Abstract: A system and method to automatically initiate an injection procedure of a medicament into a patient. In the system, a delivery assembly includes an injector for infusing the medicament into the patient. Further, the system includes a monitor for detecting a parameter characteristic of the procedure, for instance, a pressure indicative of a partial vacuum between the injector and the injection site, a pressure exerted by the patient against the delivery assembly, a conductance, a capacitance, or an optical blood reading. Also, the system includes a timer for determining compliance of the parameter within a predetermined range during a first time interval. In response to the timer, an actuator initiates the injection procedure at the expiration of the first time interval. Further, the actuator may stop the injection procedure if the parameter is outside the predetermined range during a second time interval.

Abstract: A system for analyzing smoke has a plurality of units, wherein each unit includes an optical emitter for alternately directing horizontally and vertically polarized light along a beam path, and into a smoke cloud, to generate scattered light. A horizontally polarized detector and a vertically polarized detector are positioned at different locations, but at a same distance and scattering angle relative to the beam path. Each unit has a different wavelength. A computer receives signals from the detectors of all units, in response to each emitter, for analysis of the smoke.

Abstract: A system and method for producing biofuel from pollutant-fed algae are disclosed. Specifically, the system includes a scrubber with a chamber for receiving a pollutant-contaminated fluid stream. Further, a scrubber solution is received in the chamber for scrubbing the pollutant-contaminated fluid stream. Also, the system includes a bioreactor that is provided with an input port to receive the scrubber solution with pollutants for use as nutrients to support algae cell growth. Further, the system includes an algae separator that removes the algae from the bioreactor and a device for processing the algae into biofuel. In order to recycle the scrubber solution, the algae separator is in fluid communication with the scrubber. With this arrangement, the effluence from the bioreactor may be recycled for use as the scrubber solution.

Abstract: A trim tab is disclosed for use on an aerodynamic foil that has first and second surfaces which extend between a leading edge and a trailing edge. Structurally, the trim tab includes a tab member that is bounded by slits formed through each surface to extend from the trailing edge toward the leading edge. Also, the tab member is bounded by a slot formed between the slits on the second surface to establish a flange between the slot and the trailing edge. Further, the trim tab includes an actuator that is mounted on the foil between the slot and the leading edge. The actuator includes an actuator arm that is connected to the flange. As a result, extension and retraction of the actuator moves the tab member about a hinge-less tab that is created on the first surface.

Abstract: The present application relates to microstrip-fed printed planar antennas and in particular to the geometry of same. More particularly an antenna is provided with a radiating or ground plane element having a generally continuous curved shape and being symmetrical about the longitudinal axis and non-symmetrical about an axis transverse to the longitudinal axis.

Abstract: A method of constructing a roadway having an embedded linear synchronous motor (LSM) utilizes prefabricated modules. Structurally, each module comprises a top plate, a multiple-phase winding tied to the top plate, and a concrete mold encapsulating the winding. With the modules prefabricated, the roadway is constructed by first excavating a trench to position a foundation at the trench bottom. Then a mud matt is positioned on the foundation. Next, the modules are laid end-to-end on the mud matt. Thereafter, the windings in adjacent modules are electrically interconnected through joints. Further, the joints are covered by junction boxes, and the trench around the roadway is filled in with aggregate.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing a tank for storing flammable and combustible liquids underground includes fabricating a cylindrical tank core. Structurally, the core encloses a chamber and has an outer surface. Further, the core includes at least one opening for monitoring the integrity of the chamber positioned on the core's bottom centerline. Also, the tank includes a screen attached to the outer surface of the core along the bottom centerline to cover the opening. Moreover, a foil is affixed to the screen and to the outer surface of the tank core. Sprayed or applied on the foil is a seamless jacket formed from polyurea, thermoplastic, polyurethane or polyamine epoxy to encapsulate the tank core.

Abstract: A system for controlling movements of a vehicle along a guideway includes an array of targets that are mounted on the vehicle, and a series of wayside sensors that are mounted on the guideway. A signal processor monitors the passage of targets past appropriate sensors and uses resultant signals to derive parametric values that are characteristic of the vehicle's movements. The parametric values are then coordinated with a controller for the operation of a linear synchronous motor that propels the vehicle.

Abstract: A device and method for positioning a catheter to establish a fluid access site into the vasculature of a patient includes a luer assembly that incorporates the catheter. Also included is a shuttle assembly that has a stylet for stiffening the catheter. In combination, the stiffened catheter and the shuttle assembly are held on a handle by the interaction of the luer assembly with the handle. Once the stiffened catheter is inserted into the vasculature, the luer assembly is separated from the handle and from the stylet, and is left in place. With this separation, the shuttle assembly is also released to be repositioned and concealed within the handle.

Abstract: A device and method for positioning a catheter to establish a fluid access site into the vasculature of a patient includes a luer assembly having a cannula or catheter, a shuttle assembly having a stylet for stiffening the catheter, and a holder assembly having an actuator for providing controlled retraction into a handle. The safety catheter comprises a flash window that allows a clinician to view when the vasculature of a patient has been properly accessed and to confirm that the stylet has been fully retracted into a safe position.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing a purse ring is disclosed. In the method, a heat-treated steel frame interrupted by a gap is fabricated to partially circumscribe a passageway. At the edges of the gap, the frame includes a pivot mount and a push button biased to extend from an aperture are separated by a gap distance. Also, a heat-treated steel pivot arm is connected to the pivot mount. Structurally, the arm forms a key guide that terminates at a stop. In the method, a heat-treated steel sleeve forms a channel to slidably receive the arm. Also, the sleeve includes a key that slides within the guide to limit movement between the sleeve and the arm. Further, the sleeve includes a lateral opening that receives the push button to limit the maximum distance between the pivot member and the lateral opening to be substantially equal to the gap distance.

Abstract: A system and method for predicting the onset of glaucoma uses a Finite Element Model (FEM) to obtain a response profile of the Optical Nerve Head (ONH) inside an eye. To do this, the FEM is programmed with data from first and second images of the ONH that are respectively taken at the beginning and the end of an imposed pressure differential (e.g. over a range of about 8 kPa). The FEM is then subjected to a sequence of pressure increments and the resultant profile is compared with empirical data to predict an onset of glaucoma.

Abstract: An all-electric, wheeled vehicle has a magnet array that can be selectively moved between a retracted position and a deployed position, to respectively operate in a motor mode or a generator mode. When in the motor mode, with its magnet array retracted, wheel rotation to move the vehicle is powered by an onboard battery. Alternately, in the generator mode with the magnet array deployed, the vehicle is powered by a Linear Synchronous Motor (LSM). Specifically, the deployed magnet array interacts with a multiple-phase winding (i.e. LSM) embedded into the roadway on which the vehicle travels. Further, rotation of the wheel during vehicle movement in the generator mode recharges the battery.

Abstract: A cutting tool and its method for manufacture involves a blade member having an extension. Together, the blade member and extension are die cut from sheet metal and a cutting edge is then formed adjacent the extension. A metal or plastic handle is formed with a slit, and the blade member is positioned in the slit to leave the cutting edge exposed between the extension and the handle. The blade member is then secured to the handle.

Abstract: A system and method are provided for moving a vehicle along a roadway. The system includes at least one power segment that incorporates a multiple-phase winding. Structurally, the winding is embedded into the roadway for interaction with a magnet system mounted on the vehicle. With this interaction, a Linear Synchronous Motor (LSM) is established between the roadway and the vehicle to drive movement of the vehicle along the roadway. Also, the vehicle includes a mechanism for initially synchronizing a waveform speed of the multiple-phase winding with the speed of the vehicle. Further, the vehicle is able to selectively establish the LSM for use when desired.

Abstract: A system and method for ocular surgery includes a delivery system for generating and guiding a surgical laser beam to a focal point in a treatment area of an eye. Additionally, a contact device is employed for using the eye to establish a reference datum. Further, an optical detector is coupled to the beam path of the surgical laser to create a sequence of cross-sectional images. Each image visualizes both the reference datum and the focal point. Operationally, a computer then uses these images to position and move the focal point in the treatment area relative to the reference datum for surgery.

Abstract: A reinforced panel, made of a composite material, includes a single base layer. A first plurality of mutually parallel ridges is affixed to the surface of the base layer. A second plurality of mutually parallel ridges is also affixed to the surface of the base layer, but oriented transverse to the first plurality. Structurally, the ridges and the base layer are co-cured to create an integral, continuous structure that provides stiffness and rigidity to the panel.

Abstract: A custom phase plate for a light beam of wavelength “?” includes a sheet of plastic material having a base refractive index “no”. Formed onto a surface of the sheet is a plurality of contiguous spots having different refractive indices. Together, the spots establish a diffraction pattern in a light beam that removes optical aberrations from the beam. Specifically, each spot has a selected Optical Path Difference (OPD) relative to the base index (no) that is equal to k?/10 (for k=1 to 10). Further, the OPD for each spot in the pattern is individually established by heating the plastic material with a laser beam of ultra-short pulses.