Abstract: A device for use by an authorized person having an unique biometric parameter to obtain information for use in accessing a secured site. The device comprises a biometric interface unit engaged with a portable body member. The device further comprises biometric circuitry adapted to generate and store an initialized biometric template upon presentment of the person's unique biometric parameter to the biometric interface unit. The biometric circuitry is further adapted to generate a second biometric template upon subsequent presentment of the person's unique biometric parameter to the biometric interface unit. The device further comprises compare circuitry adapted to generate an first signal indicative that the second biometric template is substantially identical to the initialized biometric template. The device further comprises a storage device for storing a plurality of passwords.

Abstract: The invention involves a device and method for ascertaining the functioning of the respiratory system and determining whether a pulmonary embolism is present. The device comprises an apparatus containing sensors for measuring the oxygen and carbon dioxide concentrations as well as the volume of air inhaled and exhaled by a patient. From this data, a processor computes the ratio of carbon dioxide to oxygen for the volume of expired air and displays the results on a screen. By comparing the results to predetermined normal values, an accurate determination can be made regarding the presence of a pulmonary embolism.

Abstract: A system 100 is disclosed for monitoring the position of one or more RFID tags 201. The system has a detector 301 incorporating circuitry 304 for detecting changes in the range of an RFID tag 201 from the detector and for triggering an alarm 401 if a detected change in range of an RFID tag 201 exceeds a predetermined threshold or if the RFID radio tag cannot be detected by the detector 301. Range may be detected, for example, by measuring the time of a returned radio signal from a tag 201, by measuring the strength of a returned radio signal from a tag, or by detecting changes in a periodic interval at which energy is transmitted by a tag.

Abstract: The present invention provides an air handling system that receives air from a primary air source and distributes that air in a room defining an enclosed space. The system is mounted in the ceiling of the room and generally comprises first, second, third, and fourth inductor units interconnected downstream to the primary air supply and which define first, second, third, and fourth areas, respectively, wherein the induced air flows through each of the inductor units, through a series of converging nozzles, and into each units first, second, third, and fourth areas, respectively, and an air diffusing mechanism positioned adjacent to the first, second, third, and fourth areas which directs the induced air in first, second, third, and fourth directions, respectively. The inductors are generally arranged in a square configuration with the diffuser extending in the square space bound thereby.

Abstract: The present invention provides a two stage process for treating wastewater that subjects the influent to anoxic and oxic filtering processes. The first stage performs anoxic nitrification i.e., the conversion of nitrate to nitrogen gas by bacteria operating in the absence of oxygen. Influent (effluent from the primary clarifiers) is fed into the bottom of the anoxic dentirification tank, preventing contact with the atmosphere and thus reducing the amount of unwanted dissolved oxygen. The influent passes upwards through a layer of sludge biomass before contacting bacteria coated media which performs the denitrification process. This arrangement permits the influent to contact the sludge and the biomass to circulate through the filter, enhancing deoxygenation and the performance of the system.

Abstract: A manual safety system for reducing the chances of inadvertent discharge of a linear striker fired semi-automatic or automatic pistol equipped with the system. An otherwise conventional pistol is modified by structural changes in the trigger mechanism housing and by the addition of a trigger bar guide, a manually movable safety lever, a pressure plate and a spring. The trigger bar guide and safety lever are mounted to the trigger mechanism housing for linear and pivotal movement, respectively. A portion of the conventional trigger bar, which must be moved in order to effect firing movement of the trigger, is engaged with and blocked by the trigger bar guide which in turn is engaged and blocked by a portion of the safety lever. In order to unblock and enable the firing system, the safety lever is moved by applying pressure to a tab serving as a thumb rest.

Abstract: A user-programmable monitoring and dispensing system for controlling the dispensing of water vapor and various other media into an HVAC air stream in residential or commercial structures. The various media to be dispensed are preferably water-soluble, and mixed with the system water supply to be dispensed with the water vapor added to the HVAC air stream. These materials may be fragrances or aromas, intended to produce an aesthetic effect, or they can be agents capable of pesticidal, bacteriacidal, fungicidal or sporacidal effect for use as acute or prophylactic treatment for infestation.

Abstract: The present invention contemplates a stump grinding wheel that provides a user of a stump grinder with visual access through the wheel. The wheel comprises first and second opposing surfaces joined by a common edge. The edge is shaped in the form of a polygon and includes several intermittently spaced apart gaps positioned between successively positioned extensions that protrude radially outwardly from the first and second surfaces. The wheel further comprises a first, conventional, centrally positioned hole formed through the first and second surfaces for coupling the wheel to a motor; a second set of holes for permitting cutting teeth to be mounted to the wheel; and a third set of holes formed through the first and second surfaces and positioned between the first hole and second set of holes. The third set of holes provides an additional window through which a user may visually inspect a stump while it is being machined.

Abstract: An improved maximum expiratory pressure device and cough simulator including a flow tube having an integral mouthpiece at a patient input end, and a hinged door at an opposite or discharge end for sealing off the flow tube. The hinged door is held closed by a releasable trigger operable by the patient to release the door after pressure build up to simulate a cough. A foldable pressure monitoring port is provided to connect the maximum expiratory pressure device to a pressure gauge, if desired, for monitoring the expiratory pressure developed within the flow tube.

Abstract: A wash mit assembly comprising a rigid or semi-rigid body, a hose coupling interconnected to the body, and a cloth removably connected to the body. The body includes an exterior surface that is generally concave in shape, a hose receiving recess formed in the exterior surface along its longitudinal axis, a strap extending transversely across the recess, and openings formed through opposing sides of the recess for receiving nozzles of the hose coupling therein. The cloth includes a drawstring stitched about its periphery and is removably connected to the body in complete covering relation to the body's inwardly facing surface. To connect the cloth to the body, the body is positioned on the cloth, and the drawstring of the cloth is pulled taut so that the edge of the body is encompassed within the edge of the cloth.

Abstract: The present invention broadly contemplates a co-axial cable stripping tool generally comprising: (a) an elongated main handle having a bored opening formed longitudinally therein; (b) an elongated shaft a portion of which is co-axially positioned within the bored opening and a portion of which extends co-axially away from the main handle; (c) an elongated main housing co-axially aligned with, and longitudinally spaced from the main housing, and securely engaged with a portion of the elongated shaft; and (d) a stripping housing rotatably co-axially positioned within the main housing, and including first and second openings formed through opposing surfaces thereof, wherein the stripping housing is rotatably movable between two positions, each of which exposes one or the other of the first and second openings towards the free end of the tool.

Abstract: An exterior covering for various types of medical equipment is disclosed to reduce some of the intimidation created by medical equipment. The covering is configured to receive the medical device and is shaped to portray an object, such as an animal, plant, vehicle, building, etc., and can include a removable figure. The cover has recesses and channels, such as a lens viewing channel, corresponding to the specific equipment to permit unobstructed use of the equipment. When the covering is for a stethoscope, the covering can extend along the ear tubes proximate the ear pieces, between the ear tubes and/or beyond the tubes. When used for a blood pressure cuff the covering is a sleeve that is dimensioned to receive an inflatable bladder, hook and loop materials to enable the cover to be secured to itself and a tube receiving hole to enable the bladder to be inflated.

Abstract: A retainer ring connector comprised of a ring situated between matching spokes on both the male and female members of a hose coupling. The ring is contained behind the outwardly extending spokes on the male member. When the male member is inserted into the female member, spokes on the inside of the female member pass between the spokes of the male member and are forced over the ring element which compresses sufficiently to allow the spokes to pass. After the spokes of the female member pass over the compressed ring member, the ring member expands and prevents the male and female members from disengaging and backing away from each other. The spoked retainer ring connector allows for complete rotational movement with preventing the male and female members from separating.

Abstract: The present invention provides an over-voltage surge protection device comprising a printed circuit board having a signal carrying conductive member having a plurality of nodes positioned therealong, and a conductive member running to ground also having a plurality of nodes positioned therealong. The nodes on the signal carrying member and ground member extend along a common path with corresponding ones of the signal carrying nodes positioned in adjacent, but spaced relation to the ground nodes. Preferably, the nodes are shaped in the form of triangles due to this particular geometry's favorable ability to accumulate and discharge voltage.