Abstract: A signaling device for disabled persons uses a pneumatic system comprised of a special cushion, an air bleed to ambient, and a sensitive air-pressure sensor. The cushion may also serve as a head, limb, or body support. The cushion is foam-filled and self-inflating, and is capable of supporting static loads without the need for its being pressurized. A user initiates the generation of a signal by bumping the cushion, as for example with a backwards jerk of their head or a sideways kick of a limb. The resulting momentary surge in system pressure is sensed by the air-pressure switch, which is set to trip at 1/1000 of an atmosphere. The momentary closing of the contacts of the pressure switch are used to signal other assistive appliances, such as computer software for generating text.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods to treat neoplasia disorders in a mammal using a combination of radiation and an integrin antagonist.

Abstract: This invention relates to a mirror bead (10) for an external vehicle mirror that comprises a load carrying structure (11) that is located within the mirror head, a connector (16) on the load carrying structure (11) that connects the mirror head (10) with respect to the vehicle, a shell (12, 13, 14) forming the external surface of the mirror head (10) within which at least a portion of the load carrying structure (11) locates, said connector (16) being positioned to enable connection with respect to the vehicle, and foam within the internal cavity of the shell (12, 13, 14), that acts to bond the load carrying structure (11) with respect to the shell components (12, 13, 14). This assembly provides a lighter mirror head (10) by comparison to conventional construction techniques while at the same time remaining rigid. It provides a means whereby loads can be transferred to the foam which are in turn transferred to the external shell components (12, 13, 14) of the mirror head (10).

Abstract: The apparatus and method of the present invention provides a process that can be implemented by a human operator and a computing device to analyze and display human skin images. The system acquires a digital image from a camera or scanner. Subsequently, the system determines which area(s) of the image to analyze using landmarks such as the corner of the eye. The determined areas are then analyzed to locate skin defects such as red spots, and the defects are visually identified on a display. A severity is calculated for the defects and the severity is compared to an average skin severity associated with a population of people. In addition, a simulation is generated and displayed showing an improvement to the defect areas.

Abstract: The invention is a method for forming a gasket over an opening of a hollow form. The method comprises placing an unformed gasket (12) over a mould surface (14) having a shape in relief that is the shape to which the gasket (12) is to be formed. A hollow form (10) is placed onto the mould (13) so that the gasket (12) is held between the opening (11) of the hollow form (10) and the mould surface (14). Expanding foam (15) is located within the hollow form (10) so that the foam (15), as it expands, pushes against the gasket (12) to form it to the shape of the mould surface (14). This shape is retained upon setting of the foam. The invention greatly simplifies the manufacturing process of a hollow form (10) fitted with a gasket (12).

Abstract: Light emission methods and light emission devices are described including methods and devices capable of emitting light at a plurality of controllable wavelengths. According to one aspect, a light emission method includes providing a control signal and emitting light using a laser operating in a plurality of polarization states. The polarization state of the laser is adjusted responsive to the control signal and the wavelength of the light emitted using the laser is adjusted responsive to the adjustment of the polarization state of the laser.

Abstract: A composition for use in treating or preventing mucositis, and/or xerostomia, including capsaicin or capsaicin derivative, and one or more additional compounds useful in treating mucositis and/or xerostomia, wherein the composition is provided in an oral delivery vehicle. The invention also relates to a method of treating or preventing mucositis and/or xerostomia, and a method for preparing such a composition.

Abstract: A composition for treating pruritus, comprising a compound selected from the group consisting of opioid receptor antagonists, opioid receptor agonists/antagonists, and pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof, and a compound useful in treating the cause of the pruritus. This invention also relates to a method of treating pruritus using such compositions, and a method for preparing these compositions.

Abstract: This invention relates to a retraction and extension mechanism for extending or retracting a set of telescopic supports that connect a mirror head (10) to a mirror mounting bracket (11). It comprises a mirror mounting bracket (11) with a first tube (18) projecting from the mounting bracket (11). The mirror head (10) has a support (19) projecting from it that locates into and slides back and forth within the first tube (18). A roller (34) is mounting with respect to the support (19) and cable (29) is attached at one end with respect to the first tube (18) and a point between the roller (34) and the mirror head (10). It extends to and around the roller (34) and into the mirror head (10). The other end of the cable (29) extends into and is attached with respect to the first tube (18). A capstan (31) is located within the mirror head (10) and engages the cable (29).

Abstract: A method provides computer applications with an integrated means for displaying and interacting with large workpieces, through the use of smaller viewports. In a first mode, the method uses a mouse to position a viewport, and its scroll to adjust its size, in a manner analogous to the way television cameras are panned, tilted, and zoomed. In a second mode, the method controls the position of a screen cursor in a conventional manner. The selection between the first framing mode and the second pointing mode is made by the user depressing the scroll wheel. By integrating framing and pointing, a fast and intuitive method is provided for managing and processing large and unwieldy workpieces such as documents, spreadsheets, drawings, photographs, games, and maps.

Abstract: An autonomously movable cleaning robot comprising a platform and motive force to autonomously move the robot on a substantially horizontal surface having boundaries. The robot further has a computer processing unit for storing, receiving and transmitting data, and a cleaning implement operatively associated with the robot. The robot receives input data from an external source. The external source may be physical manipulation of the robot, remote control, or by triangulation from at least three external transmitters.

Abstract: A compact tankless water heater of modular configuration to accommodate a range of potential demands is disclosed. A heat transfer chamber is divided into subchambers, each of which may may mount more than one heating element. Notched passageways at the top of each dividing wall allow water passage between chambers, and a plurality of temperature sensors act in concert with a flow sensor and microprocessor control of the heating elements to maintain a constant set point output water temperature.

Abstract: The present invention is an apparatus for forming nozzles in a nozzle member for a printhead. The apparatus includes a radiation source for forming nozzles of a selected shape in the nozzle member. Also included is a support layer positioned proximate the nozzle member opposite the radiation source. The support layer is formed of a material that is selected to limit energy transfer from the support layer to prevent damage to the nozzle member.

Abstract: A plastic retainer assembly for joining components to the end of a cylindrical post comprises a retainer having a body with a shell extending therefrom. The shell has an axially extending center opening adapted to be closely received on the post. Gripping teeth are carried by the shell and are mounted for radial movement between a radial inner position for gripping the post and a radial outer non-gripping position. A lock ring is engaged about the shell and is slidable axially thereof from a first to a second position. The lock ring includes camming surfaces for driving the gripping teeth to their radial inner position as the lock ring moves from its first to its second position. A latch subassembly is provided for preventing movement of the lock ring from the second to the first position.

Abstract: A fastener assembly adapted to be integrated with a component such as a coat hook to allow the coat hook to be releasably mounted to a panel. The fastener assembly includes resilient latch legs that extend from the first component and are adapted to engage in a panel opening. The legs include resilient spring fingers that permit the assembly to be preassembled to a second component such as a headliner prior to the time that the first component and the second component are joined to the panel.

Abstract: A novel illumination device is provided which is small, inexpensive, and conveniently plugs into a standard power outlet, thereby allowing easy installation and deinstallation by nontechnical consumers, and thereby allowing the security light to be easily moved to any wall outlet as security needs change. This illumination device includes a motion detector so that the illumination is provided only in the presence of one or more persons who would find the illumination beneficial. A photoelectric device is provided such that the security light is illuminated in response to motion only when there is an insufficient amount of ambient light available from other sources. In one embodiment, a vision restrictor is provided such that motion is detected only from a desired detection area. In one embodiment, a vision extender is utilized in order to optimize the field of view for the motion detector, making the device more useful in narrow hallways and other unique installations.

Abstract: A high pressure meter pump system with improved accuracy is provided by subdividing a large meter pump capacity into metered subvolume charges which are incrementally delivered to a high pressure slave pump.This enables the pump sytem to achieve improved accuracy independent of flow rate and therefore increasing the range of flow rates available with acceptable accuracy. Additionally, the pump system self-primes independently of flow rate and therefore does not require degassing of the solvent being pumped.