Abstract: A process for identifying a single item from a family of items presents a user with a feature screen having a series of groupings. Each grouping represents a feature having a set of alternatives from which to select. Selected alternatives are used as a selection criteria in a search operation. Results of the search operation is a revised feature screen indicating alternatives that remain available to the user for further selection and searching. The feature screen and search process, therefore, presents the user with a guided nonhierarchical parametric search to identify matching items based upon user specified criteria and priorities. Also disclosed is an adaptation of the claimed method and system appropriate in an Internet environment.

Abstract: A data collection and automatic database population system which combines global positioning system (GPS), speech recognition software, radio frequency (RF) communications and geographic information system (GIS) to allow rapid capture of field data, asset tracking and automatic transfer of the data to a GIS database. A pre-defined grammar allows observations to be continuously captured, GPS location and time to be captured and stored on the field unit. Other sensor data is combined with the observations and combined with GPS and time information. A mobile unit's location is tracked real time or post processed through wireless RF transmission of location information between the mobile unit and a central processing station. Real time position correction is provided by Differential GPS (DGPS). The captured data is electronically transferred to a central processing station for operator performed quality assurance and automatic population of the GIS database.

Abstract: A screening device useful in water and waste water treatment plants separates fluid flow into two streams. The screening device is perforated so that solids having a predetermined cross-section will be maintained within a first fluid stream, and a portion of the fluid flow that has been screened of solids will flow into a second split-off fluid flow. The streams may go to different locations; only the first stream need be processed for the solids. The screening device is preferably cylindrical or another surface of rotation or a section of such a surface, and rotates. These features help maintain the screening device free of solids, and supplemental cleaning devices may also be used.

Abstract: A radio frequency identification device (RFID) has an antenna formed on a chip. The chip has backside and a front side coated with conductive traces, which are connected through conductive traces on the sides of two elongate through-hole slots formed on the chip to form an operative coil having the chip as a core. In one embodiment, the antenna chip may be stacked above an integrated circuit. In another embodiment, the integrated circuit may be formed on the antenna chip. The antenna chip may include a high magnetic permeability layer to increase the inductance of the coil, a capacitor to tune the coil to a desired frequency, and a coupling capacitor to power the integrated circuit. As well as the specific application disclosed, an inductance useful in numerous applications can be formed according to the above structure.

Abstract: A germicidal method and apparatus for destroying airborne pathogenic bacteria such as tuberculosis bacteria using ultraviolet light. Air is drawn through a filter and into a sterilization chamber that is irradiated with ultraviolet light, and out through an exhaust opening. Consideration for the characteristics of the room in which the apparatus is installed and the positioning of the installation allows effective prevention of transmission of disease through expectoration and inhalation of airborne microdroplets of bacteria-containing sputum. The filter is of the low-density type which traps large particulates, but not small particulates of the size of the microdroplets, so that the filter does not become a bacteria colonization site. Baffles on the air intake opening and air exhaust opening to prevent ultraviolet light from escaping into the environment. The sterilization chamber is constructed such that the air passes the ultraviolet light bulbs twice as it circulates therethrough.

Abstract: A fetal health assessor and outcome predictor and monitoring system includes a system for automatically assessing fetal health and predicting fetal outcomes based on fetal and maternal data. The system includes a case-based reasoning processor for categorizing the fetus into one of a plurality of cases based on biographical data about the fetus and mother. The system also includes a transducer for converting physical conditions of the fetus and mother (e.g. characteristics based on heart rates and uterine contractions) to signals representative of the conditions. A computer processor converts the signals to a set of signal features. An assessor and predictor receives the processed signal features and assesses fetal health and predicts fetal outcome based on identified fuzzy relationships between fetal and maternal data and fetal outcomes.

Abstract: A device for cleaning a nasal coagulator or similar instrument. The nasal coagulator is of the type that has a generally cylindrical sidewall defining a bore, in which char or the like accumulates. The device has a generally cylindrical sidewall which defines a chamber, and a flared trumpet-like ending. A prong is located within the chamber, and two slit apertures are foxed in the sidewall to communicate the chamber and the exterior of the device. In use, the coagulator is inserted into the cleaning device so that that the prong loosens any char, and the coagulator is rotated so that the char exits the slit apertures.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods and an apparatus for treating patients having ulcerations of the lower foot, including patients suffering from diabetic neuropathy. The brace generally includes a pair of rigid shells, a fastening system for joining the shells together to form a unified brace and a combination of bladders which engage the patient's leg and ankle to off-weight the plantar surface, prevent plantar flexing and minimize shearing forces to the plantar surface. The volume of the bladders may be adjusted by the addition or removal of a filler in order to maintain a uniform pressure between the bladders and the patient's leg. The filler contained in the bladders preferably does not undergo significant expansion or contraction in response to temperature or altitude changes.

Abstract: The present invention provides a knot tying apparatus having a notched thread cover and methods for using such a knot tying apparatus for placing knots. The present invention has particular utility in tying and placing knots during laparoscopic surgery. The thread cover includes at least one notch in the distal end which is sized so as to allow a thread such as a suture thread to pass therethrough while preventing a knot in the thread from passing therethrough. Using the notched thread cover which is attached to the distal end of a knot tying apparatus, it is possible to both pull and push on the knot when cinching the knot around the member being tied. Being able to simultaneously push and pull on the knot minimizes the forces exerted against the member being tied, thereby reducing the likelihood that fragile members such as blood vessels and the like are damaged during the tying procedure. The knot tying apparatus includes a knot carrier and a knot slider slidably connected thereto.

Abstract: An ice cube making evaporator design comprising an aluminum roll-bond evaporator plate (50) which is encased in a plastic grid (59) of vertical and horizontal ridges, thereby forming an array of freezing sites (28) on both sides of the plate. Plastic grids (59) are attached to each other using thermal staking, adhesives or welding so that the plate (50) is securely sandwiched between the two plastic grids (59).

Abstract: A method for orally administering vitamin preparations is described which combine vitamin B12 (B12, cobalamin) and folic acid (folate), with and without pyridoxine (B6), for preventing and treating elevated serum homocysteine (HC), cystathionine (CT), methylmalonic acid (MMA), or 2-methylcitric acid (2-MCA) levels. These metabolites have been shown to be indicative of B12 and/or folic acid deficiencies. Further, it is likely that a B6 deficiency may be present with a B12 or folate deficiency. The method of the invention is also for use in lowering serum HC, CT, MMA, or 2-MCA in patients with or at risk for neuropsychiatric, vascular, renal or hematologic diseases. One embodiment of the invention is the use of a non-prescription formulation containing 2.0 mg B12 and 0.4 mg folic acid, with and without 25 mg B6. Another embodiment uses a prescription strength formulation containing 2.0 mg B12 and 1.0 mg folic acid, with and without 25 mg B6.

Abstract: The current invention provides methods for stabilizing wastes, preparing construction materials and stabilizing soils using compositions including hexametaphosphate, with or without other additives. More particularly, one method of the invention discloses a process for treating a variety of materials including solid and liquid-containing wastes, including for example, common debris or hazardous, radioactive or toxic waste. This method involves combining a waste material with hexametaphosphate, and in some cases other additives. The resulting amended waste may also be compacted. Another method involves use of hexametaphosphate compositions to prepare construction materials. This method involves combining hexametaphosphate with a starting material such as soil, soil-containing compositions, mine tailings, mill tailings and combinations thereof. The resulting mixture is then compacted.

Abstract: A device and method for imaging an object that is situated within a fluid environment having suspended particles uses infrared illumination. In a representative application, a catheter having fiber optics is inserted into the vasculature of a patient. The fiber optics transmits infrared light to an optical head at a distal end of the catheter, which transmits the light into a bloody environment to an object to be imaged. Light reflecting from the object is collected and transmitted throughout the fiber optic to an infrared camera, so that an image is formed. Proper selection of the wavelength of infrared illumination allows objects to be imaged through what would otherwise be an opaque liquid. The invention has particular utility in the field of medical imaging.

Abstract: An illuminated ornamental apparatus for decorating gift packages or other objects consisting of a bow that has an LED integrated within it. The LED is powered by a small battery encased in a housing, forming an LED assembly. A switch to turn the LED on and off is located on the outside of the housing in a manner to allow the LED to be switched on just prior to presentation of the gift package. The best results are achieved when the bow is made using either translucent (semi-opaque) or reflective (metallic) polypropylene ribbon materials of various colors, sizes, or configurations to create a multitude of unique and distinctive bows. The LED assembly may be integrated into the bow in several different ways. In one embodiment the housing is located below the bow.

Abstract: A rotatable eccentric sleeve allows the position of a cam follower in an internal combustion engine to be altered such that the timing of opening and closing of valve events is altered controllably. Intake and exhaust valves may be phased differently within a compact mechanism.

Abstract: A method and device for transmyocardial revascularization using RF energy. A signal probe having a signal electrode is inserted into a myocardium. A return probe having a return electrode is placed on or within the myocardium. RF energy is supplied to the signal electrode, and forms a conductive path to the return electrode. At least one fissure within the myocardium is formed along the conductive path, allowing blood to perfuse within the fissure and revascularize the myocardium. A number of probe and electrode configurations are provided, including the use of multiple probes and electrodes, hollow probes to provide a coring effect, and pressurized fluid-supplying probes.

Abstract: A charge storage device is resistant to degradation in reducing atmospheres for use in dynamic random access memories. The device consists of a dielectric layer that is sandwiched between two electrodes and grown on a suitable substrate such as silicon or silicon coated with silicon dioxide. The dielectric layer is either (a) a modified composition of Ba.sub.x Sr.sub.1-x TiO.sub.3, 0<x<1 (BST) doped with acceptor type dopants such as Mn, Co, Mg, Cr, Ga and Fe ions as the dielectric layer in the capacitor; the acceptor ions can occupy the titanium sites to prevent the formation of Ti.sup.3+ and inhibit the formation of conductive BST by compensating the charges of the oxygen vacancies, and by trapping the free electrons more freely than Ti.sup.4+, or (b) modified dielectric compositions with alkaline-earth ions with compositions [(Ba.sub.x M.sub.x)O].sub.y TiO.sub.2 (where M can be Ca, Sr or Mg) with the value of y slightly larger than unity.

Abstract: Gas generant compositions are disclosed that generally include an a fuel source including a compound having a fuel portion and a fuel oxidizing portion, a fuel oxidizer, and a borohydride catalyst of the oxidation of said fuel portion by said fuel oxidizing portion and said fuel oxidizer to produce gaseous reaction products. In preferred compositions the fuel source is comprised of the elements nitrogen, carbon, hydrogen and water and combusted to produce N.sub.2, CO.sub.2 and H.sub.2 O as the primary reaction products. Preferably, the fuel oxidizer is a metal nitrate, and particularly potassium nitrate, because the potassium will generally be included in solid products and not in the form of a potentially harmful gas. It is also preferred that the combustion reaction be catalyzed using borohydrides. Potassium borohydrides, such as K.sub.2 B.sub.12 H.sub.12 and K.sub.2 B.sub.10 H.sub.10, are particularly preferred.

Abstract: An active paste for an lead-acid electrochemical cell which in a preferred embodiment includes tin; a method of manufacturing the same; and an electrochemical cell utilizing the same. The tin may be a tin sulfate, tin oxide, or metallic tin. The active paste sandwiches a primarily lead film which may, but need not, also include tin, to form a positive electrode. One or more positive electrodes are interleafed with a number of negative electrodes, separated by a separator material. The assembly is placed in a container and electrolyte is introduced. In alternate embodiments, the paste may include some combination of antimony, arsenic, germanium, indium, selenium, gallium, tellurium or other semiconductor materials with or without tin compounds.