder has a concavity formed therein and configured to contract or expand in response to pressure in the collection chamber. The apparatus also includes surfaces associated with the bladder that are configured to move with respect to one another upon contraction or expansion of the concavity of the bladder, thereby indicating pressure within the collection chamber.

Abstract: An inflatable air cell pressure transducer. The air cell has a concavity formed therein. The concavity has two edges, wherein increased pressure within the air cell causes contraction of the concavity moving the two edges closer.

Abstract: A wrist band type electronic sphygmomanometer including an inflatable wrist band for fastening to the user's wrist, a rubber-bulb operated to inflate the inflatable wrist band, a relief valve controlled to release air from the inflatable wrist band, and an electronic manometer and timepiece assembly provided at the wrist band to indicate time and to measure and indicate the user's blood pressure and strength of pulse beat through a pressure sensor thereof.

Abstract: A medical manometer replaces the conventional rigid vertical graduated cylinder with a flexible, graduated tube which is sufficiently pliable that it may be bent to drain the fluid collected during use. This flexibility further obviates the need for a stopcock or other type of valve, resulting in a device which is significantly lighter in weight and much more conducive to disposability. The improved manometer is specifically intended for use in measuring cerebro-spinal fluid pressure, in which case the device's simplicity and flexibility increase accuracy in positioning and minimize patient discomfort.

Abstract: A physiological pressure transducer assembly mounted on a transvenously-insertable guide wire is disclosed. The multiple coils of the guide wire define an elongated tubular passage within which fiber optic leads are contained for the transmission of light signals to a pressure transducer. A window or aperture is cut along a restricted portion of the length of the guide wire coil to provide a pressure-sensing aperture over which an elastic, pressure-sensitive membrane is positioned. The coils of the guide wire adjacent to the sensing aperture are joined together for increased rigidity along the length of the pressure transducer assembly, as by soldering or brazing. A separate, cylindrical housing, preferably of molded plastic, is wholly contained within the reinforced length of the guide wire. The proximal end portions of fiber optic sending and receiving leads or paths are received and contained within the housing in a predetermined arrangement and geometry defining a light-transmitting gap.

Abstract: A manometer for measuring the hydrodynamic pressure of fluids parenterally administered to a patient. The manometer includes a transparent housing which has a passageway formed in the housing that accommodates continuous flow of fluid therethrough. A pressure measuring chamber is formed in the housing and one end of the pressure measuring chamber is in fluid communication with the passageway. The other end of the pressure measuring chamber communicates with an enclosed air space. The fluid flowing through the passageway enters the pressure measuring chamber and rises to a level which is dependent upon the pressure of the fluid flowing through the passageway. Markings are provided on the housing of the manometer which permit the pressure exerted on the fluid flowing through the passageway to be read directly from the level of the fluid in the pressure measuring chamber.

Abstract: A sphygmomanometer system having a cuff, etc, and including both a regulator valve which normally bleeds the cuff pressure down at a substantially constant slow rate, and an exhaust valve which is operable to provide three rates of bleed, to wit nil, fast (as compared to the regulator valve bleed rate) and dump, the two valves together providing cuff bleed in accordance with predetermined schedule. The exhaust valve includes an elastic annular member compressible to achieve the fast and dump rates.

Abstract: A sphygmomanometric system having a pump for pumping air into a sphygmomanometer cuff connected to the cuff via a regulator valve for bleeding the cuff pressure at a constant rate. The pump has a leak to atmosphere so that the regulator valve can bleed the cuff through the pump. An exhaust valve is also provided for dumping the cuff pressure to atmosphere and/or bleeding the cuff, independently of the regulator valve.

Abstract: A sphygmomanometric system having a cuff, etc., and regulator valve for bleeding air out of the sphygmomanometer cuff so that the cuff pressure drops at a substantially constant rate. The valve is in the form of a closed rubber tube having a slit with a pin holding the slit slightly open. Air can therefore be freely pumped into the tube, out the slit and into the cuff, but cannot flow back except at a restricted rate.

Abstract: A sphygmomanometer, measuring capillary joined to a mercury storage tank by means of an internal passageway, is provided with a shut-off device for selectively blocking and opening the passageway. The shut-off device has a valve housing including a valve chamber which intersects the passageway and which terminates internally in a valve seat. A locking piece is mounted inside the valve chamber for rectilinear movement, with respect to the valve seat, from a closed position in engagement with the valve seat wherein the passageway is blocked, to an open position removed from the valve seat wherein the passage is open. The locking piece is biased in its open position by means of a spring arrangement, and a lever arrangement including a detenting mechanism is provided to move the locking piece to its closed position and to releasably lock it there.