Abstract: A system and method for the prevention of restenosis uses a source of radiation to treat the blood vessel. An intra-vascular ultrasound system acquires precise two-dimensional images of a treatment volume. The intra-vascular ultrasound system enables medical personnel to obtain precise measurements of the distance between the radiation source and the lesion. Whereas conventional techniques for measuring this distance relied upon external imaging devices, the intra-vascular ultrasound system obtains in-vivo images allowing precise measurements to be taken at the point at which the radiation will be delivered. A computer-based treatment planner acquires the images from the imaging system and reconstructs a three-dimensional image of the treatment volume. From a dose prescription, the treatment planner calculates and optimizes the dose and also registers the dose with images of the treatment volume. A voice recognition unit allows medical personnel to provide voice commands for operating the system.

Abstract: A method of harvesting sod using a sod harvester involves the formation of a series of defined slabs of sod that are positioned end-to-end, and conveyed up a conveyor that is driven at ground speed so that the slabs stay together. The slabs may be defined by respective series of spaced perforations so that the slabs remain connected by portions of the sod between the perforations. Where the slabs are completely separate, netting is introduced continuously below the series of slabs as they enter a roll-forming enclosure of the harvester. The netting keeps the slabs together and allows them to be formed into a roll in essentially the same fashion as a continuous strip of sod. Roll formation is continued until a large diameter roll has been formed comprising multiple layers of sod slabs. The large roll forms a unitary structure that can be manipulated and transported to a laying site in the same manner as a large single strip roll.

Abstract: A system and method control prostheses and other devices with signals received by sensors implanted directly in the brain or other parts of the nervous system of a subject/patient and transmitted to an external receiver. Included in the system are sensors in the form of bundles of small, insulated, flexible wires, configured in a parallel or twisted array, which are used to receive multicellular signals from small clusters of neurons. A new “calibration/adaptation” system is developed, in which the neural signals are cross-correlated with the parameters of a set of standardized or model movements as the subject/patient attempts to emulate the model movements, and on the basis of the correlations the neural signals that are best suited for control of the corresponding movement or movement parameter of the external device are selected.

Abstract: An apparatus for protecting telephones from vandalism includes a front member for covering the coin box access door plate. The front member includes a pair of apertures or cut outs for allowing access to the coin return slot and to allow the cover for the coin return slot to pivot inwardly. The apparatus may be easily installed on a telephone by removing the upper housing, sliding the apparatus over and around the lower housing of the telephone, and then returning the upper housing to its normally locked position on the telephone. The apparatus protects the telephone from vandalism and larceny without requiring any additional locks. The apparatus may be quickly and easily removed and replaced during the collection process and is preferably comprised of a single piece unit formed of 3/8 inch steel.

Abstract: A method and system for creating game cards incorporates a removable scratch-off coating to hide printed symbols. The card is constructed so that the scratch-off coating is selectively retained by the card, in the form of symbols, when the scratch-off coating is removed. The selective retention of scratch-off coating material to the card is accomplished by incorporating into the card, between the substrate and the scratch-off coating, a clear release coat laser-engraved to form symbols. A laser creates the desired symbols in the release coat. The laser may be manually controlled or computer-controlled using software and drivers for the laser assembly. When the scratch-off coating material is applied to the card during construction, it adheres directly to the substrate in the form of symbols. When a player rubs the scratch-off coating material, it releases from the release coat and remains adhered to the substrate to create the symbols.

Abstract: A system and method for transmitting cellular signals has linear power amplifiers mounted on a cellular tower within a tower circuit. The linear power amplifiers provide the primary amplification of the signals which are transmitted by the antennas on the tower. By moving the amplifiers from a base station to the tower circuit, the system and method can employ less-expensive and more-reliable amplifiers and need not employ high-cost low-loss feeder lines. The tower circuit also includes a modulator for transmitting status signals down to the base station. The base station includes a demodulator for receiving the status signals and a control circuit for placing a switching circuit in a desired one of a plurality of modes based on the status of the tower circuit. The switching circuit, in a first mode, passes radio signals from combiners to their respective feeder lines and thus to their respective amplifiers and antennas when all transmission paths are operational.

Abstract: Interactive interfaces to video information provide a displayed view of a quasi-object called a root image. The root image consists of a plurality of basic frames selected from the video information, arranged such that their respective x and y directions are aligned with the x and y directions in the root image and the z direction in the root image corresponds to time, such that base frames are spaced apart in the z direction of the root image in accordance with their time separation. The displayed view of the root image changes in accordance with a designated viewing position, as if the root image were a three-dimensional object. The user can manipulate the displayed image by designating different viewing positions, selecting portions of the video information for playback and by special effects, such as cutting open the quasi-object for a better view.

Abstract: Truss elements of a structure that are prefabricated, but hinged so that trusses may be reduced in size for transportation and storage. The hinge is made up of a sheet of flexible material which is affixed to elements of the truss by press fit plates. This press fit hinge can be installed on the truss simultaneously with the other press fit plates used to construct the truss, thereby dramatically reducing the number of steps required to construct the truss while still providing the desired feature of the hinge.

Abstract: A computer includes a base unit and an upper unit which encloses all electronic components of the computer, such as an LCD display, system board, various drives, sound card, speakers, and modem. The base unit has dimensions of only about 11 inches by 7 inches and can easily be placed in small areas. The computer contains a life time counter that counts the amount of time the computer has been used from the time of purchase. The count data is useful in accessing how often a computer has been used if a purchaser return it to the manufacturer. The counter also assists manufacturers to accurately track and resolve field failures in addition to in-house quality testing. This provides a competitive advantage by allowing the computer design to be changed based on actual use conditions and increases field reliability and reduces costs in areas which are over-designed.

Abstract: A label according to the invention reduces waste, has a lower cost, yet maintains a high level of consumer friendliness. In one embodiment, a label according to the invention uses adhesive rails in order to reduce the amount of adhesive and also places a confusion on a release layer in order to eliminate a downsheet. According to another embodiment, a label has a first layer of pressure sensitive adhesive for securing the label to a substrate but has a second layer of adhesive formed of a remoistenable gum to allow the consumer to later secure a collectable component to another substrate. In a further embodiment of the invention, a collectable component of a label has a release placed on one portion of its outer side and a repositionable adhesive placed on a second portion of its outer side. This label is consumer friendly in that it uses a pressure sensitive adhesive and since it allows a consumer to fold the collectable component in half before securing it to another substrate.

Abstract: A computer includes a base unit and an upper unit which encloses all electronic components of the computer, such as an LCD display, system board, various drives, sound card, speakers, and modem. The base unit has dimensions of only about 11 inches by 7 inches and can easily be placed in small areas. Unlike a typical desk-top computer which has external cords or cables connecting the display to a main casing, the computer only requires a single power cable and a telephone cord and has a light weight which permits the computer to be easily transported to different locations. The upper unit can pivot relative to the base unit by simply pulling or pushing the upper unit with one hand to the desired angle and then releasing the upper unit. The base unit frictionally engages the upper unit to maintain the upper unit at the desired angle.

Abstract: A computer includes a base unit and an upper unit which encloses all electronic components of the computer, such as an LCD display, system board, various drives, sound card, speakers, and modem. The base unit has dimensions of only about 11 inches by 7 inches and can easily be placed in small areas. Unlike a typical desk-top computer which has external cords or cables connecting the display to a main casing, the computer only requires a single power cable and a telephone cord and has a light weight which permits the computer to be easily transported to different locations. The upper unit can pivot relative to the base unit by simply pulling or pushing the upper unit with one hand to the desired angle and then releasing the upper unit. The LCD display is mounted to a support frame with a plurality of fasteners. A plurality of spring members are inserted between the LCD display and the support frame for absorbing pressures exerted on the display.