Abstract: An electrical lead for simultaneously connecting an external power source to an electrical load and an external battery is disclosed. The electrical lead has preferably a double connector comprising a socket part axially aligned with a plug part at a first end of the lead. The socket part connects with a plug from an external power source and the plug part connects with an electrical load, such as a portable computer. A separate plug, located at the second end of the electrical lead, is provided for connecting to an external battery. The socket part, connectable to the external load, is electrically coupled to the plug part for connection to the electrical load and also the plug for connection to the external battery. The lead comprises a first insulated conductor electrically coupling the socket part to the plug, and, a second insulated conductor electrically coupling the plug to the plug part. In this way, the socket part is electrically coupled in parallel with the plug part.

Abstract: A method and system to facilitate image guided surgery by projecting onto the patient an image corresponding to markings made on pre-acquired images of the patient is disclosed. The image is projected by an imaging projecting device such as a laser which emits coherent visible light. The position of the patient and the image are determined in the same frame of reference. The markings made on the pre-acquired images are then mapped onto the corresponding locations of the patient. The image projecting device then projects images onto the patient corresponding to the markings made on the pre-acquired images. The images projected by the image projecting device can be temporarily or permanently marked onto the patient so that they are visible after the image projecting device stops emitting radiation. Use of a photodynamic substance can also be used in conjunction with the light emitted from the laser to treat tumors and other abnormalities in the patient.

Abstract: A programmable membrane switch input/output system is described. The system includes a membrane switch having a matrix layout embedded in a plastic film with a plurality of switches located at specific locations on the film. Output lines from the matrix layout are electrically connectable to a conversion unit which converts the output signals from a first code dependent on the matrix layout and the position of the switches to a second code which is independent of the position of the switches and the matrix layout. The conversion unit can convert the output signals into a serial code which can be transmitted serially from the conversion unit to a processing device located remotely from the membrane switch. By transferring the output signal serially from the conversion unit to the processing device, the cable can have fewer lines and less space is taken on the processing device for the connection.

Abstract: A device to releasably secure an object to a bone is disclosed. The device has a rotation restricting member which, while engaging the bone, prevents rotation of the member. The device also comprises an axial supporting member which axially secures the device to the bone, and preferably comprises a bone screw. While the bone screw and rotation restricting member engage the bone, a fastening mechanism fastens the rotation restricting member to the bone screw. In this way, objects can be releasably secured to the rotation restricting member or the bone screw by means of a clamp to temporarily axially and rotationally secure the objects to the bone. Preferably, the rotation restricting member comprises a sleeve and the fastening mechanism comprises a nut which engages threads on the bone screw. The sleeve comprises serrated teeth which, when biased towards the bone, engage the bone to restrict rotation of the sleeve.

Abstract: An electrical divider for installation in an electrical outlet box is disclosed. The electrical divider has a first part made up of two movable portions. The movable portions are biased away from each other. The first part is inserted into an electrical box and the two portions allowed to move relative to each other such that the first part becomes secured to the electrical box in a desired position. The first part also has at least one locking tab which engages a port of the electrical box to secure the first part in the desired position and also to position the first part into the desired position. A conduit is attachable to an opening in the first part and also an opening in a second part. In this way, a passage can be defined from one port to an opening of the electrical box. The first part can be inserted into and secured to any type of electrical box and is adjustable to accommodate electrical boxes having different dimensions and shapes.

Abstract: A lifting device that can be installed in the frame of a motor vehicle is disclosed. A portion of the frame is removed to accommodate the lifting device and the motor vehicle has a subframe attached under the existing frame across the location where the lifting device is installed to structurally support the motor vehicle. In order to fit within the space provided by removal of a portion of the frame, and provide clearance for the van underneath, the lifting device has a movable frame and a platform having a telescoping movable portion. A single driving unit is used to move the telescoping portion out from the stationary portion of the platform and then extend the movable frame from a stored configuration to an extended configuration.

Abstract: A method and device to calibrate an automatic exposure control (AEC) device in an x-ray imaging system is disclosed. An x-ray imaging system has an x-ray generator and tube to generate x-rays, an AEC device to control exposure of the x-rays, and an image sensing system, such as a film/screen combination or a digital recording system, which convert the x-rays into a converted medium, such as light, which can be easily sensed by a sensing medium. To calibrate the AEC device, a detector is placed in the position of the sensing medium to detect the converted medium. The detector detects signals indicative of the x-rays on a sensing medium. Simultaneously, a signal is obtained from the AEC. When the signal from the detector corresponds to a predetermined desired detector output, the output signal from the AEC is stored. The stored AEC output value corresponds to the target AEC output which will produce a proper exposure in the future for the same set of predetermined conditions of the imaging system.

Abstract: A frame for a trailer having a trough is disclosed. The frame has a trough for carrying loads having a curved configuration, such as coils, and a subrail extending longitudinally along the trough. At least one axle can be connected to the frame underneath the trough by connecting it to the subrail. Outside beams extend longitudinally along the frame and are connected to the trough. Slots are provided periodically on either side of the trough which are engageable with safety bars to maintain the longitudinal position of the load in the trough. The frame can be used for a lead trailer or a pup trailer, or both, in a B-train configuration.