Abstract: A bi-directional signal transmission system including, a first bi-directional signal path having circuitry adapted to generate a logic high level on said first path, one or more first stations connected to the first bi-directional signal path adapted to monitor a logic level on said first path, and to generate a logic low level on said first path, an interface device operatively coupled to the first bi-directional signal path, said interface device having a first receive input also capable of functioning as an output capable of pulling the first path low; and a second bi-directional signal path coupled to a transmit output and a receive input on the buffered side of the interface device, said interface device includes a first means for generating on the first bi-directional signal path a medium logic level in response to a low level on the receive input on the buffered side, and a second means for generating on the transmit output on the buffered side, a low logic level in response to a low level on the first

Abstract: A training golf ball apparatus designed to imitate the realistic feel, weight, acoustic and flight characteristic of a real (regulation standard) golf ball, to allow a golfer to practice the sport in a realistic way safely at home, includes mechanized flights concealed within a cavity of the golf ball; a lightweight ball component and a magnetized tee. The device will perform as well as a standard golf ball; give accurate feedback on performance and promote realistic training in the home environment. The device provides the illusion that a lightweight golf ball is of standard weight when it is placed on a tee. For safety reason, the training golf ball apparatus changes aerodynamic properties once leaving the golf tee, and behaves as a lightweight, high aerodynamic drag object once airborne.

Abstract: A method for calibrating and analyzing data from a mass spectrometer, comprising the steps of acquiring raw profile mode data containing mass spectral responses of ions with or without isotopes; calculating theoretical isotope distributions for each of at least one calibration ion based on elemental composition; convoluting the theoretical isotope distributions with an initial peak shape function to obtain theoretical isotope profiles for each ion; constructing a peak component matrix including the theoretical isotope profiles for calibration ions as peak components; performing a regression analysis between the raw profile mode mass spectral data and the peak component matrix; and reporting the regression coefficients as the relative concentrations for each of the components. A mass spectrometry system operated in accordance with the method and a computer readable medium having program code thereon for performing the method.

Abstract: A series of optical spectral sensors is based on a combination of solid-state sources (illumination) and detectors housed within an integrated package that includes the interfacing optics and acquisition and processing electronics. The focus is on low cost and the fabrication of the sensor is based on techniques that favor mass production. Materials and components are selected to support low-cost, high volume manufacturing of the sensors. Spectral selectivity is provided by the solid-state source(s) thereby eliminating the need for expensive spectral selection components. The spectral response covers the range from the visible (400 nm) to the mid-infrared (25,000 nm/25.0 ?m), as defined by the availability of suitable low-cost solid-state source devices. A refractive optical system is employed, primarily in an internal reflection mode, allowing a selection of sample handling tools, including, but not restricted to internal reflectance and transmittance.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for evaluating one or more materials in accordance with size of particles. The method includes evaluating a spectrum of light reflected from a first group of particles; evaluating a spectrum of light reflected from a second group of particle; comparing results of said evaluating of said first group with results of said evaluating of said second group; and providing an indication of a state of said material when said comparing produces a predetermined comparison result. Distance between a first light conductor for conducting light to the particles and a second light conductor for conducting light from said particles for said evaluations may be varied. Monitoring of a process for changes in particle size as a function of time or to determine various physical and/or chemical characteristics of the particles or a mixture containing same, including homogeneity, may be achieved.

Abstract: An apparatus for washing items comprises a generally cylindrical mesh housing; a first wall and a second wall, said first wall and said second wall being positioned within said housing so as to define first, second and third compartments in said housing; an opening in each of said compartments through which an item to be washed can be placed in or removed from a respective compartment; and a closure device for closing said compartments to retain said items in said compartments when said items are being washed. The first wall and said second wall may each comprise an endless pocket and a stiffener disposed within said pocket. A polymer loop may be used to stiffen said first wall and said second wall. A method of using the apparatus to wash various items, including those of delicate fabrics.

Abstract: A protective encasement or wrap for a pet carrier for helping prevent drafts and to provide water resistance, includes a cover member which can be of one piece of material, that when laid out on a flat surface, and with the animal carrier placed in its center, will wrap around the carrier, overlapping at the carrier top. The ends that overlap at the top, and along the side border each has a cutout for providing for the insertion of a handle of a carrier. The material is sized such that there is sufficient overhang at either end of the carrier to close off either end. A drawstring, or elastic at the ends, when not completely closed, provides an opening into the interior, permitting opening of the carrier door, and insertion of a hand to pet the animal, provides air circulation, insertion of items, or to remove the pet, without the need to remove the wrap.

Abstract: A distributing frame (for example, FIG. 11) comprising a first distribution portion having a first series of verticals, and a first series of horizontal shelves; a second distribution portion having a second series of verticals, and a second series of horizontal shelves, the second distribution portion being disposed generally parallel to and spaced apart from the first distribution portion; and at least one horizontal bridge between the first distribution portion and the second distribution portion to support interconnections between a shelf of the first distribution portion and a shelf of the second distribution portion. Openings are provided for walkways 99. A distributing frame wherein a portion of a first face of a portion of the shelves is used for terminal blocks for connecting outside connector cables to the interconnections. A method for designing a distributing frame and a computer readable medium having computer instructions thereon for causing a computer to perform the method.

Abstract: An apparatus to enable health care providers to perform a number of diagnostic procedures, including listening to the heart, obtaining electrocardiograms and sonograms. A pocket size instrument displays an EKG tracing on its screen simultaneously upon auscultation of the heart. The abdomen may also be investigated by displaying a sonogram. Wireless broadband technology may provide a closed circuit interface for real-time wireless transmission of acquired data. Examination requires none of a multiplicity of wires to untangle, bulky machines or a technician to be summoned. Regurgitation, heart size, ischemia and heart murmurs can all be evaluated by a visual and auditory methods.

Abstract: Apparatus for installation in new motor vehicles or for retrofitting into existing motor vehicles, including an electric motor coupled to a drive shaft and a controller for the motor. The existing vehicle battery and/or an auxiliary storage battery can be used to power the motor to drive the vehicle during certain driving conditions, resulting in greatly increased fuel economy, without interfering with the normal performance of the vehicle. A kit of parts may be provided for simple and economical installation on existing vehicles. A motor vehicle so equipped.

Abstract: A comfort hand grip for a shaft comprises a tubular member formed of a closed cell resilient polymer material core; and a water resistant coating on each side of the core. The comfort grip is sized so as to be slightly stretched when positioned on a shaft, and includes an indexing mark for proper orientation of the paddle. The resilient polymer core may be formed of a rubber, and the coating of an ultraviolet resistant flexible material such as nylon. The hand grip may be formed from a die cut generally rectangular piece of material which is formed into the tubular structure by at least one of, for example, stitching which joins the opposite sides to one another; a lace through openings in joining portions of the material along the sides; a zipper having a side along each of the joining portions; and a set of hook and loop closures on opposite ones of the joining portions.

Abstract: An image display system comprises: a transmission device (PC) 10, for transmitting image data upon receiving a drawing command from an OS or an application; and a receiving monitor 40, for displaying, on a high-resolution panel 41, image data received via a monitor cable 39, wherein the transmission device 10 includes a drawing command analysis device 20, for detecting an area on a screen wherein the content is changed by the drawing command, and for employing the detected area to calculate an area to be transmitted, and a graphics card 12, for transmitting a packet that includes the calculated area to be transmitted, and control data provided as header data for the area to be transmitted, and wherein the receiving monitor 40 includes a packet reception device 50, for analyzing the header data in the received packet and for, based on the header data, rendering image data in an internally provided frame memory.

Abstract: A training golf ball apparatus designed to imitate the realistic feel, weight, acoustic and flight characteristic of a real (regulation standard) golf ball, to allow a golfer to practice the sport in a realistic way safely at home, includes a mechanized shuttlecock; a lightweight ball component and a magnetized tee. When arranged functionally, the device will perform as well as a standard golf ball; give accurate feedback on performance and promote realistic training in the home environment. The device is engineered in such a way to give the illusion that a lightweight golf ball is of standard weight when it is placed on a tee. For safety reason, the training golf ball apparatus changes aerodynamic properties once leaving the golf tee, and behaves as a lightweight, high aerodynamic drag object once airborne.

Abstract: A method, apparatus and computer product wherein interrupt thresholds are automatically adjusted based on the current state of the processor. The processor provides an output signal, possibly on one or more lines, that is indicative of the state the processor is in such as active, idle sleep. The peripherals monitor this signal and their interrupt thresholds are varied to be low when the processor is active and to be high when the processor is asleep. This causes the peripherals to delay their respective interrupts when the processor is asleep. When the processor is awakened, all peripherals requiring it may be serviced.

Abstract: An ultrasonic probe comprises an elongate structure having a longitudinal axis; a first array of ultrasonic transducer elements extending along an outer surface of the elongate structure in a direction generally parallel to the longitudinal axis; a second array of ultrasonic transducer elements extending along the outer surface of the elongate structure in a direction generally parallel to the longitudinal axis; and a third array of ultrasonic transducer elements extending about the elongate structure in a direction so that it images a plane perpendicular to that imaged by at least one of the first array and the second array, the third array being disposed in a space between the first array and the second array. An electronics module for use with the probe, and an additional probe, to produce internal images of a patient.

Abstract: A computer-readable medium is encoded with a method of externalizing legacy data from a legacy database on a data resource into an Extensible Markup Language (“XML”)-compliant format where the format is specified by an automatically generated XML meta-description, thus enabling access and processing of legacy data by XML-compliant applications.

Abstract: There is provided a method for obtaining at least one calibration filter for a Mass Spectrometry (MS) instrument system. Measured isotope peak cluster data in a mass spectral range is obtained for a given calibration standard. Relative isotope abundances and actual mass locations of isotopes corresponding thereto are calculated for the given calibration standard. Mass spectral target peak shape functions centered within respective mass spectral ranges are specified. Convolution operations are performed between the calculated relative isotope abundances and the mass spectral target peak shape functions to form calculated isotope peak cluster data. A deconvolution operation is performed between the measured isotope peak cluster data and the calculated isotope peak cluster data after the convolution operations to obtain the at least one calibration filter.

Abstract: An apparatus for washing at least one item, comprising a frame having a dome shape when viewed from its end, and a generally semicircular shape when viewed from its side; and a flow through mesh on the frame which allows washing fluid (generally water) to freely flow to and from the item being washed; the apparatus having an opening through which the at least one item to be washed can be placed into and removed from the apparatus. The frame may have an endless pocket; and a stiffener disposed within the pocket, the stiffener having a length exceeding that of the endless pocket, so that ends of the stiffener overlap each other within the pocket. A method for using the apparatus includes folding a brassiere so that the cups nest before it is placed in the apparatus.

Abstract: In signal-splitting equipment for multiple subscribers, circuitry is disposed on a signal-splitter card which connects with a back plane providing physical support and electrical connection to other splitter cards and to distant sites, as well as to an interface with a system conducting automatic testing of DSL circuits. Each splitter card also carries a separate relay card with signal-routing relay circuitry, the relay card being affixed by means of a switching connector having bypass circuitry which ensures normal communication of DSL signals and audio signals in the event that a relay card is disconnected from its signal-splitter card. During a testing of the equipment, the system operates the relays of the relay cards of the respective signal-splitter cards for a connection of test equipment to various equipment associated with a specific subscriber.