Abstract: A device (10) for user replacement of an inoperable, first boot loader program includes a boot memory (20) including the first boot loader program beginning at a first address, a PCMCIA card (15) including a second boot loader program beginning at a second memory address, and a selector switch (12). Selector switch (12) receives the user selection of one of the first boot loader program and the second boot loader program, and generates a selection signal corresponding to the user selected boot loader program. Combinational logic (21) receiving the selection signal, enables the selected boot loader program and disabling the other boot loader program.

Abstract: A self-configurable, adaptable and programmable (hereinafter “CAP”) I/O bus (15) is provided in a digital computer (11) to establish compatibility between the input/output bus of computer (11) and an incompatible input/output bus of an external module (12). Computer (11) includes a field programmable gate array (FPGA) (31) for translating the bus configuration used by module (12) to that employed by computer (11). Two preselected CAP I/O Bus conductors (17, 18) pass an identification number from the module (12) to computer (11) that points to the location of the information necessary to compatibly configure FPGA (31). This information, which includes a bus logic FPGA image file and a device driver, and may include a protocol driver, may be found in one of several locations, including onboard computer (11) in memory, onboard module (12), or at an external site such as a server (28) accessible via the Internet.

Abstract: A device (10) adding keyboard input to a handheld computer (12) lacking such input (such as pen computers and personal digital assistants) includes a bracket (30) having a plurality of clips (33) removably carrying the handheld computer (12), and a joint (40) secured to the keyboard (11) and the bracket (30) for positioning the keyboard (11) in a plurality of orientations relative to the handheld computer (12). These orientations include a first orientation in which the keyboard (11) is operable and at a preselected viewing angle from a display (14) that is pan of the handheld computer (12), a second orientation adjacent the display (14) in which the keyboard (11) substantially covers the display (14), and a third orientation proximate the handheld computer (12) in which the display (14) is unobstructed, thereby facilitating pen-based input through the display (14).

Abstract: A device (10) adding apparatus as a keyboard input to a handheld computer (12) lacking such input (such as pen computers and personal digital assistants) includes a keyboard (11) and a planar motion pivot mechanism (30). Planar motion pivot mechanism (30) includes a body (31) formed as a boot that encloses an end of the handheld computer (12), and a pivot pin (32). The user simply rotates keyboard (11) from a nonoperational position substantially covering the handheld computer display (14), to an operational position at substantially a right angle to the display (14).

Abstract: Application software and data files (21-25, 31-34) for operating systems and processors having incompatible object code format requirements may be placed on the same memory card (10). Memory card (10) may be used by any system (16, 18) receiving the physical format of memory card (10) and whose operating system can read the logical format of memory card (10). At least one card configuration file (40) having a preselected name unique to each operating system having different object code format requirements is stored on memory card (10). Card configuration file (40) includes the names and location information for only application software and data files (21-25, 31-34) accessible and executable by that operating system. Consequently, each operating system recognizes only that application software and data files having compatible object code format requirements.

Abstract: A device (10) adding keyboard input to a handheld computer (12) lacking such input (such as pen computers and personal digital assistants) includes a keyboard (11) and a planar motion pivot mechanism (30). Planar motion pivot mechanism (30) includes a body (31) formed as a boot that encloses an end of the handheld computer (12), and a pivot pin (32). The user simply rotates keyboard (11) from a nonoperational position substantially covering the handheld computer display (14), to an operational position at substantially a right angle to the display (14).

Abstract: A portable hand-held device (10) for data collection by an operator includes a grip unit (12) having polarized connectors (31, 32) at the top and bottom thereof for removable engagement with mating polarized connectors (33, 34) in external modulus (14) furnishing operator selectable, application functions such as CCD or laser scanning, and radio frequency automatic identification. Device (10) is held and operable by one hand in either right- or left-handed configurations with the output from modules (14) directed away from the operator and toward the object from which data is to be obtained. The connectors (31, 32) are mounted in reversed orientation from each other, thereby insuring that external removable modules (14) are automatically connected in the proper orientation for the desired handed operation.

Abstract: A portable device (10) for containment of contaminated medical objects (18, 19) during a medical procedure includes a container (12) for receiving the contaminated medical objects (18,19) and having an opening (21) through which the contaminated medical objects (18, 19) are placed by the medical practitioner, and a valve (14) in operative association with the opening (21) in the container for precluding egress of the contaminated medical objects (18,19) placed in the container (12). The container (12) is configured to mount on the medical practitioner during the medical procedure, and further includes an apron (25) with a scalloped interior surface (31) for guiding contaminated medical objects (18, 19) through the valve (14) and into the container (12). A holder (16) includes a clamp (40) for grasping the container (12) and further includes a clip (41) to mount the container on an article of the medical practitioner's clothing during the medical procedure.

Abstract: A handheld, portable device (10) for processing point of sale transactions includes a housing (20), a magnetic card reader (40) for reading credit card information, the reader (40) carried within the housing (20) substantially adjacent to the first end (23) of the housing (20), a numeric keyboard (50) and an alphabetic keyboard (60) for entering customer information, and a barcode scanner (70) for scanning product identification information, the barcode scanner (70) carried within the housing (20) substantially adjacent to a second end (24) of the housing (20). Also included is a display (80) for displaying selected information, a printer (90) for printing a customer receipt, a communications assembly (110) for furnishing the information needed to obtain transaction approval, and a processor (130) for receiving the information, and controlling the display (80), the printer (90) and the communications assembly (110).

Abstract: An educational device (10) for facilitating vocabulary development includes a display (11) for displaying reading text, a keyboard (12) and microprocessor (14). The reader selects target words or short phrases whose meaning may be unfamiliar. A context-sensitive sentence illustrating the meaning of the selected portion of the reading text and including the target word or phrase is provided and displayed for a first preselected period. The target word or phrase in the context-sensitive sentence is replaced with verification text and displayed for a second preselected period. A test function furnishes context-sensitive questions that check the reader's understanding of the correct meaning. Performance information is collected and presented upon request.

Abstract: An angle connected phone plug (10) for connection to a coaxial electrical cable (11) without screws or other mechanisms includes a tip and wire assembly (20), a housing assembly (40) and a terminal assembly (60), all disposed coaxially along longitudinal axis (100) of phone plug (10), and a substantially cylindrically shaped barrel (80) having its own longitudinal axis 110 along which coaxial electrical cable (11) enters phone plug (10). The housing assembly (40) includes a housing base (41) and a mating housing cap (42), which when mated present a threaded neck (49) at an angle to longitudinal axis (100). Barrel (80) is coupled to threaded neck (49), thereby securing the housing assembly (40) closed.

Abstract: An electro-optical sensor probe (12) for non-invasive monitoring of blood oxygenation levels is engaged with the blood-perfused tissue (23) of a patient by a device (10) having a woven tube (20) that receives the probe (12) and selectively engages the probe (12) and the tissue (23). The tube (20) includes a cuff (27) formed integrally therewith for carrying the probe (12). Once the probe (12) located within cuff (27) is placed into engagement with tissue (23), tube (20) is extended over the tissue (23).

Abstract: Dimensional change in a tire cord (13) under thermomechanical stress is determined by a device (10) including an oven (12) for receiving and controlling the temperature of a preselected length of the cord (13), grips (14,15) for holding and selectively positioning the entire preselected length of cord (13) within the oven (12), and means (16) including an angular displacement transducer (51) for measuring changes in the preselected length of cord (13). Means (16) may also include weights (52,53) for the selective application of mechanical stress to the material. The steps employed in determining such dimensional change include inserting a length of cord (13) into grips (14,15), positioning the entire length of cord (13) (including the portion of grips (14,15) holding the cord (13)) within oven (12), controlling the temperature of the cord (13) in the oven (12), and measuring changes in the length of cord (13).

Abstract: A metal-insulator-semiconductor (MIS) diode having a suspended electrode forming a cavity between the electrode and the insulator is operated in the charge storage, i.e. inversion, mode to detect a fluid concentration. A reverse bias voltage is applied to the diode to form a charge inversion layer in the semiconductor, the bias is disconnected and subsequently reapplied. The charge that flows upon reapplication of the bias voltage is a measure of the concentration of a fluid in the cavity. An array of MIS diodes with multiplexed biasing and charge measurement permits detection of combinations of different fluids, even in the presence of potentially interfering chemical species.

Abstract: A circuit and method for page addressing computer read-only memory (ROM) includes expanded ROM (12 and 13) and an address signal generator (20). Address signal generator (20) includes address line generator (21) for providing sufficient additional binary lines to expanded ROM (12 and 13) for addressing the entire expanded ROM memory space and a decoder circuit (22) for detecting the presence of prechosen addresses on the computer system address bus. The prechosen addresses permit selection of page increments in expanded ROM memory space for addressing over the more limited system address bus received by the original ROM.

Abstract: An improved refractor for use in the subjective examination of human eyes. Each half of the refractor includes a plurality of lens supporting disks, a hub assembly for rotatably supporting the disks, and a comb assembly to space the disks along the optical axis. One of the disks supports at least one set of 4 cross cylinder lenses. Each disk is coupled to a stepping motor for selective rotation. Each motor is, in turn, supported by a bracket which permits rotation equivalent to a partial motor step to insure alignment of the optical elements supported on the disks with the optical axis. The cylinder lenses supported on the disks are also rotated by a stepping motor. The Risley prisms of each half of the refractor are always positioned on the optical axis and rotated by stepping motors.

Abstract: An improved refractor for use in the subjective examination of human eyes. Each half of the refractor includes a plurality of lens supporting disks, a hub assembly for rotatably supporting the disks, and a comb assembly to space the disks along the optical axis. One of the disks supports at least one set of 4 cross cylinder lenses. Each disk is coupled to a stepping motor for selective rotation. Each motor is, in turn, supported by a bracket which permits rotation equivalent to a partial motor step to insure alignment of the optical elements supported on the disks with the optical axis. The cylinder lenses supported on the disks are also rotated by a stepping motor. The Risley prisms of each half of the refractor are always positioned on the optical axis and rotated by stepping motors.