Transducer-based systems and methods may be configured to display a graphical representation of a transducer-based device, the graphical representation including graphical elements corresponding to transducers of the transducer-based device, and also including between graphical elements respectively associated with a set of the transducers and respectively associated with a region of space between the transducers of the transducer-based device. Selection of graphical elements and/or between graphical elements can cause activation of the set of transducers associated with the selected elements. Transducer activation characteristics, such as initiation time, activation duration, activation sequence, and energy delivery characteristics, can vary based on numerous factors. Visual characteristics of graphical elements and between graphical elements can change based on an activation-status of the corresponding transducers. Activation requests for a set of transducers can be denied if it is determined that a transducer in the set of transducers is unacceptable for activation.

Transducer-based systems and methods may be configured to display a graphical representation of a transducer-based device, the graphical representation including graphical elements corresponding to transducers of the transducer-based device, and also including between graphical elements respectively associated with a set of the transducers and respectively associated with a region of space between the transducers of the transducer-based device. Selection of graphical elements and/or between graphical elements can cause activation of the set of transducers associated with the selected elements. Transducer activation characteristics, such as initiation time, activation duration, activation sequence, and energy delivery characteristics, can vary based on numerous factors. Visual characteristics of graphical elements and between graphical elements can change based on an activation-status of the corresponding transducers. Activation requests for a set of transducers can be denied if it is determined that a transducer in the set of transducers is unacceptable for activation.

The present invention relates to methods for assessing swallowing motor function in a subject. The methods rely on obtaining intraluminal impedance and pressure measurements from the pharynx and/or esophagus of the subject during clearance of a bolus from the mouth and/or throat of the subject. The intraluminal impedance and pressure measurements are combined to derive a value for one or more pressure-flow variables in the pharynx and/or the esophagus of the subject. The value of the one or more pressure-flow variables is compared to a predetermined pharyngeal and/or esophageal reference value for the one or more pressure-flow variables in order to provide an assessment of swallowing motor function in the subject. The intraluminal impedance and pressure measurements can also be combined to generate a swallow risk index for the subject or to generate an obstructive risk index for the subject based on a combination of a value of more than one pressure-flow variable in the pharynx and/or esophagus of the subject. In this way, swallowing motor function in the subject can be assessed by comparing the swallow risk index or obstructive risk index for the subject to a predetermined reference swallow index or predetermined reference obstructive index, respectively. Products which make use of these methods are also encompassed by the present invention.

Apparatus and method for imaging a patient in an MRI system. This includes a frame, and at least one assembly that includes an earpiece positioner connected to a reference position on the frame, a first lockable joint on the positioner; and an earpiece connected to a patient-proximal end of the positioner by a second joint, wherein the first earpiece is moveably positioned to a selected pitch angle, a selected yaw angle, and a selected one of a plurality of distances relative to the reference position on the frame. The first lockable joint is configured to be tightened to yieldably hold the first earpiece at the selected pitch and yaw angles, and at the selected one of the plurality of distances, relative to the reference position. Optionally a second substantially similar earpiece and assembly are provided. The earpiece(s) optionally include audio transducer(s) and/or RF coil(s).

Apparatus and method for imaging a patient in an MRI system. This includes a frame, and at least one assembly that includes an earpiece positioner connected to a reference position on the frame, a first lockable joint on the positioner; and an earpiece connected to a patient-proximal end of the positioner by a second joint, wherein the first earpiece is moveably positioned to a selected pitch angle, a selected yaw angle, and a selected one of a plurality of distances relative to the reference position on the frame. The first lockable joint is configured to be tightened to yieldably hold the first earpiece at the selected pitch and yaw angles, and at the selected one of the plurality of distances, relative to the reference position. Optionally a second substantially similar earpiece and assembly are provided. The earpiece(s) optionally include audio transducer(s) and/or RF coil(s).

An apparatus for obtaining bio information includes: a first electrode portion including a current electrode and a voltage electrode arranged to contact a first body portion of a subject; a second electrode portion including a current electrode and a voltage electrode arranged to contact a second body portion of the subject; and a measuring unit configured to measure a bio impedance of the subject by applying a current to the current electrodes of the first and second electrode portions and detecting a voltage at the voltage electrodes of the first and second electrode portions. In order to decrease errors of a measured bio impedance, contact resistances of the first and second body portions of the subject contacting the current electrode and the first and second body portions of the subject contacting the voltage electrode are different from each other, for at least one of the first and second electrode portions.

A multi-sensor system may include a catheter that has lumen, is flexible, is made of a polymer, and has a circular cross section that has an outer diameter of no more than 0.5 cm; and one or more sensors that sense multiple characteristics of material flowing within the lumen, including at least two of the following: flow rate, pressure, and composition of the material. A multi-sensor system may include a catheter that has lumen, is flexible, is made of a polymer, and has a circular cross section that has an outer diameter of no more than 0.5 cm; and one or more sensors that sense multiple characteristics of material flowing within the lumen, including at least two of the following: flow rate, pressure, and composition of the material.

The invention relates to a system for acquiring the vital status of animals, which comprises at least one first device for acquiring vital functions, and at least one signal transmission means, wherein the first device has at least two first and/or second sensors arranged at a distance from each other. The components of the system for acquiring the vital status of animals can be detachably connected with each other by connectors.

The invention further relates to a method for determining the vital status of animals, wherein the vital functions are acquired by a first device with at least two first and/or second sensors arranged at a distance from each other, wherein the acquired data are transmitted by at least one signal transmission means to a data processing device, and there processed and evaluated, and from the data processing device to an external output device, which outputs the vital status of animals.

A method for monitoring an environment for a patient on a patient support device can include: receiving a temperature reading from a wireless sensor coupled to a body of the patient; comparing the temperature reading to air flowing through an airflow system associated with the patient support device; and modifying the air flowing through the airflow system.

An Internet of Thing (IoT) sport device includes a body with a processor, a camera and a wireless transceiver coupled to the processor.