Abstract: A method of coding drug pills in which a machine readable code is placed on the outer surface of the drug pills. The code includes the name and dosage of the pill. The code is a linear bar code, a radial bar code, a code on the outer peripheral edge of a tablet, or a coaxial code extending completely around a capsule. The code is applied to the pill by a) engraving the outer surface of the pill, b) by applying a code label, or c) by painting the code on the pill. In a method of distributing coded drug pills, the identification information is read from the pill. A desired drug delivery information file for a patient is also read. The identification information for the drug pill is compared to the desired drug delivery information prior to delivery of the pill to the patient. An alarm is generated upon detection of discrepancies between the pill identification information and the desired drug delivery information.

Abstract: A vascular clamp for occluding a blood vessel or duct during surgery, comprising a clamping element adapted to be substantially entirely positioned within a body cavity during the surgery and to avoid either mechanical or visual interference with the surgeon's operating field. The clamp comprises a pair of clamping jaws movable between a first, open position and a second, closed position, and means integral with and securing the clamping jaws to one another for movement from their open to their closed position, the securing means together with the clamping jaws defining a substantially closed internal chamber having substantially continuous internal walls when the clamping jaws are in their closed position. A balloon is mounted to the internal walls of each clamping jaw and pre-filled with a fluid under a predetermined pressure such that the balloons may completely surround and occlude the blood vessel or duct when the clamping jaws are in their closed position.

Abstract: An apparatus for transmitting a signal which is capable of connecting an N-number of main lines and one auxiliary line using an N-number of transmission switches (N denotes 1, 2, 3, . . . , n), thus more effectively transmitting a signal, which includes first and second input terminals selectively connected to first and second output terminals in accordance with normal/error control signals, with transmission line signal being applied to the first input terminals of the SPDT transmission switches, and with an auxiliary line signal being applied to the second input terminal of the last SPDT transmission switch; first output terminals of the transmission switches connected to an input terminal of a combining terminal; first output terminals of the SPDT transmission switches connected to first input terminals of the SPDT transmission switches; and a load resistor connected to the second output terminal of the first SPDT transmission switch.

Abstract: A high-speed bit assignment method for audio signal is disclosed. The Method is usable by various systems using encoding and decoding, capable of reducing bit assignment time in a compressing method using a psychological acoustic model, increasing a bit assignment ratio by using a maximum possible bit, and facilitating high-speed processing.

Abstract: An on-screen signal generating apparatus for a cable television system is capable of displaying the control commands from a remote control while watching television. A memory circuit stores color information for each pixel needed for displaying the control commands on the screen. A main control circuit receives the color information stored in the memory circuit for output to RGB latches, and generates input/output port selection signals and writing signals for latches. The latches output the pixel data to D/A convertors for converting the display data to analog format. The analog signals are then combined with the original video signal.

Abstract: A diversity apparatus for a global positioning system antenna capable of selectively using a better receiving sensitivity antenna among antennas is disclosed. The invention includes at least two antennas; first and second amplification comparing means for amplifying signals received from the antenna through a low noise amplifier and a coupling line and for comparing a direct current with a base voltage; selection means for selecting one antenna among the antennas by activating an impedance line; and first and second connection means for determining from the amplified signals, which of the antenna signals to output, and outputting the alternating current signal from that antenna.

Abstract: The wall-mountable ironing board for use with an ironing cloth comprises a top panel provided with a peripheral flange defining a housing underneath and a bottom panel sized to closely fit into the housing of the top panel, whereby the ironing cloth skirting the top panel is clampable between the top and bottom panel. The rear end of the top panel is pivotally secured to a wall such that the ironing board is pivotable between a service position and a storage position. The ironing board is also provided with a support member secured under the board for maintaining the ironing board in a service position and a locker for maintaining the ironing board in a storage position. The ironing board according to the present invention allows to easily clamp and hide the hanging skirt of an ironing cloth between the top and bottom panel of the ironing board. Thereby, the ironing board is aesthetically advantageous.

Abstract: The present invention is an improved method for automatically generating chain stitching in a computer aided design system in which the shape to be filled is a complex polygon. The Voronoi Diagram of the polygon is determined, concentric polygons are then constructed and sorted and the chain stitches are placed on the perimeter of the concentric polygons. The chain stitches can be used to completely fill a stitch pattern, such as an embroidery stitch pattern, or in conjunction with other stitching, such as Chenille stitching in an embroidery pattern.

Abstract: A retractable video teleconferencing apparatus for a video monitor having an optical axis. An optical assembly includes a housing mounted to the video monitor; a track for moving the housing between a retracted position and a forward position in which the housing is positioned forward of the video monitor; a beamsplitter hingedly attached to the housing and movable between a first position in which the beamsplitter is positioned across the optical axis at an angle relative thereto, whereby optical images directed toward the display along the optical axis are at least partially reflected by the beamsplitter, and a second position in which the beamsplitter is retracted into the housing; and a video camera located in the housing and positioned relative to the beamsplitter for receiving the partially reflected images and for generating a video signal corresponding to the partially reflected images. The beamsplitter, in the first position, is mounted at a 45.degree. angle relative to the optical axis.

Abstract: An air pressure indicator attaches to a manifold and uses air pressure to elide a pressure pin outward. A spring moves the pressure pin inward when pressure decreases in the manifold. A collet and o-ring on the pressure pin prevent the flow of pressurized fluid through the interior of the indicator.

Abstract: The present invention is an improved flight simulation system. The system organizes data based upon a predetermined number of object types. Each scenery file is divided to separate the data for each object type. Object data is sub-divided into latitude bands of a fixed range of latitude. The system selectively analyzes the latitude band data to locate objects to be processed. For each object type, the objects within a latitude band are sorted and analyzed from west to east. The present system also includes a seeded scenery system. Various levels of seeds, each seed size referring to the size of the area covered by each seed are used. The seeded scenery system provides background scenery only when no other scenery is available to overwrite it. The system also includes a dynamic overlay management system which, when it loads a routine into memory, rewrites the line of code which called the routine to be a call directly to the location of the routine which is now in memory.

Abstract: A hand-held driver for use with removable driving bits, such as screwdriver or nut-driver bits, is disclosed. The driver includes a handle adapted to be hand-held, and a shaft. The shaft has a proximal end secured to the handle, and a distal end with a recess sized and shaped to enable a driving bit to be insertable therein and removable therefrom with a driving end of the driving bit extending from the shaft. A retaining ring circumferentially surrounds the shaft toward the distal end and is closely sized thereto. The retaining ring has an open end adjacent to the distal end that has a size and shape corresponding to the recess in the shaft. The retaining ring enables the shaft of the driver to be constructed of lesser strength materials. The handle and shaft are constructed of a thermoplastic, and are preferably integrally constructed. The retaining ring is constructed of stainless steel or another high tensile strength material. A handle for the driver includes one or more bit-receiving slots.

Abstract: A trolley includes a track having first and second ends. A pivot is located between the first and second ends of the track so that movement of the first end of the track causes opposite movement of the second end of the track. A counterweight is located near the first end of the track so as to apply downward force. A trolley is movable along a portion of the track located between the pivot and the second end of the track. The trolley has a handle or carriage for a user. The combined weight of the user and the trolley overcomes the counterweight so as to move the second end of the track downward causing the trolley to move along the track toward the second end of the track. The counterforce is sufficient to move the second end of the track upward and to return the trolley to the starting position when the weight of the user is released from the trolley. The trolley moves between a first platform located near the starting position and a second platform lower than the first platform.

Abstract: This invention relates to an apparatus and method for creating tiling networks with geometrical and ornamental patterns and designs without using tile. The networks consist of units which may be manufactured in whatever patterns or designs that are desired. The network units are pre-manufactured to form the required ornamental pattern or design and may be assembled on site on a level surface. When assembled, a series of cavities are created. The cavities are divided by the walls of the network units. The top surface of the walls of the network units are an integral component of the pattern or design created. The cavities and the patterns formed by the top surfaces of the network units comprise the ornamental pattern or design. The cavities are filled with a material in order to make the ornamental surface relatively level. The cavities may be filled with materials of different colors to enhance the pattern or design.

Abstract: A security apparatus for a retail store in which each item for sale has a security tag attached thereto. A computerized database stores the approximate weight of each item for sale. During a purchase transaction, a predicted total weight of the items purchased is calculated and the items are placed in a bag or bags. A security station positioned near the exit of the store includes a scale for determining the actual total weight of a bag or bags containing the items purchased; a computer controller for comparing the actual total weight of the bag or bags with the predicted total weight and for generating a notification signal when the actual total weight is not within a predetermined range of the predicted total weight; and a deactivation pad for deactivating the security tags during weighing of the bag or bags. A security tag detection apparatus is positioned between the security station and the exit.

Abstract: A feminine napkin that allows that permits external sexual intercourse. A round bag is attached to the front side of the napkin. The bag is in the size and shape of the vagina to give the husband the same sexual feelings. The round bag has an opening and rings, windings and protrusions, as well as a suitable cream. This bag has also a downward extension for fixing the napkin on the vagina opening when the woman lies on her back. The fixing extension is placed between the rumps and may be coated by an adhesive material. The round bag can be taken off the napkin and disposed while continuing to use the napkin.

Abstract: A distributor of high-definition television is disclosed that processes inputted serial data as parallel, 24 bit data. During the processing, header data from a central buffer is removed, and a point of time for reading out data from the central buffer is controlled as a starting bit, resulting in prevention of errors and stable data processing..

Abstract: An auxiliary compact disc storage case includes a housing knowing opposed ledges for receiving a plurality of compact discs one above the other. Two opposed sides of the housing are open and pivotally mounted in one of the openings is a pushing plate. The housing carries hinge members arranged to connect it to complementary formations on a compact disc storage magazine. The pushing plate may be rotated into contact with all the compact discs within the housing and thus pushes all of them out of the housing simultaneously into the storage compartments of a compact disc storage magazine forming part of a compact disc auto changer.