Abstract:
A transducer has a thick perimeter (12) and an integral diaphragm (15) extending across said perimeter, all formed of a thermoplastic resin. A thick mass (61) is molded at the center of the diaphragm (46). Resistive elements (49) formed of a conductive polymer are printed and baked on the diaphragm to form a Wheatstone bridge. The transducer (10) is used as an accelerometer or load cell.
Abstract:
A universal fitness testing system (10) that allows individuals to determine their aerobic fitness in 30-seconds. The system (10) functions with two inputs: the first is a set of pulse-rate digital signals corresponding to the pulsations of the individual's cardiovascular system. These signals are derived by performing a 30-second test that ultimately produces a uniform work load (14). The second input is a set of user-specific digital signals corresponding to the individual's age, body weight and sex that are manually inputted and processed by an electronics keyboard (36). The two signals are processed and conditioned by an electronics unit (18) before being applied to a microcomputer (12). The microcomputer with its operational program processes the signals to derive the individual's equilibrium heart rate (12b) that is then corrected by sex and age standards (12c) and Vo2 max standards (12d), (12e) to produce fitness scores and categories. The corrected equilibrium heart rate also produces % Vo2 max (12h) from where exercise capacity, fitness age and hiking fitness are produced.
Abstract:
An instrument (10) for measuring physiological characteristics of a living organism based upon the monitoring of the respiratory sinus arrhythmia, heartbeat sensor (12) senses a subject's heartbeat and breathing sensor (14) senses beginning of inspiration and expiration in the subject's respiratory cycles. Instantaneous heart rate values are derived for each heartbeat via microcomputer (16). A time value is stored for each heartbeat, and from those time values the temporal location of each instantaneous heart rate within the respiratory cycle of the patient is determined. Based upon the time values and the instantaneous heart rate values corresponding to those time values, measurement values which indicate a characteristic of the subject's cardiovascular and/or cardiopulmonary systems are derived. Corrections for the effects of mean heart rate, respiratory rate, respiratory volume and respiratory flow rate, and time of day of the test, are provided.
Abstract:
A method and apparatus for measuring central venous pressure (CVP) is disclosed, along with an improved transducer (50) for measuring CVP in infants. Changes in CVP may also be monitored by employing the method and apparatus of the invention. The apparatus comprises a pair of transducers (12a, 12b) disposed in spaced parallel relation about the neck (14) of the subject (16). Each transducer (12a, 12b) comprises an extensible electrically conductive loop (18) supported by an elastic tube (20). The transducers (12a, 12b) are responsive to changes in the volume or circumference of the neck. Waveform recordings from the transducers (12a, 12b) are evaluated as the subject's positioning is varied until a transition point is reached wherein the vertical distance (d) from the phlebostatic axis (26) to a point (28) on the lower transducer (12b) provides a good approximation of CVP. For infant measurements of CVP, a transducer (50) is placed about the head.
Abstract:
An interference edge filter (11) is mounted on the end of an optical fiber (10) to provide a sensor for pressure or temperature. The filter is formed such that the transition slope (21) of the filter curve (20) will move to the left or right depending upon the changes in the parameter being monitored. The shift in the position of the slope (21) of the edge filter curve (20) is detected by passing the reflected light through an interference bandpass filter (38) having an edge slope (50) intersecting the transition slope (21) and measuring the intensity of the light passing the bandpass filter.
Abstract:
Techniques and apparatus of particular value in assessing a patient's suitability for femorodistal by-pass surgery (but also with other applications) are disclosed. In one aspect, a method of testing the vascular condition of a patient comprises applying a pulsatile pressure waveform to a part of the patient's body and observing the resultant blood flow using a non-invasive technique at a location spaced apart from the area of application of said waveform. In another aspect, the method is used to determine the patency of calf arteries in a human or non-human animal, and comprises (a) applying a series of pressure pulses to the exterior of the calf of the animal; and (b) observing blood flow at or near the level of the ankle of the animal by a non-invasive technique. Apparatus provided by the insertion comprises: (a) means for applying to the periphery of an area of the animal a pulsatile pressure waveform; and (b) means for observing the blood flow in the animal at a point distal with respect to the application of said pulsatile pressure waveform. An infusor is also disclosed, the infusor comprising a first plunger arranged to act upon a syringe plunger to which the infusor is connected; and a second plunger connected to said first plunger via a compression spring.
Abstract:
This invention relates to an automatic sphygmomanometer equipped with a pressure pump for detecting a Korotkow sounds or cuff pulsation and recognizing the blood pressure, wherein an air supply noise elimination filter consisting of an air reservoir and a fluid resistor connected in series is disposed between the pressure pump and the cuff. While the air supply including the pulsation generated by the pressure pump is streamlined, the blood pressure is measured. Preferably, the fluid resistor comprises a fluid resistance member made of fiber or paper. Preferably, the automatic sphygmomanometer of the invention for detecting the Korotkow sounds or cuff pulsation and recognizing the blood pressure includes the air supply noise elimination filter consisting of the air reservoir and the fluid resistor connected in series, a bypass passage formed in the air supply noise elimination filter and a control means for making control such that when the cuff pressure is below a predetermined value, the air from the pressure pump is sent to the cuff through the bypass passage to quickly raise the cuff pressure and after a predetermined pressure is attained, the air from the pressure pump is sent to the cuff through the air supply noise elimination filter in order to raise the cuff pressure within a short time.
Abstract:
This invention relates to an automatic sphygmomanometer with which the blood pressure of a subject is measured on the basis of the Korotkoff sounds, and which helps to set the ranges where the highest and lowest blood pressures can exist by analyzing changes in pulsation signal amplitude of the detected cuff pressure signal and judge whether or not the blood pressures determined on the basis of the appearance and disappearance of the Korotkoff sounds are contained in these ranges. Preferably, the sphygmomanometer of the invention is provided with two systems of amplifier-filter circuits suitable for the frequency characteristics of the Korotkoff sound signals near the highest and lowest blood pressures and a circuit for discrimination based on a threshold value so as to improve accuracy of judgement of each of the highest and lowest blood pressures. Still preferably, said two systems and the threshold signals are made accessible and controllable from the outside so as to calibrate an electronic sphygmomanometer by using also a stethoscope.
Abstract:
A system for calibrating a blood pressure transducer (11) and monitor (30) combination. The transducer assembly has a calibration resistor (50). The monitor cable has a housing which contains a switch (66) and a shunt resistor (65). Electrical connections are provided to place the calibration resistor (50) and shunt resistor (65) in series with each other and in shunt across one leg of a transducer bridge (40) to produce a reading of 100 mmHg on the monitor (30).