Abstract: The method for receiving and transmitting optical data and control information to and from remotely located receivers and transmitters in an optical location system. Wherein, the locator system tracks and locates the position of a main object having an attached transceiver. This transceiver has stored in memory selected identifying information about the object to which the transceiver is attached. The selected identifying information was received by the transceiver over it's 1-wire interface from a touch memory.

Abstract: A bulb grasping unit for an elongated cylindrical fluorescent bulb is rigidly mounted on an elongated handle to facilitate replacement of fluorescent bulbs supported by two prongs on the bulb ends en resiliently mounted tubular contacts in out of reach fixtures. The bulb grasping unit is integrally formed from plastic and defines a generally semi-cylindrical recess which is resiliently radially expandable to snap into engagement with the fluorescent bulb. When one bulb prong is inserted in one tubular contact, upward movement of the other end of the bulb by the bulb grasping unit engages a cam on the end of the bulb grasping unit with a cam surface on the fixture to axially shift the other prong into alignment with the other tubular contact.

Abstract: A power-driven and steered wheelchair comprises a pair of ground-engaging wheels mounted in laterally-spaced relationship to a frame carrying a seat for an occupant and supporting the power source and a transaxle transmission for imparting parting both driving and steering power to the ground-engaging wheels. Steering is accomplished by employing separate planetary drive mechanisms for each of the primary ground-engaging wheels and imparting rotation in opposite directions to the ring gears of such planetary drive mechanisms to effect the rotation of one wheel at a greater speed than the other wheel in either a forward or rearward direction, thus producing power steering of the wheelchair.

Abstract: A mechanical air sample collector used to detect the presence of airborne impurities in ambient air. The apparatus collects volumetric samples of air in multiple discrete samples periodically, over set periods of time, without excessive supervision by an operator.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a communications protocol for a digital telemetry system which enables more efficient digital data transmission between a plurality of digital communications nodes. The protocol is implemented using uplink and downlink packets and superpackets. Each node forms an uplink packet which contains node data and protocols. Those packets are packaged into uplink superpackets and transmitted to a control node. Downlink superpackets containing information signifying which of the uplink superpackets were received correctly are formed and transmitted to the individual nodes. In response, any uplink superpacket received incorrectly is retransmitted. Additionally, the communications protocol also time stamps messages received from the nodes to provide for digital communications time correlation.

Abstract: A computer-based system for receiving emergency telephone calls which, upon receipt of the call, provides a voice connection to the operator as well as displaying a map showing the location of the calling party and other relevant textual information. The system is interfaced to a public or private telephone network and provides switching and other telephone functions for controlling and distributing both voice and data to other operators in the system.

Abstract: A directional drilling downhole steering and survey tool for detecting ferromagnetic bodies from an off vertical borehole, transmitting the signals from the downhole sensors to surface equipment while drilling, and for calculation of the range and direction to the detected ferromagnetic body for the use of the directional driller in intercepting or avoiding the ferromagnetic body. In combination with the steering and range and direction to ferromagnetic body capabilities, the downhole tool may also include sensors for detecting formation bed interface, apparatus for electric or gamma ray or radioactive logging, neutron density sensor apparatus and other formation evaluation or correlation apparatus. The downhole tools may be packaged in either an electric line transmitted tool of MWD transmitted tool.

Abstract: In a representative embodiment of the invention described herein, a well logging system for investigating subsurface formations is controlled by a general purpose computer programmed for real-time operation. The system is cooperatively arranged to provide for all aspects of a well logging operation, such as data acquisition and processing, tool control, information or data storage, and data presentation as a well logging tool is moved through a wellbore. The computer controlling the system is programmed to provide for data acquisition and tool control commands in direct response to asynchronous real-time external events. Such real-time external events may occur, for example, as a result of movement of the logging tool over a selected depth interval, or in response to requests or commands directed to the system by the well logging engineer by means of keyboard input.

Abstract: A polyamide resin for use in peptide and protein synthesis, and a method of preparing and using same. The polyamide resin is prepared by cross-linking a dimethylacrylamide monomer by co-polymerization with a functional monomer in an aqueous solution, emulsifying the aqueous solution in an organic solvent and isolating the polyamide resin beads formed by adding an initiator and a promoter. The beads are used as a solid phase for peptide and protein synthesis according to methods known in the art. The conjugate of the polyamide resin and the synthesized peptide or protein is used directly for immunoassays or immunization without the need for separation of the peptide or protein from the resin and subsequent purification.

Abstract: A bridge-type capacitance transducer is disclosed. The transducer utilizes a coaxially mounted circular stator and circular rotor to form the capacitance bridge. An excitation voltage is applied to the bridge. The output voltage of the bridge is conditioned by synchronous detection so as to yield a signal proportional to the degree of rotation of the rotor.

Abstract: A button assembly is disclosed which includes a spear that is removably connected to the back side of a button head for enabling penetration of a post (or shank) of the button head through a piece of fabric. The post, itself, is threaded so that a locking disc can be screwed onto the post on the back side of the fabric once the spear has been removed and discarded therefrom. The surfaces of the disc and the button head which engage the fabric are also provided with teeth so that the button is not loosened from the fabric once it has been fastened thereto.

Abstract: A portable storage unit with multiple linear pockets to carry a large assortment of embroidery floss of different variety and color, and a means to facilitate storage of embroidery floss into the pockets using a special tool.

Abstract: An artificial lure is provided which simulates the swimming motion of a frog with a pair of elastically flexible appendages attached to the rear of the lure. Each of the rear appendages, as well as two frontal appendages, has an S-shape, and the rear appendages are provided with thigh portions and foot members which are biased transversely relative to the direction of travel of the lure and which are provided with exaggerated dimensions to increase the effect of drag forces thereon. The foot members of the rear appendages specifically have ridges on their upper surfaces, one of which is adjacent the leading edge with particularities to further increase the effect of drag forces on the foot member.

Abstract: A low air loss bed having an integral source of air mounted to the frame thereof. Sets of air bags are mounted on the frame, each set of air bags corresponding to a portion of the body of the patient to be supported on the bed. Separate gas manifolds are provided, each of which connects a single set of air bags to the gas source. Individually controlled valves are used to adjust the amount of air which flows to the gas manifolds and on into the air bags. Also, means are provided operable to selectively route a flow of additional air to the gas manifold which supplies air to the air bags which support the heavier portions of the patient. A low air loss air bag is provided, as is apparatus for adjusting the amount of air supplied to each set of air bags and for controlling the temperature of the air delivered. Also provided is a means for simultaneously fully inflating all the air bags and means for simultaneously deflating all the air bags.