Abstract: An automatic bar code symbol reading system comprising components for carrying out object detection, scanning, photoreceiving, A/D conversion, bar code presence detection, symbol decoding, data format conversion, data storage and data transmission functions. In general, the bar code symbol reading device includes a control system having a plurality of control centers that control the operation of the system components in accordance with preselected system control operations. Each of the control centers are responsive to control activation signals generated by certain of the system components upon the occurrence of predefined conditions. Certain of the control centers are capable overriding other control centers to provide diverse control capabilities which facilitates execution of intelligent operations and power consumption, during bar code symbol reading.

Abstract: Disclosed is an improved device for adhesion of suction cup mounted assemblies comprising novel combinations of lock devices and innovative suction cups for enhanced holding of mounted assemblies to flat surfaces.

Abstract: An interface that allows the host CPU and the keyboard controller in a PC to share a common BIOS ROM includes a logic circuit that receives a set of input signals and produces a set of signals that emulates a jump instruction op-code that causes the host CPU to vector to a specified address location in the system memory map normally reserved for the system ROM BIOS code, whenever both the host CPU and keyboard controller are contending for access to the BIOS ROM.

Abstract: The apparatus for removal of bone-cement comprises means to generate an ultrasonic signal and a tool element including an elongate stem (1) to transmit the signal to a distal end:. A plurality of spoke members (3), preferably four or eight, extend radially from adjacent the distal end to connect with an annular member (2) surrounding and spaced from the distal end. A plurality of openings (4) are each defined by the stem (1), the annular member (2) and two of the spokes (3). The annular member (2) is provided with a distally facing cutting edge. The spokes (3) are so configured as to transmit to and allow axial movement of the annular member (2) with respect to the stem (1), with an enhanced displacement relative to that of the stem (1).

Abstract: A system and method for detecting and thus preventing check fraud utilizing a digital computer with image capture and interpretation systems. The system converts the payee information, issue date and the MICR line information (account number, check number and dollar amount) to a check digit which is then placed into the MICR line of a check, printed on its face or transmitted via the paid issuance file to the drawee bank. The drawee bank, upon presentment utilizes a transformation algorithm to convert the printed payee information and issue date on the check into a numerical value that is combined with MICR line information and a check digit is calculated based upon pre-agreed logic. This unique data processing system quickly confirms properly presented checks while effectively precludes payee and other alterations in a cost effective manner.

Abstract: An elongate tool bit is disclosed for ultrasonic excitation to remove plastics cement around a prosthetic implant in bone, as in a hip-joint replacement procedure. The tool bit features a stem portion with a distal-end claw formation, in the nature of a proximally open cup, having a convexly rounded distal end, with longitudinal apertures that provide through-passage for proximally directed flow of melted plastic. When the claw formation is driven via longitudinal vibration of the stem, cement melts at and near the convex distal end of the claw formation, and melted plastic passes through the apertures in the proximal direction to accumulate within and proximally of the claw formation.

Abstract: The invention is a method and apparatus for automatically reading bar code symbols. One aspect of the present invention concerns a method of reading bar code symbols using an automatic hand-holdable bar code symbol reading device. In general, the automatic bar code symbol reading device comprises a hand-holdable housing containing operative elements which provide an object detection field and a scan field each defined external to the housing. The method involves automatically detecting the presence of an object within the object detection field by sensing object sensing energy reflected off the object. In a preferred embodiment, the object sensing energy is IR radiation produced from an object sensing energy source disposed within the housing. In automatic response to the detection of the object within the object detection field, the hand-holdable device detects the presence of a bar code within the scan field using a laser beam produced within the housing.

Abstract: A multipurpose container, particularly for threaded wires for bone surgery operations, comprising: a substantially rectangular base (2), a central body (3), which is removably secured to the said base (2) by securing means (16), suitable for containing a plurality of threaded wire (6), which is shorter in height than the said wires, so that the ends (7) thereof project above in order that they may be selected by an operator, a lid (4) secured to the said body (3), capable of covering the projecting ends (7) of the wires when the lid (4) is placed in the closed position, in which the said body (3) is subdivided into a plurality of separate spaces (9), which are accessible from the upper part (3') of the said body (3), each of which is capable of containing a plurality of threaded wires (6) of the same size and having threaded parts (8) of identical length and diameter.

Abstract: Disclosed is a fully automatic bar code symbol reading system having an hand-supportable laser bar code reading device which can be used in either an automatic hands-on mode of operation, or in an automatic hands-free mode of operation. The system includes a scanner support frame for supporting the hand-supportable device in a user-selected mounting position, and permits complete gripping of its handle portion prior to its use in the hands-on mode of operation. In general, the hand-supportable bar code reading device has long-range and short-range modes of object detection, bar code presence detection and bar code symbol reading. In the illustrative embodiment, the long-range mode is automatically selected when the hand-supportable bar code reading device is placed within the scanner support stand during the automatic hands-free mode of operation.

Abstract: A gastro-laryngeal mask features softly compliant construction of the distal half of the mask, wherein the mask is of generally elliptical configuration, with an inflatable peripheral cuff to seal and support the mask around the laryngeal inlet. A back cushion is inflatable to engage the back wall of the pharynx and thus to forwardly load the peripheral-cuff seal to the laryngeal inlet. An evacuation tube for external removal of a possible gastric discharge completes an evacuation or discharge passage contained within the mask and opening through the distal end of the peripheral cuff. Special provision is made for assuring integrity of the discharge passage within the flexible distal half of the mask, i.e., assuring against collapse of the distal-end half of the softly compliant evacuation tube in the distal region of the mask, such that inflation of the mask does not compromise viability of the evacuation tube by compressing softly compliant material of the evacuation tube during periods of mask inflation.

Abstract: A system and method for uniformly delivering assigned feed rations to the feedbunks associated with animal pens. The system includes a feed delivery vehicle having a feed storage compartment and a scale. The function of the scale is to weigh the amount of feed in the storage compartment at sampled time intervals, and produce a first data signal indicative of the weight of the feed at these sampled time intervals. The vehicle also has a ground speed radar unit which measures the true ground speed of the vehicle at sampled time intervals as the vehicle travels alongside of the feedbunk, and produces a second data signal indicative of the vehicular speed at these sampled time intervals. A computer aboard the vehicle processes the first and second data signals along with information regarding the length of the feedbunk and produces a control signal as the vehicle travels alongside the feedbunk.

Abstract: A novel computer workstation interface program provides for subordination of select operating system and application commands. The system permits a seamless integration of distinct applications with a common context controller that permits inter-application communication regarding the operating environment. System resources are managed to insure critical operations retain priority, while permitting access to resources as they are freed by the system.The workstation enhances user productivity by creating a work environment orchestrated around task and function rather than specific application and file paradigms.

Abstract: An automatic frequency control system for use in satellite communications is provided that is pre-programmed with an initial acquisition Doppler offset frequency. The system includes a search mode for accurately determining the satellite's initial frequency translation error before the initiation of data transmission and also for determining the Doppler rate of change. The system further includes a tracking mode, in which the frequency variation is continuously monitored. Depending on the frequency characteristics of the transmission, the system is capable of re-entering the search mode to determine a new frequency translation error, if necessary.

Abstract: This invention is directed to a multipurpose, over-the-door shelf organizer. It is characterized by a unique, yet simple locking mechanism to form a stable frame with superior structural integrity. The device is easily assembled for end use application; and easily collapsed to facilitate storage and shipment.

Abstract: A portable automatic code symbol reading system having a laser scanning engine mounted upon the hand of its operator to provide hands-free automatic laser scanning capabilities. The automatic code symbol reading system includes a battery power supply aboard its hand-mounted housing, and a power-conserving control subsystem for conserving the consumption of electrical power during automatic portable laser scanning operations. The control subsystem of the present invention has a plurality of control centers which control the operation of the system components in accordance with preselected system control operations. Each of the control centers is responsive to control activation signals generated by certain of the system components upon the occurrence of predefined conditions. Certain of the control centers are capable of overriding other control centers to provide diverse control capabilities.

Abstract: A durable tympanic thermometer that resists damage from a drop comprises an IR thermometer probe having a reinforced speculum for reception within a human ear near the tympanum, a metal brick holding the probe to the body of the infrared thermometer, a barrel within the speculum acting as an infrared waveguide, an insulating and shock absorbing seal surrounding the barrel, a window within the barrel remote from the end of the speculum nearest the tympanum, a thermometer housing, an infrared responsive sensor, and electrical components to translate and display a sensor-generated signal into a visible temperature reading.

Abstract: A novel Web-based package routing, tracking and delivering system and method that uses URL/ZIP-CODE encoded bar code symbols on parcels and packages. The system comprises one or more Routing, Tracking and Delivery (RTD) Internet Server Subsystems connected to the Internet infrastructure and updated at any instant of time with package tracking information. A Package Log-In/Shipping Subsystem is located at each shipping location and connected to the RTD Internet Server by way of the Internet infrastructure. A Package Routing Subsystem is located at a hub station and connected to the RTD Internet Server by way of the Internet infrastructure. A Portable Package Delivery Subsystem is carried by each package delivery person, and connected to the RTD Internet Server by way of the Internet infrastructure communication link.

Abstract: A method and a set of cards are provided for playing a game of cards using at least one die having a plurality of faces with numbers thereon ranging from 1 on one face of the die to succeeding numbers on the remaining faces on the dice. The method comprises providing a deck of cards in which each one of the cards has a working indicia on one face thereof; the deck of cards being arranged with the indicia concealed face down as in a standard deck of cards. At least one die is randomly thrown on a surface until it comes to rest and exposes a number on an exposed face thereof. A subset of cards is removed from the top of the deck of cards with the indicia concealed, the subset cards being equal in number to the number exposed on at least one die. A player who threw the die makes a guess as to the presence of a card of a particular indica in the subset. The cards of the subset are exposed and if the card previously selected is present in the exposed subset, the player keeps the subset as a win.

Abstract: A top plate (3) of a low-expansion crystallized glass of deep color, with a first enamel coating coated on a heating portion (5, 7, 9, 11) of the plate and a second enamel coating coated on a non-heating portion (13) around and other than the heating portion. The first enamel coating consists essentially, by weight, of 40 to 98% glass content, 5 to 55% at least one of ZrSiO.sub.4 and ZrO.sub.2 crystals, and 0 to 54% coloring pigment. The second enamel coating consists essentially, by weight, of 30 to 94% glass content, 5 to 69% TiO.sub.2 crystals, 0 to 34% coloring pigment.