Abstract: A method and system are provided to report the findings of an expert's analysis of image data. The method and system are based on a reporting system that forms the basis of an image management system that can efficiently and systematically generate image reports, facilitate data entry into searchable databases for data mining, and expedite billing and collections for the expert's services. The expert identifies a significant finding on an image and attaches a location:description code to the location of that finding in order to create a significant finding and an entry into a database. Further descriptions of that finding, such as dimensional measurements, audio descriptions, 3D rendered snapshots, etc., may be automatically appended to the finding as secondary attributes of the finding within the database. At the end of the expert's evaluation of the image(s), the system sorts the findings in the database and presents the findings by prioritized categories.

Abstract: A cable lasher is provided for securing a utility cable, such as a telephone or transmission cable, to a support strand strung in the air between adjacent utility poles. The lasher is pulled forwardly along the support strand and releases lashing wire from a drum at the rear of the lasher. The lasher has a pair of drive wheels that rotate on the support strand. The drive wheels translate linear motion of the lasher into rotational motion of the drum as the lasher moves forwardly. Lashing wire is released from the rotating drum and helically wrapped around the cable and the strand. Tension in the lashed wire is maintained by an adjustable latch assembly which prevents the lasher from moving rearwardly to unwind the wire.

Abstract: A method and system are provided to report the findings of an expert's analysis of image data. The method and system are based on a reporting system that forms the basis of an image management system that can efficiently and systematically generate image reports, facilitate data entry into searchable databases for data mining, and expedite billing and collections for the expert's services. The expert identifies a significant finding on an image and attaches a location:description code to the location of that finding in order to create a significant finding and an entry into a database. Further descriptions of that finding, such as dimensional measurements, may be automatically appended to the finding as secondary attributes. After the evaluation, the system sorts the findings in the database and presents the findings by prioritized categories. The expert edits and approves a multimedia report which may be delivered by electronic means to an end-user.

Abstract: A heating apparatus is provided for heating a medical product such as a bag of frozen plasma or blood. The apparatus includes a reservoir for holding a supply of heating liquid. At least one heating compartment is provided for holding a bag of frozen plasma or blood. At least one bladder is disposed within the heating compartment for engaging the medical product within the heating compartment and for receiving heating fluid from the reservoir to heat the medical product. A controller is provided for controlling the heating of the medical product. A heater operates under the control of the controller for providing heat to the heating fluid. A pump operates under the control of the controller for pumping the heating fluid from the reservoir to the bladder to effect heat transfer to the medical product in engagement with the bladder. A rocker operates under the control of the controller for agitating or rocking the medical product within the heating compartment to facilitate thawing of the medical product.

Abstract: A thrombectomy treatment system and method are provided. The system includes a catheter for insertion into the vascular system of a patient so that a tip of the catheter is positioned in the vicinity of a blood clot to be removed from the patient. A suction source is provided to withdraw the blood clot from the patient through the catheter. A filtration device functions to remove the blood clot from the accompanying blood. The filtered blood is collected in a blood collection device. A blood reinfuser communicates with the blood collection device to reinfuse the filtered blood back into the patient.

Abstract: A method and system are provided for effecting interactive, three-dimensional renderings of selected body organs for purposes of medical observation and diagnosis. A series of CT images of the selected body organs are acquired. The series of CT images is stacked to form a three-dimensional volume file. To facilitate interactive three-dimensional rendering, the three-dimensional volume file may be subjected to an optional dataset reduction procedure to reduce pixel resolution and/or to divide the three-dimensional volume file into selected subvolumes. From a selected volume or subvolume, the image of a selected body organ is segmented or isolated. A wireframe model of the segmented organ image is then generated to enable interactive, three-dimensional rendering of the selected organ.

Abstract: A passive movement deivce for exercising a patient's joint is provided. The device includes a resilient foam section and a casing enclosing the foam section within a sealed chamber. The patient's joint is held in position relative to the sealed chamber by a suitable retainer. A vacuum pump is operatively connected with the sealed chamber to selectively provide application and non-application of a reduced pressure, i.e. below atmospheric, to the sealed chamber. The application of the reduced pressure causes the foam section to collapse thereby exerting a force on the joint which causes the joint to move or bend from a predetermined position. The non-application of the reduced pressure to the sealed chamber causes the foam section to expand thereby exerting a force on the joint which causes the joint to move or bend toward the predetermined position.

Abstract: A heating system is provided for heating fresh water on boats, marine vessels and the like. The boat's water supply is connected to a hot water tank, which in turn is in fluid communication with a heat exchanger. The coolant line for a boat engine passes through the heat exchanger, through the hot water tank and back to the engine. Heat from the engine is transferred from the coolant line to the water in the hot water tank at a rate that varies with engine operation. The heat exchanger allows additional heat transfer to the water as the coolant and water pass through the heat exchanger. A sensor regulates circulation of water through the heat exchanger. The heat exchanger may be retrofitted externally of an existing hot water tank by connecting the heat exchanger to existing water lines for the hot water tank and to an existing engine coolant line to effect heat transfer from the engine coolant line.

Abstract: A touch switchable lamp is provided having a base with conductive and non-conductive parts. A conductive coating substantially covers the non-conductive parts of the base and is in electrical contact with at least some of the conductive parts. A switching unit having a touch responsive control terminal is electrically connected with the conductive coating and the conductive parts of the base. A light bulb receptacle is also electrically connected with the switching unit so that whenever a human body is brought into close proximity to the conductive parts or the conductive coating of the base which are electrically connected to the touch responsive control terminal of the switching unit, the switching unit responds by switching the mode of operation of a light bulb between at least a first and second mode of operation.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a solar energy collector comprising a plurality of elongated heat-absorbing troughs. The elongated heat-absorbing troughs are supported in a generally parallel side-by-side terraced array, in position to retain liquid and with an end of each trough elevated relative to the other end to permit a liquid flow by gravity toward the respective lower ends thereof. The terraced array of troughs is oriented toward to the sun to permit the impingement of solar radiation upon the troughs. Heat-absorbing liquid is introduced into the troughs at the upper ends thereof to produce a flow of the heat-absorbing liquid toward the respective lower ends, with the heat-absorbing liquid becoming heated by the exposure to solar radiation. The heat-absorbing liquid is then collected from the troughs at the lower ends thereof.