Abstract: An automated computer-based data integrity auditing system is provided for use in the healthcare industry, financial industry, academic and educational fields, or any other field in which a need exists for monitoring data integrity. Coded data received from a service organization are checked for proper coding and completeness. The coded data are stored in a computer database together with indicators specifying bad data found during the checking step. The stored coded data are processed in a computer to apply at least one data integrity test to a portion of the data. A score is assigned to the tested portion of data based on the data integrity test. Reports are generated by the computer to identify the score together with suggestions for resolving any data integrity and/or coding and completeness problems determined by the system. Real-time reports can also be provided to the organization to assist in coding and entering the data prior to a formal submission to a government agency or the like.

Abstract: The invention provides methods and apparatus for correcting spectral measurements, such as are obtained by a spectrophotometer for measuring color. A single matrix is used that operates on a raw measurement vector (spectrum) to obtain a corrected spectrum. The matrix may embody a transform that minimizes the difference between the corrected spectra and a set of reference spectra. The difference may be characterized by a set of basis function weighting vectors which are then used to build the correction matrix. Correction of high resolution spectra (very long measurement vectors) is thereby allowed, without the large number of measurements that would normally be required. The reference spectra can be calibration data, or measurements made by another instrument which is desired to be simulated.

Abstract: A consumer set-top terminal and method that receives and stores digital programming services such as television programs for subsequent playback by the user in a manner analogous to a conventional video cassette recorder (VCR). An interface allows the terminal's user to control a transcoding proces based on the desired quality level for the transcoded data, e.g., high, medium or low. The transcoding is provided without the expense and complexity of a full encoder. By performing transcoding at the terminal, the bit rate of the data can be reduced sufficiently to allow economical storage at the terminal. Moreover, the user can set the quality level to be different for different programs, different parts of the same program, or for different channels. The user input can be received via an interface, such as an on-screen display, which is optionally integrated with electronic program guide data. The user input can be established beforehand as well.

Abstract: In order to improve a bending machine for flat material, comprising a machine frame with lower and upper clamping tools arranged on the machine frame, with which the flat material can be fixed in a clamping plane, a bending tool moving device, with which a bending tool carrier with a bending tool for bending the flat material about a bending edge relative to the clamping plane can be moved into a plurality of bending positions, in such a manner that with a space-saving construction of the bending machine the movements of the bending tool can be realized technically with simple means it is suggested that the machine frame be designed to be laterally open at at least one of its transverse sides for the insertion of flat material in longitudinal direction of the bending edge and between the upper beam and the lower beam, that the bending tool be movable transversely to the clamping plane for passing through the bending positions and that the bending tool carrier remain exclusively on the side of the clamping pla

Abstract: A method and a device for decontaminating interior spaces are proposed. It is provided here that a base station and at least one mobile subunit are provided, the base station comprising a supply of decontamination agent and fuel and the subunit comprising decontamination equipment and a tank for ready-to-use decontamination agent, that the subunit is supplied with decontamination agent and with fuel at the base station and then transported to the item requiring decontamination of its interior space, the decontamination of the interior space is carried out and subsequently the subunit is returned to the base station to be re-supplied there with decontamination agent and fuel. Also proposed is a device with an off-road, automotive undercarriage with a drive motor, a storage tank for a decontamination liquid and a receiving tank for used decontamination liquid as well as a spray-extraction device for decontaminating the interior surface and with a generator for supplying power.

Abstract: A vacuum cleaner is provided having a housing, a suction unit arranged therein and a suction pipe which enters the housing and is connected to the suction side of the suction unit via a dirt collecting container and a separating device. The closed dirt collecting container is adapted to be inserted into the housing and, when in the inserted position, be connected to the suction pipe in sealed manner via an intake opening and connected to the suction side of the suction unit in sealed manner via an extraction opening. The dirt collecting container is partially filled with fluid into which there enters a feed pipe that extends from the intake opening into the fluid. Deflector surfaces are arranged above the fluid-filling, said surfaces forming a multiply-deflected flow path between the upper surface of the fluid and the extraction opening for the suction current being passed through the fluid.

Abstract: In order to construct a sweeper, which comprises a rotary brush arranged in a housing, a dirt collector which can be detachably attached to the housing and, adjacent the rotary brush in the dirt collector, a dirt inlet on the bottom edge of which a sill is arranged, in such a manner that the sill at the bottom edge of the dirt collector can be produced in particularly simple manner it is suggested that the sill be formed in one piece from a wall section which runs on one plane alongside both its longitudinal edges and which in between these edges stands out of this plane to one side, and that the wall section be connected to the bottom of the dirt collector alongside its longitudinal edges, whereby there will be a connection in two pieces at least alongside one longitudinal edge between the bottom and the wall section.

Abstract: The purpose of the present invention is to eliminate the various problems which can be presented by the scalpel portion of an ultrasonic hand piece for cutting a bone or other hard tissue making an excessive sting into the cut site, and allow precisely controlling the movement of the scalpel portion in a wide field of view for precision cutting of a bone or other hard tissue to achieve the purpose of the medical treatment.

Abstract: A diagnostic system for a combustion chamber is provided which comprises a diagnostic element which can be inserted into a wall of the combustion chamber. A plurality of light guides penetrates the diagnostic element for detecting electromagnetic radiation occurring in the combustion chamber. A plurality of detection units is also provided, each detection unit being associated with a corresponding light guide. Each light guide guides the electromagnetic radiation from a spatial segment of the combustion chamber associated with that light guide. The spatial segments are different respective segments of the combustion chamber which are arranged so as not to overlap. Each detection unit detects the electromagnetic radiation from a corresponding light guide for combustion analysis.

Abstract: A method and system for the storage and dispensing of medical grade liquid oxygen are provided. Medical grade liquid oxygen is stored in a storage tank located within a medical facility which is capable of dispensing liquid oxygen to portable liquid oxygen reservoirs and to portable liquid oxygen tanks, as well as delivering oxygen gas through a gas pipeline network. The storage tank is filled through a fill station exterior to the facility. A fixed price billing method is provided for the cost of the liquid oxygen delivered for use in the system. Economical storage, delivery and billing services are thereby provided to medium sized facilities such as nursing homes or extended care facilities which utilize both liquid and gaseous oxygen but cannot afford to install the very large exterior liquid oxygen tanks used by major hospitals and research facilities. Increased safety in the storage and dispensing of the liquid oxygen is provided in accordance with the present invention.

Abstract: A received analog television service is positively identified using a transmission signal identifier that is inserted into the analog signal at the transmitter side, and extracted at the receiver side. Channel map data which is used for identifying counterpart digital programming services is extended to encompass identification of the analog services. Descriptive information which is specific to the programming services, such as program guide data, can thereby be accurately matched up and displayed with a received analog programming service.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for allowing a personal computer to receive data from a computer network such as the Internet via a broadcast channel of a cable or satellite television network, while transmitting data upstream to the computer network via a telephone line. A packet processing relay agent (PPRA) forwards data at the data link layer between a one-way network adapter, such as a cable modem that receives Internet data via a cable network, and a two-way return path adapter, such as a telephone modem that communicates with Internet servers and other users via a telephone network. The system provides compatibility with TCP/IP routing/addressing conventions by forwarding upstream IP packets with a cable modem source address over the telephone modem. The PPRA can enhance functionality by incorporating higher layer functions at the data link layer.

Abstract: In accordance with the invention, the digital samples associated with each of the array elements arranged along a plurality of parallel lines are shifted by a distinct predetermined number of positions along each of said lines, and the digital samples of each line are added separately. Thereafter, each sum thus obtained is multiplied by a distinct phase coefficient. The signals thus obtained for each beam are all in phase. The lines of array elements that are electronically scanned can be oriented along any direction, and advantageously along one or a plurality of diagonals of the array and the electronic scanning of the array elements can be made separately along odd alternate diagonals and along even alternate diagonals.

Abstract: In order for a high-pressure cleaner having a reciprocating pump, on which there is positioned a pump head into which at least one piston, which can be moved back and forth in the longitudinal direction of the reciprocating pump, projects, the pump head comprising a suction connection, for feeding a cleaning liquid, and a pressure connection, for discharging the cleaning liquid, accommodating a plurality of regulating valves, being produced from plastics and being braced with the reciprocating pump by means of a clamping element, to be developed such that it can be produced more cost-effectively and assembled more straightforwardly, it is proposed that the clamping element has at least one U-shaped clamping bracket with a base part butting against the pump head and with two legs which are aligned substantially in the longitudinal direction of the reciprocating pump and the free ends of which butt against an abutment surface, produced from metal, of a piston guide of the reciprocating pump and can be connected

Abstract: In order to inexpensive construction materials effectively utilizing timber resources and realizing any desired properties by using so-called low-quality materials including slim timbers, old timbers, wood cuttings produced by lumbering, bamboo, and so forth, wood, bamboo and other wooden source materials are split into fragments along their fibers by water vapor explosion, and such explosive-split fragments are shaped and hardened by adding an adhesive, mortar or expandable resin into a new wooden material such as multi-layered board, cement board or foamed resin board of explosive-split fragments. The explosive-split fragments are also usable in various fields other than fabrication of the new material.

Abstract: For providing a propulsion device particularly for a spacecraft, comprising a plasma chamber in which a plasma can be produced in a propellant, and a focussing arrangement for focussing an electromagnetic radiation field into a focussing region in the plasma chamber in order to produce the plasma, the propulsion device being highly efficient and controllable, it is proposed to arrange in the plasma chamber a plasma ignition arrangement whereby a material which lowers the plasma breakdown threshold in the propellant can be brought into the focussing region.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for detecting a hardware configuration in a digital terminal, and, in response, selecting a corresponding executable software path for initializing the hardware. All terminals in a digital communication network, such as a television network, are provided with a single common set-top firmware/software object that contains all software components required to run on all hardware platforms. The total amount of software needed at the terminals is reduced over prior art schemes since the common software object includes software that is common to the different hardware component types only once, instead of providing a different object for each hardware type which results in duplication of the common software. The software from the software object can execute on platforms with different hardware components and circuits. This provides freedom to the network operator to select terminals with reduced cost components, e.g., from different manufacturers.

Abstract: An arrangement for ventilation of a cot, cradle, carrycot or perambulator carrycot, comprising a substantially flat bottom, closed side walls extending vertically upwards from the bottom, and a substantially open top, and also a head end and a foot end. At least one of the closed side walls is equipped with at least one ventilation aperture at the head end of the cot or carrycot, close to the bottom of the cot or carrycot at a level that is above any mattress that might be placed therein, or the bottom of the cot or carrycot is equipped with such an aperture, with a corresponding opening or slit in the mattress.

Abstract: An apparatus for assisting percutaneous light beam guided biopsy, having means for rotating a laser device about first and second rotation axes, the laser device providing its laser beam along an axis intersecting an intersection point between the first and second rotation axes and at right angles thereto. Inclinometers are installed for providing signal values as a function of two- or three-dimensional orientation directions of the said laser device relative to direction of gravitation. Encoding means provide feedback of rotary position information of the laser device. Comparing means compare set calculated instrument insertion angle values, provided from an input device, with encoder feedback signals and inclinometer signals and inhibits rotation operation of the laser device upon reaching specific threshold values.

Abstract: So that a method for the surface coating of an interior fitting for vehicles with a lacquer or resin layer, in which the interior fitting to be coated is inserted into a cavity of a molding tool, the inner wall of which is at a defined distance from the interior fitting in the region of the interior fitting surface to be coated and thereby forms a clearance extending over the entire surface to be coated and having a substantially constant thickness, and in which a liquid surface coating material is introduced into the clearance and is cured there, can be developed in such a way that the quality of the surface coating is improved as far as possible without additional after-working, it is proposed that the surface coating material have at least two components which are mixed with one another in a mixing and feeding assembly immediately before the filling of the clearance and are fed to the clearance, and that, after the clearance has been filled, the molding tool be separated from the mixing and feeding assembl