Abstract: An automated external programmable defibrillator (AED) with the ability to perform operational self-tests, determine whether a patient is undergoing cardial defibrillation, deliver an electrical defibrillation pulse, store data pertaining to the self-tests. Certain operational parameters are alterable by software installable in a computer. The operational parameters include second defibrillation shock energy value, the maximum shocks to be delivered during a rescue, whether the same energy will be delivered to the patient upon conversion to a shockable rhythm, whether the AED will automatically convert to daylight savings time, whether an electrode test will occur during the self-test, and whether ambient sound will be recorded during a rescue.

Abstract: A switching circuit for a reluctance machine includes one or more half-bridge converter modules including serially connected switches connected between power rails +V.sub.dc and -V.sub.dc. A pair of capacitors are also connected between the power rails, and the phase winding of the machine is connected at one end between transistors and at the other end between the capacitors. The switches act as separate power circuits, alternately conducting to excite the phase winding either during alternate phase conduction periods or during alternate groups of phase periods. The half-bridge modules are commercially readily available as cost-effective preassembled items.

Abstract: An edging member is provided. The edging member includes generally planar first and second elements and means for pivotally joining the edging member to an adjacent edging member. The first and second elements are generally transversely joined to each other. The first element is vertically oriented and the second element is horizontally oriented with the edging member is installed. A generally circular segment may be present to cover the ground below the edging member when the edging member is angularly joined to an adjacent edging member.

Abstract: A digital range sensor comprises a light source, an optical element to focus the light from the source down to a small spot on a target, a second optical element that is mounted obliquely from the source axis, and a prism mounted on a multi-element detector, which in turn is mounted at the focus of the light returning from the target. The purpose of the prism on the detector is to direct the light onto the active surface of the detector at an angle closer to normal incidence than would otherwise be possible. The detector produces digital data which is transferred to a control module for processing and to produce a numerical range measurement.

Abstract: The present invention provides a strong yet lightweight truss which could be used in many applications, and is adapted particularly to a support framework for those fabric covered structures utilizing a fabric stretched over the top of the supporting framework. The truss can be made up into sections comprising tubular upper and lower truss members separated by a continuous tubular web. The coupling plates may be attached to each end of the sections such that the top edge of the coupling plate is below the upper side of the upper member, providing a smooth upper surface to the truss and eliminating wear points which could damage the fabric or other material stretched over or supported by the truss. The truss is easily transported and manufactured.

Abstract: A dispenser for a single cartridge has a yoke pivotably mounted on a stock. The yoke has a square-section open end and a circular section closed end. One flat side on the square section end provide an abutment for defining the closed position of the yoke. The yoke has a similar flat surface engages the plate side of the yoke. The flat surface on the stock is easily formed in the manufacturing process.

Abstract: A lid open detection circuit for powering ON an automated external defibrillator having a housing and an openable lid formed in the housing, generally incorporates a switch that has a first state for powering ON the AED when the openable lid is open and a second state for powering OFF the AED when the openable lid is closed. The switch is preferably a Hall effect switch.

Abstract: A container, for storing products such as automobile compressors, made from a single piece of material, preferably corrugated fiber, and assembled by folding along score lines and secured by engaging tongue and matching groove members to form a top, a bottom and sidewall members of the container. Internal product support structures are formed, from the original piece of corrugated fiber, by folding along additional score lines.

Abstract: A diversion device between a faucet and a shower head comprises a hollow assembling seat jointed by a pair of water pipes: one for cold water and the other for hot water, and is used to shut off the source water as well divert it either to a shower head or to a spout while no longer has to resist the pressure of the water therefor being light and handy in operation. The diversion device includes a perforated tube with an internal valve member having flow blocking shields mounted on the valve member.

Abstract: In a switched reluctance machine, the air gap between aligned rotor and stator poles is defined to have an inner region of substantially uniform length and outer regions of increasing length. The outer regions are flanked by extension portions on one or both of the poles that form a radiussed transition region on the pole between each outer region and a side wall of the pole. The at least one of the poles has a waist portion between the extension portions and the body of the lamination. As the rotor rotates with respect to the stator, alignment of the poles more gradually modifies the flux path such that radial forces tending to distort the stator and give rise to vibration and acoustic noise are reduced. The waist portion decreases the inductance of the stator winding in the minimum inductance position of the rotor.

Abstract: A bale wrapper includes a frame with a leading end having steerable wheels and a transport pole connected to the steerable wheels, a trailing end with braked wheels, and a central portion. A bale-loading deck adjacent the leading end includes spaced-apart guide rails, tubular supports between the spaced-apart guide rails which define a standard path and an elevated path, and a hydraulically powered pushbar for translating a bale. A single centrally located hoop assembly has two opposed rolls of plastic film and is carried and supported by and between a first idler assembly mounted on one side of the frame and a second idler assembly mounted on the opposite side of the frame, the hoop assembly having an inner edge and a powered rubber wheel bearing against the inner edge. The bale wrapper includes a power source.

Abstract: A lower esophageal sphincter tightening device for treating gastroesophageal reflux disease which includes an insertion device, an energy source, and an energy transmitting device. The insertion device, by insertion through a body opening, positions the energy transmitting device in the proximity of the lower esophageal sphincter. The energy source generates and transmits energy via the insertion device to the energy transmitting device which directs the transmitted energy onto the lower esophageal sphincter which is comprised largely of collagen. The energy source transmits energy at a level sufficient to cause heating of the sphincter's collagen resulting in a shrinkage of the collagen and a tightening of the sphincter.

Abstract: A mountable underride protector for absorbing energy generated by a collision between vehicles, through deformation, includes a crushable link, a horizontal barrier member depending therefrom, or both. The horizontal barrier member and crushable link are positioned beneath and depending from the underdeck of a trailer or semi-trailer. Placement of the device beneath the underdeck is dependent upon and will vary with the particular design of the trailer or semi-trailer and may be accomplished through the use of both permanent and detachable mounting techniques.

Abstract: A finger wheel adapted to follow behind and/or beside a furrow opener at varying angles to the vertical and to the direction of travel. The finger wheel is useful for covering a furrow with loose soil to retain gaseous material such as anhydrous ammonia in the soil. The finger wheel is also useful for removing dry soil from the top of a seed furrow to reduce the effective depth of seeding and improve emergence. Also provided are a gaseous material injector and seeding apparatus using a known double inclined disc in combination with the finger wheel.

Abstract: According to the invention there is provided a hybrid sunflower seed and plant, designated PAN 9501. Further provided are regenerable tissue, callus and sunflower plants regenerated from the regenerable tissue and callus. Also provided is a process of producing a hybrid sunflower seed designated PAN 9501 and a process of producing a sunflower seed from hybrid sunflower PAN 9501. Further yet provided is a sunflower zygote arising from a fertilization of a gamete, the gamete arising from hybrid sunflower PAN 9501, the gamete an egg cell or a sperm nucleus, a sunflower seed arising from the zygote, and a sunflower plant arising from the sunflower seed. Finally a sunflower plant and its parts produced by hybrid sunflower seed designated PAN 9501 are provided.

Abstract: An exercise machine includes a switched reluctance motor which drives a moveable surface upon which a user can exercise. A controller which is responsive to sudden load changes on the moveable surface controls the torque developed by the motor substantially to maintain a desired motor speed output without the need for a flywheel. In a first embodiment, the controller uses a feedback signal from a rotor position encoder and a motor speed indicator to control the motor output using a proportional-plus-integral signal processor. In a second embodiment, a composite state observer is used to provide estimates of the rotor position, motor speed and load disturbance states from which real time closed loop control of the motor speed with load disturbances on the moveable surface is effected. Corresponding methods also are disclosed.