Abstract: A stair chair for transporting a person up and down a flight of stairs and over a surface is disclosed. The stair chair comprising a main frame and a glide track assembly to support the stair chair for movement on the flight of stairs. The glide track assembly is pivotally connected to the main frame for pivotal movement between open and closed positions. The glide track assembly has at least one endless glide track. The stair chair also provides an adjustable glide track resistance and braking device which engages the endless glide track and is configured to infinitely adjust and set a desired rolling resistance applied to the endless glide track.

Abstract: A computer implemented method, apparatus, and computer usable code for identifying a set of foreground pixels in an image and a set of background pixels from pixels in the image. The set of foreground pixels is quantized using a first level of quantization to form a set of quantized foreground pixels, and the set of background pixels is quantized using as second level of quantization to form a set of quantized background pixels.

Abstract: A receiving computer controlled display terminal that has accessed and displayed a network, e.g. Web document, is enabled to select a section of the displayed Web document to designate, e.g. block off a section in the document, and to transform the designated section into an E-mail message. This E-mail message may then be sent to selected terminals on the Web.

Abstract: A localization mechanism, or fixture, is used in conjunction with a breast coil for breast compression and for guiding a core biopsy instrument during prone biopsy procedures in both open and closed Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) machines. The localization fixture includes a three-dimensional Cartesian positionable guide for supporting and orienting an MRI-compatible biopsy instrument, and, in particular, a sleeve to a biopsy site of suspicious tissues or lesions. A z-stop enhances accurate insertion, prevents over-insertion or inadvertent retraction of the sleeve. The sleeve receives a probe of the MRI-compatible biopsy instrument and may contain various features to enhance its imagability, to enhance vacuum and pressure assist therethrough, etc.

Abstract: Various methods and devices for deploying a sub-pericardial sack about at least a portion of a heart to alleviate congestive heart failure. A medical device housing the sub-pericardial sack is inserted into the pericardial sack. An inverted umbrella framework is deployed through the medical device and into the pericardial sack to position the sub-pericardial sack adjacent the heart. The umbrella framework is then retracted through the medical device once the cardiac assist device is placed adjacent the heart. A steerable catheter can instead be deployed through the pericardial sack to deploy and position a cardiac assist device, such as a mesh, around the heart. The steerable catheter is covered by a sheath housing the cardiac assist device. Once the sheath is pulled back, the cardiac assist device is deployed and secured adjacent the heart. Filaments or tensions wires are used to tighten the mesh around the heart.

Abstract: A hybrid cellular telephonic and satellite radio broadcast system for enabling a wireless mobile computer to rapidly and effectively access information from the Web. The combination of a mobile wireless receiving computer, with wireless cellular telecommunication associated with the receiving computer for transmitting a request for data from the receiving computer to the Web, an implementation for accessing the requested data from the Web, a satellite transponder, wireless communication for transmitting said accessed requested data to the satellite transponder, an implementation on the satellite transponder for broadcasting the accessed requested data and apparatus in the mobile wireless receiving computer for receiving the broadcast data.

Abstract: A fiducial device enhances shelf life and clinical flexibility by including an elongate cavity of a fiducial pointer that may be filled with an imageable material immediately prior to use. A fiducial holder of the fiducial device is guided by a targeting rail of a breast coil localization fixture to a desired position external to a patient. Alternatively, a sleeve guided by the targeting rail may receive the fiducial pointer for providing an internal imageable target.

Abstract: Incontinence systems and methods for directing treatment to a target tissue of a patient comprise a guide having a first palpation member and a probe body having a treatment zone and a second palpation member. The guide is configured to be inserted into a urethra of the patient. The first palpation member is positioned in a fixed relationship to an anatomical landmark, such as a bladder neck. The probe body is configured to be inserted into a vagina of the patient. The second palpation member is registered proximal the first palpation member so as to position the treatment zone of the probe adjacent the target tissue of the patient and away from the nerves and/or tissues in the area of the bladder neck and bladder.

Abstract: A network distribution network for instant messaging including a plurality of display stations operated by a group of users enabled to send and receive displayable messages to other group members comprising storage for each individual station in the plurality of display stations for storing a list of identified other display stations authorized for instant message exchange with users at these display stations in combination with standard means at each individual station in the group of display stations enabling a user at the individual display station to activate such individual station for instant message exchange. There is a conventional implementation at each individual station of the plurality of display stations for querying as to whether a selected other display station operated by a user in the group is activated.

Abstract: A system and method that provides an electronic menu wirelessly interconnected with a restaurant's server is provided. The restaurant server provides the electronic menu device with the menu items and menu software used to navigate through the menu items and options. The electronic menu provides the patron with details regarding menu items including detailed descriptions, photographs and videos, and nutritional information. The patron's order is wirelessly transmitted to the restaurant server and communicated to the restaurant kitchen staff. The electronic menu device is also used to request assistance and request the status of an order that has been placed. The patron can pay using the electronic menu device by providing credit card information or the patron can request assistance and provide payment, such as cash, to the restaurant's wait staff.

Abstract: A system, method, and related computer program for an AC/DC converter with multiple output cords having variable voltage. A user can use multiple computer components at one time and can vary the voltage on various output cords that service computer components. The present invention allows a user to retract output cords when not in use. The voltage amount for a selected output cord is shown in the indicator display, while indicator lights indicate whether its corresponding output cord is available for use. A green indicator light indicates the cord is available, and a red indicator light indicates the cord is already in use. Once an output cord is selected by a selector switch, the user can vary the output cord's voltage by adjusting a user input device to increase or decrease the voltage for that output cord. Once the desired voltage is reached, the selection is finalized by activating a “set” button.

Abstract: A comprehensive method for coordinating cellular phones in a residential area to obviate the need for wired residential service. The present invention includes coordinating a set of wireless devices in a residential area to be able to receive a call directed to a user's cellular telephone. Said wireless devices can have different numbers and be serviced by different providers than the user's cellular telephone. Peer-to-peer relationships are formed between associated wireless communications devices, similar to IEEE 802.11 peer-to-peer relationships. A call could also be answered by another cellular telephone, or other device, such as a computer. All communicating handsets of associated wireless communications devices could join the call. The present invention would prevent a user from missing any incoming calls while at the user's residence.

Abstract: A system and method is provided that matches a shopping list with an order that items are found in a store. The customer prepares an electronic list by browsing through a list of items and selecting which items the customer wishes to purchase. The customer is provided with an identifier to use to retrieve the list at a later time or to print out a path through a store at either a store kiosk or a printer attached to the customer's computer. The customer chooses a store and requests a path through the store for the selected items. The customer's list is used to find the locations of the items in the store and print a path through the store in an optimal fashion for the store. Static and dynamic coupons associated with selected items are printed so that the coupons can be scanned from the resulting printout.

Abstract: A system, method, and related computer program for expanding storage capacity of portable electronic equipment via wireless communications device. The portable electronic equipment can be a such equipment as a digital camera, MP3 player, personal computer, as well as a digital wallet. The present invention provides a wireless communications device for expanding the storage capacity of portable electronic equipment having limited storage capacity via the receiving means in the device, and means in the equipment for transferring stored data to the device. The device is then able to convert the data into a form suitable for wireless transmission to a receiving storage facility. The storage facility is able to wirelessly return data in said form back to the device, and the device is able to reconvert the returned data into the original form of the data. There is also a caching file system for retaining shadowed memory data in the wireless communications device to lessen delays in wireless communication.

Abstract: A system, method, and related computer program for visually displaying the contents of a USB storage device, wherein a USB storage device is inserted into a computer controlled instrument and a special storage area in the storage portion of the computer controlled instrument holds low resolution bitmaps of stored images. These low resolution bitmaps contain such data as directory listings, which can be displayed on an LCD without the inconvenience or difficulty of the current method of displaying such information. Low resolution images with stored files as bitmaps are automatically updated. The present invention functions via a small LCD screen and its controller, which is added to the USB storage key and allows for the display of the contents stored on the USB storage key. The present invention allows a user access to the listing of the contents stored on a USB storage key without having to plug in the USB storage key into a computer controlled instrument.

Abstract: A system, method, and related computer program for storing digital camera data directly onto a detachable USB storage key in the digital camera. The present invention allows a user to store digital photographs taken with a digital camera directly onto the USB storage key and transfer said storage key and the data contained thereon to another computer controlled instrument, such as a PDA, camcorder, personal computer, or a second digital camera, without the use of a cable. The digital camera has a slot for operatively receiving a memory card for storage of digital photographs to be taken by said camera. The digital camera has a USB connection slot formed in the body of the camera adapted to receive a USB storage key. The USB key drive in the camera is accessible through said USB connection slot. A separatable USB storage key received in said USB connection slot and connected to said USB key drive stores data from said camera on the USB key.

Abstract: A localization mechanism, or fixture, is used in conjunction with a breast coil for breast compression and for guiding a core biopsy instrument during prone biopsy procedures in both open and closed Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) machines. The localization fixture includes a three-dimensional Cartesian positionable guide for supporting and orienting an MRI-compatible biopsy instrument, and, in particular, a sleeve to a biopsy site of suspicious tissues or lesions. A z-stop enhances accurate insertion, prevents over-insertion or inadvertent retraction of the sleeve. The sleeve receives a probe of the MRI-compatible biopsy instrument and may contain various features to enhance its imagability, to enhance vacuum and pressure assist therethrough, etc.

Abstract: A localization mechanism, or fixture, is used in conjunction with a breast coil for breast compression and for guiding a core biopsy instrument during prone biopsy procedures in both open and closed Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) machines. The localization fixture includes a three-dimensional Cartesian positionable guide for supporting and orienting an MRI-compatible biopsy instrument, and in particular a sleeve, to a biopsy site of suspicious tissues or lesions. A depth stop enhances accurate insertion, and prevents over-insertion or inadvertent retraction of the sleeve. The sleeve receives a probe of the MRI-compatible biopsy instrument and may contain various features to enhance its imagability, to enhance vacuum and pressure assist therethrough, and marker deployment etc.

Abstract: A localization mechanism, or fixture, is used in conjunction with a breast coil for breast compression and for guiding a core biopsy instrument during prone biopsy procedures in both open and closed Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) machines. The localization fixture includes a three-dimensional Cartesian positionable guide for supporting and orienting an MRI-compatible biopsy instrument, and in particular a sleeve, to a biopsy site of suspicious tissues or lesions. A depth stop enhances accurate insertion, prevents over-insertion or inadvertent retraction of the sleeve. The sleeve receives a probe of the MRI-compatible biopsy instrument and may contain various features to enhance its imagability, to enhance vacuum and pressure assist therethrough, etc.

Abstract: Defects in released computer software products may be tracked on a real-time basis by agents at service call centers simultaneously with the agents handling of the telephone inquiry to the call center. A computer controlled display is associated with the service center, a function on the display, ancillary to a customer telephone inquiry to the service center, prompts the service agent at the service center to interactively select a software defect category to which the inquiry may relate and there is an implementation responsive to a selection of a software defect category to interactively prompt the service agent during the telephone inquiry to interactively respond to a set of statistical questions related to the defect category. The system should also include a database associated with the service center for storing data representative of the responses of the service agent. At the end of the service call, the agent should have the option of entering or not entering his responses into the database.