Abstract: A method for detecting upper respiratory conditions. The method includes implementation of a device upon which are fixed discrete indicators of pH, protein content, nitrite content and/or leukocyte esterase activity.

Abstract: Computerized method and system for training service personnel to service selected equipment. The method allows to provide a database for storing respective training modules for training service personnel to service respective assemblies of selected equipment. The method further identifies the present qualifications of a service personnel available at the service site for servicing the assembly. The method also correlates the present qualifications of the service personnel to predefined qualifications needed to service that assembly to determine whether or not the present qualifications of the service personnel meet the predetermined requirements. In the even the predefined qualifications for servicing the assembly are unmet by the present qualifications of the service provider, the method identifies one or more needed training modules that upon completion by the service personnel would enable the service personnel to meet the predefined qualifications relative to that assembly.

Abstract: An monolithic surface mountable antenna. The antenna comprises a ground plane, two dielectric layers separated by a conductive intermediate layer and a plurality of conductive regions on a top surface. Ground vias pass through the dielectric layers and connect one or more of the conductive regions to the ground plane. At least one signal via is connected to one of the plurality of conductive regions.

Abstract: A system (830) and method (800) for diagnosing a malfunctioning machine. A fault event is selected (806) together with sequential operating parameter data (808) from a selectively focused time interval about the fault event for evaluation of a machine (810). The selectively focused time interval may include data occurring just before, just after, or spanning the fault event. Characterizing information such as slope, rate of change, and absolute sign of the data may be derived (809) from the operating parameter data over the selectively focused time interval and used in the diagnosis. The fault event and operating parameter data may be compared to existing cases in a case database (834). A set of rules (817) or candidate anomalies (841) may be executed over the operating parameter data to further improve the accuracy of the diagnosis.

Abstract: A hand brake system (40) for a rail vehicle providing a hand brake position alarm (76) before a train is moved with a hand brake not fully released. A switch (56) detects the position of a hand brake drive chain (18) to provide a brake engaged signal (60). The weight of the drive chain is supported through a load path that bypasses the switch. A master controller reverser handle position detector (74) provides a reverser handle position signal (72) when the reverser handle is moved out of neutral in preparation for providing power to the locomotive drive motors (15). A relay (70) is used to actuate the multiunit wheel slip indicator (54) and the general alarm bell (52) in every locomotive of the train consist when the brake engaged signal is coincident with the master controller reverser handle position signal. This combination of alarms, which normally indicates a locked axle when the train is above a predetermined speed, is interpreted as a hand brake position alarm when the train is at rest.

Abstract: A high-density power converter that benefits from improved packaging techniques and thermal handling capability is provided. The power converter includes a magnetic core. The converter further includes a printed circuit board providing at least one cutout for receiving a portion of the magnetic core. A circuit is magnetically coupled to the magnetic core. A stopper is configured at an edge of the cutout proximate to the circuit to hold the magnetic core at a predefined distance relative to the circuit, thereby meeting a safety distance requirement between the core and the circuit. Advanced thermal management is provided by way of a heatsink assembly to enhance the thermal-handling capability of the converter.

Abstract: A system for communicating over a plurality of wireless data networks, the system comprising a software defined radio capable of being configured to operate with a plurality of wireless network services; a radio controller for reconfiguring the radio to operate over a wireless data network; a first database containing information about wireless data networks; wireless location technology used to determine a location of the radio; wherein the wireless location technology determines a location of the radio and the controller compares the location with information contained in the first database to determine available wireless data networks.

Abstract: An antenna comprising two monopole elements and a ground plane disposed on a dielectric substrate. The elements are spaced apart to provide spatial diversity and have a shape to provide operation in multiple frequency bands and/or over a wide bandwidth of frequencies.

Abstract: A method for controlling locomotive consists at slow speeds by independently controlling each locomotive is provided. The method comprises controlling the throttle settings and main generator excitation of a control locomotive, independently controlling, from the control locomotive, the throttle setting of each of the controlled locomotives, and compensating for a combined consist tractive effort change induced by a change in the throttle setting of each of the controlled locomotives by adjusting the main generator excitation of at least one of the locomotives to maintain a preset consist speed. The method further includes changing the throttle settings concurrently in the control and controlled locomotives, changing the throttle settings of the controlled locomotives only after the control locomotive reaches a maximum generator excitation, and changing the throttle settings according to a rule base.

Abstract: A system and method for automatically detecting the presence of an obstacle located within a surveillance area associated with a railroad grade crossing. The system includes a transmitter transmitting a signal through the surveillance area and a modulating reflector receiving the transmitted signal. The modulating reflector includes a phase modulator receiving the received signal and generating a phase modulated signal having a characteristic. The modulating reflector transmits the phase modulated signal through the surveillance area that is received by a receiver located to receive the phase modulated signal. The system further includes a processor coupled to the transmitter and to the receiver, the processor being configured to process the received phase modulated signal and to initiate an action as a function of the characteristic in the received phase modulated signal.

Abstract: A system and method for monitoring the effectiveness of a heat exchange unit, which comprises at least one or more sensors for taking a plurality of temperature readings of a heated fluid, a coolant and fluids passing through the heat exchange unit. The temperature readings are transmitted and/or entered into a processor capable of comparing the temperature readings and calculating a measure of effectiveness of the heat exchange unit. The processor is in communication with a database that maintains at least one predetermined parameter limit associated with the effectiveness of the heat exchange unit. The processor analyzes the data and is also capable of generating a signal indicative of the health or condition of the heat exchange unit.

Abstract: Method for controlling the level of tractive efforts in a train having a first locomotive at a head end of the train, constituting a lead locomotive, and a second locomotive positioned in the train behind the lead locomotive, constituting a remote locomotive, with the remote locomotive being configured to selectively operate in either of two modes of operation, such as a first mode in which the locomotive operates at a full tractive effort level of operation and a second mode in which the locomotive operates in a partial tractive effort level of operation producing a tractive effort which is less than the full tractive effort of the locomotive. The method allows selecting (e.g., at the lead locomotive) one of the two modes of operation for producing a level of tractive effort appropriate for conditions as the train moves along a length of track. The method further allows transmitting a signal indicative of the selected mode of operation from the lead locomotive to the remote locomotive.

Abstract: An arm pillow comprising a pillow having an elastic support sleeve attached to a backside of the pillow. The support sleeve fits snugly over a user's elbow so the pillow will not move on the elbow.

Abstract: An acetabular reamer including a reaming head having arcuately-shaped segments generally symmetrically distributed about a center point. The arcuately-shaped segments are extendable or retractable about the center point to create a variable dimensioned recess in an acetabular region. The reamer may also include an actuator for selectively extending or retracting the segments so that the segments remain generally symmetrically distributed about the center point as the segments are expanded or retracted. The segments may further include cutting surfaces having a shape corresponding to a portion of a surface of a hemisphere. In one form, the segments may be configured in a narrow symmetrical “slice” of a hemispherical surface that provides an adjustable hemispherically shaped cutting arc.

Abstract: An ultra-wide bandwidth antenna. The antenna comprises a serially electrically connected top radiator, side radiator and bottom radiator. Geometrically, the top radiator, side radiator and bottom radiator form a U-shaped structure. A meanderline conductor is connected between the bottom radiator and ground. The top radiator is connected to a signal feed.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a novel surgical instrument, and method of using same, designed for performing tracheotomy. According to specific embodiments, the subject surgical instrument comprises a novel foot plate that is anatomically curved to follow the contours of the inner wall of the trachea.

Abstract: In a utility power distribution system having at least one primary electric power source and at least one secondary electric power source, each of said primary and secondary sources being connected to the distribution system through respective controllable circuit breakers, the improvement comprising communication signal generating apparatus arranged for introducing a communication signal into the power distribution system from the connection of the primary power source, communication signal receiving apparatus arranged for receiving the communication signal via the power distribution system at the secondary power source, and apparatus responsive to the interruption of receipt of the communication signal at the receiving apparatus for operating the circuit breakers at the secondary power source for disconnecting the secondary power source from the power distribution system.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a novel non-invasive perfusion/resistance status monitor system and methods of using the same, and more specifically, a vascular perfusion status monitor system receiving and processing signals from at least two pulse oximeter probes, where each of the at least two pulse oximeter probes are situated at advantageously different locations in a patient. Novel pulse oximeter probes are configured to be placed, respectively, across the lip or cheek, across the septum or nares of the nose, and on the tongue. These probes are fabricated to provide signals to estimate arterial oxygen saturation. Conventional oximeter probes also can be configured to function according to the novel methods of determining differences in peripheral blood flow and/or resistance described herein.