Abstract: A convergence prism assembly with a housing and a prism structure having a plurality of prisms mounted in a unitary assembly.

Abstract: This invention pertains to a brewing head assembly of a coffee machine that enables easy insertion and removal of the filter as well as locking of the filter and the filter holder into the brewing head to form a water-tight seal under pressure. The filter holder can be inserted into the brewing head assembly by sliding the filter holder into the brewing head assembly from the front, top, or side or by swinging the filter holder, which may be pivotally-attached to the brewing head assembly, into the coffee machine. The locking mechanism for inserting and securing the filter holder to the brewing head assembly may be motor-driven. Additionally, the motorized method for opening/closing and locking/unlocking the brewing head assembly may be operated by remote control. Furthermore, the boiler or heating system is may be maintained separately from the brewing head assembly.

Abstract: A container having an external gutter located below a primary wiping surface or edge. Drips from the wiping surface to the exterior of the container accumulate in the gutter and drain back into the container through drain notches at the bottom of the gutter. A liner having the same basic configuration as the paint bucket can be used to cover all portions of the paint bucket thereby to minimize any need to clean the paint bucket. The liner can be disposable. A cover can seal the paint bucket with or without a liner.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for providing a topographical map of the bottom of a patient's rear foot with the foot in a semi-weight bearing condition and in the neutral position adjusted for the effects of tibial torsion. A foot scanner with a pivoted air cushion is adjusted to a first position whereupon the foot is captured. Then the air cushion is oscillated relative to the first position until the talus and navicular exhibit congruency to establish a measurement position. A three-dimensional scanner measures the distances corresponding to the spacing between a reference plane and the bottom of at least the rear foot and midfoot. A manufacturing facility converts these measurements into information by which computer numerical controlled equipment machines an orthotic insert for the patient's footwear.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for monitoring update activity, particularly in the form of write requests, to a data storage facility, over at least one cycle to identify any write operation or update that occurs to that data storage facility on a track-by-track basis. At the end of each cycle a list of changed tracks is stored in a data set. After information has been accumulated by a collector application, a reporter application manipulates the data to obtain information concerning the track changes and to estimate communication path requirements.

Abstract: A radiation detection apparatus for use in noisy environments in which radiation detection and external noise generate interaction event pulses. A first interaction pulse initiates a following time interval during which the effect of received interaction event pulses is minimized. For example, the interaction event pulses produced by noise are not counted if they occur during the time interval.

Abstract: A probe for a dermal phase meter includes a handle with a removable extension that terminates with a displaceable center conductor. A replaceable tip attaches to the distal end of the extension and includes a center conductor that engages the center conductor in the extension and an outer conductor that establishes electrical connection through the extension. Substituting different replacement tips provides a probe with an articulation capability.

Abstract: A sonic cleaner for small articles includes two tanks for receiving a liquid and articles to be cleaned and a base unit having chambers for receiving each tank. A vibratory motion generator attaches to the base unit through an isolating structure. Complementary attachment elements on the vibratory motion generator and each tank form a releasable, rigid connection. When the tank is attached to the vibratory motion generator, liquid in the tank can be agitated. When the releasable, rigid connection is detached, the tank can be removed from the base unit for disposing of liquid in the tank without having to handle the entire sonic cleaner.

Abstract: A patient monitoring system including a sensing-recording device that attaches to a patient and a probe utilized by attending personnel at a trauma site. After an initial interaction between the probe and the sensing-recording device, the sensing-recording device samples one or more physiological parameters and stores time stamped readings in a first memory. The probe is adapted to take other measurements including pulse data, download the data from the first memory of the sensing-recording device, manipulate the collective data and return data to a second memory in the sensing-recording device. The probe is also adapted to combine data from the sensing-recording device and its pulse data to provide a blood pressure measurement.

Abstract: A method for copying data from a source logical device to a destination logical device. In response to a copy command from a requesting host application identifying the source and destination logical devices, an environment is established. Thereafter a calling system receives an immediate response that the copy operation is complete even though no data has been copied. Application programs may access storage locations in either the source or the destination logical device during the copy phase. A copy program transfers the date on a track-by-track basis to the destination logical device. Procedures assure that any data access to a particular track in either the source or destination logical device by any application prior to the transfer of that track is accommodated to maintain data integrity.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for providing a topographical map of the bottom of a patient's rear foot with the foot in a semi-weight bearing condition and in the neutral position. A flexible membrane defines the top of an air cushion that captures the patient's foot in the neutral position when the air pillow is inflated. The membrane also conforms to the bottom of the foot. A three-dimensional scanner located below the membrane measures the distances to the bottom of the membrane over an array of positions. A manufacturing facility converts these measurements into information by which computer numerical controlled equipment machines an orthotic insert for the patient's footwear.

Abstract: Optical devices which accurately position optical elements and methods for producing such optical devices. Each optical element is carried by a support on an axis that has portions plastically deformed to overlap portions of the faces of the optical element adjacent an intermediate peripheral surface. This configuration locks the optical element axially in the support and produces a positive rigid retaining structure for each optical element.

Abstract: A data storage facility for transferring data from a data altering apparatus, such as a production data processing site to a remote data receiving site. The data storage facility includes a first data store for recording each change in the data generated by the data altering apparatus. A register set records each change on a track-by-track basis. A second data store has first and second operating modes. During a first operating mode the second data store becomes a mirror of the first data store. During a second operating mode the second data store ceases to act as a mirror and becomes a source for a transfer of data to the data receiving site. Only information that has been altered, i.e., specific tracks that have been altered, are transferred during successive operations in the second operating mode. Commands from the local production site initiate the transfers between the first and second operating modes.

Abstract: A method and system for measuring the dimensions of the palpable surface of the prostate in the physician's office and calculating prostate volume, rate of growth and changes in rate of growth. A membrane with a grid pattern is located proximate the prostate. A physician moves a measurement system, formed at the end of the index finger and located in a glove, between opposite margins of the prostate. The measurement system counts the grid elements between the margins that translate into a quantitative measurement of size of the palpable surface of the prostate.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for data recovery in a system involving a first data store acting as a standard device and a physical moving mirror data store that operates as moving mirror with a first mode to be synchronized and in a second, isolated mode. In response to a command to establish a third or protected restore operating mode, the data to be transferred in response to that command is identified. A restoration procedure copies data from the second data store to the first store to recover any data that may have been corrupted in the second data store. An update procedure acts on the restored data concurrently with the restoration procedure.

Abstract: Overall and constituent oral mucositis assessment scale scores are generated by the use of a probe to obtain moisture measurements at a particular site. A control collects data samples. A converter produces a value for the oral mucositis assessment scale (OMAS) in response to the collected data (DPM) in accordance with a correlation defined by: OMAS = DPM - DPM o K ? ( I ) .