Abstract: A cartridge system includes a main probing head body with electronics positioned therein. Further, the cartridge system includes a probing tip cartridge having a probing tip. A minimally inductive electrical contact mechanism electrically couples the electronics to the probing tip when the probing tip cartridge is in mating relationship with the main probing head body. The types may be, for example, a pointed tip, a socket tip, or a grabber tip. In one preferred embodiment the probing tip cartridge further includes at least one foot.

Abstract: A method and apparatus optimizes the speed and efficiency of data transfer between two devices having different data input/output rates. In one embodiment, the present invention is directed to a computer software driver or hardware apparatus that may work with any port and/or network. The driver has a calibrator portion for optimizing data transfer between a CPU and a peripheral. The calibrator portion includes a data input/output rate profiler. The profiler preferably sends run-time data samples to the peripheral, builds a table that relates each data sample to an aggregate data transfer rate, and selects the optimum result as a model for further data transfer. A preferred method for performing the present invention is also included.

Abstract: One preferred embodiment of the present invention is directed to a convenient and efficient dispenser that includes at least one container and at least one nozzle for dispersing the contents of the container(s). In one preferred embodiment, first and second nozzles functionally associated with sterilization agent within the container are positioned to disperse the sterilization agent to first and second target points respectively, the first target point being distinct from the second target point. In another preferred embodiment of the present invention, a grid is positioned in front of the nozzle(s) so that a dispersement of sterilization agent from within the container(s) sterilizes the grid(s) when the nozzle(s) are activated. Yet another preferred embodiment of the present invention is directed to a multiple-mist dispenser that includes a dual chamber activation sleeve so that two nozzles are simultaneously actuable by depression of the dual chamber activation sleeve.

Abstract: A self-calibrating test probe system of the present invention does not require probing head removal and replacement. Using the system of the present invention, the test probe and/or the entire system (including a testing instrument) may be calibrated or may self-calibrate while the probing head remains connected to an electrical component under test. The self-calibrating electrical testing probe system includes calibration circuitry including at least one input resistor, at least one relay, and at least one known calibration reference signal. If the test probe is an active test probe, the calibration circuitry may also include at least one amplifier. Each relay has a first position that provides signal access to a testing signal from an electrical component under test and a second position that provides signal access to the known calibration reference signal. Using the present invention, the error of the test probe and/or system is determined and compensated.

Abstract: A pattern testing board is able to detect an emission beam such as a laser or light beam from a shooting system. A pattern testing board includes a plurality of paired emission beam sensors and hit indicators. Each emission beam sensor is responsive to a detected emission beam and each hit indicator signals the sensing of the emission beam by the associated emission beam sensor. Multiple pattern testing boards may be mounted together to provide a larger pattern testing system array. Further, an overlay with a representation thereon, a moving image display system, or a reflective moving image display system may be positioned in front of one or more pattern testing boards. Still further, the pattern testing board may be incorporated in a unique target system that includes the pattern testing board for determining the beam pattern emitted by the beam emitter, a level selection board for selecting a level of play; and a targeting game board having a plurality of targets.