Abstract: A self contained pulsatile surgical irrigation device that includes a housing, a trigger moveably connected to the housing, a motor within the housing, a pump within the housing, and a mechanical drive train for coupling the motor to the pump. The trigger is mechanically connected to the drive train to enable the stroke of the pump to be varied, thereby varying the output flow from the device.

Abstract: A mechanism for putting on therapeutic elastic stockings. The mechanism includes a wrapping for wrapping the foot. The wrapping has relatively slidable inner and outer parts of smooth material and a pulling member adapted to protrude from the stocking. Both the inner and outer parts of the wrapping may be pulled away from under the stocking in a manner sliding along each other and stripping along the foot.

Abstract: A multi-speed transmission is provided which employs inflatable diaphragms to alter drive ratio. Particularly applicable to bicycles, the transmission is composed of a diaphragm mounted at the pedal axis and another mounted at the drive wheel axis, with a nylon drive belt connecting the two. These diaphragms are each inflated and deflated by way of pressurized cylinders mounted on the bicycle. Pedaling of the bicycle turns the pedal axis diaphragm which, in turn, drives the rear wheel diaphragm via a nylon drive belt. Pressure tubes carry the pressurized fluids from each of the cylinders to their respective diaphragm. Standard shifter mechanisms are used each of which, when moved, moves a piston within one of the cylinders, changing the pressure in that cylinder and the inflation of its respective diaphragm.

Abstract: A self configuring computer system, which configures and loads appropriate software to support custom configurations without manual intervention by the user or the manufacturer, is disclosed. The invention includes an "interrogation" module, stored on a system disk and loaded when the computer is first activated, that scans the system for components requiring specific software to operate. The interrogation module obtains identification data from these components and, based thereon, enables a startup module to select the appropriate software from a series of disk-based files. The startup module also executes configuration software having a characteristic naming pattern when the system is first activated, performs various one-time setup or configuration operations on at least the main system disk to render it compatible with the operating system, and selects the proper version of the operating system for the purchased system.

Abstract: In order to establish a protected channel between a user and a software program running on a computer system, a graphic display unique to the user is displayed along with the normal information entry graphics. A foreign program which might duplicate the overall appearance of the entry graphics cannot display the unique visual display which would appear on the legitimate entry screen of a particular user. Thus, a user looking at his entry screen can tell by the visual display whether the entry screen has been generated by a legitimate program or by a foreign impostor program. Further, since it might be possible for an unauthorized person to surreptitiously observe the unique display pattern on the entry screen of an authorized user, to increase security, a program constructed according to the principles of the invention, changes the visual display as information is entered based on the partially entered information.

Abstract: Methods and systems that facilitate translation of text associated with application programs (such as word processors, spreadsheets, and design software) into languages other than English are disclosed. At least the key textual terms of the application are isolated from executable program code and stored in separate character-string library files. Independent libraries are maintained for each foreign language into which the program is to be translated. Library entries are accessed by means of a string reader and formatter, which, in response to commands embedded in the application text, loads the appropriate libraries and retrieves the designated terms. The invention replaces text entries, which would otherwise appear alongside program code and require compilation, with commands designating character strings and, if desired, their manner of display as well.

Abstract: Apparatus is provided for performing logical operations and synthesizing logical equations and a programmable close lookup table coprocessor is provided for logical operations and solving the synthesized logical equations. The apparatus includes boolean term ANDing, boolean term merging, boolean term removal from another boolean term, and reduction of boolean terms in a logical equation in a known type of close boolean minimization format. Critical to the operation of the apparatus is the new definition of input lists for independent variables and the new definition of input lists for numbers. The apparatus includes a priority OR or POR search subsystem for receiving a plurality of binary input signals. A priority OR means that one binary code word will exist on the output bus giving the address of the highest numbered input of all the possible binary signal inputs that are asserted.

Abstract: A liquid level monitoring system, which monitors the level of liquid in a storage tank, includes a differential pressure sensor that uses a magnetic fluid, or ferrofluid, sensing element. The pressure sensor is U-shaped with a first one leg connected, via a first pressure chamber, to a bubbler tube that extends downwardly into the storage tank. The second leg of the U-shaped sensor connects to a second pressure chamber, which applies to the second leg a selected, fixed pressure. The pressure applied to the first leg of the sensor is proportional to the hydrostatic back pressure in the bubbler tube, which varies directly with the level of liquid in the storage tank. Wound around the legs of the pressure sensor are inductance coils. The inductances of these coils change as the ferrofluid sensing element moves within the sensor. Accordingly, the inductances change as the level of liquid in the storage tank varies.

Abstract: A two-phase cooling system for a portable computer, the system consisting of an evaporator and a condenser that are both included in either the lid or the base of the computer. The two-phase cooling system is positioned proximate to the computer's heat-producing circuitry, such that the system draws liquid coolant past the circuitry and heat is transferred from the circuitry to the coolant. A fan may also be included, to assist in heat rejection from the cooling system. In a preferred embodiment, the cooling system consists of a flattened heat pipe, with a first side operating as the evaporator and a second side operating as the condenser.

Abstract: A locking valve for controlling fluid flow within a conduit has a spring-biased detent in fluid communication with a fluid source. A movable valve structure prevents fluid flow through the conduit in a closed position and enables fluid flow through the conduit in an open position. Movement of the valve structure from the closed position to the open position is obstructed by the detent when fluid pressure in the conduit is below a predetermined pressure. An increase in fluid pressure, however, moves the detent against the spring bias, removing the obstruction to movement of the valve structure, and allowing the valve structure to be moved to the open position. Thus, accidental or intentional drainage of the conduit when the fluid pressure source is inactive is avoided.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are provided for directing a parcel to a correct station from a conveyer. A parcel guide is actuated to move transversely across the conveyer adjacent the correct station.

Abstract: A remote level sensor for a residential fuel oil tank is adapted for a fuel oil gauge with a permanent magnet which changes position with changing fluid levels in the tank. The sensor has a housing with a connector which receives a top portion of the gauge such as to provide an alignment of the sensor with the gauge. The sensor is connected to a telephone line, and makes use of a current from the "tip" and "ring" lines of the telephone connection to supplement the power of an on-board battery. The sensor has multiple reed switches each in a different relative position. The reed switches thus each close when the magnet is in a different position, and thereby close when the fluid in the tank is at a different level. The controller has a sampling routine which responds to the detection of a closure of one of the switches by seizing the telephone line, dialing a central monitoring location and transmitting information to the central location indicating which of the switches was closed.

Abstract: An improved self-sealing gasket provides hemostasis while reducing the force required to move a catheter or guidewire positioned within the gasket. Slits formed on one surface of the gasket intersect with a central aperture formed on the opposite face of the gasket. An annular ring formed on the gasket assists in retaining the gasket within a catheter introducer. An annular shelf may be provided distally of the gasket to prevent dislodgement of the gasket if an instrument is inserted into the introducer off axially.

Abstract: A guidewire for use with a catheter has varying radiopacity as well as at least one radiopaque marker in its distal end. In one embodiment, the guidewire includes a shaft that supports a distal radiopaque coil and a proximal radiopaque coil. The proximal and distal coils are spaced apart from one another. The non-radiopaque area between the two coils has at least one radiopaque marker band attached to the shaft. The marker bands provide several radiographically visible reference Lengths. A polymer sleeve encases the marker bands and the shaft between the first and second coils providing a uniform outer diameter to the distal region of the guidewire. In another embodiment, the proximal coil may be omitted. In a further embodiment, a radiopaque coil having varying pitch along its length is supported by and attached to a distal region of the core wire.

Abstract: A fixed-wire type of balloon dilatation catheter has a small diameter and can be steered to and passed to and through narrow stenoses. The catheter has a balloon at its distal end which is collapsible to a low profile to enable it to be passed through the stenosis. The catheter includes a connection between the distal end of the balloon and the supporting core wire which displays the least resistance to twisting about the core wire when the core wire is rotated with respect to the balloon and the balloon is subsequently inflated. Consequently, any twisting of the catheter about the wire will occur distally of the balloon so as not to obstruct fluid flow through the balloon.

Abstract: A signal conditioning unit receives index and data signals from a rotary incremental encoder, and attenuates the pulse-to-pulse jitter of the data signal by passing the data signal through an AND gate having at least two of its inputs tied to the data signal to provide a jitter attenuated data signal. Zero-delay jitter riding on the index signal is attenuated by ANDing together the index signal and the jitter attenuated data signal to provide a jitter attenuated index signal. The jitter attenuated index signal is then processed to extend the active state of the signal to match the duration of the active state of the index signal, and thus provide a synthesized jitter attenuated index signal. To account for the propagation/processing delay associated with extending the active duration of the jitter attenuated index signal, the jitter attenuated data signal is delayed to provide the proper timing relationship between the processed jitter and index signals.

Abstract: A two-phase liquid cooling system utilizes and evaporator unit for vaporizing a liquid coolant and a condenser unit for condensing the coolant vapor. The unit is capable of operating in at least two orientations: in one orientation, the condenser is located vertically above the evaporator and condensed coolant returns from the condenser to the evaporator under the force of gravity. In another orientation, the evaporator is located vertically above the condenser and the liquid coolant is returned to the evaporator by a stream of bubbles rising in a tube connecting the evaporator and the condenser. The stream of bubbles is produced by a small heater which is operated by a gravity controlled switch. A check valve is provided to insure that the bubble stream moves in the proper direction.

Abstract: An method for determining the inhomogeneities of the magnetic field of the magnet of an NMR system makes use of unshielded coils while minimizing the effect of eddy currents induced in the magnet components by the gradient fields. A first dataset is acquired by ramping the level of a gradient magnetic field to a maximum value and generating an RF pulse to excite the spins. After a delay time t.sub.1, a single data point is sampled. While the spins are allowed to relax, the gradient field magnitude is changed to the next level. Another RF pulse is generated and, after time t.sub.1, the next data point is sampled. This process continues until a first complete dataset is acquired. The next gradient function is then applied in a similar manner, and the data points sampled after an RF pulse and a delay time of t.sub.2. During sampling of the second dataset, the gradient area for each spatial data point is equal to the gradient area for that spatial point during sampling of the first dataset.

Abstract: An electromagnetic energy absorber provides a base having an electrically conductive ground plane positioned thereover. At least one dielectric and one impedance layer are positioned over the ground plane or surface on a side thereof opposite the base. An external most dielectric skin seals the structure. Additional alternating dielectric and impedance layers can be positioned over the first dielectric and impedance layers. The impedance layer, can be formed from a resistive sheet formed into a broken pattern that can comprise a series of geometric shapes spaced from each other. The broken pattern is sized to vary the specific impedance of the sheet. The resistive sheet can be combined with a series of composite dielectric layers to form an integral composite structure. Three resistive sheet layers can be provided with predetermined spacings from the ground surface and predetermined impedance to effect broadband absorption characteristics.