Abstract: Apparatus and a method are disclosed for reading documents, such as identity documents, including passports, and documents of value, to obtain and verify information recorded thereon, and to read and/or detect security information thereon to determine if such documents are counterfeit or have been altered.

Abstract: An investment optimizing system and method. Once an investor or investment advisor determines the appropriate asset allocation and that there are both taxable accounts and tax-deferred investment accounts, the invention will optimize/maximize the investor's ending after-tax asset accumulation, which is the objective of all investors. This is accomplished by allocating the chosen investment vehicles between the taxable and tax-deferred accounts in an optimum way. The invention runs on a computer system and searches for an allocation which results in a maximal return. Intelligent heuristics measure increased performance based on different asset allocations.

Abstract: A progressive filtration system for a chest drainage unit during continuous autotransfusion that allows the user to clear the fluid pathway of blood clots and trapped air that form after filtration in a flushing action initiated by the user. The filtration system comprises a gross filter for filtering incoming blood at the inlet portion of a collection chamber of a chest drainage unit and a fine filter assembly located at the bottom portion of the collection chamber for refiltering collected blood prior to reinfusion of that blood back to the patient. The filter assembly includes a valve cap at the top portion of the assembly that functions as a one way valve that permits reflux of later developing blood clots that might clog the tubing once the blood has already passed through the assembly. The valve cap is also adapted for sealing engagement with a drop tube that places the filter assembly in fluid flow communication with an outlet of the collection chamber located at the top portion of the chamber.

Abstract: The invention relates to an apparatus and method for a one-handed procedure that encapsulates the connector of a blood evacuation system prior to reinfusion. The blood evacuation system comprises a separable, flexible inner bag inside an outer rigid container for reinfusing shed blood drawn from the collection chamber of a chest drainage unit. The outer rigid container includes a suction port connected to a source of vacuum for applying a negative pressure within the interstitial space between the rigid container and the inner flexible bag which causes blood to be drawn into the bag. Once the bag is filled to a desired level, it is removed from the container and suspended using a suitable suspension means within the vicinity of a patient for reinfusion. The container further includes a lid with a nest formed on the outside surface of the lid for employing a one-handed procedure for encapsulating a blood spike.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to an ambient temperature recalibration subsystem for a recalibration system that recalibrates a tympanic thermometer. In particular, the present invention relates to a computer-related invention comprising a computer that is in communication with a tympanic thermometer which includes an ambient sensing subsystem for sensing the surrounding ambient temperature experienced by the tympanic thermometer. The ambient temperature recalibration subsystem makes several threshold determinations before recalibration of the tympanic thermometer is allowed to proceed. The computer first instructs the thermometer to take a plurality of ambient temperature readings for determining whether the current ambient temperature experienced by the thermometer is stable.

Abstract: A hydrogel wound dressing which is highly absorptive, contours to a wound site and maintains the wound in a moist state to promote healing thereof.

Abstract: The present invention includes using computer simulation and virtual reality (VR) tests for determining categories of neuropsychological dysfunctions, including executive dysfunctions. A test subject interacts with a computer generated simulated environment according to a predetermined test script. The test script presents a simulated environment of sight and sound which can closely mirror a real activity, such as daily routines performed by everyone; or an environment such as a game played by the subject. The test script is designed to present situations where subjects with executive dysfunctions will interact and make decisions which indicate the dysfunctions. During the testing, other physiological measurements may be measured and recorded, including subject respiration, heart rate, blood pressure, skin changes etc. The results of the testing are interpreted by scoring the subject's reactions, and provide an indication of the subject's dysfunctioning.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a connector and a system. The connector 100 includes a housing 105 having a first and a second end portion 110, 115, and a contact having a first and a second end portion. The connector further comprises a printed circuit board interface 120 and a second interface 125. The printed circuit board interface 120 is located adjacent the first end portion 110 of the housing 105, the printed circuit board interface 120 adapted to receive the first end portion of the contact. The second interface 125 is located adjacent the second end portion 115 of the housing 105 and adapted to mate with a plug connector 610, the second interface 125 having a second contact adapted to receive the second end portion 115 of the contact. The system 710, 910 comprises a mating plug connector 610 capable of mating with the connector 100.

Abstract: A coupling for connecting a first pipe part and a second pipe part comprises a first coupling part and a second coupling part, a shut-off valve arranged in the first coupling part, and locking structure. The locking structure can move with respect to one another between an unlocked position and a locked position, in the manner of a bayonet coupling. An actuator for actuating the shut-off valve is arranged in the second coupling part. The locking structure and the actuator are designed in such a manner that the shut-off valve can only be opened by means of the actuator when the locking structure is in the locked position, and in that the coupling can only be uncoupled when the shut-off valve is in the closed position. The actuator and the locking structure can be actuated separately.

Abstract: A suction control valve is disclosed which includes a primary suction device access and an ancillary suction device access. The valve includes a valve core which is linearly movable between a first position in which the primary access is closed against suction pressure therethrough, to a second position in which the primary access is open to suction pressure therethrough. The valve also is rotatable from the first position to a third position to disable its linear movement and to open the ancillary access port. When the core is in the first position, atmospheric air can pass through the valve and into the suction pressure source in such a manner that a "hissing" auditory signal is generated, indicative of the presence of suction pressure within the valve. When the actuator is in the second or third positions, the "hissing" is prevented. The valve is easily assembled and adapted for gas sterilization.

Abstract: An adjustable foot support provides several user selectable heights to accommodate a wide variety of users. The adjustable foot support includes two ends, with several support surfaces extending from the first end to the second end. The ends are generally triangular in shape. Any of the three sides may be used as a base against a floor, wherein support surfaces at different heights are usable for supporting a user's foot or other object. The support surfaces include flat surfaces which are substantially horizontal when the appropriate corresponding side is used as a base.

Abstract: Sterilization device intended to sterilize objects, such as bottles, comprising feed and discharge means for objects, a rotatable treatment unit, which in the region of its circumference comprises treatment cavities, each treatment cavity comprising an opening for feeding and discharging the objects, which opening can be closed and opened with the aid of closure means in the form of an endless belt which bears against the treatment unit over at least a part of its circumference, and it being possible to connect the treatment cavities to a feed for process media. A description is also given of a method for sterilizing objects using the device.

Abstract: A valve for relieving an excess negative pressure condition inside a medical device comprising a diaphragm with an inner periphery and an outer periphery and an actuator having a piston extending axially therefrom which is inserted through the inner periphery of the diaphragm. The piston comprises a plurality of legs that form a void therebetween at the free end thereof. The outer periphery of the diaphragm is sandwiched between the upper and lower housings so as to create a hermetic seal that separates the valve into a venting side and a suction side. To relieve an excess negative pressure condition the diaphragm is operable in one of two positions. In the first position, a biasing members forces the inner periphery of the diaphragm in sealing engagement around the circumference of the piston so that a hermetic seal is maintained between the suction side and the venting side.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a detachable barrel assembly for use with an electronically monitored mechanical pipette. The detachable barrel is made to retain all internal elements thereof in proper operating position even when the barrel assembly is detached from the pipette. The barrel assembly may be of a single channel or multi channel configuration. The barrel assembly may be removed from the pipette in order to allow it to be cleaned, such as by autoclaving, and reattached to the pipette. In this manner, the electrical components of the pipette itself do not need to be subjected to autoclaving whenever the barrel assembly needs to be cleaned. Further, the self-contained design of the barrel assembly simplifies detachment and reattachment thereof to the pipette.

Abstract: A medical fluid delivery set is provided with a magnetic field source in the region of its mounting to a fluid flow control apparatus. The flow control apparatus includes a magnetic field sensitive switching component which detects the proper placement of the delivery set on the flow control apparatus and prevents operation of the fluid delivery system unless a set is in proper position.