Abstract: Methods and apparatus for launch and recovery of a remote inspection device within a fluid storage tank. In one embodiment, the tank is accessed by opening an entrance hatch and then injecting a vapor suppression foam across a surface of a stored liquid mass to form a foam layer. A launching system having a remote inspection device is attached to the entrance hatch to define a launch and recovery space sealed from an external environment and isolated from the stored liquid mass in the tank via a valve and the foam layer. The launch and recovery space is purged of hazardous vapors by injection of an inert gas prior to launch and recovery of the remote inspection device. Prior to removal of the launching system, the surface of the stored liquid mass is re-coated with vapor suppression foam.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for launch and recovery of a remote inspection device within a liquid storage tank are described herein. In one embodiment, the tank is accessed by opening an entrance hatch and then injecting a vapor suppression foam across a surface of a stored liquid mass to form a foam layer. A launching system having a remote inspection device is attached to the entrance hatch to define a launch and recovery space sealed from an external environment and isolated from the stored liquid mass in the tank via a valve and the foam layer. The launch and recovery space is purged of hazardous vapors by injection of an inert gas prior to launch and recovery of the remote inspection device. Prior to removal of the launching system, the surface of the stored liquid mass is re-coated with vapor suppression foam.

Abstract: Methods and systems for managing insurance claims include facilitating prepayment decisions, provider bill auditing, and recovery of paid claims. Prepayment decisions include, for example, determining whether to pay, deny, or defer an insurance claim submitted by an insured. Provider bill auditing may include, for example, examining bills related to an insurance claim for accuracy. Recovery of paid claims may include managing litigations and calculating fees due for recovery services.

Abstract: A computer-controlled electronic support system includes an electronic work station with a display screen and pointing device coupled to a central processing unit where an operator performs an operation on a workpiece. The workpiece operation begins by an operator entering and processing a work order identifier. In response to that work order identifier, a corresponding workpiece identifier is generated. Image, graphic, and text information associated with that workpiece identifier is retrieved from memory. A user-friendly, menu-based display screen provides a plurality of entries with each entry having menu options associated with the workpiece identifier. Advantageously, an operator can select any one of several different images of the workpiece simply by selecting a menu option. Not only is the particular workpiece image displayed, but also a plurality of graphics associated with that workpiece image.

Abstract: A golf club protector is in the form of a hollow, tubular sleeve constructed from a single, elongated piece of material folded lengthwise and secured together along the elongated edges and one end of the tube. The edges of the tube are straight and diverge from the closed end of the tube to the open end of the tube. The tube is substantially longer than the length of the club for which it is designed to protect.

Abstract: A laminated wall construction for building exteriors comprising a gypsum sheathing having a non woven fiberglass layer covering at least one surface thereof, an acrylic water-based coating completely covering said fiberglass surface, and a cementitious adhesive applied to said coating for receiving and securing an insulating layer.

Abstract: An optical system for illuminated viewing instruments comprising a light source lamp having an arcuate filament and a coacting mirror having an arcuate viewing passage in its upper edge. The optics of the system operate to focus the image of the filament on the mirror in concentric relation to the arcuate viewing passage whereby the axis of the reflected filament light and the viewer's line of sight are nearly coincident. In order to have all of the curved filament in focus on the mirror, the filament is tilted or disposed at an oblique angle to the longitudinal axis of the lamp. The optical system of the invention also permits use of a fixation pattern and provides the means for precisely focusing the pattern on the fundus of the patient's eye.

Abstract: A latch mechanism for use in a street and roadway lighting luminaire. The latch mechanism operates generally in the same fashion as prior latch mechanisms to release the engagement between the upper and lower housings responsive to manual actuation of a pawl of the latch mechanism against the bias of a torsion spring. The present mechanism may be readily detached and replaced without the need for elaborate spring depressors. Two torsion springs are employed, one fitted to each side of the latch pawl to hold and bias the pawl. The springs can be released individually to enable removal of the pawl. On replacement, the pawl is slipped into the cast-in nesting arrangement with the two springs loosely fitted on the pawl. The springs are then depressed to their pawl-biasing condition to mount and affix the pawl to the lower housing.

Abstract: A luminaire of otherwise conventional design for street or roadway outdoor lighting which employs as its structural housing, members fabricated of suitable plastic material. The slipfitter structure and the base member on which the weighty electrical components are mounted is made of material having superior tensile strength such as cast aluminum. The aluminum base member is fitted closely and secured to the plastic housing. Thus, the portion of the luminaire most subject to stresses is aluminum while for the larger exterior areas suitable molded plastic may be used. The contours of the aluminum base member form an arched structure for supporting the comparative light weight but physically bulky upper plastic housing. By this construction, the plastic housings are placed in compression but all tensile forces are applied to the base member. In this way the plastic housing merely forms a protective shroud for the luminaire.

Abstract: A color endoscope having a compact viewing head that is easily inserted into a relatively small opening or cavity and an electrical section that is capable of producing a readout signal containing full color image information that is compatible with standard format television for storing, displaying or otherwise processing the color information.

Abstract: A color endoscope having a component viewing head that is easily inserted into a relatively small opening or cavity and an electrical section that is capable of producing a readout signal containing full color image information that is compatible with standard format television for storing, displaying or otherwise processing the color information.

Abstract: A hinge mechanism for a luminaire for outdoor lighting which allows the lower housing including the lamp refractor to be pivoted to a position enabling access to the luminaire interior. When it is desired that the lower housing be detached, the hinge retainer is released to permit detachment of the lower housing. The hinge mechanism includes a transverse rod resting in a trough formed by one or more channel supports. To prevent the rod from being removed from the channel, a U-shaped spring holder is held in a position where each U leg normally extends over the opening of the hinge channel support. These spring holders retain the channel in the trough. To detach the hinge, the base of the U is manually grasped and retracted to withdraw the spring legs from its extending position. The rod in channel engagement may be detached to remove the refractor housing from the luminaire.

Abstract: An improved construction for electrically illuminated otoscopes whereby more light is provided and the light is whiter and more uniform than the light output of prior art instruments. To obtain more light, a larger than normal lamp is employed which preferably is a halogen lamp as the latter gives a whiter light than a vacuum lamp and has a longer life span. Since a larger lamp produces more heat and would be more of an obstruction if positioned in the usual location, the lamp is positioned in the base of the instrument and its light is transmitted from there to a point in the viewing passage through the instrument by a bundle of optical fibers. The fiber bundle minimizes viewing passage obstruction and assists in providing the uniform, diffuse illumination that is desired without light loss.

Abstract: A novel construction for electrically illuminated medical diagnostic instruments, particularly otoscopes and ophthalmoscopes. The invention fills a need for instruments that are relatively low cost and yet of good quality, the lower cost being achieved in part by the materials used and in part by the ease with which the components can be assembled. In addition to being economical, the instruments disclosed are easy to use and maintain. They are lightweight and compact, and for ease of maintenance are provided with an easily removable light source unit in which the lamp and batteries are mounted. This greatly facilitates changing these expendable items when such becomes necessary.BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTIONThis invention relates generally to medical instruments, and has particular reference to a novel construction for electrically illuminated diagnostic instruments such as otoscopes and ophthalmoscopes.

Abstract: A color endoscope having a component viewing head that is easily inserted into a relatively small opening or cavity and an electrical section that is capable of producing a readout signal containing full color image information that is compatible with standard format television for storing, displaying or otherwise processing the color information.

Abstract: A color endoscope having a compact viewing head that is easily inserted into a relatively small opening or cavity and an electrical section that is capable of producing a readout signal containing full color image information that is compatible with standard format television for storing, displaying or otherwise processing the color information.