Abstract: A flexible fiber-optic endoscope having a plurality of independently removable modules wherein such modules contain components including a hollow body assembly with a steerable articulation section having a control means for remote manipulation, a tubular fiber-optic assembly incorporating an objective lens and an optic image guide and an optical eyepiece for viewing images carried by the image guide, and a disposable cover assembly for covering the steerable articulation section.

Abstract: Methods of adaptively encoding a sequence of frames of image information resenting multiple video objects in which the video object information is digitally encoded as to texture, motion and shape characteristics to produce code bits at a variable rate for transmission via a buffer having a fixed bit rate output, and a target number of bits is estimated for encoding video objects in a video object plane and the target is distributed and quantization parameters are adjusted according to header bits associated with a previous frame.

Abstract: The invention is addressed to a medical tube holder of resilient material for the placement of endotracheal, gastrointestinal or other tubes relative to the body of a patient. The preferred embodiment includes body attachment site, a medical tube support extension projecting from the body attachment site and a frictional tube engagement structure.

Abstract: An athletic garment designed to protect the wearer from injury during athletic activity such as in-line roller skating, skiing, volleyball, mountain biking, basketball, hockey, field hockey, ice skating or gymnastics. The invention uses strategically placed and rib-shaped gel, air or elastic foam padding to protect the wearer from the impact and abrasion of a fall caused by such activity.

Abstract: A sawhorse apparatus which is sturdy and easily assembled or disassembled facilitating efficient storage and mobility. The invention is more sturdy than prior devices because it incorporates "cross beam support channel(s)" that extend down most or all of its length, providing rigidity in all directions. The invention employs two alternative embodiments. "Type A" features a single three sided channel that cradles the bottom of the cross beam and interfaces with a plurality support leg device using tapered dovetail or "T" rail groove joints. "Type B" features separate channel members, one attached to each end of the cross beam member and the combination extending along all or most of the cross beam length. The channel members are integrally molded to end pieces that provide sockets into which lumber support legs are inserted.

Abstract: An automated, on-line solvent elimination interface system is described for use in characterizing the Composition Distribution (CD) of unknown materials emerging from a fractionating unit or a process stream. Fractionated samples to be analyzed, such as a polymer, in highly diluted form in one or more solvents, are provided by a fractionation unit such as a gel permeation chromatograph (GPC), a high pressure liquid chromatograph (HPLC), or a field flow fractionator (FFF). A number of discharges of each particular fraction are supplied to individual collection units within the interface system under controlled conditions of flow rate, temperature and pressure (vacuum) such that the solvents are flash-evaporated at the collection unit. A sufficient solid residue is built up on the collection unit for analysis by, for example, a Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) analyzer.

Abstract: A surge suppressor for repeatedly protecting a load against surges occurring on A-C power mains from lightning surges or the like comprises a first series circuit having a first inductance and a first alternating voltage limiter, including at least a first capacitance and a bidirectionally conductive rectifier circuit, coupled between first and second input terminals. The first inductance conducts substantially all of the current supplied from the A-C power mains. A second series circuit comprising a second inductance and second alternating voltage limiter, including at least a second capacitance and a second bidirectionally conductive rectifier circuit, is coupled across the first alternating voltage limiter and is coupled to first and second output terminals.

Abstract: A surge suppressor comprises a first series circuit having a first inductance and a first alternating voltage limiter, including at least a first capacitance and a bidirectionally conductive rectifying circuit for charging the first capacitance, coupled between first and second input terminals for limiting surge currents and voltage excursions coupled to first and second load output terminals. The first alternating voltage limiter further comprises a sensing circuit for sensing at least one of the charging current supplied to and the voltage developed across the first capacitance. An auxiliary energy storage circuit and a normally open switching device responsive to the sensing circuit are provided for coupling the auxiliary energy storage circuit across the first capacitance during high energy surge conditions.

Abstract: A mechanism for testing fuel tubes in nuclear fuel bundles includes a carriage, carrying an elongated probe, and a grooved plate. The grooves are parallel to the probe and are spaced by the same distances as rows of tubes in the fuel bundle. They are connected at at least one end. A pin on the carriage fits in the grooves. A hydraulic cylinder reciprocates the carriage longitudinally of the grooves and a pneumatic cylinder urges it laterally, so that the pin moves from groove to groove at the end of each stroke.

Abstract: A system for recovering vapor and liquid emerging from a tank as it is being filled, in which the volumetric flow of a recovery pump that withdraws the vapor through a recovery tube is made equal to the volumetric flow of a fuel delivery pump with a microprocessor. The microprocessor can also modify the volumetric flow of the recovery pump in response to variations in the hydraulic pressure at the inlet side of the recovery pump.