Abstract: An apparatus and method enables a precise superimposition of an optical representation with a data field to support the navigation during endoscopic operations. An optical representation is acquired by an endoscope with a camera and displayed on a screen. A sensor is attached to the endoscope or camera to continuously detect its spacial position. A spacial data field is also acquired, from such techniques as X-ray tomography, NMR tomography or ultrasound, and allocated to a body in a certain position. A sensor which is adapted to be attached to the body compensates for any movement of the body. A computer is provided for registering selected points of the data field with respective points of the optical representation by displacement certain points of the data field while superimposed on the optical representation.

Abstract: An apparatus for providing stimuli to a user while sensing the performance and condition of the user may rely on a controller for programmably coordinating a tracking device and a sensory interface device. The tracking device may be equipped with sensors for sensing position, displacement, motion, deflection, velocity, speed, temperature, humidity, heart rate, internal or external images, and the like. The sensory interface device may produce outputs presented as stimuli to a user. The sensory interface device may include one or more actuators for providing aural, optical, tactile, and electromuscular stimulation to a user. The controller, tracking device, and sensory interface device may all be microprocessor controlled for providing coordinated sensory perceptions of complex events.

Abstract: A money clip having greater resilience without yielding by using a thin, stiff material. The clip may have a base and a lever, the lever being connected to the base by a spring, subject to bending deflection in use. The clip provides a reverse bend, or knee between the principal bend at the back of the clip, and a lip at the front of the clip. A long tongue extends as part of a base, extending out from the front of the clip where the lip contacts the tongue along a contact line. Near the back of the clip, the spring is formed as a loop having a diameter greater than the throat formed by the lever and base at their greatest distance from one another. The throat provides greater leverage on money held in the clip than does the lip, but both provide significant force to secure money without yielding the spring or lever, and without allow the money two turn, twist, or slide. A single bill, or fifty bills may be inserted into the clip with a totally elastic response by the clip.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for creating a curve to be displayed on an output device operates to interactively and directly specify the curve from input signals generated by an input device in response to control by a user. An apparatus may include an input device having a pointer for inputting points along a path-defined curve specified directly (using actual input points intended to be approximately on the curve) by a user. A processor outputs to an output device certain rendering data for rendering an image of the curve in real time for feeding back to a user. The user may augment (edit, extend) the curve by moving the pointer to add input points to the curve, based on the image fed back. The apparatus and method map non-linear coefficients of dependent control variables onto "building variables" selected to combine in linear combinations to replace the non-linear coefficients.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method for displaying moveable bodies, in which an optical representation of the body and a data field attributed to this body are displayed simultaneously or alternately from the same perspective and on the same scale in real time. The method includes the following steps:providing the optical image-reproduction system comprising a camera and a monitor;allocating a 3D - data field to the body having a certain position;continuously recording of the 3D - position of the body;continuously calculating of a display of the data field equivalent to the body's momentary position;simultaneously or alternately representing the optical image and the data field on the monitor.An apparatus for carrying out this method is also provided.

Abstract: A compact bottom feed container is disclosed in one embodiment of the present invention as including a housing member having a top panel, a bottom panel, a front panel, a back panel, and two opposing side panels. A support assembly preferably engages the housing member to provide a free-standing dispenser. Disposed in relation to the internal surface area of the panels, an internal cavity may be formed having an internal surface area sufficient for housing a dry or fluid substance therein. In design, the opening is preferably disposed in relation to the housing member such that to provide a means for side-viewing the dispensing flow of the dry or fluid substance in the internal cavity of the housing member and through the internal periphery of the opening. Preferably, the bottom panel of the housing member is formed having a first end, a second end, and an intermediate portion disposed therebetween.

Abstract: A biomechanical stabilizer apparatus and methods for strengthening unstable joints and improving muscle coordination is disclosed in one presently preferred embodiment of the present invention as comprising a tubing assembly incorporating a substantially circular member and an elongated handle member. In current design, the handle member extends substantially transverse dimensionally across the internal diameter of the circular member and is operably connected thereto. Preferably, the circular member is formed having an internal channel comprising two or more free moving bodies disposed therein. Similarly, the handle member is formed having an internal chamber wherein at least one free moving body is operably disposed. Preferably engaging the handle member is a timer unit for programming time durations and providing means for visual and/or audio feedback to the user when the programming parameters of the present invention are satisfied.

Abstract: A plastic spool for receiving, storing and dispensing wire and cable is formed of multiple pieces. A preferred design is assembled in two halves, each having a tube portion and a flange portion. The tube portions have stepped, mating diameters. The tube portion of one half is stepped on the inside diameter and the tube portion of the other half is stepped on the outside diameter to match. The spool may be assembled in three pieces. The halves or pieces may be bonded together, such as by spin welding, hot plate welding, ultrasonic welding or induction welding. In some embodiments, the pieces may be fastened mechanically. Larger spools, usually referred to as reels may be configured to receive a tube into a channel formed in each flange. The channel wall may extend outboard of the inside flange wall, permitting a penetrating fastener to secure the tube to the channel wall without making any blemish or bump which might damage wire in the wrapping region around the tube between the flanges.

Abstract: A pivotal idler frame assembly for conveyors is disclosed in one preferred embodiment of the present invention as including an idler frame assembly selectively disposed in a pivotal relationship to a stationary conveyor frame. The idler frame assembly consists of a hinge member rotatably engaging at least two fixation members of the idler frame assembly and at least two support flanges of the conveyor frame which are correspondingly disposed in alignment with the fixation members. By releasing the operable engagement of a stabilizer member, the idler frame assembly may be pivoted in relation to the conveyor frame to remove the rollers of the idler frame from communication with a moving member. In addition, the structural hinge member provides means for slideably removing the idler frame assembly from beneath the moving member and adjacent the conveyor frame to expose the rollers of the idler frame assembly for dismounting and mounting.

Abstract: A brace for training basketball players has a base for fitting over an arm of a user. Either the upperarm or forearm of one arm of a user is referred to the "base member," the remaining member being the "moving member," regardless of which member actually moves. A yoke extends away from the base, forming a cradle for receiving the moving member. The yoke restrains the moving member from closing against the base member at less than a certain angle. The yoke also urges the moving member and base member into a predetermined relative rotation with respect to one another. A band attaches the base to the base member. The band may be a flexible, non-extensible strap having fasteners at the ends for opening, closing and adjusting the strap. A hook-and-loop fastener permits adjustment of a single, wide strap along the length of the base. An adjustment member may be provided for adjusting the position of the yoke relative to the base.

Abstract: An endosteal anchoring device for urging a ligament graft against a bone surface comprising an anchoring body, a member for resisting slippage of the anchoring body into the periphery of a bone tunnel under ligament tension, a member for avoiding puncturing, piercing or tearing of cross-fibers of the ligament graft and a member for urging the ligament graft flush against the inner surface of the bone tunnel for accelerated healing.

Abstract: A keyboard apparatus having keys selectively interacting with actuation members to provide a preliminary evaluation of a character before actual input of the character is disclosed in one preferred embodiment of the present invention as including at least one key, a triggering unit operably disposed in connection with the key, and sensors arranged on the key. Preferably, the key of the present invention includes at least two selectively actuated sensors which interact with a device, such as, for example, a display or an acoustic indicating arrangement, for generating sound or visible output signals, whereby each sensor generates a different signal. In operation, a response behavior is provided by actuation of the sensors which is different from that of the triggering unit in order to make it possible to provide a preliminary display of the signal before a final input of the signal is triggered.

Abstract: A wrist extending board for cannulation of a catheter and/or arterial blood sampling is disclosed as including an elongated cannulation board having a first end, a second opposing end and several angular bends disposed therebetween. In preferred design, the longitudinal configuration of the cannulation board provides a contoured shape forming an angle of extension sufficient for hyperflexing the supinated hand and wrist of a patient to sufficiently expose the volar aspect of the wrist for cannulation or arterial blood sampling by way of penetrating the radial artery. Preferably disposed approximate the second end of the cannulation board is a fixation member forming an open cavity. The cavity provides an opening for introducing a substantial portion of the supinated hand of the patient therein and further provides means for securing the hand, wrist and forearm of the patient in a fixed relationship with the cannulation board.

Abstract: A tube puller, also called a traveler, removes tubes from the tube sheet of a heat exchanger for replacement. The tubes must first be broken free from the tube sheet and moved several inches by another device not associated with the traveler. The traveler includes a frame mounting a hydraulic motor. Inside the frame, a single driver mounted on the shaft of the motor is a wheel having a toothed circumference. The teeth of the driver engage one side of the tube to be removed. An unpowered idler is positioned on the opposite side of the tube from the driver. An actuator may move the idler selectively toward and away from the driver for altering the nip between the driver and idler to initially receive the tube. The actuator then presses the idler against the opposite side of the tube, holding the tube against the driver, but has no power to advance the tube longitudinally. Together, the idler and driver apply lateral forces that tend to deform the tube and may crush the tube completely as it is pulled.

Abstract: A convertible bench/table container apparatus is disclosed in one presently preferred embodiment of the present invention as including a support container assembly having an internal storage chamber disposed therein for storing children's toys, clothing, blankets, for use as an ice chest, etc. The support container assembly is formed having a base board member and one or more openable seat members which provide means for facilitating access to the internal storage chamber of the support container assembly. Preferably, the seat members are hingeably attached at a first end to the base board member and operably disposed in alignment with the raised rim of the upper portion of the support container assembly to provide structural support when in the seat members are in a closed position.