Abstract: An endoscopic visualization system (10) includes an endoscopic subsystem (26) comprising an endoscope having an optical channel and an illumination channel, an image sensor operatively coupled to receive light from the optical channel and a solid-state light source operatively coupled to transmit light through the illumination channel; at least one electrical cable extending from the endoscopic subsystem; and a monitor subsystem (12) comprising a frame defining an inner compartment, a display screen and at least one port configured to receive the at least one electrical cable connected to the endoscopic subsystem.

Abstract: A method of reducing foamed density that results in a foamed polyvinyl chloride (PVC) component exhibiting reduced density. The foamed PVC component contains at least a PVC resin and a process aid blend. The process aid blend contains from 1 weight % to 60 weight % (based on the weight of the blend) of a functionalized process aid, and from 99 weight % to 40 weight % (based on the weight of the blend) of a non-functionalized process aid. The functionalized process aid includes at least one base polymer functionalized with a reactive epoxy, hydroxyl, ?-keto ester, ?-keto amide, or carboxylic acid functional group. The foamed PVC component containing the process aid blend has a lower density than a reference foamed PVC component made using the same process conditions and additives, but which contains only non-functionalized process aid and not the functionalized process aid.

Abstract: An endoscopic visualization system (10) includes an endoscopic subsystem (26) comprising an endoscope having an optical channel and an illumination channel, an image sensor operatively coupled to receive light from the optical channel and a solid-state light source operatively coupled to transmit light through the illumination channel; at least one electrical cable extending from the endoscopic subsystem; and a monitor subsystem (12) comprising a frame defining an inner compartment, a display screen and at least one port configured to receive the at least one electrical cable connected to the endoscopic subsystem.

Abstract: A pet-door assembly and method of use includes providing a pet-door assembly with a body having a first end, a second end, and a length separating the first end from the second end, a securing member coupled at the second end of the body, the securing member having a first end and a second end, the first end and the second end being shaped to fit within and engage a frame of a sliding door, and a plurality of strips each having a first end, a second end, and a length separating the first end from the second end, the first end of the plurality of strips coupled to the securing member and the length of the plurality of strips being less than half the length of the body. The method further includes the step of mechanically fixing the pet door in overlapping relation with an opening in a wall, the opening having a horizontally-sliding door disposed.

Abstract: A system for monitoring a movable barrier in which a small receiver box is wired in line between a television signal source and a television monitor. When the receiver box receives a signal from a garage door operator mounted near the garage door, a small icon is displayed in the corner of the television indicating that the door is open. This will place an indication of the status of the garage door right where many people are looking. Advantageously, many people watch television before going to bed and having an icon displayed exactly where they will be looking before falling asleep can help increase home security.

Abstract: A superconductive structure including a dielectric oxide substrate and a thin layer of a rare earth-barium-copper oxide superconducting film thereon, the thin layer including at least two rare earth elements is provided.

Abstract: The invention provides a microprocessor controlled kiosk printer with a communication interface to a remote host for printing documents, such as receipts and tickets. The printer includes a printer mechanism and an idler roller and a drive roller in engagement for gripping the document. The drive roller is under the control of the microprocessor. Guide plates are provided which, together with the controlled drive roller, prevent access to the document during printing. The controlled drive roller also provides for retracting the document.