Abstract: A system and method that efficiently, accurately, and simply detect reliably least-significant-bit (“LSB”) embedding of a secret message in randomly scattered pixels. The system and method apply to both 24-bit color images and 8-bit grayscale or color images. Many commercial steganographic programs use Least Significant Bit embedding (LSB) as the method of choice to hide messages in 24-bit, 8-bit color images and in grayscale images. They do so based on the common belief that changes to the LSBs of colors cannot be detected because of noise that is always present in digital images. By inspecting the differences in capacity for lossless (invertible) embedding in the LSB and the shifted LSB plane, the present invention reliably detects messages as short as 1% of the total number of pixels (assuming 1 bit per sample). The system and method of the present invention are fast, and they provide accurate estimates for the length of the embedded secret message.

Abstract: A quick-release fish hook enables an angler to one-handedly release a fish caught on the hook without dangerous hand exposure to sharp fish teeth or the hook itself. A forward hook shank portion with an interior channel is connected to a slotted rear shank portion extending obliquely from the rear end of the forward hook shank portion. A generally U-shaped hook member with a sharp tip and an opposed locking notch is rotatively attached in the slot in the rear shank portion by a swivel pin which is displaced from the axis of the forward hook shank portion. A lock rod rides in the interior channel and is rearwardly spring-biased at all times to be disposed in the locking notch. The hook is released by pulling a distal button connected to the lock rod to retract the lock rod from the notch. A cam surface is adjacent the locking notch and forces retraction of the lock rod from an extended position and into the interior channel when the unlocked hook member is rotated.

Abstract: A bandstop filter for use in CATV applications is formed by a pair of diplexers, a lowpass filter and a highpass filter. Signals having a frequency range of, e.g., 0-3 GHz enter at a first node connected to the inputs of both the lowpass and highpass filters. Signals having frequencies below a first, predetermined value pass through the lowpass filter, and signals having frequencies above a second, predetermined value pass through the highpass filter with signals having frequencies between the first and second values being blocked, i.e., “stopped.” The outputs of both the lowpass and highpass filters are connected to the second diplexer at a second node which is connected to the single output.

Abstract: The present invention provides a connector used to interconnect a hard-line coaxial cable to an equipment port. The connector of the present invention essentially comprises a main connector body in which the various connecting and sealing members are housed, and a compression body attached to the connector body for axial, sliding movement between first and second terminal positions relative to the connector body. The port side of the connector includes a conductive pin extending axially outwardly therefrom that is adapted to be inserted into the port provided in the equipment box, and an axially extending bore is formed though the distal end (cable side) of the connector and compression bodies for receiving the central conductor of the hard-line cable therein.

Abstract: A heat exchange system utilizing flow reducers at 180 degree bends in the tubes includes a first set of media tubes in which heating/cooling media flows, and a set of product tubes positioned concentrically within the media tubes and in which liquid product flows in a counter direction to the heating/cooling media. The tubes are arranged in a serpentine, back and forth manner, and U-shaped tubes interconnect successive pairs of product tubes to achieve the 180-degree change in flow direction. The U-shaped tubes are of a cross-sectional diameter greater than the product pipes. Tapering flow reducers extend between the opposing ends of the U-shaped tubes and the product tubes. The exit flow reducer is eccentrically formed to facilitate a smooth transition of the product from the U-shaped bend to the product tube and prevent liquid product from becoming entrapped along the bottom of the flow reducer.

Abstract: An F-type connector for mounting to a prepared terminal end of a coaxial cable for threaded engagement of a nut on the connector to a threaded shaft at a port on video equipment to which the coaxial cable is to be electrically connected. In the connector of the present invention, the nut is mounted for limited axial movement with respect to the post, body and compression ring. A coil spring biases the nut toward a rest position with respect to the other elements wherein not more than three revolutions of the nut into engagement with the shaft are necessary in order to bring the post of the connector into contact with the shaft on the equipment, providing a satisfactory coupling. Upon further revolution of the nut, the post and shaft remain in contact as the nut moves axially away from the rest position with respect to the other elements.

Abstract: A protective system for reducing the possibility of injury to individuals or damage to electrical equipment due to a fault in a coaxial drop cable connected between a tap unit receiving both RF signals and AC power from a main distribution line and a premise unit coupling the RF signals to RF receiving equipment and the AC power to other AC powered equipment at user premises. The tap unit includes a circuit having a first line connected at spaced points to an inner conductor with the RF signals flowing through the inner conductor and the AC power flowing through the first line. A regulated monitoring current flows from an AC to DC converter in the first line to a difference amplifier having a pair of inputs with a resistor connected between the two, whereby the difference amplifier serves to monitor the monitoring current by measuring the voltage drop across the resistor.

Abstract: The present invention provides a conventional cable connector, such as a UMTR (Universal Male Terminator type connector), that further comprises an element for protecting the electrical components positioned within the connector from high voltage surge. The surge protection element comprises a ring that is positioned in circumferentially surrounding relation to the input pin that carries the signal being transmitted by the coaxial cable. The ring includes at least one, and preferably three prongs that extend radially inwardly therefrom and terminate in close, but non-contacting relation to the pin. If a high voltage surge of electricity is carried by the coaxial cable transmission line, such as might occur if it is struck by lightening, a spark will be formed in the gap between the prongs and the cable due to the conductive composition of the surge protection element.

Abstract: A concentration of a photosensitizing drug in a patient, for PhotoDynamic Therapy treatment of the patient by a treatment light at a treatment light wavelength is determined by the steps of drawing a tissue sample from the patient, powderizing the tissue sample, extracting the photosensitizing drug from an amount of the powderized tissue sample with a solvent to form an extract, irradiating the extract with an interrogation light at an interrogation wavelength range of an absorption band bluer than the treatment light wavelength, measuring a magnitude of an emission signal at the treatment light wavelength, the emission signal caused by the irradiation of the extract, and comparing the measured magnitude to a magnitude/concentration calibration curve to determine the concentration of the photosensitizing drug.

Abstract: A portable personal toilet facility device that is easily and conveniently carried by one person comprises a case, a seat with an opening, a disposable container detachably attached to the seat effective to receive a waste deposited through the opening, and at least one compartment effective to store the disposable container. The case has a closed configuration that is effective to store the disposable container, the seat, and the waste, without spillage of solids and liquids, and without release of odors, in any orientation position of the case relative to the ground.

Abstract: A filtering connection to optical light cable is a body having a hollow bore extending through the body, with a single or multicomponented optical element positioned coaxially in the hollow bore. An interior threaded portion with a standard thread is formed at one end of the hollow bore while an exterior threaded portion with a mating standard thread is formed about the other opposite end of the hollow bore.

Abstract: A concentration of a photosensitizing drug in a patient, for PhotoDynamic Therapy treatment of the patient by a treatment light at a treatment light wavelength, is determined by the steps of drawing a blood sample from the patient, separating a blood plasma portion from the blood sample, irradiating the blood plasma portion with an interrogation light at an interrogation wavelength range at an absorption band bluer than the treatment light wavelength, measuring a magnitude of an emission signal at the treatment light wavelength, the emission signal caused by the irradiation of the blood plasma portion, and comparing the measured magnitude to a magnitude/concentration calibration curve to determine the concentration of the photosensitizing drug.

Abstract: A concentration of a photosensitizing drug in a patient, for PhotoDynamic Therapy treatment of the patient by a treatment light at a treatment light wavelength, is determined by the steps of drawing a blood sample from the patient, diluting the blood sample to form a diluted sample, irridating the diluted sample with an interrogation light at an interrogation wavelength range at an absorption band bluer than the treatment light wavelength, measuring a magnitude of an emission signal at the treatment light wavelength, the emission signal caused by the irradiation of the diluted sample, and comparing the measured magnitude to a magnitude/concentration calibration curve to determine the concentration of the photosensitizing drug.

Abstract: A concentration of a photosensitizing drug in a patient, for PhotoDynamic Therapy treatment of the patient by a treatment light at a treatment light wavelenght, is determined by the steps of drawing a blood sample from the patient, spreading the blood sample between two optically transmissive plates to form a spread sample, irradiating the spread sample with an interrogation light at an interrogation wavelength range of an absorption band bluer than the treatment light wavelength, measuring a magnitude of an emission signal at the treatment light wavelength, the emission signal caused by the irradiation of the spread sample, and comparing the measured magnitude to a magnitude/concentration calibration curve to determine the concentration of the photosensitizing drug.

Abstract: A fluorescence spectrometer for determining a concentration of a photosensitizing drug in a patient, for PhotoDynamic Therapy treatment of the patient by a treatment light at a treatment light wavelength, the fluorescence spectrometer comprising a light source that directs an interrogation beam at a blood or blood plasma sample at an interrogation wavelength range bluer than the treatment light wavelength, measuring a magnitude of an emission signal at the treatment light wavelength, the emission signal caused by the irradiation of the sample, and comparing the measured magnitude to a magnitude/concentration calibration curve to determine the concentration of the photosensitizing drug. A CPU controls the components and makes the comparison and determination.

Abstract: A code conversion circuit includes a first decoder having a number of output lines. The first decoder is responsive to an input binary signal representing a value i to develop a signal "1" on the (i+1)-th output line thereof. A second decoder is provided which includes gates connected to the respective ones of the first decoder output lines. The second decoder develops a signal "1" on all of the first to i-th output lines thereof, and a signal "0" on all of the remaining output lines. The gates of the second decoder are divided into a plurality of blocks in which gates are connected in series. Block control signals are prepared from most significant bits of the binary input signal and applied to the respective blocks. The block to which the signal "1" is applied from the first decoder so that the signals "1" and "0" are developed on appropriate ones of the output lines.

Abstract: A camera with a data imprinting device has a plurality of in-line LEDs producing light focused by an optical system upon a photographic film at a first and a second position, corresponding to a full size format and a panorama size format, respectively. The focused light imprints data images upon the film at the first position are larger than data images imprinted at the second position. The optical system has first and second prisms, with integrated lenses, for reflecting and focusing the light upon the film at the first and second positions, respectively. A shutter plate is selectively positioned over apertures through which the light is focused, thus blocking the light and allowing only a selected imprint to be made upon the film. A vertical pattern of the data image is created by a controller selectively illuminating the in-line LEDs while a horizontal pattern is produced by the controller illuminating the LEDs in coordination with the movement of the film past the apertures.

Abstract: A connection structure for connecting a plurality of semiconductor switches in parallel includes a pressed contact for a semiconductor switch. The pressed contact includes a layered structure which connects a drain conductor to a plurality of drain electrodes, a source conductor to a plurality of source electrodes, a gate conductor to a plurality of gate electrodes, and an insulating film between the gate conductor and the source conductor. The gate electrodes are a plurality of resilient elastic wings which are pressed upward against the gate conductor, thereby ensuring a good electrical connection.