Abstract:
An apparatus (100) and method (400) for detecting the presence of one or more chemical contaminants in/on a plurality of items, e.g. cork stoppers (110), using nose chips (310). The apparatus (100) utilizes detection sensor electronics (225) that are separate from the nose chips (310) such that each nose chip (310) can be either reused or discarded after use. The apparatus (100) moves the nose ch (310) and the cork stoppers (110) independently to align the cork stopper and a corresponding nose chip (310) with one another. The testing apparatus (100) uses multiple sensor units (135) to simultaneously test multiple cork stoppers (110) for chemical contaminants (e.g. TCA).
Abstract:
A customizable system (100) made up of a plurality of individual modules for dispensing minor wound-care products with one hand. The modules are easily attached to and disconnected from each other to provide an integrated dispensing device of variable size that may be accessed quickly and efficiently. The system includes one or more disposable bandage modules (110) having a top wall (111), a bottom wall (112), a front wall (113), a back wall (114), a right side wall (115), and a left side wall (116). The walls are permanently joined together to form a body (117) having an internal cavity (118). The bandage modules include an opening (119) on the front wall, a cutting edge (120) within the opening, and one or more module joining attachments (121) on said side walls (115) and (116). The system may also include one or more accessory modules.
Abstract:
The present invention is an apparatus for and method of remotely, automatically, and routinely conducting diagnostic testing on a programmable hearing aid to ensure that it is functioning as intended when optimized for an individual's needs and preferences. Because hearing aids deteriorate with time and buildup of earwax, individuals can be uncertain whether their hearing is worsening or the hearing aid is malfunctioning. The net effect is diminished hearing aid performance - and thus diminished quality of life. The present invention tests the hearing aid for proper function as frequently as daily.
Abstract:
The present invention is a programmable hearing aid unit and a method of using the programmable hearing aid unit for demonstration purposes on an individual with a hearing deficiency. The unit is demonstrated on the individual prior to the individual's purchase of a customized hearing aid unit, thereby educating the individual on what to expect after receiving his/her purchased hearing aid unit, and thereby increasing the individual's satisfaction with the purchased hearing aid unit.
Abstract:
The invention features a method of administering a skin benefit agent to an expanse of skin, wherein the method includes: (a) contacting the expanse of skin with a skin benefit agent; and (b) contacting the skin benefit agent on the expanse of skin with an apparatus having a output power to the skin of greater than about 0.2W, the apparatus including: a skin-contactable element having a skin-contactable surface; a motor; and a transfer member for transferring mechanical energy from the motor to the skin-contactable element in order to provide periodic motion to the skin-contactable surface; wherein the skin-contactable surface contacts the skin-benefit agent.
Abstract:
System and method for diagnosing hearing loss in an individual using a self-executable, interactive electronic hearing loss diagnosis apparatus including a data storage media and a media player for accessing data on the media. The diagnostic apparatus provides hearing loss diagnostic data to the individual in the form of coded data. A hearing loss professional can use the coded data to further diagnose the hearing loss of the individual.
Abstract:
A programmable hearing aid combined with a headphone apparatus. The headphone apparatus may be directly interfaced with various types of electronic equipment so that the user is able to listen to music recordings, voice recordings, or other types of sound signals that are then corrected, via programming, for the user's particular hearing needs. A method of using the hearing aid combined with the headphones, including the associated programming system for making corrections for the particular hearing needs are also provided.
Abstract:
A searchable database contains rehabilitation plans for individuals having the same medical condition. The rehabilitation plans are indexed by scores corresponding to physical dimensions and personal environment dimensions characteristics of the respective individuals having the same medical condition and also by scores representative of actual success results associated with prescribing the respective rehabilitation plans. The database can be queried to identify rehabilitation plans for a dimension whose assessment information matches individual assessment information for the same dimension of an individual requiring rehabilitation for the same medical condition. In addition, the actual success scores can be used to identify rehabilitation plans in the database likely to be successful when prescribed to an individual. The individual assessment information and the identified rehabilitation plan prescribed to the individual, and also feedback obtained from the individual to which an identified plan is prescribed and also success results for the prescribed plan, can be used to update the database.
Abstract:
An audiometer control system (261) is provided including a programmable digital signal processor ("DSP") (263) coupled to a tone generator (265) and a memory and for coupling to a controller (260), wherein the controller includes a network (250) communications interface and an operator input interface, wherein the memory is for storing hearing test software (267) including DSP correction factors and received at the network interface of the controller (250), wherein the DSP (263) processes digital audio data signal received from the controller (250) based on the hearing test software (267) stored at the memory, wherein the DSP correction factors stored in the memory can be changed based on test results of a hearing test, and wherein the controller (250), upon receipt of a predetermined input at the operator interface (e.g. GUI), causes the DPS (263) in substantially real time to generate and transmit to the tone generator (265) tone data signals modified by the DSP correction factors.
Abstract:
System and method for conducting a hearing test that is accessible to a mass market of individuals with potential hearing loss. The hearing test is stored on a centrally located computer (140) that is accessible via communications device (121). The system provides step-by-step guidance on the next steps to be taken if hearing loss is found, and provides a means to store and organize the user test data to create a means for reuse of the data.