Abstract: A needleless luer access connector is disclosed having a septum disposed in a housing. The septum has a proximal portion with a cross section, a medial portion with a cross section smaller than the cross section of the proximal portion, and a distal portion. A longitudinal slit extends through the septum from the proximal portion to the distal portion. The septum and housing are designed so that septum will not be rotated or removed from the housing when the connector is accessed by a male luer taper. In addition, the septum and housing are designed to bias the slit at the distal portion closed and so a male luer connector does not have to extend completely through the distal portion to open the slit at the distal portion. Finally, the septum and housing are designed to minimize the amount of dead space in the connector when accessed with a male luer taper.

Abstract: The image scanning system of the present invention scans slides and film strips containing photographic images and creates a corresponding plurality of digital representations of the photographic images. The system includes a touch screen monitor, a computer, a scanner, a high speed interface and a printer. The scanner includes a light source for projecting light through the film strip. A light sensor senses the light projected through the film strip and generates pixel data. A film drive advances the film strip between the light source and the light sensor. A lens located between the light source and the light sensor directs the light projected through the film strip onto the light sensor. The pixel data is transmitted through the high speed interface to the computer for processing operations. After the pixel data has been processed, digital images are displayed on the monitor and may also be printed out.

Abstract: A method improves the respondability of moveable structures in a display medium, such as a gyricon display. The inventive method includes heating the display and exercising the rotatable structures within the display by an application of an electrical field. Applying heat to the display enlarges the cavity surrounding each particle due to thermal expansion of the cavity and the bead rotation cycling jostles the particles loose. The inventive method enables a larger percentage of the particles to rotate to a greater degree thereby improving resolution of an image. Alternatively, heating and exercising can be accomplished by application of ultrasonics. In addition, degassing the fluid contained in the display enhances switching with heat and improves the rotatability of the structures.

Abstract: A storage medium for storing photographic negatives has a positive image of each stored photographic negative printed on an outer surface. A system for obtaining positive images from photographic negatives and placing the positive images onto the storage medium includes an image sensor for scanning photographic negatives, a processor for electronically processing the scanned negatives and a printer for printing positive images onto the storage medium.

Abstract: A pump having both a short stroke pumping mode and a long stroke pumping mode. The pump has two material cylinders, each with an attached hydraulic cylinder for operating a piston rod extending through both the material and hydraulic cylinders. The piston rods are driven by hydraulic fluid supplied to the hydraulic cylinders and are synchronized so that as one piston rod extends, the other piston rod retracts. The piston rods draw material into the material cylinders when retracting, and pump material out of the material cylinders when extending. To pump in a short stroke mode, a diverter valve is placed between the hydraulic pump and the hydraulic cylinders which diverts an amount of hydraulic fluid to the cylinders, causing the hydraulic pistons to only be extended about half the length of the hydraulic cylinder.

Abstract: A photographic film scanner for scanning a film strip containing a plurality of photographic images is disclosed. The film strip is advanced through the scanner and a digital image of the film strip is created. Individual images contained in the digital image of the film strip are located and displayed. The film strip is scanned at any of a variety of resolutions.

Abstract: An index sticker print is created where small photographic images are printed on individual sticker blanks contained on a sticker blank carrier. The photographic images are derived from digital image data obtained when the photographic film is scanned. The digital image data is formatted to size and is sent to a printer which then prints the digital data onto the sticker blanks creating an index sticker print.

Abstract: A map for providing television antenna recommendations for a selected geographic area is disclosed. The map comprises multiple contours, a legend and a channel list. Each contour corresponds to a type of antenna. The legend associates each contour with a type of antenna. The channel list includes television channels that were used in generating the map contours. A preferred method for generating the maps of the present invention uses terrain data representing the topography of a geographic area. A set of television channels being broadcast in the geographic area is identified. A set of signal characteristics is calculated based on the identified set of television channels and the terrain data. The calculated signal characteristics include signal strength of at least one television channel at various points in the geographic area, and include multi-path characteristics and signal blockage characteristics.

Abstract: A magnetically permeable material comprising a substantially amorphous permalloy film is disclosed. The substantially amorphous permalloy film is formed by ion-beam sputtering. The substantially amorphous permalloy film exhibits improved output amplitude and noise characteristics.

Abstract: An airway clearance system and method produces high frequency chest wall oscillations (HFCWO) and increased airflow velocities through the air passages to clear the lungs of mucus. The system includes a chest wall force applicator to produce the HFCWO, and an air pressure input mouthpiece system that enhances airflow to and from the patient's lungs and a simulated cough inducer that causes a cough-like airflow pattern during each oscillatory cycle.

Abstract: A map for providing television antenna recommendations for a selected geographic area is disclosed. The map comprises multiple contours, a legend and a channel list. Each contour corresponds to a type of antenna. The legend associates each contour with a type of antenna. The channel list includes television channels that were used in generating the map contours. A preferred method for generating the maps of the present invention uses terrain data representing the topography of a geographic area. A set of television channels being broadcast in the geographic area is identified. A set of signal characteristics is calculated based on the identified set of television channels and the terrain data. The calculated signal characteristics include signal strength of at least one television channel at various points in the geographic area, and include multi-path characteristics and signal blockage characteristics.

Abstract: An all wheel steer variable load carrying tractor vehicle which is particularly suited for towing crop input implements, the front section of which comprises a cab and engine the back section of which comprises several storage containers for carrying bulk crop inputs. The storage containers are releasably attached to the vehicle and can be changed based on the type of crop inputs applied and any implements towed by the vehicle. The vehicle is equipped with all wheel steering to increase maneuverability. The vehicle is also equipped with high flotation tires or tracks to minimize soil compaction. A delivery system in combination with a control system coordinates the movement of the crop inputs from the vehicle to places located off the vehicle.

Abstract: An apparatus for inducing sputum samples for diagnosing pulmonary disorders, especially as it relates to detection of early stages of lung cancer. The apparatus is comprised of a pneumatic chest compression vest, a pneumatic pressure generator, and a mouthpiece connected to a nebulizer. Sputum samples are induced by applying an oscillating force to the chest via the pneumatic chest compression vest and pressure generator, while simultaneously providing an aerosolized solution (such as normal or hypertonic saline) via the nebulizer while the patient is standing. The sample is subsequently evaluated to ascertain a patient's risk of or the presence of a pulmonary disorder such as lung cancer.

Abstract: An occlusion device for the closure of atrial or ventricular septal defects, for the closure of patent ductus arteriosus, patent foramen ovale, or other vascular defects. The occlusion device comprises a center section extending in an axial direction, with upper and lower stranded wire fixation devices emanating from the center section. The stranded wire fixation devices have been heat treated and formed with a shape memory. The stranded wire fixation devices are formed of multiple wire strands and have atraumatic tips. Attached to the fixation devices are heparin treated sheets, which serve to occlude the opening and significantly reduce the occurrence of thrombosis at the device.

Abstract: A storage system for storing photographic film negatives that makes it easier for a consumer to identify the images on each negative. The storage system is made from sleeving material having several individual sleeves for storing strips of photographic film negatives. An index print is affixed to the sleeving material so that the positive images on the index print are located directly above the sleeve holding the negative on which the positive images are based.

Abstract: A method of detecting an air pocket in a concrete pump and minimizing the effect of the nozzle and boom reaction as the air pocket reaches the end of the boom. The hydraulic pressure of the pump is monitored to determine when a pump stroke contains air. Upon detection of air in a pump stroke, an alarm is sounded and the pump is slowed to minimize the effect of the air pocket when it reaches the nozzle of the boom.

Abstract: A cardboard-plastic slide mount includes a cardboard bottom, a cardboard cover and a plastic brace between the bottom and the cover. The cardboard bottom and the cardboard cover include aligned film windows. The plastic brace is between the bottom and the cover to define a film nest for containing a film transparency.

Abstract: A base plate is used to attach the head/gimbal assembly of a disc drive to an actuator arm. The base plate has a boss which fits into an opening in the actuator arm. In one embodiment, the boss includes a plurality of raised portions defining a cylinder having a relaxed outer diameter greater than the inner diameter of the opening in the actuator arm. The outer surfaces of the plurality of portions engage the inner surface of the actuator arm to elastically deform and conform to and bias against the inner surface of the actuator arm, thereby providing a connection with superior holding friction, and retention torque.

Abstract: An improved hanging shelf system has shelves suspended from a webbing. The shelves can be adjusted along the webbing to be spaced at any distance. The manner in which the shelves are suspended is hidden from view making it more aesthetically pleasing.

Abstract: The present invention is a package for incorporating a micromotor into a head gimbal assembly. The head gimbal assembly includes a slider package and a micromotor package assembled on a load beam. The slider package and micromotor package include circuitry which allow a read/write signal to be conducted from the read/write head on the slider to the load beam. Solder joints form the electrical and mechanical connections between the load beam, the micromotor, and the slider.