Abstract: Disclosed for cleaning an anesthesia spirometry absorber circuit is a cleaning and drying apparatus which includes an adapter for introducing fluids into the exhalation valve after the exhalation valve dome has been removed, a proportionating disk, to be inserted in place of the prior art exhalation valve disk, for directing fluids from the exhalation valve simultaneously into the spirometry valve and into the spigot end of the exhalation valve, a shunt for connecting the exhalation valve spigot end to the inhalation valve spigot end, and a collector for gathering fluids exiting from the spirometry valve and inhalation valve. The collector is insertable between the top cap and bottom cap in place of the removable absorbent canisters of the absorber circuit. An air blower-heater is disclosed for introducing air into the adapter to dry the absorber circuit. The air blower-heater is configured to rest within and to be supported by the adapter, which is securely attachable atop the exhalation valve.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a reflector system for a lighting fixture having a illumination source surrounded by an envelope. The reflector system includes a first reflector surrounding the illumination source. The reflector system also includes a second reflector which is non-contiguous with the first reflector and which surrounds the illumination source. The illumination source creates light rays which are reflected by the first and second reflectors. The first reflector directs light rays toward the center line of the fixture. However, the reflected rays despite being so reflected do not substantially intersect the envelope. The reflected light rays from the second reflector being directed so that they diverge from the center line of the fixture avoiding intersection with the semi-transparent envelope.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a reflector system for a lighting fixture having a illumination source surrounded by an envelope. The reflector system includes a first reflector surrounding the illumination source. The reflector system also includes a second reflector which is non-contiguous with the first reflector and which surrounds the illumination source. The illumination source creates light rays which are reflected by the first and second reflectors. The first reflector directs light rays toward the center line of the fixture. However, the reflected rays despite being so reflected do not substantially intersect the envelope. The reflected light rays from the second reflector being directed so that they diverge from the center line of the fixture avoiding intersection with the semi-transparent envelope.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a golfing game and the apparatus for accomplishing the same. The game apparatus includes a driving range having a tee area and a target or series of targets. Using all the skill he possess, the player(s) strike(s) the ball toward the target(s) attempting to reach the target on one stroke. Upon reaching the target in one stroke a verification system signals the validity of the ball entering the target. After the ball entering the target is declared valid, a notification is activated which alerts the other players and personnel on the driving range. Immediately, thereafter the winning player is provided with additional rewards.

Abstract: A luggage cart (10) is formed from two mirror image frame members (12) and (14), which are pivotally connected at (16) and (18). A soft shell fabric garment bag (20) is fastened to the frame members (12) and (14). Projections (24) extend into fold (26) of the garment bag (20) to support it in place on the frame members (12) and (14). A crossed flexible cable (42) is connected to the frame members (12) and (14) at (46) and (48) near the bottom of the frame members (12) and (14) by means of D-rings (49) and by means of tubes (51) near the top of the frame members (12) and (14) at front (50) and back (52) of the luggage cart (10). The cable 42 further is connected to a shoulder strap (56). In use of the luggage cart (10) and garment bag (20), the luggage cart (10) is opened by placing the luggage cart (10) on the ground and pressing down on the top of the garment bag (20) or on handles (40). The luggage cart can then be wheeled around by pulling on handle (58).

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a cascode operational amplifier design with multiple input stages, and methods of operating the same, resulting in enhanced output gain and unity gain bandwidth operational amplifiers. The cascode operational amplifier comprises a differential input block which receives a differential input having a first differential input stage and a second differential input stage. A cascode block is coupled to the differential input block and provides a differential output for the operational amplifier. A common mode feedback block coupled to the second differential input stage of the differential input block and the differential output of the cascode block stabilizes a DC output level for the differential output. A load block is coupled to the differential output of the cascode block and applies a resistive load to the differential output in response to a differential input signal applied to the differential input block.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a channel hot-carrier page write including an array of stacked gate flash EEPROM memory cells operating in a very low energy programming mode permitting page writing of 1024 bits within a 20-100 .mu.S programming interval. Internal programming voltage levels are derived from on-chip circuits, such as charge pumps, operated from a single +V.sub.CC source. In a preferred embodiment, a cache memory buffers data transfers between a computer bus and the page oriented storage array. In another embodiment, core doping is increased in the channel and drain regions to enhance hot carrier injection and to lower the programming drain voltage. The stacked floating gate structure is shown to exhibit a high programming efficiency in a range from 10.sup.-6 to 10.sup.-4 at drain voltages below 5.2 VDC. In another embodiment AC components of the programming current are minimized by precharging a common source line at the start of a programming cycle.

Abstract: A spread spectrum open loop data recovery processor receives a single information channel bi-phase modulated RF signal and combines it with a locally generated fixed frequency signal having an accuracy of at least 5 ppm. A balanced demodulator combines the received and local signals to derive an `I` and a `Q` analog information signal. The remote transmitter modulates both channels with the same information. The `I` and `Q` analog signals `slip` with respect to one another. The accuracy of the fixed frequency signal insures that the rate of slip does not exceed the ability of the data recovery processor to attain an error rate of better than 1 ppm. The `slip` results in both analog signals periodically going through null. The quadrature phase relationship between the `I` and `Q` analog signals insures that both are not simultaneously null. An amplitude comparator determines which analog signal has the greater instantaneous amplitude.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a SCSI ID connector assembly 20 connectable with a carrier (24) which supports memory storage devices having ID ports. The SCSI ID connector assembly (20) has various connectors including a first terminal (50), a feed-through connector (52) and a second terminal (54). The feed-through connector (52) is compatible with one type of ID port and the second terminal (54) is compatible with another type of ID port. The first terminal (50) is divided into a ground plug (186) and a separate active plug (188). The active plug (188)is selectively rotatable about its axis to reverse bit sequences. Accordingly, the SCSI ID connector assembly is compatible with a variety of ID port types.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a liner retainer for holding a thin film liner in a container having a mouth. The liner retainer includes a retainer member, a connector member and an anchor member. The retainer member is elastic and formed in the shape of a loop. The retainer member can stretch to circumscribe the container and hold the thin film liner with the container. The extension member attaches to the retainer member and holds the retainer member when the retainer member circumscribes the container. The anchor member attaches to the extension member and is attachable to the container. The anchor member is adjustably positionable with the container for selectively adjusting tension in the connector member.

Abstract: This invention relates to methods of self-calibration for computer display cursor positioning devices imbedded within a computer keyboard key (sometimes referred to herein as a "key-type mouse") or other pointing device. A plurality of Force Sensitive Resistor grids ("FSRs") or other pressure sensitive sensors are used to detect relative pressure applied in various directions to a predetermined key of a computer keyboard. An RC circuit is used to indirectly read the values of the FSRs. A predetermined delay period is associated with each sensor followed by a measurement period. The resistance of the FSR is related to the measurement period taken to reach a given voltage value after the predetermined delay period. A positive or negative offset to the predetermined delay period adjusts the time necessary for the RC circuit to reach a predetermined bias voltage value.

Abstract: Improved atherectomy catheters and methods of use are disclosed. The catheter includes a flexible body with a longitudinal passage therethrough. A housing is mounted at the distal end, with an elongated aperture formed in a lateral side. A drive cable is disposed in the passage of the catheter body, and a working element is disposed in the housing, attached to the distal end of the drive cable. Passages and openings are provided for flowing blood into the housing and for flowing blood from a proximal to a distal side of the cutting blade. An impeller can be provided proximal to the cutting blade to impel blood into the housing and past the blade. Blood flows through the housing and past the blade so as to perfuse tissue downstream from the device.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a cutter capable of removing soft and hard tissue when used with an atherectomy catheter of the type having a cutter housing attached to the distal end of a catheter having a torque cable. A circular cutting blade is disposed within the housing and is secured to the distal end of a rotatable torque cable. An elongated aperture formed along one side of the hosing allows the intrusion of stenotic material which may then be severed by rotating and axially translating the cutting blade. The cutting blade may be made from a cemented tungsten carbide compound of 90 percent tungsten carbide (WC) and 10 percent cobalt (Co) which is heated, injection molded and sintered to produce a hard, durable cutting edge. The cutting edge is coated with titanium carbonitride using a physical vapor deposition process to further increase durability. Cutting edge hardness is further increased by application of an ion implantation of nitrogen using an ion-beam assisted deposition process.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is an array of daisy chained slides for receiving carrier mounted electrical devices for connection with electrical equipment. The daisy chained array includes a bus cable having two ends and a data connector attached at each end. The bus cable is adapted for connection with the electrical equipment. The array also includes a plurality of slides, each slide having a slide data connector. Each data connector is attached to the cable between the ends in a daisy chained fashion. Each of the slides is adapted to receive a carrier compatible for sliding and mating connection with the slide. The carrier includes an electrical device, such as a hard or floppy disk. The carrier has a carrier data connector for mating with the slide data connector. The carrier data connector is attached to one end of a stub cable. The other end of the stub cable is attached to a device data connector for connection with the electrical device.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a guide wire migration controller device. The device includes a housing, a gripper insertable in the housing and a locking member for keeping the gripper within the housing. The gripper grips a guide wire operated by a motor drive unit. The gripper limits the migrational movement of the guide wire by gripping the guide wire and limiting the movement to the amount of tolerance between the gripper and the housing and locking member. The gripper rotates freely within the housing depending upon the rotational movement of the catheter torque cable wire. In a preferred embodiment the migrational movement of the guide wire along its longitudinal axis is translated into slidable movement of the controller relative to the motor drive unit.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a modular enclosure apparatus for personal computers and/or work stations having a plurality of removable and replaceable modules. These modules include a cooling module for cooling the enclosure; a memory storage device module having a plurality of mating slides and carriers for routine installation and removal of each memory storage device; and a power supply module for providing power to the enclosure. In a RAID embodiment, the modular enclosure apparatus includes a RAID controller module which is similarly removable and replaceable. Each of the modules may include a circuit interrupt assembly for disabling individual modules (by cutting off power to the desired module) and allowing that module or parts contained therein to be removed while the power is disabled only to the module desired and the remaining modules continue to be enabled.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a catheter device for treatment of disease in biological conduits. The device has inner and outer coaxial catheter members, each having an inflatable balloon attached near its distal end. When the balloons are inflated, a sealed treatment chamber is created between the balloons. The length of the treatment chamber is adjustable by sliding the coaxial catheter members with respect to each other to obtain a desired separation between the attached balloons before inflation. Biological debris is trapped within the chamber and removed by infusion and aspiration of a flushing fluid, reducing the risk of myocardial infarction. Adjunctive treatment devices can be inserted into the sealed treatment chamber through a lumen of the outer coaxial member.

Abstract: A vacuum assisted system for drying articles of clothing with recaptured heat includes an evaporation chamber and a condensation chamber. The evaporation chamber is enclosed inside the condensation chamber. Heat transfers from the condensation chamber to the evaporation chamber when vapor condenses on the exterior of the evaporation chamber. Pressure is reduced in each chamber by an automated regulation system which pumps vapor from between the chambers to optimize drying.

Abstract: An cutter apparatus for removing obstructive tissue has a distal housing having a window for invaginating tissue. An axially reciprocating and rotating cutting blade makes successive longitudinal cuts while slowly rotating across the open window. An axial guide assembly holds the cutting edge of the blade in a cutting path immediately adjacent to the inner surface of the housing. The shape and motion of the cutting blade pares off a generally uniformly thick slice of tissue from the stenosis and directs it toward the interior of the housing. A spiral parting edge opposed to the rotating cutting edge provides clean separation of the tissue slice from the stenosis. The tissue slice is received in a chamber internal to the housing and is retained by the blade and guide assembly for later removal from the patient.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a hinge binder device for retaining paper goods and the like. The device includes an anchoring member having leg portions for retaining the goods and a locking member for releaseably locking the leg portions. The locking member includes a support member, a wing member, and a hinge for pivotally connecting the support and wing members. Additionally, the locking member includes a release for releaseably locking the support and wing members. The leg portions are adapted for compatible fit between the wing and support members, and in one embodiment include molded teeth which engage mating teeth on the support and wing members for a secure fit. In a preferred embodiment, the anchoring member includes a plurality of leg portions for use with multi-hole punched paper goods. The locking member includes a plurality of corresponding wing members hinged to the support member for locking the leg portions.