Abstract: A compact system for producing high contrast and high resolution images of a topographical surface associated with an object. The system utilizes a novel holographic optical element to produce images of topographical surfaces differentiating between ridges and valleys, and providing image details of artifacts. The system of the present invention can be realized in the form of a hand-held instrument for use in in vivo imaging of fingerprint, skin tissue and the like.

Abstract: A metacarpal-phalangeal and/or interphalangeal (1) prosthesis, particularly for joints in the hand or foot, comprising a pair of pins (2, 3) which can be implanted in bone adjacent to a joint to be restored and connected by a flexible joint (4) encapsulated in a protective enclosure formed from the same biocompatible material as the pins. The biocompatible material may be a mixture of plastic resins having high compatibility. The enclosure comprises a pair of half shells (5, 6)integral with the corresponding pins which extend axially on opposite side of a longitudinal plane of symmetry (S) which perpendicularly intersects the axis of rotation (a) of the joint. In a first embodiment, axis (a) is defined by a cylindrical pin (13) inserted in the axial cavity in the half shells and free to rotate with respect to at least one axis with limited flexibility in a plane perpendicular to the axis of rotation (a).

Abstract: A fully automatic bar code symbol reading system is provided having at least one portable bar code symbol reading device and an associated base unit positioned within the data transmission range of the bar code reader range without a physical wiring connection between the bar code reader and the base unit. After each successful reading of a bar code symbol, the bar code reading device automatically produces symbol character data representative of the bar code symbol, synthesizes a group of data packets each containing the symbol character data, and then transmits the synthesized group of data packets to the base unit. Upon the successful receipt of one of the transmitted data packets and the recovery of symbol character data therefrom, the base unit generates an acoustic acknowledgement signal that is perceptible to the user of the bar code symbol reading device and indicates that the transmitted symbol character data has been successfully received.

Abstract: The invention provides a system and device for integrating and structuring the relationships of a financial services provider (FSP) with its clients and with third parties (counterparties) with which the FSP transacts business. Preferably, each entity with which the FSP transacts business, preferably also including entities internal to the FSP, is assigned a unique, non-intelligent identifier (CCID), and a relationship is established between each identifier and at least on other entity likewise identified. The system allows the FSP's users to seamlessly access information and transact business with all entities regardless of whether such entities are clients or third party providers (such as money managers). The system can be implemented on a network system.

Abstract: An impact and a vibration are applied to a portion of a piston ring on which a belt body is wound, and a vibration is also applied to the belt body. A position where a desired tension can be obtained is obtained by using a master gauge having an outer diameter equal to the inner diameter of a cylinder, and the like. When measuring the tension, a measuring mechanism is moved to this position. The frictional force between the piston ring and the belt body can be considerably decreased, and a closed gap need not be measured every time measurement is performed. Accordingly, the tension of the piston ring can be stably measured at high precision within a short period of time.

Abstract: A thermal protection system for use with a lighting fixture includes a temperature-sensitive switch responsive to the ambient temperature which may have a rating less than that of the lamp. The temperature-sensitive switch controls the operation of a suitably higher rated control device connected to the lamp to turn the lamp off when the ambient temperature above the thermal switch exceeds a predetermined level.

Abstract: An improved recessed fixture frame and method for installing the recessed fixture frame in new, existing or rough-in construction is disclosed. The improved recessed fixture frame includes a frame band for supporting and surrounding a fixture housing and at least one mounting assembly connected to the frame band in such a manner that the frame band is capable of being adjusted between the ends of the mounting bars. The mounting assembly includes at least one hinged mounting stub operatively hingeably connected to at least one end of the mounting assembly. Each hinged mounting stub includes a fastening means for affixing the recessed fixture frame to a structural member in a first position. In the first position, the recessed fixture frame extends downwardly from the structural member. After the fixture frame has been wired-in, the fixture frame is rotated about ninety degrees (90.degree.

Abstract: A method, system and apparatus for supporting a light fixture in an aperture formed in a planar member is disclosed. An aperture is first cut in the planar member at the point where the lighting fixture is to be installed and a light fixture support structure having at least two mounting straps positioned about the perimeter of the light fixture support structure for retaining the light fixture support structure in position in the aperture formed in the planar member is positioned in the aperture by an installer. The light fixture support structure mounting straps are then positioned contiguous with the inner surface of the planar member and are manipulated such that the light fixture support structure is maintained in position in the aperture.

Abstract: A circuit and technique whereby loopback testing is performed in a serial communications device by concurrently transmitting from and receiving data into a single FIFO storage unit. The circuit includes a transmitter, a receiver, a single FIFO, operatively connected to both the transmitter and the receiver, for storing both transmitted and received data at the end of a loopback test. The circuit may be part of a transceiver which may in turn be part of an infrared communications controller installed in a personal computer.

Abstract: A data processing system for managing a plurality of discrete accounts. Each account provides a swap between a property holder and the plan manager wherein the holder dilutes their exposure to the real estate market by exchanging future appreciation of the property for a current cash flow stream. The system thereafter implements the packaging of plural accounts into baskets of real estate assets and sells this real estate exposure to the institutional market. The data processor retains a system equilibrium by continuously updating the relative positions and the control parameters influencing these positions.

Abstract: A central asset management system is provided having a central reference facility for coordination of all transaction processing. For each customer, a unique identifier (UID) is assigned as a stable, semi-permanent tag. The UID is then used for subsequent processing relating to that customer, even with multiple customer accounts, rather than individual transaction numbers for each process. Use of the UID is facilitated through a front end processor that handles all incoming external transaction data and converts it into a usable format, cross-referenced with the appropriate UID. Use of the UID reduces the overall variability and number of transaction identifiers, thus increasing efficiency and simplifying all aspects of the system. The system makes other simplifying uses of the UID, for example, as a key for segregating the transaction processes into different processing areas to be performed simultaneously.

Abstract: Bar code symbol reading system with automatic modes of hand-held (i.e., hands-on) and stand-supported (i.e., hands-free) operation. In the hand-held mode of automatic operation, the user initiates laser scanning by simply bringing the object within at least a portion of the scan field of the automatic bar code symbol reading device. In the stand-supported mode of automatic operation, a scanner support stand is used to support the automatic bar code symbol reading device relative to a countertop surface so that the scan field is projected away from the scanner support stand and the hand-supportable housing, and extends above the countertop surface permitting the automatic reading bar code symbols on goods passed thereby.

Abstract: A bar code symbol reading system is provided having at least one portable bar code symbol reading device and an associated base unit positioned within the data transmission range thereof without a physical wiring connection thereto. After each successful reading of a bar code symbol, the bar code reading device automatically produces symbol character data representative of the bar code symbol, synthesizes a group of data packets each containing the symbol character data, and then transmits the synthesized group of data packets to the base unit. Upon the successful receipt of one of the transmitted data packets and the recovery of symbol character data therefrom, the base unit generates an acoustic acknowledgment signal that is perceptible to the user of the bar code symbol reading device and indicates the transmitted symbol character data has been successfully received.

Abstract: Disclosed is a fully automatic bar code reading system having at least one automatic (i.e., triggerless) portable bar code symbol reading device, and an associated base unit positioned within the data transmission range thereof without a physical wiring connection thereto. After each successful reading of a bar code symbol, the bar code symbol reading device automatically produces symbol character data representative of the decoded bar code symbol, synthesizes a group of data packets each containing the symbol character data, and then transmits the synthesized group of data packets to the base unit. Upon the successful receipt of one of the transmitted data packets and the recovery of symbol character data therefrom, the base unit generates an acoustical acknowledgement signal that is perceptible to the user of the bar code symbol reading device and indicates the transmitted symbol character data has been successfully received.

Abstract: A bar code symbol reading system includes an apertured housing through which visible light produced by a laser beam in the housing can exit and enter. A scanning mechanism in the housing scans the laser beam across a scan field and a bar code symbol on an object located in the scan field in response to an activation symbol. Laser light reflected from the bar code symbol is directed in the housing to produce scan data representative of the reflected laser light. That data is processed to detect and decode the scanned bar code signal and to produce symbol character data that is representative of the detected and decoded bar code symbol.

Abstract: Disclosed is an automatic projection laser scanning system for reading bar code symbols. The system supportable on or above a countertop surface, and includes a laser scanning device having a compact housing from which it automatically produces an object detection field of volumetric expanse for automatic detection of objects, and a scan field including at least one scanning plane for automatic laser scanning of the code symbols on detected objects. Both the object detection field and the scan field spatially arranged with respect to each other and the compact housing to facilitate easy scanning of a bar code symbol presented within the scan field after the associated object has been detected within the object detection field, thereby improving the scanning efficiency of the system.

Abstract: The invention is directed to a multipurpose, mountable shelf which is easily collapsible for cost effective transportation. The device is assembled with ease by the end-user and is characterized by a unique, yet simple locking mechanism for stable, structural integrity.

Abstract: Method for treating a medical condition in a human patient comprising choosing a psychological strategy for treating the medical condition, encoding electronic instructions for an interactive video game in such a way that the interactive video game implements the psychological strategy, loading the electronic instructions into a microprocessor-based unit (10, 30) equipped with a display (14, 34) for displaying the interactive video game and with an patient input device (16, 36a, 36b, 36c, 36d, 36e) for receiving responses to the interactive video game from the human patient, and instructing the human patient how and when to use the microprocessor-based unit (10) to play the interactive video game. The interactive video game contains instructions for a scoring procedure for quantitatively analyzing the medical condition of the human patient, and/or counseling instructions or self-care instructions.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method and associated apparatus for monitoring, diagnosis and treatment of psychological and/or emotional conditions in human patients with the aid of a micro-processor-based video game.