Abstract: The complexities of actions and recipes used in collaborative planning are defined using set theory and an accompanying formalization. The formalizations presented can be used as a basis for making decisions in relation choosing recipes, and other activities concerning collaborative task execution in a multi-agent environment. Introducing the notion of the complexity of a recipe and an action provides a measure of the difficulty of a task, based upon which decisions regarding the use of particular recipes and contractors can be made.

Abstract: A rack for use in an operating room during surgery to hold surgical instruments. The rack includes a vertical support (including an adjustable height portion); rack support braces; rack support arms; a base interface member; casters; a base; and lighted trays. The lighted trays radiate ultraviolet and/or visible light to provide visible light in low light conditions and/or to inhibit bacterial growth. The trays are detachably attachable from the rack support arms which helps the trays to be maintained in a sterile condition, even if the rest of the rack is not maintained in a sterile condition.

Abstract: The present invention relates generally to a building automation system, and, more particularly, to an Internet-centric, open, extensible software and hardware framework supporting all aspects of control and monitoring of a smart building ecosphere. The present invention further relates to an “intelligent,” real-time control system capable of both autonomous process control and interaction with system users and system administrators, which is configured to accommodate functional extensions and a broad array of sensors and control devices. The system allows individuals to communicate, monitor and adjust their personal environmental preferences (temperature, light, humidity, white noise, etc.) much like they would in an automobile, via the Internet. The system is equipped with an occupancy sensor that recognizes the presence and identity of the individual.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for improving the detection of signals obscured by noise using stochastic resonance noise. The method determines the stochastic resonance noise probability density function in non-linear processing applications that is added to the observed data for optimal detection with no increase in probability of false alarm. The present invention has radar, sonar, signal processing (audio, image and video), communications, geophysical, environmental, and biomedical applications.

Abstract: Mouthpieces for particulate inhalers typically have either stationary particle deflectors or rotatable devices for changing the flow of particulate material through the mouthpiece. However, these mouthpieces do not prevent the build up of particulate drug on the walls of the mouthpiece. Thus, there is provided a mouthpiece (10) for use in an inhaler for particulate medicament, the mouthpiece having an inlet (12) and an outlet (13) for particulate medicament, a helical member (15) disposed between the inlet and the outlet for, in use, imparting a rotational movement to an air flow which is drawn through the mouthpiece and in which medicament is entrained, wherein the helical member (15) is, in use, axially movable between a first position and a second position such that it restricts the build up of medicament on the inside of the mouthpiece (10).

Abstract: A support assembly for mounting to a bed to position protective railings along the sides of the bed comprises one or more support members of flat, rigid material such as sheet metal. The support members are attached to the bed deck of a hospital bed or the frame of a standard bed with inwardly facing surfaces of the support members on opposite sides of the bed spaced by substantially the width of the mattress. A hollow sleeve is affixed to the support member to receive a terminal end of the railing. Relative dimensions and positional relationships are such that gaps between the rails and portions of the bed or mattress are minimized to reduce the possibility of a patient becoming wedged in such a gap. The side rail supports are essentially immune from mis-positioning due to poor training, errors or carelessness of personell attending to the bed and patient.

Abstract: A method of controlling noise in an impact printer that modulates the input pulse to the power amplifier of the printer. The resulting current waveform is then applied to the print wire solenoids. The final shape of the force input to the platen reduces or spreads the spectral envelope containing problem harmonics and acoustic output noise.

Abstract: The present invention provides a dot history compensation system for varying the drive current to the points of a thermal print head in response to the printing history of the points. One or two previous print lines may be examined. In addition, the history of points adjacent to a selected point may be used to compute a head drive signal. The inventive system is implemented in an auxiliary control device within a thermal printer. In addition, an end point compensation system is provided to ensure that end points of a thermal print head receive equivalent amounts of energy to central points, even when a large number of points may be simultaneously fired. The inventive system is adapted for operation with both single color and multiple color thermal printers. The auxiliary control device also manages paper movement functions, thus freeing the main microprocessor for communications and other duties within the printer.

Abstract: The present invention provides a compound, system, and method for retrofitting and converting standard bicycle rims and tires having tubes to be tubeless. Standard tube tires are retrofitted by installing either rim tape or a rim strip with integral valve stem around the inner channel of the rim, mounting the first bead of the tire, injecting a liquid sealing compound into the tire cavity, finishing mounting the tire, inflating, and installing the tire on a bicycle. The sealing compound may additionally contain propylene glycol or an aggregate material to encourage the sealing of the tires as punctures occur when the tire system is placed into use.

Abstract: A fixed blade knife or bayonet having integral blade and tang portions and a handle having a cavity extending therethrough from distal to proximal ends. A slot is formed in the tang, extending from an open end at the terminal end of the tang to a closed end, with a narrower slot portion extending from the open end and adjoining a wider portion which extends to the closed end of the slot. A nut having a threaded bore is formed with a first cross dimension slightly smaller than the width of the wider slot portion and a second cross dimension, larger than and perpendicular to the first cross dimension. The nut is inserted laterally into the wider slot portion and the tang, with the nut carried therein, is inserted into the handle cavity, which has a cross sectional outline corresponding to that of the combined tang and nut. A screw is inserted into the bore which forms a portion of the cavity extending into the proximal end of the handle.

Abstract: The present invention features a magnetic read head having an IC component provided within or adjacent to the head case. No low-level, analog signals, which are generally highly susceptible to electrical noise, leave the head structure. Power and ground signals are provided to the hybrid head. Digitized data corresponding to encoded information upon the magnetic stripe on a credit card, ID badge, or similar article is provided at output terminals. Decoding is performed by an ASIC or similar device located at the read head. A data strobe signal and/or a magnetic medium detected signal may also be provided by the read head.

Abstract: A storage rack for thin flat objects such as CD's, DVD's and the like has multi-lobe “flower-like” pieces which may be stacked for rotation or non-rotation relative to each other. Each flower typically comprises three radially-directed lobes. Each lobe is divided into an outer portion to support an object, and a smaller inner portion for exerting downward pressure against the flat object and hold it in place. The lobes are positioned so that adjacent levels of lobes are radially displaced for viewing objects on underlying lobes.

Abstract: Methods of enhancing the appearance of, and safeguarding, sales receipts. The methods provide sales receipts with watermarks, strike-throughs, and circles-about-an-item. These added functions can be accomplished in real time. Some of them can be printed in distinguishing colors.

Abstract: There is provided a method for monitoring paper or other jams of a carriage in a printer by monitoring the current waveshape in a first winding of a stepper motor at or near the time when a second winding of the stepper motor commutates. The current waveshape is received from a low-value sensing resistor, typically within an integrated circuit stepper motor driver device. Changes in the current waveshape during this time window may be interpreted and accurate deductions may be made concerning the loading of the stepper motor. In the case where the stepper motor is the drive motor for a printer carriage, the loading information may be used to detect a paper jam or similar problem in the printer carriage.

Abstract: Radiation curable coating compositions that are solventless homogeneous blends of a 1,2-polybutadiene oligomer, an acrylated bis-phenol-A derivative, and reactive compatible compounds are disclosed. Such solventless coatings can be used in a variety of applications, including the high speed coating of metal coil.

Abstract: Fire and heat protective containers having two matable portions, the outer walls of which are formed as hollow shells filled with a ceramic gel material containing at least water glass and a polyvalent metal salt, preferably calcium chloride. For ensuring that stored articles are not exposed to temperatures greater than 125 degrees F., a layer of low-density, expended or foamed plastic insulation and a layer of phase change material are provided within the gel layer. A preferred phase change material is a mixture of water glass and a hydrated salt, preferably sodium phosphate, having a melting point around 120 degrees F. and a heat of fusion of at least 250 joules per gram. The phase change material is also contained in hollow shells, the walls of both the outer and inner shells being molded plastic parts.

Abstract: Apparatus for supporting a coaxial cable, or the like, and effecting cutting and stripping operations to remove a portion of one or more layers which concentrically cover a central conductor. A single blade, having a circular cutting edge, is moved in an orbital path about the cable with rotary motion of a motor translated to orbital motion of the blade through a plurality of plates relatively movable on crossed, linear, roller bearings and a shaft eccentrically affixed to the motor with the shaft and motor axes at an acute angle to one another. The shaft extends through a spherical bearing mounted in one of the plates, thereby translating nutational motion of the shaft to orbiting motion of the plate which is directly attached to the blade. A unique clamping assembly includes a pair of jaws having respective gear racks engaging a single pinion gear on a motor output shaft for linear movement of the jaws by equal distances in opposite directions.