Abstract: Systems (apparatus and methods) for reading bar code data detect light reflected and/or refracted from a target. The detected light is converted into an electrical signal containing width values that are indicative of widths of light areas and dark areas of the target. Systems for pre-screening data read by a bar code reader determine whether sequences of width values are consistent with potential bar code data by comparing the relative widths of subsequences of light areas and dark areas. If the relative widths are consistent with bar code data, the width values of the sequence being pre-screened are output to a decoder, which attempts to read the sequence of width values. If the relative width values are inconsistent with bar code data, the sequence of width values is not output to the decoder, thereby decreasing the amount of processing the decoder would otherwise be required to perform.

Abstract: An adjustable viewfinder optical system for a shoulder-supported movie or video camera having interchangeable objective lenses. The system includes first and second lens groups aligned on an optical axis for receiving and relaying an image received from the objective lens of the camera to the viewer's eye. The first lens group is in a forwardly extending portion of the viewfinder that is pivotally joined to a rearwardly extending portion of the viewfinder containing the second lens group. The forwardly extending portion has a telescoping portion for varying the eye position of the viewer relative to the camera in the fore-and aft direction. The light is collimated between the first and second lens groups at the telescoping portion, whereby the image viewed in the viewfinder remains in focus and the same magnification throughout the telescoping adjustment movement.

Abstract: An anchor screw assembly includes a screw having a threaded portion and a head portion to which a swing bolt is pivotally coupled. A clamp assembly includes lower and upper clamp portions that are securable on the swing bolt by a fastener. The clamp portions include noncircular first passages for receiving a noncircular region of the swing bolt therethrough to prevent rotation of the clamp assembly on the swing bolt, and cooperating grooves that together define a second passage. The head portion of the screw includes a shoulder, and the lower clamp portion frictionally engages the shoulder when the clamp assembly is fully secured on the swing bolt, thereby securing the swing bolt relative to the screw. Multiple screw assemblies are screwed into adjacent vertebrae, and a rod is secured within the second passages between the anchor screw assemblies to stabilize the vertebrae.

Abstract: A dual bar code for detecting food contamination. When no contamination is present a first bar code identifies the food product. When contamination is present a second bar code identifies the presence of contaminants.

Abstract: A road image display device for displaying an image of a road whereon a vehicle is travelling on a display screen by scrolling the road image at a specified speed as one would feel driving a vehicle thereon viewing the image from a fixed viewing point, which display device is provided with an input control section for inputting road design data concerning a straight line area, a clothoid curve (relaxed-curvature curve) area and a circular-arc area for a travelling road distance, and an electronic control unit for generating a road image representing a straight-line area, clothoid curve area and a circular-arc area according to the input road design data and which can easily generate any desired road image according to a free road design and more particularly can represent an image of a curved road portion by a curve having a relaxed curvature for joining a straight-line with a circle of a constant curvature.

Abstract: A temperature rise pattern is retrieved from charging time based on the difference between a battery temperature at the beginning of battery charge and a target temperature value which a battery is intended to reach (in S116). The battery is charged while adjusting a current value so that a temperature rise value becomes the temperature rise pattern (in S118 and S120). Thus, by optimizing the temperature rise pattern, it is possible to charge the battery so that the temperature at the time of the completion of battery charge becomes the target temperature value (the lowest temperature value).

Abstract: An acoustic biosensor is provided for deployment at an implantation site within a body, such as an abdominal aortic aneurysm. The biosensor includes a sensor element for measuring a physiological condition at the implantation site, and for generating an information signal representative of the physiological condition. The biosensor further includes a piezoelectric transducer element for converting an externally originated acoustic interrogation signal into energy for operating the sensor, and for modulating the interrogation signal, e.g., by employing a switching element to alternate the mechanical impedance of the transducer element, to transmit the information signal outside of the body.

Abstract: Rotating element catheters and catheter assemblies employ clutch assemblies for preventing rotational energy from being transmitted from a motor drive unit to the catheter element under defined circumstances. The catheter assembly includes an elongate member in which there is disposed a rotatable catheter drive cable. The catheter drive cable may have an operative element, e.g., an ultrasonic transducer or an artherectomy blade, distally mounted thereon for providing diagnostic or therapeutic functions to the physician. To control the rotation of the catheter drive shaft, the clutch assembly is configured such that the catheter drive shaft is operated in a drive mode (i.e., it is allowed to rotate) and in a release mode (i.e., it is prevented from rotating).

Abstract: A flexible engaging delivery device (10) for delivery of a vaso-occlusion flexible engaging structure (24) to a vascular target site via a catheter (50) is disclosed comprising a catheter (50) having a lumen (52) and an introducer (48) disposed within the catheter (52). The introducer (48) comprises an outer sleeve (49), a shaft (12) and a wire (16) that is slidably movable within the shaft (12). A wire tip (22) is permanently connected to the wire (16), wherein the wire tip (22) is adapted to contact a matted portion (20) of the vaso-occlusion flexible engaging structure (24) and is used to deliver said flexible engaging structure from said flexible engaging device (10) to a vaso-occlusion target site.

Abstract: This invention relates to novel tracers and their synthesis and use in an immunoassay for the detection of controlled drugs such as amphetamine (APM), methamphetamine (MAPM) and their derivatives, in a biological or aqueous sample. In particular, this invention provides methods for synthesizing novel tracers in which a non-controlled substance is both the starting material in tracer synthesis and the binding site on the resulting novel tracer for the antibody, thereby eliminating the necessity of using controlled substances as starting materials. In addition, the novel tracers of the present invention can be used as an analyte analog in an immunoassay, such as a continuous flow displacement immunoassay. It was unexpectedly discovered that the novel tracers of the present invention substantially improve the performance of the continuous flow displacement immunoassay as compared with conventionally designed tracers.

Abstract: This is an implant for placement in the human body and an assembly for so placing that implant. Most desirably, it is an implant for use in the vasculature of the human body and is used to occlude some space in that vasculature as a portion of a treatment regimen. The implant itself is preferably a component of a deployment device using an electrolytically severable joint. The implant is electrically isolated from the electrolytically severable joint by a highly resistive or insulative layer. Such isolation and minimization of the conductive pathway from the placement apparatus to the body's fluids appears to enhance the susceptibility of the electrolytic joint to quick erosion and detachment of the implant from the deployment media. Although the implant itself is preferably a vaso-occlusive device, it may instead be a stent, a vena cava filter, or other implant which may be installed in this manner.

Abstract: A catheter comprising a flexible elongate tubular member having a lumen communicating with a proximal end and a distal port at a distal end. A chamber, filled with gas or fluid less dense than blood, is mounted at the distal end. Methods of using the aspiration catheter for removing embolic air or gaseous bubbles within a body cavity are also disclosed.

Abstract: An ice skate comprising a blade and a blade holder. The blade holder providing decreasing, non rigid, and/or no lateral support in a rearward region of the blade so that it may facilitate increased or freer flexibility of the blade and improved maneuverability. The blade is rigidly laterally supported at a front end section of the blade holder and preferably also at a back end section of the blade holder so that it may facilitate efficient transfer of force between the skater and the blade. One or more non-rigid support members may be employed to control, absorb and/or cushion the flexing of the blade. The ice skate may be tuned to reflect the desired performance requirements of the individual skater and/or use.

Abstract: A gas analysis apparatus, and a method for calibrating it and for compensating measurement errors, are disclosed. This method and apparatus are particularly suited for use during a cardipulmonary exercise test by a test subject. The oxygen and carbon dioxide concentrations of the subject's breath are measured, and errors are compensated based on the results of previous calibration. These compensated measurements, as well as other physiological data monitored during the cardiopulmonary exercise test quantities calculated from these measurements, are presented as a series of graphs in a logical order to enhance their diagnostic and prognostic value. A facemask and headstraps are adapted for use with the gas analysis apparatus. The facemask possesses a plurality of pins fitting into corresponding holes in the headstraps, and the headstraps possess quick-release attachment means to provide for quickly securing the face mask to or removing it from a subject.

Abstract: Methods are provided for the analysis and determination of the nature of single nucleic acid polymorphisms (SNPs) in a genetic target. In one method of this invention, the nature of the SNPs in the genetic target is determined by the steps of providing a plurality of hybridization complexes arrayed on a plurality of test sites on an electronically bioactive microchip, where the hybridization complex includes at least a nucleic acid target containing a SNP, a stabilizer probe having a sequence complementary to the target sequence and/or reporter probe, and a reporter probe having a selected sequence complementary to either the stabilizer or the same target sequence strand wherein a selected sequence of the reporter includes either a wild type nucleotide or a nucleotide corresponding to the SNP of the target.

Abstract: A stationary exercise bicycle comprises a frame having front and rear ground support elements, a front socket and a rear socket, and a seat socket; a pedal mechanism on said frame and a seat mounted on a seat socket at a level above the pedal mechanism, the seat being mounted for movement fore and aft relative to the seat socket, and upwardly and downwardly relative to the pedal mechanism.

Abstract: The Tat-inhibitory polypeptide derivatives of the formula I D-Cys-D-Phe-D-Thr-D-Thr-D-Lys-D-Ala-D-Leu-D-Gly-D-Ile-D-Ser-D-Tyr-D-Gly-D-Arg-D-Lys-D-Lys-D-Arg-D-Arg-D-Gln-D-Arg-D-Arg-D-Arg-D-Pro-D-Pro-D-Gln-D-Gly-D-Ser-D-Gln-D-Thr-D-His-D-Gln-D-Val-D-Ser-D-Leu-D-Ser-D-Lys-D-Gln (SEQ ID 1) and fragments or analogs thereof, and the biologically and pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof exhibit advantageous properties, including binding to &Dgr;TAR, inhibition of LTR-dependent reporter gene expression in a model cell assay and, finally, inhibition of HIV-1 replication, as determined in assays of HIV-induced syncytium formation, cytotoxicity and reverse transcriptase production. These peptides are thus capable of competing with the TAR RNA-binding domain of Tat protein and thus are useful as a therapeutic agents in the treatment of AIDS.

Abstract: This invention comprises a plurality of concave pads adapted to be externally attached to the foot or to athletic or other footwear for use in foot game sports.